Quintessence Effect Collective Rebirth Chapter 14 Tussles on Tuchanka Part 1, a Mass Effect + Voltron: Legendary Defender Crossover fanfic

Collective Rebirth

ESKK: A new chapter time to get started.

(Start Castle of Lions Kasumi)

Kasumi was currently in her room as she held the grey box of her deceased partner, Keiji. She found herself incredibly anxious to access her late partner's grey box, right to the point where she almost opened it up on the transport ship. Soon enough she heard the door slide open and from it Sven stepped in.

"Kasumi, iz everzing alright?" Sven asked as he entered the room worried for Kasumi.

"I don't know... I have Keiji's Gray box, but I don't know what's inside it." Kasumi said as for the first time in her life she was unsure.

"It might have your partners final words to you." Sven said hoping that Kasumi would have the courage to look. "You can finally let hiz soul rest in peace." Sven said as Kasumi knew this as fact.

"I... I don't know." Kasumi said and in turn Sven nodded to the thief.

"I vill help you zen." Sven said willing to give Kasumi emotional support.

"I... thanks." Kasumi said and thus she began to get to work on accessing the object. She already had all the equipment she needed so with it she plugged into the intended port and accessed the Gray box of Keiji.

From Kasumi's perspective, it was like she had stepped into a vast, expanse of shooting stars while her late partner stood before her just as she had remembered him, bringing a sad smile to her face when she saw him. It was at this point that a message from Keiji started playing, and even without hearing him mention her name, it was obvious to Kasumi that Keiji had left it for her.

"Kasumi, if you're seeing this, it's because I'm dead," Keiji's recording said as that much as obvious to see. "The information we found is all here. It's big Kasumi, and if the council ever got wind of this, the Alliance could be implicated." He said which meant for those on the Normandy and Castle of Lions it was a bad thing. "Kasumi, I…I encrypted the information to keep it safe, and I uploaded the encryption key to your gray box, so no one can get the whole package, but if I'm dead, and if anyone knows about this, then I've made you a target my love." He said his voice filled with remorse. "I'm so…so sorry." Keiji's message apologized said showing that Keiji himself never wanted to do this to Kasumi.

As the message continued playing, Kasumi walked through the expanse looking through the images of data that were inside Keiji's gray box, until she stopped to look at one particular piece of information: the memories that Keiji held of his time together with her, a time that to this day she still considered to be the happiest moments of her life. Seeing these memories and hearing her late lover's voice again eventually started to draw the beginnings of sad tears to Kasumi's eyes, and she found that she could barely say anything more than one word. "Keiji…" she had muttered sadly.

"I know you Kasumi," the recording continued, all while Kasumi continued to watch the video memories of her time together with Keiji. "You'll want to keep these memories forever, but you don't need some neural implant to know I'll always be with you." He said urging her with words to do what needed to be done. "Please Kasumi…destroy these files. There's nothing more I can do to protect you." Keiji said as he rather these files be destroyed so Kasumi could live on.

That got Kasumi's attention away from the memories that she was watching, and she was immediately in front of the avatar of her partner that had been relaying the message. "I…I can't do that! This is all that's left," Kasumi protested, the tears that had been starting to form now slowly coming to the surface as she tried in vain to think of another way to keep the memories and destroy the data that Keiji had found.

Sadly, Kasumi could not think of anything, and it seemed that Keiji had not been able to either, because his message then ended with five simple words. "Goodbye Kasumi. I love you." Keiji's said just before Kasumi immediately grabbed the avatar of her late lover in the tightest hug she could manage. She held that hug until the recording finally came to a stop, prompting the world of shooting stars to vanish from her sight and become replaced by the interior of her quarters.

"Zere must be a vay to destroy only zi information and keep ze memories intact." Sven said refusing to let Kasumi suffer like this. "Maybe Penny transfer, a copy of zi memories from Keiji's gray box into yours," Sven said not wanting to see Kasumi endure losing the man she loved all over again.

"It doesn't work like that, Sven." Kasumi said grateful for the concern Sven gave her. "And besides, Keiji's a master at encrypting files. He lacked the information into his memories, so you can't get one without experiencing the other." Kasumi said which meant that there was no way around this.

Kasumi had worked so hard to get her late partner's gray box back, not just so that she could keep dangerous information out of the wrong hands, but also so that she could get some real closure, but now, the ghost of her lover was asking her to destroy the only thing that was left him both for her sake and the sake of the wider galaxy. It just did not seem fair to Kasumi, but sometimes for the greater good sacrifices had to be made.

"I am sorry truly I am." Sven said knowing that Kasumi was in pain. "But if it vere me in Keiji's place I vould have vanted my friends to do zi same that Keiji is asking." Sven said as he would have expected his friends to do this. "So, if he really believes zat destroying zis information is zi best vay to save others and more importantly, to save yourself, zen you can't just ignore that." Sven said looking to Kasumi giving her words of encouragement.

"I know, Sven." Kasumi said knowing what Sven was saying. "I just…I can't. This is all that's left of him," Kasumi cried, her tears now falling freely without any restrictions whatsoever.

Being one who hated to see such a nice person cry, especially in the case of someone like Kasumi, it came as no shock to Sven that he was quickly scooping the poor girl up in a comforting hug while she let her tears steadily fall onto his shoulder. Seeing Kasumi like this was making Sven feel a little choked up as well, like he was about to start crying a little as well, because he knew, probably better than a lot of other people could, that for Kasumi, it was not just a matter of deleting these memory files; to her, it was like she was killing Keiji all over again.

