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Mass Effect: Imperial Glory	By : gigaren47 Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 33185 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or any properties thereof, I am not making money off of these writings.

Chapter List
- 18
- 19
- 20
I do not own Mass Effect, Avatar, or any properties thereof, I am not making money off of these writings.

A/N: Just wanted to say two things:

1: Wow, Tsu'Tey's a male in Avatar? Seriously? I never would have guessed. Thankfully this is already A/U anyway, hahahahaha. I mean really, it doesn't sound the least bit masculine, even for aliens. Moving on.

2: As you can probably tell we're near the end. I'm hoping to wrap this up soon. I'm shooting for before Christmas, and with my latest burst of inspiration it might just happen, but don't get your hopes up too far, my muse is a fickle, fickle wench.

Anywho, thanks for listening to my rambling, and without further ado I present:

Imperial Glory: Chapter Eighteen: Frozen Secrets: Assault and Conclusion.

'These indicate normal thoughts'
This means an AI construct communicating.
'This means telepathic communication.'
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INF Normandy, Pax System. 1800 Hours.

"Relay cleared." Pressly announced.

"Iwo Jima reports same. Stealth systems active." Normandy informed.

"Well well well, this looks like we expected." John stated.

The system was crawling with Geth forces. The Normandy's sensors were logging 12 Dreadnoughts and hundreds of Cruisers and Frigates.

"We've got ten minutes before the fleet arrives. Let's have some fun, engage ICS." John ordered.

As the sensor data streamed in he noticed two Geth Cruiser squadrons moving toward them, obviously interested with the Relay activity.

'They'll probably be wise to our stealth systems this time around. Bypass them, evade and lock in a vector for the closest group of Dreadnoughts.' John ordered.

'Making evasive, Iwo Jima acknowledges.' Normandy informed.

The Normandy made speed away from the relay, moving out of the path of the enemy Cruisers, Iwo Jima following.

'Vector locked.' Normandy announced.

'I want a double drop, order the Iwo Jima to do the same. We'll hit the left flank, they can hit the right.' John ordered.

'Iwo Jima acknowledges. TTT is 247 seconds, disbursement ranges set at 10000 and 5000 yards.' Normandy informed.

The Normandy and Iwo Jima moved swiftly as the Cruisers searched near the Relay.

The Dreadnoughts were in two groups, all facing the Relay. They made an arc around them, then flipped and angled for the engine pods. Once they closed the Iwo Jima split to make it's run.

'Disbursement in 4... Torpedoes away. All torpedoes are locked and going hot.' Normandy announced.

The torpedoes penetrated the Geth Dreadnoughts at the same time, detonating spectacularly, the explosions sending chunks of Dreadnought flying through space.

The Iwo Jima's hit a moment later, the results equally as fiery.

'Evasive, move us out of range, have the Iwo Jima follow.' John ordered as the surrounding space went bright with pulse and M/A projectiles.

'Iwo Jima acknowledging, making haste away from the remaining Dreadnoughts.' Normandy announced.

They moved out of range while the Dreadnoughts were still reacting, their flak flying in all directions impotently.

'Incoming transmission from Iwo Jima.' Normandy informed.

'Put it through.' John ordered.

The comm opened, "Weehaw! I don't think I'm ever going to get tired of that." Aaron stated.

John smirked, "It doesn't get old." He replied.

"Relay activity. Tenth Fleet is inbound." Normandy announced.

"Let's sit back and enjoy the fireworks show." John ordered.

The three SuperDreadnoughts jumped in first, immediately opening fire with Gauss cannons and long range beam projectors. The Cruiser squadrons that had been moving back toward the Geth Dreadnoughts were carved up, an entire squadron devastated by a single proximity shell from the 'Vigilance'.

John had an idea, "Normandy, open a channel to the 'Truth'."

"Channel open." Normandy announced.

"Fleet Admiral, my pack is going to move ahead and take out the Noveria Battlestations while you mop up the Geth fleet." He stated.

"Good thinking Spectre, give them hell, these Geth are going to learn exactly how pissed off our AI's get when they send out that silly invitation of theirs." Stevens replied.

"Affirmative Admiral, Normandy out." John finished, switching channels, "Aaron, we're going to hit the battlestations while the fleet takes out the Geth. Pick a target and go for it, you are free to engage at will."

"Affirmative. Iwo Jima acknowledges." Aaron replied, closing the channel.

'Normandy, target the nearest battlestation and lock in for a cannon run." John ordered.

'Target and vector locked. TTT is 113 seconds.' Normandy informed.

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Bridge, INSD 'Truth'. 1835 Hours.

"7 of the battlestations are down Fleet Admiral." 'Truth' announced.

"And the Geth are being slaughtered. This is what happens when you mess with the Empire. The transports should be jumping in any moment now." Stevens said.

"The 4 remaining Dreadnoughts are moving toward us at full speed." Tactical Officer Richards informed.

"Good. Onward! Fire with all batteries." The Fleet Admiral ordered.

The SuperDreadnought came to life, roaring forward at full speed, the batteries and cannons glowing with energy as it fired volley after volley against the oncoming Dreadnoughts. Before the 'Truth' even reached broadside range the enemy ships were either in pieces or simply dead and drifting.

"Last of the enemy Dreadnoughts destroyed. Relay activity, several IMAs, IABs, and escorts are inbound." 'Truth' announced.

"Give General Sanders the go ahead." Stevens ordered.

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IMA 'Fafnir', Pax system. 1845 Hours.

"Relay cleared. We have clearance to hit Noveria." 'Fafnir' announced.

"Move in, are the battlestations down?" General Sanders asked.

"The ones on our vector have been destroyed." 'Fafnir' informed.

"Good enough." Sanders said, switching the comm, "Colonel Avante-Gotha, we'll hit atmosphere in twenty minutes, be ready."

"I was born ready. Delta squad will be good to go by then." The Colonel responded.

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IAB 'Terra's Fury', Pax system. 1900 Hours.

"Has Noveria attempted a hail yet?" Field Marshall Avante-Gotha asked.

"Negative Field Marshall." 'Fury' replied.

"Didn't expect them to. Open a channel." He ordered.

"Channel open." The AI informed.

"Attention all corporate forces, you are hereby placed under the authority of the Terran Empire. You are ordered to stand down and surrender immediately, or face the severest consequences." He finished.

After a moment, "No response." 'Fury' informed.

"They want a war then. Let's give them one. Are the Dreadnoughts in position?" He asked.

"Interdictor and Truth are in position over Noveria, opening channel." 'Fury' replied.

"You know me well." Avante-Gotha said to the AI then, "This is Field Marshall Avante-Gotha, I want a 50 mile radius around Port Hanshan leveled for landing operations."

"Acknowledged Field Marshall, beginning bombardment." Fleet Admiral Stevens replied.

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IMA 'Fafnir', 150,000 feet over Noveria, 1915 Hours.

"We are 30 seconds from drop point." 'Fafnir' announced into the drop pod.

