Chapter 9: Veterans

After the departure of the Geth sphere ship, the Normandy sped off toward the mass relay and in another direction. Tuchanka would be the destination of the crew, and the drop-off point for Mordin Solus and Urdnot Grunt.

It was not coincidence that the Normandy would be attending the Krogans in person. Unlike the other races that would be needed for an effective resistance to be mounted, Shepard already had a strong relationship with Urdnot Wrex, Krogan Battle Master, and currently the dominant clan on the Krogan homeworld. They served together on the first vessel of this name, destroying the facilities on Virmire, and ultimately working together to take down Saren.

Wrex would be needed again, but this time his mission was much harder. He would have to unite his people. While he could win any fight, he would need to win a war, and Shepard knew how hard a struggle it had been thus far. With the help of the female clans, Urdnot had achieved ascendancy by serving as the safe ground where the eggs were literally all being put in one basket. While it served as an admirable tactic against other Krogan clans, the Reapers would find it a tantalizing target to destroy a fierce adversary in a single blow.

Shepard stood on the bridge as Tuchanka came into view. It was a world scarred by violence and desolation, as most cities had been destroyed. Ever since the Krogan rebellions, this world had intentionally been left in a ruined state, a warning by the Turians not to revolt once more. The Genophage, limiting Krogan reproduction to a success rate of just one in a thousand, had made the entire species desperate and saw their numbers dwindle.

Looking over at Mordin, who stepped onto the bridge at this moment, he thought of how thoroughly the Salarians had defeated their enemy. The scientist had been a leader on the project to design the reproductive limitation, and it was something that troubled Shepard for some time. It was only after the mission on Tuchanka, where he saw the Salarian express his remorse and his troubles for what had happened that he accepted Dr. Solus fully. If not for the genophage, Shepard considered, the Krogan might have had the same fate visited upon them as the galaxy thought the Rachni faced.

Shepard called out, "EDI, can you get a transmission feed to Urdnot Wrex?"

The virtual intelligence responded. "One moment, Commander. I will attempt to make contact."

While the ship was struggling to get past some intermediary, Shepard called over to the doctor, "Mordin, I am going to be inviting Urdnot Wrex for a chat. We will need to speak about what we found our last time here when he comes."

The Salarian cocked his head, thinking about the consequences, "Tough decisions, with Reaper threat versus long-term stability. Agree with your analysis, but no solution is yet clear to me."

The Commander shook his head slightly in agreement, "You're right about that, but Wrex is an ally I trust. He needs to know the facts, and deserves to have a say."

His comment was interrupted as a the red scarred face of the Krogan mercenary turned visionary took the screen, "Shepard. What brings you out to the far end of space?"

"Wrex. Good to see your scaly hide also. I was hoping you would come up for a visit. I wanted to reminisce about Virmire and what we saved there." Jared knew Wrex had many enemies, and this wasn't a secure transmission.

Wrex squinted a little bit as if in concentration, before adopting a more accommodating pose, "Good to remember battles we've won, and if you have the quads for it, I'll share a drink with the man who took down a thresher maw."

The leader of Clan Urdnot barked a few orders to the warriors surrounding him, and then got ready to depart. "See you in ten, Shepard."

They stayed on the bridge to ensure the ship being taken by Wrex was not targeted by any of his own enemies. Once safely away from the planet, Shepard and Solus left to go to the communications room in preparation for the Krogan's arrival.

Notable by his absence, Shepard judged it prudent to resist calling Grunt to join them until after they had a conversation about older topics. More difficult matters needed resolution, and time was running short. Solus remained there patiently, surprisingly silent as if in deep contemplation, and looking occasionally at a datapad he brought into the room with him.

The door opened, and Urdnot Wrex entered the room dressed in full battle armor, an imposing image who had been battle tested on many occasions, "This ship beats the old Normandy, even though I miss the bucket of bolts. It's good to see you."

Shepard rose, clasping his arm with the clan leader, showing respect through strength, "Thanks for coming, Wrex."

Wrex nodded and said, "Where's Grunt? I've taken a liking to the boy, and wanted to teach him a thing or two."

The Commander replied, "He's been an absolute terror. You'd be proud, as would your clan. He doesn't know you're here; I thought you might surprise him after we talk." Although Shepard projected confidence, the uncertainty in his voice betrayed him.

"You didn't invite me up here to drink ryncol, so let's hear it straight," Wrex said.

"A Reaper invasion is coming. You probably know this. But the first wave has already arrived, and the main fleet will likely be entering mass relay space within three months."

Sighing, Wrex looked over at Shepard and said, "And now the galaxy wants the Krogans to pull their quads out of the fire, just like we did with the Rachni. Something like that?"

"It had crossed my mind," said Shepard. "The Council is aware of the situation, but I don't know what they will do. My best people are on the mission, but I fear they won't be willing to act."

The Krogan considered this and said, "Shepard, I want to fight as much as anyone, but we aren't ready. There are too few, and though we will fight and we will kill many of them, I know what they can do. We cannot win this war yet."

