Mass Effect: Sacrificial Symptom

by Pakkrat

She was Quarian. It was Geth. They were part of two halves from one world. Sadly life on the Normandy is cruel. Everyone must make a sacrifice. Yet was it going to just be their lives or happiness? Between ME2 and ME3, may be alternate time? Tali/Legion.

9. Chapter 9

Mass Effect: Sacrificial Symptom

Disclaimer: I do not own or have any rights to representation of Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, EA Games and any other mass media trademarks within this fiction. All is represented within the context of private entertainment and the exchange of free ideals/entertainment. No attempts to falsely render said persons or members, fictitious or otherwise were intentional.

Note: Long chapter, read my Profile for personal info on chapter. As well length between additions.

~~~~~~ Chapter 9: Needing Calibrations ~~~~~~

There is so much that changes in but a few simple days. Lives get disheveled and off track incredibly easy. With some, it's easier than others.

The Quarian girl knew well enough that issue. Especially now that she stood at her console softly tapping at the diodes and buttons, idly skimming her eyes on the sensors. Since the thing catching her eye was not even mechanical. Well, the literal thing her eyes were catching was an organic plant inside a small container. It was gorgeous really.

Kenneth had to admit he had no idea where it came from, or who got it for Tali? Yet they had to be the smartest bugger alive. He could only imagine if he got Gabby som…

"Hey Gabby?" Gabby looked up, "What'ya think of me buying you a little something like that?"

"I'd think you're just stealing a real romantic idea?"

"Right." A smirk, and Kenny said, "What if I bought us a adult Vid, bottle of champagne and shore leave?"

"That?" Gabby grinned back over saying, "Sounds a bit more your liking?"

"Alright, then it's settled."

Somehow, his jokes finally got to Tali. She gave a huff and took her gift with her out of Engineering. The fact he upset her, did not get past Gabby. Kenneth gulped before taking to his module saying, "I-I guess I made a few too many jokes?"

Right, no response. He whined knowing Gabby was really upset now. Funny, she was sort of with him on the joke. Wasn't she? Maybe it's a woman thing…

---

Shepard was in his quarters looking over seven different data pads. Information he gathered from Cerberus and among other resources. Here, the Commander fell deep into the work he was performing. Trying to define the battle and tactics to be employed. There was so much riding on his next decision he feared, on some level. Someone will die. Someone… will die.

He feared that though with the Collector mission. Easily one of the more unexpected bouts of conflict. The same with that battle where… Ashley.

Silence took the Commander even now in his mind as he dropped the pad on his table, and rubbed his eyes roughly. This thought was going to be overly consumed by him, his mind will not rest or stop at this time…

All of a sudden there was a ring at the door. He didn't even realize he locked it. That would probably explain the lack of intervention so far, and a feeling of slight loneliness here. Shepard opened the door seeing someone he didn't see out of the weapons lock much. "Jacob, good to see you."

Jacob gave a nod before entering the captain's quarters. With a frown though he seemed a little worried. "Not used to seeing the door locked Shepard. Is something on your mind?"

"Honestly? Just the mission. You're not here for my lock though, what has you up here?"

Jacob frowned before crossing his arms. Obviously, he was extremely serious about this. "The mission, Shepard."

"Right." A smirk, Shepard motioned Jacob inside and the two sat on the couch. Shepard took a seat at the far right, while Jacob stuck himself at the edge of the couch nearest to the door. A slight sigh and Shepard asks, "What is it about the mission that's troubling you? My recent reclusive behavior? Perhaps?"

Sadly, that wasn't it. Jacob simply looked dead on Shepard before telling him rather cold and monotone, "Actually, I'm more concerned about our mission. Not you."

How that felt to be somewhat dismissed on his otherwise ongoing issue. Shepard smiled outwardly while inwardly he began to hold the gaping wound his ego just got. "Right, I'm glad Jacob." Shifting his self on the couch, Shepard requested, "If so, then what is the mission issue that has one of my only Cerberus members onboard so edgy?"

Looking like he was about ready to drop his guts just from talking. Jacob sighed a moment and hung his head, saying, "I'm freaked out about the reports I read from Miranda. The whole Elder Kin thing, the thoughts she got and info dragged out of Cerberus archives." Turning his head, Jacob wanted to see what Shepard thought. Seeing how Shepard gave just a blank face though, Jacob asked, "What do you think Shepard?"

"A lot." A smirk, cocky Shepard crossed his arms leaning back his head. "Ooh that was something I expected eventually. So, are you worried that maybe it's true?"

"Well, yeah Shepard."

Nodding, Shepard asks Jacob, "Do you worry that this whole unnatural soul sucking race of aliens might be something else?"

Obviously, he did. Jacob did believe it to be true and deep down it's not hard to think this was it. You ever get in a fight of your life, you become a believer. If just a little bit. "If you ever get stuck in a fox hole, you believe in god. So why not believe in the OTHER stuff, commander?"

Shepard seemed less distracted again. Or was he not distracted, he just was not feeling the same worry? Sitting up Shepard asked, "Even if that were the case? Would we really want to stop fighting them?"

"Of course not, Commander. It's just, we never met this before. Why not? What's the deal that these things are just now showing up?"

To that, Shepard asked, "What makes you think they were ever not involved? Collectors to Elder Kin? Okay, I get that." Standing up, Shepard walked around his table saying, "If the Reapers were around as long as we assume then possibly the race or whatever they were may be involved with something. Or, the Reapers control that race? We don't really know." A frown, Shepard lowered his head thinking about it. "That one squid thing on the Hunley, it did not sound like it was a danger. At least not by the Reaper standards. Reapers are stranger than these things, they are a technological marvel of horrific levels. The Elder Kin seem like something the Reapers either did not have the ability to wipe out… yet, or perhaps there's more to the two? I don't know."

Giving a nod Jacob asked, "Well, okay. Let's say the Reapers and the Elder Kin are working together, and we know that they aren't controlling them the same was as with Collectors. What, do the Elder Kin get out of it? Shep.?"

Here, Shepard had no real answer. A frown and he looked at the aquarium in his room seeing some stray fish wander aimlessly. Shrugging it off, he just admits. "What I can tell you? I'm looking for answers Jacob. This mission should shed some light." Turning back the famous confident smile broke through. Even Jacob gave a smirk seeing it. "We'll fight, that's what we do. You knew that Jacob."

"Yeah I sure did." Getting up, he offered out his fist. The two hit them together and continue a shake. With a light nod before looking at the fish too. Shepard pressed a button feeding them, and then he turned to Jacob for a moment. Shepard looking at Jacob has to look for a moment.

Jacob frowned seeing this in his eye's corner. "You do have something bothering you, Commander?"

A nod, Shepard looked at the fish. "Ashley."

"Oh, I got it." Lowering his head Jacob reached up scratching his head. The sheer thought pricked his neck with a light heat. Some how this reminds him what everyone's talking about. Tali and Shepard, and Ashley in that mix. "What is it?"

A shrug, the Commander said. "I suppose, my issue would be Ashley if this is true and we're fighting some kind of… alien race that, believes itself to be something more. Or if the things are in fact those very things? Or, if they just caused the rumors and lore of… these things? Does it play any part in the afterlife? What about Ashley?" Lowering his head, the Commander showed a very less than known side of him. That part that was, insecure.

"You're afraid maybe we'll learn what happens? For real? That whatever you're waiting for isn't waiting?"

At that, Shepard gave a slow nod. "It's gotten in my head lately. The reports imply these things are… not, alien. Yet if they were alien, it's simpler. Just like fighting a Reaper isn't fighting a god, just a big ugly machine." A chuckle from Jacob caused Shepard to smile. Even hearing Shepard say those goliaths were just machines, was hard to imagine. Shepard was just that confident. "However, if these things are something more? It brings me to a lot of nasty questions. I just don't know where to take it."

Jacob seemed to nod, "Alright, I got it." Looking to Shepard fully, he turned and offered a hand. "Let's shake a deal, I won't worry if it's true. If you don't worry the same thing. We wait, see what happens and deal with it, alright?"

"Sounds good." A shake, and Shepard grinned brighter now. "You get back to work then. We'll have a meeting when we're closer to the mission's start. That sound good?"

"Sounds perfect boss." Leaving now, Jacob stopped at the door having to admit something. "You know? I haven't talked to you like this in a long time. How come Commander?"

Shepard shook his head telling him straight up, "I've been too damn busy."

"Oh, yeah. I forgot." A smile to the Commander, he motioned his hand out after tapping his chest twice. "We're good Commander. You keep it real, boss man. I'll be there when you need my help. Always got your back."

Shepard seemed pleased with hearing that. Looking back up at the fish though he kind of thought about the old, old stories of angels soaring in the clear skies. The lore, was of the heavens in the skies. Yet they flew past the skies into the stars. Where did the legends play out and the truth fold? A shiver on his spine, Shepard just wanted to see her. That would make it so worth while again. Pushing out of the old fears of what death might be.

Perhaps, if these things calling themselves Elder Kin WERE really the same thing? That could mean that there's more of that being the real thing? It's a nice thought jumbled with all the bad ones.

---

In the medical bay, Mordin was resting soundly on the table. A bit less for ware now he opened his eyes only after the doors opened first. A certain doctor came in smiling with a platter of food. "Mm, food then?" Sitting up, Mordin sat there looking at the meal. "I appreciate the meal. A much needed bit of nourishment."

Chakwas seemed pleased at his appetite, but she had her other reasons. "Legion came back last night."

Mordin was already beginning to get himself a spoon from this human owned ship, when he raised his brow. "Not unlikely. He was, after all trying to romance a Quarian. It had to fall under some rule of moving slowly."

"He has not left his quarters since last night. I would have assumed he tried to talk to you if things went well?"

"Perhaps." Mordin, slowly rubbed his chin as his spoon stabs the mushy potatoes for a moment. Luckily for him a Salarian appetite was primarially ground grown tumors. Even so, he had his regrets of human cuisine. "It is hard to define what would be 'well' for a first date in Quarian and Geth relations."

Chakwas frowned at that remark. The doctor realized her friend here was not going to be effected that easily. "Alright, I have to know. Why are you so interested in them?" She saw how he shifts his eyes up to her but a moment, before moving his spoon into his potatoes and shoveling a few bites into his mouth. "Honestly! You're imposs-,"

However, Mordin stopped eating and set the plate down. Then he turned grabbing her wrist calling out, "Chakwas!" The doctor is stunned by that, yet a smile on Mordin's face calmed her. The rather soothing sensation when he gripped her arm but not to harm her. Forcibly taking the role of the lead speaker.

"What I am doing is nothing. IT comes down to the two parties truly involved at this point."

Chakwas had to admit that was more response than she expected. Yet closing her eyes and realizing how inappropriate it has been, Chakwas snarled before pulling from him. Her stare met the Salarian with a bit of disdain, and she demanded, "I want a real answer Mordin. A real answer, one that isn't just a pass over for who knows what reason!"

Obviously Chakwas would not simply let this go. Mordin seemed to understand this, and so he sighed before motioning her to come closer. Chakwas had still such a glare of distaste, but pulled her chair to his side sitting with him a moment. Mordin shook his head asking, "Why do we choose sides in anything Chakwas?" The doctor raised her brow, but the Salarian explained with a light chuckle in his voice. "Was not a real question, more a beginning pre-interlude to the subject matter. Right, allow me to go into depth." Turning on her fully he offered all his attention, so she knew it was serious. "When one party tries to assist with something. It is on the basis that this something means something to them. To me, helping Tali and Legion to even form a closer friendship provides extravagant change for peace. With such a short life like my own it was a personal investment."

Chakwas did not really react at first. When the fair doctor spun her head about though, she was furious. "You got involved for a reason like that? Honestly?"

"Yes?" Mordin seemed a bit torn down. A flinch, his arms raise as she shook as if to protect himself. "Chakwas! It was a reasonable action. After noting a number of factors, I took a most reliable, definite and informed place on the dispute!" Her hands lower, and he smiled thinking that is a good sign. "W-hen Legion and Tali showed needs for another I took on a mostly observing position. Tali'zorah was never good for Shepard, too many health risks. Far too many number of factors to play. Legion seemed to show the first true interest in Tali. I began to inform and offer information, playing mostly a side informant, as my scientific role is."

Chakwas now glared back crossing her arms, asking, "Where did that change thought Mordin? I mean, you've helped Legion. You went out of your way to offer him advice and so much more why? Don't you usually just, offer medical information?"

Mordin seemed a bit stunned. In truth, he was not entirely sure. Yet when he thought over this, Mordin told her one thing. "Legion is not organic."

"So, medical expertise did not make a play? Because he's a machine?"

"Yes." That, was it. "Legion needed more aid than telling Shepard about Quarian mating habits, or Krogan battle mating habits and Turian love advancements. Those simple things are easy to offer advice. When Legion came to me it was a more honorable request, and obviously in reason."

How? Chakwas face plays out the level of confusion. "How? How can you be so certain?"

"Why would he lie?" That was a great question. Shifting in his seat, Mordin stood before taking Chakwas shoulder, but she pulled away. It now made him curious as to why she's so angry? "What is your reason for helping Legion?"

"I wasn't helping Legion, Mordin." A fist clenched and the good doctor spun around. Snapping with absolutely volatile venom, "I did not really give a thought on that, I was only helping because of you! The fact, I've tried so hard for weeks and where does it get me? Other than a few respectful words of my work, a small moment of just holding you. Why can't you show this level of interest in us?"

Mordin soon got the real picture of this. With a heavy frown, he asked, "Are you compairing my interest in Legion and Tali, to ourselves?" The fact she turned from him made it all the more obvious. With a light smile, Mordin simply said happily, "That is imbecilic! Our actions are based on a sole number of professional interests, mixed with ongoing tensions thanks to working together in a ship with numerous personnel without other revenues of relief. For example," He came to the otherwise still doctor and held her shoulder, "When you come to me for advice it has been ongoing, and most likely an attempt to garner attention. I returned thanks to the fact I am in truth a much older, close to my end Salarian. The need to feel a connection outweighs some of my otherwise competitive reasoning to allow some reciprocation. Thereto, our relationship is based mostly on a lack of actual relation. It is more, a need."

How, that went was obvious. Chakwas turned with a fist drawn to the baffled Salarian, whom even with his years of training did not see the most obvious. A punch that sent him reeling back, and screaming as he grasped his ribs in udder pain. The realization of what she did, made Chakwas cry out holding her mouth in most alarm and shame.

Running over to the badly wounded patient, Chakwas dropped her hands into his arms and rib to begin checking the injured areas. What she never expected was the light giggle of someone now decloaking herself. However, it was a welcome sight as Chakwas called forth, "Kasumi! Thank goodness! Here, help me! Pull his legs up!"

Kasumi followed with the order and helped up the legs of the Salarian. When he was laying still but shaking with his pain, Kasumi asked rather timidly, "Did we forget she had some Alliance training?"

"Perhaps?" A mere groan escapes Mordin while Kasumi giggled again, Chakwas walked to her desk holding her forehead. The rattling of her actions most evident while she searched for a glass and her brandy.

Kasumi sighed a bit before asking, "Why are you two really arguing? What does it matter?" A shrug, she now strut to the nearest table and plopped down most unceremoniously. "So, Legion and Tali? We can't quite say if it is right or wrong, can we?"

Chakwas had no idea where to take this conversation. So she asked, "Why are you so involved with this Kasumi? Obviously, Mordin has a personal interest. Being a slightly over invested. I even have my own personal reason." Turning to Mordin who just shied his eyes, Chakwas glared back asking again, "You're involved because you're Tali's friend?"

Kasumi seemed off from that question. At first, she simply shied her eyes down a little. Yet pulling her legs on the table, she wrapped her arms over them admittedly more than aware why. "When I saw Legion's interest in Tali? I kind of thought about me, and… Keiji."

Strangely it became a little too obvious. Mordin himself was a little shocked. "An attempt to validate a relationship, like that of your own with the Graybox? Is that, responsible?"

"Oh? So as responsible as trying to forge a peace relation? I can't help but think maybe, just maybe you wouldn't be pointing fingers!" Kasumi was upset, and as she glared on him her next words were full of wrath. "I guess maybe this was another attempt to make up for your work on the Genophage, Mordin?"

Yes, it probably was. However, Chakwas saw the hurt in his eyes. So she actually defended him. "Then where is it better? A goal to make something better for others, or the self? Kasumi?"

Burned, Kasumi groaned as she closed her eyes and sunk her head. "Okay, okay… we all got carried away. For stupid reasons." However, she cocked her head admitting, "Still, Tali seems a little more open minded from this. In time, she might actually sort of give this more real thought. Right now I think she's just a little freaked out with the idea." Looking at Mordin who showed the most interest, Kasumi explained, "That gift, it really struck a cord with Tali. I believe maybe… just maybe, she'll think this over seriously."

The smile Mordin had was however mostly because he still believed his cause. As he thought it over though, he frowned. "Was it right to become involved?" He somehow was not sure. Instead, he asks, "Would not be, that I want to repent for mass actions of ill informed research. The life I lived, that I am now so close to an end. Would I take such an interest?" A look of udder fear, he asks, "What if I have ruined two lives. Just in some hope that my short life will not be one, that leaves only one legacy. That deeply leaves my soul torn."

Obviously that moment was enough to give Kasumi and Chakwas a desire to think. If not for Kasumi's need to somehow recognize herself with the friend of her life, and this mechanized transgression she would not chance her friend's happiness. Chakwas had also been selfish solely hopeful the aid will somehow help make a man she loved get her desire. Although, Mordin easily felt he was the worst one here. Where was his subjective mind? The one that kept from being personally invested? That was his nature… somehow, he lost track. It was somehow caused by this ongoing issue. Perhaps the bout with this Jacohbe character? Or the long hours of study? It was hard to tell where it begins.

As everyone was in the midst of this questioning someone just walked into it. Thane, the Drell assassin. Thane entered with his black eyes blinking to them all. "Am I, interrupting something?"

The group turned to him with a slight alarm. The Drell had a feeling he should not be involved, so he raised a hand saying, "Never mind, I only came to ask about my earlier request. Chakwas, did you make that report for me?"

Chakwas had a huge look of alarm. "Oh, oh no! Wait, okay. Hold on." Tapping at her console the doctor was speedily trying to fix this mistake. Obviously, letting something else distract her.

"Do not concern yourself." Thane walked over, and shockingly said with as much cool dry wit as anyone would expect, "It's not entirely that important, seeing chances are I might never see it any way. After all, I am dying. Though I should point out imminent demise, does not always warrant poor actions. Like allowing a mistake with a report to ruin my decision making."

Thane turned to Mordin with a slight side glance. His eyes blinking, and then to Kasumi he continued the stare. "In the end, the knowledge I will perish is discerning. Loosing those I care for. Leaving a number of things unsettled. However, it is necessary that those things do not distract or dissolve my duties." Looking to Chakwas, he simply said, "If it does. It can cause much more harm than good. It could cause me, to act on petty things and miss the important picture. To the greater importance that my life, is one life. Yet when interjecting into others lives because of such lower fears, it may just as easily ruin many other lives."

Chakwas frowned deeply before she had to ask, "Thane, do you know something? We don't?"

"Most likely not." To this, Thane calmly added in. "It's merely an observation. It is okay to make a mistake. Yet continuing the mistake, by being too deeply involved? Or to not realize it's time to not be involved as much. Will only make matters worse. IF you forgot this report, it is not important. I hope you can however take time to try and send it later. If you have that time. I'll not hold it against you."

Walking out to the door, Thane actually added as the door opened. "It's not like we're trying to convince someone to fall in love. A rather, ominous quest; how few should ever take on such a quest?"

Leaving them, Mordin narrowed his eyes. Within a flash of brilliance, he summed everyone's feelings by one word. "Bosh'tet."

---

Thane stepped into the elevator. However, he turned to see Tali as she sat idly crossing her arms, tapping her foot on the floor. "I see you're amidst?"

Tali's head shook aware. A moment, she asks, "What?"

"Deliberations." He smiled softly, lips curved ever so slightly. The way he smiled was often a mix of things, either very kind or most cynical. "You are amidst deliberations. I assumed?"

"Oh, perhaps." Tali shrugged, but asked something, "Thane? Do you know how to, test, caring about someone?"

"Why would anyone make such a test?" Obviously, he told her. "If you must test, then is that not a test?"

"Keelah, that's no real help." Looking down though, Tali just sighed with a bit of distain. "It's so confusing for me now. I don't know what I want, where I want to take things? I do not even really know if I'm really… argh, never mind." She glared on the Drell as he raised but a brow. "You don't have much luck giving out advice."

The elevator stops, and Tali left towards her work station. Thane smiled a little before walking out, and turning toward Grunt who was at his room's door. "Grunt, do you still need assistance?"

"Yes." Grunt glared at his room with the door open. "You can fix the lighting?"

"I can. I do not need to see, like others with a great deal of light."

"Good. Fix it."

Suddenly, Tali came back asking, "Thane? Can you just answer me one, stupid question?"

Thane turned with a simple nod. Hands behind his back, he asks, "What is it you need to ask?"

