End Game – Chapter Nineteen

Once breaking atmosphere, Cortez radioed the Normandy, "Normandy, this is Cortez," receiving only static. Switching channels, he tried again, "Normandy, this is Cortez."

Liara hearing the one-sided conversation came forward sliding into the co-pilot's chair, her voice calm and soothing, "Let me help you, Cortez. I've recently had some experience with communication interference. If we work together, we should get a signal through to the Normandy."

After several minutes, a severely static filled voice came through, "Cortez…zzzkkkeethzz…this is ssswwkkkzz…Joker. Can…kkzzsssww…you hear …ssszzzth…me?"

After more manipulations, Joker's voice came through slightly clearer, "Cortez…Liara, this is Joker. We have had a slight problem with the Normandy."

Cortez inquired, edge to his voice, "What problem? Mechanical? Electrical? Physical damage from the Reapers?"

"No, EDI was downloading information from the robot, EVA, which attacked LT. Ashley, when the robot attempted to take control of EDI…" Static filled the comm channels for a minute or two before Joker's voice came back, alarm evident in the intonation, "Have to make this quick…fire in the main AI core…on-line systems…"

Cortez looked at Liara as Javik and General Victus came up from the cargo area of the shuttle hearing the communication between Cortez and Joker. General Victus asked authoritatively, "What is our ETA to the Normandy?"

Cortez answered, "Less than five minutes, General. I need to report this to the Commander."

Javik countered, "No, human."

General Victus replied, "General Javik is correct. Turians know their responsibilities and duties. I assume the Normandy's crew does, as well. Let us reconnoiter the situation before reporting to the Commander."

Liara responded, "Good idea. Tabitha has enough on her mind."

Cortez was conflicted and his face showed it. This was his first assignment with multiple alien races. He knew Alliance regulations and the regs stated that superior officers were to be informed of any deviation of orders or changes. "What would Commander Shepherd do?" He thought to himself. "Rules were a guide line and not absolute to the Commander. From the short time he had been around her; Commander Shepherd trusted the abilities of her crew. Speaking, Cortez agreed, "Yes, sir. We can wait till we have all the details before contacting Commander Shepherd."

When the Normandy came into view, Cortez hailed Joker again, with no response. Looking over at Liara, "Can you hack into the Normandy through the computer on the shuttle overriding the locking mechanism manually opening the shuttle bay doors?"

Twinkle shown in Liara's eyes, "No problem, Cortez. Her fingers were a blur across the computer screen and less than a minute later, Cortez saw the shuttle bay doors opening up.

"Let's hope no one was in the shuttle bay," stated Cortez as he maneuvered the shuttle into the docking bay.

XXXXX

The Command Center was a hive of activity as transport after transport landed, onloaded Turian soldiers, and took off showing the organization, discipline, and precision of the Turian military. Whistling under her breath while exiting the ship, admiration evident in her voice, Tabitha spoke, "Garrus, I admire the efficiency and discipline of your people."

Garrus responded, "Thank you Tabitha. It is both an asset and liability for our people and military. As the Reapers indoctrinate us, especially our military leaders, they will know us…everything about us. Humans are a contradiction. Your race is logical and illogical…disciplined and chaotic…compassionate and ruthless. That is probably why the Reapers have turned humans into mindless husks, so far." Tabitha looked at Garrus strangely as he continued; smiling showing his sharp teeth, "Think about it…one group of indoctrinated humans might accept commands while another group might not obey."

Looking up, Tabitha saw a Reaper landing by a communication tower, its beam slicing a transport ship in half. Biotically charging, she rushed up to the Turian General, yelling to be heard above the screeching of the Reaper, "General, how many soldiers do you have left to evacuate? We have to go now. The charges are set to explode in," tapping her omni-tool display showing the countdown set at 10 minutes 23 seconds, "less than ten earth standard minutes."

General shouted, "The last transport is ready to leave…"

Tabitha grimaced, "I hear a 'but' coming. Let me guess," Pointing at the Reaper, "That is in your way. You get on that transport, General, and I will divert the Reaper's attention."

"How?!" Exclaimed the General.

Saluting the Turian, she stated simply turning to leave, "Leave that up to me. Hurry! Reaper troops are advancing rapidly on this position." Running back to the ship, she yelled into her comm., "Thane…James…back to the ship…triangulate on my omni-tool."

"Yes, Siha."

"On my way, Loco Lola."

Garrus laid down a line of suppressing fire as Thane, James Vega, and Tabitha approached entering the ship at a run. Scrambling into the co-pilot's chair, "Feron, pass over control of 'Blue Bird' to me."