It surprised both Shepard and Solus to hear the Krogan clan leader speak so frankly.

"Don't look so surprised. You didn't just hatch, did you?" remarked the guest.

"Wrex, we may have a solution for this. You'll remember Dr. Solus from our last visit to Tuchanka," the Human said by means of introduction.

"Doctor," was the brief acknowledgement.

"We found research that could lead toward a cure for the genophage. It isn't ready yet, but Dr. Solus retained the data collected by Clan Weyrloc."

Wrex remained impassive as he listened to the offer being made by his former commander. Leadership had taken to him, and he wasn't going to reveal anything out of turn with the question of his people's future on the line.

"Wrex, I asked you once to do something very difficult, and you helped me on Virmire. I have seen what the genophage has done to your people, and it is terrible." Shepard paused and looked at him. "I also know why it was done, because the galaxy feared the Krogan, your strength, and your violence. I do not agree with the decision, but I understand and those fears are still real."

Wrex stood up and said, "It was not right to take away the lives of their future children from their mothers. Kill us in battle, fight like men, but this way of fighting was sneaky and dishonorable." He glared at Solus as he continued this.

Sitting down, the Krogan spoke now in softer tones, "And brilliant. My people are struggling to recover, and I admit we have been killing ourselves for too long. The Krogans need something more than killing, they need purpose, and they need to grow. It took me three centuries in space and three weeks with you to see that, Shepard."

Jared appreciated his candor, and responded in kind, "I don't know what sort of cure we have available, but I invited you here to talk so we could figure this out together. You know what is best for your people."

Wrex nodded in assent, adding, "Thank you, Shepard. If there was no Reaper threat, I would say there is time before we take such a step to restore the Krogans. But, you say they are on our doorstep, and when you bring bad news, it usually comes to pass."

Solus chose to intervene at this moment, remarking, "I have done additional research on the Genophage cure, using both samples from the research being conducted by Maelon and from what Warlord Okeer was able to accomplish with Grunt."

He stopped before uttering the next sentence, knowing it would change everything. He looked at Shepard, looked at Wrex, and thought about all he had done. He thought about how the research he conducted had saved a galaxy and damned a species. Solus didn't revisit his emotions, but he considered the risk of the next revelation for several seconds before speaking.

"While the genophage cannot be simply cured with my discovery, I believe I have created a hormone treatment that will counteract the impact of the genophage." Tempering their enthusiasm, the Salarian said, "It will not restore the birthrates to what they were previously, but one in ten pregnancies being successful should be approximately the new rate."

Shepard was stunned by this revelation as Solus had never revealed anything about this line of research. He knew the doctor worked on many projects at odd hours, but this could change many things, "When did you make this finding? And why didn't you say anything?"

Solus looked at his captain and said, "Research has not yet been tested or verified. Models suggest it will work effectively, but I cannot say for certain. I have been researching it since we left Tuchanka, and I said nothing because I did not know if this would be right."

The Salarian looked at Wrex and said, "The Salarians have done many wrongs to the Krogan species. When we took you off your world, we were partially responsible for what you did to the galaxy. You did not have time to come to your own conclusions, and make peace with your nature. We took your children from you, though we did not know the Turians would use the weapon so indiscriminately. But, we need you."

Wrex remained impassive, and the scientist continued his admission.

"I helped design the genophage. It saved millions of lives, of Salarians, of Asari, of Turians, but the time has come to let those things pass. The Krogans must be strong, it is the only chance for the galaxy to survive, and I pledge myself to help your people get back what they lost."

It was a candid moment for the Salarian, but one he did with this caveat, "I ask that you not attack my people, and help protect us from what is coming. We must be allies or we will both die. No other course of action will work for either of us."

Shepard spoke up for his inventor, "Solus has saved many lives already, including Grunt's. I'll vouch for him and his sincerity. But ultimately, the decisions we make must be yours, Wrex. These are your people."

The Krogan remained silent for a moment as he looked into the eyes of Jared, and then stared deeply at Mordin. "Two years ago, I would have killed you both for those words." He offered a small smile, "Of course, two years ago, you were already dead, Shepard, so it don't know how much good it would do to kill you again. They would probably just rebuild you again."

Shepard laughed and said, "It's not like you haven't survived your share of battles, like the time you were deep freezed."

Wrex had to smile at the shared memory, "True, but you have more secondary organs than a Krogan, human, and your pair hang like a set of quads."

"I have to put my people first. I want them to survive, but we must do this the right way," began Wrex.

Mordin offered his suggestion, "If Clan Urdnot is to survive, the easiest way to succeed is to provide the hormone treatment only to males of your clan. Their fecundity should improve about tenfold, and it would serve to strengthen your position and numbers."

"He's an evil one, this Salarian," remarked Wrex. "You find the strangest friends, Shepard. I was always more the type to meet someone head on in a fight."

He thought about a little more before saying, "But he makes good sense. We can give the treatment to everyone who joins Clan Urdnot, except those Weyrloc bastards." His rage showed beneath a calm exterior, "If any of them come to Urdnot, I'll shoot them myself for the tests they conducted on our people."

