Shoals of Dust

by Luminous Beginnings

Tides of light have stolen him from where he belongs. Alone, he must stand and fight, in a galaxy where he stands as the last of his kind. The burden placed upon his shoulders is of the hero he replaced. Now he waits until he can hand this burden back.

8. Two of a Kind

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Chapter 8 - Two of a Kind

Once again, Harry found himself standing on the bridge of the Normandy, staring out its window. Having not the time to bother with the Command Console, he instead decided to get his glimpse of the planet directly. Staring down at the brown hulk, he had to admit he was not impressed. Turning to the nearest projector, he asked, "EDI, can you tell me about this planet? I can't say I know better, but it looks like a decrepit junk pile from here."

The blue orb appeared, flashing once as it answered. "That description would be mostly accurate, Potter. A large portion of the planet is dedicated to various bone and scrapyards. Various ship remnants cover the majority, and it is known that the various mercenary use the ships as bases for a variety of reasons."

Bringing up a display on the monitor and flashing a picture of an ancient krogan, she continued. "The Krogan warlord Okeer is located on the planet for this reason. He has been recruited one of the resident Blue Suns encampments on the planet. The reason for his employment is unknown. It is noted that Okeer is a veteran of the Krogan Rebellions, and has possibly been researching a cure for the genophage. To that end, there has been speculation that he contacted the Collectors for assistance in procuring said cure."

Harry sighed and nodded. "So, we're looking at a what is essentially a Krogan mad scientist? Why are we recruiting him again?"

The hologram paused, a few pulses flickering over its form. "Okeer has been contacted about information regarding the Collectors. While he did not send a response, Cerberus did receive his location from an unspecified source a few hours afterward."

"So he may be willing to deal with us, or it may be a trap." Harry sighed. "But considering what we're up against, it would be worth it if he was telling the truth. We've already got one scientist, how could having another mad one hurt?" Seeing that the computer recognized that the question was rhetorical, he shook his head and turned to Joker. "So, how do you think we should do this, Joker?"

The man gave a start, before turning his head to face Harry. "You're asking me? I don't know, suppose the usual. Fly down there on a broomstick and turn them all into frogs? I suppose it'd help if they were salarians. They're pretty much frogs already."

Harry rolled his eyes, saying, "No, Joker. I don't have a broomstick with me. I meant how are we getting down there. Are we taking the shuttle, or something?"

Shrugging, the pilot replied, "I suppose, no reason not to. You'll have to hike a ways to the base though. It's not incredibly obvious, but there are static defenses all over this planet. If you're not careful, Instead of a nice leisurely ride to planetoid, you'll become a toasty pancake instead."

"Roger that. EDI, tell the ground team to meet up down in the shuttle bay. We'll be heading out soon."

After a long wait in the elevator, during which Harry hummed an old and strangely familiar tune, he stepped out and into the shuttle bay, only to find that the three team members already waiting for him. Looking incredulously from one to the next, he sighed and shook his head. "Do I want to know how you three managed to make it down here first?"

Looking at each other with a vague amusement, Garrus offered, "Oh, I was already down here. Had some calibrations to do. Something in your magic messed with my suits sensors, and had to get them realigned."

Quickly cutting into Garrus' spiel, Mordin said, "Ladder down in laboratory. Decided was prudent to have knowledge of all routes on ship, standard and nonstandard. Also, much faster than elevator."

Nodding faintly, Harry turned to stare down Jacob. "And what about you?"

The younger man grinned, saying, "Was just waiting for you to show up. Nothing too fancy, sir. It's not like we're trying to one up you or anything." A snicker from the resident turian seemed to rebut his statement. "At least, Mordin and I aren't. As for Garrus here, he seems to be asking to be apparated down to the planet himself, don't you think?"

Harry paused for a moment, before saying, "You know, that could actually work. I've apparated hundreds of miles before. As long as we're close enough, and the Normandy isn't moving much faster than the ground below, it sure is possible." Suddenly brightening, he said, "Wonderful! Garrus, would you like to volunteer to be the guinea pig?"

Having been shut up by the implications of the wizard's musings, he just shook his head. "No… I don't think I would. Thinks anyway though, Harry."

"What a pity. Ah well, into the shuttle. We've got a lot of fun times ahead of us today."

Mordin and Jacob simply nodded their heads and moved in. Garrus, glancing at the shuttle and back, joked back. "Of course, fun times. Maybe you humans are all alike. Shepard seemed to be fond of fun times too." Without saying anything else, he quickly took a spot on the shuttle. Following him inside, he took his own seat as the shuttle's door closed and it took to the air.

As the shuttle began its motionless descent to the planet's surface, Mordin turned to Harry. "Potter, would like to ask something." At his nod, the salarian continued. "Would like to perform some testing at later date. Study your 'magic' more thoroughly. Would you agree to giving tissue samples?"

