IIML: Beyond - Chapter 22: A Capital Plan

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September 3, 2194:  Arcturus Station, Arcturus Stream

Not designed for the public, here the walls were a deep gray metal and empty of artwork and adverts. Instead, complicated displays and testing equipment lined the walls; alcoves every few dozen meters held elevator chutes for transporting materials out to the manufacturing floor. That “floor” consisted primarily of semi-enclosed assembly facilities that transitioned to zero-g skeletal construction frames. Large mechs and the occasional engineer in a space suit could be seen through the viewports working on half-assembled ships and satellites.

But that wasn’t his destination. He located the unmarked lift, entered his security clearance code, and took it down a level to the smaller torpedo assembly facility. Ten meters to the left he walked in the central office, where he found Fleet Admiral Steven Hackett going over assembly procedures with the Shift Chief. He waited by the door until they had finished; when Hackett looked up he saluted sharply. Hackett returned the salute, then smiled cordially.

Kaidan walked over to join him at the center table. “Good to see you again, sir. It’s been a few years.”

Hackett seemed to grimace a little. “Indeed. I keep trying to retire, and they keep pulling me back in to oversee the next urgent matter or other. I was in Hong Kong visiting my granddaughter when Anderson commed me and demanded that I get my ass out here to crack the whip and make sure we got these missiles built yesterday.”

Kaidan chuckled wryly. “Since when does Anderson get to order you around, sir?”

“Since he decided he could, I believe.” Hackett’s hand came to his chin, signaling the end to pleasantries.

“Shepard asked me to give you her regards; she regrets that she couldn’t come in person, but she needed to attend to matters at several other aspects of the operation.”

“No doubt; this is quite the little project she’s whipped together. I hear they’re calling it "Operation Tartarus” – planning to send these aliens into the abyss, I suppose?”

Kaidan nodded firmly; like everyone who had been shown the future that awaited unless they acted, he was unequivocally committed to the mission. “Yes, sir.”

Hackett regarded him a moment, his thoughts unknowable behind a cryptic expression; finally he sighed and motioned Kaidan over to the interactive data wall. “It’s good you’re the one that came; you know more about this end of things anyway.” He pulled up a holo-display showing a schematic on the left and supply chain map on the right.

“So. We’ve got one of the fuel lines at Saturn dedicated to feeding He-3 to the Asari on Cyone for conversion into anti-He-3 until we have enough for fourteen fusion bombs.” Hackett enlarged the left side of the display. “We had to dig the warhead schematics out of storage, but these guys believe they’ve successfully converted the old neutron fusion configuration to work with the new fuel.”

“Excellent. It doesn’t sound like there’s much for me to do, then. I just wanted to touch base in person and make sure you had everything you needed.”

Hackett raised a hand in mild protest. “Don’t worry, there’s plenty for you to do. I want the lead engineer to walk you through the details of the alterations and how the finished design’s shaping up, just in case we’ve missed something; then we’ve got a QEC this afternoon with the Turians to confirm we’re in agreement about how these missiles are going to work.”

“Not a problem. What’s the production schedule looking like?”

Hackett minimized the schematic in favor of the supply chain map. “The casings are already being built on the production line in there; we expect to be able to start producing the warhead cores tomorrow – assuming the fuel starts showing up from Cyone.”

***

Polos, Cyone:  Kypladon System, Silean Nebula

Liara turned her face up to bask in the warm-but-not-hot rays of the afternoon sun. A smile grew on her lips as the warmth seeped into her skin.

Her unusual and decidedly non-Asari-traditional attire – a shimmering rose and plum tunic from Aethraene over white lace capris – drew a couple of glances from passerby, but she found she just didn’t care anymore.

In fact, she felt more at peace with herself, more content with her life, than she had since…perhaps since playing in the dirt hunting for artifacts as a small child on Thessia.

Of course, the glances could be more directed at Keenon. Quarians on Cyone were a rarity, and unmasked Quarians were still a relatively new phenomenon on most worlds.

