Chapter 4

Two krogan males had taken to the arena first; the non-krogan males had gathered together on the sidelines, watching them go at it with biotics. Large boulders served as cover, but one of the krogan revealed himself too soon, expecting the other to be recharging, and was hit by a biotic throw. He was knocked into another rock before he was sent spiraling out of the ring, disqualifying him. It took him several seconds to get up.

"Brutal," Jacob said, shaking his head.

"At least they aren't shooting each other," Zaeed commented.

"I hear it's biotics and melee weapons only," Garrus said. "Which is just great for those of us who don't use either."

"I overheard one of the krogan discussing hand-to-hand combat," Thane remarked.

"Now that would be fun," Garrus said.

"I don't think any of this would be fun," Jacob said. "Humanity's come a long way since we lived in caves and beat each other up for the chance to 'mate.'"

"Nobody's forcing you to be in the tournament," Zaeed said. "If you don't like it, don't join."

Jacob shifted awkwardly. "I wouldn't, but…if someone were going to pick me, then it would look bad if I didn't participate."

"Who do you think would pick you?" Garrus asked.

"I don't know," Jacob said unconvincingly. "What about you?"

"It seems like Vash is taking the tournament pretty seriously," Garrus answered, looking out among the crowds and trying to spot her. "I'm not saying she would pick me, but…it wouldn't surprise me. And Amata is…an old friend. So that wouldn't surprise me either. Not that I'd want either of them."

"Well aren't you popular," Jacob said, folding his arms. "Who would you want?"

"I guess…whoever is the best fighter," Garrus said, also unconvincing.

"Assuming you deserve her."

"I hope COMMANDER SHEPARD picks me," Conrad said; the other men jumped, not realizing he was standing behind them. "I'm Conrad Verner by the way. Hi!"

"It's…unlikely that she would pick you," Garrus said.

"Well, she's going to want the best, right?" Conrad asked excitedly. "So if I win, she'll have to pick me!"

"Neither of those things are going to happen," Garrus said.

"You don't think Commander Shepard is going to pick the best man?" Conrad asked.

"I don't think she'll pick anyone at all, but even if she did, it would be the man she liked the most."

"Ohhhh," Conrad said; he leaned in closer to them and asked, in a whisper, "Who does she like the most?"

There was a pause.

"Me," Jacob said suddenly.

"You?" Garrus said incredulously.

"You heard me."

"I'm just surprised you sound so sure of yourself."

"I am sure. The Commander…" Jacob paused. "She has feelings for me. I guess there's no point in hiding it now."

"Right," Garrus said. "Which is why she asked me to sleep with her."

"What?" Jacob asked.

"Now it's hitting the fan!" Zaeed laughed.

"You slept with her?" Jacob asked, disgusted.

"No! I just…she asked me to. We haven't…yet."

"Well maybe it was just a sick joke. With a turian, it'd have to be."

Garrus suddenly grabbed Jacob by the collar. "What did you just say?"

"Calm down," Thane said, placing a hand on Garrus' shoulder. "Clearly this is a misunderstanding."

"This isn't any of your business, Thane," Garrus said, his eyes still focused on Jacob.

"Actually, it is," Thane said, his words carrying some sting.

There was a pause; then Garrus let go of Jacob. "This is really out of control," Garrus said.

"I'll say," Zaeed said, still laughing.

"Please tell me she didn't go after you, too," Garrus said to him in a strained voice.

"No. Not yet, anyway. But from the look of it she was working her way through the ship. Maybe it would've reached me eventually."

"Wow," Conrad said. "I had no idea Commander Shepard had so many different men! She's like Blasto the Hanar Spectre, except instead of a lover at every port, she's got them all on one sh…"

"I think we need to pay her a visit," Thane interrupted.

"Agreed," Jacob and Garrus said.

"Then let us find her."

"I've gotta see this," Zaeed said.

All three glared at him; Zaeed sighed. "All right, I'll stay here."

The three men walked over to where the female participants were waiting for the next battle. Shepard was chatting with Miranda when they arrived.

