Loyalties:
Mass Effect Trilogy is a Bioware game. For any reference to the Official Game All rights are owned by Bioware. The Fan Fiction "Mass Effect At Dawn Again" is fruit of my imagination and my work, it is a free tribute, passionate and personal to a great video game. It is not allowed any use partial or total for profit and not.
Chapter 21
I am a Krogan!
… The door opens, and Liara enters Shepard's room smiling, like every morning. She approaches the bed with a firm step, greeting Shepard's cheeks with her fingertips, before of gently dip them into the honey of Shepard's hair. Liara's lips are hopelessly attracted in Shepard's breath, caressing it slowly with a soft kiss.
Shepard is still, between her bed clothes, her eyes are closed, her expression is peaceful, as if asleep. Liara's voice is sweet and sensual, while it tenderly travels the five senses of Shepard, wrapping her heart in a delicate wellness. As, a loving greet spreads all around the room ...
L: Good morning, Sweet Thing, are you sleeping?
Silence. Liara sits down beside the bed, looking for the lifeless hand of Shepard, abandoned between the sheets. She picks it up in hers own, lovingly fiddling with Shepard's fingers. More silence. Finally, Liara caresses with her eyes the face of Shepard. A slight sigh escapes to her lips, before beginning to remember ...
… Mordin was working tirelessly to get a treatment as quickly as possible. As for us, we certainly were not with our hands in our lap!
Well, that bomb back on Tuchanka really caught us off guard, remember?! We managed to prevent Cerberus unleashed another war between Krogans and Turians, but ... just by a whisker! However, this time the success had a bitter taste. The life of Primarch's son has been a painful price to pay! Another son was due heroically fall, repairing with his own sacrifice to the errors of the fathers ... for getting other sons continuing to hope for the future!
We got aboard the shuttle silent and wistful, with a heavy heart like a boulder. We still had the noise of the battle in our ears. Into our eyes the image of Lt. Victus who dropped himself into the void along with the bomb! We had to watch helplessly, as he sank into the belly of Tuchanka. The huge explosion which occurred within the planet depths, buried him forever under the countless tons of rock!
Victus' last words were still resounding in our heads, hammering endlessly into the haunting echo of his last battle cry: "Victory or death!" I read in your eyes, unmistakable the look of the blame, as you were sadly looking deep in your heart any good word to say to the Primarch that, his son had fallen!
I took your hand, squeezing it in mine. You immediately attracted my backhand on your lips gently, with no words, without ever turning aside from the Kodjak's floor. I whispered you softly all my consolation, hoping to soothe your pain, and ... mine!
L: I love you!
The back of my hand slid gently on your lips, meeting the caresses of your cheek. Silence. I felt a biting spasm, contracting my stomach painfully, as a tear escaped your eyes, moistened the skin of my hand. My gaze was suddenly wet with the same pain, while your voice tenderly crossed my heart ...
S: Love you, too!
… The next day, I was looking for you. When I entered the medical bay, Eve was alone. She was sitting on the exam table, with the big muzzle resting on her knees, and her arms crossed under her chin. Eve's deep eyes appeared guarded within her particular headgear. She was studying something, somewhere beyond the opposite wall of the room. For an instant, the lost glance of Eve reminded me the dazed stare of Wrex!
I had never met a female Krogan before. I immediately had the feeling that Eve was very different from males of her species. Wisdom and pain were the first two things which appeared of her, along with a calm really unusual for a Krogan. There was no trace of aggression in her ways. Eve's eyes were so deep that, I had the feeling I couldn't hide her not even my thoughts! When she saw me, she looked up, and greeted me with her quiet tone, saying ...
E: Hello, you're Doctor T'Soni, aren't you?
L: Hello. It's me, but ... to be honest, on the Normandy we don't pay much attention to formalities. I would feel much more at ease, if you call me Liara!
I guessed that she was smiling because, her eyes seemed more distant, and they lighted briefly with a slight sparkle, as she said ...
E: All right. Nice to meet you, Liara! Thanks for helping me out back on Sur'Kesh, I owe, you all, my life! You can call me ... Eve. You know, I like that name!
