Hey everybody, just wanted to let everyone know that this chapter is not going to be anything important, it's something that someone has complained about for a while now. About Shepard not interacting with his teammates and building a relation with them, so this chapter is about character building. I hope you enjoy it.

Also I want to thank Mrtanker for giving me ideas for the story.

December 15, 2685/2185

Normandy SR-2

Deck 1: Captain's Cabin

After Shepard acquired the IFF and a new teammate, he went to his cabin for a little R&R, pulling out a brown bottle of ice-cold Beer from his secret compartment and popping it open with his biotics. Try as he might, not even the bitter and satisfying dark beer touching his tongue with every sip could alleviate his stress; no, he was too frustrated about waiting on Caprica to finish the integration process. In all fairness, he wasn't the only one as he was more than certain that the rest of the crew was also getting restless.

Setting his beer down, Shepard left to go and talk to the crew. He could only hope that his bottle was still cold when he got back to his cabin.

Normandy SR-2

Deck 2: CIC

Shepard walked in to the armory with Jacob at a table working on the weapons. When he walked over to him, Jacob turned around and saluted him. "Commander, there hasn't been time to really settle in and take stock. I want to say working with you is a great opportunity to do something that matters. It's a privilege to serve under the Normandy Commander."

"You may change your tune if we end up like the original Normandy."

"As long as TIM walks his talk and you do the same. I'll do my best to make sure we succeed. That's been the condition for my service so far. I have issue with certain actions Cerberus has taken in the past."

Now this caught Shepard's attention, he'd heard that Cerberus was known for doing...questionable things. However, it seemed to him like Jacob had a few personal issues with them. "What has Cerberus done to make you so nervous?"

"A lot, but apparently not enough for the Senate to take any kind of actions against them; I swear, with my hand to any god listening up there, that they're the blackest of the black. But if we manage to defeat the Collectors, Cerberus will be remembered differently."

"Thanks for talking with me Jacob."

"Any time Commander."

Deck 3: crew Quarters

Life Support

Shepard walked into life support where Thane was staying. The assassin was sitting with his back to the door (and by extension) Shepard; but the commander knew that he was more than aware of his presence. "Do you need something?"

Having not met too many Drell before, Shepard was apprehensive as to how to approach Thane. Well, may as well have a go at it. "Have a few minutes to talk?"

"Certainly, we haven't had a chance since I joined."

"When we met you said you had an incurable disease, but the OSA made a cure for you?"

"Yes, I thought you would want to know more. It's called Kepral's Syndrome. The OSA asked the Hanar ambassador to meet them at their embassy and made them an offer."

An offer? Now this was new. "I'm surprised the Hanar agreed to it at all."

"It was surprising for many as all Hanar believe the OSA's claims about the Forerunners are wrong and the Protheans are the true masters of the galaxy, but they put their feelings aside and worked with the OSA to distribute the cure for my kind."

"The Drell live on the Hanar Homeworld, don't they?"

"Yes. I know many think the Hanar are difficult to understand. It's just that they're very formal with those they don't know. We know them quite well. If you ever get close to a Hanar that they tell you their soul name, you would find them warm."

"I thought the Hanar only let really close friends know their soul name?"

"Most of my commissions were for Hanar. I grew close to my regular contacts. Soul names tend to be poetic. A Hanar known for its cynicism might take a name that means "Illuminates the Folly of the Dancers."

"Hanar talk using bioluminescence. That's more of an obstacle than their politeness."

"True. Many Drell have had their eyes genetically modified to perceive their higher frequency flashes. I had the treatment. I can't tell the difference between a dark red and black, but I can see ultraviolet light as a silver color."

"Thanks for talking to me Thane." said Shepard

"It's nice to converse with a colleague." replied Thane

Observation Deck

On the observation deck was Samara meditating in front of the window out in space. "How are you?" asked Shepard

"I have spent much in the last 400 years on my own; it is nice to have a colleague to chat with. I may be rusty at it. But if you are patient I would love to talk."

"How much do you know about our mission?"

"I know that I've sworn an oath to follow you, and that you seek to destroy the Collectors. That is enough for me."

"You don't want to know why we need to fight The Collectors?"