"If it iz easier... I can do it for you." Sven offered knowing that it was a difficult decision for Kasumi.

"I…okay," Kasumi finally nodded as she stepped away from the console that would do the deed. "Just get it over with…please."

Sven only nodded in reply and then turned to Kasumi's console, only sparing her one final glance before he typed in the necessary command code to do as Keiji had asked. A minute later, the image of Keiji disappeared from view with a soft whir, and the files were all gone, much to Kasumi's sorrow. The hooded girl found herself unable to stand any longer at that point, so she just collapsed into a nearby chair before letting her tears fall freely once again, practically sobbing as she did. This drew Sven to her side again, where he had soon wrapped her in his arms for another comforting hug, which Kasumi gladly accepted with great relief. The two ended up staying like that until Kasumi had calmed down again.

"If you need to talk everyone on zi ship can lend an ear." Sven said knowing that Kasumi was earning her place here despite the fact she stole a Lion in the past.

"It's fine... I just want to stay here for a bit." Kasumi said and thus Sven nodded agreeing to do this for Kasumi. At the very least Kasumi finally got her closure for the loss of Keiji.

(Scene Break on the Normandy)

John had gotten word from his Yeoman that Mordin had something he needed to discuss. They were on their way to Tuchanka to help Grunt and Lotariaus with whatever ailment had afflicted them. The fact that Mordin wanted to talk to the subject of this discussion may involve, Tuchanka.

After his mission with Kasumi John got word of the Citadel side of things from Kalvin. The Galra were given the go ahead to colonize a world and at the moment going through all the bureaucratic red tape and ceremonies. Kolivan would contact them when they get settled or if they need help dealing with the Zarkon loyalists. But with Lotor still at large John did not want to think what would happen if those loyalists decided to side with Zarkon's son.

Entering Mordin's lab John found the Salarian Scientist was working on his console. But before John could greet him Mordin was quick on the uptake. "Shepard Important news know your busy. Have to deal with collectors. Planning attack." Mordin said as this caught John off guard for a bit. He knew the Salarian had his quirks, but this was not his normal behavior. "Too important to wait. Just received data, still processing analyzing likely scenarios. Not sure how to begin. Too much Intel." Mordin went on which only got John worried for the Salarian. "I'm certain you are aware of this; I had discussed with Penny my work on Genophage modification." Mordin said as John did recall that incident when Edi and Kelly told him about it.

If memory serves Penny did not take kindly to the aforementioned modifications. A while back the Krogan began to adapt to the Genophage, it was losing its viability and the Salarians could not allow that. So, Mordin lead a team to create a new and improved version of the Genophage to stabilize the Krogan population. For a couple weeks the lab had a tension in it but eventually Penny let it be. The girl was a bright young woman and Mordin would have hated to see her potential be wasted because of a difference in views.

"Mordin I'm sure the entire Normandy and Castle of Lions heard that argument." John said recalling that incident well. "What's going on?" John asked wondering what Mordin was in such a panic for lack of a better word.

"Blood pack mercenaries kidnapped former team member. Maelon." Mordin said revealing this important bit of information. "Last seen on Tuchanka. Might torture him. Make an example." Mordin said and then looked down. "Recovering Maelon might be a personal favor to me." Mordin said which helped since they were already on the way there.

"Do you think they found out your team updated the Genophage?" John asked as he felt that was a reasonable motive for doing this.

"Unclear no way to determine until we get to Tuchanka." Mordin said which meant that they would have to figure it out when they got there.

With this in mind John had made his decision. "We're already on the way there to help Grunt and Lotarious. We can help find your team member while there." John said knowing this was like with Illium, two birds one stone.

"Appreciate it." Mordin began with a nod. "My assistant. My student. Want to see him safe." Mordin said before sharing where they might find him. "Maelon last seen outside Urdnot territory. Scouts might have seen Blood Pack. Talk to them or Clan Chief." Mordin said before he returned to his work.

"Alright." John said knowing who to talk to.

(Later in the Normandy halls)

John left Mordin's lab and not even five second out he came upon a surprising sight. It was Jack as she seemed to be spoiling Kosmo who was enjoying the attention. The cosmic wolf had proven to be the perfect pet to transport things between the Normandy and the Castle of Lions. So long as the two ships are within range of each other the Dog can even transport crew members between them. The fact Jack was there was not surprising, but Kosmo was another story.

"Who's a bad ass cosmic wolf. It's you yet it is you." Jack laughed as she was spoiling the wolf with belly rubs. Kosmo was happy as his leg thumped on the ground enjoying the attention.

"Uh..." John was heard making Jack go wide eyed to this.

The Biotic looked and saw the Commander there and got back on her feet and back to her normal persona. "You say fucking nothing!" Jack snapped pointing an accusing finger at John before she stormed off to the lower deck to where she set up her living quarters.

Kosmo for his part looked before he teleported away to return to the Castle of Lions. "Well... that happened." John said as he had been caught off guard by this. He then left to contact the Castle of Lions and inform them of the slight change to the mission on Tuchanka.

(Scene Break later over Tuchanka)

The Castle of Lions and Normandy were in Tuchanka airspace heading to their destination. The Lions were the first to deploy as the Kodiak soon followed them. "Alright team basic formation around the Kodiak." Kalvin ordered from the Black Lion with Ashley in the back seat. The Paladins were flying down and had brought Samara along for support. From the Normandy side of things John had brought with him Garrus, Tali, and Jack while leaving Jacob and Miranda in charge of the ship. With so many Krogan John recognized that they may need their heavy hitters for this one.

