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.

31. Chapter 30

Twin Fates

By Belle and Tobias

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

Belle's Note: Confession time, I had MASSIVE expectations for romances in ME3 after playing DAII. I tell Toby this all the time, but the banter between the party members Hawke romanced was wonderful. I ended up with Anders the first time because I thought I screwed it up with Fenris...only to learn later that if you remain true to Fenris he comes back...ugh the regret! And the banter between the two was heart wrenching, especially since my bitter ass spent the remainder of the game cursing my sexy elf for breaking my Hawke's heart. So, I was so stoked when new romances were announced in ME3 with some characters becoming bisexual. I did not realize that the "new" romances would be exclusively same sex only. I think I speak for all the gamers who were looking for het-fem Shep romances, we were not happy with what they did in ME3. Not only does Thane get murdered in front of you, but Jacob straight out finds a new lady and suddenly wants to settle down...the jerk. That means the only het romances for fem Shep ARE Kaidan and Garrus. They are well done, but I was drooling over Vega from the moment he says, "I probably shouldn't salute you either." I started to get curious about Cortez...up until he mentioned his husband and I realized "Oh...he's a new romance for MALE Shepard." I was also disappointed after DAII to find the love triangles were non-existent. Like I said, the Anders-Fenris love triangle made me regret my choices all the way through the game and I am told you can get banter between the group if you make moves on everyone...I have never tried it...I'm more monogamous in my play style. Still, in ME3 either Garrus or Kaidan just gives up on Fem Shep like...damn. While I joke about the shipping war, my real mission is to write the love triangle that SHOULD have existed in ME3, as best I can with the world we have created. So, my dear Shenko and my dear Sharkarian fans, I hope this will get you both into a rabid froth of shipping excitement. I am the puppet master of this romance and I still have not decided who will win because in truth, I love both characters and their romance arcs equally. Kaidan, while hated by so many, won me over in the first game very early on, I found him very sweet and lovable. Garrus' romance is my favorite for ME2 hands down. Thane and his siha lines are nice, but the love scene with an uncertain Garrus looking for something to go right...well, I loved Garrus since game one. I want to do them justice because I will never forgive the moron who did not think a love triangle was going to be worth their time. I hope I write one that flows easily and believably and it starts here.

Toby's Note: *goes to get the tranquilizer guns and warn those on the wall* This is gonna get bloody…

Chapter 30: People Always Leave, But Sometimes They Come Back

Earth Date: October 14th, 2186 CE

Location: SSV Normandy SR-2, In Transit

As John approached the new comm room he could hear Hackett trying to get his attention. The new hologram generator was sharp and clear but his speech was broken with static.

"EDI, can you clear this up?" John asked as he approached.

"I'll do my best." The AI replied and within seconds the connection was perfect.

"John did you get to the Archives?" Hackett inquired and John sighed.

"I was there. So was the Illusive Man. He seemed to anticipate it as well with Jane and Liara being at the station," John noted and Hackett frowned, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"I was worried Cerberus might try something. Was the data secured?" Hackett asked.

"Most of it. He downloaded some before we could stop him. EDI and Liara are analyzing what we recovered." John noted.

"Actually, Admiral, we kept them from getting the data," Liara chimed in as she entered the room. "Jane and I had a plan in place to protect the data. Cerberus took the bait and got mostly useless information with only references and minor Crucible data. There are complete copies of the Archive with the Prothean scientists."

"Excellent. What's your next step, Shepard?" Hackett inquired.

"Alenko was critically injured. We're taking him to the Citadel." John noted and Hackett nodded thoughtfully.

"Sorry to hear that, Shepard. But we both know this is just the beginning. Talk to the Council. Bring them up to speed with the situation on Earth. I'm starting to pull back and take stock of our losses. With luck, they'll give you all the support we need to mobilize an offensive."

"And if they don't?" John stated and Hackett scowled.

"Do whatever it takes to get them on board. I'll be in touch soon. Hackett out." The transmission cut out and John sighed. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting off the headache that he had been fighting back.

"John, EDI is extracting data from the Cerberus machine. We'll have details to present to the Council by the time we reach the Citadel." Liara said softly. John nodded and lifted his head, opening his eyes to look at her. Liara looked exhausted as well.

"And Alenko?" John inquired.

"Your sister is doing what she can for him, but we need to get him to a medical facility soon there's only so much the emergency medical VI can guide her through." Liara noted. John nodded and headed into the main comm room. He looked at the overall display he was sure would be filled with stats and horrors of a war. "The Admiral's right. It's going to get worse, isn't it?"

"Unless we stop the Reapers. Yeah." John grumbled.

"We've been studying this data. This weapon could be the answer...if we can build it. I get the sense you don't quite believe it though." Liara explained and John let out a bitter laugh.

"You didn't see what they did to Earth. How is one weapon supposed to stop them?" John noted. "I trust you and Jane but it just seems so fanciful. And if the Protheans had the designs for it why did they lose?"

"What are our options? You know we can't win this conventionally." Liara said and John kept quiet knowing she was right. Still, he preferred to be on the ground, facing the enemy. He could give it his all but that wouldn't work against Reapers. "John? Isn't it worth trying at least?"

"It is and I'll fight to the bitter end. I'm going to check with Joker. See how far out we are. Would you make sure we're ready to present our findings to the Council?" John asked as he got moving.

"I'm sure the Council will see the need to help." Liara said.

"It will be a hell of a short war if they don't."

~*TF*~

"Administer mannitoldose," the emergency medical VI instructed Jane and she quickly went to the synthesizer to collect the dose the VI prepared. She administered the drug and the emergency medical VI scanned Kaidan. "Recommend removal of armor for additional scans." Jane quickly began to remove Kaidan's armor. Piece by piece she removed his gauntlets, then the chest piece. The VI enabled the medical stabilizers to keep Kaidan's head and neck supported as Jane removed the back of the armor from underneath him. As she worked on his boots the VI began to scan his chest and arms. It was difficult to remove the bottoms of the armor, leaving Kaidan in his boxer briefs and undershirt. Jane collected the armor, placing it in an emergency footlocker. The VI had a new list of injections and procedures. Kaidan had multiple fractures including his spine, fortunately, his spinal cord was fine. Jane administered the injections, moved Kaidan's body more appropriately, and then sat down.

"You care for this human greatly," Javik stated from the door and Jane was on her feet in surprise. The Prothean looked at Jane. "Remorse, affections, desire, sorrow. Was he your former mate?" Jane blushed at that.

"Yes..." Jane confessed and Javik stared at her.

"Were you spouses?" he asked and Jane looked away.

"...we...didn't get close to spouse," Jane said.

"But there was courtship," Javik nodded. "I can see why you chose to come onto this ship instead of the Okinawa."

"The Normandy has a much better med-bay than the Okinawa," Jane confessed and Javik nodded.

"Do not be too blinded by your affections for your former mate, you have important work to do," he chided and Jane nodded.

"I know," she said and he nodded.

"I will remain outside the door," he reported and Jane sat down beside Kaidan. His olive skin pallid, hideous purple colored around his eyes. Jane took a medical wipe and began to clean away the blood from his nostrils and lips. A memory came without request as she cleaned his face.

They were on the Citadel after they had recovered from their wounds during the Battle of the Citadel. They had both been cleared by medical and the first chance they got; they had rented the hotel room. After a few frantic couplings they took a breather. Kaidan lay naked on the bed, reclined on the pillows, she rested half on his chest, equally naked, her arm curled between them to cushion his chest from her chin on her hand. The other hand stroked his face as he looked at her. They lay in the post-coital silence just staring deeply into each other's eyes. Her fingers stroked over his eyebrow, dropping back over his temple to his sideburn and down to his five-o-clock shadow. He caught her hand then, pulling it up to kiss each fingertip while staring deeply into her eyes with his hungry gaze. The warm brown of his eyes pulling, making her heart race like he was doing something far more erotic than kissing her fingertips.

Jane looked at the purple around Kaidan's eyes and felt the tears. She still loved him. She might always love Kaidan. She had always heard you would always remember your first...how could she ever forget Kaidan. She took his hand and brought it up to her face, pressing her cheek to the back of his hand, feeling the weak flutter of his pulse.

"It should have been me," she whispered as her eyes moved to the vitals displayed above Kaidan. It did not look great. "I should have responded to your letter. I left it unanswered before the Collector Base because...I was too selfish to say goodbye...just in case..." She pressed her face into his hand again. She barely heard the sound of the door opening and closing as John came into the med bay. He looked at the scene before him and sighed.

"How is he?" John asked quietly and Jane remained staring at Kaidan.

"Stable...for now..." Jane choked on a sob.

"Jane, it wasn't your fault," John said, trying to comfort his sister. Jane let out a sound like a half sob and half laugh.

