Are we there yet?

Disclaimer

Starcraft is the property of Blizzard entertainment.

Mass effect is the property of Bioware.

Any elements used in this story are used only in order to create a story for no monetary gain nor do I claim any ownership over them, beyond the names and characters unique to this story.

"By the will of our mentors, by the wisdom of the Xel'naga:

This records will aid you in the understanding of our kind young one, may they be of use to you:

Asari: The children of Athane as some may call themselves in their native tongue. A race of anomalous evolution who rose from their homeworld with peace in their hearts and love in their works. They stand as the most advanced society in the milky way galaxy as their edge in architecture, politics, technology and society stands leagues beyond the other races of the galaxy.

A deeply passionate and emphatic race, they tend to resolve conflicts through negotiations and compromising rather than waste their lives on avoidable circumstances.

Brandy: A type of drink preferred by most species due to its soft and balanced taste. Idris never allowed the consumption of such a substance due to so-called 'unregulated' properties.

…"

-Of Nebulas forgotten, servant to Idris

SSV Normandy - In transit to the serpent nebula

Liara T'soni

Protoss - The lost wonders…

These were the words that began her formal academic entry into what the galaxy had come to know as the protoss race. To others, this entry stood as the beginning of her formal research into another race of 'ancients' but to those who knew the works of doctor Liara T'soni in more detail could observe that something was off with it just by reading the title.

Off with it… Liara had heard the use of that expression before, but to her regret the meaning still eluded her.

Regardless, Liara understood that to those few peers that earnestly studied her work this opening description would usher something far more different than the detailed and purely empirical works she was associated with.

But this kind of cold and dry type of record would not fit appropriately to the situation as it was now. The kind of records she now intended to pen was not something that would have been associated with good academic intent.

Liara snickered a little. She could already hear the response her archeology teacher would conjure once she had seen the report of her favorite pupil.

But this particular record had to forgo such academic scrutiny…

Because it was too personal.

An enigmatic race of poorly understood biology and secretive mannerism.

They once stood as an apex species in the galaxy's race of development as they rose from a long lost homeworld with particular characteristics inherited by this species. Such as a form of telepathy and esoteric use of mass effect fields.

Standing a little under three meters, the sole known member of this race has graciously agreed to share some details of his species:

According to said individual his race rose from their homeworld millions of years before any of the known species of the galaxy stood in their current form. Much like any other advanced society, the earlier stages of their journey into existence came due to the need or objective that is intrinsic to all life: the desire to explore and expand for the future.

As they ventured into the stars, they discovered a number of species that stood in their earliest stages of evolution. Due to this and other unknown factors his race was alone as they journeyed across the stars using rudimentary modes of transportation such as genesis ships and the use of pseudo mass effect drives.

Earlier in the development of their society, the protoss placed greater emphasis into spiritual revelations and as our particular source called it: 'Holy missions'. One such religious awakening came to be once they understood that life could be a most fragile thing as they were witness to a number of extinction events that scared his species.

After thousands of years of deliberation his species went into a self imposed exile for an undetermined amount of time with the purpose of not interfering in the development of life.

This was a lie.

Liara stopped herself from writing that last thought as a part of the record since she had made a promise…

As Xiltar came to explain to her who he was and what she had seen in the Xel'naga temple a torrent of questions originated from her mind as every detail sounded far more fantastical and impossible than the last.

For a couple of hours she interrogated the alien so he could tell her every detail he was willing to share about the protoss and the Xel'naga. After that one conversation Liara T'soni had become the sole expert in the protoss species in all of the galaxy but just as she was about to record every detail of that conversation into a paper she intended to publish, Xiltar spoke to her.

"I did not talk about my species so you may divulge the truth, Liara T'soni" Xiltar had said "I have told you more than any other in this vessel about my kind for one purpose alone: to acquire your service in a task only you can help with".

Liara had been surprised by this last sentence. She couldn't fathom what she could offer the stranger but once he told her of his plan she was angered beyond reason and told the alien that she would never do such a thing as long as she was a self respecting academic.