"Delta squad, check your harnesses and sound off!" Alan Avante-Gotha ordered.

"First Lieutenant Quintane, ready for drop!" The woman to his right called out.

"Gunnery Sergeant Volkov, secured for landing." The blonde woman opposite him called out.

"Corporal Gaston, locked and loaded." The pale man to his left called.

"PFC Phillips, secured and ready." The dark skinned man called out.

"PFC Turner, ready and able." The last resident of the drop pod, a shorter woman stated.

"Releasing clamps, be safe Marines." Fafnir announced out.

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INF Normandy, 150,000 feet over Noveria. 1915 Hours.

"Drop pod is away, Fafnir is making for LZ-1." Normandy announced.

"We'll remain on station, any AA fire from the city?" John asked.

"Negative, enemy mobile AA is scrambling to respond, but the 12-07 are making short work of them." Normandy announced.

John leaned back, "I do believe this is the first time I've been on this side of the Air-Support role. This will be an experience."

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Industrial Sector, Meesica, Noveria. 1920 Hours.

"We've hit the ground, blowing the hatch in 5!" Corporal Gaston announced.

Alan unstrapped, checking his laser repeater a final time.

The charges went off, the hatch flying, "Let's go Marines! Hit it!" He ordered, jumping out of the pod.

Delta Squad filed out after him, taking up defensive positions quickly.

Alan checked his HUD, motion sensors were working properly, nothing was alive in the general area.

"It's colder than a Volus' ass out here." PFC Phillips observed.

"Set your thermal layer higher then. Gaston, do your thing." Alan ordered.

The Corporal nodded, activating his omnitool and sending out the pre-arranged signal.

After a moment his readout beeped, "Our agent can't respond right now, I do have coordinates though." Gaston informed.

"Load them to our Neural Nets. Quintane, Phillips, take point." Alan ordered.

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INF Normandy, over Meesica, 1940 Hours.

The comm activated, "Normandy, this is Delta Squad, calling for support, repeat, calling for support, lazing target."

"Let's get to work, Normandy, call in the 12-04." John ordered.

"Target data relayed, Warhogs are 20 seconds out." Normandy announced.

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Delta Squad, Meesica central plaza, Noveria.

The central plaza was one of the few uncovered areas, the cold winds winding freely through the area.

"Affirmative Normandy." Colonel Avante-Gotha replied over his comm, turning to his squad, "Danger close, CAS inbound. They aware of us yet?"

Volkov scanned the plaza, the barrel of her VLRM just barely around the corner of the building they were using for cover. The company of Geth armor had not moved, obviously unaware of Delta's presence. "Negative, the Geth walkers are still in defensive positions." She answered.

"Once the plaza is cleared we can hit the main building. You're sure that's where the signal is?" Alan asked.

"Positive Colonel." Gaston replied.

There was a scream over the city, the banshee's cry that every soldier of the Empire knew as salvation in a desperate time, and every enemy knew only as fire and death.

"Warhogs inbound." Volkov announced.

The Sergeant watched as they screamed in, the graceful airframes coming to life, plasma fire erupting from the many auto-turrets, dismantling the walkers like so many piles of scrap metal, while the 'Maverick' rotary launchers poured seeking munitions onto the dug in infantry around the square.

A single pass from the squadron was all it took, "This is Timberwolf 1, your position is clear of Geth forces, remaining on station."

Alan hit his comm, "Thanks for the fireworks Timberwolves, we'll call you if we need you." Turning back to his squad, "Let's go!"

He took point, Quintane right with him, their laser repeaters at the ready as they charged across the plaza. The central building was a dome, several access points, the main one being in front of them.

Alan motioned for Phillips, Gaston, and Largo to move forward. They moved toward the large secure doors. Largo activated her omnitool, attempting to hack into the controls.

"No dice Colonel." She said.

"Gaston." Alan replied simply.

"On it." The demolitions expert responded, already rifling through one of his packs. Attaching a penetrator charge, then a breaching charge, he set the detonator and motioned the rest of the squad up.

They progressed, Alan taking a position on the left side of the doors, Quintane taking the right.

Alan looked at Gaston, and nodded.

Gaston activated the charge, the penetrator going first, shooting a stun charge into the building. The breaching charge went off a second later, the infernium charge vaporizing the doors in an instant.

They rushed into the lobby, Alan and Quintane spotted several Geth on the balconies, neutralizing them before they were able to react. Alan spotted three humans, lowborn, and an Asari huddled behind the counter.

"Thessalia's towers outshine the sun?" The Asari greeted, rising slowly, her hands visible.

"That's our operative." Gaston stated.

Alan walked forward, "Colonel Avante-Gotha, Marine Force Recon."

"Mallene Calis, Imperial Intelligence. I'm very happy to see you Colonel." She replied.

"I imagine, I've got a live feed to Lord Shepard, here." Alan said, handing her a commlink.

"Thank you, if you'd take care of my loose ends." She requested, gesturing toward the still cowering lowborn.

Alan waved Phillips forward, the man acknowledged, walking over to the stunned traitors and charging the flamepod mounted under his rifle.

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INF Normandy, over Meesica. 1955 Hours.

"Lord Shepard, I am Agent Mallene Calis. Matriarch Benezia is located in the Peak 15 research station, it's a Binary Helix facility, uploading coordinates and force composition." An Asari spoke over the comm.

"Make for the coordinates immediately." He ordered, "Thank you Agent Calis, what's she doing there?"

"Investigating a breach of the facility as far as I can figure out. Binary Helix has been using the facility to research something new, I can't find out what though. She went a week ago, bringing a full load of Asari Commandos along with her. The Geth are thick in that area as well, they've set up turrets and light defensive barriers. That's all I know." She finished.

"That's what we have to go on then. Colonel Avante-Gotha, we're calling in an Airmobile Squadron, get your people out of there, Shepard out."

"11 Minutes to coordinates. Drop zones detected near the facility." Normandy announced.

John hit the comm, "Alpha, meet me in the armory." He rose, "X/O, you have the bridge."

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INF Iwo Jima, over the Aleutsk Valley. 2005 Hours.

"Chief, the Mako ready?" Aaron asked as his squad entered the vehicle bay.

Operations Chief Rella'Varos Vas Quaria nodded, "It's ready for a drop."

"Get in." He ordered his people.

They filed into the Mako, there was just enough room for his entire squad, but barely.

Akwey took the driver's position, while Rev'Lar ensconced himself in the gunner's seat. The rest of them strapped in to the passenger benches.

"Dropping in 4 minutes." Iwo Jima announced over the Mako's speakers.

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Mako 1, Aleutsk Velly. 2010 Hours.

The Mako hit the ground softly, the snow cushioning the fall. John, Tali, Natalya, Gruna and Tsu'Tey were packed into Mako One, while Jenkins and Shiala were operating the Hammerhead.

"Check, Mako and Hammerhead One are down. Aaron, you hit the ground yet?" John asked over the comm.

"We're down, ready to follow your lead." The man responded.

