Well, I have a rare request to make of you people, but... a little forestory first.

An author I greatly enjoy, DemonFireX, recently was involved in a trafic-accident with a drunk douchestain. Now he has pretty much been crippled in the right leg, and stand to use crotches for the rest of his life. I can't really give the guy credit enough, so instead I ask you this:

Go to his profile or any of his stories (Crysis Effect for one), read them and the last chapter named 'Notification'. There his girlfriend exoplains things a lot better than I can do with any amount of words. Then just... consider showing the two of them your support. I know that it can appear to be a bother, but I am sure they will really appreciate the moral support.

That's really all I'm asking for. Either that... or order a hit on the fucker who just smashed the guy's body.

Your choice.

Aftermath

Galactic Republic, Coruscant.

Galactic Senate, Kasumi Goto.

It had been a day since Kasumi had returned to the galaxy of the people called 'Jedi'. She still had some difficulties understanding their ways and why they thought like they did, especially on the question of love and the such. Still, it was one of the most exciting periods of her life, getting to be the first human to travel to another galaxy, at least as far as she knew.

"Are you sure this is necessary?" She asked, glancing at the two women next to her.

Of course, her being the sole contact and person from the galaxy that apparently neighbored her own, she had had to assume the role of make-do ambassador for her 'people'. People being the entire Milky Way galaxy.

"Yes, now stand still. She can't take your measures when you twist like that." Ashoka Tano, one of the two women in the new galaxy she actually liked said. Sure, they had gotten off to a bad start, with Kasumi throwing flash bangs, kicks and electricity at the Togruta, and the Togruta having done what she could to dissect her with the 'light-saber' as it was called. But when the misunderstandings had been rectified, she had turned out to be a really nice girl. Sure, she dressed like an Asari whore, but that could be excused with different cultures and all that. Kasumi herself had often been accused of being dressed challengingly, her skintight bodysuit showing all her forms, but it still didn't show any actual skin.

"But I like my hood." She muttered, holding out her arms as the green woman with a pair of long head-tails used some sort of old-fashioned tool to get her measurements. Her fondness of her ordinary clothing was a reason she didn't like the role of ambassador that had been thrust upon her shoulders. Also, it was a little annoying how that colonel Kun had been so adamant on her establishing a firm relationship between the two galaxies. The look in his eyes had been a bit disturbing when he had asked her about the meeting. Anna had, on forehand, told her just who knew about her mission. The scarred colonel was one of them. When she had described the council of Jedi, he had had some sort of glint in his eyes, like someone having a flashback. If he had, he hadn't seen fit to share it with her. And frankly she couldn't care less at the moment. The real concern was of completely different altitudes of seriousness.

"Well Kasumi. If you are to have a role in real politics, dull as they can be, you need to give off the image of an ambassador, not someone who needs to hide behind a hood." Padme Amidala. She was going to be Kasumi's leverage against that Anakin if he tried anything again. Sure, he hadn't accused her of anything since she had been found not-guilty of espionage, but he still hadn't apologized for choking her with their version of biotics, the so-called "Force". She also made it a rule not to use quotation marks when using that word anymore. It had been a bit uncomfortable with the glare of death the black dude had sent her at the meeting. Like he just mistrusted anyone and everything that didn't fit his model of perfect and dull. Kicking the annoying man from her mind, Kasumi focused her eyes back to the female senator.

Padme Amidala was the senator from some planet named Naboo. From what Kasumi could understand, it was a lot like Eden Prime or Elysium. Lush green fields, cities with millions of citizens. Happiness, welfare and just your average fairytale-land. The Senator looked to be about the mid-twenties, long silky brown hair, combed and set in a strange style, but all the same quite beautiful. As was the senator.

Kasumi stifled and hit the smug grin she was feeling emerging. She had no idea how the others hadn't noticed how Padme and Anakin had looked at each other when the guy had escorted her and Ashoka to the senate-building. If Anakin tried something, Kasumi knew at least one rule he had broken, and could use it against him.

Some people might have seen that as a bad habit, but for Kasumi it was all fair play.

