Hello, everyone, and welcome back to my MechWarrior/BattleTech - Mass Effect crossover.

Thank you all for your wonderful patience and support. I know I sound like a broken record when I say this, but I deeply appreciate your support and feedback. I really do.

This is the last exposition chapter on the Citadel, so I figured I could do a thing or two here. Also, there's a hint for the next sub-arc we're going to be entering at the end of this chapter, so stay tuned!

Don't forget, I have a poll going for those that want to vote on a remaster/redux of Halo: MechWarrior v2. If you want to vote on that, go ahead and do so. Every vote helps.

As always, leave a review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the MechWarrior/BattleTech or Mass Effect franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of BioWare, Electronic Arts, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, Piranha Games Inc., WizKids, etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.

Citadel

Serpent Nebula

September 19th, 2186

While Hanse was busy creating a lend-lease deal with the Citadel Council, Shepard was wandering around parts of the Citadel while on shore leave. Looking around, he could see the extensive damage that Cerberus had done, from the shattered windows and damaged walls, to the scorch marks that indicated where heavy weapons fire had smashed into fortifications. In addition, he could see people mourning for loved ones that had died. The horrible cost of war, he thought to himself.

While there was mourning, there were also reminders of the AFFC's uncommon valor and courage. As he walked by some crowds of people, Shepard could hear people excitedly talking on how AFFC soldiers had liberated hostages in a store, or had smashed a Cerberus outpost in an all-out blitzkrieg. The most talk was of those that had worn Battle Armor, with most of the refugees mistaking them for mechs of some sort. They're close, but not quite close enough, Shepard noted to himself.

It was much the same at the hospital, where he could see doctors bustling about, taking care of patients that were in critical need of help. That reminded him of why he had come to the Citadel in the first place: Thane. I hope he's alright, he thought worriedly. He took a bad hit, thanks to that bastard.

That bastard, Shepard recalled, was Kai Leng. I don't know how a dishonorably discharged asshole like him managed to get so good, but he's dangerous. If I ever run into him, I'll have to outlast and outwit him in order to defeat him. That's the only way to win against an opponent like that.

As he approached, he found that the hospital was occupied by more than just doctors. Here, he could see AFFC Corpsman that were busy helping out with moving medical supplies, moving patients carefully and many more things. Many of them had qualified as doctors for the civilian parts of life, making them uniquely suited for handling these sorts of things.

There was quite a cluster of them around one of the hospital rooms, apparently for one of the more critically injured patients. Walking over, he waved one of the doctors, a man that had balding hair and grey eyes, over to him. "Excuse me," he said a moment later. "I'm looking for a Drell named Thane Krios."

"Let me see," the doctor noted, using a 'pad. "We don't have anyone under that name, but we do have a Drell that was reported to have a deep laceration penetrating into his torso cavity. Is that him?"

"Yes."

"Alright. He's in this room. We've been up all night repairing the trauma he suffered, but we have noted that he's in the final stages of Kepral's Syndrome. We're giving him oxygen and we're currently working on cloning a pair of lungs from a donor that came here. We also had to give him a blood transfusion from one other Drell, though we were able to manufacture synthetic blood for him with one of the machines we have onboard the Avalon's medical suite."

"Who's the donor?" Shepard asked. He got his answer when he walked inside of Thane's room. The room was fairly small, barely large enough for a bed, and some foot space. On the side facing into the hospital, there was a cabinet, as well as a small table, while the other side had a wall that had a showcase of the Presidium.

Lying on a bed in the middle of the room was Thane. Right now, he was unconscious, but he had a mask over his face that was providing him with pure oxygen, allowing the blood inside of his body to carry as much oxygen as possible, despite being impaired by Kepral's Syndrome. His body was bandaged the most near his left pelvis, where Leng's blade had sliced into his torso cavity.

Sitting nearby was a much younger Drell, who's hands were clasped in a quiet prayer. When Shepard spotted the Drell, he immediately recognized who it was. "Kolyat?" he asked.

A moment later, the Drell in question turned around from his father's prone form. Kolyat was physically similar to Thane, but he was much younger, and his scales were a sky blue color instead of light green in color. "Shepard," Kolyat nodded. "I came as soon as I could."

"Is Thane…?"

