Chapter 24: Reconciliations

(Near the edge of the Terminus)

The Shuvat disengaged it's cloak and appeared alongside the Geth Heretic station. Nothing but the void and distant stars surrounded them. The space station was a sleek and smooth structure, almost resembling a claw facing downward with a large slitted eye along the rim. Solvatas had a metal hand to her chin as she observed the structure. The Vymark noted that for AI constructs, the Geth certainly had an interesting aesthetic to their designs. Most likely derived from the information they had gleaned from their Quarian masters along with conclusions that they had came to on their own. It didn't hold a candle to her vessel's capabilities, but the aesthetic she found...satisfying in some way. A pity it was going to all be reduced to scrap when she was done here. The Vymark stood up from her command throne and strode to the hub of the gate network on her ship. Several of her Immortals moved from their guard posts to escort her. Waiting at the gates were a full platoon of Necron Warriors and Immortals ready to infiltrate the station.

As part of her accord with the Geth she would destroy the Heretics and their corrupting virus and in exchange she would get material and Geth programs from the defeated Heretics that she could bring back to Veronakh. Further, she would aid the Geth by informing them of any hostile actions by her brother against them. This would be done via software sharing in order for the Geth to understand Necron code and how it works. Being machines it would take them little time to figure it out.

Though she had only been in contact with them for a short while, the Geth's potential made her reevaluate them. The sheer presence of trillions of programs from their collective was taxing upon her own mind at the time of their meeting within their consensus. No doubt were they to succeed in their desire for continous connection with one another, they would be a mind that could almost be akin to a minor C'tan. She shook her head at that thought and scoffed at herself. At this point the machines to her were like children, not wholly understanding the nuances and eccentricities of their reality. If properly guided, perhaps they could become a formidable tool to face any threat. But the same could be said were they to become a foe and subverted by the Reapers again. She would not let that happen after her experience with Harbinger. Best to nip this in the bud quickly, Solvatas thought.

She looked behind her and a green glowing light approached from a darkened hallway near the gate hub. What came into the green light looked like a Necron Warrior of sorts, but with a single large eye and a more defined skull. It looked at its hands and curled its fingers into a fist before outstretching them, as if it was testing their function. It's single eye could shrink and expand in size via a series of metallic plates that formed a kind of iris to protect it from weapons fire.

"Are you adjusted to the new platform?" Solvatas asked.

"Platform acclimation at seventy-eight point seven percent. More functionality testing required, but nominal functionality is achieved." said the mechanical biped.

"Do you have any questions before we proceed?"

"Was the exchange of platforms needed for unit cohesion?" asked the Geth.

"It was necessary. If this accord is to work I need you to operate at my level. That means understanding Necrontyr hardware and software which thankfully you are picking up at an incredible pace."

"Yet you did not give equivalent hardware to Shepard Commander. We question why he and the organics were given less technology to acclimate with as opposed to us."

Solvatas crossed her arms, "They technically do not fight under me. Therefore, he and the other organics do not need them. They will be better served coming up with their own solutions to their technological shortcomings."

"You do not trust their judgement with your technology?"

"Trust can come in varying degrees. Perhaps over time should they continue to prove useful more can be shared. But until I know for certain that they will not waste the opportunity, I will only give what I deem necessary. Is that answer satisfactory?"

The Geth possessed bipedal machine looked to the floor for a moment, its eye shrinking as it processed, "It is...acceptable."

"Then let us proceed."

The cyclopean robot joined the entourage of Necron soldiers standing at attention and silently followed the Vymark through the forming gate of Necrodermis. A burst of energy opened a portal and they proceeded through, their bodies dissipating as they entered the portal. Re-emerging into real space, they found themselves in a blue lit storage space of the Heretic station, green electricity bursting behind them as each Necron arrived from the portal. In the immediate area around them were several Geth hubs with multiple platforms of Geth attached. Solvatas silently gave the order to her Geth follower to open fire on the server hubs. A nearby Necron warrior handed their cyclopean ally a Gauss Flayer and the machine instantly sighted and fired on the hub detonating it in a green electrical explosion.

The explosion set off a proximity alert but within a second another warrior dispatched the secondary hub via their own Gauss Flayer, which in turn shut off the alarm. Solvatas looked to her Geth and spoke to it over her comm link, "I presume you were responsible for the alert not going past this room."

"We have infiltrated their wireless network and filled their data storage with random bits. As a result sensors have been reduced."

"Useful. You continue to impress construct. Perhaps a better designation is required for you."

"Geth would be the preferred designation."

"Too broad and general. You are special, even among your collective. Even if your programs are all the same as all other Geth your role makes you stand out."

"This is true, we are prepared to accept your designation if it will improve unit cohesion."

"Good, then I designate you L-36A7E otherwise known as Legate. Does this designation satisfy?"

"Legate; (plural legates) A deputy representing the pope, specifically a papal ambassador sent on special ecclesiastical missions. Also used as a title for the deputy of a provincial governor or general in ancient Rome. We find this choice unusual considering the differing cultures and naming conventions between Necrontyr and humanity."

"Admittedly I am not that creative in such matters, perhaps Shepard would have been better at choosing a designation."

"Multiple designations are acceptable, so long as unit cohesion is maintained."

"Very well, continue onward and clear the Heretics with the rest of my forces. I will be with you shortly."

"Acknowledged."

Legate marched along with the other Necron warriors as they began to move forward at a steady pace. Solvatas turned away for a moment and activated her comm link which connected to her ship's FTL communications, "Kor'Pharas, what is your status?"

"We are in the Thorne system, approaching target planet. Normandy team is standing by and ready to proceed. Estimated mission start in fifteen minutes." replied the Praetorian.

"Excellent, I anticipate by the time you retrieve the IFF we will be done with our task here. Keep me informed."

"As you will Vymark."

With more of her forces arriving, she turned to the hallway ahead where Legate and the initial squad began their sweep. She sent a directive to her Geth auxiliary and warriors that if they should locate a Geth Prime that it was to be captured for study along with several platforms of the different varieties of Geth.

The Vymark twirled her Warscythe in her hand before gripping it and moving up with her soldiers. Once this small matter was done with, she needed to return and organize the rebuilding of her station and Nev'El. Veronakh's preparations wouldn't take much longer and like Shepard said, she needed all the allies and resources at her disposal once she confronted him. Kor'Pharas would never agree to that course of action, but she also would never get the answers from Veronakh until she looked him in the eyes and confirmed what she had been suspecting for some time now. One way or another she would have the truth.

Gas Giant Mnemosyne, Thorne System, Normandy SR-2 on approach to Cerberus OP

The Normandy drew close to the derelict Reaper. At first they attempted to hail the Cerberus research post attached to its hull but there was no response. Shepard was at the Normandy's bridge alongside Kor'Pharas and the two other crew mates who would be joining the mission. With Jacob still recovering from surgery and Gefren having sustained some bruised bones and internal damage from the last battle, Garrus and Mordin would partake in the mission. Their Necron companion would also accompany them but the Necron Praetorian made clear that he would not be commanded and would only follow an order from the Commander if the Praetorian also agreed to it.

From the Normandy bridge, the team assembled. The Praetorian stood by the entry door to the decontamination room before the docking tube. Shepard was in a fully sealed combat suit with his loadout consisting of his Viper sniper rifle, Tempest submachine gun, and a Carnifex pistol. Garrus and Mordin were beside him, each toting their usual loadouts and sealed armors. The Turian carried his Phaeston and Mantis with the Salarian his own Tempest and Predator handgun.

"Alright Praetorian, we're ready." nodded Shepard.

The tall Necron warrior gave a nod back and had to duck down to enter decontamination along with the others who followed him in. When they exited the ship, they found themselves in a low gravity environment as they floated down from the Normandy onto a gangway that was outside the Cerberus research post. They proceeded steadily toward the door leading inside and observed the exterior of the Reaper. It truly was a derelict, much of its fingered tendrils in pieces floating in space nearby, along with a gaping hole through the rear of it's mid-section. The atmosphere of the Gas Giant below painted it and the research station a menacing red which added to the uneasiness to the team. Other than the Praetorian of course, who strode confidently towards the door inside. Once the ground team was in the station a decontamination system activated and they were forced to wait while it processed.

Shepard voiced his thoughts over the comms as the sprayers doused them, "Hard to believe this thing has been just hanging here for thirty-seven million years."

"I understand that it is due to its drive core still being operational." the Necron replied.

"Impressive technology to be able to last as long as it has. Though if the drive core is still working, I'm assuming that other things are likely online as well." Garrus added.

"Would probably explain why the team stopped checking in." Shepard thought out loud.

Once decontamination finished, the team brought their weapons forward while the Praetorian still remained at ease bearing his Void Blade. They proceeded into the facility and scanned the room, while Kor'Pharas simply moved forward, scanning the environment with his eyes. "No enemy activity detected. We should move on."

"Wait, maybe we can learn something from the terminals here." Garrus said approaching one of said terminals.

"Time is precious, we cannot tarry for long. If you must investigate then do so quickly."

Garrus switched to private comms, "And this is part of the reason why I didn't want to come along. The guy acts like he's the one in charge."

"Considering what he can do and how old he is, can you blame him?" Shepard replied.

"No, but I can sure blame you for convincing me to be a part of this. I'd rather be calibrating the mess that the gun battery on the Normandy is dealing with. Knew it was too soon to try to quit drinking."

"You don't need that stuff. You didn't before."

"And you damn well know why I need it now."

"I thought we were past this."

"Well, its not that easy dealing with fucked up decisions on top of past trauma at the end of the day is it?"