She grinned at him as they strode up the ramp to the Kypladon Particle Research Facility. He chuckled lightly at the glimmer in her eyes and ran fingertips briefly over her palm in response.

“What are you grinning at?”

“You. Us, here. It’s good.”

His facial markings pulsed faintly, barely discernible in the sunlight. But she knew it meant he felt the same way.

The annoyed scowl from the facility’s director, Matriarch Sarayna, a few minutes later only put a miniscule, virtually undetectable dent in her mood.

The tall and rather unpleasant-looking woman somehow managed to maintain the scowl while she spoke. “I hope you realize the strain this emergency retrofit has put on our generators, not to mention our bottom line.”

Liara smiled tightly…and if it came off as a little cold, well that was fine, too. “We all appreciate the sacrifices you are making, Matriarch. Rest assured that everyone involved in the project is making similar, if not greater, ones.”

“So Councilor Irissa indicated. The fact remains, however, that our fleet can expect a twenty percent reduction in fuel supplies for the next three months thanks to us having to temporarily convert half our generators to anti-He-3 production.”

Liara paced slowly along the front of Sarayna’s desk. “I understand. And that’s one reason we’re here.” She motioned formally to Keenon, who had taken up a position behind and to her left. “This is Commander Keenon’Daal vas Idenna; he is here on behalf of the Quarian Admiralty Board to offer the Asari fleet additional fuel reserves from Haza in a quantity sufficient to cut that reduction to five percent.”

The Matriarch sniffed. “Why don’t the Quarians just make the anti-He-3 themselves? It would be more efficient.”

“Several reasons. For one, the Haza facility is a great deal further away from Arcturus than this facility is – that would slow down the project, and we are on a tight schedule. Further, it is important that this be a multi-species operation; as the Quarians are unable to send any ships, they have generously offered to replenish fuel supplies as needed.”

“Why can’t the Quarians send ships for…whatever it is you're doing? Goddess knows they have enough!”

Liara willed patience; she really couldn’t suffer arrogant, self-important matriarchs who thought they mattered because they ruled their special little fiefdom. She couldn’t help but smile to herself, though; this woman had no idea what real power was…

She met Sarayna’s gaze with a cool smirk that oozed condescension. “That’s classified.” She held the gaze until the woman broke, her eyes flitting down to her desk.

Liara didn’t give her time to recover. “Now, we’d like to inspect several of the generators to ensure the retrofit has been completed successfully.”

Matriarch Sarayna nodded weakly, quite well aware that she had lost the power struggle. “Of course. If you’ll come with me, I’ll take you to one of our engineers who can show you around.”

Liara turned and followed her out the door, sneaking Keenon a playful wink as he fell in beside her.

***

Cipritine, Palaven:  Trebia System, Apien Crest

Shepard regarded Garrus curiously from the passenger seat of the sky car. “So did you want to ask Litha to join us for dinner this evening?”

He unsuccessfully tried to suppress the flutter in his right mandible. “Um, that’s up to you, I suppose. We haven’t had a lot of time together since you got back, just you and I…so if you wanted to keep it the two of us, I’m, um, good with that.”

Her eyes twinkled. “It’s okay to stop being nervous about it, Garrus. I’m happy for you.”

A click resonated deep in his throat. He focused on merging into the traffic high above downtown Cipritine for a moment; finally he glanced over at her. “Really?”

“Really. She’s a damn good woman; I wouldn’t have her on my team if she wasn’t. And I like her. She’s gutsy and rebellious and opinionated and fierce, which is the only kind of person who will be able to give you what you need.”

He laughed lightly. “She truly is; sometimes I can hardly keep up.”

“Which means you won’t be bored.” She patted his leg playfully, but the look in her eyes was contemplative. “You’ve been alone for a long time, Garrus. I’ve worried about you, wondered whether you would ever meet someone you could find happiness with, and whether you would dare to let them in if you did.”

She watched his expression contort oddly as he descended the sky car into the parking structure while also absorbing what she had said. “No one deserves a little happiness more than you, Garrus.”