"The doctors have assured me that he will live. When I arrived, they asked if I could provide a few cells in order to create a new pair of lungs for Thane. In addition, they will be using gene therapy to restore his blood's ability to transport oxygen. Kepral's Syndrome, in it's last stages, interferes with the blood's ability to transport oxygen."

Shepard sighed, more with relief than with worry. "They're some of the best," he nodded. "They only recently got that tech, but they've learned how to use it well."

"That they have," Kolyat nodded. "One of your friends, Garrus I believe, told me about where you were when you briefly disappeared from the galaxy. To find that there are other realities that exist in parallel with our own is… it puts a unique perspective on one's place in the multiverse."

"Oh?"

"That while you are insignificant in size, that you are even more special than before, because it means that you truly are unique. I know it sounds strange, but it's comforting in a way, to know that there is no one fully like you at all. Wouldn't you agree?"

Shepard had to admit, that was quite interesting, and quite deep. "I never took you for the philosophical type, Kolyat."

"I've been spending time with the priests of our culture," Kolyat explained. "I've learned much from them, and I've learned much about father as well. Now that I understand him better…" He trailed off, not being able to find the words necessary to describe his newly repaired relationship with his father.

"I know what you mean," Shepard nodded. Smiling, he said, "Take care of yourself, Kolyat."

"That I will," Kolyat nodded. With that, he turned back to his father, while Shepard walked out of the room.

Finding the doctor from earlier, he said, "I'm glad you were able to save Thane. He really deserved something good going his way for a while."

"I had a feeling that was the case," the doctor nodded. "Don't worry. He's in good hands. If the Reapers ever come 'round here, we'll get him out alive and well."

. . .

It was after that discussion that Shepard returned to the landing bay, where the Normandy was currently docked at. He was just about to head for the elevator when he heard someone whistling at him. Turning in that direction, he found that Garrus was standing near a skycar. Walking over, he asked, "Yeah?"

"Thane doing OK?" Garrus asked.

"According to the doctors, he'll live."

Garrus sighed, relief suffusing his body when he heard this. "Thank the Spirits. I was deeply worried about Thane. Part of me worried that he wasn't going to survive."

"I know. According to the doctors, it was touch and go for a long while, but they managed to save him in the end." Looking around, Shepard asked, "So, what are you doing here?"

"I thought we could do something fun for a change," Garrus smiled. "Something that doesn't involve fighting Reapers."

"I don' think they've conquered the bar yet."

"I already scoped it out, but then I thought that if this was my last day alive, I'd actually want to remember it."

"So?"

"So I had an idea," Garrus beamed.

A few minutes later, they were inside the skycar, swiftly flying over the river that ringed the entire Presidium. Down below, Shepard could see the buildings, as well as plant plots and the clear blue water. "Where are we going?" he asked. "Nothing I've done before is something like this."

"Somewhere we're not supposed to," Garrus explained.

Shepard chuckled at that. "Some things never change, do they?"

"Ever have that one thing you've always wanted to do before you die?"

"Well, I've ridden inside of a BattleMech, so I really don't know. I'd say that beats it all. What about you?"

"Good answer. As for me, the whole time I worked at C-SEC, I'd stare at the top of the Presidium and say to myself 'I want to go up there.' But I couldn't. There were a hundred and thirty seven regulations saying I couldn't."

"Got them changed?"

"No. Now I don't give a damn, especially since I've used a BattleMech, which is much grander than that." As he said this, he guided the skycar all the way to the top of one of the passenger walkways that crossed both sides of the Presidium. Easing the vehicle down, he brought it to a landing, before getting out with Shepard. "Figured that it was about time that we do something stupid. Might be the last chance we ever get."

Walking to the edge, Shepard looked over and down. Down below, around a good two hundred and fifty meters or so, he could see the surface of the river running through the Presidium. Nearby, he heard Garrus say, "A little busier than I imagined."

"How about a dive in the pool?" Shepard asked.

That got him a look from Garrus. "You obviously haven't seen Turians swim. It's a lot of flailing and splashing interrupted by occasional bouts of drowning. I had such a fear of the water that, in my early days working at C-SEC, I had a special flotation device built into my armor in the event that happened."

"Did it?"

"It did. I was busy with this Krogan delinquent when he gave me a hard shove into the water. Next thing I knew, I was underwater, then I shot straight up to the surface and bobbed there light as a cork. Pallin was mad, more at the delinquent than me, but he did ask that I be more careful next time."

"Sound advice. I think I recall doing the same in the Inner Sphere."

