Tuchanka

Shepard follows Urdnot Wrex in silence. They enter a cave of sorts and the tunnel weaves left and right. She still cannot believe her friend is alive. Shepard looks behind her and sees Eli and the other two Krogan turn right while Wrex continues straight on. Finally the tunnel opens into a circular area where there is a fire in the middle of the room. There are stone benches. Wrex sits on one and lets out a long sigh. Shepard sits across from him warming her hands by the fire.

"What's going on Wrex?"

"It is good to see you Shepard."

The retired Captain sees a sadness in Wrex's eyes that she has never seen before. It sends a shiver down her spine.

"A lot has happened," says Wrex. "Remember Clan Jurdon?"

"I vaguely remember your clans not liking each other."

Wrex grumps a little. "That is an understatement. We are enemies. They never saw things as the rest of us did. After the war as we repopulated Tuchanka with our offspring, Clan Jurdon grew. I had no idea there were so many Krogan that were against what I was doing."

"What are you talking about Wrex?"

"I tried to change our ways Shepard. Tried to teach my brothers and sisters that we did not have to fight and conquer simply to fight and conquer. What you and Mordin did for our people, it was our second chance. I didn't want to screw it up."

"Where is Eva Wrex?"

"Taken. All of the women have been taken. Clan Jurdon took them all. They are trying to go back to the old ways, they liked the way things were before the war. They want to use the women as trophies. They do well in battle they can mate with one of them to produce children. Eve and I were trying to change that. Live as you humans do as other species do. Have one Krogan woman be with one Krogan man. Not look upon them as objects." Wrex throws a stick into the fire. "I don't even know if she is alive Shepard."

"How, how did this happen?"

"Clan Jurdon gained a lot of support from other clans. They became one clan under the leadership of Gran Wrang, now known as Jurdon Gran. He is the third son of Ganar Wrang who was from Clan Ganar. He was an exiled Krogan battlemaster."

"He founded the Blood Pack mercenary group."

"Yes. He was exiled for striking a female Krogan in anger. Later he returned to his clan in triumph. He rallied the elders and provided hordes of Krogan and firepower. He created and profited off professional violence in the Terminus Systems. That was over a century ago."

After the war with the Reapers, we had no need for the Blood Pack mercenary group anymore. Eve and I wanted the Krogan to try to live in peace. Rebuild Tuchanka and thrive, see our children grow, a blessing that was stolen from us for too long. But Ganar Wrang's son Jurdon Gran had other ideas. Over the years as we rebuilt Tuchanka and started having Krogran children Jurdon Gran was secretly recruiting Krogan to his cause."

"His cause?"

"Jurdon Gran is stuck in the past. He wants things as they were. He wants to conquer. He wants strong children and strong Krogan so he can conquer."

"When did all of this happen?"

"He has slowly been building his army. He has been very patient which is why we….I was caught off guard. A little over six months ago there was an attempt on my life. I was severely injured. Eli and others brought me here to recover. I knew what Jurdon Gran was doing but I failed to see how many Krogan still wanted the old ways. When I regained consciousness everything had changed. In just days the women were gathered and taken away. Now in our cities Jurdon Gran's Krogan patrol and keep other Krogan in line. I have lost all support as if there are no other clans left. Eli, he thought it best to let everyone think I died in order to slowly build our forces. Slowly rebuild our numbers so we can take Tuchanka back. I fear Jurdon Gran's numbers are high enough to leave Tuchanka and start conquering other planets. He wants to fight like his ancestors did Shepard. If he and his clan leave Tuchanka, he will begin a war. I fear what that might mean for the Krogans."

"You think the Salarians will reintroduce the genophage? Stop the Krogans from reproducing ?"

"Wouldn't you?"

"Why now, why contact me now and what about Grunt?"

Wrex growls. "They want to study him Shepard."

"What?"

"Tank bred. They want to study him. Jurdon Gran wants to create more like him for his war."

Shepard cannot believe what she is hearing. "Why didn't you call sooner? I mean what the hell Wrex you should have told me this months ago. I could have brought help! What the hell is the matter with you?" Shepard is pacing. She is furious, she wants to hit something.

"We couldn't get word out Shepard."

"Bullshit Wrex! Couldn't get word out, are you kidding me! You are the great Urdnot Wrex. Since when do you lay down and stay down?"

Wrex jolts to his feet and growls in her face. "You want to say that to me again Shepard?"

"Go ahead Wrex." Shepard presses her forehead to his, baiting him. "I'll give you first strike if you think you can raise your fist."

Wrex moves slow, a lot slower than Shepard was hoping for. He strikes out with his fist but misses. He strikes again and misses. He charges her and Shepard simply steps aside. Wrex leans heavily on a stone bench panting.

He has no energy and it scares Shepard.

Wrex sits down in a heap on the bench trying to slow his breathing.

This is not the Wrex she remembers. Shepard slowly walks over to him and sits beside him touching shoulder to shoulder. She doesn't say a word.

It takes a few minutes for the Krogan's breathing to return to normal.

"How long Wrex?"

"A few months, maybe less."

"How did it happen?"

"The attempt on my life was successful, I just haven't died yet."