"We need to talk," Jacob said, looking furious.

"I'll be over with Samara," Miranda said, arching an eyebrow and walking away from them.

"What's on your minds?" Shepard asked.

"Don't play games with us, Shepard," Garrus said.

"Yeah," Jacob said. "You've done enough of that already."

Shepard sighed. "Look…I…I never intended for it to go this far. You have to believe me."

"That is not difficult to believe," Thane said, somehow maintaining his usual calm tone. "But you owe us an explanation."

"It was just supposed to be harmless flirting, but…it became something else. I started having feelings for you…for all three of you. And I just couldn't decide."

"So you lied to our faces," Jacob spat.

"No," Shepard said quickly. "I kept it casual. I've been careful not to let things go too far until I made a decision. You can all respect that, at least."

"I suppose I can," Garrus said slowly.

"I don't know if I would say that," Thane said quietly.

"I wouldn't have let things go anywhere if I knew you were seeing them behind my back," Jacob said.

"I just…" Shepard paused. "I made a mistake. I realize that. I've hurt you, and…and believe me when I say that's the last thing I wanted to do."

"Then you could've just told us," Garrus said sympathetically. "But finding out like this…"

"I know. I waited as long as possible, and I deserve this."

"I think we deserve an answer, then, Shepard," Jacob said. "Let's settle this right now."

"You can't make me choose right now."

"You'd better choose, or I'm gonna make things a whole lot easier for you by getting myself out of this mess."

"Wait," Shepard said quickly. "Jacob, all of you, please…I…just need more time to think."

"I respect your wishes, Shepard," Thane said; the substitution of "Shepard" for the usual "siha" was not missed by her. "When you have thought more on the subject, you may come find me."

Thane started to leave; Garrus and Jacob glanced at one another.

"We should get back," Garrus said. "Find out who we're fighting."

"Right," Jacob said quietly. "I…I'm sorry if I overreacted, Commander. I just…I wish you had told us."

"You're right to be angry," Shepard said. "And when I make my decision, you'll be the first to know."

Jacob and Garrus started walking back, catching up with Thane.

"So, it really was that bad," Jacob said.

"She'll make her choice eventually," Garrus said. "She just needs more time."

"We're about to go on a suicide mission," Jacob said. "Not sure what exactly she's waiting for."

"Perhaps she is waiting for the tournament," Thane said suddenly.

"You…really think so?" Garrus asked.

"It would make sense, given where we are," Thane said. "And it would take the burden of a choice from her."

"Does she really care that little about us, that she'd leave it to some stupid krogan tournament to decide for her?" Jacob asked.

"The point is that she likes all of us," Garrus said. "And why not pick whoever is the best fighter? Seems fitting."

"You think that's fitting?" Jacob asked.

Garrus shrugged. "Why not? If she likes us all equally, and we all have equal fighting strength, then the one who wants her the most wins. Seems logical enough."

"Depending on the circumstances, fighting strength could be decidedly unequal," Thane commented.

"Regardless, I'm going to fight my hardest in this tournament," Garrus said. "Maybe she picks me, maybe she doesn't. Either way, I've proven that she's important to me, because of how well I fight for her." He paused. "To be honest, I think that's how things have been with us up to now anyway."

"Perhaps there is something to be admired in this krogan system," Thane said. "While my own feelings for Shepard remain…unclear…I will fight in this tournament."

"Unclear is right," Jacob said. "I don't know what I'm feeling anymore…but maybe fighting will be the best way to clear my head."

"Then we're all in the tournament," Garrus said. "Just like before, only…well…I guess it really is just like before. We fight, and see if she picks whoever makes it the farthest."

"Perhaps we should inform Conrad that he may have a chance after all," Thane said.

There was a brief pause, then Garrus and Jacob both laughed. Thane smiled slightly.

"Maybe we really don't have anything to be upset about," Jacob said, looking a little less down. "I mean, Shepard is…well, she's Shepard. If she thinks we're all worthy of a shot at her, then that's saying a lot."

