Arcturus Station. 2159

"This has got to be some kind of a joke." An Asari head researcher said with incredulity, as she looked down, literally, on the form of Alex Drake. "I suggest you go back to your parents, before I have station's security detain you." The Asari practically sneered at Alex, who managed to keep his cool, though he was losing patience.

"And I suggest that you let me, so I may finally get to work." Alex did not relent, shocking the Asari with the brazen tone he spoke to her. "Because I did not spend last year and a half earning a doctorate's decree in University of Sheffield, just to be off by some tourist."

"Tourist?! I am not some prospector, your ignorant brat. I am Kalinna Renos, one of Asari Republic's finest geneticists. I was studying and discovering genetic composition of races thousands of years older than yours, when your species didn't even have electricity." She stated with clear anger, as she looked down on Alex. "Your species should be honored that I've even decided to come and assist you and your primitive…" At that moment, head of this laboratory complex finally came in.

"Doctor Renos, I shall take this. Please return to your work." The man in a lab coat told her, with the Asari doctor shooting one last glare towards Alex, before returning. "Now then, you are Alex Drake, I believe? Morgan Drake's son, from the Engineering R&D, and the famous child prodigy… I can see why they said you looked older than your years suggested." The scientist hinted at the fact that Sanguinius looked closer to a 14 year old than a 10 year old.

"Side effect of my own genetics, a faster development period." Alex answered. "But I believe you were already informed of it, Doctor…?"

"Samuel Grant, and yes, I was informed of it, and to be quite honest, I'm surprised to see one like you. Genetic therapy and modifications are now part of our everyday life as a species… But I did not expect anyone from Gilgamesh Initiative to be born what its creators considered a success." Doctor said, with Sanguinius recalling what he had learned of it.

Gilgamesh Initiative was a genetic experiment, conducted by certain members EU, with the premise of creating a new, evolved Human, that could effectively lead Humanity into space. Sanguinius didn't know all the details, but he did know that it was a mostly clandestine experiment, involving unsuspected young couples, struggling financially, with his parents being one of those. The genetic modifications were implemented to fetuses at the earliest stages, with the parents told it is simply to bolster their future immunity and other such things. In reality, the scientists went above the allowed boundaries and implemented changes that were regarded as unethical and radical, couple that with the fact that families being completely unaware.

The Initiative was discovered, however, and the backlash was extreme, shutting down the program with the mothers and future children being examined, revealing the full extent of the modifications being done on them. The sheer scale of the modifications was enough to ensure all involved with the Gilgamesh Initiative were executed for amoral and inhuman experiments, which went well beyond boundaries of the allowed.

In the end, after the truth came out, over half of the families terminated their pregnancies, as it was expected that children would develop improperly, with mutations, genetic disorders and such. Most of those that had decided to see it through either birthed malformed and mutated children that could not survive, or suffered a miscarriage. Out of 321, only 20 had given birth to healthy children, with Sanguinius being one of them, being an actual ninth healthy child come out of it, which he found as something of a cosmic irony…

This explained the extensive genetic modifications in him, which were now further enhanced with his constant evolution, and he was considered to be exactly what those scientists set out to get. Although Sanguinius doubted this was their intended result exactly, he wasn't going to squander his gifts now, hence why he spent his time since returning from Citadel getting an actual education and a Ph.D in the University of Sheffield through distance learning. To say that he shocked a lot of people would be an understatement, but when it became known that he was part of that infamous Initiative, it did serve to smooth out the edges and allowed Alex to earn his Ph.D, and soon after that, right of emancipation and a spot in the Alliance's Science and Research Department.

Alex was aware that he was not the easiest child to deal with, and he would not have begrudged them to be suspicious and apprehensive, but they were understanding, trusting, and most importantly, supportive. The memory of his parents congratulating him on his achievements was now one of the most precious ones for Sanguinius, and his mother even joked that she at least now had someone smart to talk to at dinner table. Though he was now emancipated, Sanguinius didn't plan to break ties with his family, and just gained as a proof of his emotional and intellectual maturity, which he was not going to have questioned by anyone, especially by aliens, of which there was now an abundance of on Arcturus.

With the conclusion of the First Contact War and introduction of Humanity onto the galactic scene, the Alliance's current head, Elena Dunois, and her supporters were pursuing a path of integration of Humanity into the wider galactic community and establishment of relations with other races. Part of her xenophile policies involved exchange programs, with the Genetic Research Department now being part of it, as it hosted the eponymous Kalinna Renos. To say that Sanguinius was not a supporter of Dunois' policies would be an understatement, as she and her supporters focused far too much on trying to appeal to the wider galaxy over strengthening Humanity's position. Thankfully, Alex was not alone in his views, and the discontent was forming within the populace with the Secretary General and her policies, and accusations of her policies, compromising and even outright sabotaging Humanity's position, were starting to be heard even on the Arcturus and in the higher echelons of power.

Sanguinius personally didn't like how Alliance's current leadership was acting, but he had his own priorities, and so long as the leaders of the Alliance didn't interfere in his work, he'll leave them alone. Right now, he was focused on curing his sister Lily, and for that to happen, he needed resources, access to modern equipment and a way to conduct his research, hence why he was now with the Alliance.

"I did not exactly have any say in it, Doctor." Alex responded. "If it is going to cause any trouble…"

"No, my apologies. I did not mean to imply it, simple was making an observation." Grant answered, before he allowed Sanguinius in. "Although our esteemed guests from Thessia may have certain… issues with it. Unlike the Citadel Races, Humanity is far more liberal in our genetic research to the point they consider it to be irresponsible and dangerous."

"I've read their manifestos, and I am aware of how they view genetically augmented people." Alex responded, as he moved with Grant through the complex. "So I apologize in advance for any… diplomatic insults I will cause in the future." To that Grant let out a humorless chuckle.

"Not a fan of the Asari?" Grant asked of him.

"Not a fan of Xenos involving themselves in our own advancement in general, even if it is for the supposed advancement of our interests." Alex responded openly, with Grant giving him a curious look. "Will this be a problem, sir?"

"So long as you keep your personal views away from work, I am fine with it." Grant told him. "Now then, I'm sure you've already been given a basic rundown of our work and facilities here. We have the most advance research equipment and access to data banks, funding and so on, but there are some things that were left out of the booklet. The Alliance has multiple facilities with the purpose of Genetic Research, but this one is also doubles down as an experimental R&D, employing the best Humanity has to offer, with increased independence in actions and research for individual members and cells."

"In other words, we get funding, equipment and more, but in return should get results, and not just in the genetics department, am I correct?" Alex asked, with Grant nodding. "I was looking to expand my repertoire anyway. Still, I am surprised I had gotten here. I understand this is not a place where you would include someone fresh out of the university, even with me circumstances."

