The combined galaxy fleets sailed through space diving straight for Earth. Never in the history of the galaxy had anything so momentous taken place—species from all planets unified as one. Hannah had a perfect view of the impressive feat as the Menari flew at the rear, guarding the Crucible. Through the cockpit window, she scanned the space ahead, every inch filled with ships whose unique designs reflecting their races. Hadn't Jane once mentioned that it sometimes took war to bring unity? She had been right.

After a time, the order for an all stop came. Hannah paced back and forth on the Menari's bridge, aware that somewhere in the massive conglomeration ahead the Normandy was joining up with Sword. Jane was so close and yet so far from her. At least they would be in the battle together. Hannah pondered fleetingly if either of them would make it out alive or if they would find themselves reuniting with Daniel, a family once again on the other side. Hannah discerned within herself a lack of fear or worry. Somehow, knowing Daniel was waiting for them broke the foreboding mood that usually accompanied the likelihood of death.

Several minutes passed, then Hannah heard a commanding voice in her ear. "Admiral to address the fleets. Open all channels."

Hannah turned to Toureau. "Admiral Hackett is going to address the crew."

Toureau, who had been squinting her eyes, now opened them fully and nodded, tapping on her console. In a moment, Steven's voice came out confident and determined, filling the Menari with its tenor.

"Never before have so many come together from all quarters of the galaxy. But never before have we faced an enemy such as this. The Reapers will show us no mercy. We must give them no quarter. They will terrorize our populations. We must stand fast in the face of that terror. They will advance until our last city falls, but we will not fall. We will prevail. Each of us will be defined by our actions in the coming battle. Stand fast. Stand strong. Stand together. Hackett out."

Hannah's heart thumped rapidly in her chest as she listened to Steven's words. This was the end of life as they had known it. Whether they succeeded or failed, nothing would ever be the same. She turned her head to see Keta nodding at her, all eyes fierce. She spied Lucas behind the batarian, his face set in a hard gaze, staring out the forward view. If looks could kill, he would have taken down all the Reapers single-handedly. Others on the bridge shared the visages of her friends, resolute and ready. Here she was, in command of a mixed crew, aliens fighting together to save all they knew and loved. They could not, would not, fail.

Another voice sounded privately in her ear. "Hannah, this is Steven."

Hannah recognized the personal nature of Steven's call when he used her first name and not her title. "Yes?"

"I wanted to keep everything on the up and up with you. I wanted you to know the Normandy's going to stick with Sword, but Jane's going in with Hammer."

Hannah put her hand to her neck, feeling her pulse beat harshly under her hand. Jane would be down on the ground fighting Reapers face to face. It made sense. She had the most experience with them. Of course they would want her on the ground. "Thank you for letting me know."

"Hackett out."

If she dies, Hannah prepared herself, You're going to have to be okay with it.

A few minutes later, the order went out to proceed through the relays to Earth. Ship after ship disappeared in front of Shield. Shield's orders were to hang back several seconds after Sword and Hammer entered the last relay, then follow with the Crucible in tow. Hannah fell into the habit of duty, mind focused only on sending orders and tracking replies, making sure every ship in Shield understood its orders and held its place. Keta aided her, monitoring a tactical screen on the Menari's bridge, letting her know if anything was amiss.

Minutes ticked by. "All ships from Sword and Hammer are through the relays," Lucas called out. He'd resumed his XO job unofficially, falling back into the rhythm he and Hannah had developed on the Orizaba. Hannah had to admit it felt good to have a trusted and trained Alliance soldier by her side. Despite Jenson's skill, she'd missed Lucas' customary presence on her bridge.

"Shield," Hannah spoke into her comm, "Head to the relay." It was the last jump to the battle. The relay came up fast and gripped the Menari in its energy field. The slight shake of transport lasted only seconds, then the Menari skimmed into the local cluster. They passed Pluto, zooming towards Earth.

"Shield, hold," Hannah commanded when they'd reached the agreed upon coordinates. She peered through the cockpit window. Even from quite a distance, they could perceive that battle had been engaged. Plumes of fire dotted forward space like the twinkling Christmas lights she remembered when she grew up in Michigan. Is there even a Michigan left? she wondered. She'd always loved Christmas, the lights especially. But the twinkling she saw now brought no joy; each flare of light indicated a ship gone and most likely, one of theirs.

"Toureau, what are you hearing?"

"Uh…"

Hannah turned when Toureau hesitated to answer. The girl had her hand to her forehead. Hannah walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "You shouldn't be doing this. You're in no condition…"

"No, no, I'm fine,' Toureau asserted, bringing her hand back to the controls. "I mean, I can do it, ma'am."