Shepard groaned, "Garrus let's focus on the mission for now, we can talk about this when we get back. I didn't want to have to rope you into this but-"

"Yeah yeah, I know. Let's just get this over with." Garrus tersely replied.

Kor'Pharas looked to the pair with slitted glowing eyes, "If you're done trying my patience you may proceed with your investigation."

Garrus growled privately while moving to the nearby terminals on the left side of the room. Shepard and Mordin did the same, looking for relevant data on the computers. It was then that the Salarian doctor chimed in, "Ah! I believe I've found something!"

Mordin activated a series of videos that played one after the other on their screens. Kor'Pharas himself moved to one of them and cocked his head, studying them. At first it was just the usual science reports that were quickly skipped, but then it showed footage of Cerberus personnel talking about headaches and experiencing delusions while talking to one another about sharing memories. Then another talked of Dr. Chandana himself. Apparently he had talked about listening to his research specimens and how some of the crew believed that the Reaper was still alive. The final video showed a blood covered man talking into a camera, "Chandana said the ship was dead. We trusted him. He was right. But even a dead god can dream. A god — a real god — is a verb. Not some old man with magic powers. It's a force. It warps reality just by being there. It doesn't have to want to. It doesn't have to think about it. It just does. That's what Chandana didn't get. Not until it was too late. The god's mind is gone but it still dreams. He knows now. He's tuned in on our dreams. If I close my eyes I can feel him. I can feel every one of us."

"Just as we were afraid of, they were indoctrinated. Sharing memories, the headaches, paranoia. All designed to slowly strip individuality away." Shepard said.

Kor'Pharas was not impressed, "An inefficient process. A similar result could be achieved utilizing conversion techniques that could take upwards to an hour at most. This took days to achieve a similar and yet less capable subject."

"You obviously haven't seen the Reaper's Dragon's Teeth in action. Then again I guess the suffering of other species doesn't bother your kind in the slightest does it?" Garrus said to the Necron accusingly.

"If that response was intended to create any kind of guilt or a modicum of shame in my personality engrams then you will be sorely disappointed Mr. Vakarian." The Praetorian replied flatly, eyes still slitted.

Shepard stepped between the two, "Hey! Let's focus, the IFF isn't here. But at least we know what happened to the research team. If we keep looking maybe we can at least find where they left the IFF."

The Praetorian's eyes returned to their normal spherical shape, "Very well, lead the way Commander. Perhaps that will put Mr. Vakarian more at ease."

"Considering where we are unless I'm in a bar or in the Gun battery, NONE of this puts me at ease." Garrus replied, stomping off past the Praetorian.

A loud boom was heard and a rumble across the station made everyone grab onto something. Joker's voice sounded over the comms, "Commander it looks like kinetic barriers just went up all around the outpost!"

"How?!" Shepard yelled.

EDI chimed in, "My assertion is that the Reaper's defenses activated. Scans indicate that the power to the barriers is coming from the derelict's drive core. Shutting it down will allow you an exit but I should warn you, the drive core is also maintaining the Reaper's altitude."

"So when we shut it down we have to get off before it falls into the gas giant. Got it. Let's get that IFF first and then take out the drive core." Shepard ordered.

The team nodded, while Kor'Pharas turned to the door that lead to the Reaper's interior. The group walked in to find man-made catwalks and gangways that stretched across the alien ship's interiors. Power cables of incredible size with tubing and armor plating made up the violet colored material that permeated throughout the interior. It was less like being in a ship and more like being in the innards of a gigantic living creature made of metal. The ground team continued along the catwalks, weapons drawn watching for movement. Kor'Pharas readied his particle caster, his glowing eyes sweeping for targets.

Moaning was heard and it caused the team to stop in their tracks and aim towards the sound. Reaper husks crawled up from under the catwalks and shrieked like animals whose sanctum was defiled by intruders. They attempted to rush the team only to be cut down easily by small arms fire dropping them to the ground or blasting them off the ledges as quickly as they appeared. When the last of the husks were cut down, the team reloaded while Kor'Pharas relaxed his stance having not fired a shot the entire fight, "It would seem that we have found the research team."

Shepard reloaded his Tempest, "Expect more to come. I think there were at least fifty-four people working here."

"Yet they are quite easily dispatched. Barring distractions from these creatures I can calculate we will achieve our objective within the hour." replied the Praetorian confidently.

Garrus narrowed his eyes behind his helmet's visor, "We still don't even know if they have the IFF or if its even complete. Rather presumptuous to assume we'll finish this in an hour when we haven't even confirmed anything."

"Let's check the terminal up ahead." The Commander said pointing to the terminal in question.

The team approached the lone computer located by a pile of materials left by the construction staff of the outpost. Upon checking it, they discovered a log indicating that the team was able to uncover internal data from the Reaper's systems. Though it seems they were still compiling the data to see what exactly it all was.

"The log's time stamp coincides with earlier efforts in their investigation before the staff's indoctrination. The likelihood that they succeeded is now eighteen percent higher than previous assertions." Kor'Pharas stated.

"Well then lets get this done and get out of here." Shepard ordered looking around.

The team continued on the catwalks when the sounds of more synthetic moaning was heard. Husks once again sprung up from underneath the walkways and attacked, but Kor'Pharas got in the way stepping in front of Shepard and Garrus, "I shall dispatch these myself."

The first of the Reaper thralls attempted to leap at the towering Necron who then swept them aside with his Void blade, bisecting their bodies and splattering their blue fluid upon the Praetorian's own frame and the floor of the catwalk. The Necron then readied his particle caster and put down several well placed shots upon the horde of husks who were crowding together to charge him. The energy shots connected with the zombie horde and set off explosions that sent cybernetic flesh and components all over. Shepard and Garrus winced at the carnage that the Praetorian unleashed, with the Commander looking to his friend who then spoke over on comms.

"Alright... I can see why you want to stay on his good side-" the Turian said.

Kor'Pharas turned to them, "As you can see, this is precisely why Mr. Vakarian this mission will be a success no matter what assails us. I didn't need any of you, the only reason you are here is out of courtesy from the Vymark. Please do not forget, I would hate to have to remind you again."

Garrus frowned behind his visor, "Fine, but that still doesn't make what your kind is doing to the galaxy any better."

"For what it's worth Mr. Vakarian, the Vymark is doing her best to...accommodate your requests. Perhaps some respect towards her and myself will incline us to listen."

"Then maybe I can request that she can kiss my ass-"

Shepard stepped in yet again between the two, "Alright that's enough. Thank you Praetorian for clearing the way. Let's keep moving."

The team made their way past the mangled remains of the former research team and reached the end of the gangway where they looked over the side. On the floor of the Reaper's interior below were Dragon's Teeth. Dead bodies of the research staff could be seen impaled on top of the converting spikes, their corpses held aloft hanging in the air. Mordin shook his head, with Shepard and Garrus making disgusted looks behind their helmets.

"Spirits...they just threw themselves onto them." Garrus said grimacing.

"Bad way to go." Shepard said shaking his head at the scene below.

While the Normandy team was distracted with the bodies, Kor'Pharas found himself diverted from the team due to an anomaly at the corner of his sensor's vision. Whatever it was, it was quick. Faster than any of the Reaper's thralls that they had encountered here. There was something familiar about this too. Something stirred from his memories in the distant past but his query into his memory was interrupted by the Commander approaching him from behind, "What is it?"

"There is something here...watching us." Kor'Pharas said warily.

Garrus smirked, "Heh, I guess even the indoctrination can affect Necrons too."

Kor'Pharas eyes turned to slits once again, "No, this is not indoctrination. My sensors are operating within nominal parameters. Yet whatever is watching us is swift enough to evade even my gaze."

"What does that mean?" The Turian asked with a raised brow.

The Praetorian turned to the Normandy team, "It means from this point onward we must be more cautious. Whatever it is may utilize our encounters with the thralls to its advantage."

Shepard concurred, "Right, let's move up."

The catwalk continued through the dead ship towards its outer hull from the hole in it's mid-section. A drop from the gangways here would mean falling straight into the gas giant, so the team had to watch their footing. Material for more construction was strewn about along with tools and other supplies. There was more terminals along the gangways, Garrus and Mordin quickly went to work going through them while Shepard and Kor'Pharas kept watch. rudimentary data that the researchers had obtained was found but still nothing solid. That is until Garrus on his terminal found a vid log report from a Dr. Gerald Numan which began to play.

"Dr. Chandana, I've gone over the latest data packets you sent over and spent all night going over them with the help of my VI. I think I've finally made a breakthrough! Embedded in the data appeared a series of encrypted files. I didn't know what they were at first, but when I parsed them through the virtual framework of the ship's systems that I made, they formed a kind of algorithmic key! I believe it has something to do with the relays and if my theory is correct then this could be the game changer we've been looking for. That is Iif you concur with my findings which I will send privately. I believe we should ship out a data packet immediately to out-processing for extraction. The value of this data if true cannot be understated! Oh...I'm getting a little woozy...lack of sleep is getting to me I guess. Please let me know so I can prepare the data." the vid log ended.

"Well that makes things easier. Where's out-processing?" Garrus asked.

Kor'Pharas' eyes pulsed while he went wirelessly through map data of their area, "Should be at the far end of these gangways. Expect more ambushes, there is still staff left unaccounted for."