He killed the engine and gazed over at her thoughtfully, but was silent for a moment before he spoke. “For years – hells, for most of my life – I didn’t think so. I made so many mistakes, fought so hard against everything and everyone like I had to prove I was good enough even though I never, ever could. But now…I think finally I’m at peace with who I am. I’m proud of the things I’ve done.”

He nodded to himself, slid the door open and stepped out of the car, then looked back at her over the roof. “I think you’re right.”

She rolled her eyes exaggeratedly as she fell in beside him, the shimmer of her radiation shield rippling in the harsh Palaven sunlight. “Of course I’m right. You know, you really should learn to trust me.”

“Trust you?” He snorted as they climbed the wide stairs that led up to the Hierarchy Central Administration building. “If I didn’t trust you beyond all reason and good sense, I never would have – ”

He was interrupted by a peal of laughter as they stepped inside and were enveloped in a wave of cool air. “I’m kidding, Garrus.”

“Of course you are,” he deadpanned, then swept his arm out to grandly gesture her into the lift to the right of the lobby. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a smart ass?”

“Yup. You have – for the last eleven years.”

“That’s right…”

The Turian at the desk acknowledged Garrus as they approached. “The Primarch’s expecting you; you can go right in.”

Shepard smiled broadly as they walked in the spacious but understated office. “Primarch Victus, it’s good to see you again.”

“And you, Admiral Shepard.” He grasped her hand firmly. “Commissioner Vakarian, you have been missed. Minister Kuryn has been insufferable without you around to stifle him.”

“Yeah, sorry about that, sir.”

“No, you’re not.” He motioned them over to the small conference table.

Garrus chuckled as he sat down. “You’re right, sir; I’m not.”

Victus sighed as he sat as well. “Ahh, old friend, you always were meant to be out there; shame on me for thinking I could keep you happy with a cushy bureaucratic job.” He dropped his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “So, was everything to your satisfaction? I trust our engineers have done a satisfactory job of getting things ready for the warhead production?”

Garrus nodded. “Absolutely. We tweaked a few of the specs – ”

Shepard interrupted him. “You tweaked a few of the specs. I cracked jokes with Litha. Not particularly helpful ones, either.”

“Well, yes. In any event, I think everything is in order and ready to go. Is Pheiros prepared to handle the antimatter production load?”

Victus let out a slow breath. “The accelerators have already been converted and as of this morning have begun the fuel generation. The first supplies should arrive just in time to be inserted in the first warheads tomorrow. We’ll QEC Admiral Hackett in a few minutes to confirm the last details.”

He regarded them thoughtfully. “I must say, this seems like a hell of a risky plan. Our military is taking on the lion’s share of the responsibility – I understand why it’s necessary for us to do so, and don’t begrudge it. Still, if it hadn’t come from the two of you, I doubt even Councilor Sparatus would have been able to convince me to agree to it.”

Shepard tilted her head graciously. “Thank you, Primarch. We wouldn’t ask if it weren’t absolutely necessary.”

“Of course not. As I understand it, you’re intending to save the galaxy again?”

Her eyes sparkled. “Among other things.”

***

New York City, Earth:  Sol System, Local Cluster

Miranda stood at the window of her office, a small but self-satisfied smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The view from over a kilometer in the air really was spectacular; after more than six months away she’d almost forgotten just how spectacular. It wouldn’t be long before humanity would be giving the Escena a run for their money, in the splendor department at least.

She reluctantly turned away as the door opened and her appointment was shown in. She started to smile polit–

She exhaled in annoyance. It would have to be her, of course. “Major Williams. I assume you’re here to provide the account information for the funds transfers?”

Ashley raised an eyebrow as she crossed the spacious office to the large but immaculate desk. “I’m here to execute the funds transfers.”

Miranda stopped halfway back to the desk. “You’re kidding me. I just spent six months overseeing personnel for a top-secret Council mission to another galaxy. I am providing over a hundred million credits in funding for this operation. Are you telling me they don’t trust me to see the goddamn account information?”

