Chapter Two

Daniel sat in the corner, leaning against the wall. He practically had the new symbols on the gate memorized; studying them more would do him no good. They were completely foreign to him, and he could only hope that this archaeologist knew something about them. Those symbols were his key to getting home. Now, he was fighting a slight headache as his mind was still trying to filter through images. Images Cerine had given him. One of them in particular he was struggling to hold onto. It was another unusual feature of this gate apparently that the symbols on it lit up. He had a very vague and blurred memory of the gate, with some of the symbols lit up in blue. Cerine had seen the gate activate; she'd seen the symbols. If she or he could remember which symbols had been active when he came through, it would at least be a starting point. However, the images bothered him. He was having enough trouble sorting through the little bit he had gotten from her in their brief 'joining.' If she had truly tapped into the knowledge of the Ancients, he could scarcely imagine what that would do to her. Every moment that passed without her showing back up in the gateroom only deepened his concern.

He was pulled out of his thoughts by the footsteps of Mileta. She kicked him, not too softly, in the foot and motioned with her rifle for him to stand.

"Shepard's here," she said. "If you are Cerberus, then I hope you've made peace with yourself. Shepard is a Council Spectre, and she will not hesitate to put you against the wall."

"Well, hopefully that can be avoided." Daniel stood up and looked at her. "As I told Cerine…"

"I don't care," Mileta interrupted with a shrug. "You have to convince Shepard not me. Consider yourself lucky you don't have to convince me."

"Is your Lt. alright?" he asked.

Mileta ignored the question and turned her back to him.

Two asari guarding the elevator snapped to attention when the elevator door slid open and three people stepped out.

Daniel studied them carefully. Apparently his chance to get home, and indeed his life, lay in their hands. From what he'd gathered, Shepard was human, so she was easy to pick out. She was certainly younger than what he'd expected, but she carried herself with a definite air of confidence and purpose. Her black armor bore the obvious signs of combat and had a red and white N7 insignia on the chest. He could only see one of her piercing green eyes through the strands of red hair that covered half of her face, but he could tell that her gaze never wavered from him. When she came closer he was taken aback by the small thin scars on her face seemed to have a reddish glow. Beside her walked another asari and a… he wasn't sure what. Was that a frog? A lizard?

Mileta stood straight and saluted as they approached. "Sgt. Mileta at your service, Spectre."

Shepard returned her salute. "At ease, Sgt. Where is, Lt. Asil?"

Mileta glared at Daniel. "She needed a moment. Should I go let her know you're here?"

Shepard nodded.

Mileta pulled out Daniel's sidearm and handed it to Shepard. "He says he's a doctor, but he was carrying this."

Liara and Mordin glanced at each other. "Many doctors carry weapons, Sgt.," Liara said.

"Of course," Mileta replied.

"Indeed. Reapers don't shoot themselves," Mordin said with a broad smile.

"More's the pity," Shepard said as she studied the weapon. "If you are Cerberus, then the Illusive Man has gotten tight with weapons funding. This weapon is 20th century era. Very curious." She then looked to Mileta. "Please, go get the Lt."

Mileta headed for the elevator. Shepard then turned to Daniel.

"I'm Commander Aerin Shepard of the Systems Alliance and Council Spectre," she gestured to the two people with her. "Dr. Liara T'soni and Dr. Mordin Solus."

"Pleasure to meet you. I seem to be in good and unusual company," Daniel said.

Shepard's eyebrow arched.

"I'm also a doctor. Daniel Jackson from Earth," he said and extended his hand.

Shepard shook his hand without hesitation as she looked him up and down. "Happy to meet you, Doctor Jackson." She pointed to the SGC patch on the arm of his jacket. "Military? I must admit I'm not familiar with that division, and your uniform is somewhat… antiquated."

"Yes and no. Kind've a long story," he said. "Yeah, so Lt. Asil has told me a little about the asari, but…," he gestured to Mordin, "umm, you are?"

"Dr. Mordin Solus, former STG, of Sur'Kesh. Salarian. Singer on occasion. Gilbert and Sullivan. Currently experiencing slight bouts of nausea due to miscalibration of inertial dampeners aboard ship."

"I told you I wasn't imagining it," Liara muttered to Shepard.

