AUTHOR'S NOTE: A few things. First, the one-shot is coming along. Second, I'm reiterating something for this chapter. I have inspiration from Calinstel for Quarian language and culture. Not every aspect of the culture, but you'll see some of the language later. Third, I have a job, and am starting to consider one chapter a week. We'll see for now. All for now. Hope you enjoy!

Commander John Shepard

Garrus and I returned to the Normandy, and started loading a shuttle with body bags. Zaeed saw us from the starboard cargo bay where he had set up shop, and came down to help.

"Lot of friends I've had to leave unburied," he said. "I'll help bury yours."

Ten body bags. One for each member of Garrus' team minus him, and Sidonis. To be safe, we were all armed and armored. If Kenn arrives before we're back, well, EDI knows to expect him. I took control of the shuttle, and we disembarked, Garrus helping guide me back to the hideout. Good thing flying these aren't too different than a sky car. Fancy flying requires training. Which, an N7 does have a limited amount of. When we arrived, I parked the shuttle on the bridge, just like during our evac. Bodies and scrap from mechs still littered it, surprisingly. Because this is a space station, even one as filthy as Omega, there were no decomposers. No insects to eat the bodies. It prevented the smell of rotting bodies. But still the smell of piss and shit that corpses leave behind.

"EDI, search the local net to see if you can figure out why this place seems untouched. Scavengers shouldn't have been able to resist the gear and loot." I didn't mention that the Vorcha shouldn't be able to resist the meat.

"I will keep you informed on what I find, Shepard," EDI answered. We disembarked, weapons out and ready. Moving inside the hideout. Bullet holes, explosive damage, and, of course, bodies. Garrus began identifying them. Some, harder to do so than others. He whispered the name of each body.

Melenis. Monteague. Erash. Weaver. Mierin. Grundan. Vortash. Sensat. Butler. Ripper.

"I'm sorry." Garrus murmured, once he finished.

"Shepard, I have concluded my search of the local net. It seems that currently, a superstition surrounds the hideout."

"Superstition?" I asked. Garrus was starting to pay attention. Though he was still staring at the gathered and bagged bodies of his men.

"While the official merc stories claim that Archangel is dead, there are locals who witnessed the extraction, watching a group of armed humans escorting a wounded Turian to a shuttle. These witnesses are claiming that Archangel lives. More religious elements are claiming that Archangel is, in fact, his namesake, or their religion's equivalent. Either way, scavengers and robbers refuse to enter the hideout for fear of retribution either by Archangel himself, or supporters. The Vorcha are sharing this fear, due to how many of their own killed. In addition, there are reports of copycat vigilantism across the station. They are so far small and isolated, but widespread." I looked back at Garrus, he was standing at least a little taller. I walked up behind him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"You gave the people here hope, Garrus. You inspired them."

"Wish they could have lived to see it."

"I know exactly what you mean…" I've got a long list just like that. Ashley, dad, my people on Akuze… "How are we going to bury them?"

"Some of them still have family. Here on Omega. Let's lay them in the shuttle, head back to the ship. We'll take out those who don't have any family here, and then… then I'm going to bring the others back to their families." I notice he said 'I'm.' Not 'we.' He wants to do it alone.

"You sure?" Garrus just nodded. "Whatever you need to do." Carefully, respectfully, we laid the bodies out in the shuttle. Never piling them.

"There is… one last thing I left behind here. Zaeed, can you watch the shuttle?"

"Sure, go have your secrets," he shrugged. Obviously, Garrus wanted me to go with him. So, I followed him back into the hideout. Then into the second level. The opposite end of the building from where we held out. A master bedroom. His, but what's in here? He went over to the bed, and fiddled with the headboard. I heard a latch unlock, and then a slot opened. A rifle was released. The same rifle I gave him after Pinnacle Station.

"It was impossible to use effectively here, and I normally kept it hung on my wall, but I stashed it away, just in case. If I died, at least this would be safe."

"You really kept it all this time?" Garrus glanced back at me, hands still roaming over the rifle.

"It was a reminder… Come on, let's go."

Commander John Shepard

I watched as Garrus took the shuttle and flew it out of the cargo bay. Four of the ten bodies left behind. Zaeed and I moved them to the side of the cargo bay, laying them out beside each other. We'll see what Garrus wants to do with them when he returns.

"Shepard, Kenn has arrived at the ship." EDI informed. "Please bring him to XO Lawson so he may be properly logged. A crew member is bringing the couplings to engineering." Ugh… well, maybe it'll be a time to start asking about that biotic training. Though I'm not at all looking forward to talking to her.