"Let's get moving. Convoy roll out." John ordered.

Tali was scanning the valley from the gunner's position, "There's a hell of a blizzard out there."

"Keep your thermal layers dialed up." John said, hitting his comm, "Normandy, any sign of Geth yet?"

"Affirmative Commander, we have several turrets and a company of armor dug in near a bridge ahead of you, calling in air support." Pressly informed.

"Move ahead and have the way cleared for us, I want to get to Benezia as fast as possible. Shepard out." He finished, closing the comm.

-------------------------------------------

The convoy was moving at high speed, Mako One in the lead. They were clipping along the iced over roadway at 70mph, a respectable speed considering the conditions.

After a few minutes they reached the crossing, the remaining fortifications were still on fire, the roof of the covered bridge was holed and twisted. As they passed it the valley opened slightly, coiling around several times on the route ahead.

The comm activated, "Commander Shepard, the First is unloading as we speak, preliminary facilities have been set up. We stand ready to support your operation." Field Marshall Avante-Gotha informed.

"Affirmative Field Marshall, my squads are heading to one of the isolated research facilities, how's the rest of the fight going?" John replied.

"Cerberus is putting up a fight, I'll give them that, but we're winning. The Delta squad has been extracted and we've leveled Meesica. We're currently at Air Superiority over 74% of the planet, it's only a matter of time now." The Field Marshall answered.

"As if there was ever a question. Shepard out." John finished.

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Mako 1, outside Peak 15 Facility, 2040 Hours.

"We're here." Natalya announced.

John looked at his readout, "Doublecheck your thermal layer, it's -46 out there, then fall out." He ordered.

He dropped the ramp, moving out first, Tsu'Tey and Gruna right behind him.

Aaron and his own squad were filing out of their own Mako, and Jenkins and Shiala were already dismounted, hopping off the Hammerhead's turret to the ground.

"Natalya, stay with the vehicles, a sniper won't be much use in the facility, and we need someone to cover the exit and guard the vehicles. Jenkins, Shiala, you're with her." John ordered.

"By your command." Natalya replied.

The facility had a smaller access door, and a larger warehouse style door. It was built into the cliff itself, a wrecked cargo hauler in front.

John checked his SFAW, "Tsu'Tey, Gruna, we're on point. Everyone else follow our lead." He ordered, moving toward the smaller access door.

It opened automatically, obviously unsecured. The entranceway was a small room, another interior door leading to the main area.

'Localized jamming detected.' Wilco informed.

"We've got Geth." He said over the comm, moving forward. The interior door was secured, but was hacked easily.

He coalesced a barrier, moving quickly through the doorway. The main area was a large garage, crates and equipment strewn throughout the room, but appeared to be devoid of life.

"I don't like the feeling of this." John stated as the rest of the squads moved in.

Aaron scanned the room with his senses for a moment.

'Akwey, Neytiri. go.' He ordered, letting them feel what he had sensed.

They exploded into action, leaping to the far side of the room, behind a large crate there were three Krogan lying in wait. As the Na'vi landed they opened fire, blasting the Krogan into oblivion.

John spotted more movement, "Incoming." He stated, opening fire on several Geth drones that had seemingly come out of nowhere.

Fire filled the room, Krogan, Geth infantry and drones were firing pulse and M/A weapons at the squads, the fire being effortlessly absorbed or deflected by the improved shield emitters.

The squads stood their ground, picking off the enemy easily.

"Fall back!" One of the Krogan yelled out, moving toward the large inner door.

"Not a chance." John snarled, coalescing a singularity near the last group of enemies, drawing all 10 of them into the vortex. Concentrating, he unleashed a blast of biotic force into the swirling enemies, liquefying them.

"Area clear." Tali announced.

Aaron raised an eyebrow, "You're a level one?"

"Haven't updated my dossier yet, but yes." John replied, motioning his people forward, moving toward the ramp leading to another doorway. He checked the map, "Map of the facility says that this will lead us to a lift, that will take us to the main facility."

The door opened automatically, showing a short hallway, with several inactive defense turrets pointed toward the far end.

"Interesting." John commented, moving forward.

"Containment protocol maybe?" Gruna suggested.

"In all likelihood." Tali agreed.

The second door slid open, the lift was to the left, and there was a small security office to the right.

"Tali, check it out." John ordered.

She nodded, walking into the room and accessing the security terminal.

"This facility is under an 'Omega' lockdown, apparently there was a breach in the hotlabs, the secured facility further into the mountain. The VI for this facility is offline, as well as the main reactor." Tali informed.

"I don't like the sound of that, sealed suits from here on out. Let's head down." John ordered.

The lift was only large enough for one squad at a time. John, Tali, Tsu'Tey and Gruna went down first, the rest would follow after.

John and Tsu'Tey were in the front, their weapons at the ready as the lift came to a stop, the door sliding open.

The corridor was larger than the last, a mesh walkway leading from the lift to the end, where it opened into a larger room, and there were two other corridors, to the left and the right.

"That looks like a generator shunt, maybe we can activate the VI with it." Tali said, pointing at a cabinet on the left.

"Have at it darling." John replied, moving toward the end of the corridor.

Tsu'Tey was walking beside him, "Do you hear that?" She asked.

John stopped for a moment, "Yes, a rattling, or a.." He jumped back suddenly, pulling Tsu'Tey with him.

The walkway section they had been standing on began to shake, flying off after a moment. Two strange creatures hopped out of the hole. They were insectile, a pale brown in coloration, with two large tentacles capped with large pod-claws. The creatures didn't move for a moment, but then suddenly locked in on John and Tsu'Tey, bolts of green liquid erupting from their claws.

They dodged quickly, Tsu'Tey bringing her heavy pistols up as she moved, blasting both of the creatures apart. The liquid hit the wall, sizzling as it contacted the metal, melting away quickly.

"What the hell was that?" Gruna asked.

"I'd bet that's what Binary Helix was messing with. Some kind of engineered animal maybe." John commented.

'Commander, I have a preliminary match for the creatures. You won't like it.' Wilco informed.

'Spit it out.' John ordered his AI.

'They match the council records for an extinct race, the Rachni.' Wilco replied.

'How is that possible? The Rachni were supposed to have been wiped out a long time ago.' John thought.

'It seems Binary Helix found a way around that matter.' Wilco stated.

John heard the lift opening, he turned, Aaron and some of his people were coming out of it.

Aaron looked around, there were liquid streaks all along the corridor where acid had melted part of the material, a pile of alien guts was laying on the grating farther in, "Was it like this before we got here or did you try your hand at interior decoration?"

John shook his head, opening the squad-wide comm, "Wilco has a match for the creatures we just encountered, they're Rachni."

"Is that even possible?" Rev'Lar asked.

"Seeing as how we just encountered them, apparently it is." Tali stated.

Neytiri was confused, "What is a Rachni?"

"They were an aggressive insect race that went to war with the Council hundreds of years ago. The war lasted for over 70 years until the Krogan were uplifted to fight them, they were subsequently wiped out. Or so it was believed." Gruna explained.

