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When Garrus first set to work on the guns he expected it to be a smooth process. He did not expect the need to practically dismantle the main console in order to install the new components.

As he wrestled with parts that probably hadn't come free since the ship was built, Garrus was reminded of his early days at C-Sec. Like most turians, he knew his way around pretty much any weapon. The fact he hadn't encountered an upgrade that could defeat him had him on call for nearly every officer in his regiment. At the time, he liked he was being kept busy, even believed that everyone made requests because they recognized his value. Hindsight revealed that it was nothing more than pure laziness on behalf of his peers. Still, the experience taught him a thing or two about different kinds of weapons; his stint on Omega had only increased his knowledge. This he had put to damn good use on the new Normandy. Watching it tear through the Collector ship had been nothing short of satisfying.

Recalling the Thanix cannon's success brought forth another memory. Shepard, having stopped by to see it, had given him a tiny smile and remarked, "You never do anything small, do you?"

"Not if I can help it," he had replied, making her laugh. He had felt quite pleased in hearing it. She hadn't been doing it much...

The contented feeling of reminiscence gradually turned into unwavering resolve. Damn Saleon.

He had just finished with the upgrade when Kaidan contacted him. "You better come up here," he said. Garrus could hear the concern in his otherwise quiet tone. "I've got something you should see."

Giving the console one last adjustment, he took up the data pad and departed the room. When he reached the front of the ship he saw Kaidan hadn't moved from the pilot's seat. He spared Garrus a glance as soon as neared. "After we went through the relay I scanned the base to what they might have in store for us," he explained, hands sweeping in graceful arcs across the console. He indicated the main screen with a jerk of the chin. "Take a look."

Garrus watched the expanse of space transform into a familiar setting. Everything looked as he remembered, though the single large crate and Eclipse mercs were a new addition to the landscape. There were fifteen all together: ten humans, one of whom was female, four salarians, and a single asari. One of the humans, a grizzled, scarred veteran along the same build as Zaeed, accept a data pad one of the salarians handed off. After inspecting it he nodded to the other, who approached the crate. "Looks like their new boss," Garrus observed in a deep rumble. "Did Saleon show up yet?"

"His ship is en route, ETA about forty-five minutes," Kaidan responded. "Eclipse must be waiting on the delivery of those super soldiers we saw."

"Damn," Garrus grunted. "That's going to be a problem." The salarian chose that moment to open the crate, stepping back as two heavy mechs stomped out. He greeted this new development with a drawling remark of, "Great. We have bigger problems now."

"Worse," Kaidan said, leaning back in his chair, his arms folded. The expression he wore was hard as stone. "They know we're coming."

Garrus, remembering Miranda's cautionary words, nodded. "True, but they can't count Shepard out either, no matter what state she's in." The only one she damn well better be in is alive, he thought, clenching his fists. Sensing Kaidan's eyes on him, no doubt because of the dangerous edge in his voice, he took hold of his volatile emotions and resumed. "You and I both know the kind of havoc she can create," he pointed out. Then, with emphasis: "People...usually don't walk away."

The smile that touched Kaidan's lips was small, somewhere between admiring and understanding. "Can't argue with the truth. Hmm," he murmured, his hand straying to his chin. It was a mirror image of the pose Mordin assumed whenever he was in deep contemplation. Unlike the salarian, Garrus expected to hear this revelation when one actually favored pausing between words. "You know something? I think we can use that." Kaidan turned round in the chair. "Did you happen to bring any charges?"

At this Garrus laughed darkly. "As a matter of fact, I did," he admitted. He gestured to the image on the screen. "Explosions have this way of taking care of any collateral damage. Ah," he said, catching on to what Kaidan was getting at. "You plan on creating a diversion?"

"I do. Better to catch them all off guard. It'll keep things in our favor even if things go awry."

Garrus again looked to the screen. Eagerness began coursing through his body, feeding into an already tense need to see battle and driving him to start pacing. "It's exactly what Shepard would do. I like it," he declared. "Let's give them hell."

Their ship hovering in the upper atmosphere of a nearby planet, Garrus and Kaidan watched in silence as Eternity arrived. It established an orbit above Lorek, its bay doors opening some time later to allow a shuttle to emerge. It descended into the planet's atmosphere swiftly, its rear thrusters all that was visible before passing through cloud cover.

"Scans confirm it," Kaidan reported in hushed tones. "She's on board. Still alive, thank God."

Garrus did not realize he had been holding his breath until he exhaled. He, too, gave silent thanks. "We should come in behind their sensors. Don't want to risk getting shot down before we can make our big entrance."

"Agreed. Hold on."