The Kodiak and the Lions flew down with the Kodiak and found their designated landing point. The Yellow Lion had the advantage here seeing the place was a desert, the Yellow Lions domain. Landing on the ground the group began stepping out onto the landing pad allowing for the Normandy Team to see that they had landed inside of one of the underground shelters.

"Man, it's been ages since I was last here." Hector said recalling the last time he was here. "Still as terrifying as last time." Hector said recalling why he came here the previous time.

"This the right place?" John asked looking to Hector.

"Should be." Penny said as she pulled out her Omni-Tool. "We're inside Clan Urdnot it's a neutral zone on Tuchanka." Penny said as she then deactivated her Omni-Tool. "I hope Wrex is doing ok." Penny said happy to see an old friend.

"It's been ages since we last spoke to him." Allura said excited to see how her surrogate uncle was doing. However, John did not feel safe at the moment, though it may be because of the looks Mordin, Lotarious, and Grunt were getting as they began to approach the guards. It seemed that the guards were going to be serving as the welcoming committee as well, since they were already marching up to the team even before they had climbed down the last stair leading up to the landing pad.

Before any greeting could be made the leading Krogan growled at them. Kalvin was unaffected by this as the Krogan began to speak. "Take whatever business you have to the clan leader, aliens, and keep your rutting pets on a short leash." He said glaring at the two-tank bred Krogan. "Get them the rite soon or put them down." He said and while his words was cruel it caught their attention.

"Pardon but do you know what's wrong with Grunt and Lotarious?" Allura asked the guard hoping he had answers for them.

"There's nothing wrong with him," the Krogan waved off the Princess's question.

"Yeah, I can think of a few ways to argue with that statement," Jack muttered, praying that Grunt did not overhear her.

Grunt may not have, but the other Krogan did, and he was soon glaring a little at the former convict before returning his attention to John. "Just go speak to the clan leader." The Krogan said as Kalvin smirked to this. "Talk to him soon, because if we decide you're not welcome, you'll know just before we kill you." He said but before Kalvin could say anything Allura cut in.

"Well, I doubt Clan Leader would appreciate you harming his honored guests." Allura said as she knew how to speak their language. "Especially if said guests are being expected." Allura said being the diplomat in this scene. "I'm certain that while we Paladins may provide you an excellent battle, I would prefer the battle to be on a more... traditional stage." Allura said and thus the Krogan snorted before stepping aside.

After seeing this happen the group just shrugged as they were reminded that Allura was still a princess. "How did you talk them down?" Tali asked as they began to enter the camp proper.

"Wrex taught me." Allura said recalling this brief lessons. "As a Paladin it's my duty to be open minded to other species and their traditions and what you saw was a classic Krogan method of meeting between two different species." Allura explained to the group as Kalvin smiled to his girlfriend.

They all took little note of the tunnel they were walking down in order to reach the main camp where they assumed the clan leader would be, mostly because it looked much like the rest of the Krogan home world in their eyes, but some of them did make sure to note the surrounding area just for the sake of having some type of landmark to go by on the off chance that they did get lost. Either way, no one was too startled when they all picked up an incoming message from EDI.

"Urdnot clan reports use weak encryption." EDI said alerting the group of her findings. "I see references to a captured Salarian in the logs of the chief scout," the AI informed them which they got wind of.

"Looks like your hunch about the scouts knowing something was right, Mordin," John informed the professor, but that did not seem to do much good in helping the Salarian relax.

"Did you find anything in regard to what might be wrong with Grunt and Lotarious?" Kalvin asked worried for the two Krogan on the team.

"I am afraid not." EDI said which did not help lift their moods. "While the encryption is weak, I have been unable to access local medical records. I suggest asking the local clan leader for assistance," EDI offered knowing that it was their best bet.

"Well, we were going to have to talk to him anyway, so might as well do so while we're at it," Garrus said with a shrug as he knew they get to see an old friend again.

However just as they came out of the Tunnel Allura could not help but noticed that Grunt and Lotarious were looking around much more than the rest of them. At first the Altean Princess figured that the pair were taking in the fact that they were finally on the home world of the Krogan. That was before she noticed how Grunt had a small look of either disdain or disgust on his face, and she could not help but feel a little concerned at that. Lotarious on the other hand was just curious to say the least because unlike Grunt he was an imperfect Krogan and thus he must have felt out of place here.

"Grunt is everything ok with you?" Allura asked looking to the Krogan in question. Grunt did not answer right away, but eventually, he did let out a low growl when he said, "This is the great Krogan home world? This is the land of Kredak, Shiagur, and Veeoll? This chunk of rock is barely worth standing on!" He then let out a sad sounding sigh as he said, "Never thought I'd miss the tank."

Allura should have seen this coming and thus walked over to him. But then Lotarious cut in to talk to his fellow Krogan. "The ruins suggest that there was a time we were great." Lotarious said speaking with wisdom. "We can be great again, we can rebuild." He added using wisdom he did not know he had.

"Assuming we survive our mission to take down the Collectors, you mean," Grunt pointed out but then Allura smirked to this.

"We will make it through, we have the best team in the Galaxy, the best leaders, and most of all we have Voltron." Allura said her voice rich with confidence.

Grunt grinned a little at that thought, and the two quickly jogged over to meet up with the rest of the team, who were just preparing to climb up to where the clan leader was sitting. At least they had been until they were stopped by another set of guards. "Halt! You must wait till the clan leader summons you." the Guard began stopping the group from going any further. "He is…in talks," the lead guard informed them, while casting a wary glance up to where said leader was sitting.