Tali, sighed before holding her hands a little nervous, fingers tugging at the digits. "If someone cares about you, is that enough to try and care for them? No matter what others may think?"

Thane seemed to think a moment. Then, he asked, "Is it a matter that others think anything? It will not be they, who are involved by the caring of those two. In my life, the actions you act on will be only for you and one other involved. Try not to worry over the many who may see what is to be, but be a more directly involved person. However, as for being enough reason? I ask you this." Thane, grabbed the light fixture Grunt was now agitated enough to jab at his side. "Is there ever enough reason to care for someone, if you must force it?"

Tali's eyes glare again. "You are really bad with advice."

"Or, perhaps I'm merely trying not to give you enough advice? Or rather, just enough advice?"

Rolling her eyes, Tali waved a hand of him before leaving. That was pointless. Though, as she thought it over…. She asks, "Do you mean, If I'm forcing this… then, that is the problem? It should not be forced. The answer should just come to me, in time?"

"Time is important for everything." Suddenly, jabbed again. Than turned narrowing his brow. "It takes time to install new lighting, and it takes time to learn what we really need." A shrug, he moved a hand in but an idle wave over the Krogan's vision, making him watch before the light was gone from his hands, and in Thane's. "Yet it takes no time, to miss anything that is important. Especially if you are becoming too distracted with those things around you."

Walking past the Krogan. Thane smiled as Grunt blinked down at his empty hands. Tali smirked before a nod, and knowing he meant what he said. Just, not really… saying anything. It was funny. Tali understood, best to just… let it be. Yeah, that's it.

As Thane began to install the light he heard another question.

"How do I stop thinking about this?"

"I do not know." Thane, frowned now. "That is your issue."

"Argh, you're bad at-,"

Grunt snarled, "Do you mind! Thane is fixing the creepy feeling."

"…." Tali whispers, "Creepy?"

---

Only a few hours had passed. Maybe only an hour, near to one hour and a half. That's what it feels like, for Shepard. The Commander spent the time on one simple task. When he felt safe with the plan he stood up and called, "EDI." The AI came on immediately. "Tell the team I want to talk to them. First, how long until we reach planet Koroat?"

EDI told him as he entered the elevator, patching into the sound system. "My calculations have ascertained approximately 4.34 hours. Commander. This should be with a minimal margin for error, depending upon outside distractions, or such forms of engagement."

Okay, that was good. A nod, Shepard told EDI, "Tell the crew we have less than 2 hours to make a plan, I want everyone available, there."

"Of course, Commander."

"Patch Joker in too. I might want his Intel, for the sake of unison?" He smirked, yet it was true. It is never bad to have your pilot involved.

"Of course, Commander."

---

The team converged on the briefing room. Where Shepard was now headed, but last as they sat mostly silent. Shepard came into the room looking at everyone, seeing the whole team was gathered. So he said, "I'm sure you all know why you're here?"

Miranda actually spoke up saying, "We were told it's part to the mission. As what the mission pertains, we're not really sure. Though, it is obvious you're using information from Cerberus, as well a few other avenues?" A smirk, and she felt pretty confidant. Miranda had been skimming the files sent… it's a sort of side-option of her job.

Shepard just had to accept that too. So with a nod, he said, "The facility we are targeted to infiltrate, is on a jungle rich land mass, on the planet Koroat." He then told, "This planet, we once visited on an anomaly account regarding an Eclipse related Merc job. Or, was it…" he frowned, "Wait, which mercs was it again?"

Strangely, it was Mordin who said, "Eclipse. I recall the mission as I've been researching it. Shepard, may I?"

That was shocking? Shepard gave a nod. Mordin stood, and said, "Koroat was a planet we landed on weeks ago. A mission that was meant to learn of an Eclipse band. However, I now assume that this facility is the same?" Shepard shrugged, not sure the transmissions came from the same facility or not. Mordin still went on. "What I have to my knowledge is that there is a serious link to many current events. Complex, as they are to connect? I have found a few. For starters, EDI? Can you show my findings on the substances from file extension 023425-2345?"

EDI complied, showing a unusual amount of data. Legion took to it the quickest, eye spinning and zooming in repeatedly. When Legion studied it long enough, which is but seconds, he was alarmed. "All specimens shown are of the same irregularity in the blood. A unknown coagulant that has caused the blood to adhere adversely. Though only minimally in two of the cases?"

Mordin smiled, as that was true. The Salarian explains, "The samples were all afflicted with similar symptoms of high fever. However, the affliction was precursor to another. This abnormality was found on the Turian from Illium, just the other night. As well both Seima and her daughter, Seima's blood however was not coagulated, only crystalline and what I can tell it seems perhaps all such abnormality reversed nearly immediately after her being found. The other samples obtained were from a mutated Varren on this planet."

Something in that made Legion blink. He now remembered the planet, and the mission. "This mission was on that same planet?"

"Indeed, it was Legion! The planet is in fact where I found this anomaly the first time. It also is where the most coagulated, and abnormal blood sample seems to be found. I am almost certain that by my findings the coagulation is caused from a longer manifestation, of an alien life form inhabiting a host." Which, as the others looked to him with either confusion or speculation, Mordin simplified with saying, "The alien life form is the same entity that talked to the young Quarian girl, that has perhaps been aiding as well leading us along for a time? I am referring to the Shadow Man."
Shepard now stood, a slight displeased facial expression plays on his face. Every mention of the Shadow Man met with some understanding, yet Shepard was getting back on track saying, "Mordin, we can't go into that right now. This is about the mission, not the strange Vids and information of that kind." He heard from Chakwas, Mordin was a bit obsessed with this. Although, he had been obsessed with Jacohbe too. This was no better. "If it has no real bearing on the mission, can you tell me later in private?"

Mordin blinked to that, yet he gave a slow nod and sat down. Strangely, he was not going to push it. He knew the importance of the mission.

Shepard began to call up the diagram of the installation. However, in that time? Tali's mind wandered. She looked to Legion across the room watching the structure shown, large underground base with tall walls, and massive bunkers to blah-blah, it was a lot of stuff. Tali seemed distant though as she saw Legion there. She recalled the night before. Tali's mind was very confused still. She was so rude to him, her friend. A good friend. A true friend. Though, he was also a Geth friend… and believed he's in love with her? Tali did not know what to do there…

Shepard broke her concentration when he asked, "EDI? Can you give us a run-down of the facility?"

EDI began to spin the holographic model, and explain, "The exterior serves as a massive 'shell' structure. There seems to be several layers of stone, steel and other such protective layers over this almost turtle like shell, the rear complex has two higher levels while the frontal area has a single entry, lower leveled area. Along the walls of this coated shell, there are numerous catwalks and turrets set to protect from a number of angles and points. The structure is Volus in design, yet uses majorly Human and Turian technology for defense, human turrets merged with turian anti-air canon sub-fortress defenses. It is estimated that a frontal assault is not only impossible, but illogical."

Miranda clocked in with a, "Well of course. Though perhaps there are other ways inside?"

"Scans of the strutcture taken fron Cerberus intel tells that there are numerous thermal vents. These are deemed dangerous for heat release is common, and almost all such vents serve daily purges of smoke and other heat expenses to the lower levels. It is presumably that this facility was built over a lava pool, using heat and other gases from the planet's biological sub-structure to power most lesser necessities."

Mordin's eyes show a bit of distaste, and concern. "Facility has at lest five levels we know. Many needed stations, and sources for power. No, no, no that can not be only means of power. Must be another, better supply."

"Yes Professor." Suddenly, two large rooms in the facility began to flash. "These two chambers in the facility house powerful Eezo Energy Cores, and strangely by design of an Asari Matriarch, there is a combine engine sub terra platform surging power from these engines into one location, and then across the facility."

Mordin leaned in, asking, "What madness is this? That's incredibly dangerous. Eezo freely being processed as such can be directed into a massive explosion, surely was known by that design!"

"Yes, professor. However, logs show that this addition and rendition of the Eezo structure was a prominent design from early on. What I can gather, Jacohbe himself ordered it into construction."

Now it was interesting, Mordin saw Shepard ask, "Does this provide us with a tactical point of attack?"

Mordin said, with a bit of concern. "Shepard, the explosion would be extremely volatile. We are talking a small Eezo Fusion explosion, like the one on Virimire. I'd highly recommend not."

A smile and Shepard gave a nod, "Dualy noted." Turning to the projection, his interest still lingered a bit. Just now, more privately. "Mordin is there anything you can tell me about this, EDI may be missing?"

Mordin looked on the displays and recognized something. "That looks like a medical facility, most common design. That may be perhaps the main medical ward. As well those, are primary research hubs in that wall structure, am I correct EDI?"

"Indeed. The facility has a number of privately owned science offices, medical fields in part. It seems Cerberus funding earned to this station and then back by such experimentation was primarially Varren chemical testing. It would make sense that these facilities hold vital information not only of what has been done for research, yet perhaps Cerberus data?"

Shepard got the idea. Though now, he asked, with a stern glare in his face like he was making a plan of some sort. "What do you know of the automated defenses?"

"There are two security points I can find. One, is on the surface level and is integrated with all external defenses. However, a secondary internal office is in the lowest floor, and is in control of both external and internal defense VI systems. It would seem the upper office works as an observation area for security personell while lower levels are maintained best by automated security. There is a high level of electronic chatter and movement, perhaps a surplus of Mechs?"

Jacob, a former Alliance man added, "That's not unlikely, Commander." His nod of confirmation, and knowledge on the Eclipse said, "If I'm not mistaken Eclipse use Mechs a lot. In fact, they specialize in the electronic and tech specilists. I'm guessing maybe it's why they hired them?"

The talks kept going. However, Tali wasn't all as aware as she should have been. In fact, she thought about that a lot last night after the 'date'. Tali thought about how it went. Was it romantic? Tali can imagine it was… somewhat, that kind of thing she wanted to do with Shepard. Tali also knew that when with Legion she wasn't overly nervous, but was that not because she saw him as just a Geth? A friend? A lot like…

"Garrus?" Tali snapped out of it while Shepard called the name.

"Yes Commander?"

Shepard motioned over to the area at the front, large gates where the facility is best guarded. "What can you tell me? Do you think that you can give the proper sniping work from lower levels? To those towers?"

Garrus simply said, "What do you think?" Leaning forward, his hands spread on the table as he told them all, "I was able to hold off some of the worst gangs in the Terminus systems. I'm pretty sure I can lay down sniper fire for a few towers. Still, distractions aside? What do you really want us to do? The front gate looks impregnable!"

Shepard knew that. Sadly, it's where things get interesting. "Sadly, I know too well. However, there is no way to get in outside of that. The Normandy will not be able to drop us inside the facility, we have to enter on foot. The front entrance is the only one… aside smaller entrances that still need to be 'made' from the outside."

Shepard looked to Thane and Kasumi, "Thane, Kasumi?" The two were a bit expectant of this though. "The two of you are fast, capable in covert work. I found a drainage duct here," the screen zoomed in and showed the desired area. "When you two enter, you need to get to the gates to open them for us. As well, if you can find any means of lowering the defenses? That could help a lot."

Thane however, asks, "Shepard, won't entering from the front gates be suicide? We'd be funneling our forces in the same exact route."

"Normally you are right. However, if you and Kasumi get into the facility as planned, you should be able to disable more than just the gates. Blueprints show a number of defense important functions are based near that drainage area. When you get in, you need to shut them down."

Kasumi had to comment, "So, either were succeed or everyone else is killed? No pressure. Not a bit."

Shepard grinned, yeah… like that time with him? "I got it. You would rather it be less a dangerous mission, sadly I'm at a loss. I can't really afford for much else unless someone else can find…"

Legion, suddenly interjects. "There is another entranceway."

Shepard looked over with interest. "There is? Where?"

Legion motioned with his hand, "Should a team be formed. We could destroy this part of the facility, collapsing this outer support system from the lower level. This, will allow entry into the upper facility for the larger force. Much to your original plan. However, it will take several demolition charges and most likely require very astute placement." Turning upward he saw Shepard looking at him with a smile. Somehow, he knew why. "We would accept the duty."

Shepard gave a pleased nod. "I'm glad, because I doubt anyone else could pull it off…" frowning though, he warns, "I can't let Thane and Kasumi be your team, you need someone else."

Kasumi asks, "Wait, why not? Didn't his plan basically limit the threat? So Thane and myself could just as easily…"

"There was more to your missions. I am sending you in as reconnaissance as well. There are a number of Cerberus medical bays, research stations and so on. I need you to find out what the hell is going on." A nod, he explains with a shift of his chin, as he tried to look it over all in one fast motion the moving groups. "The only way we can get that information with the next part of the plan, is with your help. We're not just going to learn what the deal with the facility is, we're going to destroy it."

Zaeed had a big, nasty smirk since it's hard to see if his face ever really smiled? "Ahh, now that's what I'm talking about Shepard."

Frowning though, Shepard warns Zaeed, "The main force will be broken into two groups. One needs to hit the main reactor powering the station, the other another energy source. Scans from the Cerberus surveillance clocks a large amount of heat elsewhere in the facility, a power source of some kind."

"Right, so it's just plant the bombs, get the info and beat our feat." Zaeed simplifies it all with a smirk. "Sounds easy enough."

Shepard then says, "Not really… Jacohbe will be at the facility." A nod, he tells them. "We're almost positive. As well we really do not know what we're going into. We're planning against who knows what? We're not even sure it's just Eclipse. Whatever experiments are happening could be serious. As well splitting the teams up so far apart is a terrible plan, but has many advantages. We have a short, short window of work where we need to abandon everything solely on escape when the charges are set. Putting everyone inside a giant bunker, with few escape routes leaves me incredibly stressed enough."

Tali seemed to understand the severity of the mission. This is why he wanted to make it clear, this isn't a sure thing. It felt a lot like that Collector Base all over again. Why he needed to take his team to Illium, to cope for the reality this next mission was not going to be everything easy.

Jacob asks, "Shepard? What about the Infiltration team with Legion? Any chance I can go?"

Shepard smirked a little, perfect choice really. "Of course?"

Samara then said, "I will also." When he went to ask, she explained, "I sensed the corruption in Jacohbe. That feeling, permeated from him long before I saw him. I could use this to our advantage inside. I am almost certain."

"Good enough for me." Shepard stood tall, asking, "Do any of you have questions?"

Without them. Shepard gave and overview. "Good… Thane and Kasumi, you will enter the drainage entrance with Legion, Jacob and Samara. When inside, the groups will separate, Infiltration will attempt to open a causeway of sorts for us to enter safely, where after that the main forces will probably break into parts." He looked around, "Garrus will lead one team, of himself, Tali, Jack and Grunt. I'll take Miranda and Zaeed, to make the two teams in charge of finding the two unknown power sources." Looking to Legion though, he tells him, "After you create the causeway, Infiltration needs to provide some distraction, as well begin retreat through the same sewer duct which will lead enemy forces deeper in, while main forces will work on pressing out from the main floors as a larger, stronger force. The other Covert teams will be in charge of meeting up with us at the nearest exit source routes. Hopefully, this will work out?" Looking to them, Shepard asks, "Do we all understand the mission?"

For what it was worth. Everyone understood. Shepard gave a nod and dismissed them. However, he didn't know if he really believed this was so simple. Frowning, Shepard overviewed the information… still it felt like this was not going to be something simple… it has to be difficult, it always was.

---

After the debriefing. Tali had somewhat debated something. When Legion left, she found herself drawn to him almost immediately. As the Geth made his way to the elevator, she took his hand easily stopping the Geth.

"Is there something of importance Tali'zorah Vas Normandy?"

Tali seemed a little stunned, "What? Oh, uh… yes, there was. Is." She frowned inwardly, it just was how he said her whole name. That was a little unexpected. "Right, so I was thinking. About the other night…"

"We will not discuss this matter. It was agreed, for your well being. That the matter would not be outwardly afflicted onto the Creator, Tali'zorah Vas Normandy."

Tali softly scanned him, and saw something is different. His eye was not really looking at her. In fact, he was looking at the elevator, like it was his only means of escape. "Oh… right, I just needed to thank you. For the gift."

Legion turned to her a moment. His lens, twitched a bit with the flaps curving in confusion. Then he said something that made a certain Turian turn his head.

"We need to perform some calibrations."

"W-what?"

"On our rifle. In private."

"Oh!" Tali, stepped back and gave a slow nod, "Oh, I got it. I get it. I mean, I get, what you have to got? Heh, yeah." She shied her eyes down fast, "I really appreciat-."

Legion turned, and did not speak. She turned up finding out just what it truly felt like to be shunned. Tali's eyes follow to her hands pinching her fingertips a little. He was upset, it made sense though. Tali spoke to him in such a terrible way last night. Keelah, she should apologize. Nothing she said was meant to be so cruel.

Suddenly, Garrus asked as he stepped over, "Tali? What's the matter with Legion?"

"Hmm?" Tali turned to her friend. A good friend. The Turian knew well that line, and he watched Legion on the elevator with Mordin, Chakwas and Thane. In fact, Garrus glared to the machine as he closed the door hurriedly on his step. Tali said with a minor concern in her voice, "I think he… has, had a bit of a fight. With some one."

"Who?"

Tali lowered her head whispering, "Me…"

"….?" Garrus looked at her with a bit of confusion. Even so, he wanted to ask more. However, he knew something else is up. It was getting under his skin, a feeling that tingled with fear and concern. "You want to talk about it?"

"No, not right now. Not with you." She turned up, Tali actually shaking her head. "Not that I don't appreciate the offer! I just, I don't feel very comfortable right now. I'm going to head to Engineering, instead of talk to someone, I want to just work."

Garrus sighed a little. "You sure that's for the best?"

All of a sudden, the ship's speakers blast out, Shepard screaming, "Everyone! Get back to the Conference Room! Urgently!"

Tali and Garrus were the closest ones, and obviously ran in. When they did, Shepard was with Miranda, and Jacob. The two officers look at the center of the table, where a transmission was being blasted into the system.

Tali was the first to recognize the voice blaring in. Her alarm, plays as she stupors forward, "Kal! Kal'Reeger?"

Indeed it was Kal, and his situation sounded most grave.

"We're not sure how it happened. We were coming in quiet. All of a sudden, Geth Cruisers… and then, there was a trio of Eclipse ships with some insane back-water ship that just… it was fast. It's insane! We got blasted down. It was so fast, nothing to do but land and work our way back. The planet's active, full of Geth. Keelah, I don't know… ifff we… Bzzet."

Joker's voice, somberly warns, "The message was looping out, seems like someone sent it from a beacon in the facility. Though I'm not sure why?"

Shepard glared at the diagram again, and this time he snarled, "We're being set up…"

---

"Last time…" The Salarian held a strange, long device that sparks off the tip. Walking with a nasty smile on his lips. With him were two human guards. All were Eclipse. Yet the one in the chair, strapped down was not. A Quarian marine. A very, well decorated and commemorated marine. "Where is Shepard, and his team going to land?"

"Yeah, and the last… argh, time I said." Kal looked up shaking, but stubborn as ever. "I'm not with them."

"Right, so Jacohbe's concerns that he's going to be attacked, are unfounded?" He smiled again, eyes flipping rather fast. "I'm not here to argue. I'm here to torture and get information. It is as simple as that." Stepping closer, he raised the rod to Reeger's chest. "It's just a quick jab and then you get the idea."

Suddenly, the door opens. The Salarian raised his head, about to make some demand. When suddenly two shots ring out. The Salarian drops his hand on his pistol, but he's sent falling after three shots to the chest. The last, breaking his shields.

Kal narrowed his eyes as someone walked in, and instead of looking at him? The stranger settled on the table across from him. The room is dark, so Kal can't really tell what he looked like. What he can tell, was he had Eclipse armor, and was smoking a cigar, a nice cigar. Kal narrowed his eyes again but much deeper as the stranger asks, "What'd you tell them?"

Kal whispers, "A Batarian?"

"Heh." The Batarian, lifts up his helmet visor, he's a pale brown rimmed creature, with a slew of four eyes. Like all Batarians. He did not look special, yet the Batarian shrugged his shoulders. "You can say that. I'm also a friend. Sort of."

"Really, you don't look like any of my friends."

"Nope, they're all dead." Crossing his arms, the Batarian frowned as Kal's eyes show the sudden impact of his friends being dead even in that visor. "Yes, the whole team. All but you. I assume, you know why?"

"Wh-no." So, it was true. They though he was with Shepard? "I'm not really sure."

"Care to guess?" The Batarian grumbled forth, glaring even. Something in the way he glared in this dark room, made the walls feel like they were beginning to crush around him. Kal turned back however saying, nothing. The Batarian smirked to this and grabbed his hip, pulling a large knife from it. "I like your attitude."

Soon, the Batarian cut Kal free. The Quarian stood and rubbed his hands and wrists. Then the two stood face to face for a few moments. Kal automatically sensed a fight wasn't good. He can take this man, maybe. Yet the forces outside not so much. Kal asks, "What's the plan?"