Ashley opened her mouth to say something, closed it again, then sighed. Her severe expression softened a little. “Look, it’s not that they don’t trust you, per se. It’s just the military; bureaucracy. There are rules and regulations and procedures and they will be followed. I had to put my firstborn up as collateral in order to get the Turian and Asari account information, so just chill out.”

“You don’t have a firstborn.”

“No, but I’d like to one day, so let’s make sure we do this right, okay?”

Miranda laughed in spite of herself, shaking her head a little and brushing her hair over her shoulder. “Alright.”

She entered a code in the virtual keyboard in the desk and a holo-display materialized above it. She manipulated past several screens, then looked at Ashley through the translucent image. “How much for the Alliance?”

“34.682 million.”

Her mouth twitched as she entered the necessary information in the bank account interface. “Ori had a conniption fit worthy of a true CEO when I told her how large of a check I had agreed to write. It was quite something.” She flicked the display and it spun 180 degrees to face Ashley. “You’re up.”

She watched with some interest as Ashley carefully copied a long series of characters from her Omni-tool to the screen. “So why did they send you? I mean, they could have sent Alenko, or some random Council official, or even Councilor Anderson if the information’s so damn secret…”

Ashley’s lips pursed together as she nudged the display back to Miranda. “59.815 million to the Turians. It was Shepard’s idea; I think she has this crazy notion that we could become friends, and wants to…encourage it.”

Miranda paused mid-input and snorted. “Well just because Shepard wants something does not mean that hell will freeze over and – ” She rolled her eyes, finished inputting the data, and flicked the display around again. “What am I saying? Of course it does…”

Ashley did her damnedest to not smile; she halfway succeeded, and the result was more of a grimace. “We should probably consider just going ahead and giving in now, save her all that bothersome meddling. I mean, it’s not like we’re fighting over a man or anything.” The display rotated once again. “8.046 million to the Asari.”

Miranda’s gaze flitted briefly to Ashley, then quickly focused back on the corporate account. Her voice was scrupulously even. “I don’t like how you react instinctively to things, making decisions by the seat of your pants without taking time to understand and consider all the factors involved. I think you’re a hothead, and that makes you dangerous.” She flipped the display.

Ashley’s eyes narrowed; but she otherwise didn’t react to the barbs, instead carefully inputting the final account information. Her voice was just as even. “I don’t like how you lord your supposed genetic superiority and ‘talents’ over everyone as though they give you the right to control everything and everyone. I think you’re cold, calculating, and lack the empathy necessary to be a wise leader.” She slowly, deliberately turned the display a final time.

Miranda shut down the holo, removing the translucent barrier between them. She nodded thoughtfully, her gaze drifting across the windows. It really was a spectacular view.

“Fair enough. Do you want to go get some lunch?”

Ashley shrugged mildly. “Sure, why not.”

September 7, 2194:  Presidium, The Citadel:  Widow System, Serpent Nebula

A three-dimensional holographic map of the Large Magellanic Cloud rotated peacefully above the conference table in Anderson’s office. Considerably more detailed than the one that had existed when they had left almost seven months earlier, it was littered with markings for inhabited systems and population centers.

Four sectors of the galaxy were highlighted in a soft green glow as possible locations to stage the attack. Each was uninhabited by Escena or Diramae, had not been previously hit by the Aduri, and recent scans had indicated was free of sentient life. In fact, they were the only four remaining areas that fit that criteria. They could of course attempt the operation in dark space, but the thinness of the space-time manifold there made the physics too unpredictable for comfort; as it was, the candidates were all located in the outer bands of LMC to minimize collateral damage.

The plan was this:

Nine cruisers carrying thirty-six custom thermonuclear anti-neutron fusion bombs – six Turian, three Alliance – would maintain a carefully-constructed formation while lying in wait in the chosen sector. The majority were Turian because they had not yet adopted the practice of building AIs into their ships to a significant extent.

Black ops departments of the Alliance had never truly given up their AI research after the Alliance had joined the Citadel. When AI restrictions had been eased after The War in the wake of their greater acceptance on account of EDI and the Geth, the Alliance had begun building AIs the next day. The three Alliance cruisers assigned to the operation were three of only five remaining non-AI enhanced cruisers in the Systems Alliance fleet.

