Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In a town called Bellwood lives a hero Call Benjamin (Ben for short) Kirby Tennyson. Everyone know who he is and what he does by turning into a bunch of different aliens from his wristwatch the Omnitrix. His cousin Gwen is a doofus but a powerful one as a magic wielding alien called anodite. Kevin, Gwen boyfriend is a Osmosian that can absorb metals /materials to make him harder and stronger, also he a fairly good mechanic. You also have Rook Blonko Ben partner in the plumbers a group of galactic police officers that protect the peace. Rook is a steadfast loyal friend who long understands that they more to Ben than meets the eye. Then they Grampa Max the leader, the inspiration, the respect but that changes when Vilgax the conqueror Attacks for Ben Tennyson final time.

Galvin Prime

Galvin is a lush green planet. Vibrant in their science and architecture. Which is now being attacked by Vilgax forces. Mechadroid, red robot creatures that swarm the planet.

Azmuth, in his lab, was working on a prototype. He turned and handed it to Myaxx, his assistant, "Get this to Ben, Myaxx, NOW!" he shouted in his small statute.

Myaxx, ever the annoyance, was not going to have that. "You stupid old Bug I'm no!"

Azmuth snarled and glared. "Vilgax is here, and somehow, he managed to get power beyond what he is capable of storing within himself, and I do not have that long left. So, Myaxx, for the love of Galvin, just go and give this to Ben. This time there is an instruction manual for him. Goodbye Myaxx"

Myaxx's expression sours heavily, and the room was silent for a few minutes before she responded. "Bye you, Old bugger."

Myaxx leaves towards the hangar bay. That houses her ship. She uses it to escape to earth evading the Vilgax fleet and the oncoming fighters that chase after her. She managed to warp out but not before getting hit.

Azmuth looked up into the stars. "Goodbye, Ben Tennyson I hope Paradox knows what he is doing. I blast Eon for this in the Afterlife".

Vilgax Manically laughs in the background on his flagship. Chimeran Hammer crushing his fist, he destroys Galvin and the Omnitrix creator. finally. The rest of the galaxy felt a wave of pain and suffering across the universe.

Vilgax snarled out. "Your Next Ben Tennyson"

Earth/Bellwood

Ben was walking out of his favourite smoothie joint. Mr Smoothy, "I love Mr Smoothy, but I wished everyone else was here. Man, it sucks being alone."

Ben stopped when he heard a familiar voice, he turned and saw Myaxx dragging herself to his side. Ben rushed over to help, dropping his smoothie in the process.

"Beennnn" Myaxx squirmed out.

Ben sees Myaxx injured from the waist. Bleeding down onto the now soaking wet floor. "Myaxx, what happened here let me try to help…." Ben asked.

Myaxx handed out her hand. "No time to... take it." She handed him a device and coughed. "Cough, cough"

"Goodbye, Ben," Myaxx finally said before collapsing onto the ground.

Ben looks at the Myaxx, before finally setting his sight onto the device he was given. Her one final respect, he closed her eyes and mourned.

He, after a minute of mourning, proceeds to return to the table and open the device. Inside was another Omnitrix, but the design is close to the origin with some Morden updated features and styles. It black with green pipeline around and it also has a flat button like his white one he is wearing now. Ben Takes hold of the device, and it straps on to his wrist like a symbiont attached to its host, it combines with Morden one big Ultimate Omnitrix. The Omnitrix lights up.

Azmuth spoke in a holographic projection. "Ben, if you listen, then that means Galvin is Dead and I along with him."

Ben straight up now standing not caring that everyone is staring, He used to that anyway. He worries, water streaming down his face like a rainforest "No," he murmured.

Azmuth continued. "Ben on your wrist contains the final Omnitrix, with Master Control included, but you do have an energy output when using your aliens, so do not go getting a bigger ego than what you already have... I also have included an instruction manual as well to help understand the different energy levels each alien has.

Ben is just watching, horrified that his mentor is dead, his friend dead! He slammed his fist on the table.

Azmuth further explained. "Ben Vilgax will attack, and he will kill your loved ones. You must fight back, but there will be a cost. I am sorry. Goodbye, Ben Tennyson, and might I say good luck."

Ben just stands blank face, looking at the device, now back to Myaxx. Now up in the sky. "I need to warn the plumbers and everyone" in a solemn way that Ben has rarely been before. Ben hits the device; a green glow appears, blinding everyone around them.

"Fasttrack!" a blue and Black Furry Speedster with a lightning blue bolt in the middle. He picks up Myaxx and heads to the nearest plumber base he can find.

…. Time Skip 2 Years…...

Earth was under attack from Vilgax forces. They were trying to fend them off but were struggling. 

Ben As Atomix was fighting the Mechadroid forces. Using as much power as he can muster. against them. He coms reach his ear, and his cousin Gwen was shouting through it.

Gwen shouted through the coms. "Ben Vilgax has…." Her voice stopped cold.

Atomix shouted back. "What is it Gwen, GWEN!" he could not hear a single thing on the other end.

Atomix is wearing a green and white armour, while also displaying green energy. Atomix is hearing Explosion sounds around him and in the background.

"BOOM! CRACK" Earth was cracking and the people on it were suffering.

"NO. ROOK, GWEN, KEVIN, GRAMPA, MUM, DAD, KAI!" Ben shouted as Anger Surges in his veins.

"VILGAX!" He shouted.

Earth gone, home was gone, his friends and family gone. Everything gone.

"Ben Ben Tennyson"

Atomix turns and sees he Reiny but also the army Ben has built up to fight back against Vilgax. Petrosapien, Highbreed, plumbers, even Galvanic Mechamorph (plus ship) are here because of their creator being destroyed.

"What is it, Reiny?" Atomix asked, humming the sound he made around him.

Reiny responds with an apologetic glance "We got out as many as we could Ben, Ben. But your family, some of my forces were near. I am sorry Ben, Ben Tennyson."

"BEN!"

Ben turns again to see Ultimate Humungousaur, the same one that escaped from the Ultimatrix "We are struggling fighting back Vilgax forces, you need to end vilgax now!" He stated as a matter of fact.

Ben looks down in thought, crossing his arms in hopes. "Ultimate Humungousaur, get your Ultimates and help Reiny with evacuating the humans, out of this sector and into the new planet we found." Both Nod and proceed to do that by heading to the evacuating ships.

"Tetrax, do you read" Atomix as through the intercom.

Tetrax Response, "I am Here Ben, I am so sorry "Tetrax knows what it is like to lose a planet and understand the pain Ben is going through.

Atomix shook his head. "No time, I am ending Vilgax once and for all. I need you to look after the new earth for me because I will not be coming back."

The air is silent….

Tetrax, hesitant to speak, asked "you're sure?" He knew what plan Ben was talking about.

Atomix, confident in his answer, said "Yes!"

Tetrax hums over the coms. "Good luck my friend" Coms cut. Atomix hits The Omnitrix on Atomic Chest and turns into.

"Alien X!"

As Alien X! approaches Vilgax Dreadnought at high speeds, and with full agreement from both Serena and Bellicus. which you find that quite rare, but the power Vilgax has recently attained. well made the Celestialsapien quite unhappy and that is an understatement conjuring the power can from a Celestialsapien infant.

As Alien X! is getting closer, He sees Ship approaches him "SHIP! SHIP!" He barked.

Alien X greeted Ship. "Hello Ship, I am happy you want to help but you need to leave with the others. Please."

Ship Goes full Ship "SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP!" Ship turns around. opening his hanger doors open revealing Julie.

Alien X was shocked. "Julie, what are you?"

Julie "Ben please take ship with you, Tetrax explains through the cons of what you are planning. You should not be alone after what happened to earth." Julie turns to see the destroyed earth. The silence is quiet once again.

Alien X stares at Julie "Okay Julie but I am going to teleport you to the Highbreed carrier ship so you can join them in New Earth."

Julie nods appreciatively and smiles. joking "thanks. sorry Ben it has been a fun ride you immature prat."

Alien X nods "Motion Carried: Transport Julie to Carrier ship." Julie was gone but not forgotten.

"Let go ship" Shipe jumps about in space excitedly.

They together head to Vilgax ship and smash their way through the corridors fight after fight defeating foe after foe. reaching the throne room.

Alien X in his triplet voice echoes "VILGAX! I am here to destroy you once and for all!" Ship echoed the sentiment.

Vilgax Laughs "so you fight at full strength straight away very smart for Child! This power I stole from the Celestialsapien has made me a god and you think that you and that pathetic excuse of Galvanic Mechamorph can beat me."

Alien X had his palm out, swiping it to the side. "Motion Carried: Eradicate Vilgax. Ship Hold on tight." Ship does so in a quiet murmur.

Vilgax eyes Bulged out not thinking Ben 10 would fully eradicate him. "WHAT! You realised that if you eradicate me then you yourself will as well.

Alien X nods "I know Vilgax!" with some spit in his voice. "Why do you think both Serena and Bellicus agreed to my plan? They gave me full control?"

Vilgax for once in his entire existence feels quite nervous. He may have finally truly pushed Ben 10 over the edge. He looks at his Tendrils arms disintegrating from Existence but the same can be said about Ben 10.

Alien X spoke in a judgemental tone. "Without sacrifices, there can be no victory to win Vilgax. you taught me that. So, by using all of Alien X power to get rid of you and your Celestialsapien powers. Well, it is worth it I say. This is not a fight; this is me being pushed to the edge you created."

Vilgax Smiles and sits back down on the throne while a grow light takes his, Ship and Alien X bodies for good. He spoke finality in his voice.

"Goodbye Ben Tennyson and for once you have been worthying adversely if not childish."

Alien X also spoke in finality. "Goodbye Vilgax. Goodbye everyone!" Everyone watches as Ben and Ship goes from existing to non-existing in a matter of minutes, ending Vilgax as a threat once and for all.

Julie was laced with tears. A hand was placed on her shoulder. "You did the right thing my dear!"

A white light appeared before her and everyone else. She smiled and nodded. Tears raining down for the final time.

"Alien X!"

As Alien X! approaches Vilgax Dreadnought at high speeds, and with full agreement from both Serena and Bellicus. which you find that quite rare, but the power Vilgax has recently attained. well made the Celestialsapien quite unhappy and that is an understatement conjuring the power can from a Celestialsapien infant.

As Alien X! is getting closer, He sees Ship approaches him "SHIP! SHIP!" He barked.

Alien X greeted Ship. "Hello Ship, I am happy you want to help but you need to leave with the others. Please."

Ship Goes full Ship "SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP!" Ship turns around. opening his hanger doors open revealing Julie.

Alien X was shocked. "Julie, what are you?"

Julie "Ben please take ship with you, Tetrax explains through the cons of what you are planning. You should not be alone after what happened to earth." Julie turns to see the destroyed earth. The silence is quiet once again.

Alien X stares at Julie "Okay Julie but I am going to teleport you to the Highbreed carrier ship so you can join them in New Earth."

Julie nods appreciatively and smiles. joking "thanks. sorry Ben it has been a fun ride you immature prat."

Alien X nods "Motion Carried: Transport Julie to Carrier ship." Julie was gone but not forgotten.

"Let go ship" Shipe jumps about in space excitedly.

They together head to Vilgax ship and smash their way through the corridors fight after fight defeating foe after foe. reaching the throne room.

Alien X in his triplet voice echoes "VILGAX! I am here to destroy you once and for all!" Ship echoed the sentiment.

Vilgax Laughs "so you fight at full strength straight away very smart for Child! This power I stole from the Celestialsapien has made me a god and you think that you and that pathetic excuse of Galvanic Mechamorph can beat me."

Alien X had his palm out, swiping it to the side. "Motion Carried: Eradicate Vilgax. Ship Hold on tight." Ship does so in a quiet murmur.

Vilgax eyes Bulged out not thinking Ben 10 would fully eradicate him. "WHAT! You realised that if you eradicate me then you yourself will as well.

Alien X nods "I know Vilgax!" with some spit in his voice. "Why do you think both Serena and Bellicus agreed to my plan? They gave me full control?"

Vilgax for once in his entire existence feels quite nervous. He may have finally truly pushed Ben 10 over the edge. He looks at his Tendrils arms disintegrating from Existence but the same can be said about Ben 10.

Alien X spoke in a judgemental tone. "Without sacrifices, there can be no victory to win Vilgax. you taught me that. So, by using all of Alien X power to get rid of you and your Celestialsapien powers. Well, it is worth it I say. This is not a fight; this is me being pushed to the edge you created."

Vilgax Smiles and sits back down on the throne while a grow light takes his, Ship and Alien X bodies for good. He spoke finality in his voice.

"Goodbye Ben Tennyson and for once you have been worthying adversely if not childish."

Alien X also spoke in finality. "Goodbye Vilgax. Goodbye everyone!" Everyone watches as Ben and Ship goes from existing to non-existing in a matter of minutes, ending Vilgax as a threat once and for all.

Julie was laced with tears. A hand was placed on her shoulder. "You did the right thing my dear!"

A white light appeared before her and everyone else. She smiled and nodded. Tears raining down for the final time.

Chapter Text

? Milky way/Shadow Sea/Iera System

"Shepard" someone shouted….

"Commander Shepard" Again that same voice shouted again.

Eyes slit slowly lift open…. to see a raven hair hourglass look woman. that goes by the name Miranda Lawson, who in the eyes of herself and her father is a genetic perfect human.

Shepard here after being dead for 2 years after the events of 2183 where the alliance forces fought a giant AI, called a reaper known as Sovereign. This happened at the battle of the citadel. Where Shepard and his ground team fought Saran and his Geth army, husk and krogen forces.

Shepard has warned the council of the reaper threat for a while now. There are a group of giant mechanical, synthetic machines that want to wipe out the rest of the galaxy. While they do not believe him, he is a valued asset to the Spectre program. Now in 2185 Shepard works with a group (while reluctantly) called Cerberus. It is a group that supports pro-human and has done some nasty experiments on people and creatures alike behind their name.

Shepard is 28-year-old man. Who has a strong body build. He has a shaved haircut around his face. Shepard was trained by the best of the best as he is considered special forces. His armour is referred to as N7. Only those with the training can have that type of armour.

Miranda raised an eyebrow, hands on her hips. "Commander Shepard, we are nearing Horizon. Are you feeling, okay?" Miranda is Shepard second in command. She has black raven hair, Wearing a skin-tight suit in her Hourglass body figure.

Shepard Nods shaking his head. "I am fine thanks for asking Miranda. has Mordin, already got the team armour equipped with the anti-deterrent for the seeker swarms.

Miranda Nods back. "Yes, Garrus and I will be waiting in the shuttle bay." Miranda walks away leaving Shepard to his lonely thoughts.

"God, I miss Liara."

?/Horizon

"Hello Benjamin"

Ben startled and jumped up. He looks up with Ship in hand then looks around at the new surroundings. He turns to face his old friend. "Hello professor paradox what up. Where am I?"

"Ship, ship" Ship agreed.

Professor paradox chuckles "yes indeed Ship. Now Benjamin after your victory against Vilgax. I feel like you deserve a new life after that tragic event. Oh, and before I forgot Gumball?" He hands out a sweet snack.

Ben shakes his head, paradox continues and chews on said gumball "very well. Benjamin here you are on a colony planet called Horizon. I am afraid you cannot return to your own world due to how much power you use in Alien X. It causes a flux against Vilgax powers. The same is said for Ship. I am sorry but I brought you here so you can live the rest of your life and hopefully move on."

Ben shakes his head again while Ship looks down and sad, missing Julie. "Sorry Ship," Ben turned to Paradox. "Yo professor, can I still use Alien X or are they…." Stopping himself

Professor paradox chuckles "No they are still in the Omnitrix, they are here to keep an out for you. In a sense..."

Ben was confused by the phrase. His gaze was distant…

"I put them in a security lock so that way I only use him for emergencies, and I don't want to alter too much of this universe." Ben nervously chuckled after a few minutes.

Professor paradox chuckled back. "Very wise young Benjamin, oh and before I go, be sure to not mention you are from another universe. People here are… well let us just say extreme in what they do if found out. That is why Asmuth gave you the instruction manual to make it seem like you created it."

Ben mods understanding what Paradox means and knowing Ben. that secret would not last long. "Thanks" Ben said with a single tear drop from his face looking at the planet sunset gazing at the star with a distant expression…

Professor paradox walks away with a. "Goodbye Ben and for what it is worth. I am sorry. good luck, my old friend."

"Hello Benjamin"

Ben startled and jumped up. He looks up with Ship who in his hand. then he looks around at the new surroundings. He turns to face his old friend. "Hello professor paradox what up. Where am I?"

"Ship, ship" Ship agreed.

Professor paradox chuckles "yes indeed Ship. Now Benjamin after your victory against Vilgax. I feel like you deserve a new life after that tragic event. Oh, and before I forgot Gumball?" He hands out a sweet snack.

Ben shakes his head, paradox continues and chews on said gumball. "Very well. Benjamin here you are on a colony planet called Horizon. I am afraid you cannot return to your own world due to how much power you use in Alien X. It causes a flux against Vilgax powers. The same is said for Ship. I am sorry but I brought you here so you can live the rest of your life and hopefully move on."

Ben shakes his head again while Ship looks down and sad, missing Julie. "Sorry Ship," Ben turned to Paradox. "Yo professor, can I still use Alien X or are they…." Stopping himself

Professor paradox chuckles "No they are still in the Omnitrix, they are here to keep an out for you. In a sense..."

Ben was confused by the phrase. His eyes was distant…

"I put them in a security lock so that way I only use him for emergencies, and I don't want to alter too much of this universe." Ben nervously chuckled after a few minutes.

Professor paradox chuckled back. "Very wise young Benjamin, oh and before I go, be sure to not mention you are from another universe. People here are… well let us just say extreme in what they do if found out. That is why Azmuth gave you the instruction manual to make it seem like you created it... Just a heads up. your in the year 2185." Ben body froze on news, He turn to Paradox to hope he was joking... He was not.

Ben nods understanding with what Paradox means. knowing Ben, that secret would not last long. "Thanks" Ben said with a single tear drop from his face looking at the planet sunset gazing at the star with a distant expression…

Professor paradox walks away with a. "Goodbye Ben and for what it is worth. I am sorry. good luck, my old friend."

2185/ Horizon First half

The shuttle lands on the colony of horizon empty and barren of people. Shepard gives out orders to move forward as they reach the plaza seeing nothing. Behind him are Miranda and Garrus Vakarian.

Garrus Vakarian is a Humanoid Alien with Bird-like features and has an intense sense of right and wrong. Though that sense tends to get him in trouble with his own kind. He has a scar on the right side of his face. (our left). He also supported Shepard back during the battle against Saren.

Garrus shakes his head muttering under his mandible breath... "Something is not right here, I know the collectors are hitting hard but where are the bodies? In fact, where are the collectors? The ship right there." Garrus pointed up towards the massive hive looking ship above them.

Miranda looks around and speaks. "I don't know… wait I found a collector dead body here" Both Shepard and Garrus form up around Miranda.

Garrus asks, looking at the dead collector. "Is it Alliance?" Shepard looks over to see but confused by what happened.

Miranda shakes her head "No. they were hit with electrocution attack. Either by a high powerful overload or something similar."

A voice radio over the coms "Commander I am receiving a com link with an Alliance network. Sir it is Kaden Alenko…" Shepard took a minute before he had his fingers to his earpiece with a strained but controlled voice.

"Patch it through. EDI." EDI is an AI that helps run Shepard ships above the colony.

Kaden Alenko with a stressed voice "Hello who out there please Identify yourself!"

Shepard responded with a controlled tone "Kaden it me… Commander Shepard. What is your status?"

Kaden Voice narrows "Shepard. you are dead… prove it!"

Shepard Voice groggy as ever "Sending codes now."

Shepard opened his omni tool on his wrist. He sends out code relating to alliance days.

Kaden Voice narrows further "I got them, and you got a lot of explaining to do… Sir!"

Shepard shuts his eyes and rubs them "I know I do Kaden. I am here to help just give me your…." Shepard hears voices from a distance. "What was that?" he asked. With Miranda and Garrus having also heard the noise, Look around.

"Ship, Ship" Both Miranda and Garrus look at each other funny over that deep mechanic noise.

Kaden hears Ship's voice through the omni-tool and crackles. "Ah you hear Ship. Go toward that and you found me there. Kaden out"

Shepard looked at both companions. Both looked back confused by the situation. "You heard the man Move out."

Both Miranda and Garrus guns ready head out to that location. As they made it, they saw a Galvanic Mechamorph in Spaceship mode shooting down a horde of collectors.

Garrus gapped. "Spirits. What is that green, circuit thingy?"

Miranda eyes narrows "I do not know, and I do not like it. This was never in the reports."

Shepards looks around while the action takes place and sees a storage unit that looks to store vehicles. Then he looks back. Then spoke in a commanding tone. "Everyone, let us help. Garrus stays back and keeps distance. Snipe your shots, make them count. Miranda covers me with your biotics; I am going in." Both nod and went following the command.

Garrus was Sniping a few shots in. Which got noticed by Ship. Miranda covered Shepard with her biotics. Shepard charges in taking out a horde that is converging behind the Giant ship. about Five minutes into the battle an energy spick kicks in on one of the collectors.

Garrus grunts "great big guys here!"

"We are the harbinger of your destiny..."

"Good for you but can you harbinger you executioner" a Voice Boom from the strange ship crashing on said Collector with electric force. This being appears to have conductors on its shoulders, black raven hair that spikes downwards, and stitches around half its body while the other half is damaged or wearing pitch black trousers.

The strange monster stretched out from the long jump. He looks toward Shepard group. Eyes popped out, noticing Garrus. "Mice to meet you, I'm Frankenstrike or Ben Tennyson for short."

Miranda Eyebrows rose slightly intrigued by this announcement "How is Ben Tennyson short for Frankenstrike also you're getting shot at… it not affecting you at all?"

Frankenstrike turns and shoots electricity out of his hand wiping out the rest of the enemy forces. Shepard's group looks shocked at how easy it was for the beast to lay the enemy force.

"Love this Ali… form, that it! this form. You must wait to find out why Ben Tennyson is short. We need to meet Kaden. Ship come down here and we need to meet Kaden."

Ship comes down excitedly "ship, ship" Everyone guarded as they follow the monster.

Garrus jumps slightly at how that Ship called Ship turned into a blob. "How did that blob. turn into a war machine. also, his name is ship?"

Ship looks at Garrus like he is an idiot. Frankenstrike chuckles as he walks toward a massive gate. "Ship behave; ship here can turn into any form of machine. As long as he understands it of course."

Everyone's eyes bulged out at that info. Miranda most of all out of the three pulls up her omni tool and records it to Mordin and the illusive man. She was also gathering info on one Ben Tennyson.

Shepard asks as he follows Frankenstrike. "How do you know Kaden?"

Frankenstrike smiles slightly "Been living here since the attack. Do not know Kaden that long but he has been here to shore up this colony's defences. Alliance sent him of course. When we heard about the other colonies getting attacked. I managed to fend off many of the collectors. I say 10 percent of the colony's people are mainly children though. Hang on we at the door let me bang the code in."

Shepard stops midway. He turns towards Garrus and Miranda "what have you got Miranda?"

Miranda shakes her head "Right nothing and I mean nothing, nothing in alliance channels or Cerberuses either. It is like Ben Tennyson, a ghost that just appeared out of thin air."

Garrus looks at Miranda strangely, "why look at human systems and not aliens."

Shepard responds for her. "Because both his names are or have human origins. There is also the fact that this Ben Person looks at you Garrus like he has not seen your species before. I doubt that since Turian's are on the net."

Miranda agrees with Shepard's assessment of the Frankenstrike character. Garrus was about to retort but a strong voice came over.

Frankenstrike shouts, waving them over with Ship on his shoulder. "You are coming. I got the gate open. Kaiden waiting inside."

Shepard breaths inwards "let's go and see Kaiden."

Shettle base/intermission

Shepard sees Kaden as soon as he walks through the gate. "Kaiden it." but was cut off.

"Shove it commander you died. Now you are working for Cerberus. I should arrest you for capturing these colonists but right now."

Now Kaden was cut off by Frankenstrike. Shepard look down stress that this is all happening.

"Kaiden, I told when I accessed these ugly bugs computers that they were working with a group called the Reapers. not Cerberus" Kaden scowled at that news.

"And besides, we need those defence towers online. Shepard and his group are not affected by those ugly smaller bugs."

Miranda narrowed her eyes at the creature. She interjects. "They are called collectors and seeker swarms."

Frankenstrike snorted "that a stupid name, I called them buglectiors or Swarms."

Miranda Eyebrows raised not wasting this opportunity "What are you a child in that flesh to name something so idiotic."

Frankenstrike Blanches hand waving in front. "Hey, I am, 19. Thank you very much. no child here"

"Shipp" Ship nods agreeing. The children giggle at Ship.

"Thank you ship" Everyone except the children now stares at the monster like he grew a second head.

Garrus shocks his head "I am sorry how old are you."

Frankenstrike blanchers further. becoming pale if that even possible for him. His hourglass symbol that on his belt started beeping.

"Beep, Beep, Beep, Beeeeeeep." A bright green light flashes everyone.

Ben responds with a cry "arrr Man run out of Energy!"

Miranda just stares dumbfounded at this kid, Shepard on the overhand "So Ben how does a kid like you learn how to fight like that or better yet. fight in battles that gets people killed."

Garrus nods, adding. "Not only that but you managed to change from that monster to well you."

Ben just ignores everyone or pretends to anyway and focuses on his watch. "Damm Omnitrix"

Now Miranda, Kaden, Garrus, and Shepard look at each other. Miranda Grabbing Ben Arm angry at the kid ignoring them, "How did you transform into Frankenstrike? You called it and answered Shepard's question on the matter of how a kid like you knows how to fight?"
Ben Blanchers even more "Urm can we talk about this, after we get the defence grid back online."

Miranda is about to burst another socket, but EDI interrupts her. "The boy right you don't have that long till most of the human adults are being are abducted."

Shepard grabs Miranda's shoulder "we take him back to Normandy for questions right now. We need to focus on the colony".

Miranda looks back at Nods, looks at Ben "this is not over and stay here."

Ben nods and Miranda lets go of him. Shepard looks at Kadan. He already responds before Shepard asks "He is protected by the colony. Even if I wanted to bring him to alliance. I could not. Everyone here loves him, nothing I could do. I did ask a question though and he helped shore up the Defence of this colony."

Shepard Nods "Alright Kaden, stay here. My team armour is protected by those seeker swarms. So, we should get the defence turrets online. Garrus scouts ahead" Garrus Nods and goes on ahead Vindicator in hand.

Shepard looks at Miranda "Start an algorithm with EDI. while we were catching up to Garrus. We needed those guns online yesterday." Miranda nods and starts working with EDI through the Coms.

"Let move!"

But before they do, a green light appears. Everyone turns to look.

"TenTen" The beast shouted in fully green armoured weapons and a jet pack with a big x in the middle that shows the hourglass symbol.

He looks at the ship "Ship keep the kids safe" Ship nods and turns into a turret protecting the kids. Then TenTen moves out.

Shepard grabs TenTen on the shoulder "I'm pretty sure Miranda told you to stay behind and right now I agree with her."

TenTen just shrugged him off. He looks at the door, then flies off not before turning to Shepard to say something. "You are not my boss or my mum for that matter! I am here to help, so let me."

Ship looks sad when he mentions mum "ship" said in quite a depressed tone Miranda notices this and stores that info for later.

2185/ Horizon second half

While TenTen flies off ahead. Shepard group is shooting everything collector related. Garrus makes through a horde of scion, husks, and collectors to get to the Gun batteries.

Garrus Huffs Heavily "We Made it." Miranda while not tired agrees that the battle getting here was tough.

Shepard nods but looks around and sees TenTen fighting off against the horde of husks in the centre area, using in-built blasters and laser swords. Shepard walks up shooting the remaining husk covering TenTen.

"You, okay?" Shepard asked. TenTen Nods back. Garrus and Miranda catch up.

Miranda looked Angrier than before, "we told you to stay behind kid."

Garrus just noticed "WAIT! You are that same kid who can turn into, what was that creature called?"

Miranda Responds, "it is called Frankenstrike" TenTen nodded.

Garrus Nods "thanks. Yes that. Why are you here? this is not your fight nor of human adult age to fight." TenTen was about to retort with his blaster, but EDI comes in again.

"I need access to the computer. That way I can access the weapon mainframe, so they work to full efficiency Commander,"

Shepards Nods Accessing the mainframe "you should have it now EDI."

EDI starts fixing the Guns "it takes ten minutes to fix the guns Shepard. you have on coming collector reinforcement."

TenTen came up to the station and spoke up. "I can increase the fixed speed if you allow me, whatever you are?" He can tell that is not a normal organic voice.

EDI replies "I am an AI."

TenTen Chuckles a bit with that info, "Right with your permission I increase the speed."

Shepard chimes in "not the time to discuss this as we got incoming, everyone turns to see the collector reinforcement arrives.

TenTen turns back to the console "well…"

EDI Silent for a few minutes contemplating the idea. "Very well!" She agreed.

TenTen shouted out. "Nice!" And hits the Hourglass Symbols, A green light appears.

Upgrade" Shouts and walks toward the console. He tackles it and combines with the terminal with his Mechamorph abilities.

EDI murmured. "Interesting. Commander The Guns are now online, with some upgrades as our new friend called them."

The guns now look heavier but also stronger as well. The increase in power from upgrade has done damages to the ship piercing its hull and breaching its defences.

Shepard, Garrus, and Miranda look above and what young ben has done. "Spirits,"

"Holy shit" over the com channel. The ship is leaving but now with intense damage. Upgrade leaves the station and hits the hourglass again. he now has become.

"Atomix!" and chase after the collector ship but before Ben could use the nuclear winner attack. The collector ship turns a full 180 and fires the laser down upon Atomixs. hitting him in the chest. This causing Atomixs to crashed down on the ground turning him back to Ben with a gaping wound.

Shepard shouts and runs towards "BEN! EDI, we need…"

The Normandy pilot spoke over the com, "The shuttle coming in Shepard. Dr Chalkwas is on board. EDI is doing research on the Upgrade creature, we saw what happened.

Shepard nodded and looked at his crew, "Thanks joker. Miranda Keep him stable" Shepard got up and turned towards Garrus.

Miranda Nods and knelt. hovering over Ben wound with the omni tool. Ready to apply Medi-gel on him.,

"Garrus go report to," Kaden appears before Shepard gives the order.

"I saw the whole thing, what happened Shepard?" Shepard looks from Kaden to the down Ben. Kaden follows the trail and sees a gruesome sight.

"Holy shit, is he?" Shepard Nods back at Kaiden. Sighing a relief.

Kaden continues "I must report back to the alliance, I… I need to report the colonies are abducted by the collectors with communication evidence of reaper involvement. I do not trust Cerberus Shepard. I need time to think sir. Plus, the kids need to get to the citadel for well you know."

Shepards nods in understanding. lends his hand. "I Understand and thank you Kaden."

Kaden huffs and shakes Shepard's hand in return for good gestures. "Goodbye Shepard. Good luck against the collectors." Kaiden leaves back to the children.

"Ship, Ship!" Arrives to see Ben Injured. Garrus catches him before he gets to Ben "gotcha. Do not worry about him, we get him patched up."

"Ship" His Head down in a slump.

The shuttle arrives with Chalkwas on board. "Get him here so I can start" she shouted,

They all nod and jump aboard while Miranda is hovering Ben into the shuttle. Dr Chalkwas got right into work on the boy. The shuttle heads back to Normandy to get ready for the coming storm.

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2 is a private ship built for warfare. It was made by Cerberus after the first one was destroyed by the collectors in an attack. Now the new ship is built to fight the collectors. Shepard while working on fighting the collectors. Was collecting Crew mates for the mission.

He recruited Zaeed Massani a mercenary for Hire. Mordin solus a retired Salarian scientist. Garrus Vakarian old friend and the recently deceased Archangel. Grunt a Krogan born for fighting. Jack the psychotic biotic. Kasumi the Phantom thief.

Jacob was part of Lazurus project alongside Miranda. so, they both joined right at the beginning. Dr Karin Chalkwas, joined as soon as she herd Shepard was alive, Joker, Shepard old pilot, and friends. Also join in the hunt for the collector. Though he going to stay in his comfortable leather seats. And EDI a virtual AI to assist in the aid of stopping the collectors.

The rest of the ship crew are only coms Men and women. Star maps guides, chief and cleaning crew, engineers, and security. They was also Kelly chambers. Shepard secretary and therapist.

Normandy SR2 Meeting Room

Shepard is in the middle of the room standing on a circle that highlights around him. This circle allows him to communicate with his boss, the Illusive man.

Illusive Man is a white middle-aged man wearing a black suit with white under top. He is appearing in a holographic display in front of Shepard. He puffed out a smoke and he spoke with a smooth hard edge.

"Shepard, your report on Horizon is interesting to say the least. Is all of this confirmed."

Shepard replies with a frown on his features. "Do not I know it. A boy who can shapeshift into different forms with several types of powers. If word got out, he would be hunted if not running for his life. This was not picked up by your intel?"

The Illusive Man shook his head. "No and that is what scares me. Have we got any idea how he is able to transform?"

Shepard crossed his arms. "As far as we can tell, that watch of his is the reason. He is called the Omnitrix. He slams it down and bam a big green light appears. turning into whatever he shouts the name of that creature. it is Placed on his wrist."

Illusive Man puffed out another smoke. "Is there any way to take off that watch or use some of its technology for our own?"

Shepard shook his head. "Miranda, Chalkwas and Mordin all tried but it could not come off. Mordin believes the watch is Key to Ben DNA. making him the only one to use it. so, it is attached to him permanently. By the way, Miranda is not happy about that."

The Illusive Man chuckled. "I would imagine. Well, if that is the case we leave it at that till we know more. What about that creature… Ship I believe?"

Shepard Nodded. "Yes. Now that is something the crew is nervous about because they all think it is AI, but it is not. Ship structure is VI at most but still thinks, lives like an AI Dog. if that makes any sense. Mordin was able to get some DNA from it but most of it was circuit boards and synthetic wiring. Before you ask. No, I do not think Ship will join us, not without his owner Ben anyway."

Illusive Man nods "Very well Keep me updated on the situation and here the rest of the dossiers, good luck Shepard."

Shepard Nods and leaves the call and the conference room towards the medical wing.

Normandy SR2 Medical wing

Shepard just made it into the crew cafeteria when Miranda calls out "Commander!"

Shepard nods "Miranda,"

Miranda smiles "That Boy Ben has woken up. I had Jacob and Mordin keep an eye out in case he does something. His pet ship, well we try to contain it, but he keeps escaping to where that boy is. so, we just left him they."

Shepard Nods with a smile "Good I was heading they myself to check up on him and you better come too so the illusive man will not have a fit."

Miranda smiles appreciably, arms stretched out in front. "After you Commander."

So, they both went towards the medical wing, which was crowded by the crew of the Normandy. A human female with belts for straps called Jack. A Krogan that was born out of wet lock, Grunt. Garrus already knows so he is in the Gun battery of the ship. Zaeed just leans back and grunts. Kasumi is invisible getting the inside scoop. They take no notice of it and go in.

They hear a Voice shout out "I am fine doc it not my first time getting my chest blasted by a laser."

Another voice Chalkwas calls out "Dammit child you are not helping your case. Jacob help me out here!"

And so, Jacob did. Jacob is Cerberus operative like Miranda. His uniform is Black with white stripes, and he has a darker skin tone. He pushes Ben back onto the bed "you know kid that made your situation a lot worse right?" Jacob Chuckles at Ben scrump up face.

"Ship, Ship" Ship agrees.

While they do that Shepard and Miranda Walk in towards Mordin. Shepard spoke up." Professor what do you take on the situation and his watch?"

Mordin who is a Salarian and an incredibly old one at that, wearing a white medical uniform with a red strip in the middle. "The watch was extraordinarily complex. Yes, yes, I could not get a full scan, too much interference either on my end or on the watch's end. I need more research on the matter. Maybe bring the boy up to the lab."

Shepard and Miranda both nod at this information. Shepard nodded. "Thanks, Mordan, I see if Ben when he able to leave the medic wing to talk to more about."

Mordan nods, smiles but frowns. "Another thing I ask is who made the watch, and he claims he made it,"

Miranda eyebrows raise "You do not believe he made it, granted he is a boy but also does not seem very smart. they might…."

Mordin Shakes his head "No he most definitely not the one who made that device. But that is not all, from what I can gather about the technology. It is nowhere similar to ours in fact, yes, the hardware does not resemble anything we have here."

Miranda and Shepard look at each other than to ben that back to Mordan "Thank you Mordin"

Mordin nods "your welcome Shepard. Oh, be sure to send me part of your armour. I want to test. Seeker swarm result." then proceeds to leave the Medical Bay and back to his lab.

Ben shouts out "are we done yet."

"Ship" who on the side's chuckles at Ben Medical suffering.

Miranda storms up slamming Ben down the table "if you quit your whining this we are done soon, and we can be about our day."

Ben Huffs but smirks "Hello princess how are you. I did not know you missed me that much."

Jacob Chuckles at Moranda now rage expression. Shepard smirks but frowns afterwards. Chalkwas shakes her head with hand on forehead "he is clear medically but annoying." Miranda hands a fist ball of rage at that comment.

Shepard holds Miranda's shoulder. "Not worth a reaction Miranda"

Miranda Nods and breaths. She calms down. "Your right commander"

Shepard nods, "Let us all take this to the conference room where we get a private chat. We do not want prying eyes on us" He turned to the window, seeing the rest of his crew watching in anticipation.

So, everyone except Chalkwas heads up to the conference room. Ship jumps on Ben's shoulder when he gets up from the medical table and they walk up there following Shepard.

Normandy SR2 Meeting Room

Shepard Looks at everyone in the room. Miranda, Jacob, Mordin when he heard about the Meeting and Garrus as he saw firsthand what Ben can do. Ben was standing with Ship on his shoulder.

Ben spoke up. "So…... I am guessing this is not a friendly chat then considering Miss Princess over there looks like she wants to kill me. Do not know why, I have been a good, well-behaved boy."

You can just see Miranda veins pop and her eye is twitching, madly. She looks like she wants to strangle the kid.

Everyone just stares at Ben with a Deadpanned look, Ship on the other hand was "Shipipipipip" in a most giggle tone.

Shepard "coughs" into his hand. "Right, moving on Ben, we want to ask you questions about your unique abilities. Where do you come from? why someone your age and less I say immaturity ""Hey!" "Get a device like that?"

Garrus adds on to that with his own. "Also why do you shout out the names of those creatures? You did that a few times. You called the one we met Frankenstrike, the others, TenTen, Upgrade and Atomix."

Jacob chimes in after "also what with the blob that you called Ship, video footage shows it can turn into machinery but what else" Ship gives a disappointed stare at Jacob.

Ben Chuckles "yes do not call him Blob he prefers the name Ship, or he blasts you."

Jacob smirks "I like to see him…..." But was cut by a green blast knocking Jacob down. Everyone was too shocked or even speechless about what just happened.

Ben laughs at this point and pets Ship "I did warn you. who said he needs to transform to blast you anyway." Jacob gets back up with the help of Garrus "thanks and dam."

Mordin kneels next to him and looks him over. "Should be fine. applying Medi-gel is advisable" Jacob nods.

Miranda turns to look at Ben. Angrily too. "Keep your pet on a leash!"

Ben snorts "Then Tell The illusive man. Or whatever his name is. the same about you, princess. I do not like being tracked." Everyone stops cold and looks at Ben. Shepard narrowed his eyes and did not say anything.

Miranda is no longer angry, but shocked. "How, you were?"

"Knocked out yes, you see there was a small window where no one was looking, and I got Ship to access your ship computers. Also, I was awake for an hour after I arrived on your ship. I just made it hard for you to realise." But he is not going to say how he masked his heart signature.

"Ship, Ship" Nods along.

Everyone was just staring dumbfounded by what had transpired. Mordin, on the other hand, was ecstatic. "You very, good, yes, yes, you hide your true age to get a reaction out of us, then you lie about making that device."

"It is not a lie!" Ben exclaimed fist pumping in the air.

Mordan sniffs and breathes "ah but see Ben Tennyson…" Shepard cuts in. "Enough! What do you mean he lied about his age? "

"Ship, Ship" Nods along again.

Ben respond with a smile on face. "He means I lied to see what reaction I get from you and let us just say princess you was beautiful. To answer your question, Mordin, was it?" Mordin Nods.

"I am really 25 years old." Ben smirks at Miranda. who twitches at being tricked by a kid.

"To answer your other questions. First, I Made this device," looks at Mordin, who just shakes his head in denial.

"And I have had it since I was ten. I have been fighting since then also." Everyone who hears this then just stands their Jaw drops to the floor. Shepard frowned.

Miranda agrees with Mordin about the watch and point outs. "Shocking as it is to hear you have been fighting since you were ten. But you did not create that device. Someone else did and before you go about to say otherwise. Do you really believe us to be fools? No ten-year-old would have that capability to make such a thing."