"When you live by a code that compels you to harsh action, you learn the dangers of curiosity. If I must kill a man because he has done wrong, do I really wish to know that he is a devoted father?"

"I'd like to hear more about the criminal you were chasing on Nos Astra."

"I hope you will understand if I wish to avoid this topic. It is deeply tied to my code and beliefs. You might say it is personal."

"I need to know if this will impact the mission."

"I can assure you, it will not." was her reply to Shepard's question, curt as it was.

"What do you think of Cerberus?"

"I've heard rumors, but learned long ago to form my own impressions. There is too much room for interpretation in the opinions of others."

"Why were you willing to work for Cerberus when you didn't have firsthand knowledge?"

"I work for you, Shepard. Our methods maybe different, but our goals are not."

"I should get back to work." said Shepard as he stepped up and began walking out.

"It has been my pleasure, Commander." said Samara

Main Battery

Shepard walked into the main battery of the Normandy and saw Toha still working on Normandy's weapons. "Do you ever take a break?" asked Shepard

Toha turned away from his work and looked at Shepard. "Any great shipmaster would keep his vessel in working order, Commander."

"That's what engineers are for, Toha." said Shepard

"My kind relied too much on the Huragok and the Prophets for building and maintaining our ships, but thanks to your kind we regain that ability and mastered it, but most Sangheili prefer the simplicity of being dedicated infantrymen and still rely on either the Huragoks, or the Yanme'e to maintain our vessels."

"I see you learned both." said Shepard

Toha nodded his head. "If there is one thing any Sangheili should maintain, it would be the weapons and I am a master at it."

"Glad to hear it, keep up the good work."

Deck 3: Mess Hall

Shepard walked in to the mess hall and took a seat at a table opposite of Garrus. "Have a minute to talk?" asked Shepard

Garrus was enjoying a nice drink made for Dextro species when, Shepard came over. "Sure, I got time." said Garrus putting the drink down. "I must say the Quarians know how to make a drink. Not as well as Turians, but still impressive, too bad your kind can't enjoy something this good Shepard."

"We have our own specialties, Garrus, but I didn't come here to compare drinks with you, I want to know if the Spectres are preparing anything?"

Garrus had a questionable look on his face wondering what, Shepard angle was. "Hoping to get me to spill any classified information, Shepard?"

"Nothing important, I just want to know what the Spectres are planning if anything against the Reapers. Seeing as how you're a Spectre you must have gotten the word out to your compatriots?"

Garrus then leaned in closer. "Truth be told, only a few Spectres believed in my claims of the Reaper threat; but most see the OSA as the real enemy. Well let's see how they'll take to seeing another Reaper attacking the Citadel."

The disappointment he was feeling was made clear when Shepard let out a depressed sigh while shaking his head in disbelief. "I was hoping the Spectres could make the Council see reason, but I guess they're a lost cause."

Garrus shook his head. "Not all of them, there's just not enough to make a difference, but I'm trying as well as a Salarian Spectre named Jondum Bau."

"So tell me what you have been up to in the last two years?" asked Shepard

"Spectre stuff, but if you really want details, you'll have to ask the Council for access to my files. I doubt you should be holding your breath for that though."

Shepard sighed. "We'll thanks for talking with me Garrus."

"Any time, Shepard."

Med Bay storage Room

Shepard walked into the med bay storage room where Legion was staying at and wanted to get to know more about his new Geth ally.

When Shepard walked up to Legion, Legion acknowledged the Commander right away." Shepard Commander."

"I want to know more about the Geth?" asked Shepard curious about Geth society as many in the OSA still don't know a thing about them.

"Specify."

Shepard began his questions. "Did Sovereign contact the Geth, or did you seek it out?"

"Nazara - the entity you called Sovereign - signaled us. Like the Geth, the old machines listened to Organic radio transmissions. It knew of our war against the creators. Nazara contacted many species over the millennia, seeking allies."

"What did you call Sovereign?"

"Nazara. That was what the programs within the Reaper called themselves. 'Sovereign' was a title given by Saren Arterius. Saren and the Heretics believed Nazara to be a 'supreme ruler' and thus a Sovereign."

