Unknown Location

Bang! Bang!

The cushion shuddered, collapsing on itself when the bullets ripped into it. Lowering the pistol, Saracino squinted at the result; three holes stitched across the cushion. It had been too long, he was losing his touch. Holding up the pistol, he fired off several more shots at a second cushion, recalling all the tricks he was taught. It was harder than he thought. His arms fought against the commands he sent but he persisted. This time, there was only a jagged hole. Pleased, he emptied the entire clip before picking up the glass of dark liquid beside him and tossed it down his throat. He filled it from the bottle on the table. The door hissed softly open behind him as he sent the liquid on its way.

"Climbing back into the dredging pit?" Lance approached the table. "You swore you wouldn't drop back in there."

"Doesn't matter any more." Saracino emptied the bottle of the remaining brandy. "You're not supposed to be here."

Lance stared at the back of his friend's head, reluctant to walk around where he could see his face. "You're not going to send me off without the last pull we always have before the leap?"

"The last pull." Saracino cocked his head at the empty bottle. "Sorry buddy, not this time, I don't have any to spare. You'll do just fine without my stupid notions tripping you up."

Despite the lump in his throat and the tears that rose unbidden, Lance forced his voice to remain steady. "We couldn't have gotten where we are today without your stupid notions."

A sibilating laugh shook the rigid frame. "How many we have lost along the way? No-" a long finger uncurled to halt Lance before he could answer. "Just go, Lance, they're waiting for you. There's nothing here."

Lance tried to say something but couldn't. Everything they wanted to do, was already done. He only had to move to the next step they envisioned. If only they could have anticipated what would happen to Saracino. If only. Reluctantly, he turned to leave.

"Give Stella my apologies, will you?" Saracino added as the door swished open.

"I will," Lance promised. The door closed behind him. He stood there for a moment before walking away resolutely.

Releasing the empty bullet cartridges from the pistol, Saracino inserted fresh bullets. He was tempted to twirl it on his finger and slot it smoothly into the gunbelt, like those old gunslingers he used to imitate when he was a boy. His hand trembled visibly. So much for being a gunslinger. He deposited the pistol on the table. So much for that idea. Reaching for the glass, he held it at eye level, wishing he could discern the hue of the brandy but it was in strange sharp shades of grey. Shrugging, he raised the glass in a mocking toast to his companion whose blue eyes stared back at him.

"Here's to our future, Carrie."

He emptied the glass and threw it against the observation window.

Thessia

It was the worse thing to wake up to in the morning. Gallia tried to remember the happiest thing she woke up to in the last five years and couldn't name any. Rubbing the heels of her palms into gritty eyes, she wished the day started off better. Dropping her hands, she stared at the reporter still rattling about the attack on Earth on the screen. The number of casualties and other information was streaming below. They put the numbers in the hundreds. It had to be more than what they were showing. What's worse, some of her old squadmates were among those killed in the hot zones. She knew they were. She closed her eyes. Life was a bitch.

Her stomach rumbled but she had no appetite. When the doorbell chimed, she got up listlessly. Distracted with her misery, she forgot to check who the visitor was and slapped the door panel.

"Oh," she said when she found Pulchia at her doorstep.

"May I come in?"

The "no" hovered on Gallia's tongue before she shrugged and walked away. She was on Thessia. There was no where she could put distance between herself and Pulchia. Unless she went back to Earth. She froze mid-step. Perhaps she ought to request a transfer home. With so many marines dead, they were going to need lots of bodies to fill the empty spaces. Help finish up the TI if there were any left.

Pulchia glanced at the screen. The news had been blaring since dawn. There was talk that whoever was responsible had plans to attack other homeworlds. As if the TI were not trouble enough.

"I heard. Are you all right?" She reached out to touch the human on the shoulder.

Gallia jerked away. "Uh, yeah. Thanks, I'm fine."

"You're not." Pulchia watched unhappily as Gallia moved away hurriedly. "We've known each other for more than a year, Gallie. If there is anything you're not happy with, about me, you should tell me instead of trying to hide."