The hazard to ships with integrated AIs in the presence of Aduri meant of course that Quarian ships were out. In the last seven years the Geth and Geth-driven processes had become ubiquitous in Quarian life – they automated their homes, ran their children’s’ enviro-suits, and above all had become an integral part of their fleet.

The Asari were as cagey about the extent of their adoption of AIs as they were about most things, and had opted for a purely support role by professing that the idea of nuclear bombs made them ‘uneasy’ on principle. The Salarians had provided engineering consults and guidance, including several important insights on the idiosyncrasies the antimatter would wreak on the missile electronics – which was probably worth more than a few ships.

The Normandy would be equipped with two of the specialized bombs as well, though it was hoped they wouldn’t need to use them.

As the only ship in the Citadel-affiliated fleet with a wormhole drive integrated into its drive systems – though two ships would be leaving assembly by the end of the year, with more to follow – its role was, first and foremost, to bait the trap.

The Normandy would open and enter a wormhole; there, where the barrier between the dimensions was no more than the wall of the wormhole, it would fire Javelin IV torpedoes into that wall, breaching it with dark energy. The resonating dark energy would attract the attention of the Aduri, drawing them out through the wormhole.

The dimension where the Aduri naturally resided didn’t operate on the same principles as normal space; it didn’t have height and distance, as conventionally conceived. This comported with physicists’ conception of additional dimensions, and she was as confident as one could be that if they breached the wall, the Aduri would be there.

Given the danger involved with such close proximity to the Aduri and as the only AI-equipped ship on the mission, the Normandy would be fitted with the first anti-Aduri shield produced by the Escena that was large enough to encase an entire ship.

Once the Aduri had appeared, the Normandy would continue firing dark energy-driven weapons into them to draw them out as it exited the wormhole back into normal space, where the fleet would be waiting.

When the Aduri were fully exposed (after whatever further provision of dark energy was necessary), the nuclear missiles would be launched into the wave, in a precise sequence and spaced appropriately to set up a reinforcing ripple to magnify their effect.

While all starships were equipped with significant anti-radiation shields, as soon as all of a ship’s missiles had been fired it would FTL to a safe distance, leaving behind drones to confirm as much as possible the Aduri annihilation.

At least, that was the plan.

Kaidan reached up and spun the LMC map a quarter turn, then gestured to one of the areas highlighted in green. “This area’s a little too close to the Daidalus System for my comfort; we don’t know how far the Aduri may run once we start attacking.” With a flick of his finger the green vanished from that sector of the map.

Anderson frowned, squinted, leaned back in his chair…then leaned forward and rotated the map. “There’s a lot of asteroids in this system; I’d hate to lose a ship to an unexpected collision with one. Watched that happen once; not a pretty sight.” He lightly tapped it to remove it from consideration.

He looked across the table. “They both seem equally viable. I think it’s your call.”

Shepard stared at the map intently, eyes narrowed. She moved it to study one of the remaining sectors, then the other.

Finally she positioned it so one of the highlighted sectors was to her left, the other to her right. She closed her eyes and reached up.

“Eenie, meenie, miney, mo.” Her finger pointed to the one on the left.

Kaidan chuckled softly and shook his head in amused disbelief. “Okay. Sector Charlie it is.” He reached up and zoomed the map until the highlighted sector dominated the view. “Now – how to position the ships so they don’t become a circular firing squad and shoot each other.”

Shepard stood and leaned over the table. The edges of the hologram ghosted past her face, giving her a flickering, otherworldly halo. “Well, it shouldn’t be that different than – ”

Anderson’s assistant stuck her head in the door. “Sir, I think you’ll want to see what’s on ANN right now.”

Anderson frowned a little in puzzlement, but spun his chair around and activated the large screen embedded in the wall.

The image that appeared was of Wrex, standing on a raised platform strategically placed in front and just to the left of the Krogan statue adorning the edge of Presidium Lake. Cameras floated around him in vicarious eagerness; he obliged them by grinning widely.

Shepard exhaled audibly in amazement. “He’s really going to do it.”

