After boarding the Normandy, Shepard went to check on Thane. The man had spent some time on his own and Shepard suspected that he was sending messages to Koylat.

"Have a few minutes to talk?" he asked.

"Very well." Shepard then sat down opposite him. "I am—I had been recording a message for Koylat."

"How are things going with him?" Shepard asked.

"It is difficult," Thane admitted. "All things worth keeping are. I never explained—" He looked up at Shepard. "I suppose the story of my wife's death took you by surprise."

"I figured you'd explain to me when you are ready."

Thane nodded with gratitude. "I appreciate your patience." Thane stood up and faced Shepard. "I kept my work clear of our home life. I assume that would be enough to protect Irikah. That memory I mentioned before—" His eyes when out of focus. "Later dot trembled on the target's skull. The smell of spice of the spring wind. Sunset eyes defiant in the scope."

His eyes then refocused and then paced for a bit. "That was Irikah. That was how I met her. She saw my targeting laser as she walked by, and threw herself in the way."

Thane then sat back down in his seat. "So how did she come from blocking your shot to having your child?" Shepard stared.

"I had to meet her. The memory possessed and endowed me. I fell on my knees before her. Begged her pardon. She introduced me to the world beyond my work. Eventually, she forgave me. Later she loved me."

Shepard had to admit that it was a romantic in a certain way. "I guess she impressed you."

"She woke me up." His eyes then went out of focus again. "Her body trembled. Not fear. Indignation. Her mouth moves. 'How dare you'?" His eyes then regain focus and he looked at Shepard. "You and I train to sacrifice ourselves to save others. How often does a civilian step in the way of the bullet to protect someone they've never met?"

Not very often, in fact some civilians actually resented military personnel. The some reason they always believe that they interrupted their work, especially scientists.

Thane looked as if he was in a dreamlike state. "I thought she was the goddess Arashu. She met my eyes through the scope, and my purpose faltered."

"When you talk to Koylat, you said she died," Shepard noted.

Thane nodded. "I let myself become complacent. I thought Irikah and Koylat were safe. I stayed away too long, and my enemies came for her."

Shepard didn't need him to explain any more. "You told Koylat that you hunted her killers down."

"Irikah woke me up. When she passed, I return to my battle sleep. My body hunted down her killers. Murdered them. I was taught to grant death quickly, cleanly. To minimise suffering. Them—I let them linger."

Shepard could hardly blame the man, he had lost the woman he loved from a bunch of cowards who are too afraid to face him themselves. "You were operating on instinct. By your own rules, you can't blame yourself."

"But I made the choice to hunt them. They're the only lives I've ever taken on my own choice. The only death on my conscience."

Shepard can believe that Thane actually felt sorry for killing the men that murdered his wife. He had to admit that you never met a man like Thane before in his entire career.

Thane sat up. "I haven't spoken about my wife in—I don't think I ever have. I don't have anyone left to tell it to."

"Thane, the worst thing is to face death with regrets," said Shepard. "You're part of my crew—and I consider you a friend. If there's anything I can help you with, just ask."

Thane looked slightly uncomfortable. "I've never been part of a team. Assassination tends to be solitary. I'm learning the virtues of facing death with others at your side. It's a work in progress."

Shepard then went to check on Garrus to see how he was doing after the entire situation with Sidonis.

"Have you got a minute?" Shepard asked.

Garrus nodded. "Sure. Just killing time, anyway. I wanted to thank you again for your help with Sidonis. Whatever happens with the Collectors or the Reapers or whatever else comes after us, I know you'll get the job done."

Shepard raised an eyebrow. "You actually think we'll find something worse than the Collectors or Reapers?"

Garrus shrugged. "I like to expect the worst. There's a small chance I'll be pleasantly surprised."

Shepard smiled. "I can do this without you, Garrus."

Garrus waved his hand dismissively. "Sure you could. Not as stylishly, of course." Shepard sat down on a bunch of crates. "It's strange going to a suicide mission on human ships. Your people don't prepare for high-risk operations the way turians do."

"I'd thought you'd be used to high-risk operations on human ships," Shepard frowned. "I mean, think about tracking Saren to Ilos."

