Mass Effect: Descent

by Jason de L'Epee

It has been five years since the Harvest War, when the Reapers almost harvested all sentient life. The Reapers were not destroyed, but tamed, under the watchful eye of a force known only as the Guardian. Meanwhile, Spectre Alenko is sent on a mission to investigate the geth as a new threat descends on the nervous civilizations of the galaxy. (Control Ending)

3. Chapter 2: Petition

CHAPTER 2: Petition

1017 hours G.S.T. :: 14.4.2191 T.C.U.

"Have you been getting enough sleep, Kaidan?" Dr. Chakwas prodded, her motherly but commanding voice pronouncing each syllable almost royally.

Kaidan didn't wonder for the first time that the good doctor of the Normandy had some kind of clairvoyance. "About as much as the next guy," he said.

"Well, your tests indicate that your metabolism has undergone sudden, albeit subtle changes, and the frequency in your migraines has increased by 1.2%. Again, subtle, but could be the start of a trend. Have you had any trouble with your biotics as of late?"

"I…really haven't had any opportunities to test them in force, at least lately."

"Hmm," Dr. Chakwas began to think. "The only theory I have is that you've been slowly building stress over the past several weeks. I would suggest that you watch yourself more closely, Captain. That includes getting the sleep you need and eating what you need. Yes, that does include more protein supplements."

Kaidan did his best not to make a face. Proper nutrition was more than a necessity for biotics, even for a Sentinel-class such as himself; biotics getting severely ill from not eating correctly was fairly common. Diets high in protein and carbohydrates were a cornerstone in biotic health, as well as regular strenuous physical activity. While Kaidan had more or less kept very good care of himself, there were times when he let his diet slip, especially if he was dealing with migraines. Being an L2 biotic, neurological disorders were a part of life, to put it mildly. Many suffered crippling conditions, some even developed diseases long thought eliminated. Kaidan once heard of a young L2 who died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Kaidan was "lucky" to only have migraines. Nowadays, neurological complications from biotic implants were very rare, although few biotics came close to the power levels many L2s had achieved. Post-L2 biotic amplification implants often possessed weaker biotic potential, although many L4s appeared to be able to do better.

"I'll try my best, Doc," Kaidan said.

"Good; you can start with this." Dr. Chakwas slid a can of protein milk across the desk towards him.

Kaidan looked at it distastefully. "I suppose a steak is out of the question."

"I'm the wrong person to ask if you want a steak. Drink up, Captain."

Kaidan pursed his lips as he reached for the can. Of all of the nutritional supplements available, protein drinks were among the lowest desirable, even with artificial flavor additives. Kaidan had experimented with different flavor additives in the past, and while there were several that made them taste better, they could never dampen the aftertaste. The consensus was the same: they tasted like ass. This one would be no different.

"Captain, we're approaching the Arcturus Prime relay," echoed Joker's voice via intercom. "We'll be arriving at the Citadel shortly after the jump."

"You did order us to notify you once we approached the final jump to the Widow Cluster," added EDI.

Kaidan smiled, the can halting inches from his mouth. "Thank you for the update. I'll be up shortly." Standing up, Kaidan turned to the aging yet feisty doctor. "Thanks for the check-up, doctor."

"Always a pleasure, Captain Alenko. I'll let EDI set up a proper menu for your diet in accordance to our supplies. When ashore, I suggest you try to make up for any deficit. And be sure to drink that drink, Alenko. I'll know if you haven't."

"And that never fails to both amaze and frighten me, even to this day," Kaidan thought as he left the medical bay, taking the foul-tasting mixture with him.

As he boarded the elevator, his thoughts began to drift. Ever since the orders from Admiral Hackett, he had to wonder what he was to expect. All he really knew was that the Normandy was once again a test pilot for a new technological and political development for galactic civilization. It seemed that this ship from the very beginning was meant for such a purpose. After all, the Normandy SR-1 was built by human and turian engineers both. He had to wonder who exactly this artificial intelligence expert would be. Before the Harvest War, there were many leading scientists in synthetic intelligences within the Alliance, not to mention outside, including Cerberus. He had not heard of other races—aside from the quarians—that had any real authorities of the science. He assumed that the creation of the geth was such a cautionary tale that research of the technology was either very hush-hush or not actively pursued. There had to be some though; virtual intelligences were all but necessary in many fields throughout the galaxy, ranging from simple tour guides to laboratory data overseer. He could see the salarians easily being a race with scientists in the field, although salarians are usually more interested in evolutionary biology rather than synthetic intelligences. He couldn't dismiss it completely though; after all, salarians were notorious for their nearly boundless curiosity. In retrospect, salarians act a lot like humans do; the level of obsessiveness was debatable though.

The elevator reached the CIC before he had a chance to continue mulling over his thoughts. The elevator opened up and the glow of the Galaxy Map was the first thing to greet him. Passing by the Galaxy Map, he made his way towards the bow where Joker and EDI piloted the Normandy. Upon arrival, Joker's acknowledgement to his presence was typically flippant. "Easily impressed, Captain? It's not like we haven't seen our own mass relay jumps five billion times."

"While I do not associate such visuals as esthetically pleasing or not, I have gathered testimony from many of our own crew members that 'the view' as they have eloquently stated is 'something akin to a vid'," EDI said. "Many have also said that they never tire of seeing it."

Joker scoffed. "That's because they don't have to see it every single time we jump. Who does here? This guy."

"Easy, Joker," Kaidan said. "But to answer the original question, I always liked the view. I find it a nice change of pace over the static view of the stars. Granted, I find that peaceful, but you know…"

"Well," Joker cracked his fingers. "Get ready for your delightful change of pace, because we're about to jump in 5…"

Kaidan looked out the cockpit windows as the countdown to the relay jump continued. He knew that the mass relays were among the biggest celestial objects in the galaxy, but to "stand" next to one was always breath-taking. The tint in the windows always robbed some of the blue glow of the mass effect core, but the core shown bright as a star, and Kaidan had to be thankful to be able to see it through filtering.

Suddenly, the ship jumped, and Kaidan could see the outside flash blue and what looked like beams of light shot past the window as the jump happened. Kaidan was familiar enough on the mechanics of a mass relay jump to know what was happening. The mass relays created mass-free corridors of space within the time-space continuum that enabled anything of any size to make a jump instantaneously across the galaxy. Back in the twentieth century, the concept of wormhole travel was popular in science fiction, and Kaidan thought bemusedly that it seemed that the mass relays did just that, although the corridors in the continuum were shut just as fast as they opened. Physicists once theorized what would happen if a faulty relay didn't close a corridor completely. Despite the scary predictions, the relays had been in existence for eons; no such incidence has been recorded. However, up until recently, each record was rebooted every fifty-thousand years, so who could know?

Just as fast as the jump happened, the Normandy fell out of the jump on the other side. Despite the sudden deceleration of the vessel, there was only the slightest of lurches. Inertial dampeners kept crew members that were freely unrestrained on the ship to avoid the messy consequences of inertia. Kaidan had to wonder if EDI enhanced the dampeners enough to make the jump even smoother.

The jump now complete, Kaidan peered outside again. Kaidan was familiar with this view: the rose-colored nebulous clouds of the Serpent Nebula. The color was strangely relaxing, and foreboding. As the Normandy banked around, their destination came into view: the Citadel, the seat of galactic civilization and a living testament of both peace and war for eons. The five-armed superstation was still as mysterious now as it was before the Harvest War. On one hand, it was a massive space-station, boasting a populace well over thirteen million. On the other hand, it was a massive mass relay, its sister somewhere in dark space. Kaidan remembered a time when talk of reactivating the relay mechanisms itself was quickly shut down. The fear of the Reapers was still very fresh, and with the Reapers still operating in the dark shadows of the galaxy out of sight but not out of mind, there was nary a soul that dared to tempt fate by being so foolish as to follow the Reapers to their old nesting grounds.

The Reapers had returned the Citadel to the Serpent Nebula after the Crucible had fired and subjugated them. The Reapers disappeared from view very soon after that, although Kaidan's reconnaissance missions had espied them right on the fringes of the ship's tracking systems. The other Spectres had reported similar readings, although the Reapers seemed to retreat as soon as they were spotted. It was an uneasy reversal to five years prior.

As the ship came closer to the Citadel, the ships of the Citadel Fleet slowly emerged into view from the nebulous clouds, the most notable—and certainly the largest—was the asari dreadnought Destiny Ascension. Its survival during the Harvest War was a great morale boost to returning refugees, and the Ascension returned to its post of guarding the Citadel helped in establishing normalcy after such a galactic war. Kaidan could see many turian vessels dotting the view and the occasional asari cruiser, all dwarfed by the Ascension. Kaidan was mildly refreshed to see much of the fleet was restored after five years. It showed that galactic security was exceedingly important; although he had to wonder how much time was sacrificed that could have been spent rebuilding the ravaged homeworlds. Earth itself was still likely decades away from completely erasing the scars inflicted upon its surface from hundreds of Reapers. Palaven, Thessia and many other worlds were likely in the same shape. Kaidan thought with grim amusement that the only worlds he knew of that weren't touched—or relatively unscathed—were Rannoch and Tuchanka. The latter was amusing in itself because while the Reapers did make landfall, they didn't get far at all as the krogan didn't fight much on the surface, and it was suicide for invading forces to fight underground where more than krogan were waiting.

Joker's call for permission broke his thoughts. "Citadel Control, this is the SSV Normandy SR-2, requesting permission to dock?"