"We all saw her come at me. We all know who she wanted to kill," Jane hissed, the tears flowing. "He pushed me out of the way." John came up and placed a comforting hand on Jane's shoulder.

"I'm damn glad he did and maybe...maybe it was his way to repay you for Eden Prime," John said and Jane reached out as if to stroke Kaidan's cheek, her hand hesitated as if afraid to hurt him, instead she held his limp hand in one hand and wrapped the other around his wrist, hugging the arm to her chest.

"It's not like Eden Prime, it's not like Eden Prime at all," Jane whispered as she looked at John with eyes that screamed of deep heartbroken pain. "We were strangers. I was a Commander protecting a soldier. I didn't love him then...I just saw a soldier in need, I had lost so many that day...I didn't want to lose another. But this..." Jane's head dropped. "John...I don't think I can lose him like this..." John was quiet and felt his heart ache. He would do anything for the people he cared for, he'd die for them if he had to but this kind of hurt made him feel powerless because there was nothing he could do. What made it worse was the flicker of irritation he felt at Jane. A stupid, primal part of him wanted to snarl at her to just forget Kaidan and stay with Garrus but he knew better. Jane had cared for Kaidan and seeing her so hurt he realized she still did. God this was so complicated so he decided to do the only thing he could.

"I'm here if you need me," John said softly as he squeezed her shoulder.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: October 15th, 2186 CE

Location: Serpent Nebula, Citadel

Jane felt weight leave her shoulders as soon as Kaidan passed through the hatch onto the Citadel with the medical team.

"Barely got a pulse here," one of the medics cried and Jane's heart ached.

"Move 'em out," a Turian medic cried with Jane behind him.

"Where are you taking him?" Jane asked.

"Huerta Memorial. Best care on the Citadel," he replied back and Jane watched as Kaidan was taken away.

"We're not going with?" Ash asked and Jane shook her head.

"What can we do?" she asked. "Kaidan has to fight his part without m-us." Ash placed a hand on Jane's shoulder giving it a squeeze.

"We need to see the Council," Liara reminded the younger marine.

"Right," James said and John watched his twin take a calming breath. "Looks like they might be coming to see you." Bailey approached and John turned to give the man full attention.

"Captain Shepard, Spectre Shepard. Got word you were arriving," Bailey said as he and John shook hands. Jane offered a salute that was quickly returned.

"Captain Bailey. Good to see you again," John said to the C-Sec officer.

"You too, though it's "commander" now," Bailey corrected in a less than enthused tone.

"Congratulations?" John offered.

"Thanks. Now half my job is dealing with political bullshit and escorting dignitaries around. No offense," Bailey said and John chuckled.

"None taken. So, you're here to bring us to the Council?" he asked.

"I'm here to tell you the Council is expecting you, but they are dealing with their own...problems. With the war and everything. They apologize for the inconvenience, and blah, blah, blah...Meet them here, at Udina's office. They'll be ready soon enough," Bailey sighed as he sent the Shepard's the coordinates and time of the meeting.

"Alright," Jane sighed.

"You might have time to go by the medical center, if you want to check on progress over there," Bailey said, looking at Jane. She nodded at the officer.

"Thank you, I might do that," she said.

"I'll head up to Udina's office first," Liara said. "I have the data." Jane nodded at that and noticed John's eyes follow the asari archeologist.

"I'll go with Liara," Ash said as she headed after the asari, the four Protheans nodded at Jane before following behind, curious eyes still following them.

"I'll bring you lot there," Bailey said and looked at James. "You?"

"I'm just a tourist today. I'll try not to get in any trouble," James said before walking away.

"I'll see you around, Shepards," Bailey said as he escorted the party off as he put his fingers to his earpiece, probably getting a message from the office. John looked at Jane.

"I can meet with the Council," John suggested and Jane indicate they get out of the way of an incoming keeper.

"No, going to Huerta now is just waiting for him to get out of surgery, I rather do something useful," Jane said. Jane noticed one of the Normandy's Alliance crew being harassed by a reporter. "You should help your helmsman." John sighed and the two approached the reporter. The reporter looked over.

"Comma...Spectre Shepard, Captain Shepard," the reporter said and Jane noticed the Alliance symbol on the woman's dress.

"What's going on here?" John asked.

"Just who I was looking for. Diana Allers, Alliance News Network. I think we can help each other," Diana said.

"I suppose you want an interview," John sighed, unamused.

"Even better," she said. "I'm a military reporter with a show called "Battlespace." We're carried on just about all Council planets. My producers want me embedded on a human ship, and I want that ship to be the Normandy." John scoffed as Jane realized who Diana was, while Jane did not watch a lot of shows, she had seen several viral clips from Battlespace.

"Why would I want that?" he asked and Jane realized John did not know who Diana was, that could be a mix of his house arrest and his being not quite alive for a couple years.

"Wars can be won or lost in the editing room. And this war needs to be won," Diana said. "I've got Alliance security clearance and operate without a crew. You get veto power over the segments I file. Can you handle an arrangement like that, or do I keep looking?"

"Don't bother," Jane interrupted. "Would the Okinawa be acceptable as a second choice?" Diana blinked.

"I assume you will be working with Spectre Shepard?" Diana asked and Jane shrugged.

"We are here to figure that out, but whatever happens, I won't turn you away from the Okinawa," Jane said giving Diana the docking information for the Okinawa. "If you want it, report here." Diana smiled.

"How much gear can I bring?" she asked.

"One footlocker, the Okinawa is a small ship," Jane stated and Diana saluted.

"Aye, aye, Captain," she said before heading off. John stared after her and turned to look at Jane.

"Are you sure about this?" John asked and Jane rolled her eyes.

"I know you distrust the press, John, but I think if I do this, having positive press like Allers could help us. I think half your issues are because you won't talk to the press," Jane noted and John grunted.

"I just don't like the misleading words and loaded questions. I give truthful answers and they twist them around," John muttered as they headed for the elevators. "I've never been good at giving political answers not to mention I dislike it. It seems like lying."

"You need to play the game sometimes, John," Jane noted. "It helps to know what the system is so you can fix it."

"I'd prefer to do something rather than play politics." John countered. "It's what I enjoy most about being a Spectre. I see a problem; I fix the problem."

"Yeah, but if you can influence what decisions are made you can stop it from becoming a problem."

~*TF*~

When the twins arrived at the embassy they were promptly escorted into a meeting between the councilors. Liara was already there listening quietly with the Protheans she and Jane apparently already knew. That reminded him, Jane needed to explain where she had found Protheans.

"Earth is taking the brunt of the attack," Udina was saying as the Shepards reached Liara and the Protheans.

"We understand that, but the tactics we have are working," Valern commented.

"Earth has been attacked by the Reapers," John said. "And it is just the beginning. We need your help. Everything you can spare." Tevos gave John a look that Jane did not appreciate and she could see both Javik and Jaimini looking irritated, the two Protheans were quite good at reading the Council by now.

"Each of us face a similar situation. Even now, the Reapers are pressing on our boarders," she said. "The Prothean tactics and weapons are working...for now. If we lend you our strength incorrectly. Our own worlds will fall."

"Then what do you suggest to do?" Javik said, sounding very not happy.

"We are working on Project Redemption, our worlds are sending materials and people to work, but the process is slow," Valern explained.

"Earth is the Council world currently facing the largest part of the attack," Jane said and the Council looked at each other. "We are asking our allies for help to survive. What do you suggest we do, sacrifice our home world when we began this plan together months ago?" Sparatus stepped forward.

"Captain Shepard, you make an excellent point. None of our worlds would be nearly as prepared if you had not given us...proof," he said, looking at the Protheans. "The truth is, this Council has never faced a war quite like this. With both the Rachni Wars and the Krogan Rebellions, we had a method to fight back, while it was necessary it was regrettable. This will not be won the same way. Our opponents are extremely different and not nearly as easily confronted as either the Rachni or the Krogan. Thus, I have suggested that we create a War Advisory board. We are politicians, diplomats. Of the four of us on this Council, only I served in the military. We are not the ones who should make the decisions for the Council races in combat."

"What are you suggesting?" John asked.

"I have suggested and it has been agreed to that we will convene a War Advisory board. Admiral Anderson informed me about the upgrades the Alliance made to the Normandy SR-2," Sparatus explained. "I would like to appoint a mission to both Spectres Shepard to assemble the best war leaders of Council races to create a unified plan of attack." Jane blinked at that. A unified attack.

"We are holding the Reapers at bay, but it will not last forever," Valern confessed. "A unified attack would be the most useful and we are not the ones to come up with the best path. I agree. Assemble the War Advisory board, keep them safe to create a more comprehensive battle strategy." Tevos looked less thrilled.

