"Senator Shepard-"

"Dad-"

Both Tevos and Del spoke at the same time, but it was Tevos to whom he shifted his gaze, gripping his daughter's shoulder with one hand as he looked past her at the promontory.

"Councilors, with all respect- my daughter was conscripted for this mission because her life was under threat from Gellian Osco, and because she was uniquely qualified to help you to cure this plague. Myself and the rest of my family have been in protective custody, unable to contact her to even see if she was all right. Now, the threat to my family is over and this plague is cured thanks to her work. She is not military, she is not an agent of any kind…she is a geneticist. What you need now are soldiers, and there is no reason to put her into harm's way again."

"I understand, Senator, but Osco remains a threat. Your daughter knows her thought processes, her ethics. According to reports she has been able to correctly predict Osco's behavior patterns over the course of these circumstances. Now, Osco is merged with technology beyond our understanding- technology only touched so thoroughly by one other person- your daughter. Her expertise may prove vital to putting an end to any ongoing threat Gellian Osco may pose."

"Councilor, I-"

"Dad, that's enough," Del said, then looked over at Tevos. "I will continue on the mission with Captain T'Soni and provide any help or information I can."

"That is much appreciated, Doctor…thank you," Tevos said, then quickly continued on before the senator could speak again. "We will also notify Sha'ira to expect you after this meeting is concluded, to see if she can glean any hidden information that may be in your subconscious."

"Councilor, if I may…such an action does not necessarily need a Matriarch," Liara said. "I would be more than happy to-"

"It may not need a Matriarch per se, Captain, but it does need someone especially skilled in such melds," Tevos told her. "Sha'ira is the most qualified individual and the most likely to succeed. You are an exemplary soldier, Liara, but you are not disciplined in this particular field. Sha'ira will suit."

Liara masked it well, but Del could tell she wasn't particularly pleased. "I understand, Councilor. Thank you."

"Moving on to the next matter at hand," Valern said, and gestured. "Dr. Vasta, if you would please step forward."

The asari Matriarch who had been patiently waiting with the young commando on the sidelines, began to move forward. As she did, Valern looked to the silently waiting rakir.

"Prilekk Utchibahna Sihra, we are honored to have you before us. Dr. Vasta is Thessia's highest respected exobiologist, and she is in charge of the program monitoring your home world of Nakira."

The Matriarch's eyes were sparkling slightly as she bowed her head respectfully to the rakir female. "Etikk ko, Prilekk. It is a great honor."

Sihra looked surprised, then cleared her throat. Her return nod was so faint Del almost missed it. "Ko ah," she said.

"Dr. Vasta has put forth a very passionate case for the last few years about uplifting the rakir people and bringing them into this galactic community," Sparatus said. "We understand they suffer from a unique…plague…which is threatening them with extinction-"

"Us," Sihra said firmly. "We are threatened with extinction due to the Affliction, yes. More and more, our males are born Stunted- small and weak, and unable to father young."

"We believe we may have an answer to this plague, Prilekk," Vasta told her.

"Does that not put an end to your case then, Vasta?" Sparatus asked. "If you can disperse the cure to the rakir without uplifting them-"

"It is not so simple, Councilor. We believe we may be correct but we still must test on living rakir subjects to be absolutely sure. We need their cooperation to do so in a swift manner and get this problem halted as soon as possible. Already they have tipped the balance. If they do not produce predominantly fertile males within the next generation, the rakir will become extinct without direct genetic intervention. We can either uplift them to find the solution and allow them to reproduce naturally; we can uplift them to allow them access to technology that will enable them to breed among females only via stem cell manipulation; or we can allow their people and a magnificent culture to die."

"Allowing them to go extinct without intervention would not only be silencing this galaxy of a unique cultural voice, but also would hardly be a fitting thank you to Sihra for her help," Liara said. "She was taken from her world by Osco, confronted with beings and technology she did not understand, and found herself part of a conflict that was not hers to fight. Despite this, she adapted, and fought, and has been instrumental in this mission."

"I understand the Prilekk is not here by her choice," Valern said. "And I understand she was of help in your mission. Still, we are facing a much broader canvas. The reality of the matter is, for every species that evolves and advances far enough to make it off-world, there are hundreds who fail. It has also been shown that species that are uplifted before they have developed space-flight for themselves have been damaged by the uplifting. Their culture is stunted, great advancements they may have achieved are lost, and as a result, the galaxy is weaker. As sad and unfortunate as it is that her people are facing extinction, we have to consider the damage that may be caused by their uplifting as well. We must consider all aspects."

