Arius hit the control on the door to Shepard's cabin, and the portal slid open with a muted mechanical whirl.

Shepard, absorbed in her work at the desk, glanced aside at his entrance. A hint of intrigue flickered in her eyes. "Damn, I forgot how good you look in formal wear."

Arius smiled, a touch of pride in his eyes as he adjusted his cuff. "Not as good as you do in that dress. Do you still have it, or did it get ruined during our last escapade?"

"Ruined, unfortunately," Shepard sighed, her gaze drifting back to the terminal. "I liked that dress too."

Arius stepped further into the room, his eyes wandering to the aquarium. His gaze fixated on her Prejek Paddle Fish, its movements serene and unhurried. He wagged a finger near the glass, and to his surprise, the fish approached immediately. "Hey, little guy. Have you been keeping Shepard company? Does she feed you enough?"

What happened next defied Arius' expectations. As if acknowledging his presence, the fish phased through the aquarium glass with a flourish, swimming freely in the air of Shepard's cabin. It hovered for a few seconds, an ethereal, almost spectral creature, before phasing back into the water.

Arius's eyes widened in rare, genuine astonishment. "Did you know Fishy could do that?" he asked excitedly, turning to Shepard with a mixture of shock and fascination, wondering perhaps if he had briefly hallucinated.

Shepard, watching the fish with a knowing smile, replied, "Yeah, I've seen Fishy do that before, but it's pretty rare. Did some digging on the extranet, too. Couldn't find out much about it, just a few mentions from other owners about their fish having weird behaviours. Seems like they all have their own little quirks."

"That is fascinating," Arius said, leaning to get a closer look at the shimmering, eye-like pattern on its body, having never before seen such locomotion. "I've also heard that prior to their endangered status, they were prized for their rich and savoury flavour."

"Careful, Arius…" Shepard warned with a playful yet stern tone, "My pets are off limits, no matter how delicious they may be."

"Of course, I jest," Arius said with a chuckle, moving away from the aquarium to relax on the sofa on the opposite side of the model ship display. "Speaking of pets, have you heard the latest about that kakliosaur skull you discovered on Intai'sei? The salarians have managed to clone them in large numbers. There's a viral video right now of krogan riding the beasts into battle. It's quite a spectacle."

"I've seen it," came the reply. "Kakliosaurs have been extinct since the end of the rachni wars, so their revival feels almost unreal, especially for the krogan. Grunt showed me the clip this morning and asked if we could have one aboard the Normandy."

"And your response?" Arius inquired, clearly entertained.

"I had to say no. Those creatures are enormous, and the way they claim their territory... I'd rather not have our hangar smelling like a barn. Now Grunt's been sulking all day."

Arius laughed softly. "Well, we can't disappoint Grunt too much. Maybe we could get the salarians to clone him a miniature kakliosaur, like a toy version. It could roam around without causing too much trouble."

Shepard chuckled, the idea amusing her. "That's actually not a terrible idea. I bet he'd carry it around everywhere. Maybe he can train it to use a box or something? But let's keep this between us for now."

She saved her work and stood up, stretching her arms above her head with a soft groan, easing the stiffness from sitting too long. "Finally done," she declared, a note of relief in her voice. "I think it's time for a well-deserved break." She walked over to the couch where Arius sat and sank into his embrace, nestling comfortably with a sigh of deep satisfaction. His arms enveloped her in a warm, secure hold.

She tilted her head to look at him. "Aren't you worried about wrinkling that fancy suit?"

"Wrinkles can be smoothed and forgotten. These moments can not." He smiled warmly. "So, what's next on the agenda for the galaxy's most formidable Spectre?"

She smiled at the affectionate title. "A mix of things, but we're stuck in a holding pattern as we try to track down Kai Leng." Her expression grew more serious. "He's a slippery bastard, I'll give him that. I thought kicking Cerberus off the comm facility on Ontarom would have poked the hornet's nest, but nothing so far."

Arius nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm. Well, at the very least, we got some interesting tech from it. One of the technicians you helped passed along some schematics for an advanced communications relay the Alliance has been working on, miles better than the standard buoys we've been relying on."

"That's good to hear. We need any advantage we can get." She affectionately straightened his shirt's collar. "What about you? Off to crash another Eclipse party without me?"

