Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Echoes, echoes in my head... echoes of unfamiliar, distorted voices that clouded my ears with their maddening whispers.

I tried to move my body, stretch my limbs, flex my fingers, but there was nothing to hold on to, only the sensation of floating adrift in stagnant waters.

Not even my eyelids responded to my call, feeling heavy, damp, and stuck together. The pounding of my heart was the only thing that managed to calm me.

lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub

I was still alive; my body still hadn't given in to the abuse it had inflicted, serving a greater purpose. How did I get to that point? My mind was fuzzy; I tried to retain the memories, but sometimes they slipped away like sand through my fingers.

Remember, think, internalize… I forced myself to repeat it over and over again in the hopes of moving to a better place, to my safe base, to the person who had given me hope when no one saw me… him, he was everything to me… in the moment when darkness consumed everything.

————Flashback————

How can joy turn into agonizing pain in less than a second? That same day, I had woken up anxious about the results of the exams at Grissom Academy, I had to prove my worth, that the exception they had made when admitting me was justified.

I was a smart girl, but if it had been up to me, I wouldn't have gotten in. I had no parents, an Earthling orphan who didn't have the financial means to afford higher education. I only had my brother, who, as soon as he turned 18, enlisted in the Alliance army, risking his own life to keep his little sister safe and away from the gangs.

He was always the more capable of the two, stronger, smarter, with a sense of duty and honor unlike any street kid... A rising star, so much so that he didn't know when to give up. His resilience was demonstrated on Elysium, where he led the offensive against a Batarian attack, saving the colony from slavers and becoming a war hero at just 25 years old, which had been rewarded with a promotion and a favor toward his family.

Thus, despite being over the age of admission to the Academy, at the age of 20 I entered education as a biotic, focusing on the Sentinel class. I needed them to see my potential, so I pushed myself to exhaustion during these six years.

The first four years were spent in basic training, but once my brother was named the First Human Spectre at just 29 years old, I decided to further my studies through specializations in electronics, decoding, and first aid.

With this exam, I would be recognized as qualified enough to be assigned to a combat medic, and I already had Doctor Chakwas's approval to be her apprentice. I wanted to be with my brother, help him, support him in his mission to save the Galaxy... but my plans always went awry, and this time was no different.

Three messages flashed across my user interface via the Omni-Tool: one from the Academy, another from John, and the last from the Alliance. Pressing the message that would display the test results, I almost jumped out of bed when I saw my A+, which indicated my exceptional performance and certified me to begin a new journey.

Euphoric, I forwarded the message to my brother. Jhon had written to me to encourage me regardless of the grade I got. A smile crossed my face at his understanding. How could I be so lucky to have an older brother like him? Laughing, I naively waited for the double-check confirmation, but after a few minutes it didn't come.

I thought it was probably because he was in the middle of a mission, but when I read the third message, my body went numb. My throat dried up, and a scream of horror tore through me. The world fell on my shoulders like a slab. I reread the message, hoping it was a joke, a mistake... a nightmare...

From: Admiral Hackket, Commanding Officer, Systems Alliance, Fifth Fleet

To: Mara Shepard

I regret to inform you that your brother, Commander John Shepard, has been killed in combat.

The Normandy SR-1 was brutally attacked by unknown enemies. The ship imploded, and we are unable to locate it as it is outside our jurisdiction, both Alliance and Council. The few survivors were those who managed to contact Arcturus Station. We proceeded to his rescue immediately. Tomorrow there will be an honorary funeral at the Citadel and the official announcement of the death of the First Spectre.

My deepest condolences; your brother was a man of honor, and the galaxy is grateful for his service.

Rest in Peace.

Tears flowed from my eyes without consolation, the biotics enveloped me violently in the face of misfortune and the waves crashed continuously against what was around me, destroying it.

I fell to my knees, exhausted and unable to support my own body. Hugging myself, I dug my nails into my ribs until the pain proved it all true. The compression hit me like a lightning bolt, and crying mingled with cries of pain until I was breathless.

How long was I like this? How long did I cry? Minutes, hours, an entire morning? All I know is that the hiss in the air of a tranquilizer dart fired in my direction was the only thing that lulled me to sleep.

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Another thought, blurry images, unfamiliar faces, bottled noise… There I was, in the middle of a crowd, like a secondary character, simply observing, listening to the empty speeches of politicians who only saw my brother as a badge of honor, something to boast about for their political campaign, and now, dead, only his tragedy would serve to show false empathy.

My hands clenched until they turned an even paler color in an attempt to contain my rage. There was no body to grieve for, only a metal plaque on a soulless monument.

The camera flashes, the drones broadcasting the funeral felt nauseating, a morbid spectacle for the spectators. Tears brimmed in my eyes. I tried to stay hidden, in the farthest place possible. I wouldn't participate in this media circus.

With small convulsions of my trembling body, I leaned against one of the pillars, waiting for this farce to end. Jhon, what would you have done in my place? I thought, imagining my brother's back in front of me. That strong, broad back on which he had carried the weight of the Galaxy without losing his principles along the way.

My mental vision was interrupted by the figure of an older man, with dark skin and kind eyes, who, with a sad smile, had recognized me before the crowd dispersed.

"There are no words I can say to ease your loss, but my deepest condolences," he spoke kindly, to which I only nodded. The tears were stuck in my throat, and if I spoke, I would collapse in an instant. "Shepard... I would want you to have a good place to be, a good life... I'm working for the Council now, and I need a capable secretary. He always bragged about you; he was proud. I know this is something recent, but would you accept my offer?" My gaze turned furious. What was this? Alms?

My voice came out hoarser than expected. “I don't want anything, just my brother!” – I hissed in pain like a poison to be poured into his kind of offered kindness.

“Unfortunately, I can't fulfill your request. I understand your anger… you may think I'm doing this as a commitment, but I've actually reviewed your file. I need capable people on my side, and that way, I can also fulfill the promise I made to your brother.” With a few pats on my shoulder, the man didn't insist. “When you come to your senses, look me up. I'm David Anderson. Ask for me at the embassy.”

Closing my eyes, I dug my nails in an attempt not to turn and insult him. I didn't need his pity or compassion. I'd only ever had one person in the world who cared about me, and he was gone. My brother... my best friend, had been taken from me, and not even politicians would give permission to launch a thorough investigation capable of identifying what had attacked the Normandy.

Breathing deeply, I exhaled and inhaled in counts of 3 to maintain my composure. Opening my eyes, I realized the show was over and I was left alone. Always alone.

With small steps, I approached the monument, my fingers touching the embossed silhouettes where my brother's name was written. I wanted to leave him flowers, but here in the Citadel, everything had to be under permission, and such details mattered little to the aliens.

However, from my pockets I took out petals of his favorite flower, the Geranium, a resistant flower capable of growing in disconcerting places.

Saying a prayer for my brother, hoping his soul would find some kind of comfort, I crossed myself, and after finishing the sign of the cross on his tombstone and on myself, I blew on the different colored petals, which fell one by one in soft strokes to the ground. However, relief didn't come to me; silent tears escaped my eyes... Resting my forehead against the metal plate, I stood there, still, like a statue, not knowing how to resume my life.

It was then that he appeared, just as devastated as I was. The rumble of his subvocals sounded almost inaudible in a trill of pain. His large figure cast a shadow over my body, and his voice, mingled with modulations in a kind of static, filled my ears, drowning out my thoughts.

"This is all crap! Politicians always make this kind of dishonest nonsense.” Without moving my gaze from the monument, my head snapped up, tilting over my shoulder in search of the alien speaking to me. A turian with bluish-gray plates and scales, flecked with silver, adorned on its face with blue markings matching its eyes. I'd never seen him before, but my brother only respected one turian, and his C-Sec uniform confirmed that it was his former crewmate, Garrus Vakarian. “They're playing dumb. It's clear it was the Reapers, but they won't do anything. They're cowards.” His jaws clenched, narrowing near his mouth.

For the first time, a slight smile appeared on my face. “Thank you…” His gaze seemed puzzled by my thanks. “You're the only one who's told the truth here.” With a broken voice, I turned to him.

“I…just want to pay my respects to the Commander. In Palaven, it's shown through the family in a closed ceremony, no... with this theater." His hand nervously stroked his bangs. "What... what have you done before?" he asked, afraid that I would reject his commemorative attempts.

"Pray... on Earth there are different religions. We are Christians." Reaching for my cross-shaped necklace, I took it off and lovingly held it in his direction. His claw, almost trembling, took it carefully. "I'll teach you the prayer... it's a brief consolation for his soul. We also usually place candles and flowers, but... they didn't give me permission," I said with a grimace as I felt his gaze harden and his jaws flutter again, closing in an indignant snort.

"Teach me, please," he said in a whisper, to which I nodded.

In that moment, we were just two strangers, sharing the same feeling of pain and anger bestowed by the loss. I didn't know how important this alien would become to me, nor the bond I would forge at his side.

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The Normandy unit was disbanded, each member of my brother's former crew surrendered and continued their career path.

Dr. Chakwas requested leave to cease working as a war medic, and with that, my hopes of learning alongside her went. In the end, I accepted the position as Anderson's secretary, working near the embassies and above C-Sec.

The days were monotonous, gray, and boring… however, they gradually became more colorful with small interactions. Vakarian would come to me between his breaks from paperwork or when he finished training as a Spectre near the firing range set up for the trainees.

First, it was small talk, criticizing the Alliance and the Human Tribunals, as well as the Council for its inaction. Then came jokes about politics that only the two of us could understand, and then invitations after a tiring day to coffee, though for the Turians, the equivalent was a kind of tea with an earthy, slightly sugary scent.

We both fed off each other, he through how my brother had been his mentor, and I through anecdotes from our childhood. The loss that neither of us could overcome united us in an unhealthy way, yet it felt so right that having his friendship was like a relief from the bitterness, a sweet consolation.

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When did this feeling awaken in me? I had never seen love as something that happened to me. I had always been immersed in my studies, and for some strange reason, although I recognized the attraction between people, there was nothing that drew me to want to share my warmth with them. I simply thought I disliked contact, that my libido was either nonexistent or too low to let hormones guide my life.

My rationality was thrown to the wind by that Turian with blue eyes, as blue as the Arctic and so expressive that you could feel how with a glance they could freeze you or, on the contrary, plunge you into a peaceful sea filled with warmth.

Blue, his blue, became my new favorite color.

My heart fluttered when he was around me, making me feel self-conscious and small. Was it okay for me to feel that way? He had the look of a predator, with hard, sharp lines that would make anyone wonder more than once whether it was wise to get close to him. However, in my eyes, he was an elegant and strong figure, full of contours I would like to explore. I was embarrassed more than once by my own thoughts…

A human and a Turian, it felt irrational, ridiculous even, almost like a bad joke… in fact, we were. In C-Sec, whenever I showed up to look for Garrus, the jokes at our expense were quick to appear.

To some, I was seen as a kind of pet of the enormous Turian, someone who followed his every step as if I would stray if I strayed from his side. To others, the more radical humans, I was an embarrassment to the species. Yet I only showed my friendship toward him; we cared for each other and formed habits. Sometimes we competed on the shooting range, other times we spent evenings at the movies, or simply strolled around the Citadel.

I was too cowardly to confess my true intentions. I tried small hints through gifts, but the Turian either didn't understand them or didn't want to see the signs. Only when I heard from his own mouth that he didn't understand the galaxy-wide obsession with the asari did I realize I had no real chance with him. Garrus Vakarian had indirectly made it clear that he was only interested in his species, and my naive heart shattered.

I should have stayed away from him, protected myself from the love I felt for the Turian, which threatened to overwhelm me... but I needed him so much, as much as breathing, so I clung to the idea that in time, maybe he might become interested in me as more than a friend.

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Was I doing something wrong? My insistence on his touch? Had she come to dislike his? My head was filled with chaotic whispers against me. Garrus Vakarian had disappeared. I had gone to look for him after he left the night shift; it was a custom we had, but even though I waited, he didn't appear. I stood like a statue in the middle of the C-Sec Academy until one of his coworker took pity on me.

Chellick walked over to me as I simply stared at my shoes, embarrassed for standing there like an idiot waiting for someone who I knew had stood me up. His voice cleared his throat to get my attention, causing me to slowly raise my gaze to him.

His plates were also silver-gray, but in this case duller than Garrus's  “Shepard...I shouldn't give you this information, since it is classified outside of our members, but Vakarian has submitted his letter of resignation” he said directly, each of his words burned me.

My gaze clouded. "No... it's not possible, he would have told me," I whispered, fighting the urge to run away.

The Turian simply shook his head. "He's impulsive; once he makes a decision, he sticks to it. He's probably not at the Citadel anymore."

My breath hitched, and as if gripped by panic, I ran off in the direction of Vakarian's apartment without even thanking him for the information.

My lungs burned, my breathing was shallow and labored, my mouth was dry, and the burn of the iron in my throat felt revolting. I don't think I'd ever run that fast in my life... but adrenaline surged through my veins. What Chellick had told me couldn't be true. He wouldn't abandon me, he wouldn't leave me alone, right? I was his best friend, he'd confirmed it... so why didn't he tell me his plans?

I called his apartment countless times, almost burning out the buzzer. An angry Volus was the one who opened the portal for me, I recognized him by his magenta suit, he was Garrus's landlord, whom he had complained about so many times.

- Human, if you have damaged the doorbell, you are going to pay for it out of your pocket - The little being threatened.

"Apartment 237..." I said, almost breathlessly.

The Volus looked at me blankly, but then, his own thirst for money seemed to react. "They dropped it off early this morning. Do you want it? Since you're the first to arrive, I'll let you have it for 1,800 credits, a steal. Of course, if you want me to remove the previous owner's belongings..."

He was about to continue, but in a fit of rage, I silenced him. "I'll take it, I'll take it..." I almost shouted in desperation.

I didn't even need a rental; Jhon had arranged for us to buy an apartment in the Citadel, near the financial district, so we would have a home, but something sickening took hold of me.

Transferring the money with my Omni-Tool, the Volus gave me access to the apartment, so without another word, I headed toward that safe place where I had laughed with the Turian more than once.

As I entered, disgust washed over me. It was emptier than before. Turians didn't bother decorating their homes; military pragmatism was ingrained in their veins, but... it was clear in the smallest details that Garrus Vakarian was gone. His sniper rifle was no longer on his workbench, along with his tools. The police file papers and datapads were gone, leaving the office spotless.

In the kitchen, the dishes and cutlery were still there, but the refrigerator was empty... With my heart in my mouth, I decided to open his room... I had only seen it a few times, but in my obsession with him, I had memorized every detail.

The scale models were still on the shelves, there were the occasional book of military strategies and maneuvers. His Turian bed was made as if still waiting for its owner to lie down, but his special pillow was gone.

Opening the closets, I couldn't find his clothes or the drawers where he kept his armor... He was gone. Falling down on his bed, I checked my messages in case Garrus had written to me, but after repeatedly refreshing the page, the inbox was still empty.

And how did I face reality? I simply curled up in a ball, breaking down and crying like a child. Where was he? Where had he gone? Why? Why was he doing this to me? Did he wonder if it would hurt me? Did he really care, or was it all my imagination deluding myself?

Intrusive thoughts attacked me in constant waves, turning me into my own worst enemy.

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I didn't give up; I persisted in every address I could to unearth information about the Turian's whereabouts. I went to the Palaven embassy to file a missing person report, but they didn't take me seriously. I wasn't a direct relative; in the eyes of the Hierarchy, I was nothing to Garrus Vakarian, and the Turian himself was the one who had submitted his letter of resignation, so they told me to stop looking for him.

They treated me like I was a nuisance, a fly stuck to their scales, like I was the reason he was gone…I secretly blamed myself for this. Maybe Vakarian noticed my more than friendly feelings for him and instead of being forced to reject his former mentor's sister and hurt her, he preferred to go far away, put a stop to it.

In the end, as a desperate measure, I hacked into the C-Sec system and gained access to the Vakarian family files. The ID with the contact of Garrus's father I burned into the Omni-tool. I had only seen him in person once...at Garrus's mother's funeral...

It was I who managed to convince my stubborn Turian to travel to Palaven to see his mother, who was deteriorating more and more every day due to a lethal illness.

Garrus had managed to spend the last few days with her, able to say goodbye and make promises. When he called me in the early morning, the pain in his subvocals woke me up, the news of his mother's death chilled me, and startled, I ran out to book the first flight to Palaven. He insisted I didn't need to go to the trouble of going, but I couldn't leave him alone.

Garrus had been at my brother's funeral, and I wanted to be there for him. I was the only human in that cemetery filled with leafy trees, and when I went to pay my respects through a text written in Palavenix, with a kind of charcoal, which would later be tied to the thin branches that reminded me of a willow, I was also the only one whose tribute Castis Vakarian reviewed. He shamelessly opened the text and read my message, thanking Alanna for bringing her son to the Galaxy and regretting not having had time to get to know her, but still hoping that her journey to the Spirits would be guided with warmth toward the stars.

His scrutinizing gaze was cold, despite having the same eye color as Garrus, I did not notice an iota of kindness in Castis...I almost felt like he was judging me with his gaze, drilling me in place before reluctantly tying it to one of the weakest and lowest branches...as if he did not want my message to reach his wife's spirit.

At that moment, I also knew I couldn't be part of Garrus's life as anything more than a rare interspecies friendship. With a broken heart, I decided to call the fearsome Castis. His relationship with his son had deteriorated when Garrus decided to combine his work in C-Sec with training the Spectres, and they barely spoke to each other.

They were both stubborn enough not to give in. With a sigh, I dressed myself as best I could, and with my trembling hand I pressed the button that would initiate the call. One ring, two rings… three. It seemed he wouldn't accept a call from a stranger, but finally, that older Turian with his hard features and judgmental gaze appeared on my interface.

“Sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Vakarian...but I can't locate your son”, I said politely and trying not to sound fragile in my voice.

“Neither you nor the spirits know where it is. I was informed of his resignation letter from C-Sec, as was your intrusion into the Turian embassy to demand answers. You, Humans, don't know where the line between species is," he scolded me authoritatively.

I remained silent, holding back tears. "I'm just… worried… please," My voice was whispered with the reflected sadness I felt in my heart.

His jaws moved harshly, and a silence grew between us, becoming uncomfortable. His cold gaze fixed on my glassy eyes. "He's fine… He's an indomitable stubborn creature, but I raised him to survive. He's probably on a journey to declare his rebellion to the entire System," Castis said more gently, as if he knew I was going to break down at any moment. "Since...his fate seems important, I'll let you know if I hear of his whereabouts." The Old Turian sighed in resignation.

"Thank you," I said through tears as the call disconnected.

This was all I could do; my resources were limited, and yet, unwilling to touch the money my brother had left me, I invested the credits from my salary in a private detective, who was unable to locate the Turian.

Garrus had become a ghost, knowing perfectly well how to cheat the system and go unnoticed.

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The color in my life disappeared, my personality faded like a candle, I was an empty shell wandering the places where I had shared time with the Turian. Completely alone, I clung to any small memory of our 6 months together...In such a short time, Garrus had stuck in my heart like a bullet, and there was no patch that could stop the bleeding or alleviate my loneliness.

Sitting in the parks near my brother's memorial, I gazed at the monument with sadness. Jhon…had always been a star, shining with his own light and attracting people with his natural grace….Instead, I compared myself more to a planet orbiting in search of the warmth of the stars…I thought Garrus would be my kind of blue star, one that would admit me into its orbit if only out of compassion.

However, I was wrong; now I was a wandering planet, orphaned, devoid of warmth and thrown into the void of interstellar space…A cosmic ghost that no one wanted and no one cared about.

The silhouettes of two women met my gaze. Squinting my eyes I was able to recognize Doctor Chakwas and a young woman with black hair, light skin and blue eyes who was wearing an elegant suit that highlighted her figure.

"Mara Shepard, humanity needs you," the young woman said firmly, to which I simply snorted and rolled my eyes. "I'm Miranda Lawson, we have a project at hand, the Lazarus Project," she said even more seriously.

"Mara, the first thing I'm going to tell you is... you don't have to accept this. We can make progress without using you," said Dr. Chakwas, disagreeing with her companion.

"Talk," I said in a voice devoid of emotion.

"We've found your brother. We're trying to bring him back to life with our experimental technology, but... it's expensive and the process is slow. If we had the genetic comparison and tissue extracts from your organs directly, it would be more than viable," the black-haired woman continued professionally.

"So... you want me to be the guinea pig in the experiment," I said slowly, to which they both nodded.

I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking about how I had no place in the world… Sometimes intrusive thoughts won, and I would wound myself, searching for some kind of feeling. The cuts on my wrists stung beneath the fabric of my dress, reminding me that I no longer valued my existence. 

"Fine…I'll do it…you can keep whatever you want of me, if it means bringing my brother back." My gaze widened to see her bewilderment. They probably thought they'd have to convince me, offer me conditions or guarantees to get me to accept their crazy idea, but feeling like an empty shell, I was already dead in life.

"If You survive, as a thank you, we'll include biotic enhancements…or if there's something you're interested in, we can adapt it. We have different formulas that have yielded positive results." Miranda's voice sounded distantly around me, but I wasn't paying attention anymore.

Let them do whatever they wanted with me. Getting up from the stone bench, I walked toward my brother's monument as both women followed me. 

My forehead rested on my brother's name... John, this was going to be my goodbye. There were no more tears; they had dried in despair, but what remained of my humanity, of my feelings, I would tear them away to give them to you.

For you, my dear brother...I would do anything.

—————End Flashback—————

I could still remember their faces, their smiles, as if my mind had become sober only around two names, which meant everything to me. My scream was drowned out by waters that burned my lungs.

My body twisted as I felt the air no longer being supplied. That was it, that was it. They were done with me. I was no longer of any use to Cerberus and would be discarded. I had lived repeating the same moments in an infinite loop; it was what had kept me alive... but I was already tired. I lived in a phantom world of old memories, living through the pain of a past life only to know that my brother would return without having to bear my burden.

Despite being suspended in a strange liquid, I could sometimes clearly hear what they were saying through the capsule. The Lazarus project had been a complete success, so I could rest in peace. I would never bother anyone with my presence again.

Accepting my fate, I didn't even struggle to breathe; I accepted the liquid flooding my nostrils, traveling through my respiratory tract, burning in the process, and settling in my lungs. I know exactly when to leave, when to give up... so I only wish you Godspeed, brother. Godspeed, Garrus, Godspeed Galaxia... because my work is done.

Peace and happiness had been so elusive... that death was a consolation.

 Shatter—Shatter—Shatter—Shatter

Someone smashed my prison until it shattered, violently pounding my chest until the water was expelled and the wailing sound of my breathing filled the room. 

"Mara! Mara!" My brother's voice filled my unconsciousness... Was it a dream? "What the hell have you done to her, you sons of bitches?" I could only hear, unable to react, unable to reach that voice I had missed so much.

"It was voluntary, her own decision. Your sister knew which of the two Shepards was the important one!" I knew that voice... that arrogant woman's voice. Miranda was here too. "Besides, she's alive, although if we don't get out of here, we'll all die." An alarming declaration.

I felt like something was covering my body, enveloping me in warmth. My brother was cursing as he carried me, I could feel his arms, I could feel his breath and as if I was saturated with the sensations, my body disconnected, leaving me in the dark.

And yet, in that darkness, I was looking for my blue star, always blue

Chapter Text

John Shepard

I wasn't prepared for this. Anger and duty overlapped, making it difficult for me to trust the crew Cerberus had provided me with. That they had used my sister as an organ center was repulsive... what they had done to her... the deterioration and trauma they had inflicted on her fragile body indicated what these extremists were: monsters, who, for the sake of evolution and the preservation of humanity in the Galaxy, were willing to commit the most atrocious experiments.

My gaze fell on the figure of my sister lying on the gurney... Mara had been unconscious for four days. Dr. Chakwas had been in charge of reviewing the clinical history and exploring the damage caused, but her analysis was not more encouraging.

She was all skin and bones; the lack of nutrients had almost dried out her skin, indicating the severe anorexia she suffered from. Furthermore, she was missing her floating ribs… The Lazarus Project needed my skeletal configuration, and the easiest way to replicate it was through the direct extraction of compatible genetic material, which meant removing those bones that a human being could do without. They didn't settle for that; parts of her liver, lungs, spleen, intestine, wisdom teeth, areas of epithelial tissue, stem cells, bone marrow… had been dissected, justifying them by claiming they were body parts that could regenerate. In short, they had obtained from her everything they wanted.

I was rebuilt through my sister, and right now, I felt disgust every time I looked in the mirror, wondering which parts belonged to my sister and which organs had been replicated inside her like a farm.

I extended my hand to caress her cheek, the scars were deep and spread throughout her body like a map that highlighted the torture suffered...the Doctor had assured me that with time Mara could recover and that with an improvement to the medical bay the scars could be treated until they were completely eliminated, but to do so I would have to probe planets in search of resources... Specifically, 50,000 platinum was required to carry out the reform, but it was a significant expense that I was more than willing to bear. do. I didn't want Mara to be frightened by her appearance when she woke up.

The infirmary door opened, revealing Miranda, a woman with cold eyes and dull empathy. I hadn't made the effort to get to know her after exploring the Human Colony christened Progress to Freedom... On this mission, Cerberus had wanted to show me the disappearance of the colonists and why they had gone to so much effort, spending millions to bring me back to life.

It had been hard to watch; there were no signs of fighting or life, just a ghost town… A quarian survivor, Veetor, was the only one who could shed any light on this strange event that was threatening humanity. The poor fellow was so terrified that he'd gone hysterical, activating drones and combat robots against anyone who tried to approach his shelter, including the quarian rescue team led by Tali, my former crewmate.

It had been a relief to meet someone from my past again, although I had had to convince her that it was the real me, not a Cerberus clone. Apparently, during my two years of death, this organization had been busy making more alien enemies, given Tali's distrust of me for being associated with them, even temporarily.

The reason I disliked Miranda so much was because of how she acted. First, she justified Cerberus's attack on one of the quarian ships; second, she was hostile toward Veetor; and third, as soon as she learned that the survivor had managed to scan the Collectors and record the kidnapping via security cameras, she directly suggested dragging him to Cerberus for interrogation.

The quarians were a fragile race, they had lost their home planet to the machines they created and turned against them, the Geth. They currently resided on ancient frigates, ships some 300 years old that were their homes, but that isolated lifestyle had made them prone to infections and viral environments, so they lived in specialized protective suits. Every wound they received could cost them their lives, and even eating food was an ordeal for them, because they had to ensure it was disinfected.

Bringing Veetor with Cerberus would only have meant death for him, enmity with Tali and the entire quarian fleet, plus it was immoral to hand him over to him, which is why I had decided that Veetor would leave and only send us a copy of the data, analysis and recordings obtained, which had earned me a frown accompanied by a scathing comment from Miranda.

"Shepard, I remind you that we're not here to waste time. You should focus on going directly to Omega to recruit Doctor Mordin Solus; not exploring the Omega Nebula and its systems for construction materials and anomalies." Her voice was directed with superiority, as if she were better than the rest. "We need to know exactly what these swarms of insects are that are paralyzing our colonists. We must find a way to counteract it in order to progress with the research and save the Colonies." This time, when she spoke to me, she wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"You're just repeating something I already know," I said wearily. "We're launching probes to upgrade the med bay. As you can see, I also have scars and haven't fully recovered, but I appreciate your suggestion," I tried to sound diplomatic.

"Then you'll be happy to know I've obtained the material through a trusted distributor. By the time we're finished recruiting the Doctor, the upgrade will already be installed." She crossed her arms, lifting her bust in an attempt to flirt. "Is it convincing enough for you to get to work?" I caught the double meaning of her words, but ignored it. I would never look at someone who subscribed to the principles of Cerberus, and no matter how attractive their appearance was, physical appearance wasn't the most important thing to me.

Ignoring her, I called Edi, the ship's artificial intelligence. "Edi, tell Jacob to get ready, we'll dock at the Omega space station. Joker, embark on the route” I loudly ordered my best friend, who was in charge of piloting the ship and not blowing us up.

Kissing my sister's forehead, I left the bay, avoiding contact with Miranda. I was eager to find a new crew that was separate from this damned organization. I didn't feel comfortable with Jacob and Miranda on my assault team…and not trusting someone watching your back on a mission was an indicator that your life was in danger.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

Omega…it was anything but pretty. The station was dirty, and danger loomed around every corner. As soon as we arrived, a Salarian had tried to scam us, but one of Aria's thugs, the local leader, had scared him off. This kind of kindness in the reception was merely a formality to let me know she wanted to meet me. She would surely look for ways to compromise my image and blackmail me or try to get me to participate in her illegal activities.

Whatever the case, my main mission was to gain access to the residential area and find Doctor Solus. The good news was that Zaaed, a tough-looking mercenary with a scar framing his artificially gray eye socket and extending across part of his cheek, was waiting for us at the entrance. He was an older man with a temper problem, which at first glance had indicated he wasn't a person to break deals with. We met him just as he was beating up a batarian criminal. Not that his violent behavior would help me trust him, but at least as a mercenary, he'd be at my command without question.

So, as soon as we introduced ourselves, I made sure to switch Miranda for Zaeed, claiming I wanted to see how he handled himself in action. Jacob, for the time being, would stay on the team. Being a soldier and having a certain amount of respect for me, at least he didn't debate my decisions or give me a dirty look, which was appreciated.

Heading toward the residential area, Edi warned us that her analysis of the communications had detected that the place had been closed due to some kind of plague.

Puzzled, I went to speak to what looked like a guard—one of Aria's thugs who had a slightly more honest job, if you could call it that. The armed turian was blocking the way to a human woman, who seemed quite angry.

“I'm human, you piece of donkey! Humans cannot be infected, the plague does not affect us! So let me take my things!" the woman shouted, losing her patience.

The guard grew restless, thrusting his rifle forward in a sort of unspoken threat. “I said no! This pest affects one in two species! We're not going to risk it. No one enters until the plague has ended” his jaws tensed forward causing his tone of voice to be more powerful.

"So we can't go in?" I intervened, gaining both their attentions.

“Exactly, you can't enter, I'm actually doing this human a favor. Everyone who enters either dies from the plague or at the hands of the gangs. They are fighting for territory” he argued, tired of this situation.

"I didn't know there was a police force on Omega, but it's something interesting to see. Who imposed the quarantine?" I asked, knowing the answer.

"Fresh off the transport, huh? Aria T'Loak is the one who runs the show here," he used a human expression, which amused me somewhat. "She has her little blue hands in every business in this district... And, a plague is bad for blue business” So Aria was an asari I thought to myself, making a mental note. "She's hired guards to prevent anyone from entering or leaving the quarantine zone."

"I'll be the exception. There's a salarian, Doctor Mordin Solus. I need to find him," I informed him.

"The Doctor? That damn bastard opened a medical center in the district a few months ago. The Blue Suns aren't too happy about having him, but now they say Mordin is trying to eradicate the plague. Hopefully he'll be lucky, but the area is still closed. Our orders are to wait until either the plague or the Blue Suns kill everyone, and then clean up." His gun pointed at me, just to emphasize what he'd said.

"Listen, this could take weeks, and you definitely don't want to be here," I tried to persuade. "What you need is for this problem to be resolved right now, and I can take care of it. Let me in, and I'll put the District in order," I assured him.

"You think you can fix it, huh?" The Turian considered it, then gave a casual shrug. "You can do it yourself. Anyway, the quarantine is to keep people from going out. I'll give the radio alert."

"Wait, you stop me and let them in? You son of a bitch!" the woman, who had been a spectator of our entire conversation, complained and insulted.

"You don't have a grenade launcher, ma'am. Go away!" His jaws opened, revealing his sharp teeth, to which the woman screamed in fear and then ran away. After all, it had only been 27 years since the First Contact War between Turians and Humans, too recent for some to forget our differences and the terror they caused.

The Turians became the monsters of children's stories, characterized by their claws, scales, and sharp teeth resembling a large reptile... Mom used to tell us about them when we misbehaved and didn't want to go to sleep, I remembered with some sadness.

With a gesture to my team, I entered the residential area. The guards didn't cause any problems, didn't even look at us, just held their positions behind the barricade they had set up.

Continuing forward, another Turian wished us luck and warned us to be careful. The gang war was between the Blue Suns and the Blood Pack, so anyone not in their group would be immediately shot.

Just as we passed the area not guarded by Aria's Guards, two members of the Blue Suns turned to fire. My shields were raised. I quickly ran toward one of them, ready to charge at him while Jacob and Zaeed covered my back, firing at the other enemy.

My body collided with his, my fist slamming into his helmet until it cracked, destabilizing it with the force. With the enemy on the ground, I fired at the damaged area, a single shot to the head being enough to kill him. Turning to my companions, I noticed the body of the other criminal lying on the ground, viscous blood spreading across the surface. Moans alerted us, causing us to adopt a combat stance. I was in front while Zaeed and Jacob flanked me.

However, what alerted us was only a sick Batarian. I tried to help him despite his distrust, administering medigel. The guy wasn't a big fan of humans, like his entire species. He hated us too, but it wasn't in my nature to let a civilian die. Besides, we now knew where the Doctor's Clinic was... his kind of gratitude had translated into giving us directions to find it.

Getting back on track, I prioritized saving civilians, so every time we found a closed door, I proceeded to bypass it to gain access inside. A few times I encountered unpleasant scenes. The Blue Suns had forced the civilian population to lock themselves in, leaving them to die of hunger or disease... some of them had tried to escape, leaving their claws or nails on the ground. Truly inhumane...

My stomach clenched with apprehension, at least I would make sure to avenge their deaths I thought as with renewed spirit we continued advancing through the almost labyrinthine corridors.

When we came across a barricade, I took advantage of my stealth and ordered Zaaed to throw a grenade in their direction. The object landed between them with a soft plop.

Not understanding where the threat was coming from, they tried to disperse, but it was too late. The grenade pulverized them in a blazing fire, leaving us with a clear path.

This time, when I bypassed one of the doors, I was able to find a human marriage. It was a miracle they were still alive, so since the path was clear, I offered to accompany them to the clinic. Being able to find a way to save even just two people had made the efforts worthwhile.

Once inside the clinic, I discovered that Doctor Solus was quite talkative, lost in his monologues. I didn't know if this was typical of his species or just him. Salarians tended to speak quickly; their minds seemed to travel faster than their mouths.

Empathically, I tried to reassure him…

“Relax, Mordin. I’m Commander Shepard, and I’ve come to find you. I have a very important mission, and I need your help.” For a moment, I seemed to capture the orange-skinned salarian’s attention.

“Mission? What mission? No. I’m too busy! The medical center is barely staffed. The plague is spreading too quickly. Who sent you?” His accelerated voice was difficult to follow.

“Cerberus, a secret, privately funded human group.” Speak honestly.

“Why are they interested?" he asked himself, not letting me intervene. "The plague doesn't affect humans. Human-centric interest? Few humans know about me... Your presence and equipment suggest military origins. It's not Alliance standard. And the Council's specters aren't human at the moment. Only one option remains... There's something terrifying you. I thought Cerberus only dealt with humans..." he trailed off.

"We're losing colonies. The Collectors are taking out entire human populations; we don't know their purpose. We must discover why and stop them," I explained to give coherence to his thoughts.

“Collectors? Interesting. The plague that plagues the slums is artificial, the collectors are one of the few groups with the technology to engineer it.” He put his hand to his mouth, thinking. "I'll help, but first we must stop the plague. I almost have the cure. I must distribute it to the environmental control center. The Vorcha are watching. You must kill them.” His gaze fixed on me, assessing my reaction to his request.

“I’ll take care of them. It doesn’t seem like there’s any dialogue with the Blood Pack,” I admitted. In the short time we’d traveled inside, I’d only seen the Vorcha—an alien race with pointed teeth, fur reminiscent of an Egyptian cat, and slanted, murderous eyes—as a potential threat. However, a noise interrupted our conversation.

The enemy had decided to cut us off. Mordin became frantic as he explained his hypothesis. In his opinion, the Vorcha had decided to shut down the environmental systems with the intention of killing all the survivors in the residential area, so he asked us to hurry and help before the population suffocated.

Typing through terminals and combining unknown substances, the Doctor hurriedly configured the cure for the artificial plague.

He also told us that his assistant had gone out in search of survivors, but hadn't returned, and the situation was getting worse. Too many sick, too many wounded, few supplies, and only one Doctor. While the Salarians didn't need much sleep, Mordin probably hadn't slept a wink since this plague started, I thought to myself as I felt the strain he'd been suffering.

To reassure him, I promised to find his assistant and also informed him about the sick Batarian near the entrance so they could go and collect him. The area was clear; we'd taken care of eliminating the Blue Suns members who had blocked our way, so it would be safe to go after him.

Storing the vial inside one of the armored compartments of my armor, I signaled my team to resume the mission. Exiting through the back door of the clinic, we climbed the stairs to an open area where the Blood Pack had built barricades.

The Vorcha were well equipped; some of them carried flamethrowers while others were positioned on the sides in elevated areas with submachine guns pointed at our position.

Raising my right hand into a fist, I signaled my team to pay attention. I used gestures to give the appropriate orders without being noticed. My teammates stood still as they watched my signals.

Opening my palm, I indicated the number of enemies and then extended my arm downwards in an implicit order for them to take cover. Both Zaeed and Jacob positioned themselves, waiting for my signal to attack.

Sighting the Vorcha's backpack with the flamethrower through my assault rifle, I selected the magazine with incendiary ammunition. The shot resonated through the air with a hiss that hit the metal, and within seconds, the incendiary effect caused the cylinders containing the flamethrower's chemical formula to explode, killing three of the gathered enemies.

In the chaos, Zaeed used his concussion munitions to knock down the enemies and prevent them from dispersing, while Jacob used his biotic powers to attract the straggling Vorcha who were rushing in at the sound of the explosion.

Seeking to target their torsos or heads, the three of us opened fire until the waves of enemies were annihilated. Waiting for a few seconds under cover, I least expected that there were Krogan among the Blood Pack.

This alien species was characterized by its hard shell and biotic abilities, boasting overwhelming resilience and regeneration. We had to combine disruptive and cryogenic munitions and boost our shields to take them down. I truly hoped we wouldn't have to face more of this type of aliens.

However, the Blood Pack had other plans. No matter how far we advanced, they outnumbered us and came in waves as if they didn't fear for their lives. More than once, I ran out of ammunition and had to move across the battlefield between cover to take advantage of the fallen enemy's ammunition.

Without letting them slow us down, we advanced carefully to the second floor, where the sounds of a shouted threat caught my attention. In an attack position, I opened the door while Zaeed and Jacob were stationed to the sides. Inside, three angry Batarians were threatening a young human; this must be Daniel, Mordin's assistant.

Making myself known, I entered the room, aiming for the head of the Batarian holding the poor boy.

"Don't move! One more step and we'll kill your friend! We know humans are spreading the plague! These vials prove it," the alien spoke in a threatening tone.

Trying to calm the situation, I spoke in a level voice. “I know there's fear, of the Vorcha, of the plague… But it's not this boy's fault. Think about it, if it's true that he's spreading the virus, why would he enter Vorcha territory? Remember, they're immune too,” I explained. Their arms began to weaken, causing them to slowly lower their weapons.

“You're…right. Ummm…if we release this human, will you let us go?” he asked hesitantly.

“I give you my word.”

The Batarian moved completely away from the boy and ordered his companions to retreat. Seeing them sheath their weapons, I lowered mine to show them that I wouldn't betray our agreement. With some suspicion, they passed between us until they fled the place.

Doctor Mordin's assistant nervously thanked us for saving him. I told him how to return to the clinic and warned him of the condition and the need for his presence to help the sick.

Crossing off one of the mission objectives, I collected the remaining vials containing the cure, and we headed back toward our main objective: finding the ventilation control area.

More enemies stood in our way. We couldn't talk to them; they simply opened fire upon seeing us, so we were forced to finish them off. The strangest thing was when we accessed the control center.

There, a Vorcha who appeared to be the leader spoke with such resentment and hatred toward my species that it was incomprehensible.

"You don't come here! We break the ventilators! Everyone suffocates and dies! Then, the Collectors, make us strong!" he spoke with complete incoherence, as if his mind was rotten. "We'll kill you first!"

Before he could finish speaking, I pulled the trigger, sending the bullet piercing his head. If they were willing to collaborate with the Collectors, there was no need to show compassion towards them.

Despite their numbers, their attack methods were basic and organized in small groups, which made it easy for us to eliminate them in record time.

We had to turn on all three ventilators and inject the cure into each one to finish our job... I hadn't expected to have to go into combat as soon as we entered Omega, but it seems that in this place, it was a friendly way to build a reputation.

At the very least, this would make it easier for Aria T'Loki to give me information about Archangel, a vigilante Cerberus had put on my recruitment list and who would be my next target.

Returning to the clinic, I made sure Doctor Solus gathered everything necessary and finished treating the patients before escorting him to our ship. He would be a valuable asset, unrelated to Cerberus, so I wanted him to analyze my sister's exams and medical charts. Between him and Dr. Chakwas, maybe they could shed some light on what had happened to her.

Mara

My body felt numb, unable to control my limbs, not even the tips of my toes, as if they were frozen. The light reflecting off my eyelids caused uncomfortable reddish, bluish, and purple hues to glow, bothering me. Trying to open my eyes, I blinked abruptly in rapid, continuous movements until I managed to peel my eyelashes away from my waterline.

An almost clinical white light momentarily blinded me, and my lips parted in an attempt to scream in panic. Had my brother's voice been a dream? Was I still on an operating table? Had the anesthesia worn off and was I waking up while they dissected my body? This had happened more than once, and instead of anesthetizing me again, the doctors simply chained me to the operating table while letting me, screaming, fall unconscious from the pain.

Tears pricked my eyes, and I tried to move my head, but I didn't have the strength to hold it up. In the end, I was tilted to one side, my hair spreading over my eyes like a protective blanket.

A woman's hand brushed my hair back, gathering it and tucking it behind my ear. Miranda's blue eyes scanned me while her face wore a smile.

"Dr. Chakwas! She's awake!" she shouted, causing the sound of a chair being moved across the floor to resonate.

"Good morning, Mara... You're in luck. I just finished repairing your scars a few hours ago," she said as she approached me with some kind of tool. My eyes widened in panic, and my body trembled "Sh...sh... calm down, it's just an ophthalmoscope. I need to check your eyes and see if you have a concussion," she tried to reassure myself.

Miranda stroked my cheek and then tilted my head straight, trying to make it easier for the doctor to perform the exam. The light shone in my eyes, making me squint. "Can you talk?" she asked me as a distraction.

I licked my cracked, dry lips... my throat was burning, and swallowing felt like eating sandpaper. I tried to vocalize “J…o..Jhon”,  I stammered with difficulty.

"Your brother is fine. He's on a mission right now, but I'm sure he'll be back soon. You know? You have something in common. You don't like me," Miranda said with some sadness. Honestly... I should thank her. Her arrogant voice sometimes echoed next to the tank where I was being exposed... and more than once I'd heard how she was the one who had stopped the scientists from cutting me into pieces. It's likely because of her intervention that I was still here alive.

"Mhmmm... there doesn't seem to be any serious damage, but there is a slight concussion. You should rest and avoid running around the ship. I don't even think you can move yet," Dr. Chakwas walked away and came back with a datapad.

"The diagnosis indicates that you still have internal injuries and that there are bones that need to finish healing. It's almost a miracle that I don't have to keep you alive through artificial assistance. The regeneration formula based on Krogan biology is amazing," she indicated with some surprise.

“I don't want you to make efforts or punish your body more than it already is”her voice sounded like that of a worried mother... The Doctor was probably regretting not having been able to persuade me not to participate in the project.

With the push of a button, the stretcher rocked, raising the part that allowed me to stay upright. It was now easier to look at the women around me—they moved cautiously around me, making no sudden movements that might alert me.

My eyes seemed to have been modified to see better, while my ears now picked up every slightest sound. This last bit made me smile. I was able to pick up the frequencies emitted by the machine monitoring my vital signs, and in a way, it made me feel euphoric.

The only modification I had requested from the Illusive Man in order for them to use my body was to adapt my ears to a higher frequency. Ever since I discovered that turians made sounds when they spoke that indicated their mood, I had wanted to be able to hear Garrus, to understand him, to be able to tune into him so I wouldn't feel so different from his kind.

Thinking about him was like being punched in the stomach. Even though he'd abandoned me, my heart still felt like we'd be reunited, that he'd seek me out... but that was just my naiveté. My body slumped forward, and a pitiful moan escaped my lips as tears spilled over. The state of stasis had only frozen my body in time, yet in my mind, only three months had passed since the Turian had broken me.

“Do you have pain?” the doctor asked, approaching again. The sound of something being manipulated in her pocket made me look at her. She now held a syringe between her fingers. I wanted to step back, but Miranda was already at my side, preventing me from falling to the ground. "It's just morphine... I'm not going to inject it directly into you, see?"

Going to the dropper, the Doctor pressed the tip of the needle against the line that connected me to the serum. The drip of the new cold substance made my veins throb and an unpleasant burning sensation settled in my body. "It's an unpleasant sensation, I know, but in a few seconds you won't be in pain," she said as she stroked my hair.

"Do you want to see yourself?" Miranda asked as she walked away to get a mirror. However, her action was interrupted as the medbay doors opened, revealing my brother along with an old-looking, orange-skinned Salarian.

John froze until he was able to react to the sight of me awake. His arms stretched forward in an attempt to reach my body more quickly, while his steps hurried with a force in their inertia that indicated he would devastate anyone who dared to get in his way.

His hair was shaved in a typical crew cut, and his right cheek bore a deep, jagged scar that looked painful. However, his blue eyes, like clouds in a storm, showed affection and joy in contrast to his harsh features.

"Minion, you're awake!" His calling me by my nickname made the corners of my mouth lift in a sort of drugged smile. His protective embrace enveloped my body, making me feel safe. "When you're better... just know that you won't be free from my scoldings!" he whispered as he kissed my cheek.

I wanted to speak, to tell him how much I'd missed him, but my voice wouldn't come out; it came out like a croak, and that only made him more worried. "Are you okay?" His gaze left me as he focused on Doctor Chakwas.

"It's the aftereffects of being in stasis for so long. You have to be patient," she explained.

The Salarian approached us, his large, black-scleral eyes shining intelligently on his face. "Stasis? I see... Impaired movement, weak limbs, possible dehydration," he began quickly.

"I don't recommend moving; the vertigo is a residual effect that could cause re-injury. The datapad provided indicated broken bones that hadn't healed and organs in the process of regenerating. A normal human can't survive these injuries, so...genetic modification? Interesting, the records don't specify what they used. I'll have to run tests, analyses, tissue extraction...comparatives!" Emotion seeped into his voice as my body tensed and tried to make myself smaller in an attempt to disappear into my brother's strong arms.

"Mordin, no experiments!" Jhon said rudely. "You'll have to base your work on the evidence we have. We'll get the comparisons from the medical records at Memorial Hospital in the Citadel. And only if Mara wants, will you be able to take new samples," he argued, causing the Salarian to close his eyes and sigh in disappointment.

Doctor Chakwas gathered a series of reports and signaled the alien to leave the medical bay. Probably whatever they had to talk about me, they didn't want me to hear it.

Miranda was undecided about what to do, but in the end, she chose to follow the doctors to leave my brother and me alone.

"J..hon," I said in a strangled voice as I tried to cling to his back. My arms wouldn't respond, and my hands could barely form into fists. The helplessness made me cry again, desperate for not being able to provide that hug I had longed for.

“Eh, no effort, okay?” As if he knew what I was looking for, he gently rubbed my back in a reassuring gesture. "You'll give me one of those limpet hugs when you're okay," his comment made me laugh.

When I was little, I always clung to my brother, even when he had to leave to do some work for the gang. All I did was hug his legs until he finally decided to take me with him.

"I...I love you." Being stubborn, I at least wanted to express how I felt. His eyes clouded over, becoming brighter. A single tear rolled down his cheek, escaping the self-control imposed by his military training.

“I love you too, Mara, you're my little sister, stubborn, clumsy, generous and loyal, you've always been like this and I'm not going to be able to change you” pausing briefly, Jhon stroked my hair in a gesture that served to calm himself down “Please, don't do something crazy like this again, ever, do you understand?” I nodded gently knowing the internal debate my brother was going through at this moment, I didn't want to unhinge him.

“I have to go, we're missing a team member and I have to locate him in Omega. As soon as I get back, I'll come see you, okay?” I wanted to joke, tell him that I couldn't move from the stretcher and that I wasn't going anywhere but I could only make a strange noise like a cat being run over which made my brother smile.

“Maybe I'll have to buy you one of those pet thingies, you know, you press the button and it says: food, walk, play... It might come in handy”, he joke lightly, regaining years of age.

My eyes rolled back. Right now, the only way I could communicate was through my eyes, but that only made John laugh harder. In the end, I smiled for having made my brother regain his smile. With one last kiss on my forehead, John said goodbye, leaving me alone in the infirmary.

At least now I could close my eyes and stop thinking about what kind of cruel things they would do to me. Even though Dr. Chakwas was kind and Mordin seemed like a professional, right now, I wanted to stay as far away from them as possible. Anything related to doctors and scientists made my body tense and panic.

I would just wait quietly for my brother… From now on, everything would get better, I thought with the optimism I hadn't allowed myself to feel in years.

Garrus

I'd been trapped in this damn place for two weeks, having to retreat in search of a good position that would give me an advantage against the enemy. Luckily for me, the bridge across the way was narrow and from the second floor, it gave me a clear view of the enemy.

I had quickly blocked the doors, the side entrances, and the suburban entrances thanks to my technological skill. It would take those bastards a while to surround me! I aimed my sniper scope and watched as they prepared to send another squad of rookies as cannon fodder.

It was quite an achievement to have gotten all of Omega's scumbags to agree to hunt me down. The worst of the Galaxy was gathered in one place with one goal: to kill me... but before they managed to do that, I'd take a couple of bastards with me to hell.

Slowing my heart rate, I paused for a moment before aiming for a mercenary's head. The poor fool had peeked out from his cover too far and had served as a warning to the members of the next patrol.

I watched as, startled, they grew more courageous, running across the bridge in a desperate attempt to reach me. With each shot to their heads, I was reminded of all the people I'd lost since leaving my post at C-Sec…

At first, I'd just quit my job and thought I'd come to Omega for a week to see how a lawless city, without bureaucracy or paperwork, worked, but what I found was disgusting. On my first day, I got into trouble with Eclipse's gang; they were extorting a turian family, and I couldn't help but interfere. That day was what sealed my fate.

Eclipse, having lost three members to my clutches, had put a price on my head, which prevented me from returning to the Citadel. They had reached some sort of agreement with Aria, the queen of Afterlife, and Omega, to cancel flights, preventing non-gang members from entering or leaving the interstate station for a few months... or else paying a price too high for someone on a regular salary.

Trapped in this place, I finally decided to clean up the streets. It was through small actions that I was able to attract more people, tired of gang violence and terror, to my cause. Almost all of them were ex-military or ex-C-Sec members... and before I knew it, I was already up to my neck in this shit.

For the first three months, I couldn't communicate with anyone from my previous life. The mercenaries were looking for any kind of clue that could lead them to me or my family, so I forced myself to live like a ghost.

When we found Brett, a Batarian expert in encrypted communication, I tried to reconnect with my sister, Solana, and Mara... but the latter seemed to have blocked me. The messages did not reach her, worried I tried to get Solana to contact my former C-Sec colleagues in case they had any type of information, however, what he discovered left me cold.

Guilt ate away at me... According to Chellick, the only thing they'd found of the little human was her shoes in front of the bridge leading to the gardens for the fallen. She'd committed suicide... and I was facing a similar situation. On a bridge like a barrier that wouldn't last much longer until a bullet hit me, pure poetry.

Remembering her smile adorned with her small reddish lips, I held my breath and set my next goal; If I hadn't been so impulsive, the result would have been the same? I wondered as I took aim again. If I hadn't come to Omega, would the people who allied with me still be alive? Another burst of gunfire hit my targets; Am I the problem? The last bullet from the chamber rocketed out, hitting a Salarian in the forehead. From the scope, I watched with delight as the life drained from his eyes, one less…I thought to myself.

Agilely reloading the weapon, I calmed my breathing again. I needed to focus on the second wave of fools who dared to cross my path. However, something made my finger hesitate to fire. My eyes couldn't believe the person in front of me. That human, no matter how similar they seemed to me, I would recognize him without a doubt, but how? Shepard was dead. How the hell had he survived? Had he been hiding? Was he coming to kill me? Did he know about his sister?

My jaw tightened; there were too many questions and little time to answer them. Deciding to have faith, I aimed my sights at those who didn't seem to be accompanying my former Commander. My doubts turned to firmness as I watched Shepard fire at the mercenaries, ruining the plan to plant bombs that would blow me up.

Covering them from my vantage point, I mowed down those who were wounded or those I could hit directly in the head with a quick kill. It didn't take Shepard long to overcome the obstacles and figure out the second-floor door that led to my hideout. 

"Archangel," the humans had given me that nickname since I saved them from the slavers, and I eventually made a name for myself.

With a gesture, I indicated that he should give me a second. I had spotted a human hiding behind a pillar, so when his bald head popped out, my bullet tore through his skull, scattering his brain in a grotesque mess.

Shepard still hadn't recognized me. I always wore my armor and helmet to prevent anyone from identifying me. Turning to him, tired of struggling to hold on to my life by a thread, I sat down on a crate, resting my rifle against my thigh. I slowly took off my helmet and rested my foot on a stool. "Shepard," my subvocals had no timbre, they were a flat line, tired of everything I'd suffered. "I thought you were dead," I rebuked him as I assumed a more comfortable position.

"Garrus! What are you doing here?" His voice sounded overly happy, and it made my left jaw twitch.

"Just honing my skills. A little target shooting," I sidestepped the question with twisted humor as my subtone faded into a sort of wail.

"Are you okay?" A worried Shepard tried to wheedle information out of me.

"I've been better, but it's certainly good to see a friendly face. Killing mercenaries is hard work. Especially when you're...alone." That last word was hard to say. "Your sister..." I hesitated to continue, to tell him the truth.

"Garrus...you seem to be going through a rough time. Let me help you, and when we get out of this rut…We'll talk at length," he said professionally, and relief flooded me instantly. I didn't want to talk about the mistakes I'd made in my life.

"If we survive, that's fine with me." Standing up, I headed back to my old position. "This place has managed to contain them. I suggest we hold this position, wait for a gap in their defenses, and take advantage of it. It's not a perfect plan, but it's a plan," I analyzed, my weapon already raised in the direction of the enemy barricades.

"How did you end up like this?" His tone almost seemed to pity me.

"My feelings overrode my better judgment. It's a long story." My jaw tightened around my mouth plates. "Let's make a deal. You get me out of here alive, and I'll explain this damn thing to you." Glancing at him, I saw him nod in response.

Handing him my sniper rifle, I indicated that he should look through the scope. The enemy was moving, worried by the betrayal, and accelerating their assault plans. Shepard sighed wearily and pulled the trigger, taking down one of the men trying to jump the barricade to access the bridge.

Signaling to the new members of his team, he sent the Salarian and a human with a strangely colored eye to the lower level while he stayed by my side with his assault rifle. As soon as the enemy started moving, they had no chance. With our fire focused on their vital points, the Salarian's cryogenic blast, and the other human's grenades, they had no way to escape our attacks.

The bridge was the only line to cross without any type of cover for them, so they were left sold out and totally exposed. In the end, Eclipse leader Jaroth seemed to grow tired of his inept "soldiers" and decided to power up his robots, but the latter were easily eliminated with system overload attacks.

The sound of a crane being moved gave me a bad sign. A mecha was deposited in the middle of the bridge. Jaroth had decided to put all his means of attack into operation.

"Heh! You'll see how surprised the Salarian is going to be," Shepard said with some amusement.

Without lowering my guard, I watched as that metallic bug lit up, but instead of attacking in our direction, it deployed its weapons against our enemies. A smile tugged at my jaws. I missed how Shepard knew how to take advantage of everything to his advantage.

Desperate, they tried to destroy the Mecha with rocket launchers, but were massacred by their own device. With Jaroth in the crosshairs, I enjoyed pulling the trigger on his amphibian head. This asshole was the one who had brought all the misfortune into my life, and now I could enjoy my revenge.

"It seems they're all here. You're incredible, Shepard. They barely touched me, and in the process, we got Jaroth in the process. I'd been after that bastard for months." For the first time, pride showed in my undertone.

"Who is he?" he asked, uncomprehendingly.

"Jaroth, he was the son of a bitch who locked me up on this shitty station. Plus, he's been transporting contaminated eezo all over Citadel space. Half the cargo I got in C-Sec came from his team, here on Omega," I explained.

"Uh-huh... I see, he's not your friend," he said, sort of joking. "We still have the Blood Pack and the Blue Suns."

"Let's see what they're up to." Turning on my visor to widen my vision, my jaws flickered. "It looks like they're reinforcing the other side, almost closing it off. They're not coming through the bridge... so what are they waiting for?"

As if my question was some kind of signal, the sound of an explosion and the start of the security alarm resonated throughout the area. Opening my Omni-Tool, where I had hacked the system, I noticed what they were trying to do. "They're making their way through the access points on the side level and in the suburbs. I need you to cut them off. They can't get here. I'll hold position and eliminate anyone trying to come from the bridge," I ordered, in an old habit I'd adopted with my former team.

"Done, but you won't be alone. Mordin, make sure this stubborn turian doesn't die," Shepard warned as he and the other mercenary left for the lower area.

The salarian proved quite useful. As soon as the combined waves of the members of the Blue Suns and the Blood Pack began to arrive, he positioned himself and began to facilitate the shots through the cryogenic discharge. Frozen, the enemies were an easy target that required little effort.

We alternated between attacks to avoid tiring while we waited for Shepard to be able to close the security doors to prevent the rest of the enemies from entering. Tired, the pace of my shots was slowing while others hit from time to time.

The armor's shields were holding up for the moment, but sometimes I had to force it to recharge, making its weaker.

Through the omnitool radio I maintained contact with the Commander, he was not having a good time either, on this mission. The Vorcha and their damn flamethrowers were annoying and difficult to dodge, but he eventually managed to close all three entrance.

"Shepard, go back. They're on the ground floor. Garm managed to get through," I warned with some tension.

That Krogan was a nightmare. I had tried to kill him more than once, but his regeneration capacity was on another level. His armor and health, on top of that, meant that a well-aimed shot couldn't take him down even if he'd breached his shields.

However, I don't know how Shepard managed it, but with innate ease, he managed to shake off the Krogan. I watched through the scope as he managed to lure him toward the bomb they had previously tried to detonate without success.

Once in position, a concussion shot knocked Garm down and with incendiary ammunition they exploded the bomb from a distance, making his heavy body serve to block the waves of the explosion and in the process eliminate any attempt by the Krogan to regenerate his health. It was like watching a movie; Shepard had always been lucky in combat, and this time was no different. Over the radio, I told them to come back while I offered my congratulations.

"This day just keeps getting better," I allowed myself to smile for the first time in two weeks.

“We only need the leader of the Blue Suns and what remains of his mercenaries”

“Their leader is Tarak, he is crazy. Before it tried to attack me with a huge combat drone, but I shot that damn metal bird until I destroyed its defenses” I explained too soon... the sound of that thing's propellers left me deaf for a moment before I got used to that noise.

High in the air, the metallic monster had us in full view, approaching from the windows so the rest of the Blue Suns mercenaries could enter through them.

Taking cover against one of the sofas, I positioned myself to fire. Tarak had sent his second-in-command, and Jentha was a difficult nuisance to eliminate.

They also combined the attack across the bridge with the side entrance on the ground floor, which they managed to gain access to. Once again, we had to split up the team to face the attack.

The shooting was frantic, our shields were almost exhausted, and clenching my jaws, I forced myself to fire despite the overheating of the sniper rifle barrel.

The five consecutive shots hit Jentha, knocking her down and causing a red blood stain to spread to my feet.

Shepard had finished off the rest of the mercenaries on the ground floor. I could see his figure returning toward our position, however, once again that enormous drone appeared.

The ugly face of the Batarian, Tarak, could be seen through the armored glass. "Archangel!" he shouted angrily. I turned around, just as the sound of cannon fire alarmed me.

I tried to seek cover, but he had caught me by surprise. The machine gun knocked me down, my armor had almost no shields and the bullets pierced it.

I felt them digging into my shell and inserting themselves into my ribcage. My subharmonics thrummed with pain, while the adrenaline kept me alive, just enough to slowly crawl toward cover. I thought I had made it, that I had gotten away from that attack, but a rocket was launched causing me to jump into the air.

My vision blurred while my ears became clogged. This was how it was going to end…

With effort, I peeled off the casing of the magnification adjustment ring. It was there that I had hidden photos we took in a shabby photo booth in the recreation district. The height difference forced me to duck while Mara stood on her tiptoes to get into the picture. Her five-fingered human hands formed a heart shape in the space between us, while my jaws slightly opened in a smile.

I hope my spirit manages to apologize to you, I thought as my eyes closed and my mouth flooded with my blue blood, causing me to suffocate. The sounds of combat were already distant to me…however, in the darkness, a terrifying scream made me convulse.

“GARRUS!“

Chapter Text

Mara

The morphine had done its job; my body felt lighter, and the pain had lessened. Trying to relax, I let the feeling of fatigue take over. My eyelids had begun to feel heavy, and at times I disconnected from reality in favor of the sleep that was overcoming me.

Doctor Chakwas had not yet returned from speaking with Mordin, so despite still being in a clinical environment, she had allowed me to relax the tension in my muscles...

Looking around the room with half-blurred vision, I realized that it was a spacious, neat and clean space. The smell of disinfectant was in the air, but it was not annoying, I had probably involuntarily become accustomed to the smell of chlorine lightened with certain citrus fruits...at least it was not such an intense smell that it got into the mouth.

Shaking my head slightly, I looked at the other stretcher next to me; I was lucky it was empty. I felt safer without strangers around who could hurt me. The image of the scientists dressed in their green operating room suits came to mind, making me shudder.

No...no, we're not there anymore...Breathe Mara, breathe - I mentally spoke to myself. I didn't want to panic, I didn't want to feel vulnerable again... In slow, clumsy breaths I took soft inhalations, I needed to look for anything that could distract me, push away the thoughts that brought the horror back to me.

This time, noticing the Doctor's office, I frowned. It wasn't even a proper office; it was simply a long table placed near the entrance with a computer on it.

I'd expected some privacy, but the medical bay was surrounded, on the part that didn't abut the ship's wall, by glass walls. I don't know who came up with the idea, but leaving a patient exposed to the rest of the crew felt like I was a circus animal.

Through the windows I could see an older man, slightly bald, cooking for the crew. At least the movement of people was not constant...without being able to move or turn, I could only observe what was in front of me, which made it impossible for me to know what was beyond, although it was probably a large dining room.

 Pressing the button, I lowered the stretcher. I didn't want to look anymore; I preferred to gaze at the dull white ceiling and, hopefully, fall asleep before the Doctor arrived.

Closing my eyes, I remembered my safe place; observing the storm that was my brother's eyes always calmed me, reminding me of rainy afternoons.

Flashback

The orphanage was gloomy and old; the dormitories smelled of damp and mold, the light flickered, threatening to go out, and the windows of the room we shared with other children had been broken by the strong wind, letting the cold into the room.

The sounds of thunder could be heard in the distance, foreshadowing the impending storm, and in an attempt to calm myself, I covered myself with the threadbare blanket.

My brother's laughter sounded behind me.

"Minion! It's okay, I'm here." His hand reached for my back to rub it. "There's nothing to be afraid of storms, Mom always said that, remember?" My body trembled, and a wail escaped me. Mom was gone. John said she was in heaven, but I missed her. Why couldn't she take us with her? I wondered as my eyes watered.

"Mom's gone!" I yelled furiously, unable to understand my emotions. "She abandoned us!"

“Eh, eh...that's not like that” the fabric that protected me was torn off and thrown to the side. My older brother's stormy eyes looked at me with concern. "Do you want to see Mom?" I nodded, crying.

Jhon carried me on his back through the dark and silent hallways until he managed to access the garden door. The wind felt like a big bad wolf trying to knock us down, blowing and blowing tirelessly.

My small hands clutched my brother's shirt while he just laughed. Suddenly, he started running and jumping through the puddles, causing me to scream and distract myself.

"Let go of your hands, minion!" he shouted as he began to spin, gaining speed.

Blindly trusting what he was saying, I stretched my hands into the air as my body spun alongside his and my eyes opened to gaze at the distorting sky. It practically felt like I was flying, and in the end, without realizing it, I started laughing, letting myself be carried away by Jhon's contagious joy.

His hands held my legs tightly, keeping me from falling, and finally, he leaned forward, causing me to bounce against his back and us to roll on the ground. Exhausted and breathless, we lay on the grass and mud.

My gaze met his, and he simply smiled and pointed to the sky.

"Mom's there, and when there are storms, she calls us! It's her way of saying she's watching over us from above," he explained.

"How do you know?" I asked, confused.

"Because love is a storm, of unusual changes. It comes into your life from afar, echoing in the calm," he recited the same words Mom used to tell us under our blanket fort. "What else is a storm, Mara?" His hand linked with mine, gently squeezing it to encourage me.

“The storm is your eyes, angry but warm. You like to electrify my mind, spark my life, shelter my temper” I whispered the letter that Dad had composed for Mom.

"You are the storm that devastated my heart, forgive me, my love," Jhon finished. The fine drops of rain began to fall on us, but we didn't move; we seemed disconnected from reality.

"Your eyes are like Mom's," his hand squeezed mine.

“Then look at me, if there isn't a storm, I'll be one”

 End of Flashback…

The storm had returned to me. With these memories, my mind sank into sleep. However, spasms and nightmares crowded in. I imagined myself running barefoot after the storm, watching the grayish blue fade, leaving me without a flash of lightning to light my way.

The biting cold attacked me, mocking me. The countryside vanished, and I was left alone in the darkness… I screamed and cried, receiving no response in return.

Desperate, I searched for a helping hand, throwing myself into nothingness, and when I finally fell into the abyss, the arctic waters enveloped me… I captured the blue flashes and tried to stay afloat, however, the movement of the water engulfed me, trying to pull me back into the darkness.

I woke with a start, struggling to breathe, and my ears were ringing. Looking around, I saw two blurry figures dragging a stretcher toward the operating room.

Trying to make out the large figure on the stretcher, my blood ran cold. A Turian… with grayish plates and a silvery-blue undertone… It… couldn't be it. My mind was playing tricks on me; I must still be in the midst of the nightmare, I thought as I tried to get up without success.

The operating room door closed behind them as I only managed to half-sit up thanks to the button that raised my stretcher. Blue blood stains indicated the way forward… however, my vision was blurry and I couldn't find my way.

With a cry of pain I pushed myself from the stretcher to the ground, falling on my face. The pang of grief in my ribs and thighs made me curl in on myself. Trying to get up, my arms tried to exert leverage but only managed to fall back down. I had no strength, my whole body ached, and breathing became labored.

Seized by fear, I dragged myself with effort along the ground. My hands pressed against the cold tile and clung to it, slowing my progress. Crying, I reached out to touch that metal door.

"GARRUS!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as the feverish sensation took over my body.

I banged on the door, scratched, and tore at my nails... I felt them bend and peel as sticky blood dripped down my hands. The door wouldn't open. The nightmare was all too realistic and wouldn't let me in, trying to deprive me of my Turian.

Sobs mingled with screams of pain… If only I were stronger, if only I were more useful, those I loved wouldn't leave me behind, I wailed as I tried to use my biotics. The violet lights glowed faintly from my fingertips, but they didn't take shape… I was incompetent.

I stood glued to the metal door as I tried to listen to the conversation.

"We're losing him!" a female voice said.

"He's losing too much blood! I suggest a transfusion, plugging the wound while we get the supplies I have at my clinic in Omega; it's the most effective." Someone spoke quickly, making it difficult for me to understand what they were saying.

I activated my biotics again, this time using rage as my strength, my fists repeatedly slamming into the door until they dented it. "Let me in! GARRUS!" – I screamed as my body felt like it was burning in flames as the violet envelope of my powers lifted me up.

“I do not recommend accessing the operating room, Mara” a robotic AI voice tried to lecture me.

Ignoring everything around me, I screamed as what was left of my nails pressed against the edge holding the doors open. An explosion echoed behind me, entering the room, a kind of disinfection spray attacked me.

Soaked in that repulsive-smelling substance, I floated towards the center of the room where I remained paralyzed. Garrus...was dying, his naked body was lying on the stretcher and his head was tilted limply. His left jaw was missing and the beginning of his kind of relief that formed a hood was broken. His neck was badly burned and the damage extended to other parts of his torso. I cried, not knowing what to do.

This was a nightmare. It couldn't be true. Garrus wasn't in this situation. It was a false dream, something to punish myself with. I tried to think while symptoms of dizziness and nausea attacked me.

An orange blur passed near me, and my power activated with a reflex movement, causing whatever had moved to end up pinned against the wall.

"Mara! Stop!" a woman's voice shouted. "Joker! Call Shepard!" she ordered in panic.

“Impossible. I can't, Shepard is in a meeting with the Illusive Man, you're going to have to calm the exorcist's girl before she breaks my precious ship," was heard over the intercom.

I ignored them and finally approached the Turian... his eyes were closed, his blood running down the stretcher. I wanted to touch him, stop the bleeding, but our biology is incompatible, and my blood coming into contact with his could kill him if he had a low tolerance for Levo.

Angry with myself, I screamed as my body trembled, "GARRUS! This is a nightmare, a nightmare!" I said, oblivious to reality.

In an attempt I thought was futile, my biotic energy surrounded his large figure. I just wanted him to be okay, not hurt, to recover, to be with me... my thoughts took shape, and suddenly, the violet light turned a subtle green. The biotic frequency shifted, and my energy drained.

The dull thud of someone falling to the ground did not distract me from Garrus as my hands rested on the stretcher, near his bangs which had some scratches but were not broken. I continued to focus on the green energy flowing out of me and drying me.

“It's...it's surprising! It's not biotic or is it? The energy is similar, but something has changed. It doesn't attack, it protects?" the orange blur came closer to see what was happening. "No, no, it doesn't protect, it heals? It replaces, it heals wounds. We must take advantage, let's begin the operation, Doctor Chakwas!" he announced with some joy.

"Are you crazy? Mara is unstable; if she perceives us as a threat, she'll attack. Unlike you, I don't want to end up crushed against a wall," the Doctor complained.

"Quickly, we have to make the most of the time." His three-fingered gloved hands reached out to capture my attention. "Garrus will be fine, but we have to rebuild his jaw. A turian without that part of his body has little chance of surviving. You want to help him, so let us do our job," he said quickly. Nevertheless, I nodded.

I watched as they used the scalpel, how they trimmed away the burned flesh that couldn't be saved, and how they applied new tissue. With technological components, they reconstructed his jaw, using any remaining fragments of his bone structure.

Meanwhile, I only emitted that green light that prevented the blue blood from spilling. My eyelids grew heavy, my body could no longer sustain itself floating in the air, and the power I felt grew weaker and weaker. I landed on the ground and continued. I extended my hands towards Garrus; the greenish light now only came from my fingertips. I don't know how long I stayed like that, but finally the world began to spin uncontrollably before my eyes, and my head hit the ground.

After that, all I could think about was the trap my mind was playing on me. Prisoner, prisoner of my nightmares, I couldn't get him out of my mind. God, how many times have I tried? And still, he don't let me rest. Not even with a million tries would I be able to forget him.

A prisoner, a captive of his eyes, don't I deserve to forget? My feelings are tied up, I see his face everywhere, not even in my nightmares am I sure of his presence... I can't control it, I'll never escape these feelings because my heart yearns for he so much it's driving me crazy.

That's it, I'm going crazy- I thought through the haze as I tried to regain control of my breathing. My hands finally faltered and fell to my side. Red blood covered the floor, the flesh of my fingernails exposed in a grotesque image. Closing my eyes to avoid seeing this seemingly endless nightmare, I thought about the turian again.

No matter how much time passed, I carried him deep inside me, and over time he only grew, making its way to my wounded heart. I was a masochist and a fool... Tears welled up, and curled up on the floor, I sought comfort in my own embrace as the buzzing around me faded.

The darkness claimed me in this nightmare until everything disappeared, leaving me in the calm I longed for.

Garrus

I woke up disoriented. I tried to speak, but the clicking of my jaws felt rigid, as if something was preventing me from moving them freely. Frustrated, I remembered what had happened. Fuck! A damn rocket had blown me through the air… With a groan, I sat up. I needed to find Shepard and tell him everything I knew, then there would be time to rest.

Getting out from under the covers, I spotted my shattered armor right in front of me. The window that overlooked the crew kitchen disgusted me, who was the genius of leaving everything exposed?- I thought as I tied the sheet around my waist and got off the stretcher to lower the blinds.

I grabbed the armor, ready to put it on, but when I turned around, a bulge on the stretcher next to me caught my eye. A human's long, coppery bangs were sticking out.

Curious, I leaned closer. It had been a long time since I'd seen that color, I sadly recalled. Humans used to be characterized by having… what it was… oh yes, hair instead of the scaly bangs of the Turians.

They had different colors and were sometimes dyed to attract attention or to hide their old age. It was something curious to see, generally from what I had seen, brown and black tones were abundant regardless of gender, with yellow and red hair being less common.

In Turians, the duller colors were characteristic of males, while gold, silver, or copper plates corresponded to females, with white being a neutral tone that looked good on both genders.

The small human was covered up to her head. Was she feeling ill? Was she dead?- I thought as I boldly pulled down her blanket to discover what she looked like. My hand hovered in the air, paralyzed by what I saw.

"Mara? Mara!" I said, confused and happy, as a jerk from my damaged jaw reminded me not to move them.

Unconsciously, my bare claw took her hair between my fingers, appreciating the softness and the various strands that made up her copper tone through brown, red and various orange tones... It had always been pretty to look at, although before her hair was shorter, I thought as I looked at her face. Her pale complexion lacked color, his flushed cheeks no longer. The thing in her eyes, which was also hair, moved slightly, just like her eyes hidden behind her eyelids—a nightmare, perhaps?

Her face was thinner; I had never seen a human with such pronounced bones. She seemed fragile, as if she were about to break. What the hell had happened to her? Why was she here? Why fake her suicide? Questions piled up in my mind, and the rumble of my subvocals echoed my anger.

The med bay door opened, forcing me to release her lock of hair as if it were burning me.

“Please! Can you stop giving me trouble? On the stretcher, now!” Doctor Chakwas ordered.

"Nice to see you too, Chakwas," I said sarcastically as I began to put on the top of my armor.

"Vakarian, I think highly of you, but I already have a terrible patient who likes to end up with more injuries than she already has. Don't be another one like that," The Doctor said as she extended a sort of screen to give me privacy and sighed in resignation.

"What happened to her?" I asked carefully as I finished dressing. "I promise I'll talk to Shepard, and I'll come back and relax. I just need to take advantage of the medicine in my system that keeps me from feeling pain, and then I'll be a good patient," I tried to reassure her. The truth is, I was moving slowly and my body felt heavy, but I was driven by curiosity to know what the hell was going on.

"It's... well, complicated. It'd be better if Shepard told you. For now, I'll just say that when Mara wakes up, I need you to convince her to stay still. She's still regenerating, her bones aren't healing, and now her hands are shattered. I had to remove the blockers before she self-immolated," she said, frustrated by the little human's reckless behavior.

"Why is she acting like this? Doesn't she want to heal?" I wasn't understanding anything. Sliding the screen, I looked at the Doctor, who simply pointed at the operating room door. It looked as if a Krogan had charged at it.

"Let's just say the morphine-dexketoprofen combo didn't knock her out, and when Mara saw you walk into the operating room, she went crazy. I don't know what kind of relationship you two have, but you seem important to her. Between you and Shepard, you'll make sure he behaves," she ordered, stepping aside to let me pass. "I'll give you 30 minutes. If you don't come back, I'll come with the needle to stick you, Vakarian!" The Doctor warned with a joke as a threat.

"Deal," I said simply before leaving in search of my former commander.

The ship had a layout similar to that of the old Normandy, although this time the dining room was larger and the kitchen was visible. The med bay had the same location and the sleep suspension chambers continued in rows to the end of another room. I would have to find out what was there, but for that, I needed to make sure moving around wasn't a nightmare.

Taking the elevator to the command room, I imagined Shepard would be there, however, an artificial voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Good morning! Let me introduce myself, I'm Edi, the artificial intelligence of the Normandy SR2. If you're looking for the Commander, he's in the briefing room. I'll guide you through your entire journey," she informed me cordially.

"Um... AIs are prohibited," I said immediately, remembering how the Council, after the war with the Geth, had prohibited the excessive development of artificial intelligence.

“I am aware, however I have been created to facilitate and help through my capacity.” The elevator opened, revealing the command post on the second floor.

There, the humans stared at me. I hadn't seen myself in the mirror, but I probably should have had a horrible image.

“Over here, behind the weapons creation room or the laboratory, is the briefing room." The AI had now moved to another position. It seemed to be integrated into every part of the ship.

With a sigh, I followed its instructions, my jaw clenching slightly as I felt the discomfort of walking. I was starting to have trouble standing upright.

After crossing the weapons room, where I made a mental note to spend time modifying and adding mods to my sniper rifle, I found what was the briefing room.

Two voices were conversing. It seemed I had to interrupt a conversation, my specialty.

"Commander. We've done everything possible for Garrus, but he was badly injured. The doctors have corrected him with surgery and cybernetic parts, not to mention your sister's new powers. Mordin is ecstatic about this new discovery," I heard a voice I didn't know mention. Surely it wasn't someone from the old crew. "We think he'll enjoy full mobility, but..."

Well, enough of overhearing other people's conversations. Interrupting in the middle of the conversation, I leaned against the doorframe, earning the attention of both men.

Shepard looked at me in surprise, and the other dark-skinned human immediately fell silent, somewhat wary of my presence.

"Shepard," I called in a cheering voice.

"That son of a bitch is tough. I didn't think he would recover as soon as he came out of surgery” said the unknown human “I'm Jacob, I'm looking forward to you recovering and we can do some hand-to-hand fighting. I don't usually mingle with aliens, and fighting a turian up close will be fun," he said with some amusement, earning Shepard's approval through a smile.

“No one’s going to give me a mirror. Is it really that bad?” I asked jokingly as I entered the room.

“Damn, Garrus, you’ve always been ugly. If you put on a little makeup, no one will notice the difference,” Shepard joked seriously.

“Ha ha! Don’t make me laugh, damn it,” I said, the flexing of my jaw through laughter hurt like a bone was breaking. “I have a hard enough time keeping my face straight… Ah, it’s probably better this way. They used to ignore you and try to hit on me. It’s time you had a chance.” I reminded him of what used to happen when we went to the Flux club or Chora’s dive, where the asari would try to get close to me and back away from the Commander and his bad dance moves.

The two humans' laughter mingled, as Shepard approached and lightly punched me in the shoulder. "It's good to have you back, stubborn Turian... Jacob, can you leave us alone?" At the commander's question, Jacob stood at attention, saluted, and left the room.

"What's going on? How are you and Mara still alive? She... hell, she committed suicide, Shepard. Chellick confirmed it," I said, filled with confusion.

Shepard leaned on the edge of the table as she closed her eyes and sighed. “So… you didn’t know what she was doing?” I shook my head, waiting for her to explain. “Remember Doctor Soleon?”

“That Salarian bastard who cloned organs inside his workers? Of course, it was the first idiot that escaped me. Thanks to you, I managed to finish it... but what does it have to do with it?” I said, still not understanding.

“Let’s just say her research has continued to be used…” My jaws dropped in bewilderment. Couldn't be. Was Shepard implying that her sister had been used in these kinds of atrocious acts? No! No, she would never do that. Was she forced?- I wondered, my head starting to hurt. “I died, Garrus…if I’m here, it’s because I’ve been rebuilt from my sister, not just her organs. Skin, bones, teeth, cells…” He angrily slammed his fist on the table. “Fuck! Those bastards took advantage of her desperation! And she accepted it as if her life were worthless!”

His anger rubbed off on me. My jaw clenched until the pain intensified. “Shepard…believe me, if I’d known where Mara was, I would have gone and rampaged through the Cerberus facilities one by one until I found her.” My subvocals showed anger and distress, while my voice grew deeper and more threatening.

“I know, and that's why I need you on my team.” One of his hands slid the photograph I'd kept hidden away for so long across the table. Now it was stained on one edge with my blood, but Mara's smile was still visible. “I remember every twisted and disgusting experiment we discovered about them. Being surrounded by their crew gives me the creeps. I can't trust anyone, but the situation with the Collectors forces me to cooperate with them. If I go straight to hell, by my side I want someone who can have my six. That's why I'm glad to have you here.”

“Do you realize that plan means I'm going to hell too? Ha! Just like old times,” I said, attempting a smile. “Give me a few days, and I'll be as good as new. If you need me, I'll be in the infirmary. I need to talk to Mara…understand…well, everything that's happened.” Shepard seemed to relax.

“I'll come with you! I also have to tell her a thing or two!”

Shepard noticed I was having trouble moving and slowed her brisk pace until we arrived back at the med bay. Doctor Chakwas was already waiting for me, frowning, holding a needle up like a veiled threat.

Raising my arms in a sign of peace, I went straight to sit on the stretcher.

Mara seemed to have yet to wake up, so in the end, Shepard left after telling me the news that the human colonies were disappearing and that the Collectors had technology to immobilize living beings. A truly creepy story.

Hours passed, and after another dose of painkillers and antibiotics, I decided to lie down on the stretcher. Deep in thought, I wondered how I should act. I was angry with Mara, of course—she had faked her suicide to ally herself with these crazy Cerberus extremists—but on the other hand, I was the first to leave without saying anything. It would be hypocritical of me to tell her off.

Besides, I was too happy to have her back in my life. It would be best to wait and see how she reacted to seeing me and then come up with a strategy for how to respond.

The sound of the sheets rustling made me quickly turn my head in their direction. There they were, those large, interestingly colored eyes. Her irises had always fascinated me; we Turians only have one dominant color, but Mara's irises were rimmed in green, and as they moved toward the center of her pupil, they turned brown—truly wonderful.

In surprise, Mara almost jumped off the stretcher. I had to move quickly to reach her with my arm and keep her from falling.

"I've got you, Mara," I said with a grimace of pain as I eased her back onto the stretcher. Her weight was much lighter now, almost nonexistent, and that worried me. "How are you? I... I'm... I'm sorry I left without warning," I said sincerely, watching her eyes glaze over and her tears begin to form.

This was another thing that caught my attention. Turians didn't cry; pain and loss were reflected in our subvocals and trills, but humans expressed themselves that way. With Mara, I had discovered that they could cry out of pain, bitterness, happiness, or even laughter... it wasn't unpleasant, but it was strange. There were too many emotions in crying, and now I didn't know which one her reaction was responding to.

Her hands struggled to reach me, and her mouth parted, seeking a sound that never came. Wanting to calm her somehow, I caught one of her hands in my claw. She held on tightly, frantically stroking each of my fingers and the center pad as if she wanted to reassure herself that I was real.

"Why?" she asked softly, and then raised her gaze to mine. She was angry. "Why did you abandon me?" Her broken voice echoed against my ears like a slap.

Dr. Chakwas stood up from her desk chair and approached, holding a jar of some kind of food, in an attempt to ease the tension that was growing between her two patients. She turned to Mara.

"I'm glad you're waking up with so much energy, Mara. That reminds me, you should drink this smoothie. It'll help you slowly get back to your normal weight," she said calmly. "Let's check those arms." Placing the smoothie on the table, the doctor stretched Mara's arms and examined the bandages for any reopened wounds. "Umm... you'll be surprised at how quickly you heal... but that doesn't mean you can do anything crazy," her voice became more maternal as she scolded her.

Mara just nodded but didn't speak further. She sulked, puffing out her cheeks and turning her head away in an attempt to escape my gaze.

Dr. Chakwas noticed the change in her demeanor. "These young people..." she sighed, resigned. "Garrus, make him drink his smoothie, okay? I'm going to see Joker. I also have to force-feed him his medication." Exasperated, the Doctor left the med bay.

It seemed humans disliked following orders, especially if they came from a medic, I thought with some amusement.

The small human curled into a ball, shrinking more than half her size in an act of flexibility that made my jaws flutter. Spirits, what am I thinking?- I wondered guiltily. It must be all the tension I'd built up these past few days that was making me think of other things.

She wasn't going to talk to me until I got her answer, so with difficulty I moved to the other side of her stretcher in search of capturing her gaze. Gripping the chair with difficulty, I sat down while my subvocal screamed in pain... I don't know if Mara could feel it, but her head snapped up as my trill increased, making her gaze look worried.

“No… I didn’t mean to abandon you. It was only supposed to be a week-long trip to Omega. I wanted to know what it was like to be in a place where you didn’t have to comply with paperwork or rules for fighting crime, but… I got involved with the wrong people. I got trapped and couldn’t contact you until I got a Batarian expert in encrypted conversations on my team,” I tried to justify myself.

“It doesn't work for me. You could have left me a note or an email before you left,” she complained scathingly.

“If I had, you would have followed me,” I sighed in resignation. I didn’t like where this conversation was going.

She fell silent, her eyes watering again. “Would it have been that bad? Did it bother you that much having me around?”

Shit! No, that wasn’t it. How could she think that way? “I didn’t want you to get into trouble because of me. You could get hurt, and I wouldn’t forgive myself for it.” I was about to continue speaking, but her cruel laughter silenced me.

"Of course, it's better if you do it to me. The damage you've caused is a thousand times worse than taking a bullet." Her hand grabbed the sheet and covered herself with it, avoiding me. My jaws opened in bewilderment...what? Damn, I didn't understand anything!

In the end my anger also broke through, my claw grabbed the sheet too tightly, tearing it until I could see the little human "Damage? Do you think you didn't do it to me? I thought you were dead, Mara! That you'd committed suicide!" My voice deepened, and my jaws clenched, making my subvocals rumble.

Her body trembled, small, uncontrollable hiccups escaping her lips, combined with gasps and sobs that made it hard to breathe. A panic attack, I instantly recognized.

Putting my anger aside, I forced her to sit up so she could breathe better. Her small body rested against my shell while my arms held her tight so she wouldn't try anything stupid. She wanted to break free from my grasp, but I wasn't planning on letting her go.

"Let me go!" she kicked, making the stretcher unstable under the weight of both of us. "Abandon me! You're great at it!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.

"Shit, Mara! Calm down, I'm trying to help you," I said as she just snorted and choked on her own breath. Tightening my grip on her, my arms' reach allowed me to grasp her bare legs. Her touch was too soft, and I could feel her bones. I almost thought I would break her, but she remained still in the face of my boldness. "Forgive me," I whispered now that she was no longer struggling against me.

"If you want me to forgive you... prove that you care about me, Vakarian." Ouch. Her using my last name to refer to me was a low blow. The cordiality between us had disappeared a long time ago. She had been the one to break down the line of defense by asking me to address each other colloquially through names, and now Mara had reestablished it.

Not knowing what to do, my jaws fluttered... what did she want from me? Human women were always so complicated? Why didn't she just tell me straight? Turians didn't beat around the bush; we say what we want. There was no need to find out anyone's thoughts.

Frustrated, I turned my face to look at her. Maybe her eyes held the answer, I thought as I watched how they had now turned greener from crying, changing color.

I could spend hours gazing into her eyes and unraveling their workings, I thought as our breaths mingled.

We were getting closer and closer, my heart accelerated and I unconsciously leaned towards her. The plates on my forehead pressed against hers. The sensation was strange but too pleasant. Her forehead didn't have hard plates; it was soft skin enveloping the hardness of bone, and it was surprisingly warm. My eyes closed, enjoying our intimate contact. My subvocal echoed, almost reveling in delight.

I was kissing her. Turian kisses were reserved for family, lovers, and close friends. We weren't a species that liked excessive contact; we liked to keep our distance unless there was someone important in our lives. Mara was my best friend; this was the best way to prove it to her, I convinced myself as I continued to enjoy our touch.

Mara's breathing quickened, and I could catch the scent of her perfume, which I loved so much. She smelled just like the Xael flower, terribly sweet and refreshing. I don't know how she maintained that scent; even in the infirmary, her scent overpowered the odor of the disinfectant.

"Won't you abandon me again?" she asked softly; it seemed that my action had calmed her down.

"I promise, I won't go anywhere, I won't abandon you." Her tears mingled with laughter. The small human was cheerful again as she clung to the undamaged side of my hood. “Now, don't make me force you to drink that shake. It's not good for Dr. Chakwas to scold us." Breaking contact, I moved far enough away from her. Now I could see that strange human smile with flat, blunt teeth, but she looked fine.

"Ugh... okay, it must taste like crap." A grimace on her face made me laugh. She was probably right. Everything the doctors gave you always tasted disgusting.

Handing her the milkshake, I sat with her on her stretcher as I watched her wrinkle her small nose in disgust at the smell of the contents. One of her hands pinched her nostrils shut. Humans seemed to be made of rubber, flexible, there was no part of their body that was not soft. 

I thought she would drink the contents in small sips, but in one gulp, she made the liquid go down her throat until she finished it. Something about that act felt like it shouldn't have been seen, but I didn't know why... still looking at Mara's reaction, she shivered and stuck her round, pink, soft tongue out in a gesture that baffled me. 

“Yuck! It's disgusting! Iugh…I'm going to have traumas, I won't see smoothies the same way anymore” she dramatized making me laugh. 

"Well, unfortunately for you, this probably isn't the last smoothie the Doctor is going to make you drink," I warned, earning a shove from her that only made me laugh more.

"Laugh, laugh, I remind you that you are also injured, there will surely be two of us taking this poison," she stated while throwing the can in the direction of the trash can and making a basket. Applauding her gesture, she gave a sort of bow. "Thank you, thank you, my skills never fail," she said jokingly.

I calmly settled onto her stretcher. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't missed our interactions, her laughter, and her terrible sense of humor. It was incredible how, after so much time, it seemed like it had been yesterday when we were in my apartment arguing about cheap movies or playing board games. 

Around her, I felt at ease...and this made the idea of ​​heading to hell more pleasant.

Chapter Text

Mara

I was still having a hard time adjusting to reality, 4 days had passed but the nightmares were still tormenting me and they probably wouldn't leave me alone for a long time. The only consolation I had was that when my breathing quickened, the sweating seeped, my forehead burned, and my body twitched in panic until I awoke from the bitterness of the past... There was Garrus, by my side, looking at me with those arctic-colored eyes that brought the chill to my system and managed to calm me as if I were immersing myself in the waters of the ocean.

His claw had initially sought to wake me through small touches... then, after repeated nightmares, the Turian had opted to get up from his stretcher, help me sit up, and rock my body in his arms to reassure me. Any hesitation or shyness had disappeared from his actions, as he focused on comforting me in some way.

And indeed, his strategy had worked; he acted as a calming agent for my nerves. He made me breathe again, as if his presence were a breath of fresh air.

Sometimes, I felt a little guilty for depriving him of his sleep… Garrus was fully recovered now. In fact, he could choose between the shared quarters or the sleep support chambers, but he'd assured me he'd prefer to stay in the infirmary until the supervisor got him a military Turian bed. I had no idea what the latter was, but I was glad the difficulty of finding such a bed meant the Turian was staying with me longer.

I was being selfish, I knew it...but it felt so good to be able to turn around in the middle of the night and see his silhouette on the stretcher next to me, almost...as if we were sharing the same bed, I thought more than once in the wee hours of the morning.

I had dreamed so many times of such proximity, that my sick mind rejoiced at having this opportunity. Immersed in my thoughts, I didn't notice when my brother and Garrus had fallen silent.

The best part of the day was when my brother came to visit us or to vent, finding a safe place away from the Cerberus crew.

"Are you feeling okay, minion?"  My brother asked with a raised eyebrow and concern framed in his gaze.

I shook my head to break free of my own thoughts. My ears had become clogged again, making me feel like I was submerged in a pool. His voice felt like it fluctuated, making it difficult to catch the pronunciation of some words “It's...the medication” my voice sounded distant, as if I wasn't the one really speaking.

The two men looked at each other. It didn't take much more to alarm Dr. Chakwas, who was calmly organizing the crew's medical records. With a sigh, she stopped what she was doing and approached us, taking out of her pocket the medical instrument that reminded me of a hammer.

With a reassuring caress on my arm, the doctor placed the otoscope in my right ear and then turned my head to inspect my left ear.

Her brow furrowed, and her mouth twisted in disgust. “Her ear canal is swollen, so she probably won't hear very well now. The good thing is  no discharge, but it's best not to make any sudden movements or she'll get dizzy. I'll apply some ear drops, and in a few hours she'll be as good as new,” she said, giving me a genuine smile as she proceeded to locate the medication and administer it. The sensation of the cold drops in my ears made me shiver, but otherwise, it wasn't painful.

“We're also going to reduce the medication; it's most likely a side effect of administering so many antibiotics.” Her hand stroked my hair as her gaze fell on John and Garrus, who seemed frantic.

“Seriously, calm down, you two. All you're doing is making Mara more nervous!” She's fine. In fact, as soon as the drops take effect, she can start her rehabilitation exercises. We're going to try the massages and then the electric walker and the balance platforms - tucking the lock of hair behind my ear, the Doctor turned away but not before giving them a warning look. The boys looked like children who had been scolded and that made me laugh unexpectedly, causing their gaze to fall on me.

- Look at her, Shepard, she enjoy giving us scares - Garrus joked, making her laugh again. His right jaw stretched into a disarming half-smile.

My brother crossed his arms, a slight smile on his face but concern still evident in his gaze. “You have to say things, Mara. If you feel bad or if you feel like something is beyond your control, say it. It’s important… YOU ARE important,” he emphasized the latter with a sort of veiled scolding. Sighing, he made sure Doctor Chakwas was far away and beneath the sound of his voice. “So, what do I do?” he asked us for advice.

This time, Jhon had come to visit us regarding a problem related to Zaeed. I hadn’t seen the older man yet, but my brother had taken it upon himself to describe him to me. A mercenary with certain anger issues, characterized by a rather unique physical appearance due to his prominent scar and his almost whitish eye. Garrus had also met him. According to him, he was a quiet man who probably had many secrets—or so he assumed. He'd heard of his fame as a mercenary on Omega, which attested to his abilities.

The problem was that Cerberus hadn't given out all the information. When giving the reports to my brother about the crew he had to assemble to form his ground attack team, it had been precisely omitted that for each new member who joined the team, Jhon would have to do them a favor, a kind of personal treatment for their services in this suicide mission. And that had felt like a kick in the butt to my brother! He didn't like it when they played with his patience.

