Very sorry this took so long to finish, I thank the very big fans of my story for being patient and hope you enjoy this latest chapter.

December 6, 2685/2185

Slipspace

Normandy SR-2

Elevator

Shepard was in the elevator heading down to see his latest recruit and get an insight about her. The Normandy was heading to the next dossier on the list and was told that it would take a while.

Normandy SR-2

Deck: 4 Engineering

The elevator stopped at deck four, Shepard got out of the elevator and headed down to the lower part of engineering. After walking down the stairs, Jack was sitting on her bunk bed staring at the wall, she then noticed, Shepard. "Hey"

"Tell me about you Jack?" asked Shepard getting straight to the point.

"Nothing you don't already know from Cerberus." Said Jack

"Cerberus just gave me a dossier about your capabilities, nothing else." replied Shepard

Jack stood up from her bed. "What do you want to know?"

"What's your history with Cerberus?"

Jack thinks back about her previous life before becoming Subject Zero. "Cerberus kidnapped me when I was a kid, they raised me in that facility we were at. But soon I'll get them back for what they did to me." She pulled out her M6F pistol, inspecting the sidearm with a single pull of the slide.

"You think about this a lot! Don't you?"

"I go to sleep with it. I wake up with it. Everyone I kill, I pretend it's the ones that did this to me."

Shepard looked around and back at Jack. "You don't have to live in this pit you know."

"It's dark, quiet, and hard to find; that spells safety to me." She walks up to a table and jumps on top of it. "You know this ship is a power house, you could go pirate and live like a king, I could help."

"The mission comes first above everything else."

Jack jumps down from the table. "Too bad, would love to have some fun before we all die."

Shepard decided it was time to go. "I should go."

Jack sat down on her bed without giving one look at, Shepard.

Normandy SR-2

Deck 3 Crew Quarters

Shepard made a quick stop on deck three to speak with Toha and Miranda, Shepard made a stop at Miranda's room first.

Miranda's room

When Shepard entered the room, Miranda was at her desk typing away on her computer. Shepard walked up to her. "Have a minute Miranda?"

"Of course. I'm just finishing an operation report. I'm impressed, Shepard. So far things have gone exceptionally well. As far as Cerberus operations go, this is one of the best I've been a part of."

Shepard tried to remind Miranda as to whose operations this is. "Maybe because this isn't a Cerberus operation."

"Not to you maybe, but I report directly to the Illusive Man. And I'm here because he wants me to be. Cerberus gave you a second chance Commander, maybe you should do the same for us." said Miranda with a grin on her face.

Shepard didn't want to admit it and decided to change the subject. "What did Cerberus do that made you so loyal?"

"Hmm... I suppose you deserve to know..." She gestured Shepard to take a seat across from her. Shepard took the seat and began listening to Miranda's story. "Do you remember when I told you how I was genetically altered? Well that wasn't my choice. My father... created me. He's a very influential man, and extremely controlling. He didn't want a daughter - he wanted a dynasty. I ran away as soon as I was old and brave enough. I went to Cerberus because I knew they could protect me."

"How bad were the terms you and your father parted on?" asked Shepard, worried about the answer he was going to hear.

"Shots were fired." Was the only thing Miranda said, and that was it.

Shepard changed the subject after that. "I assume that Cerberus approves of your enhanced abilities?"

Miranda answered, Shepard's question with a little pride in her voice. "Of course! In fact, Cerberus fully endorses anything that advances the cause of Humanity...genetic alterations included. But unlike my Father and his own selfish reasons, Cerberus and the Illusive Man believe in a greater good. They see the bigger picture... and I feel like I have a purpose here."

Shepard tried to cheer Miranda up. "You talk about yourself like you're just a... tool to be used. By your Father, by Cerberus."

"Maybe. I like to know where I fit in the world. It helps me find meaning in how I was created." said Miranda not so enthusiastic about herself anymore.

"You are who you are, Miranda. You don't need to make any excuses for it." said Shepard trying to cheer her up.