"Sure, but that was quick. We raced out, landed, blew up some geth, and save the galaxy. This time we got Miranda and Cerberus and that AI all telling us what we're up against." Garrus shook his head. "I think I prefer blind optimism."

"Honestly, Garrus, what you think chances are?" Shepard asked.

"Honestly?" Garrus shrugged. "The Collectors killed you once, and all it did is piss you off. I can't imagine they'll stop you this time." Garrus began to pace up and down. "But an unmapped area, advanced technology, and the Collectors? We're going to lose people. No way around that." He shook his head. "Not a happy analysis, I know. Don't worry. I won't spread it around. And I'm with you, regardless."

"How do turian crews get ready for high-risk missions?" Shepard asked.

"With violence, usually." Garrus placed his hands behind his back. "Turian ships have more operational discipline than your Alliance, but fewer personal restrictions. Our command is run us tight, and they know we need to blow off steam. Turian ships have training rooms for experience, combat sims, even full-contact sparring. Whatever lets people work off stress."

Shepard stared at him. "You mean turian ships have crewmen fighting each other before a mission?"

"It's supervised, of course," Garrus assured. "Nobody is going to risk an injury that interferes with the mission. And it's a good way to settle grudges amicably." Garrus then looked up at the ceiling as if he was reliving a memory. "I remember right before one mission. We were about to hit a batarian pirate squad. Very risky. This recon Scout and I had been at each other's throats. Nerves, mostly. She suggested we settle it in the ring."

Shepard smiled. "I assume you let her down gently?"

A smile appeared on Garrus mandibles. "Actually, she and I were the top-ranked hand-to-hand specialists on the ship. I had reach, that she had flexibility." He then began to walk up and down. "It was brutal. After nine rounds, the judges called it a draw. There were lots of unhappy betters in the training room. We, ah, ended up holding a tiebreaker in her quarters. I had reach, but she had flexibility." He then looked at Shepard with a sly smile. "More than one way to work off stress, I guess."

Shepard shook his head. "Thanks for the talk, Garrus. I'll see you later."

Shepard then went down to the engine room and talk to Tali. Apparently she gained infection due to the fact that her armour was damaged when she took a hit on the Alarei. She then went on to explain how her people sickness were in fact allergies and that the settlement terms were similar to how one would get sick.

Apparently due to the fact that their homeworlds lacked insects to pollinate their plant life it was up to much larger animals to carry the seeds with them. This meant that most world on the planet were beneficial so their immune systems evolved to be weak.

She then went on to explain how they colonise world before they were kicked off their homeward by the geth. Apparently they would just colonise and then adjust to the planet's atmosphere suffering a few weeks of sickness. However due to the stellar environment on their ships their immune systems collapse and if they could ever remove their suits arrived on the homeworld or on another colony world they would need advanced bio-engineering to recover.

Garrus had installed new thanix cannons onto the forward batteries so that when he tangled with the Collectors they would have more firepower. In fact they were actually based upon Sovereign's main guns and those wiped out an entire fleet.

"Garrus put some crazy tech into the main guns," said Kenneth as he looked board. "It's almost double their power draw."

"But they seem pretty wicked," said Gabby.

"Indeed." Kenneth nodded. "Don't worry. A few tweaks to the front capacitors, and the balance is back in line."

Shepard then went to the cargo hold, because Kelly told him that Grunt was agitated for some reason the last thing he wanted was an agitated korgan on board.

"Chambers said you're tearing up the place," said Shepard as he entered. "Something wrong?"

"Something… is wrong, Shepard," said Grunt marched up towards the window that overlooked the cargo bay. "I feel wrong. Tense. I just want to kill something. With my hands. More so than usual, like it's not my choice. Like I just want to, I don't know…"

He then head-butted the window cracking it. He then marched up to Shepard looking frustrated. "See? Why do that? What's wrong?"

"Okeer didn't imprint anything to help you figure this out?" Shepard asked.

"I see pictures of old battles, voices old warlords." He then rubbed his plate. "But this is… a blood haze in my head." He began to march up and down in frustration. "I want control. When we're moving, fighting. I focus. But here, my blood screams, my plate itch, and even you are just noise! I'm tank-born. What is this?"

"EDI, anything in your files about krogan diseases that could cause this?" Shepard asked.