Eve was very calm and controlled. She seemed happy to talk to me, and it made me feel comfortable. I wished that she was doing not too bad, so I asked her ...
L: I hope, you're doing a little better Eve. I'm so sorry for your sisters! I wish we were there in time to save all of them!
Eve briefly nodded, her voice was grateful, but full of bitterness, and she touched my heart ...
E: I'm much better, thanks. The Salarian is really caring with me. He apologizes whenever he must get me something painful. He takes me warm blankets ... sometimes he even offers me his lunch. He says I need to get back out in force. Anyway, getting my people cured is the only thing that counts now. No matter the pain!
L: Your people are really brave. You and your sisters have all my support and deep respect!
Eve got up from the table, moving closer to me. She also leaned her back to Karin's terminal, staying by my side. She spoke looking into my eyes. There was no anger in her voice, just ... disillusion ...
E: Oh, it was not courage, but ... despair! None of us had nothing to lose! No one to come home to ... nothing important to live for. We dragged ourselves into a dreary survival, with only one thing to get our hearts beating. The inflexible hope in a better Future!
The words of Eve were so harrowing. Yet, her eyes were swollen with pride and invincible dignity. I felt a deep sense of solidarity in her regards which increased from moment to moment, making me want to help her in any possible way. So, in fervent tone I said ...
L: Shepard wants wholeheartedly help your species, believe me, and we all of the crew, we want it! The Commander is really terrific skillful, and just one thing is sure: she won't stop, until the genophage will become just a painful memory!
Eve smiled because, the side of her eyes stretched out more. Then, her tone became more relaxed, she seemed slightly optimistic, as she said ...
E: Yeah! She's quite terrific, I saw! You know, we talked a bit!
Eve paused, then slipped back into my eyes, caught me totally off guard ...
E: You and Commander sound totally smitten ... are you two a couple?
I had to seem exhilarating I guess because, I stayed with my mouth wide open, not able to close it, and unable to speak, for too long not to appear ridiculous! Moreover, I suppose my cheeks had to be colored with a "beautiful" bright violet considering that, they burned to the point that, for a moment, I feared Edi activated the fire suppression system of the Normandy!
Eve kept looking at me, pretending to ignore my reaction, but I'm sure that under her headdress she hid a grin. Eventually, I took a deep breath, hoping that my voice didn't seem too much embarrassed, while I answered with another question ...
L: Did Wrex tell you?
Eve's answer, sounding amused. Thanks to the Goddess, my embarrassment was beginning to wane a little because of her attitude very ... maternal ...
E: hmm no, Wrex has nothing to do! You know, I can recognize love, when I see it! I read it in the eyes of the Commander, and … into yours. You two seem very much in love.
I suddenly was overwhelmed by an intense ... happiness, and I could not help but smile! I tried to control myself because, my beats began to gallop too fast in my chest.
Eve was waiting impatiently for an answer. I felt inexplicably in tune with a Krogan female virtually unknown. Well, perhaps my "quarter Krogan" was beginning to work! However, I got the impression to know Eve for decades! So, I confided her a very personal thing that, I had never told anyone before ...
L: You're right. Shepard and I are "SoulMate!" It's a very special type of bond that, few Asari are fortunate enough to have! We go together for about three years, and ... oh, yeah! We are, head over heels in love, indeed! But tell me about you. Do you have family back on Tuchanka? Some one?
Eve looked away. I immediately had the feeling of having touched a painful subject. Her voice became wistful, making raise my guilt trip ...
E: At one time, I had both! Well, I've been married for forty years long!
L: Your bondmate is a brave warrior?
My question was all too obvious, and it made Eve laugh loudly ...
E: Ha, ha. No, not really! My husband was a mechanic of the Clan Urdnot! However, a Krogan mechanical must be crazy enough to venture into the territory of the thresher maws, to recover valuable replacement parts. Not to mention the risk of encountering warriors from Clan rivals, sometimes less friendly of a thresher maw.
Eve paused, then added cheerily ...