Currently, we were sailing through the Border of Ismar. John had received a call from the Alliance, specifically from Admiral Hackket, requesting his help in discovering what had happened to a reconnaissance ship. I didn't like this news at all, that is to say...the Alliance discovered that my brother was alive and the only thing they demanded was that he return to the work camp to solve his problems.

It felt horrible that they treated him like a military tool, but that was where we were different. My brother had an innate sense of duty; he still considered the Admiral his superior, so he'd accepted the new mission without question.

Coincidentally, fulfilling the deal Cerberus had with Zaeed also took us to the Ismar Frontier, so Jhon wanted to kill two birds with one stone and not waste any time, I reflected as I returned my attention to my brother.

"What's the problem? You've already said you'd rather take care of all the missions you have in this system," I said, not quite understanding what was happening.

"I think... Shepard doesn't know who to choose to be the third wheel of the ground crew," Garrus surmised, sitting comfortably on my stretcher, a habit he'd perfected.

"Exactly, Garrus, you understand me." Exasperated, Jhon ran one of his hands through his nearly shaved head, nervously rubbing his short hair at the nape of his neck. He looked at us for our opinion.

"Mordin?" Garrus suggested, to which my brother shook his head.

"As much as I'd like to take him, I can't. Doctor Solus is working on how to counteract the paralysis effects created by those insect swarms the Collectors use to kidnap the colonists," he mused.

"Then I'll come with you," the Turian said.

"No! You have to recover, and besides, I don't want Mara to be alone." His eyes narrowed as he looked at us wearily

"Then there are only two options left: Jacob or Miranda. I suggest you take Miranda. You should make the effort to get to know her. You've always told me that a good Commander has to know all the members of his crew," I said calmly, earning a disapproving look from my brother.

"Miranda? Why do you insist? She tricked you, she put you in that hell." His voice grew louder as he spoke.

"She didn't trick me," I defended myself immediately. "I volunteered... and as much as you don't like it, if they offered it to me, I'd do it again. I got my brother back, just as they promised. And on top of that, I've gotten enhancements that I'm eager to learn how to use properly," I said confidently. However, now I earned a snort from the two men surrounding me. John was displeased, and Garrus was emitting a subvocal tone I still didn't recognize; it was something deep, almost dark, with threatening undertones, as if he was angered by my words.

"We're not pleased that you admit you'd agree to be dissected again," Garrus clarified in a scathing tone. My brother raised a finger in his direction and shook it repeatedly, in a gesture that signaled that he was completely satisfied with the Turian.

Rolling my eyes, I ignored them. "I'm just telling you, Miranda isn't what she seems. She may be arrogant, but she still has some conscience and respect for life. She oversaw some of my surgeries, even confronting the scientists when they overstepped their bounds," I admitted, not wanting to give too many details.

"And how exactly do you know, huh?" John asked with some incredulity.

"Because I could hear... I was still conscious." I was interrupted by Garrus's movement. He stood up and began pacing, trying to calm himself. His subvocals echoed with that previous tone that didn't bode well. He was very angry.

“Oh wow! How kind of her, to stop them from cutting you into little pieces! Thank her they didn't take your heart away." His gaze met mine. In a swift gesture, he had lunged at me, and now his face was just inches away, feeling his furious breathing.

"Both of you! Enough!" my brother's order made the Turian back away and compose himself. "No more fighting! I'll give Miranda one damn chance, just one!" my brother complained. "And if I don't like her, don't ever tell me I should make her a team member!" he declared as he pushed away from the wall and started walking toward the clinic exit. "Garrus, help her with her rehabilitation," was the last thing he said before the doors closed behind him.

The room was tense. Garrus didn't want to look at me, and Doctor Chakwas had decided to play dumb. She had gotten used to our little frictions and reconciliations, so she no longer saw the point in intervening.

With a sigh, I looked down at my hands, which were playfully intertwined in my lap. "I'm sorry." Twisting my fingers, I apologized softly.

His subvocals sounded strangled, as if something weighed on him. "Damn, Mara, you have nightmares about them, and yet you defend them," Garrus said with some irritation as he sat back down at the foot of my stretcher.

I bit my cheek nervously. I knew deep down he was right, but I was so grateful to have my brother back that I didn't care what they'd done to me. "Sorry."

This time Garrus sighed. "Mara...just...don't hurt yourself," he said with difficulty. Wanting to ease the conversation, the Turian clapped his hands, causing me to look up at him. "Shall we make a bet? I don't think you'll last even 10 minutes walking," he said amusedly. "I'll have to act like a Shining-Plated Turian." His comment made me laugh.

He had adopted our human phrase, "knight in shining armor," to his species, and in a way, I found it charming. "Very well, and if you lose, what do I win, Shining-Plated Turian?" I played along, earning one of those open-jawed smiles that I liked so much.

"I'll get you some dessert from your wonderful cook," he offered.

I was tired of those disgusting shakes I had to drink to gain weight, so as soon as he mentioned dessert, I accepted without hesitation “Done, you're going to bite the dust, Vakarian”I assured him while Garrus laughed.

"That remains to be seen!"

Our interactions were simple, familiar... we couldn't stay angry with each other for long, and that made my heart warm, reminding me why I was in love with this stubborn Turian.

John Shepard

The shuttle took us to the planet Zeona. Within the Ismar Frontier, I had told Joker to take the ship to the Elysta system. Zaeed had provided us with the location data but no further information about what awaited us after landing.

The reserved Zaeed was the first to emerge, a menacing air about him. I followed closely behind, hoping he would shed some light on what we were supposed to do.

Miranda followed us while scanning the area's natural surroundings with her Omni-Tool.

At first glance, Zeona was a lush planet, full of vegetation, with clear blue skies. It almost reminded me of photographs of Earth's rainforests, its trees lush and broad-leaved.

Zaeed remained still, fiddling with a remote communications encryption system. "I'm intercepting Blue Suns communications." We'll continue forward; they'll most likely send ambushes," he said casually.

Resigned, I assumed an attack position, pulling out my trusty M-8 Avenger assault rifle. It seemed I was going to get involved in gang affairs again.

These criminals weren't going to take a special liking to me; in the end, they'd find a way to get revenge if they found out I was behind each of the attacks on their bases or leaders.

 Nodding to my teammates, we walked calmly in a straight line. For the moment, there were no gaps that could serve as ambushes. The fact that the nature was thick worked in our favor, the enemy was only going to be able to come from the front, I thought rationally as we continued deeper into the nature.

Suddenly, the birds shook themselves, flying out in flocks, and Zaeed's Omni-Tool began to play the pirates' radio channel.

"Bravo Squad, a shuttle has landed near your position. Check it out," I gritted my teeth. They must have had some kind of camouflaged watchtower, and now they knew we were here.

With a signal, I let my team know we would now advance more slowly. We would take advantage of the tree trunks as cover as we advanced in an attempt to mitigate our presence in the area.

Miranda was the first to speak  “Shepard...there are bodies ahead” she stated in a whisper as she advanced towards my position with her blue biotics as a shield.

Scanning the area and seeing no enemies, I advanced behind her with my weapon loaded in case I needed to cover her backs. Zaeed was more casual; he simply walked without taking up position, his pistol in his hand, as if it were the most normal thing to find corpses in the middle of the jungle.

"They've probably been shot in the back," the old mercenary said, not even giving the dead a second thought. "It's Vido's style; he likes them to rot; it gives them a more sinister look." He almost seemed to be talking about art, not victims.

I frowned in displeasure. “Can they be identified?” I asked Miranda.

“Yes… I’ve scanned their bodies for DNA. I’ll send them to Edi for comparison. Hopefully, the families can rest easy,” she said, to my surprise. Miranda seemed to want to show a different kind of personality on this mission. I didn’t know if it was acted or not, but she appreciated her understanding.

“Perfect, let’s keep moving,” I ordered as I continued in attack formation along the only available path.

A Piyack, came out of nowhere, these were mammals similar to a monkey...they had intelligence so, if it chose to cross our path it is because it was fleeing from somewhere. The Piyack had probably seen our enemies before.

“Focus, they’re close,” I warned my companions.

Not far away, there was an open space where the ground flattened out. A perfect place for a first ambush. Quickening my pace, I looked for something that could serve as cover. There was some kind of horizontal red metal structure positioned ahead. A strategic enemy barricade, which was empty. As I approached, I could see the enemy trying to reach the structure that would serve as cover.

Taking control of it, I fired from my position, buying time for the rest of my team to catch up. Miranda's biotics activated, launching a blue wave forward, right in the path where three members of the Blue Suns were coming.

This attack acted like a seismic wave that lifted them up and then smashed the first one into the air. Taking advantage of the fact that the rest would have to jump over their fallen comrade, I continued firing.

Zaeed didn't even choose to take cover. Something dark and reckless had crept into him as if possessed. He aimed directly at their vitals, blasting them with armor-piercing ammunition as if they were cannon fodder.

"Die, bastards!" he scream.

However, there were more enemies. Now, from my new position, I could see a multi-level iron installation rising above the trees in the background. The enemies would approach from different angles.

"Miranda, shield!" I shouted as I launched myself at Zaeed and forced him to take cover near a rock. "What the hell are you doing? Want a bullet?" I yelled, my voice sounded furious. "Don't act on your own, that's an order!"

Zaeed looked at me in a confused manner until understanding seemed to enter his hard skull. “Yes, Shepard,” he said without much enthusiasm.

Turning toward the enemy, I could see how Miranda had taken charge of blocking their path toward us, covering our backs thanks to her biotic abilities.

Taking advantage of the fact that one of the camouflaged cargo crates had shifted due to the energy, I chose to take cover behind it, closing in on the enemy.

Switching weapons, I opted for the sniper rifle, setting my sights on the furthest enemies, I relaxed my breathing while keeping them on target. My index finger squeezed the trigger, firing directly at the enemy's head. In bursts of 8 shots, I tried to anticipate the enemy's movement, tracking their change of position behind the metal rise that served as cover.

Zaeed and Miranda would have to take care of the Blue Suns that were coming overland. Glancing sideways, I could see how their skills combined well. The concussion shots, along with Miranda's biotic force, served to disorient and contain the enemy, knocking them to the ground in several minutes, which cost them their lives. Once they lost their balance, my teammates took charge of finishing them off with gunfire.

With a smile, I went back to look for the new hiding place where the rest of the Blue Suns had come from. Apparently, they had managed to set up some kind of mobile defense on top of the rocks. The head of a woman holding a rocket launcher fell into my sights. Two clean shots and the weapon fell from his hands as his body fell limply forward.

"Clear!" Miranda shouted, signaling that the enemies had stopped appearing.

However, I took a quick look again at all the elevated structures, lest any of the Blue Suns had remained hidden. After a few seconds of checking, I lowered the weapon.

"They've retreated," I deduced as I stepped out from behind the metal box that served as cover. "Let's analyze the terrain, find a way to the facility, and don't break formation," I warned, staring at Zaeed, who chose to grunt in agreement.

The three of us moved forward slowly, examining every nook and cranny in the area, until I agreed that we could continue. At the end of the esplanade, at a turn to the right, there was a retracted metal platform that served as a bridge.

Approaching it, I hacked the panel so the walkway would extend and we could continue. The sound of metal stretching in a continuous thump was interrupted by the Blue Suns' frequency.

"This is Commander Santiago." Zaeed's face twisted into a furious grimace, then his jaw clenched. I knew who I had a problem with, I thought to myself as I listened to the rest of the communication. "If anyone leaves while the intruders are still alive, I will kill them myself," he threatened sinisterly.

"Vido..." Zaeed's voice came out as a low growl as he said his enemy's name. "He hasn't changed."

"What is your past?" I asked. I wanted to clear things up before moving forward.

“I knew he was a sadistic bastard when we started the Blue Suns” my eyebrow raised in surprise, I wanted to interrupt him but I bit my lip and let him continue with his story “After his little blow 20 years ago, the Suns would get worse.”

“Are you telling me… that you were the main leader of the Blue Suns? Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Now that I knew who Zaeed was, I didn’t want him on my team. Was Cerberus trying to make me fail in my mission to stop the Collectors?- I thought, a sour mood welling up in me.

“Few people know. Vido erased me from the records. He took care of the books, and I managed the men. Everything went to shit when Vido decided to hire Batarians. He said they were cheap labor, but I knew they were damn terrorists. I didn’t want them on the Blue Suns after the attacks they’d carried out on the human colonies.” That's where we collided, and when he decided to eliminate me—I put a hand to my face and rubbed my temples. So Zaeed was a space pirate with some honor? I didn't know what to think. For now, we'd finish the missions, and then I could calmly sort through all the information I'd gathered.

"We'd better continue," I concluded, pointing to the bridge.

None of my teammates had anything against it, so we returned to attack formation as we advanced along the walkway the Blue Suns had cleverly placed against the steep rocks as a crossing, merging with a flat stone path that served as a hidden path in the mountain.

At the far end were the doors to the facility. Oddly enough, everything was clear, so we went straight in, knowing that what awaited us was a trap.

However, those pirates surprised me. They practically held a kind of reception. At the top of a bridge that served as a crossing between the rooms on the upper floor, they waited patiently for us, while the door at the back was firmly closed, probably even blocked to prevent us from continuing through the factory.

"Zaeed Massani. You've finally found me," Vido spoke as if he were a movie villain.

"Vido," Zaeed acknowledged as he reached for his weapon.

The tension in the air increased. "Don't be stupid, Zaeed. I have the support of an entire company of bloodthirsty bastards ready to kill or be killed at my command," Vido boasted proudly.

I noticed Zaeed's gaze shift, and a feeling that he was going to do something stupid crossed my mind. "In fact, try it. Shoot me. Give my men a reason to finish you off like the rabid dog you are... Again”. Zaeed couldn't hold back. He opened fire with incendiary ammunition, disregarding his teammates.

Miranda extended her shield as we sought refuge behind a pillar. "What was that? Have you gone nearsighted, old friend?" the leader of the Blue Suns sneered. Reinforcing the shields of our armor, we crouched.

 My eye wasn't deceiving me; if Zaeed had missed on purpose, it was because the vents behind them led to some kind of boiler.

"Burn! Son of a bitch!" Zaeed shouted with satisfaction.

The incendiary ammunition combined with the gas, to my fear, and within a few seconds everything exploded as the place began to burn.

I thought Vido was dead, but his voice echoed, "You just signed your death warrant."

Desperate, Zaeed began hitting a valve with the butt of his gun. Oh no! I didn't like how this was going!- I thought as I grabbed Miranda's shoulder and forced her forward. We had to be as far away from the bridge area as possible, I thought as I led us around behind cover.

Just at that moment, I felt the facility vibrate and the explosion spread throughout the surrounding area, bringing down the bridge and with it a large portion of the Blue Suns, who screamed and tried to flee, preferring to fall to the ground from their position in search of escape from the flames.

That bastard Vido seemed to have seven lives, because he ran, badly wounded, to one of the upper rooms, beginning his escape.

"Fuck, Zaeed! What the hell have you done?" I shouted angrily as the old mercenary approached us.

"What do you think? Opening the door," he said mockingly.

I helped Miranda up as we got to our feet. "There are other ways that don't involve killing everyone," I pointed out.

Zaeed approached furiously. "What do you mean? Wandering through the jungle for hours looking for a way in?" Sarcasm and anger seeped into his voice. "Waste all the time you want, Shepard, but I'm going to kill Vido." His obsession with revenge consumed him.

Irritated, I clenched my fist. I was tired of his attitude, his lack of cooperation, his lack of information, and the ways he achieved his goals. In the end, I couldn't hold back. My fist slammed hard into his face.

Zaeed wasn't expecting it... he staggered to the ground, his expression filled with surprise.

I'm usually a good person, I'll be patient, but there were some things I couldn't tolerate in my team. If I have to have a strong hand, I wouldn't mind giving it to the black sheep that strayed from the path.

"You're putting lives in danger for your own selfish revenge," I hissed in his direction.

Getting up with difficulty, he spat his blood on the ground “Are you sure you want to do this, Shepard?” his body tensed, adopting a combat stance.

"I should beat you up, but thanks to you, we have a refinery to save. Do you think the employees aren't slaves Vido has locked up? You know perfectly well how these kinds of facilities work. The pirates kidnap them, threaten the workers, and if they refuse, they shoot them, just like those two poor souls we found abandoned in the jungle," I explained, trying to find a shred of empathy left in me.

"Let all those people burn! Vido must die. Whatever the cost!" – he remained in his same speech.

My jaw clenched, and I felt like beating him to a pulp, but I calmed myself down. We'd enter the refinery together, and then our paths would separate. Whatever God wills, I thought as I raised my weapon and refocused on the mission.

"Enemies are coming!" Miranda said from her position.

Zaeed, caring little about what was happening to the facility, threw a grenade toward the Blue Suns who had just entered through the previously blocked door. They didn't even have time to twist. The senior mercenary had perfectly calculated their pace of advance and the timing of the grenade's explosion, so he simply blew them away.

 "Continue," he ordered as if he were our boss.

I moved forward at his pace while Miranda bit her lip, worried about what was happening. Running inland, we crossed another bridge while dodging exploding pipelines, all of course courtesy of Zaeed, whose maneuver had turned the road into a minefield, so to speak.

I was annoyed with Zaeed, with Cerberus, with the people who had recommended me for my team… If they all turned out to be like Zaeed, they would be a nightmare to work with. Just as we managed to reach the refinery gate, the sound of a mechanism caught our attention.

On the upper walkway, a horrified man was running outside. His gaze lit up when he found us.

“Help! We're trapped!” he begged, his eyes filled with desperation. “We can't reach the gas valves to turn them off! This place is going to explode! Please!” he pleaded. To reinforce his point, a panel exploded almost behind him.

My heart sank. I had enlisted in the Alliance military to save lives. To save people caught in the crossfire, like my father had. He had been an engineer on one of the first colonies the Alliance was building. The batarians attacked it, and they cared little that my father wasn't in the military. They massacred everyone working on the creation of the colony.

My jaw and fists clenched at the memory… I was barely 9 years old when our father died. Mara was too young; at 4, I barely remembered anything about what had happened, not even how Mom had become depressed.

Clearing my mind of the memories, I looked that man in the eye. “I’ll save them!” I announced.

“There’s no time. Vido will already be halfway to the shuttles,” he said impassively, contradicting me once again.

“Look at him, Zaeed. Look at him and tell him you’re going to abandon him! Look at him!” I shouted. “That man probably has a family and children. Look at him!” I ordered, making Zaeed turn toward the desperate man. “Deny him help! You say Vido is a sadist. Do you want to be just like him? Come on! Take responsibility.” His body tensed, his eyes closed, so I pulled him by the collar of his armor. “We’re here to free these people. Let’s go in! I don’t care if you want to accompany,” I said with disgust as I and Miranda walked deeper into the factory.

She had a smile on her face. “I’m with you, Shepard!” Her support felt good. Maybe my sister was right about seeing behind appearances.

Footsteps and a snort echoed behind us. “Fuck! You win, Shepard!” A smug smile spread across my face.

“I’m glad you’ve regained some sense of what’s important in life, Zaeed!” I said, as we walked into the fire.

“Whatever!” the older man grumbled as he led us away.

Miranda and I shared a look while smiling. I may have had a tough team, but I'd steer them toward the path of righteousness. If they were going on a suicide mission to save humanity, they'd better find a way to make amends for their sins.

Garrus

Mara looked shaky on her own two feet. Doctor Chakwas had given her slippers so she wouldn't be in contact with the ground. Humans used strange clothing…why did they put on a foot cover if they were going to put on shoes later?- I thought as I watched her take small steps using a walker.

Her smile spread, her arms struggling to stay fully upright as the doctor monitored how the movement reflected in her body. The medical gown they gave to humans barely covered them.

Mara's legs were bare, but they looked stronger, as if muscle had filled them out again. And her arms were uncovered, revealing her delicate wrists, which sometimes bent at an odd angle that made me think they were breaking.

"Ga…rrus, pay!" she said, her voice cracking with exertion.

The Doctor looked at us and shook her head. "Will you stop acting like children?"

My hands rose in a gesture of peace. “I’m not doing anything,” I complained immediately.

“Aha! I’ll pretend I believe it,” the Doctor said as she jotted something else down on the datapad. “I’ll get you your clothes, Mara, and then I’ll help you shower.”

“No, no… I can do it myself, really. If you just help me get there… I can manage,” Mara said, her cheeks flushing.

“I can help! I can even take her to the bathroom and wait” I offered calmly.

The two women turned to me. Mara’s blush spread to her neck as the Doctor seemed to weigh my offer.

“Okay! I trust Garrus won’t let you down,” Doctor Chakwas mocked. “I’ll go get the clothes. Miranda has them in her office, while you take her to the bathroom,” she said with a hint of amusement in her voice that I couldn’t understand.

"You don't have to do it, really..." the little human seemed shy. Why? It was normal to offer to help a friend, right?

“I want to help," I emphasized as I approached her. The sound of the door distracted me for a moment. Dr. Chakwas had left, leaving us alone.

"So...how do we do it? By the way, you owe me dessert," She tried to change the topic.

"I don't think so." Her gaze narrowed “The bet is that you could last more than 10 minutes walking, standing on your limbs doesn't count” I said with amusement.

With effort, Mara turned around with the help of the walker. She walked with clumsy steps while biting the inside of her cheek. Small beads of sweat ran down her forehead and stuck a few strands of hair to her face. "I'm...I'm still walking," she said childishly, making me laugh.

"I see!" – With some amusement, I escaped from her slow walk, positioning myself behind her back “5 seconds, minion!” I provoked her by calling her by the nickname her brother had given her.

Her small body shook. "Hey! You can't call me that!" she complained. "Come up with another nickname, but don't give me that one!" Frustrated, she tried to turn the walker again, unsuccessfully.

“What's wrong with the nickname?” I approached her, afraid she might lose her balance.

"I'm not your sister! No! No..." She was panicking. With a sudden movement, she tried to move the walker, but all she managed was to slip her hands off the metal. Her body was falling forward, so I quickly bent over her, catching her before she crashed.

Her back was pressed against my waist and the of my shell. My claw gripped her upper torso, but I felt something soft. I didn't know what, but it felt pleasant, even though it had a slight weight. Out of curiosity, I tightened my grip on that part of her body.

Mara lost all balance and her legs fell limply, forcing me to press her closer to me and end up holding her in the air. Her coppery hair fell like a waterfall of fire in front of her face. I could see her ears turning red, and her hands remained still, not trying to retrieve the walker, which fell with a thud to the ground.

"I've got you!" I announced happily. A small warble escaped my subvocal.

That's when I could see her glassy gaze through the strands of her hair. "Garrus..." she called me in a whisper. Something about the way she said my name made my jaws flutter, earning me a pang of pain to move the injured area.

I searched for a more comfortable way to hold her. With my free hand, I grabbed her behind the knees and lifted her up while my other hand left that soft area and secured her in its new position. Now she was sitting on my forearm. Her face remained lowered, trying to hide in my neck, and her torso pressed directly against the armor covering my carapace.

Her hands wandered over my shoulder while her feet touched my hipbone. Mara was a small human; her stature wasn't genetically modified... I understood why the human race had undergone such a procedure. If they were that small and also soft, the rest of the Galaxy would have considered them a weak species.

However, I liked that she was so compact. I liked the way she made an effort to stand on her toes around me, how she tried at first not to let me notice that she had to half-run to keep up with me... In the end, I had slowed down just for her, moving at her pace when she was next to me.

“Enjoy the heights” I joked as I headed with her in my arms to the women's bathroom.

The Normandy SR2 was designed so that before entering the elevator, a wide hallway opened into several rooms. The ones opposite the room led to the women's restrooms. The men's restrooms were opposite the life support room, and the ends of the hallway were used to house a room with a minibar and another with a viewing platform so the crew had places to unwind.

Dr. Chakwas was waiting for us, leaning against the wall.

"I've left everything you need in the bathroom and warned the women that you need to shower. It'll be just you, so take it easy. No one will rush you," she said in a maternal attempt to calm Mara, as she closed the door to the room where they were arranged in bunk beds, several rows of beds shared by both men and women.

“Thank you” she said softly as her gaze sought mine  “You can leave me here...there is not that far to the showers” she said still shyly.

Agreeing with her decision, I gently lowered her until her feet touched the floor. Her small body struggled for balance and gripped the wall. I wanted to pick her up again and take her directly to the shower head, but Dr. Chakwas gave me a hand gesture warning me to stay still.

I watched as her silhouette disappeared between the doors, and the red light indicated that Edi had locked the bathroom so no one would try to open it and see the small human showering.

There was no privacy on military ships, so there were set bathroom hours, and when showers were scheduled, they were used in shifts of three.

I leaned against the wall as I watched Doctor Chakwas walk back toward the medical bay. I waited patiently, distracted by the noise of the shower water, however after a few minutes, a loud bang alerted me.

The sound caught the attention of the rest of the crew, and the room across the hall opened, revealing two men.

"Mara, are you okay?" I shouted, but got no response. One of the men tried to approach and open the door, but my body stood in front of him, preventing them from continuing. My subvocals worsened, and a deep, threatening screech was emitted, loud enough for the humans to hear, causing them to freeze in terror. “Get out!” I threatened.

Both boys looked at each other in panic and decided to continue toward the minibar. “What the hell is wrong with that Turian?” one of them asked the other in a low voice as they walked away.

“I don’t know! He’s Shepard’s sister’s guard dog,” I heard the other say before they disappeared from my sight.

Ignoring their comments, I asked Edi to unlock the door after making sure there were no other humans trying to snoop around. Mara was leaning against the damp wall, but her legs were slowly sliding down.

Without a second thought, I ran toward her. I swung one of my legs forward, using my thigh, which was wider and more angular than a human’s leg, to prevent her from falling.

Feeling the support, her body gave way, causing her to sit on my right thigh. Carefully, my gloved claws held her shoulders.

Crying, Mara only apologized.

Uncomprehendingly, I looked around. The gel bottles had fallen along with the metal shelf; she had probably accidentally knocked them over while reaching for them.

"Mara... are you hurt?" I softened my voice as my trill tried to calm her.

"No..." she said too quietly. Her body trembled. Her damp hair was a sight to behold; it had lost its volume and clung to her skin in patterns all the way to her waist. My eyes lingered on that part of her body. Spirits! So small…with one of my claws I could encompass it.

Mara had always worn loose clothing, so I had never stopped to reflect on her figure, but now... I couldn't stop my eyes from focusing on that part of her body. My gaze continued to lower, appreciating her shape. Her buttocks weren't like those of Turian women, which were flat but had prominent hip bones.

Two half-moons rested against my thigh, squeezing together to emphasize her full form, and when her body trembled, that area also shook like a gelatinous dessert.

I tried to distract myself, adjusting my gaze toward her, tilting my neck to see further... Something pink protruded from her torso. Pulling her closer to my body, I watched closely as two small bumps tried unsuccessfully to be covered by the small human's arm. I could glimpse how those bumps were adorned with small, circular pink spots that, with tiny pinker dots, joined together to form an appendage that protruded barely a centimeter. It was beautiful, like a starry flower.

A lightning bolt pierced me as I connected with what I was seeing. Human females as well as Asari and Qurianas had breasts. I'd never seen one before, but I quickly realized that the body part I'd squeezed on Mara a few minutes ago in the medbay had been one of those...what did they call...boobs? Did all breasts feel the same? As if they were something tempting to knead? The questions overloaded my mind, now I couldn't get the image of my best friend's naked body out of my mind and compare her structure with that of a Turian woman.

So different, it shouldn't have caught my attention, but it made me want my claws to hide her small breasts from my sight. My trill twitched, my jaw fluttered, and I felt the blood reach my neck, turning it blue, which was our Turian form of what humans called blushing.

The lower plates of my body tingled, and my plates, which hid my privacy, threatened to shift slightly, a warning that I was being stimulated by the sight before me. Guilty, I tried to look away. Where the hell was the towel? I wondered as I turned my head in every possible direction. Above the sink, I finally realized…now the problem was how we were going to move. 

“Ahem…the towel is on the other side. Can you hold yourself up?” I asked, trying not to let the excitement show in my subvocal. 

"No..." another low whisper.

"So...excuse me," I whispered as my arm snaked behind her knee, lifting her legs and taking her weight off my thigh. I carried her in my arms like humans do with their girlfriends, while her hands strategically positioned themselves to cover her breasts and groin.

Why the groin? Didn't they have it covered like the Turians? Could it be possible? Questions piled up in my mind again, and I was ashamed of my own thoughts as I walked with Mara in my arms to the sink.

Picking up the towel, I carefully placed it over her. Her eyes avoided mine, and her cheeks were still tinged with pink. The bathroom door startled us, causing me to pull it closer to my body. 

The figure of Doctor Chakwas appeared in the doorway and examined us as if she were watching two children committing mischief. 

"Thanks, Garrus. Edi told me you came in because a noise worried you. From here on, I'll take care of Mara, okay?" she said as he approached us.

Stunned, I nodded, helped support Mara's weight in the Doctor's arms, and left slowly. The lower plates stung and kept threatening to split open, so I quickened my pace, fleeing toward the main battery that ran beyond the kitchen and past the rows of sleep suspension pods. 

That room contained the ship's weapons calibration, and when I was tense, I would retreat there, seeking silence and distraction with mathematical calculations that would ensure the ship was ready in case of conflict. 

Spirits...

What was I thinking? Honestly, I hadn't had any female contact for a long time. The asari, although interested in me on the Citadel, didn't appeal to me, despite their blue color and the tentacles on their heads that were swept back into a crown similar to the one Turian woman have, shaped by their short bangs.

And the few Turian women there were wanted to settle down in a relationship and demanded the time I didn't have as a C-Sec cop. On the other hand since I met Shepard I had kept myself alone for the fight against Saren. 

And then, when I stayed at the Citadel again, I had met Mara and had not felt the need to look for a partner. 

Not even in Omega had I allowed myself to have a slip...I wasn't in the mood for love affairs or one-night stands. Scared, I made sure to lock the door and sat down on one of the empty metal crates. My subvocal rumbled with a sigh.

"It's stress," I told myself. 

My species didn't deal well with these kinds of emotions, and we usually burned them out through combat or sporadic sexual encounters with someone we trusted. It was normal… Was it because he trusted Mara? I dared to think as I opened my Omni-Tool.

Camouflaged my search in a hidden tab, I explored the extranet for images of the female human anatomy. My plates didn't move; they were still, and my jaws were centered... So it wasn't that I was attracted to the human body... 

Closing my eyes, I reimagined Mara's small waist and how it felt to touch one of her breasts. Squeezing it was fun, like playing with putty, it felt good to have it in my claws...Oh! Shit! My lower plates trembled again. Fuck! How was I going to see my best friend now? I thought, almost panicking.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself. I had to be rational. Right now, she was hurt, providing her with any kind of stress exchange would not be good. I'd wait... and if she kept making my plates move, then I'd propose the exchange.

Chapter Text

Garrus

Why was I so grumpy? Lately, I hadn't been understanding myself. It was as if that rocket that blew me through the air hadn't just broken one of my jaws but also my coherence.

In my free time, I was busy in the main bay, secretly tracking down the damn traitor from Sidonis who had sold his own team to Omega's gangs and the reason I'd found myself in a suicidal situation on that bridge, seeking revenge on the mafias.

It was understandable that I was angry about it, but this time, this feeling that threatened to creep into my subvocals had a different origin, something more primitive that had nothing to do with revenge.

My eyes fell on Joker's hand, dangerously close to touching Mara's arm. After yesterday and her being able to walk with assistance, Dr. Chakwas had given me permission to take her to the mess hall to meet the rest of the crew and make new friends, but something in the Normandy pilot's eyes felt sly, as if he knew he was playing with fire and was thrilled to see how far he could go in an explosion.

He looked at me sideways, gauging my reaction, ignoring the Joker prankster, I focused on eating my tasteless nutrient paste, it was the only thing on this ship that I could ingest.

Being the only dextro and there being only one kitchen, it was better not to risk asking Rupert, the cook, to try to make me some food based on fresh products. It's not like I was going to get sick from eating something levo due to cross-contamination from using the cooking utensils, but it was better not to risk it, even if I had a high level of levo assimilation.

As Turians, from the age of 15 we were given a dextro-levo analysis to find out if coming into contact with any levo substance could kill us. The Galaxy was full of levo species, and with the increasing influence of the presence of humanity, these clinical examinations were reinforced by doing them at least 4 or 5 times to see if a certain degree of immunity varied or was achieved by consuming foods with more levo load than dextro. I had to say, I was quite happy with my results…at 15 I only assimilated 55% of the levo substance, then after leaving military service and joining Seg C, the rate had increased to 72%, that means I wouldn't die from food poisoning but there would be certain symptoms that I wouldn't want to suffer. 

Raising my gaze toward Mara, I focused on her smile. This morning she seemed like a new woman, as if she had not suffered a terrible nightmare again that made her scream heartbreakingly in the middle of the darkness.

Flashback

To calm myself after the new discovery of knowing that my best friend was making my plates move, I focused on Calibrations. Math problems, derivations, applying arithmetic, and making everything fit together perfectly, without the slightest error, I always managed to distract myself.

When I realized it, it was already 4 in the morning. Being more relaxed, my mind was focused on how to obtain a Thanix cannon, it was a hydrodynamic magnetic cannon that the Turians had managed to replicate from the weapons of the Sovereign who attacked the Citadel.

It was going to be quite expensive to acquire, but it was a necessary investment. As soon as I was going to see Shepard I should tell him, probably my father had some contact within the upper levels of the Hierarchy who could provide it to us.

I didn't want to resort to it, or call him, I hadn't contacted him again in years...we transmitted the messages to each other through my little sister, and Solana was already getting tired of acting as messenger, but considering what we were facing I couldn't allow my feelings to play against us.

Entering the medical bay, I headed toward my stretcher. After the whole day, I took off my armor, leaving me in lighter, more breathable clothes. The chill in the room made me rush to get under the blankets. We Turians didn't like the cold.

Palaven, our planet, had a higher temperature than Earth's, and even though the thermostat on my Omnitool read 71.2 degrees Fahrenheit, I would have preferred it to be 82 degrees, which was the normal temperature of Turian Cruisers.

Movement behind me made me look at the stretcher where Mara was. The little human was squirming from side to side, my jaws tensed, should I wake her up?- I wondered as I watched her.

One of her hands trembled and flailed toward nothingness in an attempt to grab something that didn't exist. I carefully reached out enough to take her hand, letting my now ungloved claw caress her soft skin.

Her mouth parted, a moan was heard alongside babbling, and suddenly a cry with my name on her lips was uttered like a plea. Getting off the stretcher, I approached her while holding our hands together.

Trying to ease the onset of her panic attack, my subvocals sang to her. It was unconscious. I knew she couldn't hear me, that human ears only picked up a few frequencies, and yet my mind equated her to a Turian, making my trill grow louder to reach her.

Mara's eyes widened in panic, tears overflowing as she squeezed my hand in desperation.

"Don't go, don't go..." she whispered, her voice breaking.

"I'm here." Her body tried to sit up to see me, but human eyes couldn't find their way in the darkness. Helping her lift her torso, I stroked her back with gentle movements. I had recently discovered that this act calmed her, so I just waited silently for it to work.

"I'm so sorry." Her cheeks were flushed, and the look of panic wouldn't leave her face.

"Why are you apologizing?" I asked, not knowing what was going through her mind.

"I... I made you see me... well, I don't think it was a pleasant sight for you. I don't know, I guess, I guess... it was annoying." Her head hung low, and she let her hair hide her face.

At first, I struggled to follow what she was trying to tell me with her babble, but after a moment, I was able to piece together what she was trying to convey. "You're... mmm... Pleasant," I said thoughtfully, using the same word she had used. "Soft, tender... Your body seems well-made? I don't know...spirits, I don't know how humans flatter each other in these cases, but your waist is narrow, firm”  my subvocals sharpened shyly as I felt the heat of what I was recognizing, making my neck turn a bluer tone.

Something in the way I spoke made Mara hold her breath. Had I said something wrong? I was worried at first, but then her shoulders began to shake and without being able to contain herself, she laughed  “I guess...thank you, that's very kind of you, even if you only say it to reassure me.” - as she said this last thing she lowered the sound of her voice.

"I'm being honest, Mara," I said, to which she immediately raised her gaze toward the direction of my voice.

Nervously, the small human bit her lower lip, causing an even more reddish hue to manifest and capture my attention. Something primitive settled inside me, making me wonder if I could, given our biological differences in facial structure, bite those lips like she did.

The gears in her head seemed to turn as the silence only created more tension in the air.

"I think if I go back to sleep, I'm going to have nightmares... Can we lie down?.” She asked, my jaws shook, my intimate plates began to retract without my permission, my subvocal rumbled with emotion and my thoughts became cloudy.

"I...well...uh...I'd love to, but...in your condition, I don't think it'd be good. You could get hurt, uh...the size difference doesn't..." I began hurriedly, choking on my words.

"It's sleep. I know you're big, but I don't think you'll crush me. I promise not to move," she said naively. Spirits, damn it, what was I thinking? The damn translator had played a trick on me. Some human expressions had another meaning when automatically translated into Palavenix, it used to be funny, but at this moment I was just embarrassed.

"Oh...sure, ummm, should I lie down next to you?" I asked, trying to calm my breathing.

"No, let's go to your bed instead. Mine's soaked," she said timidly.

However, although her comment wasn't meant to provoke me, my body was thinking differently, causing more unanswered questions about human anatomy to arise. Do human females get soaked? Among the Turians, we were the males who were responsible for producing most of the lubrication. If the female produced a little moisture, and if she got soaked, it meant we were excellent lovers.

Her eyes looked at me questioningly. I had remained still for too long, thinking about the implications of the wetness and what it would mean for humans.

Tilting my head, I tried to clear my thoughts, focusing on what I had to do. Placing one of my hands under her knees and the other against her back, I gently moved her toward my stretcher, placing her gently on it.

She shifted to give me enough space within the blankets. I stayed still once I got into the bed, paralyzed while I waited for my intimate plates to understand that they should stop opening.

However, the small human surprised me. She climbed over my body, her soft thighs pressing against my sensitive waist causing a squeak to escape my mouth.

"Sorry, did I hurt you?" she asked with concern.

"No... it was just unexpected," I admitted, my jaw quivering.

Mara laughed softly, her torso leaning against my shell. I could feel that soft part of her pressing against my plates. Her small hand gripped the bottom edge of my hood, and her face rested against my neck, making me feel the warmth of her breath.

In a few minutes, the little human fell asleep while it was impossible for me. I was too tense; her warmth was transmitted through my entire body. I wished for a moment that I wasn't wearing any clothes, just to feel the softness of her body against my scales and skin.

When my Omnitool glowed, letting me know it was 6 a.m., my hand finally dared to touch Mara's shoulder. I had to wake her before Doctor Chakwas returned. I didn't want the characteristic curiosity of humans to interrogate me or ask uncomfortable questions that I wouldn't know how to answer.

Her small body moved against mine, I felt how her pelvis pressed against my waist, Spirits, that part of her body displayed an even more intense heat that only made me want to enter her.

"Mara... Dr. Chakwas is going to be here any moment," I said hoarsely.

“5 more minutes...you are the best bed” she said half asleep while her hand caressed my neck and her legs tightened around my sides.

My nerves got the better of me, if she continued like this, my body would act by instinct revealing my member, I had resisted all night and my plates could no longer hold back the excitement, so I sat up with her in my arms and laid her back on her stretcher, tucking her in carefully.

Walking slowly away from her, without making a sound, I grabbed a change of clothes and put on my armor, then hurriedly fled to the bathroom. I needed a cold shower.

End of Flashback

I thought she'd be embarrassed, but she looked back at me cheerfully.

"You seem to be in a very good mood, Mara," Joker said. "By the way, that's very unfair." This last comment caught the little human's attention.

"After the nightmares, I had a good dream," the girl admitted... wait, did she think it was a dream? My jaw clenched in disgust. "What's so unfair about it, Jeff?" she asked curiously.

"Joker, I like my nickname better." Sipping his coffee, he paused dramatically  “It's clear that you have kept the beauty of the family. You should have left something for your brother”his strange comment made Mara blush and laugh. Something in me twisted and my subvocal began to rumble.

“You have a golden beak, don't you?” She was pleased; she liked those kinds of comments; was this how humans courted each other?- I wondered, anger threatening to explode.

Joker smiled broadly at me. “With my illness, it's the only ace I have left. I have Vrolik syndrome, in short, brittle bones. The important thing is that now I'm not the only walking disaster. We can have an invalid race," he joke, making Mara's laughter echo throughout the dining room, becoming louder as she gasped for air.

“That would be great! Two wobbly disasters” Mara agreed to his idea enthusiastically.

"I'll write it down. You can't get out of it. Our good friend, the Turian, will be the referee." His hand dared to touch Mara's arm, and my subvocals jumped. "I think Doctor Chakwas is calling you for another torture session," he informed her, his gaze shifting to the newly opened medical bay door.

"Ufff... well, I have to practice if I want to beat you, don't I?" Mara stood up from the table with difficulty, grabbed the crutches the Doctor had given her, and left us alone.

"Come on, Garrus, why are you so grumpy? I thought you no longer had that stick up your ass that made you so stuck-up," he joked. However, to my bewilderment, I growled at him, to which he just laughed. "Calm down, big guy, I'm on your side. Sometimes, I get bored just waiting for Shepard to return from his missions. With the ship anchored and everything monitored, I have plenty of time left,” he spoke continuously.

“What’s your point, Joker?” I asked, annoyed.

“Does your body seem well-built? Is your waist firm? Come on, buddy! What kind of compliments are those? With phrases like that, I don’t know how Turians aren’t extinct?” My jaw dropped, slightly hanging loose in disbelief.

“Have you been spying on us?”  Anger boiled inside me but there was also curiosity about his words.

“Of course, to you, to Kelly, to Zaeed, to Mordin...” he began to list.

“I got it, everyone”, stopped him. Joker just smiled slyly “Why would you help? Isn’t that weird?”.

“I’m a fan of interspecies love. I have all the Fornax magazine collections, but they haven’t covered Human-Turian sex yet. It must be because there are no volunteers. You know, those claws and teeth you have are not a great indicator that you are a good lover, not to mention that you resemble a rock because of your scaly skin and not many human girls are willing to scrub themselves to death” his comment embarrassed me.

“Keep your voice down!” I warned him as my jaws tensed.

“No one's home. Ruppert's distracted cleaning the galley, the rest of the crew is at their stations, and if you're worried about Shepard, last time I checked the cameras, he was adding mods to his pistol and chatting animatedly with Jacob,” he explained with frightening calmness. “So, what do you say? Can I help you?”  his question was left in the air.

For a moment, I debated whether it was the right thing to accept his help. Jeff was a good partner. We hadn't tried much to communicate when I was on the Normandy SR1, but Shepard trusted him. "Okay, but just so you know... I'm not going to let you spy on me with the cameras."

“Ouch, dude , the betrayal”  he put a hand to the area where the humans had their hearts, pretending to be hurt, then, seeing that it didn't fit into his game, he became serious again. “We're going to have a lot of work to do, your compliments stink.”

I didn't know if he was entirely sincere, but he had managed to make Mara laugh with his compliment, and they had been joking around together, so what could go wrong?

Mara

I felt a slight pulling sensation as I flexed one of my legs in the air and then stretched it against Doctor Chakwas's hand. I was doing exercises to regain mobility and strengthen the muscle without injuring myself or straining myself with a load that would later leave me exhausted and in pain.

With a small grimace, I focused on each of her instructions, trying to reflect the weight of my body in that kind of kick I threw into the air while still lying down.

The doctor smiled at me proudly. It seemed like I was doing better than yesterday, I thought, remembering how difficult it had been to feel the strength in my limbs as they trembled as if they might give way and break at any moment.

Closing my eyes, I involuntarily remembered that moment in the bathroom. My cheeks immediately turned pink, and the strength drained from my body, while my breathing became labored. Garrus... oh god! He had seen me naked, and not only that, the poor Turian had touched my body... his touch was innocent; he had no intention of doing it on purpose; he only wanted to help me, but now my mind was going at 1000 miles an hour, all I was thinking about was what it would have been like if he hadn't had his gloves or armor on.

What would it be like to feel his skin completely? When I caressed its claws I noticed a different type of texture on its skin... Unlike mine, it was thicker skin to the touch, almost as if it were leather and in small areas like the knuckles it had scales that provided a different type of stimulation, as if it were embossed.

It wasn't unpleasant; on the contrary, it made me want to rub my fingertips over every part of his exposed skin in an attempt to memorize each of its differences.

Also, his fingers, compared to mine, which were thin and slender, were different. Garrus had 3 fingers, a large, wide thumb, designed to insert into flesh, tearing it apart in a powerful grip; What would be the index and middle fingers, in the Turians, were joined, forming a more elegant, elongated finger; and finally, the pinky. This last claw was smaller, but compared to my fingers, it was the same size as my middle finger. Everything about its alien structure was different, and yet it still caught my attention so much… What would it be like if it touched me?

Doctor Chakwas's fake cough brought me out of my shameless thoughts.

"Concentrate, Mara, you're losing force with your feet," she warned me professionally.

My blush intensified as if I'd been caught red-handed committing a crime. I tried to refocus—I really was—but I couldn't stop thinking about Garrus.

Finally, the doctor left my feet on the bed, tired of not getting the answer she needed. "Okay, we'll take a short break. I'll go get the elastic bands to help you tense your muscles," she informed me as she walked away in search of the rehabilitation materials.

I could hear her rummaging through the boxes. I wasn't completely alone, but it was good to get some rest. Turning my head toward Garrus' stretcher, I remembered tonight's dream, it had felt so real. In my mind, my body seemed made to fit his.

I touched each of my fingertips, playing with my hands as I reimagined what it was like to feel his skin. I remembered how in my dream I had caressed his neck, focusing on gently scratching the skin between the thicker scales. That part seemed much softer, as if by weaving the wonderful tapestry that was her skin it became more delicate. Could it really be like that?

I had also imagined his smell. Garrus always smelled like the mountains, but this time my mind recalled the scents of fresh, slightly smoky water, like wood crackling and enveloping me in a wisp of rosemary. I would have to find a perfume that could capture those fragrant notes that had calmed me to the point of blanking my mind.

I inhaled deeply, but could only absorb the aroma of the sterile environment of the med bay. With a disappointed sigh, I forced my head to turn toward Dr. Chakwas.

This morning, I thought I'd die of embarrassment when I ran into Garrus, and yet, he'd acted normal, as usual, as if nothing had happened or bothered him. And I didn't know what was worse: that I wasn't getting any kind of reaction from him after seeing me naked, or that maybe he just didn't find me attractive and was keeping quiet about what he really thought. I still hadn't grasped all the intonations of his subvocals. There were no videos on the extranet that explained it. So I relied solely on intuiting what emotion he was trying to convey, and most of the time, I struggled to find a parallel to how humans acted when we were in different moods.

Admitting to him that I'd undergone a procedure to understand his subvocals now felt like a bad idea. Maybe... it scared him, or maybe it was even going to seem creepy to him.

I sighed again, but this time in frustration. Why was it all so difficult? Why couldn't I just turn the page? Joker, he was handsome and nice. He'd made me laugh, and despite his friendly flirting, there was no hint of my heart racing at his words.

It had always been like this, like I was broken. Sometimes, a guy had tried to flirt with me, invite me on a date... I had accepted the dates, telling myself that maybe what people called a crush, I needed to build slowly, making the spark forge over time, but even so, I had always felt that in the end something was missing.

I never felt comfortable, my heart didn't race, my stomach didn't feel those classic butterflies that romance books insisted should happen, and in the end, I ended up rejecting the boy who'd been brave enough to approach me.

And then, Garrus just showed up. I didn't expect anything from him. They were just some jokes, strange smiles with a lower jaw that fluttered and his eyes that sought to read mine as if that were the way to unravel the mysteries of my mind.

He came to understand me; by his side, I could be myself; I felt a connection I hadn't even felt with my brother. In the end, it just happened, something clicked in me, and before I realized it, reality hit me hard declaring me in love with him.

Another sigh... it was one of resignation. The Doctor looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Wow, that's a lot of sighs, lovesickness?" she mocked, making me blush again.

"No..." I whispered. "I'm just tired of not being able to do anything without help." This wasn't entirely a lie, but it was better than admitting to him that I liked a Turian who wouldn't give me a chance.

"Rehabilitation is slow; you have to be patient. This always happens with young enthusiasts, just let everything settle, the rest will follow. Don't think useless thoughts”  something in her words felt like we weren't talking about rehabilitation.

"What else can I do?" I said with another wistful sigh.

The doctor made a sound in the air as she tightened the bands, almost as if she were whipping it. "Cheer up, girl! There's still a lot to do!" she said amusedly as she showed me the elastic cord that would make me suffer for several days.

I wish my regeneration ability was faster, was the last thing I thought as I stood up. I was fed up with being locked up.

John Shepard

Time flew by. After completing my assigned missions on the Ismar Frontier, I'd been studying the profiles Cerberus had provided me on potential future crew members.

On my desk was the datapad with the selected information on Jack, Subject Zero. There was almost nothing about this person. The only thing they highlighted was that she was imprisoned in a maximum security prison run by the Blue Suns and that Cerberus had already made the payment for her.

A tired sigh escaped my lips. Were all the members of my crew going to be criminals?- I wondered wearily as I rubbed my eyes in an attempt to stop my frustration.

Zaeed hadn't caused any trouble since we saved the civilians from that burning refinery. He barely communicated with the rest of the crew. He'd taken over one of the rooms on the fourth floor, specifically the south entrance of the refinery, and his hair was barely visible. When did he eat? No idea, he probably got up early or took pre-cooked military rations.

Jacob, was a nice guy. We'd trained together more than once and talked about weapon modifications or ways to improve the ship. Specifically, he'd told me about adding double armor to the ship. It had been a truly valuable suggestion that he had promptly had the engineers implement.

Mordin, was absorbed in his research. Obsessed with unraveling the mysteries of the collectors' swarm of insects, he sometimes even forgot to eat, and good old Kelly, who acted as my secretary, was the one who took pity on the Doctor and went to the kitchen to bring him snacks.

I'd spoken to him, trying to suggest he give his privileged mind a rest, but all I'd gotten in response was a speech indicating that he could only clear his mind with another investigation that equally obsessed him. So, between one and the other, he could take breaks to observe and make notes. In truth, Dr. Solus was brilliant, but like any genius, his eccentricity was persistent.

Grimacing, I finally thought of Miranda. I still didn't trust her, but I no longer saw her as a soulless witch. I'd discovered that she sometimes helped Mara with her rehabilitation, even though Garrus kept a close eye on her.

However, thinking about our private encounter gave me chills. Following my sister's advice, I wanted to get to know her, try to decipher her true personality. People who were two-faced reminded me of politicians and made it harder for me to enjoy their company or form a friendship.

I scratched the back of my neck at the memory.

Flashback

I had finished helping Mara with her rehabilitation exercises. It had been three days since she started them... and she had improved at an alarming rate. She was still moving in small steps, not entirely trusting her stability, but she wasn't wobbly anymore and was walking more upright, regaining her balance.

Leaving the medical bay I smiled as I remembered my little sister when she was 4 years old, it seemed like she was walking in the same clumsy way again and that made me laugh with a certain air of nostalgia.

Garrus practically spent his time babysitting her, and when they weren't doing the exercises the Doctor prescribed, he would accompany her as she explored the ship's rooms or simply accommodate her in the main bay.

My friend was quite considerate, and had even improvised a sort of basket-style sofa with the empty boxes, pillows, and blankets—I didn't know where he'd gotten them from—so she'd be comfortable.

A grimace crossed my face. Was there only friendship between them? I knew that Turians were trained to serve others; it could be something inherent to their species, something that came naturally to Garrus... but I knew my little sister; her eyes shone when she looked at the Turian, and it scared me.

Mara had never been interested in love, and if she did set her sights on Garrus... what were the chances of it being reciprocated? Not only were they different species, different cultures, and the xenophobia and hatred of the First Contact War that they would have to face... but it could also turn out that for my friend, it was only a passing interest.

He had told me that during their youth, the most daring Turians tended to experiment with relationships with Asari or Quarians, but it was only temporary. Those relationships didn't work out in the long run. Few Turians decided to marry a woman of another species, and if they did, it was with Asari because they had shared descendants.

And that hadn't changed over time. In fact, Turians have been in contact with Asari and Salarians since the Krogan Rebellion, that is, in the year 700 of the Common Era, and now we are in the year 1285. Turians had had about 585 years to decide to interbreed and marry with other species; humans had only 27 years since our first contact, and we had no problem making a lifelong commitment to Asari. That spoke volumes about the differences between our species.

The worst thing was that Mara was looking at him as if he were the last drop of water in the desert. I knew I couldn't protect her from everything around her. She was already older and would have to have her own experiences, but it hurt me not to be able to intervene.

In this case, it would be better if Garrus broke her heart, so I wouldn't have to take anyone's side or get angry at my friend.

Seeking to distract myself from such pessimistic thoughts, I noticed how Miranda greeted me and went into her private cabin. She had chosen the room behind the kitchen, with direct access to the dining room.

I guess this was a good time to find out more about her, I thought as I headed towards her room. Seeing that the light on the door was green, I opened it, inviting myself. She was already sitting behind her desk, her gaze reflected some surprise at first but she quickly returned to her serene and professional expression.

"Commander, how can I help?" she asked professionally.

"Do you have a minute?" I tried to be considerate by not imposing my presence.

"You must have a lot of questions. I appreciate you finally deciding to come talk to me." Pausing briefly, She quickly typed something on the computer and then shut down its functions. Was she trying to hide information?- I wondered suspiciously.

"I don't want to get distracted from the conversation," she justified herself. "I know you don't trust Cerberus, but we're not as evil as most people think. What happened to your sister was tragic; if we hadn't needed her so desperately to get you back, we would have left her alone." My brow furrowed; I didn't buy that excuse.

"My image of your organization isn't going to improve, no matter what excuses you try to give me," I said coldly. However, I tried to contain myself. "Tell me about yourself. I need to meet my crew, what their principles, goals, and traumas are," I said, crossing my arms.

To my surprise, she smiled “I think it's only fair, I've spent the last two years researching everything about you” she said enthusiastically, however a shiver ran down my spine. I didn't like being analyzed.

She stood up from her chair and began pacing the room with calculated, almost feline movements, seeking to draw my attention to her hips. My gaze focused on a line on the wall, remaining unperturbed. “You should probably know that I've undergone profound genetic modification. It wasn't my decision, but I'm making the most of it.” I was taken aback by the information offered, but I tried not to let it show. Was she looking for pity? I wouldn't find it. If she'd suffered the same as my sister, why join Cerberus? Why continue inflicting the same horrors on others?- I wondered, my jaw tightening.

“It's one of the reasons the Illusive Man chose me to accompany you. I'm pretty good at everything I love to do,” her voice laced with pride.

"You certainly don't lack confidence," I admitted.

"It's just a fact," Miranda decided to stand in front of me, her hand resting on her hip as she adopted a pose that highlighted her curves. "My reflexes, my strength, and even my appearance...have been designed to give me an advantage." She bit her lower lip provocatively as her blue eyes scanned my body. "There's no point in hiding it." Her voice lowered in an attempt to coax me.

“It’s also the reason I’m assigned to oversee missions that are more dangerous, risky, or require discretion for Cerberus.” She was proud of what she did.

“How much of you is modified?” I asked analytically, hopefully, maybe I could sense if any of those genetic atrocities had been done to my sister.

“Physically, I heal faster and probably live half a lifetime longer than an ordinary human. My biotic abilities are also advanced. And add to that better training and education that money can’t buy,” she stated.

“You talk as if you consider yourself perfect.” I couldn’t help but sound harsh when I said that sentence.

“I’m still human, Shepard, I make mistakes. If you’re looking to reassure yourself, Mara only received two enhancements from Cerberus; one she requested herself. The other is to her biotic ability, but unlike other subjects, her modification has been influenced by the research we were able to recover from the Proetan ruins. In her amplifiers we incorporate the new recovered technology. Not even we know what it'll translate to, although it's surprising that it can now heal... I mean, that would mean the Proetans were using biotics in ways we don't know. We're very limited.”  my body tensed like a spring.

"So you admit that Mara has been a double guinea pig," I hissed at her.

"Yes," she admitted. "I refused to do it, really, Shepard. If you want, I'll give you the confidential report so you can read it yourself," she offered as she sat back in her desk chair and rummaged through her drawers.

"Why? Why risk experimental technology if you supposedly needed its genetic makeup to revive me?" Confusion mingled with anger.

"Really...when the biotic amplifier experiment began, the scientists no longer needed to obtain more from your sister. In half a year and with a three-month rehabilitation, she could have been living a normal life." She paused, gauging my reaction. Breathing deeply, I tried to calm myself.

"Then the tests and lab work shed light on Mara's genetic mutation, a very rare one; barely 1% of the population has it. It allows her to adapt... to evolve with changes. Before fully inserting the Proetana technology, he underwent tests to see how his body assimilated it. That is why there has been so much dissection of organs and matter that can be reestablished over time.”

“Why... are you telling me all this now?” I asked as anger seeped into my voice.

“Because you have given me a vote of confidence, Shepard. Not many people can see through the first image I give." Handing me the datapad, I grabbed the damn thing. "Read it yourself."

"Thank you," I said in a mumble as I hurried out of her room.

I needed to calm down, be alone, think clearly, and when my stomach stopped churning, read that datapad with the help of Doctor Solus.

End Flashback

Four days had passed since that conversation. I still hadn't found the courage to read the classified report and discover all the torture my sister had been subjected to, which she seemed unaware of.

My dealings with Miranda after that day had been more courteous, but I still kept my distance.

Edi's robotic voice startled me.

"Shepard, Joker informs me that we're in the Hourglass Nebula. Do you want to go immediately to Purgatory Prison?" Craning my neck in her direction, I heard a creak.

The datapad on my desk showed Subject Zero without an added profile picture that could tell me what she looked like.

"Yes. Set course immediately. Edi, warn Garrus and my sister. They're coming with me," I reported.

Getting up from my seat, I proceeded to search the closet for my armor. Over the course of the week, Mara had managed to regain full mobility. Dr. Chakwas had discharged her from the infirmary, and she was now enjoying the new room she'd ordered the engineers to build, on the first floor, next to mine.

Besides, we'd only have to go pick up Subject Zero; there wouldn't be any conflict, and it would be a way to stop my sister from begging to go on missions.

A simple, easy job, right?

Chapter Text

Mara

Having my own room had brought me mixed feelings. I appreciated the privacy it offered, and because it was a makeshift build, it lacked the technological ports that made it easy for Edi to move into my shelter. This meant it was the only part of the Normandy without surveillance cameras, which was wonderful.

I don't think I could be constantly checking when to turn the cameras off and when not to. Most likely, with my head in the clouds, I'd forget Edi's presence and who knew who was in charge of monitoring the cameras.

A grimace crossed my face when I thought about what I didn't like about having my own space. I wouldn't be able to see Garrus so often anymore, nor wake up in the middle of the night lulled by his strong arms. I would no longer hear that light trill he made before sleeping, like a kind of purr that forced me to relax.

I was definitely going to miss him. Turning toward the closet, I bent down to open a metal trunk. A beautifully meticulous suit of armor lay inside. Cerberus seemed to have thought of everything, even down to providing me with suitable clothing and equipment.

Carefully taking it out, I stroked the material. It felt like a kind of reinforced leather; it didn't require an inner mesh to protect my skin from the metal and synthetic fibers. The only plates covering the suit were located on the sides of the thighs, shoulders, chest, knees, and hips, but they weren't rigid; they blended seamlessly, preserving the suit's original shape.

Stripping off, I kept only the bottom half of my underwear. Putting on the armor, I felt it molded to my every curve. It truly fit like a glove; it was tailored to my measurements, highlighting my rear and compacting my bust, yet still highlighting it thanks to the pattern on the drawing.

With my new OmniTool, I configured the armor, selecting two colors that would serve to further highlight the pattern. I chose an obsidian black shade for the outer stripes that marked the sides of my waist and the inside of my thighs, while for the main part, I chose an indigo blue, just like Garrus's armor.

I looked at myself in the mirror, pleased; now my waist seemed narrower, while my hips were rounded and my legs were slimmer. I felt no discomfort when bending my limbs, so not wanting to keep the boys waiting, I tied my hair back in a low braided bun and left two strands of hair loose as bangs that framed my face.

With a smile, I headed to the control room. The ship had already docked at the Purgatory prison, and the boys were waiting for me in the airlock room. My brother, upon seeing me, just shook his head, while Garrus stared at me, making me feel shy.

Blushing, I approached them, trying to appear unconcerned.

"Always late," my brother complained, rolling his eyes and handing me an M-5 Phalanx, a heavy pistol with a laser sight. "There won't be any problems, but it's better to be armed."

"Good things come to those who wait," I justified, making Garrus laugh and his subvocals emit a soft trill. Putting the weapon back in the holster, I looked at the turian's armor. There was still a huge hole near his neck and shrapnel holes around his neck. Why hadn't he changed his suit? It could be dangerous to travel around in chipped armor, I worried, causing me to inadvertently stare at him.

Noticing my gaze, Garrus grew nervous, his subvocals giving him away and making me smile slightly. I was beginning to understand his sounds, deciphering much of his unique language. “Go matching,” he said, his lower jaws expanding into a slight smile. “Blue looks good on you, makes your copper hair pop more, like there’s fire wrapped in the water.” His hand involuntarily scratched the back of his neck.

"Oh, thank you, blue looks great on you too. It enhances the undertone of your plates," I said as I looked away.

I felt the warmth spread through my body in a pleasant sensation, my cheeks burning, and a flutter in my stomach swirling with the flutter of butterflies that only made my heart beat irregularly. Lately, he'd been making complimentary comments about my appearance. It was strange; I hadn't expected it, but now that I knew he could offer me such compliments, I looked forward to them every time I was with him.

My brother, uncomfortable, just faked a loud cough. He pressed the depressurization button and took the lead, trusting us to follow. Garrus was the first to move, his gaze fixed on my brother's back in a defensive stance, and I, by inertia, moved until I reached him, feeling as if I were attracted by the force of a magnet.

Entering the station, I noticed the white corridors and the large windows overlooking the space, providing a stunning view of the immensity of darkness combined with the twinkling of distant stars.

At the front, the guards were waiting for my brother in a formation that only indicated discipline and a certain distrust of the new visitor they were receiving.

"Welcome to Purgatory. Shepard, they're preparing your package and you'll be able to pick it up shortly," the Turian spoke impersonally. "As this is a maximum security ship, you must deposit your weapons before entering." His subvocals resonated in a sound similar to a considered warning, while one of his claws pointed to the storage lockers where our weapons were to be stored.

Garrus's subvocals responded with something resembling disagreement. My brother squared his shoulders in a pose that reflected confidence. "No. I can't do that," he said harshly, in a way that left no doubt about his stance.

The tension in the air was evident at his response. The guards quickly reached for their weapons, but the sound of a door opening prevented them from drawing them.

A tall, proud-looking turian appeared. His earth-toned scales were discolored in some parts of his neck, and his facial plates were ridged at the end of his jaw as well as at the beginning of his bangs. He was likely older, but not old enough to hide his bangs with the characteristic cap they wore when their plates began to crack.

 "I am Warden Kuril, this is my ship. Your weapons will be returned to you when the delivery is complete. This is standard procedure, and we allow no exceptions." His golden eyes, prominent in the black groove that resembled our eyelids, scanned us until they stopped at Garrus. Something resembling a snort was emitted under his breath.

"My standard procedure is to keep my pistol." The seriousness in my brother's voice was like an icy iceberg.

The silence grew awkward as the two exchanged glances in a silent power struggle. Finally, in a cocky gesture, the warden moved his neck and nodded to his men.

"Send them in. Our facility is secure enough to handle these two and a half guests." When he said the last part, he looked at me, his jaws opening until his subvocals trembled, the sound echoed by the rest of the Turian guards. Garrus clenched his lower jaws in a warning growl, which stopped their laughter.

It had happened before; my short stature compared to a Turian seemed amusing to them, but now I could identify when they were secretly mocking me. I was barely 5'6" tall, while they were over 7'4", so I had to raise my head to the ceiling just to look at them.

"We're getting Jack out of cryogenics. As soon as the payment has been made, you can leave. Come with me to the check-in area for the pickup, Commander." The warden's subvocal voice was once again a straight line, serious but tense.

My brother nodded, accepting the tour of the facilities. The interior of the station was made up of blocks of cryogenic chambers manipulated by machines.

From the top of the bridge, where we were, metal arms captured one of these special prisons, releasing its occupants into security cells further ahead.

“This is cellblock 2. As you can see, we keep a tight control over the population,” he pointed down, proud of his work. "Each prisoner's compartment is a watertight modular unit. I've emptied a few airlocks as an example. You'll be interested to see how we run the station," Kuril, explained to my brother.

“The ship is made up of 30 cellblocks like this one. We house thousands of criminals.” A shiver ran through me; this block was already immense… I didn’t want to imagine the rest. “We can block the whole place off in no time,” he boasted.

“What can you tell me about Jack?” my brother asked with interest about our new crewmate.

“Didn’t Cerberus tell you?” His jaws expanded in a toothy grin. The warden was more than amused by the lack of information we were suffering. “Jack is the most hateful and violent being I’ve ever seen. Danger, madness, and power. You'll soon see” caution was evident in his subvocals.

Were we really going to work with someone so dangerous? Why? – I asked myself as I felt a feeling of discomfort wash over me. I was tense; something inside me was screaming for us to leave this place.

"There have been no escape attempts?" Garrus asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

"We're in space. They have nowhere else to go, and they know it, so they're staying put," the warden said with amusement. "Even so, we're acting with extreme caution. They're dangerous individuals. There are many ways to control the population."

The corridor seemed endless; the bridge was structured like a labyrinth from which you could see the depths of the lament of the imprisoned souls.

Quickening my steps, I tried to keep up. I had stayed behind as I watched two prisoners in what was a sort of open rectangular area, start fighting as soon as they exited the capsules. The guards didn't even draw their weapons. Pressing a button on their Omnitools, a taser blast struck the inmates like lightning, then engulfed them in biotic stasis spheres that immobilized them.

"I'm going to confirm receipt of the Cerberus funds. Check-out is through this hallway." The Warden led us to what looked like another separate block and then left, leaving us alone.

"I don't like this place," I dared to speak for the first time since we'd been in this place.

"No? It's like a hotel with a direct view of the fun," Garrus joked.

"And if you don't have fun, you get your money back or get trapped in a pod," my brother continued his friend's joke.

Shaking my head at their carefree attitude, I decided to go ahead. The upper walkway continued to extend in a D-shape. Now, if I looked down through the windows, I could see some kind of mess hall. The prisoners seemed calm, but the horrible bloodstain on the floor indicated they could turn violent at any moment.

Moving away from the glass, I hurriedly walked back as Garrus and John continued to joke around casually. I guess being in the military had immunized them against what they saw in this place.

I frowned as I passed some security cells. Inside, the screams of a prisoner being beaten by a guard echoed off the walls. Not wanting to stop and look, I continued forward, but the sound of something crashing made me jump in place.

"Look at that cute little thing! Did they bring you here to play with us?" A human male's face pressed hard against the security glass, distorting his features and paralyzing me. His eyes were bloodshot as if possessed. I backed away slowly, my heart racing with fear. "Oh, darling, I love it when you run away. It's the most fun," his voice was filled with insane desire.

"Wow! What's this button for, huh? Let's find out, heh!" My body collided with Garrus's. His voice indicated amusement, but the low, dark tone of his subvocals revealed clear danger. Approaching the cell, he pressed one of the buttons.

The prisoner's screams were soon heard as he collapsed on the ground, the electricity mercilessly stinging his body. "Ah... I love it when you pee," Garrus sighed with a disturbing calm, seeing the human body's reaction to the attack.

Unable to react to what I was seeing, I simply let myself be guided forward by Garrus's hand on my back. "Don't leave my side," he warned me in a sort of order.

Other prisoners tried to make contact with us, some asking my brother to buy them off so they could be released, while others just mumbled disturbing phrases.

"I heard screams in my head, yes. Very lovely," the last prisoner shouted, making me tense.

Garrus prevented that madman from noticing me, hiding me with his body, while my brother simply sighed in disgust.

"Like fucking goats," Jhon complained.

Leaving that hallway, there was only one open door we could access. It was some kind of infirmary. The lab technician pointed us to one last door.

"The Warden is waiting for you with Jack in that room," he instructed politely before leaving.

“Well, the visit has finally come to an end”, my brother said happily as he opened the door, however we remained tense as springs.

There was no one there; it was a stand-alone cell, and it was empty. We quickly turned around with our weapons drawn.

My brother pushed me forward, signaling me to seek cover among the gurneys while they positioned themselves between the office desks and any metal screens that could be used as a defensive block. The infirmary was blocked, but that only meant the prison guards were gathering.

The warden's voice boomed over the speakers: "Excuse me, Shepard. You're worth more as a prisoner than as a client. The turian with you can join our ranks if he wants, while the small human at your side could be an exotic specimen for some extravagant rich man. She'll sell well," Warden Kuril stated, with a hint of sarcasm in his subvocals.

"You son of a bitch! Do you think we're going to give up that easily?" my brother shouted with the fury of a thousand demons.

"Activate the security systems!" was the only response he got.

Looks like this little trip just turned dangerous,- I thought to myself. The infirmary door unlocked, revealing the enemy, and the bullets poured in like a piercing rain. My biotics reacted instantly, deploying a wide shield of violet waves that bounced the impacts.

- Time for some fun! The little exotic human is going to kick your butts! - I smiled as I felt my power emerge

I had been doing nothing for myself for a long time, feeling useless, but now I was going to take the opportunity to take action.

I wasn't going to hold back with these wretches.

John Shepard

Why couldn't there be a single mission that was simple? Everything was getting so complicated that we now needed a way to free Subject Zero and, at the same time, escape the maximum-security galactic prison without blowing it up in the process.

Concentrating on the firefight, I watched as my sister's biotic shield generously surrounded us. One of the guards tried to break it with a sharp blow, but all he managed was to bounce back, falling to the ground. Garrus took advantage of this to fire at the unprotected enemy, showing no mercy in the process.

Throwing a grenade with electromagnetic effects, I disabled their shields and simultaneously slowed the mechanical dogs they had as extra guards.

Initiating the counterattack, my shots focused on the guards hiding behind the tables in the infirmary. Mara forced them out thanks to her biotic attraction effect, and once they were spinning through the air, they were an easy target to shoot, while Garrus, with his sniper rifle, took care of the enemies that appeared at the end of the corridor.

They didn't have a chance to get close; the Turian's shots were accurate, all aimed at the head, and as such, lethal.

In a few minutes, we had cleared the infirmary, and all I had to worry about was collecting the remaining ammunition clips, finding any weapons on the ground that would be more useful than a pistol, given their longer range or rate of fire, and restocking our team's first-aid kit.

"Don't break formation! I'll go to the front. I have greater shield capacity in my armor, greater shield regeneration, and my weapons are short-to-medium range. Mara, you'll be in an intermediate position. Try to stay away from the enemy but within a range where your biotics can affect them... and Garrus, you're the sniper. If the enemy overwhelms us, I want you to prioritize my sister, watch her back," I ordered, brooking no complaints.

Their gazes met in a brief flash that didn't escape me. Rolling my eyes, I resumed walking down that narrow walkway. There were no longer any guards watching this block from above, but access to the door leading to the control room was blocked.

The door bypass required hacking five connectors to open it. I hated this kind of thing! However, Mara surprised me. Using the Omnitool, she proceeded to bypass the door with precision, and in just a few seconds, it opened.

I had never seen my sister in action. I'd forgotten that her Sentinel class was quite versatile on the battlefield, although its weakness was that it could only wear light armor, making it a prime target for the enemy, requiring the team's protection. After all, if we were injured, she would have to be the one in charge of administering first aid and protecting us with her biotics.

Making a note of this information to take into account when structuring the next combat, I got back into position, leading the team.

The control room was empty, as if the enemy wanted us to wreak havoc on the facility.

I approached the terminal. From there, the large window overlooked an open space on the ground floor where a giant Mecha was guarding her. If I freed Jack, the Mecha would likely activate and seek to attack her, but it was the only option to get her out of cryogenics.

Selecting the commands, I locked onto Subject Zero's capsule. With a sigh, I activated the release program while I inwardly prayed to myself that she wouldn't get hurt. We needed Jack to cooperate, and to do that, we would have to somehow gain her trust.

The large metal clamps clamped onto the capsule until they unhooked it from the cryogenic system. I held my breath as steam enveloped the area. Focusing my gaze, I observed how they had her strapped down. Even around her neck, there was a large metal ring to immobilize her.

Her face seemed calm, devoid of madness. She was a woman with an angelic face, her lips were full with a tone that reminded me of jasper, her eyelids had a drawn line, dyeing them a smoky black and her eyelashes were long. Her slender body was covered in numerous tattoos that extended to her shaved head, masking her olive skin tone.

Suddenly, she began to stir, aware that she was no longer under the effects of the sedatives. Her brown eyes reflected the fire boiling inside her. With sharp movements, she freed herself from her bonds.

The mechs activated, approaching the anamoly she represented in their defense program. I thought we should help her; after all, she was surrounded, and this would help us establish contact. But before I could do anything, she exploded.

Literally, exploded into a flurry of action, her small body rammed into the Mechas as the blue of their biotics enveloped her. In a burst of energy, like a supernova, she overloaded the robots until they shatter.

Gesturing to my colleagues, I signaled for us to run downstairs as the alarms sounded and the Warden panicked. “All guards, restore order. The use of force is authorized, but Jack must not die. Do whatever it takes!”

They were afraid of her; she was a destructive force, and everything became clearer to me when we arrived where she had previously been imprisoned. The room was supposedly a maximum security area, but Jack had other plans, and if there wasn't a door to let her out, she'd blow a damn hole in the wall.

Garrus whistled as he took in the destruction Jack had caused. "Well, we can always ask her to refurbish the ship for us," he joked, causing the tension to dissipate and my sister's laughter to be heard amidst the chaos.

"Now we can track her easily, just follow her trail," I said calmly as I squeezed through the hole.

There was no need to assume an attack position as we made our way through the newly excavated tunnels with biotic attacks. All the guards who had gotten in her way were now dead on the ground, some…with their heads burst open as if they had been squeezed dry.

A chill ran through me…what the hell was Cerberus thinking, bringing such a dangerous person on our mission? I couldn't help but think as I watched the facility begin to burn.

In her desperate escape, she hadn't hesitated to hit structures with flammable contents, and now, flames were also engulfing much of the prison. Furthermore, the inmates had taken advantage of the opportunity to confront the guards, engaging in bloody combat.

Signaling cover, we positioned ourselves behind what had once been a column. We would simply wait for them to kill each other, and then quickly finish off the survivors of the carnage with Garrus's precise shots. This plan worked every single time, until suddenly a Ymir Mecha came into operation.

"Garrus, Mara, overload their shields!" I shouted from a distance as I advanced.

Their attacks allowed the robot's first defense to fall, yet its armor was still intact. Sliding down to a metal block that served as cover, I drew my M-76 Revenant. I reinforced my own shields and, rising, emptied the entire magazine into the mech, while more overload attacks were launched by my companions.

When the robot succumbed, its fall caused the entire ground to shake. I quickly sped away, trying to find cover, while the explosion nearly burned my back. Damned machines! My sister administered the immediate application of medigel from her Omnitool. She had located the damage, and although it wasn't necessary, she chose to apply the injector before I was injured in any other way.

The cold of the gel ran through my veins. Lying on the ground, I waited until my skin stopped burning and the tightness of my flesh no longer clung to my armor.

"Are you crazy?" my sister reproached me as she ran toward me.

"This is the most normal thing. He always charges like a krogan," I heard Garrus say from a distance.

With a smile on my face, I looked up at them. "I'm fine, thanks for asking," I said sarcastically, making the turian laugh.

Mara helped me up. There was no trace of amusement in her eyes, but I shrugged. This was the most normal thing in our line of work. Dusting myself off, I pointed to the door at the back.

"Let's go," I ordered without looking back.

"Lockdown blocks 4, 5, and 6," the warden's voice was tinged with desperation. Jack seemed to be moving forward at great speed, probably paying for the frustration of having been locked up.

In the next area, the situation wasn't any better. Chaos erupted as guards and inmates killed each other. Some of the prisoners didn't even seek to seize the weapons; they carried improvised piercing tools and took advantage of their superior numbers to pounce on them. Sadism was evident in their every action, as they were a violent and enraged group.

When there were no guards left, their crazed eyes settled on us. Even though we were under cover and wearing different armor, the prisoners branded us as enemies and tried to corner us, just as they had the guards.

However, the shockwave emitted by my sister's biotic energy launched explosions in several directions, preventing the criminals from getting close.

The fire from our weapons was directed at them in a hail of lead that they couldn't avoid quickly enough, and in the end, their attack resulted in their death.

Garrus approached one of the guards. "What savages! They lynched him without giving him a single chance! I'm not happy with everything they do here, but this certainly reflects the kind of people these criminals are..." His voice held bitterness.

"You'll take care of avenging them." My hand rested on his shoulder in a gesture of emotional support. "Let's get this over with as soon as possible," I concluded, patting him to indicate we should continue.

Maintaining our combat formation, we headed toward cellblock 1. It was the only area we had left to go through and the only way out of this prison.

The Warden's figure loomed from the watchtower. His shields, reinforced by a combined array of technology and biotics, made him appear invincible.

With his sniper rifle, he was tasked with eliminating any threat to his position. His calmness reflected his years of combat service to the Turian military, and his predatory eyes saw his next prey amidst the chaos: me.

"You're very valuable, Shepard. I could have sold you and lived like a king for years... but you're too much trouble. I'll have to eliminate you, too bad," he complained as if the thought of having to kill me somehow truly hurt him.

A shot was fired at my head, I dodged it as I ran forward in search of a place that would protect me from his absolute vision.

The barricades were weak, haphazardly created from furniture in the recreation area, but they were still solid enough to help me from time to time as I moved around, looking for a blind spot.

"You've got it made! You're a low-level slaver, and I don't have time for this!" I yelled from my new position.

"I do the dirty work that governments don't want to do! It's for the good of the Galaxy!" he shouted, offended, as he shot at me again.

His talk served as a distraction for Garrus to advance perpendicular to me. Mara stayed behind this time, crouching while analyzing the prison's defense mechanisms with her Omnitool.

Suddenly, an electric dome surrounded him, as if it were a giant shield. I aimed directly at it, but the bullets didn't lower its defense capacity.

The overload on one of the pillars, which seemed to be decorative, made by my sister, caused an electromagnetic pulse to tremble. That was all I needed to know to identify how we should act.

"Garrus, focus on the guards, I'll take care of the pillars. Mara, cover me!" The biotic shield enveloped my body.

Leaving cover, I slipped through the remains of Cell Block 1, advancing toward the pillars as gunfire ricocheted. Attaching suction-cup grenades to each one, I moved far enough away to time the detonation.

My sister's scream caught my attention. One of the guards had approached her from behind and shot her in the thigh. I was about to raise my weapon towards the perpetrator, but the impact of a well-aimed bullet in his head was faster than my action. Garrus was still holding position, but even though he had lairs closing in on him, he had prioritized my sister.

The explosion of the grenades blew through the warden's shield. He, furious, pointed his sniper rifle in my direction. The biotic blast was launched at his position, sending him slamming into the wall before he had a chance to pull the trigger.

Mara crawled to another cover while applying medigel and removing what was needed to pack the wound in a mock tourniquet. Knowing she was safe and sound, I advanced on the warden.

Garrus was finishing; he was down to two guards desperate enough for their lives to not care about their superior's situation.

Warden Kuril had no room to retreat. We were both at the same height, our weapons raised at the same time. The shots rang out in unison as my armor reinforced itself. My rate of fire was faster thanks to my combat rifle, and in the end, one of the bullets hit his neck.

Blue blood gushed out like a spring. The warden wanted to say a few last words, but he couldn't speak. The life in his eyes faded with a final note of bitterness, and his body slumped under its own weight until he lay on the ground.

"It wasn't personal, it's for the good of the Galaxy." Looking at what remained of the large Turian, I shrugged as I put away my weapons.

All that remained was to find Zero's subject.

Garrus

All it took was hearing Mara's scream for me to immediately pivot and blow the head off that elusive bastard who'd decided to sneak through the gaps in the barricades.

The guards were well-trained; surely the warden himself had taken care of instructing them, but some of them had grown too reliant on the technology they used against the prisoners, losing their instincts for what a real battle was all about.

Not wanting to waste time, I fired a concussion shot at the last two guards I had left to take out. It didn't need to hit them; it was enough to be close enough for the bullet to unleash a shockwave that stunned them.

Leaping over the cover, I quickly ran to where they had collapsed. My feet squeezed a Batarian's windpipe until it suffocated, while my hand squeezed the trigger of my rifle against a Human's head. That was it. It was over. A victorious chirp echoed in my ribcage as I approached Mara.

She was still sitting on the ground applying that strange green biotic that healed wounds, her hiss of pain causing my subharmonic to echo a chant to calm her. Her gaze found me, and a slight smile crossed her face as if she knew I was uneasy.

"Give me a few seconds and I'll be as good as new," she assured me.

"For your first time in real combat, you've done well," I praised her as I sat down next to her and retracted my sniper rifle into storage.

I couldn't have helped it. I'd been watching her the whole time. From the way she positioned herself to the way she ran that was so different from any other human I'd ever seen.

When Shepard ran, he stood tall with his weapon extended in front of him, and if he had to accelerate, he would raise his knees high, taking long strides. The other humans I'd encountered on the Normandy SR1 had a similar way of moving, probably due to the military training they'd been subjected to, although the women tended to move their hips a bit more.

And then there was her. Mara didn't seem to run; her body was so light it seemed to dance in elegant leaps, her hips swaying suggestively, and her rear end bouncing against that tight armor.

Spirits, when I had her in my sights to cover her back, it had been impossible for me not to take advantage of the opportunity to focus on her figure, but I'd never admit that to anyone. I was a rogue turian focused on his enemies; that's the image I wanted to project. No one escapes my sights... I thought as I returned my attention to the small human.

Her delicate hands were now removing some sort of subdermal plug from the armor. Her skin was slightly showing, but the bullet wound was gone; only a small reddish scratch remained.

Extending her leg, she stretched and bent it repeatedly. Then she stood up to put her weight on the injured leg. A radiant smile indicated that Mara was perfectly healthy, without any injuries.

Shepard was not long in appearing. "We're still missing Subject Zero, let's go," he announced with an imperturbable face, but the concern in his eyes was fixed on his sister's leg.

"Jack has nowhere to run, so we can take it easy." Her hands reached out toward me, as if she wanted to help me up.

My jaws fluttered as I laughed. "I appreciate the help, but I don't think you can lift me," I said with amusement.

Mara pulled at my hands with all her strength, even digging her heels into the ground, and when she saw that I wasn't moving an inch, she puffed out her cheeks in an adorable way, “Oh come on big guy, do your part.”

When she tugged at my hands again, this time I gave in a little, pretending she was able to move me. Her eyes lit up as she continued with a beautiful smile on her reddish lips. “I’ll play along,” I said as I stood up completely.

Mara had continued to push hard with her body, so when I fully stood up, she lost her balance and slid backward. My hand immediately landed on her waist, my claw gripping that delicate part of her body. I expected her to squeal at me like a Turian female would for having the nerve to press against her waist without permission but Mara just blushed and murmured a small thanks.

"You two, get going!" Shepard complained.

His firm voice was all we needed to remember where we were. Following Shepard's steps towards the corridor that would take us to the Normandy's docking door, we could see how Jack took out two more guards by throwing them into the air from the top of the observation bridge.

She seemed upset, not knowing what to do next. She had been staring at the ship, but something made her growl like a wounded animal and try to turn around. However, it was too late; Shepard was already cornering her.

"What the hell do you want?" She yelled at Shepard as if he were her worst enemy.

"You're in a bad situation, and I'm going to get you out of here," he said with unwavering confidence.

"Shit, you look like a chicken! Don't you dare fight?" Jack tried to provoke him as she paced uneasily back and forth across the narrow bridge. "I'm not going anywhere with you. You're Cerberus." Her voice became lower and more threatening.

Shepard decided to put away her weapon in an attempt to defuse the situation. "I came here to ask for your help. I'm not your enemy."

"Uh-huh, and that's why you show up on a nice Cerberus’s frigate to take me away, in a heroic attempt to be a gentleman. Do you think I'm stupid?" My jaws dropped into a grin; I liked that human. She had a hatred for Cerberus that almost rivaled my own. And besides, she was a real pain in the ass. And besides, she dished out some serious beatings. It would be interesting to have her on the crew if Shepard could get her on our side.

"Think. This ship is burning. We can get you to safety, and we'll cooperate," Shepard tried to reason.

"Unless you want to be a grilled human," I commented mockingly, earning a warning elbow in my shell from Mara.

Jack's gaze fell for the first time on something other than Shepard. "And these two, what are they? A comedy duo?" He gestured to indicate the height difference between Mara and me.

"Sort of," Mara said pleasantly, not giving much importance to her words.

"Look, you want me to come with you..." Jack spoke to Shepard again when he saw he wasn't getting the reaction he wanted. "Make it worthwhile."

“Tell me what you're thinking,” Shepard was direct, as always.

“I'm sure your ship has a lot of Cerberus databases. I want to look at those files, see what they have on me,” Jack finally said what she was interested in.

“I'll give you full access,” Shepard offered politely, gesturing to invite her to access our ship's boarding gate.

“By the way, I'm not going to change my style, neither my fighting style nor my appearance. These two guys look like two pigs with plates, and you're the leader who wears black. I'm not going to go around making it known that we're in this shit together.” Jack looked like she was going to be a human who liked to protest about everything.

Surprisingly, Shepard laughed at her comment. “Done, you can go however you want,” he confirmed.

I scanned Jack's outfit with my eyes. She was only wearing a harness that concealed her chest, but oddly enough, her bulges didn't swing or carry any weight like Mara's. Why did human women have different builds? I thought as I continued to stare at her.

"And what are you looking at, you messed-up reptile?" Her gaze wasn't friendly; I had probably offended her.

“You're also combined with Shepard”, I said calmly while we waited for the air to equalize and for us to be granted access to the ship through the compression room.

"Uh... Garrus, what do you mean?" This time, Shepard was the one who was curious.

"You know, um, the bangs are the same, they match... well, the hair. You're both bald," I stated, causing Mara to make a noise and instantly cover her mouth while her shoulders shook slightly in an attempt to contain her laughter.

"You idiot! Take it back," Jack fumed, pointing her finger at me.

"Garrus, you can't tell people that. Calling a human bald isn't something we like to hear," Shepard tried to explain.

“I don’t understand, so how should I describe you? You’re like, um, that game. There you go, you share the pool ball style.” Mara couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer. Her body swayed until she pressed against mine in an attempt to find stability as her laughter spread throughout the area.

Shepard glared at his sister. “Don’t pay attention to these two. They’re in their own world. Forgive them, I’ll show you around the ship and introduce you to the rest of the crew.” He offered politely, catching Jack’s attention with a gesture.

She clicked her tongue and ultimately opted to follow Shepard in his courtesy of giving her a tour.

“Did I say something wrong?” I whispered to Mara once her breathing had calmed. In the end, I had to drag her by the shoulders into the control room.

“Awww, Garrus, so adorable. Have I told you how much I adore you? Never change." Her blush deepened. "Just call people bald when we're alone, okay? Besides, it's not that they lack hair, it's just very short," she pointed out. "Ummm, let's say it's like if I told a Turian that their plates look broken or ridged."

When she gave the example, I understood what they were trying to say. It was disrespectful to make those comments in public in front of someone who suffered from that condition. "Oh, I understand... but why did you find it funny?"

"Because I have a silly sense of humor, and I love your naiveté," she said as she quickened her pace toward the elevator.

“Today you said that you adore many things about me, you're going to spoil me”  I warned her while putting on my most flirtatious smile.

Her irises dilated as she looked at me, her lips bit as if she wanted to keep a secret, her hand undoing her hairstyle, letting her fiery hair capture my full attention. “I only told the truth…that's how I see you,” she whispered.

Something in that statement made my trill resonate with joy and pride intertwined. Maybe in the end, the idea of proposing to Mara that we release the tension together wouldn't be so bad. Maybe she wouldn't mind my suggestion, I thought, as my jaw fluttered at what might happen.

“You know? I’m not at all naive. One day I could prove it to you,” I dared to say.

Mara looked up so quickly that I feared I’d given her whiplash. “What…what are you implying?” Her stuttering awakened a predatory instinct in me. Pressing the elevator button, I stopped it before the doors opened to reveal us in the dining area.

"I mean, it can help you release tension. I have reach and your flexibility. There's trust between us," I suggested.

I didn't think Mara could blush any more, but now her entire face glowed a subtle pink in contrast to her usual pallor. "No... I don't want a one-night stand," her statement hit me like a bucket of ice water.

I cleared my throat to hide the discomfort in my subvocals. "I understand." I pressed the button to open the doors again as her gaze fell on me, searching for something else to say. "I'm sorry if I offended you."

"You didn't offend me... it's just that, um, we should talk alone." Something in her tone of voice made me nervous. She wasn't angry, so I didn't understand why she wanted to talk about something she wasn't interested in.

"There's nothing to talk about, but if you insist, wait until we get to the Citadel. I need to calibrate a few things and work on something”. I almost had the information on who had made Sidonis disappear from C-Sec's tracking system. I was going to ask Shepard for help tying up loose ends and, while I was at it, take advantage of the break to do some shopping I needed.

“Uh…oh…sure, I understand,” her voice sounded muffled.

I headed out to the dining room, hoping she'd follow me. Normally, even when I was busy, Mara, if she wasn't learning from Dr. Chakwas, was in the main bay, resting in the chair I'd made for her.

However, when I turned around, I saw her image disappear behind the elevator doors. Was she angry? Had I said something wrong? I'd have to ask Joker for advice, I thought, filled with confusion.

A little disoriented, I headed automatically to my safe place inside this ship. I didn't know what had happened, nor did I understand why in a short exchange, Mara had gone from happy to depressed; everything was strange and confusing.

Convincing myself that I simply needed to clear my mind, I immersed myself again in the math, finding solace in what was familiar.

Chapter Text

Mara

The dim reddish glow of the emergency lights illuminated the darkness surrounding the cargo hold. Sitting on one of the metal crates, I stared into space while trying not to overthink the conversation I'd had with Garrus a few minutes earlier.

Had he really hinted at wanting to sleep with me? His exact words were that he wanted to release tension and he had the scope for it. I wrinkled my nose, not fully understanding his terminology. Sometimes, Garrus spoke as if he were talking about a machine, probably because turians were very practical about everything, including flattery and speech, although lately he'd gotten better at trying to use metaphors.

Uneasy, I bit my cheek. I had given him an immediate answer but I should have expressed myself differently. Telling him I didn't want a one-night stand might have made him think I didn't like him. God! But what was happening to me? Why couldn't I have said things differently?

Frustrated, I gave up and opted to lie down. The flickering lights served as a distraction for a while, but I soon discovered they were like a red alarm ticking in my mind, introducing new, even more uncomfortable thoughts with each pulse.

What would I say to Garrus at the Citadel? Should I confess my feelings? What if he was just curious about my body? Should I just pretend to be his friend? Pretend I hadn't heard his proposal? A sigh escaped my lips, I had too many questions to answer and I didn't feel brave enough to ask them out loud.

 I'd never had a partner, never even had my first kiss...well...there was that touch of our foreheads. I felt my cheeks heat up as I remembered that intimate moment between us. Garrus's faceplates were warm and possessed a smoothness similar to polished metal, but with a softer touch. It had felt as natural as breathing…but he surely hadn't thought of that Turian kiss as one shared between two lovers; he would have simply categorized me as one of their closest friends.

I covered my eyes with my arm in an attempt to shroud myself in darkness. I was the one who saw him as something more, it had always been that way and I was terrified by the idea that Garrus would walk away when he found out I was in love with him.

The turian pretty much stood his ground and said nothing further the moment I let him know I didn't want a quickie. As much as he said there was nothing to talk about, the truth is that the awkwardness would have made being in the same room together now suffocating.

I needed advice, but I couldn't talk about these things with my brother; it would be an even more awkward situation. - Hey, John, I like your friend! No, not the human, but the two-foot-tall alien with a menacing aura,- my mind mocked. Yes, it wouldn't be the best conversation, and John would probably simply say that what I felt was a passing interest in something exotic, that I should simply settle for the friendship the Turian offered me.

The sound of hurried, light footsteps echoed against the metal ladders. I didn't even bother sitting back down to present a presentable image. I was in the farthest corner, hidden among a multitude of crates. If I didn't make a sound, I'd go unnoticed.

Curious, I raised my arm slightly and turned my face to allow myself to observe who had decided to invade my hiding place. I squinted until I could see Jack's figure. The emergency lights reflected off the metal rings that connected the leather strap she wore across her chest like a tank top.

She was rummaging through the crates on the other side. From her gestures, it seemed she wasn't in a better mood. Maybe Garrus's comment was still bothering her?

"Ugh, where's a damn bed? There's nothing but garbage in this warehouse!” she complained as she kicked one of the crates until it practically tipped over.

The containers of Garrus's Dextro food scattered across the floor, and my body unwittingly acted on its own. "Hey! It's not garbage! Those packages are important. Garrus needs to eat," I said grumpily as I left my hiding place and knelt on the floor in search of the packs that had been scattered in every possible direction.

"Fuck, Giggles, what the fuck are you doing in the dark? Are you so eager for me to biotic punch you and send you to the infirmary?" Jack groaned, but didn't move a muscle to help me clean up.

"First, you're the one who decided to come to my hiding place, and second! Can you help? I'm sure your hands are good for more than fighting," I mumbled the last bit. I just needed to pick up one more container of Dextro food, but just as my hand went to touch it, Jack's foot landed on top of it, blocking my access.

"Wow, so you must have some character, huh?" My furious gaze fell on her, but Jack just smiled. "Aww, I didn't know you could make that expression. You look like a tough girl and all." She mocked as she raised her arms in a gesture of peace and removed her foot from the container. "All yours!"

I snorted at her provocations, picked up the last container, and stood up to put everything back in its corresponding box while making sure there was no damage to the contents. "The folding beds are in the back in some kind of closet," I pointed out.

Jack didn't thank me, but I felt her walk away and start rummaging around. "What a shitty budget you have, you're practically storing sleeping mats without any kind of support." Her voice, although angry, had a mocking tone.

“Don't tell me, Cerberus is the one who organized all this, although if you have any complaints you can ask the supervisor for something”, I shrugged.