Looking in the area seeing Wrex on a stone throne listing to a fellow Krogan with silver and blue armor as he complain about something as he said, "You know what tradition demands? Clan Urdnot must respond. Your reforms will not go unopposed. You risk appearing weak at a critical time."

Wrex roll his eyes a bit as he look up at the area where guest would stand at as Wrex saw the Normandy team, and the Paladin with his favorite Altean princess there as he stood up and said, "Princess Allura!"

The guards were surprised to hear this as they knew who Allura is as she ask the two guard before her and the teams, "Will that be enough to let us through?"

They nodded as they move to the side for them with Allura coming up to Wrex as he push away the Krogan he was talking to without much care before coming up to Allura and giving her a big Krogan hug which would crush a normal person, but Allura was tough, with her Altean ability let her adapt to Krogan strength, and on top of those she was wearing armor too and she just laughed at this and said, "Wrex it good to see you again too."

Wrex let off the Hug and see John Shepard, which surprise him greatly as Shepard walk up to him, they both raise their arms and shake hands as Wrex said, "Shepard! My friend! You look well for dead, Shepard. Should have known the void couldn't hold you."

"Looks like helping me destroy Saren and the Geth has worked out for you. Glad that Allura step in to talk as we didn't have to kill one another on Virmire," Shepard said to him as Wrex just laugh at that thought as he said, "You made the rise of Urdnot possible, Virmire was a turning point for Krogan, though not everyone was happy about it."

"Maybe so but it better to be free than to be slaves to a madman," Allura said as Wrex nodded as he couldn't agree more to that as the Krogan that Wrex was talking to came forth next to him as Wrex said, "Destroying Saren's Genophage cure freed us from his manipulation. I used that to spur the clans to unify under Urdnot."

"You abandoned many tradition to get your way. Dangerous," the Krogan said which Wrex did not like as he turn to Krogan and give him a hard head butt knocking the Krogan away as Wrex said to him, "Speak when Spoken to, Uvenk. I'll drag your clan to glory whether it likes it or not."

Wrex walk to his throne with the group walk by the down Krogan as he eye the group, mostly Allura, thinking of some sort of payback... that until Kalvin walk by him, as the black Paladin saw the look he was given Allura, he didn't like it so he look in his eyes as they turn topaz with the center turning bright violet letting his Galra blood come forth and let out a moment of Galra rage, with the Krogan felt the fear running down his scales, as without saying a word, Kalvin just told him not to fuck with his girlfriend or friends as the Krogan got up and walk to where he stands and stay silent, with Grunt seeing this could not help but smirk at Kalvin for that, even Lotarious was impressed to say without saying it.

With Wrex sitting down upon his stone throne as he said, "Now Princess, and Shepard. What bring you here? How's he castle and Normandy?"

"The castle is doing great Wrex, after the second battle of the citadel many Altean had join up with us," Allura said with Wrex smiled a bit to Allura's success of helping her people with Shepard speaking up next as he said, "As for the Normandy, it was destroyed in a collector surprise attack. I ended up Spaced."

"Well, you look good. Ah the benefits of a redundant nervous system!" Wrex said as Shepard said, "Yeah, humans don't have that."

"Oh. IT must have been painful then. But you're standing here, and you got a strong new ship. Takes me back to the old days. Us against the unknown, killing it with big guns. Good times."

"I wonder if we should tell them about the Galra being back or not?" Hector whisper a bit as he is worried what the Krogan and Galra would do if they meet each other, or worst if Wrex meets this knowing the connection, he has with Allura as her enemy became his enemy to say as Leon whisper back, "We might have to keep that on the down low."

"Shh!" Kalvin Shushed them as he want them to keep silent and not be rude as Shepard went on with his talk as he said," Sounds like you've got big changes ahead for the Krogan as Wrex said to him, "We are making a neutral ground where all clans are welcome. Fertile female can be shared among clans. We will strengthen the race as a whole."

"You threaten everything that makes us strong. It will not last," Uvenk said as he warning Wrex of what outcome this idea could bring disaster as Wrex said, "Maybe. Until then, you're lucky to be a part of it as Shepard soon ask him, "How do you maintain security with so many different clans in one place?"

"Any clan willing to send in hostages can come in. No fighting inside the camp. Each clan punishes its own criminals," Wrex said as he make the rules simple and clear for all Krogan to understand as if someone do something they aren't supposed to then it would look bad upon that Krogan clan and would punish them for it as Wrex went on saying, "We stop conflicts before anyone dies. Then we present a simple choice. Pay a fine and deal with your problems, or your clan is no longer welcome."

"That does not sound very Krogan like, but it does put a new view on keeping order, but how do others feel about this?" Allura Question as Wrex answer as he said, "Allies from other clan like what I'm doing. They help deal with skeptics. Many are eager for an outlet. Every time I've declared a clan unwelcome, my allies have destroyed them. word gets around."

A bit barbaric to say but Allura cannot argue the culture of other races as it their own not hers to deal with, as she leave it be with Shepard soon asked, "What's so important about maintaining individual clans?"

"Every clan has different custom. Rites of passage, rules of behavior, battle songs, all unique. That dispersity makes us great. No clan, not even mind, was meant to survive on its own," Wrex explain as Shepard went on saying, "Urdnot is the leading clan. Doesn't that make your culture primary?"

"For now, but every clan has it unique assets. The best tacticians are Urdnot. Jorgal has the longest breeding line. Gatatog holds the oldest settlement. Others have their own strengths. We keep going how we are, the clans will end up as craters under nuclear haze. Even Urdnot. We need to rethink. restart," Wrex said as Allura soon said, "If your able to bring each clan strength in a united front, you would be able to strengthen your entire race."