Feron passed over control, apprehension clearly evident in his facial features. Heading toward the Reaper, Tabitha stated to Feron, "I need your speed, Feron. Engage and disengage the cloaking system as fast as you can." Before Feron could reply, she continued, "I know it will short out and fry the circuitry." Smiling and winking at Feron, "I will make sure that 'Blue Bird' is as good or better than she is now." Letting her voice carry behind her, "Guys, you might want to strap in. The ride is going to be a bit bumpy."

Noticing there were only two additional seats, Thane sank down into a lotus position on the backside of the co-pilot's chair. Folding his hands into a prayerful position in front of his chest, Thane closed his eyes, concentrating on his breathing.

As Garrus strapped himself in, he looked over at James, "Have you flown or ridden in a vehicle with Shepherd before?"

"No."

"Are you flexible?"

Vega raised his eyebrows, confusion etched his voice, "Yes, why?"

"Before this flight is over, we may be bending over kissing our arses goodbye. You think I am exaggerating…just look at Thane…there is a reason why he is praying and he did not use to be the color green. Look at his son sometime."

Feron lifted his eye ridges as Tabitha called back, "Funny, Garrus. Feron, Garrus is not being serious."

With Tabitha flying the ship extremely erratic and Feron engaging and disengaging the cloaking system, the Reaper could not get a solid lock on Blue Bird. The controls on the small ship were quite sensitive and Tabitha had the ship weaving horizontally and vertically in no set pattern.

Tabitha flew the small craft toward the Reaper taking its attention off the last remaining Turian transport ship. Glancing at her omni-tool, she saw the time till detonation. "Thank you, Lord," she breathed to herself as she saw the last Turian Transport leave the moon's surface safely. "Let's dance," keeping on a head-on trajectory veering up and slightly away at the last moment. The Reaper's laser came close, blinding Tabitha and Feron from the intensity of the beam and scorching the hull from extreme heat, but Tabitha's constant maneuvering, along with Feron's working the cloak, prevented the Reaper from acquiring a definitive lock on the ship.

As the craft broke atmo entering space, the moon exploded then imploded, blinking out of existence. In awe, reverence in his voice, Feron stated softly, "Shepherd, you did it. You rescued the Primarch, got the troops safely off of Menae, blew up a planet, and destroyed many Reapers. Thane is right. You are a 'Siha'."

Exhilaration in his voice Vega exclaimed, "That was *&# awesome, Commander! I had some doubts about some of the missions briefs and information from your file, but…after this...I can't wait to tell Cortez. Garrus, what were you $*&% complaining about! Shepherd is a great pilot – the best! Feron, what is a 'Siha'?"

Standing in one fluid movement, turning placing his hands on Tabitha's shoulders, he responded, "A 'Siha' is one of the warrior angels under the goddess Arashu. They are fierce in wrath, tenacious protector."

Garrus did not say a word as his countenance was a paler shade of blue-gray tinged green. Tabitha answered, her voice calm, "Thank you. I did what I had to do. Any of you would have done the same." Turning to Feron, sorrow evident in her eyes, "Feron, I did not rescue the Primarch. Liara, Javik, and Cortez rescued the Primarch. Everyone working together as a team accomplished the mission. Not everyone made it off Menae…remember; at least one transport was destroyed." Smiling, satisfaction replacing the sorrow in her eyes, "Reapers were destroyed, between four to six, possibly more."

"I am not complaining, Siha, but how did you accomplish keeping the Reapers away from the Command Center? I was expecting far more resistance." Inquired Thane.

"Damn straight," agreed Vega.

"The credit goes to Feron and the Shadow Broker for that," answered Tabitha.

"Because of my profession, over the years, I have needed to evade people (i.e. Spectres, military, law, mercs)...at times. I made canisters, which gave off false signals. Called them 'crying babies'. The canisters saved me in the past and I figured they would again. As we flew to the designated areas to set the charges, I randomly dropped the canisters. The Reapers followed the false signals and not us."

Tabitha leaned her head back against Thane's chest, "A higher power was definitely looking out for all of us. The canisters worked this time, but the Reapers adapt quite quickly. They have been around for a few million years and each one of those ships is an entire race, just like a philosophers' stone."

Thane asked, "What is a philosophers' stone?" His voice reverberating against the back of her head, hands on her shoulders, thumbs rubbing along the back of her neck. Instinctually, he knew Tabitha's muscles would be tense from battle."

Tabitha mused, "Hmmm…How best to explain? Philosophers' stones come from myth, alchemy, and magic in human culture. The philosophers' stone from alchemy can turn base metals to gold and silver. The philosophers' stone from magic can rejuvenate health, extend life, and possibly achieve immortality. The magical philosophers' stone requires life to rejuvenate health and extend life. The more souls and spirits a philosophers' stone has, the more powerful the magical properties"

Thane could feel the muscles of Tabitha's neck relaxing from his touch as he leaned over brushing his lips against the top of her head. Tabitha's voice dropped an octave, "How did you know my muscles were so tense and I was starting a tension headache?"