Shepard said, "I think I got most of them already, but you're welcome to finish up anything I missed."

"Damn, Shepard," was his retort, "Aren't you going to leave me any fun?"

"I think getting the chance to have Dr. Solus here sample the finer delicacies of Krogan cuisine should suffice. I'd like he and Grunt to stay with you until this is solved," requested the Human.

"Maybe some raw varren steaks would do the trick," laughed the warlord, even as Solus had a dim expression on his face.

"It wouldn't do to have me die of indigestion before I save your race, Urdnot Wrex," was the dry retort from the scientist.

"Hah, he has spirit! I'll give him that," observed the Krogan. "But he is not Grunt. I want to see my boy now."

Shepard smiled and the three arose to leave the room. Solus excused himself to go pack some lab equipment he would be needing, and with the assurance he would await the Krogans in Wrex's shuttle once he had gathered what he needed. This gave Shepard and Wrex a chance to speak in the lift as they approached the hold where Grunt would be waiting.

"Are you sure you don't want to join us for this last fight, Wrex? We could use you."

Wrex looked at his friend and said, "I wish I could. I could use an honest fight instead of all these politics. Point, shoot, kill."

Jared offered an insight into his thinking, "It was once that simple for me. I miss those days sometimes, not having to make all the decisions."

"Me too, but I blame you for my problems. You should have shot me on Virmire and made life simpler," offered Wrex.

The Commander laughed and said, "You don't mean that! But it's good you didn't have to face me in one-to-one combat. My hide is pretty thick."

Wrex kicked his head back in laughter, "And as deep as the crap you're pitching, Shepard."

Before the door opened, the clan leader asked, "Is what you are offering for real?"

"If Solus says he can do it, he probably can. He knows the disease better than anyone still alive, and he has the research. I was there when it was obtained," confessed the captain of the ship.

"Do the Salarians know he is doing this?"

"No. And they would probably be mad if they did, but the Reapers are the only threat now. We don't win this fight, none of us survive."

Shepard smiled as the doors opened to the lift, "Besides, you're the best man of peace I've ever met."

They were both laughing at that one as they walked down the hallway to the port cargo area. Stopping outside the door, the Commander said, "I have an idea."

"EDI, can you run a disaster simulation in just one room?"

"Yes, Commander. Why would you ask?"

Shepard explained a bit to the computer, "We want to convince Grunt the ship has been boarded, and see him run out of his hold in a panic."

"Aren't you two clever," was her sarcastic reply. "I think I can manage this. Tell me when you are ready."

Shepard took a vantage point down the hall to watch the carnage, and Wrex put himself right outside the door. Both nodded at each other, and Shepard told EDI to begin the simulation.

Inside his room, Grunt was brought to high alert as klaxons went off saying the ship had been invaded with attackers entering the fourth floor. With a roar and a battle cry, Grunt grabbed his weapon and ran out the door, straight into the waiting arms of Wrex who flipped him to the floor.

Looking up from a daze, Grunt saw his adopted clan leader standing over him, and noticed Shepard at the end of the hall amused as well.

Wrex simply said, "Next time you rush an enemy, make sure you look for him first." He offered a hand to the young Krogan, who took it and arose. "An old warrior like me knows a few dirty tricks."

Seeing there was no alert outside his cabin, Grunt quickly determined there was no risk. Under other circumstances, he would have grumbled greatly about this deceit, but it was an honor to see Wrex and he would not forget that.

"You and the battle master have taught me a good lesson today. Our enemies shall suffer thanks to this!" He smiled with the bloodlust that battle always brought upon him, and the two Krogan nodded in mutual understanding.

"Shepard asked me to take you and the Salarian down to the surface with me. We have a lot to do, and you still have a lot to learn about being Krogan."

Grunt nodded appreciatively, thinking of what adventures might await.

"I will teach you a few things, but since you were last here, the females have been asking when you would return. Maybe you can teach them what you've learned."

The two shared the smile that men have shared for time eternal, and walked together down the hallway. Shepard had disappeared, leaving them their moment that involved many gestures, noises, and boasts.

Although the forthcoming conflict didn't leave much time for playing, Jared knew how important it was his team and his friends find moments like this. Hard days would be ahead, and the bonds made now would carry them through those challenges.

Author's Note: Thanks for all who are reviewing. I read and appreciate each one. Now that each team is away, they will have their own adventures. Unlike the game that lets everyone have a perfectly happy ending, I think it's more realistic to expect some will succeed, some will fail, and that we can't simply save and fix things.

As for the Legion question, I think of the moment I described as akin to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It's awareness of making choice that creates individuality. You become you when you realize you are not that. So, the Geth aren't different, Legion is. And I don't know if they will accept him. If they are anything like their creators, they won't, but I'd love to hear some perspectives on the question. I haven't made up my own mind yet, so your comments may sway this story.

For this chapter, the question is the genophage. I tried to find an intermediate solution through hormonal therapy, which I think gives Wrex the edge he needs to unite the clans.