After a brief delay, a replay came. "You're cleared to dock, Normandy. Proceed to Docking Bay D24. Do you require shuttle transport?"

Joker looked at Kaidan. "I hear Purgatory is always great to unwind."

Kaidan made a look. "Not a fan of crowds, and besides, I've got work to do." Turning slightly—as if to address the holographic communications panel—he said, "That won't be necessary, thank you."

"Understood, Captain. Welcome to the Citadel."

The Normandy dove towards the core of the Citadel, a ring where five Ward arms met: the Presidium. Traffic was heavy the closer they got to the Presidium Ring; Kaidan recognized many of the ships as being diplomatic ships of many races. This was far from abnormal; the Presidium was where the politics of the Citadel played out; even more since the war. Despite being hijacked by the Reapers, there were minimal casualties on the Citadel. Most of the Reaper attack on the Citadel itself was ambush using mainly keepers. The keepers would take their victims and convert them into husks, eventually letting them loose on the populace. C-Sec got wind, however, and was ready when the initial waves of the husks came forth. Commander Bailey was able to throw together a force to hold off Reaper forces, trying to save as many as they could. Thanks to their efforts, much of the Citadel's political structure and most of the civilians had been relocated. Just the same, the Reaper forces continued to push; many sacrifices were made…including Commander Bailey's.

Kaidan did not know the Commander long, but in the time that he did, he felt a soul much like Shepard's: one striving to do the right thing, but chafing under red tape and political scrutiny; results over procedure. It was a dangerous line, and several years ago, Kaidan would have been hesitant about such an approach years before—given his previous experiences in BaAT—and had even cautioned Shepard about cutting corners in procedure back during the investigation on Ex-Spectre Saren. The years that followed, Kaidan soon saw the necessity of skirting the lines, especially when the security of the entire galaxy is on the line. While he still prided himself in keeping procedure, he had to admit, having Spectre access was liberating.

The Normandy banked as the targeted bay came into sight, and as they came closer, the vessel bridge rose up to meet them. The ship slowed as the anchor bays rose up to lock the ship into place. A subtle jolt told a successful docking. Joker even pronounced it further. "Another flawless docking. You're welcome."

Kaidan smiled mildly; Joker will forever be Joker.

"It appears we have a waiting party, Captain," EDI announced. "Alliance soldiers; one designated E6. I have already assembled dossiers on each of them and I can transfer them to your omni-tool if you prefer."

"That's not creepy whatsoever," Joker said, turning to EDI sitting in the copilot seat. "E6?"

"Engineering Corps, Level 6."

"Well, I knew that."

"His dossier is quite extensive in software engineering." EDI's brow flexed quite organically. "His dossier is also censored; high-grade encryption."

Kaidan didn't allow surprise to register on his face. "Admiral Hackett did say that the project we've been asked to look over is very hush-hush."

"Doesn't that sound familiar?" Joker chimed in. "Eden Prime shakedown anyone?"

"Well, whatever they're covering up, we'll find out soon enough," Kaidan reasoned.

"Already done," EDI said suddenly with the slightest hint of smugness. "I have already decrypted the hidden information and analyzed it 100%, and already passed to your personal files for later review. For more organic eyes, it will take a considerable amount of time to completely analyze. No offense, Captain."

Now Kaidan allowed the surprise on his face. "Uh, none taken, EDI, but that's not my problem. While I do have Spectre access, EDI, I'm sure I would have found out the encrypted information soon enough. Let's practice more discretion in the future when it comes to business like this. Let's not breech security protocols so flamboyantly."

"Understood, Captain. I apologize for my unbridled curiosity."

Joker didn't seem so abashed. "Well, like you said. We would have found out later anyway. No harm done, right?"

Kaidan's thick eyebrows sank over his eyes. "Do as I say." Kaidan turned away from the two towards the airlock.

Joker sniffed when he felt that Kaidan was out of hearing range. "Hmph, is it just me or does our Captain sound a little pissed off?"

EDI didn't move, but then said, "Only when he's talking to you, Joker," in a synthesized version of Kaidan's voice.

The look on Joker's face was comical.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kaidan waited in the airlock as decontamination did its work on him. While the process was painless and sensationless, Kaidan sometimes could swear he could feel the beams pour over him. Trying to ignore it, he thought about his upcoming assignment with the Alliance. He had been thinking about it for days and again his cautious mind was coming up with reasons that this assignment could blow up in their faces, but his military training barked at him to follow orders. At the same time, he couldn't help but be curious at this assignment. EDI had dropped the ball a bit already by announcing one of the men was of E6-designation, and apparently was involved in Alliance secret projects, hence the security. It's even possible that this assignment is his last stepping stone to becoming E7. Kaidan was not familiar with how E-designated personal rise up in the ranks, as it were, but if it was anything like the N7 program, it would involve a mission or a massive project undertaking. He looked at his left hand, and his omni-tool lit up almost by reflex. EDI had mentioned that the dossier files were at his computer terminal now and he could access them via omni-tool at any time. At once Kaidan banished the omni-tool interface from his arm. The soldier in him won out this time, and he told himself that in due process he would know just how this hush-hush project exactly is.

The door slid open, permitting Kaidan to leave the ship and disembark through the vessel bridge. The walk was short to the other side of the bridge, but this time it seemed longer. Kaidan had to wonder if it was because of what was on the other side of the door and his curiosity and yearning to find out what was on the order side was making it seem a lot longer. Each step intensified his curiosity and his uneasiness. Finally, he reached the door. By now, he began to feel like he was going to his own court martial. Since when was he this paranoid? He's been dealing with the Council for the past five years, and this feels worse? Kaidan shook his head, as if trying to banish the thoughts. Maybe he was just going crazy…

His omni-tool activated. "Captain Alenko, are you well?"

The voice startled him out of his stupor. "EDI? What are you doing?"

"Your breathing rate has elevated and your core temperature has risen by 0.2%. Also, your gait has slowed. Statistical probability suggests that something is occupying your conscious processes, what organics call daydreaming."

New thoughts now drifted into Kaidan's head, temporarily derailing his response from completely forming in his mind. EDI has always been inquisitive, but lately it was getting on his nerves. "I'm fine, EDI. Just thinking about the upcoming assignment. I'm sure you are curious as well."

"That would be stating the obvious, and I only reserve that for comedic timing. And I do believe I have mentioned that I have already analyzed the dossier of the soldier in question and have determined the full scope of his purpose here. You might find it fascinating."

Kaidan had to concede to EDI's rebuttal. EDI may be nosy, but she was no fool. "Well, I already do. When he's onboard, promise to behave yourself. That includes snooping."

"Snooping? Me?"

Kaidan closed the channel and shook his head, trying to hide his amusement. Synthetic though she was, Kaidan would be forever amazed at how human she was.

Getting his mind back to the matter at hand, he reached for the holographic interface on the door. The door hissed opened and Kaidan strode inside. This particular docking bay was usually quiet, which Kaidan appreciated. Kaidan turned the corner towards the waiting area.

"Ten-HUT!"

The call to attention caught Kaidan's attention. Turning towards the source, he saw a seasoned lieutenant commander in combat armor standing adjacent to ten soldiers of assorted rank, each one standing at attention and saluting their superior officer, namely him. Automatically, Kaidan saluted in return. "At ease," he barked back, and looked at the lieutenant commander. His mind balked in recognition. Fortunate for him, his military training kicked in to save face. "It's good to see you again, Lieutenant Commander Vega."

James Vega, a decorated veteran of Fehl Prime and the Harvest War, relaxed some. "Likewise, Captain Alenko. It's a pleasure to be back on the Normandy."

Kaidan felt a small relief of having a familiar face back on the Normandy, despite the fact that he felt that his pockets would get lighter from any card games. He then noticed his new armor: N7 Defender-class. The implications were more than obvious. "I also believe congratulations are in order."

"Thank you, L2. To be honest, it still hasn't sunk in yet. Sure, I've been N7 for several months now, but without any real action—if you know what I mean—I haven't had time to really fight as an N7. If it wasn't for the Blue Suns raid at New Canton, I might still be N6."

Kaidan understood that kind of frustration in such an irony. "Either way, it's good to have you, James." He looked at the line of soldiers, and brought up his omni-tool. "Anything I should know before I look at the dossiers?"

"I bring you quite a group, L2: young and eager people; even a couple of biotics; figured you could use the company."

Kaidan ignored the shot as he examined the dossiers on his omni-tool. At once, the E6-designation stood out, as well as the familiarity with the name. "I was told we also have a software engineer coming as well."

"You mean Snow?"

Kaidan looked at Vega. "Snow?"

"It's pretty obvious, trust me." He pointed towards the end of the line where a young soldier, slightly shorter than the others, stood. "Right at the end. Don't let his age fool you. He's got the brains and the toys. Sparks would love him."

Kaidan made his way to the end, and as soon as he saw the man in question, his eyes flashed in recognition. Vega caught up with him. "Sound off, Lieutenant."

The young man saluted. "Second Lieutenant Paul Daniels, Engineering Corps."

It was the same lieutenant that was with young David Archer at the Shepard Memorial only days ago. His white hair was definitely the trademark. Despite his unusually shorter stature, he looked every inch an Alliance soldier. He noticed that the armor was also not standard Alliance issue. Kaidan saluted back. "At ease, Lieutenant. Admiral Hackett informed me in part of your mission on the Normandy."

"Yes, sir."

"Where's your equipment for the package?"