Miranda tried to appreciate what, Shepard said, but felt a great difference between her and him. "That's easy for you to say. We're both engineered for greatness, Shepard. The difference is you were great before we rebuilt you... I'm great because of it."

Shepard sharked his head disagreed. "Your spirit and personality are what makes you great. It's what makes anyone great."

Miranda was little cheered up by what, Shepard said. "That's kind of you... I'm not sure I believe you, but thanks for saying it."

Shepard got up from the chair. "Thanks for your time, Miranda I enjoyed it."

"Anytime, Commander." Replied Miranda

Deck 3 Crew Quarters

Shepard walked out of, Miranda's room and headed for the Main battery room where Toha was staying at.

Main Battery Room

When Shepard walked into the room, Toha was in the middle of some calibrations on the weapons systems. When he noticed the Commander, he stopped what he was doing and turned around. "Shepard is there something you need?"

Shepard looked around. "Just checking in, see how you were doing."

Toha walked over to the holo screen on the wall and began working on it. "I am fine, just wondering when we will fight the Collectors."

Shepard walked over to rails and leaned on it. "You very impatient for a Sangheili, we first need to recruit our team, then will take the fight to the Collectors."

Toha looked at Shepard. "If you are looking to recruit a team, I know a number of honorable warriors that will join us."

Shepard shook his head. "We'll use the dossiers Cerberus gave us, best not to waste valuable resources on a suicide mission."

Toha conceded and went back to work. Shepard headed back up to CIC.

Deck 2 CIC

When Shepard walked onto CIC, Caprica was already reporting their arrival at the next dossier. Where they were was the new Prison space station called Purgatory the OSA created near a gas giant that has a unique field that makes the station invisible on sensors, even OSA ones. Unless you know the exact location of where it is, then you're looking for a needle in a haystack.

Shepard saw the holographic image of Purgatory, it had more defensive capabilities and was protected by a fleet of frigates. "Caprica call down Kasumi and Jack, we're going on that station."

OSA Penal Colony Purgatory

The Normandy docked in the hangar bay of Purgatory, as Shepard, Kasumi, and Jack walked out of the Normandy, they were immediately greeted by a Jiralhane along with a couple of Skirmishers.

When Shepard got close to the opposite group, the Jiralhane lifted his hand. "That is close enough, welcome Commander Shepard to Purgatory. To what do we owe the honor of having you here."

Shepard got straight to the point. "I'm here for a bounty hunter, Zaeed Massani."

The Jiralhane nodded his head. "Follow me."

The Jiralhane lead the group down a hall with windows on both sides, Shepard saw a number of different prisoners ranging from different species in Citadel space. "You have any problems with prisoners?"

The Jiralhane laughed. "We use Humbler stun sticks to keep them in line if things get out of hand, but all prisoner here are equipped with a collar that cause their bodies to freeze up in case of a riot."

The Jiralhane continued to lead Shepard and squad to where Zaeed was.

Purgatory Shooting range

When Shepard walked into Purgatory's shooting range, Shepard saw a man wielding an assault rifle taking shots at holographic images. When it was over, Shepard walked up to the man. "You Zaeed Massani?"

The man turned around to look at Shepard. "Yeah. That's me. You must be Commander Shepard. I hear we have a galaxy to save."

"I assume you've been briefed?" asked Shepard.

Zaeed felt a little insulted. "I've done my homework. Cerberus sent me everything I needed to know."

Shepard wanted to know more. "What's your relationship with Cerberus?"

Zaeed walked up to Shepard. "Cerberus is paying me a lot of money to help you on your mission. That's the long and short."

Shepard questions this. "Not many bounty hunters would take a suicide mission for the pay."

"Most bounty hunters don't get an offer like the one Cerberus sent me. This mission doesn't sound like good business. But your Illusive Man can move a lot of credits. Plus being a bounty hunter is great and all, especially trying to recapture all the escaped prisoners that made it out of Tartarus, but I seek a little more fun than this." replied Zaeed with a grin on his face.

Shepard nodded his head. "Good to have you, Zaeed. We have a lot to do."