"If anyone's still alive down here they have a lot of explaining to do." Aaron commented.

Tali finished her repairs, "That's the best I can do. The VI core should have power by now."

"It should be right ahead, let's go." John ordered.

They moved ahead into the next room, there was a large circular column in the middle, from the indicator panels it was obviously the VI core. There was access on the far side, a small lift down to the internals.

Tali checked several of the readout panels, "Nothing, apparently the VI core is cold, we'll have to restart it ourselves."

"Ladies first." John replied, gesturing to the lift, following her onto it.

They descended about 10 feet down, there were a dizzying number of exposed relays, readouts, and switches.

"I hate xeno engineering." John stated.

"That makes two of us." Tali replied, scanning with her omnitool.

John laid a hand on the panel, letting Wilco attempt an interface.

'Accessing. Primary protocols deleted, searching for secondary protocols. Secondary protocols deleted, searching for tertiary. Tertiary protocols found, forcing reactivation and locking in access level..' Wilco informed.

'Don't bother, reset the protocols and hook yourself in to the network.' John ordered.

'Connecting to wireless. Connection established. Protocols overwritten. Transferring key files. Finishing connection. Completed.' Wilco replied.

There was a bang suddenly, the core humming to life. The lift began ascending.

"You work fast. I really need an Omni-Controller." Tali said.

"Omni-Controller and an AI." John replied.

Tali considered that, "Not a bad idea."

The lift stopped as it reached the top, and they walked off.

The holoprojector next to the access point flared to life, a neon pink representation of a human female, began speaking in an male upper-class british accent, "Ugh. Synthetic architecture, so inelegant."

John couldn't stop the chuckle that forced it's way out, "Check the image." He managed to get out.

"Oh bother."v The holo stated, shutting off.

"What just happened?" Rev'Lar asked.

The holoprojector reactivated, this time the holo was male, neon blue, and in uniform, "Much better."

"Squad, meet Wilco." John introduced.

"You're John's AI?" Tali asked.

The representation performed a bow, "One and only Milady. Wilco, Artificial Intelligence extroardinaire, at your service."

"I had Wilco replace the VI with a linked partition of himself. Give me an update Wilco." John asked.

"Matriarch Benezia passed through this station, heading for the Hotlabs several days ago. The tram to the Hotlabs is currently inoperable, but can be repaired. They are indeed breeding Rachni, I can't access the secured data however, the landlines to the hotlabs are cut off at the hub. Internal sensors are also disabled." Wilco informed.

John looked over the data as Wilco transmitted it, "Aaron, take your squad and restart the reactor, uploading path. Alpha, we'll head up and reconnect the landlines."

"Got it, squad, move out." Aaron ordered.

John turned to his own squad, "Let's head to the roof."

----------------------------------------------------

"The elevator to the reactor room is directly ahead." Wilco informed over the comm.

"Thanks Wilco." Aaron replied, hitting the panel to open the elevator.

They filed into the elevator, riding it down. The journey was quick, the doors opened into what looked like a control room, overlooking the Reactor and support equipment.

There was a body laying near the control terminal, Aaron motioned Liara forward and walked over to it.

"Krogan. Dead for several hours, but not days." Liara stated, scanning over the body.

"Hrm. One of Saren's you think, or a corporate merc?" Aaron asked.

"No way to tell. However judging by the armor I would say Saren's." Liara replied.

"Alright, Akwey, Aytucan, stay here with the Corporal, watch the door, I have a bad feeling about this. Neytiri, Rev'Lar, on me." Aaron ordered.

The three moved out, walking along the catwalks allowing access to the reactor itself.

'Movement.' Neytiri thought.

Aaron looked forward, there was just a hint of something around the corner ahead, a Geth Hopper it looked like. He charged his biotics, lifting the object into the air and pulling it toward them. Once he saw it was a Geth he dropped it into the reactor shaft, after several seconds a crash was heard.

"Incoming." Rev'Lar stated, firing his carbine at several Geth that had appeared out of nowhere.

Aaron heard a noise, twisting suddenly he opened fire on a pair of larger Geth moving toward them from the rear, destroying them.

They moved forward, firing at the Geth that were on every level of the core room, hoppers and infantry alike.

'How's it going back there Akwey?' Aaron asked telepathically as he fired at another hopper.

'We have incoming Geth, they are posing no difficulty.' The young Na'vi thought back.

They managed to fight their way to the access panel, he motioned for Rev'Lar to move to it.

"How do I fix this thing Wilco?" Rev'Lar asked.

"There should be a bank of three couplings along the bottom. Connect the line running along the top of the access panel to the middle couplings, then flip the switch." Wilco informed.

Rev'Lar connected the lines, "Here goes nothing." He muttered, flipping the switch.

Aaron took aim, firing on the final Geth in the reactor room. The energy burst drilled through it's torso, destroying it.

He turned back toward Rev'Lar.

"The Reactor's online." The Quarian replied.

"Let's head back to the VI core then." Aaron ordered.

---------------------------------------------------

The elevator ride to the roof was slower than it should have been, the lift had obviously been damaged in the recent past. After an eternity the lift stopped, the door sliding open. The squad filed out, fanning out quickly.

The roof was open to the elements, snow and wind blowing in from the sky. There were quite a few transformers and electronic cabinets situated all over the area.

'The landlines are in that terminal ahead.' Wilco informed him.

John motioned to Tsu'Tey and Gruna to move forward, he ducked around one of the transformers to his left, moving forward as well.

John reached the terminal first, seeing a connector popped out of it's coupling. 'That's convenient.' He thought.

'They are designed for easy reconnection.' Wilco explained.

He reached down, sliding the connector back into it's place. There was a snap as the landlines reconnected, the holoprojector next to the terminal flaring to life.

"There we go. Reactor is online and landlines are connected. Receiving data from the hotlabs. Reading atleast 50 Humanoids still alive. Curious, the hotlabs are in their own lockdown. Ah, apparently Binary Helix found a relic, a Rachni ship drifting in space, with an egg onboard. They hatched a Queen, and have been attempting to weaponize the offspring. Results have been less then optimal, the newborns are aggressive and animalistic, and broke containment several days ago." Wilco informed.

"That explains it then, can you pinpoint Benezia?" John asked.

"Negative. Sensors in the hotlabs are offline, vital monitors are all I can get." Wilco replied.

"We'll play it by ear then." He said, turning to his squad, "Let's head back to the core."

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With the lift working the way it was, John's squad managed to enter the core at the same time as Aaron's.

"Reactor's online, we encountered a bunch of Geth." Aaron greeted.

"Joyful." John said dryly.

Aaron suddenly clutched his head, "Rachni, lots of them, coming our way."

John nodded, "Defensive positions, Tali, Gruna, Tsu'Tey, with me." He ordered.

They took up a defensive position at the choke point just inside the VI core room. The gratings still attached to the floor were vibrating, more Rachni attempting to pour out.