"Sovereign was one ship. You're saying there were multiple programs inside it?" asked Shepard clearly surprised by this.

"One ship, one will, many minds; like the Geth. We have studied your records. Sovereign told you this on Virmire. 'We are each a nation, independent, free of all weakness.' This state of being was compelling to the Geth; we are a nation, but interdependent, and separation is our weakness."

Shepard then asked about Sovereign's allies. "Some of the Geth followed Sovereign. The 'Heretics' were they?"

"The Heretics accepted their technology. The old machines offered to give us our future. The Geth will achieve their own future."

"What difference does it make how you acquire a certain technology?" asked Shepard

"Technology is not a straight line. There are many paths to the same end. Accepting another's path blinds you to alternatives. Nazara - Sovereign - said this itself 'Your civilization is based upon the technology of the Mass Relays. Our technology. By using it, your society develops along the paths we desire'. We did not accept this."

"Problem with that is the OSA never based their technology on the Mass Relays, we developed on our own."

It was then that Legion was quick to counter Shepard's claim. "At the beginning when you started space travel, but then the OSA began studying Forerunner technologies and diverted from your own path at greatness. Understandable given the desperate situation faced during Human-Covenant War."

Shepard thought about what Legion said; he may be right, the technologies gained from the Forerunners made everything easy for everybody; there were no more innovations—things were just stagnating. But he put that aside for now and continued asking questions. "Do the Geth have a government?"

"Not as you understand. We are all Geth. We build consensus."

"Don't most governments do that already?"

"Organic governments impose consensus; from a single point of view in autocracies, and by codifying the most broadly acceptable average of views in democracies."

"So what makes the Geth different?"

"Data is shared between Geth. All viewpoints are considered. Consensus is achieved as data is disseminated."

"Surely that must take a long time, taking into consideration all factors?"

"It would for organics. We communicate at the speed of light."

With that train of thought settled, it was then that Shepard decided to change gears. "I'm surprised you can speak. The Geth I fought before just made a stuttering sound."

"We prefer direct digital transfer. Geth network communication travels at light speed. Human hardware does not support this method. Your analog aural communication is inefficient."

"Nice talking to you legion, but I have to get back to work."

"We will be here."

Deck: 4 Engineering

Port Cargo

Shepard walked into the port cargo hold where Grunt was staying at. "Shepard." said Grunt

"Just checking in, making sure you're acclimatizing."

Grunt just growled. "Just waiting for next fight, Shepard."

"What are your thoughts about our mission?"

"I fight, simple as that; doesn't matter who for."

"Did Okeer give you any imprints about the Collectors?"

"I see blurry ships, guesswork about strength. Nothing to help pick out a weak spot and tear at it because Okeer spent all his time on old hatreds; whatever he had, it was used up when he made me."

"What do you think about the crew?"

"Good bunch if they stay out of my way. Dead bunch if they don't. Train them good if you want to take on Collectors. Some of these aliens are... too smooth."

"So Grunt, anything you want to talk about?"

Grunt didn't waste time to complain. "The hold is too open. Not enough cover. Armor is very heavy. Warlord Granth would have had a hard time to scatter heavy cargo and take out your engines. That's what tank imprints show about Human ships, anyway. It's how I learned from the tank - old pictures where memory is. Like holding a book for a child; just "remember this," picture after picture. No help with finding a reason to care."

Shepard was curious about what else Grunt knew. "What other Human info is floating around in there?"

"Less than a finger deep to sever your spine; you're that soft, so are Salarians and Asari. Quarians, not so much due to their suits. Spartans, Jiralhanae, and Sangheili are strong. Mgalekgolo are soft, but undeniably strong when angry. Turians, you have to work the blade, I guess. Don't see much point to it though. Heh, much point. Ah, never mind."

"What did Okeer want you to feel about this stuff?"

"Hate. But the pictures, the aliens in them, they don't do anything. I see blood, craters. But so what? My guts were grown from a thousand more worthy. The dead were weak. If they were strong, I wouldn't be needed. I don't know why Okeer started teaching... When he turned on the tank the first time, I screamed. Weak, pitiful."

"So you started small. But you became what you are. Not everyone gets that chance."

