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.

36. Chapter 35

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: I am the very model of a scientist Salarian. I've studies species Turian, Asari, and Batarian. I'm quite good at genetics as a subset of biology because I am an expert which I know is a tautology. My xenoscience studies range from urban to agrarian, I am the very model of a scientist Salarian! Ahem.

Toby's Note: No, no. Please don't stop on my account. *shares some popcorn with Jane & John*

Belle's Note: That's the actual end of the song. The ahem.

Chapter 35: I am the Very Model of

Earth Date: November 12th, 2186 CE

Location: SSV Okinawa, In Orbit around Tuchanka

"...I understand your plan, and honestly, I'm glad to know you are taking part in this mission as well," Jane said to the krogan on the screen.

"Do not worry, Urdnot-Shepard, we are not passive and we will see this endeavor succeed. I will see you tomorrow," the krogan stated before the call was ended. Jane stretched her shoulder, the dull ache was still there since she had caught young Victus the hard way.

"Captain, Major Alenko is at the door," the VI John said, he was dressed like a butler since it made Jane laugh to see it. Jane couldn't hide forever, at least Garrus wasn't there too.

"Let him in," she said and the VI unlocked the door before vanishing. Kaidan entered with a look at Jane in her casuals.

"How's the arm?" he asked and she shook her head, of course, Kaidan the medic, had noticed.

"Sore," she said with a stretch.

"Do you think you trust me to work it?" he asked.

"I always trust you, Kaidan," she said instantly and he smiled slightly.

"Would you prefer seated or on the bed?" he asked and Jane fought the urge to blush. Her on a bed with Kaidan's skilled hands working her, what a recipe that was.

"You need leverage, the chair is too tall and it doesn't lower," Jane said as she got up and moved to lay on her stomach across the foot of her bed.

"You never said your preference," Kaidan teased gently as he moved to her side. His thighs so close to her body but not touching. Jane imagined she could feel the heat off of him.

"I'm worried about being in a bed with you nearby...but my shoulder is sore and I know you can help with making sure I'm up to par for tomorrow's mission," Jane stated, turning her head so she looked away from Kaidan. He could see the flush on her ear and the back of her neck. It stroked his ego a little to know she was flustered. Still, he wasn't going to get in her way. He just needed to rub her shoulder a little bit.

"Yes, ma'am," Kaidan said as he began to press her shoulder through her hoodie. "That's gonna need to go, it will get in the way.

"Sounds like you want me undressed, Kaidan," Jane said in a teasing manner, but the color on her ears betrayed her confidence. Kaidan smirked and kept his bedroom eyes aimed at the foot of her bed.

"Just professional, Jane, no nefarious plans involved," he said. Jane sat up, facing away from him and unzipped the hoodie, revealing a tank top underneath. She placed the hoodie next to her pillows before laying back down. Kaidan began to feel her shoulder. "Extend your arm in line with your shoulder." She did and he could feel the muscles' heat and density. He began to explore her shoulder. More muscle than when he last gave her a massage.

"What's the situation?" Jane asked.

"You're tight, but with a good rub down and a hot shower, you should be back to a hundred tomorrow," he said and Jane turned her head back towards him. Kaidan moved so she would have a decent view. While he helped her out, she could enjoy one of his best features. Jane had made no secret about how much she enjoyed walking behind him and he was not going to lose to Garrus without a fight. "As I push down along the shoulder blade lift your arm back up from your side to in line with your shoulder." Jane followed the instruction well and Kaidan pushed down into the muscle.

"Ooooh," Jane made the groan of all people getting a good massage and her cheeks were red. Kaidan's ass was at eye level as he stood with his hips parallel to her head.

"How does it feel now?" Kaidan asked, his hand could feel the tightness of the muscle.

"Like a full grown turian in armor landed on top of me," Jane stated, closing her eyes against the temptation of Kaidan's backside. Kaidan noticed and moved his body, he needed better leverage and if she wasn't looking, he wasn't going to play.

"You pulled too hard," Kaidan scolded her.

"I had to, he was a full grown turian in armor and he was going to fall with a big piece of metal ready to land on him," Jane said. "I needed to get just him and not the big piece of metal." Kaidan looked at Jane's face. He pressed hard and the expression on her face was one between pain and pleasure.

"You were desperate to save him," Kaidan commented and Jane's eyes opened at that.

"I'm tired of death," Jane confessed and Kaidan paused. Captain Jane Shepard, the Terror of the Hegemony, the Savior of the Citadel, a sniper with accolades, a deep cover operative, and a survivor was tired of death. His eyebrows furrowed.

"We're in a war," he said and Jane nodded as he pressed down, making her face contort again.

"We are, but I can be tired of death," Jane said. "Too many people are going to die, I cannot let people die when I can save them."

"Is that why you saved him?" Kaidan asked, gently placing her arm to her side before moving over her head to start working both her shoulders carefully.

"Yes, but think of how much better the world will be with him in it," Jane said. "He is now going to be a stronger leader from his mistake, his men will have a new respect for him seeing him willing to die for the cause, and his father will be stronger."

"You saved a lot of those who made it from the crash," he added.

"Turians have a bad habit of forgetting to duck," Jane sighed before letting out a deep groan as Kaidan pushed on her shoulders hard.

"You can't save everyone, Jane," Kaidan stated as he moved to sit in the chair. Jane sat up and stretched, the tension in her shoulder gone.

"I know, Kaidan, but I want to save everyone I can," Jane said. "I need to think beyond this war." Kaidan looked at her with concern.

"Javik told me about the war in his time and how it lasted a few lifetimes..." Kaidan started and Jane's face locked down as she stared at nothing making him stop. Something was in her eyes, these weren't her killing eyes, there was something else there he had never seen.

"I have done so much to make us ready. I must believe that I will see the end of this," Jane said. "There needs to be light at the end of this war. A reason to see it through. Every life I can save is another piece of a future beyond." Kaidan nodded at that. It was hard for him to think beyond the big plans. Make the Crucible was the biggest goal he could see to, but as long as he was next to Jane he would have hope.

"How's your shoulder feel?" he asked and Jane smiled.

"Much better," she said and he nodded as he got up.

"Take a hot shower and rest," Kaidan said. "We know you're not sleeping enough." He headed out and Jane watched him go for a moment before she got up and collected her shower gear.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: November 12th, 2186 CE

Location: SSV Normandy, In Orbit around Tuchanka

"Your sister did good work on Tuchanka. Stopping that bomb prevented the war between the turians and the krogan. We can't afford that kind of division right now," Hackett noted. John had finished updating the Admiral with his own mission report and now he was getting updated on his sister's actions.

"Joker said the krogan are recovering the bomb," John noted.

"They moved in. Won't allow turians to send in recovery crews to help," Hackett stated flatly.

"Understandable," John mused and Hackett scowled.

"The situation is fragile at the moment. With Wrex and the primarch aboard the Normandy, you've got a situation brewing. We don't have a solid alliance between those two yet. Keep the peace, John," Hackett said and John nodded in agreement.

"I'll make sure of it Admiral," John replied and Hackett sighed.

"Good luck, Spectre, Hackett out," The hologram cut out shortly after and John sighed.

"Just like growing up," John mused to himself as he left the communication room. "Jane does something and I have to make sure it doesn't bite us in the ass." John had only gone a few feet into the tactical room before Hackett's worries came true. Wrex stomped up to Victus. John had apparently missed something because Victus was trying to explain why the bomb was on Tuchanka.

"We couldn't risk another galactic war with the krogan!" Victus explained.

"The genophage wasn't enough? You had to plant a bomb on my planet!" Wrex snarled.

"The decision was made hundreds of years ago. So much has changed!" Victus pleaded and John winced. Wrong tone to take with the Krogan.

"Not enough to tell us about the bomb, coward!" Wrex snapped, pointing angrily.

"Hey!" John snapped, stepping in as both men turned to face him. "We can't let the past rip us apart. Working together, we have a chance." John came around the table to glare at both men. "Primarch, you had a bomb on Tuchanka! And Wrex? In the turian's place, you would've done the same damned thing."

"John!" Wrex started to protest but John's glare cut him off.

"It's over. His own son nearly died to make this right! If my sister hadn't been there he would have died to make it right!" John snapped.

"Please, Spectre, it's all right." Victus replied.

"Yes. Fine, Shepard, you made your point. We have stronger enemies to face." Wrex grumbled before storming off.

"We do." John sighed as he turned to face the tactical display. He saw the read outs of data they were getting from Palaven and Tuchanka. The Reaper numbers were staggering in their amount but what was worse for John was there was nothing for Earth.

"I understand your reservations before," Victus spoke up from behind him and John realized the man hadn't walked away, "but I hope you now understand the secrecy."

"Secrets get people killed." John noted, turning to face the Turian. "If Jane hadn't had been there you would have learned that the hard way."

"Yes...the hardest lesson anyone would ever learn. I am eternally grateful to your sister from sparing me that lesson." Victus noted and John sighed. "It was a mistake not to trust you and your sister."

"Remember that in the future Primarch," John noted. John watched the man leave for his terminal.

"Spectre, incoming message marked urgent. I'll put it in the comm room for you." Traynor called out over the comms and John sighed.

"Now what?" He muttered under his breath before speaking up. "Thanks, Traynor." John headed into the comm room and was surprised to see a hologram of the dalatrass.