"That's the idea," Wrex said as he glad Allura can see his idea, but she did have a thought as she said, "Alright, I do worry about one thing as what do the women of the clan think of this idea of sharing themselves to other clans?"

"Not to worry there Allura, it wasn't mine or any of the other male Krogan ideas, but the female clan leader's idea." Wrex said explaining things to the Princess. "The neutral area is safe and encourages more females clans to ally with us. Attacks on Urdnot now endanger the females of all clans. Even the clans that want to see me dead will defend clan Urdnot," Wrex said as Allura nodded as she understood and said, "Good to hear and I am surprised there are female clan leaders as well."

"Wouldn't have Female Clans if there weren't any female leaders." Wrex quipped before he got down to the gritty bits. "Nothing is more valuable than a fertile female. We know it. They know it." Wrex said as it made sense with the Genophage still in existence. "They isolate themselves for their own protection." Wrex said which made Allura understand.

"Of course, the Genophage you're all infected with will make any fertile female the equivalent to a King's Ransom." Allura said seeing where this was going.

"Exactly." Wrex said knowing Allura saw what was going on. "We work together to set up breeding alliances. I can hardly do anything without Clad Leader Uta's Approval." Wrex said which proved to be a valuable lesson for the team.

"I suspect there are a lot of traditionalists who stand against your reforms." Allura said looking over towards Uvenk recalling the prior discussion.

"Yeah, things have been slow in these changes better then I feared worse then I hoped." Wrex said getting to the grit of it. "But I won't change who we are, Krogan are judged by the strength or our enemies our worst insult is being told we're not worth killing." Wrex said as Allura knew the Galra had a similar view as the Krogan for that one. It was only a matter of time before the Krogan find out about the Galra. News travels fast after all and Allura knew that at the moment the Galra need time to adapt themselves to this new Galaxy. Though a part of Allura suspected some Galra might challenge the Turians for their spot as the Galactic enforcers of law and order. Kolivan had of course assured Allura the Galra won't, but she recalled there were still loyalists to Zarkon's regime on the Galra Ark.

"Well while it's good to see that you're doing well for yourself Wrex." Kalvin said with a smile on his face. "But let's get down to why we're here." Kalvin said which Wrex was more than willing to help with.

"Is it another attack on the Citadel?" Wrex joked as this got a small chuckle from the group. "We don't allow many aliens to do business here, but you lot are the exception." Wrex said which Kalvin figured as much... plus if the Paladins end up in danger the Lions would likely fly in to rescue them.

"We've got two issues that brought us to Tuchanka." John began as he got Wrex's attention. "We're looking for a Salarian that got taken by the Blood Pack and brought here." John began and upon hearing this Wrex already knew who to send them towards to find the missing Salarian.

"My Scout Commander can direct you." Wrex said giving the group an idea on who to look for. "He's probably near the perimeter running target practice." Wrex said which was a good start. "Don't take too much of his time, I need a constant watch on the other Clans." Wrex added which the group understood.

"Alright then, Penny you, Ashley, Samara, Sven, and Leon go with Mordin to talk to the scout Captain." Kalvin said which John saw what Kalvin was doing.

"Tali go with them." John said which Tali nodded.

"Right, Commander." Tali said as Penny nodded to this.

"On it, Kal." Leon said before the mentioned names went with Mordin to talk to the Scout captain. This left Jack, Grunt, Garrus, Lotarious, Kalvin, Allura, Hector, and John with Wrex.

"And what was the second issue?" Wrex asked as he was doing what he could to help his friends.

"We have a pair of Krogan's that have some sort of sickness." Kalvin said gesturing to Grunt and Lotarious. Wrex leaned forward and in turn the two Krogan began to approach the leader of Clan Urdot hoping to find what sickness was ailing them.

"Where you two whelps from?" Wrex asked to the two already seeing what the issue was. "Were your clans destroyed before you could learn what was expected of the two of you?" Wrex asked as he looked to the two before him.

"We have no clan; we were both tank bred by Warlord Okeer." Lotarious said as he explained his side of the tale. At the same time Uvenk was circling the pair of Krogan knowing exactly what they were and sneered at it.

"Our line is distilled from Kredak, Moro, Shiagur." Grunt began picking up where his... brother, had left off.

"You recite warlords , but you two are offspring's of syringes." Uvenk said to the glare with venom in his voice.

"We are pure Krogan you should be in awe." Grunt said but Lotarious looked to Grunt in shock at those words. Lotarious did not view himself as such, it was only because of Allura that he has the will to live and fight in her name.

"Okeer is a very old name, a very hated name." Wrex said as the group could understand why. Allura still hated that Krogan how he had made all those clones and just cast them out to die like animals.

"He is dead." Lotarious revealed as he had seen it happen with his own eyes.

"Of course." Wrex said as he stood up to speak to the pair. "You're both with Shepard how can he be alive?" Wrex said knowing John would not let someone like Okeer live without a very good reason.

Just then John cut in wanting to get back on track. "We need Grunt and Lotarious back up to speed." John began so he can get everyone back on track. "What's wrong with them?" John asked wanting to get some answers from the Clan Chief.

"There is nothing wrong with them, they are becoming full adults." Wrex revealed which got Jack's attention.

"Puberty? Our Krogan's are growing up." Jack said finding this funny because all of the past incidents began to make sense.

"In retrospect, it should have been obvious." Allura said as she knew that Galra were similar in that sense hence why the Galra had their rite of passage, to get the excess aggression out of their system.

"Agreed, Kalvin was the same way when he went through it." John said kicking himself for not recognizing it sooner.