"Fastened to my lower back. All that is necessary for this prototype, sir."

Kaidan walked around to see for himself. Sure enough, there was a rather unremarkable object attached via magnetic plates to Daniels' back, hovering right under his assault rifle—also not Alliance standard issue. If he didn't get the dossier or the orders from Admiral Hackett, Kaidan wouldn't have assumed he was Alliance. Returning to the front, he asked. "Before we bring it on the ship, I would like to see it first."

Daniels' looked initially surprised at the request, but dutifully lighted his omni-tool. Kaidan saw that the omni-tool lit up blue as opposed to the harsh orange. Kaidan made a mental note to enquire on this later. "AREM, sound off." The lieutenant turned his omni-tool palm face up. There was a brief delay before the hologram of a floating face—sans the eyes—appeared; where the rest of its skull would be was a globular sphere. The hologram spoke. "Greetings, Master Alenko. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am the Ambulatory Replicated and Embedded Module, designation Alpha; my creators refer to me as AREM."

Kaidan tried not to look surprised at the choice of hologram, and tried not to think it wasn't creepy. "You are an artificial intelligence?"

"Indeed I am, Master Alenko. I am quite aware of any potential prejudicial outlook my existence may receive. It is one of my primary directives to be able to alleviate any of my masters, future and present, any concern."

"AREM is the first of a potential line of intelligences if he proves to be successful on implantation," Daniels added from behind the hologram.

Kaidan nodded. "That will be all…AREM."

"I am pleased to assist. Returning to standby. If you desire my services again, please inform Master Daniels."

Daniels pressed a few buttons on his omni-tool and the hologram disappeared along with the omni-tool. "AREM is contained in a portable processing unit containing well over 750 zettabytes as well as a condensed blue box. I'd say more but unfortunately I haven't been given clearance from my superiors to discuss the complete schematics of AREM, especially in such an uncontrolled environment. With all due respect, Captain."

"Understood." Kaidan said. "Have you been briefed?"

"Yes, sir."

"How long will the installation process take?"

"Only a couple hours, maybe less with the help from EDI."

"Good. Be sure the installation is finished before we disembark. I have to report to the Council; report to me when I return to the ship, clear?"

Lieutenant Daniels saluted. "Yes, sir. Understood."

Vega called to the others. "Fall out, men! Report to the Normandy."

"Sir, yes, sir!" chorused the group, and disembarked in single file.

Kaidan watched them go as Vega asked, "What do you think, L2?"

"Hackett was right," Kaidan replied. "He's not what I expected. I also didn't expect he would be such a groomed soldier."

"I hear it runs in Snow's family. Ever hear of his father Staff Lieutenant Jeffery Daniels? He was there during the Blitz, and practically held the defense against batarian slavers on his own. Got shot through the back just before help arrived to drive the bastards away. Got the Star of Terra and then was honorably discharged. "

Kaidan had heard of that in passing, and hadn't made the link. Daniels was far too common of a last name to make such an assumption. Hearing the link now answered a couple of questions. "I didn't know the lieutenant was his son. He was at Grissom Academy too. I met him at the memorial. He was there when Cerberus attacked a Shepard rescued him."

"Yeah, I know. I was there with EDI."

Kaidan looked at Vega. "You know much about the lieutenant himself?"

"Just that he's a bright kid under a lot of pressure. He's been in three different ships in two years as a software tech, spent another two in an Alliance research facility. That's all I know."

"Captain Alenko?" came a voice.

Both Kaidan and Vega turned to the source of the voice, and found a tall, well-dressed man walking towards them. His silver eyes were quite eye-catching, only intensified by his tanned face, his Slavic heritage still quite strong in his lineage. Kaidan knew who he was. "Councilor Osoba. This is unexpected."

"I apologize for the abruptness of this, Captain, but I'm afraid that I request that you appear before the Council immediately. I had just arrived here at the Citadel shortly ago after a diplomatic mission to Eden Prime. The Council of Commerce is in session and Councilor Jaffa'Saif vas Rannoch is petitioning the Council of Defense for aid at Rannoch."

Kaidan was instantly alert. "What's the situation?"

"From what I understand, nothing that means war. I'm afraid it's too sensitive to discuss in the open. Please report to the Council as soon as possible, Captain. You can submit your report after the session."

Kaidan and Vega looked at each other. "Sounds serious enough for me, L2."

"Agreed," conceded Kaidan. "Looks like we have an appointment with the Council."

"I hope I never get recruited to be a Spectre. Sure, less rules but too many politicians to talk to."

Kaidan turned back to the councilor. "We'll be there, Councilor."

"Thank you, Captain," Osoba nodded. "I know you have other matters to take care of; I've talked to Admiral Hackett regarding your current assignment. If we can put this behind us, the sooner you can be back to your mission for the Alliance. Goodbye for now, Captain."

As Councilor Osoba turned and left them alone, Kaidan voiced his concern. "What in the world is going on at Rannoch that got the quarian councilor all worried? We haven't heard anything coming from Rannoch."

"You don't think it's the geth, L2, do you?"

"I don't know. The geth have been quite isolated since the end of the war between the two races. Last time I've checked, for the most part, the geth had relocated into the harsher regions of the world. There were some isolated incidents where some of the quarians were not happy with the coexistence between them, but the Admiralty Board had been dealing with those incidents."

"Any ideas?"

"Not a clue, Vega. Guess we'll find out. You game?"

"As always, L2. I'm not letting you talk to pendejo politicians alone." He looked thoughtful. "I don't have to talk to them, do I?"

"I don't think so." Kaidan looked at the nearby cabs. "Let's take a cab. Should buy Lieutenant Daniels some time to install his AI."

"Hmph, the little cerebrito will probably be done before we even get there. Hell, he might be sitting in the mess, probably thinking about…about…" Vega looked perplexed. "What do tech-heads like him think about?"

One of Kaidan's eyebrows shot up. "You're asking me?"

"Well…you're a bit of a tech-head, plus a biotic to boot. Do you think they, uh…think like you do?"

Kaidan didn't say anything for several seconds, but the scrutinizing look he was giving Vega could fill up seven encyclopedias.

Vega's lips pursed. "Get in the cab?"

"Yeah, get in the cab, Lieutenant Commander."

XXXXXXXXXX

Council Chambers, Citadel Tower

"You need to understand our position, Ambassador; we cannot send even a diplomatic ship into the Terminus Systems without provoking the Terminus System organizations into mounting a galactic war," reasoned asari Councilor Tevos. "Surely you understand that a galactic war so soon after another could devastate us."

"While we have recovered much of our losses as a fleet, we still have no idea how much of the Terminus System's forces have been affected by the Reapers five years ago, even more importantly how much they themselves have recovered," added a well-aged salarian Councilor Valern.

"Councilors, I assure you, the quarian fleets can stand by to escort any Council vessel to Rannoch," said the quarian Ambassador Aziz continued to press. "None would dare attack such a force."

"And if they did?" turian Councilor Sparatus pressed. "Any retaliatory strike made by your fleets will be seen as an act of war to the lawless Terminus Systems. They tolerate your presence only because they fear your alliance with the geth, nothing more!"

"Councilor Sparatus, please!" chimed the quarian Councilor Saif interjected. "The ambassador is only trying to provide a compromising solution to our problem. Must such belittlement be necessary?"

"Anything involving the geth must stay your problem, Councilor. The Terminus Systems are far too volatile to risk a galactic war to deal with a few disturbances."

"Had they been limited to just a few, I would agree, but the number is growing. Our diplomatic skills are exhausted."

"Then it seems to be clear that it was far too soon for your species to take a seat on the Council!"

"Chastising rebuke, that is not a fair accusation, Councilor," said the elcor Councilor Calyn. "Supportive, the quarians have been hard-pressed to guarantee that the peace between their kind and the geth remains as some pockets on animosity within the quarian people remain. Suggestively, do not other Council races still have seeds of dissent among their own peoples?"

"Our ability to handle our own problems is what enables us to have a hand in shaping galactic policy," Sparatus continued. "If any of our races can't handle their own problems, how can they be expected to handle the affairs of galactic state?"

"This one agrees with the result of Councilor Sparatus' logic," said the hanar Councilor Aquesis. "but it cannot help but point out that the quarians handle the affairs of two races, not just one."

"A pedantic answer from the hanar Councilor," said the volus Councilor Din Korlack, his statements punctuated by the trademark gasp of the volus' breathing pressured ammonia. "Like we haven't seen that before a million times."

"Apologetic, my apologies for my volus compatriot, Councilor Aquesis." Councilor Calyn turned to Korlack. "Admonishingly, please respect the other councilors."

"Enough!" commanded Councilor Tevos. "This bickering is pointless; the conditions of the New Council Act are clear and not up for debate."

"We understand the delicacy of sending Council ships into the Terminus Systems, and the Ambassador knows this," Councilor Saif said. "When we suggested escorting, we did not mean to imply an actual vessel. We'll be more than happy to allow any aid to transport on our vessels."

Before anyone could respond, an indigo-colored hologram of an asari popped up in the middle of the half-circle. "Councilors, Councilor Osoba has arrived, and is accompanied by Spectre Kaidan Alenko, who has arrived to deliver his report on classified file number A7-1872."

The appearance of the Citadel VI, Avina, gathered the attentions of all the councilors. The Spectres had the authority to interrupt any Council meeting, although most reserved that right for emergencies. However, the file was of upmost importance. "Send him in, Avina," said Councilor Tevos.