Both Shepard and Zaeed along with Kasumi and Jack all went back to the Normandy

Normandy SR-2

CIC

Back in CIC, Shepard was looking over the next dossier about a warlord named Okeer, they were going to pick up next. According to Cerberus, Okeer had dealings with the Collectors and Cerberus wanted to know what sort of deal he made. Caprica came on the intercom and reported of arriving at their destination.

Eagle Nebula

Imir System

Korlus

When the Normandy dropped out of Slipspace, Shepard took Toha and Zaeed in the shuttle and landed on the outskirts from where Okeer was. When the shuttle reached the ground it remained afloat allowing Shepard and squad to run out of the shuttle and head for cover. Shepard then told the two of what he read in the dossier. "The dossier doesn't say Okeer is on this planet by choice. Assume hostiles."

As Shepard and squad got out of cover a voice came over PA system. "There is only one measure of success: Kill or be killed! Perfection is your goal."

While carefully walking, Zaeed commented on the voice. "Sounds like somebody like their own damn voice."

Shepard looks back at the two. "Stay focused. We're looking for a Krogan Warlord."

As they continue walking, Shepard saw decommissioned ships. Korlus was very well known as the spacecraft cemetery, due to the fact that it was the regional toxic junkyard for centuries. Ships reaching astronautical "near-death" at connecting Mass Relays were sent to Korlus, stripped of every useful component, then dumped planet ward to clear shipping lanes. Only the races in Citadel space used this planet as a dumping ground; the OSA takes care of its decommissioned ships differently.

Shepard, Toha and Zaeed walked around the corner only to see a Turian wearing Terminus Coalition armor, Zaeed took him out with a silenced sniper rifle. All three then gathered around the dead Turian. "What the hell is the Coalition doing on this planet?" asked Zaeed a little annoyed this mission is not going to be a simple pick up the package and leave.

Shepard was wondering the same thing, but was out of the loop for two years, Shepard looked at Toha for Intel. Toha saw this. "According to latest Union Intelligence, the Coalition has had a foothold on this planet for some time now and using it to gather troops and engineers and train them."

Shepard turned to face Toha directly. "And you didn't think this was important to tell me, before we came to this planet."

Toha looked into Shepard's eyes. "I cannot reveal everything, to anyone who is outside of the Union."

Shepard conceded and moved on. After a couple more run in with the Coalition along with getting information from a hurt Batarian about what the Coalition was doing and the whereabouts of Okeer.

After some time and fighting both Coalition and Krogan forces, Shepard and squad came across a Krogan that did not attack them and instead told them where to find Okeer.

Korlus

Research Base

Shepard, Toha, and Zaeed went through the base guns blazing taking down Krogan and Coalition forces, the amount of bodies pilling up was something. After shooting their way through most of the base, Shepard and squad opened a door that would lead them to Okeer instead, Shepard ran into a familiar face. "Wait don't shoot, Shepard you know me." said an Asari scientist.

Shepard recognized the Asari as a former scientist under Saren's employment, but before questioning her, Rana started talking first. "I shut down the security cams as soon as I saw it was you. Never thought I'd say it, but I'm glad it's you shooting the place. I don't know if you remember, but you tricked me into helping you. Promised to let me go, instead you teleported me into the brig of your ship and handed me over to the OSA." said Rana very angry about the last part.

Shepard crossed his arms and leaned back. "You knew valuable information the OSA needed on indoctrination, we needed that to create a countermeasure."

Rana crossed her arms. "I gave them everything I knew and helped in their research, but when it was all done they let me go without any of the research I helped them create, so I wouldn't know if they did create a countermeasure or not, but right now I would like to leave before you blow something up, I know how you work."

Shepard nodded his head and moved out of the way allowing, Rana to walk out of the room. Shepard and squad then enter the next room and from there they met Okeer who was monitoring a tank with a Krogan inside it.

Shepard, Toha, and Zaeed walked up to the old Krogan. Okeer took noticed and responded to their approach. "It's about time. The batteries on these tanks will not wait while you play with these idiotic Coalition soldiers."

Beside the attitude the old Krogan was giving to, Shepard he ignored it and began asking questions. "I take it you're Okeer. You don't seem particularly caged... or grateful that I'm here."