Garrus had his hand up ducking at Miranda scowl. Miranda then turned back to Ben. "Fine you may have fooled some of us but from what Mordin has gathered. The tech used in that device is on another level, a level human do not even have."

Ben blanches "Dammit what do you mean "Tech used in that device is on another level. It is just Tech. Nothing too advanced."

Miranda Smirks "I mean it does not use Mass effect fields technology, no form of physics just…"

Ben interrupts "What are Mass Effect Fields?"

Garrus Answer with suspicion lace in his tone. "That what allows us to travel, create are weapons tech etc. How do you not know that?"

Ben becomes pale and his left eye twitched…. "Ha, ha, he. ah oh right those, that technology yes, I forgot about that."

Ship becomes nervous "Ship" in a quiet undertone.

Everyone notices His left eye twitch but does not say anything except for Miranda when she is about to start. Shepard stops her.

Shepard also now catches on to Ben's scheme. "I assume since your ship was in our system you know of our mission," Ben Nods smiled.

Shepard smiles back "how would you like to join us?" Everyone hears this and Miranda is not happy, but She agrees with this plan as she gets to work out on who Ben Tennyson is.

Ben nods. "Cool I am down to join and fight the big bad bugs."

Jacob snorts. Garrus just shook his head. Mordin's eyes sparkle in excitement. Like he is playing with new toys. Shepard leads with his hand "welcome aboard, Miranda you are in charge of looking after him." He says this with a smile.

Everyone else just smirks, even Mordin. Miranda just sends death glares at Shepard and Ben.

Ben openly laughs "ha let us get along princess and you too…. John" proceed to shake Shepard's hand while Shepard was looking at Ben with death glares now.

Garrus Bewildered "I thought his name was Shepard."

Miranda smirks even though she hates owing Ben back "that his last name, his first name, is John…"

Shepard tunes in "I don't want to talk about and on that note, I let Miranda set up your quarters, I have business to finish everyone wait… you never answer why you shout out the names of your creatures."

Ben Smirks "it strikes fear into the heart my enemies" Everyone just snorts, then laughter, then full brown comic relief. Even Ship.

Ben just murmurs "no one gets it."

"Ship, Ship." Ship comforts Ben. rubbing his neck.

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2.

Miranda is giving a tour to Ben, around the ship while Ship is on his shoulder. Their walk through the Main deck. Which holds the lab, Armory, Galaxy map, Joker cockpit, and the conference room.

They also go through the second floor which consists of Mess Hall. Miranda office, Sleeping hubs, medical wing, Ai core, Port side observation, starboard observation, Life support, Crew quarters, The lavatories, and the main Battery.

On the third floor of the ship is the engineering, Port Cargo, Sub-Deck, Starboard Cargo, drive core. Miranda Briefly mentions that Shepard quarters are on the top floor and that he only invites people up there.

Normandy SR2, Hangar Bay.

Their final destination is the Hangar Bay. A room full of white, Engine parts, turbine, and supplies. As Miranda Gives the tour. Shepard, Garrus, and Jacob are off on a mission.

"Finally, this is the Hangar Bay, right now we are above Haestrom where Commander is on another recruitment mission. That is why you do not see the shuttle. Here at the moment," Miranda explained.

Ben looks around and nods along with a smile. "Cool, I'll take it."

Miranda coughs out "Hang on you be sleeping in the crew quarters like everyone else not in the hanger bay."

Ben Smiles back with false sincerity. "Ah But you see my dear princess, I need an open space to practice, and the hangar bay is perfect for that. plus, you have a squatter down in the lower decks area. living there so I do not think you should complain about where I sleep."

"Ship!" nods along.

Miranda Eye Twitches Heavily but sighs, "Very Well just do not interrupt Shepard when he heads out on mission using the shuttle. unless you are part of the mission." Ben Nods in agreement.

The elevator door opens. A new voice in a deep dark female tone comes up to them shouting."Yo Cheerleader why did you call me, Zaeed, Kasumi, Mordin and Grunt down here."

Miranda and Ben turn to the elevator where the voice appears, Jack, the psychotic biotic.

Miranda brushed past Ben and explained. "The commander wants to test out Ben's combat abilities before we give the go ahead for him to join a mission."

Ben chimes in. "Excuse me. I do not need testing, thank you very much. you saw first-hand on Horizon what my skills are like."

Miranda interrupts him by saying. "Impressive yes but reckless, and unpredictable. We need to manage group cohesion. You clearly need to understand that with your childish ways of fighting and taunting. So, as your Handler I am making sure you get caught up with the rest of the team."

Mordin chimes in "Yes, must test the strength of these creatures and understand their unique abilities. Also intrigued by the Device on arm."

Ben Just Scowls thinking "I prefer to work alone anyway."

Ship nods at Ben Agreeing with both Miranda and Mordin "ship, Ship."

Ben retorts "aw not you too ship"

Miranda Smirks back at Ben. "It seems Ship has all the brains out of the two of you."

Ben Scowls at her. His arms crossed. "Alright You and me princess, one and one right now!"

Jack snorts "I like this Kid already."

Grunt Laughs "ha-ha. Yes, show them you are the strongest!"

Zaeed just leans back on the panel smirking. He turned to Mordin who had his Omni-tool out, recording, and ready. Jack sat on one of the turbines. Grunt stood tall, eager to watch.

Kasumi came towards Ben. "Oh, oh can I hold the ship while you fight. He is so cute" Ben Nods.

Ship already jumps in Kasumi arms "yes." And walk back to the rest, sitting next to Mordin who is just silent ready to see what happens. Same with Joker and EDI over Vid.

Miranda nods and brings out her SNG, a M-4 Shuriken. "Be ready little boy because I won't go easy on you…" but before she can finish her sentence. Ben slams down the watch and a bright green light appears blinding everyone.

When the light finishes out comes an orange crustacean crab that is bigger than his body. "Brainstorm!"

Everyone laughs at him except Ship. Mordin sees intelligence in the creature. He understands the connotation behind the name. He thinks Kinetic Energy is involved.

Miranda retorts snorting. "Wow way to show your big head they little boy, is it all empty up there."

Brainstorm smartly retorts "My dear Princess, if that was only so simple for your small little mind to understand the connotations of my Brain function, capabilities."

Everyone stops laughing and looks at Ben with a funny look. Mordin just smirks.

Zaeed just blankly states "is his voice different, like he is a scholar now or whatever because it gives me a god damn head headache!"

Miranda just smirks even further letting her emotions take this one. By diving in the battle. She started it with biotics, hitting him with a warp and followed it up with an overload. It hits Brainstorm and pushes him back a bit almost tipping it over.

"So, you insult me by claiming I have a small head and yours is bigger" she said with confidence. Her Left eyebrow shot up a smile thinking she was winning.

Brainstorm Crabby smile almost reaches to the eyes. Everyone including Jack and except Mordin are a little creeped out by that. "My dear princess. I am not insulting your smaller head, no, no. I am stating the fact that my brain is the size of Grunt's body if not larger for rough comparison of course." Now he said that Brainstorm head shell cracks open in half to show the giant size brain to everyone. Adding that he fired off a kinetic energy storm from said brain directly to Miranda.

Miranda Blanches, realising she walked in a trap by Ben or brainstorm or whatever because right now she is stuck on the panel wall. She Angrily retorts "well good for your big brain but that does not me you win."

Mordan chimes "Actually it does, you see you're stuck on your own Cerberus ship," He smiles. Miranda looks down to see that the kinetic energy Brainstorm is firing. It is surrounding her with metal coating her like wrapping paper.

"Fine you win Little Boy" Miranda growled out.

Brainstorm smiles "thoughts SOOO!" he said musically.

Jack comes in laughing her head off by the fact a human size crab beats the cheerleader. Zaeed just smirks, Kasumi giggles with Ship "Shipipipip."

Grunt was disappointed that it was not a brawl. The group were however quite grossed out by Brainstorm brain.

Brainstorm turns to the group "who next!"

Grunt comes in smiling "Me I want a real fight."

Brainstorm Smiles. "Sure, let me change!" and hits the Omnitrix and the bright green light appears, showing.

Normandy SR2, Hangar Bay Grunt Fight

"FourArms" A red muscular Man like creature, who is 12ft tall and has straps on both sides to hold out the shorts. Everyone Stares with Blank Expression, except for Grunt and Mordin.

Kasumi just giggles "Wow how original, were you Ten when you named him."

Ben/FourArms Looks at her with a blank expression. "Yes, Yes I was, why?"

Kasumi stops the giggles and just stares, "urmm, okay was not expecting that answer."

FourArms Smirks "No one ever does" now starts the attack on Grunt. Firing his top right fist into Grunt head.

Miranda was shocked by that answer. She began thinking. "If he had this device for that long then the taunts are not just taunts and him acting like a man child meant… Dammit I underestimated him, thinking he was just a big ego brat with no skill, but that was not the case at all. He uses the taunts to make the opponent underestimated. only for him to pull the reverse card to get the upper hand in a firefight. He called me princess, so he can get me to react and it works."

Her mouth forms a twitchy smirk. Jack sees this and smirks. She thinks to herself about Ben's fight. It is remarkably similar to her own, but one is a Criminal for Crimes while the other has a good heart. She can see that his eyes are full of depression and sadness.

Suddenly wind comes out of nowhere and in the ship of all places. FourArms and Grunt are still at it, punching, one after the another. Both sides survived each juggernaut hit. They keep at it tossing and throwing at each other, like heavy rag dolls in wrestling fights. smashing craters into walls and ceilings of Normandy.

Joker comes in through the coma in desperation. "Hey guys can you not Blow holes inside of my ship. it is causing disruption on all decks."

FourArms snorts "Heh Blows" Joker just smirks at that. Everyone just moans at the joke.

"We call it a draw then. Grunt seems the ship cannot survive my win."

Grunt Nods and accepts it while also missing the fact Ben said this is his win. "Fine but I expect a rematch on a planet somewhere."

FourArms Nods "Deal" Grunts, grunts and moves back to the rest of the team.

"So, who's next?" FourArms asked smirking.

Zaeed Contemplates this "no, I am good, I do not have to deal with the headache afterwards. I also am too old for this shit" Kasumi and ship giggle at that.

Jack on the other hand smiles. "Let go pretty Teen. Change into whatever you like but I will win against you."

Ben was about to hit the Omnitrix, but he realised something. "Hang on princess let me get you out of there before I forget" And so he did, ripping off the metal like tissue paper. Miranda thanks him and moves next to Mordin. Now Ben hits the Omnitrix, and a bright green light appears again.

"So, Morden, what is your theory about the creatures Ben uses?" Miranda asks Mordin.

Mordin replies with a sniff "Interesting, advantages yes but also has disadvantages too, if you were in control of your emotions, you could have dodged the kinetic storm headed your way in battle."

Miranda Nods Agreeing with the assessment while not happy about it. Mordin continued. "But also, like everyone here, notice a smirk of a lie on Ben's lips. Yes, yes, I do not believe they are simple creatures he created nor believed he made the watch, another creator yes. would loves to get DNA samples for research purposes."

Miranda Nods "I am going to ask him about every transformation he has; I will give you a rundown of them when I get Answers." Morden Nods Happily at that.

The green Light fades and outcomes.

Normandy SR2, Hangar Bay Jack Fight

"Mudball!" Ben screams out. Everyone was confused why Ben turned into mud was anybody's guess.

Ship was not as he Told Ben in a very ship manner of how everyone can fight and knows how they combat capabilities. Mordin also realised why Ben chose this creature. Miranda also did and had a tilted smirk appearing on her lips. Her arms crossed waiting for the action.

Kasumi Jokes, "Hey as long as he is not getting mud on the carpet. Fine by me" Ben Smirks but is quiet for a second.

Ben is looking at Jack ready for her to attack him. Ben was also glad he got to use Mudball. as it reminds of his cousin Lucy and the Big fat alien wedding he attended during his summer vacation with Grandpa Max and Gwen. Hopefully, Lucy and her family made it out in time to new earth in his old world. Miranda notices the solemn face that Mudball shows. It intrigues her.

Jack starts the confrontation with a blast of her shockwave, but that only scatters only parts of Mudball. Mudball sees this as an opportunity to drive Jack towards him with that shotgun. by slowly trying to smack her with a hammer of mud. Jack dodges of course and heads toward him; she does not notice Mudball smirk as his planned work.

Zaeed chimes in "Jack walks into that one."

Miranda Agrees "yes like my fight she uses her emotions. Though I was angered by the kid beforehand. In most cases using her emotions has helped Jack in fights. But this, well. It is a trap waiting for spring."

Kasumi smirks and whispers in Miranda's ear "woah never thought you praise jack don't worry though I keep quiet." Miranda sent a subtle thank you to the thief.

Jack Charges in slamming a shotgun to Mudball. Smirking "gotcha kid." Ben/Mudball looks at her smirking back. as the mud that is on the floor because of Jack firing her shotgun earlier. Started moving around Jack.

"Well now someone looks like they are in need of a hug." That is what Ben does, he hugs Jack with all that mud. Sucking the life out of her and containing her in a sphere of mud.

Mudball "I think I Win" While at the same time suffocation Jack. He released her to let her breath.

"Beep…. Beep…. BEeeeeeep…Beeeeeep." and a green light appears.

Mudball Turns Back into Ben.

Normandy SR2, Hangar Bay

"Well, that was fun," Ben retorts.

. Jack just punches him in the arm and smiles at him. Then walks back to the elevator.

Ben blink, rubbing his arm. "Well, that was weird, what got her butt."

Kasumi comes up towards Ben with Ship in hand "oh I have a feeling, she is thinking about."

Zaeed Coughs everyone turns to him. "Cough anyway it was fun, but I got to go tune up my weapon. Oh, and kid you got any fire attributes beast in that little do hickey of yours?"

Ben returns "several in fact why?" Zaeed Smiles and just walks aways.

Ben's right eyebrow shot up, "okay that was even weirder."

Kasumi just smiles, "So Ben since you knew. I feel like it my duty as your now new older sister to keep an eye out for you."

"Ship, Ship" Ships agrees.

Ben smirks back with "I have a few Ali-cough I mean creatures that can turn invisible" Kasumi just smiles, liking this kid more and more.

Ben looks around "by the way where Mordin"

Miranda looks at him and replies, "He is going back to the lab for further research. Also, Kasumi, I am Ben Handler. I do not need a gossip infiltrator to…."

Kasumi Interrupts "Well you did an outstanding job so far. I mean who missed the fact that Ben had this device when he was ten. I mean he said it in the meeting." Ben Nod did indeed say that then, also ignoring the fact that Kasumi was at the meeting apparently.

"Ship, ship" nods alongside Ben.

Miranda just moans at that, and murmurs "not my finest moment."

She looked at Ben and spoke. "I would like a data pad on all your creatures and their abilities,"

Ben gives her a deadpanned look "NO! I do not want the illusive man to get his grubby hands on that type of information."

Kasumi chimes in here stopping the argument before it starts "Ben think about, the illusive man made this ship, he is going to have spies here to keep an eye out on the unknown and you my friend are the unknown." Ben Scowls at that knowing she is right.

He looks back at Miranda "Fine you have by the end of the day."

Miranda Nods "thank you and thank you Kasumi." Not outright denying that they are spies on the ship. "I will be in my office if you need me" and then she walks back to the elevator. Kasumi joins her not before she returns Ship back to Ben.

"I'm going to have a word with our friend there, see ya new little bro" Kasumi winks at Ben as smiles and starts setting up his new sleeping arrangements.

Normandy SR2 Elevator

"You know he is not going to give all his creatures secrets, right?" Kasumi jumps right into the start of the conversation.

Miranda Nods "I am aware, I am not stupid to not notice he does not trust Cerberus or the illusive man either. To be honest, I do not know how much information he got from, Ship Hack. So, I am expecting at least his most used ones. ones that he does not use at all. To counter his own information."

Kasumi Nods back "Makes sense really if he is in a firefight against Cerberus."

Miranda continues "he has the advantage because we do not have access to all his creatures so it will be an uneven fight. If he turns into something different that we have not seen before"

Kasumi smiles agreeing. "You are taking this better than I thought you would."

Miranda smiles back "I will not lie and claim I am happy about this situation. but he is an asset and a strong one at that."

Kasumi nods. "I also notice each name has meaning behind them, for example Atomix in the reports on horizon" she hinted to her crewmate.

Miranda Blanches at that realising where she is going with this "if that creature had Atomic Energy, then." She thinks for a moment "Shit."

Kasumi Grins "Indeed"

The elevator doors open and they walk out onto the crew deck. Kasumi, "Nice chatting with you but next time try not to trick the kid."

Miranda nods agreeing, she needs to reevaluate what to do with the information. Then it dawned on her. Shepard knew. He pieced together Ben's capabilities long before Miranda did and he assigned her to him. Shepard used her to recruit Ben. "Shepard Tricked me, that son of a Bi" You can hear Jack in the background laughing in the sub deck of engineering.

Shuttle

Shepard, Garrus, Jacob and now the newly joined Tali'Zorah are in the shuttle heading back to Normandy. A crew member was flying the shuttle.

"Commander!" EDI spoke up in the shuttle.

"Yes EDI!"

"Miranda Figured out you assign her to Ben. in a way to help Ben into joining the crew. Also, she realised that you knew Ben capabilities and was making her angry on purpose and well this is the result."

EDI then sends footage of Brainstorm beating Miranda to his Oni-tool. Garrus just stares dumbfounded by the fact a crab has such a massive brain. Jacob Just Laughs.

"Is that kinetic energy" Tali dumbstruck by watching the fight.

EDI responded, "yes My reading shows that Brainstorm is a highly intelligent creature, which is at least smart or if not equal to mine, which is an AI core brain."

"Fascinating, how does this Ben Turn into these creatures?" Tali asks enthusiastically.

Shepard responds with a smile watching the footage "with his watch, notice that Hourglass symbol on his belt I think." Tali Nods. Shepards continues "That how, it can make him turn into different creatures of different shapes, sizes and powers."

"Fascinating"

Garrus shakes his head at Tali, "Here we go again when Tali sees something, she can't help but…"

Tali angered quickly but jokingly said "I have a shotgun, Garrus. Would you like to see it?"

Garrus Hands in the air "I am shutting up now."

Tali quips, patting him on his scar. "Good Birdy."

Garrus just stares with Narrow slits. Jacob Smirks Next to Shepard "whipped" Shepard is having a tough time not laughing at this. his old friends working together again. Tali also worked with Shepard back when Saran was a threat.

Joker Comes in "Oh and Commander"

Shepard response "yes Joker"

"Um, Ben decided to sleep in the hangar bay, which is big enough to train there for his creatures."

Shepard Nods "Thanks for the heads-up joker"

"No problem commander"

Garrus snorted but asked. "So Illum next"

Shepard Nods. "Yes, we need to recruit Thane and Samara. I am thinking of separate teams. one going after Thane while the other after Samara, but we do not know till we see Liara as well. She apparently has information on them."

Tali Nod "Shepard you need to know out of everyone. Liara took it the worst; you need to be patient with her and wait till you are both ready."

Shepard nods but his smile turns upside down "I know Tali and thanks" Tali nods back.

Jacob chimes in. "Separate teams make sense, Commander. I recommend putting Ben in the second team sir."

Garrus inputs as well. "I agree, let's see how Ben reacts to on the field mission and go from there,"

Shepard Nods along "Agreed I select the team and once I am back on the Normandy I talk with Miranda, or rather her talk with me. I doubt she doing to forgive me for my trickery."

Everyone snickers at that. Then Tali just remembered something.

"Wait. you have an AI on your ship!" She exclaimed. Both Shepard and Garrus groaned. They both turn to Jacob to explain who looked like he did not want to be anyway in the shuttle. The pilot just closed his door.

"Well Tali…." Jacob started explaining but noticed she gently pulling out her shotgun.

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2, Hangar Bay

Couple of Hours after the Hangar Bay Training. Ben changed into Greymatter, A Minuscule Level Alien with no special powers other than being highly intelligent of Several Galaxies, maybe Five.

Greymatter is working on a data Pad (he found lurking around). That he has been adding data of most of his Aliens but not all. Ben does not trust Cerberus or the illusive man, but he trusts Shepard, I be it reluctantly. Greymatter was about to add the final details to the pad before the shuttle came in.

Shepard and the gang have arrived back and jumped out of the shuttle. Shepard turned to his crew. "You guys go ahead; I want to talk to Ben."

Garrus, Tali, and Jacob looked at each other, with mock seriousness. They said together. "We are staying," Shepard just smirks. He thought "It is not even a week, and Ben is already making friends even when they just joined."

Shepard looks around the Hangar Bay and shouts "Ben you here!"

Greymatter shouted out in his tiny voice. "Down here by the workstation"

They had to look around a bit more, but they sent heads downwards and saw a Tiny Grey creature on the desk, though they did barely hear him.

Tali perks up "Ahh he so cute."

Garrus 'coughs, coughs' "Maybe but uh don't let Tali near your Omni…" Tali just interrupts him "Garrus need I remind you, that I am standing next to you with a shotgun." Garrus stops talking.

Greymatter was just smirking back at the exchange before coming back to the data pad. "Hang on, let me finish this." Greymatter added some extra detail. "And done." Greymatter hits the Omnitrix and turns back to human Ben. In his now Green Hoodie, with black top and jeans. "Also, your Whipped Garrus."

Garrus and Tali were confused by the human phrase. Jacob could not hold it in and started laughing his eyes out, Shepard just smirks but looks back at Ben. "I saw the training footage, and I am quite impressed with how you dealt with Jack and Miranda, but did you really have to brute force it with Grunt?"

Ben just smirks in return, "Nothing wrong with having a bit of fun is there."

Shepard retorts in return "not when it destroys my Ship."

"You mean my ship Commander" Joke Chimes in.

"Yes Joker, your ship. By the way, where is Ship?"

"Ship, Ship" Ship appears behind them.

"Ah he was exploring the hanger bay." Ben Answers for Ship.

Tali perks up again "Ahh he is so cute. He is the creature that can turn into some form of machinery."

Ben nods "And your watch can allow you to turn into different creatures. Can I at some point look at the design and mechanics of your watch,"

Ben Shakes his head "No, and there are good reasons for it, but it is not something I can talk about. I can go over some features that the watch has when I go and talk to Mordin privately."

Tali Nod in a sad tone "okay just let me know when you are talking to. Mordin was it?" Everyone nods at that.

Ben walks closer to Tali and Garrus who next to her smiles weakly "sorry it just this watch can be delicate, and I want…."

"Unknown Alien DNA found." The watch announced. A Green beam appears from the watch and scans Tali (Unknown DNA Acquired)

"Unknown Alien DNA found." The watch announced repeatedly. A Green beam appears from the watch and scans Garrus (Unknown DNA Acquired)

"Both DNA scans were confirmed. Now added to the Omnitrix registry." The watch voiced out to the user.

Both Garrus and Tali were stunned by the watch's bright green light. They were also confused on why they were scanned. "It scans me" both said at the same time.

Ben mutters retort quietly "Must have Just updated recently… Great so that is going to be a thing now." Ben rolled his eyes.

Shepard and Jacob look at each other "Alien?" Jacob asks, looking back at Ben. Shepard just raised an eyebrow.

Ben sweats heavily "Urm, I may have not been completely honest." He answered honestly.

Shepards Eyebrows raised "We notice, anyway I must be going. Miranda would want to talk." and started heading towards the elevator not before Ben handed him the pad.

"Give this to the Princess will you, she asks for it. It contains my Aliens." Shepard Nods grabs the pad and heads to the elevator.

Jacob Tali and Garrus look at Ben. The latter asking, "So you can turn into a version of me now can you."

Ben Smiles and hits the Omnitrix. Turning into his version of Garrus. "Calibrator!" Ben Shouts. Tali laughs at that name. Garrus just pouts. They have no scars on Ben's version.

Normandy SR2, Miranda First officer quarters.

Shepard walks in Miranda office. He calls out to her. "Miranda." Miranda looks up from her computer.

"Shepard, How's the mission?" though she was smiling you can tell that smile, forced.

Shepard smiles back and sits down opposite her "Hot and not in a safe way, for some reason the sun on that planet was fused with dark matter. which caused our shields to be well overheated in a brief period of time. But we got Tali and not without Casualties."

Miranda no longer smiles and leans forward. "That is disturbing. I assume Tali has figured out why?"

Shepard Grimly shakes his head "No, they have not gained any data other than, the sun is filled with dark matter and is making that planet life cycle shorter."

Miranda grimaces and asks. "Damm, you think Reaper?"

Shepard Shrugs and crossed his arms. "Makes sense, but without proof."

Miranda Nods looking back on her computer. "Well, whatever the case, with Tali engineering skills, the ship will be better than before."

Shepards agreed and spoke. "I already ask her for Upgrade ideas on the way back from the mission, Like I did with Jacob and Garrus. She got us some Cyclone Shield tech for the Ship Drive core. It protects us under firefights."

Miranda Nods liked the idea of the shields. "And with the Thanix Cannons and the Silaris Armor, this ship with pack teeth ready to fight the collectors."

Shepards Agreed but reluctantly "They are still a matter of the crew, they have issues, personal ones and if we don't help sort them out."

Miranda smiles strains as she has a personal problem herself. "It causes friction when it comes to the final mission. I understand Commander."

Shepard Nods and pulls out the Data Pads moving on from the subject "oh and Ben said to give this to. It is a list of Ben Aliens, but not all of them."

Miranda Nods grabbing the Data Pad "As expected, wait Aliens!?"

Shepard continues. Smirking "Yes Apparently the watch Scanned both Garrus and Tali, while standing next to them. All of us heard the word "Alien" Coming out of it."

Miranda rubs her head with her hand, stressing about with this information "We knew he was lying and keeping certain aspects about his watch to himself. but Aliens." She questioned.

she breaths for a sec "I do not recognise those aliens and if that watch can scan Garrus and Tali. Well at least stealth missions will be more accessible."

Thinking for a minute "Wait if he scanned Garrus and Tali then what about."

Shepard puts his hand up in a placating matter. "Mordin was never near Ben, whenever they talked, though he might be scanned soon. Second, I think Ben has to be in human form to scan aliens, so his fight with grunt. Well, the scan would never have worked, I think. It is speculative I know. Considering he was close to Garrus, back on Horizon and in Alien form no less. He said something about updating. I don't know Miranda."

Miranda Sighs "I am thinking since he was also injured on Horizon the watch must have focused on keeping him alive than scanning since Garrus was next to Ben in the shuttle.

Shepard agrees with that. "There were extensive injuries. I gave the watch that."

Miranda Nods looking down at the Data Pad. Shepard continues "I have half expected you to grill me for using you to recruit Ben."

Miranda looks up and a little growl leaves her lips. "While I am unhappy with it, it was necessary to understand Ben's capabilities and personality better" She smiled at the end. Shepard nods "Of course and I do apologise for it.

Miranda Nods smiling but not forced this time "Thank you commander. now if there is anything else."

Shepard interrupts "Actually yes, I was thinking, with the help of Jacob and Garrus that we split up for the last two recruitment missions."

Miranda Nods putting down the Data Pad, and arms stretch reaching the end of the desk. "Make sense, I assume one team will have Ben in them."

Shepard Nods "yes, I was thinking about you going on that mission with him. You are better at analysing than most. You know the rest of the team's reaction to him. So, whoever the third squad mate can be down to you. Also do not bring Ship with you. This is for us to understand Ben and while I loved to bring Ship as he is useful. A planet full of people are not going to be used to Ship at all, especially Illum."

Miranda Nods already thinks this is a promising idea. For one it gets the crew to understand Ben more and secondly. This will be his first mission with the team so it will be good to see how he works with said team. She is already thinking of Kasumi due to her reaction to Ben and Ship. So, her being the second member will work best. "I get on it, Commander."

Shepard nods back. "I should go." With nothing else to say he proceeds to leave through the office door. Miranda looks back down at the Data Pad. reading the list of aliens that Ben Provided.

Normandy SR2 Bridge/Galaxy map

"Kelly any mail" Shepard asked Kelly chambers. Who is a tall woman with Ginger hair and slim body.

"Yes commander" Shepard Thanks Kelly and reads up on emails, he missed or needed catching up on.

"Joker Set a course for Illum, time to face an old" Shepard hesitates "Friend."

Joker over the come "Eye, eye Commander" Shepard now done he heads to his quarters for some R&R .

Normandy SR2, Hangar Bay

Ben is now napping on his new bed. Thinking about what to and say, when it comes to having that conversation down the line. Tali went to engineering after finishing their discussion about the Omnitrix and its distinctive features, though they probably be more of that down the line with Mordin. Also, she wanted to see Sparky his Quarian Transformation.

Garrus went to the Gun Battery, that was after I transformed into a calibrator. He was embarrassed, which Ben understood while Tali laughed at him. Jacob just stayed to be Amused if nothing else. Ben did ask him for a tour of the Armory which he agreed to before we arrived on the next planet. He had to draft a report and check weapons after they were used before that happened.

"Damn I miss Gwen" Ben muttered. Ship is on Ben lap, snoring "ship, ship, ship, ship" Ben Smiles looking at Ship. Looking back Ben Normally would be against killing but, from what he noticed in the 8 years he has been here, it lives or is killed. Which is sad in his eyes but understandable.

Normandy SR2, Port Observation Deck

Miranda Arrives at the Observation Deck. Entering, she sees Kasumi relaxing on a black and silver sofa. Looking up from her Data Pad Kasumi sees Miranda "Ah Miranda I was not expecting you to arrive here, what the special occasion."

Miranda sighs "You, me and Ben are on a separate recruitment mission, while Shepard, Tali and Grunt are on another." Miranda had her hand up before Kasumi spoke up.

"Before you ask, I do not know who we will be picking up till Shepard says so."

Kasumi's eyes light up like a Christmas tree as her eyes are mystified in darkness. "You and Shepard want to test Ben out on a mission don't you." Miranda Nods not denying.

Kasumi Nods "Alright I am in. What planet? Oh, can we bring a Ship too?"

Miranda turns but not before answering "Illum and no we want to take it slow." Miranda Leaves heading back to now report to the illusive man.

Kasumi smirks as Miranda walks out. Kasumi knows this is going to be more fun with Ben around. Thinking "Hum maybe I get Ben, me, and joker to become friends."

Everyone on the ship shivers for some reason. Joker with his ginger cut Beard was just smirking. No one knows why he just is, and it is creepy. EDI just stares at him wondering.

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2 Hangar Bay (Ben section in the corner)

"Ben, Ben, Ben" Ben hears Kevin's voice fades in the background, His voice getting louder and louder "BEN!" Ben's eyes shot up, then his whole body started to wake. Waking up Ship in the process "ship." Clearly Ship was not a morning person. Ben's eyes were Blurry at first, but the Outline resembles.

"Jacob?" Ben asks and Jacob Nodded. "Yeah kid, you wanted a tour of the Armory."

Ben moans "ah right sorry wanted to get some R ."

Jacob Smiles "no worries kid, I understand. Sometimes it is good to get some R . Though why in the Hangar Bay I have no idea."

Ben set up was just a simple workstation and some cloth hanging around to make it look snazzy and private.

Ben shrugs "I like the cold." He explained simply.

Jacob gives him a weird look. "If you say so. Come on, I will show you and Ship around the ..."

Ship interrupted him. "Ship."

Jacob smirks, guessing what Ship said. "Yes that. Come on."

And so, Ship jumped on Ben's shoulder. They go into the elevator and head up to the Main floor of the ship. Where they lead out into the galaxy map. They take a left into armoury doors.

Normandy SR2 Armory

Ben looked around the place. He picked up some of the weapons. He never saw anything like it. While Jacob got Ship to scan some Collector weaponry, they noticed Horizon.

"See any you fancy" Ben turned to see Jacob standing next to him.

"No, not really." Ben replied, looking back at the Gun. He asked, turning back to Jacob. "How many weapons do you have?"

"Hmm, well what you are holding is a classic M-8 Avenger. Most forces use them as they are reliable and stable." Jacob explained. He then turned and went to pick another weapon, displaying it to Ben.

"This weapon here is the M-92 Mantis, Garrus uses it and like the Avenger, it is dependable and sturdy." Jacob points to a rectangle shaped weapon on the table next to him. Ben nodded.

"M-22 Eviscerator is the best in the business. Not like the M-23 katana though." Jacob then pulled out his handgun from his holster.

This is the Carnifex. A Pistol that got the strength of a shotgun. But if you want the safer option, you still do have M-3 Predator. Like the Katana, Mantis, and Avenger. It is a classic. Jacob then picked up a slightly bigger gun than the pistol.

"This sub machine gun is the M-4 Shurikan" Ben rolled his eyes.

"Let me guess it is a classic," Jacob chuckled. He had five fingers stretched out in front of Ben.

"Got that right. Each gun has their own classification, strength, and weakness. You have the Assault rifle, shotgun, sub machine (or S.M.G for short) and Pistol. Though a lot of people nowadays have ignored the standard convention with Pistol and S.M.G and just combine the pair. You also must consider what class you are in because that determines what Weapon suits your style best." Jacob explained leaning back on to the shelf, arms crossed. Then he further explained about the classes.

"You have six classes in total: Soldier, Adept, Engineer, Vanguard, Sentinel, and Infiltrator. Soldier is just your run a mile warrior, no special gadgets or biotics. Adept is your biotics specialist, and they always carry light. An engineer is the tech specialist that would know everything and anything about tech. Vanguard is a combination of Adept and soldier, just do not get up and close with them. Sentinel is a biotic and tech specialist; they are known for the best defences. Infiltrators are your cloak and dagger, working with the tech and soldier specialisms. They also are annoying, " Bern nodded along with all this information and asked.

"What class are you?"

Jacob shrugged "Vanguard, though I like to stay back unlike how most vanguard fights. Shepard is a sentinel and if you are wondering, Miranda is also a sentinel."

Ben nodded along at the explanation. He surveyed the area and noticed something in the glint of his eye. "What are those?" Ben points at what looks to be Heavy weapons.

Jacob turns to see where Ben points. "Ah. Those are heavy handle held artillery. They are basically mini versions of standard heavy artillery but packed for hands-on missions. Shepard is the only one who can carry those. That is the ML-77 Missile Launcher and what Ship scanning now is what we call. The Collector Particle Beam. I am hoping to get an edge in collector weapon technology with it." Ship nodded back as he was still scanning it.

"Dam. do they come with Nukes." Ben joked but Jacob faced tilted into a smirk. Ben's face turns pale green.

"Oh, you got to be kidding me!"

"Nope, it is called the M-920 cain. Shepard placed an order for one. Cannot wait to get my hands on that bad boy," Jacob explained laughing at Ben's expression. Ben's pale face turned white.

Jacob stopped laughing and asked. "So, get any weapons yourself. Other than that, watch?"

"Yeah, it is called the proto tool. It used to belong to a friend. It does not kill, mainly capture but has at least five different modes and functions to its name." Ben explained.

"Hmm. Maybe have Garrus check it out. I may be a weapons smith, but Garrus is the master when it comes to weapon calibrations" Jacob explained also.

"Ship, Ship" Both Ben and Jacob turn. Jacob knelt down and asked.

"Got what I wanted?" Ship nodded and merged with the Jacob computer. Jacob got up and turned to his computer. His eyes widened at the sight font of him. Ben came forward and looked as well.

He turns to Jacob and asks. "Find anything because I can't make heads or tails of it."

"It weapon schematics. It explains how the dark matter energy is converted into a beam that melts the body and atoms then into blobs. With this we can increase our shield density by 10%. I am sending it to Mordin." Jacob explained. He sent it and Mordin responded back with a thank you.

Jacob turns to Ben, "come on I take you to the bridge. I need to work on this for a while." Ben nodded and Ship emerged from the computer and jumped on Ben's shoulder. The followed Jacob out towards the bridge.

Normandy SR2 Bridge

Jacob with Ben, and Ship following in tow "Here we are Bridge, where our loving pilot called Joker pilots this bad…"

Joker, turning around in his leather seat. that for some reason Joker constantly loves to talk about, interrupts him "Girl, this ship is my Baby 2 point zero. Get it right Jacob."

Ben thought the process was "Okay first get a white cat I have a feeling you have that vibe about you." Joker smirks back.

Jacob just sighs "Do not give him ideas."

Joker Chimes in "too late, ordering an evil cat from the web, right now. Murhahahahaha"

Ben Smirks but continues raising two fingers. "Second. Two points zero. What happened to one?" Both Jacob and Joker look at each other.

Joker turns back to Ben and answers but with heavy hesitations. "Well, it got destroyed by the collectors. Enough said about that, the better."

Ben Shrugs "Fair enough. Hey if you want, I could use Upgrade when we are in a firefight too…"

But before he could finish EDI Flashed in in "A good idea, are output would Increase by 75%".

Jacob Chimes in "Really this upgrade can really upgrade anything to be more powerful."

Ben smiles at the head bulb. "And you must be EDI." he turned to Jacob. "To answer your question, Jacob. yes, Upgrade can do that. Did you not see the footage of me upgrading the cannons?"

Jokers crossed armed "Yes, we saw it, and no you are not touching it. My girl is simply perfect. Thank you very much." Jokers continues sarcastically "though I wonder, how is it that you can turn into cool aliens, while we get stuck with guns. not that I am complaining or anything."

EDI in her monotone voice "Jeff you're complaining."

Joker huffs "Shut up."

Ben snickers and faces joker "I am guessing, you're the serious one in the flight crew" Ben pulls out his hand to shakes joker.

Joker smirks back. "of course, that jokey banter has to come from somewhere" and proceed to shake his hand.

Kasumi Uncloaks "Nice. Can I join in this friendship circle that going on"?

Everyone except EDI Jumps "gahaaaaa."

Jacob nearly shouted, "Don't do that!"

Kasumi Grins "AH now where the fun in that"

Joker, and Ben look at each other "Welcome, Kasumi, the more the Merrier." They all Smirk. Jacob shivered at that.

"Ship, Ship

"Oh, right Joker, EDI. Meet Ship. "Ship, ship" Ship jumps for joy for meeting new people.

EDI voiced "Hello Ship."

Joker on the other hand "Hello Circuit Boy"

Everyone just stares at him "What."

Normandy SR2 Armory

So, the three started talking to themselves. Jacob Smiles says his goodbyes. Turns and heads back to the armoury but before he does that. Using his Omni-tool. "Miranda, you got a minute."

Miranda Picks up "Sure what do you need Jacob?"

Jacob instantly goes into it. "Ben, Joker and Kasumi just became friends." You cannot see it but Miranda shivers on the other side of that call.

"Thanks for the heads up, Jacob" Then she cuts the call. Jacob smiles. Knowing what to come for the crew of the Normandy SR2.

Normandy SR2, Miranda First officer quarters

A few hours ago

"So, these creatures are aliens?" The illusive man asks like it more of a statement than a question.

Miranda Nods, sighing "Yes Sir, but certainly not any aliens I have ever seen."

The illusive man puffs out his smoke "could they be from the Andromeda Galaxy?"

Miranda shakes her head sideways "No I do not think so, and there is no evidence to back it up either. I also do not believe he joined Cerberus. Like you want sir. He already seemed to figure out what Cerberus us before I explained to him."

The illusive man stands up from his seat and walks around his chair "Shame, but no matter, we always get what we want" He stares at the bright saturated sun.

Miranda was about to say something but stopped herself realising the illusive man, even after watching footage of Ben. That he is trying to find something that makes Ben tick. Realising herself that she does not know much about Ben. No one does.

The illusive man looking back sideways "That is all, I do believe you got a mission to prepare."

Miranda Nod and the communication was cut. "Dam, my job just got harder."

Her Omni-tool Lits up. On the other end is Jacob. "Miranda, you got a minute."

Thinking about it she nods to herself. "Sure, what do you need Jacob?"

"Ben, joker and Kasumi just became friends" Miranda shivers at the thought of 2-man children and one Thief Child becoming friends.

"Thanks for the heads up, Jacob" Then she cuts the call. "I hate you, Benjamin Tennyson," she muttered.

Miranda Coms opens up "Miranda we are approaching Illum, get Ben and Kasumi to the Airlock, for prep." Shepard voiced over the com.

Miranda Nods "I understand commander," Then she heads out the Door towards the elevator that leads to the bridge.

Along the way she gets stopped by Jack. "Hey cheerleader"

Miranda turns left to see Jack "What do you want Jack?"

Jack turns to look at her while leaning against the war. Arms folded across. "It is that Tennyson kid, I thought you would like to know, coming from a mass criminal. That the kid got someone killed or they got killed. I can tell from the way he looks He could not do anything about it. I do not know I am not good about talking about my emotion."

Miranda Eyebrows raised "How can you tell?"

Jack shrugs "When you are someone like me, you can tell who is insane and not, but also the look in his eyes. They were the eyes of regret, sorrow, death. I seem them many times."

Miranda thinks about what Jack just said. It makes sense to a certain degree. "Why are you telling me this?"