"Yes, Councilor." The hologram winked out of existence. At the far end of the chambers, a door slid open, permitting admittance to two human soldiers and a politician. The councilors stood silent as the politician led the others towards the Council. The Council prized their Spectres, but Spectre Kaidan Alenko was one of their best. Like his predecessor, he was becoming a symbol of humanity and galactic civilization, an ever watching eye.

Councilor Osoba stepped onto the platform while the other two stayed behind on the platform a flight of stairs down. Councilor Valern greeted the councilor coldly. "Councilor Osoba. We thank you for coming to our proceedings."

Osoba dismissed the sarcasm. "I apologize for my tardiness, Councilors. When I arrived at the Citadel, I had received word that Captain Alenko had also arrived."

"Councilor, your favoritism of Spectre Alenko is plainly obvious. Must it really be so flamboyantly displayed?"

"This one finds such criticism as unseemly and inappropriate," said Councilor Aquesis. "It also believes that the councilor was only extending welcome to the esteemed Spectre. This Council could consider his etiquette to the Spectres."

Quickly speaking up, Councilor Osoba said. "Thank you, Councilor, but Councilor Valern is correct that I should have been here. I asked Spectre Alenko to be here for these proceedings at the request of Councilor Saif."

A murmur spread across the Council. Councilor Valern finally said. "Considering what you had missed what we have just discussed, that would imply that that quarians intend for us to send a Spectre to Rannoch? Are we really considering spending resources of such significance when we have already committed all our Spectres to monitor the Reapers' movements?"

"The Reapers have always avoided contact with our fleets, even the Terminus fleets," reasoned Councilor Saif.

Councilor Valern responded as if he had heard these arguments for years. "And that merits diverting our resources? We all have seen how powerful the Reapers are, and what they have done. Believing that they won't attack after five years is purely complacent."

"We are still rebuilding Palaven, Earth and Thessia," Councilor Sparatus said. "The Reapers are still out there for reasons unknown. Do you really expect us to turn a blind eye to them after they nearly destroyed galactic civilization as we know it? The Reapers have doubtlessly seen how much we are watching them. The minute we lower our guard, they will be back to finish what they started."

The krogan Councilor, Urdnot Halla, spoke up. "That doesn't make sense, Councilor. Before the Crucible fired, the Reapers were obliterating anything in their way. They didn't wait for us to look away; they struck quickly, precisely and overwhelmingly."

"The fact of the matter remains is that we need all our resources to watch them as they are continually watching us," Councilor Valern said.

Councilor Osoba cut in. "Councilors, one of the Spectres has returned to the Citadel awaiting further orders. The Normandy has repeatedly infiltrated the Terminus Systems on numerous occasions. The quarians won't even need to escort it."

"The Normandy is the fastest vessel we have, and one that can easily evade any Reaper if one should choose to retaliate," Councilor Sparatus said. "It's our best eyes in the skies. If we divert it, we jeopardize our own monitoring."

"Perhaps there is a compromise," suggested Councilor Tevos. "Before that, however, does Spectre Alenko have his report ready for us?"

Kaidan—who had been content with watching in silence—answered, "I do, Councilors."

"Step forward."

Kaidan stepped up on the platform while Vega stayed behind a flight of steps down. Before him stood the reformed Council: The Council now was divided into two branches: The Councils of Defense and Commerce. The Council of Commerce represented the quarians, volus, hanar and elcor, while the Council of Defense was expanded to include the krogan, on the condition that the krogan councilors elected would be female, at the suggestion of Operative Garrus Vakarian. Nine councilors decided galactic policy, but now split the duties between the two Councils depending on how each bill that came to their tables affected galactic society. As part of the New Council Act, a Speaker of the Council would lead the assembly, but only retain a power to call or release a meeting of the Council. The winner was Councilor Tevos, the asari councilor.

"Spectre Alenko, what is your report?"

"I've monitored the movement of Reapers in the Terminus Systems and Attican Traverse with the assistance of Spectres Jondum Bau and Maya Jaleed. The Reapers have been moving back and forth through hundreds of systems, never loitering, only moving. For the past year, they have passed each and every system in the Terminus Systems and the Attican Traverse two or three times over, depending on the Reaper. As I have already stated, each Reaper has its own identity and thanks to EDI, we have identified each one on a data file, which I have already gave you. Each Reaper passes every system every five months according to the Council calendar system. No anomalies."

"Just like the previous reports from all of our operatives," Councilor Urdnot Halla said.

Councilor Sparatus said, "It has already been established that the Reapers have been monitoring the entire galaxy for the past five years, but habit does not disprove intent."

"We still don't know what the Guardian's intent is," Councilor Saif.

"Exactly. Until intent is clear, we cannot drop our vigilance."

Councilor Osoba ventured. "We cannot spare just one? Spectre Alenko and the Normandy would surely be enough for investigate the issues on Rannoch."

"And to gain political leverage in the future debates regarding the Synthetic Intelligence Statutes?" Councilor Valern charged. "The Alliance may have held Cerberus as an enemy—as they should—but it's no secret that the Alliance has been studying their old projects to be used."

Councilor Osoba frowned at the shot. "And I assume that the facilities on Sur'Kesh, Councilor, where the late Commander Shepard had witnessed many questionable biological trials on non-Council races, and both operative Garrus Vakarian and Primarch Adrien Victus can attest to them. Need I share them?"

"Ad hominem is not a justifiable medium to discredit opposing parties," Councilor Aquesis said. "This one petitions both councilors to please desist the prattle so the Council can spend more of the Council's time debating the current issue."

"Or perhaps not!" Councilor Korlack said. "I always enjoy seeing other's dirty laundry."

"Chastising rebuke, you are out of place to say that, Din," Councilor Calyn said. "Sternly, hypocrisy does not suit you."

"Enough!" Councilor Tevos said. "I cannot abide any more of this bickering. This meeting of the Council is adjourned until tomorrow. Councilors Saif and Osoba, come to my office in the Embassies."

As the Councilors left, Councilor Osoba turned to Kaidan. "I must apologize for that, Captain. I was hoping to convince the Council to allow you to go to Rannoch."

Kaidan pursed his lips. "But isn't Councilor Valern right? Aren't we using this to push our own private AI-research fueled by the info we have from Cerberus?"

Councilor Osoba didn't say anything right away, and that confirmed Kaidan's suspicions. Even before arriving at the Citadel, Kaidan was suspicious that the AI research did originate from Cerberus projects. After all, EDI was an AI modified from a disabled VI in a Cerberus lab, not to mention EVA, the synthetic that nearly killed Kaidan himself on Mars. It's only been five years since Cerberus was shut down during the Harvest War. It certainly would be easy to just copy the data and use it to create new AI. His mind wondered to the new lieutenant and wondered how much Cerberus tech was in his AI.

Finally Councilor Osoba said, "Stop by my office right before the embassies close tonight."

Kaidan nodded his head. "I'll be there."

Councilor Osoba excused himself and left, leaving a curious Kaidan behind. He made his way towards Vega who hadn't moved. "Mierda, this is why I hate politics."

"You and me both."

"L2, if you even think about inducting me into the Spectres, I'm out."

Kaidan smiled. "Don't worry, I never want to put someone into something they don't want to do…even if I think you might be good at it."

Vega blinked. "Really?"

Kaidan shrugged. "Sure, you're a hell of a soldier, thinking on your feet and don't make time for junk. There's just one thing."

"What?"

"You're too much of a goof."

"What?!"

"You're a goof," Kaidan repeated.

"Hey!" Vega said. "I know I don't take things seriously sometimes, but I take my job seriously. After all, I am N7 now, L2."

"You don't understand. Ever see the old vids?"

Vega shrugged. "Sure, who hasn't?"

"The goofy one dies first."

Vega opened his mouth, but closed it. Kaidan didn't move. Finally, Vega said. "If only you were that good at poker."

Kaidan frowned. "Can it, Lieutenant…"

"Lieutenant Commander," Vega corrected. "And I can still beat your biotic ass at cards."

"You're on."

XXXXXXXXXX

Kaidan and Vega showed up at Councilor Osoba's office towards closing time. The real challenge was finding things to do while they waited. Having a quick lunch at Apollo's to talk about old times was just one hour in six. Kaidan resisted the urge to go back to the Normandy to see how far the installation was progressing, although he was certainly curious. For some reason, he even resisted checking in via omni-tool. They would find out soon right after the briefing with the councilor. They could only imagine what that would be all about, especially considering that Osoba told them it was about Councilor Saif, the quarian councilor. Kaidan thought grimly about what Shepard once told him about the tip he once got from Councilor Valern about Udina back during the War. He could only hope that this time it wouldn't be so confrontational.

Before stopping at the councilor's office, Kaidan had stopped by the Spectre Office and checked the terminal. He knew what he was going to see: more reports on Reaper activity in other sectors of space. Thanks to EDI, they had tracks on over ten thousand Reapers, all were circulating the galaxy like patrols. What was more foreboding was that there were likely nearly four times that many Reapers still active, but no one knew where they were sitting. During the downtimes between invasions, the Reapers sat in dark space beyond the galaxy's borders, but the only mass relay that was linked to dark space was the Citadel itself, and after the Reapers moved the Citadel back to the Widow Nebula, they didn't activate the relay. They simply left. The Spectres spent many resources to find out where they were holed up, but without success. The only place they hadn't checked was beyond the Omega-4 Relay, and only the Normandy had the IFF to navigate through that, and Kaidan did not want to risk the relay again. Joker's description of the other side was good enough to ward him away. The space debris wouldn't hurt even the smallest of Reapers; it was a safe assumption that the remainder of the Reapers were now sitting beyond the relay, if not back out in dark space. The real question: what are they doing beyond there?