"Really? Sweetie, I have never been in politics before. Part of my job kinda was to stay hidden, not expose myself like... like this." She said, gesturing at the hologram of the dress she was supposed to be wearing when Padme and Ashoka would take her to a meeting in the senate. It wasn't going to be anything big, or about her, as her arrival was still a secret to the public. But it was apparently important that she was given first-hand experience in how their democracy worked. And apparently she needed a dress to do that.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll look just radiant in it Kasumi." Ashoka said, a smirk on her lips. The green woman stood back up, having taken all the measurements she needed to make the dress. Stepping down from the small podium, Kasumi adjusted her hood, making it show a bit more of her eyes. She never liked having it off, but she didn't mind friends seeing her face in situations like these. It was, she supposed, just a glorified shopping-trip. Kasumi then shot Ashoka a mildly annoyed glance, one which just caused the Togruta to widen her smirk even more.

Yep, Kasumi could definitely get along with that girl, despite their differences in desired approaches to solving a problem. If a bad guy was holding someone hostage for one, or a door was locked, Kasumi would find a way past the obstruction, then take care of it from the other side. With Ashoka though, the answer was three words: Slice and Dice.

"Maybe, but I prefer my usual get-up... so, Padme." She said, turning to look at the senator as they walked out of the room; "You and Skywalker are good friends I take it?" Had this been a cartoon or a comic, Kasumi knew she would have a smile with pointy teeth like a wolfish grin. Instead, it was just the same smile she gave the senator.

"Why yes, we have known each other since... how long, ten years? He was just a little kid when I met him the first time. Goofy and cute, but with a strong moral compass as well." Padme said. Kasumi frowned at the last part, but her hood kept the furrowing brows from being visible. Moral Compass? Yeah right...

"So... he is quite handsome, don't you think?" She said, a grin being harder and harder to suppress. Kasumi didn't mean it though, as the man's behavior overshadowed his appearance in her eyes. At that, Padme chose not to respond immediately, instead just stumbling the tiniest bit in her steps. A guard clad in pure and deep blue looked after the group, holding some sort of ceremonial staff in his hands. Luckily, the long red carpet seemingly stretching on forever in the hallways soothed the sound of her shoes hitting the floor out of rhythm. Even Ashoka didn't seem to notice it. If she did, she didn't show it at least.

"I... suppose he is. But I have never really thought of him in that way. In fact, he is more like a little-brother to me." Ouch, friend-zoned! Kasumi thought, still desperately fighting back the wolfish grin on her lips. She had to admit it, the senator kept the mask well, but the little stumble before had betrayed her.

"Of course you haven't. You know, with him being a Jedi and all, it would never do if, say the two of you were, you know." She said, noticing how the senator's face went slightly pale. Before either could say anything though, Ashoka grabbed Kasumi's shoulder, gesturing for the senator to go on. When Padme was out of ear's reach, Kasumi turned to Ashoka.

"What?"

"What do you think you're doing? Do you realize what would happen if they were found out?" Ashoka said. A moment too late, she seemed to realize just what she had said, and her hands flew to her mouth. Kasumi just pointed a finger at the Togruta;

"Aha! So you knew!" She said, triumph in her voice. Ashoka, to her credit, didn't wither away in embarrassment.

"I'm Anakin's padawan, of course I know. He might think I don't, but he can't hide everything from me. And stop talking about it, will you? Do you have any idea what you could do, what would happen to Anakin?" Ashoka snapped. Kasumi tilted her head a bit to the side, a small grin on her face;

"I imagine a banishment from the Order. Oh relax, it's not as if I'm going to tell anyone. A secret isn't nearly as fun if you have already told someone. Plus, I'd like to have some leverage on the guy, keep him from choking me again, you know?" She said, walking towards where Padme was talking to a woman who looked like an Asari with hair... purple hair. Ashoka caught up to her in an instant, putting a hand on the thief turned ambassador's shoulder.

"Just... keep it low, okay? Anakin may have some anger management issues, but he does what he does for the Republic, for the safety of the innocents." Ashoka said in a lowered voice. Kasumi just smiled at her;

"Sure thing honey, but only on one condition." That made the Togruta purse her lips, a frown on her face as well. Well, as much as a race with no eyebrows could.

"What?" She asked with a tired voice, already fearing what was to come.

"When this is over, you take me out shopping for real. This city has got to have a decent mall or something." Kasumi said. Ashoka almost stopped dead in her tracks, but regained her composure before Kasumi started commenting that as well. The pair then crossed the last gab between them and Padme, the senator and the blue woman turning to face them. Padme had regained her color, and she still smiled at Kasumi. She probably thought it had just been an innocent question.