"I support this plan. Assemble these war leaders. The SSV Normandy SR-2 and the SSV Okinawa are approved for this mission," Udina stated, giving Tevos a less than friendly glare.

"I am outvoted on this issue," she stated with a calm look.

"I would recommend you collect the Turian Primarch first, during battle, Primarchs tend to lead from the front," Sparatus advised.

"Will they know our mission?" Jane asked and Sparatus nodded.

"I sent word to Palaven Command when I suggest this plan," Sparatus explained.

"Understood, we'll get on that," John said, turning before noticing Jane hadn't moved.

"Captain Shepard?" Tevos asked and Jane smiled. Saccharine sweet and deadly eyed.

"I just wanted to request one thing from the Council," Jane stated and not one Councilor looked excited by her expression. John noticed that all four of the Protheans with them were smiling.

"What is it?" Tevos asked in a cold tone.

"The Council's official stance on Spectre John Shepard's actions in the Bahak system is a null vote," Jane stated. Tevos and Valern looked less than amused and Udina looked furious.

"That matter was put to rest when Councilor Anderson stepped down," Tevos stated with an air of victory.

"Oh no, I understand that" Jane said as she looked at them. "But you yourselves said that the Prothean weapons and tactics are working. We would never have had time to develop and share them if it had not been for the actions of Spectre John Shepard in the Bahak system."

"Captain, what are you getting at?" Udina was not holding back his rage. Jane looked at each Councilor slowly and deliberately.

"All I want is a written statement to be released officially stating that the Council believes that the actions of Spectre John Shepard in the Bahak system are responsible for the time necessary to develop the methods currently being used to keep the Reapers at bay," Jane said. "No votes needed, no changes to past actions, just the acknowledgment that those actions were what gave us the time we got to prepare for this event." John eyed his sister wondering why this mattered to her so much. It was over and done with. He had resigned himself to being smeared by the Batarians, what remained of them now. Hegemony was practically destroyed and he was willing to bet the Dramaye were the majority now. So, what did it matter?

"It will be done, but understand when it is written cannot be guaranteed," Sparatus said dismissively, he clearly did not care about the statement, but the look on Tevos and Udina's faces were enough to sustain Jane.

"Thank you, Councilors," Jane said and glanced at John pleased with herself. She was surprised to see John looking rather bored by the whole thing and it irritated her that he did not understand what she was doing for him.

"Shepards...meet me in my office!" Udina sounded pissed.

~*TF*~

"They're a bunch of self-concerned jackasses, Shepard. We may have a spot on the Council, but humanity will always be considered second-rate!" Udina snarled and John rolled his eyes. While he was upset at the decision, Udina's attitude wasn't helping.

"Not surprised they are turning a blind eye," Jane said to herself but Udina must have thought she was talking to him as he responded.

"They're scared. And they're looking out for themselves."

"Our people are scared, and we're looking out for them the best we know how." Sparatus said as he entered the room. John stepped aside to let him by but exchanged a friendly nod with the Councilor.

"Councilor," Jane greeted.

"I'll cut right to the point." Sparatus said, "I can't give you what you need right now, but I can tell you the fastest way to get it."

"We're all ears, Councilor," John said .

"Primarch Fedorian was eager to serve on the War Advisory board, but...we lost contact with him when the Reapers hit Palaven. He will be essential for forming this board. The Normandy is one of the few ships that can extract Primarch Fedorian undetected." Sparatus said leadingly.

"We're at war, and you want us to play at being politicians," John grumbled.

"If it gets you what you need, what does it matter? Our latest intelligence says that the Primarch was moved to a base on Palaven's largest moon. I've done all I can to help. The rest is up to you," Sparatus said, as he began to leave. He stopped. "There is one other thing. The Council wanted me to tell John...we've chosen to uphold your Spectre status. And various resources will be made available to you. Good day." John watched him go and sighed.

"Well, that went well." Jane noted as Udina made his way to his desk.

"It's a start. I'll talk to the others in the meantime. See if we can support this War Advisory board. Move things along." Udina said. He focused on John and Jane. He eyed them before focusing on John. "John Shepard the Normandy SR-2 will be…loaned as it were to Spectre John Shepard for the duration of this war. However, if you would accept having your Alliance commission re-instated, we could assign it and the personnel under you in an official capacity."

"No thank you," John said feeling a spike of irritation. He ignored the look Jane shot him. "You already have one Shepard in the Alliance; you don't need two."

"Then I'm afraid I need Lieutenant Commander Williams to remain on the Citadel for the duration. I need someone to coordinate with," Udina countered but John saw it for what it was. John wouldn't play ball so Udina was fucking with the team.

"Councilor-" Jane tried to interrupt but John cut her off.

"That's fine, Councilor," John drawled. He trusted Ash would be fine and he didn't need to hold her hand. He needed to be free of Alliance oversight so he could handle his things his way. This is why he hated politics. "We'll talk later, we've got work to do." John headed for the door with his sister and Liara following.

~*TF*~

"You handled that well," John stated to Jane as they left Udina's office.

"Oh, I'm livid, but we can discuss that on the Normandy. Udina needs to learn that I have your back, even when I think you are doing something phenomenally stupid and worthy of a large amount of anger," Jane stated, giving her brother a glare. They headed down only to see a familiar sight. "Jesus, not now."

"Is that al-Jilani?" John asked.

"Get the elevator, I'll take al'Jilani," Jane stated as she watched the reporter glare.

"Spectre Shepard! Captain Shepard! The people of the Alliance have questions!" Khalisah cried and Jane approached. "Captain Shepard! Khalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani. Isn't it true your brother was on Earth when the Reapers attacked?"

"I was on Mars when the Reapers attacked," Jane stated, let their people know a little of the truth.

"Then how do you justify the two of you running away while millions of people on Earth die? IS that the best we can expect from the Alliance?" Khalisah demanded and Jane saw the anger in the reporter's eyes.

"We came to get help for Earth. For everyone," Jane stated calmly.

"What about all the people suffering while you play politics with the Council? What about them? How can you stand here while our families die? What are you going to do?" Khalisah's voice grew frantic. The terror in the tone was an obvious tell. Jane reached out to grab her shoulder.

"Khalisah, we're doing everything we can," Jane said and there was a softening of Khalisah's face.

"Before they cut the feeds...there were so many dead," she said and Jane nodded.

"We're going to stop the Reapers or die trying, but we need your help," Jane said. "Keep asking the hard questions. Don't let the Council forget about Earth." Jane said and Khalisah looked at Jane for a moment.

"I will. Thank you, Captain," she said as she started to leave. She paused. "We haven't always seen eye to eye...but I'm glad you and your brother are on our side." Jane felt exhausted. She got a ping on her omni-tool. At least there was some good news. She approached John.

"To Huerta?" he asked and she nodded as they got into the elevator.

~*TF*~

As Jane walked into Huerta Memorial she watched as John quickly bee lined it away from her. She stopped at the main desk to see if Kaidan was out of surgery. He was and she was given the okay to proceed in. As she headed in, she saw John talking with Doctor Chakwas. Glad her brother was distracted she hurried deeper into the hospital. As Jane walked into Kaidan's sterile hospital room she felt thankful when the door closed behind her. Kaidan was reclined in the bed, he still looked awful but he was alive. The monitor on the wall let out strong beeps, the readings looked better than when he was in the Normandy med bay. She moved to the side of the bed and stroked his cheek, still pallid, the purple around his eyes so hard to bear. Another memory came back.

A weekend shore leave right before Jane had to leave the Normandy...before it was destroyed. She and Kaidan were in another hotel room, they had been in bed for over twenty-four hours, one of them slipping out long enough to grab the room service, return room service, or run to the bathroom. They lay together under the sheets, Jane dozing against Kaidan's chest, his arms wrapped around her, his hot hands on her hips, when his lips pressed against her forehead. She had woken up to the prickle of his stubble against her skin.

"Hmmm, someone needs a shave," she teased and he chuckled.

"I thought you liked it," he said in a contended rumble.

"Not between my eyebrows," she had laughed and he pulled her close, rolling her under him again. She looked up at him. He rubbed his nose against hers before he kissed her. It was gentle and hungry. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he broke the kiss and they both took deep breaths.

"God, I love you," he groaned before burying his face in her neck.

Jane stared at Kaidan as the heart monitor beeped. She looked over his chest, wider and more muscular than when they were together, but still so him.

"Don't die, Kaidan. You've got to fight. We need you in this," Jane whispered. "The Alliance could sure use you...I...could sure use you." She gently placed her fingertips on his cheeks, she brought her lips down to his. His lips were cool and dry. His stubble irritated the skin on her chin and she looked at him. She shook her head, this wasn't a fairy tale, you couldn't wake someone up with a kiss. She turned and headed out the door. She looked at the doctors. "Let me know if you need anything. Anything." She headed out.