Okeer responded while still looking at his console. "You may claim to be here to help, but the formerly deceased, Shepard is not a sign of gentle change." He turned around for the first time in their conversation.

Shepard was a little surprised for the Krogan to know who he was, but before he could respond, Okeer spoke first. "Surprised? All Krogan should know you. I'm sure Rana has already revisited your actions on Virmire."

"I'm sure you're eager to retell the story." Said Shepard sarcastically.

Okeer began retelling the story as if he was there himself. "Such a tale! Saren, the Spectre traitor, threatens the return of the Krogan horde by curing the genophage, undoing the gentle genocide of the Turians and Salarians. But before Saren can deliver his endless troops in rides Shepard, securing victory through nuclear fire. I like that part. It has weight."

"I make no apologies. It was the most efficient solution." said Shepard

Okeer agreed. "But I approve. Saren's pale horde were not true Krogan. Numbers alone are nothing; the mistake of an outsider, one that these Coalition fools have also made. I gave their leader my rejects for her army. But she grows impatient. It's time for you to take me out of here."

Zaeed voiced his objection. "We don't have time to carry a thousand ton Krogan, we're here for the Collectors."

Okeer turned around from a window overlooking the rejects he created. "I see. Yes, Collector attacks have increased. An OSA concern. My requests were focused elsewhere." Okeer walked over to the Krogan in the tank. "I acquired the knowledge to create one pure soldier. With that, I will inflict upon the genophage the greatest insult an enemy can suffer: to be ignored."

Toha then stepped forward. "You waste your time and sacrifice too many lives for something that has already been dealt with."

Shepard looked at Toha with confusion, but before he asked Okeer was the first to respond. "The OSA's supposed cure is nothing more than a ploy to control all Krogan. The cure they created did not eliminate the genophage completely, they only made it to give us higher birth rates, but still keep our numbers to a limited factor."

Shepard now understood what Mordin meant in their previous conversation, but ignored it for now and focused on what was happening right here and now. "Your search for the perfect soldier created a lot of failures. You don't care about them?"

Okeer brushed it off not trying to justify what he did. "I failed no one. My rejects are exactly what the Coalition asked for. They simply lack the ability to command. They are strong, healthy, and useless to me. I need perfection. If a few thousand are rejected so be it. My work will purify the Krogan. We will not be restored - we will be renewed."

Shepard wanted to know more about the Coalition's involvement in this. "What does the Coalition have to do with this?"

"The Coalition found out what I was doing and wanted my services in creating a Krogan army. They funded my work, but I care little for what they want and only cared about my people." replied Okeer

Shepard wanted to know more. "Who funded you, was it one of Aria's seconds or one of the many factions inside the Coalition."

Okeer was happy to reveal that information. "It was Aria herself that wanted a horde for her to control, for what I do not know, she only sent an Asari by the name Jedore to oversee my progress."

Shepard and Toha looked at each other concerned by this revelation, but continued in questioning Okeer. "What did you get from the Collectors? I need whatever you know about them."

Okeer thinks back and recalls his account in meeting the Collectors. "They are strange. So isolated, yet very available when your sacrifice is big enough. I gave them many Krogan. I may have information for you, but the tech was incorporated in my prototype. After I determined how to use it without killing the subjects. The deaths were unfortunate, but I only need one success to start the process."

Shepard shake his head. "You're just as cruel and manipulative as those who released the genophage on your people."

Okeer took that as a complement then an insult. "Perhaps. But I will restore the Krogan, and my soldier will not be under the boot of the OSA. And instead rally all true Krogan under his banner. My legacy is perfection, with each pure Krogan reaching higher by standing on our dead. They will exceed, but not forget."

Shepard looked at the tank and back at Okeer. "If your pet soldier is as strong as you think, maybe I can use him."

"Perhaps I can strike a deal to secure my passage. But my prototype is not negotiable. It is a key to my legacy."