"Cerberus has a number of autopsies on file, but nothing on a living krogan of this age and situation," said EDI. "Krogan are reluctant to share medical records."

"My people were defeated by doctors and labs," Grunt reminded. "They will never let stuff like that leave the homeworld, Tuchanka."

"Joker can get us to the krogan homeworld," Shepard assured. "I need everyone at their best."

"Thank you, Shepard," said Grunt in gratitude. "I don't like this. Fury is my choice, not a sickness."

Shepard then got a message from Kelly informing him that Mordin was troubled.

Mordin looked relieved to see him as he entered the lab and slightly panic stricken. "Shepard. Important news. Know you're busy. Have to do with the Collectors. Planning attack. Two important to wait. Just receive data, still processing, analysing likely scenarios. Not sure how to begin. Too much intel. You remember our talk? My work on genophage modifications?"

Shepard nodded. "You stopped the krogan adapting to the genophage."

"Part of a team. Scientists, all different types. Blood Pack mercenaries captured former team member. Maelon. Last seen on Tuchanka. Might torture him. Make an example." He shook his head at the idea. "Recovering Maelon would be a personal favour."

"Do you think they found out your team updated the genophage?" Shepard asked."

"Unclear. No way to determine until we get to Tuchanka."

"We'll go to Tuchanka and see if we can find your team member."

Mordin looked relieved. "Appreciate it. My assistant. My student. Want to see safe. Maelon last seen outside Urdnot territory. Scouts might have seen Blood Pack. Talk to them or clan chief."

They soon arrived at Tuchanka flew down to the planet on the shuttle. Shepard remember how Wrex described his homeworld and it was clear that he didn't leave out any details. The entire place was in ruins and there were clearly battle scars from their nuclear war.

The storm force quite powerful fortunately the shuttle was able to handle them and headed towards clan Urdnot territory. If he was lucky Wrex would be there and would be able to help them out.

They soon landed into an underground bunker, no doubt use during the krogan's wars, and landed on a platform. On their arrival they were met by several heavily armed krogan holding shotguns.

Their captain approached Shepard. "The clan leader wants to speak with you." He then looked at Grunt. "Keep your rutting pet on a short leash. Get in the Rite soon, or put him down."

"Do you know what's wrong with him? What he needs?" Shepard asked.

"There's nothing wrong with him," said the captain waving his hand dismissively. "Just speak with the clan leader."

They soon descended deeper into the bunker and then they were contacted by EDI.

"Urdnot clan reports use weak encryptions. I see references to captured salarian in the logs of the chief scout."

"Good. Talk to scout, then," said Mordin. "Or chief. Either one acceptable."

"Also, I have been able to access local medical records. I suggest asking the local clan leader for assistance with Grunt's problem," EDI continued.

"Speaking of which, what you think that krogan meant by the Rite?" Miranda asked. "I've never heard of such a thing."

"Considering that krogan are very open to the galactic community is no surprise that they keep their culture to themselves," said Shepard.

"Do you think the clan chief will help us?" Jacob asked.

"If not we find Wrex, I'm sure he'll help us," said Shepard.

They soon exited the corridor and were stopped by several guards.

"Halt! You must wait until the clan leader summoned you," he said. "He is… in talk."

Shepard looked over the krogan's shoulder and stared, because sitting on rubble that resembled a throne was none other than Wrex. He appeared to be talking to another krogan, no doubt a clan chief, who didn't look too happy.

"You know what tradition demands—Clan Urdnot must respond. Your reforms will not go unopposed. You risk appearing weak at a critical time," said the krogan.

Wrex then noticed Shepard and stood up. "Shepard."

Shepard looked at the krogan guards. "Good enough?" He then made his way past the guards. "Excuse me."

Wrex then walked up to him and the two of them shook hands.

"Shepard! My friend!" Wrex smiled. "You look well for dead, Shepard. Should have known the void couldn't hold you."

"Looks like helping me destroy Saren's and the geth worked out for you," Shepard noted. "Glad we didn't have to kill each other on Virmire."

"Ha!" Wrex laughed. "You made the rise of Urdnot possible. Virmire was a turning point for the krogan…" He then looked at the krogan he was arguing with, "though not everyone was happy about it. Destroying Saren's cure reader from his manipulations. I used that to spur the clans to unify under Urdnot."