"Those bastards like to piss off even with the simplest things." Approaching with the folding bed, Jack tucked it into place where I had previously been hidden. "Your brother says you're not part of those bastards. He's given me access to the database, but..."

"You're still suspicious," I said. She tapped her nose with her index finger, indicating that I had guessed correctly.

"Exactly. And now, scram. I want to check the data Shepard gave me." At her command, I just laughed, causing her to grunt at me as she sat in a slanted position until her upper back touched the ship's wall. "I'm being friendly. Go away!"

“Yeah...it's going to be no!” Stubbornly, and despite her sharp gaze, I decided to sit next to her.

"Come on, don't fuck with me! You have your own room. Go there or whatever! Go back with your damn bird!" Her complaints amused me. I tried to hide my smile, but in the end, my face was an open book. "Damn! There's nothing funny about this, Giggles!"

“Yes, there is… besides, you already gave me a nickname, so that means you don’t dislike me that much.” Shrugging, I watched as she frowned.

“Maybe I don’t remember your name,” she said harshly in an attempt to push me away. However, I continued looking at her as if that would help me understand her temperament. “Ugh, stop looking at me like that!”

“Like what?” I asked, not understanding.

“You know, with those big eyes of someone who’s never broken a plate in their life!” Her comment made me laugh.

“Well…that’s not entirely true. I’m only good to the people I love. I don’t let my malicious personality show much,” I admitted.

For the first time, I admitted to someone that I wasn’t a saint. I tried to behave like my brother, to be an honest person and look out for the greater good…but only Garrus had seen the rudest part of my personality.

The Turian had found my sarcasm and my attempts to push him away amusing at the beginning of our acquaintance. Our personalities simply meshed and were enhanced by our bad jokes. Another sigh escaped my lips, causing Jack to raise one of her thin eyebrows.

"Don't even think about it! Don't tell me your shit, I'm not your friend," she immediately became defensive.

"Oh come on! Just chatting for a while won't kill you," I complained.

"Uh, then talk to Shepard or the dinosaur," she countered as she closed her eyes and let herself rest completely against the wall.

"I can't. It's kind of awkward talking about this with them," I admitted. "And I don't have any other friends here... so..."

"No."

"Why? It would be nice to have a friend on board!" I responded immediately. Jack widened one of her eyes, judging me.

"Oh, yeah, that would be super fun, girls' night, playing Girl Scouts, eating cookie dough!" Sarcasm shone through every sentence she spoke. "Try the Cheerleader."

"Cheerleader?"

"Yep, Miranda... that silicone bitch," her voice became rabid. "She wouldn't give me the damn data! I have the right to review it; they experimented on me!" she complained. However, as soon as she realized she'd talked too much, she faked a cough. "Spit it out. I'll just hear you out this once, so you can see I'm generous."

"It's because you don't want to talk about your past anymore, right? Okay, okay... I get it. I've liked someone... for a long time, but... I don't know if I should tell him." I could almost hear her eyes rolling back.

"Same old melodrama. Be direct. You can't spend your life staring at people and hoping they'll acknowledge you. You have to make a noise." Jack's honesty overwhelmed me.

"What if he stops being my friend?" I asked fearfully.

 "Then he's someone you don't deserve in your life. Fuck him!" Her fist hit her hand.

"You're being drastic."

“Life is only one and you have to take risks” she shrugged  “Now…” the Datapad was shown in a kind of hint to leave her alone.

"Thanks for listening," I admitted as I stood up to leave the place.

"Don't get used to it!" – I heard Jack shout behind me.

I had thought too much, I had become obsessed with unanswered questions, letting them cloud my mind. Facing things head-on, as Jack had suggested, was the simplest solution, and ultimately, the only one that would allow me to sleep in peace.

With a new perspective I headed to my room, if I was going to declare my love to Garrus I wanted to do it right, I wanted him to hear my feelings through biotics. I had recently tried in my spare time to replicate the chords of its subharmonics through my energy…In the end it was all about frequencies.

Putting a video on the extranet, I noticed the intonation a Turian actor gave when conveying his love in the film Fleet and Flotilla, however, when I tried to imitate it, the biotic light that emerged between my fingers like a soft crystalline blue reflection felt hermetic, abrupt, harsh, as if I was doing everything wrong.

Frustrated, I exerted more pressure than necessary on the biotics, causing them to turn purple and scatter against the bedside lamp. The sound of glass made me curse under my breath. - Great, that's exactly what I have to do tomorrow! – the sarcasm in my own thoughts only made me angrier.

Trying to calm myself down, I fell onto the bed while using the Omni-Tool I put on some old music, which still had lyrics and wasn't based on the electro that the galactic community liked.

I closed my eyes as I listened to the soft guitar chords. Feeling the rhythm in my mind, I could visualize the pink and warm colors that calmed me as if I could touch them. Right now, I was on cloud nine, just another particle searching for a reaction that would activate me.

When the drum beat started, my heart vibrated to the music, a pleasant sensation that spread throughout my body. The humming began without thinking, immersing me in the song.

 “'Cause when you walked into my life, I could feel my life begin.”

In a whisper I began to sing, transporting myself to the colorful universe where everything seemed to fit together, as if it were the cosmos weaving stars together, I felt like I was painting my galaxy.

“Like I was torn apart. The minute I was only born. And you're the other half. The only thing that makes me whole.”

My fingers began to tap out the rhythm, and relaxed, I tried to flow with the feeling.

“I know it sounds like a lot. But you really need to know. We are leaning out for love.”

The biotics lit up with a glow that enveloped my entire body. I opened my eyes in surprise as the music stopped abruptly. I tried to replicate the rhythm with the biotics by humming and finally...it worked.

A victorious smile framed my face. It made sense that I couldn't transmit the subharmonics simply by imagining it as a frequency. For the Turians, it was a way of speaking, so I had been misguided from the start. The voice was the precursor to the trill…

John Shepard.

The smell of the laboratory's aseptic solution burned my nostrils. Mordin was focused on the datapad that showed Mara's genetic mutation and the process Cerberus scientists had used to enhance that evolutionary ability combined with ancient Proetan technology.

Joker's voice continued in the background on the intercom as he reproached me for why I had decided to stop the fight between Jack and Miranda. Pressing my fingers against the bridge of my nose, I sighed.

The first meeting between them had been too tense. Jack, seeing Miranda, tensed up as if she knew she was locked up with the enemy. Miranda, for her part, acted haughty and advised against providing information about the Cerberus bases to a stranger... however, Jack's behavior was even more surprising. She launched herself straight at Miranda, their foreheads were about to touch and my hand had to grab her arm to stop the biotic punch.

I understood Jack's enmity, I understood his anger. She had said that Cerberus experimented on her when she was a child, so I understood her distrust of us. However, acting violently wouldn't do her any good.

This time, I had interceded on Jack's behalf, but if she continued with his violent and anti-establishment behavior, I would have to agree with Miranda and admit that she was only going to bring us trouble.

"I mean it, Shepard! You should have let them attack each other!" Joker stated, a little too excited for my liking.

"Jeff..."

“Oh come on! Besides, to keep them from getting hurt, you could have put them in a mud pool! Now that would be sexy!” At his comment, I rolled my eyes, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

"You don't think about anything else, do you?" I joked.

"Hey, a man has his needs. Besides, Jacob also admitted he'd like to see them in a fight!" he defended himself.

"I understand that their sexual instincts and the social chatter surrounding them are important to humans, but I need silence. Too much data, fuzzy. Lack of information. I need to experiment with the test subject." Mordin's eyelids narrowed from below. A curiosity peculiar to the Salarians, which blinked in reverse to ours. "Mara has a lot of potential, but we need to know specifically how precise her evolutionary capacity is and how quickly it spreads. Does exposure to new compounds alter her? How much has her modified biotic adapted from the proethan? Many questions, few answers."

"I'm not going to subject my sister to any further research. I just want to know what they've done to her specifically." I crossed my arms as I leaned against the wall.

"Dissection, amputation, genetic modification to adapt new biotic implants. There's no point in worrying about what they've done in the past; the key lies in the future. You can't undo the experiment, only monitor, study, understand..." The quickness and enthusiasm in Mordin's voice hinted at the experience of his time as a former scientist in the salarian special forces.

 "In short, Mara has been the frog of my science class," Joker joked.

"You're not helping, Jeff," I commented seriously.

"I'm just trying to lighten the mood, you know, the gloomy isn't cool. But I agree with the Doctor. Opening Pandora's box only brings you pain. Focus on the fact that Mara is alive and well." The static sound of the transmission cutting out told me that Jeff had disconnected from the audio channel.

"Mordin...what would the study consist of?" I tried to ask delicately.

"Oh! Nothing serious or worrisome. I'll focus on the biotic ability, on her telling me how she experiments with it and how she feels the change in what she wants to do when transforming the energy. No DNA alterations or exposing it to new substances...unless you want something more exhaustive."

"No! No! Focusing on the biotic is best. No...erm substances." Scratching the back of my neck nervously, I looked at the Doctor. "Thanks for looking at the datapad." Walking over to the table, I collected the data.

"You're welcome, Shepard. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll get back to the main investigation. Then, I'll go find Mara and offer her a chance to study with me. It is better that I assist her as a teacher. It will allow me to observe her abilities up close and she will learn more about alien biology. It's important to cover all fields of medicine.” With each sentence the Doctor seemed to nod to himself.

"Of course, I left you alone," I assured him as I left the lab.

As I entered the elevator, I hesitated for a moment over what to do. Should I go talk to Miranda and make sure she didn't directly provoke Jack? Or go see what Jack was doing in case she was destroying my ship? As if Edi could read my mind, a Ping appeared.

"Commander, I suggest you go see Jack. She's set up shop in an unauthorized rest area," she informed me.

"Where is Jack?"

"Floor 4, cargo hold. She's alone. Your sister just left." That was interesting.

"Thanks, Edi." Pressing the elevator button, I waited calmly while the elevator made its way down.

The doors opened, revealing me to the gangplank, the view it offered of the ship's engine was a majestic sight. Heading to the engineering area, I took the opportunity to greet the engineers. Kenneth and Gabby were newly enlisted young men who had been upset with how the Alliance had closed the investigation into my death, hence their joining Cerberus.

It was pleasant talking to them. Kenneth was a somewhat nervous and insecure boy, and Gabby was a girl who liked to tease her coworker. They made a good duo.

A little more relaxed, I prepared myself to go down the stairs that led to the cargo hold. I didn't know what mood Jack was in, but it was best to go straight ahead.

When I got downstairs, she was sitting on a cot. The place was dark, lacking much privacy, not even having doors, and filled with merchandise that reduced the free space to less than half the size of the place itself.

"We have better rooms," I said, leaning my shoulder against the wall. "You don't have to confine yourself here."

Jack didn't look at me; she simply sighed. "It's dark, quiet, and hard to find. To me, that's synonymous with safety," she said with a tired tone. Something in her voice made me want to protect her.

"You have nothing to fear, Jack. You're safe with me," I affirmed.

A shy smile spread across her face. "Don't act friendly with me. You need me to kill, and then our paths will part. I appreciate the information," she said curtly.

“What do you want them for?” She made me curious.

"Since I was a child, I was experimented on. I was defenseless, outnumbered, and yet I managed to escape the facility. Since that day, they've been chasing me, so I'm looking for names, addresses... When I find those people, they'll pay. Their associates will pay, their friends will pay. By the time I'm done settling the score, the galaxy will be much emptier." The resentment and hatred in her voice made me frown.

“You can’t do that! I understand that you want revenge on those who have hurt you, but taking it out on their acquaintances won’t make you a better person than them,” I tried to reason with her.

“Heh! You think they’re not the same shit? Boy Scout, wake up, there are no good people at Cerberus, and if you associate with them, it means you promote their values.”

“That’s not true. I know some members of the crew Cerberus provided; the engineering guys are good people, as are Kelly or Rupert. I’m not saying you trust all of them. You can have your differences with Miranda or Jacob, even I have my misgivings about them, but don’t just skim the surface of what people are like.” Getting closer to her, I tried to get her eyes to notice me. My action caught her attention, making her gaze soften, and those deep, warm, hot chocolate-colored eyes seemed to regain their sparkle.

“I’ll repeat what I told your sister: I’m not here to make friends.”

“That's a very sad and lonely life” sitting in the box in front of her, I made myself comfortable.

"And what are you going to do about it?" she sneered as she lay down and held the datapad up high, as if she were reading a book that was too interesting and my presence was going to ruin it.

I stared at her, noticing how the emergency lights danced in reddish tones over her olive skin, how her curves were framed by that harness that left little to the imagination, and the shadows made her look like someone who had lost herself. Consumed by the distrust that had made her survive.

Her tattoos tried to hide the dreaded scars that marked her entire body. They were deep, a rough red that indicated they had healed a long time ago, but no less painful to look at. Cerberus had committed an atrocity against her, reminding me once again why I needed to finish this mission as soon as possible. Disassociating myself from this organization was going to be a necessity.

"It seems that manias run in the family," her voice sounded calmer.

 "Huh?"

"You just stare, hoping it will captivate the people around you. It won't work, Boy Scout, no matter how much you look at me with those pretty eyes." A blush crept across my face.

"No... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I wasn't thinking about..."

Her head turned in my direction. Herfull, jade-colored lips bit down in an attempt to hide her laughter. "Relax, good-natured boy. There's nothing wrong with admitting you like what you see. I don't like commitments, though." Setting the datapad aside, Jack patted the bed. "I've been in cryogenics for a long time. It'll be good to feel some warmth." The way her lips moved as she said the word warmth made me clear my throat as I shifted restlessly. "Don't you want to?"

"I want to, but not like this." I approached her. My knee sank into the firm fabric that mimicked a mattress. My hand caressed the scar that marked the inside of her arm, and my figure loomed over her, completely obscuring it. I felt her breathing quicken and her hands tug at my shirt in an attempt to close the distance between us. "I want to know you." My nose brushed against her neck, causing her to tense and sigh. "I want you to show me all your demons and still make me choose you." My lips bit her earlobe. "I don't want an affair. I'm looking for someone who can keep me grounded."

Jack growled in response, her  greedy hands scraping my back as her legs tried to hold me back. “You’re not going to change me, I’m being generous.” Our eyes met, her chest rising rapidly with hurried breaths, and though her face remained impassive, her body betrayed her.

"We'll see about that." With one last smile, I quickly pulled away from her in a sudden movement that Jack hadn't expected. "I hope you're more willing to talk next time, Jaqueline," I said as I walked away.

"Don't you dare leave me and call me that, Shepard!" she yelled furiously, but that only made me laugh.

As soon as I moved away a little and climbed the stairs toward the light coming from the engineering area, I froze. I saw Zaeed calmly observing us, his gaze unjudging us.

"Oh, boy, and I was coming to say hello to the new girl! Looks like you'd better find a motel or a place with doors next time," he mocked.

"Hey, Zaeed, it's not what it looks like," I tried to say.

"Save the excuses, Shepard, but keep in mind that female pirates are pure fire. She's going to burn you alive, kid, you've been warned” laughing Zaeed went down the stairs to the cargo hold “Come on, girl, tell me your stories, what band have you been in?” he asked matter-of-factly, completely ignoring the previous situation.

A little bewildered, I headed out to my room. I didn't even know why I had acted that way; I had liked the provocative tone and the challenge Jack's words implied. I liked her misgivings and the air of distrust I felt from everyone, as if she were an endangered animal.

I wanted to get to know her, for her to have someone she could trust and a place to be vulnerable. I was willing to give her the chance if she would allow me access to the walls she had erected as a fortress.

Garrus

The simulation comparison had allowed me to calibrate the cannons, so I kept my hands on the holographic keyboard. I had nothing else to do, no other way to distract myself. The weapons were ready to go, and regarding the Sidonis problem, I just needed to ask the right people a few questions.

Chellick had tipped me off about where I was supposed to locate the Citadel Ghost, the one who had enough backing and top-notch equipment to falsify entry permits and create new identities without raising C-Sec's suspicions.

Reviewing my to-do list, I dared a look at the Normandy's maintenance. Shepard had been in charge of supplying the ship with all kinds of materials in order to modify it. There were plenty of supplies for the construction of the new cannon, but he still needed the plans.

A guttural gasp resonated as I deflated. I didn't feel like contacting my father, but it was the only thing left to do. I wish the bay doors would open, revealing Mara, so I could put all this off, I thought as I unconsciously turned toward the door. It was funny how she was always on my mind, even when I thought she was dead.

Resigned, I pressed the Omni-Tool's button and entered video call mode. Still, no one was there, the screen displaying a blank orange image. However, on the fifth tap, my father's face appeared in close-up.

His jaws were clenched, and the disgruntled noise in his subvocal voice unnerved me.

"Father," I spoke in a distant tone, still respecting the formalities.

"Look who dares to knock! Are you tired of playing? Of behaving like a child?" His questions sounded furious; he'd had too much time to know where to stick his claw in the wound. "Spirits, what happened to your face? Besides being a bad Turian, you want to do everything possible to stagnate our lineage, don't you? No Turian woman will want to marry you." His cold eyes judged me.

"I need the plans for a Thanix cannon. I know you can get them." I spoke directly, trying not to let the irritation ring in my subvocal voice. "And I haven't stopped playing." I made the human gesture with the quotation marks as I said the last word. "And I don't plan on mating."

"If you don't tell me what you're involved in, my immediate answer is no." My father crossed his arms, emphasizing his negative response. "What would your mother say? She wanted grandchildren; you promised her on her deathbed. You also promised that you would get your life back on track, and what did you do? Run off to who knows where, with dubious company, playing at being a galactic vigilante outside the law. We didn't raise you to be like this." His words slowly made my subharmonics roar with rage. "Look at you, from being around humans so much, you're forgetting how to mask your feelings." His jaws smirked.

Trying to calm myself, I took a deep breath and mentally counted to 10. "The channel isn't secure; I can't give you information. The ship has built-in AI." The mention of this fact made his forehead plates lower, sharpening his gaze and making it even harder. "Yes, I know they're prohibited, but it's not my ship. I'm helping Shepard.”

Not only did he push you away from your promising career in C-Sec, but he also allowed you to resume your studies as a Spectre. You're a renegade. Besides, he was supposedly dead...what's going on? The last question, despite his anger, was laced with curiosity.

"In short, he's been rebuilt and cloned using genetic samples from his sister. Humans, despite being soft, have surprising regenerative capabilities," I admitted dryly. "I'll send you the data in encrypted form and through a secure channel," I said, making sure I sent him all the information.

My father skimmed the data with interest. The silence between us was awkward. I thought about opening the Citadel's commercial page, but the sound of a throat clearing made me focus on the screen.

"So...is the little human safe?" His question threw me off. “Son, don’t look at me like that. That woman, Nara, went on a rampage just to get in touch with me. She made a scene at the embassy and hacked C-Sec.”

“It’s Mara…what the hell? How am I finding out about this now?” I roared angrily.

“You haven’t called. If I know anything about you, it’s because of your sister. So don’t act offended. Learn that every action has a reaction.” He shrugged, downplaying what I had just said.

“When did she contact you?” I asked, holding back the urge to growl at him.

“Mhmm, about three months after you disappeared. I don’t know much about humans, but the girl looked sickly and glassy-eyed. She looked like a dying Varren. I agreed to contact her if I found out anything about you. It was brave of her to dare to call me, even though I don't approve of her methods." My father considered for a moment how to continue. "Then I didn't hear from her again. I've heard that humans tend to...How do you say it? Commit suicide?”

The allusion to suicide made my breath hitch and a strangled gasp escape my mouth. "She's fine, with me," I tried to say while remaining firm, but my father's eyes glared at me as if he knew I was upset.

"You've grown attached to her," he didn't ask, just hissed in a provocative acidic tone, which made me snort in response in an offensive subharmonic that surprised him.

"Are you going to give me the plans or not?" I tried to divert the conversation.

"There's my answer. Future communications will be made in the same way you delivered the information." My father hung up, leaving no room for reply. He always had to have the last word.

Clenching my fists, I tried not to hit the main bay's operations console. I hated having to talk to my father, hated how he judged me, how he tried to make me strict, even in the way I expressed myself. Letting out my emotions while I was alone, I roared and growled like a beast until I was completely calm.

Daring to look at his message, my jaw clenched as I read his reply. My father would agree to give me the plans in exchange for recorded evidence of the missions we were conducting. He had shown interest in the danger that the collectors could pose to the Turian colonies. What he was asking of me was almost like betraying Shepard, but the cannon was necessary. We were going to have to our attack capability. However, I wouldn't go behind his back. Tomorrow at the Citadel, I'd tell him the offer the Turian hierarchy had made me, and if he agreed, then I'd grant my father's request.

The door to the main bay opened, and my mouth betrayed me before I realized that someone else might be looking for me. “Mara! I heard you're good at hacking Seg- C” I tried to joke my way back to normal.

"Oh! Some kind of nest? Interesting," Mordin's voice made me turn around, my jaws moving in surprise. "Have you recently taken your jammers?" he asked, reaching for the chair he'd built for the small human. My trill grunted in response to the unwanted intrusion. He wasn't allowed to touch that.

A slight possessive instinct took hold of me, aggravating the roar. "Wow! A rather primal response. I understand that mating season is approaching, but I hadn't realized you'd chosen a mate. I didn't know you could be attracted to humans? What makes her viable? Scientifically, she wouldn't be advisable as a bedroom partner. Levo allergies can be fatal for you." He continued speaking faster and faster, causing me to lose track of the conversation.

I remained dismayed, speechless, while I analyzed what he had said. Had he chosen a mate? Since when? It was true that I was beginning to feel curiosity about Mara beyond friendship, but that didn't mean I wanted to claim her. That wasn't possible; not even the turians who interacted with the asari could do that; it was a biological matter.

"Mordin, I think you're understanding everything wrong," I clarified.

"Wrong? No! That makes sense. You allow him to approach you without respecting the safe space that Turians feel comfortable with. She invades your territory, and not only that, you build her a nest. You care for her beyond what is acceptable as a contribution to the crew. It's fascinating. I may need to observe you, to create a new thesis." The Salarian seemed a little too enthusiastic for my liking, causing me to growl at him again.

"Mordin, slow your mind for a moment. There is nothing strange and it is not a nest, it is a seat. Also, can I help you with anything? You don't usually come to the main bay." I tried to calm myself as I watched him from afar. 

"Oh yeah, Mara. Have you seen her?"

"Why don't you ask Edi?" As if that were her cue, the AI appeared in a floating orb.

"Mara's with Shepard, in her cabin," Edi said in a monotone.

"True, true. Sometimes I forget there's this kind of technology built into the ship. I have too much on my mind.” The Doctor was about to leave but something made him stop. “You say no, but you wouldn't mind if I sent you an extract of the forms of human courtship that I have studied. Curiosity” with that last bit, he left.

Could this day get any worse? I mentally groaned as I heard the email notification pin. Spirits!

Chapter Text

John Shepard

I had decided to give the entire crew two days of shore leave to use as they wished. This mission was going to be very stressful, and I had to take care of my crewmates' mental health.

The Citadel had changed too much in the past two years. Security checkpoints had now been established at every docking bay, giving a sense of constant surveillance.

Garrus seemed annoyed by the useless deployment of police officers; he had said it was just for show, measures that meant more paperwork but carried no guarantee of protection because for a good sum of credits, one could continue to hire people skilled in bypassing biometric data scanners.

A column of neon lights caught my attention; now it seemed the announcements were being made personalized, which was quite confusing. However, in the midst of promoting Terra Nova as a tourist destination, a woman's voice overlapped, demanding a password.

I knew who it was, who was looking for me. The datapads offered by Cerberus mentioned an infiltration expert, Kasumi. She was prone to stealing art and valuable objects. There was no information specified about where to find her, just a phrase as a password, but it seemed like she was willing to come to me. She must have needed something urgently enough to decide to expose herself and work with Cerberus.

"Problems with the collectors? Try Kasumi's credit services," she joked, imitating the intonation of a poorly executed advertisement.

Making sure no one around was paying attention, I spoke. "Silence is golden," I said quietly. Standing in front of an advertising booth and telling it to talk was a sign of insanity to the others, and I hadn't even entered the Citadel yet, so it was best not to raise suspicions on the part of C-Sec.

"It's good to finally meet you, Commander Shepard. I'm Kasumi Goto, a fan." At least she seemed to admire my work.

"Why so secretive? Are you in trouble?" Being cautious, I wanted to be sure of the reason why she wanted to help us.

"I'm the best thief in the business; it's best to watch my step. I also had to make sure they weren't lying to me. It's truly surprising that you're still alive. Now, the rumors are going to turn you into a legend." The holographic reflector opened, allowing me to glimpse what she looked like. Her face was shrouded in a wide purple hood that hid her eyes, but her lipstick was visible, characterized by a stripe that split her lower lip, a deep purple.

"Well... welcome aboard, I guess," I said, not very convinced. "We're not leaving yet. I have to speak with the Council, but you can start getting settled on the ship."

"Actually, I've already ordered my luggage to be sorted. By the way, I'm delighted that you're helping me with the robbery. Of course, your face is too well known. If they renew your Spectre status, you'll appear on the big screens again. I hope your crew is capable of doing the job well. I have a few ideas I hope to discuss with you.”-  Theft? Ugh...what was I getting myself into?

"I have the feeling they've omitted information," I said, a little annoyed. I felt my sister drilling into the holographic image behind me; she also wasn't enjoying these kinds of situations, which were becoming more and more common.

"Ha! And they say I'm discreet," Kasumi mocked. "I'm looking for my former partner's gray box, Keji. It's a neural implant that stores memories. Donovan Hock snatched it from him, and I want it back." A simple summary was provided.

Garrus's hand touched my shoulder, he had sensed something was wrong. Turning my head toward him, I noticed him pointing toward the metallic structure of the ceiling that connected different points in a kind of abstract art that mimicked a cage. "Who is Donovan Hock?"  I asked in a tense voice.

"He's a very respectable businessman, you know, arms trafficking, murder, theft... he has quite a long record." Sarcasm and mockery seemed to permeate Kasumi's voice, as if knowing more than the others was simply too much fun.

-“If that's what Cerberus promised you, I'll put my crew at your disposal”, I assured.

"I assure you the assignment will be fun and no weapons will have to be drawn." A clink of metal made me look up again. There, hidden in the shadows, was Kasumi's figure. "Let's talk on the ship. You look like a bit of an idiot talking to an ad." A smile flashed across her lips, causing me to raise an eyebrow at her.

My sister's laughter rang out in the background, then was cut off by the sound of a loud bang and a groan. Jack had lightly tapped her shoulder in warning, and now Mara was pouting at her. Those two seemed to have gotten along well in a matter of hours, developing a kind of complicit dynamic.

When I tried to look at Kasumi again, she had already disappeared. Garrus's jaws twitched. "I don't think it's a good idea to have a thief on board."

"I agree with the dinosaur," Jack's voice sounded serious. "I'm sure she'd rummage through our things." Crossing her arms, she took a firm stance.

"Do you think if I ask her, she'll teach me how to infiltrate? It was great to see how she vanished in the blink of an eye!" The excitement in my sister's voice made me smile.

"Who knows?" Shrugging, I gestured for them to follow me.

They had decided to stay by my side. Garrus, out of loyalty, knew that politicians were a pain in the ass and wanted to be there to support me. My sister because she needed to speak with Anderson and apologize for the way she disappeared, and Jack…well, she was a mystery, but I wasn't going to complain. I was delighted by her company.

At reception, they didn't block our way; they showed us a door guarded by a Turian sergeant, where a quick scan dismayed the poor officer.

"Um... I'm afraid there's been an error with the sensors. Your information sheet reports you as deceased, Shepard," he reported with some confusion. Typing on the terminal, he readjusted the data. "You can pass, but your information needs to be regularized and updated. Speak to Captain Bailey."

The green light on the door granted us permission to enter the Citadel. Previously, we could access the C-Sec Academy directly from the docks, but now they seemed to be opting to establish small open-plan offices on each level of the Citadel, overlooking public spaces.

In this case, the market area seemed to have expanded. The hues of the blue and purple neon lights reflected off the white tiles, and in the background, walls of advertisements could be seen. If you walked around them, they would open onto the public shuttle parking lot through large balconies that allowed for easy movement.

Captain Bailey was a man in his late 40s; it was surprising to see a high-ranking position in C-Sec held by a human. Previously, it was mostly controlled by turians, but it seemed this was another change.

"Excuse me," I approaching his office, the captain looked at me with intrigue.

"The Shepard brothers... I see the problem. The data and reports say you're dead, but I can see you perfectly. To regularize your status, you should go to the security department to reactivate your IDs, then go through Customs and Immigration to regain access to the Citadel, and of course, go to the Treasury to pay your back taxes. A lot of paperwork that can be solved with the push of a button," he said with exasperation. It seemed like he didn't like doing paperwork, nor did he like having others do it. Probably if Garrus were still working at C-Sec, he'd like to work with him.

"I'd appreciate it. I have a pending meeting with the Council," I informed him with a smile for his kindness.

“I know you're a busy man. We owe you a lot. Your decision to save the council made the human presence more welcome in the institutions.” Extending his hand, I returned the friendly shake. “Now, I need to get back to work. If you need help with anything else, don't hesitate to ask; I'd be happy to cooperate.”

Such friendly treatment was unexpected, but it made me proud that there were still people who remembered my achievements. As we approached the parking lot, I turned around to look at the new layout of the market.

Now, each shop had its own space decorated with eye-catching advertisements or posters… plus, they'd made the balcony space wide enough to include elegant seating areas with refined sofas, natural plants as decoration, and even walls that mimicked waterfalls with real water.

It was a dazzling sight, and it was clear the Council had spared no expense in rebuilding the city.

“I ask to go in the back seat”My sister's voice made me recover. She had overtaken Jack in order to hurry and sit next to Garrus in the back. A sigh escaped my lips; it was obvious to anyone who wasn't blind that something was strange between those two. Garrus, for his part, only encouraged her childish behavior by giving her a strange, jaw-wide smile.

“You know the normal thing is to ask to go up front, right?” Jack mocked as she looked at me with amusement. I shrugged at her unspoken question and decided to get inside the vehicle.

I didn't even have to touch the steering wheel; the shuttles were scheduled with guided trips to pre-arranged locations, so by simply selecting the embassy area at the Presidium, the vehicle took on a life of its own, allowing us to enjoy the new views.

The Citadel now had more spaces filled with lush vegetation, and the Presidium gardens retained their artificial lakes and stunning fountains that framed enormous statues representing the krogan.

It was curious how, despite the fact that they had imposed Genophobia, a disease that caused infertility in Krogan females, they were still honored for their contribution in the war against the Rachni. If it were up to me, I would help find a cure.

I had only met Wrex, but he was a good representative of his people. His reserved and stubborn nature had been developed to avoid making personal connections, however, I had earned his respect by fighting alongside him, making him willing to share his feelings and the terrible reality of the disease that was decimating them.

Before I knew it, we had reached our destination. The embassy complex now had a large reception area and signs showing the way to the respective area assigned to humans.

The colors changed to elegant hues, devoid of the vividness of neon, indicating that we were in a place inspired by seriousness. Up the stairs, on the right, after passing the office assigned to the C-Sec chief, was the human embassy. They had given him a new, better-located place, demonstrating the importance of our species.

When the door opened, I was surprised. Anderson was standing in front, as if he'd been informed of our arrival. The older man wore a tired face but the same imposing military bearing. A slight smile crossed his face as he patted my shoulder in welcome.

However, when he saw who was coming behind me, he hurried over to envelop my little sister in a protective hug.

"You're not going to getting out from this conversation, young lady," his voice sounded paternal, a kind of reprimand.

"What you did was a mistake. I'm glad it turned out well, and to have you back safe and sound." He said the last part with his gaze focused on me.

It seems that in my absence, the two had bonded, almost reaching a familial closeness.

"Anderson, it's always good to see a friendly face," I said, returning the greeting.

“I'm sorry, I know that... a message wasn't going to explain everything I intended to do, but I didn't want you to worry” Mara spoke in a low voice, with a softness that hinted at guilt.

Anderson kissed her forehead in a loving gesture. “As soon as the meeting is over, we’ll talk at length,” he said reassuringly.

His face returned to the usual seriousness of a seasoned soldier. “The meeting is going to be complicated. The council has continued to ignore everything related to the Reapers’ threat these past two years. However, perhaps if it’s you, Shepard, who’s speaking to them, they’ll allocate funds for the mission.”

Since I returned to life, I had been in constant communication with my superior. Anderson had been my guide, a mentor who guided my path, so his advice was always precious to me.

“I’m ready. Let’s face it, politicians only act when the threat is already too close and can directly affect them… so I’m content with being reinstated as Spectre.” At my words, Anderson flashed that radiant smile that contrasted with his dark complexion.

"Then let the show begin." Approaching the videoconference terminal, he took a deep breath before pressing the button.

In a few seconds, the detailed, life-size images showed the Citadel councilors. On the Turian side, there was still Sparatus. He didn't like me very much; there was always that suspicion in his voice toward my species, but he was someone of honor who would surely return the favor of saving his life.

On the Asari side, there was Councilor Tevos. She was always kind and diplomatic, but she didn't really let on about her intentions.

And finally, on the Salarian side, there was still Valern, something that really impressed me a bit since they were a species that didn't usually live more than 40 years, but it seemed he was an exception.

“It would be more efficient if your ambassador attended the meeting,” Tevos’s voice held the poisoned kindness she offered only to avoid future discomfort.

“My advisor, Ambassador Udina, is unavailable. As a councilor, I represent humanity and the Alliance,” Anderson said firmly as he stepped aside to allow the scanner to capture my image and show it to the rest of the Councilors.

Sparatus's jaws twitched slightly, Tevos's eyes practically popped out of their sockets, and finally, old Valern gave a confused grimace that made quick reasoning force him to speak. “There have been rumors about your unexpected return, many. You’ve caused a stir… but all of them are disturbing. Answers are necessary.” He spoke quickly.

“Exactly. We called the meeting so you can explain your actions, Shepard. We owe you. After all, you saved our lives from Saren and the Geth,” the asari councilor chose to be less abrupt when communicating what they intended to gain from this scene.

“I need your help. The Collectors are abducting humans in the Terminus Systems. We have indications they're working for the Reapers.”

Sparatus waved his hand dismissively. “The Terminus Systems are outside our jurisdiction! The colonists knew the risks of leaving Council Space,” he said coldly.

“Councilor, no offense, but you're forgetting the most important thing. The Reapers are involved.” Anderson came to my aid, causing Sparatus to snort at us.

“Ah, yes! The Reapers”—his hands mimicked our air quotes in a sort of mockery, as if he were listening to two conspiracy theorists. “The immortal race of sentient starships supposedly waiting in Dark Space. Yes…we've dismissed that version.”

My lips pursed in an attempt to contain the aggressive retort I wanted to hurl at the sarcastic turian. Anderson turned to me in an attempt to distract me. “Shepard, there was a problem. No one else found the hologram on Ilos. Therefore, the firsthand information from a Prothean AI warning of the Reaper danger has been lost. Only you and your crew can testify about the Sovereign,” he informed me squarely.

“I believe you, but they…need tangible proof.” The last sentence was accompanied by a look of exhaustion, as if this conversation had been repeated without productive results.

“I prevented Saren from conquering the Citadel. I sacrificed human lives to save you… I deserve more credibility.” My voice was bitter.

“We find ourselves in a difficult position,” Councilor Tevos tried to justify. “You’re now working for Cerberus, Shepard… and it’s an organization that has declared itself an enemy of the Council. That’s treason, punishable by capital punishment.” Despite her honeyed tone, the threat in what she said was palpable.

“That’s going too far!” Anderson’s shout made me smile; they had exhausted my mentor’s patience. “Shepard is a hero. I’m also part of the Council, and I won’t allow what you’re insinuating,” He pointed out, exposing them.

“I didn’t insinuate anything; he simply tried to find a way to reach a mutual agreement. Given Shepard’s ties to Cerberus, we can’t risk publicly supporting him, but we can offer some marginal support,” the Asari tried to appease.

Sparatus broke his military pose to cross his arms. "Let's do this. If you don't draw attention to yourself and limit yourself to operating in Terminus Space, the Council will be willing to give you back your Spectre position. This is our greatest generosity."

I couldn't wait to give him a good punch in those loose jaws! I thought to myself as I pretended to nod.

"I accept the offer," I said without much enthusiasm. At least getting my old position meant not having to report on my missions, earning free supplies from the Council, and a good salary.

"So, without further ado... good luck with your investigation, Shepard. We hope it doesn't drag on too long, and you'll resign from your relationship with Cerberus soon." After this, the Asari Councilor ended the holocall.

"Ugh... damned politicians, ass-kissers," I heard Jack muttering in the back of the room, making me have to hold back a smile. I totally agreed with her, but sometimes you had to jump through hoops for the common good.

Anderson patted me on the back in a sign of support. "You've held up well, Shepard... These jerks' offer is only symbolic; they won't do anything to help humanity, but you're still setting a good example of what we're all about and ensuring we remain on good terms. With me, you know you have the leeway to act. I trust you, son." His words filled me with pride. Anderson was also a sort of father figure to me, and sometimes I felt the feeling was mutual, even if he didn't show it openly.

"Thank you, sir. I really appreciate your support," I said, smiling back. I was ready to leave, but his hand stopped me.

"Take care out there. I don't want another funeral," he said before letting go of me.

"Me neither," I joked as I left the office with my colleagues, leaving my sister alone with him.

Neither of us said anything as we walked back to the embassy reception area. Jack seemed annoyed by the treatment given by the Council and Garrus was lost in thought.

Calling the elevator, I thought I'd go talk to Captain Bailey. He probably knew where to find the Citadel ghost, or at least the rumors about how to contact him. I had promised Garrus to help him with his personal vendetta, so it would be good to get some information.

It was when we entered the elevator that I realized my friend was not following us.

"I'll stay here waiting, Shepard. I have to buy supplies, and I promised Mara we'd go together," he said nervously.

"Uhhh... a date," Jack mocked.

"If that's what you humans call a date, then I must say your courtship is very poor." Offended, Garrus clenched his jaw.

"It was a joke, Garrus," I said neutrally. "It's okay. We'll be in C-Sec. I'll let you know if we find a rendezvous point to find the Ghost," I told her confidently, earning a smile.

"Thanks, Shepard. Talk to Chellick. He's on an undercover investigation, but I'm sure Captain Bailey can help connect you two," he advised.

I'd worked with Chellick once before; he was a Turian quite committed to his job, employing all sorts of techniques to obtain accurate information, but it undoubtedly yielded good results.

"I'll do that. Tell Mara to buy me those sour candies I love," I said before the elevator door closed.

Jack gave me a playful shove with her hip – So, we're errand boys now? she said sarcastically.

"No, this thing we do is called helping a friend. It's good to trust people, you should try it," I mocked her, making her roll her eyes.

"Sanctimonious," she said insultingly, but I didn't feel offended.

"Um... Boy Scout, sanctimonious... you have a lot of nicknames for me," I winked flirtatiously. "What's next?"

Her unexpected laugh made me smile. Seeing Jack calm, without that feeling that she needed to run away, was nice. I hoped I could give her many more of these moments. I hoped to hear her laugh more often and that beautiful smile would never leave her face.

Mara

The room fell silent. I had thought of some way to explain everything, however, now the words just wouldn't come to me. Anderson had been a good man. He'd cared for me when I was alone after my brother's death, and although I'd initially been upset when he offered me a job out of compassion, I'd ultimately been grateful for the opportunity he'd given me.

 At his side, I had learned how to handle politicians; he had taught me to observe people so I could sense their true purpose. We had also teamed up against Udina. The ambassador was a pain in the ass, always more concerned with the image we projected to the galaxy than with actual results.

Anderson found a kind of safe haven in me; with me, he didn't have to watch his back, and yet, I... opted for a drastic decision just to have the chance to save my brother.

I allowed myself to observe him. His face looked older and somewhat haggard. Dark circles surrounded his eyes in a light purple hue that, thanks to his ebony skin, could go almost unnoticed if you didn't pay attention. He still sported his military hairstyle and wore his dress uniform, suggesting that despite the position he'd been assigned, deep down he was still a soldier.

His eyes, the brown of roasted coffee beans, felt warm to me. There wasn't a hint of resentment in them. Trying to be brave, I spoke.

"I had to try... I knew it was risky and that if I disappeared, you'd look for me, that's why... the will and the encrypted video. I didn't want to worry you," I admitted in a whisper.

His calloused hand stroked my hair. "Mara, I only knew you for a short time, but even if I don't say it out loud, I've seen both you and your brother as if you were my children. And I've certainly missed your wisecracks to avoid going to pompous parties full of politicking." He paused as he smoothed a lock of my hair.

"I didn't believe you died... and when I received the letter from you leaving me all your assets, I knew there was more to it. It was hard to find out where you hid the data disk, and even harder to decrypt it. As always, you showed your skill."

“I'm not one to judge you, I've never been in your position, but all I can say is that I'm glad to have my children back”, his words were spoken carefully, as if he wanted me to stop and understand their full meaning.

Silent tears wet my cheeks... I'd been holding my breath, and now I realized it. His kind words, his confession of how he saw us, had touched my tender heart, making me emotional. "Thank you," I said, my voice breaking as I allowed myself to cry freely.

The older man just smiled and stood by my side, waiting patiently for me to recover. He was an unconditional support, someone whose mere presence could make you feel better... In a way, he was the closest thing to a father figure I'd ever had.

The fear of his reaction had disappeared, leaving me with only a feeling of gratitude. His hand took an embroidered handkerchief from the pocket of his formal jacket and offered it to me to wipe away my tears.

Gazing at it, I couldn't help but laugh. "You kept it," I said with some surprise.

“Of course, it was a gift made from the heart, right?”,  he said with a smile. That handkerchief had been a token of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to work with him. I had learned to embroider in an attempt to clear my mind of the depressing thoughts that plague me.

“It is, but that doesn't stop it from having some jagged edges”, I admitted with some embarrassment, making him laugh.

“That's what gives it its charm” with an inviting gesture he made me follow him to the balcony. "Have you seen that nothing has changed? Politicians remain in their glass towers, ignoring reason... and I'm getting tired of fighting with them. I've never liked this position," he admitted, allowing himself a moment of relaxation.

"Time doesn't heal recklessness." Leaning against the railing, I inhaled the fresh air, which carried the scent of the various flowers in the Presidium gardens. I had missed this place.

"Things are going to get difficult, and I need backup. I don't trust Udina... Mara, you know the protocols, the rules, and the forms necessary to get the necessary care. I need you back, although this time... in a different way." His words seemed so profound to me, so I couldn't help the confusion on my face.

"How can I help? Although I know how to do things, I never specialized or took the exam that would qualify me," I mentioned, not understanding where the conversation was going.

"I know, so I'm asking you as a favor to resume your studies, but this time not as an administrator... but in the diplomatic field. In addition, you will do fieldwork... if the Council needs evidence, you will obtain it. Record what's happening in the Colonies, what your brother has to face, and find a way to present it through legal channels so it's valid.”

"Hmm... are you sure? It's not my specialty..." I said with some discomfort as I handed him back the handkerchief.

"Nor was being my secretary, and you exceeded expectations." Her serious look made me bite the inside of my cheek. "It's the only way to help us all..."

"And if, despite what you propose, the Council or the Alliance refuse to see the truth?" I asked nervously.

"At least we'll have done everything in our power and our consciences will be clear. I'll try to garner support for your brother in the upper echelons of society and ensure the Alliance doesn't retaliate for his association with Cerberus." A tired sigh escaped her lips. "What do you say?"

"I trust you... if you ask me, I'll do it, even though I can't guarantee I'll pass the exam, but I'll try to get proof." A shy smile spread across my features.

"Thank you... by the way." With a flick of his wrist, he pressed a series of commands on his Omnitool. An orange notification flashed on my arm, causing me to check it instantly. "I've returned all your belongings. The apartment your brother bought will keep you comfortable while you're on leave."

The sound of the door interrupted us. Udina had a sour face, probably because he'd found out about the meeting behind his back. "Anderson, you can't leave me out! I'm the ambassador!",  he complained with an air of grandeur.

"Yes, yes... we'll talk about it later. Mara, come see me more often. You know where I live, and... above all, call me, okay?" His hand rubbed my shoulder in a farewell gesture.

“I'll call you every week and when we stop at the Citadel I'll come see you right away” I said as a promise while I took the liberty of kissing him on the cheek.

“Have a nice day. Ambassador, I'm glad to see you”, I said this last bit only out of politeness but Udina didn't respect it, he simply waved his hand to signal that I was in the way, so not wanting to get Anderson into any more trouble, I immediately sought to leave the room.

Going through reception, I asked for the necessary form to apply for the next exam session. They had changed the way they administered the exams, making the test an oral presentation of knowledge that could be done via hologram with accredited support, so it was a notable improvement.

I'd have to take advantage of the shopping day to get the syllabus, I thought to myself. Garrus's subharmonic made me notice it without the need to turn around.

"What are you doing?" he asked, full of curiosity.

"Ummm... I've decided to take the exam so I can become a diplomat. Will you accompany me to get the subjects?" I asked, hoping for an affirmative answer.

"Sure, the store is right next door. Then we'll go to the market area to get my supplies... oh, yeah, Shepard wants some sour candy."

"Perfect." Signing the application, I handed it to the receptionist. "We have a lot to do today," I said with renewed energy while clapping my hands to encourage myself.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

I'd never been to a specialty store just for Turians before…the decor was sober but still held its charm. Plain blue walls, neatly organized shelves, and small, elegant details adorned the shelves, signaling the quality of the place.

Garrus was talking to the shop owner. The other Turian had charcoal-colored plates and aquamarine-green cologne markings in combination with his eyes. He seemed young, and his excitement was evident as he discussed the products, as if the technicalities and comparisons brightened his day.

Not knowing exactly what many of the things on display were for, I'd silently admired them, not daring to ask or touch anything. Later, I'd probably ask Garrus about their uses…though first, I'd have to have that necessary conversation.

I bit my lip as I thought about the best time to reveal my feelings. Maybe after shopping I could suggest that he accompany me to my old apartment as an excuse to check on the condition of the property. If he turned me down, at least I could hide away from prying eyes.

A diffused light through something resembling glass caught my attention. Cautiously approaching and moving away from the Turians' view, I discovered it was a door. Pushing gently, the glass opened, revealing a second shop filled with strange, elegant, and definitely beautiful garments.

Some had studs, others had metal buckles that highlighted the thigh area, and others, the ones that appeared to be women's, consisted of dresses half-open at the legs, leaving a lot to show. The fabrics also felt different from ours, as if they were reinforced, but still remained soft and comfortable. I suppressed the urge to touch the garments while mentally scolding myself for my recklessness.

Continuing to inspect the place, a stall full of stones caught my attention. They were of different colors and sizes, displayed under a light that caused the bright reflections to disperse in a kaleidoscope effect reproducing the colors of the rainbow.

Beside them, there were various handmade chains, but also loose pieces of metal that at first glance were useless, so I didn't give them any further thought.

Looking in the other part of the shop, I found jewelry created with those same precious stones. Some were claw-shaped, forming arrangements of rings and bracelets for what would have been the hands of a Turian woman, others were cobbled belts, and there were also neck decorations in large rings of polished metal plated in different colors. But what I liked most were the gold chains that represented a kind of starry rain and were placed on the thighs to reveal themselves through the slit of the dress.

Humans in some cultures had worn such jewelry, but now the distinctive features were being lost, making the Citadel fashions the norm.

Discovering that the turians maintained their traditions was fascinating, yet I hadn't seen any on the Citadel wearing such garments. Probably reserved for special events?- I wondered as I searched for other body chains.

It would be too big for me, but with care I could alter them to fit my size. With a smile, I reached out to touch some gems the color of Garrus's eyes. Truly beautiful. If I wore it, would he like it?- I thought with some happiness.

I was so absorbed that I didn't notice a menacing figure hovering over me. A sharp blow to my hand followed by a deep, threatening sound paralyzed me completely. Turning slowly, as if I were in a horror movie, I saw a Turian woman staring at me mercilessly.

"Damn thief!" she spat as her claws grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the room. "Get out of my tent! You should thank the spirits I didn't call Seg—C, human." The term "human" was spat out in disgust, making me feel hurt.

"No... I'm not a thief, I was just looking. I didn't know I wasn't allowed in that area," I explained.

Her subharmonics rang out in mockery and without even trying he lifted my body until I could see a sign that translated as space reserved for Turians only – Can’t you read? It's nothing new, you, humans leave a lot to be desired.

"Let her go," Garrus's threatening growl brought the woman into a state of composure.

She pushed me towards him with disdain. "Take care of your pet," She warned. "The human wanted to steal a Lumian."

"You're a damn xenophobe. Watch your jaws, lest I break them," Garrus responded violently.

"I wasn't going to steal it, just buy it. It's beautiful..." My words were cut off by undertones of disgust, not only from the shop owners but from Garrus as well.

"It's not for humans. Stop trying to take over everything," the woman said resentfully.

"Mother..." the young Turian seemed to take pity on me. "It was a mistake. Let's not give it any more importance, she's ignorant." His words stung like a knife. He was absolutely right… I didn't know much about Turian culture, but that was because they were secretive about it, guarding every bit of information they gave to the Galaxy.

Garrus grabbed me by the shoulder, forcing me to walk with him toward the exit. "I'm not interested in your store. I won't be shopping here anymore," he warned amid the tension.

So many subharmonics vibrating with anger, disgust, and threat made me feel dizzy, suffocated by all the sensations.

I must have looked terribly ill in my friend's eyes, so much so that he didn't utter a sound until he found a quiet place for us to sit.

"I'm sorry…you weren't able to buy anything," Garrus shook his head in an attempt to downplay the situation.

"There are more stores…Mara, do you know what you did wrong?" he asked seriously, his jaws clamped down on his mouth.

"I didn't read the sign... I should have noticed, but it was too high for my eyes," I admitted with some embarrassment.

"Apart from that," his subharmonic was soft; there was no anger in it, but something didn't feel right. "Lumien are traditional jewels. There are ones for different parts of the body, and each one has a different meaning." He cleared his throat and paused for a moment, filled with discomfort. "Why did you want one?"

"They're pretty... but I really wanted to buy it just for the stone. It was the only one in that color." My cheeks flushed. I looked down at my hands in an attempt to avoid further questions.

"Just for that? Well, if you want, I can get you one of those stones. What color was it?" Garrus was trying to be understanding, yet he didn't notice the embarrassment he was putting me in with his question.

"No need... but thanks, I..."

"What color?", in his tone of voice there was a vibration unknown to me, something I had never heard him do and that made a tickling sensation flood all my nerves in a kind of contained emotion that promised to melt my heart.

"Blue...arctic blue. I'd never seen that color until..." I breathed deeply, clenching my hands into small fists. I decided to be brave. "Until I met you." My voice was a whisper. Her subvocal sang with surprise mixed with something else that I didn't know what meaning to give it either.

Uncomfortably, he shifted beside me but didn't move away. His silence was heavy, falling like slabs on my shoulders, sinking me into the feeling. The tone of an incoming call on his Omnitool was like a salvation.

"Excuse me," He said before answering the call.

"Garrus, I've located the Ghost. He has a meeting scheduled in less than an hour. Do you have time to get there?" My brother's voice made me sigh.

"Send me your location, I'll be right there." Without further ado, the Turian hung up. "Mara...uh..."

"Okay, go." We can talk another time.” Lifting my head to look at him, I tried my best to put on my best smile, even if it was fake. 

“Aren't you coming?” His jaw moved restlessly.

“No, no, I have to go look at my apartment, you know, check if everything's in order or if I need to order some renovations,” I excused myself.

“Well…if you say so. We'll talk later, okay?” Nervousness seeped into his subvocals. Standing up, he hesitated for a moment, but finally waved goodbye and headed for the X3M (skycar) stop at the end of the street.

Finally, I let out all the air I'd been holding. Looking up at the sky, I blinked several times to suppress the unruly tears that were about to flow. Could this be considered some kind of confession? I doubted it. I hadn't been able to say anything, only let him sense that I felt something more special than friendship for him. However, now I had an idea of what his response would be like.

I just had to admit it out loud, admit that Garrus was just my friend.Next time, I would simply tell him that I liked him but that I understood that it was not reciprocated... it would put some distance between us. Studying would serve as an excuse to avoid him, and with luck, I would camouflage my feelings until they disappeared.

Chapter Text

John Shepard

We were waiting for Garrus in the lower levels of the market area. Captain Bailey had managed to put us in touch with Chellick, who had decided to leave his undercover mission solely to help his former C-Sec colleague.

I hadn't realized they got along so well. In truth, Garrus wasn't much of a talker about his private life, but that seemed to be part of Turian customs, always focused on work and practical problems, not sentimental ones.

Jack leaned against the wall as she looked at her Omnitool in an attempt to distract herself. The silence between us was awkward, but none of my companions were determined to break it...either that or I was the only one who felt the tension in the air.

"So... Chellick, have you been investigating the Ghost for a long time?" I asked curiously.

The Turian's green eyes scanned me, his jaws clenching in amusement. "That bastard, he cornered the counterfeit market a long time ago, but he didn't have an alias to make him famous. It's only been in the last few months that he's decided to draw attention to himself. It's probably because he thinks he can give us the slip."

The information he provided was concise, without going into details that might give me a chance to continue the conversation.

Jack leaned her head against the wall and calmly closed her eyes as if unaffected by the discomfort generated.

Staring at a fixed point, I focused on the discussion that was forming further ahead. A Volus was loudly complaining that a young quarian had stolen his credits.

A C- Sec rookie was ineptly dealing with them. He wasn't even paying attention to what they were saying, he just took out the handcuffs and pretended to put them on the Quarian who was squirming on the spot claiming she was innocent.

The injustice made me leave the immediate area of the warehouse and take action.

“I was telling you, he was taking too long to become a boy scout”, I heard Jack's voice behind me sound tiredly accompanied by the Turian's laughter.

I tended to butt into other people's business if I didn't like how it was being handled, and this was one of them.

Before meeting with Chellick, I had visited the shops in the area. At Saroni Applications, the Salarian clerk had asked me if a card lying abandoned on the counter was mine. Now, having listened enough, I sensed it would be this Volus's card.

“I'm going to interrupt this nonsense”  raising my voice to call the attention of those present. “Free her, it's an unfounded accusation based on the Volus's own clumsiness.”

“Earthling…How dare you treat me like this?" The beach-ball-like Volus spoke to me resentfully.

"Sir, I ask you to leave; you're hindering my work..."

"I'm a Spectre, and that means I'm the one who decides where I'm needed." The admission that I worked directly as a defender of the Council and my cold stare immediately made the other human nervous as he freed the quarian woman from his handcuffs.

"I'm sorry, sir... the quarians' reputation as vagrants made me act rashly." His excuse didn't improve my opinion of him.

"You should focus on the evidence, not xenophobic sentiments. The credit voucher is at Saroni Applications." – Pausing briefly, I stared at the angry Volus – Next time, before alerting C-Sec and wasting everyone's time, you should make sure you haven't dropped or forgotten anything – I mocked.

“I'll close the file”, the C-Sec officer made a move to leave, but my hand was faster, grabbing him firmly by the shoulder and preventing him from moving.

"No, both of you apologize to her." Their faces showed surprise, but they reluctantly obeyed.

"Thank you... I'd like to offer more than just words," the young quarian said.

"Don't worry, if you have any more trouble, here's my contact. I'll talk to Bailey about getting you a proper permit for the time you're at the Citadel."

"That's very kind." A small hand on my arm squeezed my bicep hard, making me look back.

"Yeah, yeah, he's a real Boy Scout, but we have other things to do. Go away." Jack's irritated voice scared the quarian.

"What was that about?" I said, not understanding.

"You wanted another admirer?" she asked, frowning as she avoided my gaze.

"Jealous?" I smiled triumphantly, but this caused her to elbow me in the gut, deflating my ego.

"You wish, I just came to let you know the dinosaur is here!" Her blush didn't go unnoticed, making my smile last.

She was right. Garrus was already talking animatedly with Chellick near the warehouse, but when we approached, both Turians fell silent, as if what they were discussing shouldn't be shared with us.

"Good show, Shepard!" With a smile, Garrus tried to hide the sudden change in their conversation. Shrugging, I assumed they were probably talking about something that only concerned their species, not giving it much importance.

"Thanks, I haven't lost my touch," I said jokingly. "How do you want us to do this?" This time, I was just there to support my friend. The decisions he made and how he wanted to deal with them would be up to him.

"Straight ahead. We go in, they answer the questions, and we go after Sidonis." His jaws clenched, tensing near his mouth as he gestured for us to follow.

Going down the ramp that led into the warehouse, I stayed behind him. When the door opened, some krogan straightened at the intrusion, assuming a defensive stance.

Footsteps were heard from behind some boxes until the figure of a Volus was revealed.

The intellect could have belonged to the small alien, but he wasn't  Ghost; he was likely an intermediary accompanied by mercenaries for protection.

"You're not  Ghost," Garrus hissed in annoyance.

"Appearances can be deceiving," was the Volus's response. "Which of you wants to disappear?" The krogan advanced to stand beside their protégé. Their weapons were in plain view, warning us not to try anything crazy.

"I'd rather someone reappear," Garrus's deep, sinister voice told me he was about to lose his patience.

"We don't offer that service..." The small alien was about to continue speaking, but my friend interrupted him.

Garrus drew his pistol and fired directly at the krogan in a concussion attack combined with some tranquilizer darts fired by Chellick. "I recommend you make an exception," he boasted as he watched the Volus tremble in fear.

"How?" Surprised, the Volus turned sideways, seeing how the mercenaries he had hired had been quickly defeated. "Agg... I don't even know why I paid for protection," he complained. "Look... I only work for the Ghost, all I can tell you is where he's hiding," he spoke quickly.

Garrus moved forward, sending the small alien stumbling backward into the crates. With a gap-jawed grin that showed off all his sharp teeth, he crouched down to his level. “You’re taking a while to talk.” Sometimes I forgot how terrifying the Turians could be.

“In…in the factory district, outside the old prefab foundry, but…but he has the Blue Suns working for him. Please, let me go. I’ve told you everything I know.” The Volus’s body trembled, as if it were vibrating in all directions due to its rounded structure.

“Are the Blue Suns just there to protect, or do they have other functions?” Chellick’s voice echoed in the room. Stepping forward, he flashed his police badge. The Volus’s eyes, protected by the circular metal mechanism of his environmental suit, stuttered with apprehension, knowing there was no escape.

"Damn... they infiltrate companies within the Citadel, forming a network."

"Do they have men inside C-Sec?" he asked, reaching for a pair of handcuffs from his belt and bending down to arrest the Volus.

"No... but he was a former employee, so he knows the systems. I've cooperated, will they reduce my sentence?" The businesslike nature of his species didn't fade despite the fear.

"We'll see," was all Chellick said. "I'm taking him to officially take his statement. When you're done with Ghost, give me a call, and I'll send reinforcements to the warehouse area," he informed us, grabbing the Volus by its restraints and carrying it under his arm as if it were a lifeline.

"I don't know if you'll have anything left to arrest," Garrus's grim, low-voiced statement worried me. I'd never seen my friend like this. He used to be temperamental and quick-tempered, but at least he used to try to control himself. Now it seemed he'd lost his ethics in favor of giving in to impulsiveness.

"Garrus... you acted rashly," I warned him as a reprimand.

"It's too late for sermons. Let's go." Garrus stood up and didn't wait for us to follow him. He was determined to achieve his goal and I feared he would destroy everything in his path.

"I like the way he does things." Jack's pat on my shoulder was what made me move after them. "Hey, Dino, you've got them!" she smiled happily.

Their attitudes only made me think that I had formed a team that wasn't too sane.

Garrus

My mind was fixed on the objective; I wasn't going to allow any delays. I had spent a lot of time planning my revenge… Sidonis's betrayal had made me doubt my leadership skills again. If I had been more attentive, perhaps I could have saved my former team, but now it didn't matter to look at everything from the perspective of the past. They were no longer here, they entrusted their lives to me and I haven't even been able to give them a proper burial.

I needed to end this once and for all, close the cycle and move forward, feeling like I had done justice for them one last time.

The X3M took us in a matter of minutes to the old factory area. The facilities were still in good condition, awaiting some new company to invest in new machinery.

This happened often in the Citadel. There were various sectors dedicated solely to one activity, but as companies grew, they sought their distinctive stamp, choosing to establish themselves in new, attractive locations to build their headquarters.

This facilitated the creation of new industries by leaving the old factory areas vacant at a lower cost, but it entailed making improvements.

All the buildings were a dull gray and rectangular in shape, making the landscape seem monotonous.

It wasn't difficult to locate the Ghost; it was the only building with guards posted at the entrance. My jaw trembled as I recognized the human speaking to them.

Harkin... a former Alliance soldier who, upon retirement, opted to join C-Sec, but in truth, all he did was complain and hang out at Chora's dive, a bar in the suburbs dedicated to stripping and selling anything illegal that fell within your pay range.

That filthy Raexa was the one who had set up this whole scheme. I didn't need him to confirm it. He was the only one who knew firsthand how the identification and licensing systems worked within C-Sec.

Clenching my jaw in disgust, I avoided going any further. They hadn't yet noticed our presence, immersed in a joking conversation. Hiding behind the crates of merchandise, I waited for Shepard and Jack to follow suit. They both looked at me waiting for the next step of action.

Pulling a chemical grenade from my belt, I signaled them to stay hidden. I threw the projectile at a perfect angle toward them and detonated it instantly.

The smoke obscured their vision. Harkins fell to the ground, spasming and coughing, but the guards were still intact. Their helmets had prevented them from inhaling the contents thanks to the air filters.

"Hold them back!" I ordered Jack.

Her blue biotics enveloped the guards and then threw them over the guardrail into the void. It wasn't what I'd asked for, but I wasn't going to complain.

Harkin was unprotected, crawling on the ground toward the factory entrance.

"Where are you planning to run to, huh?" I said with amusement. "Good to see you crawling like a worm again, Harkin." Leaving cover, I strode over to him.

The gas cloud had already dissolved, however, the stinging and burning in Harkin's eyes could be seen just by looking at his ugly face. Stepping on his lower back, I made him squeal from the pain of supporting my weight with his fragile bone structure.

"Garrus... looks like you've finally grown some balls," he slurred.

"You've always been a pain in the ass. You better cooperate or I'll beat the shit out of you," I threatened, my subvocals ringing loud enough for him to detect I wasn't joking.

"Ha! I have a whole team of mercenaries... they won't let you get away with this..." Enough. If he didn't want to talk the good way, it would be the bad way. The toe pressed against his ribs, levering them open. The sound of bone snapping made me smile as I heard him writhe and scream in pain.

"Do you want me to continue? Withdraw your men," I ordered with a roar.

"Garrus..." Shepard's voice judged me. "That's not how we do things."

"No, that's not how you do things," I clarified.

Harkin's hysterical laughter annoyed me. Despite the pain he must have been feeling, the human was still a damn bastard. "Trouble in paradise... listen to good old Shhhe..." I didn't give him time to continue. In a swift movement, I drew my pistol and shot him in the thigh at point-blank range. "AHHH!" His high-pitched scream made my jaws snap.

"Sorry, what were you saying? I can't hear you with all that screaming," I joked.

"Fuck...fuck...let me get the communicator..." Kicking him, I rolled him over as I rolled off him. With trembling hands, Harkin pressed his Omnitool with sounds of effort. "Re...stand back...that's an order."

"See? It was easy. Now..." My claw closed on his good leg, dragging him into the compound without the slightest concern for his health.

My companions ran after me amid complaints from Shepard and jokes from Jack. They were a contrast of personalities that I would have found entertaining to watch if I weren't so angry.

The walk to the factory headquarters was short and uneventful. The Blue Suns didn't intervene in the dispute, staying out of it as they hurriedly fled the scene.

I let go of Harkin without hesitation as he continued to whine. "I need to find someone you've served."

"Ugh... maybe he needs more information." He tried to stand up. It was Shepard who helped him keep his balance.

"Sidonis, Turian, from Omega." His expression grew panicky.

"I know who you want, dwarf. I'm not going to say it." Dwarf... humans were strange with their nicknames, though I suppose the term referred to my age.

"Harkin... be reasonable," Shepard said, trying to be the voice of reason.

"Screw you! I don't give out client information; it's bad for business." At this point, I didn't know if Harkin was stupid or naive to think I wouldn't blow his other leg off.

Grabbing him by the scruff of his neck, I yanked him away from Shepard's support and threw him against the wall. He bounced like a rubber doll as he shrieked. Shepard gasped in surprise at my sudden action but I didn't mind giving him this image of me.

Looming over Harkin, I pressed my foot against his neck. "And you know what's also bad for business? A broken neck!" I said angrily, my subvocals rumbling.

"Get off...get off me, Shepard!" he shouted, seeking help from my friend.

Shepard's hand rested on my shoulder as if to find a way to calm me down. "Garrus...you need him to talk, remember that."

With a grunt, I lifted my foot from Harkin's neck. "Terminus...it's changed you a lot, huh Garrus?" he spoke softly, pointing at a terminal.

Shepard helped him stand again while she led him to the computer equipment. Harkin typed a series of commands until the call rang. "Someone's after you... I'll send an agent to give you a new cover," he spoke, his voice distorted by a modulator. "Where do you want to meet?" After a moment of murmuring on the other end of the line, Harkin nodded and hung up. "He'll meet you in front of the orbital lounge... in half an hour. Now if you'll excuse me." Hopping on one leg, he tried to leave.

In two strides, I overtook him, blocking him from leaving through the door. "You're a criminal now," I said, pointing my weapon at him.

"So what? You're just going to kill me? That's not your style, Garrus." My jaws smirked as I blew his other leg off.

"Nah, you better leave a good trail of blood for C-Sec. Chellick will come for you," I informed him as I heard him insult me from the ground.

"Did you have to do that?" Shepard complained with a reproachful grimace.

"I think you're missing his arms," Jack smiled enigmatically, enjoying the scene.

"Don't give him any ideas," Shepard scolded her, making her laugh.

"Okay, Dad," rolling his eyes, Jack jumped over Harkin's body. "We're leaving, right?"

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

We were waiting for Sidonis to appear from inside the air car. Shepard had been staring at me; I could feel him wanting to tell me something that wasn't going to be easy to process.

"You're worrying me, Garrus. You've been very hard on Harkin," he spoke calmly.

"Don't you think he deserves it?" I asked, confused. For all intents and purposes, Harkin was a criminal and another traitor. "What do you want from me, Shepard? Wouldn't you act the same way if someone betrayed you?" I complained.

"Oh, I know the answer!" Jack's hand rose as if to ask for a turn to speak. "Here, Sanctimonious, I'd try to hear the traitor's version of events, and then I'd put some nice handcuffs on him." She mockingly stared at Shepard with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Really... I don't know what I'd do, but I wouldn't let him change me. If you lose your values, you lose yourself," he said, full of <superior> morality.

A snort escaped our lips; it seemed Jack and I were on the same page. "I'm just saying, think twice about what you're going to do," he justified himself.

Jack rolled her eyes and crossed his arms, while I could only laugh halfheartedly. “Who will bring Sidonis to justice if I don't? No one else knows what he did, and no one else cares?” I was desperate.

“Let me talk to him,” he suggested.

“Do whatever you want, but that won't change my mind. He screwed us all over, he deserves to die. I'm not you.” Crossing my arms, I ended the conversation.

“You're not being you either,” Shepard stated, making my jaw drop. He didn't know everything I'd been through over the years. He didn't know about my mother's death. About how work overwhelmed me when I saw how justice wasn't served and the bad guys won through cheap bureaucracy.

He'd known me at one point…but that didn't mean people didn't change. And right now, even though I considered Shepard a good friend, he didn't have the right to judge me.

Expanding my viewfinder, I stared out the window. Sidonis's figure appeared, hovering near the vestibule.

"There he is. Distract him and stay out of my way. I'll stay on that ledge; I have a good shooting angle from there. When I have him locked on, I'll let you know." Without waiting for his response, I got out of the car with my sniper rifle in hand.

Positioning myself, I used my Omnitool to call Shepard from a covert channel to stay in touch.

From my riflescope, I noticed Sidonis sitting less than 100 meters away, looking worriedly from one side to the other at the exits. Shepard gestured to him, catching his attention.

Sidonis approached him with some distrust. The bastard seemed to be living well; he was dressed in expensive formal clothes. Surely, for betraying us, he'd received a good incentive, I thought, my jaw clenching.

Trying to focus, I breathed calmly. I had to do this right. I couldn't afford to miss again. However, Shepard's big head was right in front of my target.

"You're blocking my view," I warned, but Shepard didn't move an inch.

My trigger finger itched, while a heartbreaking sensation made me roar in pain. Was he betraying me? He'd told me he'd help me with my revenge! I never doubted Shepard...why?

From my position and with the channel restricted, I couldn't hear what they were talking about, so I just hoped it was a misunderstanding. I kept my sights on the target, watching them from afar.

Sidonis moved sideways, making his head suitable for a target for a split second.

"Damn it, Shepard! If he moves, I'm going to shoot," I warned.

I wasn't going to stop just because Shepard was in front of me... my objective remained the same, I thought bitterly. However, the image of Mara smiling at me flashed through my mind... She'd been through hell to bring her brother back... if I shot and wounded him, Mara wouldn't forgive me. Would she be disappointed in me? I didn't want that... I didn't want to lose her again. Fuck!

Shepard opened the channel, allowing me to hear Sidonis's excuses. "I had no choice. They cornered me. They would have killed me."

"Move, Shepard, he's a fucking coward!" I hissed, growing increasingly irritated.

"That's it? Were you just trying to save yourself?" Shepard asked, seeking his side of the story.

"I know what I did. I'm not proud. They died because of me, and now... I have to live with it." Sidonis's subvocals reflected regret, but that wasn't enough for me.

"Every night I wake up... sick and sweating. All their faces stare at me... They accuse me. I'm already dead. I don't sleep." I watched him from my scope as they moved to a more sheltered area. His plates had dulled, and the area around his eyes was cracking. What he said about not sleeping was true. "The food tastes like nothing. Some days, I just want it all to be over”.

"Let me kill him, Shepard!" I snarled at him.

"Leave it alone, Garrus. He's already paid for his crime”

What? That he had paid? In what way? I laughed to keep from screaming in pain! Who was Shepard to say Sidonis had suffered? Hadn't I? Did he value the feelings of a stranger more than those of his friend?

"No! He still has life! My men deserve better!" I moaned, my subvocals cracking as I pulled the trigger.

Jack was quick enough to intercept the bullet with a biotic shield as Shepard escorted Sidonis into the orbital lounge. That's it! That was it! I'd lost my chance!.

Angry and feeling betrayed again, I threw my Omnitool to the ground in rage. A roar of frustration and pain was released into the air, yielding not a shred of consolation.

Wounded, I clumsily picked up my weapon and entered the dark corridors C-Sec used to move around unnoticed. I wanted to disappear, to leave again, and leave everyone behind. No one had shown that they needed me, that they cared…no one…The memory of Mara’s small, delicate hand clinging to my claw in the darkness was what made me moan in anguish to nothing.

I couldn't disappear again… I couldn't leave her alone. I had promised her, but I also couldn't see Shepard right now, let alone work under his command.

Heading toward an enclosed balcony with a small garden I had discovered by chance on a chase several years ago, I sat on the bench looking out at the city.

The artificial night cycle had already begun, darkening the simulation of the sky. There were no stars in the Citadel, but it didn't matter. The lights of the districts illuminated the darkness with their reflections, making me feel small.

With a sigh of resignation, I looked back on my life… it had always been a disappointment. From my silvery undertones, which made me less attractive to a Turian woman, to my rebellious personality, which was constantly at odds with the learning and education of my species.

I remembered how my father had taught me how to use a sniper rifle before I joined the military. How disappointed he was when, the fifth time he forced me to lift a weapon that was bigger and heavier than me, I decided to drop it and go home despite his yelling and reprimanding.

Later, within the military, I hadn't stood out for my grades or exemplary behavior. Joining C-Sec was a safe bet. With my personality I didn't fit into the hierarchy and although I had been offered Spectre training because of my combat skills, I couldn't accept the challenge. I didn't want to disappoint my mother; she was the only one who hadn't given up on me yet.

With Shepard, that flame of rebellion was rekindled within me. I truly thought that resuming my studies as a Spectre would be the ideal job, but... everything went downhill again. Shepard's death affected me; he was a good mentor, although of course... right now I'd call him a terrible friend.

And then Mara arrived... she celebrated each of my small achievements as if they were important, from the arrest of a common criminal to the dismantling of a drug trafficking ring. She got me to talk to my family again and say goodbye to my mother, making me feel less like a burden.

However, something inside me wasn't right. I wanted to make a change, I wanted the criminals to be punished, I wanted to take justice into my own hands... and that was another disappointment. I let Mara down, my family, my team, and myself.

I felt devastated; everything I had ever decided in my life had always gone wrong. I was a failure as a Turian, as a cop, as a vigilante… My subharmonics trilled, wallowing in self-pity.

How long had I spent here? What was I going to do when I saw Shepard? I trilled in disgust as I asked myself these questions. I just wanted to beat the shit out of him, but that wouldn't help either.

A sound from the door being forced and the sound of light, hurried footsteps made me turn my head.

"Garrus? Garrus!" Mara's broken voice called out my name as she burst into tears. Her small body trembled as she hurried toward me. How had the tiny human found me? I wondered curiously.

The light illuminated her figure, making me stop to look at her image. Her hair was loose, voluminous and messy, as if she'd just woken up from one of her terrible nightmares. Her cheeks were flushed from exertion... she must have been running around until she located me.

My jaws snapped as I realized she was barefoot and in pajamas. Her small feet were bleeding, leaving red footprints on the floor.

Flustered, I immediately stood up and faced her until my claws caught her by the shoulders and lifted her off the ground, preventing her from hurting herself further.

"You're hurt! How could you come here like this?" I asked angrily.

“How could I? How could you throw away your Omnitool? How could you disappear?”, she shouted at me through a sea of tears.

Her labored breathing, her chest rising in rapid breaths in that nightgown that barely concealed her figure, and her final moan disconcerted me. Spirits, even though she was a mess, she seemed beautiful to me with her red nose and her eyes clouded by tears.

"I'm sorry... I needed to process everything. Your brother... he's thrown our friendship away, and with it, my trust in him," I admitted as I helped her settle onto the bench. Her feet weren't even touching the ground even though she was sitting, which made her look adorable.

"Garrus... I'm sorry for what my brother did to you. He shouldn't have imposed his way of resolving conflicts on you, much less gotten in the way of your revenge. No one knows what's best for you but you, so you have my support." Her voice was soft as her hands tightly gripped the hem of her short nightgown.

"Maybe... I don't even know what's best for me. I mean, look at me, I'm a complete failure. Every decision I've made on my own has been disastrous," I murmured as I nervously touched the ends of my bangs.

I nervously paced back and forth. I didn't want anyone to see me like this, so vulnerable, but here was the tiny human staring at me with those huge eyes and a pout on her lips.

"Be honest, how many times have I disappointed you?" My question seemed to confuse her.

"None!" she immediately retorted, her eyebrows furrowing in disgust. "Garrus, just because something goes wrong doesn't mean you're a failure. At least you tried, that's way more than what others have done!" she tried to encourage me.

My jaw clenched against my face. “That’s no consolation… and I don’t think you weren’t disappointed that I left without telling you. You must have thought I was a complete jerk, which I was,” I clarified.

“I never blamed you… I always thought it was my fault you left. I couldn’t identify your emotions, if… if I had been more attentive—”

“It’s impossible for you to identify them; you’d have to be a Turian. You have no reason to blame yourself for my stupidity,” I affirmed as I turned my back on him. “My father… is right. I should conform, simply jump through hoops, become someone useful to the hierarchy and stop playing vigilante, because I’m good for nothing, not even being a bad Turian.”

“That’s not how it is! It’s not how it is…” Her voice broke. “If you could see yourself through my eyes, you wouldn’t say those painful words…”

"There's no consolation for me. You should return home or to Normandy," I said seriously, not wanting to look into those fascinatingly colored eyes that could lay bare my soul.

"Please," she begged in a plaintive voice. I felt her move. "Just listen to me one last time." She stammered, humming softly in whispers that the wind carried away.

I stood still, motionless, as the humming vibrated to emulate a trill in a song desperate to be heard.

Turning slowly, my jaws agape in surprise, I watched as Mara stood on the bench, glowing in an almost translucent blue-white hue. Her strands of hair stirred, and her reddish lips moved suggestively. It was a sight to behold, as if she were a reincarnated spirit.

Caught up in the emotion of her singing, I slowly approached her. I could identify in her voice the fear of losing me, the longing, and the comfort she wanted to give me. When her eyes opened and her voice ceased I was already in front of her, just a brush of my claw away from touching her soft hair.

"Have you...been able to hear me this whole time?" I asked, not intending to judge her.

Nervously, she bit her lower lip. "Since we saw each other again...I...only requested this modification. I wanted...I wanted to understand you, so I wouldn't feel like a stranger." As she said the last word, Mara burst into tears again.

I felt the weight of her declaration...she had changed for me, despite not knowing if we would ever meet again. She was there for me, chasing me even though I felt like no one cared. She, despite not saying it directly, was taking the risk of showing me her heart.

Wrapping my claw in her voluminous hair, I forced her head up until our foreheads met in a soft kiss. The contact with her delicate skin calmed me until I chirped for her.

If I had a lumian, I would ask her to let me court her. It was a Turian tradition, although in this case, since she was my friend's sister, I would have to ask his permission, gain his approval and acknowledgment. But now I didn't know what to do.

Her small, trembling hands hesitated over whether to stroke the side of my good jaw, choosing to hover awkwardly in the air. I had been so blinded... I liked Mara, but I didn't want to hurt her. I didn't want her to be just a passing curiosity due to stress... Confusion flooded my trill unintentionally, and before I realized it, Mara was the one who timidly broke the contact.

She smiled at me as if nothing had happened, but the sparkle didn't reach her eyes. Once again, with my hesitation, I had hurt her. "Mara...why me?" I have nothing good to offer you… I could even kill you with allergies,” I tried to joke to ease the tension.

“Because you’re good…fun, I feel like myself with you, and your voice…I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the galaxy. I know…you don’t feel the same, I understand. Just let me continue to be your friend, no…don’t push me away,” she begged as a careless tear rolled down her cheek. My finger caught it in a gentle caress, making her body tremble again at my touch.

“Mara…could you wait for me a little longer?” My question made me feel selfish; I truly didn’t deserve such pure love.

“I’ll wait for you as long as it takes,” She whispered.

“Are…are you sure? Many humans could be a better match than me…”

I was going to tell her more reasons why I didn’t deserve her, but her sweet, soft lips against my mouth plates paralyzed me. It was a strange sensation…how something so delicate could feel so good.

Her pressure was like a feather at first, a superficial touch, but then her lips moved, seeking to mold themselves to my harder, firmer plates. The gesture became intimate, passionate… Without realizing it, I clumsily tried to imitate her movements until I felt her laugh against me.

When she pulled away, her gaze was shining again, while her biotic reflected only satisfaction, something that made me growl with pride. Her hand finally caressed my jaw, causing me to tilt my head until I rubbed against her, seeking her silky touch.

"I love you, Garrus Vakarian." My heart raced at her words, my jaws fluttered nervously, and my subharmonic became unstable.

"Thank you... for loving me, I..." Her fingers pressed against my mouth, forcing me to shut up.

“Okay, you don't have to force yourself to reciprocate. Do you fancy staying to watch the sunrise?” She chose to change the subject, leaving me perplexed.

Picking her up unexpectedly, I rocked her in my arms “No…it’s late, I’ll take you home so you can get some sleep and I’ll treat your wounds” Mara laughed as she clung to the beginning of the edge of my hood.

"I can heal!" She mocked.

"And you're also wearing a nearly translucent nightgown." I'm not going to let the streets fill up and expose you to hundreds of stares," I said worriedly.

Embarrassment surged through her, causing her to hide her face in my neck. "I didn't realize... I was so nervous when my brother called, that... I acted without thinking. I'm sorry... I'd better go back alone if they see you with me like this..." I growled, interrupting her.

"I don't care what other people think, only I can see you like this." Possessiveness seeped into my subvocals, surprising us both. I felt myself blush at Mara's shy look. 

"I'm glad you think that way!" With a beautiful smile, she decided to wrap her arms around my neck, completely closing the small distance between our bodies. 

On the way to her apartment, we passed the occasional alien who was either an early riser or had just gotten off work at night. Their surprised looks, their grimaces of disgust, or their subharmonics filled with complaints didn't matter to me.

My arms sought to cover as much of Mara's exposed skin as possible, making her laugh in the process. And it wasn't until we reached the threshold of her apartment that I completely relaxed.

It was funny how now, I no longer felt that blinding rage. I was disappointed in Shepard, but the anger had vanished, all thanks to the intervention of the small human.

Making sure I got her to bed and that her wounds were healed, I said goodbye to her with a quick kiss on her forehead. If I stayed, I'd probably give in to my more carnal instincts. I needed to focus, process the confession I'd received, and get organized.

I should check out the manual on how humans courted, was what I thought as I headed to the tent area in search of supplies for the Normandy and how to create my own Lumian that would fit her delicate body. 

I didn't want to make a mistake with Mara, she was too important to me.

Chapter Text

Mara

Darkness enveloped me, the echoes and mistakes of the past repeated themselves in confusing cycles that made the images in front of me unfold.

I didn't know where I was, I just ran aimlessly, searching for something among the blurred faces that judged me. My feet ached, my legs felt numb, and even though every breath burned like I was ingesting liquid fire, my heart wouldn't let me stop. Despair clung to me, a second layer of sticky skin that I was powerless to destroy.

The whispers of passersby took on a voice: "You are alone, you have been abandoned, useless, broken." They grew louder and louder until they became screams that deafened me. I raised my hands in an attempt to cover my ears, to silence the voices, but my arms wouldn't respond. I couldn't stop; the abyss of darkness lay before me, leaving no other options.

My feet tried to brake, but as always, I wasn't quick enough to act. The precipice awaited me; my body tumbled into darkness. I had nowhere to hold on, I just fell at a dizzying pace hoping for a miracle to happen. I screamed until I felt my vocal cords wear out, breaking as I desperately cried for help.

I woke with a start, between wrinkled sheets and blankets, sweat running down every part of my body. Taking a deep breath that felt icy cold, I rubbed my eyes, wiping away a few stray tears. Another nightmare…

This time I hadn't been trapped inside a test tube or surrounded by doctors trying to cut me open…but the sensation had been just as unpleasant.

Doing the breathing exercises that Dr. Chakwas had taught me, I leaned against the headboard of the bed. My body ached like a steamroller had decided to run over me.

I looked around, searching for the familiarity my old apartment held. The nightmare had probably been triggered by yesterday's events… When my brother called to find out if I knew where Garrus might have gone, my mind immediately activated, alarmed.

I didn't care that it was 3 a.m., I didn't care that I was out in my pajamas, I didn't care that I was running barefoot through the streets until I felt my skin bruise and the blood make each step heavy, sticky, and painful…

In my head, I relived what I suffered when I found out years ago that Garrus had disappeared. Digging my nails into my wrists, I repeated an old habit I'd forced myself not to do during all this time in the Normandy.

I frantically scraped at the skin until red lines irritated the area, my nails digging in an attempt to erase all the feelings, stabilizing myself through the painful sensation of opening small wounds in the shapes of stripes or half-moons that formed a small woven tapestry of anguish, it was my method of escape.

My heart was still beating too fast, making my chest ache as if it were pounding against my ribcage and would pierce through at any moment. I needed something, anything to help me process the fact that this time I had managed to find my Turian before he fled again.

In slow motion, with my arms still shaking, I decided to try my luck by calling him through the Omnitool…one, two, three rings…four, five… “Sorry, the number you're calling is unavailable,” the robotic voice on the answering machine only made me breathe rapidly.

Getting out of bed, I tripped over my own feet. From the floor, I looked at myself through the full-length mirror. I looked completely healthy except for the dark circles under my eyes that marred my face. I would have thought it had all been in my head, if not for my slightly irritated, swollen, and reddened lips.

It was the only clue that warned me of the allergy and irritation that could be caused by the contact between Garrus's mouth plates and his Dextro-based saliva. I brought my hand towards them in a light caress that caused a slight, tickling burning sensation that was all too pleasant.

Suddenly, I blushed at the memory. My hands hid my hot cheeks as I tried to compose myself.

Not only had I dared to confess part of my feelings, but also to kiss him. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time, not understanding which sensation I should choose. Had he kissed me back out of compassion? I didn't know... his trill seemed to indicate a certain happiness and pride, but there was something hidden within him, a deep trembling. Fear, perhaps?

I sighed wearily; the complexity of the Turian subharmonics was beyond anything I could have imagined. Sometimes they slipped through my fingers like sand. They were constantly shifting, conveying emotions that varied in a single second, leaving me unable to retain the full message, for the moment.

Slapping my cheeks, I decided to cheer myself up. I would have to stop overanalyzing things. The message had been clear… Garrus had asked for time, and that's what I would do. He would have to take the next step, and if… he never followed through, I would understand that my place in his heart was only friendship.

At least now I knew what a real kiss with him was like and not living in the fantasies in which I had so often imagined what his touch would be like.

The plates that formed his mouth were smoother and softer. His lips, though they might have seemed stiff, had a certain flexibility, enough for me to kiss them. His breath was like mountain air, a breath of fresh air that made me breathe through it, eagerly seeking his touch, and his clumsy movements made me tender.

Our first kiss was somewhat awkward, but I would repeat it again and again. I wouldn't change a thing, much less think it would have been better with a human.

My body and mind only responded to him. The sensation of butterflies fluttering, my heart pounding, and my hands feeling small electric shocks through touching him could only be provoked by no one but him.

With another sigh, this time I decided to get up from the floor. I had many things to do before returning to the Normandy. Anderson had kept the apartment just as I had left it before deciding to participate in the Cerberus plan. There were no renovations to be done, but there were plenty of boxes to sift through.

Clothes, photos, souvenirs, kitchen utensils, decorative objects… everything was organized in the living room. It was obvious Anderson was a military man; he couldn't help but have to sort everything methodically—this thought made me smile slightly.

The unmistakable sound of the front door beeping as it opened told me my brother was already home. Yesterday, as soon as Anderson returned the apartment to me, I had given John the entry code and authorization to enter the building.

"Good morning, Minion!" His face looked tired, dull and with his cheeks more sunken than usual, but he still wore a smile. He hadn't slept either, I guessed as he approached the living room.

The apartment was open-plan, with opaque glass dividing the rooms as walls, providing a sense of privacy but still providing a sense of light.

Sitting down on the gray sofa, his troubled gaze inspected me. "Did you manage to... locate him?" he asked in a whisper, regretting his behavior.

"Yes, although I think... you should apologize. Garrus feels betrayed. He hasn't told me directly, but... it's something he suggests," I explained as I opened one of the boxes containing our memories.

His sigh indicated the frustration he felt. Glancing at him, I noticed how my brother let himself sink into his seat with his eyes closed. "I know. I told him I'd help him, and in the end, I did the opposite."

He brought his hand to his eyes, pressing his fingers against them in a massage that sought to relieve his fatigue. "It was for his own good. He was becoming heartless. He wasn't my friend. He didn't act the way I remembered him, and..."

Interrupting him, I held out a battered rag doll to him. His eyes opened as he felt it rub against his knees. The softness in his gaze and a slight smile eased his thoughts. "You kept it!" he said excitedly as he picked up the doll to examine it.

“I remember how much I wanted a doll... we didn't have any money but... through other children's broken toys you managed to give me one for Christmas. Your hands were injured and your fingertips were destroyed from pricking yourself with the needle so many times.” As the memory recounted, a smile appeared on my face.

“When I opened the gift you wanted to hit the children who were laughing at Frankie, the doll was nicknamed Frankestein for its unusual characteristics but I cried with joy as I hugged you... Jhon, you reacted violently for fear that the children would make fun of me for taking Frankie everywhere... now imagine that they weren't making fun of me, but that when you weren't by my side, they would have done something worse. Your hand wouldn't hesitate to hurt, right?” One of his fists closed tightly while a doubtful grimace appeared on his face.

"I know what you're trying to do... Mara, maybe I would have reacted like Garrus to the betrayal of one of my platoon mates, or maybe not. I don't know, but Sidonis was a living dead man. Why punish him with death if he can live tormenting himself every day? It's a worse punishment." Leaving the doll sitting on the couch, John opted to help me unpack the things.

"If he feels so guilty, he'd turn himself in to the authorities or find a way to help his friends' families," I objected as I handed him our old photo album.

"Then you'll be glad to know Sidonis has turned himself in. He's being interrogated by C-Sec, Bailey informed me this morning." His triumphant smile, at being right, made me frown.

“Mhmmmm... that's not going to make your conversation with Garrus any easier.”

“I know, but I hope it will make it easier for him to forgive me over time.” Flipping through the photos, John caressed the image of our parents.

The album shared our most intimate moments: all the memories of our parents, our childhood, the orphanage, the gang years, and John’s enlistment in the Alliance. There were also newspaper clippings of his exploits and Alliance recruitment pamphlets that praised my brother.

Absentmindedly, I began to open another box that didn’t have a name. I was curious to know what it might contain and why Anderson had left it uncataloged. However, when I saw the contents, I got nervous and wanted to close it again, but the look on my brother’s face felt like I’d been caught red-handed.

Turning the photo album toward me, he showed me my memories with Garrus. “What’s going on between you two? These ones here, he also had them saved”. Pointing at the pictures from an afternoon at the photo booth, my cheeks flushed.

“It’s complicated…” I said quietly. John raised an eyebrow, seeking further explanation, but I couldn’t give them to him, nor could I define what our relationship was like. Leaving the album on the couch, my brother decided to look at the contents of the box that had made me nervous.

“Gifts? And things…” Picking up an odd utensil, he showed it to me. “What is it?”

“Oh, that’s some kind of meat press with a Dextro spice grinder. Sometimes I would take dinner to Garrus when he was on call and didn’t have time to go home, so…ummm, I have some things that seem strange.” My brother’s laughter embarrassed me.

“Honestly, I don't know how he didn't notice how you feel. You've practically shouted it from the rooftops.” Shaking his head, he began to unpack the rest of belongings. “I keep everything in the kitchen?” he asked casually.

“Doesn't it bother you?” I asked, uncomprehendingly. I thought my brother would react more alarmed, but he was calm.

His gaze softened as one of his hands ruffled my hair in a childish caress. “He makes you happy, doesn't he? It's a strange taste, I won't deny it, and if you ever become a couple, you'll have to overcome many obstacles… but as long as he's sincere, I'll stay out of it. So, this belongs in the kitchen?” I could only nod, grateful for the unexpected understanding.

Fiddling with the ribbons on a gift, I stayed on the floor as I watched my brother move fluidly around the kitchen. A tear escaped my eyes… I had dreamed so many times about this everyday moment, snatched away by her death, that now it moved me beyond control. My soft sob reached John’s ears, and he turned to me, alarmed. "Mara?"

"Sorry, I'm just…I'm just so happy to have you here. Seeing that you're real…I…missed you, so much, so much." Leaving what he was doing, my brother bent down next to me until he could hug me. Inhaling the scent of her spicy, slightly woody perfume, my hands gripped his back tightly.

"Minion, I'm here. I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure we all make it out alive, okay?", a kiss on the top of my head was placed with affection. “By the way, is one of those gifts for me?”. His question made me laugh, making me forget all the accumulated sadness.

"Of course, It’s the red! Not even your death could stop me from celebrating your birthday." Pulling away, his eyes shone in an attempt to hold back his tears.

"Thank you... I love you so much, little sis."

This was our moment, something we had been deprived of for so long. Even in Normandy we hadn't been able to be ourselves, surrounded by people and the AI watching everything.

Now we could let off steam, pull ourselves together, and enjoy behaving like children again. We were in a safe environment that no one could take away from us.

Garrus

I had spent the morning completing my pending tasks. All the supplies I needed had already been ordered and rushed to the Normandy for immediate shipment.

Finding the gemstones and tools to create the Lumian had been difficult. Few turians dedicated themselves to the art, so it wasn't a popular request in the Citadel's shops.

Furthermore, the only thing that remained of the courtship custom lately were the Lumians given by the males as a symbol of attraction. The females had been influenced by alien customs, losing interest in displaying traditional chains and accessories except during the bonding festival, which made it even more difficult to find the small parts needed to make them.

Yesterday's shop was an exception, the only spot in the Citadel most rooted in our culture, which is why I loved going there so much. It made you feel like you were in Palaven, but... now, given the poor treatment Mara had received, it was a no-go shop for me.

Making sure the box of gems was securely sealed in the bag, I walked around the grounds of the Presidium in search of the new C-Sec Offices.

Chellick was stationed in the best position within the Citadel. The new building was immense, boasting a sober, grayish style, with the C-Sec logo in neon blue, catching your eye just by looking at the glass entrance.

The scanner's light scrutinized me as the guards stationed there tensed. They'd increased staff and were now bothered by even the slightest visitor. My subharmonics thumping with amusement at this futile attempt to showcase the improved security, I walked calmly toward the reception area.

The human novices were chatting animatedly, while a poor Salarian I recognized from years past was getting irritated at not being able to concentrate on his paperwork.

"Fresh red blood, Raish?" I asked mockingly.

The greenish-hued Salarian with soft yellow horns recognized me instantly, causing him to rise from his chair. "Garrus! Long time no see! What have you been doing? New adventures?" He seemed eager to be able to do something other than scold the rookies.

"Too many! Someday I'll tell you about them if I decide to work in C-Sec again. I see you're in charge of the rookies now." My voice grew louder, causing the humans to quiet down to listen to our conversation.

A deep sigh followed by a languid blink of movement from below and a grimace made me laugh outright. "Yes, I'd rather be roaming the streets. The rookies are too noisy, they don't focus, they don't pay attention." The humans tried to look away so they wouldn't notice.

"That's easily solved. Rookies!" I roared, making my subharmonic louder to accompany my voice and make the threatening vibration felt clear to the humans. "Lieutenant Raish is in charge; there are evaluation forms. Nothing guarantees you'll be in C-Sec. For every negative aptitude you have, there will be a report. At the end of the week you will be compared with the rest of your colleagues and if you are not productive, you will be fired without the option of reintegration into any service that provides security, not even in private companies”, with their bodies tensed and heads bowed, the humans softly murmured a yes, sir. “Is that clear?”

"Yes, sir!" they shouted.

"Get to work!" Raish ordered. "The paperwork has to be done by 5 p.m. No mistakes, I've already shown you how to fill out the forms." More confident now that he felt listened to, he gave me a grateful smile.