"I'll be right up." Zaeed and I took the elevator up, though he just stopped a single level up, heading back to his cargo hold. I arrived at the CIC, and made my way to the airlock. It looked like Joker had been playing a game, though had just paused it.

"Hey Commander! Rescuing another Pilgrim?"

"Garrus already said that Joker, you're late," I retorted with a smirk. Kenn was standing in the alcove before the airlock. He was nervous, that much was obvious. The cloth covering his body was purple, like Tali's. Hm, there has to be meaning with the color. As for the pattern, it was more simplistic, a diamond pattern. "Welcome to the Normandy, Kenn. Don't mind Joker, he's an old friend, and knew Tali as well. He's not Cerberus at all. And neither is the ship Doctor. She also knew Tali, and knows how to treat Quarians in case anything happens.

"O-Ok. That's reassuring."

"Come on, I need to bring you to the XO, so you can be set up, then I'll show you crew quarters and engineering." Kenn just nodded, and followed me to the elevator. "My quarters are on deck one. You have any problems with any crew, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll sort things out."

"Thank you." The door opened, and I led him around and towards Miranda's office. He could clearly make out the mess hall, and see the medical bay. The crew eating were clearly a bit surprised to see him, and some whispering amongst themselves. For the first time ever, I opened the door to Miranda's office. She was sat at her desk in her catsuit. The desk was about the same size as my own, but had a pair of chairs in front of it. For some reason, my mind immediately compared it to a principal's office. To the left was an additional chair looking out a viewport, and in a "back room," not separated by a door was her bed, and I saw a small couch. I noticed Kenn stare at the only Cerberus logo still on this ship. Covering the wall left of the 'doorway' to Miranda's bedroom.

"Commander. Who might this be?" she questioned, hands clasped on her desk.

"Kenn'Hass vas Yanil," he introduced himself. "He's an addition to our engineering staff. I trust this won't be a problem?"

"It's unexpected, but I can add him to the logs. I trust he's qualified?"

"I worked engineering of my birth-ship for years."

"And is he aware of who's ship this is?"

"The ship is mine, but yeah, he's aware," I corrected. Lawson sighed.

"Will he be requiring payment?"

"N-" Ken began.

"Of course. The same payment as Donnelly and Daniels."

"Please link your Omni-tool," Miranda requested. Kenn hesitantly obliged.

"Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"I'm going to show him crew quarters and then introduce him in engineering. Then… I'll be back to discuss biotics."

"Understood, Commander. I'll have a few materials ready." I nodded, and led Kenn towards the crew quarters. There were a small handful of crewmembers sleeping. Ones with a later shift.

"When you've got a sleep shift, just come on down here, pick a bunk, fall into it." Then, I brought him down to engineering. Entering from behind Ken and Gabby's stations. They heard the doors open.

"Ello, Commander. Who's this?" Ken asked.

"You're new co-worker, and the one responsible for those new couplings."

"Aye? Much appreciated, mate. You've saved hours of our day."

"Maybe we should let him introduce himself?" Gabby suggested.

"I'm Kenn. Kenn'Hass."

"Ken? Oi, hope you aren't my replacement," he teased.

"Oh, no, no, I'm sorry. I-"

"Ken, you're making him nervous," Gabby chastised. "Sorry, don't listen to him. He's only playing, him and his big mouth."

"Sorry lad. Just having a wee bit of fun. Glad to meet ya. I'm Kenneth Donnelly. I go by Ken, but maybe we can find a new nickname."

"Jackass sounds like a good one," Gabby suggested.

"One I'm worthy of. I like it!"

"I'm going to regret that… anyways. I'm Gabriella Daniels. Gabby's just fine though."

"I see you all have this under control. I'll leave you to it then," I stated. Beginning to leave.

"See ya 'round, Shepard. So, Kenn, let's show you the ol girl."

Commander John Shepard

Meditating. I'm meditating in the room of my least favorite person on this ship. This isn't even the strangest thing I've ever done, I've come back from the dead for fucks sake, yet it sure as hell feels like the strangest thing right now. All of this just to try and take an initial… influence of my new biotic abilities.

"Now clear your mind, and reach within," Miranda stated. I took a deep breath. This still felt a bit ridiculous, but I've seen what biotics can do. It's worth it. To reach within, I just thought… deeper, if that makes any sense. Not philosophy, but physically deeper in my head.

I felt something. A faint, tingling sensation around my body. I could feel my hair starting to stand on end. It felt electric. I opened my eyes, there was a faint, blue aura surrounding me. One which dissipated as my focus was lost. I still chuckled at seeing it. The sound caused Miranda to open her eyes. She was raising a brow.

"Well?"

"It started to work. Felt the tingling, then took a peek and saw the blue aura."