"Dalatrass? How can I help you?" John asked and the Salarian turned to face him.

"Spectre Shepard, we know you've reached Tuchanka. And by now, I imagine Mordin Solas has proposed using the Shroud." The woman noted and John scowled.

"Are you spying on us?" John demanded, crossing his arms.

"Hardly. The Shroud is the only viable course of action open to you." She said with a haughty sniff. "Spectre, you can't allow your misguided sympathy for the krogan to cloud your judgment. Do you honestly believe curing the genophage will end in lasting peace?"

"We have to give the krogan that chance. You can't condemn an entire race to extinction based on what might happen." John countered.

"What will happen is the krogan will reproduce out of control. We uplifted them specifically for their violent nature, not their diplomatic skills. Another war is inevitable." She declared.

"What do you want, Dalatrass?" John asked, tired of the woman not getting to her point.

"Years ago, our operatives sabotaged the Shroud facility to ensure what you're planning couldn't be done. Mordin will likely detect this malfunction and repair it. But if you ensure that he doesn't, then the cure's viability will be altered just enough so that it fails. No one will notice the change." she revealed and John blinked in disbelief.

"You mean trick the krogan?" He stated numbly.

"They need not be any the wiser. Let Urdnot Wrex and your sister believe you fulfilled your promise."

"Mordin would never stand for that." John noted.

"How you deal with him is up to you, Spectre." Dalatrass Linron stated and John felt his blood run cold at that. "We can provide you our very best scientists to build the Crucible...and the full support of our fleets."

"If I sabotage the cure." John said, realizing this was basically a hit for hire.

"Think about it, Spectre. The choice is yours." She said and the comm cut off. John scowled before turning on his omni-tool to open a private comm line.

"EDI, did you record the last call I received?" John asked.

"I record all communications that don't use encryption, Shepard."

"Excellent. This is what I want to do."

~*TF*~

Jane was tousling her hair dry with a towel when VI John appeared.

"Archangel the sexiest turian in the galaxy is at the door," he said and Jane stared for a second.

"Who programmed you to say that?" Jane asked.

"Ashley the great and hilarious," VI John said and Jane made a face.

"Reset settings to prior to Ashley the great and hilarious' programming and secure future edits with the passcode...By the Goddess," Jane said, Ash would likely never suspect this one.

"Changes saved," VI John said as Jane pulled on her hoodie.

"Let him in," Jane said and the door opened. Garrus came in, eye ridge raised in curiosity at the delayed door opening.

"Ash was messing with my VI settings," Jane said and Garrus nodded. "What's up?"

"I wanted to say thank you," Garrus said and Jane blinked as she walked up to him. He looked at her. "For saving Victus." Jane smiled slightly.

"You know me," Jane said as she started to move towards her seat only for Garrus to catch her arm. She stopped and he let go.

"You risked yourself catching him that way. Are you hurt?" he asked and Jane shook her head.

"No...but that's because Kaidan insisted on a back rub," Jane confessed but Garrus nodded.

"He's got the better hands for that," Garrus stated and Jane blinked. "You humans have better hands for muscle rubs. Asari, Salarian, and human have more fleshy hands, good for cupping and massaging muscles, turians and krogan don't have the build for that. Vorcha either but no one really wants to get touched by a vorcha." Jane laughed at that.

"I'm sure there are people who do out of curiosity," Jane said and Garrus thought for a moment and then made a face.

"Didn't need to think about that. Still, I'm glad you saved him," Garrus said and Jane nodded.

"I couldn't let a brave kid like him die like that," Jane said and Garrus nodded.

"He's too much like you," they both said and then stared. Jane smiled and felt a slight blush. Garrus was looking at her gently and she felt bashful.

"He was going to kill himself for a purpose," Garrus said. "Seeing you save him was like seeing you save a part of yourself." Jane nodded and looked up at Garrus.

"Seeing him risking himself for his men made me think of you after Omega," Jane said and they shared a moment of silence. "I don't want to lose any more."

"It's a war...but I get it. I prefer to think about the happily ever after," Garrus nodded.

"Victus has a future again," Jane said as she moved to her seat and pulled up intel on the Crucible. Garrus reached over and turned off the interface. "Hey."

"Get to bed, Captain," he said and Jane gave him a look. "I'll head to my sleeper pod and sigh as I'm all alone, but John won't like it if you're dead on your feet. You earned a good night's sleep, you gave Victus a future...in more than one way. You not only saved his life, but you saved his career. His men will talk the rest of their lives about his bravery and about you."

"I'm not that important to the story," Jane said as she moved away from her desk and Garrus quickly reached out to stroke her cheek with his thumb. She gave him a look.

"Trust me, as a turian, they're going to talk about you in Victus' story," Garrus said as Jane walked him to the door.

"What do you mean? Like war stories?" Jane said and Garrus nodded.

"Tales to tell children and grandchildren. The great Captain Jane Shepard, the one who ended the Reaper War. With her handsome companions...and her brother might have been there too," Garrus grinned and Jane laughed.

"Okay, with that lovely bedtime story, I suppose I should go to bed. You should too. Goodnight, Garrus," Jane said. "And I didn't do it for thanks." She closed the door and Garrus looked at it.

"I know," he said to himself as he headed for his pod.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: November 13th, 2186 CE

Location: SSV Normandy, In Orbit around Tuchanka

"All hands, full stop! Hostiles detected at the landing coordinates," Joker called out and John frowned. He headed towards the pilot and looked over his shoulder.

"What have you got, Joker?" John asked.

"Sensors show a Reaper parked at the Shroud facility. No way you're going to be able to land a shuttle there," Joker said, pointing to his display. John scowled, annoyed that he expected it to be easy. He should have known better.

"Get everyone assembled in the War Room. I want eyes on the Shroud," John ordered, turning around to go meet up with the others.

"Aye, aye, sir." Joker replied and John moved through the Normandy. He met up with Jane at the security check point and exchanged and tense nod with his sister. As they entered the room John saw Mordin there with Wrex and Victus. The Salarian was studying the holographic display intently but glanced at the Shepards as they walked down to the table.

"New form of Reaper, Shepards. Using Shroud to poison Tuchanka's atmosphere. Problematic." Mordin stated and John grunted in annoyance.

"They want a fight, they just got one!" Wrex snarled, pushing away from the table. John scowled as he studied the display before an idea hit him.

"Primarch, we're going to need your help." John said, turning to the man. Victus glanced at him before turning back to the display with a sigh.

"That could be difficult. Our losses on Palaven have been catastrophic." Victus said hesitantly.

"We're doing this for Palaven. No one said it would be easy." Jane chimed in next to John. Victus seemed to gather himself before approaching the display.

"What do you have in mind?" He asked. John typed into the display his idea and let the computer simulate the images for his plan as he talked.

"A combined attack. Your people hit the Reaper with an airstrike. Wrex, at the same time your soldiers will be attacking from the ground. Together you can draw it away from the tower." John noted and Jane nodded in agreement.

"Yes, distraction. Small team can reach Shroud facility, finish synthesizing cure. Will need Eve to come with us." Mordin noted.

"We've never faced a Reaper up close like this. Everyone on board?" John asked and Wrex laughed.

"There's even a doubt?" He said before turning to Mordin as he stomped around the table. "Let's move, pyjak. It's time to cure the genophage." Wrex led the way as they headed for the cargo bay, stopping at the infirmary to get Eve and explain the situation to her. After spending a few quick minutes to gear up Jane boarded the shuttle first as Ash, James and Garrus quickly following behind her. As John helped Eve get on and settled James turned to Jane to asked something he'd been thinking about lately.

"Glad to be back with you, Captain," he said and Jane smiled. "Did you really spare that rachni queen?"

"You better believe it, kid, woman's got no sense," Wrex stated as he and Kaidan followed Eve and Mordin onto the shuttle.

"Mercy was not always considered a non-krogan trait, Wrex," Eve chided and he huffed as he took a seat with Mordin hovering over Eve.

"You happened to make me a member of Clan Urdnot, I'll remind you." Jane noted before focusing back on James. "Do you have a problem with my decision, James?"

"I suppose I understand why, ma'am, they just seem dangerous," James said.

"The Reapers made them dangerous, the queen Jane spared kept her promise until the Reapers attacked her too. I believe Jane did the right thing," Liara said as she entered with EDI and Javik.

"The rachni queen was pleased when I sent her the schematics for the indoctrination signal jamming devices," EDI commented.

"I'm glad, I don't believe the rachni are a threat, just like the krogan aren't," Jane said giving Wrex the eye. He smirked at her as the shuttle closed and headed out of the Normandy.

"That's because you won't accept a mating request...coward," he shot back and Jane rolled her eyes.

"Rachni became problem due to the Reapers if queen is to be believed. Possibly due to indoctrination signal interfering with Rachni communication. Should be studied," Mordin commented.

"Rachni, synthetics, cross species copulation, this cycle is madness," Javik huffed. "The shuttle is also overly packed."

"She's built for a large team, don't worry," Steve said from the front.

"We're only heading down, we've got alternative transport on the ground," John sighed. He decided to take some attention of himself before turning to Wrex. "Wrex are you sure you're ready for this after your…procedure?"