"Ashoka, Kasumi, this is Senator Chuchi of the Pantoran Union." Padme said, gesturing at her alien colleague; "She will help you learn and understand the more sensitive areas of politics concerning other races in the Republic. I-" Padme was cut off as her ear-piece pinged, a soft tone alerting her to a call. Pressing it, she listened for a few moments, said the occasional yes, then ended the call.

"Trouble?" Chuchi asked, looking at Padme. Kasumi could see it in the way she had looked at her, as well as how she looked at Padme. The woman in question was socially insecure, seeking the occasional support of friends before she made too much of a move at most things. The senator was quite young, but that also meant she was bound to be inexperienced in politics.

Of course, this was all just guessing.

"Plans have been changed. I'm supposed to meet a delegation from Denath in a few minutes. You'll have to forgive me Chuchi, but..." Padme said, looking a bit lost. Her friend just smiled and waved her away;

"It's okay. I think I can handle this senator." She said. Padme nodded and smiled, then hurried off. Watching her run in that dress was quite entertaining. Kasumi and Ashoka then turned back to look at the senator.

"Right, introductions. I am senator Riyo Chuchi of Pantora. I have also been appointed the role of your guide while learning the more... intricate details and rules of politics. Padme briefed me on where you come from Kasumi. I think this will be a remarkable opportunity for our respective factions to bond, and maybe one day we can form a permanent, official alliance. But, lessons first. I know, dull stuff, but if it is any consolation, Ashoka will have to be with us all the time, meaning she'll suffer through the same classes as you." As if a small light bulb had been turned on, Kasumi instantly found herself liking the senator. It only improved her impression of the woman as Ashoka groaned next to her. For a hyperactive young woman like the Togruta, being cooped up in a classroom or the likes would probably be hell.

Kasumi extended a hand, something she rarely did as it would allow someone to grab a hold of her.

"Kasumi Goto, makeshift ambassador for the Systems Alliance and probably the Citadel Council too at some point. I'm looking forward to our time together, on one condition." She said, giving the Pantoran a bright smile. Chuchi returned it;

"Let me guess, you want to keep your hood on? Padme told me that you have certain... insecurities about letting your face be fully exposed. As long as you comply if the guards ask for it, I see no issue there." the senator said, a soft smile on her lips.

"Thanks Riyo. Now, what torture do we have to go through before we can go grab some Ramen... or, whatever you guys eat."

...

November 25th

Arcturus Station, Arcturus stream

Admiral Anna Fisher

01:11

Post Combat Report for Alliance Director Simon Satosé, Andrei Tokov and Fleet Admiral Stephen Hackett.

At 12:21 Valhalla-time, Tenth fleet under the command of Admiral Anna Cologne Fisher arrived in the Midgard system for relief effort. Two unknown ship-profiles were found in orbit of the colony. Ship One was crab-like in appearance and measured approximately 150 - 180 meters in height and length. Ship Two was of Cuttlefish-like appearance and measured approximately four-point-oh kilometers in length.

Initial transmission was undertaken. Brief but ineffective conversation between the two flagships ensured. Audio-file attached.

SSV Shanghai was sent with battle group Zeta to neutralize One, while remaining 200 vessels under the command of Admiral Anna Fisher engaged Two.

Battle ensued where enemy capabilities were proven to be far superior to those of the Alliance fleet. Two demonstrated powerful kinetic barriers as well as secondary barriers capable of absorbing thermal damage from lasers as well as plasma. Both One and Two possessed highly advanced and destructive laser-like weaponry, capable of shredding a cruiser in one go. Several secondary weapons were used on smaller targets, tentacle-like appendixes used as smaller anti-ship weapons, capable of destroying fully shielded frigates with sustained fire of five seconds needed to break shields, three seconds to carve through hull of standard Alliance frigate, heavy model.

Weak point exposed to be primary firing chamber of laser-like weapon. Suicide-run of the SSV Cataluña weakened shields sufficiently for the fleet to break down the enemy defenses. Deathblow delivered by SSV Hong Kong in form of twenty kilo slug through underbelly of One.

Following the battle, Carrier 'SSV Spirit of Fire' dispatched teams to secure the surface. The ground crew of the SSV Normandy was recovered. Three teams had been inserted to combat threat.

- Fireteam A suffered no serious injuries except for Asari doctor Liara T'soni. Currently hospitalized in medicinal wing D-1 on Arcturus.