"I'm not hiding." Gallia wished she had reported to the academy early. Then she wouldn't be having a conversation with Pulchia.

"I know what's bothering you."

Gallia wanted to stick her fingers in her ears like a little girl. "Really?"

"Nothing happened that night, Gallie." Pulchia watched as Gallia's eyes snapped to hers in disbelief. "Nothing happened," she repeated. "You were sick when I got you home so I stayed to keep an eye on you."

"But I was, you were-," Gallia spluttered.

"You vomited all over yourself and me. Was I supposed to put you to bed in dirty clothes?"

There was a ring of truth in Pulchia's voice. Was it only a misunderstanding? There was a pile of her dirty vomit stained clothing on the floor beside the bed. She did not know what they meant, nor the foul smelling clothes Pulchia put on when she left other than to infer the obvious. She was too rattled to think of anything else. Did she jump to the wrong conclusion because they were both naked on the bed when she woke up? Asari thought nothing about sharing beds, she saw their barracks. They usually slept naked too. Gallia clapped a hand to her eyes in mortification.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled. She wondered how she was going to put things right. "I'm sorry," she repeated, shaking her head. "I'm stupid."

"Would it have troubled you so much if it were a human female beside you?"

Gallia stared at Pulchia. It didn't sound like an accusation though Pulchia had every right to be angry with her.

"I...probably not," she admitted. "It might make me uncomfortable but..."

"But not to the point where the sight of them would send you scurrying."

Gallia flinched. "I'm sorry," she apologised again. "I just.. my head definitely wasn't screwed on right that morning."

"And every other day." Pulchia turned away and didn't see the guilt in Gallia's face. "I would ask why you have such a strong reaction if it isn't impinging on your privacy. Is there something about us that frightens you?"

How was she to answer that? Gallia rubbed her face.

So she visited me daily while I was in the hospital, helped me with the physical therapy and a lot of other stuff. Friends do that. That's what friends do.

But she couldn't dump the odd feeling with that one instance when Pulchia finished the pie she ate halfway with that intense look on her face. Or what she felt when Pulchia supported her when she tried to walk.

I think I'm going crazy. Reading too much, thinking too much.

She gave a start when Pulchia said her name loudly and realised the asari had been asking her a question.

"I'm sorry, what?"

Pulchia gave her an unfathomable look and walked to the door. "I'm glad we clear that up and that you're fine. I've to report in." She was gone before Gallia could think of a suitable reply.

Shit Gallia, you just have to muck up a fine friendship with your crazy notions.

T'Soni Estate

Orange, red, blue, purple, green, grey.

Shepard didn't know what Effia had mixed into the oatmeal but the blindingly colourful variety of fruit almost made up the bulk of the contents in her bowl. That the exacting housekeeper who was adamant that meals served at the T'Soni estate follow local custom would break the rules this morning was mind-boggling. Was it a sympathetic send off? The last best meal before the leap into the fire? Or was it just to uplift her spirits at having to sit with two forlorn companions at the table? She eyed the two asari seated opposite her and revised her summation; scratch two for companions. Plus two automatons; pretty to look at but dead in the water for conversation.

Liara was the one who insisted they had breakfast together. Now she sat there, silent. Shepard doubted her bondmate knew exactly what she was eating; that movement of spoon to mouth was purely automatic. Mirrored by an automaton seated a few feet away. She ought to be upset but she wasn't. It wasn't the best time to go chasing after mad dogs. It wasn't the best of times to leave a heavily pregnant bondmate behind and certainly not when her brain's all screwed up. But chasing after dogs was certainly better than trying to straighten out the jumbled mess among the three of them. Didn't take a genius to figure that one out. On the other hand, who'd be looking after a simmering pot when she was gone?

Either you start taking control of the car now or you're going wish you never try driving it in the first place.

She deliberately dropped the spoon back with a loud tinkle into her empty bowl, drawing two pairs of eyes.