"One more word and somebody gets tossed out of the shuttle," Wrex growled and Jane laughed.

"Now, I've ordered the clans to assemble as the Hollows." Wrex noted. "It's our sacred meeting ground. We'll land there and take an armored convoy against the Reaper. This will be the defining moment of krogan history."

"Krogan history filled with defining moments. Most bloody. Hope this one better," Mordin chimed in.

"If the cure works like you how described it to...I think this will be," Jane said to Mordin. John said nothing, thinking about the dalatrass and wondering if he should mention to the others about her request to sabotage the cure.

"Spectre Shepard, you seem troubled," Eve commented and John blinked. Well this may be an opportune moment.

"I got a message from the..." John began but was cut off as the shuttle jerked. Before he could even ask what the issue was the comms in her shuttle blared to life.

"Wrex, it's Wreav! The Reapers are already at the Hollows! Come out with guns blazing!" a krogan voice snapped.

"Hang on tight! We're heading in!" Steve called back as the team took their guns off their respective armors. Moments later as the shuttle landed and the doors opened they came face to face with a snarling Husk. Wrex blasted it in the face as it charged and he jumped to the ground before whirling to face them.

"Shepards, keep them away from the female! I'll sort out what's happening with the other clans!"

"Everyone pick your targets and keep an eye on our six! Now move!" John barked as they stormed out of the landing area. It was a large octagon area with steps leading down. John felt pride in his friends as Liara fell in step by his right and James to his left. Trusting Jane and the other to watch his back they headed down, shooting Reaper forces as they went.

"The enemy is coming." Javik snapped from behind him a biotic grenade flying over John's head into a mass of them.

"Push forward! Don't let them get up here!" Jane snapped from behind him as an explosion rang behind John. He led his team right to push them around the center and towards the others, trying to pin them between two fields of fire.

"Shepard, it's ugly over here! Whatever you do, keep them away from the female!" Wrex bellowed from across the Hollows.

"First Palaven, now here! Damn them!" Garrus snarled as the crack of a firing sniper rifle echoed across the Hollow. John noted another wave heading for them but the others at the top of the steps with Jane had cleared them out.

"Liara!" John barked, pointing and gesturing with his hand. Liara understood immediately and she lit up as her biotics enveloped her. Then she gestured and huge wave of force shot from her, slamming into the reaper reinforcements before throwing them to the base of the stairs. Jane and the others opened fire with John and EDI. As the battlefield quieted from gunfire it soon rang with roars of triumph from the Krogan.

"They'll sing battle-songs about this someday. Reaper blood has finally soaked our soil," Wrex snarled, covered in that blood as he stormed into the center of the Hollows, the other Krogan roaring in agreement.

"We have to get to the Shroud. The airstrike is on its way." John noted as Mordin approached.

"Eve safe, John. Vitals are strong," Mordin noted.

"What's a salarian doing here?" A familiar Krogan voice snarled stomping toward them. "Nobody said anything about this! "

"Multiple krogan. Problematic." Mordin noted as John stepped in front of his friend.

"Who are you?" John demanded.

"Urdnot Wreav, brood brother to our...illustrious leader," Wreav drawled as some of the Krogan snarled.

"Weav and I share the same mother. And nothing else." Wrex snarled

"For which I'm thankful. I remember what it means to be a true Krogan," Wreav countered making the Krogan with him snarl in agreement. "We flay our enemies alive and drown them in a geyser of their own blood. We don't invite them into our home."

"This salarian is not your enemy. He's here to help cure the genophage," John countered.

"His kind gave us the genophage! Why should we trust him?" Wreav snarled as he stomped at John, not paying attention to Wrex which was a mistake. Wrex took a step towards Wreav and slammed into him with a headbutt.

"Because I do. And so will you, Wreav." Wrex growled. Wreav and the Krogan following him all began to growl, reaching for their weapons.

"Enough!" Eve's voice rang out and all turned to look up the stairs where Eve stood Jane by her side. Numerous female krogan, several in armor and with weapons surrounded her. "You can stay here and let old wounds fester as krogan have always done...or you can fight the enemy you were born to destroy and win a new future for our children. I choose to fight!" Eve moved to stand on the dais.

"Well said, child," one of the armored krogan said. Jane moved to her side.

"Good to see you, Clan leader Shia," Jane said with a slight bow.

"And you, Urdnot-Shepard, it is always a good day when we get to meet," the krogan grinned, gently touching Jane's head before the group of female krogan moved to surround Eve.

"Mother," Wrex said with a nod as she passed. Wreav also bowed but looked less than pleased.

"Why are you here?" Wreav demanded.

"Females essential, must not risk," Mordin stated and the female krogan around Eve chuckled.

"We are all over the age of nine hundred," Shia stated with a gentle smile at Mordin. "Either we have born no offspring or we are mothers, grandmothers, and many renditions of great grandmothers. You are not looking at the future of the krogan amongst our wombs, you are looking at the bones of the ancients who will protect the sprouting future of the krogan." Shia looked at Eve and gently stroked Eve's head much as she did Jane's.

"Females need not be involved. The clans must continue on to thrive and grow! The battlefield is our place!" Wreav stated and the female krogan all turned to glare. It was a glare practiced with nearly a millennium's experience and Wreav flinched.

"How many Clan leaders did you bring with you, Mother," Wrex asked, annoyed yet awed by what he saw.

"All the female Clan Leaders over nine hundred," Shia said with a look. Wrex nodded clearly smart enough not to argue this. "This child is our future and the females of the krogan have even more of a right to fight for her. Any objections, my sons?" Neither Wrex nor Wreav moved. "I thought not."

"Who will join me?" Eve asked and Jane moved immediately.

"I will," Jane said and Eve smiled as John followed his twin.

"And so will I!" Wrex grinned looking at his two friends. "Now hold your heads high like true krogan! There's a Reaper that needs killing!" Jane joined her voice to the war cry of the krogan.

~*TF*~

John was quiet as the krogan convoy moved down the road, multiple tanks carrying them all. He was thinking about what Jane had done by bringing in the female korgan and while it made sense tactically… She had made another decisions about a mission he was running without consulting him, again. Boy did it piss him off.

"Krogan ground convoy, this is turian wing Artimec. Our flight vector to the Shroud is locked. We're ten minutes out and counting," Artimec wing leader stated on the comms.

"Copy that, Artimec. We're on our way, trying to make up lost time. Shepard out," Jane said looking at John, Liara, Mordin, Wrex, and Eve. Ash, Javik, James, Garrus, Kaidan, and EDI were in Shia's tank ahead of them.

"Wreav isn't the only krogan who wants revenge for the genophage, Wrex. You'll have to placate them somehow." Eve noted.

"I'll demand that the Council return some of our old territory. We'll need room to expand...recapture the glory of the ancients." Wrex noted and Mordin frowned, turning to look over at Wrex.

"Glory of ancients led to Krogan Rebellions. Countless deaths. Creation of genophage. Expansion plan...problematic." Mordin noted.

"What were the ancient krogan like?" Jane inquired. Despite the time spent with the Krogan they hadn't talk much about their ancestors except in the vaguest sense.

"Tuchanka wasn't always a wasteland. In the old times the krogan were a proud people. We had dreams...a future to look forward to." Eve explained.

"Until salarian interference." Mordin said with a sigh.

"No. We destroyed Tuchanka ourselves. Technology changed us. It made life too easy. So we looked for new challenges...and found them in each other. Nuclear war was inevitable." Eve said honestly.

"And now our planet is rubble. We'll need a better place to live." Wrex said with a smirk.

"I'd say helping defeat the Reapers would be worth a new planet." Jane noted.

"Or ten. You haven't seen how fast we can pop them out. Even if we are at decreased capacity." Wrex smirked.

"Wrex..." Eve chided.

"What? With the genophage cured we'll have a lot of catching up to do," Wrex defended himself. Eve sighed before turning her attention to John who was staring at the wall of the shuttle gathering his thoughts and calming himself as he focused on the mission.

"Spectre, on the shuttle...was there something you were going to say?" Eve prodded him gently. John blinked, pulling himself out of his thoughts to focus on her. It took him a moment to remember but when he did he sighed.

"The dalatrass tried to cut a secret deal with me." John explained and Jane blinked in surprise as John turned on his omni-tool to play the recording he had saved.

"What kind of deal?"

"She said they sabotaged the Shroud years ago. The cure won't work unless we fix it," John explained as he loaded the file.

"Years ago, our operatives sabotaged the Shroud facility to ensure what you're planning couldn't be done." The Dalatrass recorded vice played before John cut it off.

"That fucking two faced bitch!" Jane snarled.

"And she thought we wouldn't know better?" Wrex growled.

"Would likely have fooled tests. But familiar with STG work. Can adjust. Did not come this far for nothing." Mordin stated.

"You just spared our race another genocide, Spectre." Eve said and Wrex grinned.

"I told you we could count on him." Wrex said making John smile. It was good to know your friends thought just as highly of you as did them.

"Do you have that whole conversation recorded?" Jane seethed.

"Of course I do," John said. "I even forwarded-"

"Sure would be a shame if that recording fell into the hands of the krogan sympathizing bloodlines in the Salarian Union," Jane cut him off and John frowned.

"True. Narra bloodline would also love to have a copy. Linron and Narra in close competition for power," Mordin noted and John's frown turned into a scowl.