"You're still just as intimidating!" His laughter, camouflaged in a subharmonic, made me turn to Chellick. "You've been a long time coming." His jaw clenched, causing me to emit a subharmonic of confusion in response. "I sent you a message at Omnitool. Sidonis has turned himself in, though for a crime on Omega... he won't be punished; it's outside our jurisdiction."

My jaw clenched against my face as I felt anger boil over. "So he'll get away with it..."

"No, he's asked for exemplary punishment, so we've notified the hierarchy of his actions. His citizen points have been reduced to a minimum threshold. He won't be allowed access to Palaven, or any colony. Although, as a chance to make amends, he's been given the opportunity to work with refugees and allocate part of his salary to the families he harmed," he informed me as he handed a datapad to Raish.

"Upload this information to the database and compare results," he ordered, earning a nod from the Salarian.

"Not bad... but I would have preferred him dead," I admitted, letting my resentment show.

Chellick chuckled as he patted me on the shoulder. "Hang those jaws out and put on a happy face, it's my break time, and I remember you promised to treat me to lunch for tracking the Ghost."

"Do you only think with your stomach?" I mocked as we headed for the exit.

"Guilty! I don't have a little human to feed me when I'm on guard duty in a row." His right jaw arched in a sly gesture.

I felt the heat rise up my neck, but I didn't let shyness get the better of me. Clearing my throat, I returned the appreciation. "No, of course. You have Asaris, Turians, and Quarians who constantly invite you out."

"Hey, I'm a good lover, don't blame me for my talents." Chellick laughed as he led me to a new restaurant. "This place has the best food. It's like going back to Pirax. I can taste the local Colony fare."

The waiter quickly recognized my friend, assigning us a table far away and in a quiet area.

The place was spacious, with black tiles and elegant leather sofas. It didn't feel like a traditional restaurant; its casual style provided a relaxed atmosphere that made you want to stay longer than a meal would require.

Noticing the aquarium they had as a central decoration and the hanging plants from the ceiling, I whistled. "You're going to cost me a Krogan‘s nuts, aren't you?" I said with some amusement.

"You've had me working for months, and you haven't even rewarded me with your sister's contact," my friend complained as he sat down.

Sitting on the opposite side, I stared at him seriously. "When you're done exploring and settle down, maybe I'll introduce you to her someday."

"I swear I've overcome it. I've been suffering from zero contact for three months." His jaw widened with pride.

"What made you change?" Curiosity and fear led me to ask. Chellick boasted that he loved diversity, but now he'd reconsidered his tastes, wanting to go on courtship dates with Turians woman again.

He looked around to make sure no one was listening, and then his jaws flapped with joy. "I want a family. I'm close to being promoted within the Hierarchy by C-Sec, so that means I'd have a good job in some Colony until I get a job on Palaven."

"Just for that?" I questioned, the doubt reflected in my subharmonic.

"You know that better than anyone. In C-Sec, you barely have any free time to spend on a quality relationship. Look at your father; when you were little, you barely saw him once every six months. I don't want that. I want to be involved in raising my children." The example he set was totally valid. Until my father left his C-Sec, he was practically nonexistent in my childhood, and by the time he wanted to make up for it, I was old enough to join the army, which caused our relationship to always be strained and caused him to accuse me of being spoiled by the upbringing my mother had given me.

"I understand." Our conversation was interrupted by the waiter. Handing us the menus, we chose the same dextro-based meat meal and a good wine to celebrate our reunion after almost two years.

“And at what point in your life are you?” Chellick asked sincerely.

"I don't know. I guess I've given up on having a family." I pointed to the deformed part of my jaw and craned my neck to reveal the deep scars. Chellick's jaws clicked at the damage in a sympathetic gesture.

"You still have your sense of humor; that might win you over some Turian women," he said politely. We both knew that Turian women found scars very unattractive.

"Maybe I don't want a Turian," I said without thinking, causing Chellick to choke on his wine.

"Excuse me? The one who always said he wanted traditional relationships is now going to enter the exploratory phase?" He said with disbelief in his subharmonic.

"Not exploration. I think I want to try it with Mara. You know, a functional relationship, but... I feel a little lost. She makes me feel like a teenager who's never touched a scale," I admitted.

"The boys and I thought you'd have a nighttime fling at some point, although we also thought we'd find out because you'd call C-Sec for killing the little human. The size differences... ahem." I didn't let him continue. I roared in response, offended, causing him to laugh at my defensiveness.

"That's not going to happen. Besides, you've been with Asari, and they don't have enough capacity to fully accommodate you either, which is why you prefer to immerse yourself in the goddess's embrace, to feel eternity," I complained.

“Yeah, but the embrace of eternity draws you to a place where you feel like you’re floating and your minds connect, although… there’s also what Bessa taught me.” My jaw arched and my subharmonic rumbled with curiosity. “Bessa is an asari who was with a human; she learned some interesting things. Have you kissed Mara yet?”

His question made me remember the kiss. Mara’s lips were soft and warm, molding to my mouth as they moved sensually. It had been awkward trying to reciprocate that strange gesture of love humans had, but I didn’t mind. “Yeah, it’s hard to move the mouth plates. I’m afraid my teeth will pierce her skin,” I reflected.

Chellick’s jaws widened into a grin. “Ah… you’ve missed the best part. Dude, you have to use your tongue.” My subvocal cracked, making Chellick laugh. “Remember that candy that was like a flower?mLilium," he clarified, "to pick up the sweetest pieces, you had to stick your tongue in until you felt the tiny beads of syrup. Well, it's the same thing. Use your tongue and you'll see your plaques tremble. Oh, and tell her to give you a blowjob. Bessa learned how to do it, and I can tell you it's more addictive than feeling the embrace of eternity." The suggestive subvocal tone confirmed to me that what he was saying was true.

"I can't tell her, I don't even know what to do...how to proceed."

"You're overcomplicating things. Just start with games, get used to each other's naked bodies, and then when you're comfortable, move on to action. That was my strategy with the first asari I was with, and it worked," he pointed out.

The waiter brought the food, allowing us to focus on other topics of conversation. We talked about the change in C-Sec's structure, the new shops at the Citadel, and Omega's cuisine.

Before we knew it, lunchtime had already passed, so leaving the restaurant, I accompanied him back to C-Sec.

"By the way, don't forget to buy levo and dextro tolerance tests and dual antihistamines. You don't want an allergy!" was the last thing he said as he said goodbye to me with a wink, a gesture he'd begun to copy from the humans.

Uneasy, I heeded his advice. Chellick had always been bolder when it came to interspecies relationships, and now, his wisdom would help me.

I would have to find some private time with Mara to build intimacy. The plan would be to first give her the Lumian as a courtship and then gradually move forward.

Shore leave was scarce. On a suicide mission, everything had to be done quickly, in a race against time, so I didn't know how much time I had to plan a pleasant date, but I would make sure to create a wonderful moment for Mara.

John Shepard.

The main battery room was still empty. The only thing that let me know that Garrus would continue to support me on this mission were the crates of supplies they'd sent to the Normandy.

Wanting to smooth things over, I'd opted to move the cargo to the room the turian used as a lair. Jack had complained about my attempts to insist. She said I should give him space or I'd end up banging my head against a wall, but I couldn't help it.

I needed to know everything was under control, that there was no chance the Turian would back down or have any trouble remaining under my command.

Sitting on one of the crates, I waited while replaying all of yesterday's events. After getting Sidonis to safety, I left him in the care of a C-Sec officer while I went out in search of my friend.

Jack had given me a disapproving look. She was on board with the plan: that revenge be carried out and debts be settled, but even so, she chose to protect me with her biotics in my decision, against the bullet that Garrus decided to fire despite not having the possibility of a clean shot and being able to hurt me.

When we returned to the ledge, the Turian had completely disappeared. Calling for the Omnitool, all we got was the orange glow between the gaps in the floor tiles.

A grimace crossed my face. I knew I'd screwed up, but I was waiting for a way to repay my friend.

The bay door opened, revealing the Turian's imposing figure. He didn't even look at me.

"Not now, Shepard," he spoke harshly as he turned his back on me.

"Your Omnitool is on the table, and I brought the crates..."

"If that's an apology, you're on the wrong track," he warned with a growl.

"I'm sorry. I did it my way, and I didn't respect your decision. I know it won't make you happy enough, but Sidonis decided to surrender to C-Sec," I explained, hoping to ease the tension in the air.

"I know. However, I need time. If you're worried about me shooting you in the back, don't worry. I would never do that to Mara.” The sound of her claws slamming hard against the keyboard made me grimace. What was keeping his from telling me to fuck off was my sister.

"Thanks for coming back," I muttered as I headed for the exit, but Garrus's voice stopped me.

“I'm going to start recording the missions. The hierarchy wants to know the degree of danger the Galaxy could face at the hands of the Collectors, and in exchange, they'll provide us with the plans for the Thanix cannon,” He spoke professionally.

“I understand, it's a fair exchange.”

“It is. I could have kept quiet, but that's not what friends do. They don't betray each other.” I understood the taunt. The grudge the Turian held against me wasn't going to dissipate with a small talk.

“I'll make it up to you, I'll find a way to earn your trust again.” I would try to redeem myself for my blunder.

“There's no need, Commander.”

Using the official term for my rank marked the dividing line between us. Scratching my neck uneasily, I decided to head toward the cargo hold.

I couldn't talk to my sister about this; I didn't want to bring her into the middle of our argument or damage her already complex relationship with the Turian.

Bringing up the argument with Joker would lead my best friend to joke around, trying to cheer me up with his ill-advised comments. This would ultimately relieve me but wouldn't give me any valid answers on how to fix things with Garrus.

So I could only talk to Jack. She was a former pirate, had a similar way of thinking to the Turian, and had probably seen this kind of conflict before.

Yesterday, she had helped me search for the Turian among the various bars in the Citadel. My first thought was that he was drowning his sorrows in a dive bar, but I was wrong. It was Jack who convinced me to call Mara to locate Garrus. I didn't like that idea, but it was the only one left, and in the end, it worked.

Walking down the stairs to the hold, the red emergency lights seemed welcoming for the first time. Jack sat cross-legged on the cot while reading the datapad with the Cerberus data. I didn't need to be noticed; her face turned toward me, one of her thin eyebrows raised.

"Didn't go well, huh? What a surprise!" she said sarcastically.

"It was disastrous. I think he wanted to sink his claws into my stomach," I joked, unsmiling.

She patted the cot, indicating that I should sit next to her. With slow steps, I sank down onto the mattress, defeated.

"If it had been me, I would have blown you up. You know, biotics can make a lot of things explode, including people." Sneering darkly, She set the datapad aside.

"That's not helping, Jack... I don't know how to fix it. Garrus has always had my back on the battlefield, and I've lost his trust." With a sigh, I rested my comforters against my knees while my hands massaged my neck.

"Stop whining!" She hit my shoulder. I felt her weight shift and her body lean behind me. Her hands rested on my trapezius muscles, beginning to massage my tense muscles. "Want to fix this? Let his anger out. Go into hand-to-hand combat. After beating you up, the dinosaur will feel more at ease."

"Hey, what if I beat him up?" I complained, making Jack laugh.

"Oh, believe me, with how pissed he is, that's not going to happen. Sorry, sanctimonious," she mocked. Her hands on my shoulders made me sigh, enjoying the pressure she exerted.

"He doesn't want to talk, he wants me to leave him alone," I growled as she pressed the exact spot that released the muscle tension.

"Then he's looking for a complicated mission. Being in the shit makes bonds re-form." Maybe Jack was right; the latter option was more viable in the short term.

The whitish sphere of light caused us both to groan at the unexpected flash. "Shepard! You have an urgent call. The Illusive Man is waiting for you in the conference room."

"Fuck!" Jack cursed as she walked away from me.

"Thanks, Edi, I'll be right there." The light went out, and we were once again surrounded only by the faint reddish flicker that enveloped the warehouse. Turning to look at Jack, she was lying with her face buried in the pillow.

"You can turn over now. You won't go blind," I said, slightly amused by her childish behavior. Her complaints made me smile.

When she turned her head, it was only to look at me with one squinted eye. "You have to tell that thing to make a noise before it appears, a kind of rattle," She joked.

"I'll keep that in mind... Thanks for the advice and"—leaning toward her, I kissed her cheek—"for the massage."

"Ugh, don't do this fucking Boy Scout stuff," she complained, but a smile graced her face.

Getting up, I didn't want to delay the meeting ahead of me any longer, so I hurried to the second floor.

In the control room, connected to the laboratory and the weapons room, was the conference room. Conversations with the Illusive Man were never pleasant.

I always had the feeling he had more information than he let on. With a resigned sigh, I put on my best stoic face and positioned myself in the center of the room.

I would stand firm and act according to my conscience. I would never accept orders from Cerberus that compromised my values.

Chapter Text

Mara

Being back on the Normandy felt claustrophobic. There was no sky or spaces filled with vegetation, only metal and technology that closed you in. When I woke up in this place, I hadn't realized how much I missed the Citadel... I thought to myself as I looked around.

Mordin's laboratory was a large, sterile space, filled with complex instruments for his observations and a terrarium containing one of those insects, now dead, that paralyzed their victims with their bites.

The eccentric scientist was immersed in the defense prototype he had created, which was attached to the armor like an internal tissue, creating a fine electromagnetic field protection that repelled the creatures' attacks. His three-fingered hands moved nimbly as they installed this curious protection against the Collectors on the new armor he wanted to give to Garrus.

My brother had announced over the loudspeakers that our new destination would be the Horizon colony, but he hadn't specified who would be accompanying him on this mission, so in an attempt to help Doctor Solus with the preparations, I had taken the opportunity to spend more time with him.

"Good armor, durable, dense shield capacity... And oh, an experimental compartment with the possibility of using condensed biotics. Defense or offense?" His curious gaze made the black sclera surrounding his eyes seem to glow.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I touched the compartment enclosed in a white star in the area of the front casing. By letting my biotics flow, I materialized what I wanted them to do. In my mind, a biotic shield appeared that, when broken, would deploy in a shock wave that would push enemies away.

The energy tingled through my fingers as it was absorbed by the tool until the circle filled with a violet-blue hue. "Both. I cooperated with the Nyatus company. They showed interest in the prototype I'd been working on at Grissom Academy. It can replicate attacks and biotic defenses as long as it's refilled, but I was wondering... if you think you can improve it or if it's better to create separate capsules that can contain my healing powers, like a kind of medigel for extreme cases.”

"Interesting, very good observation. For practical purposes, it would be more advisable to distribute them in capsules; adding more compartments to the armor could unbalance it," he explained quickly. Staring at me, he blinked slowly, thoughtfully. "Mass production is out of the question. You're the only person capable of generating that healing biotic." His seriousness seemed to assess my reaction.

"And if... it's just a matter of refilling a few a day, you know... until you have a warehouse. If I'm able to create 10 capsules a day for a year, that would translate to 3,600. They would be stored and distributed for high-risk missions or to hospitals with patients in urgent need of care. If I have this power, I want to be able to share it,” I explained timidly.

Doctor Solus smiled at me approvingly. “It could be done, but first we’d have to figure out your limit. Healing biotics drains your energy, and you have to remain operational for potential missions. It will be a good exercise and study. I’ll develop the new prototype, now that I have nothing left to research; it will be relaxing.” It was the first time I’d heard someone say that invention and work were relaxing.

“So this is where the brainiacs gather,” a woman’s voice startled us. Staring into nothingness, I tried to figure out where it was coming from until disjointed flashes in the air revealed Kasumi’s face just inches from mine.

“Oh my God, Kasumi! You scared me to death!” I complained, making her laugh gleefully.

"I'm good with technology, I could help you make the capsules," She hummed thoughtfully, keeping a smile on her face. "By the way, I want you to accompany me on the robbery mission. You fit the profile," She pointed at me inquisitively.

"Me? I've never stolen anything in my life," I excused myself quickly with a grimace, remembering how bad I was at hiding the gang's looting and the trouble I'd caused my brother.

"Relax, it'll be easy. You'll just have to be the distraction. It's a big-shot party, you know what I mean." Leaning on the side table, she earned a curious look from Mordin.

"Good choice. Based on her record, Mara is the only one on the crew with experience in diplomatic relations, parties, and their protocols. Plus, she's a young woman, in her fertile years, attractive to many species." Doctor Solus spoke directly, making the embarrassment of his words reflect on my cheeks through a blush.

"Exactly. A pretty dress, makeup, jewelry, and you'll be the perfect bait," Kasumi applauded.

Hesitantly, I bit the inside of my cheek. Certainly, I had attended parties on behalf of Anderson; the former military man did not like superfluous, wordy gatherings, so he preferred to send me to keep an eye on Ambassador Udina. I knew how to deal with people with high egos... but I wasn't exactly happy with that kind of work either.

"And what would my cover be?" I asked hesitantly.

"Singer, I'll have them hire you. It's easy to create songs these days and distribute them immediately online. With my skill, I'll have your name on the radar in a few weeks," she said with amusement.

“Can't I choose something else?”

"Your soprano voice is satisfactory," Mordin decided to intervene. "I can hear you singing from the laboratory when you're in your quarters. A makeshift cabin means there's no good soundproofing." That almost sounded like an apology on his part.

Under Kasumi's expectant gaze, I could only sigh. "If there's no other choice..."

"Believe me, you won't regret it. Then come to the crew deck, I've settled in there. We'll have a few drinks to get some inspiration going." Her mischievous smile didn't bode well.

I wanted to protest, but her body vanished into thin air again. Now I didn't know if Kasumi was still with us or if she'd preferred to go investigate the rest of the crew. I'd have to ask her to teach me that trick.

"We can do a duet. I worked on the Salarian Scientist," Doctor Solus brought me out of my thoughts. Positioning himself in the middle of the lab, he took a deep breath and began to sing at a speed that almost seemed like a tongue twister.

"I am the very model of a Salarian scientist! I've studied species: Turian, Asari, and Batarian." I'm quite good at genetics (as a subset of biology) because I am an expert (which I know is a tautology). My xenoscience studies range from urban to agrarian. I am the very model of a scientist. Salariaaaan! - he concluded, raising his arms and waving them sideways theatrically.

The performance caught me so off guard that I could only applaud after the silence became almost awkward between us. Wanting to return to normal, I couldn't stop my thoughts from coming out.

"Ummm, so you're missing out on studying humans?"

"Yes and no, you're my main subject. Very interesting compared to the rest of your species. My comparative thesis will be excellent!" he said with an innocent smile.

"I suppose...this is some kind of compliment?" I asked, uncomprehending.

Mordin just nodded repeatedly as he bent over the workbench again to work on the last section of the armor.

Defeated, I opted to sit on the stool while I waited for him to finish. It seemed like everything I did in life led me to become a subject of experimentation,- I thought in frustration as I watched the Salarian.

At least he seemed to have good intentions. The brilliant scientist didn't seem to have any social skills, but something about his demeanor reminded me of an excited child observing everything new, with millions of questions and the need to satisfy his curiosity immediately, which made me feel slightly tender.

The door opened, causing me to turn my head to see who had decided to enter the lab. Jacob was carrying his heavy armor in one hand as if it were something light.

"Hey, Doc!"  he informally called the Salarian. “I'll leave this here for you”, he said as he placed the armor on one of the surfaces of the large desk that covered the entire length of the room.

"In five minutes, I'll proceed to install the new prototype," the Doctor announced, still working.

Jacob crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall with a casual air. I hadn't had the chance to talk much with him. I was almost always with Garrus or trying to learn from the Normandy doctors, and the few times we had interacted it was because we happened to be at lunch, so I didn't have an opinion on him yet.

"Have you finished planning how to approach the Colony situation?" I asked timidly.

A friendly smile appeared on his face, showing the whiteness of his teeth. “Nah, it's going to take a while. Shepard wants to address all kinds of situations since we'll encounter members of the Alliance and we don't know if the colony has been attacked or if it's still safe from the Collectors.”

“So you're getting rid of his manic behavior that everything must be under control” I theorized making the man laugh softening his features.

“Don’t tell the Commander!” He placed his index finger over his lips, gesturing for me to keep it a secret. His behavior made me laugh. Even though Jacob was a soldier and respected the chain of command, he sometimes allowed himself to joke around lightly. “What are you doing?” he asked conspiratorially.

"I've been helping Doctor Solus with the prototype installations and now I'm on break, waiting for him to return Garrus's armor to me," I said calmly. Jacob tilted his head, contemplating the object the Doctor was interacting with.

“That's not his usual armor, has he changed it?” moving away from the wall, he decided to approach the work table. One of his hands touched the armor's shoulder pad with curiosity as he let out a low, appreciative whistle. "What a change! With this quality, it must have been worth every credit invested."

"Actually... it's a gift." My comment made him immediately look at me, raising one of his eyebrows that framed his face the color of molten chocolate. His eyes were overly expressive, making me laugh as I noticed his gaze wander questioningly from the table where the armor was sitting to me. "I already bought it, the only thing I couldn't give it to him before," I explained with some embarrassment.

"So, they pay well as a secretary? Because if so, I think I've chosen the wrong job," he joked.

"Nah, the pay is lousy. It was courtesy of Nyatus. The company appreciated my willingness to share the research with them and not the competition." I shrugged, dismissing what I'd said.

"Ugh... that company doesn't sound familiar to me."

"It's relatively new, and they only manufacture Turian armor for the Hierarchy's elite. A fairly profitable VIP business." My comment made Doctor Solus pause his work for a moment. His head jerked toward me as he looked at me intently, as if he were about to put the pieces of a puzzle together.

"Why choose that company? It doesn't make sense. From a logical standpoint, the usual thing would have been to share the discovery with the Alliance or with companies focused on several species." His rational assessment made me bite my cheek nervously.

"Turians are almost incompatible with biotics; very few of them can use it without serious health consequences. I thought it would be convenient for them to have the license to use it”– lie!, Absolute lie! I chose that company only because Garrus liked the configuration of their armor and the materials used. He couldn't afford the cost, nor did he have enough rank within the Hierarchy to be chosen as a possible candidate to obtain it for his battle achievements... so, I just wanted to give him a nice birthday present in an attempt to cheer him up after his mother's death, but this, I didn't have to admit out loud—I thought with some guilt.

“It's still not understandable unless...” the pause in the Doctor's tone made me shudder, for some reason my instinct told me that Mordin was going to say more than he should so I interrupted him immediately.

"Jacob! I think one day you should teach me hand-to-hand training techniques. My brother treats me like I'm about to break, so I need a more objective instructor." I quickly changed the subject as if my life depended on it.

"That's a done deal! I love training. Stop by the fifth floor sometime in the morning. We have all the gym facilities and the combat mats there." Whether Jacob had noticed my change of mood or not, I didn't know, but I was grateful that he'd gone along with it.

"Great! By the way, Doctor Solus, is the prototype installed yet?" I asked impatiently. I just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible; I felt my cheeks burn every time the Salarian looked at me with those big eyes.

"Yes, let me use the Omnitool to check if it's emitting the right electromagnetic frequency." Grabbing a frequency meter, the Salarian hummed proudly. "Perfect!"

As soon as I heard his words, my body reacted immediately. I quickly stood up from the stool, wrapped the armor in biotics to make it easier to transport, and shot out of the lab, turning only enough on the way out to thank the Doctor and bid Jacob farewell with a slight wave of my free hand.

Phew…Doctor Solus had almost put me in a compromising situation – I thought as I happily headed towards the main bay. I was really looking forward to seeing Garrus's reaction to this gift.

I eagerly awaited his jaws to flap into that half-open smile I liked so much. Blushing at my own thoughts, I realized I was a lost cause. Only the Turian was on my mind, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide my feelings from the rest of the crew.

Garrus

The main bay now seemed like a suitable place for my needs. I had installed a side table on one side so I could adjust the sniper rifle and add mods easily without having to be in the presence of other crew members.

The flexible stool fit perfectly, taking up no space, and the lamps attached to the wall illuminated my new workplace while also having removable devices that allowed me to move them wherever I needed.

I had also added some small shelves to hold essential items as well as boxes of dextro candy to satisfy my late night cravings when I was sick of the bland taste of military nutritious pasta.

All that remained was to find a new location for Mara's makeshift chair and unpack the folding bed, secure it to the other side of the wall, and add the foam padding that acted as a mattress.

Busy with the tasks had lessened the irritation I felt, tempering my feelings. Shepard had insisted on talking when all I asked for was space, and that had made me realize my father was right about what humans are like. Many of them don't understand the boundaries and time required to have a conversation after experiencing tense moments.

Could I work with him? Yes, I was a professional, I would follow orders just as the Hierarchy had instructed me since I was a child, but friendship... that was another matter, it had deteriorated and I would no longer trust Shepard with my problems. The line had been drawn.

Opening the box with the folding bed supports, I calmly began to assemble it. According to my Omnitool, there were an hour and a half left until we reached the destination of our new mission. That would be enough time for me to have the main bay fully set up.

Internally, I hoped Shepard wouldn't want me to participate; there were enough crew members to replace me, but based on human stubbornness, everything indicated that the Commander would want to force my presence into the strike group.

My subharmonics vibrated from my throat and expanded in my mouth, causing the air to hiss between my teeth in a tired sigh. With my back to the door, I felt it slide open with a whir. My jaws fluttered in a smile at the knowledge that Mara had entered.

The air was filled with the scent of the Xael flower, making my nostrils flare in an attempt to absorb the perfume. Her light footsteps sought to surprise me as she tried to move stealthily. I pretended not to notice her presence, curious about what the small human was up to.

Suddenly, she jumped behind me as her small, strangely shaped, five-fingered hands sought to block my view. "Boo! Who am I?" – she said in a whispered voice that made me shudder. Her scent intensified, causing a small growl to escape my mouth.

I felt her hair brush against my neck in a caress that left a sensation that was too soft. I reached out with one of my hands to grasp hers, I could easily fit both of them due to the size difference which made me chuckle.  “Mara, what are you playing at?”, I asked with some amusement at his immature behavior. No Turian woman would act like this; however, despite their very different behavior, her actions seemed endearing to me.

“Neeee, I just wanted to surprise you, but it seems I've failed...or maybe not”, with an air of mystery, I felt how the atmosphere seemed to electrify around me.

Lowering her hands enough so I could see, I dropped my claw that held them suddenly as the frame of the folding bed leg slipped from my other claw. With my jaw wide open in shock, I stared at what was before my eyes.

Before me was the Kalkriese armor in the color tones I liked to use. Nyatus had only released 300 models of this type of segmented armor, which allowed for more optimal storage without sacrificing quality materials.

It had been my obsession. I reviewed all the models the Hierarchy published, but I didn't know they'd made one in shades of blue and silver, with the biotic compartment in the center of the chest in the shape of Polaris. In my notes, I had saved information about their characteristics, and the biotic storage was always inserted into the thigh. My subharmonics fluctuated with excitement.

"How... How the hell did you get it?" I managed to formulate as my trembling hands lovingly caressed the armor's shell and inspected each of its elements, making sure it wasn't a replica that fooled my eyes. "It's real... It has the shield and regeneration upgrades, the possibility of extra ammo, the self-regulating thermostat for extreme environments, and the detoxification port," I spoke quickly, running my fingers over each piece I named.

"So you like my surprise?"

"Spirits! Of course I like it! It's... it's impossible to get! How?" Turning my head to look over my right shoulder, I froze as I stood mere inches from her rosy lips. Her fresh breath, with its promise of sweetness, hit my system, making my mind focus only on kissing her the way humans do.

With her cheeks flushed, Mara pulled away slightly, making the space between us bother me. "I worked secretly with Nyatus. I met the CEO at one of the Council's diplomatic meetings. And since you liked their armor, I decided to help them with the prototype that incorporates biotics... It was a gift for your birthday, but I couldn't give it to you at the time." Her voice lowered, becoming barely audible.

Guilt over disappearing from her life seeped into my voice. "I'm sorry... I've been ungrateful and..." One of her small hands timidly brushed against one of the ridges that made up my bangs.

She was trembling, fearing my rejection. I purred softly at her display of affection, which made her eyes light up and her small hand continue the caresses with greater confidence in her actions. “No need to apologize anymore. The past is better left behind.” Her kind smile relaxed me. “Why don't you try it on? Your current armor is better retired; it's a mess.” Her appreciation made me nod in agreement with her words.

“You're right.” Getting up from the floor, I grabbed the armor, causing Mara's biotics to disappear from around it, and walked to the workbench, placing it there while I proceeded to remove the buckles from my current, damaged armor.

“I…I'm going to finish putting this together…so you can change without me bothering you.” Mara turned around nervously, causing her hair to flow in a fan-like motion that covered her face. She sat on the floor while she looked for the instructions that came in Palavenix and tried to decipher them through the drawings.

"You can look," I said mischievously, causing the little human to drop the screws she'd just grabbed and curse under her breath.

"Garrus!" She shouted my name in embarrassment, making me imagine other scenarios where the little human might scream my name in a similar manner.

"I'm wearing casual clothes underneath. What was your naughty mind thinking?" Enjoying the nervousness my words generated in her, I laughed amusedly as I noticed her ears turning red with embarrassment.

"God! You really are incorrigible! You play on my nerves!" she reproached me.

Letting me see her face, a pretty pout adorned her features, making her lower lip look like a ripe fruit ready to be devoured. Now that I knew how humans kissed, my mind kept going in that direction.

Besides, how could it have taken me so long to notice her feelings? Knowing that the little human was in love with me, I noticed how obvious her reactions were, she didn't even try to hide them and that made my heart beat faster.

Mara had no survival mechanism; she was prey on a silver platter, and that dark thought fueled my primal instincts like a cursed bonfire. I had to hurry up and make the Lumian,- I thought to myself as I continued to remove my armor under her timid gaze.

Slowing my movements, I tensed my muscles, seeking her adorable reaction. Her pupils dilated and, seeing herself discovered, she looked down at her hands as she struggled with the folding bed assembly.

Pleased my subharmonics strengthened in a sign of satisfaction. Quickly putting on the new armor, I approached her again. Now it was me who was looking down on her. Her ears were still flushed, and her hands were trembling slightly.

“Mhmmm… difficulty concentrating?”, I provoked her with a taunt, causing her to hit me on the shoulder with a loose, warning tap.

"You go on! You'll get yours, Vakarian!" Mara muttered angrily as she continued assembling the rest of the bed; all she needed to do was tighten one of the fabrics that made up the trunk.

"Ouch, does that mean you want to punish me? What a wild little thing you are!", I purred in her ear, making her jump. Mara quickly turned to me, her face completely red and her eyes glassy, letting me know I'd been too hard on the jokes. Her small fists shot up in the air, ready to smack me in the chest, but my claws were faster, catching them.

"You...you...are such a damn tease! You're lucky that armor fits you so well!" Her cheeks puffed out, making me laugh.

"I'll stop, I promise. Let me help you finish this, okay?" I said softly to calm her down, while I gurgled with happiness at her compliment.

Sitting down next to her, we had everything set up in a few minutes. Surprisingly, there wasn't any awkwardness. I thought it would be awkward to flirt with Mara because of our biological and cultural differences, but it felt natural, as if our friendship had improved to the point of feeling completely fluid and evolved.

Now the jokes between us took on new meanings I was eager to experience. Chellick had been right; I was overthinking things, and my thoughts only got in the way. I just had to act natural, like I had been doing since I met her.

Mara picked up the foam gun, examining it as if she could tell what it was for. Pointing it at me, she winked, pretending it was a weapon. "Boom, boom..." My hand went straight to my heart while my subvocals feigned pain, making her laugh at my performance. "Seriously, what's this for?"

"It's a foam gun. You pour it inside, and it gradually thickens until it becomes a semi-solid state. It makes you sleep warm and cozy despite being outdoors," I explained as I picked up the tool and proceeded to apply it carefully.

"That's pretty handy," the curiosity in her tone of voice made me smile.

"Do you want to try it?" "I suggested mischievously.

Leaning over the edge of the trunk, she hesitated. "I don't know, I think I'll sink in and get trapped."

"I'll hold you, and if you feel uncomfortable, as soon as you tell me, I'll help you out." Opening my good jaw slightly, I gave her a crooked smile.

"It's okay, I trust you," she said as she bent down to take off her shoes. The foam was already arranged around the edge of the bed, so it was ready to be used. "How does it do it...ah!" Her question was cut short when I picked her up.

Her small hands quickly latched onto my neck, wrapping it around her in a hug. "In this manner," I whispered into her ear, deepening my voice thanks to my subvocals. A blush crept back into her cheeks, causing me to smile widely while my jaw fluttered.

Getting up with her in my arms, the first thing I did was slide her legs into the center of the soft bed. Mara took up virtually no space, her body leaving a tiny indentation as it was engulfed by the foam, which filled me with tenderness.

Her hands tensed, and her nails accidentally scraped the skin between my scales, causing me to let out a low groan at the pleasure this unexpected gesture gave me. Letting go of her legs, I let her body fall inward under its own weight.

Mara hadn't yet touched the bottom of the trunk; her body was suspended, her only support point being my neck. Leaning toward her, our breaths mingled.

"I think that shot went straight to my heart," I said softly, as if it were a secret.

Her hand moved up my neck in slow caresses until it cupped my jaw. Our lips drew closer, almost millimeters from touching... a sigh from her was all it took for me to decide to close the distance between us.

We were so close... and yet, the door buzzed, making us both nervous and causing Mara to let go, sinking completely into the foam, causing me to lose sight of her. Worried, I put my arm inside the foam until I felt her soft body. Her hands gave me a light squeeze, a gesture that indicated she was okay.

Turning angrily toward the door, I snarled at our visitor only to find Shepard with a bewildered look on his face.

"What the hell are you two playing at? Better yet, don't tell me. In 15 minutes, we'll be flying over Horizon. We've sent out communications, but no one's giving any sign of life on the radio. Garrus, I need you ready for the descent. There will be two teams," he said seriously.

Mara emerged, leaning on my arm toward the surface. "Hey... I'm coming too!" she complained.

"No, we don't know if Mordin's prototype will work, and I need experienced people. This mission is outside your initial training. There will be others that involve less risk." Before Mara could protest, Shepard had already left, making the door close behind him.

"Pfft... now what do I do?" Her large eyes stared at me pleadingly.

"You can see us from the cockpit cameras. Shepard and I would relay visual." She bit her lip uneasily.

"And if you get hurt?" She frowned worriedly.

“We have medigel and… we'll do everything possible to return to the Normandy and you'll scold us while you heal us with your new superpower”, I tried to lighten the mood, making the corners of her lips stretch slightly. “Let me help you out”. Grabbing her under the armpits, I lifted her effortlessly and placed her carefully on the floor.

Looking at her feet, Mara shifted them uneasily, making me observe the gesture with curiosity reflected in my subvocals. "You know? Your new bed is really comfortable. It feels like I'm wrapped in a big nest; it's soft and warm, but I can breathe. Maybe I'll buy one!"

The word "nest" echoed within my mind, my intimate plates beginning to tremble at the connotation of what it means for a female to be willing to be nested.

Mara naively didn't know the reaction she was provoking in me... not even I knew if there could be such a possibility between us of mating her and raising her due to our biological differences, but my thoughts were deeply interested in discovering if there was any way to make that possible.

Swallowing, I felt my subharmonic strangle itself into disjointed noises due to my nerves. Mara's head tilted in an attempt to decipher my sounds. Knowing she could hear me now made my neck flush a deep blue.

"Oh, if it's just something for Turians, that's fine, I can always steal your bed," she joked, not quite understanding my subharmonic's response, giving me a slight push with her hips that didn't move me even an inch.

If Mara really knew what I was thinking, she would probably hide back inside the foam in shame…

John Shepard.

Adjusting my gear, I pondered. If the illusory man's information was reliable this time, the Colony would once again be deserted, as in Progress to Freedom. Clenching my fist in rage due to the helplessness I felt, the face of one of my former crewmates came to mind: Kaidan Alenko.

The Alliance seemed to have sent him to reinforce the security of the colonies within the Terminus system as part of some sort of secret project. They didn't want to raise the alarm about the mass disappearance of colonists to prevent panic from spreading.

Suddenly, I felt vertigo gripping my gut. I replayed the decision I had to make on the Virmare mission, where I was forced to choose between not only two good soldiers, but also friends. Ashley's death was a crushing blow; she was surrounded by Geth with no way of escape... and I didn't have time to reach out to support her.

The attack Saren carried out was swift and aimed at preventing the bomb Kaidan was programming from being disabled. I had to make the decision that was best for the common good. The Krogan cloning base had to be destroyed. They were subjects indoctrinated by Reaper technology, and they had no future beyond being used against the Galaxy as a weapon.

With a sigh, I made sure not to repeat the same mistakes. On Virmare, I hadn't had a large ground team; there were only a few of us fighting to stop the former Spectre Saren... but now, things were different. Looking at the platoon members, I clapped my hands loudly to get their attention.

"Okay, let's go over the plan! The Colony is large; we've lost radio contact, which makes us assume the worst-case scenario. We'll split up. Garrus will lead Beta Platoon, and his flanks will be Zaeed and Jack." They nodded in agreement.

"Miranda and Jacob with me. The Shuttle will land about five minutes away from the Colony. We'll go at a brisk pace and take two different routes until we meet at the center of the first sector. I want the biotics prepared in case Mordin's prototype fails. Experiments with Mara's biotics have shown they can't penetrate the amplified shields, so girls, you're going to be key." Pacing back and forth with my hands behind my back, I felt their stares.

"We'll be in contact via private channel at all times. I want position updates. No heroics, the plan is set. We're looking for any sign of survivors." My voice deepened into a firmer tone. "Everything clear?"

"Crystal clear," Zaeed said with a proud smile while the rest of the team simply nodded.

We were all tense; we didn't know what we were going to find, but the old mercenary seemed to have nerves of steel.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

Jumping from the shuttle, I surveyed the ominous landscape. The sky was shrouded in stormy clouds of almost reddish hues, resembling a sign of the apocalypse. The mountain's structure seemed strange to me; that's where the communication antennas and defense systems should be, if you were to think practically, but even with the assault rifle's scope, I couldn't see them... something seemed to be stuck to the mountain like a black tick.

The wind violently stirred the trees, shaking them. We were surrounded only by the rustling of the grass; no other sounds came from the Colony.

Signaling with my arm extended in the direction Beta Team should go, I ordered them to advance, then turned my attention to my team.

Bringing my fist to the small of my back, it was the signal to form a line as we moved as silently as possible through the vegetation and took cover between the walls that seemed to subdivide the Colony's crop fields.

Up ahead, a flash of orange caught my attention. With my palm facing the ground, we stretched out, crawling through the dense grass to advance unseen toward new cover that would give me direct access to see what was happening.

Near a tractor, the Collectors were scanning the technology. We had the advantage of being on high ground.

Splitting up to take cover between the walls that led to the stairs, I signaled Jacob to notice a fuel cell on top of one of the crates near the tractor.

With a nod, we both mentally agreed. We knew what we had to do. When the Collectors positioned themselves below, it was time to take them by surprise. Selecting incendiary ammunition from my assault rifle, I regulated my breathing until I fired the first shot, which was followed by another shot of the same style from Jacob.

The coil containing the fuel cell ruptured, and upon contact with the incendiary ammo, it caused a massive explosion that left the Collectors confused and injured. Miranda took advantage of the situation to use a powerful biotic attack, knocking the enemies to the ground and incapacitating them for a few seconds, allowing us to finish them off with gunfire.

Leaving cover, I approached what remained of the Collectors. It was the first time I'd seen one up close; their bone composition or armor (I wasn't sure what it was) seemed like reinforced chitin, making them difficult targets to eliminate with a single shot.

Opening the Omnitool, I proceeded to report, "This is Alpha Team. We've fallen behind. We've encountered enemies near the east entrance. The Collectors are using heavy skin, I repeat, heavy skin." Proceed with caution," Garrus's response was immediate, confirming receipt of the information.

Miranda scanned the corpses for information EDI could extract and use to improve our armor.

"I think we've arrived in time," Jacob smiled with some hope.

"I wouldn't be too confident. We don't know if they're just stragglers and have already cleared the Colony." Miranda was rational; it was better not to get us hopes up.

"Let's continue," I said harshly.

Advancing toward what was the beginning of the city, Joker grew nervous, warning me over the radio that he was experiencing interference and that the camera feed was freezing. The Collectors were probably interrupting communications from the top of the mountain, I thought bitterly.

Arriving at what was a sort of backyard of one of the houses, I stopped briefly to contemplate the panorama. There was no sign of the settlers; everything seemed empty, lifeless, like in horror movies about abductions. If we hadn't seen the Collectors, no one would have understood what the threat was. There were no signs of fighting, just a lethal calm that tense the atmosphere.

"This is Beta, we're inside one of the houses. We've taken cover and are in a good attack position. The Collectors are flying, I repeat, flying. They seem to have some kind of leader; when we eliminate him, another Collector takes over. I recommend eliminating all surrounding enemies and leaving the Leader as a last resort," Garrus warned professionally.

"Roger, we take position from the side and reinforce the attack in a joint maneuver." Hurrying, I gave the signal to maintain formation until we found a way to access the attack zone.

Going into the houses, we followed the sounds of combat. Entering the houses, we followed the sounds of combat. One of Zaeed's flash-bang grenades served as a smokescreen, allowing us to take up positions without being seen.

Leaving the Collectors exposed and unable to find optimal cover, we opened fire from the houses. Bullets flew toward the center where, despite the Collectors' attempts to set up technological barriers, they were prevented from regrouping as they received fire from both directions.

In a short time, the enemy was reduced and the area cleared. However, a bluish flash, like an explosive grenade, was released near Beta Team's position.

"What the hell? Do you have vision, Garrus?" I asked immediately.

"Affirmative, Husks," he said concisely as the sound of biotics crushing the enemies could be heard over the radio.

As we drew closer, I realized that the Husks seemed enhanced. They were no longer like those on Eden Prime, who seemed lost and struggled to attack. No, now they were fast and savage like zombies. Reaper technology had been used to turn humans into these soulless monstrosities.

The only thing they retained was the shape of a human body, but all previous characterization was lost, including biological sex. They had a gangly appearance, their skin tissue was blue, and what had once been their circulatory system was now modified by wiring and tubes. The grunts they emitted were like the specters of the voices of their previous owners, deprived of the ability to modulate.

Reloading the weapon, we attacked from behind, Miranda and Jacob's biotics were used to delay their movements while Jack opened a shield that prevented them from advancing towards Beta Team's position.

Changing weapons, I chose the submachine gun to get some quick, clean bursts of attack. At least the Husks were flimsy, and after two bursts of fire, they were left in pieces on the ground.

"Anybody hurt?" I shouted.

"Negative," Garrus reported.

"Let's regroup. We don't know when the Collectors are going to drop another bomb like that," I suggested as I watched Beta Team approach us.

"What the hell are those damn things?" Jack complained.

"Humans," Miranda said sinisterly. She and Jacob didn't seem surprised; Cerberus had been experimenting with the Husks since their existence was discovered on Eden Prime.

"Fucking shit! Warning! I won't hesitate to open fire. I don't intend to end up like this. I know I'm old and raisin-like, but I refuse to be one of those creatures," Zaeed protested sulkily as he shouldered the shotgun.

"No one wants to become that. It's a fate worse than death," my voice sounded bitter. "Let's move forward carefully."

We knew this mission wouldn't be easy, but it was getting more complicated by the minute. At least I'd been cautious enough not to bring my sister with me,- I thought with some relief.

The Collectors hadn't yet deployed the insects that made up the plague; we'd gone unnoticed, but with the latest attack, we'd given away our position, so they'd soon be employing those sneaky incapacitation methods.

Mentally, I prayed that Mordin's technology would work.

Chapter Text

John Shepard

We didn't have to go far. The unpleasant sound of buzzing combined with constant wingbeats indicated the presence of the swarm, which was violently agitated, intent on locating us while focusing on flying over residential sector 4.

Mordin's technology was experimental; we didn't know for sure if it would be able to prevent the onslaught of that plague that darkened the sky in storms of dark, moving clouds.

Signaling the team to stay hidden before deciding to embed in the next sector, I sighed deeply as I made the best optimal decision.

"I'm going in alone. Miranda, extend a biotic shield for the rest of the team in case the position is revealed. Jacob, reinforce the biotic shield. Jack, you'll be my backup." Their expressions were perplexed; they hadn't expected me to make this decision. "Garrus and Zaeed, you're the attack. If Mordin's technology works, you'll fire from a distance, and if it doesn't... I hope the chemical grenades will open a gap in the swarm that will give Jack time to reach me.” Reloading the weapon, I watched them carefully, waiting for each of their nods.

Some frowned but didn't dare to contradict me while Garrus directly took an attack position looking for the best place to have vision and aim with the sniper rifle.

Knowing this was the only way to proceed without being overwhelmed or surprised by the technology's failure, I left cover at a leisurely pace. There was no point in advancing discreetly toward that open area monitored from the skies.

The only thing I worried about was continuing to advance in an attack position in case there were any Collectors hidden in the dwellings.

Noticing me, the angry buzzing intensified. The black cloud changed direction in the air, hurtling toward me. The sound of the insects' legs snapping shook me. I felt them communicating with each other as they swarmed over me.

I closed my eyes as I perceived their movements just inches away, seeking to surround me until they engulfed me within the swarm. I prayed internally to God while remaining impassive, not letting the survival instincts that told me to run away control me. Still, like a statue, I waited for the verdict.

The sounds of buzzing and vibrations became rabid, opening one of my eyes, I noticed how the insects that made up the swarm collided with each other in confusion as they tried again to crash into my armor. Mordin's technology came to life in an almost imperceptible glow of energy. The radio frequency shift disoriented the filthy bugs, causing an invisible force to prevent them from closing the tiny distance against me.

I began to breathe calmly again, letting go of the air I had unconsciously held in my lungs. The sound of a gunshot alerted me to focus on the enemies beyond the swarm, but it still hadn't dissipated, causing my vision to narrow.

More gunfire and a grenade tossed into the air... and suddenly, I felt it: Jack's small hand reaching for me, grabbing my bicep and sending a shockwave forward that made the swarm screech angrily as it surrendered and dispersed.

Free from that dark cloud straight out of a post-apocalyptic nightmare, my eyebrows raised at the sight of the mutilated corpses of the Husks scattered across the lawn.

The footsteps of my companions soon reached our position. Miranda leaned over one of them and began scanning it with precision, looking for the differences between them and those on Eden Prime.

"You said they were humans? Are they the colonists?" Zaeed asked as he kicked one of them in the head, earning a disapproving look from Miranda.

“I doubt it, on Eden Prime the victims were impaled on giant stakes to turn them into husks, but I can say with certainty that that type of technology is not present”. Garrus' voice sounded deep and serious as he stared at me. “The husks have been launched as a weapon while the colonists, The Collectors, need them alive for something else” he theorized with his police mind.

“They're probably experimenting on the colonists, which is why these husks seem enhanced," I supported Garrus's theory.

"How macabre!" Jacob's angry voice reflected helplessness, but it was Jack's bitter laugh that made us turn to her.

"Now Cerberus is giving morality classes? It's no different from what you do!" she hissed as if she were pouring acidic poison.

"Our research improves humanity, it's not used as a weapon against it." Miranda abandoned her examination of the husk as she made her way to Jack.

The situation was tense; both women were openly confronting each other with glares that could send you 3 meters underground. Standing between them, I commanded order. "Enough, this is not the time or the place. We've proven that Mordin's technology works, so now it's time to move forward. If any colonists remain, they need us to be working as a team so we can help them,” I hardened my voice, in a serious military tone that didn’t seek a response.

Miranda smiled mockingly at Jack, making the impulsive ex-pirate want to hit her. Grabbing her by her torso harness, I prevented her from advancing while dragging her with me and signaled for the rest of the team to take up attack positions. We had to continue investigating the Colony and couldn’t afford any mistakes or distractions.

Once we cleared the remaining walls of the outer enclosure, which opened a labyrinthine path to Residential Sector 3… the scene we saw made us stop immediately.

Some strange-looking capsules were lying on the ground, piled up in no apparent order. Approaching carefully while ensuring we were alone on the perimeter, I signaled for Miranda and Jack to maintain the defense.

“Let’s see if we can open one,” I told them as I chose one of the capsules lying on the ground.

Leaning toward it, I exerted force to open the curved, orange-hued hatch-like part. I felt my abdomen contract and the air escape from me. “I need help!” I admitted, noticing it was pressure-sealed.

Garrus approached the other side, his claws digging into the glass end of the hatch. Our combined forces seemed to have an effect. A clicking sound followed by thick smoke indicated the pod was opening. Coughing from the fumes, I activated my helmet's function to avoid absorbing the unknown smoke.

When it dissipated…what it showed us horrified us. Inside was a little girl, no more than 6 years old…she was motionless, her eyelids open, her gaze clouded. These pods were how the harvesters collected the colonists, where they harvested them.

“Shit!” Zaeed exclaimed, seeing the little girl. “Fuck! All the fucking pods are full of colonists!”

“We need to get them out of here.” I was about to free the girl from that death trap, but the sounds of flapping wings alerted us that the enemy was near.

We would have to eliminate them first, and then return for the trapped settlers. Clenching my jaw tightly, I grabbed my weapon again as we ran toward one of the empty houses to use as cover. Even inside the house, there were capsules! Rage built up inside me, giving me even more determination to annihilate the enemy.

Using Miranda and Garrus’s overload attacks to destroy enemy shields, we combined the attacks with bursts of incendiary and biotic munitions and a force field pull to prevent the Collectors from moving.

Garrus kept his sights focused on the enemy drones, preventing them from accessing the house through the windows and attacking us from within.

The enemies seemed to disperse, seeking refuge in one of the houses at the back, which forced us to advance.

Giving a signal, I selected Miranda and Zaeed to follow me; we'd trick them. Leaving through the opposite side, we made our way through what used to be an infirmary while the rest of the team held position so the Collectors could focus on a single attack location.

Crouching between the walls framing the windows, I noticed the enemy taking advantage of the intermediate levels of the stairs leading to the upper floors to fortify the place. I didn't need to tell the old veteran what to do; with a fierce grimace, he pulled the pin of an incendiary grenade and threw it in their direction.

Within a few minutes, the collectors scattered, trying to avoid the grenade, and that's when we took advantage of the opportunity to fire at them from both directions while the biotics prevented them from advancing. Waiting a few minutes from our cover, I observed with my scope if there was any enemy movement... now everything seemed calm, but it was always good to be sure.

"Beta Team, is there enemy movement from your position?"

"Negative, but we're having setbacks. Jacob has been wounded in the leg, and we've proceeded to supply medigel," Garrus responded quickly.

 A sigh escaped my lips. This always happened on missions, but the feeling of worry about making sure your squad wasn't injured never went away.

Getting out of cover, we retraced our steps to loot the infirmary and any medicine we might need, either for ourselves or the colonists. The rest of the team was waiting for us next to the pod where the girl lay.

They would have seemed unharmed if not for Jacob's slight limp. He had been wounded on the side of his thigh, making it difficult for him to walk normally.

"Let's do the following... Miranda, you'll be in charge of Zaeed and Jacob. I want you to get the colonists out of the pods while Garrus, Jack, and I continue advancing. If the enemies return, make sure to use one of the dwellings as a fortification and get the colonists there," I ordered, earning their nods as I handed out the medicines and emergency kits we had obtained from the infirmary.

"I'll set some traps and cause an explosion so they can only enter from one of the entrances to the house," Zaaed suggested as he walked away.

"Commander, I'm sorry. I was injured because I wasn't attentive..." I quickly cut off Jacob's apologies.

 "Calm down, Jacob, this is part of the job. The medigel will take time to take effect, and besides, you're still on the mission, we just had to improvise. The safety of the Settlers is the priority." Patting him on the back, I retreated to where Garrus and Jack were, armed and ready to continue. "Stay safe, I don't want any casualties!" I shouted as I said goodbye to them.

With the new plan in mind, we continued advancing around the perimeter, climbing the stairs to the next sector as the atmosphere seemed to grow denser and more murky. In the distance, a predatory hum could be heard pulsing through the air, powerful and deep, penetrating to the bone.

Slowing our pace, I had to look away as we passed the petrified Colonists trapped in the plague's stasis. With horror, I noticed their gaze following us, pleading, but we couldn't stop to help them. They hadn't reached the pods yet and the perimeter was clear...rationally, it would take time for the Collectors to reach them so we had to stick to our plan even though I felt my heart sink at not being able to provide immediate aid.

Approaching a dead Collector, I bent down to pick up his weapon. Examining it with the Omnitool, it was identified as a particle beam. It still had all its ammunition intact, so I could use it on any heavy enemies that might be waiting for us in the next sector.

Garrus tensed, emitting an audible growl and snapping his jaws—enemies were nearby. Sprinting for good cover away from the trapped colonists, we slipped through the grass until we reached what were supposed to be training barricades.

The flapping of the wings of the Collectors soon made their appearance as they positioned themselves a few meters away from us. Suddenly, one of them glowed. Its chitinous armor shimmered until it cracked and distorted its limbs. The image was shocking…

But the worst part was discovering that what had taken possession of the former Collector's body could speak. In a distorted, soulless voice, it turned to the rest of its companions. "I'm going to take direct control," it said threateningly as it gave orders and coordinated the rest of the Collectors.

"That creature is what I told you over the radio. It commands them, and even if you kill it, it will take possession of another living Collector..." Garrus complained in a tense voice.

"Then we'll eliminate it last," I whispered as I aimed my scope at one of the Collectors who seemed to be guarding the area.

Waiting for it to stop, I fired a burst of shots directly at its head, blowing it to bits. The Herald of the Collectors quickly turned its gaze toward us. Its four pairs of eyes didn't even flinch; they were two amber circles, arranged in a horizontal line on either side of its face where human eyes should be, completely devoid of emotion, as if dead.

"Do not resist the change, Shepard. We are evolution," he said, emitting soft grunts that served as a signal to the other Collectors to seek cover and take a good angle of attack.

His direction seemed to give them greater intelligence, making them more strategic. They prepared to surround us, forcing Jack to maintain a stable biotic shield to avoid their attacks.

Injecting myself with an adrenaline boost and reinforcing my armor's shields, I left the shield Jack offered to find a new position and distract the enemy while I used cryogenic ammunition to seal the Harbinger, preventing it from using a kind of blue biotic attack that was inflicting excessive damage and cracking Jack's biotic shield.

Garrus focused his sights, aiming to unleash concussive blasts on the enemies gathered in a fixed location and knock them off balance, while Jack groaned in pain as she had to repair the biotic shield as it was destroyed, demonstrating incredible concentration.

The enemies split up, looking for a way to take me out while continuing to pressure the biotic shield to collapse. Using the SMG for a higher rate of fire, I attacked in short bursts while I took cover and Garrus finished off the wounded target.

We had been so focused on the regular Collectors that we didn't notice in time that the Harbinger had moved, disappearing from the front to position itself behind us. One of its projectiles hit Jack's shield, causing it to shatter, and the next attack wounded her in the back.

Her scream alerted us, and with a gesture to Garrus, I signaled him to continue attacking the Collectors ahead while I turned and ran toward the Harbinger to tackle him.

We rolled on the ground, his long, three-fingered nails scraping against my armor's shoulder pads as he tried to break free from my grasp. Towering over him, I screamed as I freed my arm. The Omni-Blade flared with an orange glow that soon disappeared as it sank into the alien's flesh. I stabbed him several times but the chitin armor was too strong.

The Harbinger pushed me away with a biotic blast that hit me in the abdomen, knocking all the wind out of me. He knocked me to the ground, and I tried to roll to dodge his attacks. He was about to launch another of those powerful projectiles at me, but suddenly a biotic ball hit the Herald's head, causing it to disintegrate instantly.

The limp body, now headless, fell on top of me as I heard Jack swear and scream furiously, "Die it, bitch!", which made me laugh with relief.

Moving the body to the side, I groaned in pain as I noticed one of my ribs had broken. Applying medigel, I sat there clenching my jaw to keep from screaming in pain.

"Wounds?" I growled at the rest of my team, trying to gauge the damage.

"My back's messed up, I'll probably get some new bruises, and I got a gunshot wound near my ankle. The medigel and painkillers have already been administered," Jack said, as she also sat on the floor waiting for the pain to subside.

"Unharmed," Garrus boasted as he approached me. "Broken rib?" he asked, critically noticing how the armor plates were digging into my upper abdomen.

"Yeah... 5 minutes of rest and we'll continue," I hissed.

Despite being injured, we couldn't call off the mission; we had to keep moving forward for the good of the Colony. We had to find a way to eliminate the Collectors and force them to flee Horizon, so we'd have to grit our teeth and keep going.

As long as we had medigel and painkillers, we could stay on our feet, and I crossed my fingers that we were over the worst of it.

Garrus

Making sure the camera built into the armor, in the wider area protecting my shell-like neck, hadn't broken during the attack, I checked the image synchronization on my visor. The Hierarchy needed to know of the danger the Collectors represented to the entire galaxy.

Horizon was the first colony we'd been able to gather data from, having arrived in time. A stroke of luck, no doubt... but the discovery of what was happening under the Alliance's nose was devastating. I didn't understand why they didn't activate emergency protocols to discourage their species from forming colonies in the Terminus System through prohibitions and coercive penalties.

Checking the supplies, the humans only had three applications of medigel left. In the worst case, I could share my doses, but since it was formulated for dextrose, it would be less effective on them. Jack and Shepard were still sitting on the ground, licking their scales while I stood guard in case any unexpected enemy decided to open fire on us.

Ever since I discovered that the Collectors could fly, I had been more attentive to my senses, especially to hatred; any fluttering or flapping of wings would make me not hesitate to seek cover and attack at the slightest opportunity.

The sound of armor being reattached and the crunching of the humans' bones made my jaw clench. They had taken a real beating...but despite being soft, they kept getting up and putting a smile on their faces to face the situation. Were humans brave, reckless, or a combination of both? – I wondered as I watched Shepard help Jack stabilize.

The Commander had been like clockwork; he'd said it would only take a five-minute break, and indeed, he delivered. It had always been like that with Shepard; what he said, he did, without hesitation, always moving forward. That resilience was one of the qualities I had admired in him, even though it was often what got us into trouble.

Gesturing forward with the palm of his hand, he indicated it was time to move forward. However, halfway between empty prefabricated buildings that looked like sophisticated shipping containers, metal walls, and neatly manicured gardens, something caught the Commander's attention. A garage remained locked, its shunt still intact... indicating someone was inside.

As always, human curiosity was what prompted Shepard to act. A turian would have opted to blow up the premises without questioning whether what was inside was friend or foe. In dangerous situations where the enemy had taken over the area, the logical thing to do would be to destroy the place.

After hacking the door, which took another 5 minutes, we were finally able to access the garage. Crates were piled up at the back, with no sign of vehicles, as if the colonists had used it as a warehouse. The sound of a metal object falling caused us all to tense up and adopt attack postures.

"Get out of here. Now!" Shepard ordered, aiming his weapon at what appeared to be a system of thermal and power conduits to provide the Colony with electricity and heat.

Slowly, too slowly for my liking, a human head popped around the corner, still hesitant to step forward.

"I'm Delan, the mechanic. I came to check the main system when we lost communication signals... and... then I heard the noises," he explained, working himself out, his trembling hands raised as a sign that he posed no threat to us.

“I looked out there and saw... a swarm of bugs. Everyone they touched froze. I blocked the doors! What could I do?”. He tried to excuse himself from his cowardice as he relaxed when he saw us lower our weapons and allow him to explain.

“Damn it! This is the Alliance’s fault!” he complained, taking off his cap and nervously touching his shaved head. “They stationed Commander Alenko here and built those defense towers. They made us a target!” At least he’d said something useful… if the defense towers could be fixed, we could launch a powerful attack on the Collectors and complete the mission.

“Tell me about the defense towers,” Shepard demanded.

“They’re high-powered Gardian lasers. They were supposed to prevent enemy ships from landing,” the man mocked, I suppose out of desperation. Humans were strange when it came to expressing their emotions, choosing comments that were sometimes inappropriate for the seriousness of the situation.

"Then we can use them against the harvester ship," Shepard stated, standing at attention like a soldier.

"Ha! I wish we could. We need to calibrate the targeting system first. It never worked properly, but... hey, if you want to go out there and die... the main transmitter is on the other side of the colony. The targeting controls are at the base." The tone of voice she used made me growl angrily. This human was ungrateful!

"Wait here. Re-encrypt the door, we'll save the day," Shepard stated, ignoring him.

Jack nudged me, making me look at her strangely, but she smiled as she took a few steps away from us and bent down to retrieve a first-aid kit. At least entering the garage had allowed them to replenish the medigel-, I thought as we headed for the exit.

 As the door opened, the swarms buzzed deafeningly again, thrashing toward us until they gave up, unable to attack. We had to cross the colony through places we'd already investigated until we turned onto an open space.

Suddenly, the husks emerged from hidden places as if they'd been stalking us the whole way. They were fast, moving with agility as they forced us to retreat so we could shoot at them without letting them get close to us.

Hearing the flapping of their wings was what told me to run to a higher ground. Climbing at full speed to the roof of one of the houses, I positioned myself there, scanning for the enemies with my scope. What was coming was not a mere collector, it was another of those possessions, who called themselves Harbinger.

A biotic projectile was launched in my direction, forcing me to duck low to the ceiling to avoid it.

Jack's shock waves had avoided the husks while Shepard focused incendiary rounds on an amorphous monster that seemed to have attached itself to another husk. It moved slowly, but there was a disgusting bulge protruding from what was supposed to be a human torso, allowing it to materialize biotic powers.

Reloading the sniper rifle, I breathed calmly, steadying my heartbeat despite seeing the biotic rounds being launched in my direction. I pulled the trigger, once, twice, three times…I rolled, just in time to dodge a projectile, but the other impacted my armor, diminishing my technological shield. Clenching my jaws, I refocused and fired at my target, emptying the clip as I aimed for the Harbinger's angular carapace-shaped head.

This time, the thing disintegrated in midair, leaving no sign of its existence. I scanned my teammates with my scope in case they needed help eliminating the monster, and smiled when I saw they'd taken it out.

Jumping to the ground and landing gracefully, I approached them while Shepard spoke to Miranda on the Omnitool. They had managed to extract some colonists, but enemy reinforcements had forced them to take up a defensive position inside the house, using it as a makeshift barricade to prevent them from approaching while they eliminated the Collectors.

The tension and danger seemed to grow for both teams, causing Shepard to curse loudly as she gave orders to Miranda to hold position and secure the civilians. It was clear that we weren't going to emerge unscathed from this mission; our weapons didn't have enough firepower to inflict damage on their shields and armor, making the fighting dangerous for us.

Circling the esplanade through the warehouses, we realized there were no colonists trapped in stasis in this section… they'd probably already been harvested, I thought with some pity for their fate. It made sense that the enemy had attacked the facilities where the defense towers were built and, from there, had extended the attack toward the more residential sectors of the colony. It was pure strategy…

My subharmonics resonated with some apprehension; we only had one location left to investigate. The door was encrypted, so to avoid wasting any more time, Shepard tasked me with undoing the hack while he and Jack stood guard and positioned themselves with weapons deployed.

It wasn't complicated; it was designed so the colonists could easily access it in case of danger, so after connecting the systems together, the door opened.

The tranquility of the place was eerie. My jaws clenched. It was a perfect place for an ambush. An open space with no option to acquire elevated positions to gain an advantage in combat. Although some boxes and tires piled up could be used as barricades, they were flimsy and would not withstand more than 3 shots.

In the middle, a circular platform with a tower stood out; this is where the controls and the activation terminal for the Defense Tower would be. Shepard didn't move, hesitant to enter; he, too, sensed something was wrong with the environment.

Tilting his head in search of a position, he indicated that we should follow him to the left where there was a cargo truck parked with its rear end exposed, allowing us to using the metal sides as a barricade.

As if they had sensed our presence, a guttural moan was present, another of those amorphous things with cysts and lumps on the human torso was moving slowly near the platform.

"As soon as we open fire, the rest of the enemies will come out... this is just a warning," Shepard whispered to us. "Jack... if they're husks, I want you to use shock waves to slow them down. Regarding these things, let's call them Scion, Garrus and I will take care of them from a distance with heavy ammunition. We can't let their biotics break our armor shields. There will surely be Harvesters as well, so... we'll do as we have been doing, with the Harbinger last.” he explained the plan of attack.

"If we stay trapped here, it'll be a sure kill. There's another truck near the platform... as soon as we have a clear path and these barricades give way, we'll run for it. Understood?" Looking at us seriously, he waited for our assent. We would follow the plan tomfollow to the tarsus.

Focusing the sniper rifle scope, I observed the enemy... there were two Scion, one of them hiding near a crate of explosive material, so I didn't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity and fire at it. The explosion echoed in the area, capturing the attention of all the enemies. Groans and growls rose up along with the sound of swift footsteps and claws.

From the sides of what appeared to be sheds, husks began to emerge in heaps. Enraged, as if they'd sensed our presence, they turned their course until they located us at the far end of the compound. With a simultaneous cry that could have frozen your blood, they rushed headlong in our direction, finding themselves in a direct attack with Jack's shockwaves that sent them flying through the air and retreating.

Some continued to crawl along the ground, using their claws to propel themselves even though they were missing their lower limbs.

Shepard used incendiary ammunition against the Kindred that had previously been hit by the blast. For the moment, the improvised cover was withstanding the biotic projectiles, but it was already beginning to crack.

Focusing on the other intact Scion, I used disruptor ammo to lower its defenses, but it only tickled it. I wish we could use Zaeed's grenades, I thought as I continued to press with precise shots at what appeared to be some sort of blue circle that those creatures had on their chests, as if it were a nucleus.

The shots began to take effect, making it easier for the rounds to pierce the thing's skin. "Shepard, aim for the core!" I shouted over the sounds of the fighting.

The metal creaked, causing Jack to immediately open a biotic shield above us, and we began to run toward the next defensive position. Shepard took advantage of the movement to finish off the approaching husks with his submachine gun. However, the biotic rounds from the Scion hit the biotic shield, shattering it, forcing us to scatter and roll on the ground to avoid the continued onslaught. Jack screamed in pain as her leg was bent at an awkward angle for a human.

Taking cover among the stacked tires, I used concussion ammo to take out the Scions, then switched weapons and fired quick bursts with the assault rifle while dodging and moving between crates, tires, and metal panels, thus creating a distraction so Shepard could drag Jack toward the truck, which provided more protective cover.

Moving quickly and nimbly, I tried to lure the Scions to what was a small container containing incendiary cargo. When Shepard had them in position, she fired without hesitation, this time causing the explosion to burn them to the ground as they melted with a grotesque screech.

Tranquility would have returned to the area if not for Jack's screams. Approaching my companions, I noticed how Shepard prevented Jack from repositioning her leg herself, immobilizing it with a kind of improvised sling made with plates from the Commander's armor. The medigel and painkillers had been applied, but that wouldn't allow Jack to walk.

"You're staying here, under cover. Can you keep using the biotics?", he asked with concern in his voice.

"Fuck! I'm not a coward! I can keep fighting!" Jack complained, trying to keep the pain from registering in her voice.

"I know you can, but it's an order. I want you to stay hidden." There was something in Shepard's way of speaking that eluded me, as if there was some ulterior motive behind his words.

Jack snorted angrily as she absorbed the idea of following orders. Shepard signaled me to move some crates to hide Jack's figure in case the enemies returned, and then urged me to follow him to the circular platform.

Hacking the terminal through the code segments, Shepard frowned. He placed a hand against his helmet as if he could better hear the fluctuations in the Normandy's communication attempts.

"Joker?"

"The signal is weak, but Edi managed to stabilize it. We're reading you," Joker said somewhat nervously.

"We need help with the defense towers. I'm going to connect the Omnitool so you can remotely access and take control of them. Time to take out the trash!" he ordered with suppressed rage.

“The errors in the calibration software are easily rectified, but bringing the turrets up to full power will take time,” Edi’s robotic voice spoke calmly, unaware of the urgency of her help. “I recommend a defensive approach. I won’t be able to hide the generator’s increased power.”

“Crap! We’re going to have company!” My jaw twisted in disgust.

“Do it!”. Shepard ordered as he signaled me to run in search of cover away from Jack's position.

The enemies weren’t long in coming. The Collectors flew toward us, accompanied by the Harbinger, who insisted only that we didn’t stand a chance and that we should accept the glorious evolution.

We tried not to scatter while we changed cover and dodged the enemies. Shepard managed to grab an explosive cell and then throw it in the enemy’s direction while I fired a concussion shot along with an overload to disrupt the Harbinger’s armor shields.

The fight became dangerous, enemy shots damaged our armor shields, having to be agile to overcome the enemy and combine attack skills. However, Shepard's armor was shattered, and an enemy shot hit him in the shoulder, forcing him to plug it with medigel.

Edi's voice relayed the tower takeover percentage, but he felt too slow; he was only at 40%, and the enemy didn't seem to be giving up. Unfortunately, we also heard how Miranda could no longer hold the position. His biotic powers nearly drained, Jacob had to reinforce the barrier with his own powers, leaving Zaeed as the Collectors' only attacker. We were screwed!

"Fuck, Edi! Hurry!" Shepard shouted desperately as he pierced a husk's head with his omniblade.

This was hell; we were surrounded. Jack disobeyed Shepard's orders by shielding us with her biotic shield while revealing her position and causing the husks to spin toward her. Time seemed to slow down as Shepard cursed and abandoned his cover to unleash a barrage of gunfire at them while I prevented the Collectors from approaching us.

Just when it seemed all the enemies had been eliminated and we'd finally have some peace, the ground shook. Peeking out from behind one of the crates, my jaws clenched and my subharmonics strangled in horror. There was something enormous, like a giant, fucking black insect with elongated legs. His eyes lit up white and a laser shot out of them, making me dodge it almost by the tips of my bangs.

Shepard tried to grab the particle beam he'd previously collected, but his shoulder injury prevented him from doing so. Lunging toward him, I snatched the weapon while I looked for distance. I was the only one left intact on the team, it was my duty to attract the enemy's attention.

Shepard's shouts, trying to stop me from doing something stupid, made me laugh. "What the hell are you doing, Garrus? Back off!" he ordered as he tried to switch weapons for one with less recoil.

"I'll trust Mara with my life," was all I said as I charged the enemy in a direct collision.

I felt that creature's lightning shatter my armor shields as I held my position, waiting for the right moment. My feet sank into the ground as they sought to secure my position. When I felt I was at my lowest point and the enemy was close enough to strike with my claws, I struck at the center of Polaris, and then the miracle happened.

Mara's powerful biotic energy surrounded me as she pulsed a violet shield toward the enemy. The creature 's attack was spent, and then the shockwave was immediate. The biotic energy lashed out at him like a wild krogan. It knocked him off balance and knocked him to the ground, causing him to fall on his shell and expose his softer plexus.

Shepard contributed with single shots from her pistol, and suddenly, the defense turret activated, sending a barrage of bullets at the creature until it was completely destroyed.

Exhausted, I fell to my knees on the ground, taking deep breaths, and my subharmonics roared in victory. The defense turrets began directing attacks toward the harvester ship, while the Normandy joined the attack to destroy it.

From our position, the sky became a light show that felt as if the spirits had blessed us after this arduous mission, forcing the harvester ship to abandon the colony, giving us the long-awaited victory.

Mara

Nerves and anxiety had settled in my stomach, churning it and making me have to hide my nausea. From the moment they set foot on Horizon, everything had been going wrong. Communications were lost causing my hand to grip onto Joker's chair and my nails to dig into the fabric padding hard as my heart raced.

Soon after, the suits' cameras stopped broadcasting live, the images becoming choppy and freezing on certain fragments, leaving a terrifying sight.

When one of those beings Joker called "husks" appeared, I had to stifle a scream. They were reanimated corpses, possessing the bone structure of humans, but their skin was blue, withered, and absorbed toward the joints, giving them a gaunt but rabid appearance. Multiple cables ran through the areas of the main organs, as if propelled by intravenous chemicals. Their heads were shaved, and their eyes were sunken into deep sockets, where at the end, an icy blue glow stared at you from the abyss itself, capturing your soul. They were creatures worthy of being the protagonists of my worst nightmares.

And yet, they weren't the worst of it, the Collectors were a kind of being evolved from an insect combined with a crustacean as if a praying mantis had decided to form an unconventional family with a crab. Their heads were angular, almost like a triangle hardened by a shell; their circular, eyelidless eyes were four yellow lights arranged in a diagonal line on either side of their faces, where human eyes would be. Although they were bipedal, they had a hardened, muscular body that made them tough enemies.

As time passed without any news from them and I watched blurry or distorted images that changed every few minutes, I couldn't help but raise my voice to Edi to ask him to do something to get the transmissions back on track... but the AI couldn't, the collector ship was emitting interference waves throughout the Colony, so I could only hold back my tears and watch, hoping that by some stroke of luck the communications would work again.

As if fate liked to play a cruel joke on me, communications and transmissions were restored at exactly the worst possible moment. Edi was trying to take control of the defense towers while my brother and Garrus had to hold position to defend the terminal.

I watched helplessly as Garrus made a suicidal decision. His agile, slender body launched itself with superhuman grace toward that monstrous giant insect. The beam was launched until it shattered the Turian's armor shields while the vapor from their burning enveloped their figures, causing the camera to fog up in a thick smoke that obscured vision.

I only remember screaming hysterically, ordering Edi to focus the Defense Tower's cannons on that filthy creature... Shaking my head, I focused on the present, on how I had to help the colonists eliminate the toxin and emerge from the stasis caused by the plague, while Mordin and Doctor Chakwas took care of the injured members of the ground crew and performed the necessary surgeries in the Colony's own infirmary.

When the Normandy was able to land on Horizon, the first thing I wanted to do was jump into Garrus's arms and make sure he was safe, but I couldn't. I had to swallow the need for his touch, partly because I didn't know if the Turian would appreciate my effusiveness, and partly because my brother was relaying orders for us to help the Colony recover as quickly as possible.

So I just followed the instructions on automaton mode...which brings me, currently, to look at the next plague-stricken colonist, or rather, Alliance member. Before me stood Kaidan Alenko, paralyzed, his gun still pointed skyward.

The colonists that Miranda's team had managed to get out of the capsules and hide in one of the dwellings were the first ones I had treated medically because they were together, which saved time...and the rest, well...I had had to explore the Colony in search of those who had managed to avoid reaching the collectors' capsules.

I knew Major Alenko…when I worked for Anderson we had talked a few times. He was kind to me; he seemed like an honorable man, saddened by the loss of his Commander while struggling to maintain his integrity and the legacy my brother represented for the Alliance.

I smiled somewhat sadly at the memory as I let my healing biotic energy surround his figure. Little by little, his body shook with small tremors, until the weapon slipped from his fingers and fell to the ground. His legs buckled, causing him to crouch over to keep his balance.

"Mara? "I don't understand... what... what happened?" his voice came out raspy and full of confusion.

“Take it easy, Kaidan...” I said as I placed my hand on his back and rubbed it in small circles. “The toxin has been eliminated, but your body is suffering... you must have been paralyzed for hours”, I tried to make my voice sound calm, peaceful, to convey security to him.

"Anderson told me you were dead, but this... doesn't make sense," he muttered more to himself than to me.

“We received information that the Colony was going to be attacked...so...“ he didn't let me finish his arms quickly surrounded me making me feel uncomfortable while he hugged me tightly and my body tensed in place like a spring.

"I'm glad you're alive... but right now, I need answers. Is your brother here?" I nodded, feeling the pain reflect in his warm brown eyes. Letting go of me, he shifted his limbs to check he was stable, then ran off despite his swaying.

With a sigh, I had to follow him. I hadn't finished treating him yet, but Kaidan seemed driven by the determination to get answers, which made me practically have to jog to catch up.

My brother now had a shoulder patch on his armor as he held a Datapad and instructed Garrus to drop off a crate of supplies for the Colony near a warehouse. They were engrossed in conversation as if they hadn't just had to fight tooth and nail for their lives a few hours earlier. I guess military men were made of different stuff,-I thought, smiling with relief at Garrus's playful trill, an indicator that he was teasing my brother.

"Commander Shepard. Captain of the Normandy. First human Spectre. Savior of the Citadel, and now..." Kaidan's voice was calm but laced with deep resentment. "A phantom in the service of terrorists, of Cerberus!" he hissed with disappointment.

My brother lowered the datapad to peer at Kaidan, smiling slightly at the sight of a friend. "Commander Alenko, I heard you've been doing well without me."

"What the hell, Shepard? I thought you were dead! We all thought it, and now... here you are, mocking me!” The pent-up fury seemed to erupt like a grenade.

"So you're not happy to see me?" John asked as he closed the distance and stood in front of Kaidan.

"Of course I am..." A handshake was exchanged between them as they held each other's gaze harshly. "But you owe a lot of explaining after two years of absence. I would have followed you anywhere, Commander. Your death was like losing an arm. Why didn't you contact your old crew? Why fake your death?"

My brother sighed wearily as Garrus took advantage of the commotion his former crewmates were causing to sneak up on me and brush the fingers of his claw against the back of my hand in an intimate gesture that could go unnoticed.

"Because I was dead... and now I've been able to return. You've moved on with your life, and it hasn't gone badly for you, so why reopen old wounds?” My brother's practical way of saying things sometimes made me want to slap my forehead in frustration.

“I would, if the Alliance reports didn't claim you were with Cerberus. An anonymous informant warned us about the attack on Horizon, it was speculated that Cerberus was behind the disappearances...although now we know the gruesome truth," Kaidan explained in a tired voice. "You work for Cerberus," he stated, his brows furrowing in disgust until their eyebrows almost touched.

"Our colonies are disappearing. The Alliance is turning its back on them, and Cerberus, despite the fact that I don't like them, is the only one willing to do something about it." Crossing his arms, my brother narrowed his eyes in exasperation, as if expecting a moralistic reprimand.

"You can't swallow that! Pure lies! You know the experiments they've conducted!" Kaidan shouted, losing his temper.

"I know, and I know it firsthand. I know the horrors my sister had to go through to bring me back." The information Kaidan received made him turn around to follow my brother's gaze toward me.

“Mara…did you agree to be one of their experiments?” His voice sounded strained, as if he were facing another betrayal.

“I'm sorry... I just... I just wanted my brother back” my hand sought the touch of Garrus's fingers as if they were a magic remedy to ease the discomfort of this situation.

Kaidan shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, while he kept moving from side to side, thoughtful. “Maybe you’ve been brainwashed…I wouldn’t be surprised by Cerberus…”

“Kaidan…don’t be stubborn!” My brother’s voice hardened. “You’ve seen what the Harvesters are doing to the human colonies. They’re working for the Reapers! And I won’t stop at anything that threatens humanity and the galaxy. Do you want to resent them? Find someone to hate? Fine, but at least I’m saving lives. Including yours!” The rawness of my brother's words resonated like a slap in the face to Kaidan, whose features twisted at that unexpected comment.

"Damn it, Kaidan! You're so fixated on Cerberus that you can't see who the real threat is," Garrus said, his subvocals conveying impatience at ending the conversation.

"To hell with all of you! Garrus, Cerberus attacks all non-human species, and here you are, betraying the Hierarchy, but I, I am a loyal Soldier to the Alliance, and I will remain so until the end! I know where my loyalties lie!" he said as he turned and limped away, not wanting to hear our replies.

My brother wasted no time either, turning his back on us and heading toward the infirmary, while he could be heard talking to Edi to check on the status of the rest of the platoon. From the way he spoke, I could tell he was eager to get out of here as soon as possible…

As I was left alone with Garrus, I heard his subvocals crackle in a sort of hesitant sound that tried to determine if I was angry with him. Wrapping my hand around one of his large fingers, I squeezed it lightly as I let the biotics speak for me, conveying my fears, desperation, and joy at having him safely with me.

 "I'm sorry I worried you," Garrus whispered, afraid his words would be overheard by strangers.

"It's okay... as long as you come back to me safely, I don't care how you do it." Looking away, I felt my cheeks heat up at my words, making Garrus chuckle.

"I'll go with you to find Alenko. For a human, he's about as stubborn as a krogan," he joked as he led me in the direction Kaidan had taken.

Even though it wasn't the right moment, my heart raced as I felt he still hadn't removed his hand from mine. We looked like a loving couple strolling in the evening light through the streets of the silent Colonia, although this thought was overshadowed by the tragedy.

Most of the colonists were out of stasis, but there was no laughter or shouts of joy at being saved; they were grieving, affected by the loss of their loved ones. Less than a quarter of the colony was gone... but in small towns where everyone knew each other, every victim counted as their own. And now, the streets were deserted because everyone who could stand was on their way to the cemetery to offer offerings and comfort the soul.

It didn't take long to find Kaidan; he was leaning against the wall of one of the dwellings. Garrus stroked the back of my hand one last time before releasing our grip and going to help his former crewmate.

"Alenko, let's find you a seat, shall we?" he asked, but his actions didn't seek permission. Guiding Kaidan by the shoulders, Garrus helped him sit on the couch in the living room of the house that had served as support until a few moments ago.

Sighing in resignation, Kaidan rubbed his eyes tiredly as he watched us, unsure of what to say after leaving in a huff. “Thanks…” he muttered with difficulty.

"Oh... don't thank me yet. I need to give you an injection," I said with a kind smile as I knelt in front of him and carefully removed the armor that made up his right arm, revealing it. "Vitamin cocktail! Yum!" I joked to lighten the mood.

Kaidan smiled slightly. "Your sense of humor is still terrible," he indicated as he relaxed against the back of the sofa and willingly offered me his arm.

"Hey, that's quality humor, isn't it, Garrus?" I asked, feigning offense as I felt the top of his arm, trying to feel his deltoid muscle so I could clean the area with alcohol and administer the intramuscular injection. "It might sting!"

"I'm not neutral, I can't give an opinion," his subvocals vibrated with an internal laugh that only I could perceive.

Holding the area between my thumb and index finger, I stretched the skin to insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. I quickly loosened the skin and pressed the plunger to release the contents. In a few seconds, I withdrew the syringe and, using my biotics, healed the small wound. "Mhmmm... that kind of biotic... since when have you had it?" Kaidan asked curiously, noticing the healing effects.

"Since they experimented on me," my response made him frown. "I know, what I did isn't right, everyone has told me so," I murmured.

“And we'll keep telling you," Garrus emphasized with his subharmonic intoned as a reprimand.

"Really... do you work for Cerberus?" Kaidan stroked his hair, nervous about the response he might elicit.

"No," Garrus and I said in unison, making us both smile.

"We're just taking advantage of their resources. Once we've eliminated the Collector threat, I'll go back to work for Anderson," I stated as I packed my things into a first-aid kit. "Also, I'm going to apply for the diplomat selection exam."

My answer seemed to calm Kaidan, who allowed himself to relax and smile wider. "So... you're planning on returning to the Citadel..." He cleared his throat thoughtfully as he looked at me uncertainly. "When you're away from Cerberus, we could meet up... I still owe you a coffee," he suggested.

“Sure, we can catch up that way,” I said amicably. However, Garrus's subharmonics deepened, making the atmosphere tense even though Kaidan couldn't hear them.

"Heh! I'll go too, you know, just to catch up…" His jaws fluctuated into a hard line as his upper mouth plate lifted slightly, revealing his sharp teeth in warning.

"Um…sure…why not?" Kaidan's expression was filled with confusion, but he remained polite, not understanding what was happening.

The sound of Garrus's Omnitool broke the atmosphere. My brother's serious voice sounded over the intercom, requesting our presence at the landing zone. It was time to return to the Normandy.

Standing up straight, with a kind smile and a light squeeze on Kaidan's arm, I said goodbye to him as I walked away towards the exit at a leisurely pace, feeling Garrus following me closely like a shadow, enveloping me in a rumble of his subvocal that expressed that he was annoyed.

The fact that the big Turian was slightly jealous made me smile with happiness. Expecting this kind of reaction from Garrus had always been in my imagination as an event that would never happen, but little by little, it seemed as if everything was becoming real, rewarding my waiting for his feelings.

Before we even got up the ramp of the Normandy, his hand grabbed my wrist. With subharmonics trembling, his jaws flapped. “Expect me at 3:40 in the morning in the observation bay”, the penetrating look he gave me made a tingling sensation run through my body and I had to bite my lower lip to keep from squealing with excitement, so not being sure I could control myself, I just nodded enthusiastically, earning one of those open smiles that I liked so much.

Once inside the Normandy, our paths diverged. He excused himself, saying he had a report to make for the Hierarchy, while I was half-abducted by the doctors to the lab.

As they engaged in an intense debate about how to study the anatomical remains they'd collected from the creatures that had attacked Horizon, I could only think of one thing: why meet at that precise hour? What could Garrus have wanted to say to me? Would he kiss me? – the questions in my mind were crowding as I experienced for the first time the excitement of what it was like to feel like a normal teenager who was eager to see her first love.

Chapter Text

Garrus

The combination of metals was deposited in small pellets in the crucible, waiting to be melted with the blowtorch. I had been researching on the extranet what formula was best to use to create a white gold alloy for the necklace I wanted to give to Mara.

In the background, the recording of what had happened on Horizon was playing… it had no glitches, no cutouts, or incomprehensible audio, so I'd just have to clarify the audio to improve the voice quality and then add it to the report I was supposed to send to my father, but that could wait until tomorrow.

The mission had been more complex than expected, stretching out over most of the day. I'd had to tell Mara a white lie to keep her away long enough to create the Lumian. Lighting the blowtorch, the smell of the crackling fire was pleasant to me as I focused it on the pure gold. The flames danced until they acquired greenish hues, turning the metal into a thick liquid to which I had to add the mixture of palladium and silver until I achieved the desired hue.

I was only halfway through the creation process and was afraid it wouldn't be ready before 3 a.m. I had been busy for two hours adapting the molds to Mara's slender body size. Human necks were shorter and more delicate, making it impossible to use the standard sizes for Turian women. With the burins, I had had to roughen the edges until the wax model was smaller, and with the scalpel, I had added details to some of the chain links that mimicked the shape of small stars, to which I would later attach bluish Etaelix beads, one of Palaven's precious stones.

There were a few gems that mimicked my eye color… but I didn't currently have the money to buy high-end stones. Etaelix was of medium quality and associated with new beginnings in relationships, fostering trust and sincerity. Lumian were not just jewelry, they were messages that you wanted to convey not only to your courting partner but also to others.

I smiled, noticing the whitish color with silver undertones. Turning off the blowtorch, I stirred it with a specialized stirrer to even out the hue and then carefully poured it into the molds. The contents needed to settle and cool; it would have been better to let it sit for a few days, but I didn't have the time.

Opting for a solution not recommended, I used a can of cryogenic air, which was used to replenish ammunition. The high temperatures of the metal combined with the freezing cold caused the entire room to fill with steam, and the droplets adhered to my plates. It might have been like enjoying a sauna session if not for the smell of burnt rust that assaulted my nasal plate. My jaws tightened as a cough attacked me and I tried to disperse the steam with a rag.

"Air filter expansion," Edi's voice startled me. "This type of activity is not recommended; it could put the rest of the crew at risk."

"Give me leeway, Edi! Besides, nothing's burned," I complained as I leaned over the workbench to observe my creation.

"I don't understand, what does 'give leeway' mean?" – the AI sounded so lifeless that it couldn’t even reflect confusion.

"It means you don't have to be so rigorous or apply any protocol. The situation is under control," I said seriously. Zooming in on my visor, I realized that the metal hadn't been left smooth, but rather had patterns and shapes resembling ocean waves, causing the silvery glints to dip into soft yet elegant ripples. It wasn't what I wanted, but I liked the result, so, feeling a little more relaxed, I allowed myself to smile. "Thanks anyway."

"I understand. You're welcome." The AI vanished into its blue glow, leaving me alone again.

Now all that was left was to cut the central precious gem. I'd struggled with choosing a design... I didn't know what Mara would like, but when my gaze happened to stray to the armor she'd given me, the choice became simple. There was already a symbol that represented our relationship. Mara had used the shape of the star Polaris to house her biotic power... Two stars that shared a name in both cultures, even though they were far apart in different solar systems, held a similar meaning.

For humans, it meant guidance and direction, while for us, Polaris was a spirit yearning for her love. She remained trapped in the darkness of the sky to be the only light that would guide her beloved to home.

My claws trembled, and the multi-tool slipped from them as my heart raced. My subharmonics stirred in an uncontrollable trill that exuded love with hints of confusion. Mara had sent me an indirect message, and I hadn't been able to understand it until now. She had assured me she would wait for me…

Knowing this fact made my mouth feel dry with nerves. I would have to put in the effort tonight; the Lumian had to be perfect! – I thought as I grabbed the tool again and prepared to file, polish, and shape the gem so that it would have the same pattern as the one on my armor.

I had always performed better under pressure…now my hands moved without hesitation, making triangular cuts that transformed the gem into small shapes that gave it volume and maximized its brilliance. The centerpiece was finished; all that was left was to fit it into the mold, add the beads to the chain links, and polish it.

The combination was truly beautiful, delicate…reminding me of her. It consisted of a thin chain from which various chains emerged in subtle angular shapes, giving it volume through the small beads adorned with glimpses of stars. Polaris was wrapped in the center, and from its lower end emerged a smooth chain ending in a teardrop.

The jewel in my clutches seemed fragile, contrasting with the toughness of my skin and the roughness of my scales. Afraid of ruining it, I placed it on the bluish cushion in the small case I had reserved for it, but upon seeing it… I felt something was missing.

Humans customarily gave gifts accompanied by flowers. The courtship guide that Doctor Solus had given me emphasized on several occasions that flowers were the favorite gift of human females… and I had no possible way of acquiring some. If I hadn't denied my feelings and had read the guide beforehand, I could have made the necessary purchases in the Citadel, but now… I was lost, failure was imminent.

Getting up from my seat, I paced the room in a frantic state while forcing my mind to think of an alternative solution that wouldn't make me look like an idiot. Glancing at the Omni-Tool, I noticed the time... 2:25 in the morning, I was screwed!

"Hey Garrus! Stop blowing a hole in my ship!" Joker's voice startled me, causing me to turn to stare at the intercom trunk while I growled at him.

"Ha ha... stop snooping!" I warned him in an unfriendly tone.

"Hey! I wasn't going to snoop, but you've been doing this for half an hour!" he complained. Ignoring him, I went back to pacing in circles to clear my head. "And it starts all over again!" he joked. "Are you going to tell me what's wrong? Problems with Mara?"

His suggestive tone of voice was wearing on my patience, but something clicked in my head. Joker had promised to help me and had given me some good advice on how to improve my flirting with Mara… so what could I lose? “I don’t have any flowers,” I said, crossing my arms.

“Excuse me? Flowers? Did I hear that right?” I nodded in response to his questions.

“The guidebook says your women like flowers, but I don’t have any… I wanted to surprise her.” Scratching the flakes on the inside of my bangs, I tried to calm down as Joker’s laughter grew more and more annoying. “If you’re just going to laugh, you can go…”

My threat was interrupted by his clearing of his throat, which attempted to regain his lost seriousness  "Make them out of paper and put your perfume on them. It's not something I've ever done, but my little sister got that gift in high school, and the silly girl couldn't stop showing them off. She carried that damn bouquet everywhere until she fiddled with them so much that she broke them. Then she cried for a week, but... hey, it worked for what you want!"

"Great! I'll do that, I'll look for a vid tutorial." Rummaging through the trunk, I found the crumpled paper I'd discarded several weeks ago. By now, paper was obsolete and rudimentary, but I had to be grateful for Shepard's habit of always having the most primitive means of communication on hand in case of any incident.

With the new material in my hands, I sat back down at the table while playing the translated tutorial on how to make paper roses, one of the most popular flowers on Earth and a symbol of love, on the Omnitool. Concentrating, I forgot about Joker, thinking I'd cut the conversation short.

"So...what do you have planned?" he asked curiously after a few minutes of silence.

"An impromptu candlelit date while we observe the immensity of the galaxies in space," I said nonchalantly. Some of the creases and folds got complicated, making me sigh.

"Hmm...am I invited?" joked the Normandy pilot.

“No”

"Oh come on! I'm really bored, and that's what friends are for! I promise not to say a word. I'll just sit there watching and eating popcorn!" he tried to convince me, unsuccessfully.

"You can try... but I designed this," pointing my finger at what looked like a metal trunk, I snapped my jaws. "I'm going to fit it on top of Edi in such a way that the security cameras won't pick up the image, and the sound will be cut off as soon as I set the observation bay to private mode. Shepard has given me permission to use the restricted-use commands," I boasted as I continued to cut out the pieces of paper with my nails and cheated at gluing them together.

"Hey! That's so unfair! Poor Edi! You're mistreating her!" he complained like a child.

“You're the first one who doesn't want Edi around because you're afraid he'll steal your ship, so… enough said!” Amused by the conversation, I continued following the instructions until I had three white roses that weren't perfect, but at least gave a glimpse of what they were. Getting up from my chair to reach for my scented moisturizer that I use to smooth out the ridges in my bangs, I applied a light amount to each petal, not intending to overdo it.

"Pfffft, sourpuss! At least you have food prepared?" With feigned offense, Joker continued asking, intruding more than necessary.

Assuming that talking about these things was normal among human friends, I tried not to get upset. "Wine and Mara's favorite dessert, both of double chiriality," I replied, gathering the roses in one hand and placing them inside the bag where I had everything I needed to decorate the bay before the meeting.

“Who would have thought it Vakarian, despite your appearance you are a real romantic!” The sound of applause came from the intercom, making me shake my head.

"You're infuriating, Joker!" I said with some amusement as my subharmonics uttered a silent laugh.

"Yeah, yeah... and yet you like me! It's a gift! Don't screw up, Vakarian, or Shepard will cut your balls off." After a brief pause, Joker asked again in an upset tone. "Wait, do you Turians have that?"

"Goodbye, Joker! I'm leaving now!" I said, with no intention of answering him. Closing the case with the Lumian, I carefully put it in the bag, being careful not to damage the roses, and tucked the metal trunk under my arm, which would prevent Joker from prying.

"Hey no! It's a question of life or death! Do you have it or not?" his question hung in the air as the main bay door closed behind me.

Just as I had predicted, at this hour, the Normandy's hallways and the galley were deserted. The shift change took place at 3:30 in the morning, the humans returning exhausted straight to their beds, and those who had to wake up to continue working, I had found on other days, would take advantage of the first 15 minutes to have breakfast in the dining room. Mara would have a clear path to reach the observation bay without being seen.

Approaching the kitchen, I opened the refrigerator, searching the assigned top shelf for the bottle of frizzante wine with its floral flavors and bubbly sensation that Mara always brought to my house when we got together. It had been a tradition; we dedicated the third Saturday of every month to exchanging cult films, relaxing comfortably on the sofa in my small apartment while eating Parvus.

I smiled as I remembered those moments, where stress evaporated, giving way to tranquility. Grabbing the tubs of the long-awaited dessert, I couldn't help but laugh as I remembered my first reaction when I saw Mara eating it.