~*TF*~

Later that day the twins were on the Normandy as they waited for the crews of both the Normandy and the Okinawa to report back. Jane would head to the Okinawa once the crew was on board. For now, she was leaning against the fish tank while John sat at his desk reading Traynor's report on the Normandy changes.

"I didn't have a chance to tell you earlier," John said after a few minutes and Jane shook her head.

"You can be so stupid and impulsive sometimes," Jane groaned pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Hey! Have you forgotten everything that happened with the Alliance?" he said as he set the report down and Jane made a noise in the back of her throat.

"I did not forget that, in fact, I do recall using your girlfriend's resources to expose multiple people who did that to you as Cerberus sell outs," Jane said giving John a look as he scoffed. "I'm not telling you to forgive them, I'm going to point out that you not being Alliance is not a good thing."

"You know you may have exposed some corrupt Admirals but some of them who still railroaded me out weren't corrupt. They did this of their own free will," John said. "Besides, I don't see why I should bother. I've done more as Spectre than I ever did as an Alliance officer. If we need a Spectre in the Alliance, they have you. I think in this war, I don't need to be tied down by the Alliance. I can do things you can't, not without blow back."

"Like what?" Jane countered and John shot her a look.

"They may come a point where we have to decide to abandon an Alliance objective for the greater good of the war. If I do it all the Alliance can do is piss and moan. You do it? You can be court marshaled. Why do you care so much about being in the Alliance anyway?"

"Because you are the Hero of Elysium," Jane said and John stared at her. "I'm the Terror of the Hegemony." John growled and thumped a fist on his desk startling Jane.

"Not anymore, I'm the Monster," he spat as he glared at her.

"No, you're not!" Jane cried as she looked at her brother. Pain glazed her red rimmed eyes. "You were always the hero. You were the one who gave people hope. After Elysium Alliance enrollment went up. When people talk about the first human Spectres, you are always the one they mention first because you are John Shepard. You have always been the hero. I'm the Special Ops, I'm the codename, I'm...I'm the monster, John. What you did, you did to survive a trap...you didn't do the evil things I did. I did things that make me very much worthy of the title of Terror of the Hegemony. I am a monster, John. You have always been the hero. The Alliance needs heroes. We are in the dark times when heroes like you shine the brightest." John stared at his sister.

"You're not a monster," he said. "And I don't want to be the Alliance's hero. Besides what do titles matter anymore? There are only two sides in this war, us, and the Reapers. We need to do what is right not what the politicians tell us to do. There are going to be hard choices to make and we're going to have to make them. Be damned the titles and propaganda we've got work to do." Jane stared at him for a moment and sighed before she shook her head.

"I can't make you do anything, John, but I have your back. If this is what you choose, I want you to know I think it is the wrong move, but I won't press you or say things I know could manipulate you into returning to the Alliance," Jane said. John stared at her before nodding curtly. He picked up the data pad and studied it for a minute before speaking again.

"Can the Okinawa keep up with us?" John asked, changing the topic and Jane nodded.

"Easily," she said.

"If we go into combat, it could give us away," he said and Jane smirked.

"No, the Okinawa has a IES stealth system," Jane stated and John stared at her.

"The Normandy is the only ship with that," he said and Jane shook her head.

"Technically, the Normandy SR-2 and the Okinawa have almost identical engines," Jane explained and John stared.

"How?" he asked.

"When the Normandy SR-1 was being built they planned to make more Normandy class frigates, the Okinawa was being built while we fought Saren, by the time the SR-1 was destroyed, they decided to put an older model engine in the Okinawa," Jane explained. "Not long after we defeated the Collectors, I made the decision to salvage the SR-1's engines...and with some spec's courtesy of EDI, we were able to retrofit the SR-1's engines with a bit of an upgrade into the Okinawa." John stared for a moment.

"So, the Okinawa is a Normandy class frigate with the original SR-1 stealth engines?" he summarized and Jane nodded. "That feels a bit ghoulish."

"I figured, stealth would be key," Jane explained. "I know how you feel."

"Captain, the last of the crew made it to the Okinawa," Green called over Jane's comm.

"Well, that's my crew accounted for, I should head over so we will be ready to leave for Palaven ASAP," Jane said. "Hey EDI, is Vega on the ship?"

"He arrived a moment ago," EDI stated and Jane nodded.

"Tell him to wait there," Jane said. "I'm taking Vega."

"Why?" John asked and Jane pulled up her omni-tool.

"I tapped him to join my Special Ops team, approval came in right when I was dealing with al-Jilani," Jane explained.

"Take him," John sighed as they headed down.

"Hey Lola, what's up?" Vega asked and Jane crossed her arms.

"You're mine, Lieutenant, grab your gear and follow me to the Okinawa," Jane ordered and James gave her a look.

"Seriously?" he asked and she smirked.

"James, what have I told you about playing chicken with me?" she asked and he headed to the elevator.

"I got it, I got it," he huffed. "Damn."

"Why him?" John asked and Jane gave him a look.

"Use your girlfriend's connection to learn about James, he's a good marine and he deserves a little more respect than you give him," Jane commented.

"Oh really, Lola," John commented in a tone Jane knew all too well. Jane gave him a look.

"I like it," she commented and John rolled his eyes.

"Don't get too friendly with the subordinates," he chided.

"You're not Alliance, don't tell me what to do," Jane shot back.

"I'm still your big brother," he replied.

"Only older than me by fourteen minutes, still can't tell me what to do," Jane said.

"Whatever, one less of your spies on my ship," John said and Jane laughed.

"Please, Anderson let me tap whoever I wanted to crew the Normandy when she went Alliance acquisition," Jane smirked and John gave her a look.

"Are you serious?" he asked with suspicion.

"I'm joking...maybe..." Jane teased and John rolled his eyes as James returned. "Come on James, time to meet your new team."

"Whatever you say, Lola," the large marine huffed as he carried his footlockers. A few minutes later she was escorting him to the Okinawa ground team's lockers.

"James, I'd like to introduce you to Team Minerva," Jane said as they entered the cargo hold with a single shuttle and the lockers. His eyes widened as he saw a familiar face.

"Milique!" he cried as he approached his only surviving Delta Squad teammate.

"Hey, Lieutenant, long time no see, I see the Captain finally got you," the sniper chuckled. James turned to stare at Jane, she shrugged.

"I'm more like my brother than I care to admit. When I saw he was free and I could use a sniper, well, I'm not stupid when it comes to talent," Jane replied.

"I got you, Lola," James nodded.

"My last mission was escorting the Prothean team who is currently on the ship with us, one of my team chose to leave, and I tapped you for his spot," Jane explained. "Team Minerva is Special Ops and my back up when I do Spectre missions. Codenames are imperative. I'm codenamed Athena, Milique is codenamed Glaukopis. This is Freddie Haberkorn, our sentinel, codenamed Dory. This is Todd Prinze, our Engineer, codenamed Aspida."

"So, I'm our solider," James said and Jane nodded. "What's my weird Greek codename?"

"What else?" Milique chuckled. "You're going to be our shield. You get to be Aegis."

"Wasn't that Zeus' shield?" James asked and Jane shrugged.

"Athena used it and she put Medusa's head on it," she stated. "Get ready team, we're heading out to Palaven."

"Yes, ma'am!" the team cried.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: October 17th, 2186 CE

Location: Apien Crest, Trebia System, Palaven's Moon: Menae

As the shuttle disembarked from the Normandy John stared at the images on the screen. Palaven was surrounded by hundreds of ships and dozens of Reapers. Large areas of the planet seemed to be glowing and not with city lights. He heard Liara gasp at the sight and John felt his heart clench. Normally he wouldn't worry about his friend but against these kinds of odds nothing was a sure bet anymore.

"My team will meet you at the LZ," Jane's voice said from behind him. John turned to look and saw his sister's face display on another screen. She looked grim.

"I assume they're a good team?" he asked and Jane gave him a look.

"They're some of the best. Don't get me wrong, I trust you and Liara with my life, but I saw some of the video Ash took on Earth. Those...Batarian husks...they look a little more solid than the human ones and...there may be Turian husks by the time we get there," Jane said with a grim face. John nodded at that.

"See you on the moon," John said and Jane nodded before she cut off the communications.

"Was it like this on Earth?" Liara asked and John scowled.

"Worse," John said tersely.

"John...I'm so sorry," Liara said and John nodded his thanks to her.

"Spectre! The LZ is getting swarmed!" Cortez announced and John growled before getting up and heading for the door as he unholstered his remanent rifle.

"Let's open that hatch then signal Jane's shuttle to open fire as well."

Liara activated the hatch. John took careful aim before opening fire. They were human based husks so he was able to take them out quickly. Another shuttle circled perpendicular to them and gun fire rang out from it. The landing zone was quickly cleared.

