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.

22. Chapter 21

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.

Toby's Note: So here we are! Sorry for the wait but after the last chapter we went into my busy time at work. I've been pulling twelve hour shifts and while it helps the paycheck it sucks on the energy scale. It's easier to come home and watch TV and play games than get out my notes and write for hours at end. Especially after sitting at a desk for hours creating blue prints. Anyway, here is 21! Did my best not to turn it into GoT season 8!

Belle's Note: We had a long spell between chapters...especially because SOMEONE doesn't like to write original dialogue so I have to do it instead. *glaring*

Toby: Okay, okay. No reason to go all mad queen on me.

Belle: *a force of rage and darkness manifests and settles on Toby's very soul*

Toby: Oh hell.

The following scene is censored as it is so violent and destructive it defies any rating system.

Toby: Not the face not in the face! Wait-wait-wait that doesn't come off, that doesn't come off-! *a loud crunch echoes with high pitched, very "masculine" screams of pain*

Belle: Oh dear, I've slowed all of you up. Please, don't mind us. We're just having a bit of a management disagreement. Now where was I, Toby?

Toby: Start the chapter, start the chapter, for the love of God someone start the chapter!

Chapter 21: Old Friends, New Beginnings

Earth Date: March 11th, 2186 CE

Location: Normandy SR-2, Citadel Dock

John finished and saved his report to the council regarding the political situation they had uncovered while they were in the 800 blocks of the Zakera Ward and set the tablet aside to review it later before he submitted it. He yawned, stretching his arms above his head and felt a couple of his joints pop. He did pause mid-stretch when he heard a faint hum and noticed a few of the lines on his arms were glowing red a bit stronger, like they had when he first woken up on the station. He lowered his arms and stared at them, the red fading under his skin. He sighed, accepting that it was another thing he would have to live with. He turned to his computer, catching up on his e-mails and other paper work. He paused when he noticed a message from Terran Trust, the bank who had sold him the house on Earth.

"I'd forgotten all about it," John muttered, clicking it open. As he read it a grin slowly spread across his face. Jane. Jane had transferred the house back to his name. As he sorted his other e-mails the smile on his face stayed in place. Jane had given him back everything he'd had before, even more than before. Jane had apparently been busy and frugal. Their shared accounts had grown quite a bit and she'd even invested with a few companies though she gave him mostly credits in compensation and kept the mining and company rights. That seemed fair to John, after all Jane knew more about them than he did given the two year gap. There was even a file from the Clarks with photos of the house and farm. The house looked like it hadn't changed much from how they had left it before they'd been shipped off planet but the farm was thriving. The back forty John he himself had been planning to work and build on the Clarks had built their own house on. John was pleased to see that Jane had sold it to them, it was good land. An e-mail from an interior designer also included the house on earth. The outside was pretty plain with forest green siding and shutters but the interior was painted with Alliance and Asari blues. The entire thing had been renovated and while John might not have chosen so much blue he appreciated Jane's efforts.

"EDI, where's my sister?" John called, copying the pictures and messages to a datapad to take with him.

"She is located in her quarters," EDI replied and John nodded.

"Thanks EDI," John said as he got up and headed out of his cabin and to the elevator. It took a few minutes but soon John was at her door about to open it when it slide aside. Blasto was standing behind the door as Jane wiped sweat off her forehead. She had probably been doing some of the meditation exercises Samara had taught her.

"Hey, John, I guess the mystic twin sense was at work, I wanted to talk to you," Jane said.

"Obviously I wanted to talk to you too," John said, taking in Jane's appearance. "Need me to come back later?"

"Nah, I was trying to figure out what to say to you anyway," she said as she looked at him before deciding to jump right into it. "You really hate Kaidan don't you?"

"Not until Horizon," John said with a sigh. "I disliked him on the SR1 because he wasn't my pick for team biotic. Anderson nixed my pick of you. In hindsight I can see he was grooming me for the Spectres."

"Well, I really liked Kaidan...I probably always will. The reason I bring this up is because, you were the reason Kaidan left me," Jane said, looking at John before taking a deep breath. "He really respected you and when you died, he blamed himself as being unworthy of me." She held up her hand to pause him. "I'm not blaming you for any of that, but I want you to respect my choices as an adult woman. I want to try a relationship again and I want you to let me make my choices." John just stared at Jane, a rage he saved for his enemies welling up inside him was now aimed at Kaidan. How dare he. That utter piece of shit. John wanted to hit him again and keep on hitting him until his face was broken, permanently. He took a deep breath, not wanting to unleash his wrath on Jane.

"That is such a bullshit excuse," John replied. "I have no problems if you want to date someone, then date them. I've always been straight with you about problems I have with someone." Jane looked at John and sighed, it was clear, he still hated Kaidan.

"Considering how much Kaidan looked up to you, that's pretty cold..." Jane started before shaking her head. "That doesn't really matter. Kaidan probably will never talk to me again after you broke his jaw. Plus, I'm sort of avoiding saying this." She closed her eyes and took a breath. She looked at John. "Garrus and I want to try a relationship."

"Okay so?" John asked puzzled. At Jane's look of surprise John rolled his eyes. "Hell Jane its Garrus. I know him, I trust him. Besides you two have been dancing around each other for awhile now. Or have things changed that much between you since the SR1?" John said, shooting her a cheeky, big brotherly smile.

"I don't know what you mean about the SR1, but...the reason I bring this up is that Garrus respects you," she sighed, honestly confused. Had she been flirty with Garrus back on the SR-1? She thought she was just friendly...like a mentor. She approached John. "I don't want you doing that thing you do...the big brother thing. Remember what happened with Brandon Farley."

"If he was that scared of me, he wasn't good enough for you," John argued. "If your boyfriend pisses himself after speaking with me he's not right for you. I like Garrus and I respect him. That's a huge difference between the two, excluding the Human and Turian difference." Jane rolled her eyes.

"I mean it John. Do not mess this up for me, please. I loved Brandon and he wouldn't talk to me again. Literally, from the moment he spoke to you, until the day of the raid, he would not speak to me and that hurt," Jane rubbed an arm, looking almost like the teenage girl she was when she asked what happened when he spoke to Brandon. "Kaidan, as much as you hate him and think he's not good enough for me, was the first man who saw me as a woman. It's easy for a man to have relationships when they have rank, it's a lot harder for women. We have to be better than the men, which makes any man above our rank see us as competition and any man below us as superiors. I outranked Kaidan, but you were his commanding officer first, and he treated me like I was someone worth protecting. It made me feel wonderful and when he saw himself as a failure it hurt a lot because I never blamed him," Jane said, placing a hand on John's arm. "I have a chance to be an equal to Garrus this time. I am begging you, John, don't do that big brother crap to him. Garrus was the only constant in my life for those years you were gone. When he vanished I started to pull my head out of my ass. Nearly losing him twice in front of me. I haven't felt like myself since Kaidan left, I'm starting to feel like me again. I care about Garrus. He means a lot to me. Do not treat him any different and don't do that macho man thing where you like...welcome him to the family. I honestly want to see if we could have something real. Like what you and Liara have. I did not butt in on that...except when I literally walked in on it. I tried to keep my teasing to you, not her. So...could you please do the same for me?"

John thought for a moment, letting the silence settle between them with only Blasto's panting. Jane had a point, obviously. On the other hand he didn't need to do that to Garrus. He trusted the man and just from his own history and talks with him, Garrus didn't need to fear John because he wouldn't intentionally hurt Jane. Garrus was a man who would move mountains for his sister if he had to. John let out a gruff chuckle and Jane shot him a worried look. Shepard and Vakarian together indeed. Brothers in arms and if Garrus was who John thought he was they might be brothers-in-law one day.

"I can do that for you," John said and Jane sighed in relief. "Garrus isn't the kind of man who needs that kind of fear put into him to act right." Jane smirked at that.

"I don't know about that, he does have a nasty habit of catching rockets with his face," she joked before smiling at John. She looked relieved. "Feel free to make as many Shanxi jokes as you like. However, be warned that Joker may make them first. And...don't have EDI or Liara look up any of my or Garrus' extranet searches. We need to figure this out...in more than the usual ways. It's weird, I never thought I'd be dating a non-human." John shrugged.

"Don't look at me for advice on that, I've only dated Asari, Humans and that one Quarian during a weekend liberty a few years back." Jane looked at him in surprise.

"A Quarian? Really?" she questioned and John shot her a look.

"It was a weekend romance. Never mention it to Tali," John warned her. "I just found out about her crush as well, among other things. I'm still not sure how to talk to her about it. Anyway the reason I came to see you was to thank you."

"For what?" Jane questioned and John held out the data pad to her which she took.

"The house and the credits. Thank you for taking care of it for me," he said sincerely. Jane smiled and gave him a look.

"You should have seen in my logs how I felt about that house. It was like an Easter Egg, I kept trying to make it as much as I could think you would want it...I might have gone a little heavy on the blues, but what can I say, I got nostalgic. I tried to buy some furniture, nothing big, just small stuff that would work until..." She paused. "I guess, I always hoped you would come back, seeing as I bought stuff that I thought you would like and could live with until you picked something out. Now that you are back, you should have all that belongs to you. It was never really my house anyway. So does this mean I get the Mindoir farm since you have your home on Earth?" John shifted a bit, little uncomfortable at that thought.

"If you really want," He began hesitantly. "As long as I can come by when I like." He gestured to the hall and Jane chuckled. They walked towards the mess hall, each grabbing a cup of coffee. As they went by one of the crew was watching an Emily Wong report on their omni-tool while having breakfast.

"This just in, Citadel Zakera Ward Intendant nominee Joram Talid was arrested for political corruption and extortion of Zakera Ward businesses. It appears his anti-human position was not only political, but leading the active harassment of human and human-sympathetic businesses in the ward. When we reached out to his lawyers office we received no reply," Emily reported and Jane smirked.

"Is it just me or does this coffee taste better than normal?" Jane chuckled and John grinned.

"I was just including this in my report for the Council," he commented and Jane toasted him with her cup.

"Sparatus will be torn, he hated Talid but also hates to see turians go down in flames so publicly," she said

"John, could you check in on Grunt? He's not feeling like himself," Kelly broke in as they approached the elevator as she was stepping out of it. John exchanged a glance with Jane who shrugged.

"Thanks Kelly, I'll go check in with him," John replied, turning to the elevator and jamming his hand on the console. The doors stayed open and Jane stepped inside.

"I needed to check in with Mordin anyway," Jane said as she stepped in after him. John nodded but grinned at her as he quickly hit the button for the bottom deck and Jane shot him a look. As the doors opened to the lower deck and he stepped out as he shot her a smug grin.

"See if you can get him to sing Gilbert and Sullivan." John said just before the doors slid closed.

"Wait what?"

~*TF*~

A few minutes Jane entered the lab and Mordin looked up.

"Ah, Spectre Shepard, told brother about mission, did not brief you. Need to complete rescue of former team member from genophage research. Maelon. Captured by Blood Pack Mercenaries. Being held on Tuchanka," Mordin began as soon as he saw Jane.

"I see. That could be bad for him," she said as she approached. "Blood Pack are very tough on Salarian captives. Could they have learned about your genophage team?" Mordin shook his head.

"Highly unlikely, though not impossible. Shadow Broker agents may have found out and sold information," Mordin said and she felt pity. Blood Pack were tough sons of bitches.

"Well, if their defenses on Tuchanka are anything like their strongholds in space, I think I can help you out," Jane said and he smiled.

"The Mindoir Report is very useful for tactics. You make a good observer, would have done well in science field," Mordin complimented her and she smiled.

"Up until the raid on Mindoir and the revelation of my biotics, I was planning on medicine," Jane said and Mordin nodded.

"Yes, human view on biotics still very outdated. Similar to turian. A waste of good mind power for battle advantage," Mordin sniffed in argument.

"They'll learn, they're getting better each decade," Jane said and Mordin chuckled.

"Different lifecycles view change differently. Asari and krogan show how slow some minds change, human and turian appropriate. Salarian, always faster," he said and Jane looked at him. Salarians had so little time in the galaxy, it was rather sad to think that the average human was living three to four times as long as the average Salarian. Which didn't seem as bad when you realized that asari and krogan were living ten times as long as humans and turians. Good thing she was thinking about a relationship with Garrus. "You are close with krogan. Urdnot-Shepard, a high title. Almost never given to aliens, even those that breed with the clans." Jane nodded at that.