Thinking about it for a second, Harry shrugged. "I don't see a problem with it. Why are you asking though?"

The salarian hummed to himself, crossing his fingers. "A few reasons. Largest is simple academic curiosity. What makes you different? Can it be measured? Harnessed? Applied? If so, possibilities endless. If not, still may discover something of use. Also could help track down others of your kind, if it is genetic. Mentioned you might be last of your kind? Could possibly work."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Just that? I didn't think you'd be doing it for reasons that altruistic. No offense, Mordin."

"None taken, Potter. Is truly mostly selfish reasoning. Am curious to know. Wish to learn." He breathed inward, before nodding. "Will tell what I need later. After mission."

"Alright Mordin. And lighten up, will you? It's just Harry. You sound a bit like a ferret when you call me that."

Brow raised in surprise, Mordin nodded shortly. "Very well. Will try to remember."

A minute or so after finishing conversation, during which the entire team was double-checking their weapons and other equipment, the door slid open and revealed a blasted and ruined landscape before him. Speaking to no one in particular, Harry remarked, "Are we sure that we got off at the right exit?"

"Quite sure. Objective is straight ahead, in the hull of ancient ship." The scientist stroked his chin. "Interesting. Seems to be of human origin. Odd, considering average age of human vessels is quite young compared to other species'."

Jacob shrugged at the remark, saying, "Well, it doesn't really matter. A secret hideout on a ship is still mostly a secret, no matter which hull they choose." He squinted at the distant object. "I just wish we had a better idea besides marching there."

Harry turned to face Jacob during his spiel, but was distracted by an object behind Jacob. Skirting around the group, he found himself facing what appeared to be the wheel of a vehicle. "Hey, Mordin, come look at this. Perhaps we can use it to get there faster?"

"Hrm? Ah, I see, wheeled vehicle. Yes, should work." Stepping closer, he activated his omnitool and directed it at the vehicle. "Interfacing, yes, should be fine. According to sensors, perfectly operational. Odd. Highly convenient, too. Perhaps a mercenary patrol left it behind? Unlikely to be remnant of salvage yards."

Shrugging, he asked the salarian, "That's good then. I don't suppose you know how to drive it then?"

Before the salarian could answer, Jacob gave one instead. "Sure do. Former Alliance, remember? We all were taught how to drive the Mako during our training."

Suddenly, Garrus stiffened. "Did you say Mako?"

Ignoring the turian, Jacob continued. "It'll be a cinch. As long as there's enough fuel, the thing will run for virtually forever. All wheel drive to, so you don't have to worry about being stuck." He did pause, adding, "It is important to say that's it's not a tank. Rather, it would be an infantry fighting vehicle. It's designed for both troop transport and combat, but isn't specialized for either one."

Harry nodded, staring at the machine as Mordin punched a few buttons on his omnitool and the lights flickered on. "Still, this thing is basically a space tank."

"Please tell me we're not going on the Mako."

Still ignoring the turian, Jacob answered. "Pretty much. It's got pretty good kinetic barriers on it too. With someone smart driving, a bullet will never get through." He paused, before adding, "Oh, and it can jump over obstacles thanks to a weak mass effect core built in."

"So it's a flying space tank. Ok, we're definitely taking it." As Jacob and Mordin began to open the hatch and climb in, Harry looked over at Garrus. "So, why shouldn't we be taking it, Garrus? Don't like tanks?"

"No, I like tanks. Nice, steady tanks. That stay on the ground. Tanks that don't climb up mountains, or jump across bottomless gaps." The turian shivered. "And it is even worse when Shepard drives. The first time I rode with him, I had to empty my guts the moment I stepped outside. Good man… but a horrible driver." Shaking himself out of the reverie, he faced Harry. "But there is no way that you're getting me in that monstrosity."

"Oh really. So you're saying that we shouldn't take the space tank."

The turian nodded, seeing that the wizard understood his argument. "Yes, that is what I am saying. Sure, it'll take longer, but it'll be a nice safe walk. No driving over mountains or jumping over buildings. Nothing of the sort. Nice and safe."

Grinning, Harry took out his wand and spun it about his finger. "Let me say it again. You are telling the wizard that we should not take the flying space tank."

"Yes, I am. And there is no way you can get me on that thing, even with magic."

-oo-

"I can't believe you got me on this crazy thing."

As the Mako rolled along through the barren wasteland towards the Blue Sun facility, Harry turned to face the turian. "You know, you keep on telling us that. Just because you keep saying that you don't believe something happened, doesn't mean it didn't."