"Alright, get in, get out. Let's go," John growled, barely waiting for the shuttle to stop before he hit the ground. The dirt was thick and rocky beneath his feet and as soon as he took a breath of Menae's air he could feel the difference. The air was thinner than the normal. He took a few practiced breaths to help himself acclimate. He glanced to his left and noticed Jane moving towards him with her team. He recognized one of them as one of the Protheans from Mars, Javik if he remembered correctly, beside him was James behind them were three men. The shortest one was average height with dark hair and sniper oculars. One was a taller, thin man with gray at his temples with the standard Alliance omni-tool for engineers. The last was similar in height with a slight Asian appearance in standard sentinel gear. The three men were unfamiliar to John and frankly has wasn't impressed by what he saw. Apparently, Jane favored quantity over quality.

"Soldier! Which way to your commanding officer?" John called to one of the Turians in the nearby guard post.

"Straight ahead and around the corner...past the first barricade." The man called out. John nodded and headed down that way. As they approached, he heard them spot the teams before they lowered the gate and allowed them in. John heard the familiar chatter of an active military base and felt right at home. He glanced around and finally spotted the commanding officer. He made his way into the command post with Jane following him as the others took up guard positions nearby.

"Tobestik, get your men up on that north barricade." The general growled, working away at a display. The aforementioned soldier saluted.

"Yes, sir!" he said before moving off.

"Sergeant Bartus, find a way to get that comm tower operational," the General snapped out. The other officer snapped out a confirmation and also ran off.

"General," John greeted.

"Ah Spectre Shepard. Heard you and Captain Shepard were coming, but I didn't believe it. General Corinthus." The General introduced himself.

"General we've come to get Primarch Fedorian," John said. The general jerked slightly and then looked down which gave John a sinking feeling.

"Primarch Fedorian is dead. His shuttle was shot down an hour ago as it tried to leave the moon." General Corinthus stated.

"That's going to complicate things," Jane muttered.

"How bad is it, General?" John inquired.

"We're holding the Reapers, but we are working for it. We are currently damaging more ships than losing men, but the casualties are still too high. We set up camps on this moon as an advance position, to flank the enemy. A sound strategy. Just..."

"Irrelevant." John sighed, understanding where he was going with this.

"Exactly. The sheer force of the Reapers seems to make them immune to that sort of tactic. The Primarch and his men found that out the hard way." General Corinthus explained.

"I'm sorry. I knew him personally and he was a good man," Jane said.

"And a friend. He would have been an outstanding leader for the Board." General Corinthus mused.

"So, what happens now?" John asked.

"The Turian hierarchy provides very clear lines of succession," Liara spoke up.

"Right. General Corinthus?" Jane asked, focusing on the General who began working away at his terminal again.

"It's hard for me to be certain who the next Primarch is. Palaven Command will know. However, at the moment, contacting them is impossible. The comm tower is out. Husks are swarming that area...we can't get close enough to repair it."

"Don't worry, General. We'll get your tower operational," John said, heading for the ramp.

"Thank you Spectre, I'll take care of things on this end," Corinthus said.

"All right, let's go."

~*TF*~

A few minutes later they had cleared the immediate area and moved towards the tower. Jane watched John move for the console at the base of the tower. He tried to access it and grunted when it began to error out on him.

"We can't repair it from this panel," John said as he worked on the console.

"Prinze, get up there," Jane ordered.

"Yes, ma'am!" the engineer cried as he rushed up the tower. The team spread out.

"These husks are easily defeated," Javik stated and Jane nodded as she, Liara, Haberkorn, and Javik began using biotics to keep the husks at bay as the remainder of the ground team began picking off the husks.

"These ones are rather easy," Jane commented as she flung one into a wall, smashing it with a throw.

The husks were coming in minor waves and they were easily taken care of. There was a moment of peace.

"Fixed!" Prinze cried from above.

"General, do you read? The comm tower is now operational," John called.

"Much appreciated. Commander. I'll contact Palaven Command," General Corinthus responded.

"Shepard out," John said. The husks were still coming but it was easy to maintain the tower. For a few minutes it was as unhurried as a shooting range.

"Shepards, come in," General Corinthus called.

"Go ahead," John said.

"I have information from Palaven Command. Please return ASAP," General Corinthus reported.

"Team, stay here, save for you Vega. Let's keep this tower going, the Reapers need this base silenced, make them work for it," Jane ordered her team. "Come on, Vega, don't suppose you'll follow a damn order, Javik?"

"I have followed many damned orders," he replied. "Just none from primitives." Jane rolled her eyes as they headed back to the base. They approached General Corinthus.

"What have you got?" John asked.

"As your partner said, succession is usually simple. But right now, the real trouble is we have got many dead or MIA but with comms being targeted it makes proper succession tedious," General Corinthus stated.

"We need a Primarch," Jane stated.

"I don't care who, as long as they can get us a Turian member for the Council's War Advisory board," John said.

"I'm on it, Shepard. We'll find you the Primarch," a familiar voice said and Jane's eyes flashed up. Blue and silver armor in his favorite style and his Kuwashii visor in place. Jane began to smile at the Turian before a wave of guilt bore down on her. Kaidan. Her heart was skipping a beat just hearing Garrus' voice.

"Garrus!" John cried out happily, but it was Jane Garrus was looking at.

"Vakarian, sir...I didn't see you arrive," General Corinthus started, Garrus casually looked at the General.

"At ease, General," he said and the general did look relieved. Garrus seemed to be more assured, so different from the last time they had seen each other in person. Confidence seemed to radiate from him.

"You're alive," Jane said, emotion in her throat. The fight in space above them...she worried he had been there, dying in the vacuum of space. Garrus took her hand in his, she clutched his hand, real and responsive in her own, as he patted hers. It was...weird, but somehow so Garrus. Shame washed over her, how long since she had kissed Kaidan and here she was clinging to Garrus, but she couldn't let him go.

"I'm hard to kill...you should know that" Garrus said and Jane looked at him, tall and in one piece. Kaidan in the hospital bed flashed in her mind and she shook it away. She had to put that aside for now and focus on the mission. She could think about...this...later.

"I would have thought you were on Palaven," John said.

"If we lose this moon, we lose Palaven. I'm the closest damn thing we have to an expert on Reaper forces, so I'm...advising," he explained and Jane's eyes widened. He mentioned going quiet on communications a few weeks ago, she had no idea this was why.

"James, this is Garrus Vakarian. He's been with us since Saren and he stayed with us against the Collectors...he's a hell of a soldier," Jane said, introducing James to Garrus. "Garrus, this is one of my team, Lieutenant James Vega. This is Javik, part of that thing I couldn't tell you about and the funny one."

"Funny one?" Javik sneered.

"Lieutenant. Javik. Good to see you too, Liara," Garrus greeted. Jane looked at him, he looked confident in this role.

"Good to see you in one piece, Garrus," Liara said with a smile.

"General Corinthus filled me in. We know who we're after," Garrus stated.

"Palaven Command tells me that the next Primarch is General Adrien Victus," General Corinthus said.

"Victus? His name has crossed my desk before," Liara commented thoughtfully.

"You know him, Garrus?" John asked.

"I was fighting alongside him this morning. Lifelong military. Gets results, popular with his troops," Garrus said before looking amused. "Not so popular with military command, has a reputation for playing loose with accepted strategy." The twins shared a look.

"How loose?" John asked with a grin seeing Garrus' expression.

"On Taetrus, during the uprisings, his squad discovered a Salarian spy ring about the same time the Turian separatists did," Liara explained. "Rather than neutralize the ring, he fell back. he even gave up valuable fortifications, which the rebels took."

"Then the rebels attacked the Salarians. And when both groups had worn each other down, Victus moved back in. Didn't lose a man," Garrus said in an approving tone.

"Bold strategy, but wild behavior doesn't get you advanced up the meritocracy," General Corinthus pointed out.

"Primarch Victus. That should be something to see," Garrus commented.

"You think he can get the job done?" John asked.

"We both know conventional strategy won't beat the Reapers. Right now, he could be our best shot. And I trust him," Garrus said.

"Okay, let's get him on the shuttle and get out of here," Jane said.

"Shepard, come in!" Joker cried over the comms.

"Can this wait, Joker? We're in the middle of a war zone," John said as Jane and Garrus looked at each other. To Jane's eyes Garrus looked confident and strong. He had come into his own. She smiled at him as she thought about their courtship on the SR-2. Then the image of Kaidan broken on the ground make Jane's throat close up. Well fuck.

"We got a situation on the Normandy. It's like she possessed, shutting down systems, powering up weapons," Joker cried. "I can't find the source."

"We need the Normandy standing by, we may have to bug out," John replied.

