When the end is reached, when the road is ended, the task complete and the journey done, there are still the inevitable small details that need to be set away and put in order. When this new malicious protein, a newly identified prion, was finally verified, the task was done. However, there was still the matter of cleaning up the things that had been left in its wake.
The Citadel Extreme Medical Situations Response team disbanded their camp at the Uruk village shortly after their missing field agent was returned home. The other agent's body would have to be brought back to its next of kin. Meanwhile, the bodies of the former inhabitants of Uruk, their purposes served and their stories told, would be returned to the earth that generated the plants that claimed their lives. Ironically, the very crops they had consumed would ultimately consume them.
Dr. Hiprotos was one of many that turned in their letters of resignation when the mission was over. Many had to re-think their goals and priorities in life as now they knew they had little time left. One of their number, a certain Harrvok Arvinin, chose to continue his work for the Citadel. He was also the one that took gentle care of all the bodies that were buried in a mass grave at Uruk. His colleague, Pelona Sivini, also chose to continue her career. Her research in pathogens has taken a new emphasis as of late. Dr Sivini's latest interests is that of prions.
Sadly, not all from the Uruk expedition chose such quiet or benign courses after their ordeal. In the growing list of tasks for the mortician, a coroner on the Citadel was greeted with yet another body to work on. Working cooperatively with C-Sec, they were able to conclude that this latest addition was a suicide. The neighbors of the deceased Salarian only remembered him becoming very reclusive and quiet, only to live his last three days screaming at night, nightmares that wouldn't let him sleep. Perhaps, like a former co-worker, he chose the pistol's bullet as a hope that it would shut out the demons and give him permanent relief.
--
In the pristine and never changing routines that run the military installation of Jump Zero, an independent frigate made a quick layover. Along its side was the name SSV Shiloh. Only three passengers were let off from the ship. Both the human special forces ranger and ship mechanic led a blind Asari as they stepped from the ship.
Filara was still getting used to this world full of noise and sounds but no images and light. She only had the quickly fading memory of such senses. They were cherished and very much missed now. However, she wondered that even after only a few years, would she become used to this new mode of existence? Even after that she probably had another good six maybe even eight more centuries to go.
"Human brains quickly re-wire their themselves if the eyesight is lost. Eventually, the mind is able to more readily able to navigate the body despite being blind. Since Asari minds are much more complex and sophisticated, I'm sure you will be used to this shortly." Lucas explained. Filara twisted her lip in a thoughtful expression. The Asari with the permanent cloth around her head and eyes finally gave her careful answer.
"I do not believe the recovery has occurred just yet. I thank you for your encouragement, though."
"You said you will make your way back to your homeworld. Who will look after you on your way there?" Dalora asked her.
"I made arrangements for my sister to meet me here. I cannot see the time but I'm sure you can tell me if our ship will be arriving shortly."
"I'm glad you will not be alone." Dalora replied, truly sincere. She had felt bad for Filara since the accident.
"What will you do?" Lucas asked.
"I had thought about what you said, Lieutenant. I have made up my mind to become a Siari priestess. I can no longer put broken electronics together but perhaps I can try my hand at peacefully bringing unity to the galaxy." Lucas nodded at the thought.
"As a military chaplain and a former Catholic ministerial student, the unity of my faith has always been one of my passions. Searching and bringing unity in truth is a most noble pursuit. One of the most venerated saints once wrote that you cannot do anything against the truth. You can only do things for it."
"Perhaps one day I will be as wise as you, Lucas."
"Perhaps you already are." the lieutenant simply answered.
Filara's would have to make her own course from here. As for Lucas and Dalora, things did not go as tranquil as they had hoped. Only one day later was Lucas given that dreaded message. An Alliance base in the Styx Eta system was in the middle of an escalating conflict. He was assigned to report within yet another twenty four hours to be shipped out. Dalora would return to her lonely days drudging at the fighters that would need to be maintained, her cat to keep her company but also a new found pilot friend that started tagging along where ever she went. It was Sarah Wallis, the pilot that had spoken with her just before Lucas arrived.
Meanwhile, the lieutenant was shipped off to Styx Eta. On the way he was briefed on the situation. It was an urban conflict with mounting casualties. Alliance infiltrators were badly needed in the tense environment that was quickly becoming a war zone. The reason for this high demand of snipers and infiltrators was their equally high casualty rate. Lucas would again have another conversation with the angel of death.