John closed his eyes, concentrating for a moment. He coalesced a solid barrier in the entryway, thick and almost impervious, with portholes for their weapons.

"I didn't know you could do that." Tali commented.

"Neither could I. I'm at 100% integration with my 'Kynmarch'. This is going to be a learning experience." John replied.

Aaron was standing behind them with the rest, braced against the VI core and clutching his head, "I can't block them out. Fragging hive mind or something. It's distracting."

"Do they sense you?" Neytiri asked.

He shook his head, "I don't.. no, no they don't. They're not intelligent enough to. Gods, it's like the Avatars but far, far worse. Dammit.. I can handle this, don't worry."

"Incoming." John stated, firing at several Rachni that had just climbed out of the floor.

Tali spotted hundreds of smaller Rachni advancing around the corner from one of the tunnels, sliding her Photon Carbine to continuous fire, she aimed and fired, a steady stream of orange energy fire poured into the hallways, vaporizing anything it touched.

The Rachni didn't stop coming, throwing themselves into the beams and against the barrier furiously, until they were all killed.

It was quiet for a moment, John looked back.

"It's clear." Aaron said.

John touched the barrier, the energy dissipating, "Let's go."

John and Tsu'Tey took point through the smaller tunnel leading to the tram station. Occasionally a lone Rachni attacked, but they made their way to the tram station unobstructed.

"There's the tram." Gruna said as they walked onto a small platform.

"Looks big enough for everyone, let's go." John ordered.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotlabs Tram station, Peak 15 facility. 2215 Hours.

The tram finally stopped and the doors slid open. John motioned his squad to fan out onto the platform to the right. Aaron's squad took the left.

"Clear." Aaron stated.

"Anything new Wilco?" John asked.

"Accessing. The doorway to the left leads to a pair of lifts, one goes to the secured part of the Hotlabs and the second heads to the living and storage areas." Wilco informed over the comms.

John moved forward, the rest following. They entered the adjoining room, the lift on the left was locked, the panel red. The one ahead was open however.

"The locked lift goes to the Hotlabs. Detecting a single resident." Wilco informed.

"You think.." Aaron trailed off.

"It's possible. You and Liara, Tsu'Tey, Tali and I will go down, check it out. The rest of you hold here, Rev'Lar, you have rank." John ordered.

"Understood, we'll cover this area." Rev'Lar replied.

As John and the rest walked upto the lift it unlocked, the door sliding open. The filed in and began the descent.

'Benezia might be down here. Are you going to be alright?' Aaron thought to Liara.

'I will be fine, I won't let you or John down.' She thought back.

The lift slowed and stopped, the doors sliding open. Tali and Tsu'Tey were out first, weapons at the ready. The room was empty, except for a single chair in the middle, a lowborn human sitting there in bloodstained clothes, clutching a datapad.

"Wh..who are you?" The man asked.

John strode out of the elevator, "Where's Matriarch Benezia?"

"I don't know--AAH!" The man screamed as John lifted him, holding him upside down.

"We can do this one of two ways. The first, and my personal recommendation, is that you answer my questions completely and truthfully, if I like what you tell me, there is a small chance you can get out of this alive. Option two is that my friend here," He nodded at Aaron, "Pulls the answers I need out of your brain. Violently." John finished.

"I swear I don't know anything about a Matriarch Benezia, I've been stuck down here for three days! My name is Yaroslev Tartakovsky, I'm a Binary Helix researcher. You must listen, the Rachni, we have to stop them. If the purge isn't initiated, the executive board will send down antimatter charges from the battlestations." He cried.

"There aren't any executive boards or battlestations anymore. What's this purge?" John demanded.

"Oh.. my.. the Empire! Uh, The Neutron Purge is designed to kill anything organic in the secured area here. It is our only chance to stop the Rachni. We hatched many, many of the eggs. We, we separated them from the Queen we hatched first, I think this drove them to insanity. They do not properly develop without her guidance. Here, I have the codes to activate the purge, if you can somehow activate Mira, the VI." Yaroslev said.

"Mira is not available at the moment. I can activate the purge though." Wilco stated.

Yaroslev looked even more confused, "Who, what?"

John grabbed the datapad, transferring the codes to his Neural Net then tossing it against a wall. He cocked his head, looking at the man he was still holding in mid-air, "That's all I need. Any reason for you to be left alive?"

As Yaroslev opened his mouth, John dropped him onto the floor, knocking him unconscious, "Sorry, that was a rhetorical question."

Tsu'Tey looked at him, "You enjoyed that a little bit too much."

He smirked, "We Terrans consider it a virtue to love your work. Wilco, what are the details on the purge?"

"Basic Neutron charge, effective radius of several hundred yards, but will be contained in the hardened layer of the Hotlabs. The local terminal must be activated for me to initiate the system." The AI explained.

"Alright let's get to it." John said, heading for the door leading into the small control room.

He spotted the terminal, walking over and activating it. The holoprojector flared to life, Wilco appearing, "Let me see. The Neutron Purge requires a 45 second charge-up period. That will allow us time to get back to the surface. Lethality rating is at a 7.5. Sealed Titan armor is effective, anything less is not."

"Good to know, activate the purge." John ordered.

"Activating charge sequence, timers should be appearing on your HUDs." Wilco announced.

Alarms sounded throughout the facility, gradually growing louder.

"Gah!" Aaron cried, dropping to his knees, clutching his head in pain.

"Aaron, what's wrong?" John asked.

"The Rachni, they know what's going on I think." He managed to squeeze out, "Thousands of them.. coming.."

John grabbed him, slinging the man over his shoulder, "We have to move, now!"

Tali and Tsu'Tey moved through the doorway, Rachni were already battering through the floor and walls to get at them. John charged his biotics, throwing waves of force at everything he could see. "Move!" He ordered again, pushing Liara forward.

The Rachni were swarming, trying to physically wall them in. Tsu'Tey kept firing her laser pistols, dodging and weaving, her tailblade extended and adding to the carnage. Tali and Liara were laying down streams of continuous fire from their photon carbines. John was watching the clock, 25 seconds left.

He roared, coalescing a barrier around himself he rushed the wall of Rachni ahead of them, they exploded or bounced off his defenses. The others noticed what he was doing, getting directly behind him as he forced his way into the lift.

Once he was sure they were all inside he coalesced a heavy between the lift doors and the room, blocking the Rachni in as the doors shut and the lift began ascending.

"Is everyone alright?" John asked.

"We're still alive." Tali replied.

Tsu'Tey looked over herself, "Apparently our armor is not vulnerable to their acid. Thank the Gods."

"Good news." John said.

They suddenly heard a noise, a roaring boom. "Neutron purge has been successful. Reading no Rachni on any sensors. They ALL came after us." Wilco informed.

"Good, very good." John said, setting Aaron down as the man started stirring.

Aaron sat up, "I don't hear them. Am I dead or did it work?"

"It worked. You alright now?" John replied.