"You are right, you were recommended to us by Admiral Grissom, one of the founders of this program." Grant revealed to Sanguinius, surprising him a little. "Apparently, the Admiral was following closely your studies, and he had forwarded me your course papers and dissertation on the neural tissue regeneration. Personally, if I had seen that paper before he mentioned your circumstances, I would have reach out to you myself and offered a place here. Quite an impressive work, and hope it will prove to be correct." At that point the pair reached a laboratory and entered it, where there was another person waiting.

"Oh, hello Doctor. I was just starting on the…" Came a greeting from a young beautiful woman around 20 years old, possessing silver grey hair and steel silver eyes, which surprised Sanguinius, before his psychic senses confirmed to him, that she too is an augment. "Oh, hello. I… Sorry, I got a bit caught up with the work and forgot I was getting a partner." She immediately apologized with a soft smile.

"No worries." Alex responded. "Doctor, if you may?"

"Of course. Alex Drake, this is Rhea Grissom, your colleague for the foreseeable future. Like you, she is a graduate of the Sheffield and specializes in the same areas as you." Samuel Grant introduced her.

"My pleasure." Sanguinius said, before noticing something. "Apologies for the sudden question, but are you by any chance related…"

"To Admiral Grissom? Yeah, I'm his niece." Rhea responded, before something dawned her. "Wait, you are the Alex Drake? The one who wrote course papers on the neural interface, utilization of genetic code for a controlled tissue regeneration, and then possible ways of neural tissue regeneration?"

"Yes, I did, though I surprised you heard about them." Alex responded. "They were all barely accepted, on account of my… youth being a factor. I imagined they would be shelved and forgotten about."

"Yeah, but uncle pulled some strings, plus had me explain to him what you wrote about, and so I've asked him to get me your other works." Rhea responded, before she tapped the screen and showed it to Alex. "You've got some groundbreaking ideas in those works of yours. I personally focused on genetic mapping in my studies, but still, you've got absolutely genius ideas in there."

"As you can see, you are in good hands, Drake, so I shall leave you to it. And welcome to the Alliance." Grant told him, before leaving in some hurry, which Alex noted.

"Doctor was certainly in a hurry." He remarked, with Rhea answering.

"He's probably in a hurry to run damage control with our "esteemed and venerable guest." Rhea's hint was clear to Alex. "Don't worry, you are not in trouble. It is just that Dr. Renos is what some may describe as high maintenance. Not sure why she even decided to come work with the Alliance, with the way she views us."

"I don't know, and less I think about it, the better." Alex responded, with Rhea nodding to him. "So, you were starting the analysis of a modified genetic double helix?" Alex asked, surprising Rhea, before she noticed that she hadn't closed her research window.

"Yes, it's actually a DNA of a person exposed to Eezo. You've probably heard how biotics are made, so the Alliance wants to know more about it." Rhea told him, with Alex moving to the second screen and activating it. "As you know, upon exposure to the Element Zero of a prepubescent or unborn child, they have roughly 10.2 percent to later exhibit abilities to manipulate mass effect fields and such."

"Yes, while the rest ending suffering cancerous growths, tumors and genetic disorders, among other things." Alex said, as he looked at the DNA, and without even noticing it, the two seamlessly began their work together.


Three weeks later.

Time flew fast, and Sanguinius almost didn't notice it, having dived straight into his work alongside Rhea, with whom he quickly established quite a good working relationship. Former Primarch hadn't noticed how he missed being able to talk to someone of equal, or close to, intellect, but he also discovered for himself the joy of sharing the work and helping. As Grant had explained, they were independent in their work, so Alex and Rhea worked only together, and though they had permission to work on their own independent projects, as well as access to materials and work, the two quickly discovered that they could achieve better results when they checked and adjusted each other's work.

It became a common occurrence for Alex and Rhea to be reviewing and giving their own opinion on their ongoing projects, and Sanguinius found having a second opinion to be helpful. Rhea's input and knowledge of the genetic mapping helped Sanguinius solve several issues in his neural tissue regeneration that he was developing, while his insight into neural interface and nervous system served to further Rhea's work of discovering how biotics interacted with the people. Outside of their lab, however, the two didn't really interact with anyone, which was quite fine by them, especially since there was always a chance of running into Kalinna Renos, who happened to be working in their direction as well, or one of her colleagues she brought with her.

Yet outside of work, the two didn't interact as much one would expect, but it was about to change, when after another day of research and experiments, Rhea approached Alex.

"Alex, I've been wondering about something." Rhea spoke up to Alex, who had changed into his everyday clothes. "What... What do you do on your off time?" That question wasn't what Sanguinius expected to hear, and it caught him a little off guard.

"What do I do? Hm, mostly studying, running diagnostics on my research and such, or help Lily with her studies." Alex answered. "I also sometimes help Mom check her data on the comms and such, when she is busy with research and needs and extra hand."

"Okay, but I meant what you do for fun?" Rhea clarified her question, making Sanguinius raise a brow up. "It's just, we've been working together for three weeks now, and I don't remember you ever talking about anything other than work. That I've never seen you in either shopping or entertainment districts of the station. So, I wondered, what exactly do you do for fun?" At that moment Alex stopped and thought about it, and Rhea saw his thought process, and immediately figured out.

"Let me guess: you've been so engrossed in studies and work that you've completely forgotten about everything else, right?" Rhea said, and by the look on his face, she realized she hit bullseye. "Alex, that's not really healthy, you know? Look, I know I'm no authority on the subject and I can't fathom what you went through on Shanxi, but that doesn't mean that you should just abandon everything else. I mean you are 10 years old, you've got a whole life ahead of you, but what would it be worth if you can't live it?" She asked of him with a sudden burst of passion that Sanguinius hadn't seen from her before, which surprised him.

"It's not about me, Rhea. It's… Two years ago, I made a promise to Lily, that I would make sure she sees the Earth again." Alex said.

"Okay, but what does that… O-Oh." Rhea's mind caught up with his words. "I-I'm sorry, I forgot that she…"

"It's fine." Sanguinius interrupted her. "Lily says she's already used to it, but… Every time I look at her, I cannot help but remember that very moment, when she lost her sight, when that asteroid hit. Every time I look at her, I realize that she will never again be able to see anything, that her entire life will be spent seeing but darkness… And it gnaws at me, knowing it and… If I can find a way to resolve it, to heal her eyes, then it will be all worth it in the end. I promised to her that she will see Earth, and she will, as well as have a full life that she deserves."

"I know." Rhea suddenly responded, surprising Sanguinius. "Hey, I've worked with you for some time now, and I know what you are capable of and what you are doing here. I have faith in you, but you don't have to be so hard on yourself, Alex. What had happened on Shanxi… It wasn't your fault, what happened to Lily. Nobody could've expected what had happened back there."

"I know, Rhea, and I'm not blaming myself about it." Alex said with a sigh. "Look, I appreciate your concern, but I am fine. If me losing out on some R&R ensures Lily gets her sight back, then it is well worth it."