"All right, we have a situation here which I, we, cannot settle right now. Here's what we're going to do. Let's pretend we're all just starting out here...hear me out." She pointed a finger at Liara when she opened her mouth. Brows wrinkled slightly, Liara listened as she went on.

"I don't know how long I'll be gone. Hopefully, not too long. I don't want to miss the awakening." The worry in Liara's eyes was replaced by relief. "I can't be here to keep an eye on you. Or on you." She turned her gaze to Shiala. "So while I'm gone, I'd like you two to come to an understanding."

"Understanding?" Shiala echoed curiously.

"Look, I know neither of you are going to start whipping out clubs to have a go at each other while my back is turn or sharing drinks at the bar. So instead of doing the 'I'm on the other side of the planet" thing, maybe the two of you could find common ground." She glanced back at Liara. What was that strange look in her eyes? "Talk? Try to be...friends?" Her eyes flicked back to Shiala. Was that a smile? "I'd certainly feel better if you could look out for each other."

"That is a good idea," said Liara. "Shiala could help me with some of the tasks I have been neglecting."

"I'll be glad to," said Shiala. "I've made several queries in a few agencies for employment. I can't just stay around here doing nothing," she added to Shepard's questioning look.

"Right."

Shepard stared at the two of them, temporarily lost for words. The easy acquiescence was a comfort when she had been expecting resistance, especially from Liara. It would be easy to misread her bondmate when her recent actions were so contradictory. At least Aethyta was around to keep an eye on them.

"I'd better get going."

At the front doors, Liara's large belly prevented her from hugging her too tightly so she settled for a quick kiss. It was like coming home for she felt Liara's familiar mental touch, open and welcoming.

I am sorry, Shepard, I have not been as supportive as I should have.

{puzzled} What is this... ?

Not now. Come back safely and we will clear it up.

I promise. You take care of yourself now, love.

I will.

With a lingering caress on Liara's cheek, Shepard stepped away.

"Safe return, Shepard," said Shiala when she turned to her.

"Thank you." Shepard caught a glimpse of sadness, swiftly hidden in the other's eyes. "No oath I hold you to but your sincerity."

"By my life, Shepard."

A quick flash of accord seemed to pass between them. Shepard nodded. Aethyta was not there, she had matters to discuss with the Assembly members. Besides, they had already thrashed it out earlier at the High Command headquarters. She was surprised when she sighted Telienos standing by the skycar, then comprehension set in; Aethyta would have alerted her. She should have done it herself.

"How do you feel?" asked Telienos as she approached.

"Good. Erm..more than good," she amended after thinking it over.

"Circumstances negate the recommendation that you do not participate. I do not think you would heed it," Telienos said wryly. "I would only ask that you exercise caution to prevent mental intrusion."

"Would your shield not hold?"

"As long as you will it. You will have dreams, flashbacks to events in your life. Do not be alarmed or try to suppress them. It is normal. It is similar to the asari meditative discipline that will help you to reunite the keynotes of yourself."

Shepard gave a start when the matriarch mentioned the meditative discipline. Her mind connected the dots in a flash. "Telienos, can I ask a favour?"

"What is it?"

Taking a step closer and lowering her voice, Shepard said, "Could you keep an eye on Liara for me?"

Telienos kept her gaze on Shepard. "It's not the pregnancy."

"You reminded me of something when you mentioned the meditative discipline." Shepard accentuated the last heavily and saw the flash of understanding in the matriarch's eyes. "I should have been more alert but..."

Telienos put up a hand. "Do not burden yourself. I too have observed disturbing signs about Liara. Aethyta will keep a close watch on her. We will support her when she needs it."

A gusty sigh of relief escaped Shepard. "Thank you, Telienos."

"Safe journey. Goddess watch over you."

Shepard nodded and got in beside the driver's seat. She looked out of the window as the skycar took off and saw the upturned faces. She waved till she couldn't see Liara or Shiala anymore. The vehicle moved swiftly into the main stream traffic though not fast enough to suit her.