Garrus stared blankly at the wizard. "Oh, I know that much. But it's either that, or complaining about how you stuck me to this chair with your mumbo jumbo. Not counting how you immobilized me to get me in here. All you need are ropes and candles, and you'd have set the mood."

At that, Harry snorted. "Whatever you say, Garrus. So, care to take a glance down that gun's scopes and see if you can see anything coming our way?"

Grumbling to himself, Garrus leaned forward as far as he could, putting his eyes onto the scope of the gun. "Not to much on the visual. Although there is a lot of rough ground ahead. And broken up ship parts. I hope you don't plan on driving through that debris."

"Nah, we won't be doing that." Turning back around to Mordin, who was sitting in the seat next to Jacob, he asked, "Anything on the sensors?"

"Nothing definite, too much debris. Breaking up scanners…" Suddenly, one of the klaxons on the dashboard began blaring. "Take that back! One of ship's ports opening. Appears to be missile launching."

Harry paused, before clambering up behind his two teammates. Staring at the trail of smoke that had appeared a few miles ahead in the distance, he cursed. "Alright then, I guess we'd not be able to survive a hit from that."

"Correct. Mako designed for flanking and maneuver warfare. Is capable of sustaining small and medium arms fire. Not capable of withstanding anti-ship missiles."

"Well, I might know a trick or two to help us. But for now, let's just keep heading forward." Pulling out his wand, he leveled it at the point of light encroaching them.

From back in the turret, Garrus shouted with dread in his voice. "Harry, I hope you realize that here are walls up ahead. Jagged walls made out of ship parts. I don't think we'll be able to get through them."

"I told you Garrus, we're not going through it." Patting Jacob on the shoulder, he ordered, "Take us up Jacob. I want to see this thing fly."

Grinning at the whimper of fear that ensued from the back, Jacob grabbed one of the levers in the cockpit. "Alright, going up then. Next stop: Date with a missile." At that, he pulled the lever down.

In the confined space of the Mako, the thrusters roared as the wheels slipped the surly bonds of garbage below and flew into the smog filled skies. As they did so, Harry couldn't help but let a joyous grin cover his face. "Alright, I have to take this home."

However, he was interrupted from his thoughts by Mordin's shouts. "Harry! Missile is at two miles and closing fast. Would recommend magic or evasion."

Nodding, he waited for the missile to come closer, keeping his wand trained on it the whole time. As the point of light grew larger and larger, he smirked and whispered under his breath.

Arresto Momentum.

Suddenly, the missile froze in the air, sputtering helplessly even though its nozzle still roared with flames. After a second, gravity began to overcome it, pulling it closer and closer to the ground. Barely a second later, the thrusters on the Mako also cut out, and it slowly fell back to the planet, having crossed a myriad of debris in the process.

Chuckling to himself as the missile clunked to the ground in the distance before exploding with a whimper, Harry shook his head. "Not too bad. I'm surprised they haven't turned the ship guns onto us, though."

"Primary armaments angled for anti-orbital targeting. Unable to decline to proper angle. Is why anti ship missiles were used." Mordin inclined his face to Harry. "Also, casual flaunting of laws of physics, troubling."

Harry grinned down at the salarian. "Actually, us wizards prefer to think of them more as guidelines. But I suppose we should get a move on. Do we know where Okeer is in that ship? Or will we need to comb through the entire structure?"

Mordin shrugged. "Unknown. Included no directions or maps in transmission, merely location on planet. Will be able to hack system once closer though. Should be able to find directions there."

"Alright then, Mordin." Turning to the driver, he said, "Alright Jacob, take us in."

"Roger that." Gunning the gas, the Mako increased in speed, heading towards the structure. Nimbly dodging around the debris field, they arrived at the edge of the facility. "Harry, there appears to be a large outcropping above. It'll be a tight squeeze, but I can fit us in."

Harry nodded to him. "Do it. I'd rather not have to fight through all of these mercenaries. And what's the point of a space tank if you can't use it?" He took a moment to glance back at the turian. "Isn't that right, Garrus?"

"…close my eyes it will end soon. If I close my eyes it will end soon. If I…"

Chuckling, he just shook his head. "I suppose I'll take that as a yes." Turning back, he was able to watch as the tank lifted up from the ground and into the air. Soaring past the platform, he saw as a squad of Blue Suns stared at them as they passed. Seconds later, the Mako reached the height of its jump, and began to fall towards the platform. As its shadow grew, the mercenaries realized what was about to happen, and attempted to jump out of the way. It was of no use to most of them, as the metal wheels of the vehicle crushed their armor and pinned them to the floor, which wobbled at the sudden weight pressed upon it.