"Should I go back and take a look?" Liara asked and John nodded.

"Do it," he said and they shared a look before she headed out.

"Garrus, you said you were with Victus this morning?" Jane asked.

"Yeah, but we got separated. He went to bolster a flank that was breaking. Could be anywhere out there," Garrus stated.

"We're trying to raise him, Spectres," General Corinthus informed the group.

"What the fuck is that?" James cried as a strange husk creature rose over the crest of a nearby hill.

"It's heading for the airfield," Garrus stated.

"Liara!" John cried and the team shared a look.

"General, tell Primarch Victus we'll rendezvous here!" Jane cried as they rushed for the airfield. They needed to get Liara get off world on the shuttle.

"It may have been a transport for ground forces," Javik stated and Jane gave him a look.

"They had those things when you fought them?" Jane asked.

"No, but it could easily be used for that," Javik stated as they ran.

"Coming, Garrus?" John asked.

"Right behind you," Garrus responded. The team ran and as they passed the barricade, they could see the shuttle in air.

"Liara's good," John said.

"James, is that you breathing hard?" Jane taunted.

"Atmosphere's a little thinner than I'm used to, is all," James responded. "Adrenaline's better than oxygen any day."

"With that mindset, you will not last long," Javik commented. As gunfire flew. Jane's barrier went up as she stared in horror. Husks...Turian husks, armed and firing. She got into cover. Javik fired and the blue gleam of shielding showed the Turian husks were not like human husks.

"James, Garrus, focusing on taking down their shields. There are human husks, I'll focus on those," Jane called.

"You aiming for the human husks?" John asked and Jane nodded, throwing a singularity at a choke point. "Biotics can take down the human husk. We don't know what those Turian husks can do."

The Turian husks were more durable than the humans, but between the five of them, it wasn't overbearing. Then one of the Turian husks raised a hand and it appeared something was moving from it towards a human husk. The human husk seemed to grow armor. Jane threw it and it bounced.

"The Turian husks can buff the others!" Jane warned.

"A tactic they have used before," Javik warned. "These Turians' physiology allow for this effect."

"You had a race that did this in your cycle?" Jane asked.

"Yes," Javik replied as he killed a Turian husk.

"Can you prevent it?" Jane asked.

"Easily," Javik said they fought for a moment before Jane realized the Prothean did not plan to respond.

"How?" Jane asked.

"We eliminated the species they used create those types of husks," Javik stated and the group stared at him. He looked at them. "It solved the problem."

"Who is Javik again?" Garrus asked.

"He's a Prothean," Jane said as she and Javik kept fighting.

"A Prothean?!" Garrus cried.

"Yeah...meant to let you know about that," Jane said as she blasted the last human husk on the hill. Javik shot the last Turian husk.

"A living Prothean?" Garrus gasped.

"Is it so common to find fake dead ones?" Javik asked and John snickered at that.

"I helped with research with Prothean artifacts. We found locations like Ilos...but with living Protheans. Those tactics that were passed along by the Council, Garrus, they were from the Protheans," Jane explained. Garrus jaw dropped.

"Your secret mission," Garrus said and Jane nodded.

"Yeah, we're hoping this will turn the tide," Jane said. "I think we're done here." The group returned to the base. General Corinthus looked over his planning table.

"Shepards. I'm still trying to raise the Primarch...but we've got trouble at the main barricade. If the Reapers breach it, we're done," he said.

"The Reapers realize the importance of the base," Javik said. "I would make plans to relocate and leave this one loaded with explosives."

"Fortunately, this one is a distraction, we've been using it as a main hub, but the real headquarters is elsewhere," Garrus explained. "The explosives are a nice touch."

"Perhaps you are not that primitive," Javik commented.

"Get to the barricade," John ordered and the team scaled it. Jane's eyes gleamed.

"Dibs on the turret," Jane said with a pleased tone.

"Vakarian, sir?" one of the Turians on the wall asked.

"Let her, she beat me shooting pijacks with one of those," Garrus stated and Jane stepped onto the turret.

"Really?" John asked.

"How many pijacks did you kill with missiles?" Jane asked as she began firing. "Man...wish this was like the one on Tuchanka, it fired missiles."

The human husks never made it close to the barricade.

"Like fish in a barrel," James chuckled. "Bet I can get three at a time."

"Like what?" Garrus stated.

"Old human saying, like shooting fish in a barrel," James explained.

"Humans invent guns and they use them to fish...primitives," Javik groaned as he shook his head. John gave Jane a look and she shrugged with a grin. She thought it was funny. It was smooth sailing until a husk that was an abomination dropped.

"Holy hell! What is that thing?" James cried and Jane stared. The head was Turian, but the body was familiar. As it lunged Jane realize the spines coming up would have helped to support a hump. Krogan. It was a husk Frankenstein monster made up of Krogan and Turian parts. Jane realized she should have moved as it struck the wall and she toppled over the barricade. The beast pounded its chest like a silverback gorilla and Jane rolled to her feet as she stared at it. A metallic spine moved the Turian upper jaw and head. Someone's son was torn to pieces to make that thing. Jane felt rage.

"Jane!" John cried as the team leapt down after her. Jane pulled her blades and the beast ran at her. She ran at it and dropped to a knee, sliding under the thick arm.

"Krogan...the Reapers got some Krogan," Jane stated and John stared at the creature as he saw it too.

"That's messed up," James said.

"Give me a lift, get me on the hump!" Jane said to her brother and he looked at her. She shook out her arms, letting her blades flash. John looked at the spindly neck. He grinned.

"Got it," he said the creature was coming. Jane ran at her brother, he put his hands together, as her foot caught his hands, he threw her up. She flipped around, landing on the creature's shoulders. It stumbled trying to follow her as her blades crossed in front of her. The creature's body jerked a few times before it collapsed and Jane rolled with the momentum to her feet. "Nice catch on the neck."

"This disgusts you?" Javik asked and Jane gave him a look.

"A husk is just a body that has been mechanized, it is remains of that person. This...this is desecrating the dead," Jane said. "I've had enough of that." She turned, the shame clear on her face.

"Shepards. Corinthus here," General Corinthus' voice came over the comms.

"What's the word on the Primarch?" John asked.

"Still can't get a stable comm link." General Corinthus sound frustrated.

"Okay. We're going on foot. Shepard out." John said and sighed. He turned his attention to Garrus. "Garrus, take us to the last place you saw Victus."

"How far?" Jane asked and Garrus gestured around a corner.

"Should be pretty quick, unless we find trouble." Garrus noted.

~*TF*~

A few minutes later they were approaching the base a few stray soldiers had pointed them to when a loud explosion rang out.

"That sounds bad!" James noted and John growled.

"Okay, double time! No Reaper's taking this Primarch from me!" John snapped. Jane couldn't help the hysterical little chuckle she made when John snapped that out.

"Right behind you!" James growled. They stormed into the base and John gunned down the first husk he saw, which just happened to be a Batarian based husk.

"I hate the Hegemony...but they didn't deserve this!" Jane shouted to John. John grunted in agreement as he shot down another few husks.

"John look out!" Garrus shouted to him. John felt a loud thud and whirled around to see one of those hulking brute husks had come straight at him.

"Shit!" John shouted and dove to the side as it slammed the ground where he had been standing.

"Give it everything you've got!" General Victus ordered and everyone was opening fire on the brute. It roared but kept coming at John. He cursed as he rolled back to get some distance. He glanced at Jane and had a thought. This time it was his turn.

"JANE LIFT!" he shouted at her. He charged the brute and as he took a step he felt his feet lift into the air as a biotic field engulfed him. Then he was flying through the air at the brute. He outstretched his arms and smashed into its neck. He grabbed it and planted his feet on its shoulders. With a scream of rage he pulled with all his strength and felt a primal satisfaction as he tore the brute's Turian head off. It staggered a few steps and went crashing to the ground. He heard the Turian soldiers began cheering as he tossed the head away. As the team approached him, the Prothean Javik looked it over.

"We could do that without others' help," he sniffed before moving off. John rolled his eyes and headed for the Primarch.

"General Victus?" John inquired and the Turian nodded.

"Yes."

"I'm Spectre Shepard of the Normandy and this is Captain Shepard of the Okinawa," John said instructing his sister.

"Ah, the Shepards, I know who you are. I can't wait to find out what brings you out here." The general said before focusing on Garrus. "Vakarian...where did you go?"

"Heavy Reaper unit on the right flank. I believe your exact words were, 'Get that thing the hell off my men.'" Garrus noted and John saw the general fight off a smirk.

"Appreciate it."

"General, you're needed off planet. We've come to get you." Jane explained.

"It will take something beyond important for me to leave my men, or my Turian brothers and sisters, in their fight." General Victus stated and John felt an instant respect for this man.