"True, you have made up for all of those times I pulled your ass out of the fire. Noveria, Feros, Ilos, Bensinger, Pinnacle… we've had a hell of a ride, haven't we?"

"I agree," Shepard nodded. "Times like these show who your real friends are. They aren't the ones running for an escape route. They're the ones who stand with you through the worst of it, who never give up on you. I'm lucky I can say that I know someone like that."

"So am I," Garrus agreed. Walking back to the skycar, he pulled out his Minolta, as well as some purple colored vials. As he walked back, he asked, "You're not going to propose marriage now, are you?" That got an honest laugh out of Shepard.

"What's this for?" he asked.

"We're going to settle one argument once and for all." Handing Shepard the sniper rifle, he said, "Not saying you don't know how to handle a rifle. Just saying some of us know how to make it dance. So let's find out who's really the best shot."

"Sounds like something fun."

"Yeah, but I've actually seen you dance, Shepard… No offense."

"Alright, Vakarian. Let's go."

"And don't worry. I loaded the rifle with plastic bullets. If you miss, the rounds will disintegrate courtesy of a weak acid inside of them." A moment later, he tossed the vial.

Taking aim, Shepard fired the Mintola. The rifle kicked in his shoulder, but not as hard as if it was loaded with standard munitions. A few milliseconds later, the vial exploded, along with the bullet.

"That was an easy one," Garrus explained. "Let you build up some confidence." Picking up another vial, he added, "Long range, I wrote the book. No one alive, not even Commander Shepard, can match me. Give me a tough one."

"Alright," Shepard nodded, handing Garrus the rifle while taking the vial. Walking back a few paces, he ran forwards a couple steps and hurled the vial in a high arc. Not three seconds later, Garrus fired, nailing the vial directly in the middle.

"I said a tough one!" Garrus smirked as he handed Shepard the rifle.

"Step aside," Shepard smirked, with Garrus ready to toss the vial. I'm as good as he is, he thought, but I might as well let him have some pride. I'll miss the bottle. Round'll land in the water anyways, so no harm to anyone. "Do it!"

With that, Garrus tossed the vial. Shepard pulled the trigger, but intentionally aimed just a hair off of the vial. Rather than impact, the projectile zipped past, but by the time it would've gotten to anyone, it had disintegrated. The vial continued along, falling towards the river.

Garrus, thinking that Shepard had unintentionally missed, crowed his victory. "I'm Garrus Vakarian, and this is now my favorite spot on the Citadel!"

"It's windy up here," Shepard mock-protested.

"Think I'm going to erect a monument right here – bronze this gun so the whole galaxy knows."

"…that you're the king of the bottle shooters. Glad you're around, Garrus. Never know when the bottles might revolt."That prompted a long laugh from Garrus, and Shepard smiled as well. It's good to be around good friends. That's one reason why I like Garrus: he'll stick with you through thick and thin, come what may.

. . .

A few minutes later, Shepard was at the Embassies, which was also where the Executor's office was located at. Walking along, he found Bailey standing outside of the door, fully dressed in his uniform. "Bailey?" he asked. "I thought you were in the hospital."

"Well, it turned out, I got lucky," Bailey explained. "Turns out, the bullet didn't hit anything major, it just zipped in one side and came out the other. I just needed some minor medical work and then I was good to go. I'm also the Assistant Executor now, thanks to what happened."

"You're standing in for Pallin?"

"Yep," Bailey nodded, then frowned, "though I now know why he's in such a sour mood all the time. All that paperwork and not enough time to handle it all at times. Maybe when this war is over, we can find some way to cut down the amount we need to do."

"Maybe," Shepard nodded. After a moment, he said, "I've got to go now, Bailey. Someone I need to talk to."

"Alright," Bailey nodded. "You need anything, you know where to find me." With that, the two men went separate ways.

Walking down the hallway, Shepard walked into a special room that was built into this place. Designed for Spectres, it was where they could requisition weapons, practice at a shooting range and look through any potential assignments that they had. There was also a FTL communicator present, and that was why he'd walked inside. Walking up to the console for the device, he entered in a few commands.

He was rewarded with the hologram of a woman appearing on a nearby holopedestal. The woman was dressed in a white and black outfit that showed some cleavage, but covered enough of her body to provide protection. Shepard, though, knew who the woman was from the get go. "Miranda," he smiled.