Hannah considered. The girl looked at her with determination. Hannah relented, deciding not to pull her from the bridge. The girl needed to be part of this battle, if only to feel she had done something against those who had probably taken her parents from her.

"There's a lot of chatter," Toureau went on, now reporting. "From what I gather, the Normandy's dropped Commander Shepard off to try and make a way for Hammer into London."

Jane was already on Earth. Hannah couldn't help but send her daughter mental thoughts of encouragement. You can do it, Jane. Don't give up. She knew science showed such an act fruitless, but it didn't matter. She felt better doing it. It made her feel close to Jane when her daughter was going through the most horrendous time in her entire life.

Time wore on. Toureau reported Hammer not yet through, Shepard advancing. Hannah visibly relaxed once Toureau finally reported that Hammer was landing and Jane had reached the forward base in London.

"Admiral," Steven's voice spoke into Hannah's ear.

"Here, sir," she replied.

"Hammer is hitting groundside. We've got a problem. The Citadel's arms are closed. I want Shield to advance forward slowly. Stay behind Sword. We're going to make sure no one gets through to you. Line up directly across from the Citadel. The second those arms open, you're going in."

"Aye, sir."

"Hackett out."

Hannah issued the orders and Keta took to her comm, calling the captains and admirals of Shield, confirming they understood Shield's next movements. The Reapers had obviously caught wind of the plans for the Crucible, having absconded with the station and closed it off. Hannah knew someone would have to open the arms and the only place that could be done was on the Citadel itself. She'd once wondered why everything seemed to center on the Citadel. Maybe that was the destiny of the station, to always be the object on the main stage of events in the galaxy.

Shield advanced closer to Sword, keeping back from the action, but ready to go in when commanded to. More time passed. She understood why Steven had tasked her with the command of Shield—her service with the Alliance had resulted in unparalleled skill in defensive tactics and protection. But she hated the waiting game. Lives were being lost right in front of her, yet she had to follow orders, let them die so the Crucible could come in and save the day when the time was right.

"Admiral?" a soft French voice called to her.

Hannah faced Toureau. "Yes?"

"I have a call coming in for you…It's Commander Shepard."

Jane? Now? "Put her through." Hannah's heart pumped and she heard static on her end as she put her hand to her ear. "Jane?"

"Mom?"

"Hey. Sorry we don't have visual. The ship I'm on isn't equipped with vid comm."

"It's okay. I'm sorry I never got in touch with you after Hackett told me you were alive."

"I understand. They couldn't let me in on the secret."

"Yeah. Look, I'm going to make a push for the Citadel, try to get there and open the arms."

Hannah's heart skipped a beat. "You'll get through. I know it."

"Mom, I had to talk to you. If I don't make it…"

"You will."

"Listen to me."

"I'm listening."

"I love you, mom. Thanks for everything. Thanks for being there for me when dad died, for inspiring my career, for supporting me every step of the way. I couldn't have asked for a better mother."

Hannah felt tears in her eyes. This time, she didn't brush them away. There was something honorable about letting them course down her cheeks. She swallowed the knot in her throat. "I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. You've made me proud, honey, everything you've done. You get to the Citadel, get those arms open and come back to me. That's an order, you got it?"

She heard a soft chuckle. "Yes, ma'am. Shepard out."

Hannah gulped, now putting her palms to her cheeks to wipe the wetness away. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning she saw Lucas, his gaze compassionate, his face pulled back in a grim smile. "She'll make it. I swear that girl's got nine lives and she's only used up one."

Hannah smiled, grateful for Lucas' encouragement and humor. "Thanks." Jane couldn't die again, could she, not when she'd already died once? There had to be some mercy for her somewhere out there in the galaxy.

Steven's voice sounded once again in Hannah's ear. "Shield, Sword has cut a path for you to the Citadel. Move in. We've got to be there when the arms open."

"All ships! Head in. Straight course," Hannah commanded through her comm.

Hannah heard a chorus of "ayes" respond and Shield began its final trip, moving forward toward the Citadel. The stationed loomed larger and larger as they traveled towards it.

After a while, Keta called out. "Quarian fleet's out of alignment."

"Admiral Korralos," Hannah spoke authoritatively. "Why are you straying?...Admiral?" When she got no response, Hannah turned. "Toureau…" her question stalled in her throat. Toureau's seat was vacant. Hannah scanned the bridge, but didn't see the girl anywhere.

"Lucas?"

Lucas had already traipsed over to communications, tapping away. He turned a worried face on her. "Communications are locked down."

"What?"