"Wrex has been like a father...or more so a friend of a father figure...who sometimes hits on me," Jane muttered. It was a weird relationship she shared with the Clan Urdnot leader. She looked at Mordin.

"You seem accepting of genophage augmentation," Mordin stated and Jane shrugged.

"I think your people made a mistake and tried to correct it in a way that cost the least number of lives. Considering how well Salarians take non-hatching eggs, you assumed the krogan had a similar mindset...not realizing Krogans are more similar to asari and turians with their parent infant bonding. Even though the females can lay massive clutches, they are super protective of all the eggs and hatchlings until the next clutch is born. When the genophage rendered some females sterile and even the fertile ones massively diminished in birthing capability, your people never accounted for the mental anguish. It was a classic interspecies miscalculation," Jane said and Mordin nodded at her assessment. "However, knowing the krogan like I do...they would have terrorized the galaxy and probably ended up destroying the vast majority of garden worlds by now. By culling the numbers, you are forcing the krogan to develop their society beyond that of what they were. While there are still many who have the mindset of a pre-genophage krogan, the younger krogan, especially the females are now focused on changing the society. Give them a full krogan life cycle and they may drag the males into a new society. The females, while emotionally damaged by the genophage, are making the most of it."

"No condemnation for my work?" Mordin muttered and Jane shook her head.

"While I love the krogan dearly, I know them well enough and honestly enough to know that if we didn't curtail the population, they would have been a greater scourge than the Rachni. The smart krogan will change and adapt, the stubborn ones will die...one way or another. Either they will kill each other or their females will leave and that kills a clan extremely quickly," Jane said and Mordin nodded again.

"Almost salarian with that deduction," Mordin teased and Jane smiled before realizing she couldn't chit chat forever without getting to what she came here for.

"Do you have a minute more?" Jane asked and Mordin looked at her with a clinical gaze before his face shifted subtly.

"Actually wanted to talk. Medical matters," he said walking around his table and Jane appreciated how much taller he was than her. "Aware that mission is dangerous. Different species react differently to stress." He cleared his throat in a way that made Jane nervous. "Sexual activity normal stress release for humans and turians. Still recommend caution. Warn of chafing." Jane felt a blush and took a breath.

"It's not just stress. Garrus is important to me. I want to be cautious, but...this isn't just stress relief," Jane said and Mordin smiled slightly.

"Ah, pair bonding...both have shown classic species signs," Mordin hummed and Jane blinked.

"What do you mean?" Jane asked and Mordin chuckled.

"Human females tend to preen in presence of males they wish to pair bond in front of," Mordin commented and Jane blinked. Had she been preening in front of Garrus...how the hell was she preening in armor? "Turian males often gaze at the waists of the females they plan to pair-bond with." Jane blinked, was Garrus staring at her...waist?

"We want to try," Jane said.

"Regardless, come see me later. May need analgesic. Chafing," he said and Jane coughed.

"I was already tested for dextro-amino intolerance. I actually have no response and seem immune," Jane stated and Mordin nodded.

"Human resistance to dextro seeming to be greater than turian. Can test Garrus," he said and Jane took a breath.

"Any recommendations as a doctor?" Jane asked, feeling a little uncomfortable as she switched her weight from foot to foot.

"Usually would remind about turian dextro-amino acids. Allergic reactions would lead to anaphylactic shock, but with no response, human allergic response is 6% of population, while turians are 12%. Those with no response are rather safe to...ahem...ingest," Mordin said and Jane was rather certain she was bright red. "Forwarding advice booklet to your quarters. Valuable diagrams, positions comfortable for both species, erogenous zone overviews. Can supply oils or ointments to reduce discomfort. Gave EDI electronic relationship demonstration vids to use as necessary." Jane blinked at that as she realized what he meant.

"Would...would...would one of those...electronic relationship demonstration vids be Tenna Jameson's Taking of Shanxi?" Jane asked, it was one of the most famous human-turian pornographic vids ever made. Mordin blinked before nodding.

"Most viewed depiction of human-turian couplings," he said and Jane fought between mortification and laughter.

"You're yanking me around, aren't you?" she asked, barely keeping it together. This was literally like getting porn from your asexual doctor. Mordin was taken aback.

"Shocking suggestion! Doctor-patient confidentiality a sacred trust. Would never dream of mockery," he decried. "Enjoy yourself while possible, Spectre Shepard. Will be here, studying cell reproduction. Much simpler. Less alcohol and mood music required." Jane nodded as she turned to leave.

"Oh, John mentioned something about Gilbert and Sullivan..." Jane stared and Mordin smiled more.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: March 14th, 2186 CE

Location: Tuchanka Atmosphere

Jane hacked and coughed as she rubbed the base of her throat. John watched her in amusement from where he was sitting in the shuttle.

"Man I hate these radiation protocol injections they give me such dry mouth," Jane grouched taking a bottle of water from Mordin. She took a swig of the water and started gargling it.

"Chemicals in shot help stop cell-damaging effects of radiation. The compound helps cells resist apoptosis, or self-destruction. You do not possess natural resistance such as Turians and Krogan or artificial means such as your sibling possesses," Mordin said with a sniff. Jane swallowed her water and glared at John who just looked at her, trying to ignore that Garrus was in fact glancing at her waist.

"What?"

"I should have known, you used to get the same kind of dry mouth as me. When were you going to mention this?" Jane hissed at him and John shrugged.

"Unless you'd like to be spaced, captured by Cerberus and then rebuilt while losing two years of your life I don't think the same could be done for you Jane," John said in amusement. Jane rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest. Grunt chuckled from his corner and Jane gave him a glare, making the poor Krogan flinch. He was saved as the shuttle finished landing and made touch down. The shuttle doors opened and as John made his way out he felt a rush of air. Tuchanka had a thick, dry heat and the air smelled faintly of ozone. As John stepped out his boots crunched onto the rubble that wasn't even completely clear of the landing pad. His gaze swept the area and most what of what he saw didn't surprise him. Krogans wearing colors of various factions but most of them wore Urdnot colors. As they headed down he even saw a Krogan there with an Asari John assumed to be his girlfriend or possibly even more.

"What did I tell you, Honey? Isn't it beautiful? Far away from all that high-tech noise!" the Krogan said, sweeping his arm around.

"I guess. It seems a bit dirty, though..." the Asari said as she looked around. John settled in as the others got off the shuttle, Jane taking a moment to settle Blasto's harness as they got off.

"It builds character!"

"Is it just me, or do the other krogan not like me?"

"There's some concern about me bringing in a non-krogan. I had to talk to the chief a little. It's not a deal."

"Wait. So they don't even want me here?" she asked and John detected a note of panic in her voice as Jane and Blasto approached where he, Mordin, Garrus and Grunt were waiting.

"Who cares what they want? I want you. That's all that matters." The Krogan replied. John blinked as surprise as Jane didn't approach the team but the couple instead.

"I'm glad to see you made it. Don't worry about the others, they just got upset they had to let a human in," Jane informed them. They turned to her and the Asari smiled.

"You...you are Urdnot-Shepard, I didn't recognize you on Illium, I am happy for your aid!" Char smiled. They chatted for a moment and Jane waved as the couple headed off. John composed his thoughts for a few minutes as they walked away from the happy couple.

"John?" Jane asked in concern and John sighed.

"I wish I was an Urdnot," John said in purposely childish tone and Jane laughed as she got the joke.

"Stop right there, alien. You're Shepard...of the Normandy." A Krogan in Urdnot colors said as he approached them.

"And Urdnot-Shepard of the Normandy." Jane chimed in. The Krogan acknowledged her before focusing on John again.

"The clan leader wants to speak with you." He said, obviously conveying a message. He noticed Grunt and snorted. "Keep your rutting pet on a short leash. Get him the Rite soon, or put him down."

"You know what's wrong with him? What he needs?" John asked and the Krogan rolled his eyes.

"There's nothing wrong with him. Just go speak with the clan leader," he said before stomping off. As they made their way out of the landing area and through the halls EDI chimed in over their comms.

"Clan Urdnot reports use weak encryption. I see references to a captured salarian in the logs of the chief scout," she informed them and Mordin nodded.

"Good. Talk to scout, then. Or chief. Either one acceptable," Mordin said with a sniff.

"Also, I have been unable to access local medical records. I suggest asking the local clan leader for assistance with Grunt's problem," EDI said before closing the comm connection. They continued down the hallway and up and pile of rubble that had been stomped into and ramp making Grunt growl under his breath.

"You okay Grunt?" John asked. Grunt eyed the area with disdain as they approached another pile of rubble with guard before it and large stone chair or throne as it were.

"This is the great Krogan homework? This is the land of Kredak, Shiagur, and Veeoll? This chunk of rock is barely worth standing on! Never thought I'd miss the tank," Grunt snarled and John nodded in understanding.

"Halt! You must wait until the clan leader summons you. He is...in talks," one of the guards said as he glanced up at the throne which from here John cold see was just hunks of concrete crudely shaped into a throne.

"Though we do welcome you back, Urdnot-Shepard," said the other guard and Jane dipped her head at him in acknowledgement.

"Shepard!" Wrex's booming voice rang from the throne as he stood. John grinned and glanced at the guard.

"Good enough?" he asked and the guard stepped aside letting them past. Wrex left his throne with a laugh and pushed by the Krogan he had been talking to as John moved past the guards. Wrex reached out his arm and John did the same and they clasped forearms. "John, my friend."

"What no love for me Wrex?" Jane teased and Wrex laughed again, letting go of John's arm and spread his arms.

"Urdnot-Shepard we welcome you back!" Wrex bellowed and John watched as the two embraced, several Krogan bellowing a welcome.

"You bellow a welcome and embrace a human female as if she was a Krogan female entering a male camp?" the Krogan Wrex had been talking to before snarled. John shifted his attention to the fuming Krogan in black and blue armor.

"This female passed our rites, alone. She earned her place in my clan Uvenk, remember your place," Wrex snarled as they ended they embrace. Wrex focused on John and looked him over.

"You look well for dead, John. Should have known the void couldn't hold you. It keeps failing with your sister," Wrex said and glanced at Jane. "Here to pick out a playmate?"

"You know I'd just break a krogan, Wrex," Jane said and Wrex just laughed as he took a step back.

"Looks like helping me destroy Saren and the geth has worked out for you. Glad we didn't have to kill each other on Virmire," John noted and Wrex chuckled.

"Ha! You made the rise of Urdnot possible. Virmire was a turning point for the krogan, though not everyone was happy about it. Destroying Saren's genophage cure freed us from his manipulation. I used that to spur the clans to unify under Urdnot. Urdnot-Shepard helped with some of the more reluctant clans, like the Ganar." Wrex said and Jane shrugged.

"Hey, they started it," Jane stated and John wondered just how much time Jane had spent on Tuchanka.

"You abandoned many traditions to get your way. Like with this alien. Dangerous." Uvenk growled. Wrex turned to Uvenk and took a step towards him, head butting the other Krogan who reeled back. John raised an eyebrow at the scene and Jane ducked her head near his.

"A head butt is pretty much a display of dominance among krogan males, that move proves that not only is Wrex dominate to Uvenk but, because Uvenk is here as a representative to his clan, that Wrex and the Urdnot are dominate to them," she whispered and John nodded in understanding as Wrex snapped at Uvenk.

"Speak when spoken to, Uvenk. I'll drag you clan to glory whether it like it or not." Wrex said as he headed for his throne and took his place upon it. John glanced at Uvenk who glared at John as he rubbed his crest. "Now, Shepard. What brings you here? You look good. The benefits of a redundant nervous system."

"Yeah, humans don't have those," John said rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh. It must have been painful, then. But you're standing here, you've got a strong new ship, and your sister is by your side. Takes me back to the old days. Us against the unknown, killing it with big guns. Good times."

"Sounds like you've got big changes ahead for the krogan." John noted.

"We are making a neutral ground where all clans are welcome. Fertile females can be shared among clans. We will strengthen the race as a whole." Wrex said passionately.

"You threaten everything that makes us strong. It will not last," Uvenk snarled.

"Maybe. Until then, you're lucky to be a part of it," Wrex snarled.

"How do you maintain security with so many different clans in one place?" John asked curiously.

"Any clan willing to send in hostages can come in. No fighting inside the camp. Each clan punishes its own criminals. We stop conflicts before anyone dies. Then we present a simple choice: Pay a fine and deal with your problems, or your clan is no longer welcome." Wrex explained.