Smiling to himself, he breathed against her hair by her right ear, speaking softly enough only Tabitha heard, "I know my Siha. Remember, we are one." Speaking so the others could hear, "You were saying about philosophers' stones…"

Collecting her thoughts, Tabitha continued, "I was wondering about the 'so called' dead Reaper we got the IFF from. I believe the Reapers are similar to philosophers' stones full of an entire race of souls and spirits. No wonder, individuals go crazy around them…All those poor souls in torment…Remember the "baby human Reaper" being built in the Collector Base with those souls and spirits from the human colonists." Taking one hand from the ship's controls, she rubbed her temples speaking in a contemplative tone, "I believe the Reapers are intelligent, like a hive mind, but there is something or someone controlling them. We take out enough Reapers and the real power will come forward."

Smiling, Vega joked, humor evident in his voice, "PDA, Commander, public displays of affection are not allowed per Alliance regulation 11A-67B.39e."

Feeling the neck muscles tighten under his thumbs hearing her growl from her throat, Thane spoke Drell softly into her hair, "Vega meant nothing by the comment, Siha. I am not offended." Thane rumbled his throat muscles to calm her knowing she was slipping into past memories. "Focus on my voice, Siha…ground yourself in the present."

Tabitha unbuckled the strapping, turning and standing at the same time, single tear slipped from her left eye, as Thane cupped her left cheek with his hand, his thumb wiping away the tear. Turbulent emotions poured from her eyes, her voice fervent, "Never again, Kadar. I am not ashamed of you, your family, or your race. The Drell have a proud heritage and are a proud people. I am honored to be your mate."

Gently caressing her cheek, Thane let the love for Tabitha show in his eyes as his deep voice rumbled from his chest, "I know, Siha, and I am honored to be your mate and the father of our child." Removing his hand from her cheek, he pulled her into his arms.

Feron kept his eyes focused straight ahead, his mind reeling, "Commander Shepherd-Krios, pregnant," he thought to himself. "I wonder if Liara knows."

Looking at the exchange between Tabitha and Thane and the expression on Garrus' face, James Vega knew he did or said something wrong. Looking at Garrus, he asked, "What did I do or say wrong?" Shrugging his shoulders, "I was joking…jeez…can't anyone take a joke, anymore."

Serious expression on his face, Garrus replied, "You stated you read her file?"

Vega responded, "Yes, what of it?"

Before Garrus could reply, Tabitha responded, "I have had Alliance regulations quoted at me before, Vega. It brought back memories and emotions I thought I had left buried in the past."

His voice contrite, Vega stated, "I apologize, Commander. I did…"

Turning in Thane's arms, Tabitha looked at Vega, "The Alliance did not like my relationship with Thane and would not acknowledge it. Because of this, I was not allowed to take Thane's last name and all my military records would not acknowledge our bonding or marriage. Before the Skyllian Blitz, it did not mean that much to me. Thane was busy with assignments and contracts. I was a young officer in the Alliance." Tabitha felt Thane's arms tighten around her lower chest pulling her firmly against his chest. As Tabitha's hands covered Thane's, she continued, faraway look in her eyes, "We met up when and where we could. Every few months, I tried to get to Kadje to visit with Kolyat."

Vega asked, "Who's Kolyat?"

Thane replied, voice deep and resonant, reverberating from his chest into Tabitha's back, "Kolyat is my son by my first mate. She was unfaithful and I…"

Vega's eyes went wide, "You killed her?! I know you are an assassin, but you didn't have to kill her for *&%$ around on you."

Thane ghosted a smile, "No, Vega. I did not kill Irikah. I had her change her status band…the equivalent of a divorce for humans."

Vega smiled, "OK, that's cool. Divorce I can handle."

Thane's eyes twinkled with mischief as he deadpanned, "I'm glad you approve LT Vega." Squeezing Tabitha gently with his arms, Thane whispered into her hair, "Please continue, Siha."

"I was on a three day pass on Elysium waiting for Thane to meet me after finishing up an assignment when Batarians attacked the colony. After rallying Alliance soldiers, civilians, mercs, and anybody else who could and wanted to fight, we counter-attacked the Batarians. After interrogating some of the Batarians, I found out this attack was a diversion and the real attack was going to take place on Kadje. Contacting Alliance Command, I let them know of the pending situation on Kadje asking for permission to go there to defend the planet against the Batarian slaver cartels informing them I had family on Kadje. Alliance Command told me I had no family on Kadje since my marriage was not recognized by the Alliance and was ordered to stay on Elysium awaiting troop reinforcements and further instructions."