"Not quite. Dominic's offering a private invitation this time to wrap up our business arrangement. It's also a chance for me to see what advances they've made; Their direction still puzzles me. I've been focused on more pressing matters since the war began, but their silence is surprising."

"That arrangement of yours… you actually designed him a weapon?"

Arius nodded solemnly. "Somewhat regrettably. I am a man of my word, however. A contract signed is a contract delivered. He did offer a sizable amount of credits for it, which helped finance Gungnir Prime."

"And that vial I managed to nab, did anything come of that?"

"I had Mordin take a look at it at the time. Reported that it could be used to reinforce neural pathways when used with some other catalysts. Noteworthy but not groundbreaking." Arius's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of concern in his expression. "Mordin's findings are intriguing, but Dominic's intentions with such technology still elude me. He's not one to invest without a strategic purpose."

"That's true. Their shift in operations is... definitely weird." Shepard leaned back, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You know, it's been somewhat of a relief not to engage them in combat recently. But this sudden change in their approach, it reminds me of something specific."

"Oh? And what might that be?" Arius asked, intrigued by her tone.

Shepard's gaze seemed to drift, as if she was piecing together a puzzle in her mind. "In my experience, when an organization like Eclipse makes such a drastic turn, it's not just strategy or leadership at play. It's ideology. The only parallel I can draw is with zealots – especially hardcore groups that suddenly gain access to advanced technologies."

Arius raised an eyebrow, "You think they've become fanatics?"

"Not necessarily. But when technology and radical beliefs intertwine, the results are rarely benign. It's a pattern I've seen before. And each time, it brings trouble." Shepard's voice had a grave tone, hinting at her deep-seated concerns. "So, yes, you should see if you can better understand their motivations."

Arius nodded solemnly, absorbing the gravity of her words. "Those are all excellent points," he stated, admiring her natural intuitions. "I'll see what I can find out at the meeting. If there's anything off, It'll be obvious by this point."

Shepard nodded, her expression softening. "Just be careful, okay? I know you can handle yourself, but they've become unpredictable."

Arius smiled reassuringly. "Always am. And you know I have the best backup in the galaxy if things go south."

She murmured affirmatively as she snuggled closer, her head resting comfortably against his shoulder. A low rumble escaped from deep in his own chest, content with holding her, even for a little while. The soft light of the cabin accentuated the peaceful atmosphere, casting gentle shadows across the room. The rhythmic sound of their breathing merged with the distant hum of the ship, creating a serene ambiance.

They sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts, the warmth of their embrace a comforting presence.

Suddenly, Arius glanced at the time and sighed softly. "I should get going," he said reluctantly, the words breaking the tranquil moment. "Dominic's invitation is time-sensitive."

Shepard looked up at him, her eyes a blend of understanding tinged with sadness. "I know, duty calls. Just be safe out there, alright?"

Arius smiled warmly, his hand tenderly stroking her cheek. "I'll be fine. And I'll return before you start missing me." He stood, casting a thoughtful glance at the aquarium before turning back to Shepard with a playful twinkle in his eye. "I've been thinking…"

"What about?" Shepard asked, her curiosity piqued by his tone.

"About that dress," Arius said, his smile broadening. "The old one is gone, but perhaps we can find a new one that makes you look even more stunning."

Shepard laughed, the sound like a bright note in the serene cabin. "Are you suggesting a shopping trip?"

"Why not? We never did get our encore dance," he replied, taking her hand and drawing her close. They swayed softly to an unheard melody, wrapped in a moment of intimate tranquillity.

After a moment, Shepard gently pulled away with a laugh, her eyes sparkling. "Alright, that's enough dancing for now, or you'll tempt me to shirk all my responsibilities," she said playfully. "Go on, before I change my mind about letting you leave."

The wisdom of transient beings, he contemplated: the understanding to savour each moment before they all faded away. It momentarily eclipsed all his fears of the war, and with a light heart, he kissed her warmly and left.

.

A tall, slender asari with piercing sapphire eyes greeted him at the dock. "Mr. Farren, I'm Lysara. I'll be your escort to the Eclipse headquarters," she said, her voice calm and her expression inscrutable. "Please, take a seat. We will be disembarking shortly."