The group began to proceed forward with Kor'Pharas taking the lead when the familiar moaning began again. This time a large version consisting of multiple husks fused together appeared from around a large pile of piping. It fired a beam weapon embedded in it's right arm and scalded the Praetorian's left pauldron, the beam then moving to cut into his chest. Irritated, the Praetorian armed his particle caster and fired at the creature who surprisingly ducked and took cover among the pipes. The team split up and soon found husks crawling up from various points under the gangway. One sprang up and grabbed Shepard attempting to pull him off the gangway to his death. The Commander on reflex brought up his rifle with his left hand and quickly drew his Carnifex handgun, shooting the husk in the face creating a hole through it.

Garrus' Phaeston and Mordin's Tempest began chattering away, picking off other husks attempting to climb up from below the gangway. Kor'Pharas kept the larger husk pinned down with fire from his particle caster. The creature used the other end of the pipes to fire on the Necron again, once more blackening his necrodermis. Irritated now, Kor'Pharas proceeded to move forward and prepared his Void Blade. Then a crack of a sniper rifle of some sort sounded and the left side of the Praetorian's head exploded.

Shepard was agape, watching as the Praetorian fell to one knee, "Sniper!"

Mordin and Shepard took cover behind meager piles of junk while Garrus did the same further back, swapping to his Mantis. They peeked over their cover to see the Triarch Praetorian beginning to stand up, firing his particle caster in a suppressive volley. A series of explosions further ahead of the gangway sounded. The energy shots collided with fuel storage crates up ahead. The detonations caused an explosion which raddled the whole gangway. Everyone had to hold onto something but the Normandy team saw a body go flying from the explosion. But then it quickly vanished.

The Praetorian stood up, clutching his now ruined head, "Impossible..."

"Are you alright?!" Shepard shouted.

"No...but neither is our foe." The Praetorian stated matter-of-factly.

"What was that?" Garrus asked.

Electricity sparked from his ruined left side as Kor'Pharas looked on, "I cannot be entirely certain, but there are few weapons capable of piercing my necrodermis. That particular kind of firearm...could it be?"

"Could it be what?" Shepard asked.

"We need to entrap him. Can I ask for a moment so that I may recover?"

"Uh...sure." The Commander acknowledged warily.

Kor'Pharas put all his systems towards repairing the damage, his living metal body slowly but surely reconstituting his face. Shepard and Mordin took up cover by supply crates alongside the Necrontyr while Garrus stayed back.

"Can you explain what exactly we're facing?" The Turian asked the Necron.

"He won't give me time to tell you, I'll only be able to regenerate my left eye lens before he attempts to fire on me again or kill one of you. Ten seconds."

Shepard began to internally count, his Tempest at the ready. Everyone else on the Normandy team gripped their weapons tight and prepared to open up on where the next shot came from. At the ten second count, Kor'Pharas suddenly engaged his Gravity Displacement Pack and strafed from a shot aimed at his head that slammed into his left shoulder pauldron. The enemy sniper's shot was like a beam of light that streaked across the gangway, piercing a glowing white hot hole in the Necron's armor. The Praetorian took flight towards the outside of the hull when beams of energy slammed into him. It was those husks creatures once again including the one by the pipes that shot at Kor'Pharas earlier.

"Commander, I request assistance." The Praetorian requested plainly.

Shepard looked to Garrus who no doubt found it amusing that the Necron was asking for help, "Garrus cover me!"

Shepard charged forward and cloaked while Mordin was given a que via his Omni-tool to hit the husk with Incinerate. The creature was still focusing fire on Kor'Pharas when the fiery Omni-tool attack from Mordin struck it. The Omni-Tool projectile curved from above the pipes to hit the monster in the head, wreathing it in flames. Shepard followed, unleashing his Tempest at close range to the sack on its shoulder connected to its arm weapon. The sack ruptured into blue fluids and machine parts. The damage from the assault forced the large humanoid monster to turn and attempt to swipe at Shepard with its weapon arm. It roared at the Commander who simply dodged the melee attack and just kept firing into its zombie like face till he ripped it to shreds. A wet smack when it hit the gangway floor signaled its death and Shepard motioned for his team to move up.

Meanwhile Kor'Pharas continued to get lanced by beams of light, while at the same time avoiding the sudden white hot sniper shots attempting to hit him in mid-air. Utilizing strafes timed at in-human speeds the Triarch Praetorian continued to avoid the enemy fire. A part of his matrix took pleasure in knowing the frustration that the enemy shooter must be feeling at this point. However the beams from the Reaper thralls were taking their toll on his armor. Shepard so far had dealt with only the first of those larger husk variants, with two others still shooting at the Necron in the air. The Praetorian could see on his sensors the human officer was pressing forward with his Salarian compatriot engaging husks that attempted to ambush them with punches and sub-machine gun fire.

Another sniper shot missed the Necron but the shooter's aim was improving. Soon a second shot struck Kor'Pharas in the leg. Since he was in the air it didn't matter too much, but the human and his team needed to finish off the Reaper thralls and assist him quickly. He fired a series of particle caster fire where the sniper had fired from creating another series of explosions. As anticipated when the dust cleared there was no sign of the enemy, another shot would be incoming. When it was several seconds late Kor'Pharas realized he wasn't the target.

"Shepard evade!" The Praetorian yelled over comms.

The Commander reacted barely in time, hitting the deck of the gangway while avoiding a lance of white hot energy that scorched off the top of his helmet.

"Spirits!" Garrus exclaimed, taking pot shots at what he thought was the enemy sniper. Garrus thought he hit him but noticed something weird. The silhouette of the enemy turned into a glimmer of colors that then dissipated, "What the?! I thought I hit him!"

"A holo field. You merely hit a phantasm Mr. Vakarian."

"A hologram?"

"Of a sort." The Praetorian was again lanced by an energy beam, the Necron's armor again turning black, "If you may, please remove that creature from the battle. Then we can finish off the enemy."

Shepard got back up and Mordin checked him quickly, giving him a thumbs up. The pair then pushed up with Garrus picking off more husks that appeared once again from underneath the gangway. The second Scion had it's back turned to Shepard, still focused on the Necron Praetorian. Shepard engaged his Omni-blades and sliced vertically at the monster's right shoulder severing it's weapon arm. When it turned to roar at the human officer, it also struck out with its left hand to hit the Commander's head. Shepard ducked under the blow and riddled its chin with his Tempest's storm of fire, rending its brain to swiss cheese.

The husk fell off the side of the gangway into the swirling clouds of lightning and thunder below them. Another series of explosions occurred ahead of them sending bits of husks parts splattering onto the deck, along with another crack of a sniper shot.

"Continue your attack Commander. The foe will not last under our combined assault." Kor'Pharas stated.

Shepard rallied his team to continue forward where they found Kor'Pharas landing in front of them at a turn in the series of platforms and bridges of the gangway. A sniper shot struck Kor'Pharas again but this time in the shoulder, causing sparks of electricity to come out from the injury. Ignoring the damage, Kor'Pharas responded with another series of particle caster shots that caused an explosion from more storage crates.

After a moment, there was silence. Other than the wind and the sounds of thunder below them.

"What happened? Did you get him?" Garrus asked.

Kor'Pharas scanned ahead of them, "Perhaps I have. Proceed forward, it seems we return to the interior of the ship through that passage ahead."

The team made their way across the bridges and platforms, reaching a door of human design back into the interior of the derelict vessel. A trail of red blood was found at the entrance, a sound of satisfaction was emitted by Kor'Pharas, "So it seems it is not quite over yet. But he is injured. You'll have your answers soon Commander."

"Why you don't you just tell us? The coloration of the blood looks human to me." Garrus observed.

"Oh it is no human Mr. Vakarian I assure you." The Necron said.

"Whoever it is they're pretty badly injured." Shepard noted.

Mordin perked up at this, "Will provide what care I can if person of interest surrenders. Looking forward to challenge if nothing else."

"I doubt he will surrender willingly Mr. Solus." Kor'Pharas replied.

The team proceeded in, following the blood trail through a passage that split into two directions. To the right was out-processing and to the left was the Reaper's drive core, according to the signs. When they attempted to open the door to out-processing it was sealed. A trail of blood led from the door controls, indicating they had been torched.

"It would seem he seeks to deny us our prize." The Praetorian noted.

"Can you force it open?" Shepard asked.

"It would take me some time but it is within my power."

"I'll spare you the effort." Garrus said his Omni-tool at the ready.

Quickly he went over the door controls, beginning to repair the damage. Sparks flew from the controls and Garrus worked some of the wiring. Within about a minute and thirty seconds, the door chimed and opened.

"I could tell right off the bat it was a rushed job. If he really wanted to shut it down he would have hit several other spots on the door to really fuse it shut."

Shepard nodded, "Let's find the IFF and get out of here."

The team nodded in return and proceeded to look through the supplies and storage units in out-processing. After a moment of rummaging through crates, Kor'Pharas picked up something that was laid on top of a storage crate. Shepard noticed and stopped what he was doing to walk over with his hand outstretched. The Necrontyr then withdrew an obsidian and green lit OSD looking device of his own. Handing the original device to Shepard, the former Spectre activated his Omni-tool and confirmed the data on the drive. The Necron simply waved the black drive over the Cerberus OSD and a chime sounded from it. The Commander recognized the sound as that of a completion of a copy.

"I believe that marks the agreement fulfilled." Kor'Pharas stated

"So I guess with that you're just going to be on your way now right?" Garrus remarked.

Kor'Pharas looked to the Turian with slitted eyes, "Come now Mr. Vakarian. The Vymark made it clear that you also were not to be allowed to die. Thus I will remain until you are all safely away."

Shepard motioned for them to follow, "Let's find our shooter and hopefully get some answers before he bleeds out."