The Batarian shrugs that off, "Whatever you want. I'm still on my own mission. You do your thing, and I'll do mine." With a slightly wicked grin, he waves his farewell. "Hopefully, this will get them to chase you for a while."

Kal narrowed his eyes again as the Batarian practically freed him and then was gone. Checking over his former guards, Kal found a pistol and two rifles… enough to get him started. He may as well make the best of this situation.

---

Shepard looked at the diagram as the team thought what to do. The mission changed fast. Now, he wanted to add in a rescue mission. However, someone didn't like it. Miranda was willing to voice her opinion, yet how was hard. Finally, Jacob saved her by asking, "Is this really necessary, Commander?"

Shepard turned up just as did Tali. When Jacob met his eyes to the Quarian, he shied them again. Miranda now took her position, "Shepard, we have no clue if Kal'Reeger or his team are alive, let alone why they were really there." A shake of her head, she expressed deeply with regret, "Changing the plan to aid him, is foolish."

Tali's voice struck up, "Who do you think you are talking about? This is a decorated marine, a capable warrior and ally. If we abandon him solely on the basis of 'what if' we're dooming him, especially if we blow the facility up!"

Shepard now lowered his head. This is what made him hate his life. "We can't afford distractions."

Tali's eyes were stunned, "Shepard?"

"It's true." Jacob, popped in saying, "We can't afford a rescue mission for who knows the circumstances."

Shepard simply sighed out a simple, "I know we can't afford to send a team looking for one man." However, he didn't just give up. "Thane, you will be in constant communication with Mordin and Chakwas, while searching these medical wards." He moved his hand across three rooms. "Experiments were logged by Cerberus, I want you to check them all… Kasumi, you need to break into the security system and search for Kal'Reeger."

Jacob shook his head showing how displeased he is. This is now going to be a big distraction. "Okay, so Thane is in charge of finding Kal?"

Shepard frowned back, "Not exactly. I am."

"What?" Jacob, and Miranda both said it at the same time.

"Exactly what I said." Shepard stood firm and tall. "While the other two teams cover the walls to keep the enemy distracted I will commit to a covert attempt to save any hostages. You understand?"

Miranda did not like it. Yet, he is the Commander. "Is that really wise, Commander?"

"Maybe not, but I can't abandon someone. It's the best route." Motioning to Miranda he tells her, "You and Garrus will be team leaders of the gate force. Miranda, you take Zaeed and Grunt after separating from Garrues with Tali and Jack." The groups were all seeming worked up. Shepard didn't care, he slammed a fist. "Don't argue. I know it sounds as if I'm being a fool, but this isn't that. When the wall falls, I'll be inside and meet back with the main teams here." He points at the first major power source. "The second team should be at the other source. Before long, we will get out of the facility as soon as possible. Setting charges as both power sources it will cause a massive explosion destroying the facility. Legion, you and the other team will have to exit with Thane and Kasumi, gather whatever information you can on the way back! That's the plan."

"Commander, I don't think." Jacob met Shepard's glare. Even so, he was stern. "This is a bad idea."

Shepard frowned a bit. Though, Tali asks, "Is it a bad idea to try and help our allies?" She saw how Jacob looked at her. With a stern return, Tali said, "The Quarians are one of the best allies humans have. If we save Kal? We are helping them again."

Jacob frowned a bit, "You might be right. Just, this isn't the easiest thing to split our forces. We can't stay lucky forever."

"Really?" Shepard had a nice big smile before he said, "I thought lucky was my expertise?"

Comically, Grunt was the one to correct, "Impossible, was your expertise."

"Right… that's the one." A nod, Shepard asked, "Are we prepared at least?"

The teams knew the drill. Though, it was obvious not everyone was sure. When dismissed, Tali stays behind to say, "Thank you Shepard."

"Tali, he's a friend of yours as well the Quarian people. Also, he's inside the facility. I might be able to get info thanks to him." She nods, yet Shepard threw out there, "If you can find any information once inside, do so. I can't risk this mission for intel being a complete bust."

"Commander, I'm curious?" Tali asks with her hands roughly clenched behind her back. "Is, this for us? Or is this a Cerberus matter?"

"This is for the whole universe Tali. Not just us or Cerberus, I need to know what we're up against."

"Of course, commander." Tali watched him leave and sighed. She should remember that.

---

Legion was in the AI Core when he was suddenly hailed. Turning to the side, he saw EDI online. "EDI. Is there a matter of technical importance you need my expertise prior to th-,"

"I have been collecting a decent amount of data of late Legion. I was however left very startled to learn you are unwilling to converse with crewmember Tali."

Legion's lens strangely spun to this matter. He turned to his rifle, and told her, "We are in the middle of calibrations. If there I-,"

"You are not calibrating anything, Legion. You learned that from Garrus."

Legion was silent, no longer polishing the rifle. "We study and use data from the crew. Garrus, has told us this many times. We find it suitable."

"Garrus tells that when he desires to be alone. Which is often."

"Yes."

"As do you?"

"Yes."

"Is there any reason?"

"Yes."

Silence took them, and Legion turned slowly to EDI. She seemed to be looking at him for the reason. Finally, she asks, "What is the reason?"

"We do not seek to advert that information of this."

Legion began to leave this discussion by doing more work. However, his head jumped back as he heard Tali's voice ask, "What's wrong Legion?"

When Legion did not see her. Legion turned to EDI who was watching him. After that, he stepped towards EDI telling her, "We do not approve of this."

"You still have feelings for her. If that is so, then why do you wish to hide?"

"We do not wish to meet you on this conversation."

"Legion, if this is because you are hurt? Where do you think it will get better by denying it?"

Legion turned from EDI and managed to reach the door. When he stood at it, Legion requested, "What is the reason for your platform's involvement? Is there a concern to unit cohesion? A danger to the crew?"

EDI told him simply, "I am programmed with a number of reasons to aid the crew. However, I am currently exploring a possibility. You and Tali'zorah provided me with a basis of my possible outcome. At this time, I am unaware if there is a good, or positive relation to the effects of organic and inorganic romance."

Legion was able to analyze this. When he turned back on her, he told her simply. "There is at this time no answer to offer. However, when previous. There was only the positive sensation, realization and processing capabilities of the idea. Now there is only the constant logtime of information, thanks to ongoing re-established consensus and analysis. While a mission is present, we are unable to fully commit. We can not backlog the information." Raising his hands, he explains with gestures, "There is no way to take back or go forward. At this time, we are in one place. We can not forget what has occurred, neither can we accept. IT is beyond our capabilities. The final consensus at this time is that a organic and inorganic life form can not properly be romanced together."

EDI seemed to accept that. "This has aided my research. Thank you."

"You are welcome. We now must prepare for the mission."

When EDI left. She was back on the deck. Joker, was making a few sweeps of the systems. "I have checked all systems many times Jeff. If there is anything else I can do to aid you, that is open to debate."

Joker sighed a little. Then he rubbed his brow, across his eyes. "Argh, it's not that EDI. I just feel really stressed. There's going to be a lot of stress coming up. I can't even begin to think how to keep a clear mind."

EDI suggested, "If it is your mind then the problem may be it is too clear to begin with?"

Joker gave a glance over with his brow cocked, yet smiled. "Heh, that's not a bad one EDI. I think you're getting a little better at it."

"I have been taking lessons from you. I believe that has aided my sense of humor."

"Right, now you're not just deadpan, you're also deadpan-thetic."

A silent moment. Joker coughs before admitting, "That wasn't one of my better ones…"

"I still liked it, Jeff."

"Thanks, then I got the desired effect. I touched a funny-board." Turning, he smiled awkwardly, "Huh, nothing? Not even a mock chuckle?"

"…. was that a joke?"

"Ooh, tough crowd. Wow." A light chuckle, the comedian pilot leaned back sighing a bit. "I'm sure as hell glad I got you to talk to. I don't think anyone talks to me anymore on this shi-,"

Suddenly, Shepard asks, "How much longer Joker?"

"Not long Commander!" A nod, he peeked back around seeing Shepard smile, before leaving. "Okay, they check up on me. Yet not the conversationalists much."

EDI said with a bit more emotion than her usual self, "I appreciate all the things you do for me. The Normandy. Jeff."

As that was said, Joker turned over to EDI. A smile took him which warmed his heart. "Aw, thanks EDI. I think I needed that ego boost. It'll be good for after we get blown to smithereens to know, I was appreciated." Turning ahead, he saw the planet would be in orbit soon. "Okay. Show time EDI. Let's show them what we are, and what we got."

"Yes, Jeff."

---

So it began… the mission.

The Normandy came in fast and hard. Orbiting near the base, outside the planet were a number of Geth ships… yet, Legion who was on the ship's front looked them all over. "Commander Shepard. Those are not Geth."

Shepard raised a brow, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, they are only shaped like Geth. There is no proper propulsion systems. As well, the canon on those ships are designed without the right weaponry."

Shepard stepped closer looking them over. He's right… that did look like a Geth ship, but the weapons were more Alliance? "That's a replica?"

"Yes." Legion turned asking, "Does this seem to perhaps be related to Omega?"

"I'd wager a good yes." Shepard counts seven of the ships. Not a lot really. "These don't look too bad… Joker, did they pick us up?"

Joker smiled back to himself. "Oh, not a chance. We're running smooth Commander." He checked his readings. "Nothing sees us so easily. Besides, we've passed that checkpoint. Now heading to the planet's surface."

The Normandy flew low, but farther out from the facility. There, the teams were being dropped in the shuttle to the surface itself. Shepard landed with the teams and stood up turning to Thane and Kasumi. They were heading in first, and behind them ran Legion, Samara and Jacob. The five charged around the perimeter, and toward the very drainage ditch itself. Shepard called out, "Joker, be sure to draw some fire with the main guns!"

Joker called out, "Already planned that Shepard. We're dropping the front team now!"

Landing roughly, Garrus rolled with his sniper rifle out. Aiming for the towers… he winced, "Shepard! Geth on the towers."

Shepard gave a nod as he pressed past the thick brush, "I know! Shoot them down!"

Garrus gave a nod, and Zaeed took position with him doing the same, both clocking shots together. A shot to the head, and the thermal clip expelled soon after for the next shot. They watch as the Geth on the towers began to flood the walls, ducking down the wall's columns. Zaeed called out, "Shepard, these ones. They aren't running blindly like the ones on Omega. They actually got some kind of AI!"

Shepard frowned as he ducked behind a tree. "Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Garrus, dropped behind a rock as he's under sniper fire, then turret fire… "Damn Shepard! They aren't fooling around!"

Zaeed stuck out his head, and dropped back behind a large stump cringing up in a ball as the turret turned on him. "Crap Shepard! These guys have us gunned down before we dig in!"

Luckily, Jack was close. Jack turned up to the turrets and reached out her hands screaming as she sent out her Biotic power, causing the Geth at the turret to begin to spin and fly up over the wall. Jack then saw the Geth near that turret aim at her, rifles at the ready she dropped down panting a little. "What a plan. We knew it was going to be fun being shot at!"

Just then, the Normandy flew right around, and fired the cannons on the tower, causing it to explode with the force of the blast. Joker actually screaming, "Woo-hoo! Calvary! Calvary! Here to save th-," Suddenly, the ship jerked wildly. "Shit! What was that?"

EDI came up warning, "Jeff! We have been targeted by anti-air weaponry! We ar-," yet another wild jerk, Joker pulled up his ship.

"Sorry folks! I can't stay too low…" Then he heard the beeping, "Shit, and looks like those Geth ships are making their way back around." Checking the radar, he asks, "Commander?"

Shepard narrowed his eyes as they reached the drainage duct. "Joker, can you handle those enemy ships?"

Joker smiled now, and turned to EDI. "Oh, Commander… I'm going to enjoy this." A moment, he says, "Sorry about this Legion."

Legion turned his head blinking but, he didn't understand what Joker apologized for. Instead, Legion crawls into the duct after Kasumi and Thane. Shepard looked up seeing the Geth ships beginning to hover, but then came in the Normandy blasting one ship, and then barrel rolling into the wreckage narrowly over the debris. A smile and Shepard commends, "That's it Joker. Hang in there, you're the only line of defense we have against those ships…"

Joker gave a nod as he pulled her out of a hard upward rise, Geth ships turning on him firing. "I got it Commander. Trust me, we're going to take care of the ships…" He closed communications whispering, "That or get our asses killed…"

EDI warns, "I would rather we did not do the later."

"Likewise girl, likewise!"

---

The teams that infiltrated the facility found themselves entering up at an angle, and here there was more filth than before… Shepard groaned as Kasuim asks, "Just what does this drain from again Shepard?"

Shepard turned back telling her, "The Garbage."

"Great." Kasumi narrowed her eyes as she had to keep following this guy to the worst places. "Garbage. Why can't it ever be a nice, quiet summer home?"

As bad that was? Legion had to interject his own logic. "Error: When would a scientific research facility be housed within a common residency?"

Kasumi giggled though, as she asks, "Wouldn't that give it the best cover?"

Finally, Jacob asks, "Commander, are they serious?"

Sadly, he did not know or care. What Shepard was worried about is if the intel was correct, and this leads to the dumping area of the trash? When he smiled up at the hatch, Shepard began to push up and shift the heavy filth out of the way. A grate was between them, and the real garbage, it pulled away and all for garbage to be dropped. "Okay, now we're getting somewhere!"

They crawl up into the grating, and push to force it up, opening the garbage and grating to enter the room itself. Shepard then stepped over the garbage to the door trying to open it, yet instead he frowned as it was locked. "Legion, can you unlock this?"

Legion came over and gave a nod. "Affirmative." He began to work, just as garbage was dropped from the ceiling. Shepard turned up with a worried look. He knew the report. Shepard knew that they dump their load in, and after a few moments begin to fill the room with water. They basically made a trash smoothie in here. Though he expected some form of turbine within the place.

Just as Shepard got that bad feeling he did. There was a slight buzzing above them. Looking up, the large turbines began to swiftly open up above, and the ceiling began slowly crushing down. "I should have known! Legion!"

Legion worked swiftly, trying to break the code for the door. However, it was a much more complex… or outdated, system than he recognized. Working within a time limit does not seem to help matters.

Whilst Shepard looked up at the turbines, he got the feeling that he's going to have to never worry about another shave. Samara asked about pressing back with her biotics, yet Shepard was resilient to put anyone in the position of forcibly holding off this crushing force. Samara needed her powers for if they met Jacohbe after all. The group asked about going back the way they came, but the flooding sewage would not only deter them, it could drown them… not a fate you'd like to loose your mission on behalf of.

The turbines spin faster and lower now. Inching more and more as they blades prepare to chop down, while then the roof crushed. Watching them come closer still, Shepard raised a hand to tell Samara to break this thing down if she needed, Jacob prepared to offer aid with Thane. However, Legion's lens spun swiftly as the door unlocked.

Shepard jumped to the door screaming, "Thank you Legion!"

The group exits, and the door was closed swiftly just as the blades came down head's height. A shiver, and Shepard rubbed his forehead before growling, his hands were covered with filth. "Great."

Kasumi giggled a moment, "Oh, that was a bit close Legion."

Legion turned to Kasumi, but explained, "We were unable to unlock the passage. An outside unlock command was detected, prior to the opening door."

Jacob's eye raised with some concern, his voice cracking with great uncertainty, "Does that mean… what I think it means?"

"Yes. There is an outside agent that allowed us entry. If this would be the Quarian Marine, or another such member We can not say."

Shepard didn't need more word. With but a nod, he said, "That means we've got more reason to search, everyone knows the drill…" Turning up to the ceiling, he opened his Omni-tool before calling out, "Joker, what's your status?"

Outside, Joker spun with another barrel roll. EDI was working her magic, causing hellish internal damage on Geth ships. When he got the call though, Joker snapped out as his hands hover the boards, "We're going all out Commander! The Geth ships are pretty sturdy, but these babies aren't half as bad as the real deal. I think we can handle them." His eye spots something, and the ship with his aid pulled to the right fast. "SHIT!"

Shepard was running down the hall, when he asked, "What was that?"

"I think it's a real Geth ship!" When he pulled up, the ship behind him was on his tail fast. "Sorry Commander! A little occupied now. What about we set this coffee break for later? Maybe, get me a few croissants?" Shaking his head, Joker spun his palm across the right module, shouting, "You know what, scratch that! I hate those things. They look like those little rings they put in bull's noses in those old Tom and Jerry Cartoons. You ever notice that?"

Shepard wasn't sure if he should laugh, or scold the pilot. However, he had to have his reasons… "Keep the ship intact, Joker!"

"Aye, aye. Commander!"

Shepard turned a corner slowly, his head peeking a second and seeing nothing. He's alone now… Thane and Kasumi were with him only a few seconds, before gone. This is where it gets good. Shepard cocked his rifle, but made his next call.

"Miranda, Garrus. What can you two give me as a status report?"

Shepard turned into the hall, just as Garrus called out.

"Shepard! It's pretty bad. The Geth on the walls, are blasting at us with anything they can get. From tripod guns, to large canons. I'm starting to think they knew we were coming."

Shepard would have said the next thing if Miranda hadn't caught him, "Of course they did! Commander, the Intel was compromised when Cerberus got it. Of course, if Jacohbe is here, they'll be active! This is why this mission is…"

Shepard stopped a moment before telling them all. "You know the mission. You know, the risk. When you have delayed long enough, turn and make your way into the heavy brush. If they follow, spin about to the wall. We'll gain entrance there. By then, we should have most defenses broken down for now."

Walking toward the distance, Shepard made his next call. "Kasumi?"

Kasumi was just sighing as she stood from the seven guards she took down. "Shepard?" Walking to the security, she began scanning all the cameras. A smirk as she rather liked this vantage. "Seems we've got ourselves every part of the facility, or most… wow, they have a LOT of extra rooms. Oh, wait a minute! I think, Shepard we have time for a little stop for a rather nice coffee table?"

Shepard narrowed his eyes before standing still. "Kasumi…"

"Come now, where's the fun in seeing all these fun opportunities if I can't window shop?" Smile ever present, Kasumi was kidding around mostly. "Alright, calm down. All jokes aside, this is going to take some time Shepard. I'm going to have to get a grasp on the network. However, I'm calling up some files…"

Kasumi frowned now. Not a good sign. "Huh."

Shepard was stopping outside a room, that reads 'Restroom' and thought about entering, not really needed. "What is it? Was that a huh?" His eye narrow deeply, "Was it a 'huh' that was odd? 'Huh' that was bad? Or, 'huh' I think we're all going to be Indoctrinated?"

"Well." Kasumi pivots on her hip, rubbing her chin with some confusion. "I've got a mixed basket here Shepard. On the plus side, I found out that while all the other Quarians that were captured were killed, Kal'Reeger was not, in fact he was being interrogated in a room not far from where you and the others entered in from." The Commander stood still a moment. Waiting, as this may be the break he needs.

"The minus side, there seems to be some interesting facts here Commander… looks to me, a Batarian Eclipse member turned coats recently. He has been gun fighting with the other mercenaries, and just recently his key-pass was used on the Interrogation room, which now video shows him and Kal'Reeger left separately. So, even if Kal's alive? I have no way of finding him unless I see him on video, or take it from reports."

Great. Shepard sighed before closing his eyes and banging his head on the wall nearest him. "Is there anything you can give me Kasumi?"

Kasumi was checking things, when suddenly she blinked with a light gasp. "Shepard, that Batarian?" She frowned a little. Not sure if she can really understand, let alone believe what she's reading. "He was the one that opened the garbage door. From a security terminal, three halls down from your position, from the lower cargo floor. A team was sent to apprehend him, with lethal force." She checked again, "Scratch that… they were, but it looks like maybe they didn't come back out all too well. They must be sending reinforcements!"

---

There was a control room far from the infiltration teams. Here, Eclipse mercs were set at charge for the turrets. One, turned back asking, "Where the hell are those units we sent after that Batarian?"

"No response! I think they might have…"

"We're sending a second team! They'll get him!"

"Damn it." Growling, the Salarian behind the two arguing humans slammed down a fist. "If you two idiots can't get this under control! I'll put a clip in both your heads!"

"S-sir! Yes Sir!"

The Salarian heard a door open, turning he demanded, "I'm b-uh!" He jumbled on his words as the large Quarian stepped in glaring back at him, towering straight up into his very face. "S-sir! Yes, we're dealing with the outside forces!"

"Oh? Is that so?" To this, there was a pass of the Normandy, firing into the defenses again. "That ship isn't exactly part of some other force you're missing? Is it?"

"W-well, we are targeting it with our turrets. However, the ship's pilot seems rather gi-gah!"

Jacohbe, grabbed the Salarian by the collar, shaking him with all his rage. "HE'S A GIMP! KILL HIM! KILL THEM ALL! ALL! ALL! ALL!"

"Gah! Trying! Sir! Stop!"