Arius nodded and thanked Lysara as he stepped onto the sleek, obsidian transport shuttle awaiting him. The shuttle's door hissed shut, enclosing him in a softly lit cabin. He settled into his seat and placed the weapons case beside him. "How long is the journey?" he inquired.

"Approximately three hours," the asari replied, her hands deftly navigating the shuttle's controls.

Arius raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Three hours? I was under the impression Eclipse headquarters lay barely ten minutes east of this port."

Lysara's asari features remained composed, her tone even. "I understand the confusion, Mr. Farren. The location you mentioned houses only a local base of operations. Eclipse's central headquarters are significantly farther away, requiring a jump of several light-years. I apologize if this was not communicated to you. Mr. Solis has emphasized the need for heightened confidentiality following the last costly disruption, you understand."

Arius nodded, accepting the explanation with a thoughtful expression, though some internal apprehension began to build. "I appreciate the clarification, Lysara. Security measures must be a top priority for Eclipse."

Lysara inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment. "Indeed, Mr. Farren. Eclipse takes its security very seriously."

The shuttle lifted off, the lights of the city below becoming a blur as they soared upwards into space. The shuttle's interior was sparsely decorated, but the seats were comfortable, and the lighting was dim, creating a soothing atmosphere. Other than the pilot, his only company were two guards who sat silently, their presence more ornamental than threatening. When he searched for refreshments within, he found none in their receptacles, which seemed odd.

As the shuttle began its jump, Arius gazed out the window, watching the stars begin to blueshift. He had been told that the journey to the new Eclipse headquarters would be long, but the realization that he was being taken far beyond the usual routes filled him with a mix of intrigue and concern. The fact that he was untraceable now, drifting farther from a known location, weighed on his mind.

He tried to distract himself by recalling his time with Shepard earlier that day, their conversation, the warmth and weight of her in his arms. But his thoughts kept drifting back to Dominic's ambitious and somewhat radical plans for Eclipse. What role was he expected to play in all this?

Time trickled by, and the shuttle continued its journey through the star-lit expanse. Lysara occasionally adjusted the controls, but other than that, the silence in the shuttle was almost palpable. Arius checked his omni-tool discreetly, noting that he was indeed off the grid. A small twinge of anxiety fluttered in his chest, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. He decided to engage her in conversation.

"Lysara, if you don't mind me asking, how long have you been with Eclipse?"

Lysara's gaze remained fixed on her controls as she responded, "I've been with Eclipse for five years now. It's been an interesting journey, to say the least."

Arius leaned back in his seat, the subtle hum of the shuttle's engines providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. "I imagine it must be. Eclipse has a reputation for handling delicate matters."

A faint smile touched the corners of Lysara's lips. "That's one way to put it, Mr. Farren. Our organization deals with situations that require a certain level of finesse and discretion."

"Please, call me Arius."

"Of course, Arius," Lysara respectfully responded, but he noticed her eyes stray slightly from the console before returning to it. "I am unfamiliar with 'Farren', but 'Arius' is a classical forename in human culture, is it not?"

"It is. Good catch. May I ask what your familial name is?"

"L'torin."

"Ah. That's something of a classical one to the asari, is it not? Though, post-Athame era."

Lysara nodded slightly, a hint of pride in her voice. "Yes, it dates back several millennia. My lineage has a rich history within asari culture, much like yours in the human world."

Arius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You seem quite knowledgeable about human history."

"I find it a valuable asset to understand the histories and cultures of those we interact with," Lysara replied smoothly. "It aids in diplomacy and… other aspects of our operations."

"Speaking of operations," Arius shifted the topic, "I'm curious about Eclipse's recent activities. The shift from mercenary work to more, let's say, 'sophisticated' endeavors. What's driving this change?"

Lysara glanced at him briefly, her expression giving away nothing. "Eclipse is evolving, Arius. The galaxy is changing, especially with the Reaper threat. We're aligning our interests with what we believe will be beneficial in the long term."

Arius pondered her words, sensing there was more beneath the surface. "Beneficial for Eclipse, or for the galaxy?"

"The two aren't mutually exclusive," Lysara replied cryptically.