"That doesn't sound very harsh by krogan standards," John noted.

"Allies from other clans like what I'm doing. They help deal with skeptics. Many are eager for an outlet. Every time I've declared a clan unwelcome, my allies have destroyed them. Right, Urdnot-Shepard?" Wrex said, looking at Jane pointedly.

"I didn't start it," Jane said.

"Word gets around," Wrex said, smirking.

"What's so important about maintaining individual clans?" Grunt spoke up from behind John. Wrex focused on Grunt for a moment before nodding.

"Every clan has different customs. Rites of passage, rules of behavior, battle songs, all unique. That diversity makes us great. No clan, not even mine, was meant to survive on its own," Wrex explained. Grunt rocked back on his heels and appeared to be deep in thought. John was glad to see what Wrex was saying was sinking into the young Krogan. In John's opinion after training and spending time with Grunt was that he had the skills and knowledge but not the context. He could fight but not why he should fight. John looked back at Wrex.

"Urdnot is the leading clan. Doesn't that make your culture primary?" John asked.

"For now. But every clan has its unique assets. The best tacticians are Urdnot. Jorgai has the longest breeding line. Gatatog holds the oldest settlement. Others have their own strengths. We keep going how we are, the clans will end up as craters under nuclear haze. Even Urdnot. We need to rethink. Restart." Wrex stated.

"What do the women of Clan Urdnot think about this plan?" John asked and Wrex smirked before gesturing at Jane.

"Well, speak for your camp," Wrex said and Jane smiled at John.

"It was the female clan leader's idea. By making a neutral area safe, it encourages more female clans to ally with Urdnot. With all females grouping together, attacks on Urdnot endanger the females of all clans." Jane explained.

"How do you know about that?" John asked and Jane continued smiling.

"As a member of the clan, I had a vote. The female clan leader likes me, the fact the males are impressed by my battle prowess makes them listen when I talk. She likes that I'm part of the female clan by law, so I get to vote. Take it from me. Krogan males are impressive fighters, but female Krogans are the true tacticians." Jane said and John grinned.

"Even clans that want to see me dead will defend Clan Urdnot." Wrex boasted.

"This sounds ambitions. How's it gone so far?" John asked and Wrex sighed.

"Better than I'd feared, worse than I'd hoped."

"It can't continue. You are going against what makes us strong!" Uvenk snarled.

"Sounds like you're not making friends," John said as Blasto snarled at Uvenk.

"Traditionalists like Uvenk are chained varren. Always fighting, guarding their pathetic stick in the ground. When the smoke clears, I can plant the flag on their corpses and rally the rest around a new krogan hub," Wrex stated and Uvenk glared at him.

"Sounds like you're counting on a lot of bloodshed, even after you unite," John noted.

"It will be slow, but I won't change what we are. Krogan are judged by the strength of our enemies. Our worst insult is to say someone's not worth killing." Wrex stated and Jane just chuckled.

"I don't bother, I just remove weakness, like the Ganar." Jane said giving Uvenk a threatening look. "We're here for a reason, Wrex."

"We don't often allow aliens to do business on Tuchanka, but you're always an exception. You are clan," Wrex said warmly.

"I have a krogan on my crew. He has some kind of sickness and needs treatment." John said gesturing for Grunt to step forward. Wrex frowned as he got a better look at Grunt, his eyes lingering on Grunt's crest which John knew indicated Grunt was young as it hadn't formed the sharped ridges and harsh shape of adulthood.

"Where are you from, whelp? Was your clan destroyed before you could learn what is expected of you?" Wrex questioned as Uvenk circled Grunt.

"I have no clan. I was tank-bred by Warlord Okeer, my line was distilled from Kredak, Moro, Shiagur-" Grunt began listing his lineage.

"You recite warlords, but you are the offspring of a syringe!" Uvenk snarled.

"I am pure krogan. You should be in awe," Grunt said in a flat tone spreading his arms. John got the feeling Grunt was just repeating a mantra he had heard in the tank.

"Okeer is a very old name. A very hated name," Wrex mused as he got off his throne and approached Grunt to look him over.

"He is dead," Grunt stated and Wrex let out a chuff.

"Of course. You're with Shepard and Urdnot-Shepard. How could he be alive?" Wrex noted.

"We need Grunt back up to speed. What's wrong with him?" John asked and Wrex shot him a look.

"There's nothing wrong with him. He's becoming a full adult," Wrex noted.

"Adolescence...can't we just take him to Omega and buy him a few dances?" Garrus asked and Mordin nodded knowingly.

"Ah, puberty ritual. Common among species with hormone-driven reproductive urges."

"I don't care what aliens call it. Krogan undergo the Rite of Passage." Wrex said, waving off their comments.

"Too far, Wrex! Your clan may rule, but this thing is not krogan," Uvenk said as he stomped off.

"Neither am I, but I passed the Rite," Jane called after him.

"Idiot," Wrex grunted. He turned his attention back to Grunt. "So, Grunt? Do you wish to stand with Urdnot?"

"What does the Rite of Passage require?" John asked.

"Not for me to say, Shepard. The shaman will discuss that," Wrex noted.

"You'll let a tank-bred krogan join Clan Urdnot?" John asked.

"Only because he's with you both. After all, we killed thousands like him. Not quite as big, but many. Clan Urdnot is strong and the others will do as I say. They see the benefit of my vision." Wrex stated.

"What happens if he doesn't do this Rite of Passage?" John asked and Wrex shot him a look.

"If he were left here, he would be killed. The clanless are not respected. A tank-bred, probably more so. His disposition is what it is, rite or no. That's just him being a krogan. Okeer didn't tell you that in the tank, did he boy?" Wrex inquired. Grunt was quiet and thoughtful.

"This is his choice," John noted and Grunt turned from the others and stared out over the landscape of the Urdnot base. He was quiet for a moment before he turned back to them with a determined look.

"It is in my blood. It is what I am for," Grunt snarled and Wrex grinned.

"Good boy. Speak with the shaman...he's over on the second level. Give him a good show, and he'll set you on the path." Wrex said as he walked back to his throne. "You too, John. How many times have you stepped in a mess for your crew, hmmm? I know your sister never took a break."

"We're also looking for a salarian. He was captured by the Blood Pack and brought here," Jane said as Wrex settled back into his throne.

"My scout commander can direct you. He's probably near the perimeter running target practice. Don't take too much of his time. I need a constant watch on the other clans," Wrex noted and Jane nodded.

"It was good to see you, Wrex. Sure you can't come with us?" John asked and Wrex laughed shooting Jane a look.

"Maybe if your sister accepted my breeding request I might," Wrex said. John blinked and felt like it was an old joke.

"Still not happening," Jane replied and Wrex laughed.

"I need to keep these shortsighted fools in line anyway. Hunt well, Shepard, Urdnot-Shepard." Wrex said, dismissing them as another Krogan approached with several data pads. Taking the dismissal for what it was the group left the throne pile and headed for where the Shaman was.

"He was joking about that...right?" John asked as they walked.

"I want an answer to that too," Garrus said and Jane laughed.

"No, he wasn't joking when he sent the breeding request the first time...or the second...or the third." Jane said and John blinked. He knew Wrex had slept with human women before but… "He's also not the only request."

"What?" Garrus sputtered.

~*TF*~

"You go beyond yourself, Gatatog Uvenk! The rites of Urdnot are dominant!" the Shaman was snarling and John rolled his eyes. So this is where Uvenk had disappeared to.

"How do we know it will challenge him? He's unnatural! The beasts of the Rite could ignore him like a lump of plastic!" Uvenk snapped.

"They know blood, no matter the womb. Your barking does not help your case." The Shaman retorted.

"I'll speak for myself!" Grunt snarled as they approached. The Shaman approached them and looked Grunt over.

"This is the tank-bred? It is very lifelike," he said and took a sniff. "Smells correct as well. Your protests ring hollow, Uvenk."

"I don't care what this idiot says. Grunt has the right to be here," John snapped glaring at Uvenk.

"Hmm there's some fire and from an alien. Oh the shame this heaps on those that whine like pups," The Shaman said and Uvenk scowled as Jane fought to hide a smirk.

"If this must stand on ritual, then I invoke a denial! My krantt stands against him! He has no one!" Uvenk snapped and the Shaman growled.

"My patience is tested, but Uvenk invokes correctly. Grunt, who is your krantt? Your allies willing to kill and die on your behalf?"

"Grunt will strengthen Clan Urdnot. Name our target and it will die," Jane said immediately. The Shaman grinned at her.

"Spoken well like a true Urdnot. Most aliens and some krogan," the Shaman gave Uvenk a pointed look at this. "Do not understand our ways. I believe these humans do. Wrex was right to give you Urdnot status. But you are not Grunt's peer, Urdnot-Shepard."

"Guess I sit this one out." Jane said, shrugging as she moved to the side.

"You are already Urdnot, Grunt must take his peers, those not tested by the Rite," the Shaman noted and John nodded. That made sense.

"Aliens don't know strength! My followers are true krogan. Everything about Grunt is a lie!" Uvenk bellowed and John finally had enough of him. Jane realized what John was going to do as he stepped forward. She watched with a grimace as John leaned back before slamming his forehead into Uvenk's crest. The Krogan staggered back and actually went to one knee. Several of the watching Krogan began to mutter as John stepped back. There was mark on his head but otherwise John did nothing but wait with clenched fists. Jane smirked in familial pride, it hurt like hell to head-butt a krogan, but with those cybernetic implants, John probably had the advantage now.

"You dare-" Uvenk hissed getting to his feet. Jane watched the show with amusement, genuinely smiling as the Shaman threw back his head.

"Hahaha! I like this human. He understands!" the Shaman bellowed with laughter and Jane knew this would be easy.

"I withdraw my denial. This will be decided elsewhere," Uvenk snarled and stormed by purposely bumping into John as he did.

"You have provoked them. Reason enough for me to like you. They're your problem now," the Shaman replied.

"Do we need any special equipment?" John asked and the Shaman shook his head.

"To begin the Rite, only the candidate and those of his krantt he wishes to bring are required." The Shaman said, gesturing to John. "You love battle, don't you Shepard? The last gasp of a dying opponent? Bring your love of the fight to Grunt's trial, and he will succeed."

"And heavies." Jane said and the Shaman aimed a disapproving look at her.

"Urdnot-Shepard..." he chided and Jane chuckled as she aimed a wink at John. She glanced at his back and was glad to see the M90 Cain he was carrying.

"Is Uvenk going to be a problem?" John asked pointedly ignoring his sister. He knew she was trying to help but he didn't want her to get in trouble with the Urdnot over this.

"He is forbidden to interfere. Will he? During the Rite of Passage, you must be ready for anything, Shepard. From what your sister has shown, you will not disappoint." The Shaman said with a smirk.

"We've waited long enough...tell us how this works," John said and the Shaman chuffed.

"Still your impatience, Shepard. For now, know that Grunt will be tested...and that you must adapt." The Shaman said. John nodded and was quiet as he thought. He looked the others over and came to a decision.

"Grunt and I will go through the ritual. You guys track down the information for Mordin and see if there is any supplies and equipment we can get only here." John said and Jane blinked. "Will Blasto obey orders I give him?" Jane looked at John with surprise and looked at her faithful varren panting by her side.

"You want to take Blasto instead of Garrus?" Jane asked and John nodded. She stared at him like she was confused. "You want...my varren...who does not shoot bullets or grenades instead of a full grown, combat trained turian bad-ass?" She stared at him and John blinked.

"Blasto is a part of Tuchunka," John said and Jane took a breath. She looked at Blasto who was panting up at her happily. She returned her gaze to her brother.

"You want me to take Mordin and Garrus so that you, Grunt, and Blasto can do the Rite..." Jane started and John gave her a look as he realized she was nervous for him and not understanding his rational.

"No, I want you to take our salarian companion and our turian companion so that when Grunt goes to do this trial he has the brother of Urdnot-Shepard and a varren with him," John said and Jane realized what he was getting at. That made a decent amount of sense and she nodded.

"Look at you playing politics. You embraced eternity too hard last time, you're getting sly like Liara," Jane teased before whistling. "Okay, we're going to have to do this in a crash course."

"Can't you just go 'Blasto friend?'" John asked and Jane rolled her eyes. She made a clicking noise and Blasto was quickly in front of her.

"It's not so easy, but Blasto has been separated from me before. The problem is, I trained Blasto with more hand commands and fewer verbal. You want to keep from using too many verbal commands with an attack animal," Jane rambled as she began rubbing Blasto's head.