"Then let's prove our worth the krogan way," Garrus said. "I never thought I would hear myself say those words…"

Several hours into the tournament, a majority of the battles fought were between krogan. The Normandy crew was entertained, however, when Grunt easily defeated his first opponent in a hand-to-hand battle, and appeared to be one of the favorites among the krogan male contestants in the second round. The Normandy crew could also cheer the fact that Jack and Shepard had defeated two of Vash's asari crew members in biotics battles; Miranda had beaten the female drell; and Thane had beaten the quarian Qori'Anko. Unfortunately, Tali was defeated by none other than Vash herself, who flaunted her victory and clearly expected to advance all the way to the final round.

The next contest was between Jacob and Conrad Verner. Jacob couldn't believe his luck; he was nervous that he would have to fight Garrus or Zaeed, both of whom seemed confident they could win the whole tournament.

Jacob took to the arena and faced Conrad, who looked ridiculous as usual in his asari commando armor. "All right, humans," the krogan arena judge said, "how will you set the terms for this battle?"

"How about biotics?" Jacob asked.

"Oh no," Conrad said quickly, shaking his head. "I'm not a biotic. Sorry if my armor confused you."

"Yeah…it is pretty confusing."

"We should fight hand-to-hand!"

"You serious?"

"Yeah! But no biotics or other weapons allowed. Is that okay?"

Jacob tried not to smile too widely. "Yeah, fine by me."

"Very well," the krogan said. "The first to be knocked out of the arena, or the first to surrender, is the loser. Take to opposite ends of the circle. I will count to three, and then begin!"

The two men followed the instructions; while he was walking over to the far side of the circle, Jacob looked up at the crowd. Shepard, and most of the rest of the Normandy crew, were there smiling at him. He looked back at Conrad, who was trying to do jumping jacks and stretching awkwardly in preparation. Piece of cake.

One they were in place, the krogan counted down from three. When the count was finished, Jacob took a defensive stance and slowly advanced toward Conrad's position. Conrad remained still for several seconds, then suddenly charged like a bull right toward Jacob. Jacob easily sidestepped him, chopping him on the back for good measure. Several people in the crowd laughed; Conrad shook it off, seeming unperturbed. Jacob suddenly felt bad for him. I'm not out here to embarrass him. I should end this quickly.

Conrad suddenly charged him again; Jacob sidestepped, tripped him, and pinned him down. "You're gonna lose," Jacob whispered, leaning close to him. "Just give up now."

"Never!" Conrad cried; he headbutted Jacob fiercely, which managed to stun them both. Jacob took a few steps back, rubbing his head, as Conrad tried to stand up.

All right, you're asking for this now, Jacob thought, annoyed by the stinging pain in his forehead.

Then suddenly, as Jacob was still blinking away the stars in his eyes, there was a loud roar and the ground began to shake. Jacob looked around wildly, instinctively wondering if Tuchanka were suddenly under attack. He lost his footing, the shaking stopped, and then it hit him—Conrad, that is, whose mad charge technique had finally paid off. The crowd, still shocked by the tremor, was even more shocked when Conrad's momentum carried Jacob all the way out of the arena limits.

"The human Conrad Verner is the winner," the krogan said. "The other human was knocked out of the arena first."

"What the hell just happened?" Jacob asked angrily, getting to his feet as Conrad was cheered on by other members of Vash's crew. "You can't count that! There was an earthquake!"

"The thresher maws have begun to mate," the krogan explained. "They will cause the ground to shake randomly throughout the day."

"Nobody told me about that!"

"A true warrior is prepared for any hazards he might face on the battlefield."

"It's okay," Conrad said, suddenly popping up behind Jacob. "I didn't know about the earthquake either. I was just lucky. Ha, my ex-wife always used to say that I had REALLY GREAT BALANCE!"

"What is wrong with you?" Jacob yelled; then he forced himself to calm down. He turned and walked quickly away, knowing that he couldn't hold in the urge to punch Conrad in the face for very long.

Shepard walked over to him. "Jacob…"

"You don't have to say it. I already know."