"You may think you are fine, but I don't. Maybe you are right, but what happens when Lily gets her sight back? What will happen when she sees her big brother not having anything outside of work?" Rhea asked of him, with Sanguinius trying to find the answer, before Rhea stopped him. "Okay, I can see that I'll not be able to convince you with words, so how about I make a deal with you: you come we me to spend some time having fun, and I'll focus on your current project. You've got time right now?" She asked him immediately, and Sanguinius, after sensing her clearest determination, relented, sensing she would not take no for an answer.

"Yeah." Sanguinius said, and Rhea smiled and immediately took him with her without saying a single word. "Um, Rhea, I believe the entertainment district is in the opposite direction." Sanguinius noted.

"Yeah, but we are not going there, no." Rhea told him, before they've reached a lift and took it to the other section of Arcturus, before stopping.

"This is the officers quarters' block." Alex noted, before they soon reached the apartment of Admiral Grissom. "Um, Rhea, what did you have in mind exactly?" Sanguinius asked of her.

"Don't worry, uncle's not on the Station. He is back on Earth, participating in a conference about colonial security, and I live with him." Rhea said, before unlocking the door and letting Alex in.

"Hm, looks rather fitting, of a man of his status." Alex noted, looking at the apartments of admiral. "Though, from what I heard of the man, I would've expected something a bit more Spartan in nature."

"Yeah, if uncle had his way, he'd be living in a barrack, but he's the first human outside of the Sol System and our greatest explorer, so it would look bad for press if he were to live as some private." Rhea said, before leading Alex on the second floor. "At least that's what he tells everyone, but I doubt he'd ever do it. Especially when he would not be able to indulge himself in this." And with this, she opened the door to a room, switching on the lights.

The moment Sanguinius stepped inside, he had to take a second, then another just to comprehend what he was seeing, as it was quite seriously the last thing he would've expected to see. Even a revived Horus wouldn't be as much shock to Sanguinius as what he was witnessing right now: a fully furbished tabletop game room, complete with a detailed terrain table for games, books with rules and lore and miniatures of all sorts and kind… All dedicated to Warhammer 40k. When Sanguinius had discovered that in this universe his previous world was regarded as fictional universe, with hundreds of books and a dedicated line of tabletop games, video games, TV Series and films, he did not know how to feel about it.

Truly how does one actually deal with such a fact, even if you are a former Primarch, who, in the fictional universe, also died, fighting Horus, though not beating him? Shock would be one reaction, but then came curiosity and interest, so when Sanguinius had time, he discreetly researched this fictional universe of Warhammer. Despite what he may've told Rhea, he did spend his time not focused solely on work, and most of that time was focused on Warhammer, and to say that Sanguinius was floored with what people who worked on this universe came up with, would be an understatement. Not because it was outlandish lies and exaggerations, no, but because it was so stunningly accurate and true!

It wasn't like reading fiction for him, but historical romances and such, and when he read about his brothers and their work… Safe to say, it had opened Sanguinius' eyes on a lot of things, but didn't change anything in his decisions and how he felt about them. And that's not to mention all the things from 41-42nd Millennia, and how absolutely accurate and in accord with in universe ways they were. If someone told Sanguinius that the people who wrote and created all of it somehow had access to the real events of his old universe, he would not be surprised.

Returning back to what he was looking at, Alex saw shelves and cases with miniatures, dedicated to almost every faction of 40K, from Imperial Guard to Tyranids and more, but the majority of the figures were dedicated to the Astartes. There were members of every Legion, loyalist and traitor, and also some Successor Chapters, like Crimson Fists and Black Templars, of which Sanguinius was also aware, with most being composed of the Primaris Marines, the more advance version of the regular Astartes. Seeing all this and more was simply surreal for Sanguinius and he fell out of the reality, before Rhea brought him back.

"I take it you know what all those are about?" She asked him, with Alex composing himself.

"Y-Yeah, I… I've heard about Warhammer. Read some books too." Alex admitted, before turning to the miniatures again. "So… Did Admiral paint all of them himself?"

"Not all, no. Some I painted myself after he introduced me to it all." Rhea told Alex, surprising him, before she walked to the bookshelf and took out a few rulebooks. "Shame it fell out of fashion. Great franchise, compelling stories, bigger-than-life characters. Horus, Roboute Guilliman, Emperor…"

"Sanguinius…" Alex said in almost half whisper, with Rhea nodding to him. "So, what is this all about, Rhea?"

"Well, since you have absolutely not a clue of how to spend your time outside of work, I figured that teaching you play a tabletop game would be as good a start as any." Rhea told him. "That, and I've been itching to play someone new, and there just any people on this station who even know about Warhammer, aside from Uncle Jon, and he's away most of the time. So, how about it, Alex?" For a nigh a minute, Sanguinius stopped in his tracks and actually contemplated it, before making a decision.

"Okay, although I'm not sure where do I even begin?" Sanguinius said, with Rhea smiling to him.

"Don't worry about it. I'll teach you as we go along. First up, let's pick up what faction you want to play." Rhea moved to the shelves and looked at the miniatures. "I'd say a good start would be the Astartes, since they are poster boys and such. How about the Ultramarines?"

"Actually… I'll go with the Blood Angels." Alex said, since in his mind, there couldn't be any other choice.

Never in his previous life he would've found himself playing a game dedicated to his universe, but if was going to play it, he'll not do a disservice to his sons by ignoring them. After all, would Primarch of the Blood Angels Legion have a different pick?


An hour and a half later.

"Alright, I need… 6 inches to get to finally get to Roboute." Without hesitation, Alex took the dice and shook them in his head, before letting them roll, and smiling victoriously. "And Dante strides with pride towards Roboute on angelic wings." Alex said with a flair of theatricality that would make actual Roboute roll his eyes, but Rhea didn't mind it at all.

"Yeah, Blood Angels' Master is seriously looking to die. Literally." Rhea commented, as she surveyed the status of the battlefield.

It was their fourth round, with Alex's Blood Angels controlling three objectives and having pushed Rhea out of the center. While she was initially in the lead, now things were looking grim for her, and if Alex actually manages to have Dante defeat Roboute, then he would score those extra Points for victory through Assassination. In all honesty, Rhea didn't expect Alex to be able to catch onto all the aspects of Warhammer as quickly as he did, but she should've expected something like that in retrospect.

After he chose the Blood Angels, Rhea decided to play the Ultramarines, and the two decided on their armies, deciding to play 2000 points. Rhea decided to choose a more balanced option, going for a good balance of shooting and melee, while Alex played into the strengths of Blood Angels and chose primarily a melee force with limited support. After their deployments, the game began and at first two turns, Rhea actually held the advantage, at least a slight one, as she picked off Alex's targets and took out several of his models and even units. Yet he didn't make it easy for her, not by a long shot, but when he Deep Strike his Sanguinary Guards right on top of Intercessors… She realized she lost the center, and could not get it back.