The team returned back to the fork in the hallway and proceeded up some stairs to the Mass Effect core entrance. More blood was found along the wall and a hand print was on the door. The Commander activated the door and proceeded inside, his team and Kor'Pharas right behind him with weapons drawn. A large spherical core suspended in a containment unit was up ahead and the loud humming of its power crackled through the wiring connected to it. There at a terminal created by the research team was the shooter. He wore a dark black cloak, blood dripping from his left arm and his side. Blackened scorch marks on the cloak exposed armor that the figure wore, white and black in coloration. Blue colored ellipsoid shapes were indented in the armor's highlights. The figure was working the terminal, hunched over with coughs and groans coming through what sounded like helmet audio speakers.

The alien sniper then heard the team approaching and looked over his shoulder, he had a black and white helmet that covered his face with a hood over it. Blue eye lenses stared back at the commander with an angry look to them. Shepard was unfazed and commanded, "Step away from the console."

A few seconds passed and the alien went right back to the console, Shepard frowned, "I said step away, Mordin stop him!"

The Salarian activated his Omni-tool and hit the cloaked shooter with Neural shock. It looked like he was about to hit a key on the console but he was struggling to reach it even as his paralyzed body keeled over and hit the deck. Garrus quickly moved in to restrain the target while Mordin looked over the unknown alien's injuries. After a moment Neural shock wore off and with a surprising surge of strength the alien attempted to push off Garrus who had him pinned down face first. The strange figure then began shouting at them in an unknown language which caused the former C-Sec officer to slam him to the floor and press on the back of his neck.

"Careful! Patient's condition poor enough as it is!" Mordin shouted his Omni-tool ready for medical care.

"Well then he should stop resisting! Do you understand that?! Just stop! You're not going anywhere!" Garrus said, easing up on the alien's neck.

The Turian then pulled out a pair of cuffs to clasp on the alien's wrists before turning him over to Mordin to look him over. The patient to the Salarian had suffered multiple blast injuries, blood oozing out of the left side of the stranger's armor. Likely due to shrapnel wounds. They couldn't provide proper care here to remove it but the best thing the Salarian could due was to provide medi-gel and sealent to try to contain further bleeding.

"I don't believe it." Shepard said accessing the console as he walked over, "This guy was trying to overload the core. Looks like you stopped him just in time Mordin."

Garrus huffed, "Trying to take us with you huh? Probably would have done the same in your position. Then again I wouldn't be stupid enough to take us on alone."

"Who said I was alone?" the alien said in a gruff yet elegant human tone spoken through an alien helmet filter.

All of a sudden Kor'Pharas knocked Shepard away and covered Garrus as another sniper shot rang out and bored into the body of the Praetorian. The Necron whipped around with his particle caster and fired, sending a body flying from the rafters above. Another cloaked figure in the same armor as its brethren dropped on top of Kor'Pharas with a glowing blue edged sword. It stabbed into the gorget portion of the Necrontyr's armor before Kor'Pharas swiftly grabbed the alien and held him aloft in front of him.

"Aeldari." the Praetorian said with venom, his eyes turning to slits. The Necron turned his choke hold on the alien sniper into a death grip. With a crack and a jerk Kor'Pharas broke the Aeldari's neck and tossed him aside, the alien sword still trapped in his gorget. Another dropped onto Shepard and they ended up in a struggle over a sword, the alien attempting to reach the Commander's throat. The former Spectre kicked off the attacker and quickly drew his pistol only to find the Aeldari had vanished. Shepard decided two could play that game and he also cloaked. Kor'Pharas ripped the sword out of himself before readying his Void blade. Shepard reappeared, having been kicked to the side of the railing by the console. Once again the Aeldari was on him with a blade. Garrus rushed the alien and tackled him down knocking the sword away. The Turian then began pummeling the downed Aeldari with his fists before a sniper shot hit Garrus from above. The former C-Sec officer clasped his chest and fell to the ground. Shepard went wide eyed. His combat instincts taking over, he began firing on the rafters with submachine gun rounds. Blood sprayed from above and another body fell down. The Aeldari who shot Garrus began to drag himself away, surprisingly still alive but Kor'Pharas quickly finished the job with his Void blade.

"Mordin help Garrus!" The Commander shouted.

Mordin had been keeping the captive secure up to this point but quickly rushed over to the fallen Turian still laying on top of the downed Aeldari. Shepard moved to secure their captive but stayed on the look out, his eyes and ears looking around for any more surprises. The Commander then grabbed what he presumed was a man by the collar of his armor and angrily shouted, "You'd better pray that he's still alive you son of a bitch!"

"You'd best hope that you killed all of my brothers Mon'Keigh. For this is not over yet."

"Movement detected." Kor'Pharas stated.

The sounds of synthetic shrieks suddenly filled the room from below. Husks were coming and from the sounds of it a great many of them. More than there should be. They climbed the cabling leading from below and began leaping onto the platform the team stood on. Mordin was still trying to stabilize Garrus, when the cybernetic zombies attempted to charge him. Kor Pharas blocked their advance, sweeping them aside with his Void Blade. He attempted to fire his Particle Caster when he found it shorted out. An Aeldari blade had apparently been lodged into it during the earlier struggle, much to the Praetorian's annoyance. With a gruff metallic sound emanating from his audio emitters, the Necron waded into the Reaper thralls to protect the Salarian doctor.

Shepard still held onto his prisoner while withdrawing his pistol, taking out any Husks that attempted to charge him. Suddenly the Aeldari kicked Shepard into the rushing arms of a husk. The Commander found himself getting beaten to the floor by necrotic glowing limbs as the Aeldari with bound hands lept over the railing. The Commander finally grabbed the wrist of the shrieking Husk and punched it in the face before getting up and shooting it in the head.

"That bastard!" Shepard cursed.

"Forget him Commander, more enemies approach. Disable the core and we can leave this place to its fate." The Praetorian reminded, still carving apart Reaper thralls.

"Mordin, how's Garrus!?" The Commander asked.

The Salarian was still working while also shooting his pistol at any Husk that got by Kor'Pharas, "Stabilized, no vitals hit! Attempting to reseal suit punctures! Will need medical bay for further treatment!"

"Then my directive remains. Once you are finished doctor, I will handle Mr. Vakarian's conveyance to safety." The Praetorian stated.

Garrus surprisingly spoke up though he was still very weak, "Aw...I...didn't know...*cough*..that you cared."

"I don't Mr. Vakarian. Protocol will be followed however regardless of my lack of... feelings."

Garrus gave a weak chuckle before coughing and returning back to focus on breathing, though he could only manage shallow breaths. Shepard continued to provide cover against the last of the husks. Once they were dispatched, the Commander checked the console and found he could open it up from its sealed state. When it opened the Mass Effect core looked like a shimmering pool in a suspended state of water. Shepard shook off his gaze at it and withdrew his Tempest. He fired on it and spent the last of his submachine gun's thermal clips before suddenly the orb cracked and burst. Lights flickered and the whole complex shook as the Reaper's systems failed.

"Commander the barriers are down! You better hurry!" Joker warned over the comm.

"We're leaving!" Shepard shouted.

"Punctures sealed! Be careful, condition unstable!" The Salarian said to the Praetorian.

Kor Pharas promptly but gently gathered up Garrus in his arms before carrying him out of the room. Shepard and Mordin quickly followed as the structure rumbled and began to collapse as the Reaper was being pulled into the gas giant. Rushing through the corridors and through out-processing they found the Normandy pulling alongside a walkway to the outside.

"Joker! Open the airlock!" Shepard ordered.

"On it! Haul ass!"

Husks were found on the walkway and coming up from out-processing behind them. Shepard and Mordin picked them off while Kor Pharas strode over to the human frigate with Garrus in his hands, it's airlock opening. The Necron jumped, floating to the opening while the Commander and Salarian doctor continued to provide cover, popping off cyborg zombie heads with well aimed shots. Finally Mordin leapt up to the Normandy, leaving Shepard to jump to the airlock right as the walkway began to fall to pieces and break apart. The former STG operative grabbed Shepard's hand and pulled him in, the Commander quickly commanding on comms, "We're clear! Go!"

The Normandy proceeded to close the airlock as it sped away, the Reaper corpse beginning to be wreathed in electricity and break up. Suddenly in an instant while the Normandy flew, the Reaper exploded, sending debris flying across the gas cloud above, only to be pulled down by the gravity. The explosion made a small scar on the gas cloud for but a moment before the cloud reformed, leaving no trace of what had transpired.

Kor Pharas got on the internal Necrontyr comm link to send a message to Solvatas while taking Garrus to the Normandy Med-Bay, "Vymark, mission has been accomplished."

"Excellent, we are concluding our business here as well. The Geth performed adequately and we have more than enough material to satisfy Veronakh's curiosity. Once you return we will need-"

"Forgive my abruptness but this information cannot wait. Sending you the following data."

There was silence on the line for a moment while Solvatas processed it, "That's...that's impossible."

"It is not...they nearly killed Mr. Vakarian in the skirmish before we extracted."

The Necron lord took another moment before answering, "We will talk more of this later. For now I will mop up operations here. Do not report this to Veronakh until I decide on a course of action, understood?"

"Of course Vymark."

Normandy briefing room, several hours later

Solvatas entered the briefing room along with the Geth "Legate" in his Necrontyr biped platform. It put off the Normandy team in the room at first, wondering what exactly the Vymark had brought with her. Miranda was the first to speak up what was on everyone's minds, "What is that?"

"Greetings." the Geth said plainly, making a 'blink' with it's singular eye.