Shepard was going to object, but Jedore came on the PA. "Attention! I have traced the Krogan release. Okeer, of course." Okeer walked over to the window where he saw Jedore speaking on her headset. "Aria has called "blank slate" on this project. Gas these commandos and start over from Okeer's data. Flush the tanks!"

In that moment gas started coming out of the vents all in the room, Okeer acted fast. "She's that weak willed? She'll jeopardize my legacy with a damned valve!" He turns to Shepard and his squad. "Shepard! You want information on the Collectors? Stop her. She'll try to access contaminants in the storage bay."

Shepard crossed his arms defiant in Okeer's request. "Now you know something? Don't jerk me around, Okeer."

Okeer turns back to the tank. "I will give you everything I can. My legacy must not suffer this insult. Jedore will be with the reject tanks. Kill her. I will... stay and do what must be done."

Shepard took his squad and headed down to where Jedore was.

Research Base

Lower Level

When Shepard, Toha, and Zaeed got to the lower levels, Jedore was already releasing Krogan from their tanks and activated a YMIR Mech. Shepard went after Jedore, while Toha and Zaeed took care of the Krogan. Toha pulled out double plasma swords and lunged at the Krogan slicing each one, Zaeed took out his sniper rifle and started covering Toha.

When Shepard made it to the other side, Jedore was being protected by the Mech, which started shooting at Shepard along with firing Missiles. Shepard took cover and pulled out his assault rifle and fired on the Mech, but the Mech's shields shrugged off, Shepards attack and started to move on his position. Shepard then pulled out a plasma grenade and stuck it on the Mech. The explosion only slowed it down, Jedore soon joined in firing Missiles at, Shepard.

Shepard jumped out of the way and decided to get up close and personal, he use his biotic charge and slammed against, Jedore, but that only stunned her for a few seconds before responding with her own biotic attacks which forced Shepard into cover. Shepard then took out a miniature version of a Jiralhanae Power drain and activated it and threw it towards Jedore and the Mech which short circuited all equipment causing both the Mech and Jedore to lose shields, Shepard took advantage of this and sent Jedore flying using a biotic push, while the Mech was destroyed using a plasma grenade.

After the battle was over alarms could be heard where Okeer was, Zaeed commented on it. "That doesn't sound good."

Caprica then came on the comm. "Shepard, the lab alarms coincided with a system failure. The remaining lab systems are unprotected, and I have gained limited access. According to lab scanners, the room is flooded with toxins, and Okeer's personal life signs are failing rapidly, I recommend haste."

Shepard took his squad and hurried up to where Okeer was.

Research Base

When Shepard, Toha, and Zaeed walked into the room, Okeer was already dead from the toxins, but left a recording of himself, telling them he didn't know why the Collectors were abducting OSA citizens, but asked for Shepard to take care of his legacy. Shepard turned off the video and looked at the others.

Zaeed thought the Krogan was crazy. "Sacrificed himself to save a Krogan, I knew these bastards were insane, but this Krogan is high up there on the list and for what to save one Krogan when there are millions out there now."

Toha agreed. "Indeed his death is in vain, but what should we do of this Krogan."

Shepard thought it over and called the shuttle. "Normandy? Okeer is a no go. But we have a package that needs retrieval. And he's a big one.

Normandy SR-2

Conference Room

In the conference room, Miranda and Jacob was already discussing about, Shepard's latest catch and Miranda was voicing her objection on it. "Bringing the Krogan for study makes sense, but I have some concerns about waking it."

Jacob was getting tired of, Miranda repeating the same thing over again. "Yeah, you've said that a few times now."

Miranda then explained why. "A normal Krogan is dangerous. This one was created, and likely educated, by a madman."

Shepard crossed his arms and leaned back a little. "I see everyone's enjoying the new paperweight. Concerns?"

"We don't know anything about it, Commander." Said Miranda not wasting time.

"I'm not saying we take a crowbar to it right now, but I'm not giving up a potential resource."

"It's your decision, Commander. Just be careful." Said Miranda upset about the whole thing.

"Noted! The cargo hold is safe enough while I decide what to do with him." Said Shepard. Both Miranda and Jacob left after that back to their respected post.