Alex had managed to bait her into exposing herself too much, while he maneuvered on the flanks, purposefully weakening center and letting her pick off targets, and after that he went on the offensive. He made some seriously good rolls and in a single turn Rhea lost her Bladeguards, a Dreadnaught and even Marneus Kalgar… to bolt pistols! After that she scrambled to get back her advantage and the ensuing turn became a bloodbath for both sides… And now all that remained was for the commanders to duke it out.

"So, Perdition Pistol first… And it shoots thrice. Wounds… none of the times. Well that's disappointing." Alex commented, before preparing for rolls on the melee, and then rolling them. "And now the finale… And would you look at that. Looks like Roboute will need to give Yvraine a call, because no apothecary can deal with that kind of damage." Alex said with victorious smirk, before Rhea took the dice.

"We'll see how you sing when I make those saves…" And after she rolled, she slumped. "Wh-wha… How could you betray me, my best dice?!" Rhea said with anguish, and Alex proudly let Roboute's miniature fall, claiming the final victory.

If he had expected this to be an awkward and dull affair in the beginning, then those expectations were completely dashed away as he gotten more and more involved into the game. Once he separated his past self and allowed himself to relax and find fun in it, Sanguinius didn't even notice when the passion and enthusiasm that Rhea shared for the game infected him as well and before long, he no longer felt awkward. He had fun, the kind of fun he had even forgotten of, beyond joy of success in work and other things, but just… Being human, as Sanguinius recalled.

He had to admit that Rhea was right, that in his plans and desires to help Lily and humanity, he himself had forgotten what it was to be human, to do more than just fulfill duty, to have fun and hang out with friends. It had reminded Sanguinius of how his Legion once was, back when it was still the Revenant Legion, a single minded weapon of slaughter and carnage, one that was mere steps away from Emperor's censure. He had changed them from it into noble warriors, those who fought for their humanity and embraced it, devoting time to arts, hobbies and other things outside of battles, yet he himself had so few opportunities to enjoy them as well.

Now… Sanguinius realized that he has had the most fun in literal centuries, free of responsibilities and duties, unburdened by so much weight of world's trouble and more. Such indolence and carefreeness… It felt almost sinful, but he knew that there was nothing to be ashamed of, and it had lifted pressure off of him, and he actually felt invigorated and inspired. And… he actually had made a friend here today.

"Thanks, Rhea." Sanguinius said to her, surprising her.

"Hm, about what?" She asked him.

"For reminding me… What it's like to be human again." Sanguinius honestly told her with a smile, with Rhea seeing the change in him, nodded to him.

"Sure thing, Alex." She told him. "So, how about some food? I know a good joint that serves best burgers in this whole station."

"That sounds great about now." Sanguinius said, and the two went outside for more fun.

By the time Alex made it back home, both his parents took notice of his relaxed and even slightly upbeat attitude, they were surprised and mildly shocked, yet when they saw how well their son felt, it lifted their spirits. Lily herself even noticed how Alex sounded and spoke in relaxed and excited tones today, and she was happy for him, and it wouldn't be long from then when Sanguinius would discover for himself, what life had to offer to him outside of knowledge and work…


Two months later.

"And I thought I had a healthy appetite." Rhea commented, watching her colleague practically devour another burger, as they sat in the café, enjoying their day off. "Again, how many calories do you need a day?"

"Plenty enough that I would appear for some to be a glutton. It used to be far less, but Shanxi changed that. My suspicion is that extreme environments, stress and more triggered something a mutation, hence my heightened metabolism and growth." Sanguinius responded, finishing his third burger and drinking soda. "How about we don't talk about work, not after that all-nighter we pulled."

"Agreed, and speaking of the opposite of work, you wouldn't believe what Uncle had managed to get." Rhea gave him a suggestive smirk, with Alex's eyes widening from shock.

"You serious? He actually got that 3-D Printer?" Alex asked, and saw Rhea's smile expand. "Don't tell me you already used it."

"Yup, got me half a company already." Rhea laughed, before she and Alex suddenly gotten calls on their omni-tools. "That's weird, when was the last time we were called like that together?"

"Never, you usually the one who gets the calls." Alex responded before pushing the button, with the hologram of Samuel Grant appearing. "Doctor Grant, is something the matter?"

"Yes, we are currently hosting a delegation from Thessia, and they are going to tour our complex with Secretary General. Both of you are needed here, right now." Grant said in a tone that left no room for negotiation, with Alex groaning from the fact.

"Great, just what I needed to ruin my day off." Alex said, as he and Rhea stood up and left for labs, where they have managed to make it and changed into their lab coats before the delegation arrived.

"…And here we have a genetics research lab, which houses state of the art equipment anywhere within the Alliance's space." Samuel Grant was telling it to the delegates, which included one Matriarch Benezia, along with Kalinna Renos, Arthur Drake, Rear Admiral Jon Grissom and Elena Dunois. "And these are our top genetic specialists, Doctor Rhea Grissom and Doctor Alex Drake." Matriarch Benezia's eyes landed on Alex and she widened from surprise and shock.

"Alex Drake?" Benezia said again, before she turned to Captain Drake. "Captain Drake, you did not mention your son was already working in here, although it does confound me how is this possible, given his youth and age."

"I did not merit this information to be of any concern to you, Matriarch, nor did you ask. And as for how my son is now a scientist, Alliance and UNIN place priority to merit and knowledge over age in such matters." Arthur answered, with a bit of pride in his voice, as he looked at his son.

"Perhaps the Alliance and Humanity could learn to respect age and experience more than supposed knowledge and merit." Kalinna said with clear distaste, as she turned to Rhea and Alex. "One could say it is warranted with these two, considering that these youngsters have yet to demonstrate any notable results." The condescending tone didn't escape from nobody, and Dunois decided to speak up.

"Of course, Doctor Renos, your insight is on point, though I'm sure you can understand that science is not exactly an affair that can be done in matter of hours or days…" Dunois was practically debasing them all, in Sanguinius' opinion, hence why he decided to put an end to it.

"Actually we did achieve something that our "esteemed" guests here may find at least partially interesting to look at." Alex interrupted Dunois, drawing attention from all and motioning them to move to the holo-table, which he and Rhea activated and uploaded data to it. "As you are all aware, humans, like most of the species in the Milky Way, are susceptible to Eezo, with varying effects, most of which are hazardous to the health of the afflicted, with roughly one in ten exhibiting promising biotic abilities without suffering debilitating health issues."

"Common knowledge at this point." Kalinna said without any regard for his words. "My own work here is centered on the study of your effects, and all my research shows that Humanity doesn't possess the capacity to be able to effectively use the biotics en masse, unlike my people." At that point Rhea and Alex exchanged looks, with Benezia deciding to speak up.

"Perhaps, Doctor Renos, you will allow your colleagues to finish. I do admit that I am curious about this project they were working on." Benezia said. "Please continue, Alex… Doctor Drake." At that moment he nodded, and began to run the simulation.