E: So, from a certain point of view … yes, he could be considered brave. Oh, he was brave and loyal! Less exalted and brawler of a warrior, but certainly much more gruff and grouchy of any soldier! We loved each other indeed, and we spent many good times together!
L: Is he ... dead?
E: Oh no, not that I know!
Eve paused again, throwing a quick glance sideways, before continuing with the same quiet tone, and wistful ...
E: Our relationship ended two hundred years ago. We had tried many times to have children. Unfortunately, our fertilized eggs were very few, and all of our children were born dead! After a dozen attempts my husband ... gave up!
Eve took a break, looking at me intently for a long silent moment, before adding ...
E: He met an Asari, and he went away! The last time I heard from him, was waiting for the fourth child!
I felt such an intense pain that, I was afraid to pass out. I was ... terribly guilty! At that moment, my quarter Krogan took its toll on my conscience, as the weight of a conviction! Not just, Eve had suffered the loss of so many babies, but she also had gone through the abandonment, and precisely because of the fact that, many Krogan join with members of my species to have children. I was the clear proof of it, and I was ashamed to die! Not knowing what to say, I let me slip out of my mouth something totally trivial ...
L: I'm so sorry! You've all the reasons to think that, we Asari are unfair and heartless! However, most of us wouldn't ever bond with someone who has an affair going on ... especially if it's a wedding!
Eve's response was immediate. Her tone unexpectedly became even more kind and soft-spoken ...
E: Don't worry, Liara, is not your fault! And then, it happened a long time ago. You know, even Krogans are not all equal! The good thing is that, precisely this pain drove me to become shaman. I try to help my people get rid of the anger toward other species. Turning that insane thirst for revenge, in positive energy and constructive strength. In determination to improve the living conditions on our home planet, to finally learn living in peace. And more than anything else, I want with all my strength, defeat the genophage!
This is why my sisters and I, we tried every day to instill the hope, and we voluntary offers to find a cure! It won't be easy, but rebuild Tuchanka, starting a new life with wisdom, must be our only goal! You know, lose my children ... to see those little tiny bodies, deprived of their life, even before they came to the world ... it was the most devastating thing of all my long lifetime! I don't want this has to happen ever again ... to no mother ... no other father … anymore!
Eve broke my heart!
L: I ... I see, believe me! I know very well what to lose your own loved ones, means!
E: Do you have lost someone you too?
I clearly felt in Eve tone that, sympathy was mutual. So, confiding became easier and natural ...
L: Yes! I lost my mother ... it was a terrible thing! After a few months, I also lost ... Shepard! She died right before my eyes, but I couldn't do anything to prevent this! I was in mourning her, for almost two years, and ... but it's a long story ... well, here we are!
Eve put her hand on my shoulder in a very friendly touch. When she spoke again, it was very obvious how sorry she was ...
E: Well, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have to ask! It's just that, I had no idea because the Donkey head of Wrex, didn't tell me anything! Anyway ... I'm very happy that Shepard is alive!
L: No, don't worry. Everything is alright! Wrex is a dear friend, please don't call him down! He could feel very bad. I get a feeling he's very impressed with you, you know ...
Eve leaned back to the terminal, while she was trying to hide her embarrassment with the aid of her hood. However, her voice became oddly shrill, as she said ...
E: Yes, of course! With me, and with all the fertile females on Tuchanka!
Oh, Shepard! I liked her more and more! I thought that, Eve and Wrex got on really well together. So, I tried to put in a good word for our old friend ...
L: Huh, huh, oh no, trust me! I can recognize love when I see it, you know! Wrex told me too many good things on you, to be just looking for adventures! He respects you so much. He has great esteem and admiration on you. Since you arrived aboard the Normandy, Wrex is even more motivated to fight the Reapers. His only target is to struggle for the future of your planet, curing the genophage! He looks 400 years younger at least! I got the feeling he's doing everything to be pleasing to you. And, to be honest, Eve ... I find his dazed look, much more than suspect!
Eve sat back on the exam table, with a very feminine elegance. A flash of satisfaction sparkling her eyes. Her voice was calm again, but she couldn't conceal her glee nor admiration, as she said ...