"There's some program running here, tying up all communication." Lucas flipped on his omni-tool. "I'll work on it, get it sorted out."

"Did anyone see where Toureau went?" Hannah asked the bridge crew.

"She left after you got the call from Commander Shepard," Jeparn answered her.

Keta's hands were flying over her station. "Found her." Hannah walked over to stand next to her. Keta had pulled up a grainy black and white video feed. Toureau stood to the right of the screen, fiddling with a console.

"How did you…"

Keta smiled wickedly. "I hire criminals. I make sure I can keep tabs on everyone."

Hannah pushed aside the thought that Keta's eyes had been able to watch her at all times on board the Menari to deal with the more pressing matter of Toureau's location. "That's engineering," Hannah stated, confused. "Why is she there?"

"Admiral," Jeparn spoke again.

Hannah looked over at him. "Yes?"

"Engineering has been locked down as well. She's doing something down there."

Hannah's eyebrows knit in concern. What was Toureau up to and why? "I'm going down there to figure this out. Keep straight on towards the Citadel." She stalked to the stairs and rushed down them. She paused at the bottom, then hot footed it to her quarters. She slipped in for only a moment and grabbed her pistol. Her intuition was screaming at her that something was terribly wrong.

When Hannah reached engineering, she found the three engineers, all batarians, standing outside, beating on the door in frustration. A quick conversation revealed that Toureau had shown up and lured them outside with an excuse about Keta wanting to see them, then locked them out of the section. Hannah could see Toureau inside, squatting in the middle of the room, messing with a rather large object on the floor. The batarians had tried to get her attention, but to no avail. Hannah walked to the window and pressed a hand to the door panel so her voice could be heard inside.

"Toureau! Toureau! Answer me!"

The girl didn't turn, keeping her back to Hannah.

"Toureau! What are you doing? Toureau?" There was still no response. Hannah pressed on the panel again, sending her voice across the entire ship. "Lucas! I need you down here, now!"

Hannah kept trying to get a response from Toureau. In less than a minute, Lucas had shown up. "What's going on?"

"I don't know what she's doing, but I need to get in there. Open this door."

Lucas put his omni-tool to work on the engineering door. When a couple minutes had passed by, Hannah began to get frustrated. "Why is it taking so long?"

"This is really complicated," Lucas explained, his fingers moving as fast as they could. "I don't know how she did this."

"Lucas! Lucas!" Keta came running down the hall. Lucas looked up.

"Keta?"

"I don't know how, but she's got control of navigation. She's turned the ship around. We're heading back through the fleets towards the Crucible."

Hannah's heart thumped wildly. How did Toureau even have the skills to pull this off? This was sabotage of the highest order, it had to be. Communications locked out, the ship under Toureau's control, moving towards the Crucible and the girl was messing with something unknown to her. What was the young woman planning to do?

One of the batatirans standing outside engineering staring through the window suddenly gasped.

"What is it?" Keta asked, her tone demanding an immediate answer.

"I think, boss, perhaps, that thing she's putting together, it looks like an explosive device."

Hannah focused on Toureau, watching as she wired the device she was working on. She could think of only one conclusion that fit the current series of events.

"She's going to smash into the Crucible, try to disable it by blowing the Menari."

Keta's four eyes went wide and her hands gripped her belly tightly. "Who is she? Why?"

Hannah's mind was firing, putting together the pieces. Toureau and her headaches. Finding Toureau, not at the memorial wall on the Citadel, but out of place at the docks. The conversation she'd overheard as Toureau conversed with herself. All of those could have been indications of more than an injury sustained when the Orizaba disintegrated. How had Toureau taken a blow to the face and not been suffocated when her helmet broke to pieces?

Hannah breathed out. "She's indoctrinated."

Lucas turned horrified eyes on Hannah. "We brought a traitor on board."

"How long till we reach the Crucible?" Hannah questioned Keta.

"Uh…" the batarian stammered. "Maybe fifteen minutes at the most."

Lucas grabbed Hannah's shoulder in a death grip. "Get Keta to an escape pod and get off this ship."

"Lucas!" Keta protested, her voice cracking with emotion.

"Do this for me!" Lucas cried out. He pulled Keta to himself and kissed her quickly and passionately, then pushed her away. "Save our baby."

"Lucas, I'm not leaving. You die, I die."

Lucas turned back to Hannah. "Please," he pleaded. "Get her off. Don't let an innocent child die here today."

Hannah turned and took Keta by the arm. "Let's go."

"No."