As the surviving troopers tried to recover from the destruction of over half of their number, the hatch opened. Pouring out of the back of vehicle were Harry and Mordin. The former immediately apparated to their flank and began showering them with concussive spells, shattering their armor. The latter instead waited for shields to drop from the destruction of their emitters, and placed a bullet between their eyes. Between the two, the remaining mercenaries were quickly sent to their eternal reward.

"Entrance, somewhat dramatic. Nonetheless, appeared effective. Would recommend rapid procurement of Okeer. Reinforcements likely on the way." Replacing his gun back into its magnetic holster, Mordin retrieved his omnitool and began tapping away.

Harry just nodded, and eyed the only door in the vicinity. "Yeah, we don't want to deal with too many. No need to do it." As Mordin continued to search for something on his omnitool, Harry turned back to the Mako. "By the way, are you two going to be coming out?"

An amused voice answered him. "I was just putting the vehicle on standby. However, I don't think Garrus is going anywhere, at least until you undo whatever it was that you did to him."

"Oh." Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "That might be important. Hold on a second." Muttering Finite under his breath, he heard a form slump to the ground, before armored feet pounded their way out of the vehicle.

What could only be described as the largest and happiest dual-toned sigh of relief that Harry had ever heard followed. "Ahhh… Solid land… So happy to be back on it again…"

While amused by the sight, Harry tried to shake Garrus out of his reverie. "You know, we're technically very high off the ground. The land's all the way down there."

"I don't care. Even if thing was made of paper, It'd be much safer than that deathtrap." The turian shot a glare at the vehicle. "Shepard nearly got us killed a few times, the way he drove that thing."

Thinking on how Jacob had driven, Harry shrugged. After all, if Shepard was as good as everyone says he was, why is his driving considered so terrible? "It couldn't have been that bad."

Garrus nodded to Harry. "Of course. You're right. It was worse."

"Aha! Got it." At the, the two turned to Mordin, who was looking up from his omnitool. "Landing site most fortunate, as laboratories relatively nearby. Took a few minutes. Security surprisingly decent." He paused, drawing in a breath. "Also, reports of infighting among the mercenaries. Appears to have delayed any response to our intrusion. Should be safe, for a few minutes."

"Alright." Turning back to Garrus, with whom Jacob was now standing, Harry said, "Alright you two. Let's get this Krogan and get out of here. With any luck, we won't have to even shoot anyone"

Nodding to him, the two whipped out their guns and proceeded to move down the catwalks. With Mordin covering their rear, Harry led his squad through the catwalks and platforms that made up that segment of the ship. Fortunately, there were no enemies present, yet there were still sounds of gunfire in the distance wherever they walked.

Fortunately, Mordin's statement as to where the labs were located proved accurate. Flanking the doors, Harry triggered the sensor and the four walked in, guns and wand at the ready. The only thing in the room, however, was a single krogan punching away at the terminal, barely taking the time to look up at them.

"Hrm. You've arrived faster than I expected, human." His ancient voice echoed throughout the room, tinged with dark amusement. "I doubt Jedore ever expected to find her defenses breached by a tank flying over them."

Harry lowered his wand, but kept it at the ready. As Mordin stepped up to take a closer look at the tank beside the krogan, he replied, "Neither did some of my team. But first things first. Are you Okeer?"

"Hrmph. That I am, human. You must be the… replacement that the Illusive Man spoke of. For you're no Shepard." He turned around, staring down at the smaller human. "I'd say that you do not appear nearly as impressive. But no matter. I suppose you are here about the Cerberus deal?"

Harry nodded to him. "I suppose you are willing to come along, still? We know that you sent that message to us, telling where you were located."

The krogan harrumphed and turned away. "Why else would I have sent it human? To bring you into a trap? I am only working for Blue Sun because I could use them to my own purposes. But if you wish to procure my services, there is one thing I require." At that, he gestured to the tank that Mordin was observing. "I need my masterpiece secured. I trust that you are willing to assist?"

At that, the salarian started. "Masterpiece? This is a krogan, bred. Cloned." The salarian turned to Okeer, with narrowed eyes. "Major violation of Council laws. You are performing experiments to cure the genophage?"

Laughing softly, the hulking krogan stared down at Mordin. "You might say that. But not in the manner that you are thinking of. I do not desire mindless hordes. They did not win us the rebellions." He turned to look up at the krogan in the tank. "Instead, I have been attempting to create a stronger krogan. Not one who tries to defeat the genophage by numbers, but by being stronger, tougher, perfect. A krogan that will simply ignore it."

"Implications, troubling." The salarian looked conflicted for a moment. "Physiology appears to match claims. No noticeable deformities. Also, larger than normal for krogan this age." He turned to Okeer. "Even without violation of laws, strain of DNA could be exceedingly dangerous if allowed to mate." He shook his head. "Still, suppose is not my decision."