Jack shrugs again "Cheerleader, not everything not about you, but I figure since you oversee the Kid, I tell you what I saw. Anyway, see ya" Jack waves back. Miranda notices that she has not got her usual scowl on her face when talking to her.

"Thanks Jack" Jack does not look back but does give the two-finger salute.

Normandy SR2 Bridge

"You're Shitting me" Joker exclaims.

Miranda who is about to head up to the Bridge hears, through the echoes of the three conversations.

Ben retorts "I shit you not. One of my Aliens Gave Birth to Babies!"

Kasumi giggles "I bet they cute looking."

Ben snorts "they look like Big Chill, nothing about it is cute. Well over the fact that they are my kids."

Miranda makes a mental note and looks back at her Data pad that Ben created for her, "Big chill is a Necrofriggian, a ghost like alien with ice powers, and intangible too. Also, they are very anti-social beings. hmm if Ben gave Birth to these little creatures as Big Chill, then maybe the personalities cross over into transformation. Hmm interesting."

Miranda thinking out of her thoughts. She mutters to herself, "need to get going."

She walks up, all three including Ship turn to her. "Kasumi, Benjamin, we got a mission let's go" she said that last one with some sternness in her voice.

Ben narrows his "its Ben" Miranda, Joker and Kasumi Smirk. Miranda responds

"Behave like a child, get treated like one" Ben eyes Narrows at Miranda. Then he turns to Ship.

"Fine Princess, Hey ship come on boy"

Miranda shakes her head "ship not coming. We are going to a planet where it is legal to steal someone's property, with documentation. I am not kidding."

Ben Blanches "Seriously"

Kasumi Nods "yes sorry Ben, But Illum just a posh version of Omega. You would not know what that is."

"Is that like where all the scum live together but without laws?" Ben asked.

Joker answers that "Yep and hey I can look after ship if you want, you know to keep the crew in check and all." He wiggles his eyebrows.

Miranda in an instant "NO!" 'coughs "it is best he go to the Morden."

Ben Sighs "Sorry Joker but can't ignore the princess orders." Ben added a smirk in the end.

Joker Smirks Back and bows. "Oh of course your majesty, who are we to ignore such wise advice from someone such as yourself."

Kasumi straight up laughs at Miranda's constipated face.

Miranda scowls at the mockery "Morden Now!"

Ben Shrug and waved. "Cool. let go Ship. See ya joker."

"Ship, ship"

"See you, Ben. you to you little monster." Joker waved back As Ben turns to leave for the lab,

"Let go Kasumi" Miranda leaves with Kasumi following Miranda but not before waving to Joker "See ya later Joker."

Joker Smirks "See your later Kasumi and you are too princess."

Miranda Scowls and walks faster away towards the Airlock door. Kasumi just coming behind her "You enjoyed that more than you care to admit" Kasumi Jib at her.

Miranda Blushes and rushes toward Kasumi. "I did not…" and the Airlock door closes.

Normandy SR2 Lab

Ben shouts out "Hey Mordin you hear."

Morden comes out from behind the terminal "Ah Ben, here to talk about your Omnitrix and Aliens?"

Ben eyebrows went up, "Rumour mill that quick huh."

Mordin Nods "yes. Was not sure to believe till now."

Ben nods and continues "Sorry Doc, but after my mission we can talk about my aliens. Can you look after Ship for me, Princess suggested it."

"Ship" Ship nodded.

Mordin's three finger hands reach for his amphibian chin, clearly thinking "Very well, with permission, I like to run a test on Ship. While I care for Ship."

"Shiip" Ship said nervously.

Ben Pats Ship on the head "Do not worry they are not evasive. there not, are they?"

Mordin Smiles reassuringly "No, just want to gather examples of DNA. Run some Diagnostics, so if Ship is ever injured. Of course."

Ben Nods and smiles "It be fine ship, trust me to trust Morden."

Ship looks back and forth and "ship" nods in agreement. Then he jumps on the lab table

Mordin smiles in excitement. "Excellent, must get back to work, speak to you soon Ben" Ben nods and leaves the lab. heading to the Airlock "See you Ship, Mordin"

Normandy SR2 Airlock

Miranda Scowls and shouts at "Shepard! "

Shepard smirks and looks at Miranda. "Something wrong Miranda" he clearly knew already.

Miranda gave Shepard a funny look "Joker, Kasumi and Ben just had a friendly conversation."

Kasumi chimes in "it was friendly, don't worry no pranks where made, yet" They was an emphasis on the 'yet.'

Shepard Smirks back. He loves the idea, get rid of all the tension on the ship. The door opens up. It Ben "Hey guys" Wearing is Iconic jacket.

Shepard looks over at Ben up and down. Then frowns, "We need to get you some Armour and an omni-tool."

Ben slouches down and Mouns "Omni-tool I get but Armour?"

Shepard puts his hand on Ben's shoulder "It to protect if you ever get shot outside of your transformation. Do not will you dying on us now do we."

Ben shrugs but also pouts "Fine, can I least customize it."

Shepard Nods "Sweet" Tali and Kasumi Giggles. Grunt just groans. Miranda Scowls "You're a Bloody Child, Benjamin"

Ben Scowls back "If you say so Princess. There is nothing wrong with having fun."

Miranda was about to retort but Shepard puts his hand on her shoulder now and smirks "Come on Miranda, you can help finalize the coordination of the twin mission."

Miranda breathes and then nods "Yes commander" Both head out into the city.

Tali comments "Well that was awkward."

Kasumi Grins "really what gave that away" Then they both join Shepard and Miranda out into the city.

Ben shrugs then joins the rest. Grunt, just grunts and joins but not without leaving a "hee-hee."

Illum Dock

As they leave Normandy the approach by an Asari "Hello Commander Shepard, your docking waivers and been paid. You are clear to explore Illum to the fullest degree."

Shepard's right eyebrow rose slightly "And this was paid by?"

Asari spoke with business intention. "Dr T-Soni Commander. She is waiting for you at her office; I just sent you her office detail in your omni tool."

Commander Shepard Nods "thanks."

Asari "your welcome commander have a pleasant time here on Illum." The Asari moves off to the side.

Shepard turns to the crew "Okay, Grunt, Kasumi Help out Ben with the Armour and the Omni-Tool, then meets us back at the trade centre, outside Liara office. Oh, and Kasumi uses this identification number. you can only use Ben equipment, so no thieving." All Three nod, Kasumi Pouts and They start heading off to the markets.

Shepard nods then looks at Tali and Miranda "let's go speak to Liara" Both nod, Tali more so, she misses her old friend.

Illum Market

"So, what type of Armour should I get" Ben asked.

Kasumi thinks about "something Medium, so you can run around but also take fire if the situation calls for it. That way you can use your watch without hassle" Ben Nods

Grunt, grunts. "Should get Heavy armour, you humans are squishy. Heh"

Kasumi Smiles "You are not thinking of squishing humans now are you baby Grunt."

Grunt makes an unrecognised noise "what No Woman, I was Joking."

Ben hums "You Joke."

Grunt Scowls "Humans are annoying."

Both Kasumi and Ben smirk to each other, "We know," they said at the same time.

Grunt sees a store as they walk "Here you should get good armour, for that squishy body your humans have."

Kasumi nods in agreement. "This is a good place and has Omni-tools as well. Hmm We have to see if the Omni-tool appears when you transformed."

Ben shrugs, not really thinking about "if not, it's no big deal, we just get Mordin to work on it, or better Tali."

Kasumi nods "Why not both. you did say you are going to have a chat with Mordin and bring tail along with you about your watch." Ben Nods agreed with her.

The Store clerk appears, who is an asari "Hello What can I help you three for"?

Kasumi comes in here "Hello there My friend here would like an Omni-tool and some customisable armour if possible. preferably medium size armour." she stops.

The Store clerk Nod looked at Ben up and down then nodded eagerly. She was showing a selection of Omni-tools Ben Picks Kassa Fabrication model. The Store clerk Smiles a "Good choice Especially for your build."

The Store clerk continues "Now customizable armour is expensive."

Kasumi comes in again. "Here My Commander gave me this to pay the tab" Her Omni-tool Lights up Handing over the code.

The Store clerk nods "yes that should cover both. Now here is the list of armours we have, then we change it to match how you want it to look. It will take a couple of hours to do so. So, I recommend heading off to the bar to wait."

Ben Nodding now looks at the list of armours and picks the Hahne-Kedar Shadow Works make.

The Store clerk nodded and asked. "That good piece of armour there, now how do you want it to look?" Ben Smirks and picks out a design. Kasumi started crackling when she saw the design and grunt nodded in approval.

A few moments later.

Illum Bar

Kasumi Laughing. Grunt chuckling at the assumed asari face. Ben is still smirking. They paid and off they went to the bar to wait till the armour was ready.

Kasumi jumps in front and excitably said. "I cannot believe that you went with that design."

Ben shrugs but still smirks his ass off "What I do believe that I look good in Green."

Kasumi just Smirks walking towards the table in the bar. As they sit, they hear a voice, "Hey get the Owner, I know you are selling Red Sand here illegally" Both Ben and Kasumi look at the noise.

Ben just looks over "what Red Sand?"

Kasumi answers while Grunt, trying to adjust himself in the chair. "It is a drug, a drug that is legal to sell here with a license."

She said that last bit louder to get the blond man to shut up. The bartender shouts back "thank you" in a grouchy voice. Ben's eyes shot up "Really?" Kasumi just nods.

"Damm" Ben mutters.

"Hey, I know Commander Shepard and here would have put a Stop towards it." Now all Three heads turn with Grunt stopping his adjustment.

Ben just stares "I call him, and I might as well try my omni-tool."

Kasumi nods "Here is his number." Ben grabs the number from Kasumi and Calls up Shepard.

Illum Trade centre offices

"Thanks, Liara, for the information" Shepard says strained.

Liara smiles also but you can tell it just as strained as his. "No problem, Shepard and thank you for helping with the terminals, hopefully my next assistant will be a Gentle."

Shepard Smirk "I doubt it with the training you had, there is nothing you can stop" Liara just smiles. Miranda in the background just looks at the conversation and it got her wondering. Tali is just gushing over the fact that both Shepard and Liara are at least talking to each other.

All faces drop when Shepard's Omni-tool Beeps. "I do not recognise that number, it must be Ben."

He answers "Ben?"

"Got in one Shepard"

Shepard just shook his head. "Glad to see you got your Omni-tool, but you did call at a bad time."

Liara Waves him off "its fine John"

Ben's first response was "Ha Hello John."

Shepard Scowls "I don't like to talk about it" Miranda smirks in the background. Liara the same, though in a more I know something you do not know smirk.

Shepard calmed down. "Well, what is it, Ben."

"Oh, right there is a guy here, who claims he knows you. Blond hair, wearing the same armour as you but older from the looks of things. oh, he just shouted his name aloud like an idiot, he called himself Conrad Vernon."

Liara and Tali are laughing hysterically now because of Shepard's scowl face. "Oh, John I have not had a good laugh like that for a long time, thank you Ben." Liara says, still laughing.

Ben Retorts "you welcome, whoever you are."

Liara smirks and faces Shepard. "I think you should see to your fan problem John." she teases.

Shepards Nods "Alright Ben we on are way, by the way where are you?"

"At the Bar"

Miranda scowls again "You're meant to be buying your armour."

Ben retorts back Angrily "I did Princess. The lady at the store said it would be a couple of hours before it finished, so we decided to wait out at the bar before it finished. I am using a lot of green paint."

Miranda Blinks embarrassed by the mistake "Oh my apologies"

Ben clams down. "Whatever, anyway I wait for you at the bar" Then he cuts the call.

Liara looks at Miranda, eying her motions "It seems this Ben Character is someone unique,"

Shepard snorts "Oh you have no Idea Liara. Anyway, let us go before Kasumi robs the Joint" They are about to leave the office when Liara shouts out. "Let me know when you have that Intel John, I need to save Feron."

John looks back nodding, not showing the jealousy but knowing they are just friends and need to be professional about it. Then leaves with his squad to deal with the Fan.

Chapter Text

Illum Bar

Shepard, Miranda and Tali walked into the bar seeing Ben, Grunt and Kasumi sitting down near the commotion by the bar. Shepard walks up and spoke "I deal with this, how long till amour ready"

Ben looks at his new Omni-tool for the time, "I think another hour or so"

Shepard nods and walks up to Conrad. Ben ask "So how does Commander know That Vernon guy"

Tali responded, while having her omni-tool out, above her chest to record the commotion "Conrad a Fan of Shepard, and I mean obsessive fan. The fact, He is here, wearing old N7 Armour, really says a lot about that really."

Ben Eyebrows raised "that type of Fan huh. Are you recording that"

Tali Nods" "It for Garrus" Ben Nods back.

Miranda Chims in. with a smirk on his face "You dealt with Fans before Benjamin" Ben Shrugs, "Yes" Miranda loses her smirk, her left eyebrow raises at that tit bit of information.

"Bang" and "ARHHHH"

The crew look towards the noise. "Did Shepard shoot him," Kasumi asked.

Tali nods "Yes, Yes He did"

Grunt just Cackles at that. "HEheheh"

Shepard comes back, wiping his hand together. "I need to go speak to someone about a deed and undercover cop. So I will be back" Everyone nods. Just then Ben Omni-tool lights up "Great my armour done"

Shepard looks at Ben "Good, Miranda go pick it up with him, then come back when he changes and be ready" Both nod. Though one is more unhappy about it than the other.

Shepard nods back " Everyone else stay here and keep an eye out for Conrad and for the love of god don't shoot him."

Tali giggles "Ah you do care for him" Shepard just leaves after that, not wanting to deal with the jokes. Miranda and Ben follow after but towards the market instead of the Transport area.

Kasumi quips "Say Grunt you think Miranda we enjoy Ben Surprise" Grunt just smirks not answering.

Tali looks at the two. She has also stopped recording "What Surprise?" she asked.

Kasumi shows an image of Ben new Armour. Tali is laughing hysterically at the design. "Did you?"

Kasumi nods "yes, Yes I did" Grunt stills smirking.

Illum Market

The shop keeper sees Ben and a new Human women coming towards her "Ah Ben he for you armour" Ben nods

" I get it for, it round the back" the shop keeper said Before she left, Ben asked "is there a place to change into it"

The shop keeper smiles " of course it down toward the left, where the changing rooms are" Ben thanked her and started waiting for the armour to arrive.

Miranda asks "what armour did you get"

Ben replies with a snarky voice "Hahne-Kedar Shadow Works, I Believe it is called Janissary Armor"

Miranda Nods "A good choice for your Build."

They continue waiting for the shop keeper when Miranda asks. "Benjamin, I want to apologize, for assuming you did not get the armour, it just"

Ben looks at her "it's because I don't take things seriously I know, and sometimes it causes friction."

Miranda looks at him strangely "Then why Do…" Ben shrugs "It. It is a way for me to cope and for me to enjoy life, while dealing with problems of my own. If you ever see me serious, and not making jokes, then you know shit about to happen"

Miranda thinks about that, it makes sense, They have been Times when Benjamin has been serious, but those are small snip picks. When he does get serious he does not hold back. Also remembering Jack's words 'Those eyes, sorrow, death'

"It seems I need to apologize for my behaviour as well. I judge you quickly without getting to know you, and who you are behind the Aliens"

Ben waves his hand "it's fine I am used to it, but honestly though. you the first interaction, where I get to be well Me. Annoying, strong headed and funny"

Miranda Blushes at that "Well I would not call you funny, but annoying just about right" Ben smirks. At that.

The shop keeper comes back with a heavy box. "Here you Ben"

Ben Smiles back and grabs "thank you" he looks at Miranda "I go get change. I will be back soon" Miranda nods and waits outside.

A few moments later

Ben comes out in his green armour. The same green from his iconic Jacket, and a white line coming down the left side of the armour. That white line contains a white circle that houses the number 10 on it. His helmet is the Archon Visor that has a green display on it. There are also white markings on the arm plates of the Armour.

Ben Smile "What do you think?"

Miranda jaw dropped "Urg, you never coming on stealth mission."

Ben fakes Pouts "Arh man I even have Invisible aliens, that can do so well in those types of missions"

Miranda Smiles slightly. Trying to ignore that fact that Benjamin had to offer his sneaker aliens "Well Benjamin we need to get back at the bar"

Illum Bar

Both Miranda and Ben arrive to see everyone including Shepard at the table. "Hey guys" Everyone turns to see Ben and Miranda Walk up towards them.

Shepard looks at Ben Armour. "I see you went with no stealth mission approach" Shepard Smirks. Everyone chuckles at that.

Ben pouts "I do have aliens that turn invisible you know"

Shepard cock an eyebrow at that certain piece of info. "Well now that everyone is ready, Miranda you, Kasumi and Ben are after Thane Krois. An assassin after Nassana Dantius." Shepard smirks at that.

Ben notices this "So why are you happy this Nassana is being targeted"

Shepard looks at Ben "When I was a spectre and still am a Spectre. I helped Nassana kill her sister, but it turns out they're both as bad as each other. one was blackmailing while the other was exporting illegal goods"

Ben Whistle. Miranda comes in "that means you're after Samara"

Shepard Nods and spoke up "Move out your transport is waiting at the shipping Centre. The asari name is Seryna. I said to her as I was on my way to the undercover cop. She agreed to help." All three nodded and headed towards the shipping centre.

Illum Shipping Centre

Ben sees the asari and spoke up, "Seryna?"

The Asari turns around, "yeah that me. You're the people Commander Shepard said to take to the Twin towers?"

Miranda Nods "yes"

Seryna quickly gets up. "Then get in, we don't have much time" All three follow and get in the skycar that was next to Seryna. Ben at the front, Kasumi and Miranda at the back. The sky Car flies of towards the twin towers

Illum Highway

Miranda continues "what type of force are we expecting"

Seryna responds with "Nassana has hired eclipse mercs, heavily fortified, but extremely paranoid. thinking someone out to get her. I hope so, she was a shit boss."

Ben comes into the conversation. "Are there any civilians involved?" Miranda thought that was a stupid question. however, when Seryna says

"She has hired contractors; some are still there I believe."

Kasumi hums away "so she has hostages if needed"

Miranda thought this could get ugly. Then had a thought "Can't you get us Higher"

Seryna shakes her head "not without getting shot at"

Miranda nods confirming what she thought. Miranda continues looking at Ben and Kasumi. "We need to work our way up, take them down, and see about the hostages but that is secondary" Kasumi nods but Ben doesn't say anything, which unnerves Miranda a bit.

Seryna looks around "here you are, and when you see Thane tell him I said thanks"

Miranda and Kasumi Nod, Ben still quiet but nods later to confirm. Seryan left after that in her skycar.

Illum Twin towers

"Ben" Ben looks over at Kasumi and Miranda, "Me and Kasumi are not heavy hitters so you need a heavy hitter alien that can fight. Also, one that can provide cover if needed" Ben Nods and hits his watch.

A bright green light appears and out comes "DiamondHead!" A crystallised being that has his chest plate matching his armour in his human mode.

Miranda looks over at DiamondHead, "it seems you armour transformed with you"

Kasumi chimes in pointing towards the entrance. "Uh guys in coming straight ahead" Both Miranda and DiamondHead turn their heads to see through a plain glass. Two mech dogs with round heads and a mech with a smg in hand.

DiamondHead comes in "allow me "He points his arms out and fires small, crystallised bullets out of his fist. Kasumi whistles "Damm,"

Miranda nods agreeing with the assessment "Impressive indeed". The Mechs are on the floor damaged beyond belief with crystal shards coming off the metal skin.

DiamondHead nods "Let's go, don't want to keep the Thane waiting." Both Miranda and Kasumi nod in agreement. Ben Omnitrix 'Beep' and sent out a notice that Ben only heard. DiamondHead nodded to himself. He followed Miranda and Kasumi from behind. So, they move off towards the door leading upwards up through the tower, but they hear a noise and follow the sound. They are stopped by an injured Salarian.

"Help me 'cough' cough'" DiamondHead looks down and sees him. He knelt down and opened his omni-tool.

"Don't worry, here Let's apply Medi-Gel" and so he did. He helped the Salarian up from the floor.

The Salarian spot softly "Thank you. Are you here for Nassana?"

Miranda looked over "No, we are here for the person after her. Do you know a quicker way up the towers?"

Salarian nods "you need to take the Elevator up; it's just down the hall. The problem is this floor elevator does not work; you need to take the stairs up to the next level to do so. That and you must deal with the mercs along the way." All three nod at that point

The Salarian continues. "You also need to cross a bridge; it is not guarded or anything. But the wind will pick you up if you are not careful. mercs will also slow you down. Once you pass all that you reach Nassana office. That is where you find your friend. If they after her"

All three nods listen with detail, especially Miranda. "Thank you for the information, if there is anything else we need to know?"

Salarian looks at her "Just find my friends, they are stuck in some storage rooms."

DiamondHead chimes in "We helped them, you don't have to worry, now it best you get out of here" Miranda was not happy about that, and it was clearly shown.

Salarian nods "don't need to tell me twice, Thanks again and good luck" and so he leaves. Kasumi opens the door for them to leave towards Thane. She turned to DiamondHead.

"It seems your omni-tool works in transformation too. Neat"

DiamondHead nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I was not worried".

Miranda spoke up irritated. "Saving the hostage is secondary, remember that Benjamin"

DiamondHead looks at her like she gained a second head. "Really, because Thane. The person we are looking for is in the vents using us as a distraction. So, us rescuing the hostage just became primary. So, no rush. Then." Miranda and Kasumi were shocked by this information. They continued walking but Kasumi spoke up...

Silence stretch thine for a few minutes before Kasumi spoke up "So, Thane is using us as bait?" Kasumi asks, sounding offended, at that.

DiamondHead shrugged but nodded at her. Miranda eyed him suspiciously and asked. "How do you know?"

DiamondHead chuckles at that and walks ahead. "No assassin will do what we are doing at the moment. They are quiet, tricky and deadly. I never met an assassin that makes noise, unless it is deliberate. Besides, name me one assassin beside Krogan that walks through the front door." Both Miranda and Kasumi look at each other. Ben was right. They followed Ben from behind.

DiamondHead continues having his head do a slight turn back on the two crew mates. "He must have heard us, and started following us in the vents, using us. I know we just started but notice how obscure the place is. having no guards, other than mechs." Again, Ben was right.

Both Miranda and Kasumi nod to each other. "I hate to say it but Ben's argument is pretty solid," Kasumi says. Miranda nods again.

"Come on let's provide that distracting" Miranda says acknowledging the new mission parameters. DiamondHead Smiles. He loves it when he's right.

Miranda sees this and says "don't let it go to your head; your ego is as big as a planet" but smiles at the end. Kasumi giggles at the banter.

They fight their way through Eclipse guards and mechs. The eclipse wears Yellow pattern armour and majority of their forces are Biotic, tech-based group. DiamondHead reshapes his arms into blades and charges at them. Slicing and dicing them into mice meat. Miranda fires some warp and overload powers at the eclipse sentinels. Destroying shields and barriers. She got up close and fired off some shots from her SMG. Killing them. Kasumi went cloaks and snuck up some mechs, overloading them. Which in turn destroys them.

They reach the broken Elevator room. Which was filled with Merc guards. DiamondHead sees them, kneels down, pulls out his body into a crouch-y shape. Then the floor turns into a massive pike pillar. DiamondHead then charges at them in full force. Slashing and bashing while firing off some diamond rounds from his fist. Destroying mechs, mechs, dogs, even slicing in half guns.

Miranda and Kasumi charge behind firing with their SMGs. Miranda covers DiamondHead with warp making sure he is covered from behind. Kasumi Overload the shields and mechs so they don't get cornered by the enemy like a swarm. As soon as the battle finished.

They head to the second level, where they see the working elevator, but get stopped by a merc dropping from the vent.

"Well, that happened," Kasumi says with a smile. DiamondHead looks at Miranda with I told you so face. Miranda just shakes her head.

They head to the other side, where they get ambushed by the mercs. All three charge ahead to not let the enmity get the upper hand.

They make it to the Door that looks to be sealed shut. As they get to the door to open it, they get ambushed, by mercs. DiamondHead charges in again but this time he slams his fist in the ground, which later erupted into huge Diamond spikes piercing from the ground hitting every merc there.

Kasumi Grins "a little overkill their Ben"

DiamondHead just shrugs with a grin. "Hey at least we don't have to worry about being in constant battle after battle."

Kasumi Grins Further "true. I do prefer keeping it simple" Miranda ignored them and went to open the sealed door.

DiamondHead comes over when the door opens "Hello"

One trapped Salarian asked "Who there?"

DiamondHead puts his hands up. "Don't worry we are friendly, the way back is clear, you just have to get past the giant Diamonds. That I made. Yeah, I did go overkill on that didn't I" Kasumi snorted. Miranda just shook her head.

Salarian nods "yeah okay thank you, and if you see Nassana put in her head because she does not have a heart" All three nod.

DiamondHead "Well to the elevator." They proceeded towards the elevator and hit the elevator button. Now they wait as it comes down.

Miranda, being as smart as she is, realizes "we are going to get company?"

Kasumi nods "Yep. Let's get behind cover" and both her and Miranda hid behind the diamond crusted cover.

Ben just stands there smirking, "time to change. I think." Then he hits the Omnitrix.

A green light appears but at the same time the doors open up. As they open Ben shouted

"Shocksquatch. eh!". The Krogan and the two mercs. were blinded by the green light and because of that.

Miranda saw an opportunity "Kasumi take the one on the right I got left"

Shocksquatch smirked. "And I got Middle."

Shocksquatch rubs his hand up and down to conduct power, the more power the more it gets stronger. He fires off a blast of electricity from his hands hitting the blind Krogan. but that did not last long as the Krogan got up and charged at Shocksquatch.

"Aw Man"

'Banmg' The Krogan hits Shocksquatch and goes flying back hitting the war behind. Krogan Growled "YOU PAY FOR THAT YOUR UGLY BEAST, NO ONE AMBUSHES OUR AMBUSH!" The Krogan started charging again, with his now cock Krogan DMZ.

Miranda Shouts "Shocksquatch, you need to use an energy type alien to get through his barriers. He is a Biotic." Miranda got distracted by her opponent to continue what she was saying.

Ben nods not before dodging a Krogan charge. He shouted, "Damn time to go!". Ben hits the Omnitrix and becomes

"Chromastone"

Krogan Laughs at the form. "And what can this bastard do, pinch me with rocks"

Ben/Chromastone smirks "hit me with your best shot!" He said in a sing-song voice. The Krogan Laughed fires a biotic warp so strong it creates dust covering Chromastone. The Krogan stop laughing and squinting at the site. Everyone there fighting stopped and looked at the site

"Ben!" Kasumi shouts but gets hit by bullets, while behind cover. Miranda was speechless. She tried to remember back at the data pad and notice Chromastone was not there. She smirks.

The merc she was fighting saw this and spoke. "Did not think you can be that callus" Miranda turns and hits a warp to the merc face killing her

"I'm not. The one thing I learned in this short time with Ben. Is that he is as tricky as a clown" Kasumi grins at that before killing her merc.

Krogan laughed again, "You think he is alive after that." However, that laugh was short lived when a rainbow light appeared within the dust cloud.

Chromastone silhouette showed up in a rainbow cover energy like coat around Chromastone body "They don't need to Because I am. Oh and Princess I hate clowns so please don't compare me to them thank you."

Chromastone looks at the Krogan. who is now seething "I did say hit me with your best shot, so thanks. But he's my return policy." Chromastone hits up his fist and fires a rainbow-like energy at the Krogan, ripping a tear into his barriers and flesh. Killing him right there and there. Kasumi struck a blow to her merc when they were distracted by Chromastone. Miranda shot a wrap at her merc leg and then fired a round in the merc skull.

All three head to the lift and they go up. As they go up. Kasumi smirks and said "show off"

Chromastone smirks back. Miranda is looking over Chromastone "Energy absorption impressive, did you think you can absorb dark matter?"

Chromastone "No first time I got hit with dark matter. Of that quantity before." He smirks leaving the stun faces as the elevator hits the floor they need and walks out

"You mean to tell me you took a risk, that could have killed you" Miranda nearly shouted at asd they walk out of the elevator.

Chromastone nods quickly, being quite nervous about Miranda shouting. Kasumi Giggling in the background.

Miranda points a single finger at Chromastone "Next time you have a plan like that you tell me first, get it" Miranda Growls.

Chromastone nods again quickly only squirming out "Yes princess" Miranda walks out.

Kasumi follows behind teases. "Arh your worried about him"

Miranda Growls "He is an asset nothing more"

All free stop and see a merc ahead by a window. Chromastone "I got this. Yo Merc" The merc turns around seeing free figures that he assumes are the assassins.

"What do you want? I have nothing to say to you."

Chromastone looks out the window. "Really. looks that nice and all but..."

Chromastone grabs the merc neck and hangs him out the now smashed window. "Talk or this is the last friendly Alien you ever see." Chromastone growls at the end.

Merc squirmed a bit "Fine, someone trying to kill our employer, we believe it to be you."

Miranda raised an eyebrow and hands on her hips. chimes in "Not the man in the vents then?"

Merc looks at her barely holding on. "What Vent, what are you talking about?".

Chromastone smiles "go leave, find another life for yourself" He puts the merc back down on the floor.

The merc gets up and heads towards the elevator "Yeah I don't get paid enough for this shit." His voice sounded shaky.

Kasumi Grins "I think he is going to have a few life choices he needs to think about. Oh, and I found this data pad, something about a family or something."

Chromastone Takes hold of it "hmm. I will return this when we get back to the shipping centre."

Both nod and move out behind Chromastone they reach a big open area full of containers and building blocks.

"Careful we exposed ourselves here" Miranda stated.

Chromastone looked over "and another lock door, and mechs, we got mechs. A lot of them this time"

Chromastone fires out a beam of rainbow energy at them destroying them but as he does that, more keep coming.

Kasumi sheepishly grins "um enemy reinforcements."

Miranda nods and both open fire on them. Miranda and Kasumi both use overload at the same time to short circuit the mechs in mass. The mechs get destroyed one by one, until it stops like a domino effect.

Chromastone grins "well that was fun"

Kasumi chimes in "and Easy"

Chromastone looks at her strangely. "Never say that"

Kasumi looks back "Wait! you believe in jinxes and karma. "

Chromastone nods but smiling "of course"

Miranda shouts out "door open, and please could you two act more seriously!"

Chromastone chuckled. Walking past her to go in. "Now where the fun in that. Um hello, oh damn that is a dead merc." He stared at the head blown off merc.

Miranda looks over but as she did. A Salarian with a gun pointed it at them "Stay back, I got a gun, and I am not afraid to use it."

A bright green light appears showing Ben in his human body. With his hands in the air "Woah hey they no one here to hurt you. We need to meet the man who did that." he points to the dead merc.

"You're free to go. The way back is clear. You have to climb a bit though"

Someone in the back "talon, talon it okay there to help, just put down the gun"

The Salarian shakes his head "no. too much, too" He collapses.

"Talon, please let me help him," Ben nods. The Salarian walked forward towards his colleague. Miranda is looking at Ben with how he is handling the situation.

She mutters "He just like Shepard but more immature"

Talon gets up "are we free yet"

The other Salarian nods "Yes" He looks at Ben. "You said the way back clear right"

Ben nods "yeah, you have to wait for the elevator and be mindful of the diamond mess I made but it is clear"

Salarian nods "Thank you. we get out of your way. Again, thank you" Salarians leave.

Kasumi Grins "well that productive"

Miranda nodded, "I'm pretty sure that all the hostages. The next target is Nassana. You might want to change again Ben." Ben nods hits the Omnitrix, and a bright green light appears.

"CannonBolt!"

Kasumi Giggles "wow I'm so threatened. chubby,"

"CannonBolt is short but very strong. He curls up into a ball and charges at the enemy" Miranda summarizes for Ben.

CannonBolt Nods and Kasumi grins, "so you're like a human size bowling ball".

CannonBolt nods "Hell yeah"

Kasumi grins wider "oh of all the plans I can come up with." CannonBolt smirks. Miranda just Shaked her head at the two.

"Let's get to the bridge," Miranda suggested. And they do. Kasumi and Miranda Walk while CannonBolt rolls slowly.

Nassana Over the coms "Hello. Can anybody read?"

CannonBolt un-rolls himself and reaches out by pressing a button. "You goons are gone Nassana. Also, Shepard says hi." CannonBolt said with a smug look.

Nassana screams out "Dammit!" Kasumi gives a thumbs up. Miranda thinks about it for a sec and points out. "You're making her scared now. Good."

They reach the bridge. Had to get past a few traps and mercs but with CannonBolt charging at them those traps meant nothing. Those mercs wre tossed over the tower.

"We are at the bridge, now we need a plan to get across and reach Thane." Miranda stated.

CannonBolt looks at both Kasumi and Miranda "I charge at them, you two cover me with those drones. I feel like one blast from them, I'm full of the edge."

Miranda thinks about, "they will be surprised, which is good. They reacted slower"

Kasumi finishes, "We handle the drones and keep them off your back. Don't really want to see a splattered pancake Ben"

CannonBolt Grins not reacting to Kasumi's dark joke. Then charges at the mercs destroy and toss everything in his wake. Both Miranda and Kasumi follow behind, keeping the drones off his back through overloads.

The mercs reacted slow like Miranda predicted "what the Hell"

"What are you doing open fire upon that thing"

"Sir Thermos are not working"

"Then send the rocket drones"

"They getting destroyed by two humans behind that thing"

"Dam we cornered"

The mercs defeated as theft rolled across the bridge, some fell off the edge. some just got squashed by Cannonbolt.

"Let's go say hello to a friendly assassin," CannonBolt says with much enthusiasm.

Kasumi nods in agreement.

Miranda makes a statement "I do the talking, when we get inside. We need him to join us, so no funny ideas Benjamin"

CannonBolt narrows his eyes at princess "Can I least have some fun with Nassana" Miranda nods. CannonBolt smiles.

They get inside "What the hell are you?" Nassana looked at CannonBolt with narrow eyes.

CannonBolt Snorts "Just your friendly neighbourhood bowling ball" Kasumi snorted at that quip humour.

Nassana just stares dumbfounded at that "what? urg never mind. who ever paid you, I double it" She quickly Emphasizes.

CannonBolt snorts and looks up. "Yeah, no, you don't have enough to pay me. Hey Thane, your welcome about the distraction by the way".

Miranda face palm. Kasumi laughs. Thane jumps down, twisting the neck of one merc, sidestepping the other with the gun. Shooting them in the head. And head locking the last with his arms. killing the merc. Nassana in the process had a gun point down her throat. Thane grabbed her by the arms and laid her down to rest.

"Bang!"

Everything is silent till Miranda speaks up "Thane my name Miranda Lawson and I work for Cerberus. Me and commander Shepard are putting together a team to stop the collectors, we…"

"Please stop and let me pray upon the wicked in peace" Miranda was about to start again till CannonBolt put his short stubby hand out on her shoulder. He looks at her and shakes his head.

Miranda was about to retort but Ben came into her ear quietly "He is praying for his salvation, and it seems it is also his culture as well. So, let's give the man some respect" Miranda eyes winded by that fact. Looking at Thane. For a few minutes you can see the pain in his eyes. She turns back to Ben and nods.

A few minutes later

Thane finally looks up "I thank you for the distraction, though I am curious why a human like you can transform into so many different creatures"

CannonBolt hit the Omnitrix and de-transformed back to Ben. He spoke with a jokey tone but also a tired one. "It's because of my watch"

Thane nods at that answer. Then he continues "So you after the collectors" he turns to Miranda.

Miranda nods "they are stealing humans from colonies; we need to stop them."

Thane nods again "That requires traveling through the Omega 4 Relay, that said to be impossible to get through"

Kasumi chimes in here "They also said Shepard could not get to Ilos but yet he did."

Thane chuckles "true he did make a mission that was impossible, possible."

Ben chuckle "sounds like me a bit, Hey urm sorry for the scan earlier"

Thanes waves his hand "it Fine...?"

Ben realised this "it Benjamin Tennyson but just Ben please."

Thane nods "Its fine Ben, it help coordinate better with your team"

Miranda storms into this conversation "what do you mean scan"

Ben answers in a weak voice "My Omnitrix may have got a free DNA Sample from earlier in the mission now. Oh right, your species is called Drell, right?" Thane Nods. Ben smiles.

"Thanks, I need to add that to the reference guide, in the watch"

Miranda narrows her eyes at Ben, "we are talking about this back on the ship"

Ben waves her off "Fine, just meet me with Mordin and Tali at the lab. I promised Mordin after this mission I would meet up with him." Miranda nods. Kasumi in the background is trying to hold down her laughter during the conversation. Thane chuckles at the two

Miranda looks at "Thane, So you in"

Thane turns to look out into the transit of Illum. He looks back "This was meant to be my final mission"

Everyone's eyebrows furrow a bit "I'm dying" Thane continued. Ben looks at his watch with a sorrowful expression. He knew that Thane was dying due to the scan but did not want to say anything. It was not his place. Kasumi saw Ben's reaction and realized Ben knew. So did Miranda and she was not happy about it.

"I will join your mission, no charge" Thane says. Put his hand out for Miranda. She nods, then proceeds to shake.

"Welcome aboard. Kasumi, inform Shepard we are on our way back to the Normandy." Miranda said and Kasumi nods and pulls out her omni-tool. They headed back to The Normandy.

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2 Conference Room/Meeting Room.

"Samara, Thane. Welcome to the Normandy." Shepard welcomes in open arms.

Samara Nods "I thank you for the wonderful welcome, and I am looking forward to testing my skills against the collectors. They are a worthy foe."

Thane Nods also and adds. "I agree. I am also looking forward to working with you, and with Benjamin. He reminds me of me a bit Lonely and sad," Thane Said with Emphasis on the word sad.

Shepard's right eyebrow nearly touches his hair. "You understand Ben?" He said more of a statement of fact than a question. Jacob, who was there, looked at Sheperd, they nodded at each other.

Shepard looks back at Thane and Samara. With a serious expression "what I am about to tell, is something that even I do not or in fact Mordin understands? He is our scientist by the way." Samara raises her eyebrow and nods curiously. Thane figures it is related to his transformation. so, he nods also.

Shepard. Using EDI. A hologram video is being displayed, relating to Ben fighting the horizon attack, The hangar bay and illum. It is all about Ben Fighting and transformation.

Samara Chimes first "He is impressive, He fights to protect and is always guarded. It is similar to a Justicar and how we protect young Asari."

Thane adds "He also uses emotion as a weapon making jokes in battle, making his opponent underestimate him. It happened twice, one against Miranda and the second against Krogan. It gives him an advantage."

Samara agrees but adds "But they also sadness when he fights, it is almost like he is living his second life. fighting with people he does not understand or wants to understand."

Thane agrees with that assessment "He clearly lost someone and is trying to keep a distance."

Jacob comes in here "Well it is not working half the crew love him already and the other half are spying on him, in which Ben knows about."

Thane looks at Shepard with a raised eye. "I'm guessing the illusive man is not happy about that."

Shepard shook his, speaking up. "No and This is the one thing me and Miranda agree on. Ben will never join Cerberus and even with the illusive man influence, he cannot gain access to the power that Ben wields. But he tries and Miranda sees it as a lost cause for Cerberus. Miranda even stated that she does think the Illusive man should not have that power and make Ben a Neutral ally, rather than an enemy."

Jacob quips "And that saying something. Miranda is a die-hard Cerberus fan, everyone in Cerberus knows that, and anything to boost Cerberus she gets but here not so much."

Everyone nods at that. Shepard smiles at the new members. "Well, thank you for your insight on that matter, now we should see about getting to your Rooms" Again Everyone nods and leaves.

Normandy SR2 Lab

"And that doc is less than half my aliens you got DNA from." Ben Stated Right now. Both Ben and Mordin went through Four Arms, Water Hazard, Artiguana, Spitter, Stinkfly, TenTen, Greymatter, Brainstorm and many more.

Mordin nods "Impressive selection. I quite like greymatter out of your selection." Ben smirked at that.

"Ship, ship" trying to argue that other aliens are better.

Tali Analysing the Data of the Omnitrix which she had to get Ben permission to do. as the scanner was being scrambled by said watch. Ben just configured the settings to allow her.

"The mechanism on your watch is incredibly detailed. How it can contain that many DNA structures in a small watch. but it is very vast and quite confusing."

Miranda also looks over the Mechanics of the Omnitrix as well as Chromastone that Ben used "I am more impressed by dumb luck you pulled back there on the mission. You could have died!"

Ben shrugs "I'm fine, Woozy but fine" Ship rubbing his head by Ben neck to comfort him.

Miranda shakes her head with hand to forehead "Next time you pull a stunt like, inform me a head on time got."

Ben looks at Her "why so your precious Illusive man can have his prize."

He said with such drawl. Miranda not scowling at that "No! Because I do not want it in the hands of the illusive man."

Everyone looks at her. Tali blinks "Really?"

Miranda Nods "is one of the few things I agree with Shepard. you will not join Cerberus that much is certain, and while our research is not strictly "ethical"."