"Shepard," Miranda nodded. "I'm glad that you're OK."

"I'm fine," Shepard nodded.

"I'm sorry – I wanted to see you in person."

"Better this way. The Citadel is a mess right now."

"Sounds like it. I heard about the attempted coup, as well as the allies you brought. Never thought I'd see the day you cross the borders of realities."

"I'll tell you about it when I can. With Kai Leng's help, Udina nearly seized control."

That brought a startled look onto Miranda's face. "Kai Leng? The slippery bastard's still alive?!"

"He's alive," Shepard confirmed, "and right in the middle of all of this."

"That complicates things. I'll be on my guard." Looking around for a moment, Miranda said, "Look, I don't have much time – but I've learned of what happened to my sister."

"I got your message on that. Where is she?"

"I don't know yet, but my father was definitely responsible. If he's done anything to her, I'll kill him."

"Miranda…"

"Shepard, listen. I'm being hunted by Cerberus assassins, a lot of them. I need to stay out of sight."

"What? Why?"

"I heard a rumor, maybe more, that my father is working on something for the Illusive Man. Something big."

That had Shepard intrigued. "Why would your father be working with the Illusive Man, especially now?"

"My father is ruthless about preserving his 'legacy', as you doubtless know," Miranda explained. "He has an obsession with making his mark in history, ensuring that his dynasty lasts forever."

"And you think the Illusive Man made him an offer?"

"Exactly."

Shepard frowned. Miranda's father had tried to steal Oriana once, and he had hired a lot of mercenaries to get what he wanted. If he was working for the Illusive Man… he shuddered to think of what might happen. Clearing his throat, he said, "Whatever's going on with your father can't be good. We have to figure this out."

"I agree," Miranda conceded, "but… I need to do this myself. It's time that I stopped running from him."

"You sure?"

"Yes. I can't think straight 'till I know Ori is safe."

"You'll find her," Shepard nodded. "I know you will." He was about to let her continue when he said, "Also, Miranda, if you need help, I can get you some. I know of an intelligence branch that is extremely good at what they do. MIIO. They can send you a Covert Operations agent to help you find Oriana."

"That's… kind of you," Miranda nodded. "I'll think about it." Looking at something out of view, she said, "I'd better get going."

"Be careful," Shepard nodded. "Good luck."

"I can't promise that, Shepard. Can you?"

"… no, I couldn't." A moment later, Miranda's hologram winked out. Speaking of which, Shepard noted. I've got someone to call. A moment later, he created another comm link, but this time, he uploaded a computer program into the communicator.

Pulling it up, he hit the record and said, "Quintus, if you can hear this, then I'm asking for some help. One of my friends, Miranda Lawson, is hunting for her sister. Her father abducted her, but there's more to it than that. He's working with the Illusive Man on some secret project. If you can assign a Covert Operations Agent to assist Miranda in her mission, as well as to find out what the Illusive Man's newest lackey is up to, that would be appreciated. Got to go now. Shepard out." A moment later, he watched as the program scrambled what he said, before putting it through encryption designed to beat even the most sophisticated decryption programs. Once it was completed, he sent the message, then deleted the program before heading out.

That also reminded him of something he'd read on the terminal. Something about a Volus Ambassador, he noted. Oh well, might as well investigate. I'll need to find something to do in the meantime. Plus, you never know when something important might crop up from something seemingly unimportant.

Exiting the specially designed room, he proceeded towards the offices in the Embassies. Near the elevator, there were a series of offices that were separated from the main lobby by translucent glass window-walls. Spotting a nearby C-SEC officer, he asked, "Was the Volus ambassador here earlier?"

"Yes," the guard replied, his avian eyes looking directly at Shepard's.

"I need in. Spectre business."

"I'll unlock the office. Have a good day, sir."

"You too." With that, the officer unlocked the office, allowing Shepard to walk inside. OK, he thought to himself. The ambassador's name was Din Korlack. There should be a desk with his nameplate on it. Spotting the desk in short order, he noticed a terminal, which he hacked into quick as one could please. Noting three entries, he played the first one.

"You've never been this uncooperative with us before," a voice said.

"That's because you were actually doing some good in the galaxy before!" came an angered Volus voice, likely Korlack's.

"Has that changed?" the first voice asked. "How many colonies would be gone if we hadn't taken action against the Collectors?"