"Where do you think they're going to send you?" asked Hiaras.

Shepard squinted against the glare of the sun and increased the light dampener. "I'm not sure. I doubt there's enough information to get to the rogue's hidey hole. Should you be out so soon?" she asked, deciding to change the subject. "Isn't that going to miff Sanar?"

"Your ass need watching."

Crossing her arms, Shepard settled back in her seat. "Does Sanar know what you're doing?"

Hiaras shrugged. "She doesn't mind my watching."

"But not touching eh?"

"You don't want to know what I can do."

"Is that a challenge?"

"It's a statement," Hiaras said blandly. "Watching isn't all I'm doing."

"I figure that. I'm not sure the brass would let you in the conference room."

"I'm not worried. Are you?"

Shepard snorted. She didn't know whose ears Aethyta pulled but she stuck her with a tail. There could be a few hundred reasons why Aethyta chose to tag her with Hiaras. She wasn't about to start listing them but she suspected the matriarch's primary fear was a similar incident akin to the one on Ilos occurring again. They said lightning never strikes twice but Aethyta probably didn't believe in such things. If it happened, Hiaras would be there to get her back to Thessia. By whatever means. She rather hope such a scenario didn't turn up. There was enough trouble back on Earth already without her having to add to it.

Light sparkling off the turrets around the spaceport caught her eye as the skycar circled to land. How long had it been since the last TI attack? Almost six months since the death of the old avatar. It had been quiet. There was relief at the respite. But with the latest report from the Alliance, Thessia High Command must be wondering if the TI were just massing, waiting for the right moment to strike. The same concern would be stirring up the other homeworlds that saw similar reticence from the TI. Protests, riots and incessant petitions from the galactic populace had been muted of late but that would change. Governments would be hard pressed not to respond to the fresh outbreaks of vitriolic fear that could reach a more frenzied pitch if the populace caught wind of the new weaponry deployed at Earth.

How would the Council respond? They insisted that more time was needed to test the prothean scrambler. How effective would it be if they deployed it now? Alighting from the skycar, she chewed silently on that question as she passed the checkpoints to reach the Alliance entry port, returning the marine sentries' salutes sharply. Pacing in step beside her, Hiaras looked neither left or right, ignoring the curious stares. The marine at the shuttle barely bat an eye, briskly sealed the hatch behind them as he informed the pilot that the passengers were onboard.

There was no one else in the cargo compartment except for their duffel strapped down securely in the middle of the aisle. Shepard stared out of the window as the shuttle took off, half lost in thought as a fluffy sky swiftly turned into darkness of space crowded with ships of all sizes. The shuttle drew further and further away from the planet, leaving the horde behind. She realised the pilot was playing catch up with the Normandy. The shuttle bay door was open when they caught up to the frigate. The pilot slide the shuttle down into the shuttle baffle with a deft touch. The hatch unsealed to reveal a slim dark haired woman waiting for them outside. She came to attention and saluted when she saw Shepard.

"Permission to come aboard," said Shepard, returning the salute.

"Welcome aboard the Normandy, Captain Shepard. I'm Commander Araki, Normandy's XO. You must be the Thessian liaison," she added, turning to Hiaras. "Welcome aboard, major Ronoh."

"Thank you." Hiaras nodded regally with a slight bow. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."

Shepard tried not to roll her eyes at the loaded nuances. She wiped her face of expression when Araki turned back to her.

"I'll have your duffel brought to your cabin, captain."

Cabin? Shepard blinked. Wasn't she bunking with the crew?

"Comm is holding a call for you at the QECR, captain," the XO continued. She waved to the marine standing nearby with their duffel. "Private Sutton will show you to your quarters, major."

Hiaras nodded.