"Adolescence? Can't we just buy them some dances at Omega?" Garrus asked and thus Allura took a deep breath to remind herself that Garrus was a friend.

"I don't care what aliens call it." Wrex said waving the comments off for this. "Krogan undergo the rite of passage." Wrex said which seemed to trigger Uvenk to act.

"Too far, Wrex!" Uvenk began as he made his approach. "Your Clan may rule, but these things are not Krogan." Uvenk said as he stormed off from the scene so the group may have their discussion in peace.

"Idiot." Wrex said glaring at the departing Uvenk. "So then Grunt Lotarious." Wrex began as he looked towards the two Krogan. "Do you two wish to stand with Clan Urdot?" Wrex asked as the mere fact they were working with the Shepard's were enough for Wrex to vouch for them to join his clan.

"This choice belongs to them." Allura said gesturing to the two Krogan not wanting to force them to decide.

Lotarious and Grunt looked to each other before they walked off a bit likely to think the offer over. "Do you think we should do this?" Lotarious asked as he looked to his brother.

"It is in our blood it is what were are made for." Grunt said to his brother, but Lotarious had doubts.

"You were made for this; I was a failure." Lotarious said only for Grunt to headbutt him enough to knock him back. The aliens not native to the planet gasped at this but Grunt then spoke.

"We were bred for this perfect or not." Grunt said before helping Lotarious on his face. "We hail from the same lineage we are brothers." Lotarious said as he held his hand up. Lotarious looked at it for a moment before grinning and thus he clasped his hand to Grunts. The two made their choice to stand together and die together if need be.

"Good." Wrex said as he was almost nostalgic at this. It almost reminded him of himself and his own brother... minus their falling out. "Speak with the Shamen he's over on the second level." Wrex said giving the group directions on who to speak to. "Give him a good show and he'll set you all on the right path." Wrex said before he began to return to his throne but then stopped. "This takes me back, how many times have you stepped into shit for your crew, Shepard." Wrex asked as John smiled at this.

"Many times, and more to come." John said as Wrex then smirked to this.

"Well, the apple didn't fall far from the tree." Wrex said recalling the human saying as he gestured towards Kalvin for a second.

"Thanks Wrex, we'll talk more later." John said which Wrex nodded to this.

"Be safe out there, Tuchanka isn't safe like Feros or Ilos." Wrex said recalling those days when they were hunting down Seran.

"No kidding." Hector said as the crew went so speak with the Shamen Wrex pointed them towards.

(Meanwhile over with Sven's team)

Sven led the team to meet with the Scout Captain who was seen performing target practice on Pyjaks. Apparently, the camp had an infestation of them which was causing issues around the camp. As they approached the Krogan he took note of them and turned to speak with them.

"What do you want human?" The Krogan asked turning to face the group. "Wrex told me to be polite. He didn't say that any of you would talk to me." The Krogan said to which Sven is the first to speak.

"Ve are looking for a Salarian taken by zi Blood Packs." Sven began before Penny cut in to speak.

"Our sources say he was last seen around here." Penny said wanting to find Mordin's old student as soon as possible.

The Krogen seem to know what they were talking about as he turn around to type something on his computer as he said to the group, "I heard about that Salarian, poor bastard. If it's Blood Pack, then Clan Weyrloc has him. Sent one of my scouts to check it out but he never reported back. Guess they got him too."

He turn back around as he soon found what he was looking for as he went on saying, "Chief told me to give you one of the trucks. Just follow the highway to Weyrloc's base, if you got the quads to deal with him and the Blood Pack."

"Vhat, can you tell us about zhe Clan Veyrloc's base?" Sven asked the Krogan as he told them, "Last I heard, the clan was holed up in an old hospital. I haven't seen it through. I've only seen Clan Weyrloc from a distance. If I'd gotten closer, I'd have taken a shot. You get inside, though, bring a big gun. Weyrloc's base is crawling with Blood Pack."

"Any reason why they are holed up in a hospital. IT doesn't seem very defensive to the sound of it," Penny question as she want to get all the information before the group goes in gun blaze and whatnot as the Krogan said, "Any hospital on Tuchanka has to be built well enough to withstand a bunch of enraged Krogan. When an injury forces us to switch to secondary Organs, things get messy. Higher thought processes don't always transition properly. "Blood rage," they call it."

"That sound about accurate of a Krogan rage," Leon said as he knows well enough with Wrex when they first meet, then with Lotarious and Grunt as Sven soon ask, "Vhat is Clan Weyrloc's reputation, and vhy are they vith zhe Blood Pack?"

"Tough humps. And they are not friendly, like we are," the Krogan said as he is friendly with the group because Wrex said they are friends more or less as he went on saying, "You ever run into Blood Pack? Mercenary gang. Clan Wyrloc started it. One of the only gangs with an off-world presence. They're fanatics, totally devoted to Werloc Guld. Whatever they did with your Salarian, Guld's behind it."

"And Vhat makes Guld so Special?" Sven question as the Krogan answer saying, "He's got two Children. One of them is a girl. Some people think he's got a destiny. Not me. I had a cousin who won twenty consecutive games of quasar. Lucky bastard."

"Damn, sound like he got load of cash. Does your cousin give out any loans?" Leon question as the Krogan said, "He would if you swear Allegiance to him, but I wouldn't, as all he has is Luck. That's all it is. Same with Guld."

"But why do the Blood Pack have member that are not Krogan, like Vorcha?" Penny asked as the Krogan said, "The Vorcha? They're just like the Varren, only they can use guns and don't crap on the floor as often. The Krogan are the only real members of the Blood Pack. Anyone else is just there to soak enemy fire."