The ship shuddered as Kaidan propelled it forward, veering down and away from the Eternity toward Lorek. Garrus selected a prime landing zone a short distance from the base, programming it into navigation before rising from his chair. Kaidan activated the autopilot and also stood. They armed themselves in silence, the turian seeing his own determination mirrored in Kaidan's face. At feeling Garrus' eyes on him he looked up; when Garrus nodded so did Kaidan. Time to get to work.

The ship's trembling ceased once it passed through the atmosphere, planing this way and that until it leveled itself out. It hit ground with a noisy thud, Garrus able to hear the rush of wind generated from its landing. Kaidan, who knelt on the floor rummaging through one of the cases Garrus had taken aboard, removed each charge individually. "We'll set them around the perimeter," he explained, taking five of the ten piled by his knee and handing them off. Garrus stowed them in one of the spare ammo packs he wore. "If we're lucky," Kaidan continued, wincing a little as he rose to his feet and slung the bag over his shoulder, "we'll blow enough holes in the place and make them think they're being bombarded. If not- well," he lifted a brow and smiled at Garrus. "At least we have enough firepower this time around."

He laughed slightly. "We may even pick up some more. If it's one thing I've learned from Eclipse, it's they love guns. Big ones, usually." Kaidan, who had just opened the airlock, sent him a half-smile.

Once they had synced their communications channel the pair exited the ship. Garrus looked to the south, identifying the base in the distance. "I'll see what I can do about those mechs, then I'll set charges on the south side of the building."

"I'll come in from the north side," Kaidan told him. "Make sure to activate those that won't affect the building's integrity. We can't risk blowing the place up with Shepard still inside."

Garrus, at first insulted that Kaidan would think he'd place so little value on Shepard's safety, quickly understood the point the other was making. "It'll be better to save the really big explosions for when we're leaving. By the way," he went on, his voice hardening. "I'm not leaving this place until I see Saleon dead. I'm not going to risk running into him again."

Kaidan frowned at him. "The charges should do the trick, like you said. But as for endangering us all for that kind of satisfaction, you might want to clear that with Shepard first. I doubt she'll want to stick around."

"She'll understand my reasons," Garrus replied confidently. He remembered her ready willingness to let him handle Harkin and Sidonis as he wanted. She even admitted later on that she rather enjoyed watching him do it. At first shocked by this revelation, Garrus soon learned to appreciate it. Battle was an aphrodisiac for the both of them. Doing his best to ignore how the memory of what happened right after their return from the Collector base affected him, he addressed Kaidan again. "Don't worry. It won't take long."

"If things work out how we want them to, time will be something we won't have much of." Kaidan gave him a short nod. "Be careful, Garrus, and good luck. The mercs are waiting for Saleon on the south side."

Garrus smiled and said, "You, too. I might not be able to carry you out of here as easily as Shepard did at Virmire." He waited until remembrance brought a slight, self-conscious wince to Kaidan's features, followed by a lopsided grin, before the turian sprinted away. Once he neared the base he spotted the group of mercs clustered around the shuttle. His hand sought the sniper rifle on his back. Here we go...

Robbins nervously shifted in place. He didn't like it, not one bit. There was something...off about this particular base. Maybe it was because he knew what befell the contingent stationed here a few months ago. Or maybe it was that he and the rest of his squad were tapped to play escort to that crazed salarian's super soldiers. It was a duty Robbins did not particularly want to do, but he'd seen others get shot for far less. So he played it smart and kept his mouth shut.

According to what the boss said, the new men would help put Eclipse back on top. Competition among the three gangs was higher than ever thanks to Archangel's meddling; every day Robbins heard of Blood Pack or Blue Suns members moving in on predominantly Eclipse-controlled territory. They have had to cede their claim due to limited numbers – another fault of Archangel's- each time. "No more," the boss had proclaimed on their way to Lorek. "Now we have the power to take it back."

Robbins rubbed the back of his neck to relieve the persistent feeling of someone watching him. The one who'd give Eclipse that power was running late. Everyone was restless and silent, toying with weapons or walking the perimeter. The pair of heavy mechs stood immobile to either side like sentries. Robbins remained rooted to the spot, knowing that if he started moving he'd probably give in to the want to return to the ship. This feeling increased with every passing moment.

His eyes shifted from the horizon back to the boss. He knew Brock wasn't a patient man. Looking at the grizzled old veteran, as scarred as a moon and solid as a rock, Robbins was certain he'd give any krogan a run for his creds. Not even a krogan would cross him, especially given the look in his eyes. Brock leaned against the wall of the crate the mechs had been stowed in, his meaty arms folded over his barrel chest. A lit cigarette hung from between his index and middle finger, but Robbins hadn't seen the boss take a drag on it for some time; ash weighed down the end, as if it had been smoking itself. After ten, uneasy minutes passed something came alive in Brock's eyes. As he leaned away from the crate and beckoned the men closer, Robbins saw their salarian ally had arrived at last.