"If the Prilekk is returned to her world, what would be the consequence?" Tevos asked.

"Nothing short of war, Councilor," Vasta said. "She is key in her government, the only thing standing in the way of the elderly Ubuut being overthrown by rival factions. If she remains off-world there will be war. If she returns alone, there will be war. She has seen the greater galaxy. She will be deemed insane by her people and executed. If the rakir engage in war their extinction will only be hastened by it, as what few fertile males they have left are slaughtered. The only way is for us to return with her and arrange a treaty with her Ubuut…peace with them in exchange for curing the Affliction. Their culture and growth as a species may be harmed by this, it is true…but to not do so erases any contribution they may have made to this galaxy completely. If faced with a choice, would you rather have a lame friend…or a dead one?"

"My people will die if you do not help us!" Sihra said angrily. From the surprised way the Councilors looked at her, it was clear they had not expected her to speak. "The entire Ubuutis will fall! Who are you to stand there and decide our fate for us? Who stood and decided yours for you? What cowards are you that you would rather allow certain death than to risk a 'might'?"

"Prilekk-" Tevos frowned, but Sihra would not be daunted.

"My people at least know the truth of life and honor," she snarled. "We face our enemies, we look in their eyes when they die- we do not hide in soft clothes or grand rooms and murder from halfway across the night sky! If you condemn us to die, then you come to Nakira. You come to Nakira and you look in our eyes and you watch us die. Watch us die, and know that it was your hands that did it, no one else's! You are not Gods that get to dictate our existence with your false benevolence…you are executioners."

"Sihra is right," Miranda said, striding forward. "No one is saying that the rakir will not suffer at least some damage culturally by being uplifted, but that is not for us to decide-"

"What would you have us do, Ms. Lawson?" Tevos asked. "Uplift every sentient species the moment their people are even remotely endangered- by plague or by natural disaster? This is the course that nature put the rakir on- the Affliction is not our doing. If we step in and interfere in every case when a primitive species might be eliminated due to their own natural path, that is when we are playing God. Where is the line drawn?"

"Apparently, the line is drawn when the species is of no use to this Council!" Miranda replied angrily, prompting gasps from around the room. "You didn't think twice about uplifting the krogan because you needed them, and the moment you didn't any longer you neutered them and cast them aside to become scavengers and mercs-"

"You will be silent," Sparatus said furiously, "or you will be removed from this chamber, and your pardon revoked-"

"If you remove her, you will have to remove me as well," Liara said sternly. "Lawson is absolutely right. Councilors, no one is asking you to save every sentient species that may face a natural disaster. This is not about the possibility of extinction, this is about the certainty of it. Sihra helped us save trillions of lives all across this galaxy, as many as the krogan did during the Rachni Wars. Is this the reward she has earned? Can you honestly, knowingly allow the death of an entire species because you are uncomfortable with the idea of them being on par with the rest of us?"

"That is not what this is about-" Tevos started, only to be interrupted by Del this time.

"That is exactly what this is about! You don't want to uplift the rakir because you're afraid of them, aren't you? Just like you were afraid of the krogan. You neutered them because you feared they would overrun the galaxy, and you're afraid the rakir will do the same!"

"They are a warlike species that has not yet attained the maturity of civilization," Sparatus said. "Would you unleash them on your home world? In your colonies?"

"Them? Yes, in a goddamn heartbeat!" Del told him. "I'd rather have Sihra and her people living on Earth than people like you! At least they have honor!"

"That is enough," Tevos said, her voice ringing. "Captain T'Soni, you and Matriarch Vasta will remain here to speak in private. The rest of you will clear the Council chambers."

Shepard felt her father's light grip on her arm, but almost instinctively tugged away from it, making no move to step back. "Councilors-"

"Doctor, that was not a suggestion," Tevos said. "You will depart now, or you will be detained, am I clear?"

"Go, Merah," Liara said softly, looking at her.

"Don't let them sacrifice the rakir on the altar of their self-righteousness, Liara."

"I will do all in my power, you know that. Go, before this gets any worse. I will see you outside shortly."

"Commanders Feris and Williams, will you please make sure that Dr. Shepard, the Prilekk, and Ms. Lawson are escorted safely out of the room?" Valern asked. "Thank you."

"C'mon, Doc," Feris said gently. Reluctantly Del turned, stepping down off the platform. She didn't look at her father, but she didn't have to, the man falling in silently beside her.

Almost as soon as the door slid shut behind them, sealing off the chambers, Jake Shepard caught his daughter by the arm and halted her. "Delilah, what's gotten into you?"