"You abandon the many traditions to get your way," said the krogan clan chief. "Dangerous."

Wrex then head-butted him hard and narrowed his eyes. "Speak when spoken to, Uvenk. I'll drag your clan to glory whether it likes it or not."

Wrex then sat back on his throne and Shepard and his companions walked up. Shepard noticed that Uvenk was glaring at the both of them.

"Now, Shepard," said Wrex. "What brings you here? How's the Normandy?"

"Destroyed in the Collectors surprise attack. I ended up spaced."

"Well, you look good," Wrex smiled. "Ah, the benefit of redundant nervous system!"

"Yeah, humans don't have that."

Wrex looked taken aback. "Oh. It must have been painful, then. But you're standing here, and you've got a strong new ship. Takes me back to the old days. Us against the unknown, killing it with big guns." He smiled with bliss. "Good times."

Shepard then began to ask about Wrex's reforms. Wrex told him that they were creating a neutral ground for all the clans. This way they could share fertile females and strengthen their race as a whole.

Wrex also told him about the new security measures that were going on with the neutral ground. Clans were free to bring in hostages and they could either pay a fine or their clan will be no longer welcome.

As for the female krogan apparently they actually what was that suggested the idea. This strategy protected Urdnot, because no clan would want to attack a fertile female. It also gave the females a chance to speak their own minds within their racist politics.

"This sounds ambitious," Shepard noted. "How's it gone so far?"

"Better than I'd feared, worse than I'd hoped," said Wrex.

"It can't continue," said Uvenk angrily. "You are going against what makes us strong."

"Sounds like you're not making friends," Shepard noted.

"Traditionalists like Uvenk are chained varren. Always fighting, guarding their pathetic stick in the ground. When the smoke clears, I can plant the flag on their corpses and rally the rest around a new krogan hub."

"Sounds like you're counting on a lot of bloodshed, even after you unite."

"It will be slow, but I won't change what we are. Krogan are judged by the strength of our enemies. Our worst insult is to say someone's 'not worth killing'."

"I hope that works well for your people," said Shepard. "But back to the reason I'm here…"

"We don't often allow aliens to do business on Tuchanka, but you're an exception."

"I'm looking for a salarain," said Shepard. "He was captured by the Blood Pack and brought here."

"My stout commander can direct you. He's probably near the perimeter running target practice. Don't take too much of his time. I need a constant watch on the other clans."

"I have a krogan on my crew," said Shepard gesturing to Grunt. "He has some sort of sickness and needs treatment."

Wrex leaned in closer towards Grunt, who step forward. "Where are you from, whelp? Was your clan destroyed before you could learn what is expected of you?"

"I have no clan," said Grunt as Uvenk around him survey in him. "I was tank bred by Warlord Okeer, my line distilled from Kredak, Moro, Shigur—"

Uvenk narrowed his eyes at him. "You recite warlords, but you are the offspring of a syringe!"

"I am sure krogan. You should be in awe."

Wrex narrowed his eyes. "Okeer is a very old name. A very hated name."

"He is dead."

"Of course," said Wrex as he stood up and made his way down to Grunt. "You're with Shepard. How could he be alive?"

"I need Grunt back up to speed," said Shepard. "What's wrong with him?"

"There's nothing wrong with him," said Wrex. "He is becoming a full adult."

His companion eyes widened.

"Wait, Puberty?" Miranda stared.

"I don't care what aliens call it," said Wrex dismissively. "Krogan undergo the Right of Passage."

"Too far, Wrex!" Uvenk roared and stormed off. "Your clan may rule, but this thing is not krogan."

Wrex narrowed his eyes. "Idiot." He then looked at Grunt. "So, Grunt? Do you wish to stand with Urdnot?"

Shepard was quite surprised by this. "You'll let a tank-bred krogan join Clan Urdnot?"

"Only because he's with you," said Wrex. "After all, you and I killed thousands like him. Not quite as big, but many. Clan Urdnot is strong and the others will do as I say. They see the benefit of my vision."

Shepard looked at Grunt and then to Wrex. "This is his choice."

Grunt looked over the camp and looked at the other krogan warriors. He then turned to face them. "It is in my blood. It is what I am for."