- Fireteam B suffered no injuries safe for Krogan Urdnot Wrex, currently antagonizing nearby personnel attempting to gain access to latrines. No violence reported.

(Off The Record Addendum. Priority 5-5-6-Bravo-Cross-4-3)

Captain Jane Shepard, second in command of the SSV Normandy encountered Prothean Artifact in facility. Vision similar to that of John'Shepard, commander of the Normandy. (End of Addendum)

- Fireteam C suffered casualties in the shape of Sergeant Fixer Delta-40. Found in cut-off section of the Mako, spine broken in five places, head torn half-way off by twisting metal of the drivers section. Face contorted in agony suggests the soldier having survived the initial destruction of IFV. Unclear how long it took his body to shut down. Placed in coffin on deck 7. Suggests implementing automatic ejection in driver's cabin to prevent future cases.

Injuries.

First injury is Alliance Marine Nicolai Tengberg, seven broken ribs, femur shattered, both shins and thighbones broken several places due to high altitude fall from crashing Mako IFV. Currently suspended in artificial comatose. Expected healing time: Three weeks, including period of observation.

Second injury is Lieutenant Boss Delta-38. Several broken joints in right arm. Right and left leg broken due to similar fall from high altitude. Expected Healing time: Three weeks, including period of observation.

Third injury is Lance Corporal Scorch Detla-62. Fall from high altitude. Severe damage to both hands. Fingers as well as wrists and arms broken in multiple places. No other injuries. Expected Healing time: two weeks and five days, plus two for observation due to emotional trauma. Possibly due to death of close squad-mate. Currently undergoing therapeutic treatment due to trauma.

Fourth injury is Quarian engineer Tali'Zorah nar Rayya. Broken leg as well as damaged knee-joint. Moved to clean-room due to compromised immune system. Expected Healing time: One week.

Commander John'Shepard and Spectre Nihlus Kryik currently called to hearing concerning role of the Normandy in battle for Valhalla.

Personnel retrieved from Valhalla facility:

- Corporal Adrian Shepard, 413th marines division, facility security.

- Subject 1 and subject 5 recovered. Suspects subjects 2,3,4,6 and 7 terminated before recovery was possible. Will have subjects taken into custody. Note: Subject 5 seems of no real threat.

(Off The Record Addendum. Priority 5-5-6-Bravo-Cross-4-3)

Going from the information my AI has supplied me, enemy is indeed 'Reapers'. Implications unpleasant, but necessitates immediate action from Alliance government. Sharing info with Citadel Council is prudent. Council is currently also in the process of preparing for the Reapers. Unknown if vessel classified as 'Sovereign' partook in battle above Valhalla.

Due to engagement with their forces... Reapers confirmed to be very, very real. (End of Addendum)

No crew found onboard hostile vessels.

Tests carried out on wreck by drones suggest material similar to outer shell of the Citadel. Research in possible applications and implications underway. Fragments of main weapon salvaged by AI-controlled drones. Study underway.

Total loss in ships: 109 ships, Heavy Cruiser SSV Shanghai included.

Total loss in manpower: 51600 men and women.

Addendum: no launch of escape pods was possible as destruction of ships would be too fast. Every ship destroyed went down with all serving crew.

Personal impression and recommendations:

It is my belief that should a fleet of similar craft enter known space with hostile intent, no sufficient numbers or strategy currently exist to effectively combat them. Current shielding is insufficient against enemy weapons, as well as current weapons ineffective at breaking enemy barriers and shields.

Current data suggest underbelly to be most vulnerable point of targeting, main ocular lens in particular. Glass-like material seems most fragile part of the ship. In combat, craft fast and heavy-hitting are most effective. Otherwise engage from maximum distance. No apparent desire to evade incoming projectiles in foe's strategy. Due to lack of enemy fighters, anti-ship GARDIAN is advised, preferably high-power ultraviolet lasers due to damage infliction by SSV Hong Kong's ultraviolet GARDIAN-laser. Current armor insufficient, suggest refitting entirety of Alliance Fleets with P-Steel armored plating as well as Cyclonic barriers and Mithril-shielding for entirety of fleets.

Calculated ratio of friendly versus enemy ships of super dreadnought class: 100/1 when facing with cruisers. Avoid with frigates of current level. Guessed ratio: 10-20/1 when facing with current dreadnoughts. Next-gen Goliath class Dreadnought assumed: 4/1 with current level of technology. If copying of enemy weapons prove possible, it should be possible to lower ration to 20/1 when facing with cruisers. 3-5/1 with current dreadnoughts. 1/1 with Goliath-class dreadnoughts.