"This is the simulation of the Eezo particles' effect upon a Human's DNA of a Test Subject Alpha, a standard victim of the Eezo exposure. As you can see, all typical signs of Eezo poisoning, and now this is Subject Beta." Alex ran the next simulation in parallel to the first, showing clearest differences in the effects of the exposure. "As you can see, cellular reaction differ drastically. In one case we have standard poisoning, in the other biotic abilities… All because of certain strands of DNA reacting to Eezo differently."

"A simple mutation, nothing more." Kalinna added with half a sneer.

"No, since we've ran these simulations 150 times on DNA strands with similar composition and types." Rhea added, before showing the results. "To summarize, we've determined that the Eezo's effects upon a human DNA vary, depending on a person's DNA composition."

"This is certain impressive work." Samuel Grant stated, with Dunois nodding.

"Actually, this was just the beginning of our actual work. The real work was finding the particular chromosomes and DNA strands that were responsible for reacting to Eezo, and so we did." Alex showed next results, which even Benezia looked and seemed impressed, while Kalinna looked with utter disbelief. "We've managed to isolate the particular DNA strands and chromosomes that effectively allow a person to resist Eezo poisoning, enabling them to develop biotic abilities, which we were able to use to modify an affected DNA of Eezo poisoning, with the following test results." Alex showed it to them, positively shocking Kalinna, as he and Rhea had effectively undermined her entire work here and embarrassed her in front of Matriarch Benezia.

"Alright, if I am following it all correctly, this means that you've managed to create a solution to Eezo poisoning, which would effectively save hundreds, if not thousands." Jon Grissom noted, with Alex nodding. "Damn, I'd say that's worth a Nobel's price. And every single one of those people would become Biotics?"

"No, not exactly, if we apply simply those specific DNA modifications, as emergence and appearance of biotic abilities is determined by different strands of DNA." Alex clarified. "However, with this solution, we can effectively prevent Eezo poisoning from ruining more lives. And if required, apply needed changes to other DNA strands, to ensure emergence of biotic abilities." Alex added.

"This is quite impressive indeed, Doctor Drake." Benezia stated with amazement and surprise, with Kalinna looking at Matriarch with shock, not expecting Benezia to be praising someone beside her on this station. "Such findings are indeed exceptional, and warrant appropriate praise and honors. I am certain that the science institutions of Thessia will be positively elated to study your work." At that point all could've sworn that temperature dropped a couple of degrees, with Sanguinius' spike in anger being cause of it, before he regained control.

"Excuse me, but what do you mean exactly, Matriarch?" Alex asked of her, crossing his arms on his chest. "Exactly why would institutions on Thessia be studying my work, pray tell?" The sheer coldness in his tone made even Matriarch Benezia shiver, and remember her first meeting with the boy.

"As part of the exchange program between our nations, it was agreed that would also share relevant findings, if they were to prove to be of value to both sides." Elena Dunois stated, with Admiral Grissom turning his head in disbelief, with Captain Drake frowning at that. "On behalf of the Alliance and Humanity, I thank you both for your great contribution to our diplomatic efforts. Rest assured, you will be sufficiently commended and…"

"With all due respect, Secretary General, but I do not belief this research is mutually beneficial, and even if it is, you alone do not have the right to make this call." Alex stated to her, shocking Dunois with his insubordination.

"As part of the galactic community, it is expected of the Alliance to share their collective knowledge, to further the progress and for the benefit of all races." Benezia reminded them, until Arthur Drake spoke up.

"Except we are not part of your "galactic community," that being an associate or member state of the Citadel Council, hence we are not required to follow same principal." Alex, as well as Rhea and Jon Grissom, were quite proud of Arthur for standing up for his son and Humanity. "Moreover, this research is strictly oriented towards Humans, not other species, be they of they of Council or not. And despite what your centuries old specialist think, I believe we, Humans, are an authority on the matters of our own genetic makeup, so we will be best suited to make use of them."

"Captain Drake, this is not your decision to make." Dunois told him sternly, but then Grissom spoke up.

"No, it isn't, but it is my right to bring it up to the Alliance Council, who will decide on the best course of actions in regards to this research." Grissom stated, shutting up Secretary General, while Kalinna was fuming.

"Admiral Grissom, do you honestly think it is wise to reject such a generous offer made by my people and one of our most esteemed Matriarchs?" Kalinna stated, before Grissom spoke up.

"Offer would imply that we get anything in return, and as far as I see, Humanity will not be winning anything of equal value, if we were to part with this knowledge." Grissom stated, before turning to Samuel Grant. "See to it that both of them receive appropriate commendations for their work, and a week's worth of break. I imagine figuring it all out so soon came with a lot of extra hours." And after that, the delegation departed, but not before Arthur shot his son a nod and a proud smile.

Three days later the Alliance Council will overrule the suggestion of sharing this knowledge with the Asari Republics, with Matriarch Benezia departing with empty hands, while Elena Dunois' reputation would take a serious hit. As for Sanguinius and Rhea, they would receive commendations and a Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for their discovery.


Eight months later.

"I told you." Rhea said with a bit of smug satisfaction, as she inputted the numbers into the solution.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, but I just had to know for sure. I mean, you have pretty negative views on Enterprise, despite how good 3rd season was." Alex commented, as he was busy on his own project. "I figured, that with all the time and new effects, Discovery would be nice… But, seriously, interdimensional space spores?! What were they smocking to come up with that?!" Alex said with indignation, as he continued his work, before sending it to Rhea to double check numbers.

"Probably the same stuff as the guys who made The Last Jedi." Rhea commented, double checking numbers, with her tone changing. "Alright, initiating the simulation." She said, before activating it, with Alex and her stepping back and watching with stilled breath.

"Neural regeneration looks good…" Alex commented. "Full connection with the synapses, optical nerves are responding… Cellular composition is solid and…" And then came the final results, with Alex letting out a heavy breath.

"Full restoration of optical sensors and nerve damage." Rhea said, before she turned to him with a smile. "You did it, Alex. Hell, you… You've just outdid every single one of those Asari pole dancers!" Rhea said as she hugged her friend, who was in a bit of a shock, but reciprocated it.

"Yes, I… I just can't believe it." Sanguinius said, as he realized finally that he was just a few steps away from returning his sister's sight to her. "It's finally…" And then at that point Sanguinius felt Rhea going limp in his hands and immediately caught her and sat her in the chair, as easily as he could, since she was rather heavier and taller than he, before using his powers to help her regain conscience and strength, without her noticing it.

"Ugh… Wh-what… Alex, what happened?" Rhea asked, once she regained conscience, yet still felt weakened and couldn't even move. "I… I must've overworked a bit."

"Yeah, especially with how your cells are deteriorating." Sanguinius told her without reservation, shocking Rhea with his knowledge.