"Sure would be a useful piece of information that could be traded, by a broker," Jane said, giving Liara a pointed look not seeing the dark look John was giving her.

"I imagine one would have to be a rather horrible information broker not to make use of such a recording," Liara said demurely before looking at Jane haughtily. "However, I already have a Spectre smarter than you who gave me a copy of the recording and discussed its use. Steps are already being taken." Jane pulled back in shock at that and turned to look at John to see what he thought of Liara outright insulting her. Jane could tell by the look on his face he was not at all pleased with her and she was confused by that. Obviously, John was on Liara's side over a stupid joke.

"Damn Liara, I was just joking," Jane commented feeling insulted by both Liara's snide comment and John's glare. Jane was considering making a snide comment of her own when fate stepped in as the tomkah began to slow down.

"Why are we stopping?" Wrex growled, stomping over to the hatch. He threw it open but was stopped from leaving as John placed a hand on his arm.

"Wrex, you and Mordin stay with Eve. It's looking ugly out here," John said. Wrex glanced outside and huffed but nodded in agreement.

"Will do," Wrex grumbled moving out of the way. " Find out what's going on Shepard. We can't sit around like this." John nodded and led the way out. He glanced around and saw a scout in front of the convoy. As he approached he frowned. Jane waved at Javik and James as they popped out of Shia's tomkah. The two approaching her to look over the road. There was a section of road that had several gaps in it and looked to be weak structurally.

"What's the holdup?" John said to the scout who glanced at him.

"Road's out. I doubt most of the convoy could make it through before it gave," the scout noted and John swore before turning on his comms to the frequency of the Turian fighters.

"Turian wing Artimec, this is Shepard. We've been delayed...hold off your attack," John ordered. He wanted to swear again as it got even worse as he heard the fighters approaching.

"Negative, Shepard. Our approach is locked. The Reaper already knows we're here!" Artimec leader reported as they flew over them.

"An airstrike isn't enough against a Reaper. We must join the fight," Javik noted as they attacked.

"Damn it," John snarled, approaching the scout. "I don't care if we have to build a new road! We're going!"

"Spectres!" Javik shouted drawing John and Jane's attention behind them. John felt cold fear shoot through him as a Turian fighter spun out of control towards them, fire trailing from it.

"I've lost control! I can't pull up!" the pilot of the fighter cried out over comms.

"Move!" John bellowed. The ship hit the convoy, causing one of the tomkahs to fly upward. Jane placed a large shield over the team, Liara quickly reinforcing it. The airborne tank landed on the one that had been behind them.

"Shepards, what's happening?" Wrex cried over the comms.

"Wrex, get Eve out of here now! Go!" Jane cried, watching as Wrex gunned his tank over the breaking road, Shia and Wreav's tanks quickly moved over behind him, the road collapsing as they barely made it over.

"Artimec, do you copy?" John called into his comm.

"We have to abort, Spectre! That Reaper's tearing us to pieces!" a turian pilot replied.

"Understood! Save your pilots...we'll find another way!" John said as the team looked at the ruined convoy behind them, dead krogan on the road. Jane noticed an opening in the wall over a gap.

"We've got a tunnel over there!" she said and the team looked at each other before nodding.

"It may be a way off," John said and they quickly leapt over. The tunnel was pitch black going in and the team all activated their lighting. Jane using her visors' flashlights while the rest used shoulder or gun mounted lights. "Wrex, are you receiving this? Is everyone okay?"

"Yeah, just scratches, nothing the salarian can't patch up," Wrex reported as Jane noticed the spider webs...then considered what Tuchanka spiders might be like. She suddenly regretted noticing the tunnel. "Wreav and my mother's trucks made it out too."

"The turians had to call off the airstrike. We'll need a new plan for dealing with the Reaper," Jane reported as she tried to not think about Tuchunka spiders.

"First we'll have to find you. Where did you end up?" Wrex asked.

"Underground. We see ruins of some kind," John said noticing how Liara was studying the architecture with her light.

"Spectre, that's the city of the ancients," Eve commented.

"How do we get out?" Jane asked as they continued down the tunnel.

"No maps exist. It's been abandoned for thousands of years," Eve explained.

"I left your chisel on the Okinawa, so I'm really hoping we don't have to dig our way out," Jane sighed. Eve chuckled at that.

"You Shepards are trailblazers. Get through there, and we'll find a place to meet up," Wrex said. "Nothing will stop this cure."

"Glad he thinks so," James muttered. "Anybody else worried about how big Tuchanka spiders are?"

"Yes," Jane and Liara both said as the tunnel rumbled.

"Did you feel that?" Javik growled.

"Felt like a tremor," Liara commented.

"We didn't really need an earthquake," John grumbled.

"Nothing's ever easy," Jane hissed as they dropped into a chamber with statues of krogan here and there. John whistled in surprise.

"These statues predate the krogan nuclear wars," Liara muttered.

"No time," John reminded her softly and Liara nodded with a sigh. However they pause long enough to look at and record a few krogan hieroglyphics.

"These are really old," Jane muttered capturing the images on her visor's recording system. They continued on as more tremors began and Jane suddenly realized she recognized the feeling.

"These aren't tremors..." Jane groaned as dread filled her. The old cold dread from Mindoir, Akuze, and the end of that call with John the day the Normandy was destroyed.

"Wrex, are you guys feeling these tremors?" John asked, hoping he wasn't following Jane's thoughts.

"Not up here," Wrex stated. Bad sign.

"It could be something else, Spectre. It is said that Kalros, the mother of all thresher maws, lives in this region," Eve explained and Jane let out a deep groan that John fully agreed with.

"Which is another reason to get your ass out of there, Shepards. Step on it!" Wrex ordered. The group's flashlights ended up on a giant image of a thresher maw on the wall.

"Think that's Kalros?" Jane asked and John nodded.

"With our luck?" he sighed.

"Kalros, the mother of all thresher maws sounds troubling," Javik commented.

"Do you think mother of all thresher maws is literal...like she gave birth to all the thresher maws or like, the mother, as in, the biggest of all thresher maws?" James asked.

"Why not both?" EDI asked. Jane was not looking forward to this.

"When the krogan name a thresher maw, you know you're in trouble," Jane groaned.

"Why is that?" James asked.

"Because they don't think anyone's ever going to kill it," Jane answered. The team moved further and then they saw a giant dead insect.

"Plus side, it's not a Tuchanka spider, negative side, it's a Reaper," John said as they found the ravager corpse.

"There are bound to be more than just the ones we killed," Jane sighed.

"Wrex, we've got ravager here. Keep an eye out," John warned.

"I know. A few of them just attacked us," Wrex reported. "All that matters is getting to that Shroud. Find us fast." The team headed up the stairs past the ravager corpse to be greeted by sweet gray Tuchanka daylight.

"Daylight ahead," Javik pointed out. As the team emerged Liara's eyes were wide.

"By the Goddess. These structures are pristine," she gasped.

"Who knew the krogan could do this?" John muttered. The team moved into the courtyard of a massive complex.

"Damn," Jane muttered. "No one ever takes me to the nice places of planets. Wrex sent me to the damn proving grounds."

"Wrex, we made it back outside," John communicated.

"Well, if you can see sunlight, that's progress," Wrex chuckled.

"And green. I didn't think Tuchanka was supporting any photosynthetic life that wasn't single celled," Jane added as she saw plants growing in the ruins, forcing their way between the blocks.

"You're looking at hope...all that's left of it on Tuchanka," Eve said.

"I'm talking to a pretty damn big hope too," Jane replied and the female krogan made a gentle hum.

"This was once a world full of beauty. Given a chance, it can be again," Eve said. Jane looked at the plant life around them. She nodded. She would do her all to give Tuchanka a future again.

"Shepards, that Reaper is still up to no good at the Shroud. Find a way out of these and we'll pick you up," Wrex said. The twins shared a look and nodded.

"We're on it," John said.

~*TF*~

"Shepards, how's it coming?" Wrex asked.

"We've been attached a few times but we're still in the ruins," John noted, reloading his rifle.

"Get a move on! That Reaper hasn't moved, and the sky's looking worse." Wrex noted as the ground shook.

"Wrex, you're right about Kalros! She's on the move!" Jane reported.

"Yeah, we've got some ideas on that...what?"

"Not now, Wrex. The Shepards have enough to worry about." Eve chided him.

"What's happening?" John asked as they moved through the ruins.

"Some crazy idea we can talk about later. Just worry about getting out of there right now. Looks like we've got a bridge up ahead. Try to find it, and we'll pick you up there." Wrex noted just as another squad of Reapers landed in front of them.

"We're a little preoccupied right now!" John noted as he opened fire.

"I didn't say it would be easy!" Wrex shot back and John growled.

"I'm really starting to hate this place!" Liara exclaimed as she created a singularity to slow the approaching Reaper troops.

"It grows on you," Jane noted as she shot one of the cannibals.

"Really?" Javik said skeptically.

"Like athlete's foot," Jane explained. Javik and Liara gave Jane a blank look as they moped up the remaining troops. A few minutes later they reached the bridge Wrex had mentioned. John sighed in relief as he saw three tomkahs racing towards it.