"Too many, but fighting the Alliance…"

"Must continue, in order to end the war. We understand that it took a lot for you to reach out to Cerberus, Ambassador Korlack. We ask that you trust us a little longer."

Cerberus, Shepard growled inside. I had a feeling they were involved. From what I can tell, Korlack got cold feet when Cerberus attacked the Alliance. Hopefully, he made the wise choice and backed out when he could. A moment later, he played the next audio log.

This time, Korlack spoke first, and he was deeply enraged, if the tone of his voice was any indicator. "You people are monsters!" he snarled at the person he had spoken with.

"Ambassador, plea -" the Cerberus contact on the other side attempted to say.

"Hundreds dead!" Korlack continued, his rage reaching new heights. "Udina betraying the Council! I should've cut ties with you ages ago! I was foolish to think that working with you would bring about positive change in the galaxy!"

"And what will that accomplish now? The risks you took by passing information to Cerberus… it's left you in an interesting position. If you sever contact, we can't protect you from the consequences."

"I don't… I have no time for this!"

"We'll speak again. Have a good day, Ambassador Korlack."

"NO! I should never have colluded with you in the first place. I will not work with Cerberus any longer. From now on, your organization, and my people, are bitter enemies! I hope and pray that Shepard finds you, and puts you all down like the rabid animals you are! I hope he damns you to whatever hell exists!"

Wow, Shepard noted. There's a lot of anger inside of Korlack, especially after the coup. There must be more, though. A moment later, he played the last audio log.

"The Turians still think I'm working for Cerberus!" Korlack gasped, fear, but also anger, in his voice. "They've put a price on my head! I can't go to C-SEC, but Cerberus has plans! An entire Turian colony rests on my life! If anyone finds this, I put a tracking receiver in the office suites beside the Human embassies. I can – What are you – AAAUUGGGHHH! Get the hells off of me! I – AAUUGHHH! AAAGGGHHH!"

There was a moment of silence on the audio log, then, "Damn! Cerberus has them everywhere nowadays!"

I know that voice, Shepard realized. That's Zaeed! I recruited him for my mission against the Collectors! What the hell is he doing here? He continued the audio log moments later.

"You going to go on about them all night?" came another mercenary's voice.

"Just get the car up here quick," Zaeed grumbled. "Little bastard's even heavier than he looks. I – Son of a bitch!"

"Get the hells off of me!" Korlack shouted, apparently having come to. There was the sound of a serious struggle, then silence.

"Damn, he's tougher than he looks too," Zaeed added. Looks like he's not as cowardly as he appears. Still, we need to get him to the car. Keep him compliant." With that, the audio log ended.

Damn! Shepard snarled internally. I need to get to Korlack quick. Maybe if I contact him, I can get to Zaeed. That way, we can save him, and the Turian colony while we're at it. Without a moment to lose, he began searching the office. Looking under a cabinet, he spotted what appeared to be a small, two way bug. Scanning it, he synchronized his communicator with it and listened in.

"How long 'till we can kill Korlack?" he heard Zaeed ask.

"Once the credits go through," a mercenary replied. "Was beginning to think you weren't interested in the money."

"I'm not."

"Because Korlack worked for Cerberus," another merc added. "What'd they do to you?"

"None of your fucking bustiness. Is he waking up?"

Now's the time to act, Shepard decided. Clearing his throat, he said, "This is Commander Shepard, can you hear me?"

"Yes!" came Korlack's voice. "Yes, I can hear you."

"Tell me where you are."

"Uh… still near the Presidium. C-SEC will check Selkish Arms when they realize I'm missing."

"They won't give a damn when they realize you sold them out to Cerberus," came Zaeed's voice, though it was clear that he was unaware that Shepard was on the comm.

"Wait! Cerberus is planning to attack a colony that -"

"Stay calm. Help's coming," Shepard added. Looking at his omni-tool, he noticed that it had traced Korlack's position to his exact location. He's at the Presidium stores, in one of the apartment areas. I'd better move fast! Running into the elevator, he hit the button for the Presidium.

Once it came to a stop, he began moving towards the location. "Zaeed used to work for Cerberus," he said to Korlack. "Ask him why he's here."

"Why – why did you go after your old employer, Zaeed?"

That got Zaeed's attention. "How you know my name all of a sudden?"

Running into the apartment area, he scanned a door. "Damn, wrong one!" he snarled. A moment later, he said, "He need's you alive to stop Cerberus."