"Good boy." Wrex smiled. "Speak with the shaman—he's over on the second level. Give him a good show, and he'll set you on the path." He then made his way back to his throne and looked at Shepard. "You too, Shepard. How many times have you stepped in a mess for your crew, hmm?"

"It's good to see you, Wrex," Shepard smiled. "Sure you can't come with us?"

"Wish I could, but I need to keep those shortsighted fools in line," said Wrex sitting down. "Hunt well, Shepard."

They soon made their way towards the second level of the complex.

"So, Grunt's is going through puberty?" said Jacob in disbelief.

"Quite common among species with hormone-driven reproductive urges," said Mordin.

"Yes, but this Rite of Passage seems to be a bit more extreme form of puberty than us humans," said Miranda.

"Sounds as if they have to prove themselves," said Tali. "It could be quite similar to my people's pilgrimage."

"It makes you wonder why Wrex didn't mention this before," said Garrus.

"Actually a not surprised," said Shepard. "Wrex barely knew us and krogan don't like sharing secrets that could be used against them."

"So you and the clan chief fought side-by-side before," said Grunt.

"Yes, during our hunt for Saren," said Shepard. "It's nice to see that he started a united people. When I met him he practically gave up on them."

"Maybe a bit of you rubbed off on him," said Garrus.

"Or maybe he knows that the Reapers are the perfect way for the krogan to be recognised as a galactic power," said Miranda.

"How about we just sort out Grunt's problem and then about krogan politics," Shepard suggested.

They make their way towards the shaman, who was busy arguing with Uvenk.

"You go beyond yourself, Gatatog Uvenk!" the shaman roared. "The right of Urdnot are dominant!"

"How do we know it will challenge him?" said Uvenk. "He's unnatural! The beast of the Rite could ignore him like a lump of plastic!"

"They know blood, no matter the womb. Your barking does not help your case."

"I'll speak for myself!" Grunt roared.

The shaman turned and looked at Grunt. "This is the tank-bred? It is very lifelike." He then sniffed Grunt. "Smell was correct as well." He then turned to Uvenk. "Your protest ring hollow, Uvenk."

"Urdnot Wrex has given us permission to seek clans that is for Grunt," said Shepard to the shaman.

"Permission," the shaman grumbled. "Hmph. That is good enough, if lacking in spirit."

"If this must stand on ritual, then I involve a denial!" Uvenk yelled. "My knatt stand against him! He has no one!"

The shaman glared at Uvenk then turned to them. "My patience is tested, but Uvenk invokes correctly. Grunt, who is your knatt? Your allies willing to kill and die on your behalf?"

Shepard stepped forward. "We stand with Grunt as shipmates and comrades."

"Shipmates are not the same thing, but I grant you aliens your simple interpretation," said the shaman.

Uvenk looked outraged. "Aliens don't know strength! My followers are true krogan. Everything about Grunt is a lie."

Shepard hoped that he knew enough about krogan culture to get this right. He then head-butted Uvenk with all his might. It hurt like hell, but he hopes that he made his point.

Uvenk glared at him. "You… you dare?"

The shaman laughed. "Ba ha ha ha! I like this human! He understands!"

"I withdraw my denial," said Uvenk reluctantly. He then glared at Shepard and Grunt. "This will be decided elsewhere!"

He then walked off, but not before making sure that he brushed against Shepard.

"You have provoked them," said the shaman. "Reason enough for me to like you. They're your problem now."

"Is that krogan going to be a problem?" Shepard asked gesturing at Uvenk.

"He is forbidden to interfere," said the shaman. "Will he? During the Rite of Passage, you must be ready for anything, Shepard. From what you've shown me, you will not disappoint."

"We're ready," said Shepard and Grunt slammed his fists together. "Let's do this."

The shaman smiled. "Excellent."

He then led the way.

"I can't believe you head-butted a krogan," Jacob shaking his head.

"It's how krogan showed dominance," said Shepard as they follow the shaman. "I only figured it out when Wrex head-butted him earlier."

"I have to admit that I am interested with krogan's culture," said Samara. "I only know so little through my journeys as a Justicar. It would seem as if the krogan keep their culture close to home."