"Good, now we know you can still influence the implant. You need to continue doing the meditations. Do it for longer, sustain that biotic aura for longer. Let it envelop you like a large fur blanket. It will feel warm, and as you put it, tingly. You will feel either lighter or heavier. Once you can consistently reach that point, we will practice on purposefully manipulating mass. Where you will know whether you wish to make it heavier, or lighter, and do exactly that," Miranda explained. I won't admit it to her, but I kinda want to do just that as soon as I'm back in my quarters. I liked the feeling. But… ugh, that little nagging voice. She is part of my crew. I like to know who I'm working with. And… maybe, maybe, the more I learn about her, I could learn why she's so loyal to Cerberus. And then break that loyalty.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. So," I began as we both stood. "You know more or less about me. I know next to nothing about you."

"Fair, if surprising. I suppose you should know I've had extensive genetic modification. Not my decision, but I make the most of it," she shrugged. "It's one of the reasons The Illusive Man handpicked me. I'm very good at just about anything I choose to do.

"What kind of modification are we talking about?"

"Very thorough. The kind of thorough that requires artificial conception, and then being developed in an artificial womb. Physically, I'm superior in many ways. Stronger, faster, healthier. I heal quickly, and I'll likely live half again as long as the average human. My biotic abilities are also very advanced, at least for a human. Add to that some of the best training and education money can buy, and, well, it's pretty impressive, really." It is impressive, but that almost sounds like cockiness. Even though her tone was more or less calm and unremarkable. So, the modifications weren't her choice, that's obvious, but bringing it up? Is she bitter about it?

"They design you for confidence too?"

"A side effect. These are facts, Commander. Not personal embellishments. No luck of the draw, just everything designed in a lab. My reflexes, strength, even my looks, all designed from the sperm and the egg to give me an edge."

"Fair enough," I shrugged.

"Now, if you wouldn't mind, the Illusive Man has requested that I keep him as up to date as possible regarding your biotic progress, and he's been waiting for a report since the start of the mission." Hm, no doubt wondering if it's viable for his own men. I left Miranda to it. I instructed EDI to alert me when Garrus returned, but before I could return to my own quarters, I did have a few things to do. I still had a shield generator on me, so I went to the armory to grab my pistol, then left the ship. Making my way to Afterlife. The line did not apply to me, as Aria had apparently singled me out to her bouncers. Zaeed's advice was sound. She's better for this station than the merc gangs. While I doubt they'll be able to move any time soon, maybe even want to make that move again, let's make sure they don't. The bodyguards by Aria's booth let me pass. None of her guests up there seemed to be getting sucked off under a table this time, fortunately. As for the pirate queen, she seemed surprised to see me.

"I take it you're not here to chat."

"You know me so well, and we've barely talked," I remarked. She just jerked her head to the side, signaling for me to take a seat. "Found a data pad with the Eclipse going after Archangel. Got all the information from it on my Omni-tool." I opened the display, and turned it so she could read. Setting it to translate into Asari. She read it carefully. Frowning, a fire burning in her eyes.

"Interesting." She then grabbed an empty glass beside her and threw it at one of her guards, the glass breaking against his forehead. The Batarian cried out in pain, and was bleeding. "Would someone like to explain how the fuck this information slipped the net?!"

"I-I'll look into it," the Batarian answered, covering his forehead.

"You fucking better." Aria then turned to me. "Thanks for the heads up. Looks like I'll have to do a little… housecleaning, in my organization." she leaned back in her seat, staring at seemingly nothing. "My men will transfer credits to you as well as some supplies as thanks. And you can have a few rounds with any of the girls for free if you want. Or the boys. There's some of everything to choose from."

"I think I'll pass on the latter. But Zaeed was the one who recommended I give you the information," I hinted. I think this will make him quite thankful.

"Was he? Then I'll pass the offer along to him. You just made yourself his favorite man in the galaxy."

"Good to know." My Omni-tool was pinged. A message from Tali. I immediately opened it.

"Don't suppose that's more information I could use?"

"No, just the woman that's why I turned down your offer on the girls."

"Sounds like either an ex that turned you to the men, or the great Commander Shepard is seeing someone," Aria mused.

"Definitely not the former. I'll always turn that down. And that's all your getting out of me. I'll leave you to your house cleaning." Aria just nodded, and I read the message as I walked.

Shepard.

Attached to this message is both an encrypted data packet, and an encryption key. Hope to see you there.

Tali

Time to find out where she's going. The moment I get back-

"Commander," EDI chimed in. "Vakarian is returning to the ship. He will arrive shortly." Ok, talk to him, and then see where Tali's going. I wasted no time in getting to the ship, arriving in the cargo bay conveniently at the same time the shuttle was touching down. The shuttle soon shut down and Garrus disembarked. He looked tired.