"Indeed, salarian, it is not." Facing down Harry, he said, "So, is that acceptable to you, human? For my assistance, the safety of my masterpiece. My prototype."

Looking at Mordin, who seemed to be especially interested in the decision, Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Frankly, we need the help. I know your kind are good fighters, and it sounds like you're a scientist from what you've done." He nodded his head. "Very well. Can we get him out of here now?"

"Yes, it should be almost ready to move. A few more minutes, and it can be safely disconnected." As he turned back to the console, a voice sounded from an unseen speaker system.

"Attention, everyone. This is Jedore. The krogan release was traced to Okeer. He's apparently decided to jump ship on us. Gas him, and his accomplices. We'll start over from the data." As she finished her statement, a small hiss issued as a gas began to be poured into the rooms.

The krogan snarled, clenching his fists and swinging them towards the nearest window, before catching himself. "Damned woman. I gave her everything she asked for. And now she'll destroy everything I've worked for, with a valve?" He turned to Harry. "Go, human, kill her. She's on the lower level, with the remnants of the I'll… remain here, and do what needs to be done." Grimly, he looked away, back up at the tank.

Harry's eyes widened as he realized what Okeer intended to do. He wants to sacrifice himself to save that krogan. Spinning about, he shouted at Jacob, "Go now! Take Mordin and Garrus. I need you to take out that mercenary." After the other man tossed a quick salute, breaking out his gun as the three ran to the far exit, Harry waved his wand, creating a shimmering bubble that surrounded the two. "I've seen enough people sacrifice themselves to save what they believed in. If it matters that much to you, I think you'd rather see this project through."

The krogan eyed the barrier nonplussed, before shrugging it off and turning back to his computer. "That I would. But given the choice, it is much more important than I am. A relic cannot change the galaxy. But his legacy might be able to." Turning back to the console, he began hammering out more instructions. Dare I ask what you are, human? That was no biotics, right there."

Harry grinned. "I am the very antithesis of science. But let's save introductions for later." Walking over to the edge of the window, his grin faded from his face as he stared down at the ensuing battle. "Two YMIR? Nasty things."

"Why do you think a mercenary would use them then? If they were weak, she'd not bother." Okeer scoffed. "And if you aren't going to help, do not begin with the commentary. Such prattle is pointless."

"Maybe it is." Harry eyed the robots down below. Last time I had to brute force my way through their defenses, but they were still susceptible to simple jinxes. I wonder… Eying a bit of rubbish that had fallen to the wayside during the battle, he waved his wand. Suddenly, the head of the YMIR mech had taken its place, while the garbage now sat upon the sparking stump of the mechanized creation. As its head had been lost, it fell to its knees and began flashing, before creating its signatory sizable explosion on the field below.

Harry shook his head almost mockingly, before repeating the action with the second YMIR. "This is almost sad. I thought that they might be a bit hard to transfigure. But this makes me wish I had tried this out sooner."

"Heh, whatever it was human, it worked." The krogan looked down at him from his workstation. "Definitely not biotics. You don't think like a soldier. More like an assassin. Destroying your foes before they are aware of your existence."

"You don't approve?"

Okeer shrugged. "The krogan in me doesn't approve. But that is the same krogan in all of my kind that has been driving my species extinct. That is why I am performing this work. But I can certainly say I don't disapprove." He did pause and look up. "It doesn't have the same visceral feeling of satisfaction, however."

Harry shrugged. "To each his own." As the krogan tapped one final button, the tube hummed with power and began to float out of its slot in the wall, a blue mass effect field issuing from the bottom. "I suppose you're ready?"

The krogan nodded. "I am. The filtration will automatically began to filter out the gas, so you will not have to worry about holding your breath." As he spoke, one last shot rang out from below, muffled by the wall between them and the combat zone. Turning, Okeer saw the leader of the Blue Suns fall over, clutching at a bloodstained hole in her stomach. At the sight, a truly vicious grin covered his face. "And that is the last loose end out of the way."

As if he was jinxed, though, the coughing voice of Jedore issued once more from the loudspeakers. "Damn… He's going to get away, I won't have it. Fire the all of the remaining missiles, but don't open… open the blast shields. If I'm going down, I'm gonna… gonna bring him with me." Eyes widening, the two waited a few seconds, until a loud explosion shook the entire room.

"Damned woman… That won't destroy this ship outright, but it's going to fall, sooner or later. I hope you still have a way out of here." Okeer's eyes were darting back and forth between Harry and his pod, seemingly concerned for the first time.

As his three squadmates returned, Harry nodded shortly. "We did leave it parked outside. But we should get moving. Your prototype needs to get out of here." Turning to his team, he shouted, "Jacob, Mordin, get back to the Mako. Get it ready to leave! Garrus, get over here, we're gonna get this tube out of here."