"Makes sense considering they don't have any colonies and the fact that they're mistrusting with aliens," said Shepard.

"You would have thought that it wouldn't be as hostile to us humans," said Miranda. "Considering that we weren't part of the Krogan Rebellions."

Soon they were in a krogan tank driving across the ruined city. Shepard had to wonder what the krogan were life before they went to war with one another.

The tank came to a stop when they exited and found themselves in another bunker.

The shaman then led them towards it. "This is Tuchanka's most recent scar, the last surface city to fall in the rebellions," the shaman explained. "The keystone was at the heart. It has survived wars and the passage of centuries. It endures—like the krogan."

They soon emerge from the tunnel and found themselves at the base of a large tower in the centre of it was some sort of large mechanism like some sort of hammer.

"If you wish to join Clan Urdnot, you must contemplate the keystone and its trials," said the shaman.

"What will happen?" Grunt asked.

"Who knows?" said the shaman. "You must adapt. You must thrive, no matter the situation. Any true krogan will."

The shaman then left them re-entering the tunnel and close it behind him.

Grunt looked at Shepard. "Let's get started, Shepard. Hit the Keystone!"

Shepard press the button to activate the Keystone and at once it shot a hammer into the ground. They then were attacked by varren it soon became clear that the Rite of Passage was a test of survival. It appeared that Grunt was enjoying himself as he shot the creatures with a shotgun.

Once they took down the varren, Shepard activated the Keystone again and like before it shot a hammer into the ground. They were soon attacked by Klixens which were a strange crab like creature.

Once they took then down, Shepard yet again activated the Keystone with once again shot a hammer into the ground. Soon the entire ground began to shake and suddenly they saw several tentacles shooting out of the ground.

Shepard realised that once what they were facing, because he had seen them quite a few times now. Suddenly shooting out from the ground was a large thresher maw. Shepard had never tangled with a thresher maw on foot or at least without the tank to back him up.

Fortunately, he knew there weakness and concentrated his fire on the large tongue which was sticking out of its mouth. Unfortunately, the thresher maw refused to stand still and sank into the ground and shot some sort of slimy substance at them. Shepard using the Collector weapon on it to bring it down until eventually it collapse and laid there motionless.

Then no sooner had they took down the thresher maw that a ship flew overhead.

"We have company," said Grunt. "Good. I want more."

"So killing a thresher maw wasn't good enough for you," Jacob panted.

"Not even close," said Grunt.

"Let's see who our visitor is," said Shepard, though he only had a pretty good idea who it was.

They followed the share to another section of the tower and found Uvenk and several armed krogen.

"You live, and you brought down the thresher maw," said Uvenk as he paced up and down. "No one has done that in generations. Urdnot Wrex was the last."

"My krantt gave me strength beyond my genes," said Grunt gesturing to Shepard and the others. "Which are damned good."

"This will cause discussion," said Uvenk. "I wonder… you say you are pure? No alien meddling in your construction? Just the warlord Okeer?"

"The best krogan traits are distilled into Grunt," said Shepard narrowing his eyes. "He's designed to be perfect."

Uvenk turned at him. "Being designed is the problem." He then looked back at Grunt. "But not made by aliens. And he is truly powerful. This is a tolerable loophole."

"A what?" Grunt snarled.

Uvenk began to circle around them. "A reason to accept it. You are a mistake, but your potential could tip the current balance of the clans."

Grunt glared at him. "You spit on my father's name! On Shepard's name! But now you stop ranting because I'm strong?"

"With restrictions. You could not breed, of course. Or serve on an alien ship. Bird you'd be clan in name."

Shepard narrowed his eyes. "You talk like he's a thing. You're after his power. You don't really want in your clan."

"Of course not. I didn't really want to cooperate with clan Urdnot either, but I had to. Clan Gataog is on the verge—either of greatness or of joining the dust." He then turned to Grunt. "I get traditional support if I fight you, and the former supported if I back you. Your Rite of Passage chips that balance, too."

Shepard didn't want Grunt to join this guy, but it was his choice. "It's your choice, Grunt. Sounds like an easy job."

"That's the problem," Grunt growled. "I'm pure krogan. Uvenk, you are the pretender!"

"Your head is valuable whether you're alive or dead!"

Grunt pulled out a shotgun. "Just try and take it!"