E: Do you think so?! Well, Wrex has always been fascinating! He's a great warrior! When he was young, he killed a thresher maw all alone. Since then, all the females of Tuchanka held a competition to mate with him! That tireless "ladykiller" certainly didn't need to be asked twice! However, I've to admit that, Wrex has become the wisest and balanced male that I know, and ... despite his age, he doesn't lose his sheen. Frankly, I find his scar so ... damn sexy!
L: Well, in this case, I think you should let you ... "kill"! You two would be such a beautiful couple! I say this from experience, believe me. Maybe, in times like these ... it makes little sense beating around the bush!
E: Yeah! Maybe you're right! I might consider your adv...
Our conversation was interrupted by Edi who announced that we had entered in the Mulla Xul System, and we were about to reach Utukku.
... When we reached the outpost, our backup were waiting for us at the point of landing. The famous Aralakh Company is something very close to N7 soldiers, but in Krogan version! We met your old friend Grunt. It was immediately clear that he was very fond of you because, he hugged you so hard that, I seriously feared he would break your back! Of course, Grunt acted all tough, but there was no doubt he was very grateful to you because, you released him from the tank of Okeer. I suppose that, more than his Krant, he considers you, the closest thing to a mother he ever had! However, you also seemed happy to meet him again ...
S: Nice to see you, Grunt! Why I have the impression you've got many heads broken to be here?!
The tone of Grunt was both admired and pleased, as he laughed out loud ...
G: Because you're always right, Shepard! Huh, huh, although when I was doing with you, it was a lot more funny! It's good to see you, Krant! I hope we will find a little spare time, to go hunting for thresher mows together, just like the good old times!
S: Yeah, I'm dying, Grunt! But it's my turn to get the tusk as a souvenir, remember!
... The Scouts had died! It was our first meeting with the Ravagers! I guess I will never get used to the level of atrocity of the abominable things created by the Reapers during the war!
The nest was the center of an intricate system of tunnels underground, and narrow passages, which tumbled into deep gorges, or ending in large halls speckled with big stalactites. The depths were crossed by rivers flowing fast, opening into underground lakes.
Right in the middle of the huge central room, the Rachni Queen moaned, seriously injured. She was immobilized and brutally tied into large containment shackles. She was enormous! Dramatically grown since our meeting back on Noveria! Queen was desperately suffering because of the Reapers torn off her sons by the force. They were genetically combined into monsters devoid of discernment ... by other monsters, devoid of heart!
RQ: We hate the machines! We will fight for our unborn children. Release us!
We got a very strong feeling of trust her. Her pain couldn't lie! Her despair was biting inside us, and it reverberated far beyond every reasonable risk. So, we released her for the second time!
… Ravagers by the dozen were directed toward us. Grunt came getting us out of trouble. We ran, slipping behind him, while the Ravagers climbed from everywhere. Soon we were surrounded. No escape way. None possible option ... sacrifice apart! You hesitated, your soul in pieces. You didn't want to leave Grunt behind. You knew he wouldn't come back! You knew there was no other way! Despair froze your throat, you couldn't speak. You only could look at Grunt intently, with a heavy heart! Your sorrowful eyes, brimful of gratitude were straight locked on Grunt's proud look, in the silence of the farewell! Then, we had to find the courage to go. It was the Grunt's day!
... You went towards the Kodiak with death in your heart, when a noise drew your attention. We will never know, how such a miracle happened, but Grunt survived! He was staggering towards you, dragging himself hardly, completely covered in blood! Just one thing we know: this was one of the nicest things that befell us during the war!…
... As soon as the elevator closed, we instantly slid in each other's arms. In silence, clasping harder, synchronizing our breath in an ardent kiss, intense and rousing. Each beat in tune, our souls caressing each other, sharing every emotion more and more. No war, just love, and two of us together! The Crew deck arrived too fast ...
L: Goodnight, my Star! ... Don't have bad dreams, right!?
S: 'night, Sweet Thing! Don't worry, I gonna dream only with you, tonight! ... I promise!