Dr. Saleon walked ahead of those weird creatures of his everyone had dubbed harvesters. To Robbins, they were more like space zombies, ambling along with leaden steps and moaning in deep, guttural voices. Seeing them never failed to send a chill down his spine. Gripping the assault rifle in hand as if it were a shield against those abominations, he took his place to Brock's far left. Beside him, the only woman of the squad whispered, "Damn but that guy gives me the creeps."

The creeps was right. There was definitely something unsettling about the salarian's jerky movements and his random bursts of laughter. He had even heard Saleon sing. Always it was the same song, sung in a queer, high-pitched voice that rivaled the old metaphor, 'Fingernails on a chalk board.' Where he had picked up on that particular Earth nursery rhyme was anyone's guess; Robbins vowed never to listen- let alone think- of it ever again.

Saleon came to a stop some feet away from Brock, his harvesters crowding his back. The tallest among them, easily the scariest due to its concealed face, casually withdrew a blood-stained, serrated knife. It fingered it slowly, reverently, as if simply waiting to strike. Robbins felt cold sweat break out on his brow. That harvester brought up images of Death. All it needed was a scythe.

Brock flung the cigarette to the ground with a curt gesture. "It's about goddamn time," he growled, approaching the salarian in two strides. "You think I've got all day to wait for you?"

Saleon looked like he was trying very hard not to laugh. His hands kept straying to his quivering lips. "No, sir, I do not," he replied, rocking back and forth on his heels. When he did laugh he covered his mouth as if in complete shock. "Apologies," he went on, lowering his hand and bestowing the boss with a wide smile. "I simply had to store my latest samples. You understand."

There was a tense moment, not unlike the standoffs in the old-fashioned Westerns Robbins liked, before Brock lashed out and had Saleon by the throat. Green blood trailed between his fingers as he squeezed. "All I understand is that you've kept me here for almost two hours. I'm not in the mood for your games." At his words Robbins and the others leveled their guns on the doc and his cloaked freaks. The harvesters growled but did not move.

Saleon's eyes shifted left, right, before he lifted a quivering finger and said, in halting tones, "Perhaps if you saw your new soldiers?"

Robbins wasn't sure what the salarian said or did, but the harvesters moved aside to allow ten of the strangest-looking humans, salarians and batarians passage. The last group caused some murmurs of surprise and protest. The asari looked visibly offended that Brock had requested batarians among their ranks. But Robbins wasn't bothered by their inclusion. It was the simple fact that all were pale-skinned and had piercing, yellow eyes.

Brock dropped Saleon to the ground as carelessly as the cigarette on his way to inspect the ten men. Again Robbins was overcome by unease. He glanced to and fro, half expecting to find himself staring down a sniper's laser sight. That was a ridiculous notion, of course. Passing his hand over his face, he told himself to get a grip. It was just that doctor and his freaks making him nervous. Nothing more.

The boss spent some time studying each merc. At last he whirled around on Saleon. He had regained his footing and watched Brock's inspection, looking for all the world like a proud parent. "I ordered twenty-five. Where are the others?"

"These have the strength of twenty-five," he insisted. He pulled a face. "I thought you'd be pleased."

Again Brock approached Saleon and had him by the throat. When he hoisted the doc off the ground, the salarian's feet wiggled erratically like a damn cartoon character's. "I don't care how strong they are. I paid you to make twenty-five, not ten." Saleon's struggle for breath quickened as Brock tightened his grip. "I don't like being played for a fool, Doctor." His smile turned malicious. "Looks like I may have to get my creds' worth from your pathetic hide."

"Ah!" Saleon gasped, his eyes widening. He suddenly did not seem that concerned how close he was to being choked to death. "You wish a demonstration? Yes, I can do that!" Moving far swifter than Robbins expected, the wiry doctor broke free and skipped- skipped- for one of the human super soldiers. He leaned in close, one hand cupped around the human's ear. Without warning he summoned a surge of biotic power and directed it at the asari. She barely had time to scream before she was lifted and slammed against the ground with a sickening crunch. Blood poured from her nose and mouth, crawling down the side of her face to join what was already soaking the ground. Robbins, as well as the others, were simply too stunned by the brutality to react.