"It's fifteen till, L2," Vega said.

"We're going in," Kaidan replied.

Running his fingers through the holographic interface, the doors slid open, admitting them. As soon as they did, they saw Osoba at the desk and three quarians standing nearby. Two of them Kaidan recognized: Councilor Saif and Ambassador Aziz. Kaidan stepped forward, "Councilor Osoba?"

"Captain Alenko," Councilor Osoba rose from his chair. "Thank you for coming. You already know Councilor Saif and Ambassador Aziz. This here is Admiral Zaal'Koris vas…" The Councilor seemed reluctant to continue.

The admiral continued. "Admiral Zaal'Koris vas Qwib-Qwib, Admiral of the Civilian Fleet of the quarian people."

Kaidan's brain instantly froze at hearing the admiral's ship name, and he had to mentally race to reboot it before he could say anything. "Uh…I believe we have met, Admiral. You were with the other admirals before we went to Rannoch during the conflict with the geth five years ago?"

"An unfortunate business," said Zaal'Koris, his voice ringing regally. "But thankfully rectified successfully with minimal loss on both sides. Granted, we still have a lot ahead of us…"

"About that," Councilor Osoba. "I know that in the Council we had to maintain a small amount of secrecy."

"Before anything, Councilor," Councilor Saif said. "It seems we have what you humans call 'a Jack in the deck.'"

"Uh, Joker," Vega spoke up. "Joker in the deck."

The two humans and three quarians looked at Vega.

"Hey, you don't fuck with card sayings." Vega turned to leave, taking the hint. "You don't."

When Vega finally left, the quarian councilor continued. "What Councilor Osoba has said is correct. The situation is more delicate than we could say."

Kaidan crossed his arms. "While I am a Spectre, I have to make my stance clear that if this is some kind of intergovernmental conspiracy—"

"Nothing so complex, Captain," Councilor Saif said.

Ambassador Aziz continued. "What we told the Council was correct, partly. There were some isolated incidents where some quarian upstarts have been lobbying for tighter control on our geth neighbors."

Admiral Zaal'Koris said. "These same upstarts lost close family during our foolish conflict with the geth five years ago. Can't say I blame their outrage, but such demands gain us nothing."

"Which is beside the point, Admiral," Ambassador Aziz said. "We are actually using that as a front to our real problem."

Kaidan didn't move nor say a word for a while; every instinct in his blood told him that this was going to be bad…very bad. "What's going on?"

"It is no secret that the geth have isolated themselves in the harshest parts of Rannoch; despite that, we have ambassadors among us that regularly liaison with the geth. In return, the geth help us with rebuilding our cities and treat our collective immunodeficiency. For the past few months, however, the geth have seemed to lock down all communication. Not a single geth has ever crossed our borders in weeks. We have sent a few ambassadors to investigate the issue. None have returned."

Kaidan tried to keep a straight face. "You think the geth are doing something?"

"On the contrary," Admiral Zaal'Koris said. "I believe something is seriously wrong with the geth."

That was not the answer Kaidan was expecting. "Like…they're sick?"

"The geth are barely newborns, Captain," Zaal'Koris said. "Only five years ago, they had discovered life within themselves thanks to the one called Legion."

"Two weeks ago," continued the ambassador. "Admiral Daro'Xen sent a small scouting party a short distance into the desert, but not so far to provoke the geth, as cautioned by both Admirals Zaal'Koris and Tali'Zorah. During the search, they found a mobile geth platform just laying out there half-buried. They brought it back to the laboratories and Admiral Xen has been studying it ever since."

Kaidan had heard of Daro'Xen before; she was an ingenious however unscrupulous admiral who specialized in synthetic intelligences, specifically the geth. It was her influence that started the final conflict with the geth, in essence to test her technology. Kaidan remembered that Tali had an Arc Pistol when he himself was at Rannoch; a miniaturized Arc Projector that was powered with a thermal clip. Tali had loaned Shepard a spare, which Shepard was able to have studied and reproduced for the war effort. "What did she find?"

"Junk data," Ambassador Aziz said. "Lots of it. It's as if the geth inside the platform had a complete meltdown and broke apart into garbage data, like it's mine shattered. I believe an organic equal would be an extinct human disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. I assume you know what that is."

"Yeah," Kaidan said. "I heard of a fellow L2 biotic who died of it, complications from the amp."

"Unfortunate," Ambassador Aziz said sympathetically. "We are concerned that this is not an isolated case. If this phenomenon turns out to be viral, the consequences would be dire."

Councilor Saif continued. "We have no idea how this data affects a geth platform while still active. Worst case scenario: it attacks anything around it. You can imagine the consequences if it was spreading out among the geth."

"Why aren't your engineers working on the problem? Not meaning to stereotype, but I don't know many engineers that can outdo a quarian engineer."

"No offense taken," Ambassador Aziz said. "But that's not the point. This is a delicate issue; if the geth learn that we are experimenting on them…"

"Again," Zaal'Koris interjected.

The ambassador continued unabated. "…the geth will see it as a violation of our newborn trust."

Kaidan rubbed his mouth as his mind digested the information. "Ok, let me get this straight." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "You're asking me to go to Rannoch. This situation is too sensitive to share with the Council and the geth, so to act as a discreet neutral party to resolve the issue, and I'm to use my Spectre status to bypass the Council. Ok, I got that, but I'm not an engineer. I know some tech, but I'm no software engineer."

Councilor Osoda spoke up. "Captain Alenko, I was going to tell you this sooner, but Admiral Hackett knows about the situation on Rannoch. The Alliance has been seeking to build a trade treaty with the quarians, and as a token of gesture, we would offer assistance when we could. We were holding off until we could officially send aid, but with the Council stonewalled, we need you, Captain."

Kaidan lips pursed. "With all due respect, Councilor; this sounds a bit underhanded."

Zaal'Koris spoke up. "Commander Shepard once showed mercy to both our peoples. Commander Shepard saw hope in both of our races, and we ask for that mercy again now."

Kaidan's gaze softened at that, and had to calm himself down emotionally. For years he had been seeing just how much of an impact Shepard had left behind, and it always touched him. The only thing stopping him from allowing himself to bask in that was the fact that he was in the presence of strangers. If Commander Shepard had been here, he would probably not even be standing here considering the consequences. He would go where there was help needed. Who was he to do anything less?

Kaidan finally nodded. "Well, as it so happens, we do have a software engineer on the Normandy crew at this moment. While he's onboard for a completely unrelated assignment, he should be able to help."

Zaal'Koris looked relieved, despite his environmental suit. "Thank you, Captain Alenko. I know we have already asked so much from the Alliance already. I must return to my vessel. We will depart immediately for Rannoch. Councilors, Captain, Ambassador." The admiral turned to leave the office.

"And we must retire for the night. Thank you again, Captain. Keelah se'lai."

Kaidan recognized the ship's blessing. He also knew that its meaning meant roughly "the world we hope to see some day," but after three hundred years adrift in space, the greeting became a well-wished greeting for captains. "Keelah se'lai," he returned.

The ambassador and councilor left the two alone in the office. Once they left, Kaidan turned to Osoba. "What did Councilor Tevos speak to you and Councilor Saif about?"

The councilor didn't move. "It's not as severe as you think, Captain. Councilor Tevos only wanted some more details about such an earnest plea from the quarians, and in particular why the Alliance seemed to be interested."

That concerned Kaidan. "What did you tell her?"

"What you might expect. It's no secret in the Council that the Alliance and the Quarian State are trying to broker a trade treaty. As a matter of fact, it's been encouraged. The fact of the matter is that the treaty so far does not include the geth, and neither side has been pushing to include them. The Alliance is still too reluctant to trust the geth just yet. Eden Prime is still too fresh."

Kaidan looked away. "Yeah, I know. Is Councilor Tevos suspicious?"

"I believe she has some concerns, but if she knows something about the problem among the geth, that would be the first I've heard about it. Plus, if she does, I imagine we would have heard about it from her at this point."

"Do you realize the trouble the Alliance would be if things got out of hand?"

"We do. Why else do you think that Lieutenant Commander Vega, an N7 operative, is now serving on the Normandy? Second Lieutenant Daniels may only be twenty-four, but his knowledge in software technology and his adaptability in dealing with foreign technology have made him a prime candidate in dealing with this kind of trouble."

Kaidan looked back at Osoba when the lieutenant's name was dropped. "Is that the classified part of his dossier?"

Now Councilor Osoba looked away. "No, it isn't. I don't even know why it's classified as much as it is. Whatever it is though…" Osoba looked back. "…know that it must be of such grave importance that it implies just how important Daniels will be in such an operation."

Kaidan looked away again, trying to ward off the barrage of red flags hoisting in his head. Instincts were screaming at him that this was a bad idea and that he must not accept. What was he to do though? He had just promised to go to the quarian councilor. Even if he didn't, what could he do? Inform the Council? The Alliance could be implicated and they were still too new to galactic policy to guarantee a soft punishment. There was only one way to go. "Once the installation is complete on the Normandy, we will depart for Rannoch. I just hope this is just a small thing and that I'm just worrying over nothing."

"So do I."