Everyone snorts which Miranda ignores. "I doubt Cerberus would have lasted long when you found out we had been experimenting on your or the Alien DNA. you would have the power to track us down and then proceed to take us down. My position is to keep you more as an ally than being your enemy."

Ben Blink, then Blink again "Urm wow, thanks Princess and sorry for you know treating like your royalty. Even though you act like that."

Miranda rolls her eyes. "It Fine Benjamin, I'm used to petty insults and many other sexist comments."

Ben Eyes flared up "Wow that rude, I think you are quite pretty and any man or woman who says shit like that should be taught a lesson." Miranda Smiles at that with a hint of a blush coming. It was interrupted by Mordin.

"Fascinating" Everyone looks at Mordin.

"What fascinating" Tali asks inquisitively.

"I was given a pad on one of Ben Aliens called Alien X, while you are on the mission, I was reading it when I saw a page about. Thoughts become reality. Ben, you know what this single line means" Ben blanches at that. Miranda Notices

"What, do you not have control over that Alien?"

Ben shakes his head and opens his Omni-tool, "Shepard can you come to the Lab Please, pretty please with Cherries on top..." The silence on the other end until Shepard called out.

"I am on my way."

A few minutes later

"So, what did you need Ben" Shepard asked with a raised eyebrow.

"What I am about to tell you cannot be told, not even to your close friends" Ben said quickly. Everyone shot eyebrows up. Tali Nodded. Miranda using her omni-tool turns off the Cameras in the lab. Placed there by the illusive man.

"Alien X is what is called a Celestialsapien" Miranda Blanches at the species name connation.

Mordin Hums to himself. "They have the power to make my thoughts become reality, just by flicking my finger" Now everyone Blanchers. Though Mordin nods, figuring that was the case.

Miranda asks seriously "Please tell me you locked that Alien away."

Ben nods "I must get through five levels of security to use him. I only use him if the needs are dire."

Miranda nods "Good. If the illusive man gets that"

Shepards finishes "all Hell will break loose." Ben Laughs. Along with Ship.

Tali asks "what funny Ben, if that..."

Ben Puts his hands up "the one problem with using that Alien is I will have to have a debate with two other voices, in which we make a motion to decide the action of the alien. I need to at least have one over to agree with me for that action to take place."

Mordin Chimes in nodding "Ah Voting system. Prevent too many problems. I assume"

Ben nods "pretty much. I am also fairly sure the reason you got that data from a friend of mine, I do not know why you have it, but my friend is clearly hinting at something." Everyone relaxes at that. Miranda Especially. Shepard was curious about Ben's friend.

"Good don't want your ego getting bigger than it already is Benjamin" Says Jokingly to relive the tension. Ben laughs at that.

Shepard looks at Ben. Nods "We use it as a last resort, if need be, but for now keep locked up." Ben Nods agreed.

A few moments pass and everyone heads back to their station. Shepard was called in a meeting with the illusive man. Miranda had paperwork to file. Tali had Cyclone shields to install with the help of Kennith and Gabby. Mordin sorts out his research old and new. Ben and ship, go to grab some Food.

Normandy SR2 Conference Room/Meeting Room.

"Are we sure about this?" Shepard asks the illusive man.

"We have never been surer about this Shepard. The Information aboard that collector ship is invaluable and it one step closer to stopping the collectors" The illusive man elaborated.

Shepard Nod though not happy, considering where this information comes from. A Turien Frigate, in the terminus space and fighting the collector ship is a hell of a coincidence. "I get right on it."

The illusive man puffing out his smoke and nodding "see that you do. This could be a valuable asset for us" Puffs out another smoke and cuts the comms by pressing some buttons.

Shepard shakes his head and speaks in the empty room. "Joker heads to these coordinates. That the illusive man sent"

"Aye, Aye," Joker said.

Normandy SR2 Mess Hall

"Arh man Gardner, I love the Chilli fries' man." Ben smiles at his favourite meal.

Gardner Smiles back "You welcome Ben. If Shepard did not get those supplies, well..."

Ben retorts "I hear you man."

"Ah Ben I was hoping to find you here" Ben Turns and sees "Shepard What can I do you for?"

Shepard proceeds to sit opposite of Ben in the Mess Hall table. "I am going on a mission to the collector ship that appeared on Horizon."

Ben Blink while eating his fries. "The same one I blasted. And you want me to?"

Shepeard continues "I need you to go solo separately, while my squad deals with the main mission. You need to gather data of any kind to find out where the attack is next or where you can free any humans. I cannot because I need info on how to stop them and where their home is."

Ben nods and looks at Ship napping then back at Shepard. "I can do that. And I will not need to use your shuttle as I have ship here. Who can take me"?

Shepard Nods "good, I call you when we close and I meet you in the Hangar Bay" Then Shepard proceeds to leave. Ben proceeds to eat his Chilli fries, When.

"What did the commander want" Ben groan.

"Hello Princess and no I won't share my Chili fries" Miranda shakes her head and proceeds to sit next to Ben.

"Good I don't want to eat that filth you call... food."

Ben looked jokingly disgusted by that comment "How dare Chili fries are the best."

Miranda Eyes roll. "Now stop diverting what did the commander want."

Ben Groans "You know it's no fun when you see through my act."

Miranda smirks down at Benjamin. "I know Benjamin."

"Shepard wants me to do a Solo mission on the Collector Base Separately from the rest of the squad. While he is busy getting information on how to defeat the collectors, my job is to secure any other intel like Colonies targets, human captives, that sort of thing." Ben Informs.

Miranda thinks about that "It risky"

"But I have done it before, I just stick to two aliens, Big chill and Brainstorm" Ben informs again.

Miranda nods agreeing with that "keeping it limited, never knew you had a Brain in there Benjamin" she smiles. Point to his skull.

Ben chokes on his fries "Rude"

"And disgusting, Get clean up. I assume you are using, ship" Miranda asks. Ben nods.

"Then you need an operator to make things run smoothly" Miranda claims.

"I Be Fine Princess." Miranda shakes her head in annoyance.

"It not a matter of you being fine Benjamin, you can't do everything on your own" Ben looks at her, Mutters "Fine."

Miranda Smiles "You realised I was not asking for your permission, right I am coming whether you like it or not." Then proceeds to walk after Shepard.

"Girls are scary," Ben mutters.

"Ship" not agreeing in the slightest. Ben turns to look at ship.

"When were you awake?" Ben asked.

"Ship, ship. Ship."

"What do you mean the whole time."

"Shiiiiiiiiiiip" Ship goes giggling.

Ben moans "even the dog is teasing me now."

Ben was thinking about a few things, then he had a thought. He went to his stuff in the hangar bay. He was going to follow Jacob's advice.

Normandy SR2 Armory

"Commander" Shepard looks around to see Miranda coming up.

"Can I help you, Miranda?"

Miranda nods "yes. I want to support Benjamin in the stealth operation. If the need arises"

Shepard looks her in the eye "sure Ben is going to need back up just in case something happens" Miranda nods and heads back to her office to prepare.

Jacob Smirks, who was behind Shepard, asked "Sir?"

Shepard Groans "I am aware of why Miranda wants to go, it is no secret, now let me adjust my Avenger in peace. Would you." Jacob smiles.

Normandy SR2 Gun Battery

"Yo Garrus" Garrus turns around to ben walking in the Gun battery.

"Ben Need me for something or you here to admire my calibrations" Garrus added with a snarky tone at the end.

Ben smirk "I needed your input on something."

Garrus nods" What is it?"

Ben looks around "You're good at weapons and calibrations, right?" Garrus nods to Ben to continue "Well I was looking at the things that came with me when I was living on Horizon and I found this in my pack. It is called a proto tool; my friend used it before he 'coughed.' I was wondering if you can fix it up before my next mission if not the next mission."

Ben holds out the proto tool for Garrus to hold, which he did. He investigated the design features "Impressive, various modes, sword, gun, even bow. Has stun features if needed. Yeah, I can fix it up before the mission hell I might even get some updates on it. Whoever made it was clever in its design functions."

Ben smiles at that. "Thanks, and I owe you one."

Garrus waves his bird paws "It's fine, you need this if you ran out of that transformation juice" Ben groans.

Garrus Smirks. "If it is all right with you, can I get Tali to help with this? I am good at weapons and engineering, but if you want it to last, go to Tali."

Ben nods "Yeah that fine, I come back later to pick it up" Garrus nods and Ben proceeds to leave.

Garrus lights up his Ommi-Tool "Tali Meet me at the Gun battery, you want to see what Ben gave me fix up"?

Tali responded in an eager voice. "I am on my way."

A few Hours Later

Normandy SR2 armoury

Joker over the com "Shepard we at the location"

Shepard in the armoury "Roger that Joker, keep the ship on standby if something happens."

"Aya, Aya, Commander."

Shepard over the Omni-tool "Miranda, Samara, Morden, and Ben meet me in the hangar bay for prep time."

"Yes Shepard/Yes commander/Will be there/I will be there in a minute need to pick someone up from Garrus."

Shepard Eyebrows raised at that "Don't take too long Ben" and cut the call.

Jacob calls out from his station. "Good luck commander" Shepard nods back

Normandy SR2 Gun Battery

"You have it, Garrus." Ben asked eagerly.

Garrus Nods "Yep and it is better than before, with the help of Tali we added some of our own updates to get it using Thermo clips."

Tali nods "we also configure the wiring, so it synchronise to your Ommi-tool."

Ben nods "thanks guys but cannot stay and catch up. I need to get ready for my mission."

Garrus and tail nod in understanding "we know, that is why we did it that fast. We left an instruction manual; on the updates in your Omni-tool."

"Thanks Guys I see you later."

Then Ben heads off to the Hangar Bay.

Tali looks at Garrus "did you see the Engineering of that piece. it was incredible."

Garrus hums in agreement but wines. "It would be useful in a firefight. Now I am wondering, why don't I have one of those?"

Tali hums as she patted him on the back to comfort him mockingly. "Maybe next time Garrus"

Normandy SR2 Hangar Bay.

Ben runs in the Hangar Bay "Benjamin I see whatever project you got Garrus working, works."

Ben looks up to see Miranda "well this sounds like a long mission princess, so If I run out of juice in my Omnitrix, I got my trusty handy Proto tool."

Miranda looks at the device, "impressive and logical and coming from you that a rarity Benjamin."

Ben Scowls "I can be Smart" Miranda Smiles. They both walk over to Shepard as they talk.

"Ah Ben, good you are here. Where is Ship?" Shepard asks.

"Ship, ship" Appeared to Shepard left. "I left him in the hangar after I went to visit Garrus" Shepard nods.

"Ship turn" And Ship turns into that square Mechamorph battleship, with Gatling guns and missile launchers. Ship Back door Opens.

Shepard Nods smiles "Good I see you on the other side" and proceeds to enter the Cerberus shuttle. Take off for the Collector ship. You can hear Mordin voice in the background saying "impressive."

Miranda nods "let's get going Benjamin."

Ben nods. They both get into, Ship as they head off to the other part of the collector ship. Let the fun begin.

Chapter Text

Inside Ship

"Alright Ben and Miranda we are cutting coms here. see you on the other side" Shepard Said over the omni-tool that now are cut.

"Alright Ship Get us close to that breach there" Ben Ask Ship Nicley. "Ship, ship" Makes a noise in his ship mode but go towards the big gaping hole on the side of the collector ship.

"Alright" Ben Slams down on his watch and a big green light appears wants it dims, "BIG CHILL!" Ben shouts in a Frosty tone voice.

Miranda shakes her head "this is a stealth op can you please keep the shouted the name down while out there and keep your com open so I know when to rescue you" Ben looks at her "Sorry princess, but that just who I meant to be and I never need a rescue" Ben/Big chill goes intangible and goes forward to the base.

Miranda rolls her eyes "How do you tick Benjamin" "ship, ship" and screen appeared on the monitor and Miranda looks at the screen, Her Eyes widen with what was translated.

Collector ship

Ben Flying through the collector ship, through the walls, to see if he can get any form of info all save any captives. Scanning the ship with his buglike eyes for any console that may help in his search. So far, the pods he seen are empty and they consoles are know where to be seen. Ben has seen Shepard and crew explore about. As he searchers he sees, a hexagon console in a secluded room. He goes up to it and hits the Bing.

"Princess, do you read" Ben ask in his newly open Omni-tool.

"Miranda Here. What did you find?"

"I found a secluded room from the rest of the ship and a console that might have the information we are looking for. I be out of contact for a bit."

"Understood, Miranda out"

Ben hits the Omnitrix.

"Brainstorm!" in his posh British accent. "Right then time to get to work."

Meanwhile.

"Shepard over here. Dead collector." Mordin says as he is scanning the dead Collector.

Shepard walks over with Samara "What where they are doing here. EDI I am patching you in."

Samara comments "it seems these collectors are Investigating something" She looks around with steady eyes "by the Goddess this place is torture" Shepards nods agreeing with her.

"Commander my reports indicate that these bio-Metrix readings show a similar pattern to that of the Protheans and if my reports are right" Mordin interrupts "these are the Protheans. Indoctrination of course. can tell reaper tech involved." Mordin sniffs "Such a shame" Samara nods in agreeing at that last comment.

Shepard shakes his head "Damm Well, let's get move out" He looks around and sees an assault rifle of the ground looks bug like. Shepard preps his sentinel armour and moves out with the squad.

Back to Ben

Ben as Brainstorm is having trouble with this console. "Humph, this particular console is given me trouble, If I override the wire frame I might be… AH ha. Pure genius for my part, now to download the info onto my Omni-tool."

"Let see what we have about the captives." There was silence as he was looking through the console while it was downloading "Hmm it is a shame but no humas are aboard this ship but at their home base in…. I am sorry but their base is in the core of the galaxy, Blah."

"Let us see if there any other information I ohhhh. Keeping that one to myself till I need it."

"Hang on a pip second. Now that is interesting, Fehl Prime Collector attack working with… Now I have an even more reason to hate Cerberus."

"Now what else is here…. ohOho, hmm I need to see this for myself." But before Ben could do anything the download completed. Ben hits the Omnitrix again.

"BIG CHILL" Back in his frosty voice

"Princess, I am making this short, but the download completed and onto a secondary mission I made for myself."

"Better be quick with what you about to do because from what EDI theories, the collectors know your There."

BIG Chill frosty replies "They get iced before they get a chance too, but if they we here then…"

Miranda finishes "Yes, it a trap, Shepard has not figure or been told that out yet so" Alarms started to go off.

"Bit late for that Princess, I be quick and meet Shepard at escape route."

"Understood Miranda out"

Back to Shepard

"Damit, this place was a trap" Shepard scowls as they get attack by collectors and scions, Husk, and abominations. Shepard throw out a throw.

Mordin sends out a incinerate hitting a group of husks. "And the illusive man knew it was a trap. Necessary risk"

Shepard fires of another Throw. "Maybe but I would of like to be told a head of time."

Samara Reaves past a lot of the collectors grouped together. "We can argue semantics later. we must push forward" Both Shepard and Mordin nod and push forward.

"Shepard do you read." Miranda calls out to Shepard.

"Bit Busy Miranda"

"I know Ben meeting you at the extraction zone, he is going after his own secondary mission. He might off pick up something that may help us."

Shepard raised his left eyebrow at that. But does not have the time to talk as his getting attack left right and centre and takes cover from the upcoming fire. "Fine but whatever it is. It better be worth it." He fires off some rounds at husks coming towards him.

"Damm, I hope this IFF is Worth it." Shepard muttered.

"It is Shepard by my reports this should take us into the…."

"Not the time EDI"

"Understood commander"

Back to Ben

Ben As BIG CHILL flies down to a Dead Collector in a laboratory room. The dead collector is on a table that filled to the brim of tubes and test chambers.

"So, you are the Dead Collector? Omnitrix scan for abnormalities."

"ROGER SCANNING SCAN COMPLETED. CAN RESTORE TO ORIGINAL FUNCTION. PROCESS WILL TAKE TIME. ESITMATE 5 MINUTES."

"Do it" Big chill ordered. The Omnitrix is starting the healing process but as it does that, a wave of collectors arrive an attack.

Big Chill went on the offensive "Take a chill Pill" And files a blast of freezing air out of his mouth to the now frozen Collectors. Then he break them apart through sheer force. Now an old friend here to greet Ben.

"WE ARE HARBINGER SHAPESHIFTER, YOU ARE AN UKNOWN WE WILL EXPIREMENT!"

Big Chill turn to see Harbinger possessing a collector. He fires off an energy ball at big chill.

"Dude, like I get it you are the bad guy… Holy Moly. Hey, watch where you fire that," Ben fires another frozen blast but Harbinger dodges it "Dammit I need to" But before the sentence was finish.

"RESTORATION COMPLETED" and a laser blast hits Harbinger in the chest scattering harbinger to little pieces. Ben looks at the collector "Urm thanks."

The friendly collector responds, "Your welcome. you have an escape?"." asks in a very Jamaican Accents

Big Chill nods "I am meeting up with Commander Shepard for an extraction. Want to come?" He ask.

The collector Nods "Lead On," Big Chill nods and both head to meet with Shepard at the extraction sight.

Back to Shepard

Shepard and his crew are back to when they landed and are ready to leave but are waiting for Ben to arrive. They been holding the line for a good minute and a half. Samara, been dealing biotic damaged. Mordin slowed down husk, with his Cryo blast. Shepard has been fire of shots to collectors in the distant.

"Dammit we overrun by Husks and where Ben!?" The crew are in-consent fire from collectors and melee attacks from Husks while holding their own, there are getting swarmed.

"Ship" while firing a barrage of attacks in his ship mode. They Arrived shortly after Shepard and his crew "Ship says that Ben near and should be coming around the corner…." But as Miranda was about to finish, they hear a shout on the over side of the hall.

"RATH! LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING HUSK. YOU'RE ANNOYING TO RATH AND RATH WITH DESTROY YOU ALL OF YOU"

Another voice is heard "that is a very angry transformation" in a very heavy Jamaican accent. Shepard, Miranda, ship, Morden, Samara, and EDI all nodded in agreement to that.

The fighting is chaotic, but Raths Jumps in "LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING COMMANDER SHEPARD IT VERY NICE OFF YOU TO WAIT FOR ME, RATH APPRECIATED IT" But rath was saying that as he keeps butchering the husks like a wrestler on WWE. It quite a remarkable sight.

"I do not know How I feel about how angry this rath was while being apricated."

"Hello Commander Shepard" Shepard pulls around Gun in hand on...

"What? I never knew a collector can speak…" Shepard shook his head and spoke firmly "give me good reason why I should not just shoot between you many eyes."

The collector reasoned with Shepard moral compass "Well first I have not shot you but the husk. Second Yes, I understand this is confusing but the I am in control of my functions Ben restored me to my original DNA."

Shepard Nods at that "Yeah that tracks with Ben, Half the time we don't know his watch is capable of."

The collector Nods "should we leave then" Shepard Agrees still shooting the husks.

Joker over the coms "Hurry commander they primming up the laser"

"Everyone to SHIP! NOW!" Rath was giving a collector the Loki treatment as that command was ordered. Rath turn to Shepard.

"RATH IS NO COWARD, RATH WE DESTORY THEM ALL. RA…"

Miranda is getting annoyed at Ben Alien called rath. "BENJAMIN KIRBY TENNYSON, YOU DE-TRASNFORM NOW OR I ORDER GARDNER TO NO LONGER SERVE SMOOTHIES!"

"RATH IS HURT, THAT THE EVILLEST THING YOU EVER DONE PRINCESS!"

Miranda is giving a Death stare now "FINE RATH WE DE-Transform. You Happy" Ben shouts as he de-transformed.

Miranda smirks "Very" Then blanched.

Ben Mumbles "Never mess with a man smoothie."

Samara not hearing the mumble advised him "Ben, I advise you to run."

Ben looks at her "Why?"

The collector he cured, pointed behind him. "Behind you."

Ben turns and sees a horde of Husk charging at him "Ah man…" Pulls out his proto tool and fire upon the husks, while running to ship.

"Give Ben. Cover fire" Shepard ordered, and everyone opens fire at the husk while on ship. Ben running towards Ship, jumps through and over some blast. He Jumps up to Ship and makes it.

"Ship gets us back to the Normandy and Joker gets us the hell out of here."

"Ship/Aye, aye"

Ship turn a completed 180 and flew towards the Normandy before the collector ship had a chance to open fire upon Shepard and his crew.

Normandy SR2 Hangar Bay

Ship Arrived at the Normandy just in time as the Normandy warp out of the quickly as it can possibly be.

"Let us Never do that again. Eh I am going to get a smoothie" Shepard smirk at Ben "Kirby?" Ben looks at Shepard narrow eyes "I don't want to talk about!"

"Like how I don't want to talk about John."

"Touche"

Miranda Shouts "enough! Commander The illusive man we want to be debriefed on the matter, and you Benjamin Kirby Tennyson" Shepards nods heading to the Conference room also wants to avoid the upcoming storm known as Miranda.

Ben Cuts in "Question How did you know my full name? Because I am quite sure I never mentioned it."

Miranda Smirk "Ship Told me" Ben eyes widen and muttered "Traitor" Ship de-transformed at this point back to his blob form is giggling in the background.

Miranda continues "You and I need to have a talk about are new friend here" she points to the collector.

"He has a name you know."

"Oh yes what that is a good question." Ben turn to the free collector "Hey new friend what your name."

"Prometheus" The collector responded and not at phased by what transpiring in front of him. Ben, Morden, Samara, and Miranda eyes get directed towards the name.

Mordin surveys "Fascinating a living Prothean. Well one under reaper tech anyway"

Samara injects "Indeed, the stories this warrior can tell will be one most valuable."

"Hey Mordin" Morden turns to see Ben "here I found this while searching the collector archive. Think you and the Doc can get rid of the rest of the reaper tech. so Harbinger will not try and control him again."

Miranda alarmed shouted "What! You mean to tell me harbinger can still take control of him."

Prometheus "No I force him out; he never get control of me again. The reapers will rule the day that they gain control of me like a puppet" He sounds like he is spitting that last one but could not tell.

Mordin Nods looking at the collector schematics "Yes can work out a surgical plan to get rid of the tech, can be done Immediately."

Miranda nods calming down and thinking. not denying the idea of a useful collector here along with the intel behind him "Go now and get it done we need to make sure this ship is safe. Samara go and keep watch and get Thane to help out. Do not let anyone interrupting Mordin and Doctor Chalkwas." All three of them nod and Head out.

Prometheus looks at Ben "Thank you Ben Tennyson. Though I should warn you the reapers would want you in they clutches. They see your skill as an abnormality" Then proceeds to follow Morden and Samara.

Ben shrugs "would not be the first time a bad guy wants me in the clutches."

Miranda scowls and grabs Ben by the ear "Ow that hurts and where are going?"

Miranda smirks "My Office so you and I can talk about Rath."

Ben Blanches "this feels like a lecture" Miranda just silent throughout the dragging process confirming Ben fears "No, No, Nooooo. Not another lecture, can I at least get smoothie first?"

Miranda still silent. dragging Ben up to her office.

"That a no then, Ow Watch it" Ben screamed.

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2 Conference room

"Shepard, how was the mission? Did you get what you came for?" The illusive man asked. Puffing a smoke while staring at Shepard in his chair.

"You and I need a serious talk about Boundaries." Shepard retorted angrily

"I see your mission was more successful than Shepard." The illusive man smiles back. Puffing another smoke.

"I do not like being Tricked, Illusive man" Shepards started on.

"It was a necessary risk, one that achieves a high quality of success. From what I can gather."

"Yes, and that thanks EDI for getting that Intel on the IFF. also, the data" Shepard responded with his arms crossed.

"And it was certainly not the Aid of One Shapeshifter who you sent out on a solo Mission besides yours" The illusive man said sarcastically dripping from his voice.

Shepards Eyes Narrows "How? Or better yet Whom?"

The illusive man puffs a smoke and responds. "I have my intel, and you have yours Shepard Let keep it that way. Now about the collector you acquired."

"Prometheus is his Prothean name."

"Yes Him. He needs to go to a Cerberus facility to be examined and we need to determen......" He stops speaking when his room is filled with frigid air. His wall started to slowly vibrate. A phantom appeared out of his wall.

"Hello illusive man" A spirit said in a raspy cold voice.

"What the?"

"Ben Get the Conference room NOW!" Shepard all but screamed into the Omni-tool. Not recognizing the Alien creature before him.

Normandy SR2 Miranda Office

A few hours earlier

"So, Benjamin, you want to tell me about our now known mutual friend and how you managed to restore his DNA" Miranda said in a strained tone. Tired from all the mess that Tennyson caused.

Ben smirked "Watch Did it. It has restoration capabilities and can alter DNA, but I can only do it on a single person or a whole group. not a planet full of them"

Miranda nodded at that strained and surprised by the watch capabilities. "Anything else you want to mention about your watch?"

Ben thinking about it "No not really."

Miranda huffs. "You are a Pain you know that Benjamin" Ben grins in return...

Miranda looked like she was ready to punch Benjamin for that Grin. But she got control of her emotions "Now I know you have many secrets, so I won't pester you but a least give me an idea of why the watch was made to begin with because it getting tedious of us having to find out secrets of your watch"

Ben Nods "fair enough. Have you ever heard the phrase, "you walk in another man's shoes?" Miranda Nods. It is an old one but one that is used quite frequently for Ambassadors.

"Well, this watch was made for peace, not for war and to gain that peace this watch was made to better understand other civilisation and if possible, bring back a whole species if needed."

Miranda was shocked but it made a certain kind of sense. In the simplest form turning into other Aliens will allow you to understand that species. How they act, walk and even their culture. In Miranda's eyes it was ingenious. Though she can tell there is a caveat to that watch.

"Impressive, but I am assuming people saw the device as a weapon more than a peace keeping tool." Ben nods at that without further explaining so Miranda goes on.

"You said you cannot heal a whole species or alter them. Why It makes things so much easier" Ben nods again but smiles with a strained expression.

"I agree. I like it to be easy, but the problem is because I use a lot of energy for my transformation, and I know it rarely happens. but I need to keep that energy for said transformation. If I used all that access energy to restore a whole planet, I will not have enough juice to transform. It is a double edge sword at the moment because my watch is on a countdown. and believe me it was not like that before. I need to fully understand this watch (mutters quietly: and this Universe). I also honestly do not know what my watch is fighting because for it to use that much energy it must be fighting back against something."

Miranda Winces at that "I see that could being a problem, I assuming singular and groups will not be a problem then."

Ben shakes his head "not in a way you think, singular yes, but groups depend on size. It will juice out a bit and not to the extent of whole species if that make sense."

Miranda nods thinking that was the case, but she did hear him say in a mutter tone 'Universe.'

"Oh, by the way I found some Cerberus intel you might like." Ben said changing the subject.

"Please Benjamin I know most if not all of Cerberus intel."

"How about you have a look and find out for yourself" Ben opens his Ommi-tool to send a copy of the Fehl Prime intelligence Ben had collected.

Miranda opens her Ommi-tool and sends a download to her monitor.

A Few minutes later

"That, No, The Illusive man. This makes no sense. Cerberus...." Miranda said confusedly.

"Work with the collectors and from what I can guess, it would not of work out in his favour."

"That Bastard, I know he sacrifice, but a whole colony just for technologies and Intel" Ben shrugs but his Omni-tool opens, and a voice slammed through.

"Ben Get the Conference room NOW!" Then it cuts.

Ben pulled back. He looked directly at Miranda "want to come and see what that is about?" Miranda nods following Ben to the conference room. Trying to get away from the latest information she has learned.

Normandy SR2 Conference room

Both Ben and Miranda Walk up toward the doors of the meeting/ Conference room. As they walk forward. Both Jacob and Mordin are standing beside each other. Miranda walk up to them.

"Hey Jacob, do you know why Shepard has asked for Benjamin here?" Miranda asked curiously while Shepard shouted over Ben, Ommi-tool.

Jacob Shakes his head "No me and Mordin came to check it out. We both heard Shepard shout from both the armoury and the Lab."

Mordin nods agreeing "Yes. Shepard's tone sounded scared and worried if something happened."

Ben Felt a bit chili but just shrugged it off, "well whatever got him scared we take it down also aren't you meant to be in surgery?"

Mordin nods "it was done a few minutes ago, Prometheus is sleeping in the medical wing now" Everyone nods. Jacob also now has been debriefed on the matter.

Miranda Smirks "please Benjamin he talking to the illusive man whatever got Shepard scared it properly got to do with your Aliens." Both Jacob and Morden nod at that agreeing.

"Well let's go then" Jacob says open the conference room door. As they do the get closer to the communication between Shepard and Illusive man

"Yo shep while you did..." But Ben, head turns to the familiar chill then stops cold looking at an Old Ghost or better yet "Ghostfreak" Ben mutters. Also Blanching, sweating from seeing one of his old if not dark gruesome adversaries.

"Benjamin" Miranda asks out of concern. Everyone looked at Ben now, even Ghostfreak with his Upside Skull face and Tendril coming out of his Boney body. Translucent Boney Body.

"Hahah. Hello Young Benjamin, Me, and a friend of yours have been missing you" Ghostfreak chuckled.

Jacob is a little put out "Okay is everyone not a little put out by the floating Ghost in. wait is he in the ship or"

"He in my space station Jacob" the illusive man puts in. He looks at Ben who is still looking pale as a Ghost. "You know this creature."

Ben nods but surprising everyone "HOW," everyone is shocked by how Loud Ben is. Anger laced in his force.

Ghostfreak was smirking Jacob was creeping out by it as it looked like it was upside down clown face.

Ben stares with deep hatred "HOW, ARE YOU HERE, I DESTROYED YOU, ABSORBED YOU, YOU SHOULD BE DEAD!"

Miranda grabs hold of Ben Shoulder "you need to calm down Benjamin."

"GET OFF ME!" Slamming Miranda down to the ground. Everyone, especially Miranda's eyes, winded. She had never seen Ben act like this before.

"YO Kid calm down who ever this guy is we can" Jacob grabbing hold of Ben.

"YOU DON'T GET IT, HE MINE! AND BEFORE...." Ben Eyes gets shut, by Shepard and a swift Jab to the back of his neck. He turned to Miranda who was being seen by Mordin.

"Miranda Take him to see Chalkwas" Miranda Nods gets up and goes to pick up Ben over her shoulder. Heading out the door

"Jesus I never seen this Kid act that way before" Jacob points out, but a laugh fills the room.

"Oh, then you never truly meet Ben Tennyson have you, this is but a fraction of his anger when he notice his and my other friend hahahaha."

The illusive man silent through this exchange "This Friend of yours Does he happen to wear purple and looks like an older version of young Benjamin here."

Ghostfreak look at him smile and said "YES" The illusive man Nods.

Mordin finally chimes in, eyes shine with glean. "Ben in Anger said absorb, does that mean you are one of his Aliens? Curious to see how you wounded out of watch."

GhostFreak growled at that, nearly looking to Kill the doc.

"I think you hit somewhere Doc" Jacob says nearly grabbing his shotgun.

"He right is not he; you escaped his watch. Now you want to kill Ben." Shepard theorized.

GhostFreak still growling over the fact he has been caught, but "Your right I am, and I escaped for my freedom. You should also call me by my real name. Zs'Skayr."

Mordin adds in "Then try to control him, defeat him hmm. You are not very subtle are you."

The illusive man nods and adds his theory to the mix. While puffing out a smoke. "They are also the fact. For the first time Benjamin looked like he was ready to destroy worlds to defeat you. So, I might ask what did you do to well, anger him as such"?

GhostFeak or Zs'Skayr could not help but smirked at that "I may have possessed his cousin on top of a roof near an edge. nearly making her fall and go squash, or about the fact I tried to control him for the watch. There are many more to count but those are the earlier adventures we had together when he was Ten. HEheheh"

Jacob blanches at that. Mordin nods but not smiling, the illusive man in all his impassive tone, looks at Ghostfreak with some resemblance of disgust. Shepard was now just as angry as Ben "You're a Monster,"

Zs'Skayr Chuckles and shrugged "I try" but then in a monotone tone "I just thought you wanted some information on young Benjamin, you must know he is not from your world right or better yet from your universe?" Ghostfreak smirks seeing the reaction from everyone except the doctor.

Mordin Nods "parallel universe, hmm yes. Makes sense. I guess he did not create the watch, hmm?"

Shepard looks at Mordin "What do you mean? Parallel?"

The Illusive man chimes in "He means Shepard that Ben Tennyson is not from our earth but from a different earth. An earth that I am assuming due to Ben Medical records is from the 21st century, Zs'Skayr?" Zs'Skayr chuckled.

"Of course."

Mordin nods. Jacob and Shepard are God smacked. Mordin spoke up. "That means...... Why are you still here Zs'Skayr?"

Zs'Skayr was now looking at Morden in a new form of hatred "you Spoiled the fun."

Mordin smirks "I try."

Zs'Skayr clenches his claws in spiteful anger. Mordin then looks at Shepard "Let me know when Ben is ready to talk, I might have a way to help him with this Universe problem." Shepard nods. Then Mordin leaves.

Zs'Skayr Growls "well then I bid you a goodbye then and let Ben know, I will get what I want whether he likes it or no.t" Then He disappears through the illusive man walls.

Shepard looked at Illusive man in a neutral tone "I need the intel for the shadow broker quickly; I have a plan to help Ben. So, I need that intel fast."

The Illusive man nods, understanding what Shepard is planning. "You have it and believe me Shepard, after that fiasco I want Zs'Skayr Gone as much as you do." Shepard nods and cuts the communication with his distrustful benefactor.

"Well, I hear I thought my problems are going to be a pain" Jacob inputs in.

Shepard's eyebrow raised "are they a problem?"

"Not right now but maybe later after you deal with Ben in medical."

Shepard nods and heads to medical Bay. "Miranda I am on my way and call the rest of the crew who we need to have a meeting."

"Right away commander and Shepard, Benjamin, here. I am worried I may not know the kid for long but, I have never seen him have that reaction before." Shepard grimaces. He did notice though, Back on Horizon

Normandy SR2 Medical Bay

"That surgery was quick, Doctor. you have my thanks" Prometheus said bowing.

"Was not hard, I just needed to alter and take out some reaper technology. Mordin skill help a tone" Chalkwas says in a cheerful tone.

"How are you feeling?" Samara ask in a kind hush tone.

"Well thank you thank you for asking. Prometheus turns his head to the new face. "You must be Thane krios."

Thane nods "I am. I am glad everything worked out for you ...." Then the medical doors burst open.

"Chalkwas!" Miranda crashes in the medical bay with Ben on her shoulder. Thane goes to help lay Ben on the Med Table.

"What happened?" Chalkwas Demanded now scanning Ben

"Shepard knocked him out; He had a bad reaction to someone. Or something?" Miranda grabs her shoulder in pain.

"Are you okay?" Samara asks in concern.

Miranda nods "nothing pain meds will not fix; Ben did a number on my shoulder."

Prometheus chimes in "Ben did that, hhmm,"

Thane looks solemnly "He's angry and scared." He can tell from the way Ben slumped down.

Miranda looks at Ben "I can see why whatever was that creature nearly scared us all even the illusive man and that in itself is not an easy feat."

Everyone in the room, their eyes bugged out at info except for Prometheus.

Miranda Ommi-tool opens up "Miranda I am on my way and call the rest of the crew who we need to have a meeting."

Miranda Nods right away commander and Shepard, Benjamin, here. I am worried I may not know the kid for long but, I have never seen him have that reaction before." The coms cuts. Then she just had a thought of something "ship?"

Miranda looks towards Thane "Thane, can you?"

Thane nods "I head there now and pick up Ship. I will be back in a few." Thane leaves the medical wing and heads down to hangar bay. Thane only saw Ship once but that was enough to know who to look for.

Samara made a suggested "let's wait outside in the crew hall so that way we are not intruding in Chalkwas job."

Miranda nods and leads out to the Mess Hall Prometheus just following behind.

Normandy SR2 Crew Hall

A few moments later, the crew hall is now only filled with Shepard companions. Everyone else left to let the squadmates deal with whatever they were dealing.

"Yo Cheerleader hope this is worth it. Why call everyone" Jack called out as she walked in.

"Yeah, I was just finishing off some calibrations...." Garrus said but was ignored by everyone.

"You're right Jack" Miranda said, shocking everyone in the hall, especially Jack.

"What did Cheerleader just...."

"Not the time Jack. I see Ship with us good that makes things easier" everyone turned to see Shepard now in casual but looking sweaty. Ship was on the mess hall table looking around wondering what was going on.

"What I am about to tell you stays in this room, no one and I mean no one tells anyone about without my say so," Shepard commanded like a leader and everyone in the room nodded.

"Benjamin Tennyson is not from this Universe, and I mean it. We just had a visitor pay The Illusive man a house call. Also look at Ship for conformation" Everyone does, and Ship bows his head looking like this is true.

"Wait, are you saying that the Kid is not only not from our Galaxy but from another one. Shit. I am getting a god damn headache. Oh great, now I am copying Zaeed." Jack said loudly. Zaeed smirks at her.

"That explains a lot more than the Andromeda theory that has been circulating, does Mordin believe it to be true" Miranda asks hoping for answers. Shepard nods at her and everyone is dumbfounded.

"That explains the watch. The energy readings from it do not match any non-signals from any of our known technologies and even if the watch energy does match stuff from Andromeda which I doubt it by the way. It does not explain how a human would end up there." This was Tali talking thinking about what she saw from the watch and Ben all together.

"But why is this important from what I can tell The Kid Here now and if he wanted to go home to his well god dam Universe. why wait, why not ask for help to go home, hell even if he asks for it. It does not look like he wants to" This was Zaeed speaking. Pointing out a fact that everyone does not notice.

Samara nods at that and adds her own thoughts "its clear Ben has struggles, whatever happened to his Home clearly made him a sad version of himself. He jokes but you can tell that he does it to push people away."

Thane continues Samara thought process "He also sees what Humanity is like in this universe, and he does not like it. It reminds him of people he fought in his world."

"How can you tell?" Miranda asks but Garrus answers "it the way he fights. I have been in enough battles to know that Ben has similar encounters to whoever he thought in his world. same tactics, same strategy, and same fighting style that why it was easy for him." Miranda nods at that, thinking it makes sense.

Kasumi the ever charming "You know what funny" Everyone looks at her Shepard raises an eyebrow "I had my contacts, try and find this Benjamin Tennyson and guess what?"

Miranda puts in "I check every net and sights, and nothing popped up."

"Ah but you did not check the darker of dark places have you, Ben may not exist in this world, but one person does know and that person is Hackett."

"The admiral but how. if Ben from..." Shepard started to say.

"You did not let me finish Shepard. You see Hackett has been slowly adding Ben to the alliance database with information that we are talking about right now. Like his watch, how old is he, his Aliens and this is the best part. According to my contact, someone in the Alliance military is planning to send out a hit on Tennyson. Someone with ginger hair. By the way, who is Zs'Skayr" Kasumi finishes enjoying the looks from Shepard, Garrus, and Tali. They know who Kasumi is referring to.

Shepard Blanches at that news "How. Did you?" Jacob asks Kasumi. They have not told Miranda yet.

"I was not cloaked, if that is what you are asking, believe it or not. One of my contacts went dark. The last thing they said was Zs'Skayr. I just took a guess.

"Who is Zs'Skayr and Eon? Are they Strong?" Grunt ask with a Hmph.

Shepard is the one that answers "Zs'Skayr is strong that much is unfortunately true in fact He is the reason Ben is Medical. Ben got so mad and afraid he shoved Miranda back. He even looked like he was about to charge at Ghostfreak even though he was in the illusive man office while on call to me. but this Eon, that is a new name."

Everyone eyes widen even further, and it look like Prometheus who is silence through this says, "I see" Everyone looks at him "That explains what I felt when I felt his memories of his life as you say."

Samara asks, "you can mind Meld."

Prometheus shakes his head "No it more an essence bond I can feel more of a person's emotion than his true memories. I will however not share what I felt, it is his business for him to tell you when he is ready" Samara nods at that intrigue by the prospects.

Everyone nods at that though some are disgruntled, but they understand privacy when called for. Everyone was dismissed but had a lot to process about everything.

"Well Shit. By the way, your welcome Cheerleader now if you excuse me, I need to well adjust and shit" jack spoke up everyone's nods.

"Truer words have never been spoken, everyone dismissed" Shepard ordered. Everyone does except for Garrus, Miranda, and Tali.

"Is there something you want to say to Garrus" Shepard asks quizzically.

"Shepard, if what you say is true. Well, what does Zs'Skayr look like?" Shepard raises an Eyebrow. Miranda opens up her Ommi-tool to show an image of Zs'Skayr.

"Crap Baskets"

"Oh, you say that too?" Talis turns to Garrus.

"Have you seen him?" Miranda asks

Garrus nods "He is on Omega. He works with a Human, a man who wears purple armour. Zs'Skayr has Been making Deals with the mercs there to help overthrow Aria. I never knew he was the one helping them till now."