-+-+-+-+ Flashback +-+-+-+-

I'd had a bad day at work. My superiors kept ordering me to fill out paperwork as punishment for having acted more violently than necessary to break up a riot at the Chora bar. Wanting to treat myself while the boring Datapads piled up on the kitchen island, I'd pulled out one of the typical desserts from my childhood.

Plating it and accompanying it with lilium syrup, the creamy white appearance now seemed more appetizing with the bluish hues that adorned the center and moved along the rounded edges, promising a bite full of sweetness.

The ringing of the doorbell thwarted my plans, making me click my jaw in disappointment as I went to open the door. In front of me, the small human appeared with a bottle of expensive-looking, pink wine. Raising it to eye level, Mara smiled brightly until her cheeks swelled, causing a strange impulse to tell me I should pinch them.

Containing myself, I cleared my voice to tell her I wasn't having a good day, but the small human, against all odds, snuck into my apartment without waiting for an invitation through my side.

"Chellick told me you've been given boring homework," she hummed, "so I decided to cheer you up a bit. This wine is special, a frizzante. I know you Turians have your own fermented drinks, but you must try it. It's Platinum Shakura, a special Turian edition. I tried it at one of the embassy parties, and it's truly delicious. Plus, double Chiriality! You can't say no!"  Closing the door and turning to her, I saw her pout while her eyes begged me not to kick her out.

With a sigh, I shook my head, defeated in my own home by this tiny creature. “You win, Mara, let me get some glasses.” I walked leisurely toward the kitchen, checking the overhead cabinets to pick up some elegant stemware.

“Ummm…this is delicious! Sorry, I got the craving!” Her words made me react quickly. I turned to her. I swallowed hard as I watched her take another small spoonful of dessert and bring it to her mouth, coating her lips with the caramelized texture of the syrup.

The stemware slipped from my grasp, falling to the floor and shattering loudly as I moved at breakneck speed to reach her in three long strides. Her eyes widened at the sound of the impact, startled, but she was even more nervous when she saw me inches from her face in a matter of seconds. “Open your mouth, Mara!” I half-growled with concern.

The little human resisted obeying, so grabbing her chin with my claw, I caressed her lip removing the traces of the Lilium and pressed against them to force them open  “What?....what are you...doing?” she stammered as her skin reddened, making me fear the onset of a severe allergic reaction.

Examining her from different perspectives, I had her tilt her head to look for signs of inflammation in her trachea “What spirits are you thinking of, Mara? It's dextro food!” I said, anger and concern etched in my subvocal voice through a loud growl that made her tense up.

“I’m fine! Besides… it looked edible…” Her words only made me click my tongue in disapproval.

“You put everything that looks good in your mouth?” I complained. “That’s no excuse, stick out your tongue!” I ordered impatiently.

Her eyes blinked without processing the command. “It’s not… necessary.” My cold, analytical gaze made her shudder, causing her to finally obey. Sticking out her small pink tongue, I noticed it was even redder due to irritation. Without thinking, I stroked it with my finger. It was warm, slippery, smooth, and slightly squishy, like a dessert. Busy analyzing it, I gasped when Mara wrapped her tongue around my finger, cradling it between the sides. I didn’t know human tongues could be so flexible, I thought, quickly withdrawing my finger due to the confusion brewing in my mind without a clear objective.

“See? I’m fine. I can talk, move my tongue… it just feels like a slight tickle. Besides, the dessert tastes like pineapple; it’s my favorite fruit,” her words snapped me out of my daze.

Using logic, I searched the tub for the ingredients in the Parvus to see if they specified it as a dual-species food, but there was no indication, which made me clench my jaw against my face. "It doesn't say it's suitable for other species..."

"Mhmmm, nothing's happened to me. Maybe they haven't tested it for human consumption yet," she said with a light laugh, while a pop sound caught my attention. "Shall we celebrate?"

“You're a daredevil, you know that?” Still bothered by the scare, I complained, making her laugh even more openly.

"Nah, maybe…although it's good to know you care about me." Her smile became enigmatic, as if she were enjoying a secret she'd never dare tell.

-+-+-+-+ End Flashback +-+-+-+-

Now I sensed the secret behind her smile, those feelings she had bottled up for so long, displaying them in small gestures I'd refused to see. I was nervous; I couldn't help it; I wanted to reward her waiting... The Horizon mission had made me rethink my decision-making time: the danger was imminent, the Collectors were a force to be reckoned with, and crossing the Omega Relay offered no guarantee of survival; I couldn't miss the opportunity to have something with Mara because of my fear that it wouldn't work out.

Cheering myself up, I headed towards the observation bay. It was a spacious room with elegant black sofas positioned on either side of the door as I let the sight dominate the senses. The windows ran along the entire back wall, allowing a view of the darkness of space in which flashes of distant stars and cosmic compositions were lost, making you feel small.

Closing the hatch, the first thing I did was place the trunk on top of Edi and bolt it to the metal support at the base of the pillar. With no onlookers around, it was the perfect time to focus on decorating the bay. I had thought of a combination of our cultures in courtship hoping to surprise Mara so that her bright sphene irises would light up in joy.

While making the Lumian, I'd taken the opportunity to research Earth's precious gems in search of the color of her unique eyes... and I'd only found one that reflected the greenish features blurred by golden brown veins. Even in the nature of her planet, finding that characteristic color was a feat, which made me want to get those gems as soon as possible to seal our relationship.

My goal would be to make this night an unforgettable memory...

Mara

The wait was becoming my worst enemy; distracted by excitement, I hadn't been able to study. Every 10 minutes, I checked the Omni-Tool's clock, which seemed to mock my impatience, making time feel like it was moving in slow motion.

In the end, I had given up on my attempts at memorization; it was a waste of time because I was being unproductive. My mind procrastinated, drifting away from reality while my imagination raced to all the possibilities my meeting with Garrus might hold.

If it was positive, we might have a little date looking at the stars; if I adopted a neutral stance, maybe Garrus just wanted to talk about the mission on Horizon, letting off steam with someone he trusted; and if I adopted a negative attitude, the only option left was for the Turian to reject me romantically but decide to maintain our friendship.

Sighing pitifully, I sank down onto the bed. Sometimes my mind played tricks on me, causing me to have useless thoughts that served to torture me. With every passing minute I was getting more nervous causing me to overanalyze his intentions.

Throwing the blankets aside as I rolled onto the edge of the mattress, I opted to change my clothes, telling myself that no matter what happened tonight I had to look pretty. Glancing at the closet, I bit the inside of my cheek as I realized I only had two decent dresses I'd brought from home, since Cerberus had only supplied me with workout clothes and military attire.

Getting up, I went to the closet to take them out of the garment bag. Hanging them on the pegs on the door, I looked at them without deciding which was better. When I was with Garrus I wore baggy clothes trying to avoid him noticing my shape so different from that of a Turian woman, but now, I wanted to show him that I could be a good option.

Focusing on the first one, it was a shade of purple, typical of the Asari design, with a long, plain, rectangular, fitted skirt and a torso filled with three circular figures in the middle, leaving some skin exposed while the breasts were covered with a thinner, diamond-shaped fabric of a more pronounced shade. The back also had the same design in the center, and the sleeves were long. I had bought it to fit with the embassy's festive aesthetic…

Trying it on, I observed myself in the mirror with a frown and pursed lips. No… it didn't fit. It was like putting on a sack of potatoes, since the waistband was now loose. I felt tears sting my eyes as my breath quickened, setting in on the panic. It was the most expensive dress I own, and yet I felt amorphous. If I compared myself to the slender figure of a Turian woman, her narrow waist, her long legs, and her graceful walk, it was like comparing a delicious cake to a whole-wheat muffin.

The worst part was that I had worn these kinds of dresses without a problem, until I started wanting to be desirable… The comparisons were odious. Now I saw every imperfection in myself and understood some of the mockery I had suffered from the Asari. It wasn't out of xenophobia, but because I had made the dress ugly. They were perfect, they seemed to have come from the same factory, with the same body proportions and similar faces, while humans were characterized by the diversity of our species.

Carelessly tearing it off, I noticed my cheeks flushed with rage. Compulsively stroking my arms, my nails began to dig into my skin, seeking some control in the destruction. My gaze remained fixed on the mirror, observing the body I hated so much. My waist was now narrower thanks to Cerberus removing my floating ribs, but even so… I couldn't help comparing myself… noticing that I was too small for the Turian.

I hugged myself in an attempt to cover myself while forcing myself to breathe calmly and infusing the healing biotics around me to leave no trace of the injuries. With trembling hands, I touched the mirror, pointing out the parts I didn't like. My breasts weren't rounded; I'd never cared that they were imperfect, pear-shaped... until I liked Garrus beyond his personality... wanting more than a simple touch of his hands and a smile. If they weren't pretty to a human man... what would they look like to a turian?

Focusing on the rest of my body, the only thing that felt nice was my flat stomach, but it was ruined by the shape of my violin hips. Everything about me was wavy, with no rounded shapes. I could have surgery... correct what nature had given me, but in the midst of this mission, there would be no chance of going under the surgeon's table again, not to mention the fear I now possessed of anything related to being in an operating room.

Steeling myself, I decided to try on the second dress. This one, I had handmade, inspired by late Georgian period films, and if it also didn't fit me, I'd resign myself to wearing my cargo pants uniform.

I'd designed it in baby blue with a boatneck neckline and some pleats at the chest to help add volume, while a blue-gray ribbon outlined the end of my bust and let the fabric fall in soft folds that concealed my figure. The sleeves were short and circular, modernizing the style a bit, while the hem fell just above my ankles.

I looked at myself in the mirror again, biting my lower lip. My hand touched the fabric, moving it in a slight sway. It wasn't bad if I left my hair down, I might look pretty, I thought, but the more I looked at my image, the more I disliked it. Covering it with a sheet, I felt I could breathe.

The Omnitool alarm sounded, making my nerves hover in my stomach. I'd spent too much time trying on dresses, and now I didn't have time to change.

Putting together a brave face, I hesitantly left my room. The walk to the observation bay felt like a condemnation. I had been so happy to receive Garrus's proposal... and now I was terrified, thinking of all the reasons he could have for ultimately rejecting me. I shook my head trying to control my demons, come on Mara, it can't be all that bad... he smiled at me - talking to myself, I untied my hair and entered the bay.

Everything was dark; the blinds were closed, not allowing even a hint of light to shine through. I continued walking forward until the buzzing of the door indicated that the lock had been sealed. Standing still, I felt Garrus's subharmonic fluctuate in the air until his hand caressed the middle of my back, startling me with his stealthy approach. Before turning to him, I noticed the blinds open, revealing a beautiful landscape that disconcerted me.

"A beautiful view, isn't it?" His voice was a lullaby, calm and gentle.

Timidly, one of his hands reached for mine, forcing me to turn around. In front of me were three paper roses, with uneven petals and overly curled edges that carried the scent of fresh mountain water with a smoky undertone combined with the wisps of rosemary… My cheeks instantly flushed as I remembered the scent I had given Garrus in my dream.

Accepting them carefully, I took them in both hands, fearing that they might come loose at any moment and ruin what the Turian had worked so hard for.

“Thank you so much, they're beautiful!” I smiled broadly at him, resisting the urge to bring the flowers to my nose and inhale their scent, not wanting this act to be creepy or displeasing to him.

"The guidebook...recommends fresh flowers, but...I didn't have any on hand," he explained nervously as he touched the ends of his bangs.

"You don't have to worry, Garrus. They're perfect. And besides...the flowers wilt, but I can keep the ones you made. They'll decorate my room!" I assured him, trying to reassure him.

My answer seemed to calm him down enough, although his jaws continued to move in small twitches that triggered his nervousness. His claw trembled as he pointed toward one end of the room. "If you'll join me, I've set the table for our...evening," he said hesitantly.

With the warm palm of his claw resting above my waist, he escorted me like a true gentleman to the place. It had been impossible for me to see in the darkness, but as we drew closer, I could make out the shape of a wine bottle.

Helping me sit on the couch, I felt his claw descend in a caress that sought to capture the folds of my dress. Sitting next to me, I noticed every little movement he made until the candlelight flickered, giving a soft glow that enveloped the room in a romantic atmosphere.

I was amazed to see how Garrus had sought to replicate our movie nights at his house. A laugh of joy escaped me when I noticed the precious dessert the Turian always made sure to share. "I can't believe you'll remember all this!" The surprise was evident in my voice.

I didn't think he'd given these small details any importance; he'd even remembered the brand of wine I brought him... My heart tightened, making my beats become rapid and thunderous as I felt my breath catch, then give way to tears of happiness. I tried to contain them, but my body trembled, causing me to shrink back in my seat until I looked down at the paper roses in my hands.

Garrus let out a worried trill as he tried to close the gap. "Mara... have I... done something wrong?" he said, not understanding the reason for my tears.

I shook my head as small hiccups escaped my lips. "No... just... I didn't think you'd remember, and... and this means a lot to me. You've made me very happy." I was ruining the evening with my attitude, I thought as the nails on my hand dug into the back of the other.

It was a reflex, something I'd gotten used to, but I didn't realize that Garrus's predatory gaze might notice that small gesture. One of his large claws snatched the flowers from me and placed them on the table, while the other sought to separate my hands and observe the damage.

A horrified croak erupted when he noticed the indentations on my skin. “Mara… please don’t hurt yourself.” His gloved hands caressed mine, causing me to close my eyes to avoid his gaze. “Why?” His question sought only to understand, not to judge, but I still wanted to remain silent.

“Look at me, Mara, let me see your beautiful Sphene… You can tell me anything,” his subvocal voice sang comfortingly to me in a melodious lullaby. I recognized that tone; it was the same one he used when I was having my nightly panic attacks. “I won’t let you fall, I promise.” His words made me sigh; there was no point in hiding my trauma.

“It’s… it’s my way of self-regulating, so I don’t mess things up… when I think I’m a nuisance or… I don’t like what I see in the mirror. I know it's not right, but I don't know how to find another way. I think I'm a little broken." My voice was whispered as my eyes squeezed shut, as if I could disappear from the room that way.

"Why do you feel that way?" His thumb and index finger began massaging each of my fingers, acting like a soothing balm while his singing continued in the background.

I wanted to tell him, but I couldn't find the words. Frustrated, I felt myself beginning to convulse. My hands clasped around his claws, searching for stability; my mind was a chaos that threatened to collapse, and the fear of making Garrus leave me felt like a dagger. "I've never... been enough," I dared to say. "I haven't excelled at anything, too clumsy, too slow... as a child, I thought I was a hindrance to my brother. He could have had a less complicated childhood if he didn't have to carry me around. I'm... I'm an inconvenience, a walking problem."

Garrus didn't interrupt me as he continued caressing my hands with his and waiting for me to vent. "When he joined the Alliance, I felt I had to live up to it... but for every step I took forward, it felt like my brother was taking 10 steps further away. I became obsessed with... with appearing perfect, striving to be the best in the class so I could one day help him, and then... one day, tragedy struck. I was left without a purpose, simply in limbo while the agony of his loss killed me inside. He was the only person left in my little world.”

Fearfully, I opened my eyes to face his arctic gaze. He still didn't seem to judge me, but what I was going to say next could change everything between us. Then you came along...and I laughed again, made plans, saw...a future, but I also realized that...you were more than just a friend to me. I wished... I wished with all my might that one day you could see me, and now... I'm ruining everything with my insecurities." My voice broke as tears flowed again like a wild river. "Oh god, it seems like I'm sabotaging because... because”

"You're scared..." My eyes widened as he read my emotions. "Your biotics are transmitting it to me. There's nothing wrong with that. I'm terrified too. I want things to work out between us... and besides, you're in luck, I love calibrating things," He joked with a crooked smile.

I was embarrassed for having unconsciously conveyed my feelings, but his response only left my heart fluttering. His hand caressed my jaw as he closed the distance between us and rested his forehead against mine, letting me feel his warmth. "We'll solve every one of your demons." His claw moved down again in small caresses to my neck, shuddering with a spark that made me only want to kiss him.

"No more inflicted injuries. When you feel overwhelmed, come to me, okay? We can have a code word for when you feel bad around people... like... Velociraptor. Joker says I look like one of them, although I don't know why, it's clear I'm much more handsome and without feathers." His joke made me laugh, making me forget my anguish for a moment. "That's right... you're beautiful, Mara, but when you laugh, you brighten my day." His affectionate phrase made me blush furiously. "Oh, and when you blush..." I stopped him, giving him a small warning punch on the shoulder. "Hey! I was just going to say you look adorable! I don't know why, but I feel like pinching your cheeks."

"Doesn't all this scare you?" Pulling away from him, I pointed at my body without much enthusiasm.

"A lot, 121 pounds of pure terror! Look at me, I'm already shaking!" I couldn't help but laugh at his absurd humor. His subharmonic chirped playfully with joy as our hands remained entwined in my lap.

"Now seriously, we can take it easy. A relationship is a two-way street, we'll learn together," his voice sounded firm, without a doubt, and I could almost sigh with relief until a little voice inside me pressed its finger against the wound again.

"And if you don't like what you see? My body isn't pretty, it's not...like those human bodies in magazines." I nervously bit the inside of my cheek, searching for some sign on his face that would reveal the truth.

"Mhmmm...it's impossible not to like what I see!" The trill was loud and determined, with a hint of indignation at my question. "I remind you that I've already seen you naked, and I liked what I saw. You're capable of breaking my plates without even touching me, Mara... I already told you that once, although you may not remember because you thought it was a dream”, startled by his words I covered my mouth to avoid screaming when I discovered what he meant, I was totally embarrassed and felt like I wanted the earth to swallow me. “No hiding, you little wild thing” his words perfectly predicted my intentions since I was already ready to cover my face with my hand to avoid him.

"You know? I've practiced a few human pickup lines." Clearing his throat, he lowered his voice. "Sorry, can you help me? I think there's something wrong with my eyes... because I can't stop looking at you." His jaws arched in a grin as I felt increasingly embarrassed.

"If you and I were socks, we'd make a great couple! I'm not exactly sure what this means, but on the extranet they said it was guaranteed to get laughs." His trill sought to provoke a reaction from me as he continued to talk playfully.

“Touch my shirt, do you know what it's made of? 100% authentic boyfriend material.” My body lunged at his, and my free hand sought to cover his mouth to prevent him from continuing torturing me. His claws wrapped around my waist as, with one swift movement, he pinned me against his body on the couch.

His jaws fluttered in a sort of kiss on my hands that gave me butterflies while his subharmonic vibrated, transmitting tingles throughout my body. “See? You're a wild little thing.” My hands hesitated, opting to cling to his shirt instead. His sinful voice was a direct blow to my core, already disturbed by his presence. I felt heat rush through me as a sigh escaped my lips as I felt our chests brush.

“Can I try something?” Shyness invaded him along with nerves, despite his desire to maintain the depth of his voice. I nodded, trusting him. He slowly brought his face closer to mine as if he wanted to give me the opportunity to withdraw if I ever felt uncomfortable, but God! I would never do that!

With my heart in my hand, I closed my eyes as I enjoyed the caress of his jaws against mine, his mouth hovering over mine, allowing me to taste his minty breath. Unable to help myself, I gently licked my lips in anticipation. The tension was in the air, broken by a low growl from him, which elicited a desperate moan from me.

His mouth plates crashed against my lips roughly.With longing, I felt the voracious hunger for the shared caress that I had been waiting for for so long, giving in to the unexplored desire.I placed small kisses on his mouth while I waited for him to adapt to the passionate rhythm of the movement I had set. The slight roughness of his plates only served to generate more friction, making the desire in me boil.

Unexpectedly, Garrus took advantage of my sigh to tentatively insert his tongue, but patience was not on my side. I was hungry for him, for his touch, for his affection… I had wanted him for so long that my hips began to rock against his with a life of their own. The hardness of his body was only an incentive that encouraged me to provoke him. I moaned, sucking his tongue with a thirst devoid of any control.

His saliva was thicker than mine, like spilled honey. His taste was overwhelming; I couldn't associate it with anything similar, but it was addictive, slightly acidic and spicy. I caressed the tip of his tongue, sharper than mine, as I explored his mouth, seeking to engrave it on my body. Garrus began to press against me, reciprocating the dance of my hips while his ecstatic groan reverberated against my mouth.

There were too many sensations, his hardness, the pressure, the vibrations, the addictive taste that only made me want him more as if my tongue wanted to melt in his mouth was what caused my moans to become a chant and my biotics to unconsciously activate to tell him the pleasure he gave me.

If Garrus had any shred of strength left, I broke it with my sounds. His tongue became dominant, seeking to mark his presence by enveloping me within it. It was an abrasive kiss that never ended, the little air in my lungs burning while my heart pounded. My hands moved up in a slow caress to his neck, stroking his rugged skin and scratching with my nails the softness hidden between his scales.

With contrasting gentleness, he gave me one last caress as our mouths separated to catch our breath. "Garrus... more," I pleaded, my gaze catching his eyes, clouded with pleasure. His pupils were fully dilated, forming the slitted shape of a wild predator, while his upper mouth plate was slightly raised, allowing me to observe his sharp, pointed teeth.

"Mara Spirits! If I kiss you like that again, I'll go crazy. I can barely control myself," he whispered in a growl that made my core clench with longing.

His forehead rested on mine in a calmer Turian kiss as his hips pounded into me hard, preventing me from moving. “Please…ah…” I cried in desperation as my hands continued to stroke the tapestry of his skin in soft circles, giving in to impulses I had never known.

My reaction took him by surprise, causing his trill to strangle as he admitted he wanted to continue, but something was stopping him. His tongue darted out of his mouth again, I practically gasped for it like a fish needing water to survive but Garrus dodged me making my mouth kiss part of his jaw while he licked my tears with curiosity “Salty… they taste like the sea”, he said thoughtfully.

Sulking, I couldn’t help but puff out my cheeks in a silent gesture of protest, which only made him laugh. “I want to do it right… in a suitable place that won’t terrify the entire crew into thinking I’m killing you.” I watched as a blue hue decorated his neck. My hands rested on what was a Turian blush, caressing it, I noticed the concern in his eyes. "Turians are, um, noisy, and, um, I've been educating myself on alien biology." His voice dropped almost to a whisper. "We'll be a wet mess... you also generate, um, lubrication." The way he said it just made me blush.

"Why do you have to say it like that?" I moaned regretfully as I hid my face in his neck.

"I'm saying it normally... I think." The confusion in his subharmonic made me laugh.

"You say it like we're about to commit a crime." My lips kissed his neck in a shallow gesture that, to my surprise, made him tense. Something about his reaction made my curiosity get the better of me, so acting without thinking, I kissed his skin again, nibbling gently and drawing random patterns with my tongue. His trill spiraled out of control, briefly rising to a high pitch before plummeting to a deep, rumbling tone. I bit down again, applying more force to his leathery skin before focusing on absorbing the area. A crunch of his jaws, like a broken bone, accompanied by a purring growl, ending with a sonorous screech like that of a beast, was what made me pull away from his neck, taking pity. "Mhmmm... now I understand what you mean by <noisy>," I mocked him with a smile.

Garrus was breathless, his jaws flapping wildly and his shell trembling. "What... what was that?" he asked, his voice faint.

"A hickey, did it feel good?" I asked, my voice full of kindness.

"Great... I didn't know a human mouth could do that." Carefully stroking his bangs, I tried to reassure him while he recovered.

"Mhmmm, it can do many things. They can also be used to do that on other, more hidden parts of your body," I spoke mysteriously, holding back a smile. His eyes showed confusion, causing the corners of my mouth to finally lift in a mischievous smile. One of my hands moved down his body, caressing his shell... his waist... my hand continued slowly lowering until his claw stopped it and he bared his teeth at me in a warning growl. "Do you understand what my mouth can do?"

The news shocked him, causing his dilated pupils to practically turn black, and his jaws to clench completely against his face, making it difficult for him to swallow. “Spirits!” Getting up from on top of me as if I were burning him, the Turian paced back and forth across the room, trying to relax, which made me chuckle softly as I settled into a sitting position on the couch. “You’re evil! Have I told you that?” His comment only made me laugh even more.

Wanting to offer him a peace offering, I decided to open the wine. “I am…and for your bad luck or good luck, I have my own room with no surveillance cameras.” Pouring the sparkling contents into the glasses, I ignored his intense gaze.

Garrus sat back down, this time keeping a safe distance. He pulled something out from between the cushions and nervously turned it over in his claw. “So…you want more physical contact?” he asked expectantly.

"Only with you, yes... but not as an adventure, my heart wouldn't be able to handle it," I admitted, joking aside. "I've never been with anyone before. Everything is new, and the sensations overwhelm me. What happened before felt so good that my body acted on its own. I disliked physical contact with other people, but you make me lose myself in the moment." Drinking the entire contents of the glass in one gulp, I tried to use the alcohol to erase the shame from my words. "I'm sorry if what I said made you feel pressured."

I could hear the gears in the Turian's head whirring at the information revealed. "What about... other humans? A first time interspecies is complicated... I probably won't be a good lover until I get some practice, spirits! I might hurt you!" He was panicking.

"Garrus...did what we did before seem complicated to you?" I asked, fearing his response.

"No, it was different, but not complicated. It was too satisfying." His subvocals trembled. Thoughtfully, he touched his jaw. “We’ll have to practice!” His words caught me off guard as I drank, causing me to choke. “Will you teach me how to pleasure you?”

“Garrus! You can’t just ask that!” I replied, dejected, blushing. His incipient gaze remained fixed on me, waiting for the answer to his question. “I’ll teach you…” I murmured weakly, causing him to chirp happily.

Extending a delicate-looking case to me, he waited for me to take it. “Open it.” His wide-jawed smile made my heart race again.

With trembling hands, I opened the small gift. The contents he revealed stunned me. In front of me was a beautiful, delicately crafted necklace with beautifully woven chains adorned with beads and stars, while the central symbol radiated its own brilliance through Polaris in the arctic hue of his eyes. “A Lumian…” I whispered in shock.

"I made it for you. Do you like it?" I didn't give him time to react; in an instant, I was jumping on him and hugging him, constantly thanking him with small kisses all over his face. His laughter was contagious, making me join in. "Okay, I think that's a yes."

"Of course it's a yes!" I said excitedly, lifting my hair with one hand. "Will you put it on me? I'm not taking it off! It's beautiful!"

His claw caressed my cheek gently as his jaws flapped. “Do you know what it means?” I shook my head, curiously waiting for his answer. Garrus gently took the necklace as he placed it on my neck, making the cold of the chain contrast with the heat I felt make my skin crawl. The sound of a click was heard in the silence of the room as the necklace now fell by its own weight until it perfectly adorned the collarbones and neck. “It means that in the eyes of another Turian, you are being officially courted by me, not accepting other suitors” the last thing, he whispered in a deep voice causing a delicious shiver that ran down my spine. “There are more Lumians…with which I will adorn you until the union ceremony.”

“You won't tell me what they are?” I said with a slight pout.

His subharmonic was shrouded in mystery and fun. “It’s best if this is a surprise. I still have to figure out how to adapt it to you, but I know you’ll shine like Polaris…resplendent for her beloved, for me.”

With a sigh, I brought our foreheads together in a loving Turian kiss. Finally… I could breathe easy, feeling like I wasn’t drowning in the tide of uncertainty.

The demons were still hidden in my head, lurking in the shadows, but for tonight they would be silenced as we enjoyed the evening Garrus had organized, one I would treasure even beyond my last breath.

Chapter Text

John Shepard

Suppressed rage erupted through a sharp blow connected to Smith's sternum. The sound of the abrupt fall and his pained hiss was what made me react, reminding me that I should show more consideration for my subordinates because even though they were within Cerberus, it wasn't their fault that the Illusive Man liked to play with my patience.

After the Horizon mission, I didn't have time to rest; the report demanded immediate communication to the Illusive Man, who, sitting in his expensive chair overlooking a huge, forked-color sun, awaited me in a hologram as if the galaxy belonged to him.

My jaw clenched tightly, causing the pressure on my back teeth to threaten to erupt them. Recalling the encounter put me in a bad mood, especially because I blamed myself for falling for his twisted game. I realized his ruse after analyzing Kaidan's words... The Illusive Man had used my friend as bait, he had tipped off the Alliance that I was alive, he had hinted that I would attack that colony, and he was the one who had orchestrated the plot as if it were a game of chess... but what I hated most was that in his cold calculations, he had been right.

The suspicion that the Collectors were looking for me to eradicate me was a fact, and that assumption was what forced the enemies to attack Horizon, predicting their modus operandi.

I felt my face sting with guilt gnawing at me. Rubbing my forehead in a covert attempt to calm myself, I approached Smith, who was still lying on the tatami, breathing heavily and with his eyes closed.

"Smith, you're distracted! Where are the defensive moves I taught you?" "I asked, raising an eyebrow. Lately, training with the crew first thing in the morning had been an enjoyable activity that not only allowed me to maintain my optimal mobility but also to connect with and get to know each member of the Normandy.

"Sorry, Commander... I haven't slept well. I know it's no excuse, but I can't stop hearing that terrifying sound." His eyelids narrowed as if the mere mention of it brought back the memory.  Was it because of the analysis we'd done of the mission video? The Collectors were making a vibrating but incoherent growl, almost as if you were taking a deep breath and trying to speak,- I thought as I watched his face pale against the dark circles under his eyes.

"Oh, the little princess had a nightmare!" At Peralez's mockery, I made a sharp movement with my hand, indicating that such behavior would not be allowed.

"Peralez..." I hissed the name, making the soldier tense. "I remind you that it took you ages to perform the immobilization technique; you looked paralyzed." My comment provoked laughter from the rest of the day shift, making her cheeks tinge with embarrassment.

"It's not a nightmare! Abby heard it too. It sounded like it was coming from the observation bay. It was a snap, like every bone in your body was breaking and... then," a shiver ran through his body, making him tremble as he pressed his hands to his eyes. "Then came the high-pitched screech, as if a bloodthirsty beast were lodged on the ship."

The murmurs among the crew, driven by curiosity, were immediate. Clapping my hands in the air, which echoed in the training room, I caught his attention “Enough! There are no Collectors on the ship. War is psychology, so stay calm. Training ends for today. Smith, go see Dr. Chakwas so she can give you some medication to help you sleep. We can't afford to be distracted,” I ordered as I grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat from my face and left the room for the shower in my private cabin.

The cold water was a balm for my aching muscles. No matter how advanced medicine was, there were things that it could not alleviate, and among them was the feeling of tightness and cramps that produced an intense battle.

Just like Smith, I hadn't been able to lull myself into a deep sleep. In my mind, I replayed the mission in case there were any mistakes I'd made or decisions I could have made differently... while the grimace of distress on Jack's beautiful face overlapped, reminding me that no matter how powerful she was, she wasn't made for all types of combat due to her low armor and resistance levels.

Ever since I met her and saw her incredible potential firsthand, I hadn't hesitated to take her with me on every ground mission, making the team closer together, since I also took Garrus...but now, I had to be more strategic. I couldn't afford to choose my team based solely on how comfortable I felt with them, because it could mean they'd end up seriously injured... or worse.

Turning off the faucet, I let the water run over my body until only small drops remained to witness my brief moment of relaxation. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I calmly left the bathroom while still feeling the moisture drying on my skin. I'd examine the datapads for the upcoming recruitment missions and devise a suitable plan based on the team members I'd need to take,- I thought, the weariness of work throbbing in my temples.

"Ummm, nice view!" Jack's voice made me turn my head toward her with the speed of whiplash. Almost hidden in my couch, she was sitting in the corner, snuggled up comfortably, with a spark of mischief in her brown eyes that told me she was enjoying the show I was putting on.

"Have you decided to take up my offer again?" I asked playfully, remembering how yesterday I had insisted to her that after medical treatment and spending the night in the infirmary, she could take advantage of the opportunity to rest in my cabin for more privacy instead of in the dark cargo hold. Of course, in her stubbornness she had immediately refused, saying she shouldn't be pampered, but here she was, taking me by surprise.

“Maybe, the cot is too uncomfortable for my messed-up back, and being in the infirmary with Jacob makes me sick. He keeps asking shit about me, like he's some filthy spy looking to ferret out weaknesses.” Her abrupt comment made me shake my head, a slight smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

“You're enigmatic. He's just trying to connect, you know, find out more about you, be your friend.” Rummaging through the closet, I pulled out a change of clean clothes. “By the way, how are you feeling?” My tone of voice lowered, worried.

“Like a fucking Elcor just crushed me!” Jack spoke without holding back, letting out all her resentment with her swear words. “Shit, Boy Scout, you wear the same clothes every day, don't you have any other styles?”  she asked, making me turn towards her to show her the clothes in my hand.

"What's wrong with that? It's being practical," I said with a shrug. "Would you rather I change or let you continue to gaze at the monument?" I joked, pointing at my bare torso, defined muscles, and toned abs.

Her response came immediately in the form of a cushion launched with biotic energy that threatened to slam into my head, but I managed to dodge it for a few seconds. Surprised, I laughed at her unexpected action while noticing her blushing and hiding it with a bored look. "Pffffft, don't get so carried away! You're not that well!" she complained, throwing a tantrum.

Unable to contain the urge to annoy her, I left my clothes on the coffee table as I approached her and cornered her on the couch, my pecs hovering at the level of her astonished gaze. “Mhmm, I remember you said you liked the view,” I said playfully, enjoying the blush on her cheeks. Her body was more honest than she was.

“Don’t be self-centered, sanctimonious, I meant the bedroom!” Looking away, Jack crossed her arms, making it clear with her body language that she wanted to distance herself, so I simply sat next to her until I felt her return to her previous comfort zone.

I had only known her for a short time, yet I could see right through her. I knew the armor she’d built was only to protect herself, to keep from feeling vulnerable…it would take time for her to let me through the door of the fortress that was her heart, and it would take time to prove to her that I was worth trusting.

"Are you already thinking of a way to take it away from me?" I said nonchalantly, wanting only to hear her voice.

"Mm... Maybe, I could get used to a cabin like this. The Normandy is a good ship, I wouldn't mind seeing how far it can go while you're away."

"Oh my! Insubordination! You want to abandon me on land? Ouch, how ugly!" Feigning offense only got Jack to punch me in the shoulder while laughing.

“I should do it just out of your stupid sense of duty... but I'm tired.” Her voice was a whisper, a moment of vulnerability that made me feel privileged to know that she was deciding to start trusting. “I joined gangs, I killed other gangs, I joined a cult... always the same shit, although from this last one my hairstyle remains.” She try to joke to take away the weight of the harshness with which life had treated her.

“I learned the hard way to survive and not become a victim… you don't have to trust anyone for that, but… I feel like you're the only person who can make me rethink my actions.” Her gaze was a plea for help as I felt her pupils vibrate and her irises glow in what threatened to become a haze that could make her cry.

Reaching for her hand, I caressed her knuckles, worn from so much fighting, trying to let the softness of our touch drive away the bad thoughts swirling in her mind. “Change is scary, Jack, but it's very brave of you to admit you're willing to do it. I promise you it will be worth it.”

She didn't look at me, but in return she slowly intertwined our fingers in an almost superficial touch that made me realize how easy it would be for her to close up again if I made a mistake – You don't have to keep talking about your past… – I didn't want to force her to open up, for the conversation to become uncomfortable for her and for her to decide to run away from the new found feelings.

“I have to tell you. I don’t know what you see in me, but you should know who you’re trying to ruin your life with.” She paused. A light squeeze of her fingers felt like she was searching for the strength to explain herself.

“I had nowhere to go, I felt lost…the drugs, the sex…I did it all to feel like I was in a better place…I’ve always been a tool, an ace up their sleeve. None of those assholes gave a shit about me…but you see me as a person. I know what you did back on Horizon…you took care of me, putting the mission in jeopardy. I should kick your ass for it!” Her comment made me smile. I wanted to look into her eyes and discover her hidden secrets, but I held back. This wasn’t the time to impose my own desires.

“What I want to say… is… well, thank you.” Her voice trembled. I knew how hard it was for her to say that simple word, so hearing it from her lips moved me deeply. “And now… I’m going to stop with the sentimental shit. Where do we go?” What's the next mission?”

Frowning, I prevented her hand from slipping from mine. "No next mission. You'll stay here, resting, like the Doctor said." My voice hardened into its usual tone for giving orders.

"Being here is boring," she complained instantly. Tilting my face toward her, I watched her mottled lips bite in frustration as vulnerability once again hid in the depths of her eyes, giving way to the fire of anger.

"Jacqueline, I'm not taking you on a mission where I'll have to break into the lair of a crazy Krogan scientist." Our gazes fought silently. The dark brown against the grayish blue of my eyes sought to sway my decision, insisting on pressing me without blinking to make me back down. But as much as I wanted to dive into them, this time I wouldn't waver.

Her blinking made her turn her face as she clicked her tongue in disappointment. "And who will you take?" she complained, making me smile in victory.

"Mordin... I need his scientific opinion on how dangerous Okeer is, and my sister will be coming too. Doctor Solus has insisted that he wants to see her in combat; here on the ship, Mara's capabilities can't be fully displayed." I stroked her knuckles again in a circular motion, seeking to calm her temper.

"Great, putting a Salarian and a Krogan together, a great idea!" Sarcasm tinged her voice as she protested.

"It would be worse to put a Salarian, a Turian, and a Krogan together; it would be like the beginning of a bad joke that has a catastrophic ending," I complained, making her laugh.

“Oh, I'm definitely not going to miss that” when I placed a soft kiss on her forehead, Jack was speechless, surprised by my small gesture of affection. Standing up before she had time to react and decided to hit me, I let go of her hand in a slow caress. “Shepard! What the hell?”,  her face was now red as if it were a grenade about to explode.

Walking away from her quickly, I grabbed the clothes from the table and locked myself back in the bathroom without looking back “You're lucky I can't kick your ass!” she yelled at the top of her lungs making me laugh shamelessly while I got dressed.

I loved her personality. Jack had no reservations; she spoke directly and honestly, and in a world where everyone tried to project an image they weren't, that appealed to me. Many people only wanted to get close to me because of my status as a hero, a legend, a ghost... while she didn't care. In fact, the fact that I was so ethically correct made her roll her eyes and want to hit me.

Jack had confessed that I was the only one who saw her as a person... but I should have told her that she was the only one who saw my flaws and congratulated me for it, allowing me to relax, to return to being that carefree young man who hadn't gone viral for saving Skyline.

And that was giving me the ability to breathe, under so much pressure, again.

Mara

The exhaustion of a sleepless night should have taken its toll on me, but instead, I felt vibrant with energy, electrified by the caresses shared with Garrus in the intimacy of the observation bay. The ghost of his touches still lingered on my skin, a subtle spark that still made me shudder just remembering it.

Unconsciously, I caressed my swollen lips, enjoying the tingling produced by the burning friction while I felt my cheeks flush at the thought of our passionate kiss. I closed my eyes, remembering his sharp tongue against mine, the sensation of the stimulation of its slight roughness and his delicious saliva that made my mouth fizz like exquisite champagne. I needed another kiss like that...

"Um..." A clearing of the throat and the sound of air being cut by a movement of hands in front of my face was what made me open my eyes in surprise. Kasumi was sitting across from me at the dining room table with a slight, captivating smile. "Sorry to interrupt your fantasies, but I need the sugar," she pointed with her purple manicured nail that matched the line of her lips.

Her comment unnerved me, causing me to shift uncomfortably in my seat and look down at where she'd pointed. My hand was still clutching the sugar bowl, clutching it like a lifeline. "Oh... sorry, I didn't realize," I said, shyness welling up in my gut, making my blush deepen and my skin heat up.

She only smiled wider, her hooded eyes revealing a glimmer of curiosity. "Have you even slept?" It was a question asked out of politeness; she already knew the answer just by looking at my face.

Not wanting to give myself away or reveal more than necessary, I took a sip from the coffee cup. The toasted flavor disappointed me on the palate…feeling far from the minty aftertaste of Garrus, which made me sigh. I didn't even know how long I'd been sitting there fantasizing about the Turian... but it must have been a few minutes because the freshly poured coffee was now cold. "Have you already created my alibi and uploaded the information online?" I asked, wanting to redirect the conversation.

I didn't know a human smile could stretch so far, but Kasumi did, resembling the Cheshire Cat. "I've got all the essentials done, I just need to polish the details, and of course, the muse, who's distracted enough to not know how long she's been sitting here," she joked, intending to embarrass me, and achieving the desired result.

Hiding behind my coffee cup again, I thought about how to escape his sly gaze. “I thought…about old songs. They would be more modernized reinterpretations so that they could be introduced to the Galaxy”

"Nah, that won't work. We need something new, something impactful to catapult you to the top of the most-listened-to songs." Shaking the sugar bowl over her cup, Kasumi purposefully tapped the sides of the spoon as she stirred the contents, as if it were a clock trying to remind me of the time lost in my fantasies.

“Ummm… well, that’s going to be difficult. I don’t know how to compose,” I said with a shrug.

“For me, lies have short legs…” she hummed enigmatically, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It was a well-kept secret that I wrote poetry. Not even my brother knew… it was a way to vent, to put the pain into words and not on my body when I had time.

I laughed nervously as if what Kasumi said was a joke. This was getting awkward. “Mara,” my brother’s firm voice was like a blessing, arriving at the precise moment I felt exposed to the thief’s scrutinizing eyes. “I need you to get ready. The shuttle will leave in a few minutes, and you’ll be on the mission.”

Practically jumping out of my seat, I smiled happily at being able to escape Kasumi. “Right away, I’ll go tell Garrus!.” I said excitedly as I picked up the cup and set it down in the sink.

"No need, he's not part of the mission." Frozen, I stared at my brother, frowning, not understanding why he was excluding his friend when he should be working hard to regain his lost trust. "Mordin wants to observe your skills in action," he explained simply as he crossed his arms.

"Oh, well... then I'll say a quick goodbye to Garrus." My brother rolled his eyes as if he'd exactly expected me to give him this answer. "It'll only take 5 minutes."

"I know you... your 5 minutes will turn into 30. Besides, the mission will be short, it won't take more than 2 hours." At his rationality, I bit my cheek, not agreeing with what he was saying.

"What if he worries? Or needs me?" I tried to convince him as I watched him approach me, only to start nudging me in the back, making me move toward the elevator.

“Believe me, Garrus is already grown up, and Kasumi will be in charge of telling him where you are, right?” Trying to brake with my feet, I felt myself slide under the force of my brother. Sulking, I just wanted to turn around and stomp on him like when we were kids and he'd do this to keep me from staring at the candy store, but with an audience, I resisted my urge.

"Of course, I'll take care of the absent-minded Turian... by the way, nice necklace, it's a gift, right?" At her question, I tensed; her gaze seemed to know too much.

Did she know about our date? It could be, but I wouldn't have to find out.

Giving up on any resistance, I headed like a bullet to my room, ready to prepare for the mission while my brother looked at me in confusion and I tried not to let my anger show.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+

The sight of the shuttle against the dusty yellowish sky made me fear a stifling heat, making me inwardly thankful for the suit's air conditioning system. The planet Korlus had no attractive features; it was just pieces of scrap that were more arranged and the remains of abandoned ships looking for a slow recycling that would provide them with a new life.

The words of a Turian diplomat, who was resignedly arguing about the value of this planet with a Volus overly enthusiastic about doing business with things no one appreciated, echoed in my mind. Korlus was a dumping ground, specifically, the words chosen were <A garbage bag with a climate>… I thought at the time that the old Turian was exaggerating, but now that I saw it with my own eyes, I had to agree.

Stepping off the shuttle, I immediately put on my helmet, amidst the curious glances of my companions. The place smelled of sulfur combined with the oxide of chemically melted metal, with corrosive mixtures that penetrated the inside of your nose and melted the mucous membranes all the way to your brain.

We hadn't spent a minute on this site, and I was already missing the comfort of the Normandy, making me reconsider whether I really wanted to be on the front lines.

“The file doesn't specify that Okeer is on this planet voluntarily. Enemies are presumed, so you shouldn't let your guard down," my brother informed us as he adopted a combat stance, moving stealthily with his weapon raised and firmly held in case he had to fire immediately.

Doctor Solus nodded, pulling a small pistol from his lab suit...he hadn't even changed, and despite his species being considered delicate, he walked calmly as if he knew he wouldn't receive a single wound on his cartilaginous amphibian skin as he moved quickly in complete stealth.

Trying not to fall behind, I followed them while typing the techno-armor configuration into my OmniTool. The ruined place didn't inspire confidence; there were too many blind spots, and the smoke in the air made vision difficult, so I preferred to err on the side of caution.

The silence of the place was overshadowed by the sound of the speaker being activated. A woman's voice emerged with an imperative order: "There is only one standard for success: kill or be killed! Perfection is the goal!”

With this statement, she made it clear that we were going to encounter a confrontation, although it was still too early to know if it was because they had detected us or because they were using the ruins as a simulated training ground.

Space junk rose into the sky in discarded pipes and cables that resembled splintered spears. In addition, trash was piled up on the sides with no intention of facilitating movement, practically covering the ground in small, half-disintegrated sheets.

My brother ran resolutely through the cover, leading the way. As always, the sight of his broad back was enough to reassure me, focusing my mind on the idea that everything would be okay.

Going up some stairs, what was the main enclosure hidden between panels opened before us. The code 7-2XR stood out in white, like a giant freight car.

"Alert position. Prepare for combat," Mordin quickly warned as he looked toward the horizon. Surely, with his enormous, black-sclerotic eyes, he could see much better than we could through the dust.

As we spread out among the various covers made of fallen metal structural beams, we heard the first shots in our direction. From the top of the stairs came enemies wearing the characteristic blue armor and white circles that represented the Blue Suns gang.

The Salarian didn't wait for orders; he acted quickly, managing the situation through a cryogenic mine that left the enemy exposed to my brother's gunfire. I didn't even have time to pull the trigger; the synchronicity between them was such that it seemed like I was just a decoration.

Without taking a moment to rest, they made a sign indicating that the advance would be immediate. As I climbed the next flight of stairs, I felt a bluish blur move on the ground. One of the attackers had only half survived, crawling across the dirty floor in search of a place to hide from us.

Cutting off his escape route, my brother crouched down next to him to examine him closely.

"Shit, shit! I'm bleeding nonstop... Son of a bitch!" The gang member tried to get up, groaning in pain. It looked like one of the shots had passed through his calf—not fatal, but painful.

"Are you mercenaries... or Alliance? It doesn't matter, I'm not going to tell you anything," He mumbled, his voice wheezing from the effort he was making.

Going to the wounded man, I soaked my hands in green biotics. "I can heal you in an instant, with no after-effects... in exchange for certain information. A fair deal, right? Unless you want to lose your leg. The medigel won't help with that wound." Grateful for the helmet and the fact that my face couldn't be seen, I lied to cause panic in the man.

"No! Not my leg, damn it! Heal me! I... I don't know anything. I only shoot at the lab waste, I swear! The old krogan is on the upper floors of the building. Jedore, our leader, hired him to create an army, but the krogan he creates are crazy, so we use them for training with live ammunition. They don't pay me enough to bleed so much!" – with tears in his eyes from the pain, he complained.

When my brother nodded, satisfied with the answer, I applied the biotic, spreading it over the injured area. The sigh of relief was immediate for the man, who, breathing deeply, closed his eyes, relaxing at the sensation.

The enemy's Omnitool flashed, igniting at his comrades' attempt to contact him. "Outpost four? Jedore wants us to move. We need the coordinates for that Krogan pack."

The man opened his eyes in panic, not knowing what to do. My brother brought his face close, practically touching the enemy's forehead. "I want your friends to disappear, understood?" he threatened in a raspy voice.

"Um... patrol? Last group... dispersed. I lost sight of them five minutes ago. Fall back." Licking his dry lips, the man did his part. Looking at his leg, he moved it from side to side, surprised to no longer feel the pain that had previously tormented it. "How the hell...?" His question hung in the air, unable to finish it under my brother's cold gaze. "Yes... Yes I get it, I'm leaving," he said as he struggled to his feet and, hesitantly, began walking until he disappeared among the piles of scrap metal.

"The shields should be reinforced. From what I understand, they're releasing the Krogan they're experimenting on. They're violent, they won't accept dialogue," Mordin said, his words infused with common sense.

Accepting the advice, both my brother and I agreed with his assessment. My techno-armor was intact, so there was no point in reconfiguring it, but John lacked the shield boost, so it took him a few minutes to redirect the armor's energy to them.

Getting back to his feet, my brother signaled us to follow him again. The path seemed clear of enemies for the moment... however, seeing the krogan bodies abandoned on the ground like a pile of rotting meat ready to be devoured by scavengers turned my stomach and made me feel sorry for their fate. They had been used as mannequins, inanimate, unfeeling objects that served as moving targets for the conscienceless sadists that were the pirates.

Moving through the metal maze that rose like the bones of a whale, the sound of crossfire made us increase our speed. Arriving at what looked like a combat arena due to its circular shape, a krogan seemed to be fighting for its life as the Blue Suns mercenaries attacked it from the dais.

Hiding so the enemy wouldn't see us, we watched as they were in constant radio communication while taunting the sole remaining krogan.

If we fired, we would reveal our position, causing the mercenaries to alert their superiors, which would complicate our mission, so John and Mordin began to orchestrate possible courses of action while looking for a way to ascend.

Concentrating on counting the number of Blue Suns, I realized there were three of them… they seemed to travel in small groups, prioritizing superior positions and avoiding direct confrontations with the krogan.

My biotics buzzed, ready to act. It would be so easy to draw them here, - I thought, imagining the force of attraction enveloping them, lifting them into the air and then dropping them from above with a sharp thud that distorted their limbs.

The sound of screams and something heavy falling, along with the clashing metal, was what made me blink. My vision blurred for a few seconds… my hands shook, the violet energy glowing furiously between them, with no idea what had caused it.

"Best choice! Well done!" Mordin's voice brought me back to reality. His hand rested on my shoulder in a supportive gesture. "Good biotic control, quick thinking, and stealthy action. I wonder how precise your power is, next time focus on major organs, the force exerted by the biotic field will neutralize them instantly.” He quickly examine my actions while my brother gave me a smile and left the cover to talk to the Krogan who was inspecting the twisted bodies of the mercenaries.

The Krogan's voice boomed as Doctor Solus fretted, remaining cautious and not lowering his weapon from a distance. "You are...different. You don't smell of this world. Seven night skies and I've only felt the need to kill...but you...something makes me talk." His expression was still incoherent, bringing back memories of old Star Wars movies and reenactments I had shown Garrus.

"It developed in seven days, impressive! And dangerous..." Doctor Solus murmured, distrust creeping into the grimace of his pursed lips.

"They must raise them in tanks until they're fully developed, ready to kill. If they need training, there wouldn't be much difference from normal mercenaries," my brother speculated.

However, the Krogan seemed offended by his analysis. "No! Killing is what my blood and bones demand... But that's not why I was thrown out of the Mother Crystal. Survival…my head hears. Against the enemy that threatens my entire species. But I failed, even before I woke. That's what the voice in the water said. That's why I wait here." One could almost say he spoke poetically, if one didn't take into account the darkness of his words' meaning.

"Breed and discarded. Group control? Failed test?" Mordin continued to murmur as if his mind needed to solve the mystery until a blink became too slow, and then his gaze narrowed in horror. "A breeding program to escape the effects of the genophage!" he exclaimed bitterly.

Not wanting to enter into moral debates with Doctor Solus, my brother cleared his throat. "Can you show us where the lab is?" he asked the krogan gently.

 "The mother…of crystal. It's up above, past the broken parts. After many things of flesh like you. I'll show you." The krogan walked calmly to position himself against one of the panels that made up the circular wall. Brushing the dust off his hands, he grabbed a heavy panel, causing the floor to rumble and the metal circle to resonate tremblingly. My eyes widened at the absurd display of strength.

Shifting the section, the krogan lifted it as trapped sand oozed from the ends, then threw it away, as if what he'd grabbed weighed no more than 220 pounds. Now I understood why no one wanted to confront them—a direct blow to the body with that horrific force guaranteed instant death. “Things of flesh are slow when there are great things in your path,” he mocked, sending a shiver down my spine.

My brother thanked him by maintaining his composure at all times, however... I tried to get as far away from that alien as possible, sticking to the metal panels that formed an underground tunnel while Doctor Solus refused to move forward until the Krogan moved far enough away.

Having not attracted any attention, the passage was clear of Blue Suns. However, as we moved forward, the sound of bestial growls in muffled undertones made me grab my brother's arm.

Darkness enveloped us inside the tunnel, preventing us from seeing more than a few meters, but my ears weren't lying... something terrifying was hiding in the recesses, and I hoped it couldn't see us.

"No... we're not alone," I said in the lowest whisper I could manage.

John turned to look at me in confusion, while Doctor Solus smirked. "My theory was right. You hear the frequencies that escape human hearing... at what level? Asari and Salarian don't... I don't hear the enemy... maybe... Turian! Mhmmmm... that explains a lot.” His face cryptically tilted, as if he could inspect me further until the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

Resuming our advance more carefully, we glimpsed several Krogan resting in what appeared to be some sort of makeshift camp that was delimited by a circle formed by the remnants of the mercenaries. The visceral scene made my stomach turn at the rawness of the image of dismembered bodies and glistening blood that was still fresh.

Taking the most distant path discreetly, time seemed to drag on, as if we were moving in slow motion through the nooks and crannies and blind spots to avoid alerting the beasts. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until we emerged from the darkness of the tunnel and ascended the ramp toward what looked like a hollow tower but was actually the upper body of a crashed ship.

Luckily for us, the climb was easy. The mercenaries were scattered throughout the lower area of the battlefield, and the few remaining inside the facility were distracted, talking among themselves, playing cards, or servicing their weapons. With no way to avoid them, my brother gave clear orders on how we should proceed.

Doctor Solus would unleash neutral shocks that would slow their senses, my biotics would attack vital points, causing their necks to break with a slight crack, and John would finish off those who tried to raise the alarm or flee with his sniper rifle with a silencer mod.

The simplicity of taking a life weighed heavily on my conscience. Here, it wasn't like in the prison of purgatory, where there was a reason to attack... no, they were simply in the way of our objective, and for that, we had to eliminate them without hesitation.

The Academy prepared me to defend myself and learn how to navigate various fields; the Embassy prepared me for dialogue... and now, my brother was teaching me what it was like to be a soldier. I always thought I wanted to follow in his footsteps... but in the midst of this mission, I was realizing that I wanted to support him, but not in this way.

Fighting against the Collectors, against the Husks, no matter how terrifying they were, wouldn't pose a problem for me. They were an inhuman enemy, they wouldn't even have a soul, they wouldn't have a family depending on them, friends...

Shaking my head to concentrate on moving forward, I focused on my brother's back. He didn't hesitate, he led, and that was what made so many people trust his decisions.

As we passed what had been an infirmary, the loudspeakers sounded again with a man's voice: "Gather everyone at the warehouse, gather everyone at the warehouse. The Mechas are being reprogrammed and used against us. Jedore needs support, they're decimating us!"

It seemed the mercenaries were having trouble, which would simplify our task of reaching the Krogan scientist. We just had to wait for them to move so we could continue moving along the bridge without worries.

Passing through another door, the first thing we saw was the corpse of a krogan on a stretcher. It looked like skin grafts had been removed, leaving some of the hard bone exposed. A movement caught our attention, causing my biotics to envelop the one who was trying to flee while my brother pointed his weapon at the Asari.

"Shepard, no! You know me!" my brother seemed to respond to the request.

"Rana? What the hell are you doing here? I spared your life on Virmare so you could do something good with your life, not this!" John sulkily lowered his weapon.

"I know, I know... but I'm doing something good with Virmare's data. I'm helping create Krogan without the disease... although there hasn't been any success in terms of their mental stability yet. I turned off the security cameras as soon as I saw it was you. You've been like a blessing from the Goddess. Okeer needs time to create the perfect specimen, and Jedore had refused to continue funding the research... so..." the asari seemed relieved, although her voice was still trembling.

"He activated the Mechs and released all the Krogan from the tank, right?" At my brother's guess, she just nodded. "Where's Okeer?"

"In the next door... and now, if you don't mind, I'm going to run as fast as I can before you blow something up. I know how you manage," the asari smiled, passing between us, confident that we wouldn't shoot her.

"You should have killed her. Too much knowledge without ethical boundaries," Mordin commented without any remorse.

My brother didn't want to answer, just shrugged as he headed toward the large room that awaited us behind the next door. There, a silver-armored krogan was typing unknown commands on a terminal.

Beside him was a large breeding tank where, submerged in a watery component, floated a young-looking Krogan with polished scales.

"It's about time. The batteries of those tanks don't wait while you play with those idiot mercenaries," the old, ferocious-looking krogan with faded scales growled. Without even turning toward us, his eyes caught our movement, reminding me that these large reptiles, thanks to their eyes set farther apart, have a wider field of vision.

"I take it you're Okeer? You don't seem particularly caged or grateful that I've come." The sarcasm in my brother's voice made me bite the inside of my cheek, unable to relax in the tense atmosphere that was brewing.

"We Krogan remember your actions on Virmere. What a story! Saren, traitor to the Spectres, threatens to create a Krogan horde by curing the genophage, undoing the discreet genocide of the Turians and Salarians. But before Saren can surrender his endless troops, Shepard, a squishy human, appears, claiming victory through atomic weapons. I like that part... he has power." Turning to us, he gestured an explosion with his hand. "I'm not angry; Saren's pale horde wasn't real Krogan. Numbers without substance mean nothing, and these mercenaries didn't understand my work either."

"Get me out of here. I've acquired a pure subject... with it, I'll inflict the ultimate insult on the genophage: being ignored," he pointed at the young Krogan in the tank with a toothy smile of pride.

"Your methods are extreme... the deal is off," my brother, faithful to his ethics, signaled us to leave the place.

However, the loudspeaker noise was what made us stop: "I've traced the source of the Mecha hacking and the release of the Krogan tanks, Okeer of course. Therefore, we're going to unleash the gas on those commandos, we'll start from scratch, we'll poison the air! I want those tanks empty!" The voice of an angry woman, whom I assumed was Jedore, spoke, making us understand that we should leave immediately.

The old Krogan, faced with the announcement, stepped in our way. "Shepard! You want information on the collectors? Then stop her! She'll try to access the contaminants in the cargo deck, and I refuse to let my creation die over a mere valve," He growled desperately.

Just by looking at my brother, I knew we were about to plunge headlong into a fight that wasn't ours. He might be apprehensive about the scientist, but not about creations that weren't to blame for even existing. 

Knowing there was a viable, healthy prototype, my brother would go out of his way to save it, and that made me groan in frustration as I drew my weapon and we headed into the lion's den.

It'll only take two hours—I mentally mocked myself, imitating John's voice while rolling my eyes—I wish…

Chapter Text

Garrus

Without postponing the report, I organized the files to be submitted, examining each frame until I was satisfied with the editing result. Exporting the video from the surveillance camera built into my armor to the Omnitool, I encrypted the document it would be incorporated into and sent the message to my father's email address associated with his role as the Primarch's internal advisor on matters of public safety in Efexis, the main colony of Palaven and my birthplace.

My father's efficiency at work and his interest in controlling my life would surely ensure that the response would arrive quickly, but while I waited, I remained thoughtful, recalling the evening I had shared with Mara.

A chirp of happiness burst from my shell, rumbling uncontrollably. I was still nervous about her proximity, afraid of hurting the softness of her skin, which radiated the dancing flashes of light from distant stars.

I knew she was beautiful in terms of her species, I had heard the rumors in C-Sec of the human novices trying to catch her attention, but I never gave it enough importance until yesterday...when she could outshine the spirits in that bluish dress that wrapped her body in thousands of folds as if it were a delicate flower...indeed, delicate...I should file my claws in case the contact between us became more intimate,- I thought while the image of the half marks in the shape of a waning moon in pink tones that broke her snowy skin came to my mind.

Suddenly, a dangerous, dark, and primitive thought stalked my thoughts at the reflection of her malleable naked body crisscrossed by the fine lines traced by my claws. The contrast between her paleness and the red marks deposited on her like a lure made me shudder as I closed my eyes with a dissuasive grunt. So easy to mark myself on her and so difficult to control my impulses so as not to harm her…

I longed to possess her. Yesterday, her warm, playful little tongue and her curiosity to test my limits almost cost me my integrity, but I had to control myself. Knowing that I would be her first time for everything only made me want to overwhelm her with pleasure… However, first, I would have to learn how to be a good lover for Mara, and to do so, I had to find a comfortable way to initiate the rubbing of our skin.

Examining the human courtship guide that Doctor Solus had given me, I focused on the chapter that indicated how her species strengthened the bonds between couples.

It was quite curious how, for us Turians, the initial effort of attraction followed by the confirmation of the union rite made us stable partners for life without the need for further courtship, while for humans, even if the initial courtship was weaker, they strived to maintain active contact throughout what they called marriage for fear of deteriorating the relationship. They were much more sensitive than the Turians and less practical, requiring constant pampering.

There was even a section where the Doctor mentioned jealousy within a relationship over one's children, in the sense of feeling like a neglected partner for no longer being the center of the union. For the Turians, this was unthinkable; parenting came first until the children began their military careers. Therefore, no matter the distance between parents, the bond lay in the offspring, even though, as in my father's case, we rarely saw each other in person.

My jaws clicked in doubt, would I be able to live up to human expectations? Mara was already my best friend. We had already established many of the activities in the guide even before confirming our mutual attraction. Regarding offspring and the domino effect that different parenting methods could trigger, we wouldn't have any problems. It was impossible for my seed to germinate in her…for a moment, knowing this fact whipped me. Wanting to start a family was in our most basic instinct, but for her, I would be able to put it aside.

Focusing on the massage passage, I was curious about how different this activity would be for each of us. I was about to open an untraceable page on the extranet, but my father's call came through like an accusatory tone.

Before answering, I made sure to set the precise security protocols using the privacy commands. Placing myself in a blind spot for Edi's vision, I accepted the holocall, seeing my father's clenched jaw and feeling the murmur of unease oozing from him.

"Father," I greeted in a monotone. "You said the communications would be made in the initial form," I acknowledged.

"Son, I'm glad to see that you still haven't forgotten, in your gesture of going against the rules, the importance of writing a good report." His terse congratulations only made me want to groan in exhaustion, but I held back my subharmonics. "You reported that you have control permissions for the ship." His cold gaze was analytical, lacking any of the warmth my mother had brought to it.

Nodding to his reasoning, I gave verbal confirmation. "Yes, they're active right now." With equally terseness in my response, I crossed my arms.

"We confirmed the threat in a small, urgent meeting with the highest figures in the hierarchy. Since we're secondary spectators, you'll be assigned a budget that you must invest in projects that you anticipate will improve our resilience against this future enemy."The buzzing of his subvocals told me that he had no choice but to accept this covert promotion.

"This will be a classified mission for all intents and purposes. You will not keep any written records of the improvements made. You will use the secret code system of the chain of command within the hierarchy I taught you, and you will continue sending encrypted reports with the necessary videos so we can analyze the enemy's attack method and resistance." Issuing an order, my father took up military position. "Make me proud to call you my son," it was a whisper, a hiss mixed with disappointment and hope for my return to the fold.

Without letting me answer, the call was cut off. It was barely a five-minute conversation. He had said everything as always, and I could only comply. Annoyed by this whole situation, by being given a responsibility I hadn't asked for, my jaws ground together.

The overwhelming need to see my little human felt like a breath of fresh air in this oppressive environment that clung to my scales in a disgusting way.

Leaving the main bay at a brisk pace, I subtly glanced toward the infirmary in case I could find her learning from Dr. Chakwas, but she wasn't there. The doctor looked up from her desk, her graying hair swaying, and she shook her head in amusement, smiling as if she knew who I was looking for. The scales on my neck burned with embarrassment at how predictable we were to the crew members.

Waving at her briefly so as not to give myself away, I continued on my way to the elevator but was stopped by the poorly intoned humming of Kasumi's voice, who was sitting in the dining room with a Datapad and hadn't even looked up from the screen.

“Mara isn't hereeee, Mara is goneeee, Mara is escaping from my life”. She mocked, making me turn abruptly towards her and growl at her in a hissed voice that was audible to her. “Oh, big guy, calm down, you have to have a little sense of humor”.

Turning off the datapad, she stood up from her seat. "Shepard took her on a mission with Mordin, so why don't we go observe what's going on? Mhmm?" With a strange smile that distorted one side of her face more than the other, she slapped me on the arm, causing me to back away from the intrusion into my personal space by a stranger. "Uh... you're reserved, quite well... a very attractive quality for human women." The way she said that sentence only made my jaws press hard against my mouthplates. Was she making a pass at me?- I thought in a confused and irritated way.

"I'm not interested in you," I said bluntly, moving further away from her and causing her to laugh, making the confusion increase.

"You're definitely absent-minded... I'm not talking about myself, my heart is already taken, but... it seems the date went well, judging by that mark on your lanky neck." Not understanding what the human thief was referring to, I had to open my eyes in shock at the reflection of myself in her Omnitool.

Running one of my fingers to the outer side of my neck, I noticed a sort of deep blue circle. My jaws opened wide as my subvocals loosened. Mara had done it? The memory of her hungry mouth licking the sensitive tissue between my scales and the suction she performed came back to me, making the beginning of my neck take on the same bluish hue as the...what had Mara called it? Oh yeah...hickey.

I felt the teeth sharpen, the poisonous saliva gather in my mouth, and the predator awaken, making me want to leave matching bite marks that formed Blue Suns against the perfection of her smooth skin. Would she even leave the mark I was imagining, or, being human, would she take on another form?- I thought, losing myself for a few seconds in my imagination.

Somehow, we had arrived at the Normandy's cockpit. It seemed as if my body had moved while I processed the information I'd learned, with Kasumi taking over as my guide, as if she knew I was currently disconnected from reality.

"Are you here to see the show? Unfortunately, it's over," Joker said with amusement. "Ouch, it seems the mosquitoes are getting aggressive." He laughed at his own comment, causing the thief to join the chorus of laughter and me to come out of the immersion without understanding the joke.

"Mosquitoes?" "I repeated, feeling out of place.

"Yeah, they're small but tough. They like to nibble here and there, until they drain you dry." Joker raised an eyebrow while Kasumi burst into laughter at his side.

My jaw moved indecisively, not knowing how to respond, so I chose to focus on the mission information. "What can you tell me about the mission?"

"Boohoo... is he always so serious?" complained a calmer Kasumi, who was still wiping tears from her eyes.

“Oh no, he was much worse before, he had a damn stick stuck in his ass.” Joker preferred to respond to the thief first, exasperating me. “Calm down, Vakarian, everything went well. You know, fighting, gunfire in the air, a few explosions, and everyone unharmed.”

"Turns out we lost the Krogan scientist, but, hey, in return he gave us a giant fish tank! The ground crew is making sure the anchors are secured for the transfer and they'll be here soon. You should have seen how Mara blew up the Mecha. It was impressive!. She launched herself into the air and delivered a mini biotic punch that ripped out the wiring, literally sparks flew," he said with the excitement of a little kid reflected in his voice.

"I love fish, they're so pretty, they don't have any other problems, they just float around." With a sigh, Kasumi leaned against Joker's chair, causing him to squint.

"Hey, hey, I'm frail. Don't move your chair!" he complained, still smiling. "Besides, I don't know if you'll like this fish... it's a Krogan in a breeding tank. Shepard doesn't want to leave it for Cerberus, so... well, the ship might explode when he decides to open that thing.”

Kelly's soft footsteps made me look back; she was in charge of reporting the communications to Shepard. Also, of all the crew members sent by Cerberus, she was the kindest. At least I'd never heard her utter any xenophobic comments. "The Commander knows what he's doing; he wouldn't put us in danger. So please don't go telling the rest of the crew that the ship could explode."

"Kelly... I like you, but you're a killjoy!" Joker muttered.

"Shuttle docked correctly, adjusting pressurization," Edi's voice reported

"I'll go help the Commander and assign an isolated room for our new friend. Don't cause any trouble." Like a mother scolding a bunch of kids, Kelly shot a warning glance toward Joker and Kasumi, who feigned offense at the secretary's cautious behavior.

Thinking that Mara must be tired from the mission, I quietly turned on the balls of my toes and headed toward the kitchen. I didn't say goodbye, but my absence wasn't noticed either as the two of them joked about what new name to give the krogan.

Thinking about the past, smiled as I remembered the beginning of our friendly exchanges. When we had a hard day's work, we had established the unspoken custom of rewarding the effort with sweets or coffee for her and tea for me.

I would give her the last tub of Parvus and prepare the drinks while I waited for her in the dining area, having a premonition that Mara would immediately come looking for me as soon as she finished settling in.

Not even half an hour had passed when I heard Mara's rhythmic, light footsteps accompanied by the faint scent of the Xael flower. Sitting at the table so that my eyes were straight ahead, ready to see who was entering the dining area, I shifted in my seat as I wondered why that sweet smell sometimes haunted her intensely, losing me in its fragrance as it overshadowed everything around me, and other times subtly, distant, yet familiar.

As soon as she saw me, she smiled brightly, making her face light up. Mara had just had a shower; her hair was still damp, forming uneven waves and causing water to seep into the fabric of her sleeveless top.

The military-style clothing clung to her delicate body in the necessary places, like her waist, highlighting them in contrast to the looseness of her cargo pants, making her curves hard to ignore. Seeing the Lumian adorning her neck only made me smile until I noticed her looking around as if afraid there were more people there, acting strangely.

Approaching me, she invaded my space, hovering over me until she placed a soft kiss on my faceplate that caught me off guard and made my subharmonics ring with affection at the unexpected gesture. Doctor Solus's guide wasn't lying; humans loved touch with their partners... yesterday I'd noticed that Mara liked to kiss any part of my face, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't fascinated by her small displays of affection.

Blushing, she sat next to me, deciding to lean her weight against my arm... She'd never done this before. The difference in our dynamic disconcerted me but didn't bother me, and I couldn't help but laugh as I watched her place another kiss on my bicep, even though I couldn't feel it because of my armor.

It seemed like the dividing line between friendship had completely blurred, allowing her to display all her adorable impulses, no matter how illogical. We, Turians, didn't have this behavior in couples, personal space wasn't broken in public and contact wasn't necessary, being replaced by subharmonic vibrations of comfort, but for Mara it seemed that everything was essential.

Her biotics sang unconsciously around me in that bluish glow almost imperceptible to the human eye. Her head rubbed lightly against my arm, and her hands toyed with the steaming cup of coffee as she sighed contentedly.

"Thank you. You don't know how much I needed this. My brother wouldn't let me say goodbye to you, and I've been angry ever since," she confessed, making me laugh slightly at her statement.

"It's one of our customs, isn't it?"  pushing the plate with the dessert closer to her, she made a captivating pout while puffing out those cheeks that made me want to peck.

"We'll share it." Breaking the Parvus in half with her spoon made me shake my head.

"No, you've had a rough day, and when you're angry, I know sweets always cheer you up." In a softened subvocal tone, I tried to make her understand that I just wanted her to be well.

"You've had a rough day too... you had to talk to your father, right?" Raising her head slightly, she allowed me to closely observe her beautiful irises, which, now with her coppery hair darkened by the humidity, seemed to vibrate in hues that reminded me of autumn.

This was one of the things I liked about Mara, even though she might have her problems, she didn't abandon you, she didn't overlay them on others, coming to understand me without me having to admit that the call with my father had put me in a bad mood.

John Shepard

Edi had analyzed the basic needs for keeping the breeding tank functional, selecting the engine room as the best location because it needed to be connected to the plumbing for the constant and fluid renewal of the water filters.

That the Krogan scientist had chosen to sacrifice himself to save his creation, exposing himself to the toxic fumes while carrying out the necessary commands to isolate the tank, was unexpected… now we had to deal with the pure prototype, and I didn't even know how rational this young Krogan would be, who seemed to slumber in ignorance.

Entrusting Kelly with supervising the tank's operation by the rest of the crew, I retreated with Doctor Solus to the elevator. We would make a brief stop in the mess hall for me to grab some refreshments, and then we would go to the lab so he could tell me the observations he'd noticed about my sister's biotics in combat.

The day had been tiring, the mission had gone on longer than expected, and all I wanted to do was rest in my room, hopefully enjoying Jack's company if she hadn't decided to leave yet.

 When the doors rang, indicating we had reached the third floor of the ship, I left first, eager to get something to eat to quell the hunger I felt from all the calorie loss during combat.

However, as soon as I set foot in the dining room, I noticed the figures of Garrus and my sister, who were enjoying a lively conversation while she looked like she was about to eat the last bite of a flan.

As expected, those two couldn't stay away from each other for long, I thought, as I approached them in an attempt to distract my sister long enough to get the last piece of dessert.

It had always been like that, the only thing Mara didn't share was sweets, she was a sweet-toothed little girl who threw tantrums if someone decided to spoil her sugary dish, but sometimes I was amused to see her annoyed look, her puffed-out cheeks, her wrinkled nose and her pursed lips because they reminded me of when she was little, when she would follow me around like I was a little lost duckling everywhere.

That's why I had affectionately nicknamed her Minion... but now she seemed to drift away from me. I guess it was normal; I couldn't expect my sister to constantly follow me around without reproach. I was actually glad she was generating some independence... but when all she was doing was changing her attachment to dependence on the Turian, I was afraid she'd end up heartbroken.

"Minion! You've done well out there. You haven't left any open angles for them to shoot at you, and you've been aware of the enemy's positioning." My assessment made her smile with happiness plastered on her face as she held the spoon in the air. She didn't like to talk with her mouth full, so I took advantage of this little bit of knowledge to pull off the prank.

It was a quick, barely concealed movement as I pretended to ruffle her wet hair until I distracted her enough for her to subconsciously try with her hands to stop me from doing my annoying thing. When she raised the spoon in the air, I simply leaned over and took the precious morsel while smiling teasingly at her.

However, her face didn't reflect her anger. Concern framed her features “Spit it out, John, spit it out!” She shouted, but I only swallowed the candy and stuck my tongue out at her.

“Too laaaaate.” I tried to sing even though I noticed a slight difficulty swallowing.

Suddenly the burning pain made its way down my throat to my esophagus in a slow, painful path that promised to burn my insides. My hand went straight to the painful area, scratching it repeatedly as if it could open the way for saliva to moisten my mouth.

The saliva disappeared. I tried to speak... but I couldn't form a sound, my tongue swelled like a balloon, and my vision blurred as I fell to the floor in a continuous convulsion. I felt the spasms of my muscles like cast iron needles in my veins, my skin burned, and my ears rang, making the voices seem distant.

It wasn't until I felt a cold liquid on my thigh, penetrating with precise force, that I stopped trembling and felt I could breathe again. I blinked repeatedly until I could focus... the ceiling of the infirmary was clouded by the orange tones of Doctor Solus's face, which had no outline.

“Severe allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock successfully avoided. I recommend rest and vigilance.” The speed with which she spoke meant I understood little of the message.

“We’d better hydrate him and keep an eye on the swelling of the mucous membranes,” a woman’s voice…despite my confusion, I was able to associate it with Dr. Chakwas. Another prick, another needle in my burned skin, which, however, didn’t cause any damage compared to the constant itching that made me want to tear my skin off.

“Will he be okay?” Concern filled my sister's voice.

What was she eating? It couldn't be normal or spoiled food; that wouldn't provoke this reaction in my body—I thought as I felt like dying.

“15 minutes of recovery. He'll be able to speak briefly, although he'll have difficulty.” An orange blur floated over my head again, shining a light in my eyes and causing me to blink helplessly, trying to protect them. “What food did he ingest?”

“Parvus,” Garrus gave a direct, deep response.

"Mmmhmm...impossible, 100% dextrose composition. A human with a high tolerance could still die from a violent allergic reaction." The Salarian's response made me clench my fists. Did Garrus know what he was giving my sister? Maybe she was fine because I'd taken the last bite reserved for her... Was this the Turian's way of betraying me back? By hurting my sister? The questions piled up unanswered. Fury fueled my movements, however clumsy they were, forcing me to sit up on the stretcher.

The world kept spinning, my stomach lurched, and the contraction made bile rise with a bitter aftertaste and unpleasant sensation. The gagging didn't take long to appear...fuck no! Shit! – I thought before vomiting into whatever they had put in front of me.

A small hand rubbed my back as the greenish glow seemed to calm me, making the nausea disappear and allowing my vision to focus on the room again. “It’s okay, John… don’t force yourself,” she spoke in a soft voice, reminding me of the tone our mother used when we were sick. “Is it really not suitable for humans, even those with good resistance? I’ve never had an allergic reaction to it; in fact, we suspected I might have double chiriality.” Turning to the Doctor, the Salarian looked thoughtful, for the first time at a loss for words to respond.

His quick movements turned him back into a blur that only made me dizzy. I felt my sister help me lie down on the stretcher again, causing an exhausted sigh to escape my lips.

Bringing a trembling hand to my sweaty forehead, I could see the reason for the itching. Reddish welts plagued my skin, protruding in every area they marked. A grimace crossed my face, knowing this wouldn't go away in a day.

"Can I collect samples?" Doctor Solus's enthusiastic voice sought my sister's authorization.

"Sure, no problem... Blood, saliva, skin biopsy?.” She listed as she sat on the stretcher, causing me to feel a slight dip in the side of the mattress.

"A little bit of everything. Shepard, I'll also collect samples from you. I need to compare them and... privacy. The study is delicate." His black gaze, which now seemed like a blurred line cutting across his face, turned toward the others present.

“Understood, we'll wait outside.” The kind Doctor Chakwas seemed to push the Turian who had no intention of moving an inch. “Garrus, it will only be a small prick and scraping of skin, they will be, no harm done” she assured him to calm him down but the only thing that made him feel safe was my sister's smile accompanied by a slight nod.

Closing my eyes, I began to feel the effect of the medication as I heard the door close, leaving us alone with the Salarian, who hummed as he took our samples, carelessly wiping the clinical tool over my skin.

Clearing my throat, I moved my tongue around in my desert-dry mouth. The swelling had gone down... so I tried to speak, but only a babble came out, reminiscent of a frog's croak, which made my sister laugh with a hint of sadness.

"In a few minutes, you can yell at me all you want," she half-joked, aware that I was about to scold her.

Minutes turned into hours under the singing of Doctor Solus and his exclamations of surprise that added no information, only impatience.

I definitely should have gone straight to my room,- was the last thing on my mind as I dozed off.

Mara

My brother's breathing became more even. My biotic power was still working on him, soothing his irritated skin. The welts hadn't completely disappeared; the angry redness had faded, and the bump had smoothed out, but they were still noticeable, like tiny spider bites scattered across the canvas.

Doctor Solus had already obtained all the samples and was now analyzing them under the microscope while he waited for the results of the tests. His enthusiastic humming filled the room, indicating that the Salarian was too focused to notice this habit of his.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I knew what the outcome would be: a secret I'd kept since I was eight, and now it would bring my brother's wrath. Guilt and remorse surged in my stomach, echoing my nerves. How angry would John be? How much should I keep quiet?

"Exceptional! You share at least 30% of your genetics... according to studies, since you're siblings, the rate should be 50%, but the results indicate mutations in your cells that have spread to your DNA!" Raising his intelligent gaze from the telescope, Mordin scrutinized me as if he were looking at an endangered animal. "Did Cerberus reprogram your DNA? Did they use more genetic material than the Proethans? The report omits... secret experiments?" – with each question he asked, his voice became lower, as if they were private theories.

"What have they done? What?" My brother intervened in a furious shout. I hadn't even realized he had woken up, but he was already trying to stand up in an attempt to rebel against what he was hearing. “Damn fucking bastards! Miranda has to explain herself,  I knew she couldn't be trusted.” He hissed with hatred in his cold voice.

Rushing to calm him down, I gently placed a hand on his chest to prevent him from getting up from the stretcher. "No... it has nothing to do with Cerberus. I... well..." The words wouldn't come out, and his narrowed gaze didn't help, since he seemed distrustful of what I was saying.

After observing my face, John sighed in frustration, agreeing to stay seated. "Mara... what stupid thing have you done?"

My gaze traveled from my brother to Doctor Solus. The Salarian wasn't going to intervene, but although he seemed busy looking at the samples, he was attentive to the conversation. His head, tilted slightly toward us, indicated that he was also eager to hear my answer, if only to satisfy the morbid scientific curiosity that brought him so much joy.

I felt my hands start to sweat. Rubbing them against the fabric of my pants, I took a deep breath and prayed that my brother wouldn't yell at me at the end of the story I was about to tell:

~ºFlashbackº~

The sensation of a troubled, numb stomach demanding food through voracious convulsions was not unfamiliar to me… more than once, hunger had made its way to the point of complete exhaustion.

Taking advantage of the crush of people at the airport, I slipped into the restricted back area designated for restaurants. As a child, when John was busy pickpocketing and stealing suitcases, I would sit and watch people and imagine what their lives were like from the way they dressed, moved, or even the gestures they made. It was a way to escape reality…

Now, I was older… I could have used my powers of observation to help my brother within the gang, but my inability to lie and the clumsiness of my ailing body were only an obstacle.

Hiding from the security cameras, I opened one of the familiar containers, diving through the garbage bags and waste until I found a tightly sealed blue package with a symbol that, when I was 8 years old, I had naively thought meant the spilled food was safe, but which, upon closer inspection, now translated into the formulation of dextrose molecules.

The unpleasant smells seeped into my lungs, making me hold my breath. I had it timed: ten minutes, enter, grab the packaging, and leave until I slipped into the shadows to escape through the ventilation ducts to the storage area.

It was a journey I'd made so many times that my body acted on its own, but this time something made me stop in the darkness of the ventilation tunnel.

Even though my stomach was growling, my heart was pounding, making me curl up into a ball and cry. Why was I so sad? This was for the best, right?- I thought to myself as I dabbed at my tears with the sleeve of my moth-eaten sweater.

The orphanage was underfunded; there were too many orphans and little state aid. Food was scarce... so when my brother said he wanted to be a soldier, I decided to help in the kitchens and pretend I'd eaten my rations to give them to him.

John was going to have to grow up well… at 13, my brother was too thin, with prominent cheekbones and hollow cheeks. His grayish eyes shone in their deep sockets through dark circles as he offered me some of his food and said happily that there would come a time when we would get out of this situation, but I knew deep down that such positivity would be useless if he was rejected for genetic enhancement due to malnutrition.

At first, I simply thought I could take advantage of John's distractions to rummage through the trash. I focused on small things, a half-eaten sandwich, half-chopped fruit, but it wasn't enough; my stomach was never completely full… and then, by chance, I discovered the blue packages containing tubes similar to toothpaste and food in perfect condition, as if no one had touched them, as if they were in the wrong place… so I thought luck had come to me.

I simply ate the contents... and then the fever, the aches, the vomiting came upon me. I became violently ill for two weeks... but I continued eating from the package I had firmly stored in my backpack. I didn't associate it with food, simply with not having been eating properly. Now I knew it was food poisoning, however…the pains and cramps no longer bothered me, they had vanished as if by magic.

Opening the package, I sniffed while smiling slightly at the sight of the precious food. Today would be the last time I would eat it... John had finally been able to contact me after three days of absence. The Alliance had selected him to enter soldier training. I was happy for him; it was his dream... but I couldn't stop something from breaking inside me.

My brother was no longer going to be there for me, I was going to be left alone in the orphanage…John wouldn't be able to have my guardianship…in the first years of training the salary would be scarce and being constantly on the move, there would be no time for me.

The State would deny his request, I knew, no matter how hard he fought in court. My fate was sealed.

I tried to stop the sobs, to stop them from bouncing off the metal walls like echoes of anguish, but all I managed was to make the muffled sounds take on a new tone of wailing.

A knock, two... the sound of footsteps alerted me, causing me to crawl through the duct to avoid the guards. However, when I found myself surrounded by no way of escape, I realized what awaited me was going to be worse than spending a night in the police cell.

"Oh, oh, this was where the filthy little thing was hiding." Elijah looked me up and down in disgust. "Tell me, do you know where your brother is?" – his smile stretched sinisterly, crouching down to my height his hands pulled my hair hard making me hold back a scream at the abuse I suffered.

“He's...sick.” I lied as I tried to break free from his grip. All I succeeded in doing was making the tightness in my hair feel unbearable, as if thousands of clothespins were trying to pull out my strands.

A click of the tongue, a mocking look… and a blow to my lower back from one of the attackers who was preventing my escape from behind were what made me collapse with a thud as I bit my tongue until it bled. “Tsk… You were never good at lying. I thought you'd be smarter, but now I can see you also lack common sense.” Elijah's voice was dark, sinister… with slurred words that made me fear his reaction. “No one escapes the Reds. We'll send Shepard a nice gift.” Another resounding blow, this time to the head, made the world spin before my eyes until it went dark.

+-+-+-+

The pain was constant, spreading throughout my body and preventing me from reacting. I felt my limbs burning and becoming ponderous, my head threatening to squeeze my brain until it crushed, and my eyelids becoming heavy despite trying to focus through constant blinking, only seeing blurry images.

Echoes of an argument gave me a headache... were they deciding how they would kill me? - I thought fearfully as the taste of iron seeped into my mouth.

"Elijah... she's just a kid. You can't ask me to beat the shit out of her!" Despite my confusion, something in that tone of voice made me face the speaker. Finch had been my brother's friend; they had participated in more than one assault near the airport warehouses, and it seemed... he was advocating for a less cruel fate for me.

"Heh, you want me to make a fucking exception? No way, fuck. I deserve respect. The pups should know better than to mess with the Red Leader." Elijah shouted angrily as something like metal scraping the cement dragged under his feet. "Do as I say!"

"Shit! I'm not saying we're leaving her alone...just another kind of punishment, okay? We have that shitty Dextro liquor that we won't be able to sell because it's all registered as a dangerous food, and we don't even know if we can use it as a solvent in drug production, so... here's the guinea pig. Let's give it to her. If she survives, she's paid the debt, and if she dies, well, I haven't directly dirty my hands." My breathing became frantic, my heart pounding in my ears, making my head ring. I tried to slide along the floor, somehow escape them, but all I got was a kick in the stomach that forced me to double over.

The sensation of all my organs moving until they focused on a single point knocked the air out of my lungs. My scream came out muffled as coughs attacked me. A gloved hand squeezed my jaw until it was almost creaking. "Did you hear, you little filthy bitch? You have two options... I hope you're smarter this time. Drink that shit yourself, or I'll make you do it."

“Believe me, I prefer the second option, but there's a strange amusement in watching the scum bend." I wanted to spit on him, but that wouldn't improve the situation.

My mind in a panic, I simply accepted Elijah's words... there was no point in fighting, I had no power against them, I was alone. "Ummm... I can't hear you... why are you nodding, baby?" His chuckle, like a sigh between his teeth, only made me sob.

 "I'll… dri..drink..." I tried to splutter.

A light pat on my cheek was all I got. “That's it, smart girl.”

~ºEnd Flashbackº~

From that day…only nightmares remain. The alcohol seeped like acidic fire into me, bittering my mouth, irradiating my throat, and scorching my stomach. It felt like I was drinking liquid mercury, and I couldn’t stop even though I knew death was the only option. If I vomited, they forced me to drink more...

When the torture was over, they threw me like a piece of trash into a dumpster while my breathing remained shallow and my body convulsed.

Then everything was a blur… screams, the sound of an ambulance, and the white of the hospital. I don’t know what happened, or how my brother managed to get the Alliance to take me under their care. I only know that I somehow survived and that the hospital had only detected alcohol in my blood… an ethyl coma, but nothing associated with dextrose, so I omitted that information, fearing they would make me an experimental subject.

The silence in the infirmary room became heavy. I glanced sideways at my brother, who was clenching his fists, probably holding back the angry words he wanted to say. I thought he'd yell at me after telling him the truth, but instead, his pained gaze left me with a bittersweet feeling.

"You should have told me... damn it, Mara! I'm your older brother! You're my responsibility!" The pain in his voice made me avoid his gaze, focusing instead on the Salarian, who seemed to be concentrating again on the data displayed on the terminal screen.

"Everything went well... besides, do you think you'd have been okay with the food from the Orphanage to undergo the genetic modification?" Biting my lip nervously, I chose to move away from the stretcher and approach the Doctor.

"I would have done something else, damn it! No... you didn't have to sacrifice yourself!" The rage in his gaze glistened with unspoken tears.

Doctor Solus's clearing of his throat was intended to end the growing tension in the room. "I've run a simulated comparison with Vakarian's data. Surprisingly, you've not only generated immunity. Your body assimilates the Dextro substance as its own; it modifies you from within. You're the version of a hypoallergenic human for the Dextro species...although I'd still need to compare the data with the composition of the quarians to be certain. Truly incredible! Mhmmm... I wonder..." He paused, amid the emotion in his voice.

"Assuming direct DNA, what would it cause? How would your body adapt to it? Could it... be... no, no, impossible, or is it?" His black-scleral gaze shone with a curiosity that chilled my blood.

"Whatever you're thinking, the answer is no. No experiments on my sister!" My brother saw right through the Salarian's mind, who shrugged in disappointment.

"A pity. A fascinating study for the Galaxy, the biological implications…” – for a moment, his characteristic fluency stopped when he caught my brother's icy gaze. “I understand, please rest, Commander. You will be under observation for 24 hours.”

I didn't know what to do, whether to stay or leave... but as soon as the doors to the infirmary bay opened, revealing Jack's figure, I was instantly grateful for her cosmic intervention. I didn't wait for her to take a seat; I simply fled, not wanting to stay and hear the words my brother had in store for me.

Stepping outside, I caught small fragments of their conversation. "So, Grand Commander Shepard has been laid low by an allergy? I love irony. By the way, what's up with Giggles?"

Without hearing my brother's response, the door closed, allowing me to calm down. Supposedly, it was said that when you tell your secrets, you should feel liberated... but all I felt was the tension building in every muscle, as if I had to fight an imaginary enemy at any moment.

Wanting only to rest, to disconnect from this day that was dragging on forever, I headed straight for the elevator to hide in my room.

The doors were just closing when three pointed fingers, forming a gloved claw, stopped them, causing them to open again only for the new occupant.

Garrus's jaws flapped indecisively as his subvocals tinged with a certain shyness.

"I have a remedy for a bad day...uh...if you want, of course." The Turian nervously touched the ridges of his bangs, making me smile at the sight of this enormous alien acting adorable.

"Mmm-hm, what are you thinking?" I asked in a conspiratorial whisper as I pressed the elevator button for my room.

"A relaxing massage...uh...I've seen videos...no...it's not exactly the same for both species, but...you can show me. Does that sound okay to you?" Hesitation still echoed in his voice, as if he was afraid I was going to reject him.

The idea of a massage was accepted in my mind through an unconscious moan as I imagined his ungloved claws against my skin, his nails sliding in light, tickling grooves, and the brush of his scales. My thighs clenched at the ardor that threatened to ignite my overflowing imagination. "Yes...that sounds perfect."

Garrus's subharmonics sang with naive joy, unaware of the obscene thoughts swirling around him in my head. Biting the inside of my cheek, I felt a pang of longing anticipation. 

Would his touch feel as good as it had in my imagination? Would it be a mutual massage? Would he let me touch him, see what was beyond his armor-covered torso? My mind was going a mile a minute and shyness was losing out to the curiosity of feeling Garrus on top of me.

Blushing, I looked at the Turian's sincere smile. There were no ulterior motives behind his gaze, as serene as the Arctic sea… he was feeding a monster driven by the need for his touch, and he ignored it, and it made me feel like a depraved person.

Come on, Mara, behave yourself – I thought to myself as I turned on the lights in my room.

The last thing I wanted was to make Garrus uncomfortable…so I'd accept any crumbs he gave me.

Chapter Text

Mara

My nerves were a constant rumble in the back of my mind, a crescendo that swelled until I lost the echoes of my own thoughts. I wiggled my toes, anchoring myself to the cool softness of the sheets, as the sharp click of an essential oil cap cut through the air. It was a scent I usually turned to for tension, but now, it only heightened the electricity in the room.

Garrus had promised to take care of everything. He told me to get comfortable, to be honest about his strength... and in the dark theater of my mind, those words stripped off their innocence. My nerves piled high, a fragile barricade threatening to break my heart. I could feel my pulse thrumming against my ears, a heavy pressure in my chest born of suppressed desire, a storm that wanted to boil over, to scream until my lungs were hollow, just so I could surrender to the calm of his touch.

I closed my eyes, resisting the urge to turn and meet his unreadable gaze. I tried to map the room through sound, but nothing prepared me for the way the mattress surrendered under his weight. I felt the rigid heat of his armor against my thighs, a predatory presence looming over me. His subharmonics hummed with appreciation, a low vibration that told me he was memorizing my silhouette—and that he liked what he saw.

A sigh escaped me at the low roll of his voice. I’d been worried I wasn't enough; I was just wearing plain gray sports underwear, built for utility rather than allure. I’d asked for time to change, but Garrus had dismissed it, his clinical mind unable to grasp why one would ‘prepare’ for a massage. The dry flutter of his mandibles told me he was laughing. I bit the inside of my cheek, hovering between embarrassment and curiosity.

As I tried to turn toward him, his gloved hand pinned me gently to the bed. The contact rendered me mute, my tongue heavy as I felt the slow, rhythmic tug of the fabric as he caught the edge of my bra. The elastic snapped back against my skin, leaving a lingering sting in the air. His warm breath ghosted over my neck, now bare and vulnerable where my hair was pinned back in a loose bun.

"Mara…"

My name was a purr that turned the embers in my gut into a forest fire.

"Why are you still dressed?" The blood rushed to my cheeks, making my ears burn. "It’s not practical. I can’t spread the oil this way." The sheer logic in his voice crushed me back into reality. He didn’t understand the exposure, the raw vulnerability of standing before him like this. To him, it was a task to be optimized.

"I'm... in my underwear," I whispered, my throat dry. "Humans wear it to hide... if I take it off, you'd see me totally naked." I forced myself to breathe, eyes squeezed shut. "Could you just take off the gloves? Use your claws? Maybe that would work."

His subvocals fluctuated, jagged and erratic. "I understand... you aren't ready to expose yourself to me."

"No! It's not that," I said, desperate to stop him from feeling rejected. "It's just... it doesn't feel fair. It would just be me naked and... mmm..." My words died in a gasp as his sharp nails danced across the crown of my head and traced a slow, melodic line down my spine. I shuddered. He repeated the gesture, a startled hum vibrating through him.

"Do you like the feel of my claws on you?" He wasn't even pressing yet, just ghosting over the grooves of my skin.

"Ahh... please... can you do it harder?" I stumbled over the words, muffling an obscene moan against the pillow as he obeyed. The pressure was addictive: a whirlwind of burning, tickling, and danger. I wanted his nails to dig in until they left crimson ghosts on my skin.