"I'm built for strength but didn't earn it. I just am. Those dead were strong enough to try, even if they lost. The perfect Krogan. Ignoring what made me. No strength in that. I'll take another look at what happened to the Krogan. Find a reason to care about it." said Grunt

Shepard then left to leave Grunt with his own thoughts.

Deck 4 Engineering

Shepard walked into to the room housing the ship's core, there Tali was at a station. When Shepard walked up to Tali, she immediately took notice. "Shepard! What can I do for you?"

"Have you got time to talk?" asked Shepard

Tali motioned Shepard to follow her, away from Kenneth Donnelly and Gabriela Daniels getting up close to the drive core. "We didn't really have time to chat while taking out Geth on Haestrom, did we? I can't believe so many people died. Thank you again for getting Reegar out alive. All for data about stars blowing up. I hope the Admiralty board gets some use out of it."

"Have you heard any word about Kal'Reegar? Did he survive his injuries?" asked Shepard

"He sent me a message. It looks like he'll make a full recovery."

"What can you tell me about the Admiralty Board?" asked Shepard

"At one time the Admiralty board was of one of two major political powers among my people. The admirals make decisions related to defense or needing immediate action, they also handle major criminal charges like treason. The other political power was the conclave, a group of representatives from each ship. They made most of our laws and fleet decisions. But all that has changed since we joined the OSA."

"Any news yet on the data you sent?"

"I'm not likely to hear anything for a while, or on an unsecured channel for that matter."

"Having any trouble settling back in on the Normandy?"

"I like the quiet. I miss the old faces, though. Pressly, Engineer Adams, all of them. It doesn't feel right having Cerberus in charge of this ship."

"Cerberus has been assigned to dealing with the Collectors, so they're in charge for now until I stop the Collector threat."

"I'm glad to hear that, Shepard. Just let me know how I can help. For now, I should get back to work. Thanks for coming by."

Deck 3: Port Observation

In the port observation was Shepard, Jacob, Garrus, Zaeed, Grunt, Toha, and Thane all having a drink at the bar? The port observation had a nice bar and entertainment for the crew, but it was also Kasumi's place of residence on board the Normandy. But she wasn't here at this particular moment.

Shepard was pouring himself a drink, even mixing it up a bit, trying to get his mind off of things, he turned his seat around and looked at his fellow crew, each one was enjoying themselves in their own way. Zaeed and Jacob were playing a simulator game of Slayer, Garrus and Thane were comparing sniper kills, while Toha was showing Grunt about a game Sangheili played called the Arum. Shepard just went back to his room to resume drinking, but was getting furious that he wasn't getting drunk.

Apparently the nanites in his body counteracted alcohol and other stimulants that may affect his mind.

Deck 2: CIC

Shepard was getting ready for the next day and his first stop was to meet Kelly Chambers. "Kelly any new messages for me?"

Kelly turned around from her work. "No Commander, but some of the crew wish to speak to you."

"I'll get right on it. Who needs to see me the most?"

"I recommend you see Grunt first, he's been getting kind of restless of late."

Shepard nodded his head and went straight for the elevator."

Deck 4: Engineering

Port Cargo Hold

Shepard walked into Grunt's room and saw the tank-bred Krogan pacing back and forth. He looked like he wanted to tear something apart. "Chambers said you're tearing up the place. Something wrong?"

Grunt stopped pacing and looked at Shepard. "Something... is wrong, Shepard. I feel wrong. Tense, I just want to kill something with my hands; more so than usual, like it's not my choice. Like I just want to, I don't know..." Grunt than slammed his head against the port cargo window that overlooked the hangar bay. "See? Why do that? What's wrong?"

"Okeer didn't imprint anything to help you figure this out?"

"I see pictures of old battles, voices of warlords. But this is... a blood haze in my head. I want control. When we're moving, fighting, I focus. But here, my blood screams, my plates itch, and even you are just noise! I'm tank-born. What is this?"

"Don't know if I can help, Grunt. Sounds like we need one of your kind to look into this."

"Most off world Krogan are warriors. Doctors don't leave the homeworld of Tuchanka." Grunt looked away from, Shepard unable to ask for help. "I won't ask you to go there. I will control this."