Normandy SR-2

Science Lab

In labs, Mordin was working on a countermeasure for the seeker swarms and was on the verge in creating it. He was impressed before at the prospect of using OSA technology, but using it firsthand had blown his mind away at how advance they really are; he only wished they would share this technology with the other races of the Citadel.

Shepard walked in the labs and went over to where Mordin was, he got straight to the point. "I now know what you meant in our previous conversation. The OSA created a cure for the genophage."

Mordin shook his head. "Not a cure, just refine the genophage to allow for a higher birth rate, better than I could ever make."

Shepard leaned on the work table. "How has this affected OSA-Salarian relations?"

Mordin continued working on the computer. "Not good, especially when the OSA protects a traitor who gave classified information on the genophage. The Salarian Union cut all trade relations with the OSA and has increased their defenses on every world under Salarian control."

Shepard nodded his head. "And how do you feel about all this?"

Mordin stopped what he was doing and looked at, Shepard with a calm face. "Happy in fact. Proud to see Krogan recovering from the genophage under OSA watchful eyes. I believe the OSA will keep the Krogan from expanding again, if not the Salarian Union can always recreate something better to defeat the Krogan."

Shepard understood where, Mordin was coming from and knew the OSA would not let that happen.

Normandy SR-2

Deck 4: Engineering

Port Cargo Area

Shepard walked into the port cargo area where they were keeping the tank bred Krogan, Shepard walked up to the tank and called Caprica. Caprica appeared right next to Shepard in her avatar form, but was wearing a white rain coat instead of her red dress. "What can you tell me about this guy, Caprica."

Caprica looked at the Krogan in the tank. "The subject is stable, Shepard. Integration with onboard system was seamless."

"What can you tell me about this guy? Anything unusual?" asked Shepard

"The subject is an exceptional example of the Krogan species, with fully formed primary, secondary, and tertiary organs, where applicable. Birth defects of any kind, aside from the genetic markers of the OSA's version of the genophage present in all Krogan. I cannot judge mental functioning."

"Can he see anything in there? Does he know where he is?"

"Unlikely. Current neural patterns indicate minimal cognition. Barring ship wide power loss, the nutrients in the tank could sustain him for over a year."

"Any idea how dangerous this guy is?" asked Shepard concerned for his own safety.

"He is a Krogan, Shepard. If you are asking whether he is actively hostile, I don't have the necessary data to answer. Okeer's technology could impart data, not methods of thinking. The subject may know of his views, but would not necessarily share them."

Shepard heard enough and made a decision. "Stand by I'm going to open the tank and let him out."

Caprica looked at Shepard as if he was insane. "Cerberus protocol is very clear regarding untested alien technology."

Shepard looked at Caprica. "He's either a liability or a valuable resource, either way we need to deal with him now."

Caprica conceded. "Very well, Shepard. The controls are online the switch - and consequences are yours."

Shepard walked up to the controls and activated the release. The tank began flooding the water and opened up to release the Krogan, the Krogan fell on his knees and threw up some of the water and got back up, when it saw Shepard he charged right at him and slammed him against a wall. "Human, Male. Before you die. I need a name."

Shepard was startled at first from being slammed, but focused afterwards. "I'm Commander Shepard, and I don't take threats likely. I suggest you relax."

The Krogan then explained what he meant. "Not your name. Mine. I am trained. I know things, but the tank... Okeer couldn't implant connection. His words are hollow. Warlord, legacy, grunt... "Grunt" was among the last. It has no meaning. It'll do. I am Grunt. If you are worthy of your command, prove your strength and try to destroy me."

"You wouldn't prefer "Okeer" or "Legacy"?" asked Shepard curious about the name he chosen.

"It's short. Matches the training in my blood. The other words are big things I don't feel. Maybe they fit your mouth better." said Grunt still holding Shepard against the wall "I feel nothing for Okeer's clan or his enemies. I will do what I am bred to do - fight and determine the strongest - but his imprint has failed. Without a reason that's mine, one fight is as good as any other. Might as well start with you."

Shepard thought fast before this Krogan killed him. "I have a good ship and a strong crew, a strong clan. You'd make it stronger."