He moved like a sculptor, kneading my shoulders into putty. The essential oil warmed under his rough talons, and as he moved down to my waist, the pressure against my ribs made me melt. The reality of his touch was more viciously beautiful than any fantasy. He could have torn the skin from my back and I would have gowned, for the pleasure hidden behind his strength was absolute.

His hands wandered lower, testing the air. His caresses turned suggestive as he massaged my seat, enveloping and stretching the skin with an exploratory curiosity. The heat in me reached a breaking point. When his fingers playfully traced the line of my center, I gasped. "Ah... wait!"

"I wonder what sound you'll make," he murmured, his voice a deep, resonant rumble as his fingers brushed my lips. "Aren't you going to sing for me, Mara?" He blew his warm breath along my spine, making my skin crawl in the best way.

Shame and desire blurred into tears as my biotics spiraled into a violet song of madness. My moans rose in pitch, raw and honest. Garrus trilled, "So melodious..." His voice lost its composure, turning husky—almost a roar. I was slick, overflowing, and he knew it. His fingertips collected the moisture with a final, feather-light touch, and then—he vanished.

The loss of his weight made me jump. Had I been too loud? Was he afraid? I sat up slowly, glancing at him over my arms. He lay inches away, eyes closed, jaw clenched so tight it looked like stone. The only sign of his undoing was the frantic rumble of his subvocals.

"Garrus... your turn."

His arctic eyes snapped open, pupils dilated into black voids. He stroked my cheek with a single claw. "I’m afraid massages aren’t the same for turians. Your body is receptive, charming... but my plates are insensitive. We’d need a hammer drill to reach the muscle."

"What if I use biotics?" A violet glow danced on my fingertips.

He laughed, a dry, beautiful sound. "I think the infirmary is full enough." Then, his expression shifted. "I mean it... you trusted me. Now it's my turn."

He silenced me with a finger to my lips. "It’s just... you stimulate me too much with your sounds. I don't know if I can control myself. I've taken hormone blockers, but this month has been... hectic."

"Blockers?" I asked, catching his hand and tracing the rough, beautiful scales of his knuckles.

His jaw trembled. "Turians have mating cycles. Two months a year where we are impulsive, wild... driven to procreate. The radiation on Palaven made us selective. I know humans are different... I don't know if you understand what I'm saying."

I blinked, processing the weight of it. "Mmhmmm, I don't see anything wrong with it. Can you breed me?" I used his word, hesitant. Genetics said it was impossible, but the thought of his claim sent a shock through me.

Garrus sighed in frustration, his upper lip arching to reveal sharp teeth. "Mara... you don't know what you're asking. I'll hurt you. I don't even think my knot could... and you don't want your first time to be with my mind on the brink of reason." He stood up with lethal grace and moved away.

I lunged for him, catching the spur on his calf. "I... I'm sorry!" I cried as he turned, startled. "But I want to try. I want to touch you!"

"Are you sure?" His voice was a heavy gravity. I nodded, eyes shut tight. "Look at me, Mara. If I lose control... punch me with biotics. Promise me." He wasn't joking. He was terrified of his own strength.

"I promise," I whispered.

I watched, breathless, as he dismantled his armor. Curiosity drowned my shyness as I absorbed every inch of exposed skin. He removed his shirt, revealing a torso of breathtaking perfection. Stripped of the carapace's hood, I saw the sleek mosaic of his plates, a dark, brownish shade of skin peeking through like rich earth. His sternum was an exposed ridge of blue-gray elegance.

He was a mystery I wanted to solve with my tongue. I bit my lip, my thighs rubbing together instinctively.

"My shell is a bit wider... too much muscle, maybe..." he hesitated, misreading my hunger.

"You're perfect... so handsome," I whispered, enchanted. I covered my mouth as he laughed.

"I'm glad you enjoy the view," he joked, lying down to show me his broad back. His spine was a highway of hardened plates that melted into scales at his waist. He was an apex predator, a design worthy of a god.

I climbed him, sitting in the middle of his back. The contrast was a shock; the cool, porous plates against my burning thighs. I rocked my hips unconsciously, and the friction of my center against his spinal ridge sent a jolt of lightning through me. It was exquisite. I tried to rise, fearing the fire I was starting, but his claws clamped onto my thighs and pulled me back down.

"Get comfortable," he commanded.

I began to caress his warm muscles, tracing the lines where skin met plate. He hissed in satisfaction. I channeled a bit of biotic energy into my fingertips, pressing into the center of his plates. The response was immediate—a persistent, vibrating purr that swept through both of us like a tornado. The reverberation stimulated me so intensely I moaned, blinded by the sensation. It felt immoral, like I was depraving a simple massage, but I couldn't stop.

I gripped his waist to stay upright. He let out a fervent roar as the biotics hit his bare skin. "Garrus... ah!"

With a frenetic hiss, the world blurred. In a display of lethal, predatory grace, he shifted beneath me, flipping our positions in a heartbeat until I was pinned against the vast, vibrating expanse of his chest. His claws sank into the soft give of my thighs, dragging me downward along the ridge of his protruding sternum. The bone-deep hum of his furious purr radiated through me, a rhythmic assault on every nerve ending I possessed. Even through the thin barrier of my underwear, I was crushed against the unyielding heat of his chest plate, the friction a violent, exquisite friction that left me breathless.

His beastly eyes, two burning pits of arctic blue, pierced through my half-closed gaze. There was no hiding; I was completely exposed to that raw, hunger-filled stare, and the vulnerability of it only set my blood on fire. My thighs began to tremble, a frantic, rhythmic shaking as the wetness of my desire overflowed, slick and unbidden.

The points of his nails pricked the tender skin of my legs, a sharp reminder of the power he held, forcing a string of uncontrollable moans from my throat. He didn't stop. He continued that slow, agonizing drag, pulling me toward the hard nub of his keel. The moment that ridge made contact with my center, I came undone. I dissolved into a mess of disjointed sounds, my voice breaking under the weight of it all. The bone-shaking vibration, the crushing pressure, the sharp burn of his claws, and the sight of his bared teeth as he let out a guttural roar. It was the perfect, devastating combination for my disaster.

Warmth spread through me in pulsing, violent waves, forcing my eyes shut as sparks of white light danced behind my eyelids. Tears tracked hot down my cheeks as I was swept away by an ecstasy so intense it felt like drowning, my body held steady only by the iron strength of his grip.

When the world finally stopped spinning, I forced my eyes open, a shaky apology trembling on my lips for the way I’d lost control. But the words died in my throat. The air in the room had grown heavy, ancient, and dangerous. I looked at him, and the apology vanished into the silence of the room.

I hadn't just touched him. I had awakened the predator.

Garrus

My sanity fractured at the sight of her—those parted red lips, her gaze fractured and unfocused, lashes fluttering as she tried to shield her beautiful eyes. Her breathing was a physical struggle, straining against her clothes until her breasts threatened to spill over.

The honeyed pitch of her moans was a direct strike to my ego, a fuel that turned my instincts into a roaring furnace. I had spent so much time worrying I could never satisfy her, and now... she was falling apart in front of me. I hadn't even truly touched her yet, not properly, and already she was unraveling from a mere brush. She was a female so fragile, so terrifyingly willing, that it sparked a dark, possessive hunger in my gut. I wanted to ruin her—to mar her so deeply that no other male would ever dare look at her.

Mine... only mine!

With a low, dissatisfied grunt, I surged upward, lifting her light frame until our positions shifted. Standing over her, I forced her snowy thighs apart to reveal the pearly moisture slicking her interior. My nails scraped against her tender skin, leaving white-to-red tracks in their wake—a path to trace as I unfolded her pleasure. Her soft moan was a permission slip that only encouraged me as I brought my mouth closer to her warm core.

Spirits... I could feel the heat emanating from her like an invitation. Tearing the fabric, I revealed what I so craved. Before me, Mara’s most delicate parts opened like a flower. She was devoid of hair to cover her, to hide her from my curious sight, and that fact alone made me gasp. Touching the tender flesh, I parted her until I discovered that hidden pink bud. The scent of Xael’s flower, already heavy in the room, became completely intoxicating, making me salivate at the prospect of devouring her.

A fleeting moment of understanding made me moan as my subvocals purred with a long-forgotten longing. Mara had always attracted me; her scent had always driven me half-mad. When other turians caught her fragrance, we all agreed she was a human who stood out in an appetizing way—joking even to the point of wondering if she was edible. And now, damn it, I wouldn't let anyone else capture even a hint of her essence. I would corrupt her with my pheromones; I would mark her to keep her away from any other male. She had to smell like me. The primitive thought filtered through my mind like thick smoke, making me roar.

"So damn exposed..." my fingers played with her folds, opening and closing them just to capture the shyness of the small human who, blushing, tried to hide her face in her hands. "I don't understand how humans... don't conceal their females. But Spirits!... I’m going to make you useless to them." My hoarse voice could barely contain itself.

Her tearful moan and the slight trembling of her body only made me smile like a predator. Her tears were an incentive, something that bewitched me and fed my rising heat, arousing me just by watching them track down her face. She enjoyed my roughness. I’d already confirmed that through the massage—the way she writhed at the touch of my claws and the way she sang every time they pressed their sharp points against her skin. Mara was a human receptive to pain; through it, she found a twisted pleasure. The guidebook had mentioned her kind, but I hadn't expected her, as delicate as she was, to have such tastes. For me, it was an absolute advantage.

My tongue ran over her skin until I found the flavor of her lubrication spread across her inner thigh. I thanked the spirits she was hypoallergenic, because her syrupy aftertaste, with its hints of refreshing citrus, was addictive.

Breathing against her, I inhaled her scent before tantalizingly inserting the tip of my tongue to brush her bud. She flinched, trying to move away from the intrusion, but my hands clamped onto her narrow waist and moved down, pinning her hips in a reassuring fondle. Sensing a slight hollow as if her body were carved for my claws. I latched on, immobilizing her while I held her thighs wide.

Her intimacy was so different from a turian female, and yet... it felt like perfection. Mara’s folds were torrid, soft, and wet, making my tongue want to explore every sensitive nerve. Turian females were rougher, with harder skin and little lubrication, their pleasure button hidden inside a canal stimulated by a male’s ridges.

In my species, inserting the tongue wasn't advisable; once a female reached bliss, her intimate plates would snap shut, making curiosity dangerous. The tongue was for external coaxing only. And yet, despite the difference, I was obsessed with sinking my tongue into Mara. I savored her, my purr vibrating against her until she tensed. Laughing, I noticed how much it affected her. Every trill, every lick, every reverberation made her moan uncontrollably.

Focusing on her little bud, I circled it, embracing it and pressing with my tip. Her hands clutched at my fringe as her biotics flared, seeking to massage them, which only spread the pleasure and pressed me even harder against her. My breath licked her flesh; she gasped sweetly, and with a stifled moan, she shattered into spasms.

Her essence emanated gently, but not from her bud. My tongue probed a small, protected cavity where this delicacy originated. Greedy, seeking to drink everything she could give me, I slowly inserted my tongue until I succumbed to that tunnel of burning heat that struggled to block my way. Plunging deep, I felt a powerful pressure surround me, almost absorbing me. My name on Mara’s lips was a cry, a prayer to the heavens. Her whole body trembled, her sobs were a melody, and the effort of her breathing caught me in its rhythm. I drank one last sip of her, knowing I had found the entrance to paradise.

My own intimate plates had been struggling to open since the moment I felt her wetness; the pressure had become unbearable. Now, the pain was agonizing. In my mind, there was only one goal: to merge with her.

Withdrawing from her, I bit the flesh of her inner thigh—a first mark that unleashed my venom. She screamed in pain, her beautiful tears making her eyes shine like glittering glass. Blocking her movement, I growled a warning until her body stopped tensing and relaxed, the poison acting as a heavy aphrodisiac.

Sitting up, I positioned myself at her pelvis. I opened my pants with a desperate urgency, and my cock emerged, revealing its full wingspan. Mara’s eyes went wide, and I saw the panic in her greenish-gold gaze. I tasted her fear, her defeat before me, as my jaws opened to reveal my teeth in a silent hiss that paralyzed her. She was my prey, and she would be obedient.

Impatience drove me. I rubbed myself against her entrance, my own wetness contributing to the glide, coating her thighs, her mound, and her belly in a viscous, blueish substance. Her faint moan only fueled my need. Grasping my cock, I guided it toward her tender interior. The weeping tip met resistance, making me impulsive. I tried to thrust into her without success, only for it to slip back and graze her clitoris. I roared in frustration. Why wouldn't she open? Didn't she want me? Didn't she accept me? Fury lashed out in my mind, clouding everything.

My claws dug into her skin, drawing blood. A reddish river mingled with my essence, staining the sheets in a beautiful, violent display. Mara’s voice called to me through her tears—a veiled plea that felt miles away. I knew I should stop, that I shouldn't hurt her, but instinct had the wheel. My hips slammed against hers in another fruitless thrust that made me squeal like a beast. The small human wouldn’t let me in. Why?

I hovered millimeters from her face, licked each of her tears, and savored her terror until I was sated. Then, I bared my teeth in a lethal threat. Struggling to pull words through my restless subharmonics, I only managed one.

"Submit!"

Mara

Garrus’s gaze was absolute a weight of pure, unadulterated dominance. His pupils had swallowed the blue of his irises, leaving only a thin, arctic rim of light that fought to steady the rising tide of my panic. Standing before me, he was no longer the Turian I knew; he was a predator, an ancient force that took what it desired without the grace of a question. I should have been terrified. I should have struck him with a biotic flare, just as he’d warned me to do. But I couldn't move.

My body was a live wire, sparking and humming with his proximity. The burning weight of him resting against my belly was a promise I wasn’t ready to break. My inner walls pulsed with a rhythmic, desperate contraction. I wanted him inside me. I needed to feel the intrusive reality of him, despite the alien architecture of his body.

He was a beautiful, dangerous mystery. The head of his member was a sleek cone, widening into a shaft adorned with protruding ridges that spiraled toward a base where his intimate plates waited like a silken trap, designed to hold me fast once I was possessed. His deep, vibrant blue hue, slicked with a thick, crystalline lubrication, made him look as if he were coated in a layer of sweet frosting. Reaching up, I tried to anchor us both, pressing soft, affectionate kisses against the hard line of his jaws.

"Garrus... I’ve surrendered," I whispered, my voice a soft velvet. "But I’m too small... I'm too tight. If you have patience..."

I meant it as a plea, but in his wild state, he heard it as a challenge. One of his claws left my skin, opting instead to dig into the mattress, shredding the fabric with a sound that made me go rigid. I realized then that there was no reasoning with the storm inside him.

Seeking a different way to quiet his longing, I wrapped my fingers around the tip of his cock. It throbbed with a life of its own, shuddering rhythmically against my stomach. His subvocals collapsed into a low, needy groan, a sigh that hungered for my touch. Determined, I closed both hands around him. I began a slow, deliberate motion, squeezing lightly as I moved up and down the length of him. His jaws opened wide, a muffled, guttural sound escaping his throat as his eyes drifted shut. I let a spark of biotics bleed into my palms, and I felt him finally melt beneath me. His hips began to roll, echoing the phantom thrusts of my hands.

I slid one hand up to cradle the head while the other worked the shaft. His forehead pressed into mine—a turian kiss—as a fluctuating, high-pitched squeal filled the room. The cool slick of his essence began to warm under the friction, unfolding a heat that was far too pleasing. I pressed his erection against my belly, using the softness of my own skin to give him the sensation of fullness he craved. The sound of our slick skin meeting was obscene—wet, disastrous, and perfect. I moaned as his breaths turned into ragged pants.

His cock throbbed compulsively against my palms, and then, with a bestial roar that shook my very bones, Garrus broke. He dispersed his seed in fiery jets that bathed my skin in shades of pearly blue.

His nostrils flared as he fought to reclaim his breath. Slowly, his gaze returned to me, the black slits of his pupils retreating until the arctic sea I loved so much was visible once more. The firmness between my hands vanished as he retracted, hiding away behind his plates and leaving my hands grasping at the empty air. He purred, lost in the afterglow, his claws gently spreading his essence over my skin as if I were a blank canvas and he were the artist.

"Don't you like me?" He avoided my eyes, humming a confused, melodic trill. The transition was jarring; a delicate tenderness now enveloped his touch, an alarming contrast to the predator of moments ago.

I caught his hands, feeling his essence acting like a warm, soothing balm on my skin. "I'm sorry I hurt you," he murmured, guilt flooding his subharmonics. "I understand if... you don't want to do this again." The great predator was suddenly a nervous boy, looking for anywhere to hide from my stare.

"I like you so much," I said, my voice strengthening. "This... I like this." Boldly, I mimicked his movements, spreading his scent over my body. I scooped a small amount with my finger and, without shame, brought it to my lips to taste.

"Spirits!" he sighed, watching me. It tasted of mint and tart cranberries. His pupils flared black again for a fleeting second, and I gave him a mischievous smile.

"If you want to possess me, you have to be delicate, my love. At least at first," I whispered against his jaw, feeling him tremble.

"Teach me." His directness made me laugh. I caressed his neck, tracing the tapestry of his scales.

"First, I have to prepare myself... with my fingers. Yours are a little too big for the first time. And when I’m ready, then... I’ll be all yours."

Garrus moved with me, turning us over until I was draped across him. His claw traced my cheek, dancing down my jaw and tickling my neck until he untied my hair, letting it fall. He rubbed a strand between his fingers, thoughtful and quiet.

“Can I watch you do it?”

The question sent a fresh jolt through my nerves. He truly knew no shame. I sat up on his lap, planting my feet against the ruined mattress and slowly opening my legs to his watchful gaze.

“I’ll do something better,” I whispered. I guided my hand down, caressing my mons pubis before using my fingers to highlight the fleshy, delicate lips of my entrance.

“These protect my interior. They’re soft, Garrus. You can’t scratch them.” I opened myself further. “Here…” I moaned as I touched the knot of nerves. “This is my clitoris. Though you’ve already figured that out.”

I lifted it slightly, revealing the small opening of my urethra. “If this is stimulated with the rest... I’ll come undone in minutes.” Finally, I circled the entrance of my vagina. “This is the goal.” I tentatively inserted a finger, moaning shamelessly as I felt his lower plates tremble against me in anticipation. “It’s elastic... it just needs to be coaxed.”

A second finger was about to follow when a violent bang from the next room shattered the moment. I snapped my legs shut, pulling my hand back as if burned. Garrus let out a low growl of pure annoyance, his claws clutching my knees as if trying to bring the vision back.

“IT’S NOT TIME!” Jack’s voice thundered through the bulkhead, raw and angry. My blood turned to liquid fire in my cheeks. I felt like a child caught in a scandalous prank. “If you’re gonna do it, do it quietly! Giggles, muzzle that damn dinosaur!”

I looked at Garrus, horrified, but he just laughed—a deep, joyful sound that vibrated through my body. “Put in some earplugs, tough girl!” he roared back.

I smacked his claws in shock, but he only laughed harder.

“FUCK YOU!” she screamed back.

“I WAS ON IT!” Garrus yelled with a wink. He pulled me down into a sudden, crushing hug, molding me against his torso. “Goodnight, mella feram.” He stroked my hair, pressing me against the cool strength of his shell.

How could he be so calm? I lay there, my heart a frantic drum, wondering how I could ever face the crew again. But as he began to hum—a low, melodic purr that acted like a sedative—the world began to fade.

“Mella feram?” I whispered into the crook of his neck.

“My wild honey,” he murmured, and the darkness finally felt like home.

Chapter Text

Garrus

Mara’s slight movements against me had woken me up hours ago, and since then, I’d done nothing but focus on every tiny detail of her. Her coppery hair was draped over my torso, even settling into the gaps of my hood like dancing flames.

Her breath against my plates was warm, steady—the kind of peace that made me tune out the rest of the galaxy just to track the fluid rise and fall of her chest against my shell. One of her hands was anchored to my keel as if she were afraid I’d pull a vanishing act, and those reddish lips of hers were parted in a way that felt like a constant provocation.

The softness of her skin against my scales felt like a literal blessing from the spirits. I kept my touch light, my claws wandering slowly down her back, tracing a silhouette so different from the females of my own species. I could fit her entire waist in just one of my hands; it made me want to squeeze, just to hear what kind of delicious sounds she’d make. Her hips—generous, rounded—slotted perfectly against my spurs in that tender hollow I’d discovered yesterday. It was the perfect spot to hold her, to plant my claws and keep her right where I wanted her.

Having her here felt so right it was pulling faint, ecstatic purrs right out of my chest. I let my hand slide lower, molding my claws to the curve of her backside. They were soft but firm, the kind of perfect density that made my fingers want to sink in like she was some sort of stress-relief toy.

The comparison made me huff a quiet laugh. I remembered mocking the humans back at C-Sec who used those squishy balls or stuffed animals to deal with the pressure from the executors. Now, I got it. There was something strangely relaxing about feeling Mara’s skin yield to my touch and then spring right back into shape.

My attention earned me a few light gasps and a playful tilt of her hips. Curious, I traced messy, velvet patterns over her skin with my mid-digits, making her moan sweetly.

Her eyelashes fluttered. It took a second for her sleepy eyes to find me, and then those beautiful sphenas of hers shined, contracting around her dilated pupils.

I tensed up, worried I’d messed up her ‘calibrations’ by waking her. A Turian woman would’ve given me a warning growl for overstepping—rest is sacred, a tactical necessity for a functioning society. But Mara? she just smiled like I’d handed her the greatest gift in the world.

Unsure of the protocol, I froze. The manuals didn't exactly cover human morning-after customs. What was the move? Do I press our foreheads together? Would she like it if I rubbed my jaw against hers?

Her adorable laugh cut through my overthinking. "Calm down, Garrus... I can feel you're at a crossroads," she teased, clearly picking up the nerves in my subharmonics. She pressed herself closer, and I felt her breasts—still hidden by that damned garment—pushing against my chest plates.

She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing a deep red as a prank took shape in her mind. She started moving up my body with agonizing slowness, making sure we didn't lose an inch of skin contact. Her nose brushed my neck, her breath warm and shallow, and her lips trailed sweet kisses up to my uninjured jaw, making me let out a long sigh.

One of her restless hands found my fringe, burying her fingers behind my ridges where the skin is softer, more sensitive. She scratched at that delicate spot with her nails, and it sent a tremor right through my plates. My breathing hitched; my subvocals twitched. Unexpected stimulation, to say the least.

She rested her forehead against mine with a gentle kiss, her eyes locked onto mine. “Good morning, my love,” she whispered. That honeyed voice shook me to the core, dragging my mind straight back to her moans from last night.

“Mella Ferum… you’re being way too naughty,” I growled, my voice dropping an octave, a total admission of how much her brazenness was getting to me.

With flushed cheeks and a naive little smile, she pecked the tip of my nose, leaving me stunned for a second. “I’ll be nice. I don’t want to take advantage of your delicate situation,” she whispered, like it was a secret.

Good way to put it, I thought, chuckling at her ‘mating season’ comment. “Mhmmm, too bad. I wouldn’t exactly complain if you did.” I let my jaw arch into a sly grin, which earned me a light punch to the shoulder.

“Garrus! I’m serious... I can’t satisfy you right now.” She tried to hide a look of hurt, which immediately made my stomach drop.

“Mara, you’re dead wrong. You underestimate yourself. You were incredible yesterday. Now I finally know the secret of why humans have so many fingers.” I tried to keep it light, joking to chase away the demons in her head. I took one of her elegant hands in my claw, playfully spreading her fingers. “These little things are a lethal weapon against me.” I pressed the back of her hand to my mouth-plate, a Turian attempt at a kiss that finally made her laugh.

“Well... I’ll pretend I believe you.” She bit the inside of her cheek, still hesitant.

“Oh, you better believe it. I never lie. Code of the ‘Good Turian,’ right?” Catching her off guard, I gave her bottom a firm squeeze and pulled her flush against my hips, eliciting a delicious moan.

I stood up with her in my arms, and she instinctively wrapped her thighs around my waist for stability, her hands gripping my keel. “Garrus!” she squealed in protest, which just made me laugh harder.

I headed for the bathroom and set her down gently on the sink. “What are you doing?” she asked, looking completely confused.

“I’m going to wash you. I’m the commanding officer here, so let me pamper you.” As I stepped back, I noticed my nails had left angry reddish lines on her skin where I’d dug in during my... unstable moment last night. My jaws tightened in a grimace; my subharmonics were thick with regret for hurting her.

“Oh... it’s like I’ve been bathed in frosting!” Her exclamation caught me off guard. I looked away from the marks and focused on her skin—my essence had dried, pearling over her like a bluish second skin. It clung to her, stubborn as hell, even as she tried to pick at it with her fingernails.

A guttural groan, mixed with a sharp click, tore through the air. I felt my lower intimate plate start to retract, hitting the edges of my unbuttoned pants—I hadn't even had time to take them off last night in the heat of the moment.

Seeing her covered in my scent, my fluids... it excited me more than I could put into words, especially seeing that she wasn't bothered by it at all. “I think we need a shower... and your pants need a serious soak.” She pointed to the corner. Mara was oblivious to my mounting desire. I followed her gaze and laughed when I realized she’d actually managed to sneak a washer-dryer onto the ship.

Without me even realizing it, this tiny human had kept me sane, keeping me from just claiming her all over again right there. “Don’t you think one day a week is enough for laundry?” I teased.

“I like my clothes clean! Besides, some of our stuff looks the same, and I have to keep checking the labels. And... I’m not stealing the hot water. I use the cold cycle, so I’m not bothering anyone,” she rambled, making me laugh again.

“Mara, I’m not going to rat you out, don't worry. Besides, this helps us out, considering... uh... well, you’re about to leave me completely soaked.” A bit of shyness crept into my subharmonics as I started shucking my pants.

The sound of Mara’s feet hitting the tiles made me look up. She’d hopped off the sink and turned her back to me. She grabbed the only piece of clothing she had left and pulled it over her head. Her hair fell in a messy, fluid wave—like a feather dancing in the air.

She stepped into the shower and cranked the faucet. I heard a muffled scream and a curse word, which made me hurry to toss my pants into the machine and hit the only button I saw. The sound of water filling the drum and the heavy thump-thump of the pants filled the room.

I rushed into the shower, and the first thing I felt was the ice-cold water hitting my feet. A sudden shiver ran up my spine. Now I knew why she’d screamed and why her backside was trembling so provocatively.

I stood there, paralyzed by the view, waiting for a signal to move in. Mara dunked a sponge in the water and then killed the tap. I watched, fascinated, as she started to scrub, a soft foam enveloping her curves.

My body moved on instinct. I wanted to feel those bubbles against her skin. My claw brushed down the curve of her back, melting the foam until all that was left was the slick glide of the soap. I smiled. Even a shower was a total tactical novelty with her.

As she turned toward me, she tried to cover her chest with her arm. I hissed in disagreement. I wanted to see her—all of her. I wanted to memorize every inch and figure out exactly which touch she liked best.

“Why hide your beauty from me?” I whispered, my claws gently coaxing her arms away to ease her doubts.

“Because... I’m so different... from Turian women.” She wouldn’t look at me, shifting her weight from one leg to the other, which only made her hips sway sensually.

When she finally lowered her arms, revealing her breasts and those starry, circular peaks the color of her lips, my shell started vibrating uncontrollably. My plates just gave way to the sight.

Using the tips of my sharp nails, I touched those nubs like they were the most important things in the room. I pressed them gently, amazed by how firm yet flexible they were. Mara let out a sharp moan, trying to hide her arousal in a gasp that only made me want her more.

I tugged at them slightly, looking up to see her biting her lip to keep the sounds in. “This part of you... what’s it called? What’s it for?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me as I cupped one of her breasts. It fit perfectly in my palm.

The softness, the weight, the way it molded to my hand... it was better than the feeling of her buttocks. I was addicted in seconds.

Mara was gasping for air, struggling to find words. “They’re... my nipples... ah... it’s an erogenous zone. But their function is to nurse; milk comes out to feed babies,” she explained timidly.

Why are humans built so strangely? Is nursing a pleasurable thing? Is it evolution, or is their whole body just designed to be a temptation? My thoughts were cut off by a truly indecent moan from her. “You can touch them, pinch them... bite them... lick them... ah... god, you can do whatever you want.”

That was it. My sanity went right out the airlock.

My cock snapped toward her, hitting the center of her breasts and sliding against them. My jaws clicked, a high-pitched sound begging for attention. My first instinct was to lift her up and force her to take me right then and there, but her next move blew my tactical plan to pieces.

With flushed cheeks and blown-out pupils, she took over. She encouraged my claws to press her breasts together, gathering that tender mass of flesh until it created a bulging valley in the center. I growled impatiently, and she actually laughed at me. I was ready to ignore her orders, but her warm hand gripped my shaft, and I was suddenly powerless to protest.

A deep purr of praise vibrated through me. “Shhh... shhh... I’ll be so good to you, Garrus...” Her promises were like honey. A squeak of confusion escaped my subvocals. “That’s it... relax... ah...” She guided me into the junction of her breasts. The pressure, the heat, the friction of her nipples against the ridges of my shaft... I roared with pleasure.

With my jaws half-open in a hiss, I didn't need any more instructions. My hips started rocking, searching for a rhythm. My essence spilled over her chest, making the glide even easier. Mara... oh, spirits, this little human was going to be the death of me. She reached out her pink tongue and licked. The contact against the head of my cock was electric; my mind went totally blank as my roars turned into disjointed stabs of sound.

She leaned in, her mouth wrapping around the tip. Her lips kissed the area with a sensual heat. Her tongue was everywhere—moist, warm, snaking around the head and the shaft. My hips were moving on their own now, driving toward her.

Then I heard her moan... and the scent of Xael flowers filled the air. I looked down and saw she was touching herself while she worked on me. It sent me over the edge.

I tried to slow down, to regain control so I could return the favor, but I was done for. I felt like my soul was being pulled right out of me. Her mouth was a vacuum at the tip of my cock, her tongue teasing the opening of my urethra, and the entire galaxy just opened up.

Everything else vanished. My hips drove forward, seeking the abyss. I felt the pressure build in my gut, the muscles coiling tight, and then I just melted. I released everything into her warm, greedy mouth, my hoarse growl drowned out by a long, vibrating hiss.

I couldn't breathe. My legs felt like jelly. I had to let go of her breasts just to brace my claws against the wall so I didn't collapse.

Mara didn't let go. She kept moaning, savoring every drop until I was completely drained. When she was finally satisfied, she pulled away with a soft pop, looking up at me with a look that was half-innocent, half-lustful.

I felt my plates snap shut. I was still panting, breathing through my teeth. “What... what was that?” I asked, still dazed.

“I think it’s called a titjob... though I don’t know if the mouth is usually involved. The books I read just described the action. Did I do it right?” She looked genuinely worried, her eyebrows furrowed.

I didn't know whether to laugh at the question or the explanation. “Spirits... Mara... you’re going to be the ruin of me,” I managed, kissing her forehead.

Happy with that, she turned the tap back on, letting the warm water wash over us. I finally got my bearings, and then the obvious hit me. “Did you... did you reach orgasm?” I felt a spike of nerves as she shook her head.

But she just kept smiling, kissing my chest plates. “Nope, but it’s okay. I like giving you pleasure, Garrus.”

Her generosity made my heart race. A Turian female would’ve written me off as a selfish lover for that—not reciprocating is a major red flag back home.

“Let me... return the favor, Mara,” I pleaded, feeling the guilt kick in.

She patted my shell, her biotics projecting a wave of pure calm. “We have plenty of time, my love. There will be other days. If we stay in here, Anderson is going to have my head. I have a meeting in fifteen minutes to present the Horizon documents.” She gave my keel another kiss. “Besides, I’m just glad I could help with your ‘stress.’” She wiggled her eyebrows, making me laugh.

“You’re incredible... have I told you that?”

“You know, I’d prefer a kiss over words.” She pointed to her mouth, and I shook my head, amused as she got up on her tiptoes.

“Your wish is my command.”

I scooped her up by the waist and pulled her in. My mouth-plates found her lips, sealing them with everything I had. The water kept flowing, eventually turning cold, but neither of us cared. The world outside could wait.

If every day was like this, I’d be the luckiest Turian in the galaxy, I thought, letting myself get lost in her.

John Shepard

Spending a day in sickbay hadn't been so bad, boring...yes, but otherwise it allowed me to rest. It reminded me of my first years in service to the Alliance, when I was barely a rookie and overexerted myself with training until I was exhausted.

Sickbay had once been the only place where I'd allowed myself to disconnect. Now...it seemed to translate into the same concept, but it was improved by Doctor Chakwas's relaxed presence, Doctor Solus's crooning, and Jacob's comments on how to improve my physical training.

I could almost say it was like a get-together with colleagues after shore leave...though of course, without the alcohol or electronic music that would make you want to go out on the dance floor and forget the horrors of the battlefield.

Looking up at the ceiling, I smiled at the memory of Jack's visit. Her jokes at my expense had made me laugh, a small relief after the anger I'd felt over my sister's actions.

Years had passed since I left that gang, since Mara was safe in the Alliance facility, since she entered Grissom Academy, and... she hadn't wanted to tell me what had happened to her. I was hurt and angry in equal measure. Didn't she trust me? Why hide it from me? If I had known earlier, would things have changed at all?

So many questions only made my head hurt... and then there was also that feeling of unease for having distrusted Garrus and even daring to think that the Turian wanted revenge on me by hurting my sister. For a moment, I was grateful for having been deprived of the ability to speak so I wouldn't have voiced such thoughts that would have shattered our friendship for life.

Frustrated with overthinking, I rubbed my eyes tiredly. My skin no longer itched, nor did my throat feel like it was burning; only slight pinkish spots remained that cleared as time passed.

"Hey, Doc," Jacob's voice turned my head toward him. "I feel like I'm back to normal, look." He lifted his injured leg from side to side. This only made Dr. Chakwas glare at him, making the corners of my mouth rise in a hidden smile.

"I see you, I see you. Now, leave that leg alone or..." She pulled a syringe from one of her pockets and held it up as a threat.

Jacob's overly expressive gaze made me laugh, as his eyes seemed about to pop out of their sockets. "Wow, Doc, calm down, huh?"  Raising his hands in the air in surrender, he furrowed his eyebrows.  “I'm just asking for a few hours out of the infirmary, you know, a little exercise. I'm not asking to jump into a mission headfirst. Just… you know, some sit-ups, weightlifting. Nothing that involves leg strength, I promise.”

“I want to get out of here too, no offense, but I should be doing something useful, checking datapads or just watching some vids in my cabin,” I added, joining the conversation.

The Doctor sighed in exasperation. “You're like restless children.”  Looking at us in a motherly way, she remained silent for a few seconds while she weighed our requests. “Okay, I give up. Jacob, no effort. Edi, keep an eye on him. If you notice him overdoing it, please report it to me immediately.”

“Hey, I don't need a babysitter!” Just as Jacob protested, the sphere that shaped Edi's appearance lit up.

"Of course, Doctor. The crew's health must be in optimal condition for the mission. Monitoring their actions is one of my duties," Edi informed her in a neutral voice.

“Mhmmm…Are you also able to compare exercise routines and keep track of sets and reps?” Getting up from the stretcher, Jacob was already focused on how to use Edi from another perspective.

"It would be an unusual request and too simple for my capabilities, but my priority is to provide assistance," the AI informed him.

Watching Jacob hurry out with a nod of farewell, I stared at the Doctor with a raised eyebrow. “No, Shepard, I haven't forgotten about you. Doctor Solus, what do you think? Should we discharge him?”

Engrossed in his samples, the Salarian scientist had to shake his head to focus on Doctor Chakwas's voice. “Oh, yes, yes. He has shown no changes in his anatomy, nor adverse effects from the treatment. There's no need for further observation.” Returning to his studies, his bulging eyes never left whatever was under the microscope.

Shrugging, Doctor Chakwas gestured at me with the datapad like a flag. “Remember, if you feel nausea, dry mouth, or pain when swallowing, come back!” Was her warning, but I had already quickly sat up and was barely one foot away from the exit.

Waving my hand to let her know I heard her, I only heard her sigh as I left the medbay. Cracking my neck, I walked briskly back to my cabin, hoping to hopefully spend some time with Jack, but it was her voice that made me stop in my tracks in the mess hall.

I almost felt a sense of deja vu, seeing Jack and Garrus laughing in the mess hall. Strange sounds came from Jack's Omni-Tool as she seemed to rebuke the Turian.

Approaching them curiously, I took a seat next to her. "What are those sounds?"

"Shepard! You look healthy!" Garrus's wide-jawed grin made me feel welcome.

"Ha! You're such a sucker, you dinosaur! Honestly, Shepard, you look like you've been bitten by bugs, but hey, you still have your damn charm," Jack joked, giving me a light shove with her shoulder. Seeing her face, I noticed the deep dark circles under her eyes. Hadn't she slept well? I'd given her my cabin so she could rest, but she seemed worse than yesterday. "Uh... well, I'm showing him cult movies with beings similar to the big ugly bird. You know, it's like a specimen straight out of Jurassic Park,"she pointed out to Garrus, making him laugh.

I noticed my friend shifting nervously in his seat. "Yeah, that's it... I think we Turians are more like that four-jawed creature you mentioned at the beginning. The one with the weird mask." Garrus seemed almost shy.

"Weird mask? Predator? I think he hunted humans in the movie. It's best not to compare you to him." Something about my comment made Jack laugh out loud while clutching his stomach to keep from doubling over. Was what I'd said that funny? I didn't believe it. Watching Garrus out of the corner of my eye, I noticed him gulp down the contents of the cup as if he were hiding something.

"Uh yeah... Shepard, you're right. I have...erm... calibrations to run, we'll talk later." – What the hell? Why it seemed that the Turian was fleeing in a very undisguised manner.

Jack's laughter didn't stop, but it became softer and quieter. "What's the joke?" I asked, not understanding.

“Oh no, Shepard didn't go through that way, I'm not a snitch, so don't give me those damn puppy dog eyes.” Leaning her elbow on the table, Jack seemed more relaxed.

"You won't give me a clue?" I joked, causing her to stubbornly shake her head. "Are you at least going to tell me why you don't seem to have slept all night?" My hand caressed her forearm, surprising her for a second. However, Jack didn't withdraw her contact, which made me smile.

"Your bed is a damn cloud. It's been a while since I felt like I could stretch out. Besides, Dr. Chakwas's pills knocked me out, but I woke up in the middle of the night and have been sleeping fitfully ever since." I knew from her deep chocolate-colored eyes that she wasn't telling me the whole truth, but I chose not to push her.

"Nightmares sometimes plague my dreams," I confessed in a moment of sincerity.

Clearing her throat, she looked uncomfortable. "They suck. What are you doing today? Planets to explore? Missions to attend to? Paperwork?" She chose to divert the conversation.

“Maybe some paperwork, waking up a krogan, and a movie. You up for it?” I asked, trying to contain my excitement that she might want to spend more time with me.

“Let me think about it.” Frowning, Jack sighed. “Paperwork?” She made a face of disgust and looked at me with amusement. “Oopsie daisy, no way.” Tapping her nails on the table, she paused for a moment. “Waking up a krogan could be fun… but what the hell? I’ll leave all the fun for you. I don’t want to get beaten up.”

“Wow, that’s generous,” I said sarcastically, making her laugh.

“Right? People don't appreciate these sacrifices.” She joked, winking at me. “But I guess I don't dislike the plan for the movie... Call me when you're off duty and out of rigid mode of Commander, Boy Scout.” It was an imperceptible, quick, light caress of her slender fingers on my cheek, touching my neatly trimmed beard, but it was enough to make my whole day.

+-+-+-+-+-++-+-+

The Krogan in the breeding tank seemed to be in a deep sleep, from which I still wasn't 100 percent sure I should wake him. Crossing my arms, I examined the work Kelly and the boys had done in clearing the entire cargo area.

The room was completely empty, which was an advantage in case the Krogan became violent. The all-metal structures in the area gave it a cold, almost clinical appearance. It certainly wasn't the most welcoming place to open your eyes to the world for the first time.

Thoughtfully, I slowly scratched my beard. I couldn't let his life go to waste. I had to at least give him a chance to find out if he was in his right mind or if this was another failed experiment... but what would I do if it was the latter: give him to Cerberus? No way, that option was out of the question. It was a fate I'd rather spare him, death being preferable.

"Edi, give me the subject's parameters," I ordered coldly.

The luminescent sphere that made up Edi's ethereal body glowed blue, casting the room in a sci-fi halo. "The subject is stable, Shepard. Integration with the onboard systems has been perfect."

“That’s good news.” Uncrossing my arms to keep my hands free in case any kind of negative reaction from him arose that would force me to defend myself, I quickly felt for the pistol I was hiding in the waistband of my pants. “Can he see anything from inside there? Does he know where it is?”

“It’s unlikely. Current neural patterns indicate minimal cognition. Unless the entire ship loses power, the nutrients in the tank can sustain him for a year.” Edi’s information was, as always, helpful. I didn’t have to do this immediately; I could think it over calmly… but putting things off wouldn’t change the outcome, so it was better to do it right away.

“Very well, thanks, Edi. Proceed to open the tank.” Clapping my hands in the air, I waited for the magic to happen.

“Cerberus protocol is very clear regarding unknown alien technology,” Edi warned me.

“Think of it this way: it's either a stronghold for the crew or a ticking time bomb. I'd rather know now,” I explained to Edi as I observed the details of the krogan's heavy armor. How much damage would it take? If I had to shoot him, should I aim for the middle part, where there was a blue circle that would be easier to break, or try to find a way to reach his exposed neck?

“I don't understand, but I'm programmed to follow its commands. Yours is the switch…and the consequences.” The sphere dissipated, leaving me alone with the alien. Edi's statement had left me curious…was it just me, or had the AI scolded me?

Approaching slowly, I typed the commands into the touchscreen next to the breeding tank. As the command was processed, the liquid in which the krogan was held began to bubble. Quickly moving away, I watched as it evaporated, filling the room with a thick fog.

I felt something heavy fall, making a dull thud. Squinting to see better, I noticed the krogan on his knees, gasping, his terrible jaws open as he spat out water. His predatory gaze with distant, small eyes focused on me, forcing him to stand up when he saw me as a threat.

His breathing became ragged as I approached him without hesitation, and then with a bestial growl, he lowered his head, revealing his carapace-like crown, ready to charge. Running toward me, I positioned myself to receive the attack, hunching my shoulders to avoid harm.

The force and speed with which he dragged me had me cornered against the wall in a matter of seconds, while I held the air the blow threatened to knock out of my lungs into my sternum but I still remained calm with an unchanging face. I knew from Wrex that the Krogan respected strength, and I hoped my attitude would work the same way with this guy.

"Human. Male." The Krogan sniffed the air, trying to sense any fear in me. "Before you die, I want a name," he threatened, bringing his face close to mine.

"I'm Commander Shepard, and I don't accept threats. I suggest you calm down." Giving him my coldest stare, it was an unspoken battle until the Krogan smiled cruelly, baring his sharp teeth at me.

“Not your name. Mine. I’ve been introduced to things, but the tank… Okeer couldn’t establish a connection. His words are empty,” he thoughtfully growled again with uncertainty. “Warlord, legacy, grunt…grunt. Grunt was one of the last words. It has no meaning. It will do.” Taking advantage of his musings, I reached without hesitation for the pistol I had hidden. “I am Grunt. If you are worthy of your position, show me your strength and try to destroy me.” Why were the Krogan always so impulsive?- I thought to myself.

Playing along so he wouldn’t notice my hand moving in his direction, I smiled. “I have a good ship and a strong crew, a strong clan. With you, I would be even stronger.” I spoke in simple terms so his nutty brain could understand.

“If you are weak and choose weak enemies, I will be forced to kill you,” he threatened again.

"I'm sure our enemies won't let you down," I spoke firmly.

"Mhmm...mhmm...Okay. I'll fight for you!" This time, despite his sinister smile, there seemed to be some innocence hidden in this enormous alien.

"I'm glad you've come to your senses. By the way, you should learn to be more attentive." My gaze flickered from Grunt's face to my hand. I noticed the surprise in his reptilian eyes as he saw my weapon pointed at point-blank range against his stomach.

"Mhmm? Heh! You offer me one hand and point the other at me," he said happily, letting go and patting me on the shoulders in congratulations. "Very clever, Shepard. If I find a clan, if I find what I...want, it will be an honor to face you." With a half-bitten smile, he walked away from me. "By the way, I'm hungry." His comment was so unexpected it made me laugh.

"The honor will be mine. If you accompany me, I'll show you the rest of the ship and introduce you to the crew," I said politely as I holstered my weapon again.

Grunt sniffed the air again. "Mostly humans... I detect a hint of Salarian, and a greater presence of Turians. Nothing more to introduce," he explained.

"It's true that the crew is mostly human. We have with us the aid of Doctor Solus, a Salarian, and a Turian, Garrus. He's an exceptional sniper, I'm sure you'll appreciate his skills." I decided to give him some information about the crew while signaling him to follow me.

Reluctantly, the young Krogan complied. "Mhmmm... just one Turian?"

"Yes, why?" Pressing the elevator button, I looked at him curiously with a raised eyebrow.

"The scent is strong, it's everywhere, but there's also something slightly different and sweet... strange." Grunt remained thoughtful, without saying anything else.

Not understanding why he was making such a big deal out of it, I shrugged. Glancing at my Omni-Tool, I realized the day had gone by quickly. I'd gather the crew in the mess hall to introduce them to Grunt, leave the paperwork for tomorrow, and focus on some downtime with Jack. 

I deserved a self-reward.

Chapter Text

John Shepard

The darkness of the windowless room was perfect for displaying the Omni-Tool screen as if it were an outdoor movie night. The slightly translucent images overlapped with the bluish glow of the wall-mounted aquarium, sometimes causing the actors to flicker undulatingly.

I had let Jack choose the movie, opting for a space horror, but I hadn't expected her to be one of those people who liked to comment on everything, including how stupid the characters were. The atmosphere in the room was supposed to be tense as we waited for the scares, but with Jack laughing, it became the opposite.

In the end, I had to also contribute my own comments about how bad the special effects were or how exaggerated the Salarian actor was, unable to resist the little punches or slaps she gave me on the arm whenever she agreed with me. Seeing her excited, enjoying something so simple, only made my heart pound as I discovered that I also liked this side of her personality she showed me.

"Ugh, really? Who writes these shitty scripts?" She complained, rolling her eyes. "A Hanar! A Hanar is a serial killer? Pfffft."

"You don't like the plot twist? The commander didn't want to cancel the mission, so he murdered the crew who contradicted him...a bit cliché." Wanting to annoy her, I pretended to like the movie.

"Just a little? You could see it from afar! It's unbelievable that movies are such rubbish these days! Besides, what the fuck? Why is the romantic interest always an Asari? They're not that special! To me, they all look the same." Mumbling, Jack settled onto the couch while stretching her legs on the coffee table.

"Well, the Asari have a certain something." Shrugging, I noticed how her face distorted, making me have to suppress a smile.

"Tsk, if you say so." Clicking her tongue in disapproval, she tried to avoid my gaze. “Do you have that fetish too? Have you dated any?”

Her question caught me off guard, and a warm feeling spread in my chest as I thought she might be jealous. “I've met a few asari. A few years ago, I met The Consort. Sha'ira got into trouble by breaking the heart of an old Turian general…she rewarded me by giving me an ugly statue. When I discovered some Prothean ruins, if I recall correctly, on the planet Eletania, the statue activated and let me see how the Protheans studied the primates. It was interesting…I must have made a good impression on her; she texted me when she found out I was alive.” Without giving it much thought, I leaned my head back against the backrest as I watched the Omni-Tool's screen flicker.

“Aha…a shitty reward for saving his blue ass.” Crossing her arms, Jack moved her legs to the sides making her thighs brush against mine in small touches – What about the others?

“Mhmmm, there’s also Liara. She’s a scientist and a former member of the Normandy. I don’t know much about her right now. She simply told me to visit her when I go to Illium.” Her narrowed gaze only made me laugh. “Nothing happened between us. She confessed her feelings to me, but I attributed her interest to the fact that she saw me as some kind of personal experiment or… ruins? I don’t know. When the Prothean beacon captured the information in my mind, only she could attempt to decipher it by looking at my memories, and believe me, Liara is obsessed with everything related to the Protheans.”

“So you rejected her.” The corners of Jack’s mouth lifted imperceptibly, almost in a relaxed smile.

“Yes. I felt it wasn’t genuine love. I’ve also saved other asari… but while I don’t deny that they’re attractive, that’s not what I’m looking for. I understand the attraction of the exotic, but I'm looking for a traditional relationship.” Pressing a button on the Omnitool, I opened the files where I had scanned my family photos. One of the images expanded, revealing the gentle faces of my parents. They gazed at each other tenderly as they hugged me and tried to keep Mara from falling from my arms.

"What do you mean by traditional?" Her brow furrowed as she carefully observed what was once my loving family.

"To share my life with someone who understands me. I don't want to be chosen for what I stand for or the position I hold. I need someone who can also see my flaws, with whom I can live a life to the end..."

Interrupting me, she mocked. "Oh yes, and you have a ton. I could tell you until you're sick of them." Her response only made me laugh, dispelling the nostalgia that threatened to cling to my mind.

"Aren't I a Boy Scout? How can I have flaws?" "I teased her. Approaching her, I extended my arm to envelop her figure in an impromptu hug. At first, Jack tensed like a wire, but then she relented, relaxing and leaning against my chest.

"Exactly. The first flaw is that you are a sanctimonious person. Shepard, people take advantage of guys like you. Your sense of duty prevents you from having a life of your own. You'd sacrifice yourself for people you don't even know, and that...it's disgusting." Her fingers caressed my torso in random patterns. "I hate it when people sacrifice themselves; it's a pain! And selfish!"

Placing my hand on her waist, I squeezed lightly. "Are you speaking from experience?" I asked, noticing the contained anger in her voice.

"There was a guy who used me like the others, for sex and biotics. It was fun until he messed up. We attacked an arms frigate with a batarian escort and separated." Jack sighed, the words seeming to weigh on her more and more. "He could have chosen between leaving with the weapons or coming back for me..."

"He chose you," I sensed, receiving only a small nod from her.

"The idiot... he had programmed a playback on the escape shuttle in case he didn't return. He talked about the future that supposedly awaited us. He had planned a home... He said how much he loved me and asked for my forgiveness." Her hand clenched into a fist, and the purple biotic formed like a thunderclap ready to impact.

"Do you feel guilty? Is that why you put up walls and isolate yourself?" I knew I was making the situation too tense, that trying to get answers could lead to her distancing herself from me, but I needed to understand her.

"What the hell do you care?" She became defensive and tried to get out of my embrace. "Let me go! I don't need that stupid cheap psychology, much less that look of pity!"

Complying with her request, I withdrew my arm, letting her maintain distance. As if she were a surly cat, she quickly jumped up. "Don't get the wrong idea about me, Shepard. Be honest with yourself because what you're looking for... isn't going to be me."

With long strides, she decided to flee as if I had attacked her, and all I could watch was as the door closed. I was left in the darkness, accompanied only by the fish. I had pushed her too hard.

Although Jack seemed rude, she was actually sensitive when it came to discussing issues that affected her…her reaction wasn't unexpected, but that didn't make it any less painful. Her words were clear, she didn't want help or to be pursued...but what she said was one thing and how she said it was another.

I sensed her loneliness, her desperation, and in my complex of wanting to fix everything, I felt I had to help her. I should respect her wishes, but my mind couldn't stop thinking about her, about what she had suffered, about her sad outlook on life... I wanted to be there for her, and even if she didn't choose me, I would always have a helping hand extended.

Rubbing my eyes tiredly, I sighed into nothingness. If I tried to sleep, the conversation would replay in my mind, searching for other outcomes, so knowing me, it would be best to keep myself distracted with work.

Reviewing my overdue Datapads wouldn't be a bad option to stave off sleep and keep my mind occupied.

Mara

Jack's shouts distracted me from my notes. I couldn't help but make an uncomfortable face. It seemed she'd argued with my brother. Her volatile temper meant she could explode at any moment, so it wasn't unexpected, but it made me feel a little sorry for my brother. He'd always liked women with strong personalities, even if they gave him headaches.

Lifting my gaze from my notes, I decided to contemplate the ceiling adorned with patches of luminescent stars. I had made time until dawn, pushing away sleep, through studies. The holocall with Anderson had confirmed our worst fears.

Despite presenting the evidence, the video, and the testimonies of Horizon's victims, the Alliance had declared the evidence inconclusive. Only Admiral Hackket had supported Anderson's version, while the others...had merely watched the video without delving into the truth.

They did not like unknown enemies and preferred to dismiss them as non-existent, sinning in ignorance. The only thing they had considered was the Collectors as an invasive species, calling them terrorists on par with the Batarian attacks on the Human Colonies. For them, the Reapers remained a myth, a conspiracy theory invention...

Anderson's exhausted look came back to me, making my throat tighten. It was that of a defeated man, where hopelessness and the feeling of being ignored mingled with the rage of helplessness.

The evidence the Alliance was demanding was suicidal. Finding a living Reaper and surviving the encounter was impossible. I only had to count the number of frigates the Alliance lost to save the Citadel Council from this new, superior enemy to realize their crazy demands.

Smacking my cheeks to refocus, I wanted to give a glimmer of hope to the person I loved like a father. Anderson still had the idea that I would help him inside the Citadel; he wanted me on his side, exerting diplomatic pressure. With a little luck, the Council might reconsider the threat or allocate funds to open a refugee center if we portrayed the persecution of humans as an attack... but to do so, I would first have to pass the exam and muster the necessary majorities to break into politics.

No matter how many favors they owed Anderson, this last point would be the most complicated... Although if we didn't get the support, that wouldn't stop me from continuing to help him from my former position as secretary.

With a sigh, I tried to reread Article 427 of the Galactic Criminal Code, but the vision failed me, causing the paragraphs to overlap and my vision to blur. My eyes were irritated, and fatigue was urging me to abandon my notes and replace them with my comfortable bed.

Looking at the time on the Omni-Tool, I pouted slightly knowing Garrus wasn't coming. Mordin had informed me that turians liked their private space, being territorial… but now that we were a couple, I didn't think Garrus would feel uncomfortable sharing a bed.

Without any energy, I got up from the chair only to slump against the soft mattress. I almost laughed at the memory of how Garrus had fixed it with duct tape and staples while apologizing for piercing it with his claws. Seeing him flustered always seemed incredibly sweet.

Hugging the pillow, I groaned at its softness. I missed the firmness of Garrus's body against mine, the warmth he gave off, and his reassuring purrs. Maybe I should send him a text and invite him over. It wasn't something we'd discussed, but couples were supposed to spend all their time together. However, being locked away on a ship would be more like living together. Could he be feeling overwhelmed by me? Would I be intruding on him if I insisted I wanted to sleep with him? Or rather... would it be inconsiderate to ask him, knowing he was in heat?

I felt my head boiling like a pressure cooker. I didn't want to upset him, so it would be best to hold off on cuddling until he signaled he wanted to spend more time alone with me. Tossing and turning in bed until I found a position that would allow me to fall asleep... Kasumi's conversation came to mind.

~Flashback~

I carefully examined Kasumi's room. The thief had claimed one of the best rooms in the Normandy, converting what was a common area that served as a bar into her private quarters. In addition to the beautiful view of the vast space, she had also decorated the room with large artworks of her thefts, displaying her trophies.

“What do you want to drink?” She asked with a smile as she offered me two different liquors: vodka or Caelix.

"It's too early to be drinking alcohol, besides, I get the feeling you want me to let my guard down." I tried to decline the drink suspiciously, but Kasumi just smiled like a sly cat.

“Good instincts. You need to drink, relax, you have to give way to musical inspiration.”  Handing me the drink, which was almost black in color if it weren't for the blue reflections, she made a gesture that insisted I take a sip. “Come on! It'll do you good, and it'll only be one drink!"

"Ugh... this is going to be a mistake..." Bringing the glass to my lips, I only dipped them, appreciating an almost bittersweet taste.

"Have you thought of a song? You know, something striking!" Sitting down on the sofa, Kasumi elegantly crossed her legs.

"No... I already told you it's better to sing the classics, forgotten songs with a more modern rhythm... I'm not a composer," I reminded her again as I leaned against the bar.

"Aha, I should be the liar here." Taking advantage of the fact that I was taking a drink, Kasumi decided to show my poetry notebook, causing me to spit out the contents in surprise. "I'll read you some."

"No! No! That's private! Besides, what the hell? It's mine... Why do you have it?" Equal parts nervous and angry, I stood up to her with the intention of taking my notebook out of her hands, but as soon as I got close, her figure flickered and my hands pierced it. Great... a decoy.

"I don't wanna tiptoe, but I don't wanna hide. I don't wanna feed this monstrous fire. Just wanna let this story die... We can't be friends, but I'd like to just pretend." She began reading, lying on the bed, kicking her feet like a schoolgirl. "Did you show it to Garrus? Girl, all your songs are sad... or well, not sexy at all. We need to sell! We don't need people crying and deciding to turn off the music," she mocked.

"Hey, some people just need to cry, that's what songs are for, too," I complained immediately, my cheeks flushed, making her just laugh.

"Sure, sure... but let's be honest. You're already dating <Your Favorite Turian>," she continued teasingly, alluding to a title of one of my poems. -How the hell did she find out we were a couple? Was she spying on us?- I thought, alarmed.

"Sing about something sexy about him! An interspecies romance will sell itself, it'll burn like wildfire on the extranet." Making a money gesture by bringing her fingers together and rubbing them together, Kasumi was only thinking about business.

"Sexy?" Uncomfortably, I decided to avoid her gaze by curling up in the corner of the couch.

“Yeah, sexy… Like Jacob’s abs, for example, that guy is a dark chocolate bonbon, just looking at them makes me melt.” The way Kasumi spoke only embarrassed me more. “What do you like about Garrus?” Suddenly, her face appeared just inches from mine. Her dark-eyed gaze seemed to stare straight into my soul with a devilish gleam. Kasumi was having fun at my expense.

“Umm… I like his smile, the way his jaws flutter, or his eye color, as intense as the Arctic sea.” Impatiently, she shook me by the shoulders, making me feel slightly dizzy.

“No! Mara! No! Sexy things… physical things, something that arouses a crush!” She scolded me as if I were a dog.

“I don’t notice those things! I’m not normal!” I yelled, frustrated.

“Bites? What about that?” She insisted again. The memory of Garrus’s teeth marking the inside of my thigh, lightly breaking the skin and making the tingling of the itch cloud my mind, made me blush instantly. “Bingo! Talk about them.”

“And can’t I do any other kind of song? For example… What about Waterloo by Abba? It has rhythm, and I can change the lyrics by replacing Waterloo with the Shanxi colony. After all, the ship named after Napoleon surrendered to the Turians." I tried to change the subject, but the look she gave me told me I'd completely screwed up.

"Mara, we want to sell, not for the Alliance to declare us traitors and arrest us. No allusions to the First Contact War, no matter how much you like to recreate battles in bed." She winked at me, and I felt my face burn.

Hiding my face with my T-shirt, I could only say, "Give me until tomorrow so I can think of something..."

~End flashback~

I'd definitely have to figure out how to write something that would please Kasumi but wouldn't be too embarrassing.

Imagining rhythms, the Palaven anthem came to mind… Garrus almost always had it playing in the background among his selected songs to inspire him to work… if the rhythm were altered a little… I could make a song that would make him smile.

With those thoughts, sleep finally reached me, causing my imagination to take off.

Garrus

The Omni-Tool's alarm sounded with a high-pitched beep that made me immediately open my eyes. Hesitating a bit before getting up, I pressed my claws into the soft foam, trying to remember the softness of Mara's cushioned buttocks or the feel of her breasts against my palms… but they weren't the same. The foam was almost rough and too tight to match such a delicacy.

I would have preferred to wake up clinging to her, feeling the rhythm of her heart and her warm breath, but it was too soon for that. The guide didn't explain how humans decided to share a living space together... and based on Turian standards, the females were very private. You wouldn't get permission to invade them unless they gave you something specific that was part of their home, though in this case it would be a room.

Sitting up, I decided to stop wasting time fantasizing. It would be better to ask, I thought, while checking my emails as usual. Noticing that there was one whose information appeared encrypted, I immediately snapped out of it as I leaned against the work table and began to mentally discipher it.

Smiling as I received the go-ahead to invest in the studies of two Turian military scientists who were investigating the increase and effectiveness of intergalactic communications through new frequencies that opened untraceable channels that couldn't be disturbed, I felt relieved.

On Horizon, communications failed. The Collectors were applying frequencies that disabled any type of communication... and that, if it were repeated in a full-scale war, would mean going in blind and disorganizing our army. We still had time to counterattack them; the Magistrates of the Hierarchy had seen my warning, and that made the feeling of pride translate into my subvocals.

Happy to have one less thing to worry about, I put on my armor and went out to the kitchen. Today I would give myself a little treat as a reward. I would skip the nutritious pasta and have a breakfast of stewed cured meats accompanied by Posca, a typical energizing drink for soldiers.

Sitting in the desolate mess hall, I closed my eyes for a moment, enjoying the rare silence. Humans were a very noisy species; there was something entertaining about watching them, but sometimes I felt overwhelmed surrounded by so many… Mara was one of the few humans I'd ever met who enjoyed silence, knowing how to read my body language and understanding when I needed a break from socializing.

Activating the charcoal stone hidden in the metal packet, I calmly waited for the stew to heat up. The smell of spiced meat filled my nostrils, opening my appetite. Lifting the safety catch, I watched as it sizzled in its own juices. Without being able to wait, I was about to pick up some meat with my fork, but I stopped when I heard the elevator noise.

When the doors opened on the third floor, I focused on the sound of footsteps. They were out of sync and clumsy, as if the human might collapse at any moment.

"Joker!" I spoke in surprise in my subharmonic. "It's 5 a.m., an hour until you start moving."

"Ugh, don't remind me. You made me get up early. Losing an hour of sleep will ruin my beauty," he joked as he took the seat across from me. "Help this helpless guy and make me some coffee."

Shaking my head at his twisted humor, I held back a smile as I put my fork aside and stood up to make a cup of coffee. I had to be thankful that humans had a machine that, by putting tiny capsules in, made that liquid that smelled like burnt earth come out. “Oh, and pass me the box of buns!”

"Why do I feel like you're taking advantage of me?"  I asked with some amusement as I reached for what he asked for and then handed it to him so I could sit down again to enjoy my breakfast.

“Because I do!” He said with complete honesty, making me laugh.

"As you say... you have a thick skin!" I tried to use a human expression, but all I got was a laugh from Joker.

"The expression is: being cheeky! And once that's cleared up..." Taking a sip of coffee, he looked at me with a defiant look in his eyes, which gave me a bad feeling. "Aren't you going to tell me anything? How was the date with Mara? I've been waiting for days and you haven't given me a single detail!"

"Why would I?" I asked, not understanding why he seemed annoyed.

"Because I'm your buddy, man! You have to give me some crumbs of information so I don't die unhappy! I live the romance through you! Like a soap opera!" An accusatory finger pointed at me, confusing me even more.

"Uh... wouldn't it be better... for you to live your own romance?" His eyes narrowed as he slammed the coffee cup down on the table.

“Say yes! Make fun of the cripple that no one likes!” Dramatic hand to his forehead was the only thing that indicated to me that Jeff was joking. “Now seriously, have you reached second base?”

“The second what?” - Why did humans use so many strange expressions?- I asked myself, unable to make sense of his question.

“Uffff, I have to explain everything to you!” His eyebrows arched, and his hands groped his chest in a suggestive gesture.

“Ummmm... are you hitting on me?”

“No! For God's sake, no! What nonsense are you talking! Vakarian, I ask you if you have discovered what a tit is! You know, that soft little thing human women have?” He whispered, agitated.

Eating a bit of meat, I chewed it with exhausting slowness in an attempt to prolong the moment of giving him an answer, hoping he'd give up, but his eyes remained fixed, seeking the details. “ Yes.”

“And that's it? Aren't you going to say anything else?" Defeated, Joker rested one of his arms on the table and extended it, almost lying down.

“They're wonderful, I like squeezing them although...” I was going to give him my opinion on the versatile uses for which humans used their partners' breasts but the sound of the elevator became present again, leaving Shepard's figure in its path.

His face looked serious, his eyebrows almost knitting together. "Joker, I need you to change course immediately. We haven't left the system yet, have we?"

"Good morning to you too..." Rolling his eyes, Joker sneered. "No, why?"

"Because we need to take the mass relay and head immediately to the far reaches," he ordered seriously.

"That's Geth space, Shepard," I replied.

"It is, but Tali needs us. I couldn't sleep, so I examined the new datapads provided by Cerberus." "They were keeping an eye on the quarians since they've been infiltrating Geth bases lately. Their communications failed upon landing on Haestrom. The squad leader of record is Tali’Zorah, according to information provided by Cerberus. If the geth are working for the Collectors and they're trying to attack my former squadmates, Tali is in danger," he explained, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"No problem, Commander. Just help me get to the cockpit and it'll take less time." Pushing my breakfast aside, I stood up to help Shepard move Joker. We practically lifted him between the two of us, his feet barely touching the floor.  “Oh guys, thanks, I feel like a princess.” He joked, dissipating the tension in the atmosphere.

"Jeff... you're incorrigible." The seriousness in Shepard's voice didn't match his slight smile, but I assumed it was just for show so as not to make Joker rejoice in his words.

"Charming, you might say. Besides, no more complaining. I'll make the trip in record time. You'll have to get ready because you're going on a rescue mission this afternoon." Joker smiled proudly.

"You're coming with me, Garrus, and also... Grunt. It'll be good for him to let off steam by crushing Geth," Shepard said, not very convinced.

“Yeah, like a giant kid with power control issues…” I replied with a certain amount of humor as I prepared myself for what would probably be a chaotic mission.

Chapter Text

John Shepard.

Joker had always been a skilled pilot, first in his class, but it never ceased to amaze me how he was able to blend in with the ship. He had promised we would arrive at the Far Reaches around 5:00 p.m., and not only had he kept his promise, but with his dedication, he had achieved an interstellar journey in record time, two hours ahead of the initial target.

Checking the shuttle's engines one last time, Garrus and Grunt were waiting for me in their assigned seats. We had decided to bring extra first aid kits in case the Quarian survivors needed antibiotics or makeshift patches for their special suits.

Tali's voice still echoed in my head as it distorted. She sounded needy, as if she were on her last legs, and that only made me uneasy. Edi had been able to clear the communication and track the exact position from where it was transmitted, but that also showed us that three days had passed since Tali had sought help.

Adjusting my belt, I made sure I had replenished the electromagnetic mines. If there were Geth near the search perimeter, this would give us some advantage.

Taking one last look before entering the shuttle, out of the corner of my eye I glimpsed my sister's coppery mane. Smiling slightly, I waited for her to approach slowly, pretending she was here by chance. That had always been Mara's modus operandi: to lurk until she was spotted and confirm I wasn't angry with her—at least, not anymore.

I'd had time to rethink my anger. I understood that it was my naiveté that had made Mara pay for my actions back then. However, I could no longer undo the past, only improve for the future.

Giving her a small gesture for her to come closer, my sister reminded me of a cautious little rabbit. As she moved, she remained still for a few seconds to see if my expression remained gentle. I almost wanted to laugh, but I remained serious. Only when she was a few inches away from me did I reach out to lightly tap her forehead with my fingers.

Surprised, she rubbed the area and then puffed out her cheeks. "That's for hiding things from me. Don't lie to me again, Minion." The seriousness in my voice made her eyes look at me in a silent plea. Just as she was about to open her mouth to answer, I interrupted her. "And no, I'm not angry." Her bright smile reached her eyes, reflecting her joy at my response.

"Thanks, John... although it's not lying if you just don't say anything, right?" Her question made me raise an eyebrow in response. She was trying to find indirect ways to avoid me? Why? "Forget what I said! I came to say goodbye before you go on the mission. I love you so much, brother. Be careful." Standing on tiptoe, she kissed my cheek, fulfilling our ritual from when we were children trying to survive in a society that didn't want to see us.

The sound of someone moving behind me made me tilt my head until I found myself facing the figure of Garrus. The Turian stood tall, leaning with his hands on the edge of the shuttle door. "And for me, there's no goodbye or good-luck kiss?" His bold question turned into a crooked smile, making me roll my eyes. Something had changed between them; even if they didn't tell me so, I could feel their flirting becoming more blatant.

Blushing, my sister tried to reach him, but even on tiptoe, she couldn't reach higher than his shoulder height. Her body trembled from holding the position while she waited for the turian to take pity on her. "Garrus, you're too tall! Do your part!" she complained, making him laugh. Somewhat uncomfortably, I decided to step back and watch his display of affection. Sitting in the corner, I could see how Garrus finally bent down to welcome my sister's good-luck kiss on his intact jaw. Seeing them together felt odd, but they seemed happy orbiting each other.

Grunt, in his impatience to smash things, surprised me by suddenly getting up. He was direct. He grabbed the turian by the edge of the armor protecting his neck and forced him to sit down, causing Garrus to squirm and hiss audibly in annoyance. "Heh! Goodbye, little human." He slammed the shuttle door shut in front of Mara's astonished face and rapped twice on the ceiling to signal to the pilot that we were ready for descent.

The shuttle shuddered from the thrusters' suspension in the air, and free fall was immediate. "Don't look at me, Turian. Your little female is a distraction."

If looks could kill, Grunt would already be out of the game. Crossing my arms, I sighed. It would be a difficult mission if these two decided to turn on each other,- I thought to myself as we remained in a violent silence that could cut the air.

+-+-+-+-+-+

Haestrom was a planet incompatible with any life development. In the shadow of ancient ruins, it was still possible to maneuver despite the high temperature... but the sunny areas were where the problem lay. It became a cruel enemy that attacked our armor shields, threatening to pulverize us.

Edi was the first to warn us. The environmental danger was unquestionable for the organics. Now he understood why the Geth had decided to create a base on this remote planet. However, Grunt seemed to be fascinated by exposing himself repeatedly to the sun's rays.

The quarian corpses we'd found left only messages pleading with nothingness for someone to find Tali and the data they'd come to extract. I thought there might be some survivors, who could have hidden or camouflaged themselves with their technical skills, but given the bleak outlook, I was losing hope.

In the midst of the battle, the Krogan charged the enemy, roaring with a euphoric war cry. The attacked Geth piled up around his body, toppling over like a box of broken toys trampled by a child. And that meant that participation in the battle was reduced to shooting at the knocked-out Geth who were trying unsuccessfully to get up.

"Hehehehe... Come at me, you overrated machines!" Grunt shouted at the top of his lungs, echoing through the ruins with endless amusement.

"Remember me, Shepard... why do you always choose me for missions in inhospitable places? It wasn't enough for you to take me to the frozen Noveria, now you want me to be a grilled Turian!" Joking as he complained, Garrus fired a perfect shot at one of the Geth that was trying to attack us from the walls.

"It's fun to torture you, it makes you more resourceful, Vakarian." Maintaining the same joking tone, I reloaded the weapon behind a blasted stone wall.

Signaling to advance to another shadow-protected deck, we were interrupted by a hostile ship deploying new enemies on the ground. Rushing to launch an electromagnetic mine right in the area where they were about to land, I sprinted until I slid across the ground and hid in what had once been a pillar of a majestic building.

Garrus took the opportunity to use a multiple overload on the Geth systems, combining our attacks and causing thousands of sparks to emerge from the shorted robots, which were painful to look at. I stayed back, hoping the Geth had been destroyed, but despite the damage, one of them was still moving.

In these two years of disappearance, it also seemed that the enemy had upgraded, becoming more resilient and taking on various attack roles in its configuration. The more numerous Geth troops were deployed as cannon fodder, but the real damage came from those wielding rocket launchers, heavy armor, or infiltration attacks.

Garrus's shot howled through the air, shattering what would have been the Geth's head before Grunt could get close enough to crush it with his bare hands. Their narrowed gazes met in the air in a challenge, only to be softened by Grunt's unexpected laughter.

"Good shot, but it's not enough. I've taken out 11 of those things on my own," the young Krogan smiled proudly as he tallied the number of Geth destroyed.

"This is just the beginning," Garrus said, declaring the start of the challenge.

Ignoring their ego games, I silenced them with a single wave of my hand. My Omni-Tool began to fluctuate, indicating open communications in the area. Looking for a way to access its, I carefully hacked into the frequency so I could listen.

"Attention, priority communications. OP-1, this is Platoon Leader Kal'Reegar. Do you read me? The Geth have sent a dropship toward OP-2. Tali'Zorah is fine, but she may need assistance. We're pinned down here. Can you send support?"

This was both a good and a bad sign. Tali was safe for the moment. However, the remaining Quarians at this point were likely a small squad… the rest had died from infection in their wounds, as we had confirmed before entering the area.

"OP-1 has been eliminated. This is Commander Shepard, I've come to assist. I've tuned the radio to channel 617 Theta, but I need your exact position." My voice came out cold but cordial as I watched my companions tune into the new communications frequency.

"We were on a high-risk stealth mission. The Geth have pinned us down, and we can't access our ship. I'm sending you the coordinates. We're cornered at the base camp on the other side of the valley. We made sure to get Tali'Zorah to a safe haven... and I'm back on the defensive. We're the last line left, barely five soldiers."  The fatigue in his voice was evident but the desperation did not show as he stood firm so as not to lower the morale of his squadron.

“Roger that, we'll attack from the rear and join forces.” Closing the communication and looking at the new location in the Omni-Tool.

Leading the way, we moved forward with a determined step, taking shelter among the nooks and crannies of the destroyed buildings. Dust clung to my armor, mottling it with earthy tones, while the high temperatures took their toll on my support system, rendering cooling almost nonexistent.

The sound of thrusters made us duck our heads as a Geth dropship appeared. Its insect-like shell shape reminded me of a cybernetic dragonfly designed to become lethal.

Garrus's jaws tightened near his face as if in restraint, and without saying a word, he handed me the sniper rifle so I could observe through the scope what his predatory eyes were clearly seeing.

In the distance, there were 3 quarians standing guard over the entrance. The enemy ship hovered above them and fired mercilessly, sending them flying. Still wounded, they tried to crawl toward the ruins' entrance, but something swung overhead, sending them into a panic.

The enemy shots had also hit an unstable pillar that swayed like a pendulum. I saw it fall in slow motion on top of them. The sound of the heavy impact shook the ruins, and all that remained of the quarians was their mauve blood, flowing like a river that fed the arid ground.

"Heh! They've been squashed like bugs!" My gaze glared at Grunt, who just smiled like a child without malice. "What? It's the truth."

"Grunt, you'd better refrain from commenting on the deaths of allies. Only on the enemies," I said as an observation as I returned the sniper rifle to the Turian. "We have to find a way to access the facility. Let's move forward!"

+-+-+-+-+-+

After a frantic fight, explosions, and saving a Marine from himself and his need to sacrifice himself by throwing his life away to a Geth colossus, I fulfilled Tali's wish to ensure Kal'Reegar survived.

The quarians' attempt to find data on solar radiation acceleration had cost them dearly, too many lives... at least a 12-member platoon wiped out and only two survivors, becoming a statistic that would demoralize anyone.

Tali didn't seem to know which battles to pick. The first time we met on the Colony, she lost half her team, although they managed to recover Veetor, and now... I could feel the guilt on her small shoulders.

Being assigned as a squad leader meant watching over your team, anticipating enemy movements, analyzing the playing field, and making quick decisions, but above all... you had to know when to retreat. Prioritizing data over human lives had never been my style, and I thought some of my personality had rubbed off on my former squadmates, but... I was wrong. What had once been a naive and cheerful girl had now hardened. I didn't know what had happened to her during those two years of absence, but I felt Tali had matured through cruel blows.

Tali's expressiveness was now hidden. Quarians were difficult to read. Their special acclimatization suits made it impossible to see any features, so she had always relied on her voice and body language... but now, I had a hard time knowing what was going through her head, and that worried me.

"This entire mission has been a disaster. I wish I had joined you on the Progress to Freedom," she murmured as we boarded the shuttle to return to the Normandy.

"Many quarians have lost their lives here. Was it worth it?" I didn't want to be harsh on her, but I needed to know if Tali still had a kind soul or if she had changed so much that I would have to adapt, as had happened with Garrus's violent streak.

"I don't know, Shepard. It wasn't my decision. I couldn't return empty-handed. The Admiralty Council believes this information is worth the sacrifice, and I... I must believe they're not mistaken. You don't understand how things work in the Fleet...contradicting them...can lead to expulsion. I was only following orders." With a tired sigh, Tali lowered her head, trying not to let me see how, despite wearing her visor, her iridescent eyes closed regretfully under the layer of steam from her own breath.

"I want to know your opinion. If you blindly follow orders, that won't differentiate you from a robot." I encouraged her to express herself, feeling it was my duty to guide her.

"Some of them were my friends, all good people... that they've been killed... makes my stomach turn. I need this information to be worthwhile. Haestrom used to be a quarian colony, life thrived, but this sudden change in the sun is unexpected. It was a normal star, and not enough years have passed for it to threaten to consume everything in its path." If this alteration was made by the Geth, it could be used as a weapon... so..." She remained silent, and I understood without her saying so that she was looking for justification so that the deaths wouldn't weigh on her conscience. Putting a hand on her shoulder, I expressed support through my gesture as the Normandy's pressurization doors opened for us.

"I understand, Tali. I appreciate you wanting to join this suicidal mission," I tried to lighten the mood.

"I only did it for you, Shepard. You've saved my life three times... and now you need my support, and I'm sure of one thing. With you in charge, I have no reason to doubt it." Her unwavering trust in me made me lose myself in memories.

Time might have taken its toll on her, but I wouldn't trade the warmth of camaraderie I felt right now, surrounded by Garrus and Tali, for anything. Besides, who knows? Perhaps the change in her personality would be interesting to discover.

Mara

Deciding to ignore Grunt's rude and childish behavior, I headed to Doctor Solus's lab to inform him that Kasumi would begin helping us create the healing biotic receptacle. Admittedly, the name was horrible at the moment; we'd have to find something more practical or commercial, but for now, the important thing was that the project was underway.

I had spent the entire morning with Kasumi presenting her with new lyrics to songs that had plagued my dreams, and after getting my approval, we had begun recording them with a rhythmic beat based on my humming.

The technology for implementing musical instruments from a small terminal was impressive to observe, and the best part was discovering that the thief had soundproofed her room with a device composed of spheres aligned around the perimeter, creating a network that collected sound waves.

It gave the sensation of talking to the void, where the echo became a companion, but it was a solution to the desired privacy, and in that desire, I had begged Kasumi to share her invention.

Remembering the Cheshire cat grin she put on sent an icy chill down my spine. For the Thief, the device came at a price, and that was admitting that I wanted to soundproof the room so I could be with Garrus more intimately.

Mocking me, she had given me a spare she kept for emergencies. The jokes at my expense would be guaranteed for a while, but it was worth it. In fact, I couldn't wait for Garrus to return from his mission so he could help me set it up.

Ecstatic, and a little braver than usual, I entered the lab. Mordin, as always, was immersed in his research. This time, he was staring at a Datapad as if his life depended on it. Approaching, making the sound of my steps heavier than usual so that the Salarian would notice my presence, I was going to greet him when he attacked me by putting the Datapad in my face. I almost ate the screen if it weren't for the fact that I stopped because of the shock.

"Doctor Solus?" Not knowing what he wanted me to see, I found myself somewhat disconcerted.

"The plans! Look at the measurements! They're disproportionate, invalid, a drawback in combat," he said self-critically.

"Mhmmm, but for creating the first prototype, it's fine, right? We make one at that scale, and then, once we've verified that it works, we find a way to make it more practical," I spoke naively.

The rejection of my comment was immediate. Doctor Solus's blinks became rapid and dissatisfied. "Waste of time. Double work, double waste. Attentive, we'll start from scratch." Moving the datapad away from my face, Doctor Solus leaned back on the table while using a holoprojector, he configured a semi-transparent blank page that allowed for 3D annotations and mock-ups.

Smiling slightly at his perfectionist nature, I approached the table. "Kasumi said she can help us. She specializes in unobtrusive, tiny equipment; it'll be a good collaboration." I reported, earning only a nod.

One of his fingers pointed firmly at the screen, and with that, I understood that the Doctor was asking me to be quiet while probably performing mental calculations. Not being an expert on the subject, I could only act as an assistant, so I obediently complied.

After three-quarters of an hour of silence, the Salarian scientist took a deep breath. This was my cue, I had recognized the little behavioral OCDs. Listening attentively, Mordin began to speak at a dizzying pace that was difficult to follow as I tried to keep up with him, expressing his ideas, hypotheses, and formulas. When he ran out of breath, he smiled calmly as he watched what his brilliant mind had conceived appear on the screen.

"Mhmm, not bad. There's room for improvement. Keep the idea of storing energy through supercapacitors and reboot," he ordered, resting a hand on his chin and pacing the room in a gesture that indicated this was going to take forever.

After hours of testing, trial, and error through abstract simulations, Doctor Solus was pleased, allowing me to leave.

Unsure how to spend my time, I checked the time on the Omni-Tool. It was practically dinner time, and they still hadn't returned from the mission.

A message flashed across the screen before I closed it. Kasumi was inviting me to a girls' dinner, so with nothing better to do, her plan would be a good distraction from my mind, which was already starting to think there might have been complications at Haestrom.

Upon arriving at Kasumi's room, I was surprised to see Jack inside. They were both sitting on the couch enjoying a generous glass, which, judging by the color and the smoke coming off it, I was sure was alcoholic.

“DextroLove, come sit down.”  Uncomfortably, I felt my cheeks burn as I sat down on the couch trying to get away from them.

"What's with that nickname?" I asked, feeling my brow furrow.

“Your stage name, Giggles, and don't act offended, everyone here knows you like to play with the dinosaur.” Jack's direct manner made Kasumi laugh while I just felt myself sink in place.

"I needed a direct opinion on the songs. Someone who's outspoken," Kasumi excused herself as she handed me a glass of the same bright pink liquor they were drinking. Accepting the drink with a hesitant attitude, I only took a sip that revealed notes of grenadine on my palate. “Jack think the same as me. You have to add keywords to the songs so they know you're talking about a Turian.”

"I thought they'd just be corny, but... they're catchy and have a groove. You surprised me, Giggles. I also thought the songs could tell a story. I can make an animated music video." Jack's offer was unexpected, making me smile.

“Didn't you say you weren't going to be part of a group?” I asked curiously.

"And I still don't like it, but this shit's going to make a lot of money. I want my share." Resting her elbow on her knee, Jack avoided our eyes.

"Aha, lie to yourself however you want," I taunted, making her eyes roll back in boredom.

“Cheers to the beginning of our friendship!” Raising her glass, Kasumi sized us up carefully. I didn't hesitate to raise my glass next to her, while Jack reluctantly joined in, almost shyly, making me laugh.

The clinking of the glass sounded playfully, breaking the tension in the air. "What makes you consider us friends?" Jack asked, still reticent.

"What are the three of us doing here, sitting, drinking, and gossiping? What more do you want?" Kasumi's response was playful.

"Sorry to interrupt the fun. Mara, you asked me to let you know when the shuttle returned. It'll dock in 3 minutes," Edi's voice stood out, causing me to immediately put my drink down on the table and stand up.

"Look at her running! Giggles, show some respect, don't be like a lapdog," I responded to Jack's scathing comment by sticking my tongue out at her as I ran off.

The last thing I heard was Kasumi's laughter as she invited Edi to join them in the gossip.

+-+-+-+-+-+

Nervous, I waited for the shuttle to open its hatches. According to Joker, the squadron hadn't encountered any problems and the mission had been a success, but my heart wouldn't calm down. They had taken too long to return, and that was making my imagination run wild with all sorts of bad thoughts.

However, when the hatch opened, I remained rooted to the spot. A quarian accompanied my brother and Garrus, while Grunt remained behind them.

This race of aliens was strange to see due to the complexities of their health and their galactic isolation. I watched her closely as my gaze focused on how her three-fingered hand made contact with Garrus's arm. Why did it seem like there was complicity between them? Garrus didn't feel comfortable sharing his personal space... I thought I was the only one he allowed it, but it seemed they shared an untold story.

In a flash, I remembered my brother mentioning a quarian as a member of the former Normandy. Assuming it was Tali, I tried not to let my intrusive thoughts overlap.

Approaching them, I forced myself to welcome this alien with a smile as I took in her appearance. Tali wore a tight-fitting suit of armor that harmonized her curves with patterns and a kind of skirt that made her hips look wide and her thighs rounded.

Her legs were different from human ones, as if her knee was tucked inward, forcing her calf into a retracted position. Furthermore, her facial features were nonexistent, obscured by the built-in helmet and a visor that only revealed the luminescence of her eyes, while fabric was decorated around it, almost simulating the flight of hair.

Although Garrus noticed me immediately, it was my brother who approached and affectionately ruffled my hair. "Were you worried, Minion?"

"You took too long, John... I thought something had gone wrong." Biting the inside of my cheek, I showed my concern.

"We had to wait for Tali to patch the suit. It's not good for her to expose her wounds to the open air," my brother explained, nodding toward the quarian. "She's Mara."

At my brother's introduction, the quarian's eyes seemed to narrow. "Pleased to meet you," her voice sounded with a slight mechanical fluctuation through the device on her helmet, which glowed violet as it received the sound.

Her thick accent made it hard to tell if she was annoyed or happy to meet me. "Same here," I smiled falsely.

"Shepard, let's reminisce in the main bay. Will you join us?" Tali asked, excluding both me and Grunt from the plan by simply pointing at Garrus.

"I have to deliver the mission report. Later, maybe." My brother ruffled my hair again in amusement, then walked away without looking back.

With the four of us left, I wanted to talk to Garrus, but I didn't have time to say a word. "Then that makes two of us. We need to catch up alone." He spoke the last word at length, making my blood boil at the quarian's brazen behavior.

Tali playfully bumped her hip against Garrus's, and it was like getting slapped in the face. "Just like old times. We can recreate fleet and flotilla this time, right?" Her joke pressed against my heart, making me feel it clench as I waited for Garrus's response to ease my mind, but he just shook his head and laughed.

“It'll just be a moment Mara, we'll talk later.” Saying goodbye, the Turian was unable to see how he was hurting me even though his subharmonics reflected an apology for leaving me aside. He seemed overly happy to have Tali back... and that made the demons whisper maliciously, making me wonder if there was anything more than friendship between them.

I was left alone with Grunt. It was the Krogan who propelled me forward, making me realize I'd frozen like a fool. "I'm hungry, little human," he commented, forcing me into the elevator. "Heh! I've crushed a lot of Geth. You should have seen them as a pile of nuts."

"That's good, Grunt... I bet it was a lot of fun." I tried to follow his conversation while trying not to dissociate myself.

The elevator pinged, indicating we had reached the dining area. I wanted to go with him so he could tell me the details of the mission and avoid overthinking things, but seeing Tali and Garrus sharing the dextro rations broke me, causing me to flee to Kasumi's room.

My entrance was a disaster; I was hyperventilating and glassy-eyed. Knowing I was starting to have an anxiety attack, I collapsed on the couch while clutching my chest to calm the pangs.

"Giggles... Shepard is... Are them okay?" Jack corrected herself.

“Yes, wonderfully.” I replied, feeling the dryness in my mouth. Taking the drink I'd left behind, I preferred to turn to alcohol to quiet my thoughts.

“Well, you have a sour face...as if you had sucked a lemon.”  Kasumi tried to joke.

"There's a new member of the crew. A quarian, Tali…came over, playing hands-on with Garrus,” I said bluntly as I asked for a refill.

“Giggles, you’re very sensitive, so…what do you mean by hands-on? It could all be a trick of your mind,” Jack pointed out.

“All I know…it hurts to the teeth seeing them together. She touched his arm, they bumped hips…they shared dinner!” I exploded. “What if they’re exes? They seemed too comfortable…and the way she spoke to me…<We need to talk privately. Let’s recreate fleet and flotilla>” Making my best attempt at imitating the quarian’s voice, I huffed.

Kasumi immediately took out a new bottle and handed it to me. “That’s it, get all the shit out, girl. You’ll need the whole bottle.” There was still a smile on her face that indicated she was more than pleased to hear my complaints. “Even though they’re both dextro, it’s normal for them to share food,” she added playfully.

Grabbing the bottle, I was starting to feel incredibly stupid for my feelings. “Hells, Giggles, I didn’t know you were so possessive. Friends do that too…although recreating fleet and flotilla, well, there’s your point of jealousy. Just chat with the dinosaur, don't make things complicated for yourself," Jack advised.

"No... I'm not going to tell him. What if... what if I'm paranoid and I mess everything up? What if he thinks I'm hopelessly jealous? What if..."

"What if you shut up and hit the bottle, huh?" Approaching me, Jack took the bottle and made me drink. "It won't clear up your mess, but this might give you courage."

"Jealous, you obviously are. Possessive, too. What wonderful ingredients," sarcasm seeped into Kasumi's voice, making me drink faster. "Hey, calm down, Mara..."

Forcibly taking the bottle away from me, Jack sighed wearily at my outburst of teenage attitude. "Just stop being a damn coward and waiting for people to question you."

"You are too. You're avoiding my brother.” —with alcohol entering my system directly and without having touched a bite of food, my mouth spoke without filters.

"Oh, this is getting interesting..." Kasumi only fueled the fire, wanting to get some juicy information.

"I'm not avoiding it." Now it was Jack's turn to drink straight from the bottle as she sat on the floor, leaning her back against my legs.

"Denial phase," Kasumi pointed out.

"Fuck you!" Jack cursed her while showing her middle finger. “Or rather, go to hell, both of you idiots!”

At least in my misery I'd have company, I thought, giggling at Jack's insults.

Chapter Text

Garrus

Tali's unsteady gait made me unconsciously stay close to her side as we headed toward the main bay. Haestrom had become a breaking point for her. The naiveté and joy that characterized her had been dulled by the deaths of her teammates.

A before and after... two overlapping realities that, in the end, weren't that far removed from the situation I suffered on Omega. In my case, it was for not preventing the betrayal, and in Tali's... for not upsetting her superiors... although she was still trying to justify the senselessness of her mission.

Entering the room, I leaned against the terminal console to surreptitiously check the time. I was pleased that more of the former crew were joining this mission, especially because I wouldn't have to see the distrustful looks of some Cerberus members. However... the conversation had become entangled, making what was supposed to be a short time drag on. I'd been practically without Mara all day, and I missed her. I was exhausted, and I just wanted to relax in her arms, absorb her scent, and hear her laugh…

"So you've made your own space... not bad considering we were previously scattered throughout the Normandy SR-1's hold." Turning toward Tali's voice, I watched as she headed toward the soft, comfortable chair I'd painstakingly crafted.

I couldn't blame her—the only other seating options were some metal crates or a stool. Clearing my throat to get her attention, I kicked the hard seat under the workbench. The reflection of her bioluminescent eyes took the form of closed lines letting me know that she was upset by my action.

"Why would I sit there? I'm badly hurt. Are you really going to get the best chair in the room?" Her arms, akimbo at hips, demanded an explanation.

"It’s Mara's." My subharmonic trembled with determination. The mating season was over but territoriality still guided me.

“So? She's not here. What's going on? Since she's Shepard's couple, she has privileges?” Her sullen tone only made me chuckle. It seemed some things didn't change, and among them was the quarian's idealized crush on the Commander.

"Tali... Mara's my girlfriend. How could she be the Commander's mate? Spirits, it would be against nature. They're siblings." My explanation alarmed her greatly. The woman began to move frantically, her body language once again reflecting the chaos of her emotions.

“Shepard…said he had a little sister, he seemed to mean a kid…no…well…no…” Trying to stop laughing, I moved the stool closer to her so she could sit. “I think it's too late to give her a good impression, right?” Without understanding what she was saying, I just watched as she sat defeated, her hands nervously tugging at the straps of her suit. “Also…how come…you're dating humans now? You said you weren't into interspecies adventures!” She accused me, almost offended after processing all this new information.

I had rejected Tali's flirtations both actively and passively. When I met her three years ago, she was on her pilgrimage to prove she was a functioning adult…but she still behaved like a teenager. She acquired a crush on me, but only as a fantasy from the movie Fleet and Flotilla. Although her fixation didn't last long…the Commander, with his actions, quickly became the new idealized lover.

“First, it's not a fling, and second, she's my exception. Besides, what do you mean by making a good impression?”

“So…you know how to court humans?”  My question was deliberately ignored, causing me to simply take a deep breath.

"I'm still learning, I make mistakes... but I'm not going to help you because the advice I give you might not work on Shepard. Spend time with him, ask for his mentoring, strengthen the bond of friendship, or ask Doctor Solus. He loves passing out guides on interspecies relationships and sticking his nose where it doesn't belong." A rag filled with weapon-cleaning oil was tossed in my face with disdain. Not a disturbing obstacle, I simply reached out to grab it without complications.

"Why not? What's the problem? Don't you want to contribute to love?" she complained.

"I don't want to contribute to a fantasy," my sentence struck her, causing the room to fall silent for a few seconds.

The sound of my Omni-Tool forced me to look away, leaving me with a feeling of strangeness as I read the notification of having received a message from Kasumi. "It's not a fantasy. Shepard cares about me, he's saved my life three times... he's my hero." We exchanged the last word at the same time, emphasizing how the Commander seemed to the young quarian.

Not wanting to comment further on other people's feelings, I chose to open the message. I practically thanked the spirits for the Thief's interference.

Kasumi:

Vakarian, I have a little surprise for you. She's whiny, loud, and keeps saying your name. Come pick her up, juju.

Kasumi, was she referring to Mara? What the hell did juju mean? Was she crying? Had she hurt herself? My body reacted, relegating politeness to the background.

My legs strode forward amidst the puzzled looks of the rest of the crew. I didn't give a damn what they thought. If Mara was in trouble, they would be the least of my worries.

When I reached the end of the hallway, I stared at the door marked with a red do-not-disturb light. Strangely, no sound came out, as if there was an unauthorized soundproofing field, making me concern.

Knocking hard on it, I obtained permission to enter. My body was rigid, my jaw clenched. The thought of my mate injured was eating away at me, but when the door opened... the tension was replaced by suspicion.

Empty liquor bottles were scattered on the table before my watchful eyes. Jack and Kasumi were playing cards as if the alcohol content didn't bother them, and Mara... well, my little human was curled up sobbing on a couch that was ridiculously bigger than her.

"Finally! Can you take her? She's breaking my spirits, and with all this crying, I can't beat this bitch." Jack made a grimace that distorted her face rudely as she insulted the thief.

"Uh uh, I wasn't the one who made her cry.” The thief crooned as she uncovered a straight flush, ending the game.

Walking slowly so as not to startle Mara, I emphasized my subvocals to make sure she felt me... "Garrus..." my name was implored. "You're not going to abandon me, are you?"