"This isn't about the tournament anymore. You…you were right from the beginning. I tried to force it, and…"

"And if I had won that round, would you be saying the same thing? This is all just a game for you, isn't it?"

"Of course not! I…"

"I know, I know. You really care about all three of us." Jacob leaned in closer to her. "You know, I feel sorry for the others. They don't know what's really going on here. They weren't on Horizon. You still can't get ov…"

"That's enough," Shepard said, narrowing her eyes.

"Yeah. That's enough all right."

Jacob walked away. One of the last people he wanted to see—Garrus—approached him. "Hey, that was a tough break," the turian said, sounding genuinely friendly. "Don't know if I would've been able to survive that, either."

"Whatever," Jacob said, turning away from him.

Suddenly there was another tremor; Garrus caught hold of Jacob before he could fall over. When it stopped, Garrus let go.

"Thanks," Jacob said quietly.

"Don't mention it."

"Would you do something for me?"

"What do you need?"

"Kick the drell assassin's ass."

"I'm going to try."

Jacob walked away; Garrus remained standing where he was, glancing over at Shepard. She seemed rather angry.

"So, looks like it'll be you and me," Zaeed said, strolling over to Garrus.

"We're the last two left, so…yeah."

"That'll be one helluva fight."

"No kidding."

"We'll see if there are any more tremors."

"Yeah, that should be interesting."

"You ever wonder what it looks like?"

"What?"

"The thresher maws. Mating."

"Uhhhhh…no."

There was a long pause.

"You're thinking about it now, aren't ya?" Zaeed asked.

The krogan arena judge walked over to them. "We're doing you two next," he said.

"Thank you," Garrus said. "I mean…good."

"And how shall you…"

"Wait!" Wrex called out suddenly, heading over. "Another human male has just entered the tournament."

"That complicates things," the arena judge said. "How shall we proceed?"

"Hmmmm…" Wrex paused. "Put the two humans in the arena."

"What about the turian?"

"I've fought at Garrus' side in battle many times. I can vouch for his skill. Go ahead and advance him."

The arena judge blinked in surprise. "Whatever you say."

"Lucky you," Zaeed said to Garrus.

"Thanks, Wrex," Garrus said.

"We were comrades once," Wrex said. "Lots of krogan don't want to see a turian win, but…I'd be proud to have you in my krant."

"I'll do my best."

Chakwas yawned. "I could use another meal about now."

"I heard after this they're going to have lots of krogan fight," Gabby said. "We could all head over to the meeting tent and get something to eat."

"Sounds good," Joker said. "I just can't wait to see Zaeed vs. Garrus."

The krogan arena master stepped into the ring. "This next fight is between the humans Zaeed Massani and Kenneth Donnelly!"

"What?" Gabby cried, her jaw dropping.

Joker burst out laughing. "Ken is in the tournament now? He doesn't stand a chance! I mean, he could've beaten Jacob, apparently, but…"

"They will be fighting with staffs," the arena master announced, tossing one large stick to each competitor; several of the krogan had also chosen to fight using those weapons. "Now take your places on either side of the arena."

"I just want to say something before we start," Ken shouted out to the crowd. "I want to say that…lots of people seem to think that I'm not…strong. Like I'm some sort of little girl that can't handle himself. Well…well I'm here to prove you wrong!"

"Did you call him a little girl?" Joker asked Gabby; she stared silently at Ken, her eyes wide.

"You think I'm going to go easy on you just because of that speech?" Zaeed asked.

"Well if you'd like to I wouldn't complain," Ken said, taking up position on the other side of the arena.

"Sorry, but I plan to wipe the dirt with you."

"I wouldn't be so sure of yourself. I…I took fencing in high school."

"You think this looks anything like fencing?"

"Well…no…but…"

"Just come here and let's finish this already."

The krogan counted down, and then Ken slowly advanced; Zaeed ran up to him, striking three times with the staff. Ken partially blocked one of the strikes, but ended up cowering as a result of the other two. Surprisingly, Zaeed then cast aside his staff. Ken immediately retaliated by swinging his own at the undefended bounty hunter; Zaeed took the blow, caught the staff, and wrenched it from Ken's hands.