As the other human and salarian dashed out of the room, Garrus ran over to Harry. As they did, Okeer grabbed the side of the test tube and began dragging its floating form across the room. Directing Garrus to grab the other side, Harry put his hands on the back and began pushing it as quickly as he could.

The three of them made their way through the catwalks to where the Mako was parked. However, Okeer's rather optimistic prediction was quickly dashed by the sight of falling debris from the top of the structure. Shutting it out, the three managed to haul the device all the way back to the Mako, whose back hatch was lowered and waiting for them.

Pushing Harry aside, Okeer claimed the rear spot on the tube and pushed it up the hatch. Unfortunately, it was too large to go in upright, and so had to be lowered. As it was laid horizontally, its mass effect field cut out, and the entire thing clattered to the floor. With a grunt, Okeer gave the thing one last shove and forced it in, barely inside the door.

After doing so, he managed to squeeze himself in on one side of the prototype. Harry himself climbed in on the other side, Garrus right behind him. Shouting over the low roar of the ship slowly collapsing, he tried to get Jacob to move the vehicle. However he was met only by Jacob's shaking head. "We're too heavy! The thrusters will give out before we'd be able to make it out of here."

Sweating slightly at the groan of metal shearing from metal, he replied, "Are you sure? We have to get out of here!"

Jacob just shouted back, "Unless you can make it weightless or use some magic to get us out of here, we're screwed!"

Harry's eyes widened, before he slapped himself on the head. Idiot… Didn't even think of that. A featherweight charm might do it… But we'd still be in a collapsing ship. As a large beam fell down in front of him, a tired smile stretched over his face. "Well, they do say fortune favors the bold. Next stop: the Normandy." At the confused and worried looks of his squadmates, he only shook his head. Pulling his wand out and placing it on the Mako, he tapped once while firmly incanting.

Portus.

A second went by, with nothing happening. Suddenly, the familiar hook behind his navel took hold, and the tank began to spin. The metal of the collapsing ship gave way to that familiar void.

Minutes later, as the others finally realized to simply close their eyes and wait it out, a groan sounded through the tank. Suddenly, the bottom of the Mako dropped out, and it collapsed onto a floor, still spinning. As metal wheels screeched against metal paneling, the revolutions slowed down, before the tank came to a rest. After a few seconds, the hatch popped open with a hiss, revealing the scarred interior of a rather familiar cargo hold.

Nearly laughing at his success, he looked over at Okeer, eyes wide at what just happened. "I am pleased to welcome you to the Normandy. Please enjoy your stay."

-oo-

"Mr. Potter, I would ask in the future that any experiments with magic to please be located outside the ship. While the damage is rather minor, I would still prefer to prefer it never happened."

Harry nodded tirelessly at the nearest speaker. "Alright, alright, EDI, I gotcha. It wasn't like we planned on damaging the ship. That's just the way it happened. Would you rather we have died, instead of damaging your ship?"

"No, Mr. Potter. I would put the lives of all crew members above the well being of myself, and that includes you." A blue light formed over a projector, staring down at Harry sitting on his couch. "However, if not for my sake, at least for Mr. Moreau's sake. He has already ranted plenty about wizards tearing up his 'baby'. As I do not wish my pilot to suffer an aneurysm, perhaps you could be more careful in the future?"

Cracking a grin, Harry finally nodded. "Alright, I suppose I can. How is Okeer settling in, along with his prototype?"

The orb flashed, before speaking. "They appear to be doing well. Okeer has been setting up power leads to the prototype. With them in place, he no longer would need to run them off of batteries." Pausing momentarily, the AI continued. "I inquired earlier if he would be opening the prototype, but he declined to answer. From all appearances, he wishes to keep it in stasis until he is satisfied that it is ready."

Harry nodded absently, a look of relief washing over his face. "Good. I can tell he'll be a handful if he's anything like Okeer. And having two krogan on board…" He shrugged. "It could be worse. We could have two trolls instead."

"…Of course." Harry nearly cracked a grin. It seemed like the computer wasn't quite willing to contemplate everything he had said. Either that, or it believed humoring him was the best modus operandi. "Moving on, the Mako you recovered is more or less intact. However, several of its electronic circuits were fried in the transit between the planet and the ship. It seems like whatever spell you used caused the damage."

"Probably. Magic and electronics don't seem to get along very well. And since that spell infuses magic into the object…" Harry shrugged. "That's why nothing else probably fried. I'm still surprised that pod survived the transit, though."

"Krogan hardware is notorious for being extremely reliable. If Okeer had a hand in designing the pod, it is likely that he made it to last."

Or maybe since the pod wasn't technically part of the Mako, the magic didn't spread? Who knows. It seems to have worked either way, so I shouldn't really complain. "Alright, EDI, sounds good enough to me. Is there anything else?"