--
A certain Asari walked through the night while a single large moon hung overhead in the twilight. The surf from a nearby shore could be heard against her footsteps on the stone pavement. Her quest to recalibrate her direction in life brought her here. It was far from her homeworld but even she was surprised that her chance at guidance had also brought her this far. Cautiously, she raised her hand and knocked on the door of a small villa. After a moment, the door opened.
"Nalia? What are you doing here?"
"It's nice to see you again too, Matriarch."
--
And at the Gatekeeper facility on Jartar in Hades Gamma, a Council Spectre returned to her posts. Spectre and Doctor Jima'Riznah vas Shiloh walked with a different gait through these sterile halls where deadly secrets were guarded. The doctor was well acquainted with many different biological horrors. However, she also knew that this knowledge was not enough, at least not enough for what she desired. Had her second in command, Commander Julland Sarrix saw the strange, new glint in her eye after the ordeal, he would have seen the next flurry of commands that would be levied on him within the coming days.
Jima'Riznah vas Shiloh, the doctor whose name meant peace would finish her work in overseeing on the construction of the facility. When that was finish she already knew what she would order her ship's commander. The doctor would be taught how to fight and how to command. It would be more rigorous than any surgery her scalpel had cut.
--
Data files initializing, uploading...
Report from Spectre Dr. Jima'Riznah vas Shiloh
Personal journal, modified copy sent for Council records
File starting...
It has been several months since the mission at the Uruk village in the Exodus cluster of Eden Prime. Information is being finalized after intense investigation by medical research and a local archaeologist near the Uruk site who chooses to remain anonymous.
The prion, which has been designated after the village it devastated, travels in the plants that grow exclusively in that area. The prion has been found present not only in the plants but also in the subterranean creatures that lived just below the village. The archaeologist's research shows that these creatures were once a secluded civilization that were also dependent on the plants.
There are no real reasons why this former people chose to move underground nor is it understood why they have lost their civility and in some sense their sentience. It is theorized that they were also mass infected by the prions but their biology allows them to not be terminally effected by it. In other words, nearly all organisms will lose some amount of their central nervous system to its ravages but this former civilization seemed to have built some imperfect resistance to it.
Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that these creatures were in fact the ones in whom the prion originated and then passed on into the plants. Such a jump has not been documented before in prions but the possibility is there, especially since the prion has shown to effect both plant and animal proteins. The only difference is that the plants have either benefited or suffered no ill effects. Animals do not fare as well.
As for the mercenary team that arrived in the area, it has already been established that they specialized in developing biological weapons to add to their income. A prion may not have made the best agent as a biological weapon but it is possible they did not have that information. Considering that we too had to learn this, it is entirely possible that they had dropped in to investigate it as a prospect. Even if they were to find a way to use it as a weapon, it would not have been rapid acting, not enough to make an immediate effect in combat or even terrorist situations.
Studies are continuing on those who infected with the protein. Many seemed to have suffered minimal exposure. Therefore, it may take time for the prion to kick in. It may be years even decades before they start to feel its first effects and then there is no telling how long they have before they expire. Many are still leading productive lives. Only about two individuals have shown the first symptoms and are on a heavy vitamin and medicine regimen to slow its effects. Asari patients may provide the best window as to how long its effects can be held off.
Personal records
As much as I appreciate the loyalty of Julland, my marines and crew, as well as the help from Dalora and Lucas, I can no longer hid behind their abilities. I am resolved to the fact that I was chosen as Spectre. Even if Nalia, darn that woman, chose me for this because of my healing abilities and not my combat prowess, I can no longer sit behind a monitor while my marines and Julland are in the fight. I must be there to help. I must be there if they fall. I must be there to lead.
It is so hard. I lock up in combat. Julland's training and patience have been wonderful but I am still so helpless in the simulators. I can only hope to get better before my next mission that involves actual combat situations.
I have made my personal vow. I don't care if I am not ready. The next time the Shiloh moves out, no matter how unprepared Julland thinks I am, I will go with them. I will fight with them and heal those who are wounded. I will even die for them. It is better than having my talents and watching them die for me.
Author's Note:
Well, here's another finished story for what's become the Retrovirus series. Thanks to all those who reviewed and gave their input. I hope those of you who have faithfully read it enjoyed it. As always, I am looking for constructive criticism and how the sequel (and who knows, maybe even sequels) could be made better. Blessings to you and may you be in good health.