"Fedorian was killed. You're the new Primarch." Garrus explained and Victus blinked in surprise.

"You're need immediately to chair a War Advisory board to represent your people in the fight against the Reapers." John explained. The new Primarch turned away to look intensely at Palaven up in the sky before turning back to the waiting Spectres.

"I'm the Primarch of Palaven? Representing the Turian hierarchy?" He said, as if in shock.

"Yes sir, you are," Jane said.

"I've spent my whole life in the military. I'm no diplomat...I hate diplomats." Victus protested.

"What makes you think you're not qualified?" Jane asked and the Primarch looked at her.

"I'm not really a "by the book" kind of guy...and I piss people off. My family's been military since the Unification War. War is my life. It's in my bones. But that kind of passion is...deceptive...Can make you seem reckless when you're anything but."

"War is your resume. At a time like this, we need leaders who've been through that hell," John noted. Victus focused on him before nodding in agreement.

"I like that. You're right."

"And honestly, uniting the races may take as much strength as facing the Reapers," John noted before gesturing towards Palaven. "See this devastation, Primarch? Triple that for Earth. I need an alliance. I need the Turian fleet." Victus was quiet for a moment before his expression hardened.

"Give me a moment to say goodbye to my men," Victus said before moving toward his waiting soldiers.

"Without him down here. There's a chance we could lose this moon, John," Garrus noted coming up beside his friend.

"Without him up there, there's a good change we lose everything," John countered and Garrus sighed, turning to look at a Reaper that was walking along Menae, firing at opposing troops.

"Look at that! And they want my opinion on how to stop it? Failed C-Sec officer, vigilante...and I'm their expert advisor? Think you can win this thing, John?"

"Yeah, I don't know, Garrus. But I'm sure as hell gonna give it my best shot," John noted.

"We all are," Jane said, looking intently at the Turian. Garrus turned towards her and nodded.

"I'm damn sure nobody else can do it. For whatever it's worth, I'm with you two, like always," Garrus exclaimed. John grinned and extended his arm which Garrus grabbed by the forearm.

"Damn good to have you back, buddy," John noted.

"Are you ready, Primarch Victus?" Jane said, turning away from them feeling slightly irritated with her brother.

"One thing. Spectres, I appreciate your need for our fleets, but I can't spare them. Not while my world is at risk of burning. But if the pressure could be taken off Palaven…" Victus trailed off leadingly.

"That's a pretty tall order." Jane noted.

"We need the Krogan. I can't see us winning this thing without them. Get them to help us, and then we can help you." Victus said. Jane blinked in surprise and John grinned.

"Well luckily I do have member of clan Urdnot in my family."

"As if Wrex would miss out on this fight," Jane said before she sighed. "Though not without something."

"Looks like your summit just got a lot more interesting." Garrus said with a grin.

~*TF*~

"Team, we are heading out," Jane said over her comms as they entered the main base.

"Team?" Garrus asked and Jane nodded.

"The Okinawa and the Normandy are working in tandem," Jane stated and Garrus blinked.

"You're not on the Normandy," Garrus said and Jane shook her head. Her team assembled and headed to the Okinawa's shuttle.

"But I'll be a hell of a lot closer than before," Jane replied and Garrus gave her a look that made her heart race as she remembered their tumble the morning before the Collector Base.

"Your primitive displays of affection between species sicken me," Javik stated as he walked between the two and Jane felt the stab of guilt, thinking that way about Garrus while Kaidan was fighting for his life because of her.

"I'll see you again and we can talk more," Jane said to Garrus before looking at John. "I'll talk to you on ship, John." She got into the shuttle and it closed behind her.

"We need to get your team on the Citadel before we go much further," Jane commented to Javik.

"Oh?" he asked.

"Jaimini is pregnant and Kajal's engineering skills are too good to be stuck with me while Project Redemption could use her," Jane stated. Javik nodded at that.

"Anik will want to stay with his spouse...the besotted fool," Javik hummed.

"Wait a second, can we talk about the fact that you've had a team of Protheans on the ship and only told me now?" James cried.

"It wasn't necessary," Jane stated and James gave her a look.

"Look, Lola, we got to take about trust," James stated and Jane sighed.

"Fine, you can throw me onto the next brute," Jane said as she turned to Javik. "We'll talk to them on the Okinawa. We'll make a pass at the Citadel; John should probably talk to Tevos about the asari War Advisory board member...I get the feeling she's mad at me. I'll invite Wrex." Jane sent John an email suggesting he speak to Tevos while she reached out to Wrex.

~*TF*~

Belle AN: So...I hope this has gotten a few shippers concerned. I really do hope I can create a love triangle worthy of Jane Shepard. It all starts here. Also, we're fighting the Reapers with a little more of an edge than the game got.

Toby AN: I'm sorry for the delay on this you guys. I wasn't really feeling up to writing and my grandmother on my mother's side passed away recently. So, it's been pretty weird here. I hope I get the next chapter done quickly given it's my turn but this one was rough to write. I hope you enjoyed.

Second Toby AN: Okay so I need to add this because it literally happened during our personal review and finalization process. I got my tax return refund and bought a TV. I set it up in my basement which I am turning into a game room and taking the empty box upstairs I slipped on the stairs, fell off the stairs and landed on my right side on the basement floor. Which is concrete covered by crappy carpet I haven't replaced yet. I dislocated my right elbow. I ache SO much right now. Apparently, another me, an evil drugged me appeared after my trip to the hospital. Drugged Toby apparently called Belle, had a full conversation I do not remember, bought a Dairy Queen meal, ate half of it and left the rest for the cat. I have no recollection of this which amuses Belle to no end. So that was a fun night.

~*TF*~

OMAKE 1

"Captain Shepard?" Tevos asked and Jane smiled. Saccharine sweet and deadly eyed.

"I just wanted to request one thing from the Council," Jane stated and not one Councilor looked excited by her expression. John noticed that all four of the Protheans with them were smiling.

"What is it?" Tevos asked in a cold tone.

"The Council's official stance on Spectre John Shepard's actions in the Bahak system is a null vote," Jane stated. Tevos and Valern looked less than amused and Udina looked furious.

"That matter was put to rest when Councilor Anderson stepped down," Tevos stated with an air of victory.

"Oh no, I understand that" Jane said as she looked at them. "But you yourselves said that the Prothean weapons and tactics are working. We would never have had time to develop and share them if it had not been for the actions of Spectre John Shepard in the Bahak system."

"Captain, what are you getting at?" Udina was not holding back his rage. Jane looked at each Councilor slowly and deliberately.

"All I want is a written statement to be released officially stating that the Council believes that the actions of Spectre John Shepard in the Bahak system are responsible for the time necessary to develop the methods currently being used to keep the Reapers at bay," Jane said. "No votes needed, no changes to past actions, just the acknowledgment that those actions were what gave us the time we got to prepare for this event." The Councilors gave her a look.

"Fine!" Tevos hissed and Jane held out her fist, opening it in a mic drop before turning on her heel and walking out.

Belle: By the way, when I wrote this scene, I had to channel one of my favorite things. You see, I have been watching a LOT of historic K-dramas, J-dramas, and C-dramas, I don't know why but I love the ones with the royal harems and the savagery between the Empresses of ANY historic drama and the concubines of the harem can be wicked. So, I literally channeled the savagery of two female leads in a drama when they are flexing on each other. I hope that came out between Tevos and Jane in this scene.

OMAKE 2

"Damn good to have you back, buddy," John noted.

"Are you ready, Primarch Victus?" Jane said, turning away from them feeling slightly irritated with her brother.

"One thing. Spectres, I appreciate you need for our fleets, but I can't spare them. Not while my world is burning. But if the pressure could be taken off Palaven…" Victus trailed off leadingly.

"That's a pretty tall order." Jane noted.

"We need the Krogan. I can't see us winning this thing without them. Get them to help us, and then we can help you." Victus said. Jane blinked in surprise and John grinned.

"Well luckily I do have member of clan Urdnot in my family."

"As if Wrex would miss out on this fight," Jane said before she sighed. "Though I'm not sleeping with him again. After that initiation ceremony I couldn't walk straight for a week."

"What do you mean again?!" Garrus exclaimed.

"Ummm…"

OMAKE 3

"Yo, Little Lady, boss man is coming," Bull called from outside Belle's office door.

"Thanks, Bull, " Belle said as she flipped a switch under her desk. Various plans and layouts flipped on the walls revealing her "artwork" where once the layouts were. Belle continued to look over the script as Toby walked in, making a face at the giant painting of Bull behind Belle.

"And you call me a perv," Toby huffed.

"I make artwork," Belle huffed. "What did you want?"

"Wrex wants to renegotiate his contract," Toby said and Belle's eyes widened.

"What? Why?" Belle cried and Toby shuddered.