"I know, Jane, verbal commands can be abused by opponents so you want your attack animal trained to respond to you. Will Blasto obey me?" he asked again and Jane sighed.

"He should, but we need to make it clear you are a friendly with command privileges," Jane sighed as she massaged Blasto's head and the varren's jaw opened lazily as its head rolled on its neck with the massage, the varren's eyes slightly shutting from enjoyment of the rub.

"Oh, this is what you did with me," Garrus said and Jane nodded as she placed John's hand on Blasto's snout.

"Down with me," she said and Blasto's eyes focused on John as he kneeled, Jane continued to massage the varren's head. As John got into position beside her she placed her hand over his, so her fingers moved between his to touch Blasto. "Ch!" Blasto looked at her. "Guard!" She ordered as she squeezed her hand over John's on Blasto's snout. Blasto looked at John and began to sniff deeply into his hand. Jane smacked John's shoulder with her free hand, grasping it, before she ran her hand over Blasto's head.

"You're doing a lot of signals," John said.

"Varren are better attack animals than most think. Really smart when you train them young like I did Blasto," Jane said. "I get your reasoning for bringing him, but I thought you hated varren?"

"Only when they try to bite me," John said. "What command are you giving?"

"This is how I trained Blasto to recognize those whose orders to obey and I'm putting Blasto on guard duty for you. He'll listen to your commands, however, keep it basic," she said.

"What about Grunt?" John asked and Jane looked at Grunt.

"I let Blasto know the crew of the Normandy were allies. He knows Grunt is a companion, so he'll watch over you both. You watch Grunt, Blasto will watch you, Grunt watches Blasto, seems fair," Jane said and John rolled his eyes.

"Why am I getting special treatment?" John asked.

"So that Blasto will obey your verbal orders, so far, only three people could give Blasto orders that he would obey," Garrus said and John blinked. "Jane, me, and the pilot of her usual ship." John stared.

"Family Blasto." Jane said, making another distinct noise. "Family." The varren turned to look at John and grinned happily, panting before licking John's face. John made an expression of disgust but patted Blasto on the head with his free hand. As Jane let them go John stood and wiped his face.

"You should be fine with simple verbal commands. He won't listen to them from most people, but now you are one of the few he will listen to. You now rank third so if Garrus or I'm not there, you're on Blasto duty," Jane said and snapped her fingers at Blasto who looked at her. "Follow Blasto." She said pointing at John.

"Thanks Jane," John said and turned to the Shaman who had been watching this with amusement. "We're ready."

"Excellent, follow me." He said leading the way, Grunt and John following with Blasto trotting after.

"Have fun storming the castle." Jane called out after them.

~*TF*~

"So...that was interesting," Garrus said and Jane fought the urge to tuck hair behind her ear.

"He's my brother," Jane said as she led the trio towards the Scout Leader.

"And Blasto is your baby," Garrus said and Jane paused.

"And Grunt is his," Jane shot back and Garrus let out a laugh.

"I'm telling him you said that," he teased and Jane smiled.

"I'll tell him that the second they finish the rite," Jane shot back.

"I'll believe that when I see it," Garrus chuckled.

"Hmmm verbal combat common to both species," Mordin muttered and Jane fought the urge to blush. Great, being observed by the asexual doctor.

"What do you want, Urdnot-Shepard?" the Scout leader griped and Jane leaned against the control panel for the defense cannons. She watched as he shot a few pyjaks.

"Why are your wasting your time shooting at vermin?" she asked and he chuckled.

"Ammunition is the one thing we're not hurting for on Tuchanka. As scout commander, I have to set an example. Plus, the little bastards get into the food supplies if their numbers get too high. Can't have that," he said and she nodded.

"Has there been an increase action around here? You guys seem tense," she said and he shrugged.

"Enough. Varren here and there, and snakes in any of the water safe enough to drink. Wrex has made cease-fire agreements with some of the clans, but I still have to patrol...keep them honest," he said. "We find out where the enemies are, and we make them think that there are too many of us to screw with. Sometimes that means harassing the perimeter, taking out a generator or two. Other times, we play hide and seek. We leave lots of tracks, exaggerate our numbers."

"Sounds like you are having fun," Jane said and he gave her a smirk.

"It's a lot easier to count their numbers once you blow some of them up. Everyone knows where Urdnot is. It's not like we can hide," he said as he shot another pyjak.

"Don't your storehouses have automated defenses?" she asked and he grinned.

"Why bother? Half of what we eat is vermin. And if we get hold of defense systems, we don't use them to guard grain. We've got weapons stockpiles to take care of. Beyond that, our women and children get the security, you know that," he said and Jane nodded.

"The easiest way to wipe out a clan," Jane commented.

"Women and kids can fight, but they're always outnumbered if another clan goes after them. If its women and children are killed, a clan's hope for the future is lost...it falls apart. We don't do that, though. Wrex's orders. Even if it costs us a battle, we don't fire on noncombatants," the scout leader said and Jane respected Wrex even more. That had to be a hard order to enforce.

"Anyway, we're looking for a salarian. The Blood Pack captured him, and he was last seen around here," Jane said and the scout leader shook his head.

"I heard about that salarian, poor bastard. If it's Blood Pack, then Clan Weyrloc has him. Sent one of my scouts to check it out, but he never reported back. Guess they got him, too. Chief told me to give you one of the trucks. Just follow the highway to Weyrloc's base, if you've got the quads to deal with him and the Blood Pack," he said and Jane smiled.

"I've handled Blood Pack before," she said and he chuckled.

"Seeing as you took out a whole clan, they should be easy for you," he said and Jane shrugged as she watched him take out two more pyjaks.

"What can you tell me about Clan Weyrloc's base?" she asked and he thought for a moment.

"Last I heard, the clan was holed up in an old hospital. I haven't seen it, though. I've only seen Clan Weyrloc from a distance. If I'd gotten closer, I'd have taken a shot. You get inside, though, bring a big gun. Weyrloc's base is crawling with those Blood Pack," he said.

"Hospital...that doesn't sound too defensible. Why'd they hole up there?" she asked and he snorted.

"Any hospital on Tuchanka has to be built well enough to withstand a bunch of enraged krogan. Krogan hospital. When an injury forces us to switch over to secondary organs, things get messy. Higher thought processes don't always transition properly," he said.

"Blood rage...that makes sense," Jane muttered. "Any idea what they're doing with the salarian?"

"I assumed they wanted to torture him. You don't take somebody home just to kill them. It's messy," he gave her a look. "You should know that." Jane thought about Aelaxos and how he died.

"Yeah, I do," she said quietly.

"Maybe he pissed off the Blood Pack, and they brought him here for special treatment. No skin off my hump what they do with him," he said with a shrug.

"What's Clan Weyrloc's reputation? And how are they involved with the Blood Pack?" Jane asked.

"Tough humps. And they're not friendly, like we are. They were allies with the Ganar. Clan Weyrloc started the Blood Pack Mercenary gang. One of the only gangs with an off-world presence," he said.

"They don't care for me much on two fronts then," she muttered.

"Not only did you take out Ganar, you also wrote that little article about them for aliens. They hate that. They're fanatics, totally devoted to Weyrloc Guld. Whatever they did with your salarian, Guld's behind it," the scout leader nodded.

"What makes Guld so special?" Garrus asked.

"He's got two children. One of them is a girl. Some people think he's got a destiny. Not me. I had a cousin who won 20 consecutive games of quasar. Lucky bastard. I'd ask my cousin for a loan, but I wouldn't swear allegiance to him. Luck. That's all it is. Same for Guld," the scout leader said.

"Blood Pack has non-krogan members, vorcha," Mordin stated and the scout leader laughed.

"Ha! The vorcha? They're just like the varren, only they can use guns and don't crap on the floor as often. The krogan are the only real members of the Blood Pack. Anyone else is just there to soak enemy fire," he said and Jane blinked at that. She would need to update the Mindoir Review on that fact.

~*TF*~

After a few hours ride they stopped by a smaller tunnel. As they exited up into a large arena with rubble and large device near the back the Shaman was explaining what it was.

"This is Tuchanka's most recent scar, the last surface city to fall in the rebellions. The keystone was at the heart. It has survived wars and the passage of centuries. It endures...like the krogan. If you wish to join Clan Urdnot, you must contemplate the keystone and its three trials."

"What will happen?" Grunt growled.

"Who knows? You must adapt. You must thrive, no matter the situation. Any true krogan will," The Shaman said. "We shall await your return or your deaths." He headed back the way they came and sealed the entrance to the arena.

"Let's get started, Shepard. Hit the Keystone!" Grunt barked and turned to John. John was down on one knee, rubbing the dirt between his hands with a pensive look on his face. "What are you waiting for?! Let start this Rite."

"Grunt," John said with a sigh as he stood. "Look at this area. Tell me what you see."

"What does that matter?!" Grunt bellowed. "We must complete the trial! Let us begin!"

"What do you see?" John repeatedly quietly.

"What does that matter?!" Grunt screamed, feeling his blood pounding. There were things to kill. Why were they waiting?! "I am Krogan I will kill anything that comes!"

"Like they were?" John asked, gesturing.

"Like who-?!" Grunt whirled around and saw them. He choked back his rage as he took in the scene before him. Krogan bodies littered the arena. Some old, some fresh. Some were half eaten, others were melted. Their armor in various states of decay as well but most were easily recognizable as Urdnot clan. What crests he could see were just like his. Hardly developed. Young. "They were just left here?"

"They were." John said as Blasto sniffed around. "Now, tell me. What. Do. You. See?"

"Shepard, it's hard to think. My plates still itch, my blood pounds." Grunt said, the red haze of his bloodlust still edging at his vision.

"I know. What do you see?" John asked patiently. Grunt growled but forced himself to turn away from the keystone and look the area over. His blood, his very being demanded he begin to kill something. The human, the varren but he understood what Shepard was doing. Why he had to do this Rite. To succeed he had to master that and hone it. If he could control it, focus it he would be Krogan. He was not a mad varren and he would not die like one.

"Bodies," he bit out after a moment. "I see pillars and chunks of concrete for cover. Signs of acid and scorch marks." He walked around and noticed Blasto sniffing at tracks and noticed they were old but just like the varren's tracks. There were also other, larger tracks. "Varren tracks, lots of them. Also tracks of other creatures."

"What does that tell you?" John asked. Grunt surveyed the area again and looked John in the eyes.

"Varren will attack us during one of the trails. There will also be creatures that will attack us that use acid and fire. The concrete can be used for cover but it can be affected as well. If we run out of ammo we can check the bodies for more." Grunt stated and John smiled at him before un-holstering his Revenant.

"Hit the keystone."

~*TF*~

The trio moved up to the area where a mechanic was working on a tank. Jane approached him. He shot her a look before continuing what he was doing.

"Do I look like I have time to talk? I've got work to do. Those fools brought this tomkah back from a skirmish without its combustion manifold. They say it got shot off in the field. You tell me: How can you expect a tomkah to run without a combustion manifold?" he griped and Jane was reminded of life on the colony. When shit broke you had to fix it or cannibalize it. It was clear the krogan were cannibalizing more than fixing. Maybe she could talk Tali into a few Quarian-Krogan projects. Probably not, but Wrex loved Tali so it might happen.

"Any idea where I could find a combustion manifold?" She asked.

"Yeah. I can make one. Give me three days and a barrel of ryncol. The one they lost is probably still out in the field. It's too much to expect them to collect it and bring the damned thing back," he growled.

"I've never seen a krogan mechanic before," Garrus commented, earning himself a glare.

"What, you think we kidnap quarians and make them do the "hard work?" Not anymore, we don't," he muttered angrily and Jane wondered if Wrex hadn't been harder on that too out of respect for a certain Quarian still on the Normandy.

"We're going out into the field. If I see a combustion manifold, I'll bring it back with us," Jane said.

"If you did, it would save me a lot of work. Maybe bring back my sunny disposition," he grumbled and Jane smirked.

"Now that I want to see," she chuckled as she walked away.

~*TF*~

"Heel Blasto!" John called shooting the last wild varren in the head. Blasto snapped the neck of the varren he had pinned under him and loped over to him. Grunt snarled and stomped on his last one. John looked over Jane's varren and was pleased to find no wounds on him though he was covered in blood. He saw there were extra thermal clips in the pouches of Blasto's harness but decided to save them.