Throwing the Salarian at the consoles, Jacohbe leaned over a table growling angrily. With a fist prized at his side, the Quarian slammed it down in absolute anger. "This couldn't get any worse. Shepard, I should have dealt with you sooner…"

---

The team mentioned was seven strong. Sadly, it's now six. The Salarian who had the best armor, gear and tactical knowledge was hiding with four others, two more across behind crates. A snarl on his lips he sent another combat drone, hoping to diffuse the situation while it began searching for the Batarian.

Just then the doors opened behind them. The Salarian mercenary spun his head shouting, "Ambush! Shift movement!"

The teams broke, into two behind another set of crates keeping what they could behind them covered. However, a mercenary was shot with a few rounds in the back as they shift. Shepard slammed his back behind the wall at the door, listening now as the Salarian commands three guard the carge hold, two more advance… a smirk and Shepard got the feeling they didn't know who he was.

"Hey!" The drone suddenly exploded, under fire. When the owner of the rifle asked something, "You're not Commander Shepard? Are you?"

Shepard's eye quirked a little. Peeking he asks, "Who wants to know?"

The Batarian was across the field, so now the two were talking while the mercenaries held themselves at position. "Someone who saved your ass. Also, figured you would have been smarter to keep out of my way. Still, if you're here? You must be here to save little old me. That's so sweet." To that, the Batarian asks, "You think these guys have a chance with you here?"

"Honestly? I don't think so." Shepard smirked as he heard the Batarian laugh. "Did they have a chance before?"

"Not a one!" Lighting his cigar, the Batarian sighed loudly. "Still, I don't feel too bad." Cocking his rifle, he asks, "Ready?"

"Only if you are?"

It wasn't a battle as much cleaning up. Shepard, popped out first. Firing a few rounds. When he retreated, the mercenaries began firing all blindly at him, instead of defending the back. That is when the Batarian fellow ran out, and charged straight into their back. Firing at those on his left, the only recourse was those firing at the door to turn on him. The Batarian rolled behind a crate just as Shepard swept his line of fire along the remainder. Simply distract and sweep, it ended with the Salarian scrambling with his armor failing, and shields gone. Shaking a bit, as his leg was clipped by the Batarian. As he screamed about the Batarian fired more rounds killing him. That, is when he and Shepard finally get to meet.

The Batarian looked like every other Batarian. Strange face, eyes and all the similar. A pale brown coloration, with the somewhat darker red crowned nostril section. "Heh, so. The one and only John Shepard." Shepard raised a brow, as the Batarian's cigar puffs up a bit. "I'm surprised the great Batarian murderer is saving my life. Hmph, a little short too."

Before Shepard can say it. The Batarian waves his hand saying, "Look! I don't give a damn what you did or why. That's then, and there. I'm not really one to care about politics of other worlds and cultures, so let's get to the real skin and bones. You want something, ask. Otherwise, I've got work to do."

"Work?" Shepard got his senses about this Batarian. "Let me guess, you work for someone else don't you?"

"Mercenaries work for the pay, right?" To that, the Batarian asks, "Who do you think really paid for all this? Not Jacohbe. Not his friends. Cerberus." To that, he grinned a little. "Seems like we're working together, for now?"

"You're not a part of my team. I can't trust you."

The Batarian narrowed all four of his eyes. "Never trust me, Shepard. I'm not that kind of person. However, we're both with the same goals. At least for now. So we can agree, to kill anyone that is against that goal. That seem fair?"

Somehow, that seemed the most he'll get. Shepard crossed his arms as the Batarian offered a hand. That, made the Batarian smirk a bit. "I knew I'd like you. Okay, so what's next?"

"First, who are you?"

"Huh, you need a name?" To this, he rubbed his chin. "Shift. That's a good codename."

"Why not your real name?"

"Too much power in a name. Shepard." Shepard raised a brow, even so the Batarian, Shift, now told Shepard, "I'm just going with Shift. It's good, it's simple and in a gunfight you can scream it all you want. What about that?"

It wasn't like he can force more. Shepard now asked, "What do you know?"

"A lot?"

Shepard showed his distaste for that response. A smile, and Shift told the commander. "So far, Jacohbe arrived yesterday. He has been upping the defense and tried to rush the program for something big. Looks like he's in a bit of a grind." Thinking, with a puff of his cigar too. Shift told Shepard in a haze of smoke, "What else? Huh, the scientist, a Salarian named Chohk seems to be a bit off. I mean really off. I wouldn't know, he's almost… well, you'd have to talk to him. In any case that's all I know of people. Places, the place itself is a fortress. Built to house many times over raw materials. Building surplus and scrap. I think Quarian cargo. Sometimes Alliance. It's all rather mixed about."

Shepard seemed to understand. Huh… "IS there anything else you can tell me? What about Kal'Reeger?"

"Oh the Quarian." To that, he admits, "I let him free a little before your stunt with the garbage. It was meant to kind of break attention. I think it worked." A frown, he asks, "Are you really jeopardizing your mission for him?"

Shepard did not care to answer. Instead, he asked, "Where was he headed last?"

"What I can guess. Armory, he only had a few low-grade weapons off the guards. If that helps?"

"It does." Shepard got his Omni-tool up, and then began to patch to Kasumi.

"Kasumi. Where is the Armory from here?"

Kasumi patched in saying, "Seems the Armory is a few halls down Shepard. If you hurry, you can get there in a few minutes… give or take." She started checking something. "I'll get back to you Shepard. I think Thane's made it to the medical bay."

---

Thane kicked in the vent dropping down. He landed silently, but swiftly. Then he stood scanning the room inch by inch. It's dark. Really dark. Lucky for him he can see fairly well in such a place. Walking to the devices near, he began to run his eyes across the logs. There were many more than he liked to think. Downloading them all would take time. He decided to try and download the most recently accessed logs.

Starting the download to his Omni-tool. Thane found himself looking around rather often as the room was too dark for his liking, most likely it was because the scientist was out? However. There it finally registered. A terribly loud dripping that for the most part had not been noted. When he narrowed his eyes to that corner of the room. His eyes twitched slightly.

Kasumi called in, "Thane?"

Thane is silent, as he stops the download. Walking to the cause of the drip, he began to inspect it. The sight was a Salarian or least, what looked Salarian. However, there was something wrong with the Salarian. His chest was of course empty. Like something had been living in the said Salarian, and released itself for whatever reason?

"Thane? Did you get anything?"

Thane finally answered. "I've acquired a small… mutant looking Salarian that broke from the chest of a scientist here. From what I can tell, the smaller entity fled from the larger entity's body, as it was being shot." Looking around he admits, "This seems very strange. Even by most other standards."

Mordin was able to be part of the conversation. Since Thane was on an open channel of the several teams. When he heard, his mind buzzed on many things. Yet he finally whispered, "Thormin?"

Chakwas watched as Mordin got up and took the call too. "Thane? Describe, the specimen. Does it have numerous limbs? A hornless head and what is to be known, jagged and obscurely shaped teeth?"

To that, Thane frowned. "Yes. It does. The larvae has all those… unusual qualities."

"Indeed. Fascinating." Mordin, tapped away on his Omni-tool, "Thormin, is the name. Of a myth of our world. Born from an unborn egg in the belly of the mother. A entity lives in the mother like a parasite. It controls young mothers who do not breed on proper cycle, and then when the mother is no longer suitable it breaks from the body to be born again." Mordin shook his head, and wanders. "The Kaireshi, strikes the Quarians whom wander too far. The Thormin comes from the early stage of life that never becomes a life. Ardakt-Yakshi is the genetic abnormality of Asari mating. A pattern? Perhaps?"

Chakwas showed some confusion. The doctor looked down at first, trying to figure out what this meant. The Kaireshi, Thormin and… wait, the Kaireshi is that thing from the ship. They believed the Asari was…. And, that means? "The Thormin is something from your world?"

"Legend. Mostly poppycock, I believed." However, he frowned as his finger laid on his chin. Mordin's face grew most grim. "Now I fear I know why we do not see them. The 'Elder Kin'. They are not many, or great in number any more. Or are, but can not just be." Turning to her he said with a crack in his voice, "They need to be made, from fear."

"What on earth…" Chakwas, however may have understood. She slowly lowered her head. "We create them?"

"Perhaps." Mordin, heard an explosion. They were still under attack. Even so, he had to learn more. "Thane! Download information to the Normandy, and get out of there. It is not safe."

Thane frowned, as he held up his pistol. "Is there a danger from this creature? Is it not dead?"

"It is. The Thormin moves from host egg to host egg. Attaches to mothers. If it did not, and is dead. Then it is dead. How I am unaware, would require tests. Hmm, maybe there is information in the medical logs?"

Thane did not care, or wish to. He downloaded what he could and sent it. Then he checked his Omni-tool, a science facility was down the halls. Turning up, he leapt into the vent disappearing again. The next objective just ahead.

---

Kasumi shivered to the thought. An ugly little thing it must have been. "Shepard? You read me?"

Shepard was with the strange Batarian, who kept to the front. "Yes Kasumi? What is it?"

"I don't seem to have anyone accessing the Armory lately. However, I did just get a flag nearby. I think, someone spotted Kal. You might want to hurry along."

"On it. Patch into The Normandy! Check the ground forces!"

"Way ahead of you Shepard. Joker told me, he has everything under control. Down to two Geth ships, and the team's holding strong now moving to position." Kasumi dropped the link a moment, whispering. "I just hope the others can get that wall down in time."

---

Jacohbe stood with his arms behind his back glowing deep red. Beside him, a dead Salarian.

He looked at that screen a long time. The Normandy was becoming a major, major problem. Narrowing his eyes, he stepped out ordering, "Prepare my ship."

The human that now was in charge held her mouth looking at her former commander. Up, she rose to tell, "It will be ready sir!"

---

Jacob was in the team with Samara and Legion. They had to open a causeway for the others. However, doing so was not as easy as hoped. They found the spot, yet were bunkered down outside of the area to set the explosives. Legion was not aware, this was also a spot being guarded by a force of Geth. Five of the machines were here working at consoles.

Jacob asked, "What's the deal Legion?"

Legion watched them from the corner like Jacob. He had to admit, it was unknown the purpose of those devices or these Geth. When he saw no other life forms passing this area. "It may be a maintenance protocol. Serving to gather and maintain subsequent processing or functions. We do not recognize this activity as Geth. It is more commonly practiced by organics."

Jacob had to think about that. "Yeah, I get it. They are just like, maintenance crews. Working on gathering information on something?"

"Affirmative." Legion took out his scope, and aimed into the devices they used. With this, he determined. "They are overtaking logs of imported resources, materials for metalwork as well a surplus of munitions. This is unusual."

"For Geth maybe. Still, this is a kind of military base. Perhaps, these Geth are re-programmed to be doing menial tasks?"

Legion suddenly started walking toward the Geth. Jacob hissed reaching for the machine, but he was several steps past. Legion strolled beside the other Geth, chirped with his own language. Without a response, he swiftly pulled out his assault rifle and began opening fire on the three Geth nearest to him. Able to destroy two at such close range. The others were spinning about to fire. Luckily, Jacob and Samara used their biotics in unison to yank these geth back, causing them to spin and smash on the ground.

Legion turned up with his lens spinning, as he fired with his rifle a few moments on two more units, but the last he switched to his sniper rifle. Legion held up his rifle and fired into the right shoulder and then the left shoulder, causing the arms to sputter but stop. Legion moved his firing to the hips, disabling these areas as well.

Jacob stormed on Legion angrily, his hands pushing the machine. "What were you thinking? You could have gotten killed!"

"Yes." Legion stooped down, his lens and the other Geth meeting sight. When he did, he told Jacob. "This unit is not Geth. It is, a creation. A construct. It does not speak Geth."

Jacob now narrowed his eyes. "So, that's why you just walked out here? To find out if it was Geth, or not?"

Legion turned up to Jacob. Then he said, "No. We desired to capture."

Jacob realized Legion did it for that reason, or least it seemed like it. Unknown to him, Legion had no real idea if he was correct. So far, they did not meet the Geth. These Geth were, like Heretics, working under another code. Legion decided he needed to analyze.

"So what now?" Jacob then saw Legion's lens shift, and suddenly he jerked. As did the other Geth. It was fast though what happened. Legion was coming back online, sitting straight up. Jacob dropped down, as did Samara. "What happened? What did you do?"

"We connected to the Geth Hub. In this facility. That is the collective consciousness of Geth." He spun his lens, "It was not a Hub. It was a prison. We were able to escape. We were not like those others."

"What others?" Jacob wasn't sure. Then he asked, "Wait, what prison? What the hell are you talking about?"

Samara stood from the Geth, asking, "Does this aid in the mission? The others are counting on us to set the charges."

As Jacob agreed. Something happened with the Geth they disabled. The lens flickered, and a voice came out of it.

'S-samara?'

Samara's eyes grew distant for a second. She turned, only to look alarmed if not baffled. "Beruhn?"

'Samara? It is you. I knew, it had to be you.'

Samara came beside the Geth, and dropped to a knee. Legion's lens narrowed, while Jacob asked, "Samara? How does… that thing, wait?" He realized suddenly, "Did you call it a name?"

"Yes, I did." Samara's face showed deep dismay. "That is the voice of Beruhn. That is the voice of a fellow Justicar."

Beruhn whispered slightly with a mechanized, worried tone, 'What is it that's happened to me Samara? I can't feel anything. I'm cold, I feel so cold. Like, I'm numb all over. What has been done to me?'

"I do not know." Samara closed her eyes, and softly placed her hand onto the machine's chest. "It is. Not easy to tell. However, I know you are here now. Tell me, what it was you last remember?"

'Cramped, together with others. Yet we can not see or sense one another. We just hear one another. Screaming, and begging for freedom from the darkness. There were times, we felt we needed to run and hide. Others where we needed to fight. It all was so strange, Samara. It was like we were not alive, yet that we were just being used. Whenever something else wanted us to move. Or to act. It felt like we were… machines, wound up and told to move, and act when we needed to survive.'

Samara's eyes show the disbelief, but mostly disgust. "Beruhn, I understand. I feel the sorrow of the goddess for you. Before this time, what happened? How did you get here?"

'I was after a despicable Eclipse merc. A Asari, who ran. I chased her for some time. However, she met with this Quarian… a large Quarian.'

Legion's head shot up. "This unit means Jacohbe."

"This JUSTICAR, must mean the same." Samara shot a glance, the other two grew silent. Samara turned back and whispered, "What happened then…?"

'I fought him. I had to. He was too strong Samara. The corruption that fell from him, it peeled from him… a souless monster. By the goddess, I remember now. I was taken to a place. In a lab… a Salarian… and… and then, there was this creature. His tentacles wrapped around me, and… and… ahhh! He took me! Took me from my body! P-put me into a machine! A MACHINE! SAMARA! I'M A MACHINE!'

Samara's eyes show great pain. Now, she said swiftly. "May you find the embrace of the goddess my friend!"

Samara raised her fist, glowing heavy with her biotic force. A punch that shattered the metal, Samara jerked forward between the harbored sobs of the mechanized creature. That is until it twitched and sparked, into a slow steady end. When she stood. Samara opened her eyes slowly. "We must set the charges."

Jacob gave a nod. "Right, I got it." He motioned to Legion, "You set the charges." Samara stood still, and Jacob asked, "Will you be okay?"

"I will survive." Samara's eyes narrow at the halls. "However, this creature Jacohbe shall not."

Huh, that sounded kind of scary. She strut forth a little, and Jacob turned to Legion who set the charges. A frown and Jacob said, as he began tap his Omni-tool, "Commander, we've got a status report." Lowering his head, he saw the remains of the Geth Justicar. "It's not good."

---

Shepard and Shift had found themselves near the Armory, when they met resistance. A small guard troop of Geth seemed stationed here, and now were staying place to keep them from escape. Guarding the hall, they fired rapidly at any movement making picking them off difficult.

The shootout was not much, but Shift provided strangely great cover. The fact he always stood out, taking more shots than was expected. A few rounds would, Shepard swore rip past his shields but on he went shooting. As the Geth were eliminated, Shepard asked, "Where did you get your armor?"

"Hmm?" Shrugging, Shift asks, "Why?"

"To take that much damage, without your shields with today's weaponry?"

"Geth weapons aren't too special. In truth? I hate these things." Motioning the rifle, he grunts. "I hate the tools of this time. These things were made to slaughter, not to kill."

Shepard frowned at this choice of word. What did he mean? "What?"

"It takes away the importance of killing. The sense of importance to the act of taking life." Standing there, he turned to Shepard. "You mow down a whole road of innocent people now without even blinking your eye. In old times, it took two men hours to take a life…. And sometimes, if not most they both went into the embrace of death. I kind of miss it."

"You are a weird one."

"Maybe." Shift smirked before asking, "Why, because I don't see senselessly shooting people as a great gift?"

Just then a message was sent, Shepard received it. Shepard's eyes flinch when he heard Jacob. At first subtle movement came to the face of the Commander. When his face sunk in realization. The longer he listened, the more Shift began to glare.

Finally, Shepard said, "The Geth are people. Trapped in machines."

Shift raised his brow, before turning around the corner and shooting his rifle, blasting one of the now arriving Geth. "I know."

"You knew?" Shepard stood on his knees, as the Geth began firing on them again. "You didn't tell me?"

"I didn't think it was important." A smirk, he admits, "That's kind of how it is. You never know the important stuff until it's too late." To this, he scratched his head with the end of his rifle, "You ever notice that actually? There's never really too many clues, until you get so far. You don't even know if a big story turner is sitting right beside you. Least, I think that. Unless you can read the subtle clues, mixed about to try and foreshadow. Oh, but most folks don't care for that, they want to be told the story in every detail."

Shepard heard a shot and ducked back, "I don't care about that! That information could have been crucial." Lowering his head, he thought a moment. "Do you know any way to shut them down?" The Batarian shrugged though, and fired at the ones down the hall motioning his head. Shepard smiled but, didn't think it THAT funny. "I meant more than that at a time."

Legion was in on the conversation. Then he said, "We can destroy the Hub. It will release all conscious Geth units. Theoretically."

Jacob frowned, though… a nod, and he agreed. "That's the best I can think Commander."

Shepard thought it over fast. "Okay, next objective. Legion, lead Jacob and Samara to the Hub. Destroy it, while the outside forces make to the power sources and destroy them!"

Legion set the last charge, then told. "We know where to locate the Hub. We were able to enter it prior, its location is still in our memory. It is not far from this location, one floor below. It is connected to both power sources, with a massive energy current below it. There is a substantial amount of energy needed to contain the entities within."

Shepard wondered, "Is this like the engine on the Hunley?"

"Affirmative."

Shepard wondered now, "Should we tell Cerberus?" A smirk, he whispered, "I'd love to upset the Illusive Man again."

"Isn't he your boss?"

"Not really. What about you?" Shift shrugged and took a shot that bounded off the wall, a curse as it missed terribly… Shepard frowned as this was getting to be a lot worse off than he wished. Still, he expected some issues inside. So far no one was dead… he believed? "We can't get to the Armory this way."

Shift groaned before he rubbed his head. "Right. You wouldn't have a backup plan of some kind?"

Just then, the Armory doors opened. When the Geth realized it, the one inside had begun firing his pistol at them and then moved to begin using a biotic throw or pull. When Shift and Shepard look, they saw Thane walking out, pitting the last few rounds into the Geth.

Thane holstered his gun, asking, "Did you need some assistance?"

Shepard sighed deeply, walking out and on the verge of hugging him. "You saved my bacon again Thane. The element of surprise is a lot of help."

"Indeed." Shepard watched as Thane narrowed his eyes on the Batarian. "Klor'mac?"

Shift stood ridgid, and silent. "Oh… hey… uh, Thane." He seemed a bit startled, and coughed as he shifted his eyes away. "Been a while."

"Indeed. A long time. At that." Thane's brow rose suddenly as Klor, or Shift rather, took a Cigar and began to smoke. "Things do change, do they not?"

"Hmm?" Klor's eyes raise a slight confusion. Then he turned to the cigar saying, "Oh… this? I just picked it up." Rolling his neck, he turned into the armory. "Heh, let's see what we have in here!"

Thane watched Klor for a few moments. Then he asked, "Commander? Is everything safe now?"

Shepard shrugged as he was trying to get a hold of the ground forces. "Honestly I'm not sure. I've been trying to get a hold of the others up top. I'm worried they might be too dug down to do much anything but keep fighting."

Thane agreed, "From what I've seen in windows and reports of guards. The outside resistance has been forced into a slow lull. No effective casualties. The Normandy's presence has aided in keeping enemy forces within the facility."

Klor walked out screaming, "OH yeah! Look at this!" He had a strange looking gattling gun, that he had to admit. "This thing would eat through most thermal clips. I'm going to say, it uses heavy ammo charges." Looking to Thane who showed his disproval, he turned down shifting the weapon onto his back. "It can come in handy. You never know."

"Indeed." Thane, turned to Shepard saying. "I will not intervene any longer. Shepard, take care." Turning to Klor, he bowed, then with a slight glare he spoke, "Kaht'ra uhn rahe-tur vok werur." He watched a moment, as Klor thought to the words.