Addendum: Advice for restructuring of current Kilimanjaro-class dreadnoughts. Projectile-turrets advised to be replaced with Turbo-laser turrets upon completion and successful testing of prototype. Energy-based weapons theorized to inflict heavier damage on enemy ship due to primary shields ignoring it. Unknown if secondary barrier will ignore pure energy-weapons. Secondary barriers capable of shrugging off laser-weaponry.

Suggest further funding taken from areas such as sports, extra taxation and bring back drafting. Heavy focus on anti-vehicle training in future soldiers' training.

Enemy creatures on the planet can be divided into four groups. Husks, as seen on Eden Prime initially. Reports from surviving members of Normandy ground team suggest the humanoid Husks were processed colonists, used as cannon-fodder. Recommended strategy: Headshots or dismemberment of legs, followed by incineration or headshot.

Second class of hostiles appear to be processed Batarians, despite the Hegemony denying any abductions of own citizens. Processing of Batarian pirates or outer colonies a possibility, but no known sites of attacks exists to my knowledge. These enemies are armed with weapons capable of shattering regular body-armor of duraplast. Sustained volleys penetrate P-Steel as well. Hostile firearms self-destructed upon death.

Third class of hostiles are of undetermined origin, though the head seems to resemble a Turian's upper faceplates. Armed with metallic claw on right hand. Bipedal, also capable of quatropedal movement. Body appears to have ripped itself open along the spine. Highly dense metallic components are incorporated in this class of unit, making it a walking tank in all senses but for the lack of a gun. Weak point appears to be spine and back-side. Suggest surround before engaging hostile. Strength capable of breaking down heavy steel doors. Nicknamed 'Brute' due to strength and aggressiveness.

Fourth class of hostiles are flying creatures. Reports from ground team suggest creatures are mutilated and controlled Harvesters of Tuchankan origin. Original four legs have been added a new pair. Most chitinous exoskeleton replaced with wires or metallic plating designed to protect against incoming fire. Head appears to have been replaced with dual-guns capable of destroying armor in a single hit. Samples of the Harvester revealed decay going on in the creature, suggesting post-mortem activity. Implications unpleasant. Upon destruction of 'One', ground team reports entirety of enemy forces dropping dead or going feral, attacking whatever was closest. Suggest encountering with SAM-ordinance or fighters. Gunships too exposed to enemy fire.

Will say it straight. With current technology and amount of forces, we are royally fucked.

End of report.

...

25th November

Arcturus station.

Med-bay D-1

11:17

"Scorch... I'm so, so sorry." Liara said. Her face was mess of scrapes and gashes, a long scar covered beneath a generous layer of medi-gel and gauze. For the moment, only one eye was unobstructed, making her fairing slightly difficult as she would soon have to move around. During the fights, Liara had been taken down by one of the Husks. It tore long gashes in her body, breaking her right arm as well as scarring her face as it ripped her helmet off. She was resting on her left side, the right arm plastered in a hard shell of Omni-gel. The shoulder had been dislodged as well, making it painful for her to move too much. Yet she felt even more pain as she watched the broken man next to her.

Scorch, always the one with a joke ready to go, or a smile on his lips, was a broken man. He had not only lost one brother on Noveria, now he had lost another one, killed by something as low as a crashing Mako. Fixer had never had the chance to escape from the vehicle, never had a chance to make it out alive. Now, the clone sat in his bed, prohibited from moving his shoulders and arms. He just sat there, plastered in hardened gel as he stared into the wall with empty eyes. He had stopped crying. He had stopped crying after having sobbed uncontrollably for the past ten hours. Ever since the news had been broken to the now two remaining members of Delta squad, he had cried, cursing everything he could name. Everything he could blame for the cruelty of the universe. For the injustice that he had to lose so many he cared about while 'assholes continued their fucking life in wealth and luxury! they didn't give a shit about their sacrifices!' as he put it. Liara, normally a gentle soul, found herself agreeing with him. The sense of loss was too widespread not to.