"Shepard, here." Grunt said and he looked over to him. Grunt had policed the Krogan bodies and was handing John replacement thermal clips. John nodded his thanks popping out his spent clip and slapping in a new one. He pocketed the rest of his share at Grunt did the same.

"Ready for round two?" John asked and Grunt grinned. He jogged over to the Keystone and slammed a fist on the button. As it rose the Korgan recording played again.

"Then the krogan were lifted to the stars to destroy the fears of a galaxy, an enemy only we could chase to their lair." John blinked in shock as Harvester flew in and landed with a boom. From beneath its wings Kilxen scurried off its legs to rush them.

"Crawlers! Come to your death!" Grunt bellowed in joy and John snarled to himself.

"I hate this planet." He growled and point at the Klixen. "Kill Blasto!"

~*TF*~

Jane entered the medical tent and Mordin looked around.

"Krogans hit by genophage, nuclear assaults, civil wars. Still survive. Impressive to see life adapt. Continue despite circumstances. Inspiring," he said and Jane nodded as she approached the scientist, she wanted to see if he had any goods.

"Should you be in here?" he snapped and Jane sighed. She didn't know the male camp nearly as well as the female camp.

"I'm sorry, we haven't met. I'm Urdnot-Shepard, who are you?" she asked and he turned to face her.

"I am Fortack, lord high researcher in matters scientific for Clan Urdnot. And I don't have time to answer your inane questions," Fortack snarled and Jane fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"I won't take up much of your valuable time," she said.

"My work is very important, human," he growled and she suspected he was not a happy krogan.

"Of course it is. I'm just curious. I'd heard a lot about the genius of krogan science," Jane said, she wanted Mordin to see what the latest krogan science was. Just in case.

"Gah! Finally someone understands. I swear I am among brainless pyjaks here. Toiling among savages! I am the lord high researcher!" he cried and Mordin looked amused.

"You must be working on something important," Jane commented.

"I was building the biggest, best offensive ordinance yet. A real ground-pounder. But the new clan leader wastes my time with frivolous research. Crops, genetics, medicinal improvements. We can buy that stuff from the Salarians!" he huffed, glaring at Mordin.

"Salarians created genophage. I've heard. Still trust them with medicines and agriculture?" Mordin asked.

"Yeah. What else can the Salarians do to us at this point? It's not like they can make us even more infertile. Actually, wait. Forget I said anything," Fortack muttered.

"Sounds like the new clan leader has some very different ideas on how to lead the krogan," Jane said.

"I used to be a scientist. I designed weapons. Now my genius is wasted on frivolous things. Things that don't explode. My predecessor said no one would understand the true worth of my work. As I pulled my blade from his chest, I knew he was telling the truth," he sighed.

"Not exactly what I would call effective academic peer review," Jane muttered.

"I don't care what you'd call it. We value the will to use what we create, not just the ability to create it. We don't count success until the ground shakes in response," Fortack cried.

"Enjoy your research," Garrus muttered as Jane noticed a sale terminal.

"Yes, yes. Move along," Fortack dismissed them and Jane was pleased to see Fortack might be a blowhard, but he had some nice equipment.

~*TF*~

John grunted as he checked over his left gauntlet. One of the Klixen had exploded close to his side and jarred the gauntlet. He noted an interior strap had snapped and he refastened it with the shorter strap and winced. He flex his hand and twisted the arm. It was uncomfortable but would hold. He tapped on his omni-tool and his suit beeped and hissed as it re-seal itself. He nodded to Grunt who returned it and smacked the button on the keystone again.

"Now all krogan bear the genophage, our reward, our curse. It is a fight where the only goal is survival!" As the keystone impacted John felt the ground shake under his feet in a way that was way too familiar.

"Feel that? Everything is...shaking. I am ready!" Grunt growled. John watched as a horrifyingly familiar sight rose from the ground just outside the arena.

"Finally, an enemy worth fighting!" Grunt bellowed. John eyed the Maw and holstered his assault rifle. He thought for a moment as the Maw scanned the area looking for its prey and he un-holstered the Cain. "Grunt, here." As the Krogan face him John tossed him the nuke launcher.

"Why do you not keep this?" Grunt asked as the Maw screeched. John snapped his fingers at Blasto and pointed by his side. The varren was there in a moment.

"It's your Rite. You should kill it." John said crossing his arms and making it plain he had no intention of fighting the thresher maw. Grunt stared at him before a wide smile stretching his face. He whirled to face the maw and bellowed a challenge, charging the Maw with the launcher charging. The maw reared back to spit but Grunt fired. It hit the maw mid body and the creature whirled around in pain. Before it could retreat underground Grunt fire the last shot, hitting it in the middle again. This time the maw was blown in half. The lower portion of its body slipped back into its hole but the upper half feel to ground to thrash about. Grunt tossed the launcher aside and yanked his shotgun to bare. His began blasting its claw joints, blowing them off piece by piece. The thresher maw spat at Grunt who dodged it. He ran towards it and with a few well timed and place jumps he was atop its head. He emptied his gun into the top of it and put his gun back. He then began pounding his fists into the top of the maw's head. John could tell when he hit something vital as the maw shrieked in pain. Grunt bellowed with laughter and reach in, pulling out a large, bloody chunk. The maw gurgled and thrashed in death throes before stilling. As John approached and picked up the empty launcher Grunt bellowed and raised his bloody arms to the sky. Then he slide down the maw and stood grinning before John. John was about to say something when a shuttle flew by over.

"We have company. Good. I want more" Grunt snarled stomping past towards where they were landing by the arena's edge. As they approached and walked down the stairs John saw Uvenk and several of his Krogan gather around and Uvenk himself was pacing back and forth on a large chunk of concrete.

"You live, and you brought down the thresher maw. No krogan has done that in generations. Urdnot Wrex was the last, his pet human did so alone which is the only reason he graced her with his name." Uvenk snarled.

"My krantt gave me strength beyond my genes. Which are damned good," Grunt snarled.

"True, your alien found weakness in some of my krantt. However this feat of yours will cause discussion. I wonder...you say you are pure? Okeer constructed you? No alien meddling?" Uvenk inquired.

"The best krogan traits are distilled into Grunt. He's designed to be perfect," John said gesturing to the blood covered Krogan by his side.

"Being designed is the problem. But not made by aliens. And he is truly powerful. That is a tolerable loophole." Uvenk mused.

"A what?" Grunt scoffed.

"A reason to accept you. You are a mistake, but your potential could tip the current balance of the clans." Uvenk said pacing a bit.

"You spit on my father's name!" Grunt said and John noted it was the first time Grunt had called Okeer father. "On Shepard's name! But now you stop ranting because I'm strong?"

"With restrictions. You could not breed, of course. Or serve on an alien ship. But you'd be clan in name." Uvenk continued as if Grunt had not spoken. John noted the other Gatatog were moving into position behind them.

"You talk like he's a thing. You're after his power. You don't really want him in your clan." John retorted and Uvenk snarled.

"Of course not. I didn't really want to cooperate with Clan Urdnot either, but I had to. Clan Gatatog is on the verge...either of greatness or of joining the dust. I get traditionalist support if I fight you, and reformer support if I back you. Your Rite of Passage tipped that balance, too." Uvenk noted.

"It's your choice, Grunt. Sounds like an easy job," John offered and Grunt growled.

"That's the problem. I'm pure krogan. Uvenk, you are the pretender!" Grunt snarled jabbing a finger at Uvenk.

"Your head is valuable whether you're alive or dead!" Uvenk snarled, reaching for his gun. Grunt bellowed and tackled the other Krogan.

"Kill Blasto!" John bellowed and Blasto lunged from the shadows on the Gatatog Krogan's side. One screamed in pain as Blasto's teeth sunk into his face. Another whirled to fire on the varren but John yanked his knife free and threw. It sank up to the hilt in the Krogan's face who crumpled. The last Krogan whirled to flee but John yanked his pistol off his side and shot him down before he could flee. As he holstered it he heard Uvenk let out a gurgling scream. He turned back and saw Grunt was just slamming the Krogan's head again and again into the concrete. With one last snarl he slammed Uvenk's head down one last time with all his strength and smashed his head in. Grunt was breathing heavily but stood up.

"Uvenk is meat. Let's signal at the keystone to get out of here, and leave him to rot." Grunt snarled.

~*TF*~

"So supplies bought," Garrus stated.

"Check," Jane stated.

"Camp inspected," Garrus added.

"Double check," Jane nodded.

"What else to do?" he asked and Jane smirked as she headed back over to the scout leader.

"Time to see who has better aim with a defense cannon," she grinned and Garrus smirked. She looked at the scout leader. "Mind if we man the cannons while we wait for our companions to return?" The scout leader shrugged.

"Amuse yourselves, I need to make the schedule for outings anyway," he stated and Jane took his cannon.

"We could just use sniper rifles," Garrus huffed.

"Oh, looks like someone doesn't think he can win using a defense cannon. Didn't peg you for an excuse maker, Garrus," Jane taunted and Garrus looked at her. While she smirked he fired and a pyjak cried.

"One to me," he grinned and Jane narrowed her eyes.

"Is that how it's going to be, Mr. Vakarian?" Jane gasped and Garrus smirked at her before looking up as her rocket took out another pyjak.

"Game on, Miss Shepard," he grinned and they both began fighting for every kill.

"Yes...yes...competitive behavior very important for turian bonding," Mordin muttered and Jane noticed that Garrus missed. She quickly took the kill, knowing damn well she was blushing like a school girl. It passed the time waiting for Grunt and John to come back.

~*TF*~

As John and Grunt made their way back into the camp, Blasto barked happily as the trio from the camp approached.

"How did it go?" Jane asked as they walked up the stairs to the Shaman's area. John sighed as they reached the top.

"It went okay till Uvenk tried to kill us." John noted. Jane blinked and shook her head as Grunt knelt before the Shaman.

"You have passed the Rite of Passage, earning the honor of clan and name. Many survive, but it has been years since a thresher maw fell to a krogan! Your names shall live in glory. Grunt, you are Urdnot. You may now own property, join the army, and apply to serve under a battlemaster." The Shaman declared. John grinned proudly at the Krogan.

"Shepard is my battlemaster. He has no match," Grunt declared and John blinked. Jane nudged John and grinned before she knelt to check Blasto over.

"Understood. Congratulations, Urdnot Grunt. Accept this token from Fortack. His weapons are the finest we have." Shaman said as Grunt stood and handed Grunt a shotgun.

"For the record, I argue the match statement, I completely the entire rite solo and I took on a thresher maw...just like Clan Leader Wrex." Jane chimed in and John rolled his eyes.

"As did Urdnot Grunt." The Shaman countered and Jane looked at Grunt who was grinning widely.

"Oh I have to hear this."

~*TF*~

"Then he beat it to death with his bare hands," John said and Jane whistled.

"I'm curious how he would have done if you hadn't gone with him," Jane muttered.

"I'm curious how you survived that alone," John replied.

"Mostly I used the Ganar as krogan shields during the waves of Tuchanka wildlife. I honestly hate this planet sometimes," she said as the two watched Grunt demolish his meal. Grunt savagely bit into leg of roasted varren and chewed for a few moments.

"So, you look like a proud father watching over your freshly graduated son," Jane commented to John. He was relaxing as he leaned back into the wall behind him. They were in a Krogan restaurant, which was basically rubble by a fire pit where they paid a Krogan for food. Not exactly first class dining but John had to admit it was tasty. Jane tossed Blasto a chunk of pyjak.

"Jane Shepard information from Urdnot checks out," Mordin said as he approached with Garrus trailing behind him. "Medical supplies in large quantities have been delivered to Weyrloc encampment. Supplies are in line with medical procedures Maelon would use."

"Did you guys get us a ride?" John asked and Jane nodded. She dusted off her hands and stood as their comms flared to life.

"Shepards, killing the thresher maw has produced several breeding requests for Grunt. And one for John Shepard." EDI reported and Grunt let out a bark of laughter.

"Turn down the one for me with as polite response please EDI." John as he stood. "I don't think I'm ready to add Krogan to my list."

"Understood. Jane Shepard there was also more breeding requests for yourself and an Urdnot Edhren has also asked for nesting rights." EDI reported and Jane rolled her eyes as Garrus frowned.

"Him again? EDI just pass off a refusal and don't make it polite," Jane said rolling her eyes.

"This krogan bothering you?" Garrus asked and Jane smirked at him.

"Oh...jealous?" Jane asked.