"Shepards, we're coming under the bridge! Get down here, and we can get to the Shroud. Wait...Kalros!" Wrex shouted. John actually stepped back in shock as what appeared to be a large hill cut through the sand after the tanks, destroying the bridge as it chased after them.

"Wrex?" Jane said, watching in absolute terror as Kalros chased after the tanks.

"Break off! We're getting out of here!" Wrex barked.The entire team exchanged looks, each one obviously think the same thing, what the fuck!

"Kalros' territorial instinct confirmed!" Mordin exclaimed and John swore he heard excitement in the Salarian's voice.

"She's not gonna get us!" Wrex snarled.

"That's not good," James said as the team leapt over the break in the bridge created by Kalros.

"Wrex will be fine," John said firmly and he was given looks. "What?"

"We need your optimism," Jane stated.

"The tanks are fast enough to out maneuver the thresher maw," EDI stated and the group let out a sigh of relief. "As long as they do not stop."

"Why can't a mission just be easy?" Jane groaned.

"Go on ahead. We'll try to shake this thing and find you!" Wrex called over the comms.

"Thresher maw getting closer!" Mordin cried in a tense tone as the group moved through the ruins.

"Tell me something I don't know!" Wrex snarled.

"Metal in truck an excellent iron supplement for maw's diet!" Mordin shot back. John and James both snorted at that.

"At least Mordin's rational about this," Jane sighed as they cut around the building.

"I am less pleased that they will help sustain that creature once it consumes them," Javik growled.

"They won't get Wrex," John said.

"You believe in him that much?" Javik asked.

"Wrex has too much to lose, he won't let an overgrown worm stand between him and his goal," John said.

"After all, aren't we taking on giant killer synthetics?" Jane added and Javik nodded as they entered what seemed like an honor position with statues standing in a circle.

"I see your point. Perhaps I may have misjudged the krogan. Determination against all odds has been a way of many of our lives. Perhaps they were more naturally born to it," Javik added.

"We have more Reaper forces ahead," Liara warned and the team dropped into cover.

"Singularity!" Jane called, throwing one in the center of the group of cannibals. Javik was quick to send out his dark channel. Liara threw a warp to explode Jane's singularity. Javik's biotic grenade was a useful for immobilizing them and making them easy targets for John. The team cut through the husks like they were barely an issue. Jane remembered the first husks she saw on Eden Prime. They had been terrors then, now, they were easy. How time changed a person.

"Shepards...Wrex busy driving truck! Are you still alive?" Mordin called.

"We've got Reaper forces, but nothing we can't handle," John said as he took out another husk. "How are you all holding up?"

"Alarmed yet entertained. Kalros is quite persistent," Mordin commented.

"Wreav, stick close!" Wrex barked over the comm.

"Drive faster!" Wreav snarled.

"We're all in danger, watch the tones!" Shia growled in the way of all mothers stopping a fight from progressing.

"I can smell the damn thing's breath!" Wreav huffed.

"Marauders!" Jane barked out and began sniping.

"We've almost lost Kalros! Get down from there and we'll find you!" Wrex called.

"I hope they have," Javik muttered as the team found a set of stairs to start rushing down in time to see the tanks turn a corner.

"Get over here!" Wrex barked on the comms. "Wreav, keep an eye out for that maw! I don't want it sneaking up on us!"

"Make it quick, Wrex! We're exposed!" Wreav snarled as the two lead tanks approached, both opening.

"Move it!" John cried and the teams ran for Wrex's tomkah. As the doors began to close the trembling of the ground began.

"It's Kalros!" Wreav cried as Kalros moved between Shia and Wrex's tanks heading straight at Wreav's.

"We're in! Go!" Jane cried as the team took their seats and Wrex gunned the tank. The two tanks moved in tandem as Wreav's tank vanished into the Tuchunka soil and Kalros' digestive system without a doubt.

"What about Wreav?" Eve asked.

"No way he survived that. And he was a pain in the ass, anyway," Wrex stated.

"Your mother won't be pleased to hear you talk that way," Jane commented with a smirk.

"She liked Wreav the least, she'll say something to keep face, but she won't care. She hated his father anyway," Wrex smirked. "Now let's finish this. There's a Reaper waiting for us."

~*TF*~

A few minutes later the tomkahs were pulling up near the base of large arena that the shroud was built in. As everyone exited their tomkahs; Ash looked up and whistled, low.

"I don't think we've got a big enough gun to handle that," she noted.

"Redemption is our mission. Suicide is not,' Javik grumbled in agreement.

"We're curing the genophage no matter what it takes. Everything my people will ever be depends on it," Wrex snarled.

"Then I hope this idea you were talking about is a good one," Jane noted.

"It was hers, actually," Wrex said, gesturing to Eve.

"Females have an overwhelming number of good ideas," Siha said and Jane smirked. John rolled his eyes at Jane.

"Kalros. We summon her to the Reaper," Eve explained and John turned his attention to her.

"How would that even work?" John asked.

"Well the Keystone works to draw in maws for the Rite," Jane noted.

"Already discussed strategy. Just need to distract Reaper, draw it from tower while cure synthesized, released," Mordin noted.

"What makes you so sure she'll come here?" John asked.

"Legends say she is the mother from which all other thresher maws spawn. This is as much her home as ours," Eve explained. "The tower was built in an arena devoted to Kalros' glory. The salarians thought she would scare away intruders."

"Appears to have worked," Mordin noted.

"There are two maw hammers there, the largest in existence. If you can activate them, Kalros will come. That should distract the Reaper," Eve noted.

"If Tuchanka has a temper, Kalros is it. Nobody's ever faced her and survived," Wrex commented.

"Meanwhile, laboratory nearby. Will finish synthesizing cure," Mordin explained.

"I've taken some risks in my time, but this seems crazy," John muttered and Wrex laughed.

"And going head-to-head with Sovereign didn't? This is the only way to get to that tower and release the cure. There's no other choice," Wrex noted and John nodded in agreement.

"We discussed a plan in the tomkahs," Siha explained. "Several of your companions will scale one side of the entrance while I and the rest will scale the other. We shall open fire on the ground forces, drawing their attention and clearing the way for you two." She gestured to John and Jane. "You shall run together and when you reach the intersection one shall go left, the other right. At the end of each you will find a maw hammer. You both activate them and bring Kalros here. Then you will meet Mordin at the Shroud."

John exchanged a look with Jane who nodded. It was crazy but it sounded possible.

"Let's make sure we all get out of here alive. We're going to have on hell of a story to tell," Jane said in acceptance. As they headed for their positions Liara approached John.

"I will be on the right side," she said, giving John an intense look. "Go right at the intersection John."

"I will Liara," John assured her. "I know you and the others will keep me safe."

"With everything I have," she declared. John kissed her on the cheek before he joined Jane near the entrance to the valley.

"Jane," Kaidan said and Jane paused, he and Garrus were in awkward proximity. The guilt of not knowing how to progress with them was killing her. She was ready to run for a Reaper instead of this...that was probably not a healthy feeling. Jane approached them both and gave them a look. "We're going for the left side with Shia." Jane gave them both a smile. They were worried about her.

"I'm not afraid and I'm not going to hesitate. I know you are watching over me. Aim for what's behind or to the side of me, I'll take out whatever gets in front of me," she said. She looked at the two men she loved most in the world. She would see them again.

"Wait..." Wrex said stopping them. "I want you to know that no matter what happens...the two of you have been champions to the krogan people, a friend and a member of Clan Urdnot...and a brother and a sister to me. To every krogan born after this day, the name "Shepard" will mean "hero!" Now let's show them why!" Wrex held out a hand to John who clasped forearms with him. Jane blinked in surprise as Wrex's other hand shot out and pulled her against him in a bone cracking one armed hug.

"I'm glad to have you as a brother, Wrex," Jane hugged the krogan tightly, slapping him hard where his hump met his shoulder. Behind them came the sound of Reaper ground troops.

"I've got this!" Wrex snarled as he unholstered his shotgun. He bellowed a roar before charging the husked Rachni. "I AM URDNOT WREX, AND THIS IS MY PLANET!"

"See you on the other side," Jane said to Mordin who nodded before heading to the lab with Eve.

"Stay alive, Shepards. Will have cure ready," he said.

John took a deep breath and shared a look with Jane who nodded.

"Let's get in there!" Jane said before breaking into a run. John ran with her, by her side. Reaper troops tried opening fire on them but gunfire erupted from either sides above the Shepards as they ran. John kept his eyes on the intersection, swallowing the damn, overwhelming terror he felt as they ran straight at the Reaper.

"Shepard, I took care of those rachni! But someone has to raise those maw hammers before you can use them!" Wrex shouted into the comms.

"We're kind of busy, Wrex!" John snapped as they leaped over some rubble.

"Lucky for you, I'm here. I'll handle it!" Wrex said as they ran up the stairs.

"Shepards, some luck! Original strain in storage. Preparing the cure now." Mordin exclaimed.

"Make it quick, Mordin! They're all over us out here," Jane cried as they ran onto the bridge. Just as they leaped a gap the Reaper's beam fired and headed right for them.

"Oh shit," Jane exclaimed.

"Back, back, back!" John shouted as they turned to leap back over the gap. The beam hit the bridge in front of them as jumped, causing the bridge to explode into rubble. Jane wrapped herself in a barrier, but couldn't see John to do the same. They hit the ground with a loud thud and Jane staggered hard, falling to her hands and knees. John hit hard but his enhanced shield absorbed the impact and he rolled to his feet.