"He wants a portrait," he did not sound pleased by that. Belle thought about that. Wrex nude would be a great thing to put over her plan safe. While she trusted Kasumi, sometimes the simplest deterrent could be the best.

"Fine," Belle shrugged and Toby's jaw dropped.

"Fine!" he cried and she nodded.

"Why not...I kind want to see what a quad looks like anyway, I just can't picture it," Belle said as Toby turned green. "Go tell him okay."

"Ugh," Toby shuddered as he walked out. Belle sat down and was about to press the switch again when a voice called.

"Miss Belle, I wanted to show you my petition!" Samantha Traynor called and Belle grimaced.

"Come in, Specialist Traynor," Belle said and as Samantha walked in, she immediately looked down. "What is this petition?"

"A few of the shippers asked me if I would be willing to show you the petition for a Jane-female pairing," Samantha said and Belle got an evil idea.

"I suppose I could glance at it, but only if you do something for me," Belle said, letting the evil grin out. Traynor looked nervous.

"What might that be?" she asked.

"Wrex renegotiated his contract," Belle stated as she got up and began to approach Traynor.

"I see. What do you need me to do?" she asked.

"He wants a position on my walls," Belle said spreading out her arms, indicating the male forms around them, and Traynor's face paled. "So, I need an assistant to help me color match paint to his skin."

"I would be horrible at that!" she nervously said and Belle shrugged as she moved to the couch to begin setting up. Traynor didn't need to know that Wrex might not be around for hours or even days.

"It's easy," Belle said, barely holding back evil giggles. "I'll mix the paint...you just apply it to his skin and see if it matches. What do you say to..." Belle turned as her office door slammed shut. "Awwww...was that a no?"

"Little Lady, you do realize you might be evil," Bull said from outside her office and Belle laughed villainously.

"Maybe, but it can be fun to make certain characters cry," Belle said. "I bet Toby comes back later to yell at me for that." She headed to her desk and flipped the switch. The giant image of Bull behind her was the only picture that never moved.

OMAKE 4

"Begone foul usurpers! The Shenko's shall triumph this day!"

"Never! The Shekarian are the true romance for we are bromances too! CHAAAARGE!"

Tobias sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as he stood on the wall (without costume this time thank you very much) and watched as the latest fight raged because of Belle and her refusal to commit to a pairing. The stress headache he felt was slamming into him mightily along with the loud roar of the battlefield as the clang of metal upon metal echoed before him.

"I think this might be escalating just a bit," Cullen commented as he watched alongside the author. Toby opened his eyes and winced as he saw people trying to impale people from the opposing faction.

"Someone thinks they're a Vlad the Impaler," Tobias muttered before signaling. Further down the wall Legion took careful aim and shot the offending people who were trying to escalate the conflict. They all went down with well-placed tranq shots and the guards rushed in to pull of the offenders from the battlefield. At least for today anyways.

"Oh, I know Toby I think I'll have Jane kiss Kaidan in the hospital just before Menae," Toby snarked as he imitated Belle. "It will be so sweet and awkward later! Yeah, well you don't watch the factions do you because they begin harassing you now do you? You force me to clean up after you!"

"Sir I regret to inform you that the workers for the arc 3 studios won't make it in today," a random minion informed Toby. He sighed and turned to glare at them.

"Why the hell not?" he demanded.

"Apparently the shipper factions stole a shipment of wood meant for the studio builds so they could work on their own…projects," he explained. Tobias growled and made his way off the wall to go stomping towards the Twin Fates building.

"Okay now I need escalate things myself. God, I need a break." Tobias muttered as he headed inside to call a few people to see if they were willing to be hired on staff.

Belle Note: For transparency. I am creating a love triangle, not encouraging this rabid ship war. Also, while Toby would love to paint himself as an innocent, he was the one who suggested the Kaidan hospital kiss scene. His exact words were "like Snow White." Don't fall for this act, he's as guilty as I am for fanning the flames of the ship wars.

Toby's Note: Bull shit answer is bullshit Belle. This ship war is all on you.

Belle Note 2: *just gives the audience a knowing look and smirks*

OMAKE 5

"Where is Toby?" Belle demanded. Her fellow author had been missing for a while. She had cut him some slack given his recent family tragedy and lack of motivation but he claimed to have finished the chapter a week ago but hadn't sent it to her yet. His new personal assistant wasn't making it easier either.

"I am under no obligation to answer to you," Morrigan said with a sniff. "I do believe however that if you were to check your e-mail on occasion you might find what you are looking for."

Not to mention she scared the shit out of Belle.

"I was here well before you were," Belle argued. "Not to mention I control half this studio. I swear to God if you don't tell me where he is, I will have Iron Bull here make you tell me!"

"What Bull?" Morrigan drawled. Belle whirled around and was surprised to see Iron Bull had been replaced with a Bull Frog wearing armor like Bull's. Given the mournful croak the bull frog gave and the irony of it she knew instantly what Morrigan had done.

"You bi-!" Belle whirled around to see a closing portal with the famed Witch of the Wilds disappearing through it. She growled in irritation and scooped up the transfigured Qunari.

"Come on Bull, I think I can find a mage to help us out," Belle sighed.

In another location Morrigan reappeared. Glancing around the high-tech apartment she made her way upstairs and as she did waved her hand over herself to change her clothing to something far more scandalous and appropriate for soaking in a hot tub.

"Mr. Fiften the lady has been pacified for now," Morrigan said rather smoothly as she entered the large bathroom that contained said hot tub. Her employer was reclining in the tub, his eyes closed as Elizabeth sat behind him rubbing his temples.

"Thank you Morrigan," Tobias said, keeping his eyes closed as he felt the attentions of his Liz from the Lizverse and the heat of the hot tub ease the ache out of him. "Would you like to join us?"

"Yes, thank you," Morrigan said as she slipped into the hot tub and picking up a chilled drink from a nearby cooler. Say what you want about the man but he paid well and the benefits were exquisite.

"Toby why don't you have this in your office?" Tali asked, enjoying the hot waters as well and thankful she didn't need to wear that suit in off hours.

"One, we just completed this for arc three. Two, I like to keep this kind of thing out of the public eye," Toby said not opening his eyes as he spoke. "Three, I don't want to intimidate people like Belle does with her art. Four, I need a break from dealing with the shipping war Belle started. And lastly…" Toby trailed off into a happy groan as Elizabeth moved down to his neck.

"And last?" Zelda asked, her blonde hair spread out in the water.

"And lastly Belle is earning the reputation as the pervert between us." Toby said, opening his eyes to smirk at his companions. "Why spoil that image?"

Belle Note: Toby wrote this one. I love Morrigan and I am far too smart to ever threaten that woman in any way, shape, or form. Plus, I would never risk my The Iron Bull like that. You bring meat shields you don't care about for that.

Toby Note: *raises an eyebrow at Belle and shakes his head before turning to the readers* You see what I must put up with? I write a funny omake but noooo…someone must get the last word in. And you see what she calls warriors like me? Meat shields. I have to put with that shit, daily.

Belle Note 2: At least I respect you enough to call you a meat shield to your face. Besides, you love to aggro and I accept the lower scores without complaint.

OMAKE 6

Liara, blue pretty.

Tali, purple, bouncy arse.

Miranda, sexy, lingerie.

Kasumi, sexy Japanese, voyeur.

Jane, scary, dominatrix. Once.

Bakara, rough, once just say you did.

Funny! Boobage!

Belle stared at the Omake 6 script and wondered what the hell had happened. Toby had sent back the latest revision of TF30 but this new omake wasn't funny. It wasn't even a story it was like a tween first writing fanfiction poetry after hitting puberty. She pinched the bridge of her nose and began the long walk across the studio lot. Things were being set up for the next locations and soon enough she reached Toby's office. She knocked on the door before opening it. She was looking at the weird script as she began to talk.

"Toby, what is this?" she asked before looking up. She froze. Toby was smiling happily as he slowly chewed on a Dairy Queen burger. She looked around, the normal layout of his desk was rumpled, YouTube was playing the trailer for Godzilla vs Kong. Something was not right.

"Belle...Belle, how did you like the, um, the script?" he asked a doofy smile on his face. Belle stared at his eyes. Slowly she reached one hand into her hoodie pocket.

"It was...different, Dru, er...Toby," Belle said with a gentle smile. "Is your lunch good?"

"Yes, it is," he grinned before taking another bite and then slowly chewing as he noticed the video had ended. While Toby went to queue up another video Belle slipped from the room and closed the door.

"This is a Code Grey, I repeat, we have a Code Grey. Drug Toby has escaped!" Belle said into the walkie talkie. "I need The Iron Bull, Vega, Jack...bring all the big guns. We need to get Toby back..."

To Be Continued...