EDI had informed her of the gist of Wrex and Mordin’s plans; Anderson had briefed her on the rest. Still, she hadn’t dared to believe that they would actually go through with it.

Anderson raised a somewhat trepidatious eyebrow. “So it would seem…”

They watched in collective disbelief as Wrex straightened up tall and cleared his throat.

“I am Urdnot Wrex, Chief of Clan Urdnot and Overlord of the Krogan people. That means I speak for them – whether they like it or not.”

“I wasn’t alive during the Krogan Rebellions, but I could never believe that any act my people committed during that time was horrific enough to justify the Genophage. It decimated us; deprived us of hope, of drive, of dreams. We were dying a slow, painful death.”

He paused briefly. “Nearly eight years ago, in the midst of The War, we cured the Genophage. Given a future, the Krogan rose up and helped defeat the Reapers, as we helped defeat the Rachni eighteen hundred years ago.”

“After this great victory, I worked to give us direction; purpose. To take back what was rightfully ours. But we had spent the last millennia scattered, broken and unruled. Driven to desperation, we had forgotten how to be civilized. Some would say we never knew how.”

“Flush with newfound power and the promise of growth, a number of Krogan have been given to…excess. Not content with the worlds the Council has ceded us, they are hungry for more and ready to take it by force if necessary. Many of you are aware of the recent altercations on Gembat, Pietas, Gellix, Zorya and other worlds.”

“These have primarily been the actions of a few rebellious Clans, and I have taken care of them. But I can’t deny that they are a symptom of a larger problem. A cancer that infects our society. For the last two millennia we have swung to wild extremes – rampaging bullies to broken outcasts and back again.”

“A good friend said something to me recently. ‘Wrex,’ she said, ‘the fact remains that the Krogan live in a civilized galaxy; they have to learn to play by its rules, or they will suffer the consequences.’ She was right. My people are brave, fierce, determined and honorable. But we are only one of many sentient species in this galaxy; it’s time we recognized that.”

“For the first time, we have the ability to control our own destiny – and I don’t intend to waste it.” He looked over to his left and motioned someone up on stage.

Mordin’s gaze darted around the crowd as he came to stand beside Wrex.

“This is Dr. Mordin Solus, the curer of the Genophage and my friend. Several weeks ago I asked him to consult with me on a new project. At my request, Dr. Solus has developed a new genetic alteration to Krogan physiology. It will be distributed by air, water, and injections at medical facilities across the galaxy.”

He ignored the gasps from the crowd. “This alteration will reduce our rather robust fertility by twenty percent; further, it will shrink the size of our clutches by two-thirds.” He had to raise his voice to be heard over the sudden uproar from the audience. “These rates will allow us to continue to grow, but at a rate not likely to overrun the galaxy in the next decade. We will continue to thrive.”

“But perhaps most importantly, we will learn to value our children; to value our families. Krogan children will be raised with love and care, given the attention and instruction they will need to be good citizens of this galaxy.”

“The Krogan are warriors, and we’re damn good at it. But we should be protectors of the galaxy, not conquerors of it. With this voluntary act, we can achieve that goal.”

He also ignored the rush of questions. “In appreciation for our taking this action and as a gesture of good faith, the Council has most graciously agreed to offer the Krogan a seat on the Council.” The din only increased; he was practically shouting over it now. He motioned again, this time to his right.

“I am naming Urdnot Bakara, Chief Shaman and my mate, as the first Krogan Councilor.” He grinned at her as she joined them. “Bakara represents the best of us – our heart, our culture, our fierce pride, yet our gentler nature. Yes, the Krogan have a gentler nature. She is a healer, a diplomat, and most of all a peacemaker. I know she’ll represent our people well.”

Sensing the end of the statement, the reporters began shouting over one another; he shut them down. “We’ll be giving selected interviews to a few lucky reporters; that’s all.”

Shepard’s eyes shone in delight; she reached over and grabbed Kaidan’s hand. “Let’s go see them.”

Anderson waved them off. “I have a feeling I’m going to be seeing more of Wrex than I ever wanted. Go on without me.”