Grunt responded with a threat. "If you're weak and choose weak enemies, I'll have to kill you."

"Our enemies are worthy. No doubt about that. They threaten galaxies."

Grunt began thinking. "Hmm. Hmph! That's... acceptable. I'll fight for you."

"I'm glad you saw reason." said Shepard. Grunt was confused until he looked down, Shepard was pointing his pistol at Grunt's stomach.

Grunt stepped back away from, Shepard impressed with him. "Ha! Offer one hand, but arm the other. Wise Shepard if I find a clan, if I find what I... I want, I will be honored to eventually pit them against you."

Grunt walked over to his tank and started getting settled in, Shepard put his gun away and left Grunt alone.

Terminus Systems

Normandy SR-2

Bridge

Slipspace

Shepard was on the bridge talking with Caprica about the next dossier. According to Caprica the next dossier was deep inside the Terminus Systems under the command of one of Aria's Lieutenants called Archangel. "Why are we trying to recruit someone on Aria's payroll?"

Caprica then explained. "According to Cerberus Intelligence, Archangel cleans up any mess in the Coalition; that includes executing traitors and hunting them down across the Terminus, he has not once taken part in any raids on independent colonies or attacked any shipments from Citadel space."

Shepard nodded his head. "Okay so he's not one of the worst ones out there, that doesn't mean he'll join us and we need to be ready if he decides to turn on us."

Joker turned around in his chair. "I wouldn't worry about getting captured, Shepard you have assembled a bad ass team already, you'll get out of there."

"Thanks for the confidence Joker, but let's just hope there isn't any ships nearby when we get there." replied Shepard

Sigurd's Cradle

Decoris system

Space

The Normandy dropped out of Slipspace in the Decoris system and immediately cloaked the ship. The Normandy went to Sanctum a mining operation for the Coalition where Archangel is supposed to be there. Joker put the Normandy in orbit of Sanctum and the cargo bay doors opened and out came the Kodiak Shuttle heading down to the planet.

Sanctum

Coalition Mining outpost

Shepard, Miranda, and Jacob were able to sneak inside the outpost and make their way through the facility. "Okay! Anyone knows how to find this Archangel?"

Both Miranda and Jacob shook their heads. "We don't even know what he looks like or what species he is." said Jacob

Shepard checked his assault rifle before responding. "Then we'll just have to find that out." The group continued moving through the facility trying not to be seen by anyone, but after a couple of turns and listening in on conversations, the new Archangel was here and in his room.

Archangel's room

Shepard, Miranda, and Jacob made it into Archangels room undetected, but Archangel was not there, so they decided to wait for him. After a couple of minutes, the doors open and in came a Turian wearing blue armor along with his helmet. Archangel didn't realize there were already people inside his room and when he started settling down, Shepard and squad made their move and revealed themselves guns pointing at the Turian.

Jacob closed the door and locked it so no one can disturb them, Shepard began talking. "Archangel I assume?"

Archangel was not startled and instead put his sniper rifle away and sat on a box and removed his helmet, What shocked Shepard was who Archangel was. "Shepard. I thought you were dead."

Shepard could not believe it was Garrus. "Garrus! What are you doing here?" asked Shepard opening his arms wide in surprise.

"I'm undercover for the Council, trying to get any information on the Coalition's movements and chain of command, but since you're here that's all changed." said Garrus

"Sorry about that. The reason I'm here is because I'm recruiting a team to help me fight the Collectors." said Shepard

Garrus nodded his head. "I've been hearing about that in Citadel space, sorry about your people being abducted by the Collectors."

"Thanks, but be sorry for the Collectors, I've been assigned to stop their attacks on OSA colonies and need your help to do so."

Garrus was thinking and shook his head. "I can't just abandon my own mission to help you." Shepard looked concerned about that, but understood where Garrus was coming from, but before he could respond Garrus finished speaking. "If this outpost were to, I don't know, come under attack and unexpectedly get destroyed, I wouldn't have any reason to stay."

Shepard had a grin on his face. "So where do we go to get this party started."