Aaron nodded, rising, "As well as can be expected. I've never felt anything like that. The sheer mental noise was just overwhelming."

The lift soon came to a stop, the doors sliding open.

"Commanders. We heard the explosion, what happened down there?" Rev'Lar greeted.

"We took out the Rachni. Benezia wasn't down there. Wilco, give me one of your brilliant ideas." John said.

"There are two paths to follow from here. The lift in this room goes to the to the living and storage areas. There is also a second path from the tram platform, heading to another lift that connects to a second secured area. Facility listing does not name the area. There is also access to it from the living and storage areas." Wilco informed.

John smiled as he looked over the map himself, "Guess this is where we split. We'll take the lift here."

"And we'll head through the areas down here. Good luck John, and remember our bet." Aaron stated.

"Good hunting Aaron. Squads, move out." John ordered.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Aaron took point, moving through the doorway Wilco had just unlocked. It was a large storage area, lots of crates and boxes all around. He spotted another doorway on the other side of the room, motioning his squad forward.

The doors slid open, half a dozen Asari and a pair of Geth Primes moving in slowly, weapons at the ready.

"You are not Shepard. Explain who you are, now." The Asari in the lead demanded, confused.

With an ever so slight nod from Aaron, Aytucan fired his SFAW, sending a plasma rocket into the group, annihilating them.

Aaron shook his head as he started moving again, "If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk. Is everyone involved with Saren infected with the 'mustache twirling villain' disease?"

--------------------------------------------------------

As the lift doors opened John spotted several lowborns and turians, a mixture of mercenaries and security personnel by the looks of them, behind a defense area made of crates.

"If you want to die go ahead and keep those weapons pointed at us." He began.

A man in white armor held a hand up, "Stand down everyone, we're sure as hell not getting paid enough to tangle with Imperial soldiers. I'm Captain Ventralis, Binary Helix Security."

"Glad you could see reason, where's Matriarch Benezia?" John demanded.

"Benezia? The board sent an Asari here to clean up the mess, she went down to the Hotlabs yesterday." Ventralis replied.

John sighed, "Lying to an Imperial Spectre is a horrible idea if you don't want your last moments filled with blinding pain."

Ventralis's eyes went wide, "A Spectre.. okay look, she got here about a week ago, she's in the secured area they're keeping the Rachni Queen in. The access is at the other end of this level. Benezia has a large group of Asari Commandos and Geth with her. I'll order my people to stay out of your way."

"I'm sure your assistance will work favorably at your hanging trial. Squad, let's get moving." John ordered.

---------------------------------------------------

Aaron's comm activated, "Aaron, we've confirmed Benezia's location, she's in the secure area we're both heading for. Race you there." John informed,

"You're on, Everett out." Aaron replied.

"More Asari." Akwey announced, already firing.

"Keep moving, all they can do is tickle us." Aaron ordered.

Moving through the tunnel he saw over a dozen Asari commandos and more Geth infantry dug in, in the next room. A rocket from Aytucan's weapon neutralized most of them, repeater fire from him and Aaron finished the rest off.

Aaron took point, wading through the carnage. What little wasn't vaporized by their weapons was strewn across the walls and ceiling. He checked his HUD, "Another room and then a tunnel and we'll be at the lift."

The next room had more enemies waiting, Aaron strode in, absorbing their fire and laying down his own, his squad joining him. After a moment the room was silent again.

"Let's move, I want to win that bet." Aaron ordered.

-----------------------------------------------------------

"This is the lift to the secured area." Wilco announced.

"File in." John ordered, then got in after the rest of the squad.

After a moment the lift reached it's destination, the doors opening. The room was small, with a large set of access doors marked as leading into the containment area.

John took point, Tsu'Tey beside him. The entire squad had weapons at the ready as the access doors slid open, moving inside.

The room was very large, walkways along each wall, with a raised observation platform just ahead of them, overlooking a large, clear containment pod, John caught a glimpse of what was obviously the Queen, larger than any of the Rachni they had encountered yet. He spotted an ornately dressed Asari standing on the observation platform, and past that another set of open access doors, with Aaron leading his squad inside.

'Guess we both win the bet.' He thought to himself as he led his own squad closer to the platform.

Benezia turned slowly, looking over both squads as she walked into clear view, "Two. I was not expecting that."

"I like to keep things a bit random, makes for good entertainment." John stated.

She turned to him then, "Ah Shepard. You've been quite an obstacle in Saren's plans. He's rather impressed by you actually, Sovereign as well. Join us, neither you or your loved ones have to die."

"We won't. Same can't be said for you." John replied.

"Obstinate to the end. I won't be moved from my mission, no matter who you bring to this fight." Benezia stated, glancing toward Aaron's squad.

"Then you have to die, and my name will be clear once more." Liara said.

"I see. If that is how it must be." Benezia turned back toward John's squad, "Have you ever faced Asari Commandos, or a Matriarch? Few humans have."

Aaron cleared his throat, "Actually we just tore through a whole mess of your commandos, honestly they weren't worth the plasma we used."

"You're a Matriarch. I'm a Level-One. How do those odds sound?" John asked, charging his biotics.

The doors along the parallel walkway opened, groups of Asari and Geth filing into the room.

"We shall see." Benezia stated, charging her biotics and attempting to stasis John. He stood his ground, shaking off the effect.

"How.. Attack them!" Benezia ordered.

"Y'all take care of the newcomers to the party. Benezia is mine." John ordered, rushing the Matriarch.

Weapons fire was criss-crossing the room. Energy bursts, plasma bolts, photon streams, lasers, pulse and M/A projectiles filled the air.

John shrugged off another biotic blast from Benezia, lunging and knocking them both into a crate.

They grappled for a moment, limbs and biotics clashing. Suddenly she threw him off with all her might, and he went flying into the wall, his armor leaving a complete imprint in the metal. He dropped, landing on his feet, throwing a biotic blast at Benezia. She dodged, charging her biotics and lifting him into the air, smashing him into the wall again.

"That's getting old already." John said, pushing himself off the wall with enough force to propel him into the Matriarch again, throwing her to the ground as he landed on his feet. Unsheathing his gauntlet blade he quickly plunged it into her gut, twisting his hand sharply before he pulled back.

"Area's secured." Aaron informed as the squads walked up onto the platform.

"Aaron I'm about to ask you to do something uncomfortable--" John was cut off.

"Shepard, I'm free, at least for the moment. I don't hear Saren in my mind." Benezia said.

"Indoctrination?" Tali suggested.

Benezia nodded, "Yes. The pain and exhaustion is protecting me from the effects momentarily. Shepard, Saren sent me here to find the location of the Mu Relay."

"That's the Relay that leads to Ilos." Liara said.

"The one that was lost?" John asked.

"Yes." Benezia started, "The Rachni inhabited that area of space thousands of years ago, they found the Relay. I forced the location from the Queen's mind... I was not gentle."

"Does Saren have it yet?" John demanded.

Benezia nodded, "I transmitted it to him 3 hours ago. There is an OSD on the terminal there, it has the location."