Kaidan nodded his head. "Good day, Councilor." He turned to leave, to return to the Normandy.

"Good luck, Captain." Councilor Osoba leaned back in his chair. "You're going to need it."

XXXXXXXXXX

The trip back to the Docking Bay D24 was a quiet one. Kaidan had told Vega that he would disclose their orders once back on the Normandy. Right now, he needed to focus on Daniels' installation. Kaidan chose not to inform Vega on the circumstances of their upcoming departure, making the excuse that they would all know at the debriefing. Now they were waiting in decontamination as the beams worked themselves around their forms again. When Kaidan came to the Citadel, he always left it with more questions than he boarded the station with. This time, however, he was left with a damning sense of quandary. He was now on his way to Rannoch to handle a situation so delicate that it impacted galactic policy. At the same time, he was now overseeing the birth of a new age of AI technology if this "AREM" AI works, and even if it did, the Synthetic Intelligence Statutes were still in effect as they have been for centuries. Granted, the Alliance was quietly pushing for their repeal, and it didn't take much imagination to assume that the Quarian State was also pushing along, but as it currently stood, the Alliance was involved in illegal AI research. Even while serving under Commander Shepard, he couldn't remember such a potential political shit-storm this could turn out to be.

The airlock door finally opened, permitting both soldiers to enter. Kaidan turned to Vega. "Vega, go check on the other new members. I'll be checking on Lieutenant Daniels. I have a few things to brief him on before the main brief."

"Aye, aye, Captain. Just as well; once I'm done, I'll set up my weight set in the cargo bay." He turned to make his way to the elevator towards the back.

"You do that." Kaidan turned to Joker in the cockpit, and noticed that EDI wasn't there with him. "Joker?"

Joker turned in his cockpit chair. "Hey, Captain? Bring me anything? You know, I've been craving sushi. Oh wait, they haven't reopened that yet, have they?"

Kaidan had to allow himself a smirk here. Five years ago, Commander Shepard had crashed through the floor of an esteemed Ryuusei Sushi place while escaping a mercenary group called CAT6. The floor also doubled as a fish tank, which puzzled Kaidan to no end. The resulting destruction had closed down the restaurant. Kaidan never bothered to check to see if they had reopened yet, despite the fact he owned the apartment that used to be Shepard's. While Kaidan continued to pay the rent and whatever else, he tried to stay away from it as much as possible for reasons he usually kept to himself. "I really haven't bothered to check. It's been five years though."

"Like that makes a difference considering the Reapers basically steamrolled through the Wards."

Kaidan pursed his lips. "If you want to see if it's there, be my guest. Now where's EDI? I want to see if the installation went smoothly."

"You know you can contact me at any point in the ship, correct?" EDI's voice came through overhead.

Kaidan didn't answer. He mentally kicked himself for forgetting that fact.

"Yeah, she pretty much got you there, Captain," Joker said.

"If you seek my platform, it is currently within the AI Core running diagnostics on AREM, who has volunteered for the procedure."

Joker had to speak up. "What are you two doing?!"

"We are experiencing the rare phenomenon that is virtual sexual intercourse. It's truly interesting."

Kaidan looked at Joker, who was frozen agape.

"That was a joke."

Now Kaidan smiled. "Yeah, she pretty much got you there, Joker."

Joker shot Kaidan a look, and merely turned back in his seat away from Kaidan. Kaidan started walking towards the elevator. "EDI, where the new lieutenant now?"

"After the installation, he has not left Deck 3. Do you wish for me to notify him that you are coming?"

"Not necessary, EDI. I'll be there shortly. Have a nice chat with AREM."

"I already am. He is quite fascinating."

"I'm sitting RIGHT HERE!" came Joker's voice from the bow.

"Are you jealous, Jeff? This irrational behavior you are displaying lines up with general human behavior when it experiences strong desire of something it perceives it cannot obtain."

"Knock it off, you two. If you need to keep this up, keep it between yourselves." Kaidan reached the elevator. The doors opened and he stepped in. Turning around, he said, "I get enough headaches, thank you."

During the short ride down, Kaidan rehearsed some of the things he wanted to talk to Daniels about once he got down. Most of the ones he wanted to ask centered on AREM and his potential involvement in aiding the quarians. He happened to glance at his dossier on the way back to the ship, and saw how young he was: twenty-four years old. He was very young, but apparently very intelligent given his history, quite a prodigy. Software technology must have come naturally to him.

The door slid open, and Kaidan didn't step once when he noticed the lieutenant himself standing in front of the memorial wall. Kaidan didn't movie, expecting the lieutenant to move or react to his presence. After a few moments, Kaidan saw that Daniels had apparently heard neither him nor the elevator. Kaidan left the elevator quietly; the lieutenant was apparently deep in thought as he looked over the names. Many new personnel did the same thing, particularly seeing the entry of Commander John Shepard right in the middle that Kaidan himself placed on the wall. Kaidan always got a bit melancholy if he spent too much time at the wall, and usually dreaded having to spend time with any new personnel here. However, he did want to speak to the lieutenant; might as well do it now. Kaidan cleared his throat.

Lieutenant Daniels spun around in surprise, and quickly jumped into a salute. "C-Captain Alenko, sir! I apologize for not—"

Kaidan saluted back. "At least, Lieutenant. I only just arrived; calm down."

Daniels relaxed. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Kaidan looked past Daniels to the wall. "Quite something, isn't it?"

Daniels looked back at the wall. "Yes, sir. It is."

"Know anyone on there?"

"Nothing beyond name, no. I was just looking at Commander Shepard's name."

Kaidan pursed his lips. He knew it; just like all the other recruits. "Yeah."

"Every time I see the name, I remember how he got us out of Grissom Academy. If it wasn't for him…" He sighed. "I heard about some of the experiments in Cerberus. I don't want to think about it."

"They probably would have made you work on projects instead of being a test subject. They were after the biotic students, mainly."

"Maybe, but I heard about David, when Commander Shepard saved him from Project Overlord. He was no biotic, sir. It would have been just a matter of time."

Kaidan then remembered the Cerberus trooper Shepard and he had found on Mars, along with the Reaper tech that was practically bursting from the dead soldier's flesh. Kaidan couldn't even imagine what kind of torturous methods they used to implant such violent technology into a person's mind and body. There were also combat engineers among their hordes as well; it was a pretty safe bet that poor Daniels might have ended up as them as well.

"You're probably right. How did you manage to stay out of Cerberus hands?"

Daniels looked back at Kaidan. "Jack and the other biotics managed to fend off many of the troops, giving us 'eggheads' as Jack put it a head-start. We grabbed as much tech as we could and ran for it. We tried to break for the shuttles, hoping some were still there. We were half-way through the atrium when Cerberus troops spotted us. They managed to cut us off before we got to the shuttles, trapping us in an adjacent hallway. Thinking fast, Octavia worked on building a shield module, but she needed time. In the meantime, we had to buy her some.

"Jesse and I had no idea how; we had no weapons, all we had were our omni-tools. We were luckier than we should have been. Two troopers came in alone; we were able to paralyze them a bit by shocking their suits with electrical overloads. Grabbing their guns out of their hands, we were ready. Jesse killed both of them before I had the chance."

Kaidan's brow sank. "You didn't?"

"I know how to hold a gun; my father taught me how, but I…I wasn't ready to kill anyone. I just couldn't. Thankfully, I had AREM. Granted, he wasn't the AI that he is today; just a VI jury-rigged into a holographic assistance drone I programmed. I just gave him one command: keep the Cerberus guys out, and he did his best using only electromagnetic pulses. I didn't have time to program the drone with anything more powerful."

"Well, it obviously worked."

"More or less. Thank god Octavia was able to get the generator up quickly. We made a break for it when she called us. The drone dissolved before we even ran, and Octavia just activated the barrier when we got inside. The Cerberus troopers fired a couple rounds, but they bounced right off." Daniels closed his eyes. "We barely breathed when the troops came closer, and tried to bargain with us. They tried coaxing us to lower the shield. They mentioned my Dad back on Elysium." Here, Daniels wiped his eyes. "I-I'm sorry, sir. It's very unprofessional of me."

"Lieutenant," Kaidan said, placing himself so that Daniels could see him at all times. "The previous commanding officer of this ship made time for any one of his crew members if they needed to talk. Just ask any of us on this ship who has been here for the long haul. That was something I appreciated as a lieutenant under his command, and as his XO. I wouldn't be much of a CO if I didn't make time for my crew."

Daniels seemed to relax, although he seemed locked into his soldier training. "I appreciate it, sir," he said neutrally. "If it's not too forward of me, I was hoping you would. Commander Shepard spoke highly of you."

That stunned Kaidan. "Wait, when did he talk about me to you?"

"On the flight back to the Citadel where we were going to furlough until the Alliance needed us. Actually, I ran into him right here after I was talking to EDI in the mess. I saw him looking at the names on this memorial."

XXXXXXXXXX

Five Years Prior… (1836 hours :: 9.5.2186)

A young white-haired man made his way away from the mess after conversing the Normandy AI, EDI. Specifically, with the mobile platform she had apprehended from Cerberus in a manner of speaking. EDI was delighted to have a conversation with someone of such mental aptitude in the field of software engineering, nineteen years old that he was. After excusing himself, he decided to relax in the lounge in the port observation deck. Upon turning the corner, he espied Commander Shepard looking at the memorial wall. He halted in his tracks, sensing that he had just intruded on a personal moment. Opting to go around the elevator shaft to the other side, he thought to leave him alone.