L: Oh, I wish it wasn't a dream!
S: Yeah, same here!
… Mordin finally got the cure! We were headed on Tuchanka. I wanted to greet Eve, before arriving, so I went to the Medical bay.
When the automatic door opened, I gaped! I stood in the doorway, speechless, as paralyzed with amazement. Slowly I leaned against the jamb, trying not to make noise. As I crossed my arms over my chest, a cunning smirk was drawing on my face more and more evident. I couldn't miss such a good opportunity!
Wrex was standing in front of Eve. He was holding her in his arms gently, in a sweet embrace. Eve's headgear was on the floor, and ... well, they were kissing with a great deal of rapture! With closed eyes, and so passionately that, I was totally unnoticed! They were absolutely overwhelmed with their emotions. Drunk with the outburst of their feeling, so fresh and intense that was blooming. Their senses couldn't resist the wonder of discovering intoxicated in one another.
Oh Goddess! They looked just two "cuddly Krogans" fallen in love! So, I thought "My dear Wrex, the time you pay the bill is come!" I patiently waited, until they started exchanging dreamy gazes, eye to eye. Just then, my catty voice broke the silence, Wrex and Eve flinched ...
L: Oh, what a beautiful family picture! Here's another unexpected hellish couple! I've to assume that Shepard will be very happy to know that, she is no longer the only weakling one, on this lovely ship!
Wrex and Eve jumped first, then they leaned brow to brow, and they burst into laughter. They both tried to hide some embarrassment which you could read on their cheeks, darker and darker. Wrex picked up Eve's hat, and he gave her an intelligence glance, as he was helping close it. Finally, he apologized in playful tone, saying ...
W: OK, OK, I asked for it! I won't burst into Shepard's cabin by surprise anymore, I promise! I just hope, I've not to give you back my delicious well-padded bed!
We all roared with laughing again! Wrex turned to Eve, keeping his amused tone ...
W: You know Honey, when an Asari has every reason to banter some one ... it's a bloody mess! She is able to continue for centuries. Oh, by the Fathers! I guess, I'm finally cooked! Huh, huh, huh, I just hope that, when Garrus and Joker will know ... I won't be forced to kill them!
Eve looked much appreciate the humor of Wrex, and she handed the irony back ...
E: You won't kill anyone! If a sweet and gentle creature like Liara will laugh at you for centuries, I'm sure you deserve it, Wrex! So here, you have to find a way to be forgiven!
Wrex looked at me, shrugging his shoulders, while his lips stretched out into a broad grin. He had the expression of a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. It was very funny! Anyway, I was glad that Eve and Wrex had become a couple. I thought, the lesson to Wrex would be enough. My amusing little revenge was accomplished, but of course I had no intention to spill to Garrus and Joker. So, I smiled at Wrex, as answering ...
L: fear not, my good friend, no one will know it! And you could keep your nice well-padded bed, but on one condition: you must allow I tell the news to Shepard! She's strongly under pressure. She has a great need of whatsoever good news, to keep herself confident. So, I'm afraid, you can't say no!
Wrex was about to say something, but Eve touched his shoulder kindly, taking the floor ...
E: Of course, you can tell to Shepard. We are very happy if the Commander will know about me and Wrex! Don't you, Dear One?
Wrex shrugged his shoulders again, then added in an obsequious tone ...
W: Hmm, all right! I can't contradict my girlfriend!
... Our mission was beginning in the worst way! A Reaper was waiting for us, parked in front of the Shroud. To keep it busy, it promised to be a damn complicated affair! Aboard the Kodjak I noticed your restless eyes, you seemed deadly worried. I guessed you were anxious about the mission, and I wanted to infuse you, all my trust. So, I said ...
L: Hey, Shepard! You had a good idea ... your plan will work!
You glanced at me in unreadable way, then you hid yourself in your omni-tool, before declaring in frustrated tone ...
S: it isn't the plan which worries me! If I'll ever become like this Dalatrass, please kill me!