Korlack, taking the suggestion, quickly answered Zaeed's question. "Cerberus is after a Turian colony. Kill me, and they get it."

"Drop my name."

"Shepard's investigating. He's… a recent acquaintance."

"How recent?" Zaeed asked.

"Very."

"Shit. Alright, I'm listening."

As he reached the door, Shepard thought he heard gunfire. Shit, he snarled internally. Good thing I've got my Laser Pistol with me! Reaching the door, he began to furiously hack into it, just as the gunfire went silent. Hope I'm not too late!

When he managed to get inside, he found that the room's interior was a mess. Walking inside, he found a lot of smashed and overturned furniture, broken lamps, and the corpses of a female Human merc and a Krogan bounty hunter lying on the ground. Looking up, he saw the two surviving people inside. One was a Volus, and the other was a human being wearing white and yellow armor that was battered, but functional. Spotting the familiar visage of Zaeed, he said, "It's been a while, Zaeed."

"Shepard," Zaeed nodded. "Glad I wasn't making an ass of myself over a hunch." Noticing the hair, he said, "Damn, looks like you got older."

"That I did, though not in the way you'd imagine." Looking around, he asked, "What's all this about?"

"Undisciplined bastards," Zaeed explained. "This is what I get for signing up at the last minute."

"You alright, Korlack?"

"I'm alright," Korlack nodded. "A little bruised and battered, but fine." A moment later, he said, "You saved my life. I almost died because those Turians thought I was still with Cerberus! I'm not, anymore! They're monsters!"

"No need to tell me, I've faced them down several times. You kept mentioning a Turian colony."

"Information on a Turian planet's defense system. They'll strike soon, but if I tell you the planet's location, Cerberus will know that I've turned traitor."

"Turned?" Zaeed growled. "You already betrayed your people."

"We saved your life!" Shepard added. "Tell us the planet you put in danger!"

"I -"

"No buts! You can offer us a bargain, but I'd rather take the colony than whatever it is you're offering. I know that your attempt to do the right thing failed because you trusted the wrong people. Here's your chance to make up for it. You're giving us Volus support, and you're going to help us make Cerberus pay for using you."

There was a moment of silence, then, "You're right, Shepard. I can, and I will." Taking a deep breath, Korlack said, "Aephus. Cerberus is going to attack Aephus. They want it's shipyards. In addition, there's a Volus bombing fleet that I can provide for you. I will make sure they help as well. I'll speak to Citadel Security about this incident." Turning back to Shepard, he said, "You have my thanks." With that, he left.

"Took him long enough to spit that out," Zaeed remarked.

"So, what are you doing here, if I may ask?"

"Later. C-SEC's on their way. Won't be too pleased with the mess we left them. Catch up with me at the docks if you like." With that, he left.

. . .

A few minutes later, Shepard was about to board the Normandy when he got a comm call. "Hello?" he asked.

"Shepard, it's me, Victor."

"Victor?" Shepard asked. "What's going on?"

"Nothing much," came Victor Steiner-Davion's reply. "Just checking in on you. How you holding up?"

"Fine," Shepard replied. "Got us some more support."

"Excellent," Victor beamed. "Listen, I got a call from an Alliance scientist. He wants to meet us at his house turned laboratory."

"Who's this doctor?"

"Dr. Garret Bryson. Hackett informed me that we might want to check in with him."

"Roger that. I'll head that way immediately."

"Good. I'll meet you there as well. Might want to bring full body armor for this one, though. I've got a gut feeling that we'll need it."

"Cerberus?"

"Don't know. That's why I'm making the suggestion."

"Alright. See you there."

"You too, Shepard."

(Author's Q&A)

SulliMike23: Me too, but we've gotta look at some of the things going on too. It'd be a short and boring story otherwise. Still, I understand your eagerness.

Just a Crazy-Man: Thank you.

edboy4926: Possibly. I'll certainly explore that bit of Joker's life.

MarauderPrime12: Thank you.

RandomReader: Thanks. I didn't know I hit the nail on the head in terms of realism. I also agree that there'll be factions that'll try to cause trouble for their own profit. I know one thing for certain: Hanse and Quintus won't stand for that!

Guest: Thank you.

raw66: That I will.

galacticarmor2 Alt: I might do a short stories compilation that answers all of those questions. They're good ones, so thank you for asking them.