"More so cautious," Garrus teased. "I'm already a turian, I'm pretty sure all the Urdnot would hate me if I stole away their little human. I heard them call you 'small, but fierce.'"

"Pair-bonding with sarcasm must be common in humans," Mordin commented and John snickered. Jane and Garrus coughed as they moved away.

"He's not writing me krogan poetry or anything...thank God," Jane said and Garrus chuckled.

"I didn't know you wanted poetry," Garrus said and Jane gave him a look.

"Turian poetry wouldn't happen to be anything like Turian art would it?" Jane asked and Garrus laughed.

"I'm told it's worse, but better than krogan," he said and Jane mock gasped.

"Hard pass...Edhren is just a horny kid...I mean, he's like two hundred, but he's a kid by krogan standards," Jane said. "He was driving the tomkah that Wrex picked me up in when I became Urdnot-Shepard. Kind of left an impression on him." Garrus nodded.

"You have that effect on some men," he said and Jane blinked before blushing.

"You win that round, Vakarian," she muttered before walking back over with a slight smile. Garrus strutted a bit as he walked behind her.

"I am ready," Grunt said as he finished the last of his food and got up. "I will meet with you all later."

"I understand Grunt. See you back on the ship," John said. Grunt nodded heading off and Jane realized with her talk with Garrus that she had missed something with Grunt.

"Were is he going?" Jane asked and John just shrugged.

"He wanted to clean up and explore Tuchanka a bit," John said conveniently leaving out one of Grunt's stops was going to be the female camp. He looked to Mordin. "Where is our ride?" As Mordin led the way Jane frowned.

"You don't think?" Garrus trailed off and Jane just shook her head.

"Oh, I'm sure he is, but I'm trying not to think about it."

~*TF*~

The Weyrloc lands were guarded by more wildlife and a few vorcha, but it was pathetically easy to make it to the hospital. Blasto was close to his mistress' side with Garrus on the other while John and Mordin hung back. The snipers took out the vorcha quickly while the other two watched their backs. Soon enough the team found the entrance to the hospital. A manifold was exposed on a flipped tomkah. Jane grabbed it, she wanted to see the sunny disposition of the Urdnot mechanic. Mordin approached the hospital entrance.

"Repurposed krogan hospital. Sturdy. Built to withstand punishment," Mordin commented as he hacked the door quickly. The group entered. Blasto was on point with Jane close behind, Mordin to her right, John to her left, and Garrus taking up her six.

"That's unfortunate. Hospitals aren't fun to fight through," Garrus commented.

"What is fun to fight through?" she asked, sparing him a look over her shoulder, catching him looking away from her waist again. She may have to wear some tighter clothes on the Normandy if he liked seeing her waist that much.

"Gardens, electronic shops. Antique stores, but only if they're classy," Garrus said offhandedly.

"I recently found that I like fighting through art galleries," Jane commented.

"I missed out on that mission," Garrus stated before they found a body.

"That body. Human. Need to take a look. Sores, tumors, ligatures showing restraint at wrists and ankles. Track marks for repeated injection sites. Test subject. Victim of experimentation," Mordin stated as he scanned the body. It was in bad shape and Jane winced at the stench.

"I don't suppose there's a way to tell who this poor bastard was?" John asked as he glared. The man had definitely died of some disease based on his skin.

"No tattoos or ID. Maybe slave or prisoner. Maybe merc or pirate. Irrelevant now. Clearly part of krogan tests to cure genophage. Humans useful as test subjects. Genetically diverse. Enables exploration of treatment modalities," Mordin stated.

"Wouldn't something native to Tuchanka work better? Varren, maybe?" Jane asked and Mordin nodded.

"Yes. Human experiments strictly high-level, concept testing. Native Tuchanka fauna likely used later, in development stages. Wise to delay use of varren until necessary. Powerful bite," he sighed.

"What can you tell about their experiments from looking at the body?" John asked and Mordin looked at the body, scanning it a few more times.

"Position of tumors suggests deliberate mutation of adrenal, pineal glands. Modifying hormone levels. Counterattack on glands hit by genophage. Clever," he said.

"Do you think they're close to curing the genophage?" Jane asked, Weyrloc with a genophage cure would be bad for Wrex. Mordin typed on his omni-tool a bit and shook his head.

"Can't say. Need more data. Conceptually sound, though. Genophage alters hormone levels. Could repair damage with hormonal counterattack," he said.

"How are humans more genetically diverse?" John muttered.

"More variable. Peaks and valleys, mutations, adaptations. Far beyond other life. Makes humans useful test subjects. Larger reactions to smaller stimuli," Mordin explained.

"I know we can look much different from each other, but asari have a wide range of skin tones," Jane said and Mordin shook his head.

"No. Ignore superficial appearance. Down to genetic code. Biotic abilities, intelligence levels. Can look at random asari, krogan, make reasonable guess. Humans too variable to judge. Outliers in all species, of course. Geniuses, idiots. But human probability curve offers greater overall variety," Mordin explained and the twins shared a look.

"Now we've got two reasons to shut this place down," Jane said, nodding at John. He returned the gesture.

"Focus on Maelon. Too late to help the dead," Mordin sighed and the group continued down the stairs and entering a massive storage area. As they entered the door across the room on a balcony walkway.

"I am the speaker for Clan Weyrloc, offworlders. You have shed our blood. By rights, you should be dead already. But Weyrloc Guld, the Chief of Chiefs, has ordered that you be given leave to flee and spread the message of our coming," a krogan cried and Jane stared at him.

"Krogan don't generally let people go. What does Clan Weyrloc have planned?" John asked.

"If you walk away now, you can tell your children that you saw Clan Weyrloc before our Blood Pack conquered the stars. You think the Urdnot impressive? They are pitiful. Weyrloc Guld will destroy them! The salarian will cure the genophage and Clan Weyrloc will spread across the galaxy in a sea of blood!" the speaker cried and Jane's eyes narrowed.

"Appears they discovered Maelon's work. Unfortunate," Mordin sighed.

"It doesn't have to happen like this. I can understand wanting to cure the genophage..." John began but was cut off.

"No, human! You understand nothing! You have not seen the piles of children that never lived. The krogan were wronged! We will make it right, and then we will have our revenge!" the speaker roared and Jane felt her eyes narrow as she went into kill mode. The Blood Pack would never make it through space if she had her way.

"Half the galaxy sees the krogan as victims! If you start a war, you'll lose their support!" John tried to reason.

"We have the Blood Pack and we have the salarian! When our clan numbers in the millions, we will not need support. When we cure the genophage, Weyrloc Guld will rule all krogan! The Krogan Rebellions will-" the speaker raged.

"You talk too much," Jane stated as she took a shot at the gas pipe below the walkway. The krogan flinched and then laughed.

"See the human Urdnot cannot hit a simple target," the speaker laughed before he began to sniff. He looked at Jane and she smirked as she sent a second shot. The krogan and vorcha began to scream as they were set on fire.

"You had to blow him up?" John sighed and Jane shrugged.

"You heard him talking down about my clan...and my aim," Jane said and Garrus chuckled as they began to take on the surviving Blood Pack members. Due to the explosion most of the surviving krogan and vorcha were pretty easy to take out. It was easy to make it up to the next level.

"Labs likely through there. Can smell antiseptic, hint of dead flesh," Mordin commented as they reached a doo that indeed lead to a small lab. "Active console. May contain useful data. One moment. Genetic sequences. Hormone mutagens still steady. Protein chains, live tissue , cloned tissue. Very thorough. Standard treatment vectors. Avoiding scorched-earth immunosuppressant to alter hormone levels. Good. Hate to see that."

"Most people wouldn't be so casual about developing a sterility plague, Mordin," John said, a bit gruff.

"Not developing. Modifying. Much more difficult. Working within confines of existing genophage. A hundred times the complexity. Errors unacceptable. Could cause total sterility, malignant tumors. Could even reduce effectiveness. Worse than doing nothing. Had to keep krogan population stable. One in one thousand. Perfect target, optimal growth. Like gardening." Mordin protested.

"You're saying you were working just as hard to keep their population from falling?" John said and Mordin nodded.

"Yes. Could have eradicated krogan. Not difficult. Increased mutation to degrade genetic structure further. Chose not to. Rachni extinction tragic. Didn't want to repeat. All life precious. Universe demands diversity." Mordin said and John realized something. Despite how he felt about the genophage Mordin in his own way didn't want to kill them off.

"What was it like, working on the genophage modification project?" John asked.

"Best years of my life. Wake up with ideas. Talk over breakfast. Experiments all morning. Statistical analysis in afternoon. Run new simulations during dinner, set data runs to cook overnight. Laughter. Ego. Argument. Passion. Galaxy's biggest problem, massive resources thrown at us. Got anything we wanted." Mordin enthused, gesturing with his hands.

"Do you keep in touch with your old team members?

"No. All changed with deployment. Made test drop on isolated krogan clan. Hit rest of Tuchanka when results were positive. End of project. Separate ways. Watching it end, watching birth rates drop. Personal. Private. Not appropriate for team." Mordin said, getting quiet.

"Sounds like you were pretty important. How'd you go from that to running a clinic on Omega?" John asked.

"Wanted to heal people. Good use of last decade. Something easy. No ethical concerns. Understand rationale for modified genophage. Right choice. Still hard to sleep some nights," Mordin said, almost absently.

"How can you agree with using the genophage, Mordin? Look at what happened to Tuchanka as a result." John said, gesturing.

"State of Tuchanka not due to genophage." Mordin countered. "Nuclear winter caused by krogan before Salarians made first contact. Krogan choices. Refuse truce during Krogan Rebellions. Expand after Rachni Wards. Splinter after genophage. Genophage medical, not nuclear. No craters from virus. Damage caused by krogan, not Salarians. Not me."

"The effects on Tuchanka are still your responsibility! You upgraded the virus that kept them like this. What would they be like now if Wrex hadn't come along, Mordin?" John countered.

"Krogan committed war crimes. Refused to negotiate. Turian defeat not complete. Krogan could have recovered attacked again. Conventional war too risky. Krogan forces too strong. Genophage was only option. Krogan forced genophage. Us or them. No apologies for winning. Wouldn't have minded peaceful solution." Mordin said.

"So if the krogan banded together and formed a united government, you'd welcome that?" John asked, crossing his arms.

"Yes. United krogan saved galaxy, destroyed Rachni. Genophage not punishment. Simply alters fertility to correct for removal from hostile environment." Mordin countered.

"Couldn't you have come up with an alternative so they had a cycle like a human's?" John retorted. "Instead of giving birth to dead children?" John asked.

"We're not going to find Maelon staring at consoles. Come on," Jane said cutting them off before the argument could escalate.

~*TF*~

The next room was more brutal as Jane looked at the covered body, she could tell it was female. Young, too young to be rotting in a room like this.

"Dead krogan. Female. Tumors indicate experimentation. No restraint marks. Volunteer. Sterile Weyrloc female willing to risk procedures. Hoped for cure. Pointless. Pointless waste of life," Mordin said and Jane nodded.

"I thought you would be able to look at this," Jane commented and Mordin seemed shocked.

"What? Why? Because of genophage work? Irrelevant. No, causative. Never experimented on live krogan. Never killed with medicine. Her death not my work, only reaction to it. Goal was to stabilize population. Never wanted this. Can see it logically...but still unnecessary. Foolish waste of life. Hate to see it," he said.

"I honestly didn't think you'd had much direct contact with things like this. Did you come to Tuchanka after dropping the modified virus?" Jane asked as she looked at the poor krogan female.

"Yearly recon missions. Water, tissue samples. Ensure no mistakes. Superiors offered to carry it on. Refused. Need to see it in person. Need to look. Need to see. Accept it as necessary. See small picture. Remind myself why I run a clinic on Omega. Rest, young mother. Find your gods. Find someplace better," Mordin whispered and Jane blinked at him.

"I didn't expect spirituality from you, Mordin," she confessed.

"Genophage modification project altered millions of lives. Then saw results. Ego, humility, juxtaposition. Frailty of life. Size of universe. Explored religions after work completed. Different races. No answers. Many questions," he said. "Modified genophage project great in scope. Scientifically brilliant. But ethically difficult. Krogan reaction visceral, tragic. Not guilty, but responsible. Trained as doctor. Genophage affects fertility. Doesn't kill. Still caused this. Hard to see big picture behind pile of corpses."

"Can you really just rationalize it all way? How do you justify it?" John asked.