Solvatas looked to her little project that hinted at satisfaction, "I took the liberty of seeing how well the Geth performed in a bipedal platform of my people's design. Before you ask, of course it doesn't have access to any systems I do not want them to access. This was all simply to assess the Geth's adaptability and combat performance. I was satisfied by the results."

Legate looked to the Vymark and nodded, "We were grateful to have taken part in this exchange of data."

"Don't become complacent Legate, you have much to learn. As does another who is currently undergoing repair and retraining."

Shepard raised an eyebrow, "Legate? That's what you've decided to call it?"

"We accepted this designation from Solvatas Vymark for the sake of unit cohesion, however we can accept multiple designations if this is not satisfactory." the Geth explained.

Solvatas shrugged, "You can call it whatever you wish Shepard, I simply chose a word from your lexicon that I thought may be appropriate."

The Commander walked up to Legate and gave it some thought, a hand to his chin, "Hmmmm tough choice, you're not exactly an individual am I right?"

"Correct, there are over one thousand one hundred eighty-three active programs within this platform."

EDI suddenly chimed in, "My name is 'Legion' for we are many."

The iris on the Geth's platform opened wide as if in realization, "Christian bible, the Gospel of Mark verse 5:9. We acknowledge this as an appropriate metaphor."

Shepard smirked and nodded, "It's got a nice ring to it too, Legion it is."

The Vymark began thoughtfully touching her chin, "I suppose I was close in my initial choice and it seems to prefer the term already. We don't need multiple designations when an aptly appropriate one will do."

The Geth now known as Legion nodded in response. Miranda only sighed, seemingly uninterested in the naming convention and more concerned with something else.

"All well and good but what is currently on my mind at the moment is why a group of alien assassins were lying in wait for Shepard and nearly killed a vital member of this crew."

"We were just as caught off guard by the presence of the Aeldari as you. We believed that we were the only ones from our universe to have been able to traverse to this galaxy. How the Aeldari managed it still puzzles me, along with the question of how long they have been here." The Necron Vymark explained.

"Can you tell us anything about them?" Shepard asked.

"A race of alien mystics created by their psychic masters millennia ago in our home galaxy. They were specifically bred to be able to unleash the full power of the Immaterium for use in war against us. You've seen some of our battles in the past Shepard, they're not foes to be trifled with."

"Do you know anything about these Aeldari in particular?"

Solvatas brought a hand to her chin again in thoughtful reflection, "Yes...in fact." She paused going through Kor'Pharas' visual data, the part when one of the alien attackers brought it's blade down into the Praetorian's gorget. There underneath the cloak on the alien's armor, an elaborate sigil. A dagger plunging into the heart of a sun, its beams of light jutting out from the point of impact.

"Craftworld Istafar..." The Vymark said with a venomous tone.

"I apologize but there are those of us here lacking context. Does that term refer to their origin or a specific group?" Gefren asked.

Solvatas looked to the small Volus with burning yet emotionless eyes, "They were the ones who murdered my father in his sleep."

Shepard scratched his head in realization, "Yeah...now that you mention it...they were familiar. I just couldn't place it...they were fighting with your dynasty in the catacombs of your tombworld. Many died but some managed to escape."

"One in particular managed to escape. If his Craftworld is here...then Farseer Grenthor could be as well."

"Who is he?"

"The mastermind behind the murder. The one we had been tracking down when we were caught up in that battle with those tainted humans that were responsible for us coming here."

Miranda crossed her arms, "Rather ironic that the one indirectly responsible for your circumstances now decides not only to reveal himself but also to make a move against us."

"The Aeldari are creatures of passion and prophecy Miss Lawson. Their connection to the Immaterium and their genetically augmented senses means that they feel emotions and sensation far greater than any of your council races. This creates a fickle and aloof people who easily take offense and their arrogance even now still astounds me since they were responsible for their own empire's demise. Likely they moved against you because they saw something in whatever prophecy their witch classes mutter that demanded either your death or failure." Solvatas explained.

"Yet we still succeeded, we have the IFF." The Commander replied.

"Yes, but perhaps they feel it was worth the effort if they shifted their fate just enough to turn the tide of prophecy. Make no mistake Shepard, to the Aeldari if they can sacrifice only a few of their own to save millions they would do it. If they would sacrifice hundreds of human worlds to save a mere dozen of their own they would do it. They are not your friends nor anyone's really. They are only loyal to themselves." Solvatas reminded, the hint of venom still present in her tone towards her hated alien foe.

"Reminds me a bit of your people if I am to be honest." Miranda snarkily replied.

Solvatas tilted her head towards the XO, "Yet here I am, humbly tolerating your attitude Miss Lawson. Where as an Aeldari would likely be plotting how best to stab you in the back once your usefulness was at an end."

"And you're not?"

"My continued presence should be more than enough evidence to the contrary, but perhaps my support is no longer welcome. Would you truly prefer to face my brother and the Reapers alone?"

Miranda huffed but Shepard stepped between her and the metal matriarch, "That's enough Miranda. We appreciate what you're doing Solvatas and we'll take your warning to heart."

Joker chimed in over the comm, "Hey uh, you know who is calling again. Should I tell him to wait or?"

"Put him through Joker." Shepard replied.

"Roger!"

"After you Commander." the Vymark cheekily said to Shepard as he stepped onto the conference table descending into the floor, a holographic cylinder surrounding him as he did.

The Illusive man appeared in front of Shepard, taking a swig of what looked like hard liquor before setting his glass beside him on a table. Solvatas soon took up her usual spot beside the two of them before the Cerberus leader took a breath and spoke, "I just finished the report Commander. Things seem to be getting more complicated than anticipated, but at least you recovered the IFF."

"Yeah, not even the Necrontyr anticipated the arrival of the Aeldari." Shepard said looking to Solvatas' holographic image.

"As I told Shepard, we believed we were the only ones who came here due to the sheer impossibility of the physics and circumstances involved. How the Aeldari managed the same feat, let alone be the same people who murdered my father is very disconcerting." Solvatas explained.

"So you have no idea what the Aeldari are after?" The Illusive Man asked.

"I can take a very well educated guess. To stop my people from establishing our dynasty and to finish what they started all those millennia ago."

The Illusive Man perked up at that with a raised brow, but Solvatas wasn't done, "I know what you are thinking. I'm sure it would be tempting to use the Aeldari to deal with my brother. But know that the Aeldari would be very dubious as allies. Humanity in my galaxy has learned that multiple times from what I understand. One moment they would help you in a particular battle but in others they would allow or even cause your defeat. All driven by prophecy and foresight for their own betterment."

The Cerberus leader raised a brow, "How is that any different from you? Aren't you also using us to further your own ends?"

"I am at least consistent good sir. At the very least I am not driven by ridiculous passions or wrapped up in potential outcomes easily manipulated by an alternate reality."

The Illusive Man, took up his cigarette on his ash tray and tapped off the end of it on it. He looked to Shepard with wary eyes, "What do you think Shepard? Do you think she's right?"

Shepard nodded, "I'll take Solvatas' warning to heart, especially from the battles that I can still recall from her memories. But if the Aeldari do reach out to me, at the very least I'll listen to what they have to say. Maybe even get some understanding as to what their motivations here are."

Solvatas sighed, "Really? What if that is exactly what they want to entrap you? They are masters of manipulation and word play."

"I've had technology that put millennias worth of data in my head and survived to figure it out and understand it. I've encountered and dealt with creatures in the galaxy just as old as the Aeldari, present company included. I'll be fine."

The Vymark shrugged, "Very well, but just be wary Commander. Your questions to the Aeldari may yield little in the end."

"Even so, its worth a shot."

The Illusive Man took a drag on his cigarette, smoke leaving his nostrils as he spoke, "I leave that to your discretion Shepard. EDI, what is the status on the Reaper IFF? Can we use it?"

EDI's holographic sphere appeared and answered, "It will take some time to integrate the IFF into our systems. Approximately twenty four hours will be needed at least to ensure proper installation."

Solvatas raised a hand, an green tinted object containing code appearing in front of her, "Hold construct. I have been examining my copy of the IFF and have found more vulnerabilities than expected. These will take more than twenty four hours to correct on your own."

"I am open to suggestions...Vymark." EDI shot back.

"I suggest you allow one of my own to assist you on the matter. While he is no Cryptek either, Kor'Pharas' machine mind can at least keep pace with yours to ensure that there are no mistakes. The last thing we need is to give Harbinger a backdoor into the systems of both of our vessels."

The Cerberus Leader frowned, "I don't recall asking your help to take on the Collector Base."

"And I don't recall needing your permission...good sir. Tell me Shepard, would you prefer me or one such as Xamutet to accompany you? Because I am quite sure he certainly would have no patience for your crew's...viewpoints on Necrontyr involvement." Solvatas tersely replied.

Shepard shrugged but was annoyed, "Sure why not. Better the one we know than another we are probably better off not knowing right?"

"Quite." Solvatas dryly replied.

The Illusive Man sighed as he smoked and puffed out more smoke from his mouth and nostrils, "It's your call Shepard. In the meantime I'll be going over the reports you've made about the Aeldari and conduct investigations to see how far their influence is. If you do come into contact with them again I presume you'll tell me first?"

"When I get to it, I still have to get my team sorted out. Garrus is recovering from surgery and Jacob is due for a cybernetic prosthetic any time now." Shepard explained.

With a wave of her hand Solvatas removed the holographic object in front of her and looked to the smoking man, "I have my own dealings to look into in regards to my station. I also am interested in any intelligence in regards to the Aeldari that either of you come across."