"Are you in pain?"

"Not always."

Shepard takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. "So what's the plan?"


THESSIA

Little A runs to the front door as fast as she can. She knows she is a few minutes past her curfew but what a night! Kaya said I love you back, the young asari is beaming. Little A opens and closes the door quietly in case anyone is sleeping. She enables the security system. When she turns she sees her mother at the kitchen table drinking something, most likely tea.

"Mom I know I am a little late I…"

"It's quite all right. Did you have fun?"

Little A is a little out of breath. She moves to the chair across from her mom and sits down. "Yeah, yeah we had fun."

"How was the vid?"

"Uh, well we didn't go to it."

"Why? Is everything all right?"

"Yes more than all right."

Liara has seen that look before, in the mirror in fact. "So what did you do?"

"Well we were at dinner and we were talking about Mia and all of her prospects and then it hit me."

"What honey?"

"That she is going to leave soon. Then I thought about Raina and Eva and how they will probably leave soon too and I don't know I …well I am embarrassed to say I almost started crying right there in the restaurant."

Liara sets down her cup of tea. "What happened?"

"Kaya suggested we go for a walk and talk instead of watching the vid. I didn't realize how much I had on my mind. It was great Mom, I mean she was great. We talked for over an hour. Well I guess I should say I talked for over an hour. She is just…" Little A looks down.

"What honey? She is just what, you can tell me."

Little A looks up at her mother, "I love her Mom."

"I know."

"What? What do you mean you know?"

Liara chuckles a little. "Honey the way your face lights up when you talk about her tells me you care for her deeply."

Little A is a little surprised. She figured Raina would know by now but she didn't know she was so obvious.

"Have you two…" Liara's voice trails off.

"Huh? No no we have not uh…no."

"Do you know how she feels?"

Little A smiles. "She loves me."

Liara's heart breaks a little inside. Her youngest is growing up and she is right, soon all of her children will be gone. Her throat is suddenly tight; she takes a sip of tea hoping it will help.

"I thought the evening was ruined when Dava stopped by."

"Dava?" Liara sits up.

"Yeah it was the weirdest thing. Kaya and I were in the park sitting on a bench. I am about to tell Kaya that I love her and before I can Dava shows up. But thankfully I got another opportunity."

"Were you scared?"

"I was at first, but I just had to get the words out ya know? And for her to tell me that she loves me back Mom, it was and is the greatest feeling! I don't ever want to lose this feeling! Is this how it was for you and Dad?"

Liara of course was wondering if Little A was scared of Dava. Seeing how excited her daughter is Liara does not correct her.

"Mom?"

"I'm sorry what honey?"

"Oh I see." Little A looks away. "You meant was I scared of Dava?" The young asari shakes her head. Here she is ecstatic about her evening with the woman she loves and her mother wants to know about Dava.

"I'm sorry Aethyta."

"I'm tired, I'm going to bed." She stands up.

Liara hurries to her daughter, "Please Little A I'm sorry I am. I …I am very happy for you. Kaya is a very lovely girl."

"No."

"No? What do you mean no?"

Little A steps away from her mother and heads for the stairs, "No I was not scared of Dava."

"Please honey talk to me. I want to hear about…"

"It's okay Mom. I'll see you in the morning."

Before Liara can say no it is not okay her youngest is up the stairs and out of sight. She didn't mean to ruin her excitement. Liara decides to go upstairs after her daughter.


Tuchanka

It is getting late. Wrex brought Shepard back to the main part of their Krogan base to discuss his plan. It sounds a bit shaky in places but the retired Captain thinks it could work. She sees Eli approach.

"I'll show you to your quarters Shepard."

"I need to get a message to my wife Eli. I can't seem to get anything through from down here."

"And you won't."

"I need to get a message to Liara Eli. Now."

"Too risky. Jurdon Gran monitors all communication off planet. It was quite a risk sending you a…"

Shepard slams Eli into the side of the tunnel. Her arm is across his throat. "Maybe you didn't hear me Eli. I wasn't asking permission. Do you understand?"

Eli nods as he cannot talk; her arm is tight against his throat.

Shepard lets him go. Eli drops to a knee coughing. Shepard slams her hand on his shoulder. "Show me the way."

It takes about ten minutes to navigate the twists and turns of the various tunnels but finally they reach the surface. It is pitch black outside.

"Please make it short Shepard. The longer the message the more time they have to pick it up."

Ignoring the Krogan Shepard brings up her omni-tool.

"Here." Eli brings up his omni-tool. "Follow these protocols."

Shepard syncs her omni-tool with his then sends a very short message to Liara.

"Down!" Eli pushes Shepard down. Four sets of lights point their way, most likely from four Tomkahs. They lie still on their bellies watching the lights grow bigger. There are rocks that block there way so they are not completely exposed, but they could be spotted.

The vehicles come to a stop. Shepard closes her eyes to try to concentrate on hearing footsteps. All she can hear is Eli's heavy quick breathing. She knows he is nervous.

There is a flicker in front of the headlights. Two Krogan are on foot. Shepard turns her head to the left. She sees the outline of a few large boulders. Slowly crawling, she makes her way behind them. Eli does the same but heads in the opposite direction.