"You wanna surrender yet?" Zaeed asked.

Ken scrambled back. "No! No, I…I'm not surrendering…"

"All right then."

Zaeed started whacking Ken with the staff, hitting him on his sides and on his stomach. Ken stumbled, lurched, and eventually toppled over. There was another thresher maw roar; Zaeed stepped back, readying himself for the tremors, but after several seconds they didn't come. Ken managed to stagger to his feet during the interval.

"This is your last warning, kid," Zaeed said. "Give up now or you're going to be a bloody mess by the time I'm through with you."

"I refuse to surrender," Ken said, clenching his fists.

Zaeed swung right at Ken's head; Ken tried to dodge out of it, but the edge of the staff made contact with his ear. Ken grabbed the side of his head, blood seeping through his fingers.

"That's enough!" Shepard shouted angrily from the sidelines.

"N-no," Ken stammered. "I'm still…"

Shepard marched into the ring and grabbed Ken by the collar. "You get yourself to sickbay now," she ordered.

"I…yes sir…"

Dr. Chakwas and Gabby rushed over to him, escorting him out of the ring and back toward the Normandy. Shepard turned to Zaeed next. "Follow me."

Zaeed reluctantly followed her out of the ring to a remote spot.

"How could you do that to him?" she asked.

Zaeed shrugged. "He asked for it. Literally."

"Then he's an idiot. But he's still a member of my crew. That blow to the head could have killed him."

"I dunno about that. I've certainly had worse."

"This isn't funny."

"Didn't say it was. Look, I wasn't trying to kill him. I just…"

"You could have picked him up and thrown him out of the ring as soon as you disarmed him."

"You're going to give me fighting suggestions now?"

"No, that's an order."

"An order?"

"That's right. This is supposed to be a holiday for the crew before we take on the Collectors. If you pull that kind of stunt with Garrus or Thane…you're off the mission."

Zaeed folded his arms. "Weeellll, I understand now. You want me to go easy on your favorites."

"Favorites?"

"You don't have to pretend. The whole bloody ship knows about you and those men."

Shepard lowered her eyes. "Ah."

"For what it's worth, I think you should pick the drell. The way he moves in combat…can't imagine what he'd be like in b…"

"I need to get back," Shepard interrupted sharply. "Are we going to have any more problems?"

Zaeed laughed. "You need to calm down, Shepard. It's like you said…this is supposed to be a holiday. Relax."

Shepard sighed. "I doubt that's ever going to happen…"

"What's the situation on Tuchanka?"

"It's a nightmare. I don't know what to do."

"You'd better fill me in on the details."

"Well…most of the crew decided to enter the tournament. Samara and Kasumi didn't…they wouldn't let Mordin in, not that he would have fought anyway, and…"

"I'm interested in Shepard, Miss Chambers."

"Right…right…" Kelly sighed. "Well, it looks like she's using the tournament as a way of deciding which man she wants to pick."

"I…see. That's more extreme behavior than I was expecting from her."

"Jacob got knocked out in the first round. I think he's really ashamed. It wasn't his fault, there was a…"

"I thought we had decided on Garrus."

"We did, we did. Garrus is still in the tournament. I was talking to a couple of the tournament organizers, and they said he's going to fight Thane next."

"And you're worried that Thane will win, and Shepard will pick him."

"Yes."

"Then you need to come up with a way to ensure that Garrus wins."

"How do I do that?"

"I don't care. Be creative."

Kelly rubbed her forehead. "I don't know…the more I think about it, the worse it would be if Shepard picked Thane…it could stress her out, it could make her unfocused on the mission…"

"You know the stakes. Find a way to make this work. This is your job."

"I…I know…"

"I have other matters to attend to. Keep me updated on your progress. And Miss Chambers?"

"Yes?"

"I will not accept failure."

Kelly gulped. "Yes sir."