The Illusive Man put out his cigarette in the ashtray, "Of course and with that I think we can adjourn this meeting. Best of luck to everyone's preparations. In a day or so the Collectors will become nothing more than a bad memory."

"That I can definitely get behind." Shepard said, nodding as he turned away and disappeared from the Illusive Man's view.

The leader of Cerberus poured himself another drink from the table while Solvatas' image disappeared from sight.

SR2-Normandy, Miranda Lawson's office, twelve hours later, evening...

Miranda was in her office on the Normandy, reviewing reports that Cerberus had been sending her. She closed her eyes and rubbed them, the feeling of fatigue gnawing at her. She was still processing everything that was happening and what had happened the previous day. The ship was now getting a retrofit at Omega station, repairing the damage from the previous space battle and apparently getting a new ablative coating to help deal with laser fire. Thanks to the data gathered from the Collector vessels, new tech was being derived from Asari and Necrontyr technology. While it was not necrodermis, it took the latter race's understanding of molecular bonds to enhance what was already there and push the Normandy's Silaris armor to its utmost limit. All this while still allowing for the frigate to achieve nominal speeds. The ship would be able to now take several direct hits from the enhanced Collector Cruiser and still keep going. But a third hit would start to see armor failure according to the data.

The ship was also receiving a few other gifts too: specialized munitions for the missile pods that was based on Necrontyr Tesla Carbines, new barrels for the Thanix cannon for increased armor penetration, and of course new small arms. This included enhancements to the Collector's Particle Beam weapon, along with experimental weapons developed by some of Omega's gun tinkerers and Jacob's input. This has created the X-1 Partizan, the first true energy rifle. Derived from what could be understood on short notice from the Gauss Flayer along with Legion's own Geth Pulse weapons, the rifle is the first of its kinda to utilize a kind of plasma munition. They only have the prototype at the moment, but they have tested it and it does work apparently. Shepard has suggested of course to take it to the field to see how it does, but Miranda herself said that it needs more testing. The housing which contains the plasma was noted to become unstable from long bouts of firing, meaning that thermal clips would be no doubt needed to keep heat under control. Not to mention she wanted that plasma conduit above the barrel to be reinforced, a stray round there could detonate the weapon.

The Normandy XO then moved on to the next issue on her mind. The casualty list from the last battle gnawed at her perfectionism. The losses under her watch were sowing seeds of doubt and she sighed, attempting to let the feelings pass. She was so caught up in all this that she hadn't noticed Shepard come up right beside her. Sensing him she looked to him and was startled, "Ah! Oh, I'm sorry Commander."

"Miranda, it's late." Shepard said with a concerned look on his bearded face. Seems he finally got around to trimming it down a bit the XO thought to herself.

Miranda looked back to the screen, "I know. There were more reports to go over and I needed to review all the upgrades and state of the prototype before sending this all back to HQ. I have alot more to write and-"

The Commander leaned in next to her, "Take a break. That's an order."

She sighed, part of her was happy to hear it, but another side of her groaned and it spoke first, "A break isn't going to get these reports out before the IFF is ready and we deploy."

"True, but what is worse than not meeting a scheduled time is a crew member not taking care of their physicality before a mission. Getting enough sleep and rest is paramount to that."

"The mission doesn't always give us that choice."

"No but you've been at this for over an hour and its been far too long since we had some time together to talk. I had been waiting in my cabin for you the whole time."

Miranda mentally kicked herself for forgetting, "I'm sorry...I completely forgot... I thought it wouldn't take this long." she said simply hanging her head feeling somewhat ashamed.

The XO felt a hand on her shoulder. Part of her wanted to brush it off, but she simply let it be while the Commander said, "It's alright, we can talk here then if its easier."

Shepard took the lead, sitting on the bed beside her chair. He told Miranda awhile back that if she wanted she could stay with him in his cabin but she said she sometimes needed the solitude to work. She turned to Shepard still in her chair but still a little down about getting too immersed in paperwork. This relationship was always going to have some problems, she knew that. She didn't want to trouble him, he was already bearing so much. A question came out of her suddenly, "Is this relationship getting in the way? If it is then-"

"Come here." Shepard said giving a slight smile, patting the part of the bed next to him.

The XO did as she was told and sat by him on the bed. She didn't look at him at first, still feeling like she had failed him. Then a gentle hand turned her head to look at Shepard. He still was smiling that gentle smile. He kissed her and part of her was relieved, simply allowing the moment to happen.

When their lips parted the Commander simply said while smiling, "No. You're just working too hard. Even I know when I should take a break and you know it too."

"You're right...so much has happened though these last few weeks."

"I know."

Miranda's expression then grew pained and she looked out to her office's window. The dark green lit machinery of the Omega station's dock works were still applying the new armor coating to the ship exterior outside, "I've been thinking about things other than work. I've been looking to the future too and...I've done some research. In regards to you and I."

"Why?"

"Because of how I was...created and how you were brought back."

"Yeah?"

Miranda looked at him, still wearing the pained expression, "I told you that I was created to be a perfect female version of my father's genome. Well...apparently there were unintended consequences."

"What do you mean?"

Her eyes watered slightly, "I...can't have children Shepard."

Shepard slight shifted back from her taking in what she just said, "How?"

"I told you. Progressive genetic damage. They said it was benign neoplasm...benign my ass. I wouldn't be surprised if it was part of my father's design...that I was never meant to be a mother."

"It's okay...even if that is the case-"

"Truly? I know how men like you think and I know it's not that simple. Men on average will eventually lose interest in women when they know they can't have children with them. It's subconscious."

"Well I'm hardly average you know."

"Maybe...but its why I asked if you still wanted to...continue this relationship. I know you've got a lot going on and you don't need me to add to your problems. There's a whole galaxy's worth and its only getting worse."

"You're right." He said as he drew close. Miranda slightly backed off looking away when he said, "And I can't imagine any other person to be there beside me."

She looked at him, her eyes softening, "Even with all this?"

He brought a hand to her cheek and nodded, "We live in a time where any problem we face can be solved. This is no different than that. I love you Miri. You don't have to face this problem yourself and I will stand by whatever we have to do to get through this."

Miranda fell into Shepard's chest and a slight sob escaped her. Shepard kissed the top of her head and allowed her a moment to compose herself. A sniffle was all she allowed, she then wiped the tears off her face with her hand as she left his embrace. She sighed once again, "Well...there is a way. Though I am loathed to think that this is our best option to solve the problem but..."

"Do tell."

Miranda closed her eyes, "It would mean...creating a child through a similar process to how I was created. It's expensive and it would mean alot of work to make sure the same damage to me is not passed to the child but...I don't see any other option that I would be alright with."

Shepard nodded, "Okay...if that's what we have to do."

"You're really okay with that? What many would crudely call a...test tube baby?"

"Hey, I'm not a naturalist or pure human advocate. People could be born naturally and still have your problem. Besides, I think if I talk to a few people I can get the resources to help make it happen."

"You don't need to do that, I can-"

"I insist, not only as your Commander but as your partner. Besides, I've think I've done enough favors for people around the galaxy. Its only fair."

Miranda smiled, "Alright." She scooted up to him, taking him in her arms where she began playing with his hair, "Are you sure you want to take responsibility for all this?"

"Positive. Besides, the only responsibility I intend to take right now, is giving you the best rest that I can possibly give you."

Lawson bit her lip with a flirtatious look on her face, "I doubt we'll be doing much sleeping for the next few hours."

Shepard grinned as he returned the embrace, "Absolutely."

She took the lead, kissing him and falling with him onto the bed.

The Commander was dreaming, yet was becoming strangely aware that he was. Thoughts and memories meshed and merged, then he suddenly became conscious. The last thought he had was sharing that intimate moment with Miranda under the sheets of her bed. Then he awoke to the unfamiliar smell of plants that he couldn't describe. His vision was hazy but coming into focus. He was lying down in a field, at least it felt like one, looking up at a bluish purple sky. Something with the atmosphere was strange. It almost seemed like the clouds in the sky shifted in color. He rose up and found himself in civilian clothes but other than that he seemed like himself. A strange sound caught his attention and he was drawn to it. The grass around him was a dark green with a purple hue to it due to the atmosphere. The sun was bright white on the horizon. The Commander began to walk in the direction of the sound.

Shepard then realized that what he was following sounded almost like, music? Some parts he couldn't comprehend, but indeed there was a melody to it. The field eventually changed to a forest and the music grew louder and more coherent the closer he got. But the canopy of the woods began to make everything darker. The light from the sun shone down at a spot up ahead as the Commander walked. Eventually he reached where the light from the canopy shone down and there sitting cross legged on a stump of a felled tree was a dark robed figure facing away from him. The mysterious person wore a black helm that seemed to have antler like horns and the music seemed to come from the symbols that he created from the air, his fingers acting like pencils with ethereal energy at their tips. With a swipe of the hand, the symbols vanished and the music stopped.

The figure took off his helm and turned to face Shepard. It shocked the Commander to see how...almost human the man looked. He had pointed ears like an elf from fantasy, his skin white as if he had not seen the sun for years. His features were similar to that of a clean shaven middle aged man, old yet still strong. The armor he wore was elaborate, black with golden runic symbols. Eyes as black as onyx looked into the Commander's own and he felt a presence in his head. Ghostly words reached his mind but the alien's lips were silent, "So...you have finally come...Gerald Shepard of the Normandy."

The Commander's eyes widened, eventually he found his voice though it was weak, "You're Aeldari..."