Shepard pressed her fingers to her temples and let out a deep breath.

"Unsure of what information you are requesting," Mordin said. "Can download personal biography to your omnitool. Need skilled proofreaders."

Daniel was silent for a moment as he tried to process Mordin. "Uh huh, no, that's… that's good. Umm, yeah, so I was told one of you is an archaeologist."

Shepard chuckled as she glanced at Liara. "I see her reputation precedes her. I've tried and tried, but I just can't get her to stop digging in the dirt."

Liara had a wistful smile. "Well… I used to be an archaeologist. Things are more complicated now."

"I'm also an archaeologist, and I'm hoping you know something about this ring."

"Archaeologist?" Liara pushed past Shepard as she began spouting off questions. "What do you know about the Protheans? Is this artifact related to them, or do you believe it predates them to one of the earlier civilizations? Even in the Council Archives there is no record of such a device. I've found no evidence that could link it to…"

Shepard gently elbowed Liara in the side. "I can only handle one Mordin, Liara."

Liara blushed. "Sorry. I haven't met a fellow archaeologist in a while, much less one that appeared out of thin air from an ancient artifact. Exciting would be an understatement."

Daniel cleared this throat to catch their attention again. "Sorry, but you mentioned a Council. Lt. Asil also mentioned that. What is the Council?"

Shepard gave him an odd look until she quickly realized his curiosity was sincere. "The Citadel Council is made up of representatives from some of the most powerful worlds and attempts to maintain law and order between the different factions in the galaxy. As a Spectre I serve as something of representative in the field. Thought right now I must admit they're proving to be relatively useless to me and a pain in the ass."

"Yes, Lt. Asil said there were some problems in this galaxy," Daniel said sympathetically. "I don't mean to take up your time."

Shepard gave a half-hearted smile. "Yes, 'problems.' Well, Doctor, I've only received a brief report on what is going on here." She pointed to the gate. "Lt. Asil said you came through an energy wave from this ring."

Daniel nodded. "That's correct."

Shepard approached the gate, staring at it. She then turned to Liara, the exhaustion apparent on her face was eased by a slight, but fleeting, hope. "Is it the Catalyst, Liara?"

Liara thought for a moment as she studied the large ring. "No, I don't believe so," she replied. She wished desperately she could have said otherwise when Shepard only responded with a heavy nod. "Our plans for the Crucible would indicate something much much larger, and this certainly does not appear to be of Prothean design."

"But if it could have some use against the Reapers…"

Daniel raised his hand. "Sorry, I'm still not completely clear on exactly what you're fighting, but it's not a weapon, Commander. We call it a stargate. It is able to create a stable wormhole to allow instantaneous travel between two gates."

"But there are no more of these rings known to exist. Even I had no idea it existed until a few days ago, and that's saying something," Liara interjected. "So, where is the gate you went through?"

"The gate I went through wasn't like the gates I'm used to. The symbols on that gate and this one are unknown to me. Based on what I've learned from Lt. Asil, I think I've crossed into a parallel universe."

Shepard, who had not sleep in twenty six hours, felt her patience slipping. "I'm sorry. Could you say that again?"

"Fascinating!" Mordin said, his eyes wide. "Wormhole generation? Parallel universe? Interdimensional travel? Precipitated by a collapse in space-time? Possibility of multiverse barriers breaking down? Enormous implications for science and our understanding."

"Mordin!" Shepard raised a hand to silence him. "So, you think it's possible? And what good does it do us?" She asked with uncertainty.

Mordin walked towards the gate. "Indeed. Not my area of specialty, only dabbled in it as a hobby but am familiar with multiple theories on the subject. Some theorize that infinite universes exist parallel to one another, never crossing. Infinite universes for infinite possibilities. Gates able to create a pathway that intersects two parallel universes? Symbols on the gate serve as coordinates? Represent specific location in space-time?"

"Yes, exactly!" Daniel said. "We have a device in which we input symbols like these on the gate. Those symbols correspond to other gates. However, their design is to link to other gates usually within the same galaxy, not to connect to another universe."

Mordin held up his omnitool as he began to scan the gate. "However, you say these symbols are different. Perhaps this gate specifically designed to cross into another universe? For what purpose? Escape? Research?"