Shepard followed Araki to the lift. It seemed to her that every time she stepped on an Alliance ship, she was inevitably hustled off to a meeting. Whatever happened to the credit tour and all the frills one usually get? Granted, she wasn't on a luxury cruise but she would appreciate it if the corralling weren't so recurrent. Maybe she was too much of a lotus-eater to want to take it easy. Hiaras seemed to sense some of her whimsical cogitation for she sent a grin her way, unseen by the other two. She left with Sutton at deck two.

It was like coming back home when Shepard stepped out on the CIC. She looked around the familiar layout as she followed Araki to the conference room, recognising some of the faces turned expectantly in her direction, the warm welcome clear in their eyes. She nodded at the greetings. There was no sign of Votik, presumably he was waiting for her at QECR (Quantum Entanglement Communications Room). Araki gestured for her to enter when they reached the door but did not follow her in. Votik stood at ease before the vid pickups, approaching to exchange greetings before he gestured to her to step up as the door sealed behind her.

"Admiral Khan, Admiral Langdon," she said when she saw who was waiting for them. She mimicked Votik's posture, braced for the moment of truth.

"Captains," Khan said gravely, "in the following months, we will be stepping up operations against Cerberus. It is our belief that the current leaders and their adherents no longer follow the original pro-human mandate set up by its founder. From testimonies filed during the Reaper War and the recent offensive analyses, we conclude that the rogue organization's present charter is to remove the perpetrators of their deceased masters. By inflicting such atrocity on our homeworld world, they deserve no considerations. We must leave no stone unturn, we must search every corner of this galaxy until we have hunt them down and remove this threat once and for all..."

Shepard kept her face impassive despite the desire to goggle in amazement at Khan when his spiel dragged on and on. She could sense Votik's consternation beside her. There was nothing either of them could do except listen to a meandering oration. She wished it was Hackett and not Khan at the helm. The Old Man cut to the chase and didn't waste time. Oblivious to her sentiments, Khan plowed on. She tuned him out and didn't care if her eyes had a glaze look. Fortunately, he closed off after about five minutes and handed the briefing over to Langdon before she went completely off the edge.

A twitch pulled at Langdon's lips, well aware of her ill humor. He waited until Khan was completely out of the room at his end before saying quietly, "I'm sure the admiral meant well."

"How is Admiral Hackett, sir?" That was what she wanted to know.

"He has a mild concussion and a broken leg. The doctor practically had to sit on him to keep him quiet." Langdon's lips lifted slightly. "He would have been here if he has his way but I think it's in his best interest to take a breather now. Too much has been sitting on his shoulders for too long. I'm sure we are able and will do our best to deal with this crisis in his absence."

"Yes, sir."

"To business. The damage to our homeworld has been more extensive than we have revealed at the conference on Thessia."

A topography sprang up before them.

"Compiled scan and survey reports put sixty percent of the surface were bombarded by the new weaponry we designated as the SHD or Spearhead Device. As far as we can ascertain at this time, the device is equipped with an extraordinary heavy concentration of retuned element zero. This feature allowed the missile to penetrate heavy ship armour and kinetic barriers. Depending on the build and potential yield of the warheads, the SHD can effectively deliver the maximum amount of destruction and biological contamination to any planet. We are fortunate that the recent SHD strike was relatively shallow. Civilian casualties were light."

"Sir, what was the interception rate for the SHD?" Votik asked with a slight burr to his voice.

"A quarter of the SHDs directed at the enclaves were destroyed by Gardian emplacements. It takes at least thirty powered rounds to disable a single SHD."

Shepard and Votek exchanged a worried glance.

"EDI was able to locate and disabled two missile platforms. However, fleet elements were unable to repel any of the SHDs as all defensive measures were expended in the three short range torpedo waves," said Langdon. "As such First Fleet is effectively defunct." He saw their shock. "Admiral Nowak and his staff, along with twenty percent of the fleet complement, did not survive the assault. The rest managed to land safely on the surface or were picked up by SAR (search and rescue)."

Recovering quickly, Shepard said, "Sir, was any of the SHD delivery platforms recovered?"