The conversation lapsed into silence as the shuttle continued its journey. Arius contemplated the implications of Lysara's words, calling Shepard's earlier suspicions to mind.

Finally, the shuttle began to decelerate, the wavelengths of light growing longer. The shuttle emerged from FTL travel, revealing a colossal structure floating in the void of space. It was the new Eclipse headquarters, a massive space station with a design that spoke of military efficiency. As they approached, Arius could see the intricate details of the station – the defensive turrets, the hangars, and the bustling activity of ships around it. This was a fortress, a statement of power and ambition. It was entirely troubling.

The shuttle landed smoothly on a private landing pad, and Lysara led Arius through a series of security checkpoints. Armed guards scrutinized him, their eyes hidden behind visors, but they said nothing.

Finally, they arrived at large double doors. Lysara paused, her hand resting on the handle. "Mr. Solis is waiting for you. This way, please." The door slid open, revealing a large boardroom where Dominic Solis stood alone, glancing down at a datapad in the sparsely furnished room - devoid of anything aside from furniture and a spirits decanter. He turned as Arius entered, baring no smile across his stern face. Dominic looked precisely the same as the last time they had met, which somehow felt like years. White hair, white suit, face dark, rugged and weathered.

"Arius, welcome to the heart of Eclipse," Dominic greeted in his slightly accented voice. "I trust the journey wasn't too uncomfortable?" The Eclipse leader did not extend his hand.

"Dominic," Arius replied cautiously, not expecting the somewhat cold reception. "It was fine, though longer than I anticipated."

"Necessary precautions, I assure you. In our line of work, secrecy is a valued commodity."

Arius nodded, understanding the implication. From the side of his eye, he noticed that no food or drink had been set out, which only increased his mounting appetite.

"I understand you may be weary from the trip, but time is of the essence. One of my people recently found something that belongs to you, Arius." Dominic signalled to one of the mercenaries stationed by the entrance. In response, the guard approached, carrying an object swathed in cloth. The guard unwrapped it to reveal its contents before retreating back to his post.

Cradled within the fabric lay a distinctive rifle, tarnished and caked in dirt, marred with splashes of pale blue fluid. Engraved on the weapon's butt was Arius' personal manufacturing insignia—this was the Spectre Aracus' weapon, a creation Arius had explicitly crafted for him. The rifle's sleek design, accented with red, blended futuristic aesthetics with functional elegance.

Arius' brow furrowed as he contemplated the implications. He scraped some of the dried fluid with his thumb and tasted it—turian blood, unmistakable. He swiftly cleaned his thumb with a cloth from his jacket pocket.

"Where and when was this discovered, Dominic? The fate of its owner concerns me," he inquired, his voice tinged with concern.

"I'm afraid I have less than fortuitous news regarding its previous steward," Dominic said, extending the datapad displaying a photograph.

Arius studied the image handed to him, his expression hardening. It showed Aracus, brutally mutilated and decidedly deceased. His analytical gaze noted the scene's details: the turian seemed cornered, and the pattern of blood spatter indicated he was struck by kinetic weapons fire from multiple directions. This didn't appear to be the work of Reaper forces; they would have assimilated his body. Instead, it resembled an execution by firing squad. The circumstances were deeply troubling and suspicious. He raised his eyes to meet Dominic's, whose face betrayed no emotion.

"That is a shame. Thank you for your consideration, Dominic," Arius said, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within him. "Speaking of, I have brought the weapon I designed for you." He lifted the case he had brought from the floor onto the table. "As per our agreement. Shall I introduce you?"

Dominic's expression changed subtly, a mixture of contemplation and resolve. "Ah, yes. The weapon." He paused, his gaze fixed on Arius. "I must inform you, Arius, that circumstances have changed. I no longer require the weapon."

Arius, surprised, frowned slightly. "Changed? I don't understand. The weapon was designed and built solely for your hands, and the contract was quite clear."

Dominic sighed, a hint of weariness in his voice. "I'm aware of what the contract stipulates, but my focus now lies elsewhere, and the weapon, while I assume is a masterpiece, no longer aligns with my current objectives."

Arius's confusion deepened. "But the credits have already been transferred. The weapon is yours as agreed."

Dominic shook his head, a firm resolve in his tone. "Keep the credits, Arius. The weapon, however, will not serve my purpose anymore."