L: Oh Shepard, what are you saying?! Everyone has to bless for eternity that, you are here! It's just you who can prevent the Dalatrass puts the whole Galaxy in a hole! Whatever she said ... I'm really grateful to the Goddess that was you, not whoever else to hear! We will, Shepard ... in usual way!
Your eyes came suddenly in my heart, while your reassuring smile washed away any tension. The gentle but firm tone of your voice, made me feel more than ever proud to be there ... forever by your side!
S: Thanks Liara! When you are here, right next to me ... I cannot fail!
… There has never been any consideration for the enemy in the plans of the Reapers. No code of honor to be respected, no morals, no mercy. Nothing but unreasonable death, and senseless destruction! So, when we reached the Hollows, we were not at all surprised that they were waiting for us in the Krogans' most sacred place.
The Reapers were everywhere, and they seemed to never end. However, they ended ... after a while! The Temple was vast and impressive, very simple architecture, but solid. The Clans were all gathered and there was a mystical atmosphere, emphasized by the solemn tone of the Wrex's words. Very soon, the presence of Mordin broke the balance!
When a big Krogan stepped forward menacingly, hatred and suspicion began to catch on dangerously among the warriors. Urdnot Wrev spoke in a sarcastic and provocative tone, with the clear intention to discredit Wrex. In a snap, a buzz of approval lit among the soldiers, and it was immediately clear that between Wrex and his brother there was bad blood!
Wrev was younger, but equally brave and imperious. However, there was something wicked in his eyes, a kind of bestial hunger. He emanated a sort of unquenchable primeval ferocity, very difficult to contain. The secret with Krogans, is to remain impassive! Not to appear impressed or scared, usually it deserves their respect. You and Wrex are true masters in this kind of ability! However, when Wrex got his brother to head butt, the situation was about to get out of hand.
It was in that case, I realized for real the enormous affinity and harmony between Wrex and Eve. Their relationship could find its apex in the delightful balance between wisdom and aggression which they both possessed, and they could measure out, with absolute mastery. The obsequious respect and consideration that Eve gathered among her people, it was even more evident. Eve presence appeared truly important, as a guide for the Krogans, side by side with Wrex. I felt really happy and proud for giving a small boost to their nice and important union!
… The Squadron Artimec's attack was a flop! To make matters worse, we were on foot, and forced to squeeze into an underground passage, dark and full of rubble. The only guide was the dim light of our guns, in trying to quickly find a way out, to rejoin to Wrex.
More we proceeded, and more we went down deep into the mysterious bowels of Tuchanka, without having any idea where to go! The air was fetid and stuffy, the ground was shaken from time to time with strong tremors which fed my anguish, freezing the blood in my veins.
To continue sounded anything but reassuring, and of course, no one knew how the heck going out! In short, we arrived at an area with imposing statues. It consisted of large rooms, connected by steep stairs, and narrow passageways, almost completely obstructed by rubble. We were in the ancients' City, abandoned for thousands of years!
Fortunately, the sound optimism of Wrex, was a great help, as we moved forward groping. We were advancing in silence, at the accelerated rate of our heartbeat. Thanks to the Goddess, my passion for archaeology could distract me, making me appreciate those places so fascinating, which proved once and for all that the Krogans have always had the artistic side!
As I walked in almost total darkness, I thought about how I would've loved spend some time studying those ruins! I lost myself in fantasizing to deepen the knowledge of the ancient people. Not to think the worst, I imagined what topics I could discuss in a treatise, and it sounded really intriguing!
… Along with the sunlight, the troops of the Reapers also came! That day, I was particularly grateful to Captain Kirrahe, who gifted me his Scorpion! Wrex finally found us! We could reach the Convoy, but Kalros was close, and we were too exposed.
We ran at breakneck speed as the earth began to seethe menacingly beneath our feet, as in the grip of the most terrible upheaval. Suddenly, the giant dorsal scales of the thresher maw, passed through the rock like butter, opening huge chasms in the ground. The Wrev's tank, was inexorably swallowed by the primordial rage of Tuchanka!