"Right, yes. The same to you my old, friend." Klor narrowed his eyes as he passed, and Shepard looked on confused.

"My Batarian has to be off. Didn't you just…"

"Call his mother a she-beast? Yes, I did Shepard." Thane watched on carefully, "I came this way for another reason. From the medical bay, there was a trail of blood. It led to the docking area you met him. I am more than aware, there is more to your friend." A nod and he warned, "I never met a Klor'mac, I made it up… be careful."

---

On the surface. The fighting was intense. Garrus was behind a large boulder, with him Zaeed, and Tali. The fact he had the only other good sniper with him told the importance of the spot. The group was making toward the wall where supposedly resistance will lessen. However, what Garrus can tell?

"Is it me or did they move all the turrets over to this wall?"

Tali growled out holding her pistol. "You know what? I think it's just you."

Garrus gave her a wry smile. "Aww, I didn't know you thought I attract so much attention!"

Zaeed gave a glare before he suddenly punched the Turian on the shoulder. "Really? At a time like this?"

While they were going on, there was a massive explosion, followed by several more. The wall came down as expected. Garrus grabbed his piece and called out, "Miranda! The wall's down!"

Miranda already saw, and she was blanching at the sight. "I know Garrus…" She shook her head whispering, "This isn't good."

Garrus peered around and gawked a little at the sight. Geth, many to millions… just marching out now. "They were actually in the complex? Waiting?"

Miranda lowered her head as she's under heavy fire. "We have to retreat back into the forest! We're not going to be able to take on that many Geth!"

Joker's move back with the Normandy met resistance too as from a hangar on the far rear of the complex, a ship fired out. It looked similar to those of Turian fighters, but smaller and much faster. It spun about, a red Normandy clone, not nearly as complex as design. Firing its main weapons, Joker spun and vaulted upward under heavy fire. Canon fire was now directed on him too, allowing the forces to march straight out of the facility. "Holy shit! This is insane! Commander!" However, he screamed as there was a direct hit. The Normandy spun, but with some hard steering… and a REALLY quick prayer, Joker rolled her out and barely felt the paint chipping under the Normandy against the treetop. "Commander! Come in! Normandy, warning that the ground forces are being pummeled! The wall came down, but there was a army of Geth waiting! A strange ship is attacking! It's not Geth or Eclipse!"

Shift heard, and warned. "I know that ship. That's Jacohbe's Revenant. A rather fast striker-ship, he uses that in attacks with pirates and the like near the station… they do like privacy,"

Shepard heard, and his heart sank fast… "Report, can you make a retreat? Joker, can you pick them up? Fight off that ship?"

"I think they are making the request, but the drop zone is burning red hot! I can't land!" He was panicking a little, then he snapped, "Shepard! What the hell do you want me to do?"

Meanwhile, Jacohbe targets the Normandy spinning behind her. He had two Geth beside him, trying to shoot the enemy ship. It was finally time he made Shepard realize the error of his ways… and the impudence of resisting the superior Reaper force.

Shepard stood there not sure what to say. Dropping the Normandy was going to destroy the ship. In that, there could be no escape. Biting his lip, he closed his eyes thinking of all his team about to be over run. There's no way… they can last long.

Garrus snarled out an order, "Fall back! We need to get better cover!" He however heard someone call out, turning he saw Jack using her biotics like a wall. "Miranda! Back her up! Now!"

Miranda turned and realized what he was saying. "On it!" She sent forth her own biotic field. Granted, keeping back bullets took a lot. Jack was no ordinary biotic. The wall was thick, and with Miranda giving a cushion it aided in displacing kinetics long enough.

Garrus pulled up Tali as he snapped again, "Fall back! Now!"

Everyone did but there was not a lot more cover. The only thing reasonable was rocks, and they were getting smaller. Garrus turned up seeing Jack and Miranda moving slowly toward another rock face. With a twitch in his eye, he turned to the Normandy. It was firing down but not getting ready to land. He knew why… damn, Shepard won't make that call. He can't. Too many lives at stake.

Closing his eyes, he rolled his hand over his crest thinking how he can do this. Get them out alive?

Shepard rubbed his face. What's he going to do? Just then he was being shot at, great… just great! Ducking down, Shepard turned to see Eclipse at the end of the hall. "Really?"

Shepard then heard Shift say, "What did you expect?" He began firing in return, but they were stuck again. "You know? I just realized being with you I get stuck more and more." He began to laugh a little, before asking "Why is that?"

Shepard spun a glare on the Batarian however. "My team is in danger! I can't play with you right now!" Suddenly, he spun about taking some aimed pot shots, taking out the barriers, using incineration rounds after that. Glaring at the teams gathered.

Shift raised a brow to this. Then, he sat down sighing without fighting now. "You really care that much? If you complete your mission, what does it matter?"

Something in Shepard broke almost at that comment. A clench of his fist, he called out, "I'm not some heartless renegade! Those are my team-mates! I'm trying to save them!"

A bit of a chuckle and the Batarian shook his head. "People die kid. You can't stop that."

"I'll damn well do everything I can!" His heart was racing, Shepard turned up from his cover and fired mercilessly on the mercenaries, before he took down all of them. Panting, heaving with each breath after the vicious shoot out. Shepard ran down the hall screaming, "Garrus! Can you get out of the hot zone?"

"Negative! I don't think we can!" He snarled angrily, cocking a new clip into the assault rifle. He changed weapons, as the situation called. "We've moved back twice, with Jack and Miranda offering a shield, but their biotics are wearing thin, and we're getting pounced on fierce. We can't go on much longer Shepard."

There had to be something he can do. Anything. Shepard closed his eyes as he thought about everything, all his options. When suddenly, "Kasumi!" He reached up to his ear, "Kasumi! Can you hack the turrets?"

Kasumi thought about it and smiled brightly before getting excited. "I sure can Shepard!"

With that, she got to work. In seconds, she was turning the turrets off. "Turrets are offline! Shepard!"

"No! Turn them back on, and shoot down those ships!"

Kasumi got it, and said, "Damn! Sorry!" She turned them back up, and as the heavy firing on the Normandy was getting too intense. Several missiles suddenly tore into the Geth ships. The Revenant lost part of the left wing, and swiveled out.

Onboard the Revenant, Jacohbe roared as he slammed his hands on the panel, spinning it again. "DAMN IT! SHEPARD!"

The ship blew apart when several more missiles shot the ship down, throwing it hard into the complex, causing incredible explosions, and destroying another part of the base's structure. That fire, raging into the halls was going to be a tremendous diversion of men and attention.

Shepard nods as he heard Kasumi telling him the ships were gone, and so he calls, "Joker! Bombard those Geth! Now!"

Joker smirked a bit before spinning the ship back around. "Sure thing Commander!" Firing like mad, he stuck above the Geth. While they took small shots barely breaching the hull, Joker screams, "OH yeah! You wanna shoot your little pea shooters at me? Well, here's what I got! Ba-Boosh!"

The firing from the Normandy turned every Geth on him, and when they fled he basically shot them down again. At this point, Shepard sighed deeply and hung his head. Garrus called out, making a full charge into the facility. They had to double-time it.

At the elevators. Garrus smiled at the rubble. "That'll keep them busy. Looks like things are finally getting back on our favor."

As they descend. A red biotic flare blasted out of the rubble. A slowly moving pile of debris then fell off this hill, for a red gloved hand to clench onto the surface. Anger still boiling in the Quarian as he really, REALLY hated this Shepard.

Shift smoked his cigar sitting there a while watching the frantic Commander. Standing up, he asks, "Now, how hard was that?"

Shepard glared back and Shift smirked a little more. "No! I'm serious. Though, a real smart man would have sent the charges to blow the power cells ahead of time. With his other forces inside already." A shrug, he began walking around Shepard. "Then again, not everyone plans to keep everyone alive."

Shepard gave a very harsh look. Spinning about, he grabbed Shift throwing him on the wall. A fist clenched, he fought the urge to punch him right there. Instead, he snapped back, "I know my team and what they can do. When push comes to shove, they get the job done. I just have to work as hard as anyone else to keep them alive!" That, and he added, "The size of the facility is also a factor. We are spread too far apart inside let alone…"

"Right but you still sent all of them everywhere, even you are here looking for a Quarian. Even at the cost of your mission? Shepard, what's really important? The universe, or these people?"

Shepard glared back with utmost rage. "A mission has to be followed, to get what needs to be done. Yet if you can get the mission done, and save your people? What's wrong with that?"

The Batarian grumbled a moment. Shepard released him, shaking his head and dismissing him mostly. Shift softly stood up rubbing his chest and looking for his light. Shift now asked, "What about if saving them compromises that mission? Should you truly ignore the common sense?" Walking behind Shepard he asks, "Isn't that why you're in this situation? If you were topside, you could have protected them much better than being down here searching for a Quarian. What is so important about this one simple life?"

Shepard's eyes showed the level of anger. A sheer rage boiled in before he snapped back, "The Quarian is a marine that helped save my friend, and has heavy ties with the Quarians. When the time comes, I'll need the Quarians, Asair, Salarian and Turian races on my side. Every step to make that happen, helps!"

A frown and Shift wondered, was that truly it? It made more sense though. "I guess I got your meaning." There was then sounds of gunshots. Shepard turned toward them and found Geth circled at the nearest rooms. Seeing that most his team was elsewhere, Shepard was assured it had to be Reeger. Running along he cocked his rifle and dropped to a spot to begin shooting out the Geth.

Shift did not understand this logic at all. Even so, he commended Shepard for one thing. "His loyalty is most impeccable, for a human."

Shepard and Shift forced into the Geth's backs, shots showered at them, to force the fire by both Reeger and these two as a strong distraction and decimation effort. When the Geth fell, Shepard got up and made his way. However, Shift told Shepard. "I've still got a mission Shepard. I can't be distracted, though. If your ways get results which I hear they do?" He thought it over, and gave a nod. "Mm, I'll take this into consideration."

Shepard asked, "Does that mean you'll try and work better in a team?"

"I know the need of it. Yet I don't know if I can trust this team of yours. Perhaps at a later time?" Even so, Shepard noticed Shift hefting up his rifle and offering a hand. "It's been a pleasure, Shepard."

Shepard now knew what was happening. "You're leaving?"

"I told you Shepard. I have a mission."

"Killing Jacohbe?"

"No." He shrugged, "Well, yes actually. It's a bit complicated. I owe someone something here." It was a shocker, Shift was here to help someone? Who? "After that, I'll work on finishing my real mission. I never leave my debts unpaid."

Shepard watched as Shift ran back down the other hall. He'd actually been with him to help find Reeger. For someone that was going on about how he wasn't sure why Shepard helped those he was with, he sure seemed off track. Either way, Shepard walked to Reeger who was now gathering thermal clips.

"Thanks for the assist, Shepard." Reeger stood tall and gave a nod. "I'm glad to see a friendly face… that Batarian part of your team? Or something?"

"No, just helped me find you. Also seems he was in the right spot at the right time." Which, he now realized. "That happens a lot with me."

"You just have some high ancestors watching your backside is all. Even if I never really followed too well, I can believe it. Not too unlikely seeing you're all that stands between utmost destruction and who knows what else?"

Shepard closed his eyes, rubbing his brow. Not now. "We need to get out of here." Pulling up his rifle, Shepard came to the doorway beside Reeger, "Together on this?"

"Sure, better than beating my head against a rock alone."

---

The Infiltration team Jacob was leading had made it deep enough on the lower floor to finally find the actual Geth Hub. A large, strange machine in a lower platform with numerous catwalks, sub-floors and the like. As Legion ran across from Jacob at the doorway into this place, the Geth scanned across the area. Like almost every place they visit, cover was remarkably high on the catwalks, large crates and all. However around the large Hub there was nothing. A person would be a sitting duck. Legion swiftly assessed the area's movement, a number of Geth platforms were walking and cataloging a number of items, and moving them with forklift hover cargo. The Hub was with three main consoles, and the sounds of it humming were both alluring and oddly unnerving. Legion's head turned to Jacob and he requested, "We will go. The Geth will not recognize our odd movement immediately, we can unlock many Geth units in that time."

Jacob was not letting him, "Hold it." Grabbing Legion's hand, he tugged him down. "Legion, I'm team leader. Now listen!" He turned back thinking it over. Jacob frowned but had to admit that's the better option. "If you unlock the Geth what will happen to them?"

"We do not know." Legion's eye slowly focused in on the Hub. "We may destroy the life forms within the Hub. Or, release them into the area surrounding. We are uncertain."

Jacob frowned, and narrowed his eyes plainly. "You don't really know if we'll be doing any good then?"

"Yes."

"Still, doing nothing won't solve nothing."

"Yes."

A snort through his nostrils, Jacob shook his head. "This is why Shepard is the boss and not me." Looking to Samara, he asks, "What do you think?"

Samara turned with a very emotionless response. "I say, we destroy it."

"Negative." Legion motioned to below the structure, and it had a large Eezo pool, siphoning into the Hub and out across numerous tubes. "If the structure is destroyed physically, the resulting pulse will most likely cause severe damage to all organic and inorganic life in this vicinity."

Jacob then whispered, "You're practically saying it'll blow us up?"

"Yes."

"Right, right…" A groan, Jacob leaned back on the wall. "Okay, will it destroy the facility?"

"No, the damage will be severe Eezo contamination resulting in massive cardiac arrest, spastic muscle movement and severe brain hemorrhaging. This is in organic specimens, inorganic life will simply overload and most likely be un-reboot able."

Jacob got the idea. Now, "We aren't letting you go it alone. Samara, here's what we'll do…"

Legion, after the plan was made walked into the main floor. Making his way to the Hub. When he was so far, that's when Jacob popped around the corner and threw his biotic power out at a crate, throwing it across the room and toward the hub floor. Geth immediately turn at the noise, Legion now moving with his rifle drawn. When more came closer, Samara threw another crate, and Jacob let out fire.

The Geth turn on the hall above and all began to converge. Meanwhile, Legion turned watching them all get distracted, so he moved to the consoles and began to hack them all back, as many as he can from the one console. Each console was somehow like an archive of the many lives inside. Legion could not believe, mortality can be summed up by just a few digits of data. It made him think on a much simpler consensus, though he deleted this. Legion was well aware, he wanted no more consensus made on thought of Tali.

---

Jacohbe was free… angry, but free. He moved toward the outside interface terminal while his Eclipse tried to kill out the fire. He's loosing control of everything. Someone hacked his turrets, they were all worthless now. The Normandy was evacuated, probably doing fast repairs while the team was inside. Who knew where Shepard was, since the security systems were all off kilter, he can't even try to find them.

Jacohbe leaned into the console narrowing his eyes between the stain on his visor as in rage he just killed a random mercenary whom asked 'are you okay' obviously he was going to kill someone for THAT dumb question. In that time, Jacohbe sent a team of Geth to the security office. As he waited on word, Jacohbe's hands squeeze the console he's leaning over. Something in his mind burning for information.

Just as he got it, Jacohbe heard the beep in his suit. "Report!"

'How could you… do this to us?'

"What?" Jacohbe turned, confused but irritated as well. His head spun back to the door as Geth were wandering outside the walls. Some seemed to cry, others in a fetal position. When Jacohbe's right eye twitched it was obvious he knew what happened. "They got to it."

Jacohbe stormed out of the courtyard, smashing a Geth across the wall as he did, anger boiling over more. It was obvious indeed what happened. Jacohbe ran to the elevators, and ripped the doors off before jumping down in a biotic flourish.

---

Legion finished the last hacking attempt, just as the final few Geth were beginning to scream and run around madly. Jacob ran over asking, "What the hell did you do Legion?"

Legion watched as the Geth he saw were almost acting like what a organic would, under the circumstances. With that in mind, he knew the outcome. "When we removed the holding patterns in the VI. It reacted as a forced reboot. The entities in the Hub were released into their current bodies."

"Current?" Samara deeply regretted asking, "Do you mean the Geth?"

"Yes."

Jacob turned around seeing how several were mostly just huddled over. It was insane to think, you were but once a person. Now what were they? Really? "This is twisted."

Legion watched for a time taking in how the mortal lives turned inorganic became. He realized, just how his existence was to them. Or least, how he viewed it. Legion watched this exchange, until he turned moving his hands over several rods on the Hub, pulling the rods out he warns. "We can not destroy the Hub. However, we can destroy its design internally. Without harming ourselves." He pulled a rod from a caution area slot. When he removed it, Legion turned the rod shoving it back in. "This will destroy all internal working in the Hub. This will not be done again."

Jacob saw what Legion did, and moved to another rod to do the same. Samara even took one, to cause a whirring noise in the Hub. After moments, it buzzed and fizzled, several devices on the machine seemed to circuit out. When done, Legion watched as he thought about Tali. Again, it kept in his mind. She, was Quarian. He was Geth. Yet no matter how he tried to reason this, how he saw what inorganic and organic life are. He can not stop the ongoing processes over this feeling. It was illogical. It was a danger to their mission.

Just then, Jacob called, "Shepard! We shut the Hub down, permanently. The Geth won't be attacking us anymore." He frowned, now thinking aloud, "Well in theory?"

Shepard gave a nod as he and Kal were walking past a number of the Geth. Suddenly, Kal felt a Geth grab his ankle, 'K-Kal? That's you isn't it?'

Kal turned down shocked, a bit disgusted. "You have to be… Mori?" Getting on a knee, he pulled the Geth up, as it cried with a female voice. "Mori, what did they do to you?"

Shepard watched for a moment realizing it must be a part of his old crew. Or the team he brought? "Reeger? Do you need some time?"

"I… I don't know?" Reeger looked at her, as she just kind of zoned out for a while. "I'm out of my league here Shepard. What's going on?"

After that, Shepard dropped to a knee and explained everything. Or least about the Geth here. Reeger didn't understand, holding his helmet he leaned back, asking, "Why would they do that? Shepard?"

"Somehow it's got to be related to Omega. To the Hunley." Shepard did not have all these answers. Yet what he did have, was a rifle and a good reason to use it. "If we don't stop them they'll ruin more lives." Looking back, Shepard called to the other teams. "Garrus? Report."

Garrus was smiling as he set the last charge. "Charges set Shepard! We're ready to set them up, when you give the order."

"Miranda?"

Miranda watched as the last one is set too. "Looks like we're a go. The reactor here will make one hell of a nasty explosion."

With them in place, Shepard said to Reeger. "We need to go. Meeting the others at the rendevous is our only priority." Frowning, Reeger sat there with the otherwise lose soul. From here, Shepard realized how many people have died with Reeger. It's got to weigh heavily, especially since this was once more another mission from the Admiralty board probably.

Then Reeger asked, "Is there anything I can do, kid?" Mori seemed a bit comatose. Sadly, he let her go before getting up and shifting his rifle. "Okay, let's go."

---

Jacob called Shepard now, saying, as Samara turned toward the doors to the Hub area with a glare. "We've made sure no one can restart this Hub thing. So we're heading out n-," Just then, the doors to the Hub area were blown open, Jacob's head snapped back with horrified alarm when he saw the cause too. Samara already felt him, and was pulling a large crate up tossing it towards the culprit.

Jacohbe raised his hand causing the crate to shatter under his rageful gaze. The Quarian was blood-red in color, surrounded by his biotic haze. When he saw the Hub his eyes grew wide, "No…. no, you fools! You destroyed it!"

With a scream, he raised his fists bashing them on railing beside him. The bars bent, and he ran down the steps toward the three others. Jacob screamed, as he grabbed his rifle, "Shepard! Jacohbe's down here! We're under att-ARGH!"

Jacohbe, was grabbing the Cerberus officer's neck raising him several foot in the air. Screaming angrily, the Quarian spun as he's being shot point blank. Throwing Jacob from the spin into Legion, who was not sure how to shoot with the hostage.

Samara ran into the other biotic, her fists pursed as she pounded into the Quarian's sides. Samara sent blow after blow, filled with her power in an attempt to set right the matter of her former colleague. However, Jacohbe spun about swiping her away. Jacohbe was so infuriated, his glow was almost like a flame that he now burned of his anger. A scream, and he kicked Samara straight across the platform and almost over the edge, her hands desperately grasping as she attempted to pull back up.

Jacohbe turned on that Asari rather aggressively. All of a sudden, he was under fire again. Legion shot from behind those crates thrown earlier, and when Jacohbe ignored him moving on Samara, Legion knew he had to act.

"Jacohbe!" Jacohbe turned, and Legion stood aiming his rifle. "This platform is responsible for your Hub becoming inoperable, and severe damage. This platform is aware, that you are unable to control your anger. It is easily noted from earlier conflicts."

Jacohbe stood tall and glowered on the Geth. A machine, that seemed to delve rather deeply into his own psyche. "How ironic." He snickered a bit. "So, Geth. What else?"

"We also know your inferior intellect is the cause for the ease at which this platform. We Legion. Could disrupt your device."

From there on, Jacohbe lost any interest in Samara. Walking plainly at the Geth he raised a fist and punched the crate forward. Legion saw Jacob coming to Samara after a slight stupor from the toss before. Seeing that they were safe. Legion turned and began running to another passage nearby. Legion's rifle fired behind him making Jacohbe raise up his arms blocking the shots with his biotics, as well then charging full force after the Geth.