"H-how… How long did you know?" She asked of him, before she felt blood coming out of her nose, and Sanguinius already had the hanker in hand, while also applying more of his powers to her.

"Well, I had my suspicions when I saw you, but it is common these days to have altered looks and such, but after we started working, I took notice of your research and experiments. Then you suddenly called in a sick leave for a week three months ago, though before you were fully healthy and hale. So, when I decided to double check the numbers on that project we discussed, I realized what was really going on." Alex told her, with Rhea shaking her head, once her nose stopped bleeding. "Cellular deterioration, caused by the mutation in the telomeres in your chromosomes, which were altered from the start to shorten your natural lifespan."

"Not a mutation… Those are my actual telomeres, indicative for… For a clone." Rhea revealed to Alex, who understood what it meant. "Although I'm not exactly a clone, more like an artificial human, born and raised in tube, as a test bed for all the premium genetic alterations, only in short lived package. Best physical traits, mental capacity, processing, and more, all to create a template for the future perfection… We are around the same age, actually, though unlike you, my lifespan is far, far shorter…" She said with a defeated sigh.

"I see." Alex simply said, as he walked and poured water to Rhea. "I take it Admiral Grissom knows about it?" He gave her the glass.

"Of course. He was the one who saved me from being "decommissioned." Rhea practically spat it out. "I wasn't even treated as a human, only as a tool for the man who ordered my creation. He needed to see if it was possible to create a perfection, a dynasty as he called it… I turned out to be all he wanted and then some, grown in vat within a few months, and then left to be experimented on. They tested out my resilience, capacity for learning, pain tolerance and more... I didn't even know what human kindness was until Admiral Grissom pulled me out of that lab on Earth. You know how Alliance hates people like me, fully aware and functioning clones, so he made some forgeries and so was born Rhea Grissom, in place of Subject Zero-One-Alpha. And now… Now my time's running out. But... At least I've enjoyed what little time I had, and you... Making friends with you was the best thing ever happing to me, so thank you, Alex." Rhea said, as she tried to stand up, but Alex motioned her to sit.

"Before you go full fatalistic on me, take a look at this." Sanguinius then uploaded another simulation, and showed it to Rhea, displaying a damage DNA and chromosomes, same ones that Rhea had. "Your work on the genetic mapping was exactly what I needed to complete the treatment for Lily, so without you I couldn't finish it so quickly. So, while you were on your sick leave, I started a little side project of mine and so watch…" And with that he pushed the play button, and Rhea watched with shock how she saw the DNA and chromosomes altered, restored and enhanced.

"H-How?! How is that even possible?" She asked of Alex, who smiled to her. "I-I tried dozens of ways, n-nothing I tried could completely restore the DNA."

"True, which is why I went with something a bit different than what you did. Your work showed how exactly DNA was made in detail, and how it could be manipulated on the level unheard of before, so I used it to replace damaged parts of your DNA with the healthy strands, without affecting your health. Pulled the closest matches, then I tweaked them a bit, increasing compatibility and reducing effects and here we have this." Alex told shocked Rhea. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it. I… I did not want to intrude, nor give false hope, and I needed to be certain it would work for certain, so I did not tell you earlier." Rhea looked at him with shock and disbelief.

"Alex… You did all this… for me?" She asked in a shocked manner, with Sanguinius nodding. "B-but why… I'm not your family and…"

"You are my friend, and for me… For that is enough." Sanguinius told Rhea, before he continued. "I've already gathered all the needed equipment for the procedure, just need to boot it all up, upload the data and we'll have you fixed up in no time."

"I… I just… " Rhea was at a loss of words. "You… You have no idea, how much it means for me. I can't even come up with words to thank you."

"You just did, and besides, you are the only person in this who lab who can actually keep up with me. Who would I have to talk to if you were gone, the Asari?" Sanguinius joked, to which Rhea actually laughed, knowing the sheer distaste her friend had for the Asari.

Two days later, both Alex Drake and Rhea Grissom would depart to Jump Zero, officially to oversee the installation of the equipment, with Drake returning a day later, while Rhea would remain for two weeks, where she would undergo a rehabilitation and acclimation process, as Rhea's life was now one of a true human.


Three days later.

The Drake family were all assembled in the waiting area, sans Lily, who was currently in the operational room, where she is being treated with the newest methods, developed by her brother. Despite the experimental nature of the treatment, Alex has assured his parents, sister, doctors and Alliance Command that it was complete safe, feasible and without any negative aftermath effects. Unlike what some may think on this station and in the research complex, Sanguinius wasn't someone who would simply use something new without testing it out first. He could have had this procedure fully completed much earlier, but he needed to be sure in every way, checking every element and part of the treatment, double and triple checking data. He would never let his sister get hurt, especially by his own hand, and this was especially true here.

Yet still as they waited here, he could not help but feel anxious, even though his psychic abilities were telling him that all was going okay in there, no complications were encountered. Never would Sanguinius think that psychic abilities would become so convenient for him, though he made sure not to abuse them, yet he did train and study them as much as he could, as well as reach out into the Warp with them. In between his studies and work, he did make a few discoveries, first being that the barrier between the Warp and real space was far, far more powerful than the one in his first universe, which ensured nigh complete separation of the two realms without any bleeding effect. Second, was that because of that barrier, the Warp was not simply stable, but safe, malleable and easier to manipulate than originally imagined by Sanguinius.

He had a few ideas to why it was so, all centered around the War in The Heavens, described in the lore of Necrons, Eldar and Old Ones, which he learned by further diving into Warhammer universe' lore. As ridiculous as it sounded, the books, data and more made for this tabletop franchise was sound and true in case of Sanguinius' universe, so he trusted it, as it made sense from his point of view. Deciding not to dwell too much on it, he turned his attention to the sliding doors, from which emerged a head doctor.

"Doctor, how is our girl?" Arthur asked immediately, his hand on Morgan's offering her support, with the Doctor taking off his mask and smiling to them, before speaking.

"The operation was a complete success, full neural and optical regeneration without any impairments or trauma. She is currently resting, but you'll be able to come see her in the morning." Doctor revealed, with Morgan almost collapsing from relief. "You should be proud of your son, ma'am. He is more than a genius… He is a hero. This procedure, the regeneration through usage of DNA, it will save more lives than I can think of." To that Arthur and Morgan could only look on their son with pride.

"Doctor, about Lily. What happens now?" Morgan asked, with the doctor pointing to Alex, who instantly explained.

"A small period of rehabilitation after the operation, followed by the adjustment to being able to see again, with a month's period of observation, to ensure no problems emerge." Alex stated. "But after that you and Dad will have to go shopping."

"Why is that?" Arthur asked of him confusion.

"Because I'll not have my family spend it's vacation on Earth wearing dress blues and lab coats." Sanguinius responded with a laugh, with his family picking it up.