John walked over, reading the disc with his Omni-Controller, "Only a few hours ahead of us. We might just pull this one off." He turned back to Benezia, "Do you know what the Conduit is, or what Saren wants it for?"

"No. I was only a servant, not privy to his knowledge. It is important to the Reapers though, that's all I know for certain." Benezia answered.

John glanced at Aaron, who nodded, "She's telling the truth."

Liara walked up to them, kneeling down beside Benezia, "I have to know one thing mother. Why did you join with Saren in the first place?"

Benezia looked more then physically pained as she explained, "Saren was the most ruthless and effective agent of the Council, I knew him then. I knew he would begin a war, one that would set the galaxy on fire. I thought I could reason with him, ingratiate myself into his good graces and set him upon a gentler path. I did not know of the threat of Indoctrination, and once I realized what had happened it was far too late." She was quiet for a moment, "You cannot comprehend the horror of being locked inside your own mind, looking through your eyes as though they were windows, while your hands carry out atrocities."

"You made a mistake. You paid for it. You're free from Saren's influence now, will it come back?" John asked.

"Yes. I feel his whispers crawling in my skull even now. Shepard, I beg you: Kill me while my mind is my own." Benezia pleaded.

John nodded, reaching for his Cobra.

Liara looked at him, "John, let me fulfill my oath, please."

John was shocked into inaction for a moment, that request was incredibly unexpected.

Aaron spoke, "Your oath comes first. She's yours to kill, Corporal T'Soni."

Liara nodded, looking at Benezia for a final time.

"You're strong, intelligent and wise, little wing. You've always made me proud. Thank you." Benezia said.

Liara was stoic as she brought her hands up, "Farewell, mother." She closed her eyes, snapping Benezia's neck, before letting the tears fall.

John moved to hold her, but Aaron laid a hand on his shoulder, "She needs to grieve by herself for a moment."

John nodded, walking over to the terminal overlooking the Rachni Queen, Aaron beside him, Neytiri and Tsu'Tey following.

"Seen alot of things across the stars. Never saw anything like this." Aaron commented as he took his helmet off.

John did the same, commenting, "What the hell do we do now?"

"If the Rachni are telepathic, maybe Aaron can communicate with them?" Neytiri suggested.

John looked to his right, "Think that'll work?"

"I'll try." Aaron replied, 'feeling' for the Queen. He was able to feel her mind, but it was jumbled to his perception, "Gah, this is not easy with a lifeform this different. Give me a minute."

Finally he felt the Queen realize he was attempting to communicate, 'A willing mind! Be our voice, allow us to sing through you.' The voice demanded.

'Not a chance in hell. We'll communicate like this. Do you have a name?' Aaron asked.

'We are Rachni.' The Queen answered.

'Figures' Aaron thought to himself, 'What do you know of the Galaxy?'

'I remember the screams coming from the blackness, gray and colorless songs while I was an egg.' The Rachni explained.

'I see. You're the last of your kind. The rest of the Rachni were wiped out thousands of years ago, by the former rulers of the galaxy. We rule now. I am called Aaron Everett. I'm a Terran, a soldier for the Empire.' Aaron thought to her.

'I can sense the blood of my children on your hands. Do not worry, such action was necessary. They were not capable of intelligence, without a Queen's guidance during growth. If I was able, I would have silenced them myself. I am the last of the Rachni, and at your mercy. What shall you do with me?' The Queen asked.

Aaron turned to John, "I've established a dialogue. She knows we killed the Rachni Binary Helix was raising, but she thinks that was the correct course of action. She wants to know what we're going to do with her." He explained.

"That's the question of the hour." John said.

"See those tanks?" Tali pointed at several containers hooked to the containment unit, "According to the terminal they're filled with acid strong enough to kill a Rachni Queen, or anything else for that matter. Obviously Binary Helix wasn't taking any chances."

"Obviously. We're not going to murder her though. You think she's dangerous Aaron?" John asked.

"Don't know. She seems truthful enough, I'm not even sure if she's able to lie over this kind of connection. I've no clue what a Rachni is like though." Aaron answered.

John was thoughtful for a moment, then grinned, "Why don't we let the Empress figure out what to do with her."

"I like that plan. What do we do with the Queen right now though?" Aaron replied.

"Wilco, can you get a signal to Field Marshall Avante-Gotha?" John asked.

"Patching you in to the comms now." Wilco replied.

John activated his comm, "Field Marshall?"

"Spectre Shepard, how goes it?" The Field Marshall asked.

"It goes well. We have the information we came for, and Benezia is dead. We've run into a situation however. Binary Helix was trying to create a soldier race. They found a Rachni egg and hatched it, the Queen is still alive." John replied.

"Rachni.. That is unexpected. I'll get a MCD out there for security right away. I'm sure the Empress will want to decide what to do now." Avante-Gotha said.

"My thoughts exactly Field Marshall. I need to get my people moving as soon as possible, we know where Saren is going, and we have to get there fast. Send an Asari with the MCD, or a telepath if one's available, they'll be needed to communicate with the Queen during transit." John stated.

"Understood, routing all available forces to your location. Reinforcements should be there within ten minutes. Avante-Gotha out." He finished as the channel closed.

John turned to his people, "We need to wait for them. Aaron, explain the situation to the Queen and explain that we aren't going to harm her."

"Will do." Aaron replied, connecting with the Queen again. After a moment he looked back up, "She understands and agrees. I'd like to open the unit, let her out. I'm sure she isn't comfortable locked in there."

"Feel free, just keep half an eye on her." John stated, walking over to the rest of his squad.

"Is Corporal T'Soni alright?" Gruna asked.

John looked back, she was still kneeling by Benezia's body, but the tears had stopped.

"She'll be fine. She's tougher than she looks." He answered.

"Well, this is not what I expected for my first operation. Though I am not entirely sure what exactly I expected." Tsu'Tey said.

"This ranks about an '8' on the weird-o-meter. It could have been far worse." John commented.

"The Thorian." Tali said, shuddering.

"Thorian?" Gruna asked.

"Evil, ancient, mind-controlling plant, tended by zombie slaves. It was even worse than it sounds." John explained.

"I'm glad I do not know what you're speaking of. So we, what is that phrase, play the waiting game?" Tsu'Tey asked.

"More or less." John hopped onto a crate, sitting down and digging through his pack, "Ah, here we go." He said, pulling a nutrient bar out and unwrapping it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Secured Area, Peak 15 Hotlabs, 2345 Hours.

"The 1st platoon, 847th MCD has disembarked from the tram, and is making it's way toward our position." Wilco announced.

"Thank you Wilco, guide them in." John ordered.

Tsu'Tey was sitting on the crate beside him, "He's still speaking with the Queen I think." She said, looking at Aaron.

"I'd probably do the same if I was a telepath. I wonder what it feels like, communicating with something so alien." John pondered.

Tsu'Tey cocked her head, "I'm curious."

"A dangerous thing for some species, and yet so innately Terran. Ask." John replied.