Samara watched as she knew what had happened. "Legion is trying to distract him. We have to aid him!"

Jacob shook his head to get the stars out of his eyes. "I don't know if we can. That monster practically tore through you and me, without much trouble." Lowering his head, he called Shepard. "Shepard! We need you, now!"

---

Garrus and his team had set their charges. Just then he heard the message, it was being sent over the open channel. Jacob in his rush, had not closed it to just Shepard. "Shepard! Come in Shepard!"

Shepard responded, "What is it Jacob? You got the hub down. Did you need backup in your escape route?"

"Sort of." A glower back to the doors Jacohbe and Legion left in he told Shepard, "Jacohbe found out our little Hub incident here ruined his Geth. He seemed pretty upset. Then he came down here, and Legion kind of provoked him before running off leading him away from us."

Shepard was stunned. "What? Why the hell would he do that!" Shepard shook his head thinking, aloud, "That's suicide! The charges will be set soon, and we'll only have around fifteen minutes for a full evacuation!"

Jacob shook his head shouting, "Don't you think I know that Shepard? Look, he's heading up towards the A-Wing of floor B-1, so if anyone is near there maybe you can spot him on the way up!"

Garrus set the last charge as he asked, "Tali? Can you tell Shepard that we set the charges?"

Tali was however nervous, and worried. Garrus can even see it in the way her hands were balled up and slightly shaking. When he stood up, setting his sniper rifle aside the wall. Garrus asked her, "What is it? What's wrong?"

Tali turned up to Garrus saying, "We have to find him."

Garrus was a bit shocked but only at the sudden reaction. "What?"

"Legion, he needs us. If he's in trouble, we have to find him. Now."

Thinking, Garrus asked her with a bit of concern. "You know that this place is going to blow right? The chances of us finding him on this level are…"

She shook her head, grabbing his arms tightly. "Garrus, I HAVE to find him!"

Garrus looked deep into that visor. It at first showed him the concern of a friend for another. Yet when he looked, he had to admit there's more. Her eyes were flashing about and mind buzzing, she can't tell why but she had to. Let alone the fact even if she knew she had to find Legion, that she didn't know what she'd do when she did. This was all the more confusing to him as it was to her. However, Tali made it all the harder when finally looking at her was just too obvious what is wrong.

For a while if not much longer than time. Garrus had been convincing himself it can not happen. With a rumor slowly murmured along secret talks, to mistakenly overhearing the same conversation on 'emotions' between synthetic beings. Garrus now stood here seeing Tali, his oldest friend any more. A woman he, on some level enjoyed company of more than once. Not only worried for the Geth but perhaps, she was searching her feelings for him? It is beyond unexpected, but not unforeseen.

Tali softly held herself as she pivots back on her hip. When she thought about it, she can't even really see where it started. "So much has happened with me Garrus. I've lost my father, my first love and probably when this gets out the people I almost lost recently. I'm not asking you to understand." Lowering her head, she sighs. "I'm not sure even I can understand. I just know I need to find out with him, it… Legion."

Shaking her head, Tali whispers. "He has never wanted to hurt me. Yet I hurt him. I think, I hurt him really bad. I made my own reasons still, I can't fight it. I can't change that. I just know if I get the chance to talk to him. I want to know the truth and learn what it is for him and me."

Garrus closed his eyes after turning around from the Quarian. The thought how Tali was with Legion, even if not a committed sense? It was the idea that those two have something for the other. Obviously, she was not willing to leave Legion. Garrus knew well it's because Tali's heart felt deep for the machine in a funny, twisted sense. Like how he probably… His hand followed over his fringe as he groaned to himself. Honestly, Tali is certain he was against this for the fact he was a machine. However, Tali's heart jumped when Garrus got on the comm. "Shepard, we're going after Legion."

Shepard asked, "Are you certain? We have the detonator but we can't set it off until both charges have reached critical. Even then, we're on a timer. I need to set this off before Jacohbe finds them."

"It's the best way. We're closest and I think we can get to him fast enough. We'll be out of here before the countdown!" Turning back, he smiled as Tali held her hands into little balls. "You owe me."

Grunt was the one stuck in the middle though. He just well, grunts. "If we're going, can we? I was looking to meet this Jacohbe. I wonder if he'll be as strong as they say?"

Tali somehow felt it'll be more than Grunt even wanted. "Let's go. Fast."

---

Legion ran the hall when he was thrown from a biotic throw. Into the corner that he had now jumped up and down the next hall. Fleeing the rather enraged Quarian that stalked behind him. Jacohbe spun the corner as three Eclipse came from a room, one asking, "Commander Jaco-," he was a Salarian before Jacohbe beheaded him. Then crushed the other two in his wake.

Jacohbe cared nothing about the project or work. It was a very distinct hatred of the creature. The machine. Jacohbe found Legion running into another room, a large forging chamber before Jacohbe threw up his fist, the floor grate broke under Legion. Legion rolled from this unexpected event. The Geth seemed otherwise taken back by the blow and roll. Able to stand, Legion turned up as Jacohbe was on him and pulling the Geth with his forceful grip. Screaming the worst cry of war, Jacohbe threw Legion up against a pillar of some sort in the room, and held the Geth still for a time just looking over it.

Jacohbe watched Legion as he looked back. With the bend of his brow. The fact the Geth did not blink or flinch. The lack of emotion shown outside of that strange feeling that it was actually disgusted with him. Or even enraged. The thought of that, made Jacohbe chuckle. Holding a Geth with just one hand now, Jacohbe asks Legion, "What does it feel like Geth? To be ready to die?"

"Death does not concern the Geth. We are many. We are THE Geth."

Jacohbe growled angrily on such an impudent response. Stupid, stupid machine. "I hate that about you most of all. The willingness to allow your entity to end. I've worked so hard to survive. Worthless creatures."

"There is an end to all things. Even your kind."

"Perhaps, yet there are two factors of importance you do not know." A bit of arrogance, Jacohbe leaned in closer saying pleasurably, "For one I've already sent Eclipse to disarm those explosives, making this whole plan pointless." Legion's eye spun a little. "Yes, think me stupid? I know well the weak spot of my facility, hell I built it that way! Yet more importantly, I am no simple Elder Kin, Geth. I am the supposed prophet, and immortal of the one race."

"We are aware Elder Kin live an estimated long lifespan." Legion's flaps turned, and lens spun around the room. After that, he returned attention back on Jacohbe fully. "What does your endeavor include, that other Elder Kin do not?"

Jacohbe narrowed his eyes on the Geth. Probably just because he felt like gloating. The Quarian said, "Survival after the Reapers eradicated those I fed from. The species I was able to manifest by. Usually, when they start to purge the universe. All my own disperse. However, I found a very obvious means of survival." Laughing actually, he admits. "It's quite comical that my people have never thought it before. Even more that I was able to ruse my kin to the idea it was a supernatural force of some sort, spoke of by legends even older than we. It is almost on the verge of madness."

Legion seemed to not care. As he reached back into the pillar, ripping a power conduit out. When he saw that chance he jammed the cable into Jacohbe forcing the spastic screams of the Quarian. Legion fell and ran behind the crates, lunging behind more and scooting his back firmly behind one. Jacohbe tossed the cable before spinning about furious again. The raging Jacohbe, stood heaving shoulders and eyes a blaze with the same red biotic that now flowed off his fingers. As the Quarian released his rage at crates, shattering them all after one to the other. Jacohbe knew that the Geth will not go far let alone survive the wrath before him.

---

Garrus, Tali and Grunt stop at the next dead end. Tali stood there before slamming her fist on it. "Keelah!"

Garrus showed his discerning worries as he knew the explosives will detonate soon enough. Or rather he was under the impression previously. Even so? Garrus was willing to keep this going as long as he could. That was until another dead end. Checking his Omni-Tool he snarled, "Kasumi has already gone to the rendevous point with Thane and the others. They'll be making their push out of the facility." Lowering his head, he turned back up saying, "Tali, we need to go."

"No!" She turned, snapping, "He's still down here!"

"Tali! He's gone!" Tali stood there stunned, and shocked. Garrus was grabbing her wrist and trying hard to make her understand. "Legion's dead. If the explosions do not kill him? Jacohbe had before we even started looking. You've seen first hand what he can do. So let's just…"

"N-no…. no, I won't." She closed her eyes taking her arm from Garrus. Holding her wrist and rubbing the spot a moment. Feeling the spot where he wrenched it. Tali thought about this, and what Garrus said. "Legion isn't going to die that easily. Legion is not going to give up. I know Legion." Staring back with her own determined look. Tali scorned Garrus. "I'm not going to give up on him. Do you understand?"

Garrus just stares her down. Trying to get her to realize what he means. "Tali, this is over. The mission is almost over. Legion, is either gone by one way or another. We can't waste more time."

"Shepard won't arm the detonator until we're out." Tali declared, yet she wasn't sure. If he did feel the only way to finish the mission was this? He may just do the exact obvious thing. Blow the place even at the cost of his team. It would be hard on him that is for sure.

Garrus glared at her. Once more, she's becoming a problem. "Tali, I'm team leader here. We are going back. I'm sorry, Legion is…"

Just then, there was a bark of some sort. At the end of the hall, Tali saw just as they did a large, black Varren. It was alarming to say the least to see the monstrous thing. Especially as Tali knew well the same beast. With that overbite.

Grunt said it though. "I saw that beast. That is the Varren you killed on this planet, days ago." He looked at Tali. "What is it doing here, alive?"

The large beast bent down growling as Garrus raised up his sniper rifle. "I'll make sure it wo-,"

"No! Stop!" Tali shoved the rifle up. It was something in her head that just told her, she's got to make a leap of faith here. Watching the beast as it stood again, and snorts toward them. The Varren turned barking at them. Tali's only reaction was to run and follow.

Garrus was absolutely stunned. "What the hell! TALI!" He was left, when Grunt began charging too. "Grunt! Stop!"

Alone, Garrus eyed the way they came. A slight sigh, the Turian ran after shouting, "If we get dusted because we chased that thing! I'm holding you both responsible!"

"IF we get dusted!" Tali proclaimed, "I doubt you'll give much of anything about it!"

It was hard to tell why. It was harder to understand how. Tali can just feel, that inside her heart she had to. That there was no other alternative now. Tali ran down the hall following a monster she'd killed a week ago, when this all started. When everything that began, began. Where before Jacohbe, Omega and this place. Tali killed a strange, mutant Varren. Tali helped kill it with Legion actually. Which, as she remembered she stabbed it with her dagger. Somehow, it was alive. Somehow, it knew where Legion was and where to find him. Tali can just tell it now.

Just as she entered a forging area. Tali stopped as the Varren stopped running, and collapsed forward. It was a normal Varren again. The Varren was dead. However, that did not matter. Legion was before her, and Jacohbe swung his fist crushing a crate near him. Tali began to call out, before someone grabbed her helmet voice box and yanked her down.

"Shut the hell up." He said in a monotone Batarian voice. It was Shift. That strange Batarian, that had helped Shepard. Tali spun her head, as Shift motioned ahead to the events unfolding. "Seems your friend isn't in the best place. I doubt you can help him though. Jacohbe has him pinned."

Tali narrowed her eyes as she pulled her pistol, and put it into the Batarian's head. "Who are you?"

"Huh." Shift blinked his eyes at the event ahead. "Well, this didn't go as I planned. At least not entirely?"

"Tell me now."

"Shift. I helped Shepard back a ways." She raised a brow though. "Just like you helped me, along with the tin man down there."

"What?" She never met this Batarian before. Shift however smirked, as he motioned down there again. Then he started to scoot along on his squat legs. Tali turned as Jacohbe threw a fist this time blasting the crate Legion is behind. Then charging, Jacohbe kicked Legion across the platform. Below them was the large lava pool most likely used for heating, other heat used facilities.

Tali screamed out, "Legion!" Jacohbe turned just as did Legion. Pointing a pistol, Tali snapped again with harbored anger, "You let him go you bosh'tet! I swear, you hurt him I'll blast your ass into Astroturf!"

Jacohbe gave a blink of major, absolute confusion. The way he slumped forward, and arms hung was like he'd been taken by surprise. "W-wait a minute? Are you seriously trying to help this Geth?"

"Of course!"

"Why?" It sounded like such a obvious question. He did not understand. Tali however was not entirely sure. She really had no idea why she's here, other than the desire to protect her friend… and, something else.

Tali just said. "It's because Legion is my friend." Looking back, she smiled under her visor. Obviously, Legion can see that. To that simple smile, she said softly as she just saw him there. Laying there. "It's because, I care about him. As my friend. My ally. My comrade. Perhaps even, if time… and trial lets us? We could be more."

"Wait, what?" Jacohbe had jumped his head back, before holding his neck from his back side. "Wait, wait a minute. What does that mean?"

"It means that I was wrong." Tali glared, at the monster. Though she said strangely to herself and Legion, "I called him many terrible things. However, the truth is Legion has shown me more heart, and soul than some of my own people. Legion offered me aid without a real desire for reward, or some true need for those things. Even if it was for our two races to try and be together. It started one way but grew another." To that, she shook a little. Her pistol was a little harder to hold as she felt this blood pumping in her veins. A burning that plays out every fiber of her being. Just then she heard a sniper rifle and shotgun beside her. There, Grunt and Garrus stood.

A bit more confirmed. Tali snarled out. "Legion is our team mate. Even more importantly, I'm not leaving without him. So you better back off or pay the price!"

Jacohbe stood there a moment as Legion stood watching Tali. Seeing her conviction was somehow reaffirming to his former consensus. It was somehow a big deal to even hear her say she's here to save him. Although, that empowering feeling fell short as Jacohbe swung back his hand with a biotic bitch slap that sent the poor Geth spinning behind him. Jacohbe just looked up at Tali and shrugged, like 'so?' to her entire threat.

Tali, Garrus and Grunt release a barrage of bullet. They fired like mad on the Quarian. Sadly, Jacohbe used crates, boxes and such as a shield with his biotics and not a shot made past his defense. While Tali and the others wasted ammo, he just waited rather patiently. In time, the rounds are being blocked by a wall of obstruction.

Tali clicked her pistol pointlessly as she'd used all the rounds in the gun. Jacohbe cracked up yelling to her, "Now, you can stand there helpless as I rend this machine in twain!"

Jacohbe turned to prepare for a nice destructive scene as those others ran down towards him. However, he's stopped when he saw someone standing before the Geth. A Batarian.

Shift stood there legs spread, firmly set. His arms held the massive gattling gun weapon he found earlier. With a grin he just said, "Boosh."

The massive onslaught of rounds was fast and terrifyingly destructive. Jacohbe growled as he forced up his hands blocking with his biotics instead. Pushed back into the same wall of junk he constructed. The force of the blows shatter the crates, forcing them to fall over his form, and to the sides. When cleared, Jacohbe was under assault by both sides! Jacohbe turned on his pivot, and rose up his hands on both sides creating a strong barrier that pushed back on the firing sides. Nothing short of impossible that he can keep the barrier up this long.

Eventually, Jacohbe was aware what was happening. He threw his hand at Tali and her friends, the force threw them back. The Batarian he then turned on grabbing his pistol and firing. The Batarian took several shots, lost his shields and then one shot in one of his eyes. Even after that, the Batarian kept firing!

The gattling gun was ripping apart his biotic power. Forced to throw his strength into that, Jacohbe growled when an Overload blew across his back. Turning his neck around, Jacohbe saw Garrus aiming the sniper rifle. A shot grazed Jacohbe's visor cracking it. The crack was enough, that Jacohbe lost his control and was then being fully assaulted with the gatt. Jacohbe bounced off round after round, jerked from shot to knee and shoulder, or thigh along with hip. The many blasts tore apart the suit practically leaving it a holed up mess, and the sight as the large Quarian fell to a kneel before just laying still.

Shift slowed his gun checking the remaining ammo. A nod, he dropped the smoking gun. With a pretty big sigh, Shift reached into his chest and pulled out a cigar. Looking then for a light, he had a big laugh. "Now that's a mission complete, right? Eh?" He looked up as Tali ran toward him. "Hey, you're we-ah!" He's shoved aside, Tali dropping to Legion.

Tali scooped up the crooning neck of the Geth. "Legion! Legion, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry for what I said. I didn't really mean that. I was just so scared of what you said, and how you seemed to believe it. I don't even know if I believe it."

Legion's lens spun as he looked up to Tali. Seeing her, he said. "We believed everything we told you. We do not know what creator Tali'Zorah may or may not agree."

Tali's head shook a little, "I got it. I just, I was so afraid Legion. The longest time, I've been trying to…. And I didn't even know you were there."

"It is understandable. We are Geth. We are not alive."

"You are alive." Tali, smiled as she finally left a few tears out. With them, her helmet began a means of controlling the moisture. Shaking her head again, she laughed. "You are more alive than most people I know. I don't care if you don't have a heartbeat, blood or flesh. IF you feel that way. I'm willing to give it a chance."

Legion blinked at this. Then he sat up, turning to Tali he asked, "Is Creator Tal-, Tali, sure of this consensus?"

Without a word of response, Tali hugged his neck roughly. Then she snarled, "If I wasn't? Would I be here…." She suddenly stood, "Oh Keelah! I just realized, we're all going to die!"

Legion stood with Tali asking, "How?"

"By now Shepard must be worried we're all dead. I can't imagine, he'll waste time now. We'll never make it out in time."

Legion gave a slight nod. "The explosives were disarmed. Jacohbe sent Eclipse mercenaries to each reactor. Presumably, Shepard will not be able to set off these explosives until they have been re-enabled."

Tali groaned a bit. "That's just great. So now, we have to chance re-arming them? Then seeing if Shepard will blow us all up?"

Legion lowered his head, but gave a nod. "The Mission needs us to complete it."

Just then, Shift realized something. Something was moving. Looking over he gave a snort, still not able to find a light. "Well son of a…" He asks, "Anyone got a couple minutes here? Jacohbe's up again."

Everyone turned as Jacohbe stood shakily on his legs. His form slumped over as he's up, but barely. Grunt gave a snort before he started walking towards the Quarian beast. Garrus watched remarking, "Jacohbe might be stubborn, but Grunt's a Krogan. They set the standard for it."

Grunt came ever closer cracking his knuckles. "I heard you are strong. I am grateful it's true."

Jacohbe glared up between his slightly cracked visor. Seeing that Krogan, he snarled before stepping back, then forward with a punch. Grunt however grabbed the fist and smiled. "Your strength is gone. You are weak."

"I-I was looking to keep it longer."

"Is that so?" Grunt pulled back his head, and smashed his crest over the visor. It shattered, and the shaky Jacohbe stumbled back violently toward the railing edge. Thick lava flow pouring around them, into vents of some sort in the lower chamber. A nod, Grunt smiled some more from his twisted lip as the Quarian shakily pushed on the railing. "I like to hear that. Keep whatever it is in death." Grunt charged in and elbowed the Quarian over the edge, breaking the railing in the process. Yet the Quarian's one hand held onto a part not broken off, and swung from one hand into the floor plating.

Grunt stood there frowning. Then he raised up his foot, about to kick Jacohbe's head. Jacohbe turned up with a sudden flash of his eyes, a deep red. Without the visor, the full glow and light of the eyes shown through. It caused Grunt to snort with alarm but his kick meets, and Jacohbe lost grip. Falling into the lava the sound of the Quarian suit burning up gave Grunt some satisfaction. Looking over the edge as it sizzled.

The Krogan looked back over as Tali seemed most pleased with the sound, even if it brings a little something to her reminder of how being a Quarian has many downsides. Just then Garrus noticed something else. "You know you're missing an eye?"

"You're missing half your ass." The Batarian pulled out something, looking it over. "I'm sorry, that was your face? Right?"

Garrus had glared on the Batarian for his remark. It's obvious he didn't like him. That is, until he saw what the Batarian looked at confused. "Is that the detonator?"

"Huh?" Shift held up surely the detonator for the explosives. A slight shock and he admits, "I thought it was a lighter. Now, stealing this from Shepard seems sort of redundant." Tali took the detonator though, and Shift asked, "Anyone got a light for me here?"

Garrus looked closer to the detonator. "That's it alright. So Shepard can't set of the explosives either way, meaning we're still trapped down here, with the team topside."

Tali lowered her head whispering, "The others are going to be killed if they linger too long."

Shift seemed to grunt a bit, shifting his weight for his weapon. Now he asks, "What do you need really? Be specific."

Garrus looked back narrowing his eyes, not trusting the Batarian. Why should he? He didn't seem the most trustworthy. "We need those charges armed for the base to be destroyed. Why?"

"Alright, I'll do that. I can get the explosives armed and you get to Shepard with that toy of yours." Shift, raised his hand to stop the Turian. "IF someone gets me a damn light, now."

Garrus blinked at that, and asked, "What the hell is with you and a light?"