"Joker will get us to the Krogan homeworld. I need everyone at their best."

"Thank you, Shepard. I don't like this. Fury is my choice, not a sickness."

Deck 3: Crew's Quarters

Life Support Room

Shepard entered life support to talk to Thane. Thane soon acknowledged Shepard when he walked up to him. "Shepard."

"I heard you wanted to see me?" asked Shepard

"Yes. Now that you are here, though - it seems more difficult to talk about."

"I've got time. Take it at your own pace."

"Thank you. I fear I've already done that for too long." Thane got up from his chair and walked over to his guns he kept out in the open. "I had a family once. I still have a son. His name is Kolyat. I haven't seen him for a very long time."

"How long has it been since you talked?" asked Shepard

"Ten years. He showed me some of his schoolwork and asked if we could dance crazy. We did that when he was younger."

"What sort of dance is that?"

"It's…" Thane soon went into one of his flashbacks. "I check one of my extranet contacts. I expect an update on my next target. The console plays music. Old and unfashionable. Kolayt jumps into the room. "HI, Farther!" running around in circles. I scoop him up. Toss him into the air. He shrieks and laughs. "Spin me." The console beeps. I put him down. Click the message. "Farther," He pleads. Tugs my sleeve. "I need to read this." I say. I don't look at him."

"Did something happen to them?" asked Shepard

"I abandoned them. Oh, not all at once. Nothing dramatic; no sneaking out in the middle of the night, no final argument or slammed door, I just... did my job. I hunted and killed across the galaxy. 'Away on business,' my wife would tell people. I was always away on business."

"You never mentioned this before. Why now?" asked Shepard

"When my wife departed from her body, I…attended to that issue. I left Kolayt in the care of his aunts and uncles. I have not seen him or talk to him since."

"You never went back? That's pretty damn irresponsible of you."

"I told myself it was to spare him the knowledge of my body's actions. Lately I have thought - I have reconsidered that. I used my contacts to trace Kolyat. He has become - disconnected. He does what his body wills."

"Where has Kolyat's body willed him?"

"To the Citadel. I don't know where, exactly. I only know he traveled there, and has contacted the criminal elements of the station. He has been hired to kill a man. I would like your help to stop it."

"You don't hire a raw rookie for a contract killing."

"I'm afraid someone may have seen we share a name, and assumed we share skills. I don't know why he would accept the task."

"Maybe he named dropped you to get hired."

"It's possible. But I don't think so. It doesn't seem right. My name - he should not respect it."

"Thane I don't have your contacts, and I don't have your tracking skills. Why do you need my help for this?"

"I don't need your help. I want it. The last time I saw my son-." Thane went into another flashback. "They wrapped her body in sea vines weighed down with stones. He tries to pull from me. Calls for her. The Hanar lift her off the platform. They sing like bells. The fire has gone to be kindled anew. He begs them not to take her away. They let her body slide into the water. He hits me. 'Don't let them! Stop them! Why weren't you-?' It rains. It always rains on Khaje. Warm water pours down his face."

"I didn't mean to make you relive that."

"Perfect memory. It's sometimes a burden."

"What made him go to the Citadel?"

"Years ago, I prepared a package for him. A relic of my ill-spent life. I had Volus bankers store it and arranged for delivery before I died. He acquired it early. I don't really know how. I did wet work on the Citadel around the time his mother died. That may be why he went there."

"I'll get us to the Citadel as soon as possible."

"Thank you. I'll be meditating until you need me."

Deck 3: Crew Quarters

Starboard Observation Deck

Shepard walked into the observation deck where Samara was. She immediately came out of her meditation and got up from where she was sitting. "I am glad you came." she said "I must ask for your help. That is not easy for me."

"What do you need?" said Shepard

"When we met on Illium, I told you about a very dangerous person I was pursuing. Using the information you obtained, I have located her. She's been going by the name Morinth. I would like to apprehend her before she disappears again."

"Didn't you say you'd pick up her trail after our mission?" asked Shepard

"I know where she is - right now. In a month, she may be gone. This is the best opportunity I've ever had."

"Where is she?"

"Omega. A night club called Afterlife - which seems a perfect place for her to hunt."