"Gotten into me?" she asked. "Dad, I don't know if you realized what was going on in there, but those people have pretty much appointed themselves judge, jury, and executioner over an entire species-"

"No, I understand that perfectly," he replied. "And they're utterly and incredibly wrong. I just never expected you'd stand toe to toe with the galactic Council that…vehemently."

She blinked at him. "Sihra's my friend, Dad. Her people are dying. Of course I stood up for her."

"And I am…grateful, detrak," Sihra said, almost sounding pained at having to say the word. "I do not like the way they smell. They are full of…soft secrets and manipulations and cunning."

"They're politicians," Miranda said with a snort. "That's all they're made up of."

"And they call my people 'primitives'. We don't slink like worms in the mud, we fight and stand truthfully. We do not have these 'politicians.'"

"All the more reason for you to be uplifted as quickly as possible," Miranda said. "We need more honest people in this galaxy, and a lot fewer politicians. No offense intended, Senator."

"None taken, miss," the elder Shepard said, then looked sternly at his daughter. "However, I stand by the rest of what I said. You have spent enough time endangering your life. Your work is done, and you need to come home."

"Dad, I appreciate the fact that you're worried about me, but that's not your call to make. If I can contribute anything to putting a stop to Osco, I'm going to do it."

"You're not a soldier, Del! You're not a warrior, or a strategist!"

"You didn't see those dying people, Dad! You didn't see what Osco did, and you don't know what she's capable of doing with that alien tech. I've seen it in action! She committed genocide, for Christ's sake! The quarians are utterly decimated because of her…because of what she did with my help-!"

"You couldn't have known she'd pervert your research in such a way!" Jake said kindly, taking her shoulders.

"No, but that doesn't change the fact that it was my research, or the fact that Osco has two of my friends hostage. One of them is only sixteen, Dad! I'm going with Liara, and I'm going to help in any way that I can. You'd do no less, so how can you ask me just to put it aside and hide?"

He blew out a breath, shaking his head. "Perhaps when you have children, you'll understand, Delilah. We spent weeks under guard, with little to no word on what was going on, without knowing where you were or what was happening. You're my daughter, sweetheart…and I love you. I just want you to be safe-"

"I know, Daddy, and I'm grateful for that- but as long as Osco is out there, no one is safe. What she could do with that technology could make the attack on San Francisco look like child's play. I have to do this. There's no other way."

He let out a breath, releasing her and raking a hand back through his thick hair, before he nodded. "I don't like it," he said sternly. "I don't like it the least little bit…but I trust you, and you're not a little girl any more. It's your decision to make. Just be sure of what you are doing, Delilah."

"I will be careful, I swear," she said, then stepped forward and hugged him tightly. "I'm glad to see you, Dad. I'm glad you're ok."

"I'm glad you're ok, as well," he said, dropping a quick and almost self-conscious kiss on the crown of her head, before he cleared his throat. "Your mother and sister are on the Citadel as well. If you get the chance, they'd like to see you before you go."

"Of course. I'd love to see them. They wouldn't tell me how you were doing either. Mom and Inna are ok?"

"They're just fine. Honestly, they did better at being cooped up than I did- but they were worried. They'll be happy to see for themselves that you're all right."

Feris and Williams had gone a short distance away, talking in intent and low voices with Anderson and the others. Sihra and Miranda were the only two that had remained close, the rakir notably agitated but holding herself under remarkable control.

More control that I'd have, I suspect, if it were the human race on the chopping block, she thought.

At that moment, the door to the chambers reopened, Liara and the Matriarch stepping out. Immediately the others gathered around, Del stepping away from her father and, for once, cursing Liara's ability to keep her face incredibly neutral.

"What happened? What'd they say?" Miranda asked.

"As Osco has retreated into the Traverse, they are hesitant to send a fleet in after her," Liara told them. "They are wary of starting a war if they do so, however they are very cognizant of the danger Osco continues to pose. They are continuing to deliberate. In the meantime- Shepard, I am to escort you to the Consort to see if she is able to help retrieve any hidden memories you may have. Vasta will make what arrangements she needs and come morning, we will be departing the Citadel once again to return the Prilekk to Nakira."

"You are taking her home?" Miranda asked with a blink. "To be executed? Or to-"

"No," Vasta said, lifting a hand. "It took some cajoling and…some shaming, and in the end I needed to imply that the majority of the Matriarchs of Thessia would be quite disturbed and unhappy with any other decision- but we were able to get permission to take the Prilekk back to her Ubuut…and arrange for a treaty."

There was a general exclamation from the crowd, Del covering her mouth in shocked surprise. "Really? They agreed?"