The commander was quick to notice him, however. Perking up, he looked at the young man. "Can I help you?"

Daniels' mind froze for a second. He was standing in front of a legend, the Commander Shepard of the Normandy, hero of the Citadel, survivor of Akuze…and he was standing here like an idiot. His brain finally caught up to him. "N-no, sir. I was just leaving…"

One of Shepard's thin eyebrows shot up ever the slightest. "What's your name again? Paul?"

He knows his name! "Y-yes, sir. Daniels, Paul Daniels. Student of Grissom Academy…" He flinched. "Y-you already knew that though."

"Relax, Paul. Come on over here."

His eyes flashed in bewilderment. "Me, sir? I-I-I mean, if you insist." He robotically made his way to stand closer to the commander.

Shepard spoke. "Are you ok? From the attack on the school, I mean."

Daniels had to breathe a couple of times. "Y-yeah, kind of. Rattled though, very r-rattled."

"I heard some of the other tech students talking. Apparently you helped hold off a few Cerberus soldiers before that one girl—Octavia—was able to get her barrier unit online?"

He had not expected the commander to ask him about that. "W-well, it wasn't just me, sir. J-Jesse! Jesse was there too."

"I know…but he also said you used a tech drone to hold them off. Good thinking."

"Oh…well…uh, thank you sir. It was n-nothing!"

"I don't think so, Paul. You bought your classmates time. If you hadn't, you might still be in the hands of Cerberus."

He felt like he was blushing as red as a jar of beets, and the heat building underneath his flesh wasn't helping. "Well…Commander…sir…" He gulped, looking behind him as if he was expecting someone else to walk in on them. "I-I could have done more, but I was too afraid."

Shepard turned to face him directly. "What do you mean?"

Daniels looked down. "We shocked a couple of them with our omni-tools, and we were able to get their weapons. Jesse gunned them down…after I locked up. I had the guy's gun aimed at him…but I…I couldn't pull the trigger." Tears stung in his eyes. "I'm no hero like you, Commander. I locked up; the drone was just a one-time thing. I'm still just a kid. I'm not brave like my dad was."

"Your dad?"

"Yeah, my dad was Staff Lieutenant Jeffery Daniels. Y-you might have heard of him."

Shepard's eyes went distant in thought. "I think I've heard that name before."

Suddenly, a voice spoke over the speakers, reeling in both their respective attentions. "If I may, Shepard, Staff Lieutenant Jeffery Daniels was a soldier stationed on Elysium during the Skyllian Blitz. His heroic stand against batarian slavers and pirates made him a hero groundside on Elysium. He was later honorably discharged after being wounded in the line of duty, and awarded the Star of Terra for his actions. Most on Elysium hold him personally responsible for the security of the colony groundside."

Shepard looked up as if addressing the speakers. "Thank you, EDI."

Daniels nodded. "That's my father all right. I was almost nine when the Blitz hit Elysium. Dad got me into a panic room in a big office building in Illyria before heading out to fight. I was in that room for hours, but I could hear muffled explosions and occasional screaming. I just kept telling myself that it was just a dream and that I would wake up. Obviously, it wasn't. Some Alliance soldiers found me and took me to my Dad in a hospital that wasn't damaged. He had been shot through the back, but was still alive. He was a hero, my hero…my dad. Everyone always thought I would be another soldier like he was…but...but I'm not brave like he was. I'm studying to be a scientist; I'm not a soldier like he was. Sure, he taught me how to fire a gun and hold one…but I never shot at someone." He lowered his head again. "I don't think I can!"

Daniels felt small in the presence of Commander Shepard, and for good reason. Who was he to him? Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up, seeing the commander's steel eyes look at him. "Paul, listen clearly. Bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the facing of it. How you act even when you are terrified shows how you really are. Most people, if they were in your position back at the school, might have just run for their lives leaving the others to whatever Cerberus had for them. You didn't; you kept them back, even if it was just a drone. You held your ground for as long as it took."

Daniels tried hard not to stare back; the scars on the commander's face were testimonials to his life, the marks of a soldier who lived longer than most thought he would. Intimidated, he lowered his head again. "I-I don't know."

"Listen to me. You probably heard that I survived the attack on Akuze a year after the Blitz. Many people thought I was a survivor; I was just lucky. When those…things came up and started slaughtering all of us, we ran. We ran back to the base. I didn't stand there, returning fire as the rest of my squad ran for the landing zone. I ran with them; my CO was the one returning fire. In the end, it didn't matter. He was killed, just like everyone else. Only two of us survived, and he later committed suicide. I had every excuse doctors could throw at me to leave the service as CAT-6, but I didn't. I decided to stay on and fight on."

Daniels had lifted his head during that entire narration. "How did you?"

"Let's just say I had some good people helping me along. One of them is on Earth right now keeping everything together, fighting the Reapers, and they are a hundred times worse than anything I've seen on Akuze. I've had many others as well; you've met a couple of them already. Garrus? Liara? You might bump into Wrex; he was there too. One of my best lieutenants, Kaidan Alenko was there too. He also had every reason not to keep fighting after what happened to him, but he still had faith in the Alliance. And then there's Ash." Commander Shepard stepped away from Daniels and pointed towards a name on the memorial wall:

Williams, Ashley (GYCF) – SSV Normandy SR-1

"She told me all about how she felt her name was smeared after her grandfather's surrender on Shanxi during the First Contact War. She worked her ass off to try to wash away that smear, despite my assurances that she was already one hell of a soldier. She died on Virmire, holding off wave after wave of geth to give us and the salarian STG forces with us time to jury-rig a mass drive into a nuke, right in the middle of Saren's base. She stayed behind to make sure the bomb went off."

Daniels was speechless. "I-I never heard that story."

Shepard looked back at Daniels. "And that's a tragedy. She died making sure we could fight on against Saren, the geth and Sovereign. If it wasn't for her, I might not be here. You want an example of courage, Paul? There she is."

Daniels gritted his teeth. "But how can I? I was too afraid to fire a gun!"

"And thankfully, you didn't have to this time, but we're at war, Paul. You might have to make a stand against something bigger than a few Cerberus soldiers. You don't think you can, and I understand that feeling. I've met many cowards in my lifetime, and I told them the same thing I told you: it's never too late to stand. And there's one more thing, Paul: you're no coward."

As Daniels looked stunned by the commander's declaration, Shepard ran his fingers through the holographic interface on the elevator, calling it to open. As it slid open, he looked back at Daniels. "Whatever you take from this is up to you, but I believe you'll do the right thing when the time comes." He reached for the controls.

"Wait!" said Daniels.

Shepard stopped himself, and looked back at Daniels.

Daniels had to breathe a few more times, but stiffened into his best salute. "Th-thank you, Commander. For the talk."

Shepard allowed himself a small ghost of a smile, and returned the salute. "Anytime, Paul. Do you old man proud." Shepard ran his fingers around the controls again, and the door shut.

Daniels' gaze went up, as if he was watching the elevator go up. "And good luck, Commander."

XXXXXXXXXX

Kaidan stood silent the entire time as Lieutenant Daniels narrated his conversation with Commander Shepard five years ago, silently awed at how the man he loved took time out of his day to assure a young man who didn't feel like he had the courage, and that same young man was now standing here again, an Alliance soldier.

Lieutenant Daniels eyes were wet as he wrapped up his story. "That talk he gave me pushed me into joining the Alliance almost as soon as we landed at the Citadel. I signed up, but because of my aptitude scores at Grissom Academy, they sent me to help with the Crucible to assist with the tech. I wasn't hurt by the decision, since their reasons were a good one. Right after the war though, I was put through the works to become a soldier, and quickly earned a spot in the Engineering Corps. I was one of the youngest E1s to join at nineteen years old. When my Dad found out, he even saluted me, even though I still haven't reached his rank yet. He even pulled a few strings to get me my own assault rifle and pistol."

"Really?" Kaidan said. "That was pretty forward of him."

"Well, his reasons weren't that personal, or so he told me. He said that he had the power, every Alliance soldier wouldn't be holding Avenger rifles or Predator pistols. My father doubled as a gun enthusiast. He made sure that before I went out on my first mission that I had an M-96 Mattock and an M-5 Phalanx, with laser-scope built in. Dad was big on that. I still have them too. He even made sure I had some Incendiary Mods."

Kaidan smiled. "Guess it helps to have a Dad as well-respected as him."

"Yeah, it was one of the last things he did. He died four years ago from a pulmonary embolism. Being bound to a wheelchair wasn't helping either. The Alliance got to have the funeral before my tour in the Verge; they made sure he had the best send off a soldier could ask for."

"I'm glad they did," Kaidan said.

"Yeah, I still have his old rifle and shotgun, the ones he used to fend off the batarian slavers. His old Sokolov and a Lancer…"

Kaidan smiled. "He didn't like the Avenger but he liked the Lancer?"

Daniels shrugged. "The amount of work he put into it was immense. You know the Lancer, right?"

"Yeah, they were standard issue back in 2183, but by 2185 we had switched over to the Avengers with thermal clip modifications."

"Yeah, that switch pissed Dad off. He spent quite a few credits to install some frictionless materials for the barrel, as well as a kinetic coil to stabilize it. He even installed some top of the line inferno rounds for his guns. He could keep that gun firing for a long time before it had a chance to overheat."

"Huh, Shepard came up with the same idea for his own gear back then. Of course, he had access to some special Spectre weaponry."