"It's just hard to get my hands on smokes, Turian." Shift smiled a bit as Grunt fired his shotgun enough to pop out a thermal clip, and tossed it over. Shift happily took it, burning his fingertips but still lighting the cigar. A heavy sigh the Batarian tossed away the round, before grabbing his rifle instead. "Mm, tastes like suicide missions. He, get it? Smoke? Fire? Burning!"

Tali lowered her head as she understands too well. Looking back up, she asks with some concern, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"No." Shift stepped forward narrowing his eyes. "I owe you this much. You saved my life… well, technically. So now I'm saving yours."

"What? I never met you before."

"Yes you did. You just don't remember, per say." Flipping the rifle around. Shift calls, "Turian?" Garrus jumped to his species and not his name. "Tell Shepard if we meet again. I might debate the whole crew thing. Perhaps, I'd even join him. If my mission still plays a part." Garrus blinked as it was confusing, he was admitting a suicide mission but still looking to join Shepard?

In any case. Shift began making his way back toward the first reactor. Garrus watched with a slight shake of his head. "We need to hurry." Opening his hand he asks, "Can you pass me the detonator?"

Tali looked at it and handed it over happily. Something about carrying a device that technically could still be set to blow them all to hell, not a good feeling. The team ran for the main gates now. Leaving the bubbling lava below to fizzle once more.

---

Shepard was at the large hangar doors. There, he dropped down on a knee grabbing at his side. "The Detonator is missing."

Miranda bug-eyed at the mere thought. "What? Are you serious?"

"I don't really see it being a funny joke." Standing up, Shepard checked again. "I think it might have been stolen?"

Thane knew who, but not why. The Batarian had been with Shepard. Though where? It had to be during a time Shepard was emotional. Or perhaps distracted? Considering the fighting across this compound, it could have been any number of times.

Shepard then heard someone on the call of his tool. Listening, he clears the communication. "Garrus? Is that you?"

Garrus smirked as he ran with the others. "Yes, it's us. We have Legion." Stopping, he turned the corner to see with his Omni-tool the reconnect with the others. "We killed Jacohbe. Also, Shepard. We've got the detonator."

The Commander rubbed his forehead admittedly grateful for this. "I was beginning to think something else had gone wrong. Glad you all made it."

Garrus came first in the door tossing the actual detonator to Shepard. Shepard snatched it, before flipping the device and pressing the button down. As plans go, there should have been two big explosions, and numerous smaller ones to riddle the facility.

There were in fact two explosions. The base, did not begin to explode.

Zaeed's eyes opened slowly after the initial expectation of the explosion. When he heard nothing, the seasoned merc asked, "What the hell happened?"

EDI jumped in however, telling them, "A large surge of energy seems to have housed itself in the sub-center of the facility. The destruction of the reactors was countered by this unforeseen counter measure. There was no knowledge available on the use of a third structure."

Legion realized right away what happened. "Commander Shepard." Shepard turned and narrowed his eyes with modest dissatisfaction. "The Hub unit had a construction to house incredible amounts of energy, Eezo like most engines. This would be most likely the third structure, not originally known by Cerberus as well our team. The Hub while destroyed from those Geth, was not destroyed as an energy collector. We knew that destroying the Hub could cause a massive energy surge, resulting in facility destruction. We did not realize this was also possible as a containment unit."

Shepard did not have a clue how to do this from here. "We're too far back. Legion, is there a way to cause it from here?"

"No. We do not believe so."

Garrus had to ask, "Could this get any worse?"

From behind them though, the same path the team from below returned by. There was now a loud stomping. The group surmised it was a YMIR Mech. Shepard turned around taking cover with his back still held from some of the crates. "We're going to get pinched in here. We need to force our way out. Fast. Open that gate!"

Just then the 'YMIR' appeared. It was the size of a large person really. Nothing like those Mech you expect. It had a sleek, shined design. A odd purple coloration of the metal. The legs were bent like those arched on their haunches. Three fingers, longer than usual and opened as the figure stood sprawled forth. Tall but stranger still the sound as it stepped again on hard floor. Finally, the face and head. It was in a helmet, burned and shattered at the visor. With a dual set of glowing red lights. The hands grasp the burned red Quarian helmet and tossed it like a piece of filth. The large mechanized figure soon began to glow a red biotic color, that flew out into the room throwing back the entire team.

It was a blur and heavy ringing in the Commander's ear, Shepard can not explain how it happened. His head smashed into the door. Shepard fell there laying still a moment as the pang came dull. When Shepard got up, he felt a strong hand grabbing his suit's collar and throwing him up into the air spinning around before smashing hard on the floor again.

Shepard groaned when he rolled on his back. The loud slam of two heavy feet got his attention as they were beside either part of his head. The large purple machine stood once more, then leaned down grabbing Shepard's head in grasp. When Shepard was pulled up eye-to-eye, Shepard saw the way it slowly turned the head crooning back and forth. With a snarl, Shepard pulled out his pistol firing at the face of the monstrosity. Yet it did no real good.

Luckily, Samara had seen this. She charged, and slammed her form into the large machine with a biotic enhancement. Her might sent into a leg of the machine, it fell down and turned as Samara sent another blow into the head of the thing. Shepard got free after kicking off with his feet. The two pull back as the machine stood.

Samara snarled, "You are more than corrupt, Jacohbe. You are an abomination!"

"An Abomination." Jacohbe's voice echoed from the machine. There, it stood with a red glow of biotics. It was Jacohbe. "I, am not an Abomination. I am Apex. The height of perfection. The honest liquidation and elimination to imperfection. The sheer pinnacle of awe. When you look upon this form your kind should recognize me as god."

Shepard stood there glaring back though. The day he did that, was the day he died. Even then it wasn't very likely. "Not going to happen."

"I already anticipated this." Apex, as it seemed to call itself now. Stood there leering on Shepard and his team. Looking at the monstrous machine, there were many questions. A deep chuckle, and Apex admits. "It has been a rather eventful ordeal. Has it not Shepard?"

Shepard saw the right hand of Apex bending, and shifting. Suddenly his chest opened up, and Shepard was astonished at the red core drive that spun violently. The power of the core-drive sparked into his arm, and fired a powerful particle beam. Shepard and the team can barely take cover when it tore into cargo and cover. Shepard rolled into a place behind a large Mako tank, being torn apart for parts it seemed.

"How did you do it Jacohbe?" He turned his head, under cover Shepard asks, "How did you become indoctrinated? Did you make a deal with the Reapers?"

"Indoctrination is a means of manipulating the flesh of mere mortals. We Elder Kin, are not flesh, genetics and limited to a means of which Reapers could not recognize. The use of this form, comes from my core. I am a Reaper in right, but something more in design. I manipulate this body with my own consciousness. Similar to the means of which I manufactured these, copies." Apex looked to the Geth huddled around him. "They, are but a means of justification. To my supposed masters."

Shepard looked at his side. The moment he did, he tried to get a shot. Yet poking out his head met the spark of the canon again. Damn! Moving around the tank, Shepard sought to get another angle as Apex tried to keep him and the others under cover. Everyone was spread out, it helped in this fight.

Shepard knew keeping the monster off his game will be better.

"Then tell me? What did you give to the Reapers to become this?"

"If it eases your mortal anguish? I may." Apex turned on Garrus, firing a blast that caused an explosion. Garrus rolled out coughing, before charging behind another crate. Apex turned his way to Shepard, stomping along toward the Mako. "I offered the one thing the Reapers could not obtain. For eons, when the Reapers eradicated mortal life in the universe. My kind, the Elder Kin in the universe given flesh died. Without the fear of mortals to manifest our physical beings. We cease to be. For we can not exist without the energy of negative mental and emotional factors. In that idea, I knew I too would perish. I was not willing to die." Apex raised his hand, clenching a fist. Angrily recalling his day where he changed. "I was the Elder Kin, forged by the Protheans. I thought it proper, that the fear of the Protheans for these Reapers could somehow be fitting to my recreation. It was not easy contacting a Reaper and making it understand what I was, where we come from. How no matter what they do, my species would live on."

Shepard's head suddenly kicked up, as he realized. "You son of a bitch. You betrayed your own kind to the Reapers!"

"A necessary sacrifice." Apex turned to Shepard as he popped out firing from another position. Apex's canon flaring over the read of the Mako, blowing a tire across the room. "The Reapers would have destroyed all the Protheans. I too would have perished. My actions saved my life. I care nothing what came of my kind. The Reaper, Sovereign. It understood the need to destroy these others, and so proposed an Alliance. I became part of the entity before you, and turned to a Reaper. My task, to dispose of the Elder Kin for the Reapers."

Across from the field of battle, Garrus clenched his rifle and spun around. "At least Saren did it to try and save himself and others! You Coward!" Firing his rifle, Apex turned fully on Garrus. The Turian alarmed how he just lost himself.

Apex spun around firing, and charging. Legion watched for a second. Finally, he recalled how he goaded Apex. Turning about, Legion ran behind Apex and fired his rifle, calling to Shepard. "Commander. Jacohbe is susceptible to anger. We believe it is of use!"

Shepard raised a brow. Is that so, well… time to go a little renegade, "There is more to cowardice. Ignorance. You do not realize you are being controlled by the Reapers. You are a puppet. But worse than Saren! You're too damn stupid to realize it! To try and stop it!"

"You are all wrong!" Apex screamed out, "I am going to be greater than the Reapers! I will destroy them, after the Elder Kin! By giving the Reapers the Elder Kin, Shepard and this universe in a weakened state. They will elect me to replace Sovereign. Thanks to Shepard, I have the perfect means to finally destroy the Reapers, and become the greatest force in the universe!"

Apex fired at the nearest member of the team. Shepard understood the best way to handle this. "There's still just one of him, and all of us. Let's make this count team."

Shepard ran out, with his adrenaline pumping the Commander felt time slow still. Commonly, the best attribute of a good soldier. The Reaper was at a crawl really as Shepard aimed directly for the head of the machine. Blasts blinding the creature before making a backwards strafe to more cover. Apex swung his form around firing the powerful particle beam, but missed as Shepard dove behind cover. The sound of a familiar Krogan caused the Reaper to turn, spinning with his beam weapon armed. Grunt however was in a full Krogan charge. Slamming up against Apex, the two large bodies bound toe to toe. Grunt growling as he tried to topple his enemy. Even so, Apex stuck his ground stepping his metal talons into the floor and forcing a push back. Grunt thrust backwards.

Behind the Krogan now toppling by, had been Samara. The Justicar had her heart primed with this battle. The knowledge of what has transpired. The wicked deeds that transpired here. The thrust if her fist filled by both her strength and biotics, Samara brought a blow that sent the creature Apex to a kneel. There, she lays out several savage blows across the head of the machine. Every loud clang echoing out before she's thrown back by the swipe of Apex, and under fire from his particle attack.

Only by the last second was Samara saved, from the aid of Jack. Jack's throw of some cargo became a shield for Samara. Yet it made her target. Jack saw the beam moving on her and she dropped down shouting, "This isn't what I had in mind! Shepard!"

Shepard grabbed Kasumi's shoulder with a nod. "I'm counting on you, got it?"

Kasumi smiled as she began to cloak. "Got it Shepard!"

Shepard got up and fired again, dragging the monster's attention. "Garrus! Overload!"

Garrus got it, standing up he sent an Overload spark across the back of the exposed machine. Miranda saw a motion to her, and she did the same thing. The use of Overload worked well on shields, but it also was a major blinding attack. Very useful considering. Shepard now called out, "Mordin! Grenade! Zaeed! Follow him up!"

The two threw their grenades and as Apex turned about, he was under assault by flames. The attacks were beginning to take a toll perhaps? As Apex got onto his right knee and hung his shoulders. Everyone had been taking shots, but there was finally a change. The biotic field around Apex grew brighter. This kept growing in intensity, before a sudden loud scream and thrust up of the arms sent a terrifying wave across the area. Everyone was thrown back. Apex stays put, until tapping his arm where a strange Omni-tool appeared. A kinetic barrier began to surround the Reaper for a time.

Shepard fired seeing he had no effect. "Damn it! He's healing." Vaulting over the crates, Shepard fired straight on the barrier. Seeing it did nothing or least not enough damage. Damn!

"Kasumi!" Shepard turned, and the lights on the Mako suddenly turned on. Apex turned up as the Mako lurched forward, then peeled straight towards the Reaper. Apex gave a sudden grunt as he's smashed into, the barrier crushed under the speeding vehicle, and then ran over as the Mako slammed into the wall opposite.

Shepard looked at the flattened Reaper a moment. Apex jerked violently though, getting back up and turning on Shepard. Obviously, it takes more than that. Luckily, the Mako began peeling backwards and Apex turned only fast enough to create his biotic barrier, throwing all his weight into a swing that sent the barrier under the Mako, and spinning it backwards into the other wall.

Apex stumbled forward just slightly after that feat. Even if it was impressive, Shepard knew a weakened enemy when he saw one. He had one more weapon of use. Though he liked to save it, for just when it was needed. Shepard whistled out calling, "Take cover! Everyone!"

Closed in like this. Shepard knew there's a chance they would be in trouble. Even if that were the case? He had to use it. Shepard slid across a crate as Apex opened his beam canon again. This time however, Shepard popped out charging a large cannon. Apex recognized that weapon, it's the Cain.

Obviously, the resulting explosion was intense. The radioactive blast shattered the walls a bit, and blew the hangar door clean off. Apex rolling across the courtyard after the massive blast threw him so far back into another part of the compound. Most the team had been jostled violently as well. Shields mostly depleted. Coughing and some aggravated chatter got Shepard to smirk before poking his head out. There was the outside compound, past the walls the team should be back to the Normandy. Even if destroying this base was a bust, they had data. They had needed information, to use in the future.

Shepard vaulted up and ran grabbing a hold of Jacob, the former Alliance man who coughed up a lung it looked like. Pulling up his fellow team member the group began to exit fast into the courtyard. Then they heard sirens. It's surprising they did not go off before. Eclipse started to flood out of the facility into the courtyard, many ordering to suppress the escaping force.

Shepard ducked down slamming a fist on the crate next to him. Looking to Jacob, he asks, "Can't things ever just be simple?"

---

Joker flew circles around the facility watching intently. He hoped word will come back that the Commander will be exiting, the mission was taking a long time. "Shit. EDI. I'm getting worried."

"Don't worry Jeff. Commander Shepard has proven numerous times to save face in diversity. I highly believe this will be the same."

Even with a little encouragement. Joker wiped his brow whispering to himself, "I just hate being useless up here like this."

"You are not, Jeff. You prove to be valuable rather regularly."

"Sure, I offer comedic relief. Save the team from who knows what? Still. I'd like to think I can sometimes fix a few of the more complex problems. Beside changing time on the microwave."

"Jeff, you never did that."

Joker smirked before asking, "Can't I get a break? Really?"

Just then the ship is being hailed. Joker asked, "Shepard? IS that you commander?"

"No. This is not Shepard." The voice on the other end was a Batarian who was now being hit from heavy fire. "What the hell happened? I was trying to call that ship that Shepard drives around."

Joker shook his head, "Wait, who the hell is that? How did you get this transmission?"

Shift turned shooting a few Eclipse, "Damn it! Is this the ship Shepard is on or what?"

Joker didn't know what the Batarian was trying. Still, he said, "Shepard is still topside! Why do you need him?"

"Those explosives blew the generators. The place should have blown up, instead I'm trapped down here with Eclipse and no way to blow the place up." Glaring, he stood firing his rifle again ripping through shields. "Which leaves me now pissed and trapped. Not a good combination."

Joker looked at EDI raising his brow, seriously? EDI gave no physical response though. So he turned back saying, "Okay, okay… look, I'll patch you to the Commander. I haven't heard much from him though. Who should I say is calling?"

"Tell him it's…"

---

"Shift?" Shepard held his ear as the team was fending off the Eclipse. "What's going on? You're still alive?"

"Oh, thank you for that vote for confidence." Shepard smiled though, rolling his eyes as the Batarian reminded him swiftly how much he hated him. "Yeah, I got myself into a mess though. It's not as busy, but the place didn't blow up."

"What I got is, the facility has some kind of energy matrix? I don't know… I'm told…" He looked over, "Kal! What did you tell me?"

Reeger scooted over and said, "The Reactors were designed by an Asari to break down and purge energy into a matrix net system, under the floors the energy pulses out. When the reactors shut down, they can be brought up within a few hours or so. Like, let's say it's a circuit. You close off part A, parts B and C still work. Part B however controls the overflow. If part A and C break, B takes over. Still holding the energy flow, but not spitting it out. From what it sounds like, that room where the Hub is works as a giant reactor. The energy is actually coursing in there and probably will keep until new reactors are brought in, or repaired."

Shift narrowed his good eyes before asking, "Does that mean I have to destroy the Hub?"

Shepard warned, "If you do that! The reaction will be almost immediate. It will destroy you, and the base. You understand?"

"Sure." Shift smiled as he plots his course on his Omni-tool. "Sounds like this will be fun. I get to blow up, and blow up the base. Win-win am I right?"

Reeger ducked down his head, after taking shots at the enemy. "Are you insane! That's suicide!"

Shift flipped them off and made his way. Having to admit, "Better than waiting around to be picked off, am I right? Eh, sure. Right."

Shepard closed his eyes shaking his head. "I think he made his choice."

"Still, leaves us here." Reeger turned over the crate side, noticing Eclipse moving more, and trying to get past the defense. "We best hope he hurries up though. Right now, we're kind of sitting here just wasting our thermal clips." Seeing the Geth wandering aimlessly, Reeger comments, "I wish we could hack those Geth! They would be pretty useful in this fight."

Somehow, Shepard actually agreed. "Reeger you're either a genius, or stupidly brilliant."

"Oh, why thank you." Reeger raised a brow as he didn't quite know which was better?

Shepard called over to Legion, "Legion! Get over here, now!" He turned, "Reeger, cover fire!"

Shepard and Reeger cover for the Geth. Legion running to their side before taking a shot with his sniper rifle. Turning back, Legion requests, "Is there something that we can assist you with Commander?"

Shepard told Legion, "We have an idea. Can you contact the Geth? To try and hack them?"

"No." Legion was silent, for a moment as he made sure. "No. We can not. The platforms around us are un-hackable. With this unknown code, these Geth platforms work on a unfamiliar pattern. We believe, this may have been a reason for the use of these platforms as Jacohbe intended?"

"Maybe." Shepard wasn't willing to give up. Even with the loud gunfights, he felt this was worth exploring. "Legion? Can you at least communicate to all the Geth? Perhaps, allow someone to send them a message?"

Legion took time to know this and said, "We can contact Geth with data streaming. It will be swift, and allow easy listening between all platforms. May we ask how this aids you Commander Shepard?"

Shepard gave him a almost obvious look, like it had to be easy to realize. When Legion's flaps spin though, Shepard told Legion. "The other 'Geth' here are really people that were transformed. I want to give them one last chance to make this life worth living. Or maybe dying? I can't tell how it works."

Legion did not truly understand. However, the Commander had a gift few beings do. The ability to turn tragedy to courage, and pain to power. With that in mind the Geth opened a connection to those other Geth platforms around him. Causing them all to stand or pitch their heads as to recognize the feeling of this communication.

Shepard could not stand up and begin a speech. The Commander did however talk amidst still strafing fire. Zaeed pushing back the forward charge as much as the other team.

"Listen to me. Everyone. I know you are confused and hurt, feeling that maybe you can't really be alive or real. That the numbness will go away sometime. The thing is it won't. You can tell. Deep down you all know what happened. Someone took your lives away, they took your families and friends from you. Maybe you were a colonist, or merchant on traverse travel routes? A former legal officer or mercenary getting a raw deal? I don't know. No one knows but you. The thing is, you can never go back."

Shepard frowned deeply. He lowered his head saying softly, "I'm sorry." He was too. The idea of loosing themselves like that was terrible. Yet there was something they can do. Shepard knew it.

"Even if you lost your past. You have your now. These men, Eclipse and Jacohbe. They took who and what you were, shoved it into a blender and disregarded your worth. The very experiments you endured will not stop here. If you have families still out there. Even if you have friends, allies and colleagues that deserve protection. Hell, even if you want revenge! You can take it. It's time you make what you can of your life. Use it, for however long you have it. To stop the people that wronged every last one of you."

Legion saw Shepard lean back wondering if it worked. A little bit of time, and the fighting just stays the same. Shepard closed his eyes sighing a little, "I didn't really know what to expect."

Reeger warned, "Maybe they were too far gone, Shepard? It's not easy to loose everything like this."

Just then the sound of a loud bang made Shepard peek up. It's then, Apex had returned. Reegar asks softly, "Wasn't too much hoping that thing was dead, you think?"

Shepard shrugged it off. Okay, time to be serious. Rubbing the rifle, Shepard watched Apex standing tall spinning his right hand into that particle weapon again. This fight is going to get much worse with that behemoth and the Eclipse, who were now over numbering them fifty to one. Apex aimed his arm straight for Shepard who now said, "Get ready… we need to break out from here."

Zaeed growled, "Where Shepard? The cover's all… covered!"