"The codes supplied by the agent destroyed all the platforms. However, we hope to recover enough information from the debris to reconstruct the delivery system and the device itself. As to how and when the platforms were inserted, we are currently looking at the possibility of a stock run from a more common source. The merchant freighters."

"Of course," Votik muttered. "They could float out the platforms as they passed by. With traffic so dense, it wouldn't be noticed."

A hologram appeared, displaying the earth and the surrounding debris field. Three bright lines representing the travel routes through the field lit up.

"There are three approved flight paths freighters traversed through," said Langdon. "One leads to the offloading and onloading point of the CVHA (commercial vessel holding area)."

One of the lines flashed.

"Another is the core discharge facilities. The third leads to the fueling station. As you can see, it is possible to covertly disperse objects throughout the northern and southern hemisphere along these three routes. Programmed to make minuscule course adjustments, the platforms could easily arrive at their destination undetected. This is conjecture however but we believe it to be the best one that fit the scenario."

That sounded entirely plausible. With the amount of active objects and heavy traffic moving at diverging trajectories and speed around the planet, miniscule anomalies would be missed easily.

"Whoever came up with this kept up with local development," said Shepard, "but the original interim goal couldn't have been what took place."

Votik nodded thoughtfully. "If we were to extrapolate that Cerberus originally intended to reinforce their forces with the missing warships and use the SHD in conjunction with the local cluster offensive, they could hold the entire system hostage."

"A lethal combination," Langdon agreed. "Even with the presence of the Citadel Fleet, it is doubtful we could have made a successful counter."

"But that is not what they did." Votik pulled at his lower lip absently. "Their fleet did not appear so what did they do? Throw away their trump card?"

"Given the reported ferocity of the clashes between ground forces and the TI before they were wiped out, we can assume the psychological status of their leadership is unstable. This latest offensive can be taken as proof of their deterioration, elevating the level of their menace over the red. But," Langdon hesitated, "a surprising factor has turned up that may inject some light in the gloom."

Shepard's attention sharpened. "Is it the agent?"

Langdon nodded. "You know him. A drell named Feron."

"Feron?!" Shepard exclaimed. Wasn't Liara looking high and low for him?

"He was on a intelligence gathering mission on Illium and dropped out of sight more than a month ago. According to him, he was held captive by an unknown party for a period of time."

"Interrogated?" asked Votik.

"According to him, there was no interrogation. It seemed he was kept unconscious most of the time and was woken up several days ago. The unknown party, who we designated as Omicron, spoke briefly to him, purporting to know all about him and advised him to follow the instructions given to him after he was released. After reading the message left in the shuttle, he came as quickly as he could."

"What was the message?" asked Shepard.

"Omicron revealed the existence of the SHDs. He also provided the codes to disable the launch platforms. The extent of the threat was too overwhelming for Feron to ignore so he made for the local cluster as soon as he could. His captor cut it too fine; he arrived in-system during the assault. His ability to communicate with anyone was also hobbled until he reached the Sol system. Forward scouts from the Citadel Fleet almost destroyed his shuttle as there was no signal from its beacon transponder."

"So how did he manage to get a message across to them?" Votik asked curiously.

"The orcus mech that released and accompanied him provided the means. It is following a set of instructions from Omicron. That is where you come in, Shepard."

"Sir?" She frowned in confusion.

"The mech specified there is an additional message. Keyed to you."

"What?!"

"We know for certain Omicron is part of Cerberus. The codes he gave lent credence in that direction. As to whether he is part of the leadership, we think he might not be. His actions were efficient, well planned and conveyed his dissent with the recent offensive. Whatever he has to say to you, we need to know as soon as possible."

Lost for words, Shepard couldn't say anything as she digested the astonishing information. Votik filled the gap with a question of his own. "Is it even possible some members within the organization escaped indoctrination?"

"Terra Firma," Shepard said, finding her voice again. It had to be, she was sure of it. But she couldn't remember if she knew anyone who belonged in that group. "There were a few political parties that allied themselves with Cerberus. Terra Firma seemed to be the only one that have survived so far."