"He is building an army?" Tali Ask trying to figure out this figure motive.

Garrus shrugs "I am not sure honestly; it looks like a deal done bad till they had some information that got them to do a 180 on the whole deal."

"Alright thanks Garrus" Shepard responded.

"No problem, Shepard. And let me know when the kid wakes, He needs friends right now."

Tali nods "That my reason for staying, just let me know and I help anyway I can."

Both Miranda and Shepard nod "thanks guys"

Then everyone else started going back to their usual location. Miranda picks up ship. Who has been silent the entire conversation.

"You're staying with me till Ben calmer and gets the help he needs."

"Ship, Ship" Ship, agrees with this.

Normandy SR2 Galaxy map.

"New emails are waiting for you commander."

"Thanks Kelly" Kelly nods

Shepard read the emails, one was from a few colleagues, the other was from the illusive man 'going to read that in private' Shepard thought. He keeps scrolling till he sees one from Eon 'What.' Shepard opened it up.

From: [email protected]

To:[email protected]

Hello Shepard if you have a guess I am Eon. I am writing to let you know. That if you interfere with my plans to rid the multiple universes of Ben Tennyson then you got another thing coming.

Yours Truly your better.

Eon

Shepard growls 'It seems Ben enemies were arrogant to the point they think they are gods. Wait, his speech pattern is similar to Bens'... 'what did the Illusive man say. "This Friend of yours Does he happen to wear purple and looks like an older version of young Benjamin here."

"Shit" Shepard Muttered

Normandy SR2 Miranda Office

"It will be okay ship; Ben will be fine" Ship nods.

"Miranda" Miranda looks up from ship "Shepard what going on?" Shepard walked in looking worried.

"This Eon that Zs'Skayris is working with. He is an older version of Ben."

Miranda squints at that news "How do you figure that?" but before Shepard could answer, Ship chimed in.

"Ship" Ship then hits Miranda monitor and shows who Eon is. Miranda gets to work looking at the information, Ship has provided.

"Shit your right Shepard he is an older version of Ben.... no that cannot be true" Miranda stutters.

"What?"

"We need to ask Ben when he wakes up, I am not saying it till then because I do not know if it to be true."

Shepard nods not happily but understands. Ben needs to be the one to tell us this. They only scratch the surface level of what Ben can do.

"I go to my quarters, I got an email form the illusive man and I need to talk to the crew, inform me when Ben wakes up."

Miranda nods

Shepard put a hand on Miranda's shoulder. "He will get better Miranda. He just needs help."

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2 Shepards quarters

Shepard sitting on his desk reading data from the illusive man about the shadow broker. If Zs'Skayr is in Omega. Shepard then needs to prepare Ben because from the Shepard perspective Ben lashing out like that is not going to help him. Then there Jacob he needs to find his farther ship the, Gernsback.

Flashback

As Shepard was walking to the elevator, he gets caught up by.

"Shepard" Shepard turns.

"Jacob, what wrong" Jacob looks around.

"Now that your well free at the moment, I need your help, and I do not usually go to my superiors with this. My farther ship The Gernsback disappeared 10 years ago. I recently picked up a com Bowie, a distress signal."

Shepard eyes widen. "That a long time is this signal recent? And your farther, is he the captain of the ship?"

Jacob Shakes his head "No he the first officer I believe, and the yes, the signal recent. It is kind of scary that…..."

Shepard puts his hand up "I know we check it out after I sort a few things out first." Jacob nods and spoke up.

"You should also see the other crew members sir. I notice I am not the only one with personal problems at the moment" Shepard nods in appreciation and thanks Jacob. He leaves heading towards his quarters.

Flashback End

Shepard right now is in need of a plan. Shepard thought process at the moment is how is he going to find Eon and Zs'Skayr first.

Shepard thoughts were released from his mouth. "If they on Omega, then I need to reach out to… hmm I should warn Aria. EDI!" he shouted out. "Prepare the conference room, I about to make a call."

"Yes commander" EDI responded.

And with that Shepard heads to the conference room to make a call to Aria t'loak. Leader of Omega and is Omega.

Normandy SR2 Conference room

A few minutes later.

"Aria You there?" Shepard called out

Aria is a tall slim Asari with a white leather jacket and black leather trousers with a Black leather strapped Top. She Runs Omega with iron fist. A Boss of Bosses. She has shares with several well-known merc gangs. She gave intel to Shepard on Mordin and Garrus (aka Archangel). Right now, she in hologram form.

"Now this is a surprise Shepard to what do I oh the pleasure of this call" Aria said sitting on her long comfortable leather sofa.

"You know that pad I showed you a while back that had info on eclipse mercs planning to overthrow you." Shepard said.

Aria nods, smile on her face. "Yes, and I had the pleasure of helping them restructure they forces here because of it. Thank you"

Shepard smirk and ever the diplomat. "You're welcome and of course. You do not fuck with Aira."

Aira looks at Shepard with a raised eyebrow "This is why I prefer you over to your… well. Shepard while I love to sit and chat. you do not normally call people like me unless something out there, usually it involves Reaper."

Shepard folds his arms "True. I now know who gave those mercs that info about you and how to hit you."

Aria looks intrigued and leaned forward. "Do you now. Do tell the class Shepard."

"Two people, one called Eon, he wears purple armour and there his partner Zs'Skayr. Here is what we humans call a Ghost. A phantom. Someone who intangible."

Aira rises an eyebrow "By any chance do they look like these two" Aria showing an image of eon and Zs'Skayr next to each other talking to some merchants.

Shepard nods "Unfortunately"

Aria Nods back smiling. "Thanks for the Heads-up Shepard I keep an eye out for then if they try anything here. Like you perfectly illustrated, No one fucks with Aria. I am also taking a wild guess here that you want to be called if they do something right?"

Shepard nods "one of my crew members knows both of them. He has experience with them before. From what we can gather they not people who you want to mess with easily."

Aira was Intrigued by this "by any chance does this have to do with a shapeshifter with an hourglass symbol."

"Yes. But…."

"Contacts in Illum told me" Shepards nod makes sense considering omega and Illum are one and the same. just one deals with it legally and the other through rough housing.

"Well, he was Angry to say the least" Shepard said.

"How angry we are talking about here?" Aria asked even more intrigued.

"Almost destroyed my ship, even with Silaris Armour bult in."

Aria eyes widen "That powerful." Shepards nods agreeing "I get Gazz to call you when we have something and do me a favour. I want in if they disrupt my Omega. then I want payback"

Shepards nods smiling "I can agree to that."

Aria smiles back "Pleasure doing Business Shepard." The she cuts the call.

Shepard hums to himself "time to talk to the crew" Shepard goes off to talk to the crew about their personal problems. He now has time to help Jacob with his problem.

"Joker set a course for to Aeia!" Shepard ordered to his pilot.

"Aye, Aye, commander"

Normandy SR2 Medical Bay

A few hours later

"Urrggg" Ben body started to feel his wait as he started to wake up.

"Ah good to see you awake Tennyson."

Ben look to the side "Doc?"

Chalkwas nods doing a quick scan on Ben "you got people worried after your stunt." Ben nods thinking back at what happened with Zs'Skayr. The silenced was thick in the air.

"So different Universe huh?" Chalkwas asked raising an eyebrow.

"URRG. Zs'Skayr Told Shepard did not he" Ben scowled out.

Chalkwas nods "you don't deny it?" as she still scans.

Ben nods "if Zs'Skayr is here, then at this point what to hide."

Chalkwas smiles "I am sure everything will work out, but I need to know. Why did you leave your home for this one"?

Ben struggles to speak on the matter "I should. I feel alone, I feel… I miss then."

Chalkwas notice Ben struggle "We should set up appointment to talk about this, and you are not alone Tennyson. I do not know why you left your world behind, but you cannot keep this bottled up, and that reaction with Zs'Skayr just proves it."

Ben Nods and sets up future appointments down the line. Then leaves to find solace in his life old and in his new one.

Normandy SR2 Miranda office

"Mamm"

Miranda looks up from the computer with ship next to her also looking up. "Was it Hawthorne."

"Thought you like to know That Tennyson awake, Chalkwas sent me to deliver the message. I was meant to get the message to Shepard but…"

"He off helping Jacob. Thank you, Hawthorne, dismissed" Hawthorne Salutes and turns to leave.

"You ready to go Ship."

"Ship, Ship" nods Miranda smiles at ship. Then their head to find Ben.

Normandy SR2 Crew Deck. Outside the Elevator Door

"Benjamin" Ben looks around to see Thane coming out of life support.

"Thane, how is it going?"

Thane smiles "it is going well. I am of to get some food. How are you fearing after your collapse. You left a few of us quite worried."

Ben frowns but wave it off. "I'm doing alright, just want to take it easy, you know."

Thane nods "I do have some meditation techniques that might help, to help with your issues."

Ben looks down. Head in shame. "Thanks Thane, I appreciated it."

Thane Smiles then frowns "Benjamin, sometimes it just good to let go of pain of our past."

Ben frowns "I'm guessing everyone knows now about me."

Thane nods "about your travel but not about your past. It be good to talk about it someday."

Ben frowns hand covering his face. "I do not know, I already got Chalkwas telling me and making appointments with her. But…"

Thane crosses his arms behind his back "You lack the trust for the people around here and everywhere."

Ben Nods not smiling about it. He wants to trust them, he wants to move on from everyone and everything he misses but now tears shatter across his face, coming down like a rainstorm. Then the elevator doors open, Empty on the inside.

"I see you a bit Thane."

Thane nods Not smiling. But he looks at Ben with a solemn promise to help him "speak to you soon Benjamin" The elevator doors shut.

"You know eavesdropping does not help him build trust" Thane called out. Miranda comes out the shadows, with ship in hand Looking solemn.

"You did not mention Eon."

"Shepard has the right to tell him about that. It also does not feel like the right time considering he just awoken." Miranda nods at that agreeing with it. Not saying anything between each other. Thane nods back and go their separate ways.

Aeia

Aeia is a forest like planet, which has a rich jungle and peaceful surroundings with a sea that cover most of the horizon. The shuttle laned just outside the crashed Gernsback. It look like half its hull was torn a sunder.

"What the Hell, that was not normal" Jacob said as he led on. They were speaking to a woman earlier before they were attack by Males with SMGs.

Kasumi nods follows Jacob. "It looks like whatever the floorer does, makes males more aggressive.

"Look let us keep moving and see what we can find. For now, keep you weapons armed and ready, use stun if necessary. But if the males are forceful do not hold back" Shepard said as he let Jacob take the lead on the mission Jacob and Kasumi nods.

"Like whom be stupid enough to eat the local plant life if it toxic. From the logs it seems these people are regression, back to the stone ages." Kasumi points out.

Shepards nods and orders out commands. "Kasumi cloak ahead. make sure we got no more surprises. Jacob cover the front I got the real" Both nods.

A few minutes later

Shepard and Jacob kept walking forward when Shepard omni-tool blinked. It was a call from Kasumi.

"Shep" over the Omni-tool

"What is it Kasumi?"

"They a settlement here, full of females and only females."

Both Shepard and Jacob stopped walking. They stood there for a good few minutes before looking at each other with an understanding of what going on here.

"We on the way stay cloak till we reach their!" Shepard ordered.

"You got it shep" The call was cut.

3 minutes later

As they arrived at the settlement and catch up with Kasumi, they see only females and a worship statue liker Kasumi said.

"Jesus That borderline worship!" Jacob exclaims. seeing the statue in front of them.

A random female approaches the group and shouts. "You have his Face, He said he protect he said lied. Used us"

"Not the greatest family resemblance Jacob" Shepard stated.

"Something not right here Shepard, my farther this…"

"We get answers Jacob. count on it" Kasumi Said with a high grin. Shepard nods agreeing with that.

"Come on let's get moving" Jacob said clearly wanted to get answers, so they did, moving across the settlement till they hear "Please no!"

All three look at four mechs attacking an innocence settlement female "Your master demand satisfaction" The mech one said.

All three charge, Shepard fires of a Cryo Blast to stop them, Jacob pulls the mech forward with his biotics then shoots with his shotgun.

Kasumi overloads the rest with chain Overload she created to Help in her extra activities.

"Nice work Kasumi" Shepard praised.

"Thanks, Shep"

Jacob rushes on ahead "you're, okay?"

settlement female startled. "Yes, hard to speak, please look" She shoves a data pad to Jacob chest. Jacob looks through it and the more he read the more the pales. seeing emotional destruction that caused the people to act like this.

"What it say Jacob" Shepard ask inquisitively.

"This cannot be right it says, it says captains and any Highers ups got to enjoy the spoils of food from the supplies while the crew have to ingest the local flora, which can cause, hallucinations, regression, speech impediment. Something not right Shepard the father I knew, the one that raised me would not let these people suffer like this."

Shepard Frown hearing that, He himself has always respect the chain of command but does have to deal with leaders who act like they a captain of a dictatorship. Shepard turns around to the surroundings and sees a beat up mech with crates behind it. Shepard smirk. A mech core can explode if given the right hack.

"Kasumi Set that down mech to explode, so we have a passage through."

Kasumi Grins "Aye, Aye, shep"

"Jacob Lets go" Jacob nods realising he needs to confront his farther. They push forward seeing corpses left right and piled up. It was a gruesome scene, mechs fighting hunters (the males). As they fight the way forward, they hear Ronald Taylor (Jacob Father) over loudspeaker calling for help, claiming these hunters are crazy. Jacob Murttered bullshit. Shepard and Kasumi overload mechs stopping them in the tracks. Jacob even throw some of them of the edge with his biotics. They shoot through a horde of mechs till they reach a heavy mech and male humans guarding a gate.

"Shit Heavy mech" Shepard shouts out. They spread out taking cover but have to move every so often so they can avoid the mech rockets. They shoot it shields and use as many overloads as possible to sabotage it. They now reach the Armor. Again, the shoot, but it not as strong as before as armour on heavy Mech are tough. Shepard fires of as many warps he can to destroy it. Hunters appear aiding the heavy mech.

"shit" Kasumi grumbles "They don't look happy."

"The Heavy mech covering the Hunters while the Hunters are…."

"Spraying Themo clicks at us" Shepard finish for Jacob. "It looks like the armour down; Kasumi go cloak and reach for the head unit." Kasumi nods and does do that. Shepard looks at Jacob "come on we cover her" Jacob nods and both he and Shepard open firing while not aiming so that target is on them. They try and not hit Kasumi giving her a chance. While Kasumi cloaked. She gets behind the mech jumps on his back to the top of his shoulders and rips apart the head. Then ticking noise appears.

"Kasumi Run!" Shepard shouts and Kasumi does not need to be told twice she knows what happens when a heavy mech explodes without his head unit. The heavy mech explodes like a small nuclear winter killing the rest of the loyal hunters that seemed to serve Jacob farther.

"Well, that was fun" Kasumi Grins

"And here I thought you where all stealth" Shepard joke in retorts.

Kasumi Giggles "A lady must have fun once and a while."

"Come on, it's time to have a chat with my late father." Jacob said marching up toward the gates. Shepard and Kasumi look at each other. Then followed behind.

They walk up suspense is in the air. You can even hear a pin drop as they move closer to...

"Ah thank goodness you come, these people they turn on me," Robert Tayer spoke, in a pain voiced.

"It bit late to ask for help don't you think" Jacob angrily retorts.

Ronald Stutters a bit at that but casual reposed with "look supplies were low and everyone was fine until."

"Until you forced feed you 'small little kingdom' to the point they went crazy and now you want out. Bet you loved it up here in your 'fancy mansion.' Living of the said low supplies that can last more than 10 years" Jacob anger was bubbling to the surface, and it was showing.

Ronald blinked at that "looked I trying to…"

"Survive, I get that Taylor but what you did here is barbaric to the point I would have shot you myself if it not for my friend here," Shepards tilted his head to Jacob. Shepard turns to Kasumi "Kasumi watch the gates" Kasumi nods pistol out, heading back to the gate.

"Jacob this is your show, tell your father how you feel" Shepard finished.

Ronald eyes widen and looks at "Jacob, No, no this… you were not meant…"

"What? See you like this, well to little too late. Your no father of mine after what you did here" He points a gun at him angry eyes flashes at his Father. Ronald hands in the air, eyes fear seeing what he has done.

"Jacob, I get it" Shepard putting his hand on Jacob shoulder "but he not worth it." Jacob turns to Shepard "You have three choices, leave him here to fend for himself, shoot him, or bring him in for Alliance tribunal. With the evidence we gathered here it will not be hard to prove him guilty"

Jacob scowling at that, contemplating his choices, his hands struggling, "Alliance" Shepard nods smiling. He himself would have shot Ronald Taylor but, it was not his choice it was Jacobs. Shepard turns to see Kasumi having her gun out on the hunters. Shepard has his two long fingers on his earpiece.

"EDI, we need pickup."

"Yes commander"

"Joker let alliance command that the survivors of the Gernsback have been found."

"Aye, Aye Commander"

"Jacob I'm…" Robert try to speak the air was suffering.

"Save it because you are not the father who raised me. Your just some filth who took advantage of his crew." Jacob looks at Shepard "let's go" Shepard nods.

"let's" And they do but not before containing the hunters and Ronald at the female settlement tie up. when the shuttle arrive, they head back to the Normandy. Leaving Jacob past and a single tear appears on both of the Taylors.

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2 Galaxy map

"Hey Commander, we just picked up an alliance com bowie. They inbound to pick up captain Taylor and his crew. We be long gone by the time they get here."

Shepards smiles looking over the map "Do not even give them the taillights."

"Aye, Aye." Shepard starts to walk off heading to the armoury, then to the conference room.

Normandy SR2 Conference room

"What do you mean it wasn't you?" Jacob ask confusingly. Eyebrow raised.

"Jacob, if I leaked the information about The Gernsback, I will be smiling at your resolution of the situation. I am not smiling." Illusive man said with a deadpanned expression

"Nothing, and I mean nothing goes through my ship, with out a report to you" Shepard interrupts the conversation between the two.

"I had no more reason about Jacob Farther being alive than he did but I am happy to know, the situation is behind you."

"Fine then if it was not you, then who was it," Jacob ask the Illusive man Inquisitively.

"I did" Miranda sliding into the room, with ship on her shoulder. The silence is palpable.

"Was this to mess with him or help, because with you it hard to tell" Shepard said confused at the situation in front of him.

"ship" Agrees.

"What he did with it was his own business." She looks at Jacob "for a time this matter to you, sending this along felt like a promise. I keep my promises." Jacob nods, Shepard smiles.

"Miranda we will discuss your liberal interpretation of passing security protocols in private. Shepard Jacob." the Illusive man puffs cutting the call.

Miranda looks at the two before speaking. "Shepard, Benjamin is awake, he is in engineering at the moment."

"Ship, Ship" Ship nods Chipley Shepard nods at both. Miranda then leaves with ship and out of the conference room.

Shepard turns to Jacob "Your, okay?"

"It all Bull Shepard, captain Taylor can rot in prison for all I care. It does not change who I am or what I know. I have already mourned the man he used to be he was a good enough father that even he cannot screw up what he taught me."

"You know Why Miranda did this?"

"She has got a good memory selective, but I have not thought about those days in a long-time, cannot figure which promise she meant though. not sure I really want to know. she requires a better man than I. come on we've got work to do" They was a pause for a bit as both head out to the hallway between armoury and Lab. "and Commander," Shepard looks at Jacob "Thanks" Jacob pulls out his hand "No problem, Jacob. Anytime" Shepard shakes it.

Normandy SR2 Engineering deck.

Shepard walks outs the elevator and starts looking around for Ben. What strange is why Ben on this Deck. As Shepard gets to Engineering core he sees Tali.

"Hey Tali" Tali turns around wiggling her fingers "Ah Shepard Glad you stop by; I might need help with something. is that too much?"

Shepard waves his hands "it fine, I am looking for Ben. I am told he came down this Deck."

Tali nods "yes, he was here a few moments ago. He asked Kennith and gabby something then went to the hangar bay, I think."

Shepard nods then ask. "Thanks. So, what do you need help with?"

Tali gets a bit Jumpy "well my people, are charging me with a crime of bringing active Geth to the Floatia and well."

Shepard stops her there. "Have you done that? And what is the punishment for that type of crime with the Floatia?"

Tali shakes her head heavily "No oh Keelah, No. Just parts that could help gives us an advantage Shepard. never whole units of Geth..." The silence stretch fine till Tali continued explaining. "The punishment is Exile. Please Shepard I need help."

Shepards nods "I be their Tali and Garrus too; trust me we get you through this."

"Thanks Shepard, I best get back to work, these shields don't shield themselves you know" Shepard smiles but can tell Tali voiced is strained from the accusations. Hew and Tali hug before Shepard went to talk to his local Engineers. Kennith and Gabby.

Shepard walks over to Kennith and gabby "You two?"

"Ah Commander you here about Ben, are you?" Kennith ask. Who is a muscular Scottish man with A brown goatee and moustache. He is wearing the standard Cerberus uniform. Which is a leather black, yellow and white top, and trousers.

"Kenneth Shut up" Gabby said to her crewmate. She has short brown hair with the same uniform as Kennith. She also has an hourglass figure, and her voice is very American. She is also a no-nonsense woman.

"No Gabby, Kennith is right!" Shepard pointed out.

"really" Kennith was surprised by that, and a little so happy for Gabby taste. So, she Glares at him but responds to Shepard.

"Oh, sorry commander it just, Ben ask us for any app's games for the Omni-tool. Well, more Kennith really. I do not see the point in them." Gabby explained.

"Hey, they are really fun and helps past the boredom." Kenneth explained back.

"Oh, please they rot your brain, I did try to convince Ben, but he look like he needed something to do."

Shepard chuckles at the two and ask Kennith "I'm guessing he got a lot of games then?"

"Oh yes Commander, just stuff to past the time, but when you get the chance. thank Ben for me would you" Shepard eyebrow raised at that.

"I will but why?"

"I would like to know as well, Kennith" Gabby eyebrow.

Kennith was sweating here "Oh nothing just the fact he help boosted my confidence in asking you out." Kennith rubs the back of his neck, but Gabby persists and Shepard notice that these two are a lot closer than they were before.

"Kenneth Donnelly!" 'Ooof Full name' that never goes well Shepard thought.

"I Urm. He notice my apps list and found a certain adult Asri Site. he promise to keep quiet about them" Gabby eyes shot at him like a missile.

"Ommi-tool NOW!" Kenneth did, he knew when he was in the Doghouse from the tone of her voice. As gabby grabbed Kennith arms, deleting all of his adult sites from his omni-tool.

Shepard point and asks. "So, you two now official is it."

Kenneth nods "yes Commander and it was all thanks to Ben, he nudged me right at that. Told me "Gabby makes comments on herself when I make remarks about urm other women, and that I was too stupid to notice that I was making Gabby Jealous."" Gabby smiles at that thanking Ben for Pulling Kenneth out of his Scottish Arse.

"Well, congrats you too., I need to see, Ben. so, I should Go."

A few minutes later

"Well, that was Nice," Kennith said.

"Certainly, Kenneth, now Here is your Ommi-tool Back, with malware that if you ever, add those sites again. They will be deleted, and now" Gabby grabs Kenneth ears. "Ow, Ow"

"We now Dating so if you want to live another day, you do not comment about other women, you do not look at 'sites' and you will Behave got it" Kenneth nods quickly. Gabby smiles, which shivers Kenneth spine quite a bit,

"Good Boy." Gabby pats Kenneth cheek "Now back to work"

"Yes dear." Kenneth sighed. Shepard in the background, making a whipping sound "whipped."

"And here I thought I was going to break that trend" Kenneth sighed.

"What was that Kenneth" Gabby emphases Kennith like she herd him.

"Nothing Gabby" Gabby Smiles. Tali in the background was chuckling.

"You know Gabby. I Have an excellent spyware if you need to keep an eye on your boyfriend." Tali offered. Tali also figured out what Whipped means and she blushed under her helmet.

Gabby gushed "oh thank you Tali. I might take you up on that."

"Well, I'm right fuck aren't I" Kennith mentioned.

"Right in the down under" Gabby responded.

Normandy SR2 Hangar Bay

Shepard walks out the elevator. Looking around not seeing Ben, then heads to Ben little section of the Hangar Bay, but Ben was not alone.

"Hello Prometheus, I assume you're here because Ben offered his sleeping quarters, which happens to be the Hangar Bay." Shepard pointed out.

Prometheus turns from reading his Ommi-tool that he stole when he was on the collector ship. To Shepard. "Yes Commander Shepard, I feel I can fully adapt here."

"That good. You see Ben?" Shepard was pleased to him that but ask where Ben was.

Prometheus Nods "He came by earlier, was on his Omni-tool, then left but Never went to the elevator."

"Really?" Prometheus nods "most certainly But I did here him call Paradox. I was wanting to catch up with Morden several times, so that understand better the history here and your many species that co-exists."

Shepard smiles at that and asked, "That true, how are you finding, catching up with Morden ties?"

Prometheus Answers "A bit like my century, the only key difference would be the varied species working together. In my time we just enslave then"

"Hmm, yes, that will not go well with a lot of Prothean expects, my Girlfriend, (well separated at the moment) included."

Prometheus agrees "I understand but the truth is needed, if one is to see the era of, they ways."

Shepard nods at that, Agreeing with the sentiment.

Then a Blue/white Portal appears spitting out Ben landing him on his back "Jeez Thanks Paradox" Ben then looks up to see Shepard and Prometheus

"Hey guys. How is it 'Hanging'" Mouns have been eco across the hangar Bay?

"Ben. May I ask what that portal was about. In fact, who Paradox?"

"Ah, hmm, so you know now that I'm not well from this Universe." Both Shepard and Prometheus nods,

"Well, I.... I cannot tell you, not yet anyway." Shepard scrunch his nose, Prometheus blinked.

"Why" Shepard asked.

"Because if I did, I would not be able to stop Ghostfreak."

"What about this Eon character. He sounds Powerful" Prometheus puts in. Ben Mouth twitched at that. Shepard notice.

"He is, it just. When, I just cannot tell you. They my fight and my fight alone." Ben said in an aggressive tone.

Shepard puts his hand on Ben shoulder "Ben you are not alone, I do not know what happen back in your Universe, but we can help. You just have to trust us."

Ben contemplating a bit in a pin of silence. "I think about it."

Shepard smiles "That all I ask. Now if you excuse me the rest of the crew want to have a chat, might as well start from engineering to Mordin. I should go."

Ben smiles "see later, Shep."

So, Shepard does. He talks to all his crew about they problems. Some he knew before hand due to past conversations that has been brought up recently. Miranda story intrigue him the most due to her struggle with emotion and her having a sister. Maybe he can get Ben to do that one while he is helping Liara.

Normandy SR2 Miranda Office.

A few hours later

The Normandy warps out of the relay and heads straight for the Floatia. Ben, Ship and Miranda see outside her window. Directly at the Flotilla. One of the things Ben did when he was aboard the Normandy was catch up on This Universe History. Geth was a prominent feature in a lot of history text.

"So That the Flotia, Dam. Kinda feel bad. if it was not there for the own fault they got booted out of the planet for making life" Ben remark divisively looking out of the window, in Miranda office. He came here after talking to Shepard to get ship, but they got talking about, Ghostfreak and eon. Not to the extent that Miranda would like as she can tell Ben still hiding stuff from her, but she get there.

"I would not go and mention that to Tali Benjamin, the Quarians are a petty bunch, but I will admit that they are right about the Geth" Miranda Ben nods.

"Ship, Ship" Ship jumps around.

Ben smirk "yes ship, I know how you feel but Miranda is intitled to an opinion, even if it wrong."

Miranda smiles "maybe. How are you feeling?"

"Not great. Honestly, I can here to get away, but..."

"Your past will always haunt you know matter where you are" Ben smiles but weakly. Miranda nods Back.

Ben Omni-tool picks up a call. Ben Answers "Ben"

"Yeah Shepard"

"Do you have an Alien, which can do Law or has high intelligent to fight of laws?"

"Urm yes, they Greymatter, He good at that type of thing. Why?" Miranda also curious as to why so her eyebrow goes up.

"Good Turn into Greymatter, get a protective suit on and meet me at the Head of the FLoatia because we need you to hold of the Judges as a representative. while me, Tali, and Garrus head of to fight Geth."

Miranda Chimes in her Ommi-tool making it a three-way call. "Shepard This is Miranda, how did a Trial become you fighting Geth?"

You can hear how Shepard become exasperated over the coms "Basically what happened was...."

Chapter Text

The Flotilla

A few hours earlier. Shepard and Garrus put on the Helmets. So, they are not relieving their skin. The Quarians are allergic to the outside air and any organic touch that they interact with. They must decontaminate.

The Normandy flies towards the home of the Quarians. The Flotilla. Where the Trial of Tali'Zorah will take place.

"This is Tali'Zorah vas Neema Nar Rayya requesting permission to dock with Rayya" Tali Zora a woman who wears purple and black cloth around her body and a Helmet with a blinking light attached. This helmet is so she can breathe because her species can get easily infected by the outside world.

Traffic controller Quarian spoke over the com "our system as your ship flag the Cerberus Verify!"

Tali began to chant. "After time adrift among open stars along tides of light and through shoals of dust I will return to where I began."

"Permission Granted, welcomed home Tali'Zorah."

"We'd like a security and quarantine team to meet us our ship is not clean."

"Understood, Approach Exterior dock cradle17" Joker does that as he slows down on approach to the cradle.

"Alright let's go" Shepard says Garrus nods. Tali follows behind.

They enter the Airlock of the Rayya "Equalizing interior pressure with exterior atmosphere. Logged. Welcome Captain Shepard and Tali'Zorah vas Neema Nar Rayya." Garrus snorts thinking 'of course I'm left out' It takes a few minutes, but they leave to then be greeted by.

Captain Kar'Danna walked forward and spoke openly "Captain Shepard. Tali'Zorah has told me many things about you. I do wish we can meet under better circumstances."

Shepard nods "As do I Captain but Tali has Helped The crew of the Normandy out in tricky situations many times. I am here to return the favour."

Captain Kar'Danna nods back. "I understand as the commander of the vessel she serves on, your voice carries weight" Shepard nods.

Captain Kar'Danna continues and turns to Tali "I wish I could do more to help Tali. the trial requires that I be officially neutral, but I am here if you need to talk…. They are charging you with bringing active Geth into the fleet as part of the secret project. Please tell me you did not do this."

Tali eye light brightens in despair. "That insane, I never brought active Geth just, Parts and pieces yes but never full active parts."

Shepard puts his hand up "I know Tali but whatever happen here changes that. Who oversaw this secret project."

Talis fiddled with her fingers "My father was working on a project, He needed Materials. if I sent back something that was only damaged, not permanently inactive…. No, no, no I checked everything I was careful technically."

Captain Kar'Danna shook his head. "I am under orders to place Tali'Zorah under arrest pending the Trial. So, Tali, I am placing you in the confine of this ship till the Trial over."

Tali Nods "Thank you captain."

Captain Kar'Danna nods toward her then turns to Shepard. "The preparations for the trial got underway as soon as you arrived, the hearing is in the garden plaza. It is just down the hall to the right. Good luck" He pointed directions.

So, they walk forward toward the garden plaza but not before Shepard stops them. He turned to Tali and Garrus. "I have a feeling; we are going into some action down the line."

Garrus nods "I feel it too." He turned to Tali. "I trust you Tali but if they activate Geth here, and from what it seems. No one was able to stop them. If we are going to fight Geth we need a representee here just in case something happens."

Tali fiddles her fingers "that makes sense, I wish the Board is doing what right, but I also get the feeling something is up with them, and we have not even met them yet."

Shepard scratches his chin "Hang on let me make a call" He opens his Omni-tool.

Normandy Sr2 Miranda Office

"Yeah, I can go that, I meet you at the Airlock in Greymatter form. I am fairly sure my helmet can cover my face." Ben answered and explained over the Omni-tool.

"Thanks Ben, I let Captain Kar'Donna off your approach" The lines cuts. Ben turns and looks at Miranda.

"Do me a favour and carry me to the Airlock" Miranda raised her eyebrows and was about to ask when.

"GREYMATTER!" Shouted in a small squeaky voice.

Miranda looks around for Ben. Ship was giggling "Benjamin where are you?"

"Look down" and she did look down on her desk. Then smirked. "Oh my, you are so tiny I could fit you in my pockets."

Greymatter smirks back "That suit has pockets. I am surprised, considering how tight it is" Then blushes when looking closer at the tightness of the suit.

Miranda picks up Ben and heads towards the Airlock "It is a proactive Nano fibre suit" She turns her head back to ship. "Stay Boy"

"Ship, Ship," Ship nodded.

Ben snorts "yeah that gets all the boy's attention" Miranda smirks at that.

A few minutes later

Normandy Airlock - Rayya Airlock

A synthesised voice appears "Equalizing interior pressure with exterior atmosphere. Logged, Welcome Unknown Species." Greymatter Snorted. The doors open. To see three confused Quarians above him and clearly not noticing him at all.

Greymatter Ask with a high-pitched voice. "So, your Captain kar'Donna?" The said captain looks down at the noise.

"Urm Yes, are you Greymatter?" Captain asks confusedly.

Greymatter nods "Yes, I am told to represent Tali. Has the Trail Started?"

Captain kar'Donna not sure this Thing can represent "yes well, your captain did not take kindly to that fact Tali was kicked out of her home by name. She goes by Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy now."

Greymatter scowls as he quickly reads up on the rules along the way here that were provided by Miranda. "So that is their plan. forced planned just so they look like they are doing something. So, they chose exile even when there is no proof of what she did."

Captain Kar'Donna was surprised by how quick the little creature caught on. He was ordered to not let Tali know. "Yes well, I better take you to the Trial... Urm."

Greymatter smiled "yes, would you mind, if you carry me and you don't have to worry about germs, I have made sure to scrub myself before coming aboard and my Armor is fully covering me."

Captain Kar'Donna nods respect and is appreciative of the little creature's respect towards their suit problems. His request was fair, and he picks him up and takes him to Shepard.

The Flotilla Garden Plaza

A few minutes earlier

"Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy I am glad you came. I could delay them only so long" A voice spoke in the distance.

Everyone looks on to see "Aunty raan! Shepard Vas' Normandy, this is Admiral Salarian vas Tombay. She is a friend of my father" Tali pauses for a sec…...

"Wait Raan You called me Vas Normandy…."

Raan Nods "I'm afraid I did Tali the admiralty board move - to have you tried under that name given your departure from the Neema."

Shepard asks in disbelief "you're an admiral does that mean you are one of the judges."

Raan shakes her head "I am afraid not, due to my connection to Tali Father I am to recuse myself from the proceedings."

Shepard starts to think on this "I imagine father had to do the same?" Tali ask interrupting Shepards thoughts.

Raan just stares before answering… "you see inside Tali, for my part I make sure the rules are moderated, and protocols are followed but I have no vote in the Judgment" She skipped over Tali's father. Shepard and Garrus noticed.

"I take it that being associated with the human ship is a bad sign" Shepard ask curiously with an eyebrow raised under his N7 Armour.

"They stripped me of my ship name that's as good as declaring me exiled already" Garrus Growls at that.

Raan interjects "it is not over yet Tali. you have friends who still know you as Tali vas Nima or whatever we must call you legally." Rann was given a signal. "It looks like everyone ready to get started."

Shepard nods "Does Tali have a defence council, someone who speaks for her defence."

Raan nods "yes captain Shepard, as she is part of your crew, you be her defence."

Shepard just stares "I see, then in that case, I will be part of the defence, but I will not represent her. we called in someone, who will cover if they an excursion of fighting Geth that needs to happen."

Raan brights eyes widen and thought 'how did they know.'

Shepard smirks. Thinking 'not the first time I was in the court system.'

"Shepard" a familiar sound came from behind.

Everyone turns to see Captain kar'Donna with "Ah Greymatter, thanks for coming."

Raan eyes widen even to the point they look like they coming out of her Helmet "That creature is defending Tali."

Greymatter smirks "Yes,"

Raan look nervous "very uh W... ell."

Greymatter looks at Tali "I do anything in my power to help Tali. I recently read up on all the rules, some are stupid mind you but hey diverse cultures and all that."

Tali nods, turning towards Raan ready to go. Garrus behind her and Shepard in front "Let us go!

Raan nods "urm" Everyone turns to Captain kar'Donna "could you."

Greymatter nods "Of course my apologies, Garrus" Garrus smirks and picks Greymatter up in his hands. Captain kar'Donna Makes his thanks and heads back to the Airlock.

As they walk towards the stage Raan speaks to Greymatter "our legal rules are simple there are no legal tricks or political loopholes for you to worry about present the truth as best you can it will have to be enough 'hopefully" Raan Muttered that last part

The Trial Garden Plaza.

The trail is set in a square rectangular field, with a Table centre right dab in the middle. Seats cover around it. Starting at the accused. There are flowers arranged around the room to make it feel homely.

Everyone is ready. Shepard and Garrus are ready sitting on the back benches. Garrus placed Greymatter on the Table where he was representing Tali. Tali is nervous but ready. The admirals Greymatter does not know the names of are ready.

Raan speaks up "The Conclave is brought to order by blessed early ancestors who kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season. Keelah se'lai"

"Keelah se'lai!" The room of Quarians shouted. Shepard crossed his arms and Garrus lean forward.

"The accused Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy has come with her captain and Representative, to defend herself against a charge of treason," Raan spoke neutrally.

"Objection no Human or for that matter a creature that small has no business being here, including one that involves sensitive Military matters."

Greymatter opens his omni-tool to loud speak settings so everyone can hear his speech "Then maybe you should have thought about that before declaring Tali a part of the Normandy crew, and your rules by the way. So do not go hanging them last minute."

The Quarian in the middle "And how does a small little creature, like you know of are rules."

Greymatter smirks "Simple I read them and the name Greymatter by the way. Better remember it."

The same Quarian "what nonsense is this. We did not hand you the rule book and I am quite sure Tali was not aware of the change until you got here."

Greymatter smirks "Do not underestimate a man with an IQ of 30 trillion or more. so do not ask how I read your rules. also, I am fairly sure, you just admitted to causing: Oh, what the human saying, oh political bullshit."

All the Quarians were muttering now. The Middle Quarion who Ben Believes is the admiral of the civilian fleet speaks again. "Impossible no being has that high of an IQ? Wait, you said I caused political 'coughs' problems. How"

The other admirals just stay silence, even Raan as she intrigue where this will go.

Greymatter smirks again " I'm pretty sure in Quarian law, you meant to give 48 hours of notice before the transfer of ship, and you just said an I quote "I'm pretty sure Tali, was not aware of the change until you got here". So, um Come at me Bruv. so please give me more ammunition" Tali felt stricken.

Everyone now realised where the small creature was going with this and even the Admiral in the Middle notices "Objection withdrawn" he said hastily.

Raan nods "Thank you Admiral Koris" Greymatter thought 'So that his name.'

Raan continued "Greymatter Vas Normandy your Crew Member Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy stand accused of treason. As your captain pointed out, you are her defence, will you speak for her."

Greymatter steps forwards on the podium he is standing. "I am, but in her heart lives a proud member of the Migrant Fleet. Tali'Zorah Vas Neema. I regret that her captain is forbidden to side with her today. It almost like he did not get an invite, Admiral Koris."

In the background, Garrus was holding his Omni-tool up to record this. He was also incredibly happy. Shepard was trying to hide his laughter with how much one admiral was caught out.

Koris interrupts sounding a little miffed "nobody has been forbidden from anything it is a simple…."

"Lie to them if you must Zaal'Koris, but don't lie to me and expect me to stay silent, the urm…"

"Greymatter" Ben puts in

Gerral the admiral who interrupts Koris nods "Right. The Greymatter right" Greymatter smirks. Greymatter 1. Admiral 0.

Raan cuts in "admirals please, Greymatter's willingness to represent Tail'Zorah in this hearing is appreciated. Tali you are accused of bringing active Geth to the migrants' fleet what say you."

Greymatter coughs "not Guilty, Besides How can Tali send Active Geth while aboard the Normandy and I'm sure the last time we thought Geth was when Shepard was on Haestrom."

The Admiral to the left who called Xen "to clarify Greymatter Tali is not accused of bringing back entire units only parts that could spontaneously reactivate."

Tali said Quickly "but I would never send active Geth to the fleet everything I sent was disabled and harmless."

Admiral koris chimes in "then explain how Geth took the lab ship where your father was working"?

Tali is now getting angry. "What are you talking about, what happened?"

Admiral Gerral Sated "as far as we can tell, Tali. The Geth has taken and killed the people aboard the Alarei… Your father included."

Greymatter retorts back growling a bit "Another last-minute thing to spring on us thanks for that but that does not explain, how that Tali fault." He looks over to Tali "How long have you been sending bits and pieces of Geth to your father."

Tali gets nervous "Bought a few years give or take. It started after I went back to the Flotilla after Shepard hmm."

Shepard shakes his head "its fine Tali."