Vega saw Tabitha's eyes go ice blue and her voice took on an icy edge, "Thane's parents were my mom and dad – his family was my family. Kolyat called me 'mom.' I knew what I had to do so I took an Alliance long range fighter setting course for Kadje. Over a secure channel, I contacted both Thane and 'One who is patient and long suffering' letting them know the situation.

Vega asked, "What kind of name is 'One who is patient and long suffering'?"

Thane replied, "That is a Hanar 'soul name.' 'One who is patient and long suffering' is the main instructor at the school where I was trained to become an assassin."

Tabitha continued, "To make a long story short. The battle was extremely intense. The turning point was the discovery of Prothean defenses under the ocean in the bay. If not for the activation of the Prothean defenses, Kadje would be under Batarian rule. There were causalities, including myself. I did receive several injuries from both battles."

Tabitha's voice broke from pent-up emotion. Thane pulled her more firmly against himself as he took up the story, "My 'Siha' was severely injured. Because of her injuries, she was in a coma for close to two weeks. Tabitha protected my mom, dad, brother's family, sister's family, and Kolyat. Batarians found Irikah before Tabitha could get to her. They tortured, raped, and killed her."

Tabitha cut in, "Thane, I can finish. When I gained consciousness, I discovered I was under arrest. When I was discharged from the hospital, I was taken in custody and shipped back to Earth for disobeying orders and dereliction of duty. The Alliance tried to make my court martial a closed affair, but I had a few friends in influential positions so Hanar representatives, Drell representatives, Thane and his family were there. Alliance Command told me that I had to choose between the Alliance and the aliens. There was no choice. I told them I choose family and resigned my commission."

Vega shook his head, "None of what you said is in your 'classified' file. There is a gap of over a year in your file, but paperwork indicated the gap in time was due to medical leave and rehabilitation and shore leave."

"I was out of the Alliance for over a year. I helped Thane track down and kill Irikah's killers. Their deaths were not swift. For every injury and assault against Irikah, it was brought against them ten-fold. The Batarians and all other slime in the galaxy learned you do not mess with or harm the Krios or Shepherd clans," stated Tabitha ice dripping from each word.

Patting Thane's hands with her own, Thane released his grip. Tabitha sat back down in the co-pilot's chair, "Thane and I had settled on Kadje and been in an apartment for approximately three months when Captain Anderson knocked on our door. The Alliance knew who to send because it was hard for me to say, 'no,' to Captain Anderson. He said the Alliance needed me. I was a hero, hero of the Skyllian Blitz. I would be recommissioned with same rank and back pay for my time spent on medical and shore leave and my marriage was accepted, along with Thane Krios. The rest is history and here I am. I learned a very important lesson. Family and friends are what's important, along with faith. A person needs faith in something greater than him or herself. I hold to the Christian belief of the Bible, Thane believes in his deities, Garrus believes in the Turian Spirits. What keeps me going? Faith, family, and friends. What am I fighting for? Family and friends. Remember, Vega, you have to make it personal. Like I told Miranda when she kept telling me she was fighting for the human race. I told her she was giving me a line of bull. Even Mordin Solus was fighting the Collectors to protect his favorite nephew."

Vega rubbed the stubble on his chin as he inquired, "What about the battle on Kadje? I have never heard about it. It is not on the extranet or history books or anything."

Tabitha replied wryly, "Politics, my dear boy, politics…major cover-up. Check out the conspiracy sites on the extranet and you will see stuff on the battle of Kadje. I gave you the thumbnail…short, short…version of the tale. Sometime, when we have down time, I will tell you the entire tale."

Static response came through the comm, "Commander, this is Joker. Can you read me?

Tabitha looked to Feron, "Feron, boost this signal."

Feron responded, "Yes, Commander."

"Joker, this is Shepherd. Did the Normandy get damaged? Why is the signal so weak and static filled."

"We had a small problem on the Normandy, but everything appears to be under control."

Tabitha asked matter-of-factly, "What problem? Did Liara, Javik, Cortez, and General Victus arrive safely? Last I heard, they had the General and heading to your location."

Joker responded, "The shuttle made it back fine with all persons. The problem was a slight fire in the AI core. EDI handled the problem."

Tabitha could tell by Joker's intonation, he was not telling her everything. "Joker, have Cortez open the bay doors and I want a full report as soon as my boots hit the deck, am I clear."

"Yes, Commander."

Tabitha turned looking at Thane, Garrus, and Vega. Garrus smiled, back to his snarky self, "Well, life keeps getting more interesting for the crew and family under Commander Tabitha Shepherd-Krios, worst driver and pilot, ever."

Tabitha just looked at Garrus smirking as Garrus whipped his one taloned hand in front of his face, "You heard me, eeevvvvveeerrrrrr!" Smiling, clicking his mandibles, showing his sharp teeth.

Tabitha turned back lightly punching Feron in the upper arm, "Let's go home, boys. Take us in, Feron."

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