"Wheel of life. Popular salarian concept. Similar to human Hinduism in focus on reincarnation. Appealing to see life as endless. Fix mistakes in next life. Learn, adapt, and improve. Refuse to believe life ends here. Too wasteful. Have more to offer. Mistakes to fix. Cannot end here. Could do so much more," he said.

"You could have cured the genophage, instead. Brought hope to the krogan. They'd have rejoiced," John suggested and Mordin shook his head.

"Assumes human reaction. Krogan stimulus response different. Harsh environment, take chance to fight, flee. Would have caused chaos on Tuchanka. Victor would have war economy, bloodthirsty army. Galactic expansion only logical outcome. More war. Genophage saved lives war would have ended," Mordin sighed and Jane nodded.

"I agree with Mordin. I love the krogan, but Wrex is building something the krogan haven't had in millennia, a functional society. If the genophage was suddenly cured, each child would be worth so much less. Give Wrex a few centuries and the krogan could rise up," Jane said.

"Possible. Millions of data points. Years of arguments. Countless scenarios. All noted krogan fragmentation as dangerous. No unified culture to support repopulation. Would have been war. Turians and humans destroying krogan utterly. Genophage was better. Saved lives," Mordin sighed. Jane looked over the dead krogan and placed a hand on the head ridge. She said a small prayer of her own before following the others out.

They came to a small room. Garrus opened the door and they peered in.

"You killed the Blood Pack guards!" the krogan said, a dead krogan beside him. Jane noticed he was wearing an Urdnot symbol.

"Not Blood Pafck, not member of Clan Weyrloc. Wrong clan markings," Mordin commented.

"I'm an Urdnot scout. Weyrloc guards got me. Brought me here," the krogan said, he sounded weird. He might be drugged. It would have to be extremely powerful stuff to affect him.

"The chief scout told us to watch for you. We've taken out the guards. Get back to Urdnot," Jane said, kneeling in front of him.

"I can't. The Weyrloc did things to me. Drugs. Injections. Said I was sacrificing for the good of all krogan. Experiments to cure the genophage. Everything's blurry. Hard to think. Have to stay," he said and Jane stared at him. His eyes were glazed and he seemed to be rocking as he sat.

"Mordin, can you get him back on his feet? Stims, maybe? Something to bolster his immune system?" John asked.

"You don't understand. I'm not too sick to leave. I have to stay. They're curing the genophage. They're going to make it all better! They have to keep doing the tests!" the scout cried and Jane felt genuine angry. This scout was Urdnot and God help her, he was one of HER krogan.

"Caution, Spectre Shepard. Patient unstable, susceptible. Brainwashed," Mordin stated.

"Why do you want them to keep doing the tests?" John asked and the scout looked past Jane to him.

"This is my fault. I got caught. Wasn't strong enough, not good enough. This is the best I can do. This is all I can do. I'm not big enough to have a real shot with the females. I'll never have kids of my own. But if I help undo the genophage, then I mattered!" the scout cried and Jane snapped her fingers right in front of his nose. His eyes crossed to look at her fingers.

"Oh, millions of children will be born...Weyrloc children. They're going to destroy the other clans, our clan," Jane said and the scout's mouth opened in indignation.

"But...no. No, they said I was helping Urdnot!" he sounded aghast.

"If you want to help Urdnot, you need to get back there. But it would take a real badass to make it back to camp while injured," Jane said, putting a little growl into her voice.

"I can do it!" the scout cried and Jane smirked as she got up.

"You? I said a badass, not some scout whining like a quarian with a tummy-ache," she said snidely and the scout got to his feet.

"I can do it! I'm up! And I'm going to the female camp!" he roared as he shook himself. Jane smiled and grabbed his shoulder.

"Damn right you are! Get back there and show them what you're worth! Go, go!" she cried, slapping him on the shoulders and hump as he began to barrel the way they had come.

"Rah!" he roared as he charged off.

"There's no pep talk like a military pep talk," Garrus said and Jane smiled.

"What can I say, I know how to get a man moving," she stated as she took point. They quickly cleared the rest of the hospital and finally reached their goal.

~*TF*~

"Maelon. Alive. Unharmed. No signs of restraint. No evidence of torture. Don't understand," Mordin said as they lowered their guns as they entered the room. John was surprised Maelon wasn't under heavy guard.

"For such a smart man, Professor, you always had trouble seeing evidence that disagreed with your preconceptions. How long will it take you to admit that I'm here because I wish to be here?" Maelon retorted. And John sighed.

"Maybe the Weyrloc brainwashed or drugged him to keep him under control?" Jane suggested as she holstered her rifle.

"Unlikely. Pupils normal. Body language consistent with standard metabolic state," Mordin noted.

"Please, Professor. You wrote a paper on this. Forced behavior modification always results in mental degradation. Whether from Reaper indoctrination or drugs, test subjects always lose higher cognitive function," Maelon scoffed and John shook his head.

"Not brainwasher or conditioned. Need Maelon at peak capacity for work. Must be alternate source of coercion," Mordin noted.

"He wasn't kidnapped. He came here voluntarily to cure the genophage," John said and Mordin whirled to face Maelon as Maelon nodded in agreement with John.

"Impossible. Whole team agreed! Project necessary!" Mordin countered.

"How was I supposed to disagree with the great Doctor Solus? I was your student! I looked up to you!" Maelon snapped.

"Experiments performed here. Live subjects! Prisoners! Torture and executions. Your doing?" Mordin shouted and pointing a finger at Maelon.

"We've already got the blood of millions on our hands, Doctor. If it takes a bit more to put things right. I can deal with that," Maelon said, gesturing.

"You honestly think the experiments you did here are justified?" John snapped.

"We committed cultural genocide! Nothing I do will ever be justified! The experiments are monstrous...because I was taught to be a monster." Maelon said and John scowled.

"Mordin, did you ever perform experiments like this?" John asked just to prove his point since he already knew what the answer would be.

"No. Never taught you this, Maelon." Mordin said sadly.

"So your hands are clean! What does it matter if the ground is stained with the blood of millions! You taught me that the end justified the means. I will undo what we did, Professor. The only way I know how," Maelon scoffed.

"What happens if the genophage is cured and the krogan expand again? That will be on your head," Garrus noted as Blasto growled at Maelon.

"We justified this atrocity by saying the krogan would cause havoc and war if their population recovered. But look at the galaxy! Batarian attacks in the Traverse, geth attacks on the Citadel. Is this a more peaceful universe? The assault on your Eden Prime might never have happened if we had let the krogan recover. We'll never know," Maelon snapped.

"How would a krogan population explosion have done anything to stop Saren and the geth?" John wondered.

"An increased krogan population would have forced the Council to take steps, likely involving colony rights in the Traverse. The turian fleets would be vigilant for any military activity in the area. They might have stopped the geth at Eden Prime!" Maelon said and Jane rolled her eyes.

"Supposition. Impossible to be certain," Mordin countered.

"Don't you see? We tried to play god, and we failed! We only made things worse...and I'm going to fix it," Maelon stated.

"You talked about killing, but the genophage isn't lethal. It only affects fertility rates," Jane noted.

"Krogan fight over fertile females. They become mercenaries or pirates because they see no alternative! They would be thriving in a cultural renaissance now had we not decided that this is what they deserved!" Maelon snapped.

"Inaccurate. Krogan population resulted in war. Simulations were clear!" Mordin snapped back.

"Why work with Clan Weyrloc? And how did you access the genophage data?" Jane asked.

"The data was easy to obtain. We all still had clearance. We were heroes. All I had to do was ask. As for the Weyrloc, they were the only clan with both the resources and the commitment."

"Urdnot has a larger camp than Weyrloc. Why not use them?" John asked.

"Urdnot Wrex is too soft. He wasn't willing to do the experiments I needed." Maelon stated flatly.

"Seriously?" Jane demanded.

"It's Urdnot's loss and Weyrloc's gain. Their clan will be the first to recover from the crime we committed." Maelon continued.

"Maelon clearly doesn't need rescuing. What do you want to do?" John asked.

"Have to end this," Mordin said, approaching Maelon who drew a pistol and was waving it wildly at each of them.

"You can't face the truth, can you? Can't admit that your brilliant mind led you to commit an atrocity!" Maelon said in a panicked tone and as he waved the gun wildly at each of them Mordin reached out and slugged Maelon, the gun going flying to skid along the ground. Maelon slammed against the computer console and Mordin drew his own gun, pointing the gun at Maelon's face.

"Unacceptable experiments. Unacceptable goals. Won't change. No choice. Have to kill you." Mordin said, his tone dark but sad.

"Wait. You don't need to do this, Mordin. You're not a murderer," John said ignoring Maelon moving his head in agreement with John as he spoke and Jane's soft snicker as Maelon did so.

"No. Not a murderer. Thank you, Shepard," Mordin said taking a breath and stepping away from Maelon to holster his gun. "Finished, Maelon. Get out. No Weyrloc left. Project over."

"What if he talks to more krogan, tells the public about the modified genophage project?" Jane asked a bit disappointed.

"Special Tasks Group good at covering tracks. No proof. Weyrloc willingness to work with salarian unusual. Other krogan will kill him." Mordin noted.

"Aren't you worried that he'll start his research again?" Garrus asked.

"No. Locking this unit. Special Tasks Group can cut access to old data. Could start from scratch. Decades of work, though. Didn't teach you everything I knew." Mordin said, just a bit of smugness in his tone.

"You heard the professor. Get out before he changes his mind," John said.

"Where am I supposed to go, Professor?" Maelon bit out.

"Don't care. Try Omega. Can always use another clinic," Mordin said, turning away from Maelon and focusing on the console.

"The krogan didn't deserve what we did to them, Professor. The genophage needs to end," Maelon said as he walked away.

"Not like this." Mordin muttered. "Apologies, Shepards. Misunderstood mission parameters. No kidnapping. My mistake. Thank you."

"Don't worry about us, Mordin. How are you doing?" John asked in concerned and Mordin sighed.

"Should have killed him. Wanted to. Easier than listening. Easier for him, too. Experiments indicate how far he's fallen. Expected it from krogan. Not one of mine." Mordin noted.

"Maybe you'll remember that the next time you're discussing the ethics of the genophage," John noted and Jane elbowed him.

"Yes. So many variables. Stress responses. Impossible to truly predict. Something to think about. Maelon's research. Only loose end. Could destroy it. Closure, security. Still valuable, though," Mordin noted. John thought about that. On one hand it was research that included tests on living victims. It was tainted. On the other hand if he did destroy it then those Krogan died for nothing.

"Right now, the victims died for nothing. Keep it, use it, deaths worth something. Maelon's work could cure genophage. Don't know. Effects on krogan. Effects on galaxy. Too many variables. Too many variables!" Mordin mused.

"Don't let the people who died die for nothing. They don't deserve this, Mordin. Save the data." John said and Mordin sighed.

"Point taken, Shepard. Capturing data, wiping local copy. Still years away from cure. But closer than starting from scratch. Done. Ready to go. Ready to be off Tuchanka. Anywhere else. Maybe somewhere sunny."

~*TF*~

The team unloaded from their tomkah and Jane approached the mechanic.

"Brought you a gift," Jane said, giving him the manifold and he blinked.

"You just saved me days of work," he said.

"I just wanted to see a smile," she said and he stared and moved his mouth in a way that exposed his teeth. "I know that's not a krogan smile." She turned and headed off as he laughed.

"Flirting again?" John asked and Jane snorted.

"Gotta keep the Urdnot glad they gave me status," Jane replied as they headed to Wrex's throne. "Clan Leader!"

"Urdnot-Shepard, are you leaving already?" Wrex asked and the group nodded. "You killed my enemies again."

"They were in my way," Jane commented and Wrex laughed.

"Thanks, Wrex," John said and the krogan nodded.

"Keep bringing your sister here and no thanks needed," Wrex said with a wink.

"Still not okay with this," John sighed.

"Me either," Garrus shuddered.

"Not happening Wrex," Jane called. "Keep in touch."

"You keep turning me down," he chuckled as the group headed toward the landing dock.

"Clan Urdnot has increased in strength after the destruction of Clan Weyrloc. Based on population profiles. Clan Urdnot has adopted surviving members of Clan Weyrloc. Mostly women and children, much like it did with Clan Ganar," EDI informed the team.

"Intelligent move. Surprising from krogan. Glad to see it," Mordin said.

"Is Grunt back on the Normandy?" John asked.