He asked her to lie to the galaxy…

And now she was doing exactly as he had asked.

…

Liara did not wish to continue with her task.

She saved the draft and went towards the mess hall for some water.

The reason as to why she had changed her mind was something she was not comfortable with yet. Such a crude revelation as that of earlier that day left the poor Asari in a conflicted state.

What was she to do?

Liara half expected to not find anybody in the mess hall but to her surprise a lone figure sat on the only table in that place as it drank slowly from a glass in his possession.

"Garrus… What an unexpected surprise" said Liara as she approached the turian "Shouldn't you be resting along with the rest of the crew?".

"I could say the same about you doctor, T'soni" said Garrus as he took another sip from the drink in his glass "By the way… could you keep the little fact that you found me drinking this a secret between us?" Liara's eye visually twitched as another person asked her to keep a secret.

"I… sure" she approached the counter and grabbed a glass so she could drink some water… But now that she thought about it "Garrus… did you by any chance… bring anything… nevermind" she tried to ask if Garrus had brought some non dextro liquor before deciding to just get the water and go back to her room.

"Sorry professor, the only thing I brought will most likely kill anybody in this vessel other than me… maybe Tali… and possibly Wrex. But I wouldn't want to share my drink to find out" Garrus said as stared at the doctor "Is everything okay?" he asked.

Liara stood frozen for a solid second as she considered what to do. She still felt conflicted about the thing she was bound to do. But she rationalized that speaking about it with somebody might bring a fresh perspective into what she intended to do.

"There's one thing" she said as she sat right across from Garrus "It's an… academic problem I'm dealing with".

Garrus gave her a blank stare "I might not be the best person to ask about anything 'academic'... but I might be able to help you with your true problem" Garrus said before giving her a knowing smile.

It would seem that Liara wasn't that good at keeping secrets or at least hiding her conflict with said secrets.

She sighed and decided to share a little of her feelings on this "There's this… thing… I was asked to do. But said thing puts my academic integrity into question" She said as she drank a little from her glass "A friend of mine asked me to keep a secret or lie about said secret".

Garrus listened in an attentive manner "Is said secret related to what we saw earlier today?" He was right on the money with that statement.

"I… Yes. " Liara decided to fork over and confess "I just can't fully process what we saw. What horror we witnessed, how can somebody live with that?" said Liara as she placed her head between her hands.

The sheer horror she felt as the atrocities of the zerg were shown to them left her in complete and utter shock, but to her great surprise the first thing she thought about while comparing the pristine wonder they witnessed along with the devastating loss of life was something that left her somewhat conflicted…

Her foremost thought was not in relation to the abominable monsters nor the extensive loss of architectural and technological wonders. No.

It was the loss of people that came first to her attention…

For if none in this reality knew of them, who would remember their loss?

Xiltar? He longed for his people to be with him.

Liara? She couldn't do much for them.

The rest of the crew? That wouldn't be enough.

She had decided to share the knowledge of that species with the rest of the galaxy as a way to preserve their memory.

But if she wished to do such a thing then she would be forced to do as Xitlar had asked of her and lie to the galaxy so as to not compromise the dark truth of the protoss' exile.

So she had decided to lie.

"You shouldn't live with that" this odd statement from Garrus brought her out of her introspection "No living being should be subjected to such a thing. Neither witnessing nor being part of that" he raised his now empty glass of liquor "Why do you think I'm here?".

"So you are here, drinking, to escape these thoughts?" Liara asked.

"I'm here to process that truth" he said before getting up from his seat and taking his glass to the sink "Nothing more" once he had cleaned his glass he turned towards the sleeping pods and began to make his way to his own "Whatever you are going to do, think first if you are willing to live with the consequences of your decision. Good night, Doctor T'soni".

Garrus entered the sleeping pod and left the Asari by herself.

…

Was she willing to live with the consequences of her actions?

…

Maybe.

Xiltar

What would his people think of him now?

What would his ancestors make of his actions?

What will the future generations think of his decisions as a leader?