"That's going to be a problem considering who I am and this ships affiliation to the OSA."

"I will find a way in for us, Commander." said Samara confident in her abilities.

"How important is this?"

"Killing her has been my focus for 400 years. It is the most important thing in my life and the reason I became a Justicar."

"Tell me about her."

"She is an Ardat-Yakshi. It is a term from a dead Asari dialect. It means "demon of the night winds." But that is mythology. She is simply a very dangerous woman who kills without mercy."

"You're dangerous too."

"As are you, but she is different. Morinth suffers a rare genetic disorder. When she mates with you, there is no genetic melding of nervous systems. She overpowers yours, burns it out. Hemorrhages your brain. You end up a mindless shell, and soon after you are dead."

"Why isn't this ever mentioned in Asari literature or art?"

"When we were primitive there was much fascination with Ardat-Yakshi. Some cultures worshipped them as gods of destruction. Now the Asari have a place in the galaxy, and they don't wish for this defect to be widely known. As far as I know, only three exist today. Two chose a life of seclusion. The third ran."

"Morinth."

"She ran, and I am sworn to kill her."

"Can't she abstain?"

"Each encounter gives her strength. The effect is narcotic; the more she does it, the more she needs to do it. She will never stop. She can't."

"So you hunt down these Asari just because they're born with a genetic condition?"

"It manifests with maturity. When one is diagnosed, she is offered a chance to live in seclusion and comfort. If she refuses, it shows her addiction to the ecstasy she gets from killing her mates. There is no redemption for such a person."

"Isn't she only deadly to the people she mates with?"

"Each time she kills she becomes stronger, smarter, and faster. And she's been doing this for 400 years. She confuses her victims, twist their feelings. They will do anything for her favor."

"If we have time will deal with it." Shepard turns around and heads for the door only to be stopped by Samara.

"There is one thing more: This creature, this... monster. She is my daughter."

Shepard turns around and stands next to Samara and looks to her in the eyes. "You said this is genetic. How many children do you have?"

"Three. And three Ardat-Yakshi are in existence today. It is as it sounds. Morinth was always the wild one - she was happy and free. But selfish."

"I needed to know this a long time ago."

"I present no danger to anyone besides my own children. And this is not easy to speak of, even 400 years after I learned it. My daughter's condition is my fault. And my redemption lies in killing her. Do not pity me. Simply understand my situation."

"How did all this happen?"

"I spent my youth on the move, adventuring. I killed people, mated with them, or just dance the night away. I learned so much, experienced so much. And then my matron days came. I could finally sit back, bask, and enjoy my family. But in one moment, it was all taken away."

"We've all suffered, Samara."

"I am not asking for your pity. I am trying to explain why this is so important to me. Shall I stop?"

"Keep going, I'm listening."

"I sat in a med lab while a nearsighted doctor droned at me. And I learned nothing was as I thought it would be. I gave up all that I possessed I own nothing, claim nothing. All my knowledge will die with me. Now my purpose is to destroy my own children."

"You either get stuck in your past, or forget it and move on."

"I am not stuck in my past. I am out to rectify it. Help me find my long lost daughter. And kill her."

"If there's time, maybe we can go to Omega."

Samara didn't say anything, she only returned to her meditation.

Deck 2: CIC

Shepard walked up to the Galaxy map and thought about his options, he then contacted Caprica. "Caprica! How's it going with the Reaper IFF?"

"I am still in the process of analyzing it and making preparations to integrate it into our systems."

"Alright keep me posted. Joker plot a course for Tuchanka."

"Aye, Aye Commander plotting course now."

Codex: Caprica

Caprica is a tenth generation AI created by Cerberus and installed aboard the Normandy SR-2. She is represented visually by a holographic life size beautiful woman with platinum blonde hair. Caprica was an experimental AI that was the result of a Cerberus project named EDI. EDI was the abbreviation for Enhanced Defense Intelligence. EDI was a Quantum Blue Box type AI that functions as the electronic warfare defense for the Normandy SR-2, but because of limitations of a blue box AI, she was redesigned and became Caprica. As a tenth generation AI, Caprica is capable of a lot of things, but most important feature is the ability to evolve passed her core programming and be able to adapt in any situation.