***

They had to struggle through the crowd of reporters, embassy officials, hangers-on, and growing throng of curious onlookers. A ring of C-Sec officers reined back the crowd in a semi-circle ten meters back while Wrex, Bakara, and Mordin held court with the three “lucky” reporters.

As they reached the edge a C-Sec officer recognized them and waved them in. Wrex was mid-animated gesture when he spotted them over the head of a reporter.

“Shepard! Alenko, my friends!” He pushed the reporters aside, took two steps, and embraced Shepard in a bear hug. “Oomf – ” She grunted, the air leaving her lungs as he reached past her to pat Kaidan vigorously on the back.

Then he mercifully pulled away, chuckling heartily. “I heard there was an accident after I left; glad I missed it…though it might have been more fun than the last month here.”

Immediately recognized by the reporters, the questions quickly turned in their direction.

“Admiral Shepard! Rumors are you have been leading a classified mission to an extra-galactic destination – is it safe to say your mission was a success? Admiral Alenko, will you be resuming your previous position as head of the Spectre Division?”

Wrex motioned for them to follow him. “Thanks everyone, that’s all for now.”

Kaidan turned to the crowd as they retreated, smiling diplomatically while guarding their exit. He shouted over the din, “We have no comment at this time,” then disappeared through the door.

Shepard mouthed ‘thank you’ to him once he was safely in the room, then approached Bakara, her head dipping respectfully in greeting.

Bakara’s hands extended to grasp hers. “Admiral Shepard, it has been too long.”

“I keep telling you, it’s just ‘Shepard’ to you. You are my friend.”

“Indeed I am. I must thank you for enabling Wrex to return so rapidly. He, and thus you, saved my life.”

She leaned in close, whispering conspiratorially. “He kind of insisted.”

Bakara smiled in that toothy way that was somehow graceful and beautiful. “He does that.”

Shepard laughed and turned to Mordin, who was pacing rapidly while repeatedly glancing down at his Omni-tool. “Shepard. Good to see you in person. You look well. A little thin.”

She rolled her eyes ruefully. “Yeah, I was trapped at the end of space and time for a few weeks; forgot to pack a lunch.”

He cackled in delight. “Of course you were. Most impressive. Must tell me about it some time.”

The corner of her mouth twitched; a shadow passed across her eyes. “Eh…probably not.” She quickly covered the shadow with a smile. “But this – this is really something else you’re doing.”

“Yes. Was reluctant at first; had hoped to leave difficult moral quandaries behind when moved to Trident.” His shoulders twitched. “Wrex was persuasive. Assured me Krogan would not hold against me; also promised bodyguards.”

“Good. He’ll look after you – not that you need it, near as I recall.” She patted him on the shoulder then walked the few steps across the small room to where Kaidan and Wrex were chatting.

Wrex’ somewhat less beautiful toothy grin widened. “Ah, Shepard. Alenko here was just telling me about those talking Escena he met. Weird; not sure the sparkly creatures should talk.” He shrugged. “So…you’re back home. Mission accomplished? Did you take care of those slippery energy buggers already?”

Her lips pursed tightly. “Not quite yet. We’ll be heading back soon to do just that though. I’d ask you to come with us, but…”

He grimaced; it seemed to carry a fair degree of real pain. “Yeah…seems I’ve created some work for myself here.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Wrex, but I am so proud of you.”

“Ha! Don’t start getting all emotional on me; I may have to go start a fight just to wash away all the icky feelings.”

She raised her hands in surrender, but winked nonetheless. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Then she sighed softly and glanced at Kaidan. “Now, as much I hate to, we should get going. Lots of work still to do. I don’t suppose there’s a back way out of here?”

September 10, 2194:  Presidium, The Citadel

Shepard shut off the large holo-display and looked down the long conference table.

Present were the captains of the six Turian and three Alliance cruisers that would be participating in the mission, Admirals Zhou and Johnson from the Alliance Admiralty Board, Generals Mehrkuri and Corinthus from the Turian Hierarchy, as well as Hackett, Anderson, Kaidan and Garrus. EDI was present as well, of course, though not in physical form.