"They did indeed," Vasta said, as Liara smiled. Looking at the rakir, the Matriarch inclined her head. "Prilekk Utchibahna Sihra, we will help stop the Affliction of the rakir. Your people will be uplifted."


Shepard's father insisted on accompanying them to see the Consort- something Del was not particularly looking forward too. Liara's feelings about it were not helping either; though the asari Spectre remained stoic, Del could all but feel the irritation coming off of her in waves.

Sam was their only other companion. Vasta was making arrangements and, logically, Sihra wanted to be part of them. Ashley and Miranda had chosen to stay with her, both to help and to keep things secure.

Jacob Shepard seemed incredibly curious about the process of retrieving Del's memories, and kept asking questions. Being that Liara was the only asari there, most were directed at her.

"So she will actually be able to see inside 'Lilah's head?"

"Yes, in a way," Liara told him. "Sha'ira will be able to watch and even somewhat experience Shepard's memories as if she had been present for events. Shepard, as well, will be a 'third-party' observer to her own thoughts, and even participate in them."

"How is that possible?" He asked, his thick brows knit. "I mean…physiologically? I'd heard that asari were able to do such things but I can't fathom how it works."

"We have highly advanced nervous systems," Liara told him. "They are able to connect to electrical impulses in the nervous systems of others. It is an integral part of our reproduction process, but it is also capable of a vast array of other uses. Once connected, we become an extension of the other's system and everything that they control. Memories and thoughts are merely stored electrical data in the brain. We can access those impulses and duplicate them in our own minds, experience them in a sort of lucid dream state. A highly advanced and well-trained asari like Sha'ira would also be able to control another's autonomous bodily functions, in case of an emergency."

"Their bodily functions? What do you mean?"

"Well, say someone was badly injured and their heart stopped. An asari of discipline and skill would be able to connect to the injured party's nervous system and act as life-support, returning and maintaining the heartbeat of the other with impulses from their own brain, until repairs are made. The same could be said of any organ, so long as the damage to it is not egregiously structural."

"So, if someone had a stroke that damaged the part of the brain that sends electric pulses telling the heart to beat, an asari would be able to take that over until repaired."

"Yes. However, if the heart was stabbed with a knife or shot through with a bullet, aid of that kind would be useless."

"Absolutely amazing," he said. "So…when this Sha'ira touches Del…for a while, they will actually have just one interconnected nervous system."

"Yes. It is far more complex than that, but that suits as a simplified description."

"You are not able to do this?" he asked.

"Dad," Shepard said softly, shaking her head.

"What? I don't mean to be rude- Captain, forgive me if asking that is rude, I am just curious."

"It is all right, Senator. Given my age and experience, I am fully capable of entering a meld or a full Joining, but I do not have the mastery or discipline necessary to act as 'life support', or to see guarded and deeply buried memories far within the subconscious brain. I may get hints of them, but for the clarity we require, Sha'ira is the best choice."

He eyed her a little. "You don't sound happy about that."

She lifted a brow slightly. "I am not unhappy about it. The situation is as it is. We need that information."

He hmmed a little, glancing at his daughter again before he asked, "Is it dangerous?"

"Shepard will be in no danger physically or mentally," Liara said. "The only danger lies in a potential failure to retrieve the information we need…either because it is buried too deeply, or because it is nonexistent."

"I see. I just ask because- again, I'm not trying to be rude or prod at sensitive subjects but- there are tales I've heard. Of asari who can- well, who can kill with such a meld."

"You are talking of the Ardat-Yakshi. Yes. There are asari who have a mutation that makes their systems incredibly powerful. They overpower the mind and brain of their prey, feeding off of their neurologic energy until the damage is irreparable. During the process, they experience the memories, thoughts, fears, and desires of their victims. In the end, they also feel the moment of death quite intimately. This purging and slaughter comes with a euphoric high that is incredibly addicting. Once an Ardat-Yakshi kills, they crave only more, and become nearly impossible to stop. I assure you, however- the condition is extremely rare, and becomes detectable with the onset of puberty. Those who suffer from it are allowed to choose between a life of guarded confinement in a monastery, or death. Even those that escape find it harder and harder to hide what they are as they age. Any life in the public light would quickly reveal the truth of their nature, and they prefer to remain clandestine, hidden in the shadows. Sha'ira is quite well known and frequently indulges this kind of…work. There is no chance she is Ardat-Yakshi. If she were, she could not resist the kill and would have been discovered centuries ago."

"It'll be fine, Daddy," Shepard said with a smile, taking her father's hand. "You'll see. I'll be just fine."