"Keta!" Hannah yelled. "Think of your child. You're a mother. You can't think only about yourself anymore." Hannah pulled Keta's arm, directing her through the ship. As they passed humans and aliens in the hallway, Hannah sent out the word that all crew needed to make for the escape pods. It wasn't long before there was a rush of aliens trying to get off the Menari. Hannah found a life pod and forced Keta into it. When Keta was situated, Hannah stepped out.

"Hannah, what are you…"

"Your daughter's your life now," Hannah stated, slamming her palm against the escape pod controls. The door slid shut and the pod made a hissing sound as it ejected into space. Hannah turned, feet pounding the metal floor as she sped back down the hall.

When Hannah returned to engineering, Lucas was now alone, still working frantically on the door. He glanced at her only with the corner of his eye, his concentration riveted on the door.

"Why are you here?" he asked tersely.

"You're getting that door open, then you're getting out of here."

"Go. I've got this."

"I'm not letting Keta's child grow up without a father!" Hannah shouted.

Lucas didn't respond. There was a sudden swoosh and the door slid open. Hannah raised her pistol and pushed Lucas out of the way. "Get off. Go be the father you always wanted to be."

"Hannah…," Lucas muttered, his eyes misting.

"I forgive you, Lucas," Hannah declared sincerely. "Now go!"

Lucas turned and ran down the hall.

Hannah stalked into engineering holding her pistol in front of her with both hands. Proximity alarms were sounding loudly in the room. In a few more minutes, they'd be slamming right into the Crucible.

"Toureau, stop!" Hannah called out, reluctant to shoot the girl even now.

Toureau stood and turned, causing Hannah to jump for two reasons. First, Toureau's bandages were gone, revealing a face burned horribly away, splotchy and melted. Second, her eyes had gone white, glowing eerily. Her voice came out deep and halting. "You don't understand. Your limited mind cannot comprehend. This must be done."

"Toureau, don't listen to the voices! They're lying to you!"

"No," Toureau answered calmly.

"I have no choice," Hannah whispered. She pulled the trigger. A projectile shot from her pistol, wounding Toureau in the leg. The girl cried out in anger, but still went to the ground. Hannah hurried forward, staring at the object Toureau had been working on. She didn't know where to start. She'd had training in the marines on how to disengage bombs, but this one seemed to be part Reaper tech. Her next idea was to get it off the ship. She tugged at it, trying to pull it, but it held fast. Several tendrils were wrapped around the device that eventually trailed down to the ground where they had dug through and attached themselves, securing the device to the floor.

"You would need this one to loosen it. She will not," Toureau's deep, unearthly voice spoke. "And killing this one will make no difference. If this one does not detonate it, it will detonate itself in moments."

Hannah glared at the indoctrinated Toureau. She headed towards the door. There was still one way to make sure the ship didn't reach the Crucible. She felt a sudden pain in her back and she pitched forward to the ground, rolling onto her back as she hit the floor. Toureau jumped on her, throwing punches right and left. Hannah cried out in both pain and anger, then the combat skills she'd practiced for years took over. She flipped Toureau off of her, sending the girl careening across the floor. She reached for the pistol that had clattered out of her hands when Toureau had assaulted her. Toureau was rushing back towards her when Hannah fired, the shot catching Toureau right in the gut. The girl screeched out and halted, toppling to the floor. She shook for a moment, then lay still.

Hannah wanted to cry. She'd just killed a member of her crew, shot a young woman with so much life and vitality. She pushed her thoughts away. This wasn't the time. If the Crucible was to be saved, she had to unlock the Menari's piloting controls. She rushed for the bridge.

When she entered the bridge, it was empty, the crew having fled. Hannah assumed they had all made it to the escape pods. She looked out the forward view. The Menari would hit the Crucible in two minutes tops.

Hannah slid into the pilot's seat. Flipping on her omni-tool, she worked furiously trying to undo the lock down. She wasn't a technical expert, but the omni-tool Keta had given her was souped up with powerful programs. She hoped her limited technical knowledge and Keta's penchant for ridiculously upgraded omni-tools would be enough. The Crucible grew larger and larger. With seconds to spare, the controls unlocked, flashing green. Hannah's fingers flew over the controls, veering the Menari away from the Crucible. She strained in and out for breath. She peered over at the vid screen and its image of engineering. Toureau still lay on the ground and the device was flashing blue. How long did she have until it blew?

Hannah turned back to the piloting controls and swung the Menari around, glad years of observing her pilots had given her the general knowledge she needed to fly a ship. "If I'm going down, I'm taking some of you with me," she growled out, heading straight into the thick of battle on a collision course for the first Reaper she could find.

Author's Note: Hackett's speech comes straight from Mass Effect 3