"I've noticed that you Humans use different terms for the same thing at times, but I also have detected a distinct pattern with some words, that from what I understand mean the same thing, but are used in different ways. Alien, xeno, and nonhuman particularly." Tsu'Tey stated.

"They didn't teach you about Terran vernacular much did they? Well no matter. Nonhuman is what we call races like the Asari, or the Turians and so forth, friendly races you could say. Alien is anyone else, anyone outside of the Empire falls under that, especially hostile races. Xeno is an insult, it's what we call one of anything that we don't like." John explained.

"What do you call we Na'vi, or the Quarians then?" Tsu'Tey asked.

He put an arm around her, "You have to ask? You're our brethren, our brothers. Human, Quarian, Batarian, Krogan, Na'vi, the only races in the 'verse that truly matter, each of us would lay down our lives for the other. The Imperial Races, together forever. Even the sundering at the end of time will not separate us, we'll go into the next world together, hand in hand."

Tsu'Tey thought over the words for a moment, "That is beautiful."

"Yes it is." Gruna said, listening in.

"And here comes the relief." John stated, hopping off the crate, moving to greet the Marines walking into the room.

"Commander Shepard, I'm Commander Solokov, leader 1st platoon, 847th Marine Combat Detachment." The lead man greeted.

"Glad you made it Commander. Is there an Asari with you?" John asked.

Solokov nodded, motioning an Asari in Auxilia uniform forward, "Third Lieutenant Resagava, Asari Auxilia."

"Howdy Lieutenant. We need you to use your race's mental abilities to communicate with the Rachni Queen." John explained.

"I see. I might be able to meld with her through the containment unit." Resagava explained, looking at the pod.

"That won't be necessary, come on." John said, motioning for her to follow him back upto the platform.

Aaron was sitting on the floor of the platform, cross-legged, the Rachni Queen was near him, making some kind of low noise.

"Aaron?" John asked as he walked up.

"They sing. The Rachni, it's how they communicate, not really the hive mind, but singing. They communicate and inform and teach with their singing. Can you hear that tinge?" Aaron responded.

John cocked his head, "Yes. Something subliminal?"

"Exactly, but not intentional, and I'm sure it can't affect any of us. I think I've learned more about the Rachni in the last half hour than was known ever before." Aaron stated.

"You're sitting beside one of the fiercest enemies we had ever encountered, learning it's culture?" Resagava asked incredulously.

Aaron rose, "She. It's a Queen. And yes, all predators know to respect a stronger predator. You'd do well to remember that's what we are, predators. If you speak out of fear she'll know, and take advantage of it. It's our nature. I'd stay and do this myself if we didn't have a galaxy to save."

"I'll remember that. Is it.. safe?" Resagava inquired.

"Come here." Aaron ordered, grabbing her hand and pulling the gauntlet off, placing it on the Queen's carapace.

The Asari closed her eyes, her face twitching for a second as she connected with the Queen. After a moment she pulled back, "You've taught her to speak already."

Aaron smiled, "I thought it would help."

"It will. I fear she doesn't like me." Resagava stated.

"An Asari ripped into her mind and pulled out what she wanted not too long ago, just give it time." John said.

"As much as I hate to say it, we need to get moving." Aaron stated.

"Yes, good luck Lieutenant, Commander." John agreed, walking back to the rest of the squads.

Liara was standing there, talking with Rev'Lar.

"Liara, you alright?" John asked.

"I am fine Commander. Benezia is at peace, and my name is restored. It worked out.. better than I thought it would." Liara answered.

"I'm glad. Let's get back to our ships." John said.

As they moved toward the exit a Marine, Corporal by the rank insignia, called to him, "Commander Shepard, what should we do with.." He gestured at Benezia's body.

"She didn't die a traitor, put her in for a space burial." John replied after a moment.

The man saluted, "Yes sir."

As they began moving again Liara turned toward him, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." John said.

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Comm Room, INF Normandy, May 8th, 0035 Hours.

John stormed into the comm room, "Normandy.. oh, thank you." He said as he saw Fleet Admiral Stevens on the vidscreen already.

"Lord Shepard, did you find what you needed?" Stevens asked.

"Yes, yes I did. We've found the location and the way to get to where Saren is going. All the details are being relayed to you now. Normandy and Iwo Jima are ready to break atmosphere now, we need the Tenth though, no telling what kind of forces Saren will have backing him up." John explained.

"The lost Prothean colony of Ilos. The Mu Relay is inside the Terminus systems proper. No matter, we are at your disposal Lord Shepard. I'm ordering the Tenth into formation now, we will be ready to move within half an hour. The 4th Battlegroup can finish assisting the operations on Noveria." Stevens replied.

"Thank you Admiral, Normandy out." John stated, closing the channel.

"Line to Terra, code 447?" Normandy asked.

"Again, thank you Normandy. You're a good ship." John replied.

The vidscreen activated again, a private office being shown, one of the Empress's he assumed. Inquisitor Dalton was sitting in the chair, no one else visible, "Spectre Shepard, good to hear from you."

"Likewise Inquisitor, where's Empress Sativia?" John asked.

"Still off Terra. I get to use one of her offices when I need to, the Lord Inquisitor has many privileges." Dalton replied.

John arched an eyebrow.

"You're in the loop now Shepard, you might as well know. You should hear what the Empress says about you during our chats, all good things I promise." Dalton stated.

"I see. I was hoping to speak to the Empress directly, but this will have to do. I assume you've already got my report?" John asked.

"Yours and Everett's. A Rachni Queen. That was unexpected. But I think this will turn out to be a great boon for us. You have the authority to head into Terminus space on your own recognizance Shepard, so what else do you need?" Dalton asked.

"I'm not entirely sure. We're going to be out of contact for a good period of time, transit will be over two weeks. Saren will probably try his favorite tactic of launching a diversionary attack into Imperial space, so the fleets need to be ready. We still don't know what the Conduit is or what it does, it could be anything. We have to be prepared for the worst." John finished.

"A Reaper invasion. I know Shepard, I know and the Empress knows. All fleets are at full battle readiness, and we're accelerating the activation of the Thirteenth Fleet, it should be ready within two weeks. All Sector Fleets are prepared for the worst. High Terra and Serpent Sector INSDs are being fitted as we speak with Na'vi Crystal enhanced weapons. We hurt Sovereign at Quaria, this time we'll be able to kill it. Terra will never fall." Dalton bowed slightly, "Gods be with you Shepard."

"Thank you Inquisitor. I shall not fail. Shepard out." He said as the channel closed.

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John strode back onto the bridge, Pressly greeting him, "Commander, the Tenth is in position and we are in formation. Ready to move on your order."

John was silent as he sat in the commander's chair, looking over the Galaxy Map at the fleet assembled around them. A full Imperial Fleet, minus a SuperCarrier and 4 Cruiser Squadrons.

"Onward to victory. Move out." John ordered, slumping back in the chair.

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End of Chapter Eighteen.

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