Greymatter looks back at the Admirals "So Tali Father, had these Geth pieces for a long time, years even. So, the real question is why are they active now? and coming back to what I asked earlier, how is this Tali fault? From what I seen and heard The Geth were activated on the Lab ship, not spontaneously reactivated."

Everyone in the room was silenced by that. The pins dropping can be heard back to Illum. The admirals cannot answer that because they have no answer.

Greymatter turns to Shepard "you go deal with the lab ship, I got it handled from here" Shepards, Tali and Garrus Nods.

Raan quickly said "They is a shuttle waiting for you at the far end of the corridor."

Koris growls shouted at them "Safest course would be to simply destroy the ship but if you are looking for an honourable death instead of exile, then so be it from me to stop."

Greymatter growls even further, then looks at Shepard. Shepard can see in greymatter eyes what he is planning and nods. Then Tali and Garrus head to the shuttle.

Everyone saw the interaction with the two, so they looked at greymatter for his comeback.

Greymatter hits his Omnitrix. A bright light appeared.

"Snare-Oh!" Ben shouts

Snare-oh is an Alien that looks like a mummy, with Bangies as well as a tall length figure of 2.539 meters.

Every Quarian in that room stood in shock at what they saw.

Snare-Oh Growls at Koris, wrapping him around entrapping him. Every gun is now on him. "You dare. Koris let us make this perfectly clear, I do not like you, but your passive need to anger us is working and I am tempted to toss you out the Airlock Trial be dammed" Ben said in a Posh British accent.

Raan puts her hands up "We apologies, urm."

"Snare-oh"

Raan nods "Snare-oh. We were just shocked by the evidence brought forward." Snare-oh snorted clearly thinking that bullshit. Raan was trying her best to placate the situation and defend Koris. She understands koris views, to her he is a nice person but can be a little extreme when need be.

"That no excuse" Snare-oh points out.

Gerral nods "it not but you have to understand,"

Snare-oh nods "Yes since you cannot blame the father, you go after the daughter instead. There is a human saying for that. It called. Sins of our father"

Everyone looks down in shame in realizing that they may have just alienated one of their own because they need to blame someone for someone else's potential fault. The laughter in the background from a Quarian called kal'reegar.

Xen notices the human speech pattern "Interesting transformation, I assume you are the transformed human, the galaxy rumoured about."

Snare-oh nods at that. Everyone was shocked. Snare decided enough was enough and dropped Koris "let this be a warning to you" Koris leaves as do Raan and Gerral. He turns to Xen "How did the rumours start?"

Xen shrugged "from what a friend told me; it started on earth. But enough of that please tell me the genius behind your transformations" Snare-oh thought about, then nods

"Maybe later, I want to talk to everyone involved in the trial" Xen nods and leaves. The other admirals already left to the collective party, same as Koris. The shock of my transformation is over.

"I can see why the council never gave the Quarians ambassadorship." Snare-oh Mutters.

Alarei

"Come on Tali, Ben did a good job there, The Admirals lost a bit of trust trying to push this on you" Garrus said with a smile.

Tali nods "I know, but how they push this all on me, it just…"

Shepard locks and loads "come on, we need to get this done, Ben may have bought us time, but it won't last." Both Tali and Garrus nod, loading up their weapons.

So, they pushed forward, fighting after the fighting, wave after wave. Using Overload, Ai hack, And Tali drone to horde of wave after wave of Geth. As they push them to make it to a lab.

Shepard clears left "Clear" Then sees the drone "Tali they a drone in here" Tali ran past Shepard to see the unraised drone.

"Looks like parts from a disabled to repair a drone plus a reflux algorithm that I did not recognize. I got this on haestrom" Shepard asks more questions on the Drone and asks if this can help them, Tali shakes her head indicating not so later they move on.

Again, the push forward, through the ship corridors watching videos of Quarian explaining what happened, how it happened and how many are online. The squad left after watching. they moved on. They keep fighting, shooting down the headlights of the Geth.

The Geth came packing though. They brought Geth Trooper and Geth Hunters. Troopers are simply basic cavalry with the standard Geth pulse rifle. Hunters are packing Geth shotguns, and cloak making it hard for Shepard and crew to aim at them.

They reach a terminal. Tali opens a link with her omni-tool with the Terminal.

"This console might have something: most of the data is corrupted but a few bits are left" …. Tali looks back at Shepard "They were performing experiments on Geth systems looking for new ways to overcome Geth resistance to reprogramming."

Shepard looked a bit miffed by the use of experiments they were doing here. It was inhumane in his eyes, even if it was Geth. They exist now, so they should have the same rights as anyone else.

Shepard even asks if The Quarians thought about finding a new planet for a home, but Tali shot it down fast stating that Rannoch is their home and the Geth took it from them. Garrus frowns at that, while he himself does not like the Geth, there were other ways in dealing with this situation than planning what it looks like war. Shepard the same, and even pointed it out but Tali explain, how hard it will be to do that.

They move on with a tense atmosphere now. As they push forward further. They reach a corridor, and a dead body. They get closer to see its Tali father. Tali'Zorah.

Tali runs up from behind Shepard "Father! No, No, No, No. You always had a plan. Masked Life signs on or Onboard Medical stasis program, maybe. You, you would not. They were wrong, you would not just die like this. You would not leave me to clean up you…."

Shepard's hand goes towards Tali "Hey, hey come here" Tali hugs Shepard…

"Dammit, Dammit. I am so sorry you got "

Garrus interrupts putting his hand on her shoulder "you have nothing to be sorry about Tali."

Tali Shakely nods "Maybe, maybe… He would have known I would come maybe He left a message."

Rael Hologram appears after Tali synchronises his Ommi-tool with her. "Tali, if you are listening, then I am dead. The Geth have gone active. I do not have much time. The main hub will be on the bridge you will need to destroy to stop their VI processes from forming new Neural links. Make sure Han'Gerrel and Daro'Xen see the data…..." Blaster fire can be heard in the background in the recording.

Tali sniffs "Thanks dad"

Garrus says holding Tali shoulder "he knew you had come for him he was trying to help you it is not perfect that is not what you wanted but it is the best he could."

Tali softly speaks looking down on her father "I do not know what is worse thinking he never really cared or thinking that he did and that this was the only way he could show it. It does not matter one way or the other I care, and I am here, and we are ending this" Tali said that last sentence with some confidence.

Back with Ben/Snare-Oh

"I just Question everyone here and may have hopefully told Xen to mind her business in terms of my watch" Ben says to himself but then looks up to see Raan.

"They reconvene at the conclave, the Hearing is about to finish up" as she says that last bit, she walks to her position.

"Oh, you got to be Kidding me, and here I was offering a way for you to no longer suffer under those suits" Ben says loudly but they seem to ignore him. It is almost like they know what happened. At that Ben eyes Narrows, walking to the defence table but not before.

"EDI You read"

"Yes Benjamin" EDI Responds

"Send a message to Shepard, let him know the Quarians are not waiting for them."

"Understood, also Joker asks if you still up for poker night with him, Kennith, Kasumi, Zaeed, Jacob and Gabby."

"Heck yes, I am. Tell him to be ready to lose. Anyway, logging out."

"Understood."

Back to Shepard

"Dam those Geth primes are annoying" Garrus puts out.

"Yeah, but I did get a model ship from the fight. So, they a positive" Shepard claims excitably

"Only you would claim a model ship as a positive after a fight" Garrus smirks back.

"Guys over here" Tali shouts. Both making their way to Tali.

"This is the console my father mentioned. It linked to the main hub, disabling it should wipe out the rest of the Geth we missed. It looks like the recording remained intact. This should tell us how this happened and why father did all this."

Shepard hears Tali darker tone in her voice. "It sounds like you don't want to watch this."

Tali shakes her head "no we have to I…. This is terrible Shepard, I do not want to know he was a part of this."

So, they play the recording of Tali dad, getting the evidence that they need but they have a slight catch…

Back to the Ben: The Conclave

A few minutes earlier

"Oh, you must be kidding me, they have not been gone for more than a few hours, and you decided they are dead. You have not even bothered to ask me, as I can check if they are still alive through my Omni-tool. Oh, by the way they are" Ben who still as Snare-oh stated angrily.

Literally none of the Admirals had nothing to say to that.

"You're just so prideful are not you. You cannot even ask for help even if it is staring right in your mask. Hell, even the council offer you a bone, but you flat out said no"!

Gerrel snorts angrily "The offer did not help us gain our home world back."

"No but you would have to live on a planet, without having to deal with suit/germ problems. The Salarian were offering a way out."

Xen calm as ever "How do you know…"

"Greymatter has 30 trillion IQ, maybe more, you figure it out. Also, I hack into things for fun" Xen Bright lights dim.

Koris chimes in confusion "What planet are you talking about?"

"Oh, this is Great, you did not even tell the admiral that houses your civilians. that the council offered the Quarians a planet to recoup and rest from the mistake that you made. This was a few years after your banishment. You know what the even funny part I bet you did not tell them because you wanted cannon fodder Gerral."

The said Quarian angrily growled "They should be proud to help us fight to get our home world back."

Normally you cannot tell these things with Snare-oh, but they a hint of a subtle smirk forming,

"I like to point out that Gerral just admitted to using the civilian fleet as Cannon fodder!"

Gerrel's bright eyes light up, "Shit." He muttered. Gerrel was indeed a prideful man and that gets him into a lot of trouble to the point where he ignores everyone else's views.

Koris ever the patience man "I vote to colonise this planet in the name of the Quarian people. I positive that, my people would agree." He growls that last part at Gerrel. Xen and Raan were quiet for the most of this, though Raan did seem to be intrigued by living on a planet again. He turns to the Quarian people "We must move on for the sake of our children for our families. So that are people while not be doomed to a lifetime of torture.

The Quarians are clapping hard. Shepard and crew walked in. Everyone stopped clapping as they charged up to the podium. "Go take your ship" he pointed behind him.

Koris answers "Thank you captain Shepard for reliving the Alarei, we just had a most forthcoming discussion. Thank you, Shapeshifter, for speaking the truth."

Garrus murmurs in Snare-oh ear "I thought he hated us?"

Snare-oh shrugged it off "He wanted to blame someone. Politically I mean. He wants just peace with the Geth and someone to live for the civilians he looks after" Garrus nods at that.

Shepard hears that last bit "So the Quarians finally accepted the deal with council then" Tali looks shaken 'what deal?' she thought. Shepard notices and explains.

Shepard shrugs at everyone looking at him "I am a spectre, remember. I needed intel on the people I was working with. I am not working with a crew half full" Tali and Garrus nod. It makes sense they were on a warship back then, humans had secrets. Shepard needed to know who he trusts and who he does not with said secrets.

Raan coughs "I see, well in any case, I second the notion for a new world colonised offered by the council. A while ago"

Gerral angry speaks up "your meant to be neutral Raan."

Raan nods "for Tali Trial. not for the Council offer... Gerral" Gerral tightens his fist Raan looks at Tali. "What say you Tali'Zorah vas Normandy do you have evidence to prove your innocence."

Garrus, Tali, and Shepard looked at each other. "Tali," Garrus says quietly. Tali nods

FlashBack

"You can't be serious," Tali exclaimed.

"This evidence can prove your innocence, Tali" Shepard loudly points out.

"Please you can't" Tali looking at her two friends.

"Let's get back to the shuttle, Ben should be waiting and then you can decide Tali" Garrus puts in.

"Just know we are behind you Tali, we just want to give you an option of what you want to do" Shepard says.

Tali nods at them both.

END OF FLASHBACK

"Look at them all of you they, do not care about Tali all they care about is their war with the Geth. Tali risked her life for all of you on haestrom hell on the Citadel when she helped stopped Saren, she deserves better than this" Snare-oh shouts out. Thinking Checkmate

Xen speaks out "if you have no new evidence then I suggest that we…."

"WAIT!" wait the shapeshifter is right Tali saved me. she does not deserve to be exiled" A Quarian knows as Veetor speaks out.

"Damn straight Tali's done more for this fleet than you ever will. You are pissing on everything I fought for. Everything Tali fought for. So, if you exile her, you might as well do the same at me." Another Quarian speaks out, one Kal'Reegar.

"Me too" Veetor finishes.

The admirals are looking at each other than at the people. They had the same thought. That shapeshifter played us and the crowd.

"Tali in light of your history of service, we do not find sufficient evidence to convict, you are free of all charges" Raan shouts out. Then a noise breaks out.

"Beep, Beeep, beep, beeeeeeeeeep" and a red flash appears and goes Back to Ben

Everyone looks at the shapeshifter, with his green Armor and helmet covering his face.

Ben starts to wave, "hi everyone." He turns to Shepard "Since Tali is now free, I meet back on the ship Shepard.

Koris shouts. Ben turned around "Wait, I want to thank you for telling me about that offer and apologise for how I was treating you."

Raan nods "we make arrangements to speak to the council. Thank you." Ben nods, then heads to the Normandy Airlock.

A few minutes later. On the Normandy

"Is it done" Miranda asks.

"Yeah, Now I'm going to sleep night princess."

"Night Benjamin"

Chapter Text

NormandySR2 Shepard quarters

A few hours after Tali Trial.

"You sure Anderson, this only happened recently" Shepard asked his old friend.

"I am sorry son. The council wants to see this shapeshifter. especially since he was the one who managed to convince the civilian populace of the Quarians to settle on a colony." Anderson said over the com channels.

"What about the other admirals? I know Hackett up to something."

"They were reluctant to say the lease, and you know Hackett. The man motto is constant vigilance. He probably wants to get an understanding of your friend."

"Of course." Shepard rolled his eyes "Alright I set a course for the citadel then and to be far, two of my companions have some business there anyway so I be killing three birds in one stone."

Anderson who is a man with dark skinned and brown eye colouring. He also wears a smart suit that carries around his authority. He is also a man that has a seat on the council. A seat that was recommended by Shepard.

"Good I let the council know of your arrival and Shepard the kids on Horizon made it, so they have a foster home here on the citadel."

Shepard grimaced. "Anderson, you know, how I feel about foster homes."

"I know son, but their only family was on Horizon, and no one wants to take them in. I am sorry it not the best but it the best we got at the moment."

Shepard nods "See you soon Anderson."

"See you later Shepard" Anderson cut the coms Shepard open his Omni-tool to call Ben up to his quarters.

A Few Hours later

"Ah man and here I was having a nice nap."

"Sorry Ben but the council wants to see you." Shepard said and Ben looked around Shepard's space.

"Nice digs by the way"

Shepard chuckles "thanks but luckily the bed more comfortable than it looks."

"I bet. So how long will we be there for" Ben asks, accepting that they are going to see the council.

"Well Garrus and Thane needs help with personal business there and we got that meeting with the council, so I say roughly 10 hours tops".

Ben groans "ah man"

Shepard turns to look at his models "hey Ben?"

"Um Yeah"

"Do you know who Eon is?"

"He here too and properly with ghostfreak isn't he" Shepard nods.

Ben groans go deep "I was wondering what paradox meant. Sorry about my outburst back in the hangar bay."

Shepard waved him off "It is no problem. You were stressed and who?"

Ben waves his hand like this paradox is not important.

"You know how I said it was my fight and mine alone." Shepard nodded. "Well Eon is an evil version of me that has the capability to time travel, maybe even travel dimensions. If he is working with Ghostfreak then we are in some deepshit" Ben said. He did not want to tell Shepard but considering what was happening. He has no choice.

Shepard had his hand on his forehead shaking it "Then we need to plan accordingly, you got an alien that can counter Eon time manipulations powers."

Ben nods "He called clockwork" He shows Shepard clockwork silhouette from the Omnitrix.

Shepard raised his eyebrow "Appropriate, but also assuming Eon is you, it safe to say, he knows your capabilities as well."

Ben nods, grimacing that fact "Same with Zs'Skayr. I should really call him that. since he was one of my Aliens"

Shepard Blanches at that "Please tell me, that a joke I remember Mordin saying that but…"

Ben shrugs "I wish I were, but yes, He was one of my Aliens. He escaped from the watch, and I wish I could show my memories of the event, but that wishful thinking."

Shepard then had a light bulb moment "I might have an idea. The Asari have this ability to mind meld, sort like telepathy through two minds, with your permission Samara can gather whatever intel we have on Eon and Ghostfreak and she can help you explain it better."

Ben thinks about it "And they will not gather any other parts if my memory's."

Shepard Just blankly stares and explains like he experience it before. "Sorry but Samara will know of your past, part of the mind meld is accepting one another and while I know that still difficult for you, its party of their process."

Ben nods grimaces easily washes his face like a face mask "Okay, but Princess has to be there, because if she is not, she just going to intrude one way or another."

Shepard smirks "please I half expect the illusive man to show up. considering you mysteries backstory"

Ben snorts "Alright when"

Shepard looks at the time "we got time to kill so how about now."

Ben snorts again "God I hope the citadel have video games."

Shepard crackles and starts alerting Samara of the plan. He also informs Miranda.

NormandySR2Port Observation deck

Everyone was there. Miranda, Samara, ship, Shepard, Kasumi (cloaked), and Ben. Ben was explaining what he told Shepard.

"Shit so we be fighting an evil time traveller version of this idiot" Miranda finger points to Ben.

"Hey" Ben shouts

"And an Alien from his own watch, which escaped." Ignoring Ben Hey.

Both Shepard and Ben nods though Ben a bit miffed about the idiot comment

Samara amused by the events "Yes, a mind Meld will help but Understand young Ben. that this process will, proceed to give you headaches afterwards."

Ben Nods "let's get this over with,"

Samara Holds Ben's Head to her own, "Relax Young Ben. Embrace eternity"

Eyes going pitch black, dark as the Sky that floats around them. Flashes of Ben's life appear in Samara Head. All sad and happy memories pour in, like a bucket pouring water. They separate.

"By the Goddess. I certainly understand your need to leave your home as it was and Alien X a creature such as theirs. All that power just with a flick."

Ben has his hands on his forehead. "At least Serena and Bellicus keep the power in check. Even if there our annoying"

Samara nods agreeing "indeed."

Miranda cuts in "who are Serena and Bellicus?"

Samara was the one who answered "The personalities that inhabit Alien X, one if full of life, compassion, and love. The other is full of Hate, Anger and Aggression. Ben Here is the voice of reason out of the three."

Miranda snorts. Ben Glares. Shepard coughs. "Well now we know the full extent of Alien X even further to the point."

Ben waves his Hands "Yeah I know, security lock remember" points to the watch.

Shepard Nods. Looks to Samara "what can you tell us about Ben foes?"

Samara nods "With Eon, there not much, other than the fact, with what you already know. That his Time Manipulations" Everyone nods

"Shiiiiip" Growls

"Down boy" Ben muttered.

Miranda raise an eyebrow.

"Ship very protective of me," Ben explained.

Miranda nods already knowing of that fact.

Samara then goes in depth about Zs'Skayr and his Adventures. From the beginning to the end. Everyone Blanches hearing the story. It was dark. Possession, control, hell it almost sounds like a horror vid.

Shepard asked, "Wait how did Zs'Skayr Escape a second time from the Omnitrix."

"Because of me," Ben answered Shepard. "Before I came here, I had to make a choice, and choice always comes at a price, letting Zs'Skayr out was that price, but also my choice."

Samara nods "You see, what Ben had to do was save as many as he can, but he could not save everyone, unfortunately. He made a deal with Zs'Skayr, He help save those people in return for freedom."

Ben carries on "He did help and kept his word. for a time, but when the time came, he left. I did not know where but at the time I could have cared less" Ben lets out a single tear.

"Shipp, shipp" snuggles into Ben's shoulder.

"Well thank you Ben, go get some rest, we still got time till the citadel." Shepard pats Ben back. Ben nods back heading to the Hangar Bay. Leaving the room in a solace state. Ship followed him.

"I need to warn the illusive man, His base was compromised by this freak." Miranda said and was about to leave till Samara called out.

"Look out for cracks in the eyes and a high dark tint of purple in the pupil, which overshadows their natural colouring. That how you know they being possessed by Zs'Skayr."

Miranda nods and leaves to inform her Boss.

Shepards Looks at Samara "They are hiding out in Omega; I have to warn Aria of the powers that freak possesses."

Samara nods "That would be wise." Her voice became Solum.

Shepard nods at Samara, knowing what awaited her at Omega. Then proceeds to leave to warn Aria.

The citadel.

After a few more hours warning both Aria and the illusive man of Zs'Skayr and Eon abilities. To say that they were mortified was an understatement. How can they fight a time traveller and a Ghost? They now At the Citadel for Shepard and Ben to speak to the council. They left the ship airlock into the wards of the citadel. They then took a skycab to the presidium and walked up to the Tower entrance. Where they take an elevator to the council chambers up in the citadel Tower.

The citadel tower.

"Ah I missed these elevators had great conversation with old friends" Shepard said to Ben.

Ben Snorts "How bored were you in these elevators."

Shepard smirk "Very. I learned a lot about Krogan reproduction. In these lifts." Ben made a gagging sound from his mouth.

They leave the Elevator heading towards the chamber. Walking forward they make it on a platform in front of the four councillors: Anderson the human councillor, Tevos the Asari councillor, Sparatus the Turian councillor and Valern the Salarian councillor. Shepard stopped in front of Ben before the proceedings started.

"Now remember these are important people Ben and not to be ignored, so no mouthing off."

Ben smirks "No promises."

Shepard Smirks back. He tried at least.

Tevos The Asari councillor speaks first "Welcome commander Shepard, it has been a while since we have been faced to face. At least this way, we will not get hanged up on when we receive a report from you every time"

Ben snorts and turns to his friend. "Dude and you said these are 'important people and not to be ignored.' Only for me to find out, you did the very thing."

Shepard spoke with a straight face "we had difference of opinion on my missions against Saran."

Anderson coughs in his fist. He says, "Quite." Anderson looks towards Be "Mr Tennyson."

Ben waves his hand "please call me Ben. I am not old yet and I am clearly not in detention. Hopefully."

Some human's chuckles in the background. The Turian Councillor Snarls. Ben notices it. He smiles back.

Anderson smirks in return. "Indeed,"

Valern stated "Mr Tennyson, my name is Valern. Councillor for the Salarian race. It has become apparent about your abilities to shapeshift. Normally I would not believe such rumours, but vids from Illum say otherwise. Can you tell us the nature of this ability and where the creatures come from"?

Ben thinks about his answer "Well it is quite simple really. I am not going to tell you." Everyone turned to look at Ben like he groaned a second head. Shepard in the background was trying not to laugh at Ben's strength to just about annoy anyone with just a single sentence. Also, he is recording this for prosperity and for Wrex. He misses Wrex.

Sparatus Growls "You dare Human. Your species is under council laws, and you will answer!"

Ben smirks "yes but you Councillors made it clear that the Terminus system is not and I believe I reside in the Terminus system. A planet called Horizon. I believe you should have the reports."

Tevos nods, speaking with a straight face "Very true Mr Tennyson and the reports are not what we expected to say the least."

Shepard rolled his eyes. Of course they are trying to dodge it. He thought.

"But your abilities are a safety concern for those who reside in council space, and we do all we can to protect them." Tavos finished.

Valern nodded arms crossed. "Yes, I for one like to know how this technology works, it has never been seen or heard before. It has not even been done before."

Ben shrugged "that because it has not, the tech used for the watch, does not exist 'yet'" Ben muttered that last part.

Valern looks at the watch in an intrigued "then how did…?" "

Sparatus Shouts out clearly annoyed by Ben work around. "Enough! We clearly do not trust this human to give us straight answers. I suggested we take the watch from him. In any case no human should wield that power in the first place"

Tevos nods "Properly a wise course of action, we need…"

Shepard interrupts "Excuse me Councillors" All four members look towards Shepard.

"Yes Shepard" Anderson quickly says before the Turian denies his say. Anderson eyed him for a bit too.

"We have a full report from Mordin Solace, who I believe the Salarian councillor is aware of due to his past in STG."

Valern nods and looks at the other council members "Yes, he is a doctor that works for STG. His word is good. Was part of a project a while back that I cannot disclosed" Valern looks at Shepard "He should not have told you either"?

Shepard nods agreeing "There was an emergency on a planet relating to said project. A scientist who was part of it, is now trying to reverse it… by force."

Valern just stares "I see. Very well let us read this report and reconvene in 10 minutes. Mordin is not one to give faulty evidence."

Sparatus sputters a "What!"

Tevos looks at the Salarian council member with some scrutiny as well. They do not want to lose the narrative here. Shepard chuckled. Anderson just smirks

Valern just nodded, staring at the other two councillors with a dare me look. "Mordin is a Trusted adviser for STG. His word is good and if he can tell us more about the watch then, I do not see the problem. It is clear to us that the human does not want to go into detail about the watch and his origins. In public I might added"

The other two council members think about that, look at Ben for a few minutes. Who looks bored being here. Both reluctantly agree for a ten-minute recess. Anderson was quiet throughout the meeting but agreed to having the 10-minute recess as well. Shepard handed off the data pad to an assistant. Who raced off to catch up to the councillors. They left through the side entrance leaving their podiums.

Ben looked at Shepard with some scrutiny "you planned that didn't you."

"Yeah, I did. I knew they would want to expose your abilities but the ramification behind it. Mordin even offered to help in any way. So, I called that in."

Ben just nods

10 minutes later the councilors returned, taking up the position on their podiums.

Tevos walks in clearly agitated. "Too everyone in the public gathering. Please move towards the council chambers exit. Thank you for your patience but we must move the proceeding to a more undisclosed setting."

Sparatus speaks up next and towards C-sec "C-Sec will escort those that are unwilling to comply."

The audience does so. Now it becomes a quiet meeting.

Valern speaks first, holding out the data pad Shepard brought to them earlier. "Please Tell me that this is a joke" holding the pad in the air wavering around it.

Ben smirks, understanding what he means "I don't know what you mean?"

Tevos ether so cheerful "Young Tennyson, do not Joke. Answer the question: are you from another universe? A universe that has over one hundred million Life forms?

"Maybe more!"

Sparatus growls. "So, you do not deny it."

"nope'" Ben said with a pop in the P.

Anderson speaks softly "The ramification behind dimension travel is…"

Valern cuts off "Staggering." He looks towards Shepard, "I understand the need now to hide this. Not his shapeshifter abilities of course but his past. Have you got the appropriate paperwork for his Identity."

Ben chimes in here "At the moment I have my name, Birthday, and my Pet. Ship."

Sparatus looked at Ben like he was stupid. "You named your pet… 'Ship'?" He quotes the last part.

Ben looks at Shepard. He nods in return. Opening up his Omni-tool. Revealing ship, transforming into a ship, and many other devices.

Tevos exclaims "By the Goddess! How does…"

Ben interrupts knowing what the question is "one of my transformations, called Upgrade, there are a race called a Galvanic metamorph. Councillor Valern has the details on the pad Shepard passed. I assume anyway. That should explain ship skill."

"It does councillor." Shepard answered, confirming Ben's assumptions.

Valern nods at the other Councillors. Confirming this also.

Tevos coughs "very well. Now that we know more about the situation, we can prepare."

Shepard Coughs "I like to put forward Ben as a candidate for spectre" He looks Towards Sparatus "This way, you have a better access to him and, you can feel safer knowing he is working for you. I know it is sudden, but it is better than having him loose."

Sparatus strokes his mandibles. Look towards the other members "I agree. While I do not like the idea of a human having that much power. Having him close to us would be more beneficial than anything else. Shepard is also right. It having loose would cause mass panic."

Ben eyebrows raised. Anderson looked at the turion councillor with a nod signifying that he agreed with the sentiment. Tevos nods also agreeing. Valern just stares at Ben for a moment but also nods.

Tevos raises her arms high. "Benjamin Kirby Tennyson. Step forward." He does so "It is the decision of the council that you be granted the powers and privileges of Special Tactics and Reconnaissance, branch of the citadel."

Valern spoke " Next" spectres are not trained but chosen. Individual forge in a fire of service and battle, those who action elevate them above the rank and file."

Tevos softly explained. "Specters are an ideal a symbol the embodiment of Courage determination and self-reliance they are the right hand of the council instruments of our will."

Anderson finishes "Spectres bear a great burden; they are Protectors of Galactic peace both our first and last line of defence the safety of the Galaxy is Theirs to uphold."

Tevos breathed in. speaking up "you're the second Human spectre Young Tennyson, Shepard here being the first."

Ben nods, bowing. In respect. "I am grateful."

Tevos nods back "good Meeting adjourned, good luck commander Shepard. The collectors are making board moves" Shepard nodded.

5 minutes later

Ben turns to Shepard "well that was stressful, it was almost like they were not going to let me leave."

? "They were not originally going to let you leave."

Both Ben and Shepard turn to see Kaiden, some grey-haired man in a white tuxedo suit and Anderson.

Shepard nods towards them "Anderson, Kaiden, Udina" He growled at that last name. "I figured that was the case. That is why I offered the spectre candidate. Ben does not like being trapped."

Ben was shocked "you mean to tell me that; they were going to lock me up on the citadel. Ha like to see them try."

Kaiden pats Ben shoulder "sorry kid but, you are an unknown to them with powers of a shapeshifter. It was expected that they wanted to keep you here for testing."

Udina nods "yes well, a power like that in the hand of a child. It is bad enough Shepard back."

Anderson and Ben narrowed their eyes at Udina "Shut it" Anderson said.

"Commander Shepard, Mr Tennyson" a clerk ran up to them. "Valern wants to speak in his chambers." The clerk looks over to Anderson and Udina "Your welcome to join them Councillor."

Anderson nods, looks at Kaiden "Keep an eye out for stragglers and makes sure, to aid C-Sec, in catching the culprit. Udina you are with me" Kaiden Nods and heads out.

Udina shouts "finally"

The clerk walks them through the inner council chambers, reaching Valern office. The clerk pressed a button.

A voice heard on the offer side "come in" They come in seeing Tevos leaning on Valern's desk and Valern sitting behind his desk.

"Ah Shepard, Tennyson, Anderson, and Udina. Welcome have a seat" They sit down opposite the two councillors.

"I first want to thank you for coming, I know you have a busy schedule with the colonies, but I want to ask first is that, is it true that you have the DNA of Turian, Drell and Quarian."

Ben Nods "by accident, the watch functions as a catalyst for DNA if they ever go extinct. Also, because I forgot to reset the settings on this thing, believe it or not."

Tevos smiles "I would like to see a transformation if possible. Sparatus would be here but there was an emergency that he needed to take care of. A Mask man has managed to attack the citadel."

Ben nods "I can do one better, look if you let me scan both of you, I be able to showcase, my DNA version of an Asari and Salarian."

Both Asari and Salarian councillors look at each other then back at Ben "I don't have a problem with that" Valern stated. Tevos smiles nodding in agreement.

So, Ben set the scan function on. A yellow beam comes out of the watch and scans both councillors.

"Alien DNA SCANN RECOGINSE" x2

"NEW DNA CATEGORISE"

Shepard leans over to Anderson, "you might want to wear sunglasses" Anderson and Udina raise an eyebrow. As Shepard turned on his tilted Lense in his helmet.

Ben slams his watch. A Flash of Green appears blinding everyone except Shepard due to his experiences with this. "Bio-Optic" shouted in a womanly voice. Instantly her hand went to her.

Bio-0tic is an asari that wears the same armour as Ben but has more of a slim figure than his human male form. Ben also feels like a tank in this form. Almost like a Vanguard of sorts. Bio-0tic skin tone is closer to blueish purple.

Tevos looks over the Asari transformation "Impressive. I can tell you that your headache that you have is because of the biotics that come with Asari DNA. We get them at the initial stages of our life."

Bio-tic looks at Tevos "So this is natural to your species. Its bloody pain"

Tevos nods smiling as she looks around the body of Bi- Optic "Indeed, you need some training to master it, but the headaches will go after sometime"

Shepard chimes in "we ask Samara when we get back to the ship. She is a Justicar helping us."

Tevos smiles at that, wanting confirmation. "A justiciar?"

Shepard nods. Tevos' smile goes tenfold. "She is a good master to learn from."

Valern smiles now "I would like to see the Salarian form now if that alright."

Bio- Optic nods. Slams the Omnitrix, down. "Intelligence," he shouted. Again, wearing the same armour but feels more lite and slimmer like he made to move fast and loose.

Valern nodes not showing any reaction. "Good, just wanted to see what you look like, now."

Ben de-transforms back to Ben and sits back down.

"Now we need to sort out an Identity for you Tennyson."

Anderson interrupts here "Councillor as the meeting was adjourned, I already have a friend of mine in the alliance to wipe up a backstory for Ben, one that related to Horizon of course. Shepard is already aware of it."

Tevos looks at Anderson with respect, "good, how long?"

Udina answered this time "not long, I would say 4- 5 hours. Our friend got started before the news of our new friend appeared."

Ben Interrupts "urm why are you helping me, I do not even know most of you. In fact, you do not even know me or trust me for that matter."

Anderson was the one that answered and leaned forward to eye Ben "Son as we mention earlier, because of your skill set we wanted to lock you up. You are unknown to us and that scared the shit out of us. We did not want to take risks with you at all."

Valern nods "Indeed that was our original plan, but when we noticed, you were not going to cooperate, we had to take things differently into account. So, when Shepard offered you Spectre status. We agreed because one, it allows us to monitor you to see you are an ally or foe. Hopefully ally"

"And two was because we did not know about your other universe. So, this give you a chance to explore ours. It is a win-win. Bear in mind young Tennyson, this is not in the goodness of our hearts but simply we need to keep an eye on you. As Anderson rightfully stated, you are an unknown and that scares us" Tevos finishes.

Ben nods and agrees. He himself was trying to get himself a life in this world but it has been difficult because of the technology being so different to the ones he used to.

Valern coughs "well we have everything covered here, please enjoy your time on the citadel Tennyson. Shepard."

Both get up from their seats and leave the council office.

"Well, that was something" Ben stated as he and Shepard head back to the wards where the Normandy parked.

"It sure was Ben. By the way, Bio-Optic? which is quite on the nose there. Why not Tendril or something. Do you have another squid like alien in that watch of yours"?

Ben shrugged "it did not feel that it fit as well. And yes, I do. He called Gax The conqueror."

Shepard stopped cold. He pauses after hearing that. He thought 'What?'

Chapter Text

The Citadel: the Zekera wards.

Shepard and Ben are walking back from the meeting with the council. Shepard spoke up as they walk through the wards, heading back to Normandy Docking port. "So now that meeting is out of the way. Ben, I need you to help Thane out with his problem, while I deal with Garrus."

Ben nods at Shepard as they walk towards the lower wards back to the Normandy Airlock.

"What Thane issuers at the moment?" Ben asks so he has an understanding of the mission parameters.

Shepard looks at the approaching Thane, Zaeed, and Garrus. He turns to Ben quickly explaining.

"Thane has a son that is going to make a mistake. One that will cost him. So stealth is applied here. Make sure you are not seen. From what we have been told he is planning to assassinate someone we just do not know who."

Ben's eyes bulged out and nodded "I can use Chamalien. He can turn invisible and climb walls. It would be better than using a big chill, I might freeze most of the bystanders.

Shepard nods at that. The three companions arrive in front of the two.

"Thane, Garrus, Zaeed." Shepard greeted. All three nod back.

"I already asked some of my C-sec contacts. Shepard we can meet Fade at the factory sector of the Wards."

Shepard nods and looks at Thane "Talk to Bailey, he will help you find your son."

Thane smiles appreciatively, bowing.

Zaeed gruff voice says "I wish you luck in helping your kid out. God knows how many falls into this life because of a mistake made by a parent."

Garrus chimes in. side eying Zaeed. "Is that from personal experience Zaeed."

Zaeed Huff in acknowledgment

Ben wanting to not waste time "We better get going Thane. I am fairly sure that time right now is running low in catching your son." Thane nods in agreement.

Shepard also nods in agreement "Call us if there are problems." So, the groups split off. With Shepard and Zaeed Helping Garrus down in the industry sector of the citadel. While Ben helps Thane with his son in the lower wards.

C-Sec office - Zekera wards sector.

Ben and Thane Walk in the C-sec office side by side. Ben asked as he walked up to a desk where an old man with Box cut hair was sitting. "Are you Captain Bailey?" He was wearing a blue and black Uniform with padding on the chest area.

Bailey looks up from his paperwork to see a Kid and a Drell "Yes, I am and who might you gentlemen be?"

"I am Ben Tennyson, and my friend here is called Thane krios. We are looking for his son. who I might add is about to commit a crime."

Bailey regarded them for a minute... "Well, if the new Spectre says he needs help. Then who am I to argue?"

Ben whistle "News travel fast here then"

Bailey smirks "Like you would not believe it."

Thane just stands there quietly to the side but adds in the details of what kolyat looks like to Bailey.

Bailey goes on the hub "Now let us see here. We do not get many Drells here, so this should not be too difficult. Ah here we go, the one you are looking for spoke to Mouse not too long ago, he was on the upper level of Zekera wards."

Thane raised his left eye "Mouse?"

Bailey shrugs "Petty criminal mainly stays around the vents but does have contacts."

Ben eyed Bailey "So he is a middleman then."

Bailey nods, shrugging "Pretty much."

Ben put out his hand "thanks for your help. If we find anything we let you know"

Bailey shakes Ben's hand and looks at Thane "I failed my kids. You are trying to save yours. If you need anything. Let me know"

Both nod and head back out to Zekera wards leaving C-sec.

Thane looks at Ben. "You did not tell him about the assassination plot."

Ben shrugs, "We do not know who the target is yet. Plus having that crime stated out in the open is going to attract attention, we do not want that."

Thane nods "No we do not. Let us go talk to mouse."

Upper-level Zekera ward

"Mouse!"

Mouse turns around and seeing Thane in an instant has brought back memories "Oh shit Thane."

Ben chuckles, "I'm not going to ask how you two know each other because it is too obvious." He looks at the mouse "I am just going to make it simple. We are looking for another Drell. His son in fact. If you tell us who the hit is. No one would know you are involved. As a spectre you have my word."

Mouse hands up in a panic "Wait, they kill me if I tell you."

Thane puts his hand on Mouse's shoulder and leans in "You have my word, that nothing will come to you, I just want to save my son. Please." Thane sounded desperate. Though who can blame him his son about to kill someone for the first time?

Mouse huffs hand to his face. He moaned out. "Elias Kelham wanted a hit. I sent your son his way."

Thane smiles, I appreciated "Thank you mouse."

Mouse moans "yes well do not thank me when I am dead. Please do not ever speak to me again Thane" Mouse walks away.

Ben looks at Thane with concern "You good Thane."

Thane sighs heavily "That could not be easy for a mouse. He knew more about my life that kolyat ever did."

Thane eyes then went blank white "He smiles up at my broken teeth in scabby knees bare feet black a dead-end future looking up at me worshipping the petty gifts I offer." He that in a fast-paced motion like it was a memory recanted "I was the only good thing he had back then, but I left him as I left Kolyat."

Ben was solemn, understanding this part of Thane as he has read the history of the Drell because of his transformation.

"Come on, we need to speak, Bailey." Ben said. Letting Thane breath a bit. Thane nods back appreciating Ben Patience.

Thane nods following Ben.

C-Sec office - Zekera wards sector.

Ben and Thane Walk back into C-sec and straight for Bailey.

"Bailey, we got a name. We need to talk to him. Can you have him picked up for us."

Bailey looks up from his desk from his paperwork. "You speak to Mouse then. Alright, I set up the interview room. Who do you need picked up"?

Ben answers "Elias Kelham. He hired Thane's son for a hit."

Bailey rub his now scrunch up nose "Fuck."

Ben raised an eyebrow "Problem?"

Bailey sighs "something like that. We have an arrangement. I let things go on the slide and in return, he gives me…... Tickets for the C-sec gala."

Thane looks at Bailey with pity. Ben just snorts "I am a Spectre, I can get him to talk, without him knowing you brought him in. So, bring him in."

Bailey nods, sighing. Looking at another officer asking them to bring in Elias Kelham

5 minutes later

"Do you know who I am, Get Bailey here now or I have your Jobs!" Elias exclaims while being dragged in by two C-sec officers. One Turian and one human female. to interrogation.

"Is he always that annoying?" Ben asks like he already knew the answer.

Bailey who just appeared behind, so Elias will not see him. "When something does not go his way. Yes, pretty much."

Ben looks at Thane "I got a plan, and it will be pretty fast but whatever you do. you are not to laugh" Ben then turns to Bailey. "You too Bailey"

Thane nods. Bailey shrugs, not getting the point.

Ben reaches for his watch. Slams it Down. Green light flashing the C-Sec office.

People started laughing at Ben from even Bailey could not help but chuckle. Thane was hiding his Omni-tool to record this form. There is a bet going on which form can scare everyone shitless. They have not met Toepick yet.

Pesky dust exclaims "I will be back in a few! And stop laughing" He pointed at everyone.

Interview room

"The fuck are you!?" Elias Exclaims seeing Pesky Dust float in his strapped chair.

Pesky dust rolled their pixel eyes "Just shut up and go to sleep." Clouds of dust appear as pesky dust hovers over Elias. Elia eyes started to slumber in wait of the Dust.