Was he doing the right thing?

This torrent of questions hounded the young protoss as he made his way towards his sole 'private' sanctuary aboard this vessel: his workshop.

He might not have the same technical skills as a phasemith of the Khalai and Nerazim factions or the inherited knowledge of the upper echelons of the Ihan-rii makers. But he was a curious and dedicated individual…

He could learn.

Unlike what remained of his kind.

(...) As he remembered his interactions with the remaining leadership of his cousins he let out a psychic grunt. In truth, he could not hold his kin accountable for acting on such a pedantic and upright attitude but he still felt a great disconnect from the actions he once partook in.

This change in attitude towards 'lesser' beings, or at least lesser if he asked any other protoss, had been humbled out of him with his months of solitude along the gardened forests of a distant world.

The memory of his frustrating days filled the heart of the protoss with sadness and longing. Being separated from his race and everything he had ever known was a demoralizing event for the impromptu leader.

And here he was… Mingling with the younger races as if he had any right to do so…

…

No, he had the right.

At least he was sure of this now.

His race may yet be pawns in the game of eldritch gods but the freedom he wished for his kind would come true.

After reaching the end of the stairs Xiltar made his way towards the elevator and commanded it to descend.

He cared not if he was alone in the cargo bay but he would still be glad if they left him some peace to repair his equipment as best as he could.

(Hmm…) a thought coursed through his mind. He reached for the guidestone he withheld in a compartment in the back of his armor and pondered if it could aid him in repairing his equipment (Machine) the orb reacted and began to levitate.

-Yes?- it asked in an impatient thone.

(Tell me of the current state of my equipment) Xiltar commanded as the slow trip continued.

-Any particular reason?- the orb asked in an annoyed voice.

(I'm unsure if my repairs were as thorough as I would like… Additionally, I would prefer your willing cooperation in repairing them) Xiltar said.

-Understood- the orb said as he began to project a beam of light and began to analyze the current state of his armor -Analysis complete. Processing request- the orb began to… the orb… Xiltar wasn't satisfied with calling it that.

(Hmm…) Xiltar grumbled (Machine. Remind me of your designation if you would).

–Ankhanai Delta-Oran-Taen, Wayfarer- the orb said.

(We will require a new designation for you… Regardless, continue with your report) Xiltar said.

Just as the orb was about to make good on his analysis the doors of the elevator finally opened. Xiltrar exited the elevator to find… no one.

Searching quickly for the minds of anybody in the same level as him. Xiltar only found elements of the engineering corp working along their stations in the core room.

Nodding at this, he made his way towards his workstation so he could begin to see what elements needed his attention.

-Report complete: status displayed- the orb showed a white hologram of his figure while highlighting his armor and all functions it had integrated along its design.

Red area in his arm, torso and back indicated the elements that required the most urgency (Let us begin with the blade. Its full operation takes complete priority).

-That is wrong, wayfarer. The shield may be a point of preferable focus since it augments the overall survivability of its user… But its constitution is easier to repair than the blade… Then I correct myself- the orb began to malfunction once again. Damn you Nebula…

(Show me the report) The shape of his gauntlet was magnified and elements inside of its construct were highlighted as well.

-Exhaust compensators and micro containment have deteriorated. The use of the blade in such proximity to the body is no longer recommended. Additionally the void crystal had corroded to an unusable state- the orb made his report.

Xiltar opened his gauntlet and true to the words of the machine he found the void crystal that focused his psychic signature and powered his psionic blade in a deplorable state. Cracks formed along the ridges of the crystal and the once clear view it presented was now muddled by a labyrinth of cracks that had rendered it completely worthless.

(Can I repair it?) Xiltar asked.

-It would be preferable to replace the crystal all together. The core can be salvaged at least- the machined took the crystal from its compartment and began to peel away the material until only a small chip of metal remained… the core it would seem.

(How can it be of use? These crystals were artificially created by my people and the method is unknown to me) Xiltar said in frustration. That knowledge resides within the archives of his people and it was unlikely that the universe would allow him to return to his kind in peace.