"Scorch... I know you feel alone, that you feel... devastated. But... you are not alone. You have friends, good friends who stand by you at all times. I... We are all here for you, no matter what you need." She could feel her eyes, the obstructed one included, water at his dead appearance. If it wasn't because he blinked, he could be a corpse sitting for all she knew. The eyes were bloodshot and red, his jaw occasionally shivering when one of the few remaining tears made its way down his face. Liara bit her lip, not knowing how to comfort the man she considered a very good friend. He had, even despite his loss of Sev, been there for her when Noveria had been overrun and her mother had been lost. Mother... I wonder, just what you would do in this situation. Would you have shared some wisdom of the ages with us, made it all seem better or irrelevant? Or would you have shaken your head at the foolishness of our doing, told me to give up on the gung-ho lifestyle we embrace in our hunt? Or would you not care, ruined as your mind was from the indoctrination that swayed you to Saren's side?

Across the room, she could see Thomas Fisher get up from his chair, the corporal having been seated next to his comatose friend the entirety of the time since they got back from Valhalla. There hadn't been any tears, no desperate shaking of his unconscious friend on the bed. The corporal had just sat there, attempting to make a joke to his friend for the first half hour she had been conscious. It had been something involving two men in a bar, but she hadn't been capable of paying attention to it. Not really. Waiting for him outside the door, Liara saw Chief Williams stand, leaning against the wall of the broad corridor. It was a small smile in the darkness, seeing love still persevere. Fisher said something to Ashley where after they left the room. Probably going to the cantinas, if this place had one such. Currently though, Liara's mind was turned to the opening of doors. She maybe expected Fisher to come back in, but not the commander.

John'Shepard, dressed up in full gear still, headed straight through the room and towards the clean-room facilities, those being a long decon-chamber where one could go in after decontamination had taken place. With no words spoken to Liara, Shepard entered the room. Tali was in there, she remembered. The young Quarian had gotten off somewhat easy, her light leg being the only bones she had broken. Though, she supposed the concussion probably gave her nausea as well. He didn't leave the room again for the remainder of the time she was awake, though he was gone when she woke up.

There wasn't really much to do while being cooped up in the med-facility of the place. There was a screen above each bed, a television, but it was turned off for some reason. Liara couldn't see any remote control for it. So she couldn't watch television, not that she ever had much. She had always been one to spend her time digging up various parks and gardens in search for lost ruins and Prothean beacons. Now though, she could do with some television. News would be appreciated, since she had no real knowledge anymore of what transpired in the rest of the galaxy. But a comedy-show would be welcomed too. True, she had never seen much comedy either, but she felt like genuine laughter would do them some good. Maybe Scorch's face would crack if he smiled though. There were also two other people in the room. One was Boss, with his legs cast in hardened Omni-gel. He was, like Scorch, stripped down to his under-suit and covered with a simple sheet. The hardened commando was asleep, a look of pained calm on his face. The other was a soldier they had recovered from the facility. She didn't know who he was, but he was awake and had his chest covered in stitches and gauze. His left side was encased in Omni-gel with some weird protrusions in his exposed chest. He had a mask on, covering most of his face aside from above the nose and the ears. His hair was rather short, but she guessed it was due to the doctors having shaved him to get to his skull. One of the advantages of being an Asari was that you didn't have hair to worry about. He was looking intensely at Liara, making her feel slightly embarrassed as if he was pointing out her flaws. He had a scar going down over his face, something seemingly popular with human males. She didn't understand why flaws and damages to the skin was attractive, but then again she couldn't see the purpose of humans' ears. Why did they have to be so... outstanding? Aside from what her mother had told her about the Quarians, humans were the only species to have those fleshy out-crops meant for absorbing sound. Maybe it would be worthy of study some day, when the galaxy itself wasn't in danger. And still the man was staring at her, eyes wide.

"Is something wrong?" She asked. Instead of responding verbally, which she knew the man wasn't capable of, a line of text appeared on a screen hovering above his bed. He was typing with amazing speed on a haptic keyboard, his fingers flying over the letters and numbers as if it had been second-nature to him.

"Sorry to stare. Never seen an Asari before... not outside TV anyway." The text read. Liara caught herself smile a little at that. Humanity was a young species, so it stood to reason that not all of them had met an alien before. Looking to her side, she saw Scorch still in the seated position, his lids closed over the grieving eyes that had shed so many tears in the past day. His heavy breathing was somewhat relaxing to her ear-canals, granting her a small sense of serenity despite the chaos they had been pulled through over the past days.

"It is perfectly alright. Until only a few months ago, I had never seen a human outside screens and 'TV'. Where did you come from? I mean, where on Valhalla?" She asked with a small smile. The man seemed decent enough, or maybe he was a rough man? Truth be told, Liara had never been the best 'people person'. His fingers danced over the keyboard.