Brock folded his arms over his chest and grunted. Ordinarily losing such a powerful biotic would have sent him into a rage. Robbins could only assume he had been impressed by the display. "All right, you crazy bastard," he said with fierce resentment. "If I didn't need men so badly I would have crushed your head between my bare hands, but you made your point. In the future, however," he said, turning to stare Saleon down. "Don't you dare try this again, or else I might not be able to control my temper."

"Wouldn't think of it!" Saleon promised, clasping his hands and bowing several times. The ten soldiers moved silently to join the ranks. Those who stood nearby quickly stepped away. Saleon then signaled his harvesters, the caressing way he called them 'darlings' causing Robbins to grimace. All but the biggest one began heading for the base. It approached the dead asari, bending over and throwing the body over its shoulder. Her head dangled at an awkward angle, bobbing up and down with each step.

Saleon sidled over to the boss. "Our business is done here?"

"Not quite," Brock replied severely. "Where's Commander Shepard?"

Saleon looked as if he hadn't understood the question. "Commander Shepard?" he repeated. He lifted his hands, tapping his upright fingers rapidly against the other. "Dead," he announced, unable to repress a smile. "I used her to make those men for you."

At this Brock's lips curled into a snarl. Robbins instantly came alert, as did the others. The echo of guns being trained on the salarian sounded all around. "I wanted her alive!" he barked. "I owe that bitch a long, slow death for what she and her pal Archangel did to Jaroth."

Saleon looked to be chewing on his fingers as he considered his answer. At length he threw up his hands. "See? She's dead to you! She won't be causing any more trouble. You should thank me."

Brock was definitely in no mood to be thanking anyone. Shoving the salarian aside with such force he backpedaled, arms flailing comically, the boss snapped, "Move out!"

Two sweeter words could never be spoken. The ten super soldiers flanked Brock, the others following suit according to rank. This left Robbins near the back, allowing him the best view of Saleon's enthusiastic waving before he departed. The boss is right. He is a crazy bastard, he thought, shuddering as the echo of Saleon's maniacal laughter followed him until he was out of sight. Shaking his head, Robbins hotfooted it after the others. That was when he heard it: the kickback on a high-caliber sniper rifle. He froze, his breath stilling in his chest. It was coming right for him. He could feel it. Death propelled by a small projectile aimed for the back of his head. But isn't this when he was supposed to see his life flashing before his eyes?

As the bullet hit true and his body jerked in response, the only thing he saw was the ground coming up fast to meet him. He was already dead by the time the explosion sounded.

Shooting the merc had gained their attention, drawing the others into Garrus' well-laid trap very smoothly. That first charge had seen to most of the Eclipse mercs and the mechs; those that managed to avoid being blown up immediately scattered for cover. Garrus, at first irritated that Saleon had managed to flee before he had the chance to set it, realized it wasn't the right time. Finding Shepard was far more important.

Ducking to avoid the hailstorm of bullets passing overhead, Garrus pulled out another charge and slapped it on the side of the crate the Eclipse boss had leaned on when he heard the familiar sound of a heavy mech's approach. Cursing under his breath, he bolted out of cover, overloading the mech's shields before running toward the base. He dodged discarded cargo and other supplies surrounding the place, letting his shields absorb the stray bullets that came his way. One hit true as he leapt over a fragile crate. He winced in pain, but pushed forward until he found suitable cover behind the shuttle. Peering around the edge, he quickly assessed the situation.

The heavy mech lead the way, unloading torrents of bullets. Flanking it were five other mercs, two of which were Saleon's super soldiers. Every instinct inside Garrus screamed he needed to find an ideal perch to pick those bastards off from afar, but he forced himself to wait. To be patient. This would only work if the mech got in range. Come on, he thought, his mandibles twitching in anticipation. Just a little closer!

Someone shouted to surround the perimeter. He glimpsed a pair of mercs splitting off from the main group. Garrus disregarded them; he'd get to those two later. The mech's heavy, thumping footsteps grew in decibel until- yes! Garrus called up his omni-tool, activated the charge and ran like hell. The crate, heavy mech and mercs were swallowed in a glorious display of pyrotechnics that would have made his old explosion expert proud. A wave of powerful energy then sent him sprawling face down in the dirt. Reacting swiftly, Garrus rolled over and shot to his feet. What he saw made him smile.

Pieces of the heavy mech lay scattered all around, sparks arcing into the air from the fractured chest plate and splintered arms. Nothing but charred skeletons remained of the mercs. He went to signal Kaidan to share his success when he glimpsed another explosion rising up from the north end of the complex. Garrus smiled at what it meant and sped for the entrance. Excitement raced through him, as potent as that first night with Shepard. They might just pull this off.