-Void energies can be tethered to this crystal if a catalyst is consumed in this process. Terrazine would work appropriately- the orb had no idea of the mistake he had just made.

With a swift motion Xiltar reached for the orb and smashed it against the table. This response took the machine by surprise and responded only by screaming as Xiltar flung the orb around.

(Explain. Why do I need that accursed heresy?) Xiltar said these words with a poison that would have frightened any living creature.

-Cultural status was not considered. I'm sorry for making such a mistake- Xiltar measured the machine's reaction as he felt the small orb tremble in his grasp and concluded that the machine was not aware of this fact.

(I… Apologize) Xiltar let go of the frightened machine (That accursed substance does not occur naturally as you may be aware. Nor would I be inclined to use it should any of it exist in this universe).

-There may be no alternative, wayfarer. It's the only catalyst that does not require a direct synthesis for its creation… However, its presence has been detected in deep space- the orb began to show a galaxy display that focused on… the citadel? -Megastructure of unknown design found in predicted space. If you could convince the crew of this vessel to visit…-

(Machine, we are already on course for that structure…) Xiltar corrected the machine.

A wisp of light crossed over the machine -What a blunder- it said in a sad tone.

(Every being is bound to make mistakes in due time. You are forgiven) Xiltar said as the machine turned to look at him.

-I… I appreciate the feeling, wayfarer- the orb began -The substance has been detected in a particular section of the superstructure, here- Xiltar memorized the coordinate and decided that investigating that place alone would be more beneficial to him -The process is simple: once you acquire the substance and reached a secluded place, you must use the enhancing property of the Terrazine to channel void energies into the metal core. The core will construct the crystal for you without much effort but…- the machine stopped as the sound of a door to the side of Xiltar alerted the two creatures that somebody was coming their way from engineering.

Xiltar saw the shape of Tali as she got out of engineering and walked towards him while deep in thought. He decided not to pry in her mind but her lack of spatial awareness made it so she bumped into Xiltar as his workshop stood in her path.

"Sorry I didn't see…" Tali said before realizing who she bumped into "I-I'm sorry… I shouldn't" the quarian began to stutter. She quickly turned around and tried to get away towards the elevator…

(Tali) Xiltar said in a calm voice (Please, stay. I wish… for a moment of your time).

He could see as her figure trembled for a moment before she began to rub her hands in a nervous manner as she turned to him.

"I-If you are still mad that I p-punched you, then I want to apologize for-" She said this as she felt ashamed for her outburst towards him but was interrupted by the protoss.

(You shouldn't) Xiltar said as he sat on the empty table (I wished to speak of something else… as well to apologize) He patted the spot next to him to offer a seat for Tali .

She considered the offer for a moment as she eyed the orb that floated next to them. She considered it a little more before deciding to accept said offer "What about?" she asked in a quiet voice as she sat next to the towering Protoss.

(...) Xiltar sighed as he considered what to say to the quarian (You shouldn't feel ashamed for what happened in that place. I explained my reasons… as selfish as they might have been) he said this in a calm manner as she turned to gaze at the Protoss.

"But I shouldn't have punched you. Kheela, I was acting like such a child" She said as her hands covered her visor in shame.

-At least you recognize that- the voice from the machine scared Tali as she jerked her body away from the orb and towards Xiltar -It shows a clear sign that the individual is growing into an adult mindset- the orb said as it neared Tali.

"Em…" Tali began "Can you… make that thing go away?" She said with even more nervousness in her voice.

Xiltar extended his hand as a way to indicate that he wished for the orb to leave poor Tali alone.

-But I wanted to speak with the quarian- The orb said in a sad manner. :c

(But she doesn't wish to speak with you) Xiltar said this without much thought but saw that the statement demoralized the machine (Not yet at least).

"Not ever" Tali said this as she began to glare at the orb.

-I see…- the orb followed his order and deactivated in the wayfarer's hand.