Her question caught me off guard, causing me to immediately shake my head at the thought. "Of course not, why would I?" Wanting to comfort her, I bent down to be at eye level with her. The watery glow of her sphenes glimmered through her wild locks like a beautiful warning. Hee light body rushed towards me with the biotic load enveloping  her figure. “But what?”

I couldn't react in time. The inertia of her chaotic movement knocked us over, and my mind shut down as I watched her smiling triumphantly. Her hips swayed against my waist in a ritual dance that altered my thoughts. Her hands ran down my neck as if she were demanding a reward and her gaze held a determination that made me forget how to speak.

“Ha! In your face, Jack! Now apologize.” Although Mara was speaking to the rest of the room, her gaze didn't leave my face as she guided my hands to her waist.

“Dream on, giggles. Maybe the dinosaur just said that to make you stop crying.” Jack's annoying voice made the little human angry. I expected to see her scream in a fit of rage that would end in angry tears, but this time she chose to smile mischievously as if there was something or someone better to devote her energy to.

Leaning her torso, she leaned fully against my body. Her soft lips made contact with my jaw, parting only to let her playful tongue tease my serenity. “Uh… Mara? I think it would be good to hydrate you… we could go to the kitchen. I’ll also make you something to eat,” I murmured, intending to distract her.

“I’m hungry… for something else.” Her blunt teeth grazed my neck in a veiled promise of nighttime caresses. Mara was completely uninhibited by the alcohol, making her shyness evaporate despite the fact that there were other people around us.

My claws subtly tightened around her waist. My small gesture made her arch her back in search of greater contact with my body. The whispers between Kasumi and Jack became like flies, unintelligible to my senses, which were too focused on my mate.

The scent of the Xael flower permeated everything, making me want to give in to my instincts without worrying about the audience.

In a frenzy of loud kisses against my face, Mara once again disconcerted me. Staring at her in a daze, I saw only defiance in her. “Mine.” The possessiveness filtering through her voice made me turn my attention back to the occupants of the room.

Tali stood in the doorway—she'd probably followed me when I'd bolted without a word. "Garrus is mine, find yourself another Turian," Mara said brazenly, punctuating her words by trailing her hands over my armor.

Her jealousy made my heart race, throb, and jump with joy. Knowing she was also possessive only made me smile, calming my nerves due to our cultural differences. Humans were more affectionate beings, even greeting complete strangers with kisses. I'd been thinking about how to deal with intrusive thoughts, but it seemed I wouldn't need to hold back.

Grasping her waist completely with my claws, I straddled her on top of me. Preventing her from looking at the rest of the room, Mara pouted adorablely as Tali's apology faded into thin air.

Rubbing my jaw against her cheek, I leaned closer to her ear. "Enough with the shenanigans, Mella Ferum. You're going to be a good little human and take responsibility, aren't you?" I purred in a whisper meant only for her. Her cheeks tinged beautifully with a ruby hue as she nodded, her gaze unfocused and her pupils dilated. "Say goodbye," I commanded aloud.

I didn't care about the whispers, the gossip, or what other people thought. I just wanted to get my fill of her, and to do that, I would enjoy her in private because Mara was a sweet treat I wouldn't share in a thousand lifetimes.

Mara

The velvet softness of the blankets beneath me felt like an invitation, a silent promise of what was to come. My vision was a blurred haze, making the lights of the room drift into floating embers that forced me to keep my eyes narrowed—though I never once looked away from him. Even with my mind clouded by alcohol, my every thought belonged to him.

The screech of the desk chair being dragged across the floor to face the bed made me blink several times, uncomprehending. Why was Garrus putting distance between us? He had promised I would be the one to provoke him; he had carried me here in his arms and laid me against the plush mattress like a prize, and now… he was simply sitting away? His actions felt disconnected, like a cruel game my mind was playing on itself.

His mandibles twitched until a guttural laugh vibrated through the air, sending a shiver racing across my skin. That dark, intimate, grave tone made the heat spill over within me.

“Strip, Mara.” His voice was a gentle whisper, but his sharp gaze made it an imperious command.

With trembling hands, I obeyed. I felt the clumsy weight of my fingers as they fumbled with my buttons. The fabric brushed against my legs until it fell away, and my shirt tangled in my hair until I tossed it aside with desperate impatience.

Garrus settled into his seat, his posture betraying not a single flicker of excitement. Unlike me, he seemed perfectly composed, and that only fed my nerves. I couldn't read his reactions; his subharmonics were a flat line of white noise. The air in the room grew thick, heavy with a tension that forced my few remaining conscious neurons to work overtime just to understand him.

“Mhmm… you’re still wearing clothes.” The distant tone in his voice made my world pause. “It seems you have trouble following orders. Undress. Consider this a punishment for your audacity.”

In a heartbeat, time sped up. My heart hammered against my ears, a sound so deafening I feared the entire crew could hear it.

“Are you getting shy now?” God, that lopsided smirk of his would be the death of me. He was enjoying my shock. Still disoriented by his change in attitude, I complied almost unconsciously. My biotics flared, sparked by the mere sound of his voice, and the raw force of it shredded my lingerie into mere rags.

“Touch yourself, Mella Feram. Give me a show.” His claws toyed carelessly with the latches of his armor, as if expecting a reward.

Shyness wrapped around me like a shroud. A blush burned across my skin—a visible mark of the sensations he could evoke without even laying a finger on me. The heat was spreading, a slow-burn fire cooking me from the inside out.

My hands, still shaking, began a hesitant caress around my breasts. It was light, a mere ghost of a touch against my nipples. Normally, it wouldn't have caused a reaction… but standing before Garrus, watching his pupils dilate as he waited for me to continue, they peaked instantly. I pinched them and stifled a gasp, whispering my emotions into the air. A small movement of his mandibles made the caress catch fire, turning it electric.

For my effort, Garrus rewarded me by unbuckling a strap. The sound of metal on metal, the way a plate came loose from his torso, and his silent nod gave me the strength to keep exploring myself.

As I played with my nipple, I closed my eyes and imagined his claws pressing there instead of my own soft fingers. A sigh echoed through the room as my other hand began a downward journey toward my center. Excitement crackled with every inch. My heart fluttered as I felt the first sparks of electricity where my hand trailed over my stomach.

Lowering myself further, my thighs fell open to reveal everything to him. Exposed and vulnerable, my index finger pressed against my pearl—a delicious, taunting pressure. I circled it, teased it, pressed down to calm the frantic racing of my heart, only to drag out the pleasure until I earned another reward from him.

This wasn't just a display. It was a dance. Every step had a reaction, and my moans were an unfinished melody searching for a sublime finale. Watching Garrus methodically strip the upper part of his armor, in stark contrast to my trembling gestures, only fueled my fire. I craved to see the gloves come off next… to see those long, thick, elegant claws. My imagination took flight with the forbidden temptation of feeling them inside me.

However, the Turian only offered a predatory smile as he leaned back into his chair, crossing his legs so his ankle rested on his thigh. His gloved fingers tapped a relentless rhythm against his combat boots. He was waiting… and the more calm he projected, the more urgent my need became to make him lose control.

As I slid a finger inside, I felt the wetness overflow, drenching my hand. I had to squeeze my eyes shut to hold back a scream. My core shuddered, pulsing with a hollow, aching yearning. The back-and-forth of my finger combined with the sharp pinches to my breast, but even as my heart accelerated, that final electric wave—the shockwave of true pleasure—remained just out of reach.

“Look at me, Mara.” His deep voice was a hiss that stimulated me more than any touch. It made my center contract, desperate to swallow my finger.

Obeying, I lost myself in his eyes. A stormy sea opened up before me, threatening to drag me into the depths. If I had any survival instinct left, I would have fled… but I was a total suicide mission. I wanted to drown in him. I wanted his hands on my skin. I wanted to hear my name purred in his subvocals… I wanted… I wanted…

“Garrus… please…” I had no pride left.

Facing his stillness, I added another finger just to quiet my fantasies. I felt insufficient. I was like a bird that couldn't take flight even as the wind tried to lift it. Something in me was holding back. The bliss of the peak remained elusive, and my frustration turned my caresses into something reckless and urgent.

“Mhmm, not yet. Tell me… why were you jealous?” His brazen smile told me he knew exactly how close to the edge I was.

His claws carefully unlaced his combat boots. His arm flexed, the hidden muscle rippling under his shirt as he set them aside. My mouth went dry as I realized his next move was to remove the armor plate protecting his thighs and groin… I was so thirsty for him.

Shame fought desire… and desire won by a landslide. With my heart tolling like a bell marking the end of my sorrow, I condemned myself to the fire in his eyes. “Because she touched you… because… ah… because she wanted to be alone with you…” Moisture drenched my thighs as my fingers moved frantically, rhythmically, in a desperate search for something. “Because… I want you all to myself… ah… please, please!” Frustration turned into tears. My own hands couldn't take me to heaven; they were not enough. They had never been enough.

The physical act of empty masturbation had never brought me peace. Years ago, I had touched myself thinking of Garrus… that was what woke my instincts, but I never reached the end. At least I knew I wasn't broken—it was just that the Turian was my only switch.

Hearing the final metallic click of his armor latches was a blessing. Garrus was a predator in his stride, as if he had been stalking me this entire time, leading me into a lethal trap. With his signature grace, he yanked off his shirt and tossed it behind him, hitting the chair with calculated precision.

His hands toyed with the seams of his gloves just inches from my face. “You want me to touch you, Mara? Is that what you want?” The contrast between this provocative, taunting Garrus and the one who was usually needy and barely sane was like being with two different people.

When he was in heat, he was passionate, dominant… frantic. He wouldn't give me a moment to breathe. But now? He was calculating. Still dominant, still a predator, but there was something unpredictable and challenging in him that fascinated me. I was a moth caught in his flame.

The problem was that I didn't fear the burn; I feared dying of the cold without his touch. “Yes… I… I want to feel you.” My hand abandoned my red, battered breast just to try and reach for him.

His textured skin and rough plates were like a psychotropic drug. He was real… he was beside me, rewiring my nervous system like a direct jolt. His claws brushing my skin felt torturously divine. The edge of his nails made my skin tingle, and the heat became scorching. I was self-immolating.

“You’re a complete mess, aren’t you?” I nodded, my voice breaking. Tears flowed like a wild river, and when he pulled my hand away to replace it with his own, it felt like the heavens opening to the dawn. “All teary-eyed… that’s how I like you best.” The double meaning of his words as his thumb brushed my clitoris made me tremble.

His breath brushed my face, a warmth that pitied the dampness of my tears. The white noise of his subvocals shifted into an incessant purr. The vibrations electrified my skin as I tried to press myself against his torso. With a choked-out sob, my body surged, an invisible thief snatching a silent orgasm without my permission.

Garrus’s deep laugh threw me off balance. His claw gripped my waist, anchoring me in place. His thigh pushed between mine, preventing me from closing myself off, and his other hand… he kept tormenting me, his thumb moving in slow, agonizing circles around my center.

Spasms enveloped me, my brain short-circuiting. The air burned in my lungs; I couldn't breathe. And suddenly, I felt it. That index finger… thicker and longer than any human finger. I didn't even put up a fight. My body sought to swallow him greedily, as if I had been waiting for this my whole life.

“Ah!…” I moaned loudly as our eyes met. I swear I could get lost in them—that calm blue that hid deep whirlpools ready to drag my soul under.

“You’re doing so well… Mara.” His words of encouragement, his tender kiss against my forehead—all so different from the ruthlessness of moments before—made me tighten around him. Only for him.

“Your interior is even warmer and softer than I imagined. It wraps around me so perfectly.” His praise was punctuated by the movement of his finger. My body shuddered again, unable to repress the sheer emotion of it.

He filled me so well… His touch went deeper, setting a devastating rhythm, and I simply sang his song. In his hands, I was a finely tuned instrument. When he reached that hidden spot in the abyssal tide of my interior, I felt a new pressure. I began to contract as if my heart were beating inside my womb; everything felt swollen and ripe. And then, as if the gates of heaven had opened, I lost myself.

The liquid of my release sprayed us, the reaction of my body surprising us both. I felt shame devouring me from the inside, but in his eyes, there was only delight—as if he wanted to recreate my orgasm over and over again.

When he finally withdrew his finger, I felt empty, pulsing against nothing. His blue tongue flicked out just to lick my essence from his claw. A hum of pleasure filled the room, as if it were the finest delicacy the Turian had ever tasted. Then he simply smiled with a joy that could strike me dumb.

“You are wonderful.” His claw caressed my cheek with affection. “Are you alright, my love? Do you want to continue?” His sweetness made me throw myself into his arms, grateful to have him. Garrus had so many versions of himself, and every one of them filled me with love. I just wanted to show him how much I cared, even as exhaustion set in.

Hovering over him, I traced the defined plates of his abdomen with a careful touch. “I love you.” It was my vow as I kissed his unscarred jaw, working my way toward his mouth-plates. It was a soft kiss, no tongues or teeth—just a satiating, delicate graze.

His hands opened his pants, ruined by his own restrained excitement. With a yearning gaze, Garrus pleaded with his subharmonics. His member stood between us, his conical tip pearled with semi-translucent drops of a faint blue hue. Using my hands to wrap around him, I pressed lightly where the head met the shaft.

I offered a long, slow caress down to the base as a test. His grit-toothed moan was all the encouragement I needed. Keeping one hand around the shaft, I gave small, firm strokes while focusing my attention on the head.

His slippery lubrication made every touch effortless. The rhythm of my hand increased, a gradual build-up until I was dancing in an Allegro. Garrus’s eyes fluttered shut against the pleasure, and his voice broke into reverberating purrs.

Watching every detail of his face, I saw his nostrils flare for breath, his mandibles wavering in adorable, intermittent movements before clamping shut against his mouth-plates. The fringes of his hood seemed to rise slightly, trembling. Everything about him was alien and absolutely beautiful.

Applying circular motions with my thumb over the tip, I felt his essence begin to emanate. Without Garrus in "frenzied mode," I could finally pause to appreciate every reaction, memorizing him like a star chart.

Without breaking the rhythm, I increased the pressure. His growl, combined with a sort of subvocal shriek, gave me chills. Greed took hold of me. Wanting to surprise him, I aligned myself over him… if I tilted just right, our sexes would brush. Guiding him with my hand, I gave one long caress as his tip pressed against my entrance.

Garrus’s eyes snapped open, catching me red-handed. Blushing, I bit my lip and lowered my hips toward him. It was a strange pressure. His conical tip made way smoothly, but as the circumference increased, I felt a limit—a threshold that made me hesitate to claim him further.

Garrus’s nails dug into my hips. The blue of his eyes vanished entirely into the black slits of his dilated pupils. His mandibles clenched, and an inhuman moan echoed through the room. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself. I was willing to impale myself just to hear more of those moans that made my skin crawl with fire. However, just as I went to drive downward, his hands gripped my buttocks, squeezing hard and pinning me in place.

I moaned at the painful pleasure, and in retaliation, I moved my hand quickly along his shaft. Garrus gasped, forcing me to lean against his caparazón. My internal muscles pressed against the head of his member, contracting. The strange sensation began to feel delicious. I had barely taken a few centimeters of him, yet I felt his heat invading me, threatening to soothe an itch I didn't know existed.

“Spirits… you’re so small and tight… damn it!” That last moan turned into a roar; his shaft pulsed against my entrance, seeming to grow. When his essence flooded me, it was a scorching ember that overflowed, unable to reach the depths of my vagina.

My heart soared just seeing Garrus reach his peak. Exhausted, I rested completely against his caparazón. It would be so easy for him to make me his entirely… a simple push of his claws to drag me down and I could accommodate him. To my misfortune, my lewd desires would have to wait for another time; I felt his hardness begin to fade until he lifted me slightly to retract himself.

Holding me close, the Turian stroked the small of my back. “I can’t let you out of my sight,” he accused with a crooked smile that told me he wasn't truly upset.

Yielding to the exhaustion, I curled up against him. His body was hard compared to the mattress, but I had no intention of moving. I wasn't letting go of him all night.

“Garrus… stay with me forever,” I murmured, barely realizing I’d said it.

My heavy eyes couldn't take any more. Giving in to sleep, the lullaby of his purring was my song.

John Shepard

The meeting with the Illusory man had dragged on longer than necessary. At this hour, a microwaved meal and the silence of the dining room awaited me. I doubted even Garrus and Tali were still catching up in the Bay Area.

Glancing at the Omni-Tool, I checked a few pending messages as the elevator opened. Noticing there was a contact notification from Sidonis, I snorted.

The Turian was grateful that I had interceded for him and now wrote to me occasionally, telling me how he was redeeming himself. It was a good thing; it meant my sixth sense was working again.

Sidonis had chosen an arduous path filled with small gestures that would eventually turn into something big. For now, he was participating in all the volunteer activities; he was working hard. He probably wouldn't even sleep properly with such a tight schedule, but... none of it would earn him Garrus's forgiveness.

What's more, even I wasn't sure I'd earned that stubborn Turian's forgiveness. Friendship felt elusive on his part. While we spoke or communicated during missions, we hadn't had a quiet chat or trained together again.

Acting on inertia, I was on automatic mode as I continued reading the message. I'd made it to the kitchen without incident and had already taken out some of the leftovers from dinner. Ultimately, preferring to eat the food cold rather than reheated because I felt it was losing its flavor, I headed toward the bay.

"Shepard! Aren't you here to talk?" Turning suddenly, I looked over my shoulder as Tali animatedly gestured with her arm.

"Sorry, I was engrossed in reading. You should have called my attention sooner." Walking over to where she was sitting, I took a seat next to her. "And Garrus?"

“No problem, besides it's fun to see you so focused.” Being polite, Tali rested part of her hoof on her hand, as if she were holding her chin. “ Uhmm… she's with your sister. They were going to misbehave.” The way she slurred the last sentence in a secret whisper made me laugh – Doesn't it seem strange to you to see them together?

“Very strange. It's like a meteorite hit my eyes, but… Mara's happy, so… as long as Garrus doesn't screw up, she'll be fine.” Eating some of the almost yellowish dough, I avoided thinking about what the hell it was made of. “You know? The funniest thing is that they think I don't know they're together. I'd rather play dumb for now. By the way, how long has it been since they left?”

“And that doesn't piss you off? Aren't they acting behind your back?” Her bioluminescent eyes formed circles, almost detonating their own surprise. “Two hours or so.”

“Considering that an interspecies relationship must already be complicated… no, it doesn't upset me. Probably… ahem…” Clearing my throat, I tried not to think too much about the implications I was about to say, “They need to know if the relationship works in all areas.”

“Oh, I understand. Is sex very important for humans?” Her question made me squirm my food around in my mouth, unable to swallow, threatening to gag.

“It depends. For most, it is. Then there are exceptions, but… exceptions also have their caveats. I don't know if I'm explaining myself well, but I really don't feel like talking too much. It's… well, it's my little sister, it feels weird, so let's change the subject.” Picking at my plate with the intention of not taking another bite until my stomach stabilized, I preferred to ask, “Have you met anyone else from the crew?”

“Jack and Kasumi. They were playing poker. I've shown them the Quarian version… Both are interesting. Cerberus has chosen some rather… bizarre teammates for you? – Her way of politely saying that Cerberus had thrown me to the lions by providing me with a crew with a criminal record made me smile.

"They have their quirks, yes. Jack is trustworthy... Kasumi, hmmm, I haven't spent much time with her, so I can't tell you anything, but she's crafty..."

"Trustworthy, huh?" Jack's voice made me avoid further mentions of the rest of the crew. "Who would have thought the great Commander was into gossip?"

Jack's footsteps made me follow her with my eyes. In some kind of undulating biotic ball, she was moving too many empty alcohol bottles, which made me raise an eyebrow. "Don't be a prude, in this shitty place you have to find ways to have fun." I hadn't even mentioned anything, but as if my gaze alone attacked her, The biotic chose to make a scathing comment.

"You can't talk to Shepard like that." Startled, Tali came to my defense. The contrast between the previous crew, where he was respected, and the current one, which acted without discipline or chain of command among the core members of the ground squadron, was a shock to her.

"Whatever you say, Firefly." Completely ignoring the quarian, she dropped the bottles into the wastebasket, causing the glass to crash against each other and shatter violently. "By the way, what the hell are you eating? Are you trying to kill yourself? Shep, that's Grunt food, you know, a special diet of some alien stuff. Anyway, you're eating fish gut mush or something." Subtly pushing the plate away, I understood why my stomach was upset; it wasn't just the conversation but also the contents of whatever I ate.

"Are you okay, Shepard? You've gone pale. I'm going to go get Dr. Chakwas." Rubbing my arm as if to comfort me, Tali said goodbye as she headed to the infirmary.

The sound of the kettle making me focus on Jack's figure. Her serious face had a sour look, her gaze was narrowed and her full lips were drawn into a bitten line as if she were debating with herself.

"Tsk, you don't take care of yourself at all." Turning her back on me, she began rummaging through the shelves with loud noises.

“Then take care of me.” I provoked her. We hadn't spoken for a day; she was the one who had run away, and now she seemed angry, although Jack seemed to be constantly feeling that way.

"Not a word.” She hissed in annoyance. However, when she turned around, she was holding a military ration of dehydrated food neatly served on a tray.

Despite her blows, bad temper, and aggressive words, she handed me the tray with a shifty look. The slight blush at the tips of her ears was the only indicator of timidity. “Not a word.” With a playful smile I waited for her to take the seat in front of me.

 "You know... if those  idiots make any noise, you can come to the cellar..."

"Would you share a cot?" I asked, slightly surprised.

"No, you'd sleep on the floor.” She said immediately, pointing her index finger at me, making me laugh.

"You're hurting me, Jacqueline..."

"You continue, Boy Scout, and I'll end up crushing you.” She threatened.

"As long as it's against you... you can crush me all you want." Giving my best flirtatious smile, I watched as, despite Jack's eye roll, she was entertained by our interaction. The slightly raised corners of her lips couldn't hide her amusement.

Dr. Chakwas's hurried footsteps, along with Tali's, were what made us fall silent. I hoped I wouldn't have an allergic reaction this time; given the option of being with Jacqueline, it would be bad luck to have to stay in the infirmary.

Chapter Text

John Shepard

A thick layer of cold seeped into my nerves. The darkness translated into soulless, clinical-like corridors. The lights flickered in the background in a gloomy manner as if trying to persuade me not to continue.

A civilian would have fled immediately, but I was a soldier trained to face any treacherous situation, to never retreat, ever.

I continued to maintain the formation as I advanced. A distorted roar of an agonized human voice pricked in my ears. Fury, betrayal, and lament mingled as the walls vanished, replaced by binary code, jumbled together like engrams intertwined on a dying tree.

Paralyzed, I raised my weapon. The vapor of my breath was visible in the frigid room. Shapeless distortions took on a dislocated human face in flashes. A blackout, rapid breathing, murmurs of a female voice, and suddenly, before me, the vision of my sister being tortured.

Intubated, held aloft by mechanical arms that thrust into her body, goading her as if she were a dissected animal. I could hear her heartbeat, struggling to survive.

Her eyes, translucent with tears and blood-soaked from the tension the clamps exerted on her eyelids, forcing them open, clouded their color… Horror and revulsion seized my psyche. Murmurs grew louder, now embodied by my own guilt for having allowed such torture.

When did I scream? I don't know, I just felt like I was going hoarse until the images overlapped again. My sister had disappeared, replaced by that young man we found at the Cerberus facility.

His bruised mouth, into which cables were inserted, tried to form words, but only muffled gasps came out. His naked body was emaciated, every bone exposed, showing the decay. The metal was embedded, tearing through his muscles like a meat grinder.

He was crucified…in pursuit of human evolution, which, in its quest to advance, always committed atrocious acts.

The robotic voice settled in my head “The square root of 910…is equal to”

“30.1” I replied in a whisper that shattered the entire image.

Startled, I woke up completely. Sitting up in bed, I ran my sweaty hand over my forehead. A week ago, we had carried out a mission for Cerberus. A favor…that had uncovered horrifying secrets for Miranda, Jacob, and me.

The image of that poor boy, David, still haunted my subconscious. The brutality he had suffered at the hands of his own brother instantly disgusted me. And then came the questions…Had my sister been treated the same way? Like a piece of meat? A product for a purpose?

I stared at my fingers, where there was a slight tremor…was I as repulsive as Archer? I knew what Mara would say to me; for her it would be a resounding no. She was the one who had made the choice, as she always emphasized, but that did not quell the insidious doubts.

Tired, I sighed resignedly. I wasn't going to be able to fall back asleep.

Getting up, I aired the sheets before putting them on. Pinching and pulling the edges taut, I aligned them with the base of the mattress, striving for millimeter perfection.

The habits I acquired in the army shaped my character, so that if I couldn't rest, I would look for productive ways to spend my time, and among those, orderly routines were the best way to clear my mind.

In just a few minutes, the bed was perfectly made as if no one had slept in it. Looking around the room, I contemplated the aquariums that adorned the wall. Running a finger along the top edges, I removed any accumulated dust.

I had nothing else to do, the room was spotless, I made sure of that from morning till night…and I didn't have any paperwork piled up either, so I only had one option: to train.

Without needing to get ready, since I always slept in my uniform in case anything happened that required my immediate action, I left my room to find the ship completely silent.

Before, I could hear my sister's cries when she had nightmares, but for the past few days, it was as if they had stopped tormenting her. There was only stillness, and that pleased me in a way, while on the other hand, it made me suspicious. It was as if no one shared the space with me, as if I were completely alone, not a sound to indicate that Mara was on the other side of the wall.

Shaking my head to clear the uneasy thoughts, I pressed the elevator button for the fifth floor of the ship. It was barely 2 a.m., so the shift change hadn't happened yet, and most likely, there was no one in the training room.

But I was surprised when the doors opened. My assumption hadn't taken into account that other members of the squad might have other plans.

Garrus was taking advantage of the early morning solitude to train without prying eyes or biting comments from the rest of the human crew, who still saw him as a threat.

The training dummy's torso was cracked, rendering it useless against the Turian's sharp claws. The training dummy was insufficient for him with so much repressed rage, becoming a source of venting that could not be reused.

His cold, predatory eyes gave me a quick glance without losing track of the attack movements he was practicing. When it lunged, Garrus simply dodged, found the opening on the left side, and kicked in the flank, sending the dummy tumbling to the ground in a bad fall that deformed its head.

“Commander.” The recognition that the Turiano made by marking my presence was out of courtesy.

"Garrus…" I greeted him in a friendly tone, taking off my shoes to step onto the tatami. “I seem to recall we're tied. A tiebreaker?” Adopting a defensive stance, I invited him to resume the fight with me.

His gaze sharpened, and his jaw tightened, almost in disgust. Turians were difficult to read; his face seemed as impassive as a statue's. I truly didn't know how my sister could find nuance in Garrus's jaw movements; to me, they all looked the same.

"It's late. I need to rest. With your permission, Commander." His evasiveness only irritated me. Vakarian was setting boundaries, refusing to treat me like a friend again.

Noticing him walking away, I couldn't resist commenting, "Without my permission. Where are you going to rest, Vakarian? In my sister's bed?" My provocation made him turn around immediately.

That narrowed look he gave me, I knew how to decipher it. The Turian was annoyed. Would he deny the facts? “That's right, and for that I only need her permission. Any problem?” It was a proud hiss. His figure straightened, displaying his full height as if he wanted to emphasize that he towered over me a head and a half.

“How long do you plan to stay angry, stubborn Turian?” I was the one who threw the first punch, trying to destabilize his legs in a direct attack on the spurs adorning his calves.

Garrus swiftly dodged my attack, his predatory reflexes almost making his feet disappear. I knew he would try to attack my back, so I spun around to confront him. “Until you stop interfering in my life and making decisions for me. I don't need another controlling father.” Blocking his punch aimed at my stomach, I took a few steps back.

“You were going to ruin your life! You'd become a heartless killer, is that what you want? Do you think my sister would love a monster?” I knew I was playing dirty. Using the feelings he had for my sister was drastic, but I didn't know what else to do.

His claws pressed against my hand, finding a way to dig into my skin, using my momentum against me and pulling me toward him with lightning speed.

A headbutt was delivered, making me release him and try to create some distance as pain engulfed my entire head from the impact of his rigid facial plates. “That's despicable, Shepard.”

“But it's the truth.” Blocking his stance, Garrus watched my every move as if he could anticipate them. We were circling, trying to decide how to proceed. “You're impulsive, and that holds you back.”

“Maybe… but do you know what you are? An arrogant, egocentric, and egotistical bastard who thinks he'll never make a mistake. Mr. Perfect" His voice distorted in mockery. Crouching down, he tried to sweep his feet at me, but I dodged it by mere inches.

His comments angered me. I only wanted what was best for him; was that what being a bad friend meant? "Ouch, that hurt. You kiss my sister with that mouth?" His growl echoed menacingly. Jumping towards me, his knee sought to break through the defense of my arms.

Extending the blockade, I diverted his movement; however, the Turian surprised me with an unforeseen act. As he pulled back his leg, he spun around, and the instep of his foot slammed into my ribs, knocking the wind out of me.

Not giving up, I grabbed his foot to prevent him from getting away. We were both knocked down, and the fight moved to the ground. Punches flew, landing blows. My lip split, while Garrus hissed in pain as he was attacked in the area of his damaged jaw.

There was no military calculation, just a simple outburst of rage. It was like two kids fighting in the playground over their favorite Pog. Insults were hurled between us, giving way to childishness.

"You meddling bastard, Fatuus," his claws dug into my shoulder like razor-sharp blades.

"You lying dinosaur. Aren't honesty the Turians' motto? How long did you think you could make me look like a fool?” I kicked him in the waist, striking his most exposed area to get him off me.

“Uh…Commander? I think I caught you at a bad time,” Jacob’s deep voice seemed to stop time. Turning our faces toward him, we saw his bewildered gaze searching for an escape, knowing he had interrupted an argument he shouldn’t have witnessed.

The Turian backed away, getting up and composing himself while I took the opportunity to catch my breath. “Jacob, what do you need?” – I ran my hand over my nose when I noticed the moisture, and I cleaned the blood roughly.

“Nothing, I’ll leave you…to your business?” He was about to leave, but my voice stopped him immediately, ordering him to wait.

“We should make peace…” I said, looking at Garrus. The Turian lowered his fists at my words.

Thinking we were going to talk, I let my guard down, not anticipating that with a swift move, he would close the distance. His fist slammed into my eye, knocking me back down on the mat. "Peace," he said with a strained smile as he helped me up. The Turian's anger was still evident, but he seemed more satisfied. I should have tried this solution sooner, like Jack said.

"Not that I'm complaining about the spectacle, it's strange and somewhat amusing to watch, but I think Mara will kill you both when she finds out," Jacob's comment brought us back to reality. We exchanged guilty glances, and Garrus and I nodded simultaneously.

"An accident," I said, crossing my arms. "Besides, with the medigel, there'll barely be a faint purple stain. Don't say anything, Jacob," I added.

"I wouldn't even think of it. You know what they say, it's best not to interfere in sibling rivalry.” Jacob offered a genuine smile that slowly faded into a grimace, as if something were troubling him.

"Spill the beans, Taylor. You've been distracted since the Cerberus mission, so something's bothering you," I said, addressing him by his last name, presenting myself as Commander, not friend, so he'd have no choice but to speak.

Giving me a slight nod, Garrus made a move to give us some privacy, but Jacob stopped him with his raised palm. "You don't need to leave… this is something the whole crew is going to find out about eventually… I need your help for an unauthorized mission." Trying to maintain a composed demeanor, he squared his shoulders, awaiting my response.

"You can't request Cerberus's assistance," I stated cautiously, understanding that this must be a personal matter. "What do you need?"

“After what we saw on the last mission…” - taking a minute of silence, Jacob seemed to curse under his breath, also affected by the discovery of that human experiment.

The image of David, pierced by metal pipes and hooks, was surely haunting him, especially since he was a completely innocent young man, devoid of malice, a young man with special needs, despite his brilliant mind, whose trust had been betrayed by his brother, his legal guardian.

"I know I can trust you completely, Commander…but if my personal situation could jeopardize the mission…"

I didn't let him finish, “Taylor” , raising an eyebrow in his direction, making it clear that he didn't need excuses; there was no going back now.

Uncomfortable, the Turian began to gather up the training dummy as if that would allow him to blend into the room.

Taking a deep breath, Jacob's dark gaze turned determined. "A ghost sent me a message last night. My father disappeared on a mission 10 years ago. We never had the best relationship…we hadn't spoken in a long time, and I suppose…I always held onto the hope of being able to find him, to know what happened to him.”

His gaze stared into space, tormented by his own demons. “A signal has appeared out of nowhere…the ship he was on, the Hugo Gernsback, has sent an SOS.”

“So what you're asking is that we change course and go in search of the signal?” My words were confirmed by his nod. “Are you aware that after 10 years without knowing anything about that ship, it could be a trap?”

“I'm aware, Commander, and I know…that I'm asking you a great favor. We'll probably only find dusty bones, but I can finally put this matter to rest.” He tried not to move, to maintain his military stance, but a slight tremor in his shoulders betrayed his anxiety.

“Alright, Jacob. Give me the coordinates,” I ordered.

“Rosetta Nebula. Alpha Draconis System. Planet 2175 Aeia.”

I was fully aware of the risks of responding to a signal like that, however, it was also my duty as a soldier of the Alliance to protect human lives.

"Did you hear that, Joker?" The Turian's question to the void made me smile. Knowing Jeff and how nosy he was, I had no doubt he'd told Edi to report any internal conflicts on the ship.

"Shhh, don't rat me out!" Joker's voice came through the intercom as a whisper, making me laugh at his childish behavior. "Next time you guys fight, let me know, so at least I can have some snacks ready."

"Even better, I'll get you front-row tickets," Garrus replied, playing along.

"Since when do those two get along so well?" Jacob's whisper left me speechless, making me shrug. “By the way, I want a ticket too. I’m not going to miss your rematch.” The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

Jacob seemed more relaxed and confident, as if he were starting to feel at ease. The crew was beginning to put their differences aside, and that was a good thing. It meant they would work better as a team, even if it was at my expense.

Mara

The academy's warnings echoed in my head like a mantra. When the first ground reinforcement requested was the medical team, we were taught to take deep breaths and calm our nerves before succumbing to the horror of what we would see.

However, when we deployed, everything seemed like something out of a tropical paradise. The weather, the lush vegetation, the turquoise skies, and even the sea in the background…it was like an advertisement for dream vacation destinations, but when something is so perfect, there's always a catch.

The wreckage of the ship was scattered as if they had tried to salvage anything that came loose, dismantling it until only the heaviest panels that gave it its shape remained.

As if it were done on purpose, the projection of some crew members was still visible. A journal frozen in time, a source of information to know what had happened, looping endlessly in a desperate attempt to be heard.

Edi urged us not to stop, guiding us toward the coordinates my brother had given us while warning us of the dangers in the area. It turned out that everything we saw was inedible. The plants were toxic to human physiology, causing neurological damage to those who consumed them.

This fact only made everything stranger…if they were mentally altered, how had they fixed the distress signal? Was there anyone still sane? And if so, why wait so long to call for help? A feeling of unease took root inside me; there was something chilling about all of this, something that screamed like a warning.

Seeing the corpses of three men lying on the sand stopped me slightly, making me feel sorry for them. They had survived all this time, and now, when there was finally someone to help them, their perception of reality was so distorted that violence was the only language they understood.

“No vital signs. Continue toward the indicated coordinates, Mara," Edi said monotonously, like a reminder.

"The flora affects people differently depending on their sex. In men, it manifests as irritable, violent, and irrational behavior. In women, there is impaired comprehension, but they are not violent. In both groups, there is memory loss. Without more information, I cannot determine if it is an irreversible condition."

Dr. Chakwas's gentle hand rested on my back, kindly telling me not to stop, while Dr. Solus remained silent. His bulging eyes with their black sclera seemed to scan in all directions, absorbing any information that might be relevant.

Not far away was the makeshift camp. They had taken advantage of the elevated beach cliffs as natural protection from the elements, while some panels of the ship stretched vertically across the open areas of the path as a weak defense.

The tent fabrics were deteriorated by the salt air, while mold accumulated in some areas. At first glance it seemed deserted until the women began to emerge from a crack between the rocks.

They all had a mournful look on their faces. Fear and relief at seeing us mingled, making them advance slowly toward us. Their clothes were barely preserved; the worn fabric had lost its color. In some places, they had tried to sew the tears without much success, leaving half-open rips.

The weakness in their bodies was evident. Eating food that wasn't compatible with human beings, I wouldn't be surprised if the tests revealed.

“More people from the skies! “—one of the women spoke with devotion. Her approach was the starting gun for the rest to decide to trust us.

Their murmurs were childlike, and their way of expressing themselves reminded me of small children trying to make sense of their feelings. Dr. Solus took the initiative, calming them and having them sit in order on the floor.

Taking out the medical equipment and the portable scanner, he approached one of them, but the woman jumped involuntarily and stepped back, trembling.

Afraid she had angered the Doctor, her gaze turned panicked. “I’m sorry, Lord of the Heavens, I’m sorry. I will obey, I will behave. The great leader taught us to obey.” Closing her eyes tightly, the woman thought Dr. Solus would take it out on her.

With just a few words and a few reactions, we all understood what had been done to the women. Mordin gave the rest of us a reassuring smile as she gestured for us to proceed with the medical tests.

They didn't flinch at the touch of other women. Performing the blood tests, scans, and physical exams wasn't a problem. They didn't resist; they simply remained still, confident that we wouldn't hurt them.

Their bodies were covered in bruises, sores, scratches…and more serious signs of past injuries, such as burns or areas where broken bones hadn't healed properly. Their skin was dry and brittle, showing the fragility of the scarring.

These women had been through hell. My eyes welled up, but I held back my tears. They smiled as if they were seeing the sun for the first time. Did they remember the torture they had endured? In a way, the fact that food resulted in memory loss was a blessing. Her body was aware of the ailments she had suffered; muscle memory didn't lie, but her mind was free from the horrors.

"Weak immune system, anemia, lack of essential vitamins… Obvious malnutrition. Altered hormone levels. The scan shows that some of the women still have the contraceptive implant; in others, it seems to have been reabsorbed." Mordin began to speak to himself. "Bad sign."

"The sores and skin lesions… judging by their appearance and color… They have sexually transmitted diseases. I'll see you in the tent for a complete checkup. You have nothing to fear, my dears… I've come to help you, okay?" Dr. Chakwas gathered the hair of one of the younger women in a reassuring caress, like the one a mother would give to a wounded daughter.

"No, not in the house. This… this… Sunny," a small woman with short black hair spoke hurriedly as she clung to the doctor's coat to prevent her from moving.

Knowing that Dr. Solus couldn't go directly to the tent to see what was happening, I slowly got up. "Is she hurt? Is she in pain?" I tried to speak simply.

"Red, red," one of the older women said, lost in thought. The rest began to rock back and forth, trying to regulate their emotions, while emphasizing that color.

Hurriedly, I left the doctors to calm them down while I ran towards that store. The musty smell, like sweaty socks, stung my nose the moment I lifted the flaps. The mold clung to the fabric, making it feel dirty to the touch.

A blonde woman lay in a sleeping bag. Her forehead was beaded with sweat, her eyes closed in pain, and her lips parted, gasping for air. She was unconscious while struggling to breathe.

Finding the sleeping bag for the zipper, I felt a sticky dampness ooze from it. When I raised my hand, it was covered in clotted blood. I wanted to scream, but only managed a stifled gasp. With trembling hands, I forced open the sleeping bag and was met with horror.

Sunny was completely naked, her belly distended from childbirth…blood gushing from between her legs. She was slowly bleeding out. How long had she been like this? The other women had tried to apply cloths to staunch the bleeding, but they were dirty…making the situation even worse.

Focusing my healing biotics on the affected area, I let the greenish energy flow freely. We had verified that my powers were effective at closing wounds, reducing inflammation, eliminating toxins, and stopping bleeding, but they weren't a miracle cure. My biotics wouldn't cure an infection or a disease; they could alleviate, but not eliminate the symptoms.

I had to stabilize her. She also needed to be given IV fluids; she was dehydrated and had a fever. How many women had died from forced pregnancies?

I tried to keep my mind free of answers, but it was impossible not to draw conclusions. Judging by the size of the ship, the crew must have been large—at least 200 people—but there were barely 15 in the women's camp…

Putting those thoughts aside, I forced myself to concentrate so that the energy flow would be stable. Only when I felt her breathing stabilize did I allow myself to contact Doctor Solus via the Omnitool. She needed a professional, not an apprentice.

The Salarian soon made his appearance. He methodically covered the floor with a protective plastic sheet and then unfolded a stretcher. He was conscientiously making sure there was a clean area inside the store so he could move the patient. Setting up the base of the portable IV drip, he gave me a slight nod.

"Proceed to lift the patient gently so the transfer is clean," he ordered calmly, as if he had witnessed this scene a thousand times.

Following the order, I enveloped the fragile body in a field of purple biotics. The woman was transferred to the stretcher without complications, save for a few pained moans. Staying by the doctor's side, I waited for him to tell me if I could help in any way.

He examined the patient with incredible gentleness. His fingers seemed to float over her. "The delivery must have been prolonged. The tear was treated in time, but she urgently needs a transfusion. Antibiotics will be necessary… I'll prepare everything right away." The Salarian moved with agility, completely in his element.

However, once the IV drip started working, he began to mutter as if something were wrong. "Not in the corner, not on the blankets… Where's the human brood?" Looking at him incomprehension, his inverted eyelids fluttered frantically. "Oh, right, you call them something else… the baby. Perhaps the infant was stillborn, hence the lack of any sign of it."

Honestly, I had no idea. I'd been so preoccupied with stopping the bleeding that I hadn't noticed that detail. "Hmm… I'd better go ask."

Carefully getting up, I made sure not to disturb Dr. Solus in his work. Breathing in the fresh air, I couldn't help but feel relieved as I headed to Dr. Chakwas, who was performing the final tests.

The women looked me up and down in shock. “Red, red, red…”—whispers exchanged, uttered with terror.

“Sunny is stable.” Their mouths closed, but their eyes showed incomprehension. “She’s fine…but I need to know where her son is. The baby.” I spoke gently, not wanting to upset them.

There was no response from them, only bitten lips or bowed heads. Pretending to walk away to leave them alone, I noticed the woman with short black hair repeatedly glancing toward some bushes.

Looking in that direction, I could see footprints in the middle of them, as if they were leading into the vegetation along a secret path. Heading toward it, I heard the woman trying to stop me.

"Don't go...don't go! There are hunters! They were gifts for the people of the sky, so that you would come, but you're already here. Don't go!" She cried desperately.

The revelation chilled me to the bone. Had they always done this? They abandoned babies in the middle of the forest as offerings, but such a sick idea couldn't have come from them. The women affected by the food they had eaten had the reasoning ability of a child; they couldn't draw such dark conclusions...

So it was the man they had trusted, the one pulling the strings like the great leader. My stomach churned, but my determination didn't waver.

They were afraid of the surroundings, so they couldn't have gone very far to leave the baby. Hopefully, I'll be able to rescue him.

Staying positive, I ventured further into the trail; it wouldn't be long before I was back at camp.

Garrus

Some humans were rotten, though it's not like the rest of the intergalactic species were any better. On C-Sec, I'd witnessed organ trafficking, drug dealing, debt settlements, mutilations, crazy Salarian scientists… in general, no matter how evolved we were, evil persisted, though more so in some species than others.

The Turians who engaged in criminal activity were basically hired thugs, focused more on simple violence. If a target had to be eliminated to achieve an end, they would do it. Beatings as a warning, of course. And if they were caught, they didn't deny the facts. Acts were accepted without superfluous justifications.

The Asari and Salarians were more involved in crimes such as intercepting communications, secrets, scams, illegal medications, drugs… even kidnapping species to obtain practice subjects. They were more intellectual criminals, and if they combined with the Volus, a rather refined profit motive would be added.

Batarians operated outside the Citadel's protected area and had a thirst for enslaving other species. They possessed that disgusting supremacist trait. For their part, the Krogan accepted any job that brought them amusement through destruction.

And then there were the humans…who, for being so soft, were surprisingly twisted. Some of the most ruthless murders had been committed by them. Their capacity to feel emotions so intensely made them volatile and susceptible to sudden outbursts that were unpredictably dangerous.

I thought I could never be surprised. I had seen enough crimes but…what was happening on this mission was an abrupt shock. The first recording we listened to awakened my detective instincts. <She always refused. She threatened to inform her superiors. But now she seems so innocent. Surely it's easier now.> The phrase stuck with me…something dark had happened among the survivors, but what?

I didn't associate it with any known crime. I had never witnessed such an immoral act.

As we progressed and obtained written records, everything made sense. What they had done to their own women was despicable. How could such a species trust its males? My protective instinct made me growl. They should have protected them; Females were vulnerable, but instead, they were used to satisfy impure desires.

Females give life; they are sacred to the Turians. They were the ones who directed how and when sexual intercourse took place, and if a male got too clever, their sharper teeth, claws, and protective genital plate would make him think twice about being rude.

The image of Mara came to my mind. She lay naked on the bed, her disheveled hair falling down her torso as if playfully concealing her star-like halos. Her clear skin, as soft as the finest silks. Her light blushes made her even more desirable. Her shapely, generous thighs made me want to sink my teeth into them. Her warm center. The treasure hidden between her legs like a pleasure button. Her wetness… She was the very embodiment of desire. Every time I saw her, I completely lost my mind, but I would never force her.

She had no means of defense; she was pure, open, willing, and enthusiastic sweetness… Knowing that they could force her… torment her, corrupt her, traumatize her… only made me want to hide her from everyone.

How could there be trust between a human male and female? How could there be friendship? There were males who mutinied… who fought, who died with honor. All the superiors, the officers… none of them looked out for the well-being of their crew and were complicit in the crime. When they couldn't kill the rest of the men, they exiled them by threatening another purge.

I couldn't wrap my head around the idea of a male acting in such a dishonorable and vile way. Hearing Taylor's father making excuses for the situation over the loudspeakers was nauseating. We had had to eliminate the mech to reach him, and he didn't even deign to be honest.

Lagging behind, I let Taylor and Shepard close the distance with that repugnant being who hid behind the robots like a coward. I wanted to shoot him, leave him crippled in front of his former crew so they could get their revenge properly, but Shepard would surely stop me.

"You're here! I knew a proper platoon would get in without any trouble. Sorry about the mechs. I'll buy you something nice when we get back to the Citadel," the wretch said with a smirk.

Shepard ignored him completely, leaning against the barrier to gaze at the sea with calculated tranquility.

Taylor crossed his arms, giving that insect he called a father an intense stare. "What about your crew, acting captain?" - Resentment dripped from every word.

"Completely lost. The toxic food drove them mad. They put me in charge like I was some kind of idol. It's been hell waiting for a chance to send out a distress signal," he justified himself with more bullshit lies.

Shepard brought his gloved fingers to the bridge of his nose, a movement I already recognized as exasperation. He was controlling himself; not even someone as formidable as the Commander could defend this imbecile.

"You don't say. Couldn't you have done anything better?" Taylor sneered.

"You let all your people respond like this...? Oh, wait, who exactly are you?" Not even he could recognize his own son and only acknowledged the Commander as worthy of speaking. I felt sorry for Taylor. Having such trash as a parent must have defiled him to his core.

"Never mind. You've got a very dubious setup here. Captain, explain yourself." Shepard's gray eyes seemed to take on an unnatural gleam. The serious tone of his voice and his movements radiated menace.

"Of course. After the collision, this place was chaos. Nobody accepted me as captain. There was a mutiny, and we were trapped here. When they started eating the toxic food, I couldn't control them or reach the beacon.” - Lies, lies, and more lies, how original.

Fed up, Taylor couldn't take it anymore. “Enough. We know everything you've done to your crew. You've perpetuated it for years! And you don't even acknowledge your own son!”

“Now how are you going to justify all this?” Shepard raised an eyebrow, waiting to see what story the man would come up with next.

“You have to understand. It's not about me. The reality of command changes you.” - More nonsense…

“That doesn't wash. At some point, it was you, and only you, who decided to commit those atrocities against your crew.” Shepard's hand slammed into Taylor's father's chest, pushing him back and creating distance between them.

My ear caught the sound of shuffling footsteps in the undergrowth. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see one of the survivors struggling to reach us. Shepard noticed too, but said nothing.

"You created a harem and played king! Ten years of teenage fantasy!” Taylor spat on the ground in contempt.

“There's no justification for your actions. You treated your crew like cattle! And now you want us to save your ass... you've got another thing coming! As far as I'm concerned, you're dead." Taylor finished, turning his back on his father. As he approached me, I could feel the rage simmering in his trembling shoulders.

"You'll answer for what you've done. Every action has a reaction. I usually try to be understanding, fair... but this is beyond redemption. If I take you to court, you'll keep lying. You might even claim you were under the influence of the food. I'm not going to give you any more time than you deserve." Shepard's response surprised me. He always trusted the law, but this case had too many nuances even for his morality.

“Enjoy your own hell.” - Pointing towards the hunters, those survivors who had rebelled, Shepard smiled. Giving us a look, we knew it was time to leave.

Taylor's father's cries begging us to return were music to my ears. Taylor, for his part, didn't seem affected; it was as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Upon arriving at the camp of human females, I caught my pheromones mixed with sweet notes, like a sigh caught in the wind. Had my scent changed? Perhaps humans also imparted their scent to their mates, but I was surprised that I could still detect it. We had been away from the place for a while… so I could only guess that Mara was here, but that was impossible; Shepard had only requested the presence of the medical team.

Mordin and Dr. Chakwas seemed worried. They spoke in hushed tones while glancing sideways at the victims. When they noticed us, Dr. Chakwas placed a hand on the Salarian's shoulder in a soothing gesture.

Turning toward us, her gaze grew heavy. Her steps moved in our direction, coming to meet us. Her forehead is covered in taut lines…human skin folds to show emotions, but sometimes the meaning they wanted to convey is confusing to me.

"We have a problem," she said bluntly. Her lips pressed together, then she let out a strange noise, a snort? "We can't find Mara. The camp is small, we've searched every nook and cranny, and the women won't say a word." – with just a few words I felt gravity crush my world.

My subharmonics surged out of control in anguish, echoing like a cry to my mate. I needed her answer, to hear the wind carry the melody of her biotics toward me, but only emptiness answered me. My brain shut down, the people around us became secondary as my instincts kicked in, making me react instantly.

My nostrils dilated, searching to pinpoint the direction of the scent; my eyes sharpened, and my legs moved before I even had to think about where to go.

Desperate, I ran as if my life depended on it. She could be in danger. Everything here was dangerous for my mate. What if she encountered the males with altered consciousness? What if they attacked her?

The image of my little human being dragged along the ground, her clothes stripped away, her wounds bleeding, filled me with dread. I roared loudly, trying to scare off any predators in the area, but if they were humans… they wouldn't understand my warning. They would continue, they would force themselves on her, they would harm her regardless of her pleas and cries…and I…I would tear them apart with my own claws, I would make them suffer, I would give them a slow and agonizing death if they dared to touch a single one of her coppery strands.

A crack sounded beneath my feet. Bones of what seemed to be a strange animal were scattered across the ground. I didn't bother to dodge them. Mara's scent grew stronger. If she were knotting to me, bound to my spirit, I wouldn't have taken long to find her, but now I only felt time passing in slow motion as I grew impatient to find her.

Just one sound, one scream, one cry, just one word from her voice would be enough to give me a clue… Moving in circles, I came to a standstill. Where was she? Why couldn't I see her? Suddenly the lullaby's whisper illuminated me. I knew where she was.

Quickening my pace, I turned left onto a path choked with roots and weeds that seemed determined to block my way. Mara was standing with her back to me, deep in the woods. There was no light, only the verdant, biotic landscape shimmering like a vision. My subvocals called to her with concern, but she didn't seem to hear me; she was lost in thought.

I circled around her, standing in front of her so she would notice me, but she didn't look at me. Her arms were wrapped around a small bundle in cloth that reeked of a disgusting, nauseating smell. What was she holding?

"Mella feram…what are you doing so far away?" I asked, modulating my voice to a soft tone. If she was lost in her own mind, the worst thing I could do was upset her.

Her song broke off in a bad omen  "I'm healing him…see? He's okay, he's okay, shhh…little one…he's okay." –When she removed the cloth my jaws clenched with discomfort and horror. There was a human brood, wrinkled and ugly…its complexion was a pale pink, and it wasn't breathing. He was dead, but Mara was clinging to him.

"Will you let me have him?" I wanted to take the corpse from her arms and move it as far away from her as possible.

Mara tightened her embrace around the brood. "I can't, he'll break..." Without understanding, I tore the cloth to reveal a gruesome sight. The human  brood had been recently attacked.

Bite marks and cold blood stained its limbs... its belly was ripped open. Mara's instincts wanted to heal something they couldn't, clinging to the hope of giving life to an inert being. Had she witnessed the attack? Looking around, I found what appeared to be a mass of red mush... She had attacked, but it hadn't worked. That's why the guilt. The mental shock prevented her from reacting.

Following the rhythm of her lullaby, I reached her. "Look at me, Mara... That's it." Stroking her cheek, I saw her close her eyes as her fragile body began to tremble violently. 

"The spirits have claimed him. You can't heal him... but I'm here, and I need you, so come back to me." I spoke to her gently, patiently waiting for her to listen.

When I felt her grip weaken, I deliberately removed the brood from her embrace. She continued to tremble inconsolably, breaking my heart. She was a civilian, not meant to see these scenes…

Not far away, I dug a small hole with my feet where the earth softened from the damp vegetation. Carefully placing the brood inside, I buried it so that what remained wouldn't be devoured by predators. 

Mara didn't cry… but her gaze was lost in the void. Stroking her back, I guided her all the way while I remained alert in case any threat appeared. When we arrived at the camp, the scolding Shepard wanted to give her fell silent as soon as he saw her condition.

She constantly clutched her hair as if she wanted to tear it out. Her hands and body were covered in blood, and her watery eyes still offered no solace. Her trembling persisted, making me fear that at any moment she would collapse.

Embracing her, she startled like a wounded animal. My subharmonics continued to soothe her, lulling her to leave the horror behind. "Mara... Let me take care of you... You'll be safe, I promise," I whispered in her ear as I lifted her into my arms.

If the crew suspected something was brewing between us, now they would have no doubt, but their opinions were irrelevant. Mara had asked me to stay with her forever, and unless she changed her mind, I would be hers, her refuge, her comfort, her protector, her safe space, her lover, and her friend... because in my desperation to find her, I had realized that losing sight of her terrified me.

Chapter Text

Garrus

I was desperate. Three days had passed since the mission, but my little human hadn't shown any signs of improvement. It was even... worse than seeing her completely lost... although she didn't speak, she only smiled, but not in the usual way that could brighten my days, but in a forced, dark way, with a face too tense and without her sphenas showing any spark of light.

She had also stopped eating. It didn't matter what Rupert came up with. Whether it was simple meals or elaborate dishes... Mara only forced herself to take one or two spoonfuls reluctantly and then returned to focusing on her books as if in that way she could escape from the past.

Strange bubbles came out of the saucepan. The air filled with a toasted smell as I moved the handle to check the contents. What had previously been squashed, whitish-looking things were now an ochre hue. Did humans eat it like this? Had I forgotten something? I only wanted to prepare something for her with my own claws. It was the only way I could think of to make her force herself to eat, but this... didn't look edible, at least for a Turian. Human meals were too colorful, and that made it difficult for me to determine if what I had made was an optimal dish.

"What the hell are you doing, birdbrain? Do you want to poison us all?" she complained as she quickened her pace. "Damn! Look at the amount of smoke there is!" Once by my side, she turned off the fire while clicking her tongue in anger. Raising one of her hands, she dissipated the steam by swatting the air. Humans and their strange, incomprehensible gestures.

Her eyebrow arched in an almost comical way as she saw the contents of the pan. "Who do you want to poison? If it's the silicone bitch, you have my silence," she murmured conspiratorially.

I would have felt offended if I knew what I was doing, but without having a clue about human cooking, it was better to opt for her advice. "It's for Mara. She's not eating."

"Well, if you give her 'whatever this is,' she definitely is going to stop eating. Dead people are quite practical, they don't require maintenance." Her mockery got under my plates.

My subvocalics rumbled with a mixture of offense and sadness. Had I done it that badly? Leaving the pan away from the heat, I was a bit surprised to see Jack take it. She didn't hesitate to throw all the food in the trash, discarding my hard work.

"Um... for this once, I'll be nice. Don't get used to it. What the hell were you trying to make? " Leaving the pan in the sink, she discarded it and opted for a new, clean pan.

"Baked apple. I read on the extranet that it's good for humans. It's digestive." Opening my Omni-tool, I showed her the recipe. I hadn't skipped any steps; I had followed the exact quantities, so I didn't understand why it wasn't edible.

"You didn't hydrate the apples, did you?" she mocked.

"It says here: put a little water and add the apples, with sugar inside so that it's covered." In case Jack didn't believe me, I showed her the recipe with pride.

Her gaze stopped being so sharp, as if she felt sorry for me. "Damn, Dinosaur, that's when the apple is fresh. If they are dehydrated, first you have to put them in cold water. Then when they have consistency, that's when you cook them, and since these are in pieces, you can't cover them with so much sugar. What you've made is a kind of burnt caramel that has probably ruined the pan." Her hands moved in a gesture asking me to step aside.

Understanding that I was in the way, I gave her space. Curiously, Jack began to organize the ingredients.

"Pay attention, because I'm only going to do this once... by the way, how is Giggles? It's weird to see her so... somber. I know what she saw destroyed her disgusting world of rainbows and fluffy clouds, but it's not that big of a deal. I've seen much worse. Let her think it's abstract art. A bullet and boom, a snobbish stain that can be sold to some trashy museum..." Jack's words became a haze. My mind stopped paying attention to the conversation as I sank into the memory of that day.

+-+-+-Flashback-+-+-+

Mara didn't move; her limbs went limp like a broken doll. The hot water from the shower didn't seem to make her warm up, even though the drops fell on her delicate skin, reddening it. Steam covered us, and yet her body faltered in uncontrollable tremors. Her gaze was gone. Her beautiful eyes didn't blink, and that worried me. It was as if the little human had disappeared, being the water that escaped between my fingers.

I had cleaned her thoroughly. Not a single bloodstain remained in sight. I had thrown away her clothes, but the metallic smell remained impregnated in her body. Turning off the tap, I hummed with my subharmonics, trying to reach her.

Her hands clung to my cowl as she huddled against my body. Taking us out of the shower, I wrapped us in towels. She wasn't ready to let go of me, and I wasn't willing to leave her alone.

The bed got wet. Her hair dripped, leaving streaks on the blanket, but Mara didn't seem bothered by it. Even though I stroked her cheek gently, she startled until she went rigid. Anguish filtered into my subharmonic. How could her skin still be ice-cold? The cold was rooted in her body like an evil spirit that didn't want to give her peace.

The knock on the door made her scream. Her hands covered her eyes with such force that she scratched her cheek, and her legs kicked mine in a desperate attempt to flee. Shepard ran into the room along with Doctor Chakwas.

Approaching us, he fought against his sister to lower her hands and prevent her from hurting herself further. Disoriented, the little human continued to scream until her throat tore. Her voice was full of terror, and even though I continued humming for her, Mara couldn't avoid the panic.

I despaired feeling her breath too fast, almost superficial. I didn't know how she could remain conscious. I hugged her tighter, wanting to make her feel my presence, and for a second, it seemed effective until her feet found support on my thigh and she tried to leverage herself to untangle from my arms.

She was burning herself out, self-destructing as if in that way she could erase everything in her path. My little star that shone so brightly was consuming itself without me being able to do anything.

"You have to manage to keep her still. Otherwise, she'll have to be tied down," Doctor Chakwas ordered as she rummaged through her bag.

Shepard's arm pressed his sister's legs to immobilize her. Confident, he stopped exerting pressure. I saw the movement in slow motion. The knee strike she gave him in the nose was strong.

Hearing the crack of the bone made her babble. "Sorry... ...sorry...sorry..." Repeating her apology like an addict, she began to tremble in my arms again. I noticed her sweat, how her skin became sticky while her lips turned a purplish hue.

"Damn it! Minion... be calm, it'll just be a prick. You have to stay still, please, okay? " Despite the insult, Shepard's voice was a soft thread that didn't want to upset his sister further.

Seeing the blood drip from her brother's nose, she turned her head toward my chest-plate. Mara wanted to hide from everyone present while she continued babbling unintelligible things.

My heart broke seeing her so defenseless. Not knowing what to do, I forced her to look at me while lifting her chin so she would raise her dull eyes. She was a star lost in the night. Fugitive, she didn't want anyone to observe her. "Mella Feram... my love, please... it'll only be a second. No one will hurt you. I'm with you, I'm right by your side ." Rocking my body, I imitated the way Mara used to self-regulate. We were just swaying, but the sigh she uttered relieved my heart.

"That's it, Mara, you're doing very well. Do you feel my breath? Breathe... exhale... breathe... perfect... "

I felt my voice managed to calm her, so I didn't stop talking. I didn't stop rocking us. I didn't stop watching her for fear of losing her through her trauma. Although her nails occasionally sought to tear her skin, I prevented it. I took her hands in mine. I preferred that she let out her pain by digging them into my skin. I would do whatever it took for her to feel safe again, and if that meant keeping Doctor Chakwas waiting, I would do that.

+-+-+-End of Flashback-+-+-+

Jack was still talking about an invasion mission on a Batarian warehouse, giving details of dismemberment and torture while pouring the contents of the pan into a bowl. "In the end, the idiot stepped on a mine; his foot flew off. If you'd seen the arc it left on the metal wall... phew... he bled like a pig. Well, that's enough war stories. Here, tell her you made it yourself, otherwise the little dummy won't touch a bite."

Looking at the time on my Omni-tool, I sighed. I had a meeting with my father and the Primarch about strategies to implement in the event of a direct attack on Palaven. I had to stay focused, separating private life concerns from work like a good Turian, but it was becoming difficult for me.

As the elevator door opened, I found Shepard knocking on our room. Seeing me, he gave a nod while his eyes went to the red light indicating the lock.

"Do you have the magic password for Mara to open up for us?" Shepard tried to joke; however, the seriousness with which he said it sounded more like he was annoyed.

"Mara, open up!" With a sliding noise, the door opened without a hitch.

Shepard's eyes rolled. "Of course... "

Mara was sitting at her desk. Disordered papers were flying around the room via her biotics. She sought to look at all the data while the notes unfolded before her eyes. Approaching her, I left the food on a corner of the table. "You should close the books for a second and eat. I prepared it myself." I hoped my affection reached her. Still lost in the night, she listened to my voice in an effort not to hurt me.

Her gaze finally fixed on me. Her corners rose slightly in a damn forced smile that didn't reach her eyes. I hated that she forced herself to act. I didn't want them to pretend that everything was fine.

Shepard seemed to tire of being ignored. Impatiently, he grabbed the arms of the chair and dragged her away from the table so that Mara had no choice but to interact with us. "Minion, we're going to have a talk. Since I've already seen firsthand that you don't want to face things or admit my advice, I've had to opt for drastic solutions"

Deliberately crouching down, he faced his sister while their gazes clashed, making the atmosphere in the room uncomfortable. "Anderson is on standby, so we're going to go to my room and talk things through like adults."

"No!" Mara's brow furrowed. For the first time, she spoke with anger in her voice, making my subvocals show some relief. Her head tilted and her body contorted until her eyes could see me in an implicit plea. "Garrus... "

Preventing her from continuing what she was going to say, I spoke softly. "I think it's a good idea, Mara. Besides, I have to go to a meeting." Panic spread across her face. It hurt me to see her gripped by nerves, but it was the best option there was.

Approaching them, Shepard moved so I could stroke Mara's silky hair. "I won't be long in returning, Love. I hope that by the time I'm back, you've eaten well," I warned her.

Leaving the room, I prayed to the spirits that Mara wouldn't be too angry with me.

John Shepard

I had been patient with my sister. I had accepted that she wanted to remain silent for a few days, but she couldn't stay locked inside herself. Although Doctor Chakwas had tried to do therapy with her, Mara, with her stubbornness, only managed to exhaust her by achieving no progress.

That she reacted to the name of the former Commander was a stroke of luck. I had been thinking about it but didn't fully trust that it would work. In the end, the authority he represented, whether as a boss or a father figure, was the necessary switch to make her speak again.

Watching as she looked anxiously at the door, I noticed she still held onto the hope that the Turian would decide to stay and serve as her shield. I had to admit that the reason my sister wasn't in an infirmary bed hooked to an IV was because he was the only one who made her eat, but even Garrus had limits when it came to interacting with her, and it was taking its toll on him.

I found myself forced to think as the leader of this mission and not as her brother. I couldn't allow a member of the squad to be in these conditions. So this was the last card I had left.

If, despite everything, she still refused therapy, I would have no choice but to force her to leave the ship. In Illium, I would buy her a ticket on a commercial flight to return to the Citadel, this being the best solution to her refusal.

Dragging the chair she was sitting in, I felt her trying to prevent the movement by planting her feet firmly on the ground. However, her childish resistance wouldn't work with me. "Minion, either you behave or I'll kick you off the ship." The threat had an immediate effect. Her body stopped fighting, letting me move her calmly to my room.

Anderson was waiting for us on the screen. Taking off the glasses he used so as not to strain his eyes when he was overwhelmed with paperwork, his contemplative gaze acquired that tone that only experience through age could give. "I see you've come by force." The affection in his voice was noticeable.

"Do you want to talk about what happened, Mara? A little bird has given me some clues, but I need to hear it from the person affected." The fingers of his hands intertwined slightly at the tips in front of his face.

My sister's shoulders shook involuntarily, as if the mere idea of remembering filled her with dread. Her head turned in a repeated "no" that made Anderson sigh. "Little one, I know your suffering and the fear of the memory. All soldiers have experienced at some point a gruesome event that has left a mark on our conscience, but that's why it's better to talk about it. Keeping it to yourself will only make negative thoughts proliferate." The advice was given in a paternal tone.

Mara bit her lower lip, still hesitant to speak. "This is a safe space. None of those present here are going to judge you, right John? "

Hearing him mention my name was unusual. We had always addressed each other by surname, and although there was trust between us to leave formalities behind, for me he was still my mentor. "Of course, An—" his gaze narrowed as a warning "—David." A slight smile settled on his face.

Head down, my sister's small sob did not go unnoticed by us. "I don't... I don't want to cry... if I remember..." As she spoke, her nerves were taking over her. One of her hands began to unconsciously pinch her arm in a bad habit.

Crouching down, I forced her to take my hands. "You can cry all you need. Let it out, minion," my words were whispered as I stroked the palms of her hands with my thumb in a gesture of comfort.

"I'll start asking you some small questions so you can overcome the block. I promise they won't be intrusive..." Changing the posture of his hands, Anderson rested his knuckles against his cheek while leaving the other hand free to prepare to note down the answers.

"What is your favorite color?" His questions, despite having no relation to the mission, were creating a base for Mara to gain confidence.

"Blue." My sister raised her head timidly.

"Very well, it's a very pretty color, like the waves. What was the planet Aeia like? Did it have a sea?" He was probing her little by little.

My sister's nod was not long in coming. For a second I thought she wasn't going to say anything else, but her mouth opened, taking a forced breath. Her hands trembled against mine, and as if she needed all the strength in the world, she forced herself to answer. "Yes... it was a turquoise blue, like something out of a travel magazine. There was also sand... it felt warm."

"Mhmmm." Anderson's sympathetic hum was used as a smokescreen while the screen split, and half was occupied by the women we had rescued. Now they were in a much healthier condition; their gaze had consciousness, removing all trace of dementia. "Do you recognize them? "

"I don't know... it's blurry." Turning her gaze away, Mara made a move to leave by leaning back and sliding the chair with a screech.

"Please, look at the image. Now they are receiving treatment, their visible injuries are healed, they are in a safe place receiving all the help necessary so they can resume their lives as soon as possible, and that is also thanks to you." With my words I wanted to give her hope, but I only managed to make her shake her head over and over again.

"Mara, you've helped, you've done something good for those women," Anderson's voice softened as if he were dealing with a small child. "What is it that you feel? "

"That I'm useless... I'm not enough. If... if I had been faster... if I had been like John..." Tears came to life, sliding down her cheeks.

The admission of her feeling of inferiority and knowing that she was comparing herself to me cracked my heart. I never wanted my sister to feel such a burden. I only wanted her to be happy, to dedicate herself to whatever she wanted without needing to feel like she owed me anything.

"Hey minion... not all missions go well for me. I focus on the good to keep going, but I've also lost innocent lives, by my own decision, to avoid a greater evil. They are difficult decisions that never leave your conscience. I remember the name of every person I haven't been able to save. Keeping going and doing the best to save more people is the way I have to redeem myself." I wanted to be honest. I never sought to be a hero; I was just guided by my own ethics.

"My hands aren't clean either, it's the weight of being a soldier, daughter." A bitter smile crossed his face marked by the wrinkles of age.

Silence made the air in the room thick again. Had we reached the limit of what she could handle? Should we push a bit more or would it be better to let her rest in her room? Discomfort was necessary to face trauma, but it had a rhythm.

Copper hair fanned out like a defensive line, preventing us from seeing her face. "I don't want any more ground missions... at least for a while. I don't think I'm capable of bearing losing another innocent life." Her body wobbled as she stood up from the chair.

The weakness of her limbs indicated that she would collapse at any moment. "Thank you... for the intervention, but I need... I need to rethink everything ." With her last words said, I didn't hold my sister back, allowing her to leave the room.

"Her heart is too good for this kind of life. I felt it since the first time I saw her. She's a precious girl who has had to live through horrendous things. That's why I wanted her at the embassy, so she wouldn't suffer anymore ." Rubbing his eyes, Anderson sighed with heaviness. "But she's stubborn. Even if she breaks, she's going to want to continue being by your side ." I couldn't deny he was right.

Anderson had understood my sister, knowing how to read her very well, perhaps even better than I did. "I know... I just hope that during the time she decides to stay, she's able to find her own way and that it's not too late for regrets."

Looking him in the eyes, I realized it was the first time we had a conversation that wasn't focused on a mission or tactical advice. In truth, it felt like having the protection of a father again, and that scared me. I didn't dislike it, but it felt strange to have his support in this way. Clearing my throat, I decided to guide the conversation to a less personal topic. "What's the news on the Citadel? "

"Not much. It's a bubble here. The Council continues to be stubborn, putting obstacles in front of any proposal humanity puts forward. The position I have is mostly for decoration. I'm a very expensive plant." Seeing my mentor ranting made me laugh slightly.

"Aha, you say that, but believe me, putting up with Udina and the rest of the idiot politicians would take away your desire to be one. I think you punished me rather than rewarded me by choosing me as a Council member." His eyebrow arched in a look full of feigned retribution.

"Would you prefer Udina as a Councilor? If his ego is already high being an ambassador..." With a lopsided smile, I saw Anderson's face lose color.

"Better not even imagine it. I don't want to have nightmares with his pompous and senseless speeches." After putting on a serious face, Anderson finally laughed, making me join in his infectious laughter.

In the end, Udina served for something; he became a good ace to avoid personal conversations. Who would have thought?

Mara

The furniture in the room blurred into a mirage of that lush jungle. Sweat slipped down my skin in a disgusting way. I felt the cold take over my body until it soaked into my bones while I prayed to escape the nightmare my mind created. I wasn't there; I wasn't fighting through the undergrowth to make my way. I wasn't sinking into the earth while trying to speed up with agitated breathing. It was all fake... but yet, why did I still hear that crying? It was anchored to my ears in a mournful song.

Bringing my hands to my ears, I slapped them in consecutive blows to distort the sound that had been tormenting me for days.

I avoided closing my eyes. I feared losing my sanity, getting disoriented, as happened after waking up in the middle of the night with the memories on the surface.

I hated being so weak. Most of the crew had probably seen worse things than what tormented me, and yet they had the strength to keep laughing... but why couldn't I? Deep down, I knew Anderson and John wanted to help me, but now I could only curse them for making me relive that day.

I breathed in deeply. Not daring to take a step in the wrong direction, I exhaled until I felt my lungs empty. I had to calm down; I didn't want Garrus to find me like this. I had seen him suffer from my behavior. His subvocals full of concern and anguish broke me inside, but I didn't know how to react, how to face reality and move forward. I was trapped in my own misery.

Motionless, I waited for the room to regain its original form like a spectator with no possibility of intervention. I whispered the names of the furniture. An invocation so that my eyes would act according to their function and not in deceptive mirages. When everything returned to its place, I took a small step, checking my stability.

After ensuring I wouldn't collapse, I continued to the desk. Books had been an escape. They were the disconnection that allowed me to feel useful, because curling up in a ball in bed only fed the torture.

Leaning on the table, I looked at the notes. How many times today had I reread the same paragraph? I didn't have the head for studying right now, so I would have to find another means to distract myself.

When I closed the book, the cover slipped from my trembling hands, causing a loud noise that echoed against the table. The sound of a foreign tap was what made me realize I still hadn't eaten the dessert Garrus had made with such care.

Forcing myself to take a bite, I held back the gags. Lately, everything tasted like clotted blood to me. The metallic taste stayed in my gums, making me want to throw away everything they gave me, but this... I couldn't discard. I didn't want the Turian to notice and become sad. I couldn't opt to pour the contents down the drain either. Lying to him would be ruining his trust in me.

Taking heart, I swallowed until I almost choked. It was better not to think about it, not to give time for my distorted taste buds to react. My stomach churned and stung with pain. Mind and body worked in sync to leave me completely undone.

With nothing else to do, I sat on the bed to wait. Resting my chin on my knees, I became thoughtful. I must be a burden to the mission, and being like an automaton inside the ship would only create a feeling of discomfort in others. Would it be better to leave of my own accord? This single question made a pang settle in my chest... No, no, I was also too much of a coward for that. I didn't want to distance myself from Garrus and my brother because if it turned out to be a suicide mission and they didn't return... it would be like burying myself alive. I was too dependent to survive without them.

After a few hours staring into space, the door finally slid open, letting Garrus in. His mandibles pressed against his face were tense in a sign of concern. Testing me, his subvocals asked permission to approach. He always did; I wanted to respond with honesty to his consideration, but it was hard for me to smile, and in the end, I only ended up saddening him.

Saving the smile this time, I decided to speak first. "Do you think I should leave the Normandy? " His irises seemed to become tiny, as if my question terrified him.

Sitting beside me, Garrus extended his claw for me to give him my hand. "Is that what you want? " His whispered voice made me feel wrapped in velvet.

Squeezing his index finger, I shook my head. "No... but I'm not being of help... nor do I know how to overcome this— "

"Every person needs their time and a motivation. I overcome crisis situations through rage. It drives me to become strong and take revenge. It's not good advice ." His constant humming sought to calm me indirectly while he searched for the words to continue. "What is it that motivates you? "

Should I answer his question? It would be putting more weight on his shoulders... but he was the one who had felt the curiosity. Without daring to look at him, I hid my head, sticking my chin to my chest while letting my forehead rest against my knees. "My brother... and you. It's selfish, isn't it?" My voice collapsed. I was feeling like a terrible being, an energy vampire whose only purpose was to cling to the lives of others.

"Mara, it's not selfish; it's a valid motivation like any other, and surely healthier than mine. I've had colleagues in C-Sec whose engine was their family. They could see horrors during the day, but upon arriving home and feeling the warmth of their family, everything dissipated and they regained strength ." His free hand stroked my hair with delicacy.

Pain along with uncertainty betrayed his subvocals. "I know it's been a tough few days for you, but whatever negative thoughts you have, I want you to know they are lies. I'm not going to let you fall, and if you need me to cross hell... I'll be there, holding your hand, like now. That is my decision."

His beautiful, emotive words and the feelings they implied were the trigger to open the valve of my bruised heart. The crying came out raw; I had repressed it so much that now it was uncontrollable while it threatened to choke me. I felt Garrus's forehead rest against my head while his subharmonics sang that everything was fine, that it was okay to vent.

"I've been reading psychological articles. There's an interesting therapy I think would help you... it's the 'safe place' one. So I need you to visualize a refuge, some place that brings you peace. I will recreate it for you."

The memory pulsed against my temples, making me remember the days in the orphanage. When I was angry and refused to speak for fear of exploding, my brother would build a fort with blankets. He would join them between the bunks, creating a closed space for the two of us, where I could feel free without the rest of the children's judging gazes. According to John, it was something he had learned from Mom, but by then I didn't even clearly remember her face.

Before processing it, the whisper came out between the crying: "A fort."

Garrus's mandibles moved, rocking my hair; he surely caught a strand. "I can try to make it. Concrete is too heavy for the ship, but there are easy-to-handle synthetic panels that are lightweight. I'll go tell the supervisor to acquire them."

I couldn't help but laugh slightly at his suggestion. Garrus understood things very literally, something typical of his species, and that created curious situations that cheered me up. Being willing to build me a fort from scratch only made me feel loved. "Honey, although you're killing me with cuteness, there's no need to build anything. It's a blanket fort." Wiping away the tears with my free hand, I decided to come out of my own curl and look at him.

As soon as he noticed my head moving, he pulled away slightly so we wouldn't bump into each other. "Of blankets? That's not practical; it has no defensive capacity whatsoever." His innocence made me laugh again, pushing away the sadness. His arctic eyes seemed to melt into warm waters while my smile was reflected in them.

Feeling the desire for the first time to do something other than study, I tugged slightly on the blanket, bunching it up in my fist. "I'll show you; it'll be fun, you'll see how it's much more comfortable and warm than a real fort ."

Surprised, Garrus didn't question me. He followed my orders while we used all the bedding and looked for ways to stick it to the walls or the ceiling. Relaxing, I felt like I was being myself again, allowing myself to enjoy the moment.

And in the end, after failures, jokes, and laughter, a perfect refuge remained—a cave in which the mattress was the base and the sheets our sky. There was no furniture that distorted in my head, only Garrus's warmth beside me in this dark space. Making small balls of biotics, I raised them as if they were beautiful fireflies that repelled nightmares.

Under Garrus's embrace, I could breathe. The crying that pursued me subsided, and the smell of the sea and rosemary bonfires enveloped me until my mind went blank. Listening to each other in silence, the moment became sacred.

In the immensity of the calm, I felt protected, knowing that his hands were never going to pull away from mine. I didn't know what the future would hold for us, whether fate or death, but I was going to take advantage of every moment by his side even if I broke into a thousand pieces in the attempt, because I finally accepted that Garrus would love every part of me.

Chapter Text

John Shepard

The digital map of Illium’s sectors flickered before my eyes. I traced every córner, memorizing the layout like a ritual before a mission. Even though Edi could scan the terrain and guide us safely, I didn’t want to get used to relying on her strange technology.

It was burned into my mind: on the battlefield, you depend exclusively on your skills. If I grew to the AI, I’d be like a hound that had lost its sense of smell. Unable to react, predict, or track… a soldier completely neutered and ineffective.

Taking a deep breath until my lungs felt they might collapse, I exhaled slowly—a relaxation technique. We were still three days from Illium. We had postponed this trip for so long that I now felt an underlying restlessness, as if the planet itself were a dangerous unknown.

Some Alliance acquaintances said it was a planet made for suits. There, the galaxy's tycoons thrived under Asari rule... but to me, it looked like a recruitment ground for talent. No matter how kind the Asari seemed on the outside, they weren't to be trusted. They always had hidden motives—Liara included.

I suppose living for centuries took its toll, making them less emotional, yet they still carried an air of moral superiority that made my skin crawl.

"John… if you keep clenching your jaw like that, your teeth are going to shatter. What’s bothering you?" My sister’s voice pulled me from my mental diatribe.

Seated at my desk, Mara was buried in a thick textbook she had to memorize for her upcoming Embassy exams. After her trauma, I felt the need to keep her close, preferring her to be where Garrus or I could keep an eye on her.

She had managed to recover, at least minimally. She no longer ignored us, but her voice was hollow and her words were few. As for her smiles… those seemed millions of eons away.

Crossing my arms, I chose to confess my fears. "I need to be ready. I don't know what I'll have to face to get these two new recruits. With them, the ground team will be complete, and that brings the confrontation with the Collectors even closer." Analytically speaking, all I could expect was more trouble and headaches.

Studying me, she nodded, her gaze flickering. That had changed about her too; her eyes no longer sparkled with the same intensity after seeing the horrors of the world. "Cerberus surely promised them something in exchange for joining the Normandy. Let’s hope it’s nothing too reckless." Closing the book, Mara rested her chin on her palm.

"One of the recruits is an assassin, so I can only imagine things are going to be unethical. Do you think I’ll finally get a criminal record?" I raised an eyebrow, trying to joke without much success.

While Mara shook her head as if I were a lost cause, the intercom hummed and Kelly’s polite voice came through: "Commander, I hope I’m not interrupting, but Miranda has expressed a desire to speak with you. She says she has an urgent matter to discuss."

As always, I appreciated her manners. She was one of the few crew members who still respected the chain of command. "Thanks, Kelly. Do you know what it’s about?"

"No, Commander. Miranda said it was a private matter." The comms cut out, and I sighed in resignation. More than a Commander, I felt like an errand boy.

"It’s okay, John. I’ll go with Doctor Solus and Kasumi." Sensing my main source of stress, my sister eased the burden of knowing she wouldn’t be alone.

Lately, Garrus had been quite busy with private meetings with the high-ranking Hierarchy members. Even though the Turian wanted to be with my sister, his sense of duty was a heavy mantle he bore with pride.

"Then I’ll be more at ease." I stepped toward her and kissed her forehead, my hand lingering on her arm before giving it an encouraging pat. "We’ll all have dinner together later." Allowing no room for refusal, I gestured for her to follow me toward the elevator.

Our paths diverged just one floor away. Her silhouette vanished as the steel doors slid shut, leaving a melancholy chill in the air.

Even the way she walked had changed. Where she was once graceful and light, as if worries simply dissolved around her, there was now only an erratic, hesitant movement—the gait of someone unsure of herself.

I knew it was only a matter of time before Mara recovered, but I wished there was a machine to accelerate the process. It pained me to see her like this, and deep down, I blamed myself. If I had known how to set boundaries when she was little, she wouldn't have felt the need to follow me unconditionally, as if she owed me her life.

Before I knew it, I had reached Miranda’s quarters. When the door opened, I found the office area empty. The sound of movement came from further back, in the sleeping quarters. Her footsteps, sharp against the floor with the click of heels, served as a warning.

Standing tall, I adopted a rigid military posture. I still didn't fully trust Miranda. I had seen that she possessed a twisted kind of kindness. Her ideals clashed with mine, and that kept my guard up.

When she finally appeared, almost theatrically, she ignored me at first. Her indiscreet gaze swept over me from head to toe in a seductive gesture. I couldn’t help but compare her to Jack—who was direct, possessing a certain social clumsiness that actually made me feel at home.

Brushing a stray lock of raven hair behind her ear, she looked up. "Shepard, I must say, I’m impressed. Of all Cerberus's missions, this one has seen the most success. They should have recruited you sooner." Her praise felt misplaced.

Controlling the surge of anger in my fists, I kept them behind my back. "I am not Cerberus, and I never will be." I felt like a broken record, but with people like her, you had to underline things in bold for them to understand I wasn't a pawn in their deranged game.

"Oh, oh… still so tense. I’ve told you I don’t bite. You should lower your guard; after all, you need someone on your side against the Illusive Man, since you don't exactly follow his instructions." Her lopsided smile was one of sheer self-sufficiency.

Tired of the dancing around, I cleared my throat. "No, thanks. Now, tell me, what is this 'personal and urgent' matter?"

"I have a younger sister… she was genetically engineered in a lab. When I learned of her existence, I interfered with my father's plans. As I told you, my modifications—though I see the benefit in them—were not my choice. My father didn't want a daughter; he wanted a dynasty." Walking until she stood directly in front of me, she shifted her weight, her silhouette accentuated. "I am loyal to Cerberus because they were my refuge. The only viable option to hide from my father."

"I see you as more than capable of defending yourself," I remarked. My comment made her laugh with irony.

"I am an investment, Shepard, and no one in their right mind lets millions of credits walk away. After what we saw at the Cerberus facilities and what happened to that poor boy… I decided to dig through the files I have access to. Recently, my father has become an investor in Cerberus. I don't know if he knows I'm here, but… the fact that he knows my sister's whereabouts disturbs me." Her hand moved in slow motion toward my bicep, testing if the physical contact would be welcomed. "I promise not to interfere with your agenda. My sister is on Illium, and it would only be a small favor, don't you think?"

Before I even had time to step back from her touch, the metallic doors hissed open. An ominous energy flooded the room, emitting blue reflections. "You plastic bitch! You've known all along, you goddamn traitor!" Jack's furious screams filled the room.

Wanting to maintain order before this escalated into murder, I stepped between them. My body shielded Miranda as I spun on my heel to face Jack. "Get out of the way, Boy Scout! This isn't about you!" Her brow furrowed, her dark eyes dancing with daggers, and a sense that I was betraying her settled heavy in my chest.

Sensing Miranda’s biotics flare up as well, the cold shiver of danger raced down my spine. "Enough! Both of you, calm down now!" I ordered, my tone imperative.

Jack’s arms rose before her face, her fists clenched so tight her nails dug into her skin. Her biotics began to fade, but the sparks remained active. "You don't understand. The cheerleader won't admit what Cerberus did to me. That's why she didn't want to give me the datapads. She already knew everything." Her lower lip, so full and striking to my eyes, trembled, making me fight the urge to brush it with my thumb.

Miranda chose that moment to step out from behind me. Walking with the confidence that my presence would keep Jack at bay, she simply smiled—a mean, petty gesture. "It wasn't Cerberus. That laboratory went rogue; they acted independently. But I will admit they were wrong in what they did to you." It wasn't an apology, but given the enmity between them, it was likely the kindest thing Miranda would ever say to Jack.

"Go to hell! I should show you exactly what they did to me—let’s see if you’re still smiling then!" Jack bared her teeth, and I could almost hear the air hissing like a threatened snake as her hand glowed with biotic light again.

"Save your anger for the Collectors. You’re both on the same ship, and these fights will only fracture the team." I spoke to both of them, but it didn't stop Jack from snarling at me.

Flicking me off, her lips moved without sound, mouthing a perfect "fuck you" as she backed out of the room. Dammit… I had to go after her immediately. However, Miranda’s hand caught my arm.

Turning reluctantly, I saw her smiling sweetly, knowing she had come out on top. "Thank you and… I’m sorry. I hope the time you’re spending on that creature is worth it. And if not…" Winking at me, she stroked my bicep. "I can think of ways to make it up to you." Finally freeing myself from her touch, I didn't even answer.

Did Miranda think I was a womanizer? That for a few caresses and a pretty smile I would change my feelings? Heading immediately toward the cargo bay, I just hoped Jacqueline didn't hate me.

However, obstacles blocked my path. Grunt, Zaeed, and Tali were in the way, preventing me from reaching Jack.

"Shepard! Lad, I wouldn't recommend going down there," Zaeed warned, his years of experience speaking for him.

The young Krogan’s joyful grunt nearly deafened me. "Heh! A fight, finally! I'm going to crush them all!" Oblivious to feelings, Grunt was moved only by violence.

"No, Grunt! Fighting on the ship is strictly prohibited. Despite my technical skill, I can't rebuild the hull if it's badly damaged in the middle of space." Tali’s glowing eyes narrowed. "Shepard… why don't you spend some time with me instead? I'd like it if we could all relax on Illium." Tali’s body swayed rhythmically, her feet restless.

"I like the kid's plan! We should have a party with some quality alcohol. We've all been too tense lately." Zaeed’s wolfish grin highlighted his scars.

Pushing past them, I waved them off. "Yeah, sure, whatever you want." My footsteps down the stairs felt like sinking into a pit of tar as I cursed myself for not handling the earlier argument better.

Swallowed by the darkness, Jacqueline was hunched over, hiding her face in her arms. Lately, there had only been difficult moments between us—moments that occasionally offered a ray of hope for a future, only to be quickly clouded over.

My sister's crisis hadn't helped our relationship either. Being constantly worried about Mara had prevented me from finding ways to deal with Jack.

"Get lost! Why don't you stay in that bitch's arms?" she muttered, still refusing to look at me. "You looked plenty comfortable. You men only think with your dicks."

Approaching her carefully, I sat on the floor. Her feet brushed my legs, but she pulled them away the moment she realized it. "Jacqueline…"

The mention of her name made her snap her head up, showing me her furrowed brow and furious eyes. It was like looking into a painting of Lucifer's gaze—tears held back, the irritation turning her features a deeper shade of red. "Don't call me that! YOU DON'T HAVE THE FUCKING RIGHT… to call me that!"

Seizing the opportunity, I leaned toward her, preventing her from hiding again. My hand caught her chin, stopping her from pulling away. Her face flashed with panic for a split second before turning impassive.

I wanted to breathe in her breath, to feel the velvet heat of her skin against mine until we merged. Our noses brushed; my finger traced her lower lip with intensity, but I didn't dare kiss her. I wouldn't behave like a brute.

Whispering, I spoke calmly, hoping she could truly hear me. "Jacqueline, don't you see what you do to me? Don't you see I'm by your side no matter how much you push me away? Don't you see how I look at you… that I'm in love with you?" Each question tore down a wall, and when she finally reacted, a broken, agonizing sob escaped her.

It wasn't pretty. It was disastrous, raw, real… Jack allowed all the rage that tormented her heart to pour out, and I remained still, millimeters away, absorbing every emotion.

Regaining her composure, Jack hissed with bitterness, "If you're lying to me…"

"I'll let you cut me into ribbons," I finished the threat for her.

Her hands dug into my shoulders. The trail of tears glistened on her cheeks. She sniffled loudly, and I could only smile like an idiot.

"Now kiss me, you goddamn bastard!" Pulling me toward her, Jack closed the distance.

Her salty lips gave me life. Her warm tongue against mine felt like a kiss from the sun, and the grip of her hands told me I was exactly where I belonged.

My heart beat for her, and only for her.

Mara

Guilt swirled in my gut like a dark tide, and a sharp pang in my chest stole my breath for a heartbeat. The new vial prototype was perfected, yet I had offered no help. Between my days of self-imposed isolation and wandering the ship like a ghost—a zombie lost in a mental fog—the weight of my own uselessness had taken hold of my body.

The pearlescent bead before me reminded me of the strange, precious gems hidden in the deepest reaches of caverns. It glowed with a faint, verdant light, a shimmering vessel of biotic energy, but to me, it looked like a flickering soul.

Doctor Solus had opted for a circular casing. Its use was simple: it would be integrated into the inner plates of armor sleeves to keep it protected.

Combined with armor technology, if the scanner detected an injury, the vial would deploy immediately. Once the power was released, the bead would lose its color, signaling it was time for a replacement. It was far more effective than medi-gel; while gel stopped bleeding and closed minor wounds, it didn't regenerate damaged muscle tissue or provide true treatment—it merely postponed the consequences of the injury, buying time for the wounded to reach a doctor.

Kasumi saw the invention as the opportunity of a lifetime, a way to establish a legal business and retire after her <one last job>. She envisioned massive tanks containing my biotic power on a grand scale, which would then be used to refill the energy coils. she wanted the machines installed in armories, offering subscription plans and deals.

Doctor Solus, however, was not convinced. He explained analytically why it was unfeasible to treat me like livestock.

The Salarian preferred a more practical approach: using the beads as a secondary remedy for when medi-gel ran low, supplying only small quantities to hospitals. This would ensure that armor applications were reserved strictly for the members of the Normandy.

As they argued heatedly over their differences, I felt my head begin to spin. Sitting there in the lab on an uncomfortable metal stool, I wished for nothing more than to be in the main battery with Garrus.

The Turian folding bed had become one of my favorite sanctuaries on the ship. The soft touch of the foam, the shared body heat, and the background hum of Garrus’s subharmonics as he solved equations that sounded like ancient magic to me… it was all so very warm.

Bang! Doctor Solus slammed his hand onto the table, making me jump in my seat. Seeing him angry was a total novelty. His mouth twisted into inhuman angles until it looked like a slit bent at the ends, his eyes narrowing with every inverted blink.

When they both turned to stare at me, discomfort washed over me. I didn't want to participate. I didn't want to speak, because I didn't know what to do. Everything I touched seemed to go wrong, and the thought of offering an idea only for it to be discarded made me sink deeper into self-loathing.

Truthfully, I didn't like either of their proposals. I didn't want to commercialize it. I wanted to create as much as possible, store it away, and if—by some nightmare—the Reapers actually came for us, use it as a trump card. But I knew that my intentions, however good, wouldn't find support. There had to be some profit for the invention to be viable.

Under their insistent gazes, I lowered my head. Fiddling with my fingertips in a nervous tic, I finally decided to speak. "Can't we find… a middle ground?" My voice was a thin thread, easily carried away by the wind. Lacking all confidence, I let my bangs fall over my face like a makeshift veil of invisibility. "We could… create a reserve that is only lent out when hospitals make a justified request. In the meantime, we could manufacture limited sets of armor with the vial already integrated. Since there would be so few, we could ensure a constant supply coupled with a subscription."

Suddenly, my words came out in a rush, as if speaking them so quickly would keep me from burning alive. I barely lifted my head to gauge their reactions, and seeing them, I sank even further into the shifting sands of my anxiety. I knew I had disappointed Doctor Solus simply by the way he breathed.

On the other hand, Kasumi’s Cheshire Cat grin was so wide it almost didn't fit her face, distorting the purple marks on her lips.

Hugging me unexpectedly, she kissed my cheek while I turned to stone. "My sweet little goose who lays the golden eggs! Don't worry, I'll protect you from the salamander’s wrath," she joked, making Mordin turn his head in indignation.

"Unfeasible. No economic means, no staffing, no material resources to run a company. Your reasoning is flawed." Gathering the invention, he tucked it delicately into its protective case—one of the treasures he had created as his legacy.

Like a forest sprite, Kasumi laughed. "It's not hard to get. That expensive armor Garrus wears is from Nyatus, so Mara has the contacts. It's as easy as getting more mileage out of the prototype, increasing the fees, and telling them to cooperate with our company. A mutually beneficial partnership—besides, they’re already pioneers in working with biotics."

"Mhmm… not entirely valid. Too many hypotheses, too many unknowns. I will not hand over the blueprints." Humming to himself, Mordin tried to ignore us, keeping busy by tidying the lab.

Knowing there was no turning back, I took a deep breath, even though the oxygen seemed to evade my lungs and the feeling of suffocation persisted. "We would need to register the patent… and request a formal meeting." My body trembled slightly, waiting for a reprimand that never came. Kasumi’s hand stroked my back, encouraging me to keep talking.