"Jane, are you two all right?" Garrus asked.

"Fine here. Mostly," She grunted as John helped her to her feet.

"Did you just get shot by a Reaper?" James exclaimed in shock.

"Consider that practice," John grumbled.

"Okay, Shepard...I raised the hammers! You have to activate both of them! My advice is to avoid the giant laser!" Wrex shouted and Jane swore.

"I remember that part! Have fun!" Javik said.

"Just keep moving!" John grumbled and they broke into a run again.

"Stick to cover!" Kaidan exclaimed.

"I'm not sure cover's going to work!" John snapped as he leaped over a column, the beam shooting past them to exploded behind them.

"I can't believe we're actually fucking doing this!" Jane cried as a another near miss went off by them.

"Spectres, this is Artimec Wing! We'll try to give that Reaper something else to shoot at!" Artimec leader cried as the Turian fighters few in to distract and draw the Reaper's fire.

"I knew they wouldn't give up," Garrus exclaimed, pride in his voice.

"Jane, up ahead!" John exclaimed as they kept running. "Up on our right! One of the hammers!"

"The second is on the left!" Jane shouted to John over the gunfire and explosions. "Good luck John!"

"You too Jane!" John said and as he juked right.

Jane took careful breaths and focusing on her training with Jack. Jack who had bolted through YMIR mechs like they were simple LOKI models. As Jane ran she used well times biotic pushes to shove husks out of her way using each hand as she vaulted rubble like they were hurdles. This was fucking insane.

John blew past a group of husks and jumped over a fallen pillar, his feet smashing into the face of a Marauder. He actually landed on the creature and skid along the ground a bit. As he approached the stairs to the maw hammer an elbow of a brute echoed out at him as it came stomping from the hammer towards him.

"Fuck me," John muttered.

Jane saw the Brute in front of her. She couldn't risk moving side to side. Garrus' sniper rifle was going off in timed shots so behind her was enough to keep her moving forward. The Brute was ready and one of her hands landed on her blade, the other was a fist. A biotic push aimed straight down tossed Jane up, the direction the Brute was not prepared for. It's head followed her up beautifully. She twisted in the air and brought her blade around, decapitating the Brute as she landed and rolled. Still going for the maw hammer controls. Then a shadow flew over her and Jane threw herself to the side, shielding as hard as she could. The Reaper's foot slammed down, skidding her barrier but leaving Jane inches from the foot. Jane stared up and looked behind her, nothing close enough to be a problem.

John charged up the stairs at the Brute but at the last minute slid under it. He actually made it to the other side of the Brute but it moved faster then he thought, whirling around to smash its large claw at him. John rolled out of the way and as he did yanked a grenade from his belt priming it. He kipped up to his feet and had to duck a second later as it swung at him. However it gave him the split second he needed. He thrust his fist gripping the grenade into its neck area, jamming it into the fleshy mess of neck and wires, letting it go and yanking his hand away. Then he ran for the hammer to take cover just as the grenade went off blowing chunk of Brute everywhere. Not even waiting for the rubble and viscera to settle he ran for the hammer control and slammed it with the side of his fist.

"Mordin, I hit the first hammer! How's it coming?" John shouted into his comms as he pulled his rifle free to shoot down the approaching ground troops..

"Almost have cure! Eve's vital signs dropping! Trying to compensate!" Mordin retorted.

"Get that second hammer going!" Wrex cried and Jane looked at the building sized leg in her way.

"There's a Reaper in my way, Wrex!" Jane cried.

"I know! You get all the fun!" Wrex cackled and Jane truly felt like his sister. The Reaper's foot moved and Jane made it the almost comically short distance to hit the hammer controls.

"Go! Get back to the truck! We'll take care of the cure!" John called.

The hammers sounded again and again. The ground began to quake more than just the Reaper and the two Shepards met up, over a ledge they could see the hill-like crest of Kalros as she came. The Reaper also saw the attack and aimed its laser...to low.

Like a nightmare centipede Kalros flew up and caught the Reaper by the base of its crest. Kalros brought the laser down and the twins were forced to run, ducking for cover as the Reaper slammed Kalros' body into the ground. The twins nodded at each other as the titans battled like two kaiju in a movie. In tandem the twins leapt onto a fallen pillar which made a convenient bridge to cross towards the base of the Shroud.

The Reaper slammed Kalros into the Shroud, jarring the ground with the impact. It fired only for Kalros to slip back into the earth in that horrifyingly smooth way of the thresher maws. The Reaper turned, searching for its opponent. Unfortunately for the Reaper, it was too slow and Kalros knew how to flank. The thresher maw flew from the ground and caught the Reaper from behind, slamming it...face first...into the ground. The Reaper fired its laser again and again, only to have its firing point aimed forcefully away from the thresher maw as it curled around the Reaper. Kalros engulfed the Reaper in her coils, sinking the Reaper into the ground with her.

"That makes me feel better," Jane commented as she and John dropped to a walk.

"How so?" he asked.

"Even super intelligent AIs can be slaughtered by what is basically an overgrown worm," Jane commented and John nodded.

~*TF*~

The twins entered the courtyard of the tower in time to see Mordin at a console. The tower had obvious damage from Kalros being slammed into it. Debris was raining from the sky. Jane stared up. Would they even be able to get the cure dispersed before the tower collapsed?

"Mordin! Is the cure ready?" John asked as Jane put up a barrier around them to protect them from the debris.

"Yes. Loaded for dispersal in two minutes. Procedure traumatic for Eve, but not lethal. Maelon's research invaluable," Mordin explained.

"She's okay?" Jane asked and Mordin gave her a smile over his shoulder.

"Shia taking care of her. Eve's safety priority for Urdnot female leader," Mordin said before returning to the console. "Her survival fortunate. Will stabilize new government should Wrex get any ideas. Good match, promising future for krogan."

"That's all thanks to you, Mordin," Jane said with a smile. A large piece of debris fell nearby and the twins stared up at the tower in concern.

"Damn!" John exclaimed.

"Control room at top of Shroud tower. Must take elevator up," Mordin stated.

"You're going up there?" John said in disbelief.

"Yes. Manual access required. Have to counteract STG sabotage. Ensure cure dispersed properly," Mordin explained.

"Mordin, this whole thing is coming apart. There's got to be another way!" Jane said dropping her shield as she turned to face him. Her heart was in her throat. There was no way that anyone was getting to the top and getting back down.

"Remote bypass impossible," Mordin said turning to look up. "STG countermeasures in place. No time to adjust cure for temperature variance. No. No other option." Mordin gave a look to John and the man felt pain as he realized his friend was right. John grabbed Jane's arm. She turned to look at her brother. "Not coming back. Suggest you get clear. Explosions likely to be problematic." Jane yanked her arm out of her brother's hand as she turned to Mordin.

"Mordin, no! There must be another way!" Jane cried, tears were in her eyes as she watched him enter the elevator with a tall head and set shoulders.

"Shepard...please. Need to do this," Mordin said, giving her a firm look. Jane felt the agonizing reality of the situation. John was beside her, hands on her arms as her shoulders began to shake. Mordin smiled at her, blinking those large eyes of his. "My project. My work. My cure. My responsibility." He took a breath, smiling. "Would have liked to run tests on the seashells." This was inevitable. There was no way to cure the krogan in time to save the turians. One salarian for countless lives of other species. It was a knife in Jane's heart and her throat closed in pain.

"I'm sorry," Jane said as she realized she could not save her friend. Mordin's face was gentle as he looked at the twins.

"I'm not. Had to be me," he began and Jane looked up at him, tears running down her face.

"Someone else might have gotten it wrong," she sobbed and Mordin smiled. "Goodbye, Mordin."

"Thank you, Jane Shepard. Thank you, John Shepard. It has been an honor, my friends," he said and as the elevator began to rise Jane and John saluted him in tandem.

"We need to go," John said after a moment and Jane nodded. Turning to run, Jane couldn't help sobbing softly as they moved. John's hand resting on his sister's shoulder as she mourned what was coming.

As Mordin ascended the tower he took a deep breath. His journey was coming to an end and it would be a success. He reached the top to hear the computer announcing danger he already knew.

"Warning: Temperature malfunction detected," the console announced as he exited the elevator. The main chamber ravaged with fires. He would be able to do his duty before the structure collapsed. He used an arm to protect his eyes from a few minor explosions and flare of flame. He needed his eyes and his fingers for this. As he worked a smile graced his face. He thought of his family. Most would be shocked at his death, but none would be too surprised, most knew his work with the genophage had begun to bother him. The youngest nephews and nieces would accept it, all of the grand nephews and nieces would be pleased. More of the youth were krogan sympathizers than the older generations. He thought of Eve and her contributions. Her thanks warmed his soul. Wrex's appreciation and defense of him at the Hollows made his smile broader and he began to hum as he worked.

"I've studies species turian, asari, and batarian..." he sang, thinking of Garrus and Liara. The turian would be sad to hear of his passing and the asari would be there to comfort John Shepard.