She nodded sharply. “I think that covers everything. The Normandy will depart tomorrow evening for Aethraene, where it will be fitted with the anti-Aduri shield; absent any unanticipated hitches, in four days at 13:00 GST, a wormhole will be opened to these coordinates near the Widow Relay. Your ships will travel through it, and we will rendezvous at the staging point in LMC-Sector Charlie. Any questions?”

Admiral Zhou leaned forward, hands clasped together firmly in front of him. “Respectfully, what guarantee do we have that breaching the wormhole will somehow give you access to these ‘Aduri,’ much less draw them out? You say they inhabit this other dimension, but what does that even mean? Why should they notice this one small intrusion and flock to it?”

She cocked her head the slightest bit; she regarded him calmly. “Because I guarantee they will.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed; he kept his shoulders square and his spine straight, but he couldn’t entirely hide the fidgeting of his hands before he clasped them together more tightly. “Admiral Shepard, we all respect and admire the heroic actions you have taken on several occasions. Further, your strategic capabilities are above reproach. Nonetheless, you are asking us to take a tremendous amount on faith. As military leaders for our respective species, we have a duty to exercise diligence and caution and not commit our fighting men and women foolishly.”

“Foolish– ” She caught Kaidan’s gaze down the table. His eyes shone with peaceful, certain faith. The calm at the center of my storm. She smiled just a little, and only for him, and his eyes returned it in full. The answer to the question.

She cleared her throat, and when she spoke again, her voice was even and professional, though quite serious. Her gaze focused on Admiral Zhou, but her words were for the entire room.

“I guarantee the plan will work because I’ve been there. I’ve seen where they live, and how it works. Now if you insist on not believing me, despite the fact that I’ve been proven right every single fucking time I’ve uttered words, then give me a few hours and I can get someone here who will show you the destruction of the entire goddamn universe in 3D Technicolor. But really, take my advice – you don’t want that and you don’t need it.”

She smiled for them all then, the one that would cast a spell over the room. “Just trust me, and we’ll all save a couple hundred trillion lives, okay?”

September 11, 2194:  Presidium, The Citadel

They gathered for one last meeting in Anderson’s office; one last walkthrough of the checklist. They were nearly finished when Anderson’s assistant rang in. “Sir, there’s an Admiral Zorah here to see you?”

Shepard leapt up and hurried out the door, grabbing Tali in a hug before she knew what was happening.

“Shepard! Keelah, it’s good to see you again.” She giggled into Shepard’s shoulder.

Shepard pulled back, holding her at arm’s length and grinning. “You too, Tali.” Then she took her by the hand and drug her into Anderson’s office.

Greetings ensued for several moments; finally they settled in around the table.

“So is Raela with her dad?”

“She is; they get a little daddy-daughter time. Kal wanted to come but…” what seemed like a wistful expression passed across her face “…it’s amazing how much having a child alters your priorities. We have to make sure she always has a parent to love her and take care of her, no matter what.”

Her facial markings suddenly pulsed brightly. “Not that I think there’s a chance I’m going to die on your mission or anything; I’m sure launching three dozen anti-neutron nuclear missiles into powerful, extra-dimensional aliens made of energy is perfectly safe…”

They cringed to varying degrees, Shepard the most dramatically. She and Kaidan looked at each other and shrugged. “Um…it’s almost certainly…reasonably safe. I mean, no one’s actually ever done it before, but I’m sure it’s going to be fine.” She cleared her throat. “So anyway…you’ve got clearance to come with us?”

Tali straightened up in the chair and nodded. “Absolutely. I have been formally designated the official representative of the Quarian Admiralty Board dispatched as an observer of Operation Tartarus. Given that we are unable to send any ships of our own, the Board wanted to make certain it was clear that they supported the mission.”

“Well…” Shepard kicked back in her chair and twirled a datapad on the table. “…whatever the excuse, I’m thrilled that you’re coming with us. But I hope you haven’t unpacked, because we leave in two hours.”