Once more, the blue orb flashed. "Dr. Solus would like me to remind you to see him down in the science bay. He has requested your presence to assist him with some tests, as we are in transit to our next objective. Besides that, there is nothing of concern at the moment."

Sighing at the thought of testing, Harry nodded to the orb. "Thanks EDI, I'm on my way." Standing up, he shed his robes and laid them on his seat as he sought the elevator. One excessively long ride later, and he found himself next to the lab, and Mordin muttering to himself over various inanities.

Unsure if he should interrupt the salarian, in case he was in the middle of some important work, Harry leaned on a nearby wall. After a few minutes, he coughed once, trying to quietly garner Mordin's attention.

He was successful. "Oh! Harry, good to se you've arrived. Was just finishing initial research on Collector swarms. Very interesting indeed. Too early to tell preventative methods, but will inform you once further progress is made."

Nodding, Harry said, "Ok. But what did you want me for?"

Mordin raised his hand up to stroke his chin. "Was curious as your powers, as stated before. Such a thing is unknown amongst all other races. Indeed, up until now, was unknown among humans." He paused, before asking, "Do you have any speculation as to why that might be?"

Harry shrugged. "Not really. Back during my time, I tried to help the wizarding world grow closer to the nonmagical world. At the time, the heads of states knew of us, along with any nonmagical relatives, but not beyond that."

"Hrm, interesting." Mordin tapped his chin, pondering the information. "Indeed, is very odd. You are saying it was not a complete secret, but one that was fairly well known. But in the intervening span, everyone disappeared. Why would they do that?"

"I am not sure… If they continued my work directly, they should have integrated within a few decades. It might have been that some of the older families tried to regain control." Harry paused, sighing. "Our society was very hierarchal. While nominally a democracy, many of the seats were hereditary. And those that weren't could easily be bought off. It didn't help that the wizarding world was a hundred years behind the muggle world in development, at the best. A lot of my time was simply trying to get them to catch up."

Mordin was nodding along, before something caught his attention. "Muggle world? Another name for nonmagical world? Appears to be slightly derogatory."

Harry flushed, ears burning red. "It is, one born of habit instead of anything else. I've grown too used to using it… it's why I try to use the other term."

Mordin shook his head at harry. "No, no, is completely understandable. Shouldn't happen, but it does. From sound of it, spent many years among those that had less than savory views of those without magic?"

"On top of spending an entire war fighting them."

"Ah, that would explain it." Mordin nodded, as if answering his own question. "Was curious exactly why Illusive Man went to such lengths. Shepard was the best soldier in the Alliance, but would not have been impossible to replace. To go to such lengths is unimaginable." He stroked his chin. "Curious as to how Cerberus retrieved you. Might you have any idea?"

Shaking his hand back and forth, Harry offered, "Not to much. Not that big on temporal mechanics, remember? However, it is possible that they found some time turners and extracted the sand from them, and used it in some manner."

Raising one of his brows, Mordin asked, "Time turner? Curious. Powered by sand that you mention?"

"Yes, it's essentially an hourglass. It has a fancy base, typically, but I don't believe there is any magic in that part." Harry frowned to himself. "Every time you turn it and let the sand fall, it moved us back an hour in time."

"Hrm, interesting. So movement of sand triggered temporal rift? Perhaps if manipulated with a mass effect field…" H shook his head. "Bothersome. Will work out possible mechanics later. Need to get back to original point. So, you believe they went back into hiding after you left?"

Harry offered Mordin a week grin. "I thought you said you didn't like temporal mechanics?" Sighing, he continued. "No, actually, I don't think they did. We spent a lot of time modernizing our society. But that was just one country, not an entire world. And we were ahead of a good majority of them in the process."

"Ah, had forgotten about that aspect. Your planet still has separate countries. Would imagine how separate they would be, back then." He paused, tapping a finger on a nearby table. "Were any countries particularly hostile to the move? Might have started troubles. Although, would have been a complete secret. No truly major wars on your home planet in about a century."

"I worked mainly in my own Ministry. Off the top of my head, the Russians and Chinese gave us trouble. Mostly due to how their magical populations had been decimated in purges before. The African states were always squabbling, as a warlord would manage to take control of one, launch a war, and be destroyed. Rinse and repeat."

Harry scratched his chin. "On the other hand, the Commonwealth advanced along with us, so that's roughly half of the countries in the world. The only other thing that comes to note are the remnants of the United Magical States. Nearly all of them detested their neighbors, so it was hard to make any true peace. The Tri-States helped the most, although it was pure practicality for them. They were the site of most of the battles."

Mordin nodded along absently. "Indeed. But nothing sounded truly out of place. Not many had great reservations about such a merger?" Humming to himself, he asked, "Would the discovery of mass effect have changed anything?"