… We had to get it over with! It was time to settle the score with the damn Reaper perpetually placed in front of the Shroud who barred the way. Any attempt to pass seemed like a hell because, the Reaper knew we were coming. We had no longer a plan! Squadron Artimec had been frozen out, forcing us to reach the Tower alone.
It promised to be a real suicide! However, the future of the Krogans depended exclusively on us. Such an important alliance on the outcome of our mission. We couldn't afford to give up! There was nothing else to do than relying on Eve's intuition. To send Kalros against the Reaper seemed the only option left!
What an ungodly idea! So shocking that, my stomach twisted painfully at the thought. It seemed pure folly! However, it was not the first time, we were forced to play chess with the madness! The sad reality was that, we had no other choice. I was sure, that ... you would've play!
… The voice of Wrex, burst warmly, stopping your steps just a moment before you go. His words were sweet, but they had the taste of farewell ...
W: Wait ... I want you to know that, whatever happens, you've been a champion for the Krogans, a friend of Clan Urdnot, and ... a sister to me!
You two shook your hands each other warmly, with emphasis, sharing a look of mutual understanding, without speaking. The esteem was overflowing in Wrex's words. The friendship flowed into them like a river, as the feel of emotion was radiating in the air. It seemed impossible that that words could blossom in the heart of a Krogan. However, we well knew of such a deep feelings these desperate people were able to feel. We had the honor and privilege to help them, bringing back a new future!
… The Ravagers caught us by surprise, trying to surround us. Mordin, had to enter the Tower with Eve, we had to reach the maw hammers, so it was Wrex's work! His hands were fiercely gripping the gun, his eyes throwing darts of furious anger. No more kindness in his voice, only ardent pride and furious madness. An overpowering fury unstoppable, which burned in the Wrex's cries, which fueled his wrath, while blood inflaming his rage ...
W: I ... am ... a Krogan! This is my planet home! You all have damn broken all my motherfucking four balls! So ... you are dead!
… As we crossed the bridge, the view before our eyes became absolutely lethal! The terrible Reaper's eye got lit, spewing its deadly ray out. The stone floor exploded, opening a chasm just before your two feet. I saw you make a great leap backwards, just in time to avoid being pulverized. The bridge collapsed beneath you, while I saw you fall down. Too far away, I couldn't grab your hand!
My heart stopped instantly, in a flash I was in your mind. ... - "Shepard!" - ... Powder, dark, and intense adrenaline rush invaded me suddenly. My thoughts in yours, while you were calculating with precision the best fall trajectory. In a split second stretched endlessly, I felt a heavy stone, passing a few centimeters from our head, a big landslide follow noisily, while the absence of any reference point in space became unbearable. Our gorge was oppressed by the suffocating feeling not to be able to breathe. The dust dried out our eyes, as hearing taken to the extreme. … - "Left!" - …
The impact with the ground was very violent, but you rolled to the left several times to absorb. Hush! I was desperately looking for your thoughts, with the torn heart, praying the Goddess, it was not over! I found myself in your mind right away, with a strong feeling of noise. Your body threw in my own a lot of signals of pain.
I felt suffocated by the dust and fear ... my worst fear, the most unbearable! ... -"Oh please, Emy, please talk to me!"- ... Right after, I was completely pervaded with the soothing caress of your voice … -"I'm OK! Don't worry, we made it! Thanks, Little One! I was tempted to go right!"- … -"Oh, anytime! My pleasure, Sweet Thing! Just please ... be careful where you step from now on! I'm not gonna lose you once again!"- ... Your answer was fresh in my mind, and sweet in my heart. ... -"Hey, the two of us ... always we will ... together!"- ...
... Between the maw hammers and us, there were just a devastating death ray, some terrible Reaper paws, and a true army of Brutes! I couldn't believe we were going to do it for real. I was scared to death! I couldn't run behind my beats, but only one thing I knew ... I wanted to stay by your side, fighting together with you ... until the end! So, it was wiser don't look, better don't think, and much more wholesome to keep running!