"They don't like dealing with important matters over video calls. They have a headquarters on the Citadel… but first, we’d also have to formalize the bylaws and the company's founding charter, determine the partners, the governing bodies, and the method for forming agreements." As I rattled off information that had been stowed away in the dusty corners of my mind, I noticed Kasumi nodding enthusiastically with every word.

"Well, you can handle that part. Paperwork is not to my refined taste." Swiping at the air, her smile never fading, she looked at me with amusement. "To work, little goose!"

Why did she always give me such strange nicknames? Sighing, I crossed my arms. "I can apply for the patent, but without capital, there is no company.We could seek help from the Alliance…”

Interrupting me, Kasumi covered my mouth as if I were committing a sacrilege. "Oops! Definitely not! The Alliance would just pay for the patent and run off with our idea, leaving us out of the loop. Don't you worry, we already have the capital. Since you’ve been disconnected from reality, you haven't realized… but you’ve been number one on Galaxy Muse for two consecutive weeks." With her free hand, she tapped her Omni-tool until the holo-screen unfolded before my eyes.

If she hadn't been covering my mouth, my jaw would have hit the floor. Before me, the statistics became a treasure map, translating into a ridiculously absurd amount of money.

"Impressive, isn't it? Just so you know, we were going 50/50, but with Jack on board too, I’m taking 50, you get 30, and she gets the remaining 20%. Oh… and that reminds me. I didn't tell you that the animated music video is premiering on Illium. So… if you’re going to go off holding hands with your dear Turian, you’d better take these." Releasing me, Kasumi fumbled in her pockets until she pulled out a kind of chrome sticker. "You place them on your temples. They react by creating interference in cameras."

As useful as the little things were, the last thing I wanted was to be exposed. It terrified me. I preferred to remain anonymous—to let people think Garrus was just my friend—rather than put him in an uncomfortable situation. What if his family found out?

I didn't want his relationship with his father to become even more difficult because of me. Even if he didn't want to admit it, a smile and a deep rumble of satisfaction and pride settled around him whenever he told me how his meetings with the Hierarchy had gone.

Besides, my mental stability was hanging by a thread lately; I couldn't handle more problems. "Couldn't you postpone it?"

My hope died the moment Kasumi’s arms formed a large 'X' in the air, making her stance clear. "Negative. I’ve already received the money. But don't worry, I’ve gotten you a nice gift." Keeping her secret, Kasumi’s figure began to fade into pixels, distorting the air in a clean escape.

I sat there, staring at the tips of my shoes. The uncontrollable trembling of my hands grew chaotic as my breathing quickened. How would I tell Garrus? Would he be angry? The knot in my throat tightened as I imagined his reactions.

Suddenly, a cloth was placed in my hands by a large, three-fingered gloved hand. Mordin smiled at me peacefully. His dark eyes watched me with contained curiosity as he gently squeezed my hands.

"Distraction. A busy mind gives no quarter to intrigue. Let us clean the laboratory." Leaving me with the cloth in hand, he turned his back to me, humming softly as he cleaned test tubes.

Noting the antiseptic smell of the rag, I crinkled my nose. His suggestion was better than staying still, consumed by anxiety, so I did my part. Cleaning the tables, the beakers, and the machines allowed my mind to drift into a limbo. There was only room for four actions: soak, scrub, rinse, and dry.

Without realizing it, the questions had evaporated, giving way to a strange tranquility.

"Do not ingest," Doctor Solus’s voice rose boldly, leaving me wondering what he meant.

"Um… what?"

His eyelids fell heavily over his deep-set eyes before he looked at me with a different glint. "Do not ingest. On Illium. How far has your relationship with Garrus advanced physically? I need to review your physical condition. Established anatomical data suggests injuries, friction burns, perhaps a slight allergy. In the worst-case scenario… fissures." He spoke with such casualness… it was clear that shame was not among the emotions this alien experienced.

My imagination ran wild with his hypotheses. "Fissures?" The words formed in my mouth before I could process that I had fallen headfirst into a very uncomfortable conversation.

"Yes. Fissures. Sexual reproductive organs of differing capacities can exceed tissue elasticity." This time, he pulled up explicit images on his Omni-tool, where a simulation showed a full-scale penetration, visualizing internal organs and possible reactions.

Feeling the heat flood my face, I looked away. "Thank you for your… concern." Coughing feignedly, I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole. "But we’re fine… um, there haven’t been… reactions?" I didn't even know what to say to escape. My brain was shutting down, blocked by the images the Doctor had displayed. "We haven't even gone that far!" I almost shrieked the last part.

Dropping the cloth in the sink, I turned for only a fraction of a second. "I’m going to go do the patent paperwork. Thank you for everything, Mordin." Taking my leave in extremis, I stumbled awkwardly out of the lab, fleeing toward the safety of my room.

Doctor Solus was dangerous for my fragile heart, which hammered wildly whenever intrusive conversations took center stage. I couldn't be truly upset by his curiosity; I understood that in his eccentric scientist's mind, all information was valuable and every doubt needed to be sated. But sometimes, his lack of tact left me in total shock.

Sinking into my chair, I activated the holographic terminal. Better to forget what had happened a few minutes ago and focus on the documents; those, at least, wouldn't give me a heart attack.

Garrus

The honorary promotion I’d been granted was steadily shifting from a mere formality into a full-blown commission. It was no longer just a title, it was a weight on my plates that allowed me to act with the Hierarchy’s backing. The meetings with the high command were a gauntlet of discipline. Every detail scrutinized, every subharmonic tuned to the frequency of efficiency.

The generals were satisfied. The engineering team I’d assembled was already integrating Mordin’s data to shield our perimeter from the Collectors' seeker swarms. If those chitinous bastards tried to touch a Turian colony, they’d find our spirit as unyielding as Palaven’s bedrock.

We were expanding the escape routes, too. Our cities, perched on the edges of great canyons, were beautiful but vulnerable to orbital bombardment. We needed the mountain caverns ready—not just for ships, but to shield the civilians. Every time I looked at the 3D maps of our jagged landscapes, a fleeting thought of Mara crossed my mind. I wondered if she would find the silver-green forests of my home beautiful, or if the high radiation levels and the harsh, metallic scent of the air would be too much for her delicate human lungs.

The Primarch gave a final nod. His gaze was like a thermal scope—sharp and locked onto mine—while his subharmonics vibrated with an authority that made the air in the room hum. "Young Vakarian, resources are not an issue. We are the shield of the galaxy. But we need more than fortifications; we need a tactical edge. Is there anything in that human vessel of yours that can give us a clear shot?"

I squared my shoulders, my talons clicking instinctively against the metallic floor. "No, sir. Recruitment is still the priority. Since the last strike, they’ve stayed in the shadows. They likely realized that the plague won't fold us as easily as they hoped. But they won't stop. Their fixation on Shepard is a direct insult to the Hierarchy—they won't let him breathe until one of them is dead."

The Primarch’s mandibles flared in a sharp sign of distaste. "Facts, not theories, soldier. The moment you sight them, I want the data on my desk. Knowledge is the only path to survival." With a low, guttural grunt, he dismissed us.

My father, however, remained. He stood like a statue of oxidized silver, waiting for the room to clear. His cold eyes scanned my armor, lingering on the scarred plates of my face. "Son, your service is meeting the standards of our name. But the higher you climb, the greater your debt to the Hierarchy."

"General Aestas has a daughter," he continued, his subvocals dropping into a serious, rhythmic tone. "Our clan needs this, Garrus. The Vakarian name has been... tarnished by your vigilante theatrics and your inconsistent performance during your time at C-Sec. A union with the Aestas clan would restore our standing, solidify our political influence, and ensure our lineage remains strategically dominant. You need a partner who understands the duty, someone who can guide you through that rebellious spirit that blinds and consumes you."

The air in my throat felt like sandpaper. I had to clamp my mandibles shut to keep from snapping. In Turian society, love was a luxury you enjoyed in private, but your Rites of Union were a matter of state and lineage. If I refused, my father wouldn't just be disappointed—he’d use his influence to ‘reassign’ my priorities. I had to stall. I had to secure Mara before the Hierarchy decided my future for me.

But the doubt gnawed at my heart. Would Mara even understand the weight of a Turian Union? To her kind, ‘forever’ was a flexible concept. To us, betraying a bonded partner was a stain that no amount of service could wash away.

"It is impossible for me, in my current condition, to facilitate a respectful courtship between clans," I said, my voice as neutral as a sterile med-bay. It wasn't a lie; I was halfway across the galaxy, and my heart was already occupied by a human girl who sang songs that made my biometrics spike.

Castis’s subharmonics turned skeptical. "We will wait until the Collectors are ash. But remember, Garrus: do not bring shame to our crest. As my firstborn, the glory of this clan is your cross to bear." The connection cut, leaving his stern face as a ghost on the screen.

I let out a sharp, jagged roar that echoed through the Main Battery, my mandibles trembling with repressed fury. Crap! I felt like I was in a pincer maneuver with no exit.

Restless, I checked the message from the restaurant Adessia again. Rejected. The delay to Illium had ruined everything. Every high-tier establishment was booked. I rubbed my fringe—the plates on my head felt hot. I needed to court her properly. Not just a meal, but a show of intent. A Turian courtship was a dance of respect and providing safety, and I was failing at both.

Then, Chellick’s face flashed in my mind. That old shark. He’d dated an Asari at Taisha. Maybe he could pull some strings.

I triggered the vid-call. The hold music started and my heart skipped a beat. It was Mara. Her voice, layered with those haunting biotic subharmonics Kasumi had engineered, flowed through my headset. I closed my eyes for a second, picturing her in the lab, her small hands moving with that newfound purpose. She was becoming an icon, a ‘Muse’, and here I was, still treating her like a fragile glass sculpture.

Chellick’s blurry face finally popped up. He was mid-run, carrying a massive bowl of popcorn. "Hey, Vakarian! Look at this, boys! The Archangel himself decided to call!"

The screen was suddenly flooded with the black and grey plates of my old C-Sec squad. Ticius shoved his face into the camera, his sharp teeth baring in a wide, Turian grin. "Vakarian! When are you gonna show your fringe around the Citadel again? The shooting ranges are too quiet without you!"

The room erupted in whistles and the rhythmic clicking of plates—the Turian way of showing collective amusement. "Move it, you grunts!" Chellick shoved Ticius aside and collapsed onto a couch. "What’s up, Garrus? Getting tired of the humans? We’re watching the game; join the channel."

"Are you still in touch with Axia?" I asked, cutting through the noise.

Chellick froze, a piece of popcorn halfway to his mandibles. He choked on a subvocal, coughing up crumbs. "Sorry... what? Did the little human girl finally realize you have the personality of a Widow rifle?"

The background noise exploded. "PAY UP!" Ticius yelled. "I told you he’d strike out!"

I rubbed my fringe again, my talons scraping against my scalp in agitation. "Spirits, no! Everything is fine with Mara... I just... I need a reservation. Somewhere perfect. On Illium. Crap, I’m running out of time."

"And what about the allergies?" Iltio interjected, his vitiligo-spotted plates shifting as he leaned in. "Last time I saw a Turian- Asari pair, the guy looked like he’d been dipped in acid after a kiss."

"She’s... hypoallergenic," I snapped, my blue-tinted blush darkening my neck. "She’s different. She’s... she’s everything, alright? Now help me."

The room went silent for a beat before the whistles started—longer and more respectful this time. Chellick stood up, taking the call into a private room. "So... you’re serious about her. The 'forever' kind of serious?"

I didn't answer, but my steady, deep subharmonics gave me away.

"Alright, alright. My cousin runs Est Deuxes. It’s authentic Turian—heavy on the dextro-spices, but they have a clean-room kitchen for levógira guests. I’ll get you in. Your name is already on the list."

"Thanks, Chellick. I owe you."

Chellick’s grin turned wicked. "Oh, you owe me big. And hey, don't just feed her. Take her to the Olympia. They have Turian-style nests. High-suspension mattresses, adjustable gravity... it’s the best way to spend a paycheck, if you catch my drift." He clicked his mandibles suggestively.

"I’m courting her, Chellick, not buying a weekend," I growled, but my Omni-tool pinged.

A message from Kasumi. 'Gift for the lovebirds: Suite at the Olympia. The suite of your choice. Don't thank me, just make it count. -K'.

My mouth went dry. My subharmonics stalled. I stared at the confirmation in bold italics.

"Vakarian?" Chellick’s voice was full of amusement. "You still there, or did your heart-valves lock up?"

Knowing Kasumi, there was no way to cancel it without starting a war. I looked at the reservation, then thought of Mara’s tired eyes and the way she reached for my hand in the dark.

"Which room is the best?" I asked, my voice dropping an octave into a low, determined rumble.

If I was going to defy my father, my clan, and the Hierarchy for a human girl, I was going to do it in the most spectacular way possible. I’ll outshine the stars themselves and shatter the galaxy, just to see Mara satisfied.

Chapter Text

Mara

I had only caught a glimpse of Illium from the Normandy, but that flash was enough to remind me of its skies of eternal dawn. The pink undertones, accompanied by dense, fluffy clouds in shades of orange and white, were a spectacle in themselves, designed to feed my most romantic side—as if the firmament itself were a canvas of infinite watercolors. However, that ethereal beauty was combined with high towers of crystalline black and purple glass that broke the harmony with their cold, haughty geometry. The entire planet seemed to be a vast metropolis of opulence, a business venture in its own right.

Garrus’s hand slid with electric softness across my back; it was a silent, tender reminder that I had to get off the ship and not merely contemplate life from a window frame.

With unconvinced steps, I finally emboldened myself to explore. The breath of air that swirled my hair into playful flourishes was surprisingly warm, an invisible caress that felt like summer’s kiss upon my skin.

Looking at everything around me with curiosity tinged with awe, I couldn’t help but notice an Asari of aristocratic bearing and elegant dress who seemed to be waiting for my brother.

Although our stay on Illium was to be utilized for shore leave, the reality was that only a few of us were going to be relaxed. Everyone wore their respective armor or uniforms except for me, which made guilt seep into my system like an incessant sting—a cruel reminder of my inability to control my trauma while they carried the weight of the war.

Walking toward us, a few combat bots suddenly decided to escort the Asari with a mechanical hum. Were we in trouble before we had even started?

“Welcome to Nos Astra, Commander Shepard. We have been ordered not to charge you docking and management fees for your visit,” she said, and her words left only a trail of confusion in the air. “My name is Careena. If you need information about the area, it will be a pleasure to help you.”

Did my brother have a sponsor? Someone watching his back from the shadows? Was it some member of the Alliance stationed on Illium, or something deeper? All questions shattered instantly when my brother raised an eyebrow with skepticism.

“Who ordered that nothing be charged?” he asked cautiously; he knew better than anyone that in the galaxy, no kindness came entirely free.

A subtle smile played on the Asari’s face. “The order comes from Liara T’Soni. She has taken care of the full payment.” Opening her Omni-tool, she previewed the city map in front of us. “She also asked me to direct you to speak with her. She is near the commercial level, in some offices. Oh… by the way, I recommend you don’t sign any contracts without a lawyer’s supervision.”

She withdrew with elegance, but her final warning only left me more intrigued and fearful.

“The more a city shines, the worse its crimes are. Slavery is perfectly normal here. Their contract clauses are dangerous,” Garrus added, crossing his arms and casting a cold light over my confusion.

How could the rest of the team not react? Slavery? How could these kinds of predatory contracts, contrary to dignity, be normal in such an advanced civilization? My body trembled slightly—a shiver that had nothing to do with the weather. I felt I shouldn't have left my safety bubble, because every new piece of information only fed my worst fears about the outside world.

My brother walked forward, imperturbable as always, a firm shadow to follow through a thorny path. “Garrus, Jack, Tali, with me. The rest of you, try to stay close in case the mission gets complicated and we need reinforcements.”

At his command, my vain hope of seeing the city with Garrus shattered. I knew John would choose him; he almost always took him along, trusting his back to the sharpshooter’s steady aim and unwavering loyalty, but that didn't mean I hadn't wished, with all my might, to have a little peace for a few days by his side.

Garrus’s arctic gaze fixed on me with a warmth he reserved only for my eyes. His mandibles relaxed into a smile to appease me. “You won't have time to miss me,” he assured me with a playful subharmonic, a vibration full of confidence that resonated in my chest.

It was only a few seconds of goodbye, but his few words accelerated my fragile heart until the brightest blush spread across my cheeks. Watching them walk away, I stood there, suspended in uncertainty, not knowing what to do. Their broad backs carried an invisible weight that always left me with a stinging sense of unease. A soldier’s life was riddled with danger, and it made me wonder, every time they went on a mission, if this time they would return to my arms unharmed.

A sudden tug pulled me from my decaying thoughts. Kasumi smiled as if she had a brilliant, secret plan reserved just for me, making me instinctively knit my brows with suspicion. “Oh come on, it’s going to be fun, I promise you’re going to like it,” she said, threading her arm through mine with a contagious energy that forced me to walk at her pace.

“Hey, wait up, don't forget about the dashing pilot!” Jeff shouted, making Kasumi stop just so he could catch up to us. “Oof… you’re already making me sweat.”

Breathing heavily from the physical effort, Joker seemed genuinely amused to be able to leave the ship for a few hours and get lost with us in the city’s glass labyrinth.

Even the floors, of a polished and steely white, eagerly reflected our silhouettes in elegant blurs across the tiles. Shops unfolded in all their splendor along the main streets; but, unlike the Citadel where stores were tangible and solid spaces, here Illium opted for an ethereal practicality. Everything was displayed through applications that projected products in 3D, making objects seem to float in the air like glass promises.

Bypassing the crowd, Kasumi made us dance through the crowded avenues with almost feline agility, until we stopped in front of an immense tower rising toward the pink sky. It looked like a conventional apartment building, so it surprised me that this was our specific destination; however, once the doors slid open and we were granted access to the apartment, my mind collapsed at the beauty of the place.

A graceful turian welcomed us. Her facial markings were fascinating, almost playful, as if they were the sign of a mystic harlequin. An aquamarine green decorated her mandible plates, making her fangs shine more intensely when her smile gave us a warm welcome.

The apartment itself was a fascinating divergence: on one hand, a polished and minimalist order; on the other, a creative chaos overflowing with silky, shimmering fabrics, displayed on mannequins holding intricate, half-born dresses.

“Umm... I can already feel the creativity unfolding just by seeing my muse,” the turian announced. Taken aback by her words, my mouth gaped like a fish out of water. Was she referring to me? “I am Valera Kandros, part-time designer. Ever since Kasumi leaked your songs to me, my inability to break out of the box has been reduced, influenced by your harmony.”

Her praise was surprisingly tactical, as if the military training ingrained in her race prevented her from being more frivolous with her feelings, but her eyes shone with genuine admiration.

Kasumi, with her usual and charming lack of respect, immediately decided to snoop through the design boards where ideas were captured in simple lines and naked concepts. “DextroLove is better in person, right?” the thief blurted out with a mischievous giggle. “I told you she’d unbalance your sanity. A human being able to communicate like turians through music is certainly fun, don't you think?”

Jeff’s breath brushed my ear in a confidential whisper, loaded with his signature irony. “I think you’re the scapegoat here, Mara,” he warned me with a smirk, making me even more uneasy. “If I were you, I’d watch the clothes, or you’ll end up dressed in neon lights.”

Moving away from me to take shelter with feigned fatigue on the comfortable sofa, he left me alone in front of the imposing turian. My words faltered out of shyness, feeling so out of place in that sanctuary of fashion.

“I... I’m glad you li... like my songs,” I tried to smile, but in the end, the gesture was only a slight and insecure tilt of the corners of my mouth.

“You look like a wounded little bird,” Valera observed, softening her voice. “Don’t tremble; I’m not prejudiced like those conceited elders of the Hierarchy. I’ve decided on a different path for my life, even if it means the Kandros clan rejects me.”

I hadn't even noticed my body was trembling until she mentioned it. Her claw rested on my shoulder in a friendly touch, firm but tender, encouraging me to inspect her work. “Come, look at the designs. I need to take your measurements... you’re smaller than I imagined, but you have a presence that the fabric will know how to capture.”

Feeling a bit more confident, I wandered through the apartment examining each corkboard. The designs were beautiful, characteristic of the firm elegance of the Asari, with vertical lines and magenta colors. They would sell well in any shop on Illium, but I didn't feel they fit well on my body. I already knew from experience that their skin-tight dresses looked divine on their sculpted, homogeneous bodies but not on mine, where my generous hips and the hollow of my bone structure only made the fabric meander without grace.

Noticing by accident a board that seemed to be hidden behind a dresser, I didn't hesitate to pull it out. Just seeing its designs made my heart thrum with suppressed emotion.

It moved away from the current fashion firmly controlled by the Asari. The combination of asymmetrical cuts and ethereal, flared skirts was inspiring. It followed the tradition of turian formal wear but with a touch of elegant rebellion, seeking the crystalline sensation of the air. It almost reminded me of ancient Greek dresses but modernized—though you could tell it was still missing something.

Wanting to inquire more about this project that had been discarded, my voice came out like a song: “Why did you hide this? The designs are beautiful.” My voice lowered as a look of panic crossed Valera's face.

Her claws twisted together, but the discomfort gave way to a crushing, almost fierce confidence. “I can't get the styles to fit. There’s a middle ground, an invisible wall that prevents me from recreating the image I dream of,” she explained, approaching me as if looking for an answer in my eyes.

Feeling the need to build a bridge between her dreams and reality, I tapped my Omni-tool to show her the legacy of my own species: ancient human dresses from the Roman, Greek, and Egyptian eras. Her subharmonics murmured with enthusiastic appreciation, a metallic purr indicating that the secret, finally, had been revealed to her.

The board was snatched from my hands with creative urgency. Valera Kandros began to work again, outlining silhouettes with renewed mastery; she made the fabric wrap the curves with delicacy but unfold ethereally in the fall. She maintained the asymmetry, making the design practical in the front and majestically elegant in the back, as if the tail of a mystic bird wanted to unfold through silky swirls. Looking at me fixedly, her eyes burning with artistic fever, she passed me the charcoal so I could decide on the shape of the neckline.

Opting for a sweetheart shape, I realized that the perfect balance would be born if the upper part were a rigid fantasy corset—a piece of armor and silk made with materials that evoked a stellar glow. I added it to one side so as not to profane the original sketch, also adding some transparent flourishes on the forearm that feigned to be ghostly sleeves sprouting from the corset.

I didn't even have time to finish the stroke; immediately, Valera threw herself into the project until she perfected it. Murmuring to herself, her subharmonics chanted a psalm of absolute concentration as she moved through the apartment like a whirlwind in search of the right fabrics. She had not the slightest contemplation for the poor mannequin that was half-dressed: she ripped off the previous dress without ceremony, discarding the mundane to focus on her new and shared creation.

Sipping a soft drink with insulting calm, Joker and Kasumi watched the spectacle with amused eyes. “Look at what you’ve started, Mara,” Jeff accused me with a grin from ear to ear. “You’ve awakened the beast. I hope the apartment insurance covers damage from excess art.”

Being a perfect echo of the mockery, Kasumi decided to contribute her own sting while toying with a silk thread: “You’d better be a good mannequin, honey. You can’t come in here, spark inspiration like a legendary muse, and then leave the job half-done. It’s your turn to pose until you grow roots!”

I couldn’t object to their jokes, because reality overwhelmed me. Valera was already wrapped in a sea of silks, glitters, paints, and needles, ignoring the rest of the universe to give life to her work. I admired her ability to concentrate, and therefore, so as not to disturb the flow of her genius, I retreated to a secluded corner. There, a cabinet with open drawers revealed a constellation of precious stones.

Remembering the Lumian Garrus had given me—that little treasure I wore around my neck like a silent promise—I searched among the gems for those that resembled the deep blue of his gaze. It was a mechanical activity, almost meditative, that allowed me to blank my mind while fate, or perhaps just turian fashion, wove my future.

Time flowed like an invisible river between the laughter of my two playful friends’ animated conversation and the unwavering coo of the turian’s subharmonics. When at last the mannequin came to life under her claws, the design looked beautiful, wrapped in violet fabrics that seemed to capture the light of Illium’s stars. However, when Valera turned in search of my approval, she emitted a deep growl, as if she had been too immersed in the architecture of the sketch without considering a crucial fact that now shone before her eyes.

“A Lumian. I didn’t know you had been given one... so the songs tell more truths than they appear.” Her confirmation made me blush violently as I realized that the necklace, my little secret treasure, had been exposed while I played distractedly with the gems. “I will change the fabric to a light pearly blue, like a breath from a spring with maritime and rosy touches.”

She didn't ask for an opinion; she simply carried out the task with fierce determination, replacing the fabric held with pins with a silk that seemed woven from sea foam. Unable to apologize for the oversight, I stood watching her amazing skill at work, hypnotized by the dance of her hands.

“Emm... here, for the ignorant, what exactly is a Lumian?” Joker decided to try his luck by asking, with that impertinent curiosity that always characterized him.

With needles held between her mandible plates, Valera spoke out of the side of her mouth, making her voice take on a difficult and metallic tone: “They are courtship jewelry. Each has a sacred meaning and adorns a turian woman until the rite of union. The one she is wearing is the start of the courtship, the seal that eliminates any other proposal from another man. It marks her before the world as his.”

Shrugging her shoulders, the designer knelt to adjust the fabric on the ethereal skirt, while the laughter of my companions didn't take long to appear, filling the room with mischievous complicity.

“Our face-damaged turian is quite the romantic, isn't he?” Joker boasted, giving Kasumi a knowing elbow while his gaze brimmed with affectionate mockery.

“And possessive... umm, that makes me wonder, Mara... are you ready for tonight?” Kasumi's question, loaded with an intention I didn't quite manage to decipher, made the heat rise to my cheeks again.

I knew Garrus had booked a restaurant so we could have a date, but I hadn't delved into the profound possibilities that the night could promise under the sky of Illium.

“Oh, look at her, all blushed! What exactly are you thinking about?” Kasumi insisted with a shrewd smile.

Diverting my gaze, I tried to lie to protect my racing heart: “That I don't know whether to dress casually or get more dressed up. I don't have many gala clothes…”

Cutting me off short, Valera almost roared in an unappealable order: “You will wear my dress. You will be the start that launches my business in this city of glass.”

With the garment free of temporary basting, she gathered the fabric to make her way to a machine that processed the sketch data and sewed with almost magical precision, giving body to the dress until it could stand on its own without the need for the mannequin.

“I have some crafted Lumian, but only those that women choose to wear of their own free will. You can choose... but it is not my duty to explain their hidden meaning. That will be a pleasant surprise for your turian.” Her mandibles clicked in a laugh that sounded dangerously amused.

“Oh, come on, give us a hint!” Joker complained, feigning an agony of curiosity at being unable to mock in a more open and technical way.

Valera shook her head with mocking solemnity as she pointed to a metal box on top of the workbench. Walking toward it, I opened it to find beautiful concoctions of chains that looked like drops of liquid silver. I chose some that seemed designed to be tied to the thighs, where tears the color of Garrus's eyes seemed to pour into intricate silver links; I felt happy with the choice, but Kasumi's hand met mine. With a quick gesture, she took as if it were her own another piece of jewelry: a chain that tied at the waist and fell in ornaments with liquid grace to the hip.

Measuring it without permission over me, she smiled at me shrewdly, almost predatorily. “Take this one too, Mara. Something tells me our sharpshooter is going to like it… a lot.”

Valera's subvocals were pure malicious fun: “Oh… he certainly will. He won't want to take them off you all night,” she encouraged as she approached me with a digital measuring tape and a look that promised forbidden secrets. “Please, change in the bathroom. I’ll adjust the dress so it fits perfectly against your skin and then I’ll arrange the Lumian so they are proportional to your curves.”

I closed the bathroom door behind me, letting the murmur of Joker’s jokes and Kasumi’s laughter filter softly through the metal. My hands trembled a bit as I shed my common clothes to let Valera’s design claim its place upon my skin.

The dress slid on like a breath of cold water, embracing my curves with a loyalty I had never felt in an Asari garment. The pearly blue seemed to come alive under the artificial light, reflecting rosy glints that reminded me of the Illium dawn that had so captivated me. But what really stole my breath was the placement of the Lumian.

Feeling the cold of the silver surrounding my thighs was a strangely intimate sensation, a metallic secret hidden under the ethereal drape of the skirt. The waist jewelry—the one Kasumi had chosen so shrewdly—sat on my hips with liquid grace, accentuating my every move. I looked in the mirror and, for a second, I didn't see the scared girl who feared leaving the Normandy; I saw the woman Garrus had chosen.

When I finally stepped out, the silence that fell over the studio was more eloquent than any words.

“Whoa...” Joker was the first to break the spell, whistling low with an expression of genuine surprise. “Mara, if Shepard sees you like this, he’s going to put Garrus on the Alliance blacklist out of pure brotherly instinct. You’re... well, I think the technical term is ‘dangerously radiant’.”

Kasumi approached me, circling me like a proud shadow, adjusting a fold of the fabric with expert fingers. “I told you. Those Lumian aren't just ornaments, little one,” she whispered in my ear with a note of playful malice. “They’re coordinates. And something tells me our sharpshooter has excellent aim for finding them.”

Valera approached with her digital measuring tape, her subharmonics vibrating in a note of professional triumph as she adjusted the final details so the fabric was a second skin. “Perfect. The jewelry moves with your curves as if born from them,” the turian declared, locking her eyes onto mine. “Tonight, Mara, you aren't just wearing a dress. You’re wearing the challenge of a woman who knows who she belongs to and who belongs to her. Don’t let Garrus blink; it would be a shame for him to miss a single second of this.”

I looked at myself one last time, feeling the almost imperceptible tinkle of silver against my skin. The shyness was still there, but the weight of the Lumian gave me a strange strength. I was ready.

John Shepard

The words from the Rachni Queen’s host were burned into my mind with the urgency of a priority-red code. I analyzed their meaning while clenching my jaw; even she, after being confined and tortured in the laboratories of Noveria, understood that the Reapers were the only existential threat. It consoled me to know she was regrouping, concentrating her forces for the day the void claimed its debt. She was a reliable but strange ally—a reasonable anomaly in the face of the Council’s blindness, as they persisted in ignoring the tactical reality looming over us.

I didn’t stop to contemplate the city. To a soldier, all metropolises end up looking the same: different architecture, same choke points. Glistening facades that hide dirty laundry in corners where the light doesn't reach, and secrets shouted at the top of people's lungs in the upper levels.

The hallway to Liara’s office was a clinical white—impersonal and frigid. There wasn't a single trace reflecting her personality, protecting her privacy even from those of us who were once her trusted visitors.

Her secretary, Nyxeris, poured out praise for her with a respect so exaggerated it was suspicious; not even the most fervent recruits droned on like that before a superior officer. Combat instinct—the kind that never shuts off—flared at the base of my neck, making me distrust every word poured out with such gratitude.

Upon entering, silence took over. Liara was immersed in a holographic meeting; her voice, now more melodious but carrying a steel I didn't remember, dictated orders with a somber maturity. Hearing her threaten to flay a contact alive if she didn't receive her payment was a thermal shock; it was hard to believe her academic kindness had vanished under the weight of Illium.

She turned toward us as she noticed our presence and cut the communication abruptly. Her eyes shone with a lost hope that, finally, found its anchor in reality. A slight flirtation had existed between us in the past, but I had turned it down; I always suspected her affection was more of a scientific curiosity regarding my Prothean connection than a real feeling for the man beneath the armor.

Her hands, a soft blue with pores that shimmered like stardust, rested on my cheeks. They sought to confirm I wasn't a ghost. For a second, the air grew thick and I thought she would kiss me, but the sudden flare of a biotic hum behind my back cut the intent short. Jack’s biotics vibrated like a silent warning, while Tali’s cheerful voice greeting Liara finished breaking the spell.

Vakarian coughed forcefully—a distracting gesture he had clearly inherited from Joker and Mara’s jokes to dissipate tension. It was a necessary move; Jack was only just starting to trust me again, and a reckless impulse from my former companion could have sent everything crumbling.

“My sources said you had returned from the dead... but I refused to believe it. It’s good to see you, Shepard,” Liara whispered, diverting her gaze toward a datapad to feign administrative activity she didn't need. “It’s also good to see the rest of the team. Garrus, you seem to have had an accident... Illium has the best aesthetic clinics if you need to remove those scars.”

She tapped the glass screen before sitting down, fixing a sharp, dense gaze on the tattooed woman at my side. “I see there’s a new addition to your unit,” she stated, letting hostility float in the air like flammable gas.

“Whatever you say, you stuck-up blue bitch. I’m Jack,” she spat, marking her territory and moving forward to position herself at my side, nearly brushing my shoulder. I had to swallow the discomfort and repress a grimace at the insult; Jack wasn't a soldier. She was a weapon without a safety.

I crossed my arms, projecting my command voice to decapitate the latent rivalry. “It’s good to see you too, Liara. You’ve changed; you have contacts now.” I raised an eyebrow, veering the conversation toward professional ground.

She spun in her chair, turning her back to us to observe the holographic screen unfolding against the window. “A few... information sources, mercenaries, assets. I work as an information broker—a position that grants me the power necessary to pay the bills. I know you’re hunting the Collectors, though this time with Cerberus as logistical support. I’ll make your job easier,” she announced with a transactional coldness. She felt distant, protected by a wall of invisible scars. “I need someone with hacking experience to locate the Shadow Broker. Since you have to travel the city anyway, you won't raise suspicions. In exchange, I’ll tell you where to find your targets.”

I nodded, letting the strategic map unfold. “The assassin, Thane, is in the commercial district, near the police station. He is looking for Nassana Dantius.” She mentioned the name with contempt. I remembered the former ambassador; a viper who had used me to scrub her family history. “And Samara is at the transport center. Speak with Officer Dara; she’ll help you deal with the Justicar. You’ll have to impress her to earn her respect.”

Before setting out on the hunt for Thane, I decided to settle my debt with Liara. I didn't like leaving loose ends, especially when it came to intelligence on the Shadow Broker. Fieldwork in Nos Astra was an exercise in discretion and reflexes. As we traversed the commercial sectors, I located the data terminals hidden behind the glow of holographic advertisements.

“Tali, with me. Jack, watch the left flank. Garrus, find a high position; I don't like the way those Eclipse guards are looking at us,” I ordered, adjusting my comm frequency.

“Already on it, Shepard. I have a clean angle from the upper catwalk. If anyone tries to draw, I’ll give them something to think about.” Garrus’s voice came through with its usual metallic confidence as I saw his silhouette take position with professional calm, rifle in hand, covering our backs with the precision of a hawk.

Tali positioned herself in front of the first node. Her agile fingers danced over the holographic keyboard of her Omni-tool with a coordination that only years of engineering in the Flotilla could grant. The technical hum of her equipment was the only music in that secluded corner.

“Triple-core encryption, Shepard. Someone went to a lot of trouble to hide this,” she murmured, as progress bars flashed a deep violet on her visor. “Give me ten seconds... and we’re in.”

We fulfilled our part of the bargain with surgical precision. However, as the data packets downloaded into my unit, a trail of unknowns began to cloud the mission. The encrypted info packets we extracted from the city network didn't match the report Nyxeris had provided us minutes earlier. The attack vectors and coordinates for the Shadow Broker’s agents directly contradicted the secretary’s version.

Garrus descended from his position with a fluid movement when we finished, joining us with a look of suspicion in his mandibles. “This data is 'too' clean, Shepard,” he commented, taking a quick look at the screen. “Either Nyxeris is incompetent, or she’s sending us into a crossfire zone.”

We returned to Liara’s office to deliver the results. As the data dumped into her terminal, my old friend’s face lit up with the blue reflection of the schematics, but her eyes remained distant, fixed on the discrepancies beginning to emerge.

“Liara, something doesn't add up,” I said, resting a hand on the edge of her desk and subtly invading her space to force her attention. “The terminals say one thing, but your secretary sent us in the opposite direction. Let me handle it. I can look into Nyxeris while I search for the assassin.”

Garrus nodded beside me, reinforcing my stance with his imposing presence. “The Commander is right, T’Soni. On Palaven, we say if the trail smells rotten, it’s because there’s a corpse nearby.”

She looked at me, and for an instant, I thought I saw a glimpse of the old Liara—the one who trusted my judgment blindly. But then, the broker mask closed again. She rejected me with a mechanical, almost rehearsed courtesy, assuring me I had done enough and that her internal assets would handle the cleanup.

“Focus on your recruits, Shepard. I’ll tend to my own garden,” she stated in a voice that allowed no argument.

We left, but the weight of an imminent ambush left a bitter taste in my mouth. There was something in Nyxeris’s gaze—that excessive devotion, that unnatural calm—that made my skin crawl. As soon as I had Thane secured with a rifle in his hands, I’d be back at this office. I wasn't going to let Liara fall because of an intelligence error I’d already detected. My suspicions weren't just battlefield ghosts; they were warnings written with the blood of past missions.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

Police Officer Saryna had facilitated our entry into the tower. She knew Nassana had dark links to Eclipse but hadn't been able to prove it officially enough to arrest her. Her warning that the mercenaries guarding the interior were armed with rocket launchers was a huge help, as it allowed me to choose our attack method with ease. A calculation error here meant death before reaching the first elevator.

“Tali, you’re on the rear. Keep your distance and deploy drones; I want those rocket launchers overloaded or distracted before they lock on,” I ordered, adjusting my assault rifle. “Jack, you’re my biotic hammer. Mid-position. If anyone breaks my line, you hurl them into the void. Garrus, you know what to do. Find the high angles. I want the enemy to feel fear before they even see who’s shooting.”

“Consider it done, Shepard. Heading into the ventilation ducts. See you at the body count,” Garrus replied with a technical coldness that gave me the confidence needed to take the first step.

The tower, from the start, had been a gauntlet of consecutive attacks. It didn't matter if they were Loki mechs, androids, or drones; our long-range attack position made containing them much easier. The echo of Garrus’s precision shots rang through the lobby, each detonation followed by the dry sound of a metal chassis collapsing. Tali was a shadow of efficiency—her electrical discharges disabling enemy shields just as I entered their field of vision to finish them off with a short, lethal burst.

But as we moved up floor by floor, Eclipse mercenaries began arriving in coordinated waves. The air grew heavy, saturated with the smell of ozone from the mass effect fields of Jack, who laughed with savage ferocity every time a biotic shockwave sent a mercenary through the glass windows.

Nassana hadn't held back, and even in her own defense, she had caused casualties among her Salarian workers. The contempt for civilian life made my blood boil. I had made sure to provide medi-gel to the survivors, but not being satisfied with just that help for the innocents, I wanted to watch over them with the obsession of a commander who leaves no one behind.

I scoured every corner with my weapon at the ready, forced every sealed room, and eliminated every enemy without mercy, clearing the path to the top with cold, calculated rage.

“Shepard, I’m detecting vital signs behind this bulkhead!” Tali shouted through the comm as her hands flew over the access panel.

When finally one of the last rooms leading to the tower’s peak was hacked by Tali, I could smile under my helmet. The Salarians were there: tired, traumatized, wounded, but alive. I stopped for a second to observe the scene. Someone had taken care to help them get to a safe place while eliminating threats; not only that, but they had actively seen to their well-being by blocking access to the mercenaries, creating a safe zone in the middle of a slaughterhouse.

“It wasn't the mercenaries who locked them in here to protect them,” Garrus murmured, lowering his rifle while examining the Eclipse corpses flanking the entrance. The cuts were clean, precise—of a lethality that bordered on the artistic.

It seemed Thane wasn't just meticulous with his work, but human in the strictest sense of the word: he didn't harm the vulnerable, focusing his lethal wrath solely on his primary objective. He was the kind of professional I needed on my team.

“Move out. We have an ambassador to arrest... or bury,” I stated, resuming the march toward the penthouse.

Climbing the ramp under Illium’s orange glow was like pushing through hell itself. Over the speakers, Nassana’s voice—fickle and overflowing with hysterical dread—dared to demand help from her mercenaries; she wasn't aware that her praetorian guard had already been purged.

At a slow pace, setting the rhythm with the weight of my magnetic boots and knowing no enemies remained at our rear, I refused to answer her. I wanted to see her face of surprise when the door opened and she realized she was alone in her ivory tower. It’s not that I was spiteful, but I liked to treat people with the same coin they had treated me, and Nassana, after deceiving me in the past, didn't deserve the slightest consideration.

However, the ramp didn't lead directly to the office, but to the exterior of the building, on a glass walkway interconnecting the tower with its neighbor. There, the true resistance awaited us: Eclipse commando units. They were Asari, war veterans, and they became a genuine headache. The air filled with biotic projectiles and warp bursts.

“Die, you blue bitch!” Jack shouted, launching a shockwave that shattered the glass cover, but her amusement was more of a frustration; the Asari moved with an agility that defied gravity.

Tali and Garrus worked in lethal synchrony: she overloaded their shields with pulses from her Omni-tool while Garrus, braced behind a support beam, used those milliseconds of vulnerability to place surgical shots through their visors.

I pushed forward recklessly, charging directly at them, feeling the impact of enemy biotics against my shields.

The wounds that managed to bypass the armor healed almost instantly thanks to Mara’s healing biotics, contained in our systems through that ingenious invention by Mordin and Kasumi that dosed her essence. That constant relief gave me the opening necessary to exert relentless pressure on the battlefield, turning me into an unstoppable force.

When finally, through explosions and raw violence, we were able to enter the office, the silence was deafening. Nassana was looking toward the window, with the melancholy of someone who knows they’ve reached the end.

“I’m sure you find all this very ironic. First, you handle my sister without even knowing it, and now you come for me.” Her desperate laugh sounded deranged—the echo of a broken sanity. “What now?” she shouted, wanting to rail against her fate.

Grabbing handcuffs from my belt, I showed them with cold mockery. “Don’t be so tragic. Prison will suit you.”

Confident, I took a step forward, but stopped dead as I felt something move in the darkness—a presence that emitted no heat or noise, lurking from the shadows of the ceiling.

“Don’t be absurd, just tell me your price! We’ll make the problem go away,” she pleaded. Like every businesswoman, she thought credits would solve each and every one of her problems, but I wasn't for sale.

“I’m not for sale. Not all the credits in the world would give you access to my conscience,” I replied, crossing my arms. I would serve as a distraction a little longer.

Turning toward me, she looked at me with an anger that was pure fire. “What the hell gives you the right to play God?” she demanded, projecting her guilt onto me.

“You kill people because you think they’re inferior or they get in your way, while I do it if I’m left with no other choice. That’s our difference and what gives me the moral judgment to arrest you,” I clarified.

In that instant, Nassana felt the hidden presence. She turned her head with paranoia, but she was too slow to reach her weapon. Thane appeared like a ghost born of the air, descending from the ceiling with terrifying fluidity.

He dealt a final blow directly to her heart. A dry impact that robbed her of air and life in a single movement. With an almost ritualistic delicacy, he held her as she fell, laying her gently upon the table.

His eyes, like deep black pits of obsidian, blinked, focusing on the scales of his sockets. Finally, he adopted a pose of absolute humility: head bowed and hands raised toward his chest, whispering prayers for the soul of his victim.

Respecting his time, I didn't allow myself to speak until he raised his head. “Thane Krios. I want to talk to you.”

“Thank you for respecting my prayers for the wicked,” he replied in a soft voice, like the brush of sand. As he holstered his weapon, the glow of Illium’s sunset contrasted with the emerald green of his scales. “I was curious about your morality; that’s why I waited to see how far you would go to find me.”

“How did you know I was coming?” I asked, perplexed by his calm.

“I didn’t—until you walked through the front door and started shooting. You were an excellent distraction for my ambush,” he explained, passing between us with absolute tranquility, ignoring that Garrus and Jack had their weapons trained on him.

I swallowed the rage of feeling, once again, used like a pawn. “I need you on my team. It’s about saving lives. The Collectors are abducting human colonies, and I need a strong team to stop them. Are you in?” I extended my hand firmly, remaining neutral.

“I’ve heard of them. I will help you, but I need us to handle a problem on the Citadel before the end. This was to be my last job, but it seems I still have one last action to redeem myself.” He shook my hand. His long fingers—five just like mine—closed over my gauntlet in a silent pact.

Now we had another lethal professional in our ranks. All that was left was to ensure Liara was safe before going after our final member: the Justicar.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

Saryna’s notification hit the Normandy’s priority channel like a sledgehammer: Liara T’Soni’s apartment had been the epicenter of a biotic explosion. We didn't waste a second. When we arrived, the Illium police cordon already surrounded the area, but one figure stood out among the local agents due to her bearing of absolute authority.

An Asari in impeccable armor and a steel gaze awaited us at the threshold. Tela Vasir. A Spectre I had briefly met in one of the field-firing meetings between those of our rank.

“Commander Shepard. You’re late to the party,” Vasir said, with that professional arrogance only those of our rank could afford. “I’ve been inspecting the place. Someone tried to take your friend, but Liara didn't make it easy for them. In fact, her whereabouts are completely unknown. No leads,” she informed bluntly, leaving no room for hope.

The air still hung heavy in the apartment, giving it a metallic aftertaste of ozone and static. Furniture floated at impossible angles, suspended by biotic mass residue, while other pieces were completely shattered by bullet impacts. Jack let out a low whistle as she ran her fingers over a crack in the wall that still glowed with residual electric blue.

“An L5-class biotic earthquake happened here,” Jack commented, looking at Vasir with a distrust that could be cut with a knife. “Your blue 'friend' knows how to bite.”

The air quotes she made while speaking didn't escape me. Her jealousy was overflowing despite her nonchalant act, and that spark of possessiveness only made me want to provoke her more, but this wasn't the time or place for seduction games.

“We’ll cooperate on this, Vasir,” I stated, analyzing the environment with tactical coldness. “Liara is one of my people, so she’ll appreciate any help. What have you found?”

“Not much. The attackers were professionals,” she replied, leading us toward the living room terminal. “But you can search through what’s left; maybe your bond will work the magic needed to find a usable lead.”

Glaring blatantly at Jack, Vasir pressed the terminal buttons, knowing the ex-convict would grow violent at the insinuation of a prior intimate bond between Liara and me. Tali went to work immediately under the Spectre’s supervision in a vain attempt to fix the burnt terminal and break the tension.

I noticed Garrus; he was in the opposite corner, examining bullet casings with a frown. He gave me an imperceptible nod. I approached him while the other three concentrated on the terminal.

“Shepard,” Garrus whispered, doubt vibrating in his voice. “These casings... they’re military grade, but not mercenary. They’re the kind Spectres or Salarian Union elite units use. Too clean to be from the Shadow Broker.”

“We should proceed with caution then,” I replied in a low voice, absorbing the implication of his words. If official forces were involved, the problem was much larger.

Checking the apartment, my heart tightened at the sight of her private life. I found pieces of my old armor recovered from the void, models of the Normandy, and photos with the crew. Liara really had made a place for us in her heart, keeping the fragments of a past I thought lost. Grief pooled in my throat, but, being practical, I straightened up like an expressionless wall while sadness gnawed inside.

When I reached Liara’s bedroom, a framed photo of the two of us on the nightstand made me realize the depth she had felt for me. Maybe I had been too cautious in doubting her feelings... and now that made me wonder if I had been right to reject her so coldly.

Taking the frame with gloved hands, I noticed a hidden key... a lead. She knew me too well to know I wouldn't leave her stranded, and she had left a trail that only I would know how to read. Obtaining the code, I previewed it on my Omni-tool until it gave way to an encrypted data block. A conversation.

Putting it on speaker, the pieces of the puzzle clicked. We already knew where to go: the place where the Salarian she trusted was likely now in mortal danger.

“Let’s not waste time,” Vasir ordered, adjusting her weapon with a readiness that I now found unsettling. “I’ll go ahead to clear the airspace. Follow me in the next transport.”

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

We arrived at the Dracon sector business tower, and what we found wasn't an office, but a war zone. A high-power explosion had blown out the middle floor, leaving the support beams naked against the Illium sky. The scene was Dantesque: piles of corpses from different species—Turians, humans, Salarians, Asari—were stacked in the hallways, discarded like trash by the attackers. Innocent lives stripped of value by bloodthirsty lunatics.

“This isn't the work of common mercenaries,” Garrus murmured, passing a group of fallen security guards. “It’s a professional cleanup. No witnesses.”

With his warning as our banner, we pushed through the remnants of fire and twisted metal, eliminating Shadow Broker agents who were still combing the area and ensuring no trace was left, dancing bullets into the corpses as if they were target dummies.

Reaching the core of the building, the scene cleared. Liara was there, wounded but firm, maintaining a biotic shield around a terrified Salarian: her contact. In front of her, Tela Vasir was no longer pretending. Her weapon pointed directly at my friend’s chest.

“Spectre Vasir, drop the weapon!” I roared, but it was too late.

Vasir triggered a demolition charge under our feet. The floor vanished in a deafening blast. I felt gravity claim me—the void of Nos Astra opening up beneath my boots—and yet, my first concern was my team. Were they unharmed? Had the explosion dragged them down too?

“Shepard!” Liara’s cry was lost in the din as her blue biotics fought with Jack’s in a frantic race to reach me.

I closed my eyes expecting the impact, but then I felt a familiar warmth. Mara’s biotic shield, integrated into my armor, deployed like a cocoon of copper and blue light. My sister’s energy absorbed the impact against a lower platform, saving me from being crushed to death. I sprang to my feet, lungs burning and adrenaline blocking the pain, knowing I’d been given an extra life, like a cat.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Vasir. She was already jumping toward her Skycar, fleeing with the information. Liara dropped down to my position, her gaze burning with a fury I had rarely seen in her.

“She’s getting away, Shepard. We can’t let her take the data!” Liara exclaimed, pointing to a civilian transport that had just made a forced landing nearby.

She was more concerned about the data than my health, while Jack and Tali rushed to me to help me walk, helping me limp to the aircar while the medi-gel took effect.

I noticed Garrus’s absence, which made me force my way forward. Checking his sniper rifle uneasily, he drew a line, stopping as he saw the car in an indication that he wasn't coming with us.

We exchanged the look of soldiers who have been through a thousand hells; he knew I was going to fly that junker like an Alliance interceptor, and I knew he had a promise to keep to my sister.

“Shepard,” Garrus said, lowering his voice as Liara, Tali, and Jack climbed into the vehicle. “I have to leave you here. The transport for the date is waiting for me in ten minutes in the lower district. If I don't go now, I won't make it in time for Mara.” The worry in his voice seeped through despite his professionalism, indicating how much he cared for my ‘minion’.

I put a hand on his shoulder, feeling his armor plate. Despite the chaos, Vasir’s betrayal, and the corpses surrounding us, that was the most important moment for my friend—and one has to know when an ally needs to regain their strength.

“Go, Garrus. That’s an order,” I told him with a tight smile. “You’ve calibrated enough weapons; now go calibrate your life with her. Don’t let her wait a second, and if you hurt her...” The warning came out on its own, a big-brother possessiveness rooted in me since I first saw those huge innocent eyes looking at me like I was her hero.

Garrus nodded, his mandibles moving in a gesture of gratitude. “Hurting her is unthinkable to me.” The silence grew heavy for a second. “Promise me you won't slam this taxi into a skyscraper before I can tell you how it went, Commander,” he joked to lighten the strangeness of my best friend being in love with the most precious person in my life.

“I’ll do what I can. Now go. And Garrus...” I paused for a second, looking him in the eye. “Watch over her. Today you aren't a soldier; you’re the man she chose. Don’t forget it.”

“I won’t. Good luck on the hunt.”

Garrus turned around and disappeared down the walkway toward the lower levels, while I jumped into the driver’s seat.

Jack sat beside me after fighting with Liara and dragging the seat back to destabilize her and steal her spot. With a savage smile, Jack felt triumphant, while Liara and Tali seemed to pierce through her with their stares as they buckled in behind.

“Hang on!” I roared, flooring the accelerator. “We’re going to show that Spectre how a pissed-off human flies!”

The taxi plunged into the abyss of Illium, starting a suicidal chase between the skyscrapers as the sun of Nos Astra began to dye the city a blood-orange.

I floored the pedal of the stolen taxi. A few meters ahead, Tela Vasir’s Skycar zigzagged through civilian transports with reckless abandon, leaving a trail of chaos and sudden braking in her wake that surely caused casualties.

“Shepard, if you kill us in this thing, I swear I’ll reanimate your corpse just so I can kill you myself!” Jack shouted from the passenger seat, gripping the dashboard with a smile that was half-terror, half-pure ecstasy. “That blue bitch is gaining ground!” she added enthusiastically, as if this were the best trip of her life.

“Shut up, Jack! Shepard knows what he’s doing,” Tali snapped from the back, her voice vibrating with tension as she tried to recalibrate her Omni-tool amidst the lurching. “He’s not a civilian pilot. He’s a soldier.”

Tali’s complaints broke my concentration for a moment. Did they get along that poorly and I hadn't noticed? Liara, sitting next to Tali, didn't take her eyes off the target, blue biotics crackling in her hands.

“Tali is right. Shepard has flown worse ships; even with the Mako, his reckless driving always reached the objectives,” Liara said, with a cold calm that sounded more like a reproach than a compliment. “You should trust your Commander, Jack. If you even know what that word means.”

Another sting? What the hell was going on? Why did I feel the tension in the car rising worse than if I were in the middle of a war?

Jack turned her head violently, ignoring the chase for a second. “Listen to me, Dr. T’Soni. I know what loyalty means. What I don't know is what the hell you’re doing here, prioritizing your damn data over Shepard’s life. Do you care more about your revenge than the man who almost died for you five minutes ago?”

The response was biting. Jacqueline was right, but I couldn't contribute to the argument—not while trying not to slam us into a skyscraper.

“Enough, both of you!” I roared, swerving the taxi violently to dodge a cargo truck. The sharp turn slammed all three of them against the doors, momentarily silencing the dispute. “Jack, prep a shockwave! Liara, Tali, when I say, overload her thrusters!”

We were approaching one of the most luxurious hotel towers. Vasir, seeing herself cornered in the air, performed a suicidal maneuver and slammed her Skycar into the window of the top floor, disappearing inside the building.

“She’s not escaping!” I stated.

I slammed my own taxi against the facade, a few meters below her entry point. The impact was brutal, but Mara’s biotic shield, still pulsing faintly in my armor, absorbed the worst of the hit. We jumped from the vehicle before it started to burn. The hotel interior was a labyrinth of hallways and luxury lounges.

“Normandy, Shepard here!” I activated the comm as we ran. “Vasir has betrayed us! I’ve downed her transport at Hotel Azure, 80th floor. I need immediate combat reinforcements on the perimeter to contain her mercenaries!”

“Joker here, Commander. Reading you loud and clear. Who do you want at the dance?” Jeff’s voice crackled with its usual jocular tone despite the urgency.

“Send Jacob, Zaeed, and Grunt. Have them handle cleaning up the Eclipse and Shadow Broker trash on the lower levels. We’re going for the grand prize,” I advised as we mobilized on the run. “Joker...” I paused for a second with a gasp that betrayed the regret weighing on my chest as I remembered my friend and my sister. “Locate Garrus and Mara as well. Warn them that the situation in the city has become unstable.”

A few minutes ago, I was giving them the green light, and now I was cutting it. Dammit! They were going to kill me!

There was an unusual silence on the line.

Joker coughed forcefully. “Are you sure about that, Commander? Because, honestly... I’m not planning on being the idiot who ruins that date. Nor the scapegoat who ends up out the airlock because of a Turian with a bad temper. Garrus looked like he was about to calibrate his own nervous system while waiting for Mara. And she... well, she deserves this moment. If I warn them, they’ll come running, and this will turn into a family tragedy.”

I stood still for an instant in the middle of the ruined hallway, listening to the echo of gunfire from the reinforcements already arriving at the lower levels. The adrenaline of the hunt collided with my big-brother protective instinct. Joker was right. If I called them, the spark of happiness I had seen in Garrus’s eyes would vanish, replaced by duty. And Mara... Mara had already suffered enough.

“Understood, Joker. You’re right. Let them stay where they are. Make sure nobody—absolutely nobody—interrupts their night. We’ll handle Vasir. Shepard, out.”

I cut the communication and focused on the end of the hallway, where Vasir was waiting for us. It was a confrontation of pure violence. Vasir was lethal—a combination of Spectre discipline and biotic fury. Jacob, Zaeed, and Grunt opened suppressive fire, keeping the mercenaries at bay while Grunt laughed out loud, charging against Eclipse. Tali disabled her shields, Jack slammed her against a column, and Liara, with the rage of betrayal fueling her power, immobilized her in a singularity.

I fought my way forward with my rifle raised. “It’s over, Vasir!”

She looked at us with contempt. “You think you’ve won, Shepard. But the Shadow Broker already has what he wanted.”

Before I could pull the trigger, she activated a hidden detonator. A blinding explosion threw us backward, and when the biotic smoke cleared, the Spectre had disappeared, leaving behind a smoking terminal. Liara lunged toward it.

“She’s erased the primary location! But... Shepard, I managed to recover a fragment. I know this code. It’s a jump frequency... pointing toward the Hagalaz system.”

I crossed my arms, feeling the exhaustion of the battle. “Hagalaz. The Shadow Broker is there.”

I scanned the room, seeing my ground team unharmed, ready to dust themselves off and chase the next battle. “Get ready,” I stated. “Our next mission isn't a recruitment. We’re going after the Shadow Broker.”

We headed for the Normandy as the sun of Nos Astra finished sinking below the horizon. On this mission, the team would be small, and if it took us a little more time, that would be compensation enough for the lovebirds staying on the ground.

Garrus

I had been at the center of the battlefield, surrounded by fire and shrapnel. I had overcome the threat of icy stares and the impetuous subvocals of my superiors in the Hierarchy. I had hunted soulless assassins in the darkest levels of Omega, assembled my own vigilante organization, and faced Reapers that defied sanity... and yet, none of those experiences could compare to the nerves that were killing me inside.

My subharmonics rumbled at a disjointed frequency, a treacherous hum that betrayed my lack of composure. My claws tapped rhythmically against the thigh of my suit, a tic that Castis, my father, would have punished with ten push-ups for ‘lack of phalange discipline’.

I had showered with an almost maniacal persistence to remove any trace of Illium dust or the scent of blood that might taint my presence before the little human. The presidential suite at the Olympia was finally ready.

I had decorated the room with flowers of unpronounceable names, all selected for the electric blue of their petals—the same shade as my eyes—and leaves brushed in silver. I arranged them adorning the raised basin of the Turian nest in the room, a structure designed to be satisfying to the touch and sight, seeking to induce in Mara the desire to curl up at my side, sharing the warmth of her gentle body against the rigidity of my plates.

I had prepared the finest dextro liquor, just in case nerves paralyzed us and prevented us from enjoying our veiled encounter. And, of course, my C-Sec instinct hadn't stayed at the door. I had checked every corner, every ventilation duct, and every window frame to secure the perimeter.

The Olympia was a majestic hotel, a jewel of Turian architecture in Asari territory, but I knew its double face: it was a place spies sometimes used as a playground; where confidential information was traded and social hierarchies were decided in whispers. A hotel designed for our species and their lovers, but one that could become a dagger in our carapace if not watched. I deactivated three short-range microphones and a heat sensor hidden behind a molding; no one would record our intimacy tonight.

Taking between my gloved and slightly trembling hands the Lumian I had commissioned, I felt the weight of tradition. Lumians are not simple jewels; for a Turian, they are extensions of the psyche, a way of crystallizing a feeling that words fail to explain. This one was the exact color of her eyes: hazel with gold flecks. I placed it in a section of my cranial fringe, elaborately adorning the most visible part of my head. It was a visual promise: it indicated that my mind was poured only into her, into appreciating her complexity and loving her despite her traumas.

Not being satisfied with that, I added a brooch to my black suit with its elegant white lines. Over my carapace, this Lumian in the shape of the North Star shone like a medal of valor, matching the necklace I had given her. I wanted her to be the guardian guiding my intentions.

Even though Mara didn't know the deep meanings of Turian heraldry, I desired to teach them to her; to open the way to my culture and finally decipher if ‘forever’ was something tangible to her or if her species—so ephemeral and changing—believed that breakups were an inevitable destiny.

As I adjusted the brooch, the image of my father crossed my mind with the force of a kinetic impact. Castis Vakarian, the Turian who only valued the regulations and the purity of the Turian caste; the one who saw a family not as a refuge, but as a combat unit that must be perpetuated.

I could imagine his subvocals of contempt if he saw me like this: a Hierarchy officer courting a ‘soft’ human, without plates, without a fringe, a creature that would die of a cold while we resisted the vacuum. "Garrus, alliances are signed with blood and treaties, not with jewelry for humans," he would say disrespectfully—not because Mara wasn't sharp-minded, spectacularly skilled, or melodious of voice, but for being human, losing all her achievements just for being a different species... one... that could not carry on the legacy of the clan. "Garrus, clans are built with strong heirs, not through meaningless relationships." I felt his granite voice judging me in my psyche.

Another kick to my imagination was delivered. "Joining that mammal is condemning our name to oblivion; it is choosing a fire that burns bright but leaves no ashes for us to bequeath." My father's contempt didn't stem from common xenophobia, but from the idea that I was breaking a chain of thousands of years of Turian history for a connection that would yield no silver fruits nor new soldiers for the Hierarchy. But the more I thought about his disapproval, the tighter I gripped the brooch. If my lineage ended with me, let it be burning in the fire Mara ignited in my plates. I wanted Mara. I wanted to wake up seeing those multi-colored flecked eyes, I wanted to feel her generous curves against my body, her kisses and caresses... her way of expressing love so freely without fearing to invade my personal space... Spirits, I needed her like oxygen.

I remembered the bet Chellick and the other Turians from C-Sec had organized through that video call, modifying the old bet and starting a completely new one when they found out "Vakarian the Puritan" was dating a human—and not just any human, but that little one who had dared to hang around me at C-Sec, feed me, and deal with my clumsy temperament.

Chellick had taken me aside, with that cynical tone of his, to give me some interstellar survival advice: "Listen, Garrus, if you're going to mix amino acids, make sure she doesn't sneeze when you give her a kiss; humans are allergic to almost everything that’s fun. And watch your claws, we don't want a diplomatic incident." His advice had served to make me file them—not entirely... knowing that Mara enjoyed the sting of my caresses through them, but enough so they wouldn't cause clean, deep cuts.

I also remembered the jokes from Iltio, always the funniest and most obscene of the squad; he had laughed at my expense suggesting he hoped Mara was "hypoallergenic" from head to toe, because "if she couldn't handle a charged shot of fluid exchange without going into anaphylactic shock, my sex life was going to be as exciting as a traffic protocol manual."

Ticius, for his part, demonstrating that Turian mind centered purely on profit, had put fifty credits on the table betting that I would freeze up and stutter before dessert was served because I wouldn't be able to properly tell Mara that I wanted to possess her that night—not just exploratory caresses or foreplay... but to reach her silky interior with my shaft.

I took a quick swig of the liquor. The burn against my throat made my subharmonics clear. I needed liquid courage in my plates to face her. How would she react to our date? I knew how a Turian woman would react, evaluating my confidence and the quality I could provide as a provider mate, but humans were a mystery of volatile impulses and emotions.

There was also the dread regarding our intimacy. This being her first time—even if we had engaged in physical closeness and foreplay—meant I took on an even greater responsibility. Would I hurt her? Dr. Solus warned me of the possibility of creating fissures through sudden movements, about how I must not force but stimulate until the flexibility of her center decided to take me in completely... but... would I be able to hold back the irresistible desire? What if she didn't reach the peak of pleasure? What if I wasn't enough for her body full of nerve endings that made her scream prayers to her God?

The questions hit my mind in an avalanche like scattered enemies seeking a weak flank to make panic overflow and my existential crisis paralyze me.

Suddenly, the intercom vibrated. Joker seemed to have a sixth sense for detecting my panic, but at this moment it was better than being alone with my ruminations, so I accepted the call.

"Nervous, Vakarian? Ha! You don't know what's coming for you, buddy," Jeff's voice was playful, loaded with that irony that made me want to throw him out an airlock.

"Expert advice: make sure to close your jaw every once in a while so you don't drool on your suit. I heard you Turians are 'rigid,' but try to make sure it's not just lethal, okay? Human women like a bit of flexibility... if you know what I mean."

"Shut up, Joker," I growled, feeling my cranial plates heat up from embarrassment. "I'm not in the mood for your jokes," I roared with anger.

Joker’s laughs indicated he was ignoring me completely as he gloated over my nerves. "You're only in the mood for one night..." I could feel him raising his eyebrows in that elaborate pause despite not seeing him, "of sex... Hey, don't forget to share data later. I want to know what you think of humans; who knows, you might get addicted."

Snapping, I just yelled, "Just make sure Shepard doesn't crash the Normandy while I'm gone. And I'm not telling you anything."

"Roger that, Casanova, you ugly, killjoy bastard," he laughed as if my bad temper were entertainment for him. "Hey, if you get too tense and freeze up, remember: just breathe. Though with that shell, even your thoughts probably creak. Good luck with the 'docking maneuver'!"

I cut the communication, but the echo of his double-entendre jokes remained floating.

I left the hotel toward the Gardens of Talisha. I wanted our first contact to be under the filtered light of the Matriarchs' vegetation. I checked my Omni-tool for the fifth time in a minute.

And then... silence. The noise of Nos Astra seemed to fade away. The sweat under my plates and the very air... everything froze.

I saw her coming. It wasn't just her silhouette; it was the flash. At first, my visor only caught the points of light... but as she drew closer, I could see it wasn't just the Lumian I had handcrafted for her... She wore others that overflowed with the color of my eyes set in silver at her neck, on her thighs... Spirits, I groaned internally with my subharmonics seeing the chains settled on her waist, falling like an invitation onto her seductive hips.

The gems sparkled against her skin like stars caught in a silk net. Seeing them on her, the air escaped my lungs. To anyone else, they would be expensive ornaments, but to me, they were a confession that she accepted my world, my heritage, and my veiled promises.

She walked with an elegance that defied my military logic. My sniper visor had tracked targets kilometers away with absolute precision, but nothing had prepared me for the impact of seeing her like this. She looked... unreal.

In that instant, something primitive woke up under my carapace. My Turian predator instincts—the ones we usually bury under layers of protocol and discipline—roared with an unknown force. Seeing the softness of her exposed neck, the curve of her shoulders, and the exquisite fragility of her human skin, I felt my fangs feel sharper against my mandibles. My mouth watered, not from hunger, but from a different emotion; a territorial need to claim her, to mark her as mine before the eyes of any Turian who might happen to observe her.

The contrast between the fragility of her human form and the strength of the silver wrapping her left me static. Mara wasn't just my partner; in that moment, under the glow of Illium, she was prey that had hunted me.

And best of all, there were promises in her gaze that the night was only beginning to reveal, and for the first time in my life, the fear of failure was greater than the fear of death.

Chapter Text

Garrus

Having her in front of me, my senses faltered; I didn’t know where to look. Her copper hair, like tongues of flame, traced a different relief tonight. The waves were as pronounced as those formed by breaking the mirror of Palaven’s lakes, while her bangs seemed to have been woven into elaborate shapes that guided each strand, in a silken maneuver, toward the nape of her neck. Her face was clear, though a few rebellious hairs refused to abandon the perimeter of her beauty.

Her snowy skin emitted faint glimmers over her cheeks, melting into a permanent blush—a mirage that made my receptors vibrate. Her black lashes seemed to flutter against the air, carrying to me the intoxicating scent of the Xael flower... and her eyelids, dreamy, enveloped her gaze with a grace and warmth that prevented me from averting my vision from her Esphenas.

Mara was a graceful spirit executing a sweet sabotage on my mind; I felt the imperious urge to claim her, to take her to the suite at the Olympia to hoard her all for myself. Her lips had the juicy appearance of nectar, forcing me to keep my subharmonics under iron discipline so as not to devour her at that very instant.

"You are... spirits... you are radiant," I managed to articulate, while my subvocals conveyed my bliss, oscillating between the pride of her being my partner and the vulnerability of my nerves. I dared to appreciate her translucent dress, a piece that defied my defenses.

Wrapped in that soft fabric of blended colors, the architecture of her curves could be discerned without entirely hiding her skin... My saliva pooled, thirsty to inject the aphrodisiac venom of my species. I forced myself to swallow, while my subvocals emitted a dull roar of pleasure that nearly escaped my control.

My gloved claw caressed the fabric with a precision that attempted to disguise the path toward the Lumian adorning her waist. To my instincts, that symbol was a marked perimeter, a sign screaming for me to claim her as sacred territory under my custody.

"Do... do you know what they mean?" I stumbled as I spoke, feeling like an inexperienced adolescent before the opposite sex. Mara was upsetting all my levels; in front of her, all my training and my past vanished, leaving me to feel like I was discovering love for the first time.

With a delicacy that contrasted with my rigidity, her hands guided my claws, allowing me to anchor them at her waist. Her gaze sought mine with a shimmer of curiosity that pierced my defenses.

"No... but I’m willing to find out," her whispered voice became an addictive toxin in my receptors. "What plans do you have for me, Garrus?"

She said it with an innocence that was, in itself, an ambush. Her restless feet moved her hips with a rhythm that trapped me in her gravity, forcing my system to recalibrate just to follow her. My sigh let my subvocal rumble until it tangled in the filigree of the Illium trees, whose scent of sweet sap saturated the night air.

"If you'll permit me, I’d like to escort you through the Matriarch’s gardens... I know you like nature, so I thought of a night stroll before dinner." Firmly closing my fingers around her waist, I eliminated the safety distance between us. I guided her with a step that tried to mimic her human walk, much softer and shorter than my own.

As we strolled in a comfortable silence, I stopped for a brief moment to point out one of the indigenous trees, an elegant structure of sky-blue bark and golden blossoms that seemed to emit its own luminescence under the moonlight.

I stayed there contemplating her, delighting in how the light reflected off her skin, taking on shades of pearled gold. Her mouth opened in a small ‘O’ of surprise and her cheeks rounded as she smiled, marveled. In that instant, Mara was the only constant in a universe of variables.

I wanted to venture a test of the waters, breaking the spell of the landscape.

"The meaning of the Lumians you’re wearing..." I interrupted myself as I again brushed the ornament with the tip of a claw.

My mind filled with sensual images of her naked body, stripped of fabric, decorated only by the precious stones and chains that now tinkled softly with each of her steps. My subharmonic betrayed me, emitting a vibrant note of excitement that hung in the garden air like a declaration of war.

"I’ll explain them to you in private," I growled, with the tone of someone who has just locked onto an objective they have no intention of retreating from.

Mara’s reaction was a direct shot to my command center. I saw her shoulders shrug slightly—a sign of shyness that in any other species would indicate submission, but in her... in her, it was a devastating invitation. Her fingers interlaced with mine, seeking the cold of my glove-covered plates with her biological warmth, and gaze of hers, narrowed and loaded with a silent promise, told me she perfectly understood the subharmonic of excitement that had escaped me.

She was shy, yes, but her sensuality wasn’t a calculated act; it was a background radiation that permeated everything.

"Then I’ll wait for the full report, Garrus," she whispered, and the faint blush that tinted her cheeks contrasted with the way her body pressed against my side as we walked.

The journey toward the Turian sector was an exercise in tactical restraint. As we advanced through the arteries of Nos Astra, I felt the weight of gazes pinning us like suppression fire.

We were an anomaly: an officer of the Hierarchy, marked by scars but dressed in the severe elegance of a Palaven gala suit, guiding a human whose organic beauty seemed to emit its own light among the neons. The fabric of my jacket, a graphite silk that fit tight against my chest plates, felt strange without the weight of armor, leaving me more exposed... and more alert.

"Ignore them," I whispered to her, though it was I who had my sensors at the limit.

We passed a group of humans who stank of Illium alcohol. One of them, a guy in the disheveled uniform of a minor corporation, didn’t bother lowering his voice. "Look at her... what a waste," he muttered to his companion, his tone heavy with bitter jealousy. "A woman like that, demeaning herself with a plated monster. It’s like putting silk on a scrap heap in expensive clothes. I bet he paid for her!"

My subharmonic vibrated with a sudden fury. My hiss was a dry, metallic sound—the warning of a predator marking his territory. Without stopping, I chose to ignore them so as not to ruin the date. I increased the pressure of my claw on her waist, sinking my fingers into that area where her dress was nothing but softness and heat, distracting myself by feeling her flesh yield to my touch.

For a Turian, the waist is our blind spot, our zone of maximum vulnerability and pleasure since it lacks the protective plates of the thorax; having my hand there, claiming her before the world while wearing my civilian colors, was the most explicit declaration of possession I could make. I wanted to fuse her to my side, for her to feel the heat of my body under the fine fabric, making it clear to that idiot that she was my center of gravity.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Ex Deuses, the atmosphere changed. The two guards at the door, veterans with polished crests and armor that shone under the spotlights, snapped to attention instinctively as they recognized my bearing. But then, their eyes dropped to my hand, firmly anchored in the curve of Mara’s waist, brushing the skin that her dress's design hinted at.

A trill of surprise—a high-pitched subharmonic denoting a shock to their protocol—escaped their throats. For a Turian, to see one of their own, dressed in a gala suit, touching a human with such familiarity in such a delicate area, was a feat of unthinkable audacity. It was breaking years of isolationist doctrine in a single gesture.

"Officer Vakarian," the guard at the entrance said, using the title with a mix of respect and doubt as a greeting, which I answered with a slight incline of my head.

To most Turians on Illium, I was still the stubborn detective who had told Citadel bureaucracy where to go. My recent promotion and my new responsibilities were still a murmur in high-level intelligence channels—a frequency that the rank-and-file soldiers didn't tune into. To them, I was a "renegade" in a gala suit that cost more than their annual salary, escorting a human who shouldn't be there.

The interior of the Ex Deuses was an ode to Turian order. The tables were blocks of polished obsidian, and the lighting—a dull orange hue reminiscent of our home world's sun—bathed the facial plates of the diners. The silence was almost absolute, broken only by the metallic clink of cutlery and the murmur of subvocals of all shades.

When we entered, the restaurant seemed to hold its breath. A group of Turian merchants at the center table halted their conversation. Their eyes moved from my scars—that war map I couldn't hide with any silk—to Mara's figure. I saw the rictus of their jaws tightening; to them, Mara was an invader in their sanctuary, an organic beauty too fragile for the steel of Palaven.

I felt a new comment whispered from a nearby table, this time from an Asari diplomat dining with a Turian: "My, it seems your youth are learning to treat their explorations quite elegantly." Her malicious laughter made me want to break her jaw and let her choke on her own violet blood. I had to thank the spirits that Mara couldn’t hear these whispers.

Stubbornly, I didn't remove my hand from Mara’s soft body; on the contrary, I slid it a millimeter lower, feeling the curve of her hip and the heat emanating from her dress. It was a psychological flanking maneuver. If they wanted to look, I’d give them something to remember: the spectacle of a Hierarchy officer claiming what the rest of the Turians considered forbidden.

"Vakarian! By the spirit of the mountain, I knew you’d come, but I didn’t expect you to bring an exotic Alliance beauty with you!"

A burly Turian, with green facial markings much like Chellick’s but with a much craftier smile, approached us with open arms. It was his cousin, the regent of the Ex Deuses, who had decided to share a piece of our land and culture in a distant territory. His gaze sparkled with a mix of mischief and professional respect as he evaluated the situation.

Pressing our forearms in a cordial Turian greeting, he introduced himself as Tosill and guided us to a table overlooking the restaurant’s interior gardens where the dance floor was located.

From our privileged position, the floor stretched out like a polished marble agora under the artificial sky of Illium. It had the severe elegance of the ancient plazas of Palaven: surrounded by graphite Doric columns and statues of star-birds carved in obsidian, whose ruby eyes seemed to watch those present. The design evoked the rites of the Old Hierarchy, where dancing was not a distraction, but a choreography of war and desire.

I observed the Turian couples moving with military symmetry, an echo of the courtship flights of the birds of prey on our moons; they bowed, circled their partner while maintaining precise distance, and occasionally clashed their chest plates with a dry, rhythmic sound. It was a dance of elegant predators, a language of measured steps where every turn was an acknowledgment of the other's worth.

A primitive desire, stronger than any C-Sec protocol, ran down my spine. In our culture, for a female to accept descending into the dance arena with a male is the ultimate sign of surrender and alliance; it means she is willing to synchronize her heartbeats with his—a sacred preamble announcing that, at the end of the night, their bodies will join in the nest.

I looked at Mara, her human fragility contrasting with the hardness of the marble and the predatory intent of my gaze. I imagined her small hand disappearing into mine as I led her through that ancestral rite, claiming her warmth under the judging gaze of my people. If she accepted taking that step with me, if she allowed my plated figure to surround her in front of everyone, I would know that "Officer" Vakarian had finally won the only battle that truly mattered: the battle of her absolute belonging.

"It’s an impressive sight, isn’t it?" I whispered into her ear, letting my deepest subharmonic vibrate against her skin—that surface so soft it always made me feel as if my claws were too lethal to touch her. "On Palaven, we say that whoever dances on this marble dances with destiny."

Mara shivered. The small human couldn't take her eyes off the dance unfolding before her; her dilated pupils caught every turn of the Turian tunics. She bit her lip—that so very human sign of doubt and contained desire. I knew she was dying to ask, to cross the border of my culture.

"Could... could I dance there too?" Her voice was a thread of silk, and the deep blush that marked her cheeks made her body tremble like a candle flame flickering in the night of Cipritine.

Hope tore through my carapace like a shot of adrenaline. She was willing to dance, even if she didn't understand that in my world, accepting that dance is accepting that our souls intertwine in the heat of battle and peace. My subharmonics betrayed my surprise with shades of fierce pride.

"Mara... you can do whatever you want." My claw caressed the back of her hand—a caress of chrome on porcelain—until our fingers connected. So different in structure, so opposite in amino acids, yet they fit together with an ease that defied evolution. "Dance with me," I whispered, deepening my voice to that seductive register I knew disarmed her.

The tension between us grew like a high-voltage wire, a static current that made my facial plates prickle. Our gazes locked in a non-verbal language that said everything... and, as always, outside reality broke the magic.

Tosill broke in with his subharmonics in a playful laugh, moving his mandibles with the loud hospitality of his kind.

"Ah, the spark of youth! I’ve brought you the menu. A special selection, specifically for dextro-levo couples... a delicate balance for palates seeking union."

With a shyness that stirred my insides, Mara dared to shift her gaze toward Tosill.

"Could it... just be dextro?" Her blush spread down her neck, disappearing under the edge of her dress, right where my eyes wanted to follow the trail. "I promise I won't cause any trouble."

I felt a growl of possession take root in my chest. My little human wanted to eat from my plate, literally. She wanted my world to be hers.

"Bring us the Kobarous Fillets, Tosill," I ordered, feeling my own mandibles salivate at the expectation. "And make sure the Pariesas are well-loaded with mineral salt."

Tosill nodded with a half-smile, catching the electricity jumping between Mara and me.

"And to close, Vakarian... the famous dessert par excellence?" he asked suggestively.

"Yes. Bring the Axias of Lua. Two servings. And open a bottle of Primarch’s Blood. The Cipritine reserve, the one with the bronze seal."

Tosill arched a supraorbital plate, impressed by my choice. One didn't order that wine for a casual dinner; it was ordered when a Turian was ready to give everything. He retreated with a gesture of respect, leaving us once more in our bubble of marble and stars.

"‘Primarch’s Blood’?" Mara repeated the name, savoring the human words as she tucked her hair behind her ear. She looked so small, so fragile under the light of Illium, but her eyes shone with a curiosity that burned me. "Sounds... intense, Garrus."

"It is, Mella Feram," I purred, leaning toward her over the table, letting the scent of her perfume mix with the stale air of the restaurant. "It’s a wine that strips away armor. And today, Mara... I don't want there to be any armor between us. Not of metal, nor of words."

Knowing she was willing to ingest the flavors of my land, defying her own biology just to be one step closer to me, made me feel more connected to her than any perfect calibration.

I stared at her as Tosill retreated. Mara seemed so small in that Turian-designed chair, but her determination was a giant that had me on my knees. She was about to discover what Clan Vakarian tasted like, and I was about to discover that there was no turning back for what I felt for my best friend’s sister.

Mara

The Ex Deuses restaurant floated over Illium like a jewel suspended in nothingness, but for me, the center of gravity sat in the chair across from mine. Garrus wasn’t wearing his usual armor—that cold, cobalt-blue casing that highlighted his silver-undertone plates. Today he was dressed differently, in a gala suit whose elegance passed a sentence of beauty I didn’t know how to appeal. The absolute black of the fabric seemed to absorb the starlight, while three fine white lines falling vertically over his chest, like three scars of light engraved with surgical precision, enhanced his stylized figure.

I also noticed his copper ornaments and wanted to ask about the hidden meaning behind them, but I bit my tongue, fearing I might be disrespectful toward the secrets of his lineage. They resembled a somber-looking Lumian; the seal of Polaris marked his chest, and in the center, green and gold blended into the same shade as my eyes, as if he were wearing a fragment of my gaze guarded on his lapel. He looked imposing—an architect of order before whom my own structure threatened to crumble.

My heart beat with the flutters of a butterfly trapped in a glass jar. Knowing that I was the reason for that display of finery made me feel important for a fleeting instant, a mirage of a mirage of light in the midst of my own darkness. Turians rarely stripped away their armor, and even their civilian clothes tended to be dense, though they clung to their figures with brutal honesty. Seeing him like this, looking at me as if I were beautiful, altered my thoughts, but with the light also came the shadow of doubt.

Was he looking at me like this because I was a novelty? Was I an exoticism, a botanical curiosity in a garden of steel? A trinket he would tire of once the wrapping wore thin? The whispers had reached me upon entering—invisible arrows piercing my dress. I had heard that Asari diplomat, with her goddess-like bearing and poisonous silk voice, mocking me by calling me an "exploration." My mind, that implacable prosecutor that always rules against me, decided to betray me, feeding a self-esteem that has always walked with leaden feet.

The subharmonics vibrating in the air didn't help either: a grotesque, dissonant song directed at the interloper. I wanted to make myself small in that seat, feeling the physical humiliation of my feet dangling without touching the floor, like a lost child at a feast of kings. The Turians present were offended. My happiness was an act of selfishness, an anomaly cracking the symmetry of their world. I felt like an oil stain on a stony canvas carved by the gods.

Those unspoken words, vibrating in shards of glass, reminded me that to the galaxy I was a biological whim—an anomaly that would serve as a distraction for a young Turian, only to be abandoned when the novelty was no longer attractive. Tosill retreated after serving us the wine, leaving us in a bubble of orange light that, instead of protecting me, made me feel exposed, like a specimen under a microscope. Every nearby snap of a mandible was a verdict of guilt.

I looked at Garrus, trying to camouflage the pain. His arctic eyes swept over me with an unsettling fixity, but I noticed a rigidity in his posture; he, too, felt the weight of this social misalignment. However, he smiled, waiting for me to taste the liquid fire of his world. The crystalline glass held a violet-obsidian hue. Suddenly, I felt thirsty—with that desperate thirst of one seeking to drown an internal fire. The aroma was woody, an exotic whisper that pricked my nose, bringing a warm tingle against the glacial cold of the contempt surrounding us.

Upon tasting it, warmth flowed through my system as if my veins had been waiting for that sweet poison all my life. I felt a bit more relaxed, allowing appetite to win the battle against a stomach tight with anguish.

"Well? Do you like it?" one of his claws drummed on the table, impatient. He truly seemed worried about whether his food would suit my human palate.

Trying to smile, I sought to push away the negative thoughts. Garrus didn't deserve a date where I was self-sabotaging, so I decided to enjoy his presence alone and ignore the rest of the diners.

"It’s pleasant... it reminds me of winter and fireplaces, but there’s a sweet touch I can’t quite identify." My words seemed to encourage him, as if he had won a silent battle.

"I’m glad you can enjoy my culture through food. The wine is just a measure to relax, and I think it’s worked." His eyes sparkled with joy—an electric spark that ran down my spine.

Watching his natural elegance with the cutlery while I struggled horribly to cut the fillet flooded me with suffocating shame. My wrists couldn't manage the proper movement; it was a clumsy choreography of weakness. But nothing escaped his eagle eye. With an open-mandible smile, he took my plate and cut the meat into small pieces, suited for my fragility. He said nothing about my uselessness; he simply offered me the delicacy, like someone feeding a wounded bird.

Taking a piece to my mouth, I felt the essences of the room bubble against my tongue. It was a touch of umami with something akin to pepper. The meat was tougher than that of Earth animals, but in small pieces, I seemed able to chew them.

Cleaning myself politely with the napkin, I spoke up. "This is delicious, Garrus. I didn't know your gastronomy was so full of spices, but it’s refreshing and welcome." I wasn't a taster; I didn't know what terms to use to please him, but my simple response elicited a chirp of happiness.

The rest of the dinner flowed between questions about what I thought of the food’s texture, the flavors, or how the spices felt on my palate. What I liked most was the dessert; it was a sweet contrast between the lightly salted sponge cake and the floral syrup inside. The result was a combination of flavors that reminded me of a kiss by the ocean breeze.

As I was finishing the last bite, I noticed Garrus becoming more rigid in his seat. Had I done something wrong? Had I forgotten my manners? Was I stained and looking like a fool?

"Mara... may I ask you something without you taking offense?" My heart did an immediate somersault. My head plunged into a crisis of indecipherable mathematics that made my neurons burn.

I nodded, fearful. His sigh relaxed his shoulders, but his mandibles remained tense.

"I know you humans view relationships in a more... dynamic way?" he said, moving through a verbal minefield.

"It depends on the human, Garrus. Some of us are more unstable... or more complex," I replied, hiding my truth under a layer of generalities. How could I explain my demisexuality to him? How could I tell him that my heart was a castaway that had only found solid ground in him? Talking about spectrums and orientations would be like trying to explain the color of the sky to someone living in the vacuum.

He leaned on the table, moving closer.

"Mara. Being here with you... under everyone’s gaze... is a way of showing that things are changing. That we can find a balance."

Balance. The word deflated my illusion like a burst balloon. Were we to be a casual fling? Was I the only one who wanted a ‘forever’? In a panic, I let the teaspoon drop against the plate.

"Balance is good," I replied, faking composure while drinking more wine to burn the knot in my chest. "Especially now that you have so many responsibilities with the Hierarchy. You’ve also started talking to your father again, and that makes me very happy. The last thing I want is to be a reason for conflict between you and your father," I whispered with regret, watching the fluidity of the Turian couples that made me envious.

I wasn't tall or slender, nor did I have their steely bearing. I didn't even reach his shoulder. I was just a vibrantly colored accessory serving as a bullseye for the hatred of others. I wanted him to contradict me, to shout my name, but his silence weighed more than a thousand reproaches. Naively, I wished he would whisper that he loved me... until this moment, it had always been me making the declarations of love, and they felt terribly lonely. His silence was better than a "thank you," but... it didn't mean it hurt any less.

"My father has his opinions, but I make my own decisions, Mara. You know I will protect you."

Protect? That word sank into my chest like an anesthetic dart. In recent months, my life had become a catalog of horrors and vulnerability; Aeia had left me with cracks that still seeped in the darkness of my cabin. I remembered the moment he swore he would walk through that hell with me, that he wouldn't let go of my hand... but now, under the cruel light of this restaurant, my mind twisted his words.

What if his love was nothing more than an extension of his sense of duty? What if he looked at me with the same benevolence a soldier shows a civilian victim rescued from the rubble? I was terrified by the idea that Garrus wasn't in love with the woman, but committed to the survivor. Pity was a bitter substitute for desire, and I didn't want to be his perpetual rescue mission. I didn't want him to love me because he "had to" after seeing my soul break.

"I know," I lied with bitterness. "And I appreciate the escort, Officer. Let’s enjoy the shore leave while it lasts, right? After all, duty always ends up calling."

Confronting his icy eyes, I saw a flash of something like pain, but I quickly dismissed it. He was a Turian of the Hierarchy; I was just a human interlude. If this was going to end tonight, when our biology gave the answer the universe was screaming—that I didn't fit—at least I’d make sure to enjoy it, as one last memory. I wouldn't let him see that I was already starting to cry for an end he hadn't announced yet.

The anguish was confronted from the interior gardens by the drums of Palaven, which began to beat—low and deep, like the pulse of a dying planet. I saw the plates on Garrus’s neck vibrate slightly to the rhythm of the percussion. He stood up, his graphite figure silhouetted against the orange light, and extended a claw to me.

"Mara..." His voice was a soft growl, loaded with an urgency that made me shiver. "Leave the whispers behind. Come with me to the marble," he demanded.

I looked at his hand. My foolish, naive self had struggled to learn to dance on the Citadel, imagining that by some divine miracle, the day would come when Garrus would notice me as more than a friend and the galaxy would applaud the unconventional union with smiles, as if I were a heroine... but reality was a blunt blow.

I stood up, ignoring the trembling in my legs. As I slid my hand over his, the contrast was electric: my softness against his biopolymer glove held a latent heat.

"Teach me, Garrus," I whispered with a desperate sensuality. "Teach me how your people dance with destiny... before duty catches up to us."

His fingers closed over mine with a force that anchored me to the universe. He led me toward the floor, and as we walked, I felt my terror transform into a gelid determination. If they were going to watch me, I’d give them a spectacle their predatory eyes could never forget.

Garrus

As soon as her delicate fingers brushed mine, I knew something had broken during dinner. Mara was there, physically present, but her mind was elsewhere, shielded behind a wall of human politeness—that diplomatic varnish of the colonies—that I didn’t know how to flank. Her words about ‘duty’ had hit me harder than a disruptor shot at point-blank range; did she truly believe she was merely a mission to me? A report to be filed at the end of the day?

I needed to claim her. I needed her to feel that, in my world, she was neither an exploration nor a biological experiment, but the ultimate objective, the safe harbor after the war. And above all, I needed her to stop thinking in that feedback loop that trampled her self-esteem every time a Turian mandible clicked with contempt.

I felt her tremble as my claw covered her small waist, feeling the fragility of her ribs beneath the silk. But it wasn't the tremor of desire I so craved to provoke; it was the quake of insufficiency, the vibration of one who feels out of place. I knew her; I knew Mara as if she were an extension of my own nervous system. I had been watching her—not just since that first day I saw her crying before the monument honoring her brother’s death, but every second, every breath of the days spent with her on the Normandy. I had simply been too blind to recognize the weight of my feelings for the little human, and now, that error of mine was the ballast making her feel inadequate by my side.

Every shadow inhabiting the labyrinth of her mind, every demon whispering that she was an anomaly even among her own species—I wanted to erase them. I wanted to tear them from the darkest recesses of her soul and incinerate them until only ashes remained to take flight, clearing her gaze so she could see herself as I saw her.

I had heard every hiss from the adjacent tables, every vibration of scorn from my compatriots, and the crystalline, poisonous laughter of the Asari who believed themselves the masters of galactic elegance. But what hurt me most, what made my subharmonic roar with rage, was that Mara believed them.

I guided her toward the marble agora, the center of that stage of vanities. The silence in the room was immediate, a heavy tactical pressure that only served to further ignite my blue blood. The other Turian couples, in a display of military arrogance, moved away from the floor, clearing the space to show their direct disdain for our dance before it even had time to begin. I would make them regret ever blinking.

The drums of Palaven began to beat with an ancestral rhythm that demanded dominance, and I decided in that instant that I was not going to be gentle. Gentleness was for victims, for the wounded in the medbay, and Mara... Mara was a broken warrior who needed to remember that her General was willing to burn the entire galaxy just to keep her safe.

"Look at me, Mara," I growled, dropping my voice to a low-frequency register that made the plates of my own chest vibrate and, I hoped, those of her heart. "Only I have a place in your mind right now. Leave behind those thoughts that torture you. Forget the scars you mark yourself with when you think I’m not looking. Forget the Loop. Tonight, only my hunger and your fire exist."

I spun her around in a fluid, aggressive movement that lifted the skirts of her dress in a beautiful flight of dark silk; I was determined to make this wounded bird regain the confidence to soar through the skies again.

I took her by the waist with a firmness bordering on the possessive, almost the violent. My claws sank into the fabric of her dress, marking territory upon her skin. She had called me "Officer" at the table, a cold word that raised a wall of ice between us. I was going to melt that wall even if I had to set the entire restaurant ablaze with the heat of my body.

We began to move. I was the lighthouse and she the waves, crashing against my structure. My body pressed against hers, seeking that human warmth that was as addictive to me as oxygen. Her hips hesitated at first, stiff with the fear of outside judgment, but I gave her no time to pull away. My other claw hovered over that marvelous hollow of her hip, the one that seemed designed by evolution itself to fit in my hand, and I forced her to submerge into my rhythm.

The Turian dance is not a courtesy; it is a combat simulation, a dance of biological synchrony, and I would make Mara give her all. I adjusted my subharmonics, releasing a rhythmic, dominant frequency that I knew penetrated directly into her nervous system. I wanted her to feel the hum in her bones, for her human heart to be forced—by pure survival instinct—to follow the pulse of Palaven.

I spun her with controlled force, always keeping her millimeters from my plates, trapped in my gravity field. I could smell her fear, but also that scent of Xael and pheromones that was driving me mad. I saw her fighting herself, trying to shrink, trying not to be the center of attention for those judging eyes.

Look at yourself, by all the Spirits, I thought with desperate fury. You are the most precious female to ever step on this marble floor, and you are withering because you cannot see the light you radiate.

I knew she hated her body. I knew she saw her curves as weaknesses and her snowy skin as a burden of fragility. I wanted to tear that dress off her right there, in front of everyone, and kiss every mark, every self-inflicted wound she hid behind her healing biotics, every trace of the demons in her head until not a shred of doubt remained about whom she belonged to.

The beat of the drums accelerated, turning frenetic, demanding the climax destiny owed us.

"Dance with me, Mara. Dance as if you were mine; prove it to every one of them," I demanded, my voice vibrating against her temple.

My command made her react. It was as if a switch had been flipped inside her. Her movement became fluid, her hips moving with a sinful cadence that turned her into the center of every gaze. Her legs, agile and contoured, showed between the folds of her dress, seducing me with every step, and her biotics... oh, spirits, her biotics sang. A bluish melody began to emanate from her, creating an aura of its own that merged with the ancestral sound of my species.

The surprise of the other Turians vibrated in their own subharmonics. Their jaws hung open as they sensed that my human was different. That she not only managed to connect with me, but communicated on unimaginable levels, claiming a part of my warrior soul with every touch.

The indignation of the males present began to translate into a dark, heavy interest. Seeing a female possess such flexibility, such a capacity to improvise seductive sequences of steps against my brute strength, had awakened a primal hunting instinct in them. She was no longer a stranger or an ‘exploration’; she was the perfect prey for the predator: soft, elastic, suggestive, indomable… mine.