"Indeed, I am Farseer Grenthor...I would speak with you and apologize on behalf of my kin."

Shepard frowned and his irritation gave strength to his voice in the dream, "I would hope so...considering your 'kin' nearly killed a friend of mine."

"Yet you killed several of Halentil's brothers in the battle. Please, understand that you were not our target in that skirmish. Had you been...you would not have escaped with your lives."

Shepard frowned, "Are you saying that you allowed my friends and I to live?"

Grenthor raised a brow, "Would you call that lifeless abomination a friend as well?"

"More like an acquaintance with whom we share some mutual interest."

"An acquaintance that is responsible for the deaths of billions of souls in the past Shepard. Make no mistake Commander, they will betray their word. For they cannot stand to see the living without the yoke of tyranny around their necks."

"Get to the point, what do you want?"

Grenthor shook his head with closed eyes, "So much like them too...you disappoint me Commander. I see so much potential in you, fate weaves complicated threads about you. I can see each one wrapped up within your very being...it wears upon you doesn't it?"

Shepard crossed his arms, "You've brought me here for a reason. Let's just get to that first and then you can psychoanalyze me all you want."

"Resolute are you? Very well...such is your people's nature no matter the galaxy it seems. I had hoped that I would free you from the will of the tyrant...but it seems you aid his minions willingly. Perhaps if you are also willing, you can tell me why?"

"I have my reasons, but Solvatas and Kor'Pharas are not necessarily Veronakh's minions. The dynasty is fracturing and I'm simply helping the ones I feel will be the most honorable to their word."

"Yes...I sensed this. But the danger of walking with such beings remains Shepard. Each one that still retains sentience has a terrible ambition. They will not part with it for anyone, especially not Rilli'Toill."

"Who is that?"

Grenthor's dark eyes narrowed with his brow, "The one you call...Solvatas. She butchered many of my kind in the ancient past and would no doubt do so again. We sacrificed much to see them banished to the astral winds. To see the old enemy even here...in this sanctuary...awakens the fury of Khaine in my chest."

"A sanctuary? What do you mean?"

The Farseer closed his eyes and was silent for a moment, then he opened them and spoke with his mouth, "Perhaps if you have a modest understanding of us, then you will truly listen."

Shepard uncrossed his arms and heard a noise behind him. A stump made from some kind of bone like structure uprooted from the ground behind him. A nod from Grenthor confirmed to the Commander to take a seat. Here we go, story time, the former Spectre thought to himself.

The Farseer opened the palm of his left hand and alien runes began to be birthed from the air itself. They spun from the weaving hand of the Aeldari until they disappeared and in their place was an image. An image of war, between Craftworld Istafar and the Necrontyr. Aeldari soldiers unleashed storms of fire, exchanging with Necron warriors. Behind the Aeldari warriors were Farseers unleashing their psionic might in the form of brilliant lightning.

"In the beginning, our gods called upon us to face the greatest evil the galaxy had ever known. One that extinguished all life to satiate the hunger of their dark masters." Grenthor began.

"The War in Heaven correct?" Shepard asked.

"Yes...though such a term does little justice to describe the events of such a conflict. I can see that Rilli'Toill has shown you her version of the events and indeed I can corroborate them. My ancestors fought in that terrible war and they vowed that they would be vigilant in striking down Necrontyr leadership with a blade to their very cores. Passed down to us, was a weapon capable of destroying even they in their supposed immortal bodies. It takes great power and ritual to awaken its full potential, but when done so...nothing, not even their necrodermis can withstand it. A Shard of Anaris."

The image then shifted to that of an elaborate dagger. It's blade was otherworldly, shifting in various colors of light. Lightning then coursed through it and then the image showed of Grenthor in full wargear wielding the dagger and plunging it into a sleeping Necron Lord's head. The psionic energy of the blade obliterated and reduced the robot's head to glowing white powder and it seemed to spread along the point of impact from the body, rending down the entire robot chassis until nothing remained.

"Indeed it was I, who through the skeins of fate divined the location of the tyrant of Solvatakh. The one who had killed my ancestor's father. Through guile and rite did we succeed in our deed, though it cost us greatly."

The image then shifted to a Farseer being impaled on a spear wielded by said Necron Overlord. Not only that, the warriors around the Necron lord unleashed Gauss Flayers upon the limbs of the fallen Aeldari and a terrible scream sounded across the battlefield. A young Aeldari warrior, wielding a glowing blade witnessed the event through a broken helmet, his eyes burning with sorrow and hatred.

"My ancestor swore on the day his own father fell, that no place within the void or even the fires of hell would be safe for such fiends. Thus have our kin carried out his will, even through the doom of our people."

Shepard scratched the back of his head, "Yeah...Solvatas kinda skipped on the details how your empire fell. Then again she was likely asleep."

Grenthor nodded, "Indeed, by that time the Necrontyr had retreated to their tombs to evade our wrath. The war was won and we were ascendant. The galaxy was ours to inherit, no foe at this time could withstand us."

The images swirled to that of great cities of crystalline beauty and starfleets of immense size. The ships appeared sleek and swift, resembling organic fish or birds. The alien vessels could be seen coming through gigantic gates in orbit of a beautiful world similar to Earth. Images of Aeldari at peace with their families and communities enjoying the psionic arts of their species were also present.

"While my people were at peace, my ancestors continued to hunt for the great enemy, but unfortunately the Necrontyr had hidden their presence well. Some of my ancestors became so discouraged they too were swallowed up by the fervor of pleasure seeking. The degradation of our race had begun and my ancestors saw the fall that would inevitably follow."

Shepard remained silent as he witnessed the largest ship he had ever seen being built in a dry dock in orbit. It was massive and organic looking, with blue lights throughout a white and black hull, "As the doom approached my ancestors were not idle. They along with many others crafted worldships such as this. Istafar, the ark that would carry them and like minded kin to salvation."

The same ship that the Commander saw was then in the backdrop of a great blast of color, a brilliant violet explosion that encompassed all the stars behind it as the Farseer continued, "When the doom came, my ancestors were thankfully far enough away to be spared. Many others were not so fortunate."

"What is that?" Shepard asked with a concerned look.

The Farseer closed his eyes, "That...was the Doom of the Aeldari. Our curse...for our depravation. It's birth consumed the homeworlds and none were spared. I will not share with you the details, for I dare not risk your own mind in attempting to understand how such a thing could be. Know that it was our wayward kin, so fallen in their ways and excesses, that inadvertently created such a terrible event. It wounded the galaxy forever and from then on, we were a shattered people."

The vision then shifted to a small Aeldari fleet of Craftworld Istafar fleeing from Necrontyr ships, "Even after all these millennia however, my kin and I continued our vigil. For should the Necrontyr arise again, none would be able to stop them in their domination of all things. Other craftworlds shared our vigil and through our shared contacts, we located and destroyed Kotorin...tyrant of Solvatakh. His brother Kazarakh, as I predicted, rose to power and like the cudgel that he was, he rallied his forces to raze all worlds around in him in his wrath."

A great battle in space was then revealed. The largest ships that Shepard had ever seen fought each other. One was obviously of Necrontyr make by its crescent moon design, the other he didn't recognize though they were dagger-like and adorned with spikes and strange adornments, Grenthor continued, "The agents of the Primordial Annihilator then were caught up in Solvatakh's fury and through sacrificial ritual, ended Kazarakh and his dynasty forever...or so we thought."

Once more Craftworld Istafar was shown with it's large escorting fleet orbiting a world made of metal with an eerie glow coming from within it, "Several centuries later, we discovered what we thought was yet another Necrontyr artifact and arrived in force with the intent of destroying it. But we soon found it was not of our enemy's design."

Images of Aeldari forces landing and scouting out the landscape and the interior of the structure were shown, "It was truly alien...nothing like what even we had ever encountered in all of our lifetimes. For decades we researched it and many kin of mine were lost to the pursuit of uncovering its secrets. I meditated long upon what to do with this construction and found a thread of fate, though it was quite faint. As I followed it, it led to something brilliant in scope. I was captivated...though a part of me was terribly afraid that it would lead to my people's doom."

A space battle was then revealed. Aeldari ships fought off those dagger like ships that Shepard had seen from earlier and not only was Craftworld Istafar starships present but others of different colors as well. The images shifted to scenes of battles on the surface with Aeldari soldiers holding the line against giants in power armor. Their armor bore spikes and fetish adornments. The giants also wielded guns that blew apart Aeldari soldiers in a single shot, "When agents of Chaos came to claim this world for themselves, our council advised to abandon it and leave to save ourselves. But I was able to convince them to stand and fight. Our cousins also heard our call and we faced the foe together. For three days and nights we held them back and I was with others in what we had deduced was the control room for this world."

Grenthor was shown in his wargear along with his fellow Farseers, attempting to work what they assumed were the holographic terminals that controlled the artificial world. What Shepard deduced about the object was that the whole construction was a Dyson Sphere but for now he kept it to himself. The Farseer continued, "The battle was going poorly and either we fled or died with this world. But that thread of fate compelled me onward. My divination revealed a symbol, it was akin to a many fingered hand pointing downward with a great eye upon it's knuckles. It pointed me toward the command protocols that allowed us to activate what we thought were the defenses of the planet. But it was no defense..."

Brilliant light engulfed the image and even the space battle was bathed in light. When the light faded it revealed the chaos ships had been left behind, half torn apart as they had gotten caught too close to the area of effect. In another flash of light the world itself reappeared. Aeldari ships were left adrift in orbit around it, including the Craftworld itself, "We had no idea what had happened, I awoke from the floor of the construct's control room and found that many of my kin had perished. Their souls and their soul stones, burnt out from the interaction with the power that had engulfed all of us. My own armor was rent and scorched, but thankfully not ruined. Those of us that remained...were only a third of our original number."