One week later

The hour was well past what could considered appropriate for one to enter into the Research Complex, but Kalinna Renos did not give a damn about it, as she used her special access code to get inside the empty complex and then made her way to the lab operated by Alex Drake and Rhea Grissom. Of all the humans that she had to tolerate and work with in here, those were the most insufferable, not because of how they interacted with her, but because they were getting results. Results that made her, a 672-year-old Asari Genetic Researcher look like an unschooled Maiden fresh out of the University, and they were getting them out in months, if not weeks.

She was the member of the most advance, most intelligent and powerful race in the galaxy, and yet she was upstaged by two Humans, worst yet, artificial ones at that! She knew of their extensive genetic alterations, the kind that rendered them as barely even passable for human beings, and it disgusted her. The fact that Humans, a primitive and arrogant race of apes was more advanced than the Asari was something she could not stand, the fact that her proud race was losing in some field… Yet it was true, as the Asari and Citadel regulated genetic research and modifications far stricter than the Alliance did, hence why she agreed to come here when offered by her patrons in the Matriarch Council, to be free of the restraints and achieve results she was looking for centuries. Her real job was to monitor and report all of the findings and results that Humans achieved on their own, yet at the same time, she used this opportunity to further her own goals.

Spying on Humans was easier than she could've imagined, thanks in large part to that fool Dunois, eager and willing to go to any lengths to see Humanity's position affirmed in the Council Space. The Matriarch Council had quickly identified her as a useful asset, and she was exactly that to Kalinna, allowing her unimpeded access to Alliance's research of various fields, all the while she played the role of a helpful assistant. Naïve fool didn't even realize how she was essentially furthering the work of the Asari, but the others were not so gullible, such as Captain Drake, or Admiral Grissom, who by now were part of the Alliance's opposition. It was clear that Dunois' time in the office was numbered, and so would Kalinna's once it discovered what she exactly was up to, which amounted spying, theft of data and more. Her government will disavow her without a heart's beat, if it suited them, but she were to have something of extreme value when she got away from Arcturus, she would be hailed as a genius she knew she was.

However, she not only did not achieve any success through science, but also was upstaged by Drake and Grissom multiple times, when they presented to the Alliance their works. First analysis of Eezo interaction with human organism and how to control and counter it's effects, negating the worst effects of the exposure and raising number of possible biotics appearing several times over. Then came genetic augmentations for work in harsher environments, with combat applications, followed by multiple advance medical procedures. Lastly, the complete neural regeneration and DNA restoration, exactly what Kalinna was researching and trying get, those two achieved in months, while she spent two hundred years on it…

She couldn't stand it, the fact that she was upstaged, but after centuries of attempts and fails, Kalinna grew desperate enough to swallow her pride. Thanks to the special access granted to her by that fool Dunois, she could freely enter any lab in the complex, and did so with this one. Quickly finding the terminal with the needed data, she found that there was a password put on it, which frustrated her, but she was prepared for it. Activating her Omni-tool, she uploaded a hacking program into the terminal, preparing to get the data and get out… until the lights turned on in the lab and she turned around, once she heard the doors open.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to drop all the pretenses." Alex Drake stood in the door passage, dressed in civilian clothing, yet holding in his right hand what Kalinna could only identify as a pistol. "I guess seeing the writing on the wall has pushed you over the edge, but I'd say you overestimate yourself, if you think that data will be enough to save your skin from being extradited by your government." Widening her eyes for a moment, before regaining composure, she turned to face him, activating her own kinetic barrier and showing her pistol, prepared just in case.

"And do you think you can stop me, boy?" She asked him with a sneer, as her biotic field flared up, preparing to crush him, but then suddenly her biotic field died down, much to her shock. "What?! H-How is this…" And then without any warning, Sanguinius just pointed his gun at her and a loud bang was heard, followed by splashing noise of Asari's brain matter, thud of her body and an ejected shell casing.

"Hm, guess those barriers are reactionary, working with the mass accelerators. Guess a bolt is not fast enough to warrant being stopped." Sanguinius noted, making mental notes about it all, as he examined his prototype bolt pistol, as well as picking up the shell. "Need to find a way to compensate the recoil, though. Normal human would have a fracture from that. Lowering size of round could work." After that he activated his omni-tool, sending all of Kalinna's logs with her superiors to the Alliance Command and Security, as well as Dunois' private files and accounts, along with ordering a maintenance crew to the labs, before leaving.

In all honesty, he could have easily just given a tip to the Alliance Security and not been there at all, instead sitting home or working in his private workshop on the station. But the reason why Sanguinius didn't was because he was quite tired of the fact that this Asari was allowed such unimpeded access to the Alliance's work, and all because of politics, and he was long since itching to make sure she got what she wanted. He wouldn't risk even the faintest possibility of her escaping justice, but there was also a secondary reason, and that being Sanguinius discovering, that the application of psyching powers rendered biotics inert. It was a purely coincidental find, when he used psyching power to bring a device with Eezo to him, only to discover that Eezo going inert and passive, so he decided to test on Renos if it could work, applying a small wide berth pulse of psychic power, and it did work. As of for the Dunois, her Xenophile views were exactly what had caused this entire problem in the first place, so it was time for her to go, and the contents of her personal files were enough to see her ousted without any chance of return, as well as destroy her party's position in the Alliance.

All in all, this was a good day for Sanguinius.


Two months later.

"You know, as far as the modern films go, this one was actually pretty good." Rhea commented, as she, Alex and Lily were returning from the movie theater on the station. "Although I wish they'd do less of those two-second shots. Makes my head spin."

"Yeah, not like with John Wick though! Those films are awesome!" Lily chirped up immediately with a smile, as she held her older brother's arm. "Can we go see them again, Alex? Please…" She immediately went on to make her best cat's face with her bright eyes, with Sanguinius relenting.

"Alright, but not today, okay. You've had plenty of the adrenaline for one evening, plus sugar." Alex shook his head, while Rhea chuckled, as they've reached the Drake apartments, where they were greeted by Morgan.

"You are back already? How was the movie?" She asked, coming out from the kitchen.

"Pretty good, by comparison to most of the modern stuff." Alex answered, as he and others went into the living room. "What about you, Mom? What's the latest in your labs?"

"Same old, same old. Still working on improvements on the FTL receivers for the comm buoys." Morgan stated, before she turned to Alex. "Almost forgot, Alex. There was a priority call for you not too long ago, but they decided to stay on hold when I told them you were away. I've rerouted it to your room." This was nothing new in this family, as all had such calls, in relation to their work.

"Well, guess I'll go and see who is it this time. Hopefully no crisis this time." Alex said, as he went into his room, locked and soundproofed it, before taking the call on his computer, revealing a shadowed figure, seated before the camera. "Alex Drake, whom am I speaking to?"

"Doctor Drake, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have been following your work with great interest for some time now." The man said to Alex, who didn't recognize him, which was already cause for concern for him. "Please do not be alarmed, Doctor. Despite my precautions, I am not your enemy. In fact, I believe you and I share similar views in many areas."