Arius struggled to grasp Dominic's reasoning. The weapon had been a significant undertaking, tailored to Dominic personally. "I don't understand, Dominic. This sudden change is... uncharacteristic."

Dominic's eyes met Arius's, a depth of unspoken strategy within them. "Eclipse is evolving, Arius. We're moving towards goals that require a different approach. The weapon, as fine as it is, represents an old way of thinking, a way we must leave behind."

The conversation left Arius increasingly unsettled. Dominic's refusal of the weapon, his cryptic words about Eclipse's new direction, and the troubling fate of Aracus, all hinted at a larger, more complex picture he couldn't yet see. Arius realized that this meeting was about more than just the weapon; it was a glimpse into a shifting landscape, one where old allies and agreements were no longer reliable.

He nodded slowly, a mixture of understanding and caution in his eyes. "Very well, Dominic. I respect your decision, though I can't say I fully comprehend it. I'll take the weapon back. But I'm curious about why I am here if not for this."

Dominic's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. "You were invited here because I wished to discuss something urgent with you. Permit me to monologue for a while."

The Eclipse leader walked slowly over to the spirit decanter and poured himself a splash of the decanter's contents, not offering any. After replacing the decanter's stopper, he lifted the glass from the table and took a sip.

"Would you say you are a pious man, Arius?" Dominic asked.

Arius shook his head.

"I sense that we are alike in that regard. My father was an extremely pious man, and his iron faith governed our household. He was a stern man, too, which meant my time in adolescence was spent in hatred of him and everything he taught." Dominic chuckled bitterly. "Among his primary preachings," he continued, "was the importance of resisting the so-called 'sinful' temptations of life. He saw himself as the gatekeeper of righteousness, ensuring we followed the straight and narrow path."

"That sounds difficult," Arius offered sympathetically.

"It was. As you have probably gathered, I rebelled against him, pushing back against his strict rules and constant judgments. Even before he died, I saw how much damage his misplaced piety had caused and how much of my identity I had sacrificed to meet his impossible standards. I thought him a fool who clung to his ancient, outdated texts and that the strength he believed to be found in their pages actually betrayed the weakness of his spirit and mind. "

Dominic paused, looking down as he swirled the liquid in his glass, and asked his second question: "Are you familiar with the scriptures of the Abrahamic religions, Arius?"

"I am," Arius responded.

"There are two figures within those accounts," the host illustrated, "the Serpent within the garden of paradise that tempted the first people into eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge, and the Devil who walked the earth and tempted the hearts of men. My father believed the Serpent and the Devil were the same entity, present when humanity first opened their eyes to behold their nakedness and then walked step-by-step with them after being cast out. He spoke to me of that immortal tempter, seeking to lead us astray from the path of righteousness. He warned me of meeting the fallen one, that stranger at the crossroads, speaking with such fervour that I honestly thought he himself believed the figure to be real."

Dominic drained the splash of the spirit from the glass, visibly wincing as it burned down his throat. "I had always taken such stories as allegory… until very recently." He set down the empty glass and picked up the datapad resting on the polished table surface.

Then, Dominic asked his third question: "Are you familiar with the 'uncanny valley' phenomenon? That as a form becomes more human-like in appearance, there is a point where the form becomes unsettling instead of appealing?"

Arius, growing apprehensive about the strange line of questions, nodded hesitantly.

"It's an interesting psychological curiosity," Dominic elaborated. "It has been theorized that the human brain is wired to detect subtleties in expressions and movements, and when a subject gets close to looking or acting human but not quite, a sense of revulsion is triggered in us. The 'valley' of this function is the most fascinating component - the more human-like the subject becomes, the more we feel disturbed until it reaches a point of true human likeness. An apt example of such things," Dominic stated, "would be your eyes."

Arius halted his casual listening and focused on Dominic, who stood staring back at him.

"Your eyes, Arius, are of a quality I have never known anyone to possess, nor do they adhere to any body modification tech available on market catalogue. The colour is unique, and their intensity seems to change with the light. Do you know what they remind me of the most?" he asked, pausing but not expecting an answer, "The eyes of a snake. And that is just one feature. There is something off about you that I hadn't noticed on our first meeting, an uncanny and close resemblance to my flesh that betrays a hidden nature. It perplexed me thoroughly until I found this," Dominic said, placing the datapad on the table and sliding it over to Arius.