Everything seemed to explode around us, Garrus and me, we concealed in the cloud of dust, trying to disorient the brutes. I saw you, taking a leap cat, to avoid the huge paw which tried to crush you. As the outbursts shook the ground, you rapid sneaked off, through the blasts and bursts, expertly rolling on yourself in some sudden changes of direction.
... One after another the maw hummers thundered! As soon as their clamor filled the air, a terrible earthquakes struck the ground, opening the rock like butter. The ancestral wrath of Tuchanka had been uncovered, and ... Kalros was coming! She was responding to the cry of pain of an entire people. She was standing up in defense of her land ... of her abode beloved.
Kalros aimed determined the Reaper. She was wallowing among the stones tore off. She was huge, and her roar shook the air, writhing our bodies from within. The Reaper shot his lethal ray, but Kalros avoided it. She dove into the ground, jumping out right after, wildly. She roared, wide open jaws, pouncing on its prey, causing it to fall to the ground.
The death ray missed the target again, but Kalros was forced to sink, avoiding to be hit. The Reaper was waiting to strike. However, Kalros was sly, she understood that, the danger was in the eye. So, she took the Reaper behind the back, emerging suddenly from the ground. Kalros jabbed her enormous jaws right behind Reaper's head, pushing it, until the Reaper tumbled to the ground.
The thresher mow wrapped the Reaper quickly between its coils, in a deadly embrace, dragging it inexorably in her dark underworld. Eventually, silence coming back to dissolve our disbelief. The Reaper was defeated. Thanks to ancestral blood rage of Tuchanka, finally we could use the Shroud!
… Maelon's researches saved the life of Eve! However, because of Tower's sabotage the situation was critical. Nevertheless, Mordin wanted to get to the control room anyway. A one-way trip, which filled your voice of despair ...
S: Mordin, no!
You were frantically looking for an alternative solution. You didn't want to accept, there was no other way! Your mind were painfully evaluating every possible option.
S: Mordin, please! You must find another way! You are a genius! You always have a solution!
Mordin was calm, his voice perfectly conveyed both his awareness and determination ...
M: no other solution, Shepard! Only go up, and block overheating. Then, disperse the cure! You know that, I have to do. Krogans would already heal by genophage, if I didn't make the damn upgrade. So, Maelon was right, I'm a monster! I spent the best years looking at myself in the mirror of my geniality. I was blinded by vanity of being the only one able to make the impossible done! I considered empirical calculation, just to have an excuse to do. I have to fix!
Acute pain pierced your stomach, while your throat struggled to kick back the lump of tears clinging to your breath. In your voice the words of the heart, in your persevering tone, the affection that didn't want to give up ...
S: You've already fixed! You don't need to prove anything else, Mordin! Only you in the cursed bloody Universe could synthesize a cure! This is your redemption! There must be another fucking way to activate the process from here! Think Mordin, think goddammit! And that's an order!
Mordin smiled, caressing your eyes with his gaze, in a very loving way. Then, he added in grateful tone ...
M: Thanks Shepard! You are the best friend. You opened my eyes in time. You great woman, thank to you I got myself better!
You couldn't prevent the tears moistened your eyes. They were shining up obstinately grabbed on to the limit of your lash line. Your heart was racing furiously, and the punch which hit your stomach was becoming more and more agonizing. Until, speaking felt unbearable! You didn't want to give in to, but in the heart of your heart, you well knew that ... there was no other way!
As he took the elevator, your voice held him back for one last moment of fellowship, before of the torture of the farewell ...
S: Mordin ... you're not a monster!
Mordin turned his head towards you. His dark eyes sparkled for a moment, as his voice revealed all its heartfelt gratitude ... one last time ...
M: No more!...
The explosion was both tremendous and sudden. Mordin probably didn't even notice! We watched the Shroud Tower from a safe place, in absolute silence, with the swollen soul of emotion! The cure was dispersed in the air like snow, and the hope with it.
Confidence was spreading into small flakes, across the whole planet, and in the hearts of each of us. Slowly, the awareness was wetting the ground of Tuchanka, overflowing in the heart of a suffering people but strong, who could learn to resist to anger, who could start to wipe away the tears, walking proudly toward their own future!
to be continued ...