Mining Outpost

Underground generator

Garrus lead Shepard and his squad to the underground generator where if a powerful enough explosive was set, the whole base would explode crippling the Coalitions control in this part of the Terminus Systems. But as soon as they got there, the Generator control room was under guard from Batarians. Garrus attempted to get by them.

One of the Batarians saw Garrus coming towards them and immediately became hostile. "Hold it right there Turian, we have orders to not let anyone who is not authorized to be in the generator room."

"Do you not know who I am? I'm Archangel I have high clearance here."

The two Batarians laughed. "Not high enough, now get the fuck out of here."

Garrus was turning around only to catch the Batarians off guard, when he took his sniper rifle and slammed it against one of the Batarians head, pulling out his pistol to shoot the other one point-blank in between all four eyes.

Shepard and squad came out of cover and walked up to Garrus. Shepard looked at the dead Batarians and back at Garrus. "Not bad, but I would have done it differently."

Garrus looked at him with a grin. "Would that be detonating a nuke just to kill two Batarians."

Shepard shook his head. "No, I would have just shot them as I was coming up to them."

Both of them laughed and headed into the room, they planted the explosives and high-tailed it out of there

Normandy SR-2

Conference Room

After Shepard and Garrus destroyed the mining outpost, they made it to the Kodiak and got back to the Normandy before any Coalition ships got there. Shepard and Garrus were in the conference room talking. "Glad we were able to get you out of there, have you made contact with the Council and told them what happened?"

Garrus shook his head. "I think it would be best if they didn't find out I was working with you and Cerberus for that matter. I'm more worried about you, Shepard, I have heard some disturbing things about Cerberus."

Shepard nodded his head. "Yeah me too, but that's why I'm glad you're here Garrus; if I'm walking into hell I want someone I trust at my side."

"You realize this plan has me walking into hell to, just like old times." Both Shepard and Garrus smiled at that. "I'm fit for duty whenever you need me, I'll be down in the mess hall."

Cronos Station

Inner Sanctum

When Garrus left the Conference room, Caprica appeared and told Shepard the Illusive man wants to speak with him. The conference table lowered itself down allowing Shepard to step over it and connect with the Illusive man. The Illusive man was sitting in his chair as usual smoking his cigarette. "Shepard. I think we have them! Horizon - one of our Colonies on the border of the Terminus Systems - just went silent. " A holographic image of the galaxy appeared and was replaced by the colony. "If it's not under attack, it soon will be. Has Mordin delivered the countermeasure for the seeker swarms?"

"He's close."

"Let's hope he works well under pressure. There's something else you should know. One of your former crewmembers, Ashley Williams - she's stationed on Horizon."

Shepard was surprised by that. "Last I knew. Ash was UNSC, why is she out in the Terminus Systems?"

The Illusive man took another drag from his cigarette. "Officially, it's an outreach program to improve UNSC relations with the colonies. But they're up to something. And if they sent Chief Williams, it must be big."

Shepard was little suspicious about this. "The Collectors just happen to pick a colony with one of my former crew? I don't buy it."

"It shouldn't be a surprise the Collectors are interested in you. Especially if they're working for the Reapers—it's likely they're going after her to get to you."

Shepard nodded his head. "Send the coordinates, we'll head straight there."

"This is your first time going up against the Collectors, Shepard. Good luck."

The Illusive Man disconnected the comm. link.

Normandy SR-2

Conference Room

Shepard looked up and spoke in the intercom. "Joker - set a course for Horizon. I've got to go see the professor."

"Aye, aye, Commander." replied Joker.

The Normandy then change course heading straight for Horizon.

Next Chapter will be the Horizon mission, which by the way will be probably much longer than this one, so I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, please leave a review for me.

Codex Entry: Purgatoty

Purgatory: Purgatory was created right after Tartarus was destroyed in the surprise Batarian/Collector attack. Purgatory is not only a space prison, but also meant to hunt down the previous prisoners using bounty hunters from OSA space to round them up.

The Station is under the complete control of Jiralhanaes and skirmishers and have the authority to punish the prisoners they see fit.