"That is correct. They started two colonial projects before the war which were then used as refugee stations when the Reapers invaded. In hindsight, given their manifesto, we shouldn't have sent any refugees to them," Langdon said heavily, "but we were hard pressed to find shelter for those people. We can assume most of the non-human refugees were sent to various Cerberus outposts to be used as test subjects or converted to thralls or research materials."

"And those who are human?" asked Votik, his burr sounding stronger; his anger evident.

Langdon spread his hands helplessly. "A number might have joined voluntarily. Most of the humans who returned home from the refugee stations were housed in separate camps from the others. We believe this was to prevent them from witnessing any criminal activities and to facilitate better treatment."

"Are the colonies still extant?" asked Votik.

"No," Langdon shook his head. "They uprooted when the Council passed a mandate for a galactic census. We have no idea where they have gone to. It couldn't possibly be on any of the Cerberus outposts. We don't believe they would risk exposing themselves to indoctrination or volatile Cerberus forces."

"Omicron would have kept close to the inner circle," said Shepard.

"Yes." Langdon pointed at something off screen. A new image of a terrain appeared. "This is HZ1 and 2. A few months ago, a few partisans, possibly with Terra Firma, used the Scandi Enclave as a springboard to make a break past the perimeter fortifications to make contact with the TI forces we have forced into the region. They worked for Taiga Provisioners who have contracts to every enclave. It was assumed that they were on reconnaissance, possibly planting unknown tracking devices in major centres to facilitate direct targeting."

"But?" Shepard prodded when Langdon paused.

"Look at this projection of the SHD strikes."

A horde of missiles appeared in the new display. She watched as they covered the entire terrain, sparing nothing in the way as they pierced straight down. Numerous craters opened up, devastating the entire landscape.

Votik's eyes widened as the projection backtracked. "They're not deployed for maximum effect. The enclave was hit but did you see that mass over the hot zones?" He pointed to the crowd of missiles.

"Sir, are you saying that mass was deliberately intended for that region?" she said in astonishment.

"It does seem that way," Langdon said slowly. "What we're seeing is contradictory executions from a rogue organization if the intention was to maximise widespread damage."

"He could have arranged it if he disagree with the original objective and set it so that the SHDs destroyed the remaining TI forces on the planet."

"Couldn't he have directed everything at them instead?" Votik fumed.

"With a planetary scale deployment?"

"So he could have sent a signal to power down those platforms that are not above the hot zones..."

"That is if he could."

"That's not making..."

"Captains," Langdon interrupted before the argument could get in stride.

"Sorry, sir," she said. Votik echoed the apology.

"Omicron's stance is open to debate at this point. We can only suggest the possibility that he did not agree with the creed Cerberus are currently implementing. As such, he may continue to carry out actions that may benefit us in a small way."

"There is only one way to find out," Shepard said soberly.

"I hope you know the key word because we are reluctant to make any attempts to subvert the programming of the orcus mech. We are warned against it specifically. It is currently in isolation. There is also one other matter I would like you to attend to, Shepard," Langdon added. "Do you remember Santino?"

"He's still alive?" Why wasn't that bastard dead like everyone else? She reined in her anger.

"He's almost in a comatose state but still able to respond. He might be able to provide some information if you talk to him."

"Yes, sir. I'll try." She couldn't imagine what she could say to Santino. Order him to take a flying leap out of the window perhaps?

"With the lost of First Fleet, our ability to function as a military force is sharply diminished," said Langdon. "The shipyards and the workforce to build the ships we need will take several more years to complete. We are withdrawing every ship currently on picket duty at the outer colonies." He put up a hand as Votik made to speak.

"We have to protect our homeworld more closely or we lose everything. We have been severely crippled but we need time to rebuild. It will take a lot of hard work and sacrifices but we can do it. Cerberus will try to ground us into oblivion. So I say to you, we will hunt them down relentlessly. We have to make sure every single one of them is eradicated to ensure the future."

"Yes, sir."