"He is currently 'sleeping off a college weekend' according to Jeff," EDI said and Jane chuckled.

"Great," John sighed.

"He's your son," Jane teased and John gave her a look. She looked at Garrus.

"You said you would call him his baby," Garrus stated.

"I should get credit for that," Jane argued.

"I'm missing a joke," John sighed.

~*TF*~

Jane headed down to talk to Jack, of the crew, Jack was the only person she felt she could actually talk about dealing with Human-Turian...relations. Jack would give Jane shit...but after the shit talk, real advice.

"Yo, Jack, I need to talk to you," Jane said as she headed down the stairs. Jack looked pissed. "Hey...you alright?" Jack looked at her and Jane could feel the rage. Uh...oh...

"I got thoughts like little bugs crawling in and out of my head. I can't stop them," Jack growled and Jane stayed back. Jack was angry, at least she had better control of her biotics than Jane. "You know I have a history with Cerberus. You know how far back it goes?" Jane looked at Jack.

"Based on intel I've collected from Cerberus bases I've busted. I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't get you as a kid," Jane said and Jack moved to the stairs to sit down. Jane took a relaxed posture and listened.

"That douche, the Illusive Man? Never seen him before, but Cerberus raised me. First thing I remember is my cell door in a Cerberus base," Jack said and Jane felt rage of her own.

"Fuck..." she hissed and Jack nodded.

"They did experiments. Drugged me. Tortured me. Whatever chance I had to be normal, they stole it by trying to turn me into some super biotic," Jack explained. The thought sent shivers down Jane's spine. Stealing babies. The empty bassinette from the Collector attack haunted Jane for a second as she gave Jack her full attention. "The doctors...the other kids...Every one of them hated me. They let me suffer."

"What the fuck did they think torturing a little girl would accomplish?" Jane felt her rage at Cerberus come back. She thought of all the things she had uncovered. She wished she killed more of their agents.

"Something about pain breaking down mental barriers, and how it might clear the way for a more biotic power. I'm sure there was a payoff due at some point, but I wasn't going to see it. I was wired up in a cell," Jack explained and Jane felt sick.

"They tortured you just to see if they could make a strong biotic? They could have destroyed your mind! That couldn't have just been it!" Jane cried and Jack smirked.

"Wasn't in a position to ask. All I know is, a little girl crying in a cell, begging for the pain to stop..." Jack said and Jane wished Jack was the type to accept physical comfort. She wanted to hug her friend, but wasn't stupid enough to try.

"How the fuck did you get out of there?" Jane asked in a tone full of awe. Jack looked at her and shrugged.

"There was some kind of emergency and I made a break for it. The other kids came out of their cells and attacked me. So did the guards. I just killed everything in my way and ran. Guess my biotics had developed faster than they thought," Jack explained. "I managed to get a shuttle off the ground. Drifted until a freighter picked me up. The crew used me, then sold me. That's my uplifting escape story."

"What happened to the other children?" Jane asked and Jack shrugged.

"When I broke out, I had to fight through them all. But there's a loose end I need to deal with," she said. "I found the coordinates in your brother's files. I want to go to the Teltin facility on Pragia, where they tortured and drugged me. I want to go to the center of the place, my cell. I want to deploy a big fucking bomb. And I want to watch from orbit when it goes." Jane nodded as it seemed Jack was done.

"I'll get you there and I'll help you drag all the bomb components in with us," Jane said and Jack stared at her.

"Thanks, Shepard," Jack said as Jane headed up the stairs. "What did you want to talk about?"

"It can wait for after the fireworks show," Jane said and Jack smirked.

"Glad I'm not the only bitch who hates Cerberus," she said and Jane nodded. She needed to calm down. She headed to see Samara. The matron would know how to calm herself after hearing about Jack's past. It was so fucking unfair. God help the first Cerberus base she hit after they stopped the Collectors. As she entered Samara's room the asari stopped her exercise.

"I am glad you came," she said and Jane blinked. Oh no...not another one. She wasn't even in charge of this ship. "I must ask for your help. That is not easy for me." Jane froze. That was unexpected. She had assumed that Samara would just ask for time away from the ship, but help...Jane was stunned. It was an honor to have a Justicar ask another for aid.

"Samara...I...I'm honored you think I can assist," Jane said. "Take your time and tell me what you need." Samara looked at Jane gently.

"When we met on Illium, I told you about a very dangerous person I was pursuing. Using the information you obtained, I have located her. She's been going by the name "Morinth." I would like to apprehend her before she disappears again," Samara said, looking out the window.

"Didn't you say you'd pick up her trail after the mission?" Jane asked. It was odd for a Justicar to go back on her word.

"I know where she is...right now. In a month, she may be gone. This is the best opportunity I've ever had," Samara explained and Jane nodded. She knew about hunting down opponents...sometimes, you needed to take the shot even if it was difficult because the opportunity might not occur again.

"I understand. Where is she?" Jane asked.

"Omega. A night club called Afterlife, which seems a perfect place for her to hunt," Samara said and Jane's eyes widened. Oooh, Aria was going to be so mad.

"How fast do we need to get there?" Jane asked.

"Killing her has been my focus for 400 years. It is the most important thing in my life and the reason I became a Justicar," Samara explained. Jack's favor was going to have to come in second, this Morinth sounded like bad fucking news. Maybe they would get lucky and Aria would take care of her first...and open up free childcare on Omega while she was at it. No, Aria would probably ignore this Morinth until Jane stepped up with Samara. Fuck.

"Tell me about her," Jane said.

"She is an Ardat-Yakshi," Samara said and Jane's jaw dropped.

"An asari vampire?" Jane gasped and Samara shook her head.

"I forget that most of what you know of myself and the obscure parts of my people come from vids," she said. "Somewhat like your human vampire the Ardat-Yakshi mythology has the creature feeding on others, but that is just mythology. She is simply a very dangerous woman who kills without mercy."

"So, what makes an Ardat-Yakshi different than the horror vids?" Jane asked.

"Morinth suffers a rare genetic disorder. When she mates with you, there is no gentle melding of nervous systems. She overpowers yours, burns it out, and hemorrhages your brain. You end up a mindless shell, and soon after you are dead," Samara explained.

"The vids definitely don't show that," Jane said.

"For a reason, most will never meet one. Once they were worshipped as gods of destruction. Now the asari have a place in the galaxy, and they don't wish this defect to be widely known as truth, better to leave it as the myths proclaimed," Samara explained. "As far as I know, only three exist today. Two chose a life of seclusion. The third ran."

"Morinth," Jane said as she stood beside Samara, looking at the passing stars.

"She ran, and I am sworn to kill her," Samara said.

"Was there no way to take her alive?" Jane asked, genuinely curious about the situation. Samara looked at her then.

"When she fled, she proved her addiction. She was not taking a great moral stand...she simply wants to keep killing," she explained. "She is a tragic figure, but not a sympathetic one."

"Is the addiction that strong for her?" Jane asked.

"Each encounter gives her strength. The effect is narcotic; the more she does it, the more she needs to do it," Samara said and Jane shivered.

"Like a nymphomaniac where each orgasm is like getting a shot of heroin," Jane muttered.

"She will never stop. She can't," Samara said and Jane thought for a moment.

"The justicars can't just hunt down Ardat-Yakshi," Jane said. "You are hunting her down for having this genetic condition?"

"It manifests with maturity. When one is diagnosed, she is offered the chance to live in seclusion and comfort. If she refuses, it shows her addiction to the ecstasy she gets from killing her mates. There is no redemption for such a person."

"Yeah, I rather have a justicar on this than anyone else," Jane confessed.

"She confuses her victims, twists their feelings. They will do anything for her favor," Samara explained. On Omega, it would be like a bucket of fish and a cannon.

"We need to stop her," Jane said.

"Thank you, Commander. There are no words to express what this means to me," Samara said, she looked like a weight was lifted. Jane turned. She needed to tell Joker to get to Omega, yesterday. She would need to tell John, but he should agree to this.

"There is one thing more: this creature, this...monster. She is my daughter," Samara said and Jane froze. Genetic condition. Three Ardat-Yakshi that Samara knew about. Jane stood, her back facing Samara.

"You said this is genetic...how...how many daughters do you have?" Jane asked, her voice thick in her throat. She wanted to be wrong. Please, God, let her be wrong.

"Three. And three Ardat-Yakshi are in existence today. It is as it sounds," she said and Jane turned, her heart breaking at the truth. Samara...strong, powerful Samara. "Morinth was always the wild one...she was happy and free. But selfish."

"Oh Samara," Jane said in a breathy voice and the justicar shook her head.

"I do not want pity, Jane. I do not accept it. My daughter's condition is my fault. And my redemption lies in killing her. Do not pity me. Simply understand my situation," Samara said and Jane felt like she was asked the impossible. She looked up to Samara, cared about the justicar for being there in a way she had felt denied. A mentor figure...a mother figure...to know this whole time Samara had been dealing with this. Jane felt the tears but looked to space.

"How..." she whispered.

"I spent my youth on the move, adventuring. I killed people, mated with them, or just danced the night away. I learned so much, experienced so much. And then my matron days came. I could finally sit back, bask, and enjoy my family. But in one moment, it was all taken away," Samara said and Jane closed her eyes.

"That's so terrible," Jane whispered.

"I sat in a med lab while a nearsighted doctor droned at me. And I learned the nothing was as I thought it would be. I gave up all that I possessed. I own nothing, claim nothing. All my knowledge will die with me. Now my purpose is to destroy my own children," she said and Jane turned.

"Those are moments that change a person," Jane said. Managing to keep the emotion free from her tone.

"And I have hundreds of years left to live with that. I say too much. Forgive me," Samara said. Jane was glad her back was to the justicar, the break in Samara's voice caused tears to roll down Jane's face. "Help me find my long lost daughter. And kill her." Jane started out of the room.

"I'll get us to Omega," Jane said, her voice quivering with the tears that dripped down her cheeks. Tears for the mother who was forced to kill her own child. Jane needed to get to John. As the door closed on Samara.

"EDI, where's my brother?" Jane asked, wiping her eyes with the back of her arm.

~*TF*~

Toby AN: *is in a hospital bed in traction as an EKG machine is beeping*

Belle AN: What did you learn?

Toby: Never mention the Mad Queen again?

Belle: Good enough.

~*TF*~

OMAKE 1

If John had accepted that request…

BED SQUEEK, BED SQUEEK, BED SQUEEK, BED SQUEEK, BED SQUEEK!

"I need rest. The spirit is willing but the flesh is spongy and bruised." John panted

"It time snu-snu!" Ornik cried.

"Can't we just cuddle?" John whimpered. "Nooo!"

BED SQUEEK, BED SQUEEK, BED SQUEEK to BED THUMP, BED THUMP, BED THUMP!

OMAKE 2

"Hey Wrex I wanted to talk to you some after the Rite," John said as he entered the Clan Leader chambers. "The fuck, Wrex?" Several posters of Jane were on the walls, but unlike the Spectre propaganda these were pin ups...some nude.

"Don't worry, I know a guy who makes awesome photoshops," Wrex chuckled. John covered his eyes from the images of his sister in lewd poses on the walls.

"This isn't cool!" John cried.

"Jane thought they were impressive," Wrex commented.

"She KNOWS about this?" John cried.

"Yeah, she gets a cut from all the sales," Wrex explained.

"Sales?!" John cried.

"Would you believe the Batarians buy this shit more than we do," Wrex laughed.

"Ugh!" John cried.

OMAKE 3

"So John Shepard, in thanks for bringing clan Weyrloc into our fold and providing us with a Krogan of such standing I present you with this creature to be by your side as the Krogan shall always be!" Wrex declared proudly and dropped a baby Thresher Maw into John's arms. John ignored the hissing, thrashing creature and the acid it dripped from its mouth to melt parts of his armor as he whirled to face Jane who was watching with a pout.

"Ha! Suck it Jane! Me and my boy Cthulu here will kick Blasto's ass!"

"How are you going to fit him on the Normandy when he grows up?"

"I-you-shut up!"

OMAKE 4

"Hold up," Jane said as they were preparing to leave the krogan camp. She grabbed Garrus by the crotch. "This is mine! This is where my babies come from!" She turned and walked away.

"I feel dirty," Garrus stated. "But hopeful."

"Human-turian cross breeding not possible," Mordin commented.

"Not from a lack of trying," Garrus grinned.

"I'm gonna be sick," John groaned.