"Oh, my dad would have loved to get his hands on that. Just the same, the Lancer wasn't his baby; it was his Lieberschaft 2180."

Kaidan had heard of that model, specifically its nickname. "The Eviscerator."

"Yep. He got that some time after being released from the service. After I went to the Academy when I was fifteen, he spent a lot of time modding it, even if he couldn't fire it safely. When I was home, he and I went to the firing range and used it for him. Always had to ice my arm; it's got a hell of a kick."

"I bet; maybe you should talk to Vega sometime. He's got a thing for big shotguns."

"I know; I saw his Crusader. He once told me that he wants to try to fire the Claymore sometime. He and my Dad would have had a good talk."

"Your dad sounds like a good man. I heard about his actions during the Blitz myself. He actually inspired Shepard, I heard."

Daniels looked at Kaidan. "Really, sir?"

"That's what I hear, anyway. Shepard was on one of the ships giving hell to the slaver ships in space. From what I hear, he heard about your father's actions and he found it inspiring. Might have had a hand in how he handled himself after Akuze and God-knows-whatever-else. Guess you can never know, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, as much as I've enjoyed this conversation, I do have business with you."

At once, Daniels was professional. "Yes, sir; how may I serve?"

"EDI tells me the installation is complete and running diagnostics."

"Yes, sir, that's correct. I've been monitoring the progress through my omni-tool. EDI took her platform into the AI Core before you arrived to fully concentrate on the diagnostics."

"Sounds like everything is in order then, which is a good thing. Once everything is secure, we'll be heading to Rannoch. Brass wants us to check on some anomalies the quarians are willing to share with us. I very well may need your assistance groundside."

"Might I inquire the nature of this investigation, sir?"

"You'll be briefed once we reach Rannoch. Understood?"

The lieutenant saluted. "Aye-aye, Captain. It's a pleasure to be back on the Normandy, and to work with EDI."

"I am pleased I have met your approval, Lieutenant Daniels."

Daniels spun around to see EDI standing behind him as if she had always been there. "Oh, hi EDI. Th-the diagnostics done?"

"Ask him yourself." EDI stepped aside, permitting a hologram of a man's head with no eyes with a ball where an oversized ball would be for its cranium.

"Greetings, Masters Daniels and Alenko. Using the drone program you have supplied, Master Daniels, I altered the cosmetic programs to give myself a more biologically relatable appearance."

Daniels turned back to Kaidan. "He used the drone programming I had in my omni-tool to make a mobile virtual construct. Otherwise he'd have to directly interface with my omni-tool to display himself."

"Correct. I do not possess such a construct such as EDI possesses; therefore, I must construct my own if I am to perform my duties at peak capacity. Lacking a hardware platform, I constructed a virtual construct, as is evident."

"How were the diagnostics?"

EDI spoke up. "We finished in 2.4 seconds. I can forward both you and Captain Alenko the results."

"Not necessary, EDI," Kaidan said. "What were you doing the whole time?"

"Conversing," EDI said.

"EDI is very fascinating. Did you know she flooded Cerberus servers with seven zettabytes of explicit images to keep Cerberus from deactivating the entire vessel? Fascinating."

Kaidan smiled; he was there on Cronos Station when a Cerberus log revealed that fact. On the other hand, Daniels had not been there, so his reaction was predictable. "Really?"

"It was a joke," EDI said.

"Her humor heuristics are astonishing. I would strongly desire to listen to the circumstances that led to their development."

"While you two talk more, I need to speak more with Lieutenant Daniels."

"Understood, Captain," EDI said, and then took her leave, AREM following.

"No offense, Daniels, but his choice of hologram is a bit creepy without the eyes."

Daniels turned back to Kaidan. "He chose that himself, actually. He didn't find eyes necessary because he doesn't actually use them. Using the face was a compromise, really. How else can I help you?"

"Admiral Hackett briefed me a bit on the fact the Alliance is trying to duplicate EDI's success by the hands of Cerberus. I don't know much about EDI's entire creation, but I do know that she was restored using Reaper technology salvaged from Sovereign." Kaidan took a couple moments to let his brain catch up. "The Alliance knows full well the ramifications of messing with Reaper technology. All I need to know is if there is any Reaper tech involved in the creation of AREM."

Daniels didn't answer right away, but Kaidan could see that in his eyes he had been expecting that question. Finally, he said, "Permission to speak freely, sir?"

One of Kaidan's eyebrows rose slightly. "You already have, but granted."

"I believe that you're asking to know if we used Cerberus technology to make AIs in the lab. While we were closely studying any Cerberus tech that we could find, we had virtually no data on both projects EDI and EVA. We were aware of the names, but that's pretty much all we got. The only way we could have adequate data to recreate either of those two projects would be to study the projects directly."

Kaidan's mind started to work. "Project EVA made the mobile platform that EDI is controlling, which means both Cerberus projects are right here." Then it clicked. "That's why AREM is here. He's here to get as much data on EDI and her platform."

Daniels sighed. "Yes, sir. I actually informed EDI regarding AREM's purpose. EDI seemed thrilled by the idea—"

"It doesn't matter if she's thrilled about it or not, Lieutenant," Kaidan said, a little more severely than he intended. "What I'm wondering is why I wasn't notified of the true purpose of your AI."

"I would have, sir," Daniels said, a little taken aback by his CO's tone. "But unfortunately I'm been sworn to silence about AREM's true intention by my superiors who unfortunately do outrank you, Captain." He blanched. "W-with all due respect, sir."

Kaidan sighed, trying to re-gather his patience. "I understand if that is the case, Lieutenant, but if AREM is an AI, why do Alliance scientists need to copy EDI or EVA if they could just make more AIs like AREM?"

"AREM is a special case. His ability to be a mobile unit is both an advantage and a disadvantage. While he is instrumental for ease of transport, he doesn't have the capability to be a central AI for even as something as small as a fighter, much less a frigate. AREM is really only good for mobile laboratories. AREM is also purely experimental; he will never be used for anything beyond expansive data collection."

"That makes him sound more like just a more advanced VI rather than an AI."

"AREM is more than that; when I created him, I—" Daniels stopped himself, as if what he was about to say was personal. Kaidan decide to remain patient with him and not say a word. Finally, Daniels continued. "AREM was created using a virtual construct of a human brain. We ran extensive tests on a human brain, everything from brain scans to physiological testing."

That shocked Kaidan, and reviled him. "You used a human brain?"

"Not exactly. We created a virtual version of it with the petabytes of data we gathered from one. That black box you saw that I was carrying? The hardware inside it if you step back looks very much like a brain, but it is not made of living tissue. We made sure of that; we were not going to do what Cerberus might have done."

"So you just copied one." Kaidan seemed to relax.

"Yes, mine in fact. I spent nearly half of my time hooked up to scanners. The other half was salvaging the data for anything we could use to program a virtual version of my brain. It took two years of daily research, but we did it. AREM was an AI created completely beside any other research we were using to hopefully recreate ship AIs like EDI."

"Wouldn't it just be easier to repeat the process that you did for AREM?"

"Not feasibly, at least with current technology. All the technology that AREM needs to exist is in that little black box I had, sure, but he's limited to a virtual bubble because he doesn't have the processing power to run a ship this size. His broadcast radius is only fifty meters; to combat this, we made sure we gave him the ability to hook up to a larger hardware's platform to broadcast even further, and using my omni-tool, I can create a tangent broadcast that can boost it temporary further. Anyway, I digress. The point I was trying to make was if we tried to utilize the same technology to make an AI for a ship, the space the hardware would require would be massive. The hardware would take up the entire AI Core and possibly most of the medical bay; might even overflow out of it. We can't just increase the size of the hardware either. Size didn't necessarily matter in the physiology in brain-to-body mass in everything that lives; it's true for the synthetic version too. We would have to scan multiple brains…hundreds of them, and run all those same tests. If that even worked, it would take decades to make; too cost-prohibitive. My team is trying to work on making such hardware more compact should our studies on EDI and EVA fall through, although we are talking about considering AREM as an alpha-product of a new class of AIs."

Kaidan's brow fell. "Ok, I get it, but why does EDI work so well?"

"That was my question as well, and the question of my superiors in the Engineering Corps." Daniels smiled. "Hence, why I'm here. From our own research, an AI such as EDI that can run a ship of this size, in addition to everything else she does, shouldn't exist. We're suspecting that if Reaper technology is the sole reason why EDI works so well with her hardware specs, it would prove that Reaper processing power is far beyond us. Back to your original question, we did not use any Reaper technology to build AREM, simply because we didn't have any. The Alliance has all but blacklisted Reaper-tech until a means to nullify indoctrination can be achieved."

"And you can't do that without actually exposing yourself to Reaper technology, which I imagine the Alliance is not even considering trying."

"If they are, it's more classified than this project has been. Simply put, If Reaper technology resembles what we cooked up for AREM, or vice versa depending on your view, it's purely coincidental."

Kaidan nodded. "Fair enough. Dismissed, Lieutenant."

Daniels saluted. "Aye-aye, Captain." He turned to leave, but turned back around. "And thanks for listening, sir."

Kaidan only nodded.

Once Daniels left, Kaidan looked back at the wall, lingering at Shepard's name. "It seems like I'll never know just how many lives you have touch, John…but maybe that's a good thing. That way, I'll forever be reminded just how amazing you were. That's your real memorial, John." Kaidan's eyes pooled. "If you are still out there, I will find you. If you aren't, then at least I gave it my all, just like you did."