Another 5 minutes later

Pesky Dust floats back out of interrogation and a red light appears just before he walks back with Thane and Bailey. Another man who Ben assumed is a lawyer is with them.

"Where is my client! You have no right!" 'Yep, that a lawyer alright' Ben thought. He stepped forward to stop this from reaching political nuclear.

"In interrogation having a sleep, or a nightmare. forgot which maybe but this was when I asked him some questions."

"That is a violation of his rights!" he lawyer shouted point directly in Ben face.

"Not when I am a spectre. Now git." The lawyer blanched and ran straight to his client.

Bailey raised an eyebrow "Nightmare?"

Ben smirks "Pesky dust can make people relive some of their most terrifying memories. Or good ones depends on how feel really."

"I see… Got a name for the hit?" Bailey asked.

"Joram Talid"

"Shit"

"I have not been giving you the best of news have I." Ben quipped.

"Not really, no. Talid a Turian politician all about security and perception of the welfare of the citadel citizens. Besides humans of course."

"So, we are saving a racist Turian wonderful. I do love to hate my job sometimes." Bailey smirks at Ben retort.

Thane chimes in "we have no time to question the beliefs of this man."

Bailey nods and looks at an officer. "Rookie, get these two patrol cars to the 800 blocks." The rookie salutes. "Yes sir."

Ben raises an eyebrow "How old is that rookie. He looks to be fifty."

"Oh, that John Nolen. He was nicknamed the Rookie because that was his age when he joined. I thought he was a charity case to be honest." Bailey explained shrugging.

The 800 hundred Blocks.

On the way to the 800 hundred Blocks. Ben turned into Chamalien before they arrived to the blocks. They see Talid over at the corner.

On the way to the 800 hundred Blocks. Ben turned into Chamalien before they arrived to the blocks. They see Talid over at the corner.

"They he is. You got a Plan" Chamalien said in a gritty voice.

Thane nods and points up to the railings. "Follow Talid on the maintenance catwalks. Tell me what he is doing. The Krogan bodyguard will make him easy to follow."

Chamalien nods "And you?"

Thane walks a slight further in "The darkest corner with the best view" He puts his hands together and prays. As he did this Chamalien cloak behind him. "Amonkira. Lord of hunters. Grant that my hands be steady, my aim be true and my feet swift and should the worst come to pass grant me forgiveness…" The room went dark.

3 minutes later

Thane over the comes "You see him."

Chamalien was hanging on the walls following Talid. He eyes him with his Krogan Bodyguard. "Yeah, I see him. Quite sure his guard is a Blood pack Member."

"Keep following him and make sure you do not lose him. I contacted Bailey. I know Blood packs are not welcome here." Thane responded.

"Understood" Chamalien followed Talid around making. He followed him talking to patrons. Threatening store clerks. Talking to more Blood pack guards. Chamalien asked Thane if Security here in the citadel was always this shit.

Thane responded with over the coms ". I counted at least no fewer than fourteen different fatal flaws a skill an assassin can exploit. Eight of them existed over ten years ago. When I first visited the citadel.

Chamalien blinked and responded with a "dam."

5 minutes later as they were following Talid near the apartment complex of the 800 blocks.

Chamalien was looking around to see if kolyat was around and low and behold. He appeared.

"Thane, I see a Drell. wearing a blue overcoat similar to yours." Chamalien said running up.

Thane appeared behind on the ground level and was running beside him. "That Kolyat. Stop him before he gets in trouble."

"Don't have to tell me twice" Ben jumps from the maintenance catwalks to the ground. Hitting the Omnitrix also.

"X.L.R.8!" Ben in his velociraptor form speeds up to grab Kolyat by his claws.

"Not so fast Kolyat" X.L.R.8! Pinned Kolyat by the wall. Making him drop his gun.

Kolyat is shocked by this sudden appearance but that does not deter him from his goal. He tries to escape. "Let me go!"

"Not till your father gets here" X.L.R.8! Explained.

"What, my father here… Why?" Kolyat had a distant look on his face. It looked very pained.

"He's trying to stop you from making…"

"What is going on here?" X.L.R.8! was interrupted by Talid of all people.

Both Kolyat and X.L.R.8 turned their heads to see Joram Talid walking up to them.

X.L.R.8 answers "Spectre Business. Please can you get back sir."

Joram Talid narrows his eyes at the Hourglass symbol "Ah yes, the human shapeshifter. You know I do not approve that humans should wield such power. Or be a Spectre for that matter."

X.L.R.8! snorted "good to know I got your approval. Now if you be so kind, I believe the boy father is behind you,"

"What..." Joram turns around and sees Thane there "Where the hell did you come from?"

Thane ignore him and walks up to Kolyat "I'm sorry."

Kolyat eyes harden "for abandoning me, going off killing people. Do you know what it is like to not ..." He was interrupted by C-sec.

"Stop what's going here" X.L.R.8 moaned at the second interruption. As two Turian C-sec officers appeared.

Joram was the one who started "ah officer, this shapeshifter was attacking these two Drell…."

X.L.R.8 snorts and interrupts Joram "Spectre Business. Tell Captain Bailey to come here, we might need his assistance. Oh, and please make sure no one interrupts us. Please and thank you."

The C-sec officers looked at the hourglass figure and nodded "Yes Sir. Bailey is already on his way. When the call came in about a Drell and you sir"

X.L.R.8 nods "Alright. oh, and keep Joram at a distance. Better yet have him arrested. He was being guarded by Blood pack Krogan."

The Krogan guard in question had his hands up "Woah I not with the blood pack" The C-sec officers moaned.

"Brukmar," one of the C-sec shouted recognising the Krogan. The other turned to Tennyson. "Sorry sir but they are not with the Blood pack. They are in fact a small mercenary group. That keeps on getting fined. Wearing that Armor. They cannot afford any others because of their many fines."

"Oh, well as a spectre I authorized them getting new armours on my Tab." X.L.R.8 ordered. The C-sec offers felt relief all over the bodies. So was the Krogan. He was annoyed that the Fines are not going away but hey better than nothing.

The officers then followed the other orders to move Talid out of the way. Joram had no choice. He knew the shapeshifter was a spectre and they have full authority of the law and outside of the law.

Thane and Kolyat talked for a few minutes. Ben De-transform and another 5 minutes later Bailey arrived.

"Took you long enough. I was able to stop Kolyat before the crime was committed. So, your welcome"

"Good. The process will be easy then. Joram not pressing charges after he found out why you grabbed the kid. Though he was not happy you saved him."

"Meh," Ben shrugged, not caring in the slightest.

"Anyway, we get those two back to processing at headquarters and let them have a private chat" Bailey said as he ordered his men to do just that.

"Good They need it they going to…..." His Omni Flashed.

"Ben, we need backup at the factory sector. We are fighting off waves of heavy mechs and…. WHY THE GOD DAMM FUCK ARE THEY SO MANY HEAVY MECHS HERE… Zaeed says hi."

"We be they soon Shepard" Ben sighs.

"I heard," Thane coming up from behind.

Ben jumped and shook his head. "Bloody hell Thane. No, you stay with your son. I handle this with Bailey" Bailey nods.

Thane nods back and starts to join his son back to C-sec.

Ben looks at Bailey. "No rest for the wicked Eh. Call in an armed unit, heavy mech mean heavy trouble."

Bailey smiles "Was doing that as soon as Shepard call came in. a shuttle will pick us up and we met them at the end of this junction." He pointed at the end of this lane.

Ben and Bailey started running up there. "You are coming too?" He asked Bailey.

Bailey nods "Mechs are not allowed here on the citadel. Part of my job, is to make sure it stays that way."

Ben grimaces "I assumed it because of the Geth attack that happened here a while ago."

"Yes. The council did not want to take any chances. Since then."

"Then let's go!"

10 minutes later Factory sector.

"God Dammit, where is that Kid?"

"He will be here soon Zaeed, just be patient. Garrus Overload on your left" Shepard chimes in while shooting the heavy mechs and ordering around.

"Yeah, well if it is not here soon. I am hunting him for the rest of my Turian days, "Garrus muttered.

"Hey guys" All three look at the nose. It was Ben in an open-door Shuttle, with a bunch of C-Sec officers. The C-sec arrived in bulk. There were at least Ten C-sec Shuttles that were here. Shepard could not help and cheered.

"This Is C-Sec. Blue suns put your weapon down, and surrender!"

"Hot Dam. The kid brought reinforcements." Zaeed said with a gruff Cheer.

"Great, looks like I'm getting an early reunion," Garrus said with a passive aggressive tone. Shepard frowned at his friend.

Back to Ben.

Bailey looks to Ben, sitting in the shuttle "I assume you got a plan. We got no way to land at the moment."

Ben smirks "Then I make one for you. Just get ready to make a perimeter" Ben leans against the edge.

"Wait kid you're not thinking" Bailey handed his hand out. fallings backwards, while holding the Omnitrix. A green flash appears.

Back to Shepard

"Is Ben doing what I think he is doing?" Shepard asks while still firing upon the mechs.

All Three hear "HUMANGASOUR!"

"Okay That answers my question. Who is telling Miranda?" Shepard asks his squad.

"Not it"x2 Both said instantly. They knew of Miranda rath when it came to Ben. especially when it comes to Rath.

Shepard swore "Shit." Garrus snorted. Zaeed ignored them and open fired on some Blue Sons

HUMANGASOUR crashes down on to the heavy mechs, leaving space for C-sec to land. They spread out to surround the blue sons. They do so to leave space for Shepard and crew to charge after Fade. HUMANGASOUR Grows from his original height of 30 ft to 60 ft to overcome the onslaught of missiles from the Heavy mechs and Rocket goons in the blue sons.

HUMANGASOUR is smashing and grabbing. Tossing and throwing each enemy on the wall, floor, and crates. The Heavy mechs are losing several mechanical body parts.

"Ben We are going after Harkin. Can you and C-sec keep the mechs and blue suns busy" Shepard shouted up to Ben.

"OH YES I CAN SHEPARD" And he does so smash every piece of mech and sun out there along with C-sec creating a perimeter to shoot down any reinforcement.

"Wait Harkin. I thought of you after Fade." Shepard, Zaeed, and Garrus turn to see Bailey coming up to them.

"Harkin is Fade. Fade is Harkin" Garrus puts out so they can quickly get him before he escapes. Bailey quickly put the pieces together.

"Fuck, hey wait up. Harkin not getting away with this!" Bailey followers after.

HUMANGASOUR was grinning like a mad loon fighting all these heavy mechs. He punted a heavy mech head clean off which caused a small, tiny, nuclear explosion.

15 minutes later after fighting all those mechs.

HUMANGASOUR was finishing off the last of the mechs squashing them like a football (The British Version and truer version). C-sec was arresting the Blue Suns that survived. Bailey was coming back and headed to HUMANGASOUR.

"Shepard got whatever intel he needed, and Harkin is put in cuffs" Bailey looked up at HUMANGASOUR shouting.

"GOOD, WHERE ARE THERE THEN!"

"They went to deal with a guy named Sidonis?"

A red flash appears HUMANGASOUR was no more.

"Then I guess, everything wraps up here." Ben stretches out his body.

Bailey nods "We caught Harkin and the blue sun leader that was working together. Now we are just filling out the rest. Also, the paperwork."

"Then I best get back to Thane then to the Normandy."

"I have an officer take you back to headquarters, I need to stay and write up reports and get statements. Oh, and that kid got community service by the way. Since he did not commit the act and Talid not pressing any charges. he got off with a light warning."

Ben nods and follows an officer to a spare shuttle taking him back to.

C-Sec office - Zekera wards sector.

"Thane"

Thane move his head to the sound "Ben, how did the rescue go with Shepard?"

Ben shakes his head in exasperation "Honestly any longer and they were done for. Well not completely, they held their own."

Thane nods "Me and my son talk. It will be a while before we fix things…. He knows I am dying now."

Ben simply nods "Just take it slow. If you need anything"

Thane smiles "Don't worry Benjamin, I think my soul can rest now helping fight those collectors."

Bens smiles back "come on. to the Normandy we go" They both walk back to the Normandy airlock

Back to Shepard. Zekera wards sector.

"Garrus…" Shepard called out.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"At some point you need to, you cannot let this weigh you down…. You did the right thing letting Sidonis go." He said worrying for his friend.

"But at the cost of my men and women!" Garrus shouted back. Garrus felt shaky so he grabbed on the railing on the side.

"Revenge is only one answer to many quests" Shepard responded. His voice stern but with a caring tone.

"What would you do in this situation?" Garrus asked. Knowing the answer.

"Probably the same as you…." Zaeed snorted in the background.

"But you just…."

"I know… That is why revenge is easy, and the easy answer is not always right…."

Garrus just stares at Shepard for a moment. His eyes were distant and strange. "I just want to get back everything he stole, the lives he took. All I see is black and white."

Shepard smiles at his friend. "Then maybe look at the grey. Not everything is as it seems."

Garrus snorts but his eyes light up. "It will be a long time before I can move on but… Thanks Shepard for being my friend."

Now Shepard snorts patting his friend on the back "Your best friend I might add."

Garrus chuckles

"God dam saps. I would have just shot him" Zaeed shouted for the Skycar.

"Way to ruin a moment, Zaeed." Shepherd rolled his eyes.

Zaeed smirks. Garrus just chuckles. Warmth filling up his chest.

"Come on, let us get back to Normandy. Also did you guys get Thane's new report? about Pesky dust."

"God damn right I did. Never going to let that kid live that one down. Pesky dust. Ha" Zaeed was laughing.

"You know it can bring out your worst nightmares and memories. Dam that be good for interrogations" Garrus muttered as he was just now reading the report. "The implications. Also, Tali is going to have a fit" Garrus finished now wondering if Tali is interrogating Ben now.

"Dam right she will Garrus." Shepard chuckled out heartily.

Back to Ben

"Achooo"

"You okay Ben," Thane asked.

"Yeah, I think someone talking about me."

Illusive man office

The Illusive man was on a call with Miranda. They subject matter is something that Miranda quickly disagrees with.

"Sir with all due respect Benjamin is never going to join us. He only has been on the ship for a few weeks, but he got a grasp on everything pretty quickly. Including are organization. One he never agree with." Miranda shouted in the call.

"Even if we cannot. Is there a way to harness that power?" The Illusive man asks in his chair. Leaning forward looking at different possibilities.

"Not unless you want to die sir. The watch is keyed to Ben DNA, you cannot get one without the other" Miranda explained, huffing.

"Hmm, very well. Thank you for your report, Miranda" The call cuts and another call comes in.

"Sir we extracted the DNA samples and are ready to start the experiments" A Cerberus scientist calls in.

"Very good. You may begin. Start with Kai lang. Then we work on the three participants." The Illusive man ordered.

"Yes sir" The call was cut.

The illusive man pulls out his smoke. "You are becoming quite the problem for me Tennyson."

Chapter Text

Normandy Crew Deck Mess Hall

A few hours after The Citadel business. Miranda was giving Ben another lecture. He was eating some chili fries, while getting said lectured by Miranda.

"You. Jumped. out of a shuttle. Are you CRAZY!" Miranda screamed into the void that is Ben 10.

Ben smirks back. Leaning against his chair "Define crazy princess."

Prometheus, who was sitting next to Ben and is holding ship "Ship" points his tendril bug finger up "Crazy, defeo…"

"We don't need to know Prometheus" Ben quickly interrupts.

The now allied collector Pouts. "Ship, ship." Ship cuddles Prometheus to make him feel better.

Miranda pinches her nose, with a heavy sigh. "You know you have other transformations that can do what you did, but better." She spoke.

"Yeah, but where is the fun in that," Ben said with a grin that was high. reaching towards his eyes.

Miranda expresses darkened. A black aura wrapped around her body as She then proceeded to grab his ear.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow. Let us go. OW" Ben tried to fight back.

"No more smoothies, no more chilli fries and now that you are a spectre. You are got some catching up to do." she said in a cheery voice that was laced with Venom.

"Wait, you don't mean." Ben blanches. This is the one thing he hates more than the lectures.

"Shepard already approved. You and I are going into my office within certain and we are going to get you educated on our history, life, cultures, and maths" Miranda explained in a tone that mixed with enjoyment and satisfaction.

And in a very Darth Vader manner. Ben screamed out. "nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"

"Stop being a baby. A smarter mind will do you good. If you had a mind to begin with" Miranda snarky towards the shapeshifter.

"I feel attacked," Ben moans out.

"You should be… Pesky Dust." Ben groans. Miranda smirks grows at Ben torment.

Prometheus spoke up "How does Pesky Dust get into one Memories? I understand the concept with X.L.R.8 and Humungousaur but Pesky Dust is an enigma to me. He asked.

Ben shrugs and explains Pesky Dust powers. "Pesky releases a dust like cloud that puts the user to sleep. That same cloud allows me to create a psychic link, so I am not in the memories per say but I am also connected to the memories. I can get anyone to admit anything if I give them the right motivation. There get to live the life story of whoever I put to sleep. That with nightmares or dreams that come with it."

Prometheus nods along. "Fascinating"

Miranda nods in agreement. Sitting back down after tormenting Ben "Pesky, while adorable, is quite good in dealing with interrogations and captures them."

"Ship, Ship" Ben groans "Come on Ship, that not even remotely fair."

Prometheus asked as he can apparently understand Ship language. "Who "The worst"

Ben blinked "you understood Ship?"

Prometheus sniffed. From his non-existent nose. "I have been learning the ways of ship. I am fascinated by your exploits by the way."

Miranda "coughs" out "So The worst"

Ben slam his head on the table. "Urg Right. So, the worst is basically a brick wall, he can take hits and is even immune to poison. Except for the eyes, it is a sore spot, but the main drawback is I can feel the pain of every hit including the poison. He also cannot fight back due to his statue and is well. He wears underwear."

Miranda blinks then starts laughing "Amazing, I'm putting that on file" Ben groans again. "Great."

After a couple of minutes of talking. A voice is heard from behind.

"Hey pipsqueak" Ben turns to see Jack. Miranda frowns.

"What up, Jack? Do not usually see you up here. Here to murder someone. If so, can I be last?" He joked. Jack snorted.

Jack then eyes Ben. "I wish." She quickly faces Miranda" Oh hey cheerleader." Miranda scowls back. Then Jack looks back at Ben.

"Anyway, two things. One Grunt was upset that you were holding back that giant dinosaur thing." Jack explain with a single finger.

Ben snorts "Yeah no. Will not fit in the ship."

Jack snorts back. She pulled up a second finger. "Two. I need help accessing certain files, it takes me a while because of a certain cheerleader. Encrypt them." Jack skimmed her eyes to Miranda who now looks pissed.

"You are not allowed access to those anyway. Shepard had no right to…" She started shouting but was interrupted.

"Here" Ben hands Jack a disk.

"What the fuck is this?" She question.

"A disk I made, using greymatter. It is to help me with the tech in this world. I added in some software to make it easier for me to hack files and such. How do you think I know so much is so little time" Ben shrugged as he explained with the stares sending his way. "Anyway, it should give you access to what you are looking for. Greymatter quick to understand the technologies of this world or any world for that matter. Dude IQ scared even Mordin."

Jack eyes widen "holy shit. Thanks pipsqueak. I owe you" Then she frowns "and I don't like owning people."

"You're welcome murdering psychopaths. Just return the favour by returning the disk when you are done" Jack nods and heads back to the jack cave. Which is the sub deck in engineering.

Prometheus asked, "was that wise?"

Miranda who now has a murderous glint in her eyes "Yes was it?" She was grinding her teeth at the shapeshifter.

Ben grows back "Then tell the illusive man. That if he wants me to keep his secrets. Then do not get Chambers to steal my Alien DNA from Mordin lab."

Miranda now looks like she swallowed a pill and blink "What?"

"Oh, so you did not know then... Neat."

"No, he wouldn't… but how" Miranda was clearly confused but was clearly thinking of a plan to rectify it.

Ben huffs "my watch has an alert system to let me know of DNA Alterations both of me and anyone else. When Mordin took samples of said Alien DNA. Still counting. He and I made an alert system that connected to the watch. if anything would happen to the samples. Then my watch beeps. Which was a few minutes after your meeting with him. Anyway, my watch will let me know of the stolen DNA and any potential alterations that come with it. That last one has not happened yet, but it will. Me and Mordin went over what was stolen. When I got back here with Thane. Thane is also doing me a solid by talking to Chambers."

Miranda blanches and swore. "Oh Fuck"

Ben nods "Yep" Emphasis on the 'p'

Prometheus looked over to see if anyone was watching. Leaned in and asked. "Have you told the commander?"

Ben nods "As soon as he got back from his mission. He is going over it with Mordin. He is not happy about it."

"No, I imagined not," Prometheus the age-old Collector Prothean hybrid agreed. When heard of Ben's origins he himself agreed that the organization should not wield that power. No matter the centuries. There are always corrupt organizations out there.

Miranda looks like she is getting up from her seat and is heading towards her office. Ben sees this and puts a stop to it.

"Look princess, you are having a go at the illusive man, is a fun watch. Popcorn included but let me deal with it. Him using that DNA has Consequence, one of those is that they need to extract my exact DNA from the alien. So, it will be a while for him to work it out" Ben explained. A little put off that it happens but he knows what to do if ever the Illusive man does pull something stupid.

Miranda thinks about it for a while. "You're right. Sorry it just I told him you were never going to work with us, but he insisted on at least trying and learning the watch capabilities."

"It is fine. I am not mad at you just at the illusive man and disappointed with Kelly. Really" Miranda nods at that, not speaking any further.

"Ship, Ship"

"Yeah, I know the ship. I know"

NormandySR2 lab

"How Many Alien DNAs was stolen, Mordin?" Shepard asked with some scrutiny

"Not many. Was able to synthesise a security lock for the most dangerous and powerful. with Ben Omnitrix of course," Mordin explained, arms crossed as they looked at the stolen DNA samples.

"Amalgaman"

"Ampfibian"

"Wildmutt"

"Big Chill"

Shepard nods looking at the list. Arms crossed. "Good. Ben does not want us to confront the illusive man about it. Wants to hold off till will find out what project the illusive man has installed for them."

Mordin nods, smiling "Smart gives us time to make countermeasures. Well Ben countermeasures."

"hmm"

"You seem troubled, Shepard," Mordin notices.

"I am fine, just thinking. Carry on Mordin"

Walking out of the lab. He heads to the elevator down towards the crew deck. He needs to talk to Ben.

Normandy Crew Deck Mess Hall

"What was the ship saying?" Miranda asks with curious curiosity.

Ben looks up to Miranda crystalise blue pretty eyes. A Slight blush is forming.

Prometheus is the one who answered, "Ship was explaining, how similar this is to the vilgax event or something along the lines."

"What the Vilgax event" Shepard ask wondering in the crew mess hall.

"Oh nothing, important" Ben shrugged it off, but ship was having none of that and fired a small green stun blast at him. Which caused him to fall to the floor.

"Ship" Ship said in a small aggressive tone.

"Ah come on ship, I moved on from…" But was cut off when ship pounced on him "Ship."

"Ah, Ship. I am not ready, okay. Just give me some time." Ship reluctantly stopped and hopped off Ben and headed to Miranda.

Everyone was in the room laughing They heads off seeing the showcase of Ship beaten up Ben. Shepard was the one who interrupted the 'Fight.'

"Come on Ben we got another mission, in the Boltzmann system." Shepard as he goes to help pick Ben up from the ground.

"The Boltzmann system that is just next door to citadel space" Miranda asks like it was a statement.

Shepard turns to her, and nods "Kasumi" Ben now stands scraping the dirt on his armour.

Miranda nods back knowing enough not to pry in Goto life and whatever is in that system that Kasumi is interested in.

"Alright then let's go!" They both started to walk away. Towards the Airlock on the main deck.

Shepard then said to Ben "it is a stealth Opp Ben."

"So Nooo Rath then" Ben joked.

Miranda narrows her eyes at Ben shooting daggers into the back of Ben's skull. Ben shivers.

"Hey Commander" Joker called out through the ship.

"Yes Joker?" Shepard asks Joker while heading to the Elevator.

"We arrived at Bekenstein and Kasumi is very eager to go!"

Kasumi chimed in "Damm right I am eager."

"Ahhhhh, Don't Do that!" From Ben's view it sounded like a jump scare. The chuckle of Kasumi's voice is heard over the com.

Chapter Text

"You look good Shep" Kasumi said in the sky car where Kasumi is driving, Shepard in the passenger seat and Ben in the backseat listen in. Shepard look uncomfortable at the compliment.

"Urm Thanks. So, this greybox. I assume There a reason your desperate to get it." Shepard asked Kasumi.

"Your right, it contains memories of Keiji. a colleague that I used to work with." Kasumi explained. Her voice is laced with a stained tone.

"Used to?" Shepard notices.

"He sadly…. Passed on" Shepard can hear the guilt in Kasumi its affection in her tone of voice. so, he does not press on the matter. Ben who been sitting in the back frowns hearing this almost remembering his friends' deaths, but this is not about him.

"Hello Chop liver back here. So, what the play." wave the two in front of him.

Kasumi jumped at Ben present company "Sorry. We going to a formal part for the worst of the worst. Hosted by yours truly Donovon Hock a no-good scoundrel with connections with eclipse."

Ben points at Hock holo figure "I heard of him. In fact, I have seen him."

Shepard looked back at Ben in the sky car "Really."

Ben nods "He came to Horizon months before the collector attack. He spoke to the mayor of the town that I lived in. Well now I know why. I should send a message to Kaiden, let them know not to trust Sanctuary, he was funding it."

Kasumi coughed "Moving on, the plan is simple. We give Donovon a present of your old friend Saren. Inside there will contain, your weapons and amour plus with my level of skill. It make the armour not even pop up on radar."

Kasumi turned to Ben "Ben you are going as big chill to find the vault entrance. Once you find it send a silent notice on your omni tool of its location. Once we find it, we go from there. I expect heavy security and locks" Ben and Shepard nodded "Shepard you be going as Solomon Gun an alias I created with many criminal connections behind him." Kasumi explained the plan.

"Looks like we coming close to the entrance" Shepard stated.

"Then I better get change then" Ben raising his hand and hitting the Omnitrix. A Green light flashes

"That never gets old. You know him name shouting" Kasumi quips.

"Really Miranda being trying to get him to stop that." Shepard said though it sound like he enjoyed it also.

"She really needs to loosen up. Ben acts how he acts. Though I am looking forward to her educating him. wink, wink." Kasumi giggled at Shepard gag reaction

"Urggg. It just a simple understanding of our history and culture. Nothing of what your suggesting" Shepard point out and it probably true. Miranda never one to add pleasure to lesions.

"Uh huh" Kasumi smirk in Response

Hock Palace: entrance.

The Skycar lands and their get out of the Vehicle. seeing the golden face of Saren coming towards the entrance. Shepard shuddered under its sight. They themselves walk up to the entrance only to be meet by a guard. "Excuse me sir but something wrong with the statue"

Shepard grumble. Rolling his eyes. "Of course, something wrong with it. It Saren. Even after death he cannot leave me alone." Kasumi Elbow bashed him in the waist.

? "Is there something wrong here."

Both Kasumi and Shepard look up to see Hock. He was walking down a flight of stairs to see the commotion.

Guard called out. "Sorry boss. There seems to be something wrong with the statue."

"I Highly doubt our guests here would bring in something that can cause such trouble." Hock pointed. He looks at Shepard/Solomon asking. "Right?"

"None at all Mr Hock. Name Solomon Gun. Though I am sorry this has caused a problem, and you were taking away from your party."

Hock narrow his eyes "I appreciate it."

Guad 'coughs' "Statue clean"

"Looks like you can join the part Mr Gunn. Try and enjoy yourself but your friend here stays outside." He looks at Kasumi then back at Shepard/Solomon "I hope you understand. I had a few break-ins. Just want to cover my track as the criminals would say."

Shepard/Solomon nods in understanding. "I understand, you cannot trust what you cannot see."

Hock smirks "Exactly. Enjoy your time here my Gunn." Hock walks back into his house and to his party.

Shepard and Kasumi Walk to the side in silent "I do not like this." She said alarmed.

"I know Kasumi, but we do not have a lot of options, and he clearly knows who you our given his reaction." Shepard mention and pointed out.

"Your right. I go invisible and follow you from distance hopefully we can get back what does not belong to him." Kasumi said voicing her plan in a stressed tone.

"beep" A sound came from Shepard Omni-tool.

Shepard open his omni-tool "Looks like Ben find the vault."

"That was quick. Anything else"

"Yeah. He says it triple locked; quadruple is you count the sensor grid on the entrance of the vault. He also stated that we need to get Hock voice print." Shepard explained.

"Shit. If only I was recording earlier" Shepard Smirk at that

"Well Ben getting the DNA and Password. Not in that order. We also need to take down the sensor grid, but we need to locate it first."

"I can deal with that. You think you can get the big man talking."

"Of course,"

Hock Palace; Party. (Ben)

"I need to find the security office. I also need to find DNA and the Bedroom the best bet." Ben mutters to himself. He goes intangible flying through the building being invisible to the naked eye. He sees both Shepard Walk in but not Kasumi.

Ben thoughts 'Hmm Kasumi must be invisible.'

Ben sees a door in the corner of the main room next to stairs that are off limits. He goes through to see a long hallway and the security office. Big chill blue eyes widen. He though 'Bingo' He flies in. He sees Two guards. He smirks. He un-intangible himself.

"Hi"

The Guards shock "the…/where the" They did not get to finish when Ben Frost Breath to encase them in ice. They now cubes of ice.

"Have a nice sleep. Now for the password" He goes up to the computer and starts searching. He also starts looking around the office. He notice on the security terminal that they a list of guests one of them is called Lawson and his occupation.

"Well, Hello. It seems princess father is running Sanctuary or at least when it up and running that is" He stop the search on the computer and looks around. He notice a data pad. He picks it up. He smirks.

"Best send this off to Kasumi. Now for the DNA" He flies up to look for Kock Bedroom.

Hock Palace; Party (Shepard and Kasumi)

Kasumi omni-tool like up. Her eyes sparkled in delight. "Ben just sent me the password it Peruggia." Kasumi quietly call out to Shepard.

"Good is the sensor…" He was cut off.

"Yes, first thing I did when after I went to the vault door. I traced the circuity back to the source. Now we need his voice and wait for the DNA." Kasumi explained.

"Record me, I get you that voice."

"On its boss man" Shepard starts walking up to Hock. "After you." Kasumi said. Giving the go ahead. Signally everything ready for recording.

Hock notices Solomon walking up to him. "Ahh My gun I hope you are having a suitable time. that scene at the door has not soured your evening I hope."

"Not at all. I understand the security but who would dare break in the Donovan Hock ho."

"Mr gun in our line of work we attract a certain element if you understand the pines we take to keep the barbarians at bay. people these days want comfort, entertainment and love they do not see that the galaxy is fragile. I only have to worry about simple luxuries why because people like me and you are doing the terrible things that keep the galaxy spinning. This party is for us. The cleaners. The support structure for the galaxy's gleeful delusions of peace may there always be a market for the things we do." Hocked spoke out. Gaining momentum that people around him and Solomon started to feel attracted to the sight.

Everyone in the background claps at Donovan rousing speech.

Kasumi calls in "Well, you got him talking. Let us head to the vault once Ben gets that DNA. Right now, it best to mingle so you do not stand out."

Shepard Smirks "Time for the famous Shepard Dance"

Kasumi groans. He face horrified for the guest of hock party. "I see vids. You were not pretty."

Back with Ben

"Fansy" Ben looks around the Hock Bedroom for DNA. Of course, he had to trip up a few eclipses guard along the way for fun.

1 hour later

"That was not easy" He searched everywhere. "Those housekeepers knew how to clean." Ben Muttered. He opens his Omni-tool and sends a message to Kasumi to meet him at the Vault. She sends a video back. His eyes widen in disgust.

"What the fuck am I seeing."

2 minutes later everyone Meet back together in the hock vault entrance.

"You going to shut the door behind us?" Shepard asked

Kasumi nods and as she does that. A wild Ben appears from below.

"Hey."

Kasumi turns back with a grin "Ben! Kasumi turns to the commander "Shepard get change. I shut down the cameras in the elevator" A hidden draw underneath the Saren statue opens up relieving Shepard N7 armour and his weapons.

"Well, I'm going to get change too" Ben reaches for the Omnitrix turns in dial and hits it.

"Eye Guy!"

Shepard stop getting change and looked at Ben "Eye Guy, really?" A bat like man with Pale yellow skin and eyes across his body.

Ben snorted. He retorted back. "Yeah, you can question my name choices after you get better at dancing. Figure It be nice to have a heads up if anything happens when we hit the treasure room."

Kasumi can back after dealing with the elevator security and cameras. "Alright Elevator is clear annnd you look creepy Ben."

"Trust me we will not be caught off guard when I am Eye Guy." Eye Guy explained pointing to himself.

Kasumi snorted "Eye Guy really?"

"Everyone a fucking critique. Let just go" Shepard just finished getting change at that point.

All three look back when the elevator doors slam shut.

The Vault room

The doors open. Ben walks out first. He scouts around standing there with his eyes moving about in his skin. Kasumi shivered at the sight. He looks back. "It clear but there a squadron of eclipse mercs on the other side of that door over there. Eye see them." He points to the doors on the far side of the room "They do not look like they know we here but we best hurry just in case."

Kasumi walks on ahead. Shepard nods asking "How.?"

"Eye guy has can see through most things. Thermal vision, heat sinks, echo location. Hell, I even have a frost blast which makes no sense since I have Thermal. So ambushed do not work on me that well when I am in this form." Shepard like this form a lot. He shows in his glittered eyes. Eye guy smirked but move on to scout out the place.

Eye guy looks around further until he spots "Hang on, what is that doing here" He runs towards the object.

Over with Kasumi and Shepard. "That the M-12 Locust the gun that killed two presidents" She looks over it in awe. "And here the Keiji Greybox" She picks it up. Caressing it. Teas pop out of her.

"Kasumi?"

"Oh… Sorry Shepard"

"It okay Take your time."

Eye Guy chims in here appearing from whence he came. "Sorry but we do not have time. The eclipse guards are gearing up. There know we here."

Hock appeared in giant Holo graphic face "Ah miss Goto, I was wondering if that was you at the door, but you can never be too carful…." Eye guys shoot an eye laser in his face. It passed right through him. Hock was not amused.

Shepard looked at him. Raised eyebrow in full. "You never told he can do that."

Eye guy shrugged "you never asked."

Kasumi chuckle "Boys the bad guy still clearly wants to monologue here."

"Oh right, yes sorry but you are boring. So, we just going to go now." Eye guyed quipped.

"WHAT NOO! Guards get them." Hocked demanded.

The eclipse guards rush in. They see Eye guy first "What the fuck/The hell is that thing." They shouted.

"Im Batman!" Eye guy darkly spoked. Kasumi snorts. Shepard chuckles.

A grunt just snorted "No you're Not." At least he got the joke.

Eye guy Smirk. Shrugging "Worth a try" A eye pop out of his chest and fires at the guards. He also fired all around him when mercs started to flank them. Shepard and Kasumi pull out they respected guns and starts firing towards them.

"Shepard, your right" Eye guy called out. Shepard turns right and uses a high-powered throw at the eclipse merc. Eye guy blast a few more mercs "Kasumi Behind you" Eye Guy exclaimed. A cloaked Kasumi hits a merc on the back of his head to then turn around and get smacked by a sentinel merc.

"You bitch, it took me…." A green blast hit said sentinel in the chest destroying her in the process.

"You good" Eye guy ask while given out his hand to pull Kasumi up. "Yeah, going to feel that one tomorrow."

Shepard comes up to us. "Is that all of them?" he asked.

Eye guy checks around with his eyes. "For now, but we need to leave, and I just found us a way out" Kasumi and Shepard look towards each other, then look to see where Ben was going.

Eye guy creepily smiles "Say Hello to the Rustbucket."

"Urm Ben, how is that going to get us out of here." Shepard asked.

"Oh, that easy, I just turn into upgrade and get us the hell out of here. while you guys are safe inside of course. Although what is it doing here and how it got here is a mystery in of itself." Eye Guy muttered.

"Ben that the stupidest plan ever. How would Upgrade help this thing get going. In fact, how will even break down the door" Eye Guy smiles at that question remembering how beefy the Rustbucket can be. The tears storm across his eyes. Both Kasumi and Shepard notice.

"Just get in" Eye guy Opens the door to the Rustbucket allowing entry for Kasumi and Shepard. Eye guy hits the Dial of the Omnitrix. 

"Upgrade!" He slams his head of the hood of the Campa. Upgrading it. The design of the Rustbucket was a greyish Yellow with red strips now with upgrade it shows a circuitry wiring of green and black throughout the body. Shepard and Kasumi were sitting in the front driver and passenger seat of the Rustbucket But there looked around to see the interior of the campa and it was old. Like it was styled around the early 20th century.

Upgrade head pop out of the dashboard of the of the campa "You two better hold on tight."

A few minutes later

Hock over loudspeaker "Do not let them escape. Trap them"

"Dam Chief Row got hit. Fuck these guys must be… wait what that noise?"

The Upgraded Rustbucket smash the wall into where the guard are holding their location. They eyes widen. The Rustbucket charges a head smashing into each wall. The Guards are fucking terrified as the thing as they like to call it. smashed everyone heads in.

"I do not Pay you eclipse mercs to stand around a gulp, fire back your MORONS! I want that Girl alive. Solomon and the creature are not important." Hock ordered. So, they did fire back while it was still charging at the exit.

"Woah Ben, remind me again, you can do this to the Normandy" Shepard ask while holding on to dear if in the Rustbucket.

His head pop out "Yeah, When I say upgrade, I mean upgrade. Weapons, Fire power, defences I can even add body modifications. Though Joker will not like it he made that clear. Did you forget about the cannons on horizon again" Shepard Eyes widen forgetting about that tib bit of information. Kasumi whistle.

"EEeeeeeeeek" The Rustbucket halted, screaming the tires out.

"What was that, Ben." Kasumi asked.

"Well, good news I can fly us out of here if the Normandy picks us up halfway through. This thing not bult for space travel 'yet'" Upgrade Explained.

"What the Bad news, Circuit boy" Kasumi asked again.

"Donovan Infront of us in a Gunship" Both Shepard and Kasumi look up through the window of the Rustbucket. Both muttered "Shit"

"You Know Kasumi, if you only stop and think this all could have been prevented if you just DIE! Like poor oh Keiji…." Donovan start firing upon them with heavily loaded missiles and a Gatleen gun. Ben start driving to the edge dodging the strike coming from Donovan.

Kasumi was, tearing up "Shut you Murderer. I kill you! You Monster!" She starts getting up only for Ben to hold her down.

"Kasumi. I have a plan. Shepard, I given you controls of the weapons. They are old and will not do much damage but right now we need to by time." Shepard nods and looks at the controls. "Urm what's the plan?"

"I scanned Donovan Gunship. His shields are, outsourced. If Kasumi gets close" Upgrade started explaining.

"I be able to Hack in and cut of that source. Let Us Gut the bastard." Kasumi exclaim finished Upgrades plan. while still tearing up.

"Good Because the Rustbucket flight mode is in 3, 2, 1 Transform!" Shepard and Kasumi are a little shaken by the Transformation, but it become smooth after that. It was an intense sky battle against. The weapons on the Rustbucket does not do as well as Modern weapons but does hold off until the Rustbucket doors open up. They now above Hock.

"Kasumi Jump" Ben shouts. She does so land on top of Donovan Gunship. Donovan and Kasumi lock eyes with each other. Kasumi uses her Omni-tool to Hack and destroy the Gunship shields.

"BEN NOW!" Kasumi Jumps off Being caught by the Rustbucket sideways down.

Donovan was confused "What?" He looks up to see Shepard on top of the Rustbucket using Grave mags. he aims a rocket launcher. ML-77 Missile Launcher to be precise. At Donovan Gunship. Shepard fires it hitting Hock gunship in the driver seat.

"Joker" He climbs back in the Rustbucket and speaking Through the coms "Meets us halfway for pickup. We in a 20th century vehicle with Upgrade improvements"

"Aye, Aye commander!"

A few minutes later

Kasumi Sitting on the Lounge chair opening her Omni-tool Reviewing Keiji Memories from the greybox. They was a lot to go through. Upgrade Helped configure the data through parts of himself.

"How did it go." Upgrade asked. His head sticking out of the side.

"Oh, it fine" Kasumi faked.

"Want my opinion."

"Sure?" Kasumi can do with anything at the moment.

"Destroy them" Upgrade said suddenly.

"What? But Ben there…"

"Memories Of your Boyfriend I know but Kasumi you need to let go... He want you to move on."

"That sounds like personal experience." Kasumi retorted angrily… They were silent between each other for a few minutes till Upgrade spoke up,

"Maybe it is but you know that these memories will hurt you in the long run." Upgrade explained calmly.

Shepard appear behind coming from the driver seat. "Ben right, this is what Keiji would have wanted."