Uvenk's guard pulled out their shotguns as well. Shepard and Grunt looked at one another and ran to cover before one fired a rocket launcher.

Fortunately all this time Garrus and inflating himself in position and fired his sniper rifle at the krogan the rocket launcher. Samara was using her biotics to create a singularity causing some the krogan to be lift off the ground.

Miranda and Jacob then fired several shots at them while they were defenceless and Tali shot a krogan with her shotgun. Shepard and Grunt on the other hand were tangling with Uvenk, we try to make a swing at Shepard, but he dodged him and dealt him a powerful uppercut.

Grunt then came charging in and slammed into him causing him to fly into one of the old pillars. Uvenk pulled out his shotgun and fired, but nothing was stopping Grunt as he took them head-on. He grabbed the shotgun and crushed it with his bare hands before punching him across the face. Shepard then finished him off with several shots from his pistol.

"Uvenk is meat," said Grunt. "Let's signal at the keystone to get out of here, and leave him to rot."

They returned to the keystone found the entrance reopened and found several krogan guards waiting for them. They led them back to the tank and they headed back towards Clan Urdnot.

The shaman was there waiting for them. "You have passed the Rite of Passage, earning the honour of clan and name." Grunt then went down onto his knees. "Many survive, but it has been years since a thresher maw fell! Your names shall live in glory. Grunt, you are Urdnot. You may now own a property, join the army, and apply to serve under a battlemaster."

"Shepard is my battlemaster," said Grunt. "He has no match."

The shaman nodded. "Understood. Congratulations, Urdnot Grunt. Accept this token from Fortack. His weapons are the finest we have."

Shepard then asked the shaman a bit more about krogan culture. As it turned out he gave up his name the moment he became a shaman. They also had other rites that determine their survival in birth and breeding and as it turned out the clan chief had to go through many might also. The shaman himself when through several rites that probably would have killed a lesser man.

"I should go," said Shepard.

"May your foes be strong enough to keep you sharp."

Shepard then made his way back to Wrex, who was shaking his head in disbelief.

"You just can't help making trouble," he said. "No one has killed a maw since my turn into the Rite. Next you'll tell me he he's a quint and craps dark matter." He shrugged. "Guess that's what it takes to replace me."

Grunt then approached him and Wrex rubbed his chin as he looked at him. "You are Urdnot Grunt. Welcome."

"Are you sure these reports are accurate?" said the Salarian Councillor.

Rick was with Anderson and Ashley as they talk to the holograms of the Council.

"We've doubled and tripled checked it, Councillor," said Anderson.

"What you must understand Councillor is that we find is very hard to believe," said the Asari Councillor.

"Do you have any idea what you're implicating by claiming the Collectors are Protheans," said the Turian Councillor looking outraged.

"Are you suggesting there were making this stuff up," said Ashley clenching her fists.

"Easy," said Rick holding Ashley back. "What's Chief Williams is trying to say is that what would we have to gain to make something like this up?"

"Your claim that the reapers exist," said the Turian Councillor.

"There's that, but do you really think we would be stupid enough to give you false information that you can easily contradict?" Rick asked.

"The members of my government say that the data is not fake," said the Salarian Councillor.

"Besides weather were not the Reapers exist you must wonder what destroyed the Protheans and wiped away their history so thoroughly?" Rick added.

"The Commander does have a point Chancellor," said the Asari Councillor. "Whether or not the Reapers are involved a civilisation as powerful as the Protheans couldn't be wiped out easily and what would one have to gain by wiping their history and not place themselves on top?"

"You're not honestly suggesting these Reapers exist?" said the Turian Councillor.

"I'm saying nothing except that we need to study this new information and determine how such a thing happened to the Protheans," said the Asari Councillor.

"For the moment we should keep this under the table," said the Salarian Councillor. "Nothing must exit these walks."

"Agreed," said Anderson.

"Then this meeting is adjourned," said the Asari Councillor.

Anderson turn to Rick with a small smile. "You should have become a diplomat, Commander."

"I prefer getting my hands dirty," Rick shrugged. "Politics aside I have to say that we seem to be making headway with our Reaper story."

"Let's just hope the Council get off their asses," said the Asari Councillor crossing her arms.