There is one large rock that is as high as a ten story building that two Krogan walk behind. Shepard knows she can get the jump on them, but all she has is her knife and her pistol. She did not carry her shotgun to send a message to Liara. She holds her position.

Eli is crouched behind a fallen boulder. Two more Krogan are on foot and heading in his direction.

She doesn't like their odds, two against eight and she thinks eight because two to a vehicle. There could be more.

The two Krogan near her round the tall boulder talking amongst themselves. They are getting closer.

"Let's go!"

Shepard holds her breath because she can see one of the Krogan's boots. They clearly do not see her from their vantage point. The two close to her head back to the vehicles. The other two do not make a reappearance.

"I said let's go!"

One of the two Krogan that were by Shepard walks toward Eli's position.

"Coming." Two Krogan emerge from the shadows. All four get back into the vehicles and they drive off.

Shepard remains in her position for a few minutes. When she hears Eli she stands up.

"That was too close," says Eli.

"No kidding."

"You over hear anything?"

"No, you?"

"No. You get your message sent?"

Shepard brings up her omni-tool to check. "Yes I did, thanks."

"Let's go."


THESSIA

Liara is outside of Little A's closed bedroom door. She knocks lightly.

The door opens slightly. Liara pushes it open the rest of the way when she sees her daughter getting into her bed. She closes the door behind her. She goes to sit down when she sees that her daughter has been crying. "Aethyta I apologize. I did not mean to ruin your excitement." Liara goes to hug her but Little A crosses her arms over her chest.

"What do you want mother?"

Liara takes the hint and sits at the foot of the bed. "I did not mean to upset you. It's just when you mentioned Dava I was concerned. It seems odd to me that she would be there." Liara grabs Little A's foot through the covers. "I didn't mean to hurt you Little A, I am sorry."

The young asari wipes her tears with both hands. "I don't know why she showed up. She almost ruined everything Mom. I don't understand her."

"What did she say honey?"

"Not much. I asked why she was in the park alone and she said something about Mia not talking to her so she is alone. I don't know. She scared Kaya."

"How so?"

"I could tell. After Dava said what she said about Mia I just told her it was nice seeing her and I walked away pulling Kaya with me. She was quiet for a while. I think she was shaken up."

"And you were not?"

"I know Mia said years ago that Dava was getting better biotically but come on. I am pretty sure I can take her, though I don't think she would hurt me. As far as being scared. I guess I was a little scared because I wanted to protect Kaya. I didn't show it. I stood toe to toe with her."

"I think I need to speak with Dara and Valya, I was hoping your father would be home for that."

"And say what exactly Mom?"

"That she is frightening my children for one."

"I don't really think that is a good idea."

Liara looks at her.

"If Dava is approached by her parents about how she is creeping us out Dava will not take it well. It will only make things worse."

"What do you propose I do then?"

"Nothing."

"How exactly does that help?"

"Well for one it doesn't make things worse. Besides, I think Dava is creepy because she is so cryptic and aloof. I think something is seriously wrong with her and I think we should help her not keep her away."

"What do you think is wrong with her?"

"Ever since she was beaten by Elina she has never been the same. I mean that is pretty traumatic Mom. And she is not as strong mentally as you and Dad are or even her own Dad. I think something broke in her Mom I really do. She is sad. She is really, really sad. Like something was taken away from her that shouldn't have been and she can never get it back."

"But she refuses help honey. Something must be done."

"Only she can figure that out Mom. You can't force her to get help."

A smile crosses Liara's face.

"What?"

"You sound like your Father."

"Well you know she is very, very wise as you know." Little A smiles.

"Indeed she is." Liara turns somber.

"Mom what is it?"

"No it's nothing. Are you all right honey? I am so sorry that I ruined your excitement."

"It's okay."

Liara stands and walks to the head of the bed. She leans down and gives her daughter a hug and a kiss. "It is not okay Little A, but thank you for saying it nonetheless. I do love you and I am so very happy for you. I hope you believe that."

"I do Mom, thanks."

"You sleep well. See you in the morning."

Liara is at the door when Little A says, "I am sure you will hear from Dad soon Mom."

"Thanks honey, good night."

"Night."

Liara closes the bedroom door and heads downstairs. She turns out the lights on the main floor and gets ready for bed. As she climbs under the covers her omni-tool beeps. She quickly grabs it and brings it up to see if it is Shepard. The asari is not happy that it is not a call but a message. She opens it. She breathes a sigh of relief when she sees it is from her bondmate.

I'm safe. Cannot talk now. Will contact later.

Not exactly the kind of communication Liara was hoping for but at least she knows Shepard is safe. Liara gets out of bed and enters the secure room. She still has not heard back from Svaari. The Drells Feron and Bria had a son who married an asari and had a child. Feron's granddaughter, Svaari, is the Shadow Broker. She inherited the job after her Father died and his parents before him. Liara wonders if the asari is overworked or something because Liara would never take so long to return an inquiry. She requested information on Tuchanka two days ago and has had no reply. She leaves a message hoping she will hear something soon.