"Worked in security. Corporal Adrian Shepard. 413th of Valhalla Facility armed forces. Rest is... classified."

"Oh... so you are named Shepard as well? That is an amazing coincidence." Liara said. She knew many humans had the same last names, but for this man to have the same last name as Jane was still really incredible. It did boggle the mind, if nothing else. The rest being classified was to be expected, seeing as Valhalla had been the center of the Alliance's N8 program. A shame that none of the operatives had survived though. His fingers flew across the holographic keyboard again.

"Yes. I noticed that your commander, Quarian is named Shepard too. Can I ask a question, even if I'm not the best of conversation partners?" The text was without voice, but Liara liked that better than if it had been some monotone computerized voice speaking for him. This way she could read it in her own voice or make up her mind of how he sounded.

"Yes, of course. I am not the best informed though, so I'm not sure if I can answer any difficult questions, but I will try." She said, smiling at him. He closed his eyes for a moment, seemingly in thought. Then he reopened them and started typing.

"Back on Valhalla. I was close to death, but someone saved me. I think he was one of your people, but he looked like he was on fire. Green fire. I know I just hit my head a few times, but do you know anything about that?" Liara frowned. Was she allowed to tell people of Fisher's secret? That would probably mean revealing Roku as well. And she remembered how the corporal had reacted to the very thought of people knowing about him. It was not what he would want, to have strangers know about his relationship with a spirit.

"I'm afraid I do not, no. A person being on fire just seems... brutal. I don't think that would be what someone could survive for very long." She felt a small pang of guilt over telling a lie. she had never tried that before. Still, on top of the lie and the guilt she could feel, there was also a certain... rush. For some time, Adrian didn't respond, tapping his fingers on the bedside. Then he started writing again.

"Oh. Well, I was pretty banged up, so I suppose I just saw stuff. Still, how am I not dead then? How did you people kill the monster?" Liara pondered over his question, herself not entirely certain. She had been in the colony at the time, and no one had told her everything that had happened when she finally woke up. She hadn't had any visitors aside from Tequila, but she was also there to check up on Tengberg, Fisher's strange friend. It was okay, she supposed. She had never really had a talent for drawing in people like others had. In the end she just tended to blend in with the background, become the one no one would notice if gone.

And yet, there was something to how Scorch treated her that was completely different from how other people treated her, even her friends, when she had any. Some time before the mission on Valhalla, the two of them had even grabbed a cup of coffee and a movie in her room, and she had fallen asleep in the chair. Still, she woke up in the bed, finding Scorch sitting in her chair still, eyes closed in deep slumber, but with a warm and content smile on his lips. It had been good seeing him like that, rid of the grief he had been through for so many times. In a way, those two had found common ground in each other, both having lost a close relative to the events that had them fighting for the lives of the galaxy as a whole. They had stumbled together, and caught each other. He was one of her few, and most dear friends. Actually, aside from the occasional cozy chatter with the other members of the crew, he was her first real friend since High school. He treated her with warmth, respect and care, as if he was afraid he could break her if he was too forward or brash. It gave her a tingling feeling in her stomach, knowing she had a friend in him. And now that he had lost another brother, it was her turn to show that she was his friend. She would help him get past this period of sorrow, and then things could be good again.

Dragging he mind back to the question asked by the corporal looking at her, she reflected on just how to respond. In all truth, she could be perfectly honest and say that she didn't know because she had been elsewhere and then knocked out. But again, the description of 'a soldier on fire, green fire' fit only one person.

"I don't know. I was in the colony at the time. I haven't even been briefed myself yet." She said, looking around the room, as if searching for more injured comrades. Aside from her, Scorch, Boss, Tali and Tengberg, none had been wounded though, which she supposed she should be grateful for. After all, most people would have lost more than one person down there... so why didn't it feel like a victory? Wasn't this what a victory was about? Beating back the enemy and protecting the land? So why again, why did she feel like they had lost?

"Ok. Do you know who was behind the attack?" The text read. Liara only had one suspect, but the guess was vague at best. No real evidence behind it.