"You ok?"

"I will be," Garrus murmured.

"What are we going to do with the others?"

"Let them out into space when we're leaving this cesspool."

"Consider it done." We were quiet as we got to the elevator. "Tali sent a data packet and encryption key. Check it out?"

"Yeah. Would love to have something else on my mind." I selected deck one, as it's probably not a bad idea to decrypt it in there with some privacy. When we arrived, we took our seats on the sofa, and used the decryption key to unlock the data packet.

Shepard

Don't respond to this message. I could get in serious trouble for leaking sensitive military information. Especially given the allegiance of some of your crew. No one will know this has been sent, as I was planet side purchasing mechanical supplies. But the Fleet will ask questions about how you arrived. I've already thought of a cover story they will be content with. Simply that Cerberus detected our ship as it traveled through the relay network, and once seeing we were heading towards Geth space, assumed I was aboard as I had told you there was an upcoming and important mission. They knew you wanted to have me back, and told you. In order for this to work, however, I am going to need you to arrive a day after we do. Don't worry, the first day we will be laying low, and will not be attracting attention.

The planet is Haestrom. A former colony world in the Dholen system, Far Rim cluster. We arrive a week and a half from today. The coordinates have also been attached.

Tali

A week and a half. We'll be there.

Tali'Zorah

And, send. Shepard should get that in a few hours.

"Tali?" a voice caught me by surprise. I turned quickly, immediately fearing that I was already caught.

"Wha-Oh, hello, Lana." I calmed myself down. She tilted her head to the side.

"Is something wrong? The supplies have been loaded. We're ready to return to the Fleet."

"No, no, Lana. You just surprised me," I reassured.

"My apologies. Shall we?" I nodded, and we began returning to the ship. Just a small freighter to take these supplies, and then distribute them to the proper ships. "It looked like you were sending a message. Was it to your old Commander?" No harm in telling her that piece of truth.

"Yes, we'd like to keep in contact, and right now, he needs those he can trust at least to talk to him, from time to time. Thank the ancestors he has Garrus there with him."

"Strange that a Human and Turian are friends." I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Shepard's more than just a Human. At first, he was acting as a mentor to Garrus, and later the friendship started to grow. They respect each other quite a lot." Lana didn't verbally respond, just nodded, and we continued walking. Ignoring the occasional stares from the locals. This world is just a frontier Asari colony. Established, but not fully developed like Illium. "Heh, I guess it means I'm keeping that promise," I chuckled as an old memory resurfaced.

"Promise?" Lana asked.

"When the Saren campaign was nearing its end. Shepard made Garrus and I both promise him we'd keep in contact with him when we eventually went our separate ways." Lana turned her head towards me, her body language saying that she was smiling. As was my own.

"It's good to see you smiling again. You never did after you returned from your pilgrimage. You started again the day you saw him again. You care for him, as he cares for you." I was blushing. Starting to sweat as I sputtered.

"Lana! What-what are you-" She burst into laughter.

"Relax, girl. We grew up watching Fleet and Flotilla together. And for how long have I been gushing to you about Kal? I'm happy you found your Bellicus."

"Lana!" I tried to pull my realk down over my visor.

"Tali, please," Lana chuckled. "I won't tell anyone."

"You realize this means I get to ask you questions now, right?"

"Fine, I suppose I owe you," Lana calmed herself and I released the grip on my realk.

"Have any luck with Kal?"

"Ugh, males. Their heads are thicker than a dreadnaught's hull. I'm showing every sign I can, short of walking into his room naked. And even then, he'd avert his eyes, and rush me to the medical bay so I wouldn't get sick, then completely forget about it! Just the other day, I grabbed his hand, rubbed his palm with my thumb, and even ran a hand across his arm, complimenting his muscles! And he did nothing in return! He thanked me, but didn't touch me! No hand on my hip! No hand on my arm! By the ancestors, does he prefer men?" Oh, I know he doesn't. He's gushed to me about Lana before. But there is absolutely no way I'm telling her that. It's just too much fun.

"I promise you, he absolutely does not prefer men. He's told me before about women he finds quite attractive."

"Maybe next time I should just grab him by the oms and drag him into a clean room," Lana murmured, frustrated.

"That's certainly… forward."

"A girl has needs, Tali. Needs that nerve stim doesn't always fulfill."

"If you'd excuse me, I'm just going to wash all of those images from my brain."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: If you don't know what the Quarian words mean, you can infer for this chapter, but for things like the realk, Shepard is going to ask about that and that will be the explanation for the rest of you.