Frighteningly wary of the conversation's sudden direction, Arius picked the data pad off the table and read its contents. It was a surviving copy of the Shadow Broker's data on him before Liara could delete it. His blood ran cold, and his inaction confessed where his words failed. Then, a sudden realization washed over him. From the moment he set foot on the shuttle that had brought him, and even after being dropped off at the station, he hadn't been offered so much as a morsel of food, a sip of drink, or any form of protection. His own gift had been rejected. It became abundantly clear that he was not considered a guest in this place. Diyafa, Xenia; those sacred customs of hospitality had been purposely withheld from him.

"You are not human, Arius," the Eclipse leader revealed, "though you perform an excellent job at mimicry. But why imitate humanity?" he questioned, putting a hand on his chin in almost mocking contemplation. "Because we look the most similar, or was it you didn't have a choice?" He turned his head slightly to scrutinize him. "How long have you crawled in the dirt, living in the shadows amongst us, Arius? If this information is to be believed, then very long indeed. Since the beginning?" he asked, "or since the end of the last Reaper cycle? Did you choose Earth as your garden after being cast out?"

Arius stared back, unable to speak, stunned by what was being revealed.

"Once again, your eyes betray you, Arius. I see them change before my words, answering me. Though you have had ample opportunity to do so, you seem unable or unwilling to lie. This would strike me as odd, but for one fact - I am well versed in the scripture. I know that the Serpent and the Devil never explicitly uttered a falsehood. So, again, I ask," Dominic pressed, leaning towards him. "Did you bring undue knowledge to humanity, Arius? Did this knowledge multiply the folly of man? Has it polluted our planet?" Dominic narrowed his eyes at him, looking at him with contempt as it was reserved in the scriptures for judgment day. "Has it driven us out of our garden to suffer? If you had stayed away, would humanity still be safe on Earth? Have you ruined us, Arius?"

Arius felt his heart pounding in his chest, the weight of the accusations bearing down on him. "I... I didn't mean to cause harm," he finally managed to state with difficulty. How was he to explain each decision of his life and trace each thread's path in the long tapestry? "I only wanted to help. To share what I knew with others. To show the other paths."

Dominic's expression remained cold. "And look where that has led us. Doom is at our doorstep, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. And you claim to have helped us? You have led us into this darkness, into this abyss. The knowledge you brought us has brought nothing but avarice and destruction."

"But that is not the fault of knowledge itself," Arius countered. "It is the fault of those who have wielded that knowledge without wisdom or compassion. It is up to us to choose that path."

Dominic's eyes narrowed further, his contempt growing at Arius's words. "You speak of wisdom and compassion, but where were those virtues when you first tempted humanity with forbidden knowledge? Where was your compassion when you doomed us to this fate? No, Arius, you are no better than the Serpent in the garden or the Devil in the scriptures."

Arius placed the datapad down. This conversation was moot, given his hosts' viewpoint. "What do you want from me?"

Dominic straightened. "Nothing. The hour for absolution has passed. Pandora's box cannot be closed just as a bell cannot be unrung," he said as he walked towards the door and opened it. A group of armed Eclipse soldiers entered, each taking their place in a line and pointing their weapons toward Arius. "It's a shame. I believe that under different circumstances, you and I could have done great things together. But your redemption is out of hand, for I know your sins are repeated. You have brought us to ruin… just as you did the Protheans."

Arius felt a chill go through him. His heart skipped a beat. "Excuse me?"

The Eclipse leader paused at the threshold, his silhouette framed by the dim light. "They have your name, Peregrinator," Dominic uttered, revealing all. "They've seen your face. They know of your manipulations, twisting the course of humanity with your deceitful guidance. You are a corrupting force, a shadow that nips at our every step, leading us away from our destined path and onto your eternally doomed one. This is where your trail of shadows ends, 'Arius'. The time to purge your darkness is now, starting with your most deeply tainted pawns: Commander Shepard, the Normandy, and, if need be, with the downfall of every soul you've touched. Goodbye."

Dominic nodded to the Eclipse soldiers once, then closed the door behind him as he left.