"Holy shit, so they wouldn't give two shit if some random guy just dies before them," Leon said as the Krogan nodded to that as Sven soon question, "Any Idea vhat vhey are doing vith zhe Salarian?"

"I assumed they wanted to torture him. You don't take somebody home to just kill them. It's messy. Maybe he pissed off the Blood pack, and they brought him here for special treatment," the Krogan said as Mordin had a though through his head as he think about the situation as either his student might have done something that pissed off the Blood Pack, or they knew that he had a hand in the newly made Genophage for Krogan's.

"No skin off my hump what they do with him. One less alien on Tuchanka," the Krogan said to the group as Sven said, "You said ve are friendly, vut you don't seem to have much love for other aliens."

"Don't get your quads in a twist. If I was, going to kill you, you'd know it," the Krogan said as he not like other beings but doesn't mean he can't talk with them on normal terms as he went on saying, "Wrex believes we need to unite the Krogan people. I don't think we can do that with off-worlders interfering. But it's not my call."

"Well than, thanks for talking with us then, we'll head out then," Penny said as the Krogan nodded as he said, "Anything that gets rid of the damn off-worlders. You can take the truck over there; it might be a tight fit though."

"We can deal with it," Penny said as the group soon walk over to the trucks and head out to find the missing Salarian. Besides she had a good idea on how they can get to their destination without any space issues.

(Back over with the Shepard's)

John led the group towards the Shamen Wrex and pointed them towards. Finding the Shamen did not take them long as they began to approach the Krogan and found Uvenk there arguing with the Shamen of Clan Urdot.

Once they had gotten close enough, they easily picked up on the tidbits of the conversation, which must have been going for a little while now, because it seemed that the shaman was starting to lose a little bit of his patience. Not that they could blame him, given what they had seen of Uvenk so far, but considering that not much time had passed between the moment when Uvenk had stormed off and now, they figured that the shaman would have a longer fuse than most Krogan. Clearly if he did, it was not to a great extent, but then again, he was still a Krogan, so what could you really expect?

"You go beyond yourself, Gatatog Uvenk," the shaman snarled to the Krogan before him. "The Rites of Urdnot are dominant." The Shamen said trying to get Uvenk to back off.

"How do we know it will challenge them? They are unnatural!" Uvenk said trying to argue his case to stop Grunt and Lotarious from taking the rite. "The beasts of the rite could ignore them both like lumps of plastic," Uvenk insisted, heatedly his frustration making itself known.

"They know blood no matter the womb." The Shamen corrected Uvenk with a glare. "Your barking does not help your case," the shaman warned, clearly trying his hardest to make it clear that Uvenk was pushing his luck right now.

"My brother and I will speak for ourselves." Grunt announced, marching to the head of the group with Lotarious in tow so that the shaman would have a better look at them. Grunt was also making it clear to Uvenk he did not appreciate being talked about badly behind his back if his glare was anything to go by.

"And here I thought that Krogan warriors were supposed to be above whining like little schoolgirls that didn't get their way." Kalvin said giving his own taunt to Uvenk who kept bad mouthing Grunt and Lotarious.

"Kal, behave." Allura lightly scolded but she also agreed with Kalvin on this.

The group returned to the matter at hand, each tensing up a little when the shaman approached Grunt and Lotarious out of worry as to how he might react. They knew that there was a chance that he would allow the two Krogan into the Rite of Passage since he was obviously more in favor of Wrex, but at the same time, there was still the possibility that he could be opposed to Grunt and Lotarious for the same reasons as Uvenk.

The shaman barely studied Grunt for more than a few seconds before he finally spoke. "These two are the tank-bred." The Shamen said inspecting the two Krogan before him. "They are very life-like." He then took a quick whiff of air near the pair which got a strange look from Hector. "Smells correct as well." He added before directing his attention over to Uvenk. "Your protests ring hollow, Uvenk." The Shamen said making it clear that the two tank-bred Krogan already are off to a good start.

"I don't give a rats ass what this guy has to say, Grunt and Lotarious have the right to be here!" Kalvin snapped which got the Shamen's attention. The shaman seemed to like that just as much as Grunt's attitude, because he soon huffed in satisfaction before saying, "There's some fire, and from an alien. Oh, the shame this heaps on those who whine like pups."

If anyone thought that was the end of it, they would have been wrong, because Uvenk was certainly not going to make this easy for anyone. "If this must stand on ritual, then I invoke a denial!" Uvenk snapped as the traditionalist was not going to let the Tank-Breds undergo the rite without a fight. "My Krantt stands against them. They have no one." Uvenk said which served to frustrated everyone here, the Shamen included.

The low growl that the shaman let out was a sure sign that he was getting annoyed, but all the same, he could not ignore his duties. "My patience is tested, but Uvenk invokes correctly. Grunt Lotarious who is your Krantt? Your allies willing to kill and die on your behalf?" Uvenk asked as he looked to the pair of tank-bred brothers.

Grunt and Lotarious aid nothing in reply to that, honestly not sure how to respond right then. However, before anything could be said John went on to ask a question. "How can a candidate be tested if he is allowed to bring support into his trial?" John asked curious as to what they may be walking into.

"Not every Krogan can be the strongest warrior, but each must inspire his peers to battle at his side." The Shamen began giving the explanation to the group. "If the ones who know you best can find nothing worthy in you, you should wander the wastes and die alone before you weaken my clan," the shaman finished his explanation, throwing a dangerous warning in just for good measure at the end. Upon hearing this Allura did not hesitate nor did Kalvin as the couple stepped up to plate.