"That's what I was trying to find out, before I went through the gate," Daniel explained.

Shepard studied the gate then looked back to Daniel. "Well, Doctor, it is a fascinating story, but I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't look for more solid evidence, but time is not in your favor."

"Cerine will vouch for me," Daniel said. "Right now, I need your help to get home."

"Lt. Asil cannot vouch for you," Mileta said. She had returned without their notice and drew her weapon on Daniel.

"What's the problem, Sgt.?" Shepard asked.

"He did something to the Lt.!"

Daniel raised his hands defensively. "Is she alright? What's wrong?"

"Don't feign ignorance! You did something. She won't wake up."

Shepard's eyes narrowed. "What happened with Lt. Asil?"

Daniel sighed. "She said she could 'join' with me. She said it would help her understand."

Liara frowned and walked up to him. "She entered your thoughts?"

Daniel nodded. "Something like that, but it seemed to overwhelm her."

"It's a damned Cerberus trick," Mileta hissed.

"Perhaps, but I don't think so Sgt. Doctor Jackson doesn't strike me as Cerberus," Shepard replied. She motioned for Mileta to lower her weapon. "Take us to Lt. Asil."

"Very well, Spectre," Mileta replied.

They followed her towards the elevator.

"You say you're from Earth?" Shepard asked as Daniel walked beside her.

"Yes. I work for the United States Airforce for the Stargate Program. We use the stargates to explore and to protect Earth from alien threats."

"United States?" Shepard asked quizzically. "Here the United States no longer exists, Doctor Jackson. It was absorbed into the United North American States nearly a century ago."

"Right. Commander, what year is this?"

"2186. Has your device sent you through time as well?"

"Umm yeah, it wouldn't be the first time. The gate has sent us through time before, though I don't recall ever travelling to a parallel universe through it. When I went through the gate on my end it was 2009."

"Well, your equipment would certainly back that up. If it's all a grand trick, then you've certainly gone to an impressive level of detail. I'm going to need a complete report from you, Dr. Jackson," Shepard said as they stepped into the elevator.

"I do appreciate your concerns, Commander Shepard, but you have to understand that my people may be in danger. I have to get back as quickly as possible."

"I do understand. As we stand here the entire galaxy is at war. Millions die every day and Earth is burning, but if you are who you say you are, then you might have information or knowledge that could help us. We have no knowledge of these stargates. I have to wonder what else might you know that could help us fight the Reapers."

"That's what concerns me. The gate I went through was on an outpost we stumbled across. Just before I went through the gate, I had accessed a database. What I saw makes me think the outpost was somehow related to these 'Reapers.'"

"If that's true, then perhaps we'll have to help each other."

A few moments later they entered the room where the medic was attending to Asil.

"What's her condition?" Liara asked.

"It's not a coma. She's just unconscious. She's showing an extremely high level of brain activity," the medic replied.

"Mileta's right. It could be my fault," Daniel said as he approached the bed.

"How?" Liara asked.

"It's a long story, but I have a lot of… suppressed memories. Suffice it to say I'm carrying around the knowledge of an ancient civilization in my head."

"Well, it appears we might have something in common then," Shepard said.

"Really? Well, this is more than a human mind can deal with, so it was buried in my subconscious to keep me from going insane or worse. Cerine was able to see it. If asari are similar to a human at all, then it could overwhelm her mind. It never occurred to me I was putting her in danger."

The medic shook her head. "I assure you that an asari mind is far more resilient than a human's."

"Enough! Shepard's mind has proven pretty damned resilient to Prothean beacons," Liara snapped at the medic. "The important thing now is helping Lt. Asil."

Daniel looked at Cerine. He could see the rapid movement of her eyes in twitching of her eyelids. He couldn't even begin to guess what she might have uncovered in his mind. "I might be able to help her, but not here."

"What do you mean?" Shepard asked suspiciously.

Daniel looked to Shepard. "If we can get her back to my people, then we have technology that can help clear the knowledge from her mind. Something like this has happened to one of my friends… more than once actually."

"We have no idea how to send you back, Doctor," Shepard replied.

"That's why we have to work together."

Shepard activated her omnitool and tapped a on it. She then pointed to one of the monitors on the wall. The monitor went to static for a moment and then a video feed appeared. Daniel could recognize it as London; he'd been there enough times. Giant machines walked among the skyscrapers. The city glowed with fire and smoke filled the sky.