"That depends, though it is common courtesy to introduce oneself when calling like that." Sanguinius told the man, while subtly activing a tracking program, in order to trace the call back to its originator. "By your shadowed exterior, you either have a flare for dramatics, or a reason to remain unknown, which would imply you are not someone the Alliance wants to know have called here, while using a priority call signature belonging to Alliance Command." Alex talked, staling for his program to do the trick.

"Very astute observation, but I'd expect nothing less of the man who exposed Kalinna Renos' espionage, before personally executing her." Sanguinius only raised his brow up at that, while internally asking himself how he knew of it, since he had made sure to cover his tracks. "You did a thorough job on eliminating your traces, enough to ensure that either Internal Security or even Asari Intelligence finds anything, from cameras and sensors to using an untraceable bullet to kill her with. You even eliminated our primary surveillance means, but luckily, we've had some backup installed." The implications that Sanguinius was drawing from it all were not the best.

"Is this your way of trying to blackmail me?" Sanguinius asked of him, seeing the program finish up the job, tracing the call… to Arcturus Station, his private workshop, much to his surprise. "What the…" He couldn't contain that outburst.

"No, this was my way of getting your attention, Doctor Drake." He told him. "And now that I have it, I believe it would best for the two of us to meet, face to face. I assume you have the coordinates already." Sanguinius had to give this man his due, he didn't lack for gall.

"I will be there, and for your sake, there had better not be any tempering." And with that said, Alex discontinued the call, retrieved his hidden proto bolt pistol, strapped and surrounded it with psychic field to prevent it from being spotted, before leaving the room. "Sorry, Mom, I'll have to skip dinner. Another one of those colonial cases, want a professional opinion on what to do with local flora and such."

"Want me to come with you?" Rhea asked of Alex, though she knew this was nothing critical or new for him.

"No, I'm good. I'll be right back." Alex said, as he left the apartment and headed to the elevator, taking it to his workshop.

Despite Sanguinius' interest and intention to further the position of Humanity with his research and working with the Alliance, he did not trust the Alliance to not use his work for what he perceived to be leveraging their status with other races, over helping Humanity. For this and other reasons, Sanguinius had discreetly set up a personal workshop within the recently finished section of Arcturus Station. Acquired within the first month he began working for the Alliance, Sanguinius paid for the space with the money he acquired through work in Extranet, and slowly used his salary, excess funding and other monetary means to make the storage space into a proper workshop.

Covering his tracks by setting it up as a small company, Angelus Industries, specializing in development of industrial equipment, Alex was able to discreetly purchase needed equipment, computers, terminals, construction units and more. Using it for personal development in areas not connected with the genetics, Sanguinius worked on developing and recreating technology from his own world, achieving certain successes, such as with the bolt pistol and ammo for it. He also used the de-facto shell company to earn himself a more steady income, through development of patterns of mining equipment and production lines, which he sold to larger producers. At first it was only as a means to support his own research, but his patented equipment and models turned out to be quite successful, since they were cheap, reliable and effective, perfect for the fresh colonies, which earned him a steady and reliable profit, enough to ensure he had access to best materials.

And now someone had invaded his Sanctum, as Sanguinius personally called it, having found it when not even Alliance Security couldn't find on their own thrice damn station! If this person wanted Sanguinius' attention, then he got it. Reaching the lower level of the station, it didn't take Sanguinius find his area and enter it, inputting his personal code, finding that there was a clear electronic tempering in it. Getting inside, Sanguinius made it twenty five paces in, before finding his target, a middle-aged man, dressed in a suit with black hair, but with striking blue eyes, clearly being cybernetic in nature. But what caught Sanguinius off guard for the moment was the sensation he felt from the man through his psyching abilities.

He felt an extremely familiar sensation from that men, same one that he felt back on Shanxi from that Xenos artifact, only this time… He felt as if this man was clearly affected by it, and he could sense through Warp the tendrils that were seeping into his psyche and mind, undetected, hiding within his ideals and goals, only to subvert and use them against him, twist to their needs. The man was aware that he had been affected by the artifact similar to one Sanguinius destroyed, only he did not perceive the severity or true consequences. Deciding not to be caught off guard by the same Xenos that Raganis was toying with, Sanguinius focuses his psychic might on this man, tracing inside of his body and finding the puppeteers. Microscopic nanites, Xenos in nature and purpose, they were awaiting their hour to convert their host to whatever need they wished, yet they would get their chance, as Sanguinius sends a micro pulse through the warp, which silences them forever, and then disables them entirely. All this happened without the man even knowing of it, not realizing that Sanguinius had just saved his life, yet that was to be determined, as he turned and spoke to him.

"A very impressive workshop, Doctor Drake. When I've heard of the Angelus Industries, I had imagined just another dime-and-a-dozen companies, but to see that it was all ran and operated by one man from here is even more impressive." The man commented. "My agents and Shadow Broker have clearly underestimated you and your berth of abilities. Industrial construction lines, miniaturized power plants, exoskeletons, experimental weapons, cybernetic enhancements… You are a model of a Homo Universalis, Doctor Drake." At that moment, Sanguinius raised his weapon at the man.

"And you are a model of an intruder." Alex responded, preparing to fire. "Now, who are you, and why should I not kill you?"

"Because you and I share the same ideals, and we know that the true extent of threat posed by the aliens, how they will not hesitate to destroy or stop Humanity, if it serves their purposes." The man stated, as he stepped a little closer to Sanguinius. "You are a man who serves Humanity first and foremost, advancing it's station without compromising with the aliens, and would not see Humanity become subservient to them in any form, hence your involvement in sacking of Dunois from office. You see our race achieving power not through compromises with the Citadel, but through advancement of our might, sciences and authority in the galaxy, even if it means working outside of Alliance's goals, or even against them. I can respect and admire that, Doctor Drake, for I am of the same mindset."

"That is good and all, but you haven't answered my first question." Sanguinius reminded him, taking the safety off in a way that was visible to the man. "Who are you?" He asked him with strength and pressure, with the man smiling and answering.

"You may call me the Illusive Man, and I have a proposition for you, Doctor Drake."


You people are amazing with your support of this story, I just wanted to let you know that. And I know that some of you may find some part of this chapter questionable, I did want to include them, as one of the readers pointed out that Sanguinius needed to experience more of a childhood. He may not be a child or normal, but he is still Human and so I decided that he experiences it, and discover a whole different world of entertainment and relish it, and Warhammer… I just couldn't pass on this opportunity. And we now also have the intro of TIM himself, oh and keep in mind that the year is 2160 in the story, a solid 23 years before ME1, so Cerberus and TIM are not yet Reaperfied or radicalized beyond reason.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and will give me your opinion about it in the reviews. If you have suggestions about the story's progression, future events, romantic interests and so forth, feel free tell me, or ask questions about it all. Your contributions help make this story better.

Next time: Setting up shop; Angelus Arsenal;

See ya!