"My god...how many?" Shepard asked respectfully.

Grenthor hung his head, "Millions...millions died for my choice Commander. All because of my captivation, like a moth luring a swarm of its own ilk to a flame."

"So that's how you came to this universe?"

"It would appear so. Thankfully the Infinity Circuit remained intact and not all soul stones of my fallen people were lost. But we were now strangers in a foreign land. We were at the edge of a galaxy and we were not certain if it was another or if it was our own. It took many years to finally understand that it was the former. Realizing this and being the last among the Farseers of my Craftworld I understood that I may perish before the truth was wholly revealed. I decided to enter into what would be analogous to what your kind would call cold sleep. For even in this state, I could still commune with my kin and advise them through the millenia."

Images of scouting Aeldari vessels were shown exploring unknown worlds. Then in the distance Shepard saw the familiar silhouette of a Reaper, "That's-"

Grenthor nodded, "Yes, what you call Reapers were in the midst of harvesting the Prothean empire when our scouts detected them. Thankfully they in turn did not detect our presence, but in witnessing the Protheans doom we began to understand the forces that governed this galaxy. The annual harvest and systematic purging of all sentient life. It was like our old enemy all over again. But we were in no position to fight such a foe. Remaining hidden was our only defense."

The scene shifted back to the metallic planet that then began to change into a pearl like shape, then vanished from sight, "Over the ages as the Reapers came and went, leaving life to evolve yet again, we too rebuilt. We eventually learned about and understood the systems of this world and through that we created a place where our people could truly live once more. Welcome Shepard, to Cae'Enarc."

Suddenly the darkened forest melted away all around them, elaborate spires rose in their place all around. Sleek aircraft flew amongst the spires and a serene song seemed to play all around the two of them. The Commander found himself smiling, marveling at the beautiful cityscape. Then it made sense to Shepard why the bluish purple sky looked so strange, "So it's truly like a Dyson Sphere...a self contained construction with a star at its heart."

"Indeed though saying the power source is a star itself is an exaggeration. The very sky you see is actually a layer upon the surface that also refracts light and fools sensors. Not only that, the world itself can move on it's own power. The Reapers can never find us."

Shepard then looked to Grenthor with a questioning look, "Solvatas said that the Reapers were aware of you though? They mentioned you by your people's name."

Grenthor sighed, "Yes...over the centuries some of my kin have chosen to wander the galaxy in pursuit of adventure. Because of our capacity to pass for your kind, modern times have actually made this easier. But not all of my brethren have returned...yet not even they would wholly know where our world was. For as I said, we are constantly in motion. Perhaps the Collectors had something to do with their disappearances."

Shepard returned a suspicious look back to the Farseer who stood to look back at the Commander with his empty soul piercing eyes, "So what will you do Commander? Do you still wish to stand with the dead...or join with the living?"

"Is that why you revealed yourselves? Veronakh making waves certainly got everyone's attention."

"I forsaw the tyrant's coming sometime ago but I didn't believe my own vision. At the time it seemed impossible, that our past would return to haunt us yet again. We believed our curse was at an end. Our people were flourishing, Cae'Enarc provided everything our kin could ever need for food and resources. From a population of several million we are now hundreds of millions strong."

Grenthor looked away to the spires, watching the Aeldari mingling amongst each other in the high rises, his voice suddenly becoming grim, "But I and my people have enjoyed this peace for far too long. I chastise myself even now for not heeding my own vision. His coming will be the doom of all, even for the Reapers Shepard. The tyrant will shackle all to his will if he is not stopped, slaves for all eternity."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"A ruler is nothing without his collaborators who ensure his will is followed. There will come a time soon when Rilli'Toill herself will become vulnerable. I have seen it. She will come to you at her weakest and that will be your moment. We can ensure that she will never rise again and her ambition will die along with her."

Shepard raised a brow, "You want me to conspire with you to kill Solvatas?"

The Farseer frowned, "She is a monster Shepard. A slave to the will of her Phaeron. She cannot disobey him and her power is a grave threat even to one such as I. Many Farseers have fallen to her blade."

The Commander found himself conflicted, "Be that as it may...and this is no offense to your... precognition, but how do I know this isn't a trick? I've heard Aeldari tend to bend the truth to suit their own interests."

"I see her seeds of doubt have borne fruit. Yes indeed we have had to use misdirection to protect ourselves and our interests in the past. But clearly you must see that a future with the Necrontyr will only end with the subjugation of all life to their whims. They see all others as beneath them."

"That's funny, they say the same about yourselves. I believe I was called...what was it? A...Mon'Keigh? What does that even mean?"

"It is nothing, a young Aeldari in battle with an adversary will no doubt resort to coarse words when pressed."

"Uh huh, I've also been told you would do anything to protect your own...even letting other species die in their stead."

The Farseer was quiet for a moment, "Would you not do the same in our place Commander?"

Shepard frowned, "I don't sacrifice people if I can help it. That's how I see everyone else regardless of their race. They're just people...Necrontyr included."

Grenthor shook his head in disbelief, "Utter madness...the Necrontyr sacrificed their souls for power and they enthralled you and your crew with machines. Now they do so with mere words!?"

"Helps when you see the context. As lovely a vision as this has been and it is amazing I will say, it's only what I am allowed to see right? From the start of your story you're sparing me details and I get it, we don't have long to talk. But what if those details are important for context? Solvatas showed me the worst details, even of her being harvested by the C'tan when we took a deep dive together. What are you hiding Grenthor?"

"I show you what you need to see for your protection Commander and have explained why I do so. There are things in the universe that a mortal mind is best advised to leave alone."

"I've heard that before."

Grenthor returned Shepard's frown, "Compared to what you have seen through those memories in your mind, the horrors of those conflicts are but trivial contrivances versus what I have seen Shepard. Evils and intelligences far greater in scope than any of us, have prowled through the dreams and desires of mortals from our galaxy. Feeding on their pain and pleasure, becoming so bloated that their tendrils reach into every heart."

"Okay. But are they here?"

Once again Grenthor was silent, Shepard shook his head, "Alright, so your kind felt free of their curse and have been enjoying these tens of thousands of years of peace until Veronakh showed up. What exactly were you planning to do initially? Just remain on this world forever, or just until the Reapers cleanse everything again? That doesn't sound very exciting, especially for your people."

"Perhaps...but it was necessary until we are ready to truly reveal ourselves to the galaxy."

"And do what?"

"Ensure that the galaxy moves along the path wherein all prosper."

"Sounds like manipulation to me. You also didn't mention helping to fight the Reaper threat either."

"All species use persuasion Shepard, it is only natural for diplomacy. As for the...Reapers, The skeins of fate do not see us facing such mechanical custodians. That is a fate for your people to face."

Shepard crossed his arms, "So you were comfortable just sitting it out and letting all the other races of the galaxy fight alone huh? Not exactly very noble of you."

The cityscape around them suddenly began to fade, becoming blurry. Grenthor grimaced, "We are out of time...make your choice Commander."

Shepard sighed, "Well...I'd like to say I would help. Had you met me before Veridine I certainly would have I think. But now...after everything that has happened, I won't become anyone's assassin without a damn good reason. Especially if I were to kill someone I know. Even she deserves a chance to try to save her people Grenthor. Because I'm a monster too. I've killed and done horrible things against my will and through that I understand Solvatas better than you certainly do. She was a slave to the C'tan and to her brother, but now she's free."

"Is she? None are truly free from their fate Shepard...not even you."

"I'll take my chances...and make my own fate."

"So be it then. But remember Shepard, what comes next...is the end of everything you've ever known."

"I know."

With that, within an eye blink the dream faded and the Commander returned to consciousness. Shepard slowly rose from his bed and found Miranda still asleep beside him. His only thought was hoping that choosing the enemy he knew over the potential enemy he didn't would not cost him as much as betrayal would. He nestled beside her and gently hugged her, Miranda cooing softly in her sleep as he did.

Grenthor awoke from his trance, a breath of frustration leaving his lips. The Aeldari Farseer was sitting crosslegged upon a pedestal within a metallic and bone colored room. He stood up and moved to the device on a counter close by. It was a floating sphere held within an elaborate, violet colored frame. The Farseer then waved his hand and the violet frame seperated gently from the sphere, allowing Grenthor to bring his hands around the spherical device. Electricity bristled at his finger tips and he formed several Aeldari symbols. But the final one was the symbol of the many fingered hand with an eye upon the knuckles. The sphere then glowed and Grenthor held out his hands around the sphere and concentrated. Soon the sphere's brightness faded and an image was revealed, a many eyed insectoid face appeared on the sphere and a ghostly but powerful voice emanated from it.

"Have you decided?"

The Farseer let down his hand cooly and showed no fear to the Collector General, "Shepard has chosen his fate...as have we. We agree to your terms, but do not forget our stipulations Harbinger."

"Of course...we await your arrival. Do not fail us."

"What will be, shall be. I will protect my people's peace, no matter the cost."

The image on the sphere faded and Grenthor moved to the portion of the counter where his ornate antlered helmet laid. The Aeldari seer put it on, glowing blue eyes with electricity sparked as it activated. Retrieving an elaborate spear from the wall, crackling with etheral energy as he did, Grenthor spoke to himself, "One final dance...one final ballad to the end of the song."

Composing himself again, the energy ceased and the Farseer left his chambers to meet the path he had chosen.