"You're looking at them." Allura said taking her place by Lotarious side.

"We'll stand by them both as friends and comrades." Kalvin said making it clear he was doing this.

"Wait we will?" Hector asked when he heard this and got scared for a moment fearing the worst.

"Shipmates are not the same thing, but I grant you aliens your simple interpretation." The Shamen said making it clear that they had the go ahead to take part. Jack grinned as she began to crack her knuckles in anticipation.

Uvenk was starting to look even more outraged now. "Aliens don't know strength! My followers are true Krogan, everything about these two are lies." Uvenk snapped and thus Kalvin had enough and proceeded to headbutt Uvenk much to the crews shock.

Uvenk stumbled back a bit as Kalvin did the same no doubt having raddled himself a tad. Yet oddly enough that felt good likely his Galra heritage seeing an enemy to conquer at that moment. "You…You dare," Uvenk growled as he glared at Kalvin after what he did. From the look of surprise in his glare Uvenk was not expecting this to happen.

"You keep pushing my buttons and I'll do more than headbutt you." Kalvin said as his eyes shifted to show his Galra side was all but daring Uvenk to pull that pin.

Seeing all this happen, the shaman could not stop himself from laughing as loudly as he did, filling the entire room, if not half the second level with the sound. "I like this human! He understands!" The Shamen bellowed with joy no doubt having wanted to do that to Uvenk himself.

Any retort Uvenk was preparing to doll out immediately evaporated when he heard that, and he could now clearly see that he was not going to be getting any help here, so there was only one thing left for him to do. "I withdraw my denial." Uvenk said seeing he was beaten for now. "This will be decided elsewhere," Uvenk added with a growl as he marched off once again, making sure to shove Kalvin as he left.

"You have provoked them. Reason enough for me to like you." the Shamen said having wanted to get Uvenk to go away and now he had. "They're your problem now," the shaman decided, getting the team's attention again.

"Should we be worried, he might try something?" Hector asked with concern of what may happen.

"He is forbidden to interfere. Will he," the shaman questioned, though from the way he said it, he did not make it seem like a question, or at least not one without a foregone conclusion. "During the Rite of Passage, you must be ready for anything." The Shamen said making it clear that they needed to be ready for anything. "From what you've shown me, you will not disappoint." He said showing he had high hopes for this team.

(Back over with the Shepard's)

"You go beyond yourself, Gatatog Uvenk," the shaman snarled to the Krogan before him. "The Rites of Urdnot are dominant." The Shamen said trying to get Uvenk to back off.

"Kal, behave." Allura lightly scolded but she also agreed with Kalvin on this.

"You're looking at them." Allura said taking her place by Lotarious side.

"We'll stand by them both as friends and comrades." Kalvin said making it clear he was doing this.

"Wait we will?" Hector asked when he heard this and got scared for a moment fearing the worst.

"You keep pushing my buttons and I'll do more than headbutt you." Kalvin said as his eyes shifted to show his Galra side was all but daring Uvenk to pull that pin.

"Should we be worried, he might try something?" Hector asked with concern of what may happen.

"Well, I certainly hope so." Allura said while she nodded in understanding, wanting to get right to business as quickly as possible. Still, there were some things that the team needed to check on. "Now regarding the Rite, is there anything special we need to bring, like specific weapons or armor?" Allura asked thinking they may need to return to the ship and grab any specialized gear.

"To begin the Rite, only the candidate and his Krantt are required." The Shamen began as he inspected the group. You love battle, don't you? The last gasp of a dying opponent?" He asked and while Allura hid it well she did not enjoy any of that, she was not a battle crazed Galra or Krogan. "Bring your love of the fight to Grunt and Lotarious's trial, and they will succeed." The Shamen finished which was good news somewhat.

"Can we just get this whole shit show started already," Jack asked showing she was getting tired of waiting around for the action.

"Still your impatience," the shaman replied, looking a bit annoyed again, only this time with Jack's attitude. "For now, know that Grunt will be tested, and that you must adapt," the shaman added which the group understood.

"That should be easy enough." Kalvin said with a nod ready for the mission.

"I would say that adapting to the unknown is something we've all had gotten pretty good at," Allura quipped with a smirk. She then turned to the person who was actually taking this test and asked, "So Grunt Lotarious, are you two ready to get this started?"

"Born that way," Grunt grinned excitedly as he punched his fists together.

"I am ready." Lotarious said showing he would fight and show he was worthy of being a Krogan.

"Well, you heard them." John began as he then addressed the team. "Let's do this," John told the Shaman showing he was ready to rock and roll.

"Excellent," the old Krogan growled with a grin. He then pushed past them towards a nearby flight of stairs while waving for the team to follow him, and they all did so in a confident march.

(Meanwhile up on Upper Orbit)

In space over Tuchanka all was calm and peaceful for a moment. But that peace would soon be ruined. A familiar violet wormhole opened and from it the Sincline flew out staring down at the ruble filled planet. Inside Lotor smirked as he began to make his way towards Tuchanka to find his first recruit. Lotor's revenge was within reach, and he will have it.

He knew the Castle of Lions was here and the plan was simple. He went about remaining bellow radar and made his way towards the Planet. He had only one goal but if his enemies get caught well, he will not complain. Lotor and the Sincline were on Tuchanka and there was no telling what his schemes involved.

(TBC)

ESKK: Here is the newest chapter finished and done I hope you all leave a review before leaving. Now then we'll try to finish the Tuchanka ark in the next chapter but until be sure to leave a review and as I always say, ja-ne.