Pondering for a moment, Harry replied, "I don't know. But if it were I, I'd see it as a way for the nonmagicals to perform something close to what we are capable of. So there wouldn't be as many of the old worries of being hunted down."

"Hunted down? Interesting. Had heard of witch hunts in human history, of course, but hadn't imagined them to be real." He breathed inward sharply. "Still, known evidence leaves a few answers. Either they remained in hiding, left, or were simply destroyed."

Shrugging, Harry shook his head. "Possibly. But it's not much of use to be arguing over what may be." Mentally wondering the time, he asked Mordin, "Was there anything else you wanted to know?"

The scientist salarian grinned at him. "Lots I wish to know. However, will keep questions to a minimum for moment. Wanted to discover what you are capable of. Have personally seen your power used to change objects from one to another, and also to transport us long distance. Not to mention a few spells for combat. However, rest of abilities less clear. Garrus mentioned something about fire?"

At the reminder of that even, Harry's expression darkened. "Yes, Fiendfyre. It's a destructive spell. Particularly dark. Magic doesn't like me using it. But something like it's necessary, sometimes." He thought for a second. "As for the rest of the spells, there are a few of note. I can transfigure a lot of things into one another. A permanent transfiguration, though, takes a lot of energy. Same with transfiguring a person into something else. It's like… moving something heavy. It takes a lot of effort to push it, but once you get it going, it still will move as fast. It just takes a lot of energy."

"Interesting." Mordin seemed to be tapping a few buttons on the nearby terminal. "Sorry, was merely recording conversation. Much simpler than taking notes. But your explanation is remarkably similar to inertia. Still, what could give object inertia? What makes a person less susceptible to transfiguration?"

"It's probably their soul."

Mordin blinked for a few seconds. "Souls? They exist?" At Harry's nod, he continued his musing. "Hrm, very intriguing. If true, settles a lot of philosophical debate that has consumed all for centuries… Especially if could discover what happens after death."

Harry grinned at the man. "Well, I can tell you it doesn't hurt that much. OF course, that was probably because of the spell used, and by that point, I was beyond caring about any additional pain… But I had a job to come back and finish."

For a few moments, the doctor was speechless. Eventually he shook his head, trying to get it around the concept. "Very… interesting. Perhaps that is the true reason the Illusive Man wanted you? Someone else who has cheated death? Could work with Shepard once they revive him."

At that, Harry shrugged. "Maybe. I've my own concerns about that. But I wouldn't say I cheated death… Rather, I took advantage of an excess amount of soul that a dark lord accidentally put in me."

"That sounds rather farfetched, even for magic. Extra pieces of souls? That sounds ludicrous. If not dangerous…"

Harry nodded. "It is very dangerous. To split one's soul is one of the most horrible things you can do with magic. And by doing so, one becomes less than human…" He shuddered, before reaching for a hand that wasn't there. "I couldn't even call the man who killed me human, so far he had fallen."

Noticing his reaction, Mordin suddenly nodded. "Right. Will have time enough to ask later. Still, you've given much to me much to think about. Perhaps later, you can demonstrate spell work? Would like to gauge effectiveness."

"Alright, sounds good Mordin." Harry blinked, before shoving his hands in his pockets. "It doesn't bother me too much. Still, would like to forget those days sometimes."

The scientist looked away. "You are not only one with a past he'd like to forget. Was not on Omega for no reason, after all." Shaking his head, he looked back at Harry. "Until next time."

A/N Shorter chapter here, but one just as important. I wanted to take a different route for recruiting Okeer, as I didn't want to copy and paste the majority of the actual missions into text form. And I wanted to give Harry a Mako. So I decided to have one that included both. Maybe not the best of ideas, so I'll have to wait for ya'll to review. Did you enjoy the Mako, or should I leave it on the sidelines from here on out? It'll come back again, but I'm debating when it'll be.

On the other hand, the most important part of the chapter. One I've been planning for quite a while. We have Okeer and his prototype, instead of just Grunt. I'm listing it that way, as there is a distinction. Remember, Grunt doesn't have a name. And since Okeer is around, he probably won't have the same one. Of course, I have one planned out… But probably isn't what you're expecting. We'll see, either way. In the meantime, we have our crazy krogan mad scientist to butt heads with Mordin! Fun times for all!

Other then that, we have some more discussion with Mordin on the wizards. What did indeed happen… We'll find out soon enough, I suppose. In the meantime, please read and review as always!

Oh, one last thing. I have a poll up on my profile page. It's in relation to this story, and I would really appreciate ya'll voting on it. No, I am not going to tell you what it's about. But it is relatively important either way. To quote Mordin, though, until next time!