"Temperature now within acceptable range," the console informed. "Dispersal commencing." Jane Shepard's tears were sweet. A woman who at first meeting did not trust him but now cared so much that she wept for him. The cure began to erupt from the Shroud. The sense of pride and accomplishment was immense. "My xenoscience studies range from urban to agrarian. I am the very model of..."

Mordin sang no more as fire bloomed in a violent blast.

~*TF*~

The explosion brought Jane to her knees as she wept, watching the cure fall like snow from the sky. John looked up in somber reflection as he caught a small white fluff on his hand. A couple tomkahs pulled up and Jane took a few calming breaths.

Eve, Shia, and Wrex exited the tanks to look at the Shroud pouring out the cure. There was silence as only the twins returned to the team. Jane curled up in the back, doing her best to hide her red rimmed eyes and snot swollen nose.

The ride ended back at the Hollows and the twins followed Eve and Wrex inside as Shia drove the team back to the shuttle.

"A long time ago, my father betrayed me in this place," Wrex explained to the Shepards as they followed the two krogan. "His own son. He tried to kill me. So I had to kill him...right over there." Wrex pointed as if shooting. Jane remembered the tale, only Wrex had used a knife.

"That's what the genophage reduced us to. Animals. But you changed that today," Wrex said with a smile at his friends.

"Now we'll fight for our children, not against them," Eve stated before looking at Jane. "It's just a pity Mordin had to die." Jane looked at the Hollows.

"He wouldn't have had it any other way. He shot me down when I tried to think of alternatives," Jane said and Eve nodded. "He was determined to save the krogan."

"I'm sure wherever he is...he's putting in a good word for us," John said, patting his sister's shoulder.

"We'll name one of the kids after him...maybe a girl," Wrex chuckled and Jane gave him a look. The krogan gave her a smarmy smirk as Eve approached.

"We cannot thank Mordin for his actions, but we can thank you in person," Eve said.

"Tell the turians I'll be deploying troops to Palaven immediately," Wrex said before giving them a manic grin. "And when you're ready to kick the Reapers off Earth, you let me know. The krogan are back in business." Eve shook John's hand first before taking Jane's hands gently into her own.

"Goodbye, Spectre. Goodbye, Captain," she said.

"What will you do now?" Jane asked as Eve held her hands.

"Spread the hope you've given us. Even now there are clans gathering in the Kephic Valley," Eve explained. "I'll go speak to them and make sure this gift isn't squandered. Thank you for all that you've done. And know that Urdnot Bakara calls you a friend." Jane squeezed Bakara's hands and nodded at her.

"Come on," John said, and arm around his sister's shoulders. "We need to honor our fallen."

~*TF*~

Earth Date: November 14th, 2186 CE

Location: SSV Normandy, In Orbit around Tuchanka

John lifted the name plate Samantha had prepared for him. He pressed it firmly into the memorial and after a moment stepped away. He stared at his friend's name for a few minutes, thinking. He knew it wouldn't be the last time but Mordin had been right. There had been no other way. It still left a bitter feeling inside of him. He tried not to but his mind kept thinking of what ifs. If he had done this, if he had done that. If he had been alone, if Jane had gone alone, could EDI have helped, what about inserting another team from the side, on and on. John sighed again before deciding to head for bar in the observation room. He wasn't surprised to find Liara, Garrus, and EDI there. As he approached the bar, Liara stepped away to embrace him. John hugged her tightly for a moment before heading to the bar. Garrus slid him a drink and John took it gratefully.

"So according to Jane," Garrus said, continuing to speak on something he had been saying before John entering the room, "when Jane talked to Mordin about Turian and human pairings he warned her about chaffing and even gave her instructional booklets. He even offered he ointments and oils. For discomfort apparently." John blinked at that before laughing.

"He did not!" Liara exclaimed.

"I have a record of that exchanged," EDI said, backing up Garrus's story. "He even tried to re-assure Jane when she questioned him of mocking her. He did however play a good joke on John, inquiring if John as attracted to him with his frequent visits."

"I forgot about that," John said with a laugh. "He got me good on that. He was good for those one liners, especially when he was busy. Trying to track down scale-itch that got onto the Normandy, saying he thought a virus was intelligent, complaining about EDI insisting his insane experiments were endangering the entire crew."

"To be fair I did find some of his methods unsettling. Especially when he tried to block my feed with Jeff's collection of adult material being played continuously."

As they and more crew joined them to share their best memories of their friend John felt his heart lighten just a bit. Mordin had touched so many lives but to John it felt like he had the greatest impact on his friends.

~*TF*~

Jane began storing her gear. Garrus and Kaidan were back on the Normandy, with little fight after seeing Jane's mood after the memorial. Ash was wisely keeping from making jokes and Javik had headed to bed. Jane was stowing her stuff when James approached.

"Hey, Lola, how you feeling?" James asked and Jane gave him a look. "I'm not great at the sympathy, but I liked Mordin."

"He was an easy man to like," Jane nodded, placing the last of her gear away. She turned to face him and he looked like he had more to say. "You can talk. I got my tears out. Mordin would not approve of me not doing my job."

"That what I have to expect when I take my own command?" James asked.

"You want your own ship, Vega?" Jane asked as she leaned against the table. James matched her.

"Yeah, maybe one day, when I'm old and I can't fight worth shit anymore," he grinned at her and she gave him a look.

"Do I need to lay you on the mat right now, marine?" Jane asked and he bounced a little on the balls of his feet.

"Sorry, Lola," he said with a boyish grin before his face got serious. "I guess maybe I got some things on my mind. I...I wanted to get your opinion on something." Jane looked at him, the boyishness was gone, cautious marine back in place.

"Shoot," Jane said.

"What did you do when they asked you to join the N7 program. I mean...was it a no brainer for you...or did you think about it before accepting?" James asked and Jane smiled. Apparently she wasn't the only one who had seen James' potential. It make her happy.

"I don't know if I'm the right person for you to talk to on that, nor is John," Jane said with a grin.

"So you and your brother were competing," James figured out and Jane nodded.

"We were systems apart for our training but we both knew the other would be green with envy getting the N7...so naturally we both went for it. The N7 program is a big deal," Jane explained. "It was a competition for us, but it is a big commitment."

"I hear that," James said and Jane looked at him. He was staring forward.

"You get the best training, the best equipment, the best assignments..." she said and he looked at her.

"And they expect the best in return," he said.

"Yes they do," Jane agreed "Why you asking?"

"Well, even with all the shit that's going on. Somebody somewhere managed to track me down and forward an N7 commendation. It's dated the same day the Reapers attacked Earth," James said. "I got it while on the Normandy, but I serve under you, so I wanted to talk to you about it." Jane nodded at that. She leaned back on the table and looked at the hold.

"You don't sound too thrilled," she commented.

"No, aside from the fact that there won't be an N7 program if we don't win this war, I just...being a soldier's the only thing I've ever been really good at...and not cause I try," James said before shrugging. "Hell, I'd have kicked my ass out years ago. I might have not come back if you hadn't asked me to watch your brother back on Earth." There was a pregnant pause. "Last time I had a command I lost almost everyone...and they promoted me for it. I guess I'm just not sure if I'm ready to lead again. I don't know if I want that responsibility."

"I get that fully," Jane said. "Akuze, I lost all my men. Mission was a failure, but because I was able to prove what had happened to the colony and because I had managed to escape, I got my promotion too."

"Shit, yeah, forgot about that," James said and Jane shook her head before he could continue.

"I read the report before I tapped you for John," Jane said and James nodded. "You were betrayed just like my unit was tricked. Both by Cerberus. I know that hesitation you're feeling. That feeling of failure like every call you made was wrong. Feeling like you can't trust yourself...however, you made the right call. The mission felt like a failure because of what happened in your eyes, but you did something right and someone saw that."

"Sure, but..." James started and Jane help up her hand, stopping him again.

"If you had saved them all, would things have worked out better?" Jane asked.

"I...I don't know," James confessed. "I don't think so." Jane nodded.

"The right choice isn't usually the easy one. I can feel that one especially hard today," Jane said, leaning back and looking at the ceiling.

"Yeah, did you know that before you joined the N7?" James asked.

"Yep, John too. That's why we were asked," Jane said before meeting James' gaze. "And it's why they asked you. There isn't a single N7 that hasn't sacrificed either themselves or their soldiers at some point."

"So you think I should accept?" James asked.

"I think you already know that answer, Vega. You're a damn good soldier," Jane said.

"I'll think about it. Seriously," he said before giving her a considering look. "If you don't mind, maybe don't mention this to anyone else."

"Don't worry. While Ashley's a Spectre, she's not an N7," Jane teased and James chuckled.

"Thanks, Lola," James said and Jane grinned.

"Anytime, Vega," she replied.