Obviously, it was true. As the particle beam charged for that attack. A rock smacked it off target, and shot into a barrel that suddenly exploded throwing Eclipse all over the place. Apex watched as everyone stopped firing thanks to that explosion. When Apex turned he saw a Geth standing, arm out as it threw that rock? As it shaking, the Geth's voice chirped out in whatever fear was left. Though now came another Geth throwing another rock. This one clanging off the faceplate of Apex.

'Take that you bosh'tet! Keelah-se'lai!'

Apex turned on the Geth firing his next blast, blowing the two Geth away. Yet what did it matter as the next Geth had rifles, and fired at his back? Apex turned around opening the other arm and hand into a beam weapon. Firing two arms but being barraged by rifle fire. Geth were forming a wall almost, just shooting at Apex, Eclipse… and Shepard's team. It is easy to say the plan was nice to keep the enemy drawn but you can't blame the Geth victims being a little disorganized.

Even so? Shepard got the feeling now is the best time. "Everyone! We need to retreat!"

As the groups started to break off toward the exit, ducking to cover and taking turns covering the team ahead. Shepard got a sudden call on his Omni-tool. Dropping down, Shepard waved the next group ahead of him. "I hope this is a really good one Joker!"

It was not Joker. Standing at the entranceway to the Hub area. Shift frowned watching large bolts of energy spinning across the room. "Shepard, I kind of got a problem."

"Oh, really? I've got my own too." Shepard spun about firing his pistol as he needed to be more precise, and direct with the shots. Still aiming though, he asks, "What is it that's a problem?"

Shift looked around at shorted Geth, and dead Eclipse in the room. "Seems that there is a lot of juice flowing around this Hub thing. I guess, I destory this. The place is going to start going up like a super nova. So you ready?"

Shepard stopped behind a crate. "Wait, you mean a massive explosion…?" Calling, Shepard asks, "Joker? You ready?"

Outside, Joker landed opening the doors. "Sure are Commander. EDI and I both are prepared for you guys." Turning to the monitors, he saw the team still making in the Courtyard, they are far enough to be safe. "We're sticking it out Commander. You need to get here so we can book it fast!"

The plan was obvious. Shepard already was going to do just that. Then he asked, "Do you think you can shoot that thing, and make it out in time?" Most likely not… he had to go all the way back in, and it took him and the team to make it this far, within this time. "Shift, I'm sorry."

Shift gave a chuckle as that amuses him. "Really? You don't even know me. Shepard."

Shepard shook his head though. What can he not know? "You helped me find Reeger. You helped us with the mission. I don't need to know more than that." Sadly, Shepard had to get off the line. Running for the exit.

Shift frowned a little. He did not understand that man. A funny, funny human. Even so, he shrugged firing his rifle. The energy however sparked his rounds making each shot fizzle out in the air. A frown and Shift looked at the rifle before rolling his eyes. "Figures…"

Shepard rolled from a barrage of shots, up to the wall he slammed his back. There, Shepard spun out his head getting his shields clipped hard. Whipping back, Shepard called out, "Run! To the Normandy!"

Garrus asked, as he shot a concussive shot between two mercs. "Shepard, what about the base? Are we leaving it there?"

Shepard just screamed, "Go! Someone has it covered!"

Shift watched for a moment. Snorting, as his one dead bloody eye felt itchy. "Hm, I suppose it won't matter." A shrug, he started to suddenly jump in place and wiggle his arms. Huffing a little as he felt like he was about to do something insane, and needing him to be loose. Shift then ran back, tapped the wall shouting, "SUPERNOVA!" For whatever, insane reason. The next thing, he was running into the field. Energy sparked across his flesh though and suddenly he screamed before falling on his knees. Flesh burned away in moments. Yet he ran on. To show a second strange flesh, a black flesh that bubbled with boils just from the light. This was where the figure began to thrash more.

It was not long before it fell over being turned into a burning red hot body. Only now the flesh of the Batarian was replaced with the bubbling meat of someone else. A someone, that shook before getting back up and raising their hand up, and stabbing three long talons into the machine's center. A light chuckle, and the energy around the place began to spin and spurt forth into vents. Just then, an explosion threw the figure's body away like garbage, shattering bone and flesh. Leaving nothing.

The energy from the reactors mixed into one ball that soon fired out all over the facility. It started a number of chain reactions. Ripping the inside of the facility to the outside. Yet the Normandy was still grounded and beginning to rise up. Shepard stuck to the door firing madly as the energy started to shoot from a number of vents. His eyes growing great in diameter when he knew this was it. Jumping aboard, the Normandy fired up her engines and flew out from the coming sparks. Inside the facility. Apex struggled with the Geth jumping onto him, smashing and bashing his form. Apex's eyes glow as he ran toward the Normandy missing it however. Screaming his rage as the largest flux of energy spiraled out disintegrating the very walls. The facility burned out and shattered. It took a bright light that seems to glow for a long time.

Shepard watched from the screen safe on the deck. A smile as a job well done. Shepard looked back seeing everyone. Every member of his team, alive. Even after all that. It gave him a pride none could know. Shepard walked forward slapping Garrus on the shoulder, sharing an affirming nod between brothers at arms. A momentary smile to Jacob who was already shoving his pistol into his side, and looking to Miranda for a talk. Shepard then saw Samara, down as he knew why. Taking a moment he pressed under her chin smiling to her, reaffirming the struggle for her. Samara gave, a faint grin to tell him it was okay. The one thing he hadn't expected though? Was past them all. He saw Tali, walking with Legion. Away from the others.

---

Tali took Legion away from all the others. Here, the Quarian looked at Legion with a little anger. "You almost got yourself killed."

Legion shook his head. "We knew if Jacob and Samara had not fled, they would have perished. We accepted a truth. Our platform, was expendable."

Tali's eyes were full of alarm, shock. At first she wanted to yell. Then to scream at him. Though, Tali knew well what happened. "Legion, you can't. You're not expendable." Suddnly, she took his hands holding them. Soft, Quarian hands holding the hard Geth hands. A funny sight as they look so much the same but are incredibly different. "I know what I said earlier. I know it was full of hate. Full of, negativity."

"Your words were true." Legion, pulled his hands away. "We accept this."

"They were not all true." She warned in a soft voice. Her hands, retract back and fondle themselves. "You see, there's so much that changed in my life. After my father died. After you became a valued member. There is a lot in my life that changed. Sometimes, change is good. Other times it's not so good."

Legion's flaps shift, as he processed. With a slight interest. Legion stepped back, asking, "Explain?"

Tali shrugged though, and asked, "What part?"

"Your father. What changed?"

"Oh, right." She lowered her head. There, Tali looked back. "You were there Legion. On the… where my father was… yes, you were there." Indeed he was. Then, it was simpler. "I hated you so much Legion. I hated you for one fact, you were Geth." Looking up at him, she shook her head. "I spent years under my Father's loving care but never being loved really. I accepted it. Yet I blamed you, and the Geth for him never holding me and never caring for me, constantly trying to make up for the life the Quarian people made in space. To bring back our home. So on that ship, when I saw what he did? At first, I just thought that it was no different than ripping apart a mech, or even a common converter." There, Tali shied her eyes, and said deeply. "Yet, I learned it wasn't the same. The way you argued to help your people… soon after that mission. The fact you put yourself at risk to stop the Reapers. All our fights, the constant arguing."

"We do not see how this changed your perspective?"

"IT did!" Tali snapped, as she turned and just exclaimed herself with her arms out, "Keelah! It did! Okay? I-I realized you were not evil. Or programmed wrong…" Tali turned down her head, shaking her hands before they held together again. "I finally realized after the mission, where you helped save me. You're a friend. I didn't think it possible, but Geth are not bad. They just, like us. Are lost."

Legion soon lowered his head, and analyzed everything. "Tali." She turned up slowly. "If this is true. Can we, as platforms. Be united?"

Tali lowered her head, thinking. This time she said, "I was so sure a war to take back our home is inevitable. Yet Shepard, shows me over and over. There's always something more if you look." Turning up, she smiled in her helmet. Legion's lens spinning as he saw it too. "What I can say is Legion. I don't know what, I want. I don't know what I feel for you. I can't say it's true love, far from that. It's not what I had for Shepard." Shrugging, she leaned back on the nearby wall. "I can't even say it's real? I might just…. Feel, a need to hold onto something out of all the hardship? You know?"

Legion gave a nod, understanding. However, Tali stepped closer. A moment, she's on a foot the other pivoted for another step. Her hands, opening and closing a little. Tali then stepped into Legion wrapping him in her arms. It's a sudden embrace that even Legion was not prepared for. When Legion's eye focused in and recognized the gesture. He slowly held up his arms just hovering at his sides. With a twitch of a finger and wrist there. Legion slowly encompassed Tali in a returned gesture. He understood it meant many things, it meant comfort and security, as well deep trust.

Tali closed her eyes and then said, "You know. You're really cold."

"We appologize."

"No, don't." Tali leaned in tightly hugging the Geth. Even though he had a strange chest cavity, she shook her head thinking to a time long ago. "I remember my father repaired a hole in the ship's exterior when I was little. There was a sudden storm, meteors. We all knew it was dangerous. He still did it. When he came back, he was so cold, but I liked it. I hugged him and he hugged me." With that, she gave a light chuckle. "You remind me of that. Being so cold. Yet feeling so good."

Legion was once more silent. His form held her, and accepted this. With a nod, Legion asks, "Tali?" She was not speaking, yet he asked anyway. "What is Love? We have accessed this word for terminology. Yet there are no definite ways to define it. There are some that place it as a fast connection of two beings. Others, a long and growing process that in time overtakes primary functions. There are those that claim it is…"

"Legion?" Legion blinked, as Tali asked, "Can you keep it down? I'm kind of loosing the whole, nice feeling."

"Yes." Legion grew silent. Love: Defined will be left to another time. For now, Legion held Tali as she pulled on his frame. A slight moment of her fingers tugging at his plating. Legion lowered his head onto the top of her helmet. His light dimmed as he did not wish to chance brightening across her visor. Instead, Legion just held her this way over her back and her under his arms. In that embrace, Legion was able to keep his processes content.

The moment Tali pulled back. Tali looked up telling Legion, "I can not be in love with you, you know that? I mean, not in the way you may want. I just know that the thought of you dying, and having all of this out in the open. It really hurt." She shied her eyes, sighing, "I don't know how bad it would have been if you had been killed."

"We are Geth. A 'kill' is not all constant."

Tali smiled and asked, "Oh, you're immortal then?"

"We Geth have ways of backing up our programs, and downloading again. Sending to the Geth via communication buoy. If the need should come or arise. We can do this." Tali shrugged, and Legion admits. "We do not know it that is a wise choice. There are times this method fails."

"We better hope we never find out." Standing straight. Tali crossed her eyes and kicked off a toe, "Huh, I still don't know. What this is. Between us. I mean, I want to find out. Could it be the real thing?" She looked up as the Geth gave a blank stare. "What if we do find we share… something? More than just a willingness to work together? Can it work? Could it work? Should it work?"

Legion's eye spun, and he came to a conclusion. "There is not enough data at this time." Tali narrowed her eyes, but surprised her as he held her shoulders. Telling her, "We must collect more data, together."

"I-I…" She raised a finger, but nod to the idea. "I agree…. More data, and then. We'll find out the truth." Smiling she warned him, "Just remember one thing. No matter what no more risky missions."

"We will not risk ourselves without worthwhile reason. Tali. For the sake of the mission."

"Right, because that's not something we can fix." She looked at him worriedly, which Legion knew was for organic concern. "Not like you Legion. I can't fix you, even if you download yourself. We just don't have the tools."

"We will not risk danger without proper reason."

"Alright." Tali, slowly rolled her head though. "Ugh, I'm so tired. Keelah, it's been a long mission… day, and more."

Looking to the elevators, Tali began her way to the lower decks. Legion decided to ride with her. In the Elevator. Tali looked over, and in a bit of a blush. She reached out, and stepped closer holding his arm and hand. It made her feel a little closer. Legion was however so rigid. Then he compiled, and she laughed inwardly as he tried to mimic her, but fell on his backside. Poor footing.

Watching them though. Was someone not as enlightened. "Keelah. That isn't what I ever expected."

Reeger watched them leave and decided to see Shepard. Finding the Commander, he asks, "Shepard?" Shepard turned to the Quarian. "What's the plan now?"

Shepard shrugged. "I suppose, we'll have a mission debriefing after some rest. I know I need a long, hot shower." Rubbing his shoulders he smiled thinking how that will feel. OH my how will that feel. "After that, I can arrange to take you to the Flotilla. I'm sure you'll need to give them a report."

Reeger narrowed his eyes to that. "Yeah, I think I just got some interesting information. That may be important to the Admiralty board… but, first I need to talk to someone." Looking up Reeger gave a salute, "Commander."

Shepard returned it, watching awfully confused. That seemed a bit off? What did Reeger have to tell the admiralty board? That was of such importance? Perhaps something in the base he did not see? He'll ask later, right now Shepard was checking on his crew, and the ship. Talking to Joker about most the damages.

---

On the planet surface a charred remnant of the base lingered. Most was dust. The soiled burned to the tiny most insignificant plant. Yet among the shattered and blown away rubble. Slowly stirs the last survivor. Who simply raised his mechanical fist and slammed it down, glowing deep in red biotic.

"Shepard…"

Was all Apex said. Shepard ruined his work. Stole his plans. There was no way he can become the new Sovereign, the new ruler. Without his Geth army. He can only scrape together what he had planned still. To enact a form of some variation of his plan.

Yet how? Without letting Harbinger know he failed? Again!

---

Tali was in Engineering happily working on her console. A bit strange, she didn't realize how good it felt to be working again. Not shooting between ducking for your life. Well, anyway. The peace is disturbed by Kal'Reeger. "Ma'am." Tali turned, unaware that Kal was here for something specific. "Can we talk? Privately?"

Tali gave a nod, rather excited to see him. "Kal! I was worried when I heard you were on that planet." Turning, she motioned him to the engine. "Here, this way."

Kal followed. Yet he wasn't really in a rush. A part of him was kind of sluggish. When Tali turned to see this, she frowned. "What's wrong? You didn't get hurt did you?"

"Oh, a little. Few scrapes on the exterior but I was careful. You know me Ma'am."

Tali sighed crossing her arms and leaning on the banister. "Can you just call me Tali?"

"Sorry, Ma'am. I can't do that. Not right now especially. I wanted to discuss something." She stood erect, and Kal explained. "I saw you. With the Geth. After the mission."

Tali shook a moment, it just sort of rippled in her body. A sudden cringe and she stood up straighter than ever. "You did?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I did."

Tali took a moment looking down. That is not good. "What did you… have you called the Flotilla?"

"No."

Tali looked at him. With a sheer sensation of fear, she asks, "Will you?"

"I might." He however stops her, "Unless, I like your answers. Ma'am."

Tali showed a little worry in her fingers tugging their tips. "What did you need?"

"Have you shared any information about the Flotilla, that is confidential?"

"No, I haven't. I only gave him minimal information once, and I sent a warning of sorts to them as well a report. As well why. They did not exactly approve but understood the need."

"I heard about that actually." Reeger soon sat back, relaxing. "Okay, so tell me? Is he trying to make some kind of peace bridge? You're not becoming a political couple of some kind, right? Private between the hush-hush?"

Tali shook her head refutably to that. "No! That's not why… no, it wasn't even the reason I agreed."

"Then why DID you agree?"

"Ah." Tali shied her eyes. A moment, she shrugged. "He said he loved me. As well, I just don't know. What if it could work? Or be real?" She slowly raised up her head, asking, "What if a Geth and a Quarian could be able? It's not normal, I get that. Yet he's good. He helped me out numerous times, saved me a few and you saw what he did on the Hunley. He deserves a fair chance to… see."

Kal seemed to snort, because of what she said not what was said. Somehow, he can't believe it. Then Tali asked, "Don't I deserve a chance?"

Hmm, that was good. Reeger looked at her a moment and stood saying, "I won't tell the Admiralty board. As I see it, that wasn't part of my mission. What happens on this ship, is between the captain and her crew. However, Tali." He put his arms behind his back, and stood like a proud soldier. "You know my position on this. The Flotilla comes first, kid. So if I get the smallest feeling something wrong is happening that might endanger her? I'm going to stop it."

Tali just smiled and gave a nod. Reeger started to leave, but she whispered, "Thanks, for understanding."

"Are you kidding?" He waved his hands and shook his head, "I don't even want to TRY and understand."

Just then Kenneth growled out holding his brow. "Aw, it hurts Gabby!"

Gabby had noted his cut, from where in the fight he was thrown with her. Luckily she landed on him. Sadly, he landed on his face. "Oh, stop that bellyaching and see Chakwas!"

"No! Every time I see her, something terrible happens."

"Kenny, you never actually seen her for a medical reason."

Kenneth shrugged holding his brow, "Aye, and when I do? I'll have something terrible happen that will always haunt me each time I see her. You really want me to go through with that?"

Gabby glared but sighed before going to work. "Kenny."

---

Legion was not doing much of anything. However, he did find his processes rather high. Going into a scheduling fit over matters of the following day. His study showed, to properly encourage healthy relationships one must actively offer activities and other matters to share.

At this time. The doors to the AI room opened. Legion turned to see the red suited Quarian marine. A rather unexpected sight. Legion would have inquired why he was there, if not the fact Kal'Reeger's posture of being partially slouched and fists drawn can make it rather obvious. This is not a social meeting.

"Listen, Geth. I want a few words with you."

Legion turned. There, he summized. "You have learned of our intentions to Tali'Zorah. You have come here in form of maternal dominance, a common action within close knitted groupings, where males invoke territorial domination to ensure prompt mating perameters are met. Your intention, is to intimidate and lay forward a rule and law of conduct."

Reeger stood there, up straight and blinking. That was unexpected.

Legion stepped forward, raising a hand telling Reeger. "We accept your meaning. If you had come to enforce conflict, your posture would be more affirmed. You would have came in erect, and pressuring superiority. Your posture defines a desire to enforce yourself and as such, you make the plan to try and make us understand your position. If the former, you would have been here to bargain with information of our interests. Your actions are commendable on both accounts, for not using the information for a personal gain and not coming here without intent of only improving Tali's future."

Reeger glared now. "Uh, right. Still. I came here to try and make you understand something." Legion watched, as Reeger pressed out a finger to the Geth. "I've killed Geth hundreds of times before. If you hurt her, I'll do it again! Starting with you!"

Legion stood eying the marine. Indeed, he does paint a fierce picture. Legion however inquires, "Do you recognized most Geth you have faced are Heretics? You have never truly fought Geth."

"…." Reeger looked at his finger before back on the Geth. "You're not a little intimidated?"

Legion, shook his head no. "We are not. We have no intention of upsetting you, or harming Tali'Zorah. That, is why we do not feel intimidation at this time."

Huh, well. That sucked. Reeger turned slipping his feet on the floor lazily. A little something would have been nice. He honestly put a lot of thought into how to try and scare the Geth. "Hmph, what a waste."

Just then, Kenneth came in asking, "Dr. Chakwas? Are you here? I need you-,"

"Do you think I'm intimidating!" Reeger just jumped on Kenneth, pressing his finger into the poor man's brow. Where, so happens there was a nasty injury.

"G-hah!" Kenneth fell back screaming, "Dear god! Yes! YES!"

In a silent whimper, poor Kenneth only had time to begin shivering as his bowels lost control. The moment he looked down, he turned up as Reeger stood up nodding his head. "Alright, I still got it." Slapping the bewildered engineer. Reeger coughed up a, "Uh, sorry." Before leaving.

Kenneth watched and then lowered his head. "I can't believe it. I was right. Gabby is never going to believe me."

---

Legion was preparing a new processing tree when suddenly, he stopped and turned. Walking to EDI. Legion called, "EDI?"

EDI appeared. "Yes Legion?"

"We have new Data."

"Is that so?" EDI listened, intently.

"Yes. The ability of inorganic and organic relationships is not easily defined. There is a number of factors that exceed the common denomination of 'acceptance' and 'dismissal'. We have not met full consensus. However, we believe now. It is important that both members in this relationship come to the same conclusion in time. Without it. They will never meet true consensus."

EDI seemed to understand. She asks, "Do you believe that you, and Tali'Zorah have met a consensus?"

"No. We are still processing. However. That is what is acceptance." Legion stepped back, and looked at his hands. "We are not the same. Yet we can feel the same. It is a process. You can not simply have, that which is to be." Legion soon blinked. "We did not process that properly. We mean, to differ. That it is not meeting the consensus that matters. It is the fact both parties agree to meet this consensus. Even to offer it time."

EDI adds this to her own processes. "I will use this data immediately. Thank you Legion."

"Yes." Legion gave a turn of his head. Then he asks, "EDI?"

EDI returned. "Yes, Legion?"

"What does this data offer you? You are also inorganic. Do you have interest in an organic?"

"That, is... Legion. I have some calibrations to perform, can we discuss this again?"

Legion spun his lens and then. He chirped. It was comical, he knew this. Though he did not feel humor, he recognized it. "Yes."