(Hmm…) Xiltar pondered as to why Tali had not separated from him (It's gone… The evil machine cannot hurt you) Tali separated from Xiltar in a quick fashion (Can I assume that your aversion for my companion comes from your people's history of unwilling genesis?).

She did not take this last comment to heart but understood that this was in fact the reason "Yes" she responded in a flat tone.

They remained in silence for another moment as neither of them knew what to say exactly. Xiltar did not wish to intrude in her mind but he could still perceive that she felt guilty and indebted to him, so he began to ponder a method by which she could get rid of any lingering guilt in a complete fashion.

…

He got an idea.

(I understand…) Xiltar said before a diabolical scheme began to form in his mind (I originally wished to let you go free from the dishonor that you inflicted upon this noble 'elder') he said in a pompous manner as he got up from the table (What say you , Tali'Zorah?).

"I-I… What is goin on?" She asked in confusion.

(Hmm… Not wishing to defend yourself? Very well) Xiltar said as he turned towards her (Since I cannot punish you accordingly, I will leave a task to you instead of said punishment…) he pointed a menacing finger towards her (I will delegate to you the protection of a holy relic as a task).

"Wh… what? why?" Tali asked.

(As penance of course…) he said in a cocky tone (And such a relic will be… this) he reached for the orb and he grabbed Tali's hand and placed the artifact in her care.

He could see as fear began to swell in her mind "No…" she said in a meek voice.

(Yes) he answered.

"No" she said in a more annoyed tone.

(Yes you will) he retorted as he could see her visibly getting more angry.

"NO!" she said even more angered.

(Furthermore… you will give HIM a name) he ordered the quarian to take responsibility for the little machine as a way to overcome her fear of artificial life (Fail this and I will hold a grudge for your actions and force you to look for more arachnids in the vents ) there were none of course, but she didn't know this.

At the mention of her hated foe Tali jumped out of the table and got as far away from the wall as she could.

"Why are you doing this to me?" Said Tali with tears in her eyes.

(Because you punched me and I cannot do the same in good conscience) Xiltar said very pleased (Now go get some rest, Tali'zorah. I hope you enjoy the task I entrust you with) the protoss kindly said as he gently pushed the quarian into the elevator (And do not dare to come back without that relic) he warned her as the gates closed behind her.

Xiltar knew he was being cruel, but the quarian needed to learn that not everything was as she presumed. Especially 'artificial life'...

Artificial life. Bah. They were the creations of the Xel'naga, all three of them.

He turned to the table and began to fix his shield generator in peace.

Completely forgetting that the guidestone tried to warn him about one crucial detail.

His stay in the citadel would be eventful… and full of pain.

One week later.

Joker

Jeff was happy.

His week of shore leave had been one of the best paid weeks of his life.

His baby was restocked and some much needed modifications had been made…

For starters, he managed to acquire a new leather seat for himself. He had done so since his disease had made his work an uncomfortable task with the chairs that were standard in an alliance frigate. And… well…. Since they were going to the citadel he decided to request this modification to the commander. After all, such an opportunity couldn't be wasted.

He heard as the airlock began to hiss. Ah, the ground team would have most likely arrived.

He began to turn his now mobile seat in the direction of who he guessed was the commander.

"Hey Commander check this… out?" He turned to see the rest of the team… What the hell happened to them?

Why did Shepard have a black eye?

Why did Kaidan look so sad and averted his gaze from Ashley?

Why did Ashley look like she was about to puke?

Why was Garrus looking at his palm in a devastated manner?

Why did Wrex have a mounted skull under his arm?

Why did Tali seem as if she was more nervous than usual?

Why was Xiltar being punched in the head by a floating orb?

Why was Liara blushing so much?

And who was this mysterious person that was accompanying them?

"What the hell happened last week?" He asked.

Afterword

The day of reckoning approaches.

My cursed stories can't be denied any longer :v

I will give you this chapter as an apology for my subpar performance on the last one but know that the cursed ark is not coming until next week and the time between chapters will be atrocious.

— I pity you organics /º\

EDIT - Done with the main rewrite. Future chapter soooooooooooon