~*TF*~

Belle's Note: This chapter is one that I have been crafting for a while. This chapter holds a huge emotional connection to, I believe, all Mass Effect fans. Wrex made the krogan so lovable in the first game, especially if you take the time to actually talk to him. Seeing his rise to the leader of Clan Urdnot is a moment that made me so happy. The second I saw him on the throne and he shoved past other krogan to a joyous cry of "Shepard!" I don't know how people could let him die in any subsequent playthroughs. The painful start of ME2 and losing everything you gained in the first game was so disheartening, to see Wrex so happy to see you, it was better than seeing Garrus, who was so broken after the loss of his team. I won't deny, my first playthrough of ME2 was very hard, especially considering how much Shepard can lose during their death, to see Wrex and to see his joy at seeing Shepard, it was soothing. The relationship that can be built between Shepard and Wrex is one of deep trust and a powerful bond. He is a beautifully written character and for a race of aggressive and savage aliens, he cares and he loves what he is. Wrex is a paragon. He might be Neutral Good, but he is good. I also bonded deeply with Eve and I always saved Maelon's data before ME3 ever came out, for the simple fact that, it seemed to be a waste of so many desperate krogan females' selfless hope for motherhood. Bonding with Eve made me so pleased with the fact I didn't destroy that data. Eve's back story and her desperation to not just be a mother but to give her people motherhood again, it was so moving. The moment she shares her name with you, I was so touched and it was a gentle moment while wounded. Lastly, Mordin, I love Mordin. He is a character I loved from the moment you met him on Omega. His analytical brain made sense to me, I'm a science major and there was something that just made me pleased as punch when meeting Mordin. I suspect it may be that sometimes when I think, I think in my head how Mordin thinks out loud. Fragments of sentences as I connect points. This also may be why so many people love how I write Mordin's conversations. You now might be asking me why, if I love Mordin, I fought for his death. And I did, Toby wanted to save Mordin, but I reminded him, the Shroud is not savable even with two Shepards because the Reaper and Kalros damage it. Besides, Mordin's heroic sacrifice for the krogan was the most powerful moment of a video game that I have ever played. I was broken when Grunt sacrificed himself for you, the player. But you did not choose it, Grunt did that on his own and whether he came back or not, was based on your relationship. With Mordin, you had to choose to let him go. As he said that last "Had to be me" I literally said "Someone else might have gotten it wrong." I had to pause my game and cry when I saw Mordin die the first time. Even now, my eyes are tearing up at the intense emotion of that memory. I get glassy eyes every time I play this mission, but I remember watching him go. Singing the words in my first note and then...Mordin's sacrifice is my most moved experience in video games. I love Mordin. It had to be him, he needed to redeem himself of his greatest regret. No matter how much I love Mordin, I will never stop him from being one of the greatest video game heroes I have ever seen that I did not play. Mordin, his existence and his sacrifice, will be why I keep coming back to Bioware.

OMAKE 1

When Belle sent this chapter to me she left this little note in there. I had to share it with you guys.

"They'll sing battle-songs about this someday. Reaper blood has finally soaked our soil!"

Belle: Not that the turian mission didn't have Jane and her team soak Tuchanka's soil with Reaper blood but yeah cool, Wrex.

Toby: Really Belle? Do you have to mock every cool and badass line?

Belle: *snickering* Toby hates transcribing the actual game dialogue and at this point we really are picking and choosing what we use, but I leave these notes in the sections that I transcribe for him all the time.

OMAKE 2

Belle weeping as she hugs Mordin.

"There. There. Am fine," he cooed to her as she sobbed.

"Here," The Iron Bull said, handing the doctor a bottle of water.

"How long has she been that way?" Toby asked.

"Since she wrote her ending author's note at the beginning of the chapter," Varric sighed. "Bold move."

"I'm...suh-suh-suh-sorry!" Belle wailed and Mordin chuckled as he patted her head.

"Female humans highly emotional. More emotional trauma for more affection felt. Am honored," Mordin smiled.

"Just sedate her already," Jane sighed before Belle collapsed. "That worked quickly."

"Incorrect. Dosed her two hours ago. Very emotional," Mordin explained as The Iron Bull picked Belle up and headed to her office to tuck her in.

OMAKE 3

"Who the hell are those people?"

Tobias looked up at Morrigan's question and eyed the people in question. Several of them were in military uniforms, some on civilian clothes. He stared at them for a bit before it clicked.

"Of those are some people for Belle's new story," Toby informed her. They were outside enjoying the fresh air by the studio. It was quiet for once, this chapter not having much focus on Jane's little love triangle so the shipping war was quiet for once. However, across the street the formerly empty field had a new studio building. It had its own parking lot and security but very few windows and tighter security. It was under Belle's purview and she had requested he not go over there or even see the final product. The fact she had done so while beat red and not able to look Toby in the eye told him exactly what she was up to.

"So why isn't she producing it out of the Twin Fates studios?" Aerith asked as she handed Toby another set of paperwork to look over and sign.

"Well, she doesn't want me to be involved or read it. I promised her I wouldn't she's a bit embarrassed about it," Toby said. As the new group of exclaimed in greeting he glanced up again to see Belle meeting them outside before walking over to the new studio. "Its apparently really popular and Belle has been very inspired. Its even set by the reader perspective which means Belle has to actually step in for those scenes. I know Iron Bull likes to watch when she does."

"You're kidding, Belle acting in a fanfic?" Elizabeth exclaimed and Toby shrugged.

"I've done some bad self insert fanfics when I was younger. I'm not one to judge," Tobias said. "Besides it gives me more time to work my own projects. Speaking on Aerith when are the Shinji Ikari interviews scheduled?"

"Next week." She reminded him and Tobias nodded. As he focused on the paper work Morrigan and the others watching watched Belle and he new fanfic staff entered the building. As they did a small neon red 'E" lit up on the building. The women exchanged looks.

"And you really don't want to know what she's working on?" Morrigan said.

"Well I'm not stupid," Tobias said, glancing up at her. "But she asked and I'm staying purposefully ignorant so she can have some fun. I'm not one to judge." Then Tobias smirked at her. "Besides she proved me right."

OMAKE 4

"Tobias tells me you are performing in adult entertainment," Morrigan commented to Belle and she spewed her iced tea at that. Snickers came from the next table.

"The fuck?!" Belle cried.

"So you are not performing sexual acts on your crew next door?" Morrigan seemed rather disappointed.

"No! I'm the writer and director...I'm not the talent!" Belle cried in horror before looking at the continued snickers from behind her.

"Oh yeah, the Boss Man asked about your side project," Iron Bull commented and Belle glared.

"What did you tell him?" Belle demanded.

"Well, we didn't tell him shit," Jason grinned over his lunch while Nick snickered.

"Your contract says you don't tell Tobias shit, what did YOU TWO tell him?" Belle demanded as she glared at Iron Bull and Varric.

"My fair lady, I'm insulted that you would..." Varric started as Belle's eyes started to turn psycho mode. "We may have implied that you are performing in your own work." Belle groaned as she covered her face.

"I told him it was a READER insert, it's not a SELF insert. Jesus, he's advertising my other work so incorrectly no one will read it at this rate," Belle groaned as she glared. "Besides, it's not any of his business what I'm doing on MY time outside of the Twin Fates Studios...speaking of which, you two are supposed to be next door, not here." Nick and Jason grinned.

"You asked us to help with the security detail over here when we're off duty next door...and you have bacon cheeseburgers over here today," Nick said.

"We never get bacon cheeseburgers at our cafeteria," Jason added and Belle's eye twitched.

"Salim POLITELY requested Hallal food which means no pork over there," Belle growled and the two men picked up their burgers and took purposeful bites. She let out a calming breath.

"You know what. I'm off duty here until Toby writes the next chapter of Twin Fates anyway," Belle huffed. "I'm am now purposefully going to set a few Shakarian and Shenko fires in said chapter. I'm taking Baby and Queen and heading over to the other studio now." Belle got up and grabbed her tray and drink and headed out. The Eevee and Vulpix that were sleeping under the table quickly followed Belle.

"She's got you on the security schedule over here too?" Iron Bull asked and Nick and Jason nodded.

"We're off duty for a couple chapters at the other studio and you guys need the extra bodies over here. She doesn't let Merwin over because she doesn't trust him," Jason explained. "But you guys were right. That was fun."

"Stick with us, boys, we know how to mess with the boss," Varric grinned.

OMAKE 5

Khalisah al-Jilani: This is Khalisah al-Jilani with the Alliance News Network covering a minor upset within the Salarian Union. Dalatrass Linron has been removed using Salarian Union Impeachment protocols after it was revealed that she was attempting to sabotage the krogan genophage cure without approval of the Union representatives. This has allowed Dalatrass Narra to take over and she has pushed for a more mutually beneficial relationship with the krogan. We go to Sur'Kesh for a word from her."

Dalatrass Narra: We in the Salarian Union have a debt to the krogan and the actions of Dalatrass Linron are not the actions of the Salarian Union. We do not condone this betrayal and mistreatment of the people we uplifted. In these times, facing the opponents we do, we need the krogan more than ever. The Salarian Union will pledge six of our colony worlds to repay the krogan people for the betrayal of Dalatrass Linron. This seems fair as the krogan will need to advance after the Reaper War. We only ask that the krogan people will allow us to place a memorial on each world in memory of Dr. Mordin Solus, the salarian who cured the genophage. I look forward to working with the krogan as we fight our enemies.

Khalisah al-Jilani: Shocking. The Salarian Union has slotted six of its distant colony plants close to krogan space to be transferred into the krogan possession. This will represent one of the largest territorial offerings ever made in Citadel history. It is also rumored that the Salarian Union is dedicating more efforts to multiple Citadel projects including the mass production of anti-indoctrination devices as well as Reaper signal shielding. Sources within the Citadel report that within the month, such devices will be activated across the Citadel and are currently being shipped across the galaxy.