"I can't say... but we have been hunting Saren Arterius for some time now. He vows to bring back a race of synthetic monsters known as the Reapers. Since our enemies clearly were synthetic, Saren would be the most obvious suspect, but... it's just a guess." She said. The last part was more of a mutter though, the Asari slightly ashamed that she had prized herself of her immense intellect, yet she had no clues as to who had attacked the colony. At least, none with definite proof attached to them with a neat little folder. The realities of danger and war were far from what she had been used to at the digs. It took some moments for the soldier to respond, his message being a bit longer than the others.

"So Let me get this straight... Saren has synthetic slaves. We were attacked by synthetic slaves, and you think he might be behind it? Dammit, I need an actual answer here girl. I lost my entire platoon, my best friend's brain was splattered over his wife before they were impaled in the town square. I want to know just what fucking asshole I put a round in, and how many it takes before I turn his *** into a target-practice" Liara, despite the message being words only. The voice was easy enough to imagine though. The anger and vengeance behind it was clear enough too.

"I... guess so. Yes... yes, I'd say it is the highest possibility that Saren is the one behind the attack. I just don't know why." Liara said.

...

Arcturus Station

11:17

"Just... there are these two men, you know? A bishop and... and this other guy... I... fuck, you know, I never could remember the punch line for that one anyway... you know?" I chuckle weakly, trying to remember the joke he won't be able to hear anyway. The room here is brightly lit but still dimmed enough that people can sleep. Liara is talking to Scorch across the room, probably about their love and all that crap.

Fuck if I care at the moment.

I can only stare at the still form of Nicolai as he sleeps through this... this fucking coma-thing. Why? Why the flying fuck did he have to be in that fucking Mako? why did that asshole of a flying dildo-slave decide to shoot the tank with my best friend still inside? The only friend I have left from my old life, and some fucked up space-mutant decides to shoot his ass. What the fuck did we do to deserve this again?

"Comatose... you remember how you were so fucking afraid that I was going to fuck this place up, huh Nicolai? Now... now look at us. I'm sitting here talking to you, and you can't even fucking hear me... The docs said... fuck if I know what they said, I just know you have to get back out of here... if... you go ahead and, you know, "buy the farm" as those old games and shit said... I'm killing your ass... and then I'll tie you to a chair and force you to listen to Justin Bieber... if they were unlucky enough to have him here. Just... please don't be a vegetable, okay? I'm the only one allowed to take this kind of shit." I say, feeling my shoulders tense. I glance to my left, noticing Liara having stopped talking to Scorch, now looking at me instead.

I bite back the remark, knowing that she is probably just worried for either me or Nicolai. I just turn back to look at him, watching his chest heave and fall with each facilitated breath the machines give him. This just looks so wrong, watching the only guy who could probably arm-wrestle Wrex being cooped up in a hospital, wired up to all these tubes and wires and mechanical shit-stains. Taking a deep breath, I place a hand on his shoulder, careful not to press down on the cast. Beneath the shell of Omni-gel, the bones are still healing, shattered and fragile.

"Just... I can't do this thing without you, and fuck you if you prove me wrong by wasting your ass off here... You know, I think Tequila is worried about you." I say. As I say the last sentence, I look at the heart-meter, hoping for some Captain Haddock reaction to the word 'Whiskey'. None shows up, just the same blip-blip-blip. Sighing, I turn and leave. Had I stayed longer, I would probably have destroyed something, or just broken down.

Outside the door, Ash is leaning against the wall of the corridor. It looks more like the inside of a large building than a space-station, but... I suppose Arcturus is pretty damn big after all. Upon seeing me leave the room, she pushes off from the wall, placing a hand on my shoulder. I didn't want her to come in, I don't know, see me freak out over Nicolai, and she apparently respected that. Not that I understand why. My reasoning was shit.

"Hey. You okay?" She sounds worried, or maybe not, but at this point I could hardly recognize it of someone screamed 'fire' from the word 'ice-cream'. Thankful for the support, I take her hand in mine, squeezing it gently.

"Yeah, yeah I'm... fine. Just tired is all." I say as we start walking down the corridors. I hardly know left from right at this point, so I'm just letting her lead. Just like I always do.

Again, please go and look up DemonFireX. He deserves some support at this point.

Right... to go to happier subjects...

A reader of mine, just as I am a reader of his, has a new story going by the name of 'Sucking vacuum'. Pallasius has birthed a pretty badass idea, and I think it deserves some support. At least give it a chance and maybe inform him of good sources for new chapters.

Till next time. (and yes, yes I killed Fixer... and no, I am not on a clone-killing spree)