"This is London just a few days ago. It's mostly rubble now I would guess. This is happening on dozens of worlds, Doctor Jackson, and more will follow. The Council and Alliance have tasked me to save the galaxy. You have my curiosity, but I'm afraid at the moment there are more pressing concerns. We'll find someone to study the gate. Once we know more about the gate and you, perhaps we can help."

"Solution already in progress," Mordin said, looking up from his omnitool triumphantly. "Latent programming in the gate is now active. Sizeable amount of data to process. Assume it is related to gate's recent activation. With this information, EDI and Dr. Jackson's assistance, it is possible we could develop a program to interface with the gate. Alien technology. Success not guaranteed."

"Mordin, you know that I need you with me on Tuchanka. The cure…"

"Twelve hours," Mordin replied.

Shepard regarded him suspiciously, especially given the succinctness of his statement. "You think you can figure it out in twelve hours?"

"Indeed. If not, little harm done. Genophage cure not going anywhere."

Shepard shook her head. "No, I have to disagree, Mordin." She pointed to the screen. "Twelve hours makes a hell of a difference. Palaven is dying waiting for the krogan, and I can't get the damn krogan until we get to Tuchanka."

"Commander…" Daniel began to plead.

"It's done, Doctor Jackson. We'll find an asari scientist to study the gate. It's the best I can do."

Liara surreptitiously motioned to Shepard and headed toward the exit.

Shepard sighed. "Excuse me for a minute, Doctor Jackson." She tried to ignore Mordin's knowing eyes that followed her out the door.

After Shepard and Liara stepped outside the door closed behind them.

"Did I miss something?" Daniel asked Mordin.

"Asari can be very persuasive. Particularly that one." Mordin smiled. "Think you are about to get the help you seek, Doctor Jackson."

Once the door had closed, Liara turned to face Shepard.

"Liara…," Shepard said with a heavy sigh. She knew what was coming.

"We should help him, Aerin."

Shepard crossed her arms. "While our people die? I have the weight of a galaxy on my shoulders, and now I have to worry about a parallel galaxy? Whatever that is."

"Every day you make hard choices. Inevitably people will die, no matter what choice you make."

"But I still make the best choices I can."

"I know you do, and I'm not saying your choice is wrong. I just think not helping him would be... an unfortunate missed opportunity."

Shepard laughed uneasily. "Right. I thought you were the one person who wouldn't second guess me."

Liara winced at that. Then she reached out and grabbed Shepard's hand. "Hey! I don't question you. If you say we go to Tuchanka right this second, then we go. I'm just asking you to think about it. If he is telling the truth…"

"That's a big if, Liara."

Liara nodded her agreement. "As is the Crucible."

"True enough." Shepard certainly couldn't deny that. The Crucible, given just its enormous size, was a huge gamble, but that was a small matter compared to the fact that they had no idea what it would actually do.

"But if it is true, it could change everything."

"Not necessarily for the better," Shepard reminded her.

"No reward without risk. Look at me. I was a big risk. Benezia's daughter. A naïve scientist 'digging in the dirt.' You took a chance trusting me, and I don't mean to brag," she said and gave a flirtatious grin, "but I think I'm quite the reward."

Shepard smiled and pressed her forehead against Liara's and closed her eyes. It was nice to be able close her eyes for just a moment; those moments were rarer and rarer. "Quite."

"And you're no small prize yourself," Liara said softly.

Shepard caved. "Alright. Alright." She turned away and went back into the room.

Mordin and Daniel looked to her expectantly.

"Very well, Mordin. You have six hours, starting now. If in six hours you haven't made what I deem to be sufficient progress, then we go." She then locked eyes with Daniel. "If that happens, you'll be coming with us Dr. Jackson."

"I'll see about getting us some equipment," Liara said.

"Will return to gate to continue my research," Mordin said excitedly.

"Thank you, Commander Shepard," Daniel said with obvious relief.

Shepard took Daniel by the arm and led him into a corner. "Don't thank me yet, Doctor. Lt. Asil isn't back with us yet, and I'm still not convinced. I need a clearer picture. Who the hell are you exactly and what led you to end up here?"