"Shepard I…" Tears flooding down her face. Pressing one Button hesitating. Rain started pouring out of her eyes…. "I. I Cannot Do it"

Shepard steps forward "Here Let me" Kasumi nods and Shepard press the button.

"Goodbye Keiji" Kasumi grieved and cried out in pain… but it was a freeing pain.

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2 crew Deck/Cafeteria.

"Hey EDI, is the design schematics okay for the retrofit of the Rustbucket" Ben Asked the Ship AI.

"Yes Mr Tennyson. The design is up to date. Kennith and Gabby have provided some much-needed upgrades to Your newly formed shuttle engines. Garrus has given the Rustbucket updated firing computers and weaponry. Tali gave an extensive overhaul on the shuttle systems." EDI explained monotonal.

It has been a month and a couple of weeks after the Team came back from Kasumi Mission. Who is in her sleeping quarters going over her emotions. Shepard is taking a much-needed break by planning his next mission. Jack returned the disk to Ben, thanking him and went back to her cave. Ben in the meanwhile started work on fixing up the Rustbucket. Getting help from everyone who can prove it. Right now, Ben is eating in the cafeteria thinking how it is coming together nicely. He just needs a warp core.

"Ah Tennyson. I was hoping to have a word" Ben looks at and sees Samara.

"Hey Samara. What can good oh Ben help you with." Samara takes a seat opposite Ben.

"I wanted to see how your Biotic Practice is going on with. Bio-optic" After the citadel Ben went to Samara for help to train his vanguard biotic skills. They were going at it for a few weeks before Ben was ready to train himself to form his own style.

"Sure, I am about to finish my meal. Let us take this to the hangar bay. I am sure Prometheus is going to be intrigued by Biotics at this day and Age" Samara nods her head. Samara is one of the few who has no grievances for Prometheus to join the crew when Ben sort of returns him to his previous state. Well, her, Ship, Shepard, Thane, and Mordin. Everyone else is on edge on the matter.

The Normandy Hangar Bay

Both Samara and Ben Walk out of the elevator and into the Hangar Bay. Ben turns to see Kenneth is working on the Rustbucket.

"Hey Kenneth, I thought we could not work on the Rustbucket until we find a Mass effect core."

"Oh yes but I contacted a friend on Illum. She has the parts we need to finish this puppy. Oh, she is going to be a Beauty." Kenneth explained

Ben rolled his eyes but asked. "Have you seen, Ship or Prometheus?"

"Yeah, Prometheus is with the Doc for his latest check-up to make sure all that reaper crap out of him. Ship with him for support." Kenneth said.

Ben nods "Thanks. We will not bother you. We just doing some light training" Kenneth nods going back to working the Rustbucket.

He turns to Samara "So shall we get started."

Samara nods "indeed." She waves her hand for Ben to get changed. He does so by hitting the Omnitrix.

"Bi-Optic!" He/she exclaimed. Samara nods her head.

Kennith whistle "I have heard of what you can do but God dam. If I am not jealous right now" Ben rolls his eyes at Kenneth again.

"Now show me some of the skills we practiced" He does. Bringing out a shockwave, Pull, Throw, Reave, Charge and Nova. One after the other. They get into for a few hours training to master the skills and powers.

Samara smiles and nods "Good. With this you should be able to form your own fighting style now that you got the hang of your skills but do not slack. Your Biotics are just a part of your body like your hand on your arm."

The Elevator door opens, and Ben and Samara turn sees Shepard, Mordin, Jack and Grunt walking out. Shepard spoke first. "Ah Ben, I see your training. I was hoping for you to lend Grunt some Aid while I help out Mordin on a personal matter. We are heading to Tuchanka, the home world for the Krogan."

Ben DE-transforms and Answers "Yeah, I can Aid Grunt and what up with Mordin. It is like he saw a ghost."

Samara sees the look in Mordin's eyes, pain, misery and makes a call. "Shepard, I would like to accompany you to help Mordin in his personal matters. I feel my expertise will help Mordin on his Journey."

Shepard nods his head but looks to Mordin who also nods and spoke up. "Much appreciated."

"Alright everyone on the shuttle." They do so. One by one.

Ben ask the undying question "So what is wrong with Grunt?"

"We don't know, so we are going to speak to Clan Urgnot on Tuchanka" Shepard answered. Grunt growls acknowledging the answer that Shepard provided. Then awkward silence grows in the journey to the planet's surface.

A few hours later

Tuchanka LZ

They walk out of the shuttle guns pointed at them. A krogan walks up speaking in a condescending tone "The Clan chief wants to speak with you" He sees Grunt within the Group and growls in frustration "Keep your running pet on short leash. Put him through the rite soon or put him Down" Shepard nodded, and his group walk down to the hall towards the main centre.

Ben whistles "charming place. Should come here for my next Birthday."

Jack snorts "you would not last a minute here pipsqueak."

Samara looks on "Shepard isn't that the couple you help back on Illum."

Shepard turns to look and sees that it is the very same couple. smiles "I'm glad that worked out for them" The couple is an asari and Krogan. A Krogan that loves poetry. Mordin is silent and Grunt is frustrated as they walk.

They make it to the centre of Clan Urgnot. Walking past many disgruntled Krogan that growl at Mordin and Grunt.

Tuchanka Clan Urgnot

They see a pile of rubble and a ledge in the right dab centre of the place. A throne overseeing everyone and everything. They walked up to the side of the pile of rubble where two guards were stationed.

Guard one putting his arm up and hand out "Halt. You must wait till the Clan leader summons you. He is in talks" he said that last part with some reluctance like he wants the talk to end.

? "You Know what Tradition demands. Clan Urgnot must respond. Your reforms will not go unopposed. You risk appearing weak at a critical time." While the random Krogan was saying this the leader Krogan looked over to see.

"Shepard" In a gruff deep voice. Shepard smirk to the krogan guard, "good Enough"

Jack whistle "Who knew are fearless leader had clout with a Krogan clan. My respect went up a lot" Both Leader Krogan and Shepard move the random Krogans out of the way to get to each other. "Excuse me" The leader Krogan laughs snortly "Out of my way."

"Shepard, my friend. You look well for Dead. Should have known the void could not hold you" The Leader Krogan grabbed Shepard shoulder in friendly warrior manner. Ben's eyes widened as he thought 'Dead?'

"Wrex. Looks like you have done well for yourself" Shepard looked around.

"Not for me Shepard but for all Krogan. Clan Urgnot is just the start. When I am done, we will be one people again." Wrex praised himself confidently.

? scoffs "you abandoned many traditions to get your way. Dangerous" Wrex turns and Headbutts The random Krogan that seems to spite Wrex.

"Speak when spoken to Uvenk. I drag your clan to glory whether it likes it or not" Wrex goes to sit in his throne. Turns back to look at Shepard "Now Shepard what brings you here. How is the Normandy?"

"Destroyed and I got Spaced" Shepard muttered.

"Well, you look good. AH The benefits of a redundant nervous system" Wrex retorted.

"Yeah, we humans don't have that."

"Oh, it must have been painful then, but you are standing here, and you have a strong new ship. Take me back to the old days. us against the Unknown, killing it with big guns. Good times" Shepard smirks back agreeing. Then he gets to the significant part.

"I have a Krogan on my crew, he has some sort of sickness and needs treatment" Grunt moves forward. Shepard moved to the side allowing him to pass.

Wrex looks in with interest "Where are you from welp. Was your clan destroyed before you learn what is expected of you"?

Grunt, grunts "I have no Clan. I was Tank Breed By warlord O'keer. My line is distilled from Craduck, Moro, shogger." As Grunt said this. Uvenk walked around Grunt like he was a stain. "You recite warlords but you're an offspring of a syringe."

Grunt scowls "I am pure Krogan. You should be in awe." Uvenk growled at the tank breed.

Wrex smirks. "Okeer is an old name, a very hated name."

Grunts nods "He is Dead."

Wrex just chuckles "Of course he is. you are with Shepard. How can he be alive"?

"Thanks for the vote of confidence Wrex" Wrex smirks back at Shepard. Shepard continued "Anyway I need Grunt back up to speed. What is wrong with him?"

Wrex shakes his head "there is nothing wrong with him. He is becoming a full adult."

Ben smirks "I did not know it was your birthday Grunt. I Would have given you a beat down with Humungousaur like you wanted."

Grunt snarled back at Ben. "Bring it shapeshifter."

Wrex's eyes widen and looks at Ben "you're the shapeshifter I heard about." Ben nods back. Wrex smirks. "Heard you can turn into different Aliens. Is Krogan on that list."

Ben smirks back "it can be if you give me a DNA to scan" Wrex nods and brings guard two forward "Scan him" Uvenk eyes widen. Wrex stops him before he gets to say anything. "I want to test a theory."

Ben does and scans the Krogan Guard 2. Unidentified scanned confirmed. He hits the Omnitrix.

"Brogan!" He shouted.

Shepard snorted "Brogan?"

"Well, the krogan seem like such friendly people I thought I would give them a bro status." Wrex looks over the shapeshifter. Then to Shepard. "You think you ship can scan his body for in case he is not infected by the Genophage."

Shepard nods, holding up his Omni-tool. He knows what Wrex is after now. Mordin's eyes exclaimed at this potential discovery. "EDI Scan Tennyson in his Krogan form. Give us any readings if he is Affected by the Genophage."

EDI Voice is carried back "Done. Brogan is in fact not affected by the Genophage." All Krogan eyes wander to the shapeshifter. Even Uvenk who was reluctant now sees the benefits of this "But not without time. His DNA can in fact create a cure but does require a decent lab and the right equipment to make it work. I estimate about Ten years before it becomes completed."

"Thanks EDI," Shepard said.

Wrex seems to not bother about the AI on Shepard Ship. Wrex looks at the shapeshifter with gleaning interest. "You my friend have been made a friend of the Krogan people and when the time comes. We want you available for making the cure."

Brogan nods "Done, I do not like what happened to your People even if you were aggressive. It has been far too long for you to suffer under the Genophage" Wrex nods "Good" He Turns to Grunt.

"As for you welp. You must go through the rite of passage."

Uvenk growls in anger. "Too far Wrex. Your clan may rule but that thing is not Krogan."

"Idiot," Wrex muttered.

Ben now back to Human form stated "And here I thought all krogan are Headstrong warriors not runaway assholes" Wrex smirks at the human but not looking directly at him.

"Grunt Do you wish to stand we clan Urgnot." Shepard looks at both Wrex and Grunt. He nods at Grunt for him to decide.

Grunt walks back to the overview seeing all the Krogan doing different tasks "It in my Blood. It is what I am for,"

Wrex nods, smiling. "Good Boy. Speak with the shaman. He is on the second level. Give him a good show and he set you on the path" Grunt nods looking at Ben and Jack eager to go.

Ben nods back "We get going then. Good luck Mordin." The three head to the stairs to the second level.

Wrex looks at Shepard raising an eyebrow. Shepard shrugged. "They can take care of themselves. I got some unfortunate news that affects your people." Wrex nods his head for Shepard to continue.

"Mordin here Looking for a fellow Scientist that was captured by clan Weyloc and from what I heard they work with the Blood Pack."

Wrex grunt in confirmation. "Talk to my chief scout. He set you on the path."

Shepard nods but looks at Mordin "He is going to find out. Wrex is many things, but an idiot is not one of them. it best if we get his whole support."

Mordin stares at Shepard with doubt and fear. "Doubtful," he murmured.

Wrex grunt and asked. "Shepard what do you mean I am going to find out?"

Mordin with pleading eyes "please Shepard. will cause disaster."

Shepard shakes his head "it already one when your own people are starting to have doubts. Plus, this can help both. Wrex, we use this to help his people to be better."

Mordin nods his head. "Fine. I trust your word about Wrex. I am not happy."

Shepard smiles back. "I know but trust me it helps in the long run." Shepard looks at Wrex who is understandably not happy by being kept waiting.

"Wrex. Mordin here was part of the team that altered the use of the Genophage. The scientist we rescuing was part of the same team" Wrex eyes widen. he looks at Mordin with hatred then back at Shepard.

"You brought that here" He growls at them. Pointing at the Salarian

"If I read the situation right and with the help of Ben Krogan DNA we might find a cure. You know me, Wrex. I owe you for Virmire and I am paying you back for it. You know me, my words are good." Shepard explained calmly.

Wrex's eyes squinted to his human friend. "How sure are you?"

Mordin is the one who answers "80%. Positive. Knowing my assistance. He is forced to find a cure so there is going to be data there that can help."

Wrex hums then looks out to his camp. "I am coming with you to confirm this. Shepard my friend, you better be right about this."

Shepard gaped "would not that…. I do not know look."

Wrex Snorted "Not really no. No one likes Clan Weylock and if Urgnot is the one destroying them well, it is a win -win. Also, everything will be fine. I have been gone before... They know what I am about."

Shepard smirks back then "You know I am right then" Wrex nods. To him weylock has always been trying to find a cure. If they kidnapped a Salarian Scientist well. They are further down the line then most of their past plans and if Brogan DNA to go by his species we return to glory.

"Come we go to the chief scout and get a ride to weylock Clan base" Wrex orders.

Tuchanka Clan Urgnot 2F

Ben, Jack, and Grunt Walk up the stairs and see more Krogan around. and Uvenk in an argument with another Krogan wearing what looks to be official Robs.

"I'm guessing that the shaman" Jack asks with a bored tone.

The shaman says "You Go beyond yourself Gatatog Uvenk. The rites of Urgnot are Dominant."

Uvenk expresses his concerns in a fake concern voice. "How do we know it will challenge him? He is unnatural. The beast of the rite could ignore him like a love of plastic."

The shaman in the most Krogan deadpanned expression ever "They know Blood no matter the womb. Your barking does not help your case."

Grunt growls out as he and his team approach "I speak for Myself."

The shaman turns "This is the Tank Bread. It is very life-like. Smells correct as well. Your protest ring Hollow Uvenk

Ben 'Coughs' out and points to Uvenk "I do not give a shit what this Idiot says. Grunt has more right to be here. More than this coward anyway and here I thought Krogan Fight headfirst into conflicts. Not complain like kids not getting the toy they wanted." Jack snorts in the background. She started to retract that previous statement of hers.

The shaman smiles at the human. "They have some fire and from Alien too. Oh, the shame that deceits on those who whine like pups."

Uvenk Growls at the human "If this must stand on ritual Then I revoke a denial. My Krantt stands against him. He has no one"

The shaman loses that smile "My patience is tested but Uvenk invokes correctly. Grunt who is your Krantt. Your allies that are willing to Kill and die on your behalf."

Ben smirks "Grunt will strengthen Clan Urgnot. Name the target and it will Die."

The shaman gains his smile back nodding "Spoken well. Most aliens and some Krogan" He looks to Uvenk "do not understand our ways. I believe this human does."

Uvenk is now howling "Aliens don't know strength, my followers are true Krogan, everything about…" His speech was cut short because Ben hit his watch. Turn into.

"Crashhopper!"

Crashhopper smacked his head against Uvenk. "You… you Dare."

"Bet Right I do Buddy. Cricket. Want to go another round. Cricket" Jack in the back was laughing her head off holding her belly for dear life. Grunt smirking. So was the Shaman. "Hahahaha. I like this shapeshifter he understands."

Uvenk frowns "I. withdraw my Denial. This will be decided elsewhere" He bumps into Crashhopper.

The shaman finished his statement "You provoked them. Reason enough for me to like you. They are your problem now." Grasshopper rolled his eyes.

Grunts nods "Let get going. I want to learn what it means to be a true Krogan."

The shaman smiles "Good. You are Learning. Let us go our transport are waiting."

Tuchanka The Rite.

After a short drive in a rundown heavy armoured vehicle from the Urgnot Clan base. They exit the vehicle one by one walking up a tunnel like a pipe. Ben, now back in his human form during the ride, started walking next to Jack while the shaman started explaining. "This is Tuchanka's Most recent scar, the last city to fall in the rebellions. The Keystone is the heart. It has survived wars in the passage of centuries. It endures - like the Krogan."

They make it to the top breathing in the dusty apocalyptic air and the city that once a boon now laid to rest.

The shaman continues "if you wish to join clan Urgnot, you must contemplate the keystone and its trials."

Grunt nods and asks, "What will happen."

The shaman quickly answers "Who knows? You must adapt. You must thrive, no matter the situation. Any true Krogan will" The Shaman proceeds to leave.

A few minutes later.

Ben covered his forehead with his hand resting "Well that was insightful. I better get change if I am going to survive this" He Hits his Omnitrix. A green flash makes an appearance.

"SWAMPFIRE!" He shouted in a musky tone.

Grunt instantly caught on the smell "You smell Like Methane" Jack caught just after "Dam man that skinks."

Swampfire shrugs "I can produce it, because I can showcase this" His hands stick out. Fire coming out of his hands. Grunt laughed hartley from that and smacked his arm clean off.

Jack smirks "You going to need that."

Swampfire smirks back "I know" and starts to regenerate a brand-new arm" Jack eyes widen. Grunt looks like a Christmas gift came early.

"Holy shit!" Jack exclaimed.

"Better hit the Keystone Grunt" Grunt nods at Swampfire. He goes over and hits the keystone.

The shaman over loudspeaker/intercom. "First the Krogan conquered… and mastered a natural only we fit to hold."

Grunt smiling "Here they come, I am ready."

Jack crackled "Now this is a birthday bash."

Swampfire punches his plant fists together smiling "Let get ready to rumble. Urm what are they?"

Jack answers, rolling her eyes. "They Varren. A dog-like creature that likes to hunt Helps that they got four eyes."

Varren came popping out of the woodwork. Charging at the three. The three hold the High pack of Varren. Jack uses her shotgun, Shockwave and Pull. Grunt Also a shotgun but also charging, using his fist to do the talking. Swampfire Fire out hot steam of fire, aiming at any Varren directed towards him. Some managed to tear it apart only to grow back to normal. He also threw out purple fruit grenades that entangled the Varren in a trap. Allowing Him, jack, or grunt to Kill them in place.

A few minutes after a warm Varren attack.

"Hit the Keystone Grunt again Grunt. We got huh uh… This" Grunt nods and heads to hit it.

The shaman over loudspeaker/intercom "Then the Krogan were lifted to the stars to destroy the fears of a galaxy, an enemy only we could chase to their lair."

Grunt Growled "Crawlers come to their death" Red Beast that spite out fire from their Bodies They also get transported by massive bugs that look very territorial.

"Urm, they look fireproof?"

Jack snorts at Ben and comments "That's because they are. Also, they called klixen, that massive thing that carries them are Harvesters."

"Shit. Time to Change again." He hits the watch.

"Articguana!" in a cold freezer voice. He looks at Grunt and Jack. "I freeze you break" They both smiled back. They go at it, smashing every freezing klixen that attacks them. Swarm after swarm. Their slow charge allows the three heroes to fight back in Range, while giving a good close encounter for them to smash the iced Klixen that Articguana made. It takes them a good 10 minutes before Grunt smashes the Harvester. Articguana Freezing every Klixen and Jack smashing them into pieces.

Grunt went straight to the Button and slammed it.

The shaman over loudspeaker/intercom "Now all Krogan Bear the Genophage, our reward our curse. It is a fight where the only goal is to survive!"

Grunt Grunted "feels that everything is…. Shaking. I am ready!" As he says that the ground shakes harder and a massive worm comes from Below.

Articguana Bellows "What the FUCK IS THAT!"

Grunt is smiling "A Thresher maw."

Jack screams "Move it Pipsqueak. Its acids can burn even hard rock."

"Shit" Ben muttered but he also dodges as the acid from the Thresher maw hits the pillar behind him. "Well, I think I am going to change again" He hits his Omnitrix.

"Armadrillo!"

Jack shouts "Aren't you going to be slow in that form." She said this while dodging the Thresher mew acid attacks. Grunt just enjoying himself firing away at the worm beast.

"Not if I do this" His arms turn into jack hammer drills. He slammed into the floor and started a mini earthquake, making the Thresher maw lose control. He looks to grunt. "Grunt Go for the Kill" Jack smirks knowing what the pipsqueak plan is. The Thresher maw mouth is open.

"Grunt Go. Enjoy Adult hood kid!" She shouted at Grunt. Grunt nods and starts a running jump behind Armadrillo. He used him as a running jump platform "Hey" and jumped high into the mouth of the Thresher maw.

Armadrillo stops his drilling and walks up next to Jack. "Hmm fifty credits he kills that thing within an hour."

Jacks giggled "100 and 2 hours".

He looked at Jack with heavy confidence. "Done."

2 hours later.

The Thresher maw was thrashing about and from the looks of things the maw now collapses in front of Jack and Ben who are back in Human form. He pays Jack her credits "Next time" Jack smirks back and asks Grunt.

"How was it in there."

Grunt just smiled back "HE, HE, HE."

2 hours earlier, with Grunt

"I AM KROGAN" Grunt screamed. Then Grunt started smashing the insides of the thresher maw damaging it very internal body.

Back to the present with all three.

Ben just smirks at the answers "well let's get to the…." But was interrupted by an incoming vessel flying above and landing in the clearing just above them. All three were intrigued by this interruption, so they investigated.

Grunt smirks "We got company. Good I want more."

Jack rolled her eyes "of course you do buddy.

Another Hour later.

They walk up to see Uvenk and his group. All three muttered Great.

"What do you want Uvenk" Ben asks quickly so they can get this over with.

Uvenk ignores Ben and directs the conversation to Grunt. "You live, and you brought down the thresher maw. No one has done that in generations. Urgnot Wrex was the last."

Grunt nodded "my Krantt Gave me strength Beyond my genes. Which are dammed good"?

Uvenk continues "This will cause discussion I wonder…. you say you are pure, no alien meddling in your construction. just the warlord Okeer"

Jack is starting to get annoyed by Uvenk "You Bastard is the best damm Krogan. He was designed to be perfect, you jackarse!"

"Being designed is the problem…. but not made by aliens and he is incredibly powerful that is a tolerable loophole."

Grunt Growls "A what?"

"A reason to accept you. You are a mistake, but your potential could tip the current balance of the clans" Uvenk explained.

"You spit on my father's name. On Shepard's name but now you stop ranting because I am strong" Grunt rants

"With restrictions you could not breed of course or serve on an alien ship. But you would be in clan in name."

Ben raises an eyebrow "Grunt it sounds like you are a trophy to them not a warrior. Let us show them what a real warrior looks like" Grunts smirks and nods. Jack fires up her biotics. The enemy krogen now gets ready to fight. Ben hits the omnitix.

"KickenHawk! Time to kick Butt. Charge!" All three charge at all the Krogan Uvenk displayed behind him.

After a few hours of beating Uvenk and his men senseless. Using Biotics shotguns and Kicks from KickenHawk Feet. They head back to the Keystone. Meeting the Shaman who was waiting. He nods and they head to the transport to return to clan urgnot.

Tuchanka Clan Urgnot 2F

"You have passed the rite of passage, earning the honour of clan and name! many survive, but it has been years since a thresher mew Fell and from inside its own guts no less. Your name shall live in glory." Grunt bows as this was being said.

"Grunt, you are now Urgnot. You may own property, join the army, and apply service to serve under a battle master."

"Shepard is my battle master he has no match" Grunt stated as a matter of fact.

The shaman nods "Understood. Congratulations Urgnot Grunt. Accept This token fortack. His weapons are the finest we have" Grunt stands up, grabs the Krogan DMZ and nods back.

"Goodbye Shaman"

"Goodbye Urgnot Grunt, may your foes, fear your strength" All three walk away.

"Well, that was fun, let us explore a bit shall. I highly doubt Shepard and his group are back yet" Ben said like he is a child in a new playground.

"Yes, let us. I heard they got a Verran pit ring, "Jack excitedly stated. Grunt snorted as the three walt towards the pits.

To Be Continued

Next time- Morden Conflicts and Wrex resolve.

Chapter Text

Driving to clan Weyrloc

Shepard and crew are in a Tuchanka heavy vehicle driven by the chief scout of clan Urgnot. Heading towards Clan Weyrloc. The vehicle fits everyone in with Wrex standing. Wrex turns to look at Mordin.

"Alright Pyjack" Wrex looks towards the Salarian. "Explain. I need some ideas from your assistant back then. If weyloc getting him to find a cure, then I need to know everything." He said that last part in a growl-like tone.

Mordin, taking calming breaths explains "He worked under me personally. He even suggested a cure as a backup but was…."

Samara finished it. "Rejected."

"Indeed. It was not a bad idea. No, No. Had flaws, yes. needed work but the Salarian high command was not in favour of it" He looks at Wrex who growls in response to that fact. They had a choice to make a cure. Wrex punched a dent in the side of the vehicle.

Mordin looks at the world destruction of Tuchanka. He sighed heavily. "I am sorry we did this to your world. It was never meant to be like this."

Wrex scoffed "You did not destroy our world. We did that but the Genophage was the catalyst of our own destruction." Shepard nodded. Samara looks saddened by that fact.

"You know. The humans and Voucha are the only ones that never, really hate us. Never look at the Krogans as a threat. Sure, that they were one or two, but they were following the status quote. All of them, even the ones that hate us. See what you Pyjacks did to us as a war crime." Wrex pointed out explaining to Mordin.

Shepard nodded and added in. "While many politicians" side with the council. They secretly agree that what happened to the Krogan was not justified. Even Udana and that guy, a prick, and a sack of shit. Most humans when they found out about the Genophage, were sickened to say the least. Except for the racist and Cerberus." Shepard himself felt bad about the situation and is one of the reasons why human colonies in the Terminus system.

Wrex nodded and smirked. "I remember that day. I was not there on the citadel when it happened, but you humans made a big fuss about it."

Mordin smiles a little "I wish it wasn't so simple, but we had no choice on the matter, The Krogan were demanding a lot from us,"

Samara shakes her head "I understand. You had a choice beyond your control" Mordin looks at her differently. Wrex growls. Shepard frowns. To him everyone has a choice. He respected Mordin when he told him about that time, hell he respected the fact he had to make a hard choice like that, but he also owed it to Wrex for Virmire.

Their silence was deafening. No one spoke a word after that. It was hours before they arrived.

Outside clan Weyrloc

"Right, Shepard, pyjack and blue assassin. We walked the rest of the way." Wrex turned to his Scouts and ordered. "Stay and defend the truck. I call when I need a clean-up crew."

"Yes Chief"

The crew walk towards Weyrloc base. two at front, two at the reel. Wrex obviously at the front.

Shepard looked impressed "You know how to lead, I give you that Wrex"?

Wrex smirked "I was inspired by a certain annoying human who once compared the human struggle to the Genophage."

Shepard whined. "I said I was sorry." Wrex chuckled

Mordin and Samarra are behind covering the reel of Shepard and Wrex. The silence of the two is deafening to say the least. All four walk towards an opening scratch between metal plates walls. Wrex stops to talk.

"This should take us to the bridge which leads us to Weyrloc base. We are going to hit hard and fast." All three nod as they listen to Wrex as he explains the way to the enemy base. He continues "The Vorcha are a pain as they like to gather in hordes. Weyrloc Korgans are not as strong as Urgnots, but their leader is in fact respected for a reason. It is why no one has gone after the clan till now, let us go."

Shepard nodded "Lock and load. Mordin at the front. the incinerate we help make short work of the Vorcha. Samara covers the rear and picks your targets. If you see a biotic Krogan they are yours. Wrex just be yourself" Everyone nodded. Wrex smirked

So, they move out, firing upon voucha, Krogan and varren along the way killing each with tech and biotic powers while covering the cooldown with thermos clips. They are at the start of the broken bridge. They walk up slowly. seeing the obstacles in the way. They have to walk around them but as soon as they get close to the first line more Krogan and Varren start appearing. Wrex charges forward shouting "ha-ha Kill shot." Mordin is freezing and incinerating everyone that is not on Shepard's team. Samara is using her justiciar skills to weaken the strengths of her enemies and kill with a single blow. The move forward prevented the enemies from overwhelming Shepard and crew. They make it to the end of the broken bridge, turning left and they see the entrance of clan Weyrloc.

Entrance to clan Weyrloc

"This is the entrance to Clan Weyrloc." Wrex mentioned. They behind a metal wall and Mordin look over to see voucha though not many.

"Not many guards. Do not suspect many get this far. Though why trust guard duty with voucha. Unreliable" Mordin pointed out.

"They Do not Pyjack and for once I am in agreement. Only clan leaders can walk through here unscathed and that is only due to the leader of the clans having their usual get together. Last time we had clan meetings here there were krogan guards. not voucha."

"Hmmm Ranks must be thinning Wrex any rumours of other clans taking weylocs members" Shepard asked testing out a theory.

"Hrm. There is a rumour that clan Baltecj has taken in more krogan clan members than they should and they are closer to Weyrloc than Urgnot is. Though it is strange. Baltecj and Weyrloc have a mutual understanding and If Baltecj has been taking in Weyrloc members then war is brewing on the horizon for both clans." Wrex stated. If true Wrex can use this to his advantage.

"Well then, we better make this quick then. Mordin Burn the front two. Samara Take the two on the side" Shepard ordered. Both nod and use burn and pull on the voucha so that Shepard and Wrex get in with the Kill shots.

"Even after death. Heh, you still got it shep." Wrex complimented.

"Well, I better get started in bypassing the front door" Wrex nods at Shepard while he starts to look around. He finds a combusting manifold for his engineer that has been complaining to him about it. Mordin and Samara stay on guard until a random Krogan shows up.

"Urgnot Wrex?" Wrex turns around to see the leader of Clan Baltecj. A Krogan with Red Plated Armour with Varren skulls on the shoulder to show He is a warrior of high skill and hunt.

"Baltech Gluts." Wrex nodded in respect.

"My scouts saw Urgnot colours drive in. What brings you here attacking clan Weyrloc?" He asked in a formal tone.

"I have reason to believe that Clan Weyrloc has been keeping secrets from all clan leaders" Gluts nods.

"Your reason is sound, though strange I find you in the company of a Salarian." Wrex took notice that Gluts did not argue the fact about 'keeping secrets from all clan leaders.

Wrex probs further "I also heard, you have been taking in Weyrloc members is this true."

Gluts smirks, then switches to a growl. "This is true. They have told me stories of what is happening here. They are gruesome to our ears."

"Your forces have gathered, haven't they?" it was not a question, more a statement of fact one of which Glut nods too.

Wrex turns to the door "Shepard come here" He does so. "Wrex I just got the door open…." Shepard then notices the new Krogan. "Hello there im Commander Shepard"

Baltech Gluts chuckles "I know who you are Shepard. Every Krogan should. My name is Baltecj. Gluts of Clan Baltecj… I want to know why you bring a Salarian here" Mordin coughs a little. Samara who is next to him covers him in case something about to happen.

Shepard nods "my Salarian companion here had his assistant kidnapped by Clan weyrloc. We are here to get him back. He has been trying to cure Genophage. We are after him and the data that we assume is there."

Baltech Gluts nods. Turing to Wrex. "Then the Weyrloc Traitors' stories ring true. I have been told that from their mouths, that these experiments are being done on female Krogans, live female Krogans" Wrex smalls eyes widen then growls heavily at the news.

"Then Clan weyrloc dies in blood but the leader must live for punishment. Using those we hold sacred is destructive to their Clan. Allow Urgnot Wrex and his companions, yes including the Salarian to join in the hunt." Wrex snarls that last piece.

Baltech Gluts smiles "It is allowed" his arm raised. Wrex took it and they hand saluted to each other through bashing of fist.

Gluts turns to his second "Keep watch. I call when I need you" He nods back. Gluts nods to Shepard and his crew.

Now walking through the entrance looking around as they further walk Samara sees. "Dead human ahead of us Shepard"

Mordin rushes ahead. Scanning with his omni-tool. "Dead, body needs to take a look. Sores, tumours, ligatures. showing restraint at wrists and ankles track marks for repeated injection sites test subject. victim of experimentation... Live experimentation" Samara grimaces. Wrex and Gluts growls.

Shepard asks, "I don't suppose there is a way to tell who this poor bastard was?"

Mordin nods. Looking around the body. "No tags or ID. Maybe slave or prisoner. Maybe merc or pirate is irrelevant now. Clearly part of Krogan test to cure the Genophage. Humans useful as test subjects genetically diverse enables exploration of treatment modalities"

"Experimenting on humans that kind of crap is what makes Cerberus start to seem like a good idea" Shepard shouted.

Mordin continued like he never Heard Shepard. "I never used humans myself, disgusting unethical sloppiness used by brute force researchers, not thinkers, not placing proper science. Krogan use of human unsurprising."

Wrex growls "Watch it or did you forget that I ran with humans. Not all Krogan are like Weyrloc. Pyjack.

Mordin grimaces "My apologies. Made an assumption." Shepard frowned. Samara backs up that frown.

"I imagine you had to do some live subject testing while developing the new Genophage" Samara stated.

"No unnecessary limited tests, two simulation corps clone tissue samples. high-level tests on Varren. No tests on species with members capable of calculus simple rule never broke it" Mordin claimed. Breathley heavily.

"You think they're close to curing the Genophage" Shepard asked, and Wrex and Gluts are gripping their shotgun.

"Cannot say. Need more Data conceptually sound though Genophage alters hormone levels could repair damage with hormonal counterattack" Mordin answered hoping for it to never come to pass.

Shepard hums "now we got two reason to shut this place down."

"Focus on Maelon. Too late to help the dead" Gluts and Wrex reluctantly agreed with Mordin. Samara looked at Shepard with pity. Shepard just felt sadness whether this human was nice or not in his mind no one should die like that.

All of them walk forward down some stone ramps leading to another door. They walked in and a Krogan came forward from an upper level. Krogan Weyrloc clan speaker, speaks while walking out of a door on the offer side of the room Shepard came in from.

He spoke on a higher platform "I am the speaker for Clan Weyrloc, off-worlders you have shed our blood by rights you should be dead already. Clan Urgnot and Baltech you dare enter are grounds with these outsiders. But Weyrloc Guld the chief of chiefs has ordered that you be given leave to flee and spread the message of our coming" Wrex and Gluts roar in anger.

Wrex starts off first "You dare tell us to flee when it is you who should flee. We know of your schemes. with the Salarian doctor"

Gluts finishes "Do not forget about the female Wrex. They think they are above the traditions of Krogan" Wrex growls agreeing.

Krogan Weyrloc clan speaker, continues "if you walk away now you can tell your children that you saw clan Weyrloc before our blood pack conquered the Stars. Do you think Urgnot impressive? They are weak compared to clan Weyrloc. the Salarian will cure the Genophage and Clan Weyrloc will spread across the galaxy in a sea of blood" Wrex blood was filled in rage at the insult.

Mordin chimes in, leaning into Shepard ear. "It seems they discovered Maelon work. most unfortunate."

Shepard nodded and continued, "I can understand wanting to cure the Genophage…." He was interrupted.

Krogan Weyrloc clan speaker, further continues "no human you understand nothing you have not seen the piles of children that never lived the Krogan, were wronged. we will make it right and then we will have our revenge."

Shepard grips his fist. He shouted in rage. "Half the galaxy sees the Krogan as victims if you start a war, you lose their support."

"We have the blood pack, and we have the Salarian when our clan numbers in the millions we will not need support, when we cure the Genophage Weyrloc clans will rule all Krogan the…."

Shepard had enough. He fired a thermo from his Carnifex, below the Krogan speaker. "You talk too much" his voice laced in venom.

Krogan Weyrloc clan speaker laughs "Hahahah. See the human cannot even aim" Wrex snorted and cocked his shotgun. The Krogan Behind Krogan Weyrloc clan speaker slowly walks back slowly. Gluts laugh and walks to the ramp to the right. Samara smiles. Mordin also smiles. Krogan Weyrloc clan speaker looks down to where Shepard's was aiming. The thermo hit a flammable gas canister. "Fuck"

"Crakboom!" An explosion roared through the room.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, ahhhhhhhh" Krogan Weyrloc clan speaker is now set ablaze and is burning in all his annoying glory. Several Voucha and Krogan were hit in the crossfire of that explosion. Killing them instantly or slowly.

Now they are in an all-out brawl. Weyrloc Krogan coming out of the other end of the room. Raining thermo clips down at Shepard and his crew. The Voucha tailing behind decides to try and swarm Shepard and his crew. Mordin burns a group Voucha that allowed Samara to lift the Krogan in the air using Pull. Along with Gluts and Wrex they charge a path forward. This allowed Shepard to his warp to take down the last remaining Krogan and voucha that were piled together. They push back hard. now exhausted from that fight that they need to take a breather. It took a few minutes. So now they continue walking down corridors when Mordin peaks ahead.

"Labs likely through there can smell had a septic hint of dead flesh."

Gluts shakes his head and frowns "just get us there. We need to see if it is true about the females." No one said a thing; they just kept walking till they hit the lab.

Lab to clan Weyrloc

The crew walked in the lab that Mordin smelled. They each spread out searching different sections of the lab. Mordin sees a Terminal over in the wall on the right.

"Active console may contain useful data one moment genetic sequences. Hormone mutagens are still studying protein chains in live tissue cloned tissue. very thorough. Standard treatment vectors avoiding scorched earth immunosuppressants to alter hormone levels. Good, hate to see Mordin Commentary Everyone around him heard. Wrex showed not so happy expression. Gluts was slamming his fist on medical tables. Samara frowned looking at medical reports.

"Most people would not be so casual about developing a sterility plague. Mordin" Shepard said frustrated.

"Not developing modifying. much more difficult working within the confines of existing Genophage. a hundred times the complexity errors unacceptable could cause total stability malignant. Tumours could even reduce effectiveness worse than doing nothing had to keep the Krogan population stable one in 1 in 1,000, perfect target, optimal growth like gardening." Mordin corrected. Though the face around him did not look just as pleased.

"You're saying you were working just as hard to keep their population from falling" Samara inquired. Confused by that statement. If that was the case, then why was it used as a weapon against the Krogan. Samara then turns to a medical table. She gasped. Wrex and Gluts came towards her hearing the Gasp. Their expression was murderous.

"Yes, could have eradicated Krogan. not difficult, increased mutation to do great genetic structure further chose not to retina extinction tragic did not want to repeat all life precious, universe demands diversity" Morin explained. Shepard was about to respond when Samara came over.

"Shepard, Mordin. You want to see this" Both looked at each other then followed Samara to the left side of the room. When they get closer, they see Gluts and Wrex next to a Table looking down at it. Shepard's eyes squinted then widened in disbelief. Mordin Gagged.

Morden sniffed "sterile Female Krogan Weyrloc, Age unknown. Tumours indicate experimentation. Died to said experimentation. She volunteered. Willing risk procedures. Hoped for a cure. Pointless. Pointless waste of life. Barbaric"

Wrex Grabs Mordin's shoulders and shove him into a wall. "Barbaric. BARBARIC! Look at her. Look at me. Do not you see how desperate we became because of what you created. We live in this backwater shitwhole because the other races fear us. Did not give us what we wanted after we saved your asses from the Rachni. While everyone enjoying themselves claiming the councils saves all races seating on their comfortable seats. While we live in suffering at the hands of our own HOME!" Mordin was shocked. Scared, confused.

Samara furrowed her brow in confusion "I didn't expect you to be disturbed by the sight of a dead Krogan Mordin"

Mordin cried out struggling "what why?" because of work on Genophage. Irrelevant. No causative never experimented on life Krogan. Never killed with medicine. Her death is not my work. only reaction to it. The goal was to stabilize the population, never wanting this conceived logically but still unnecessary foolish waste of life hate to see it."

Gluts growled and were in Mordin's face. "Well, look how well that turned out. We live in suffering because you try to control us. Now we live to see children dying in birth." Mordin is a man handled by Wrex again. Shepard ask curiously.

"I did not think you would have much direct contact with things like this when you come to Tuchanka after dropping your plague. Also, Wrex let him go. You are getting your answers" Mordin nods.

"Yearly recon missions, water tissue samples, ensure no mistakes. Superiors offered to carry it on. Refused need to see it in person... I need to look. Need to see. accept it as necessary, see a small picture to remind myself why I run a clinic on Omega" Wrex growls but let's Mordin go. Mordin walks us to the female body.

"Rest young mother, find your God, find someplace better…" Wrex stopped growling and looked at Mordin with some rebalance of respect and pity.

"I Never thought I hear a Pyjack speak spirituality from the mouth."

"Genophage modification project altered millions of lives. Then I saw the results. Ego, humility, juxtaposition. frailty of life size. of the universe. explored religions after work completed different traces and no answers. many questions" Both Gluts and Wrex looked at each other than at Samara. who looked at Mordin with a face that showed 'Pain.' Shepard recognises that tone Mordin uses.

"Sounds like you were trying to deal with your guilty conscience the doctor killed millions..." Samara pointed out in Mordin tone of voice.

"Modified Genophage project is great in scope, scientifically brilliant but ethically difficult. Krogan reaction visceral tragically not guilty but responsible. trained as Doctor Genophage affects fertility and does not kill... still cause this. hard to see the big picture behind a pile of corpses." Mordin justified.

"How can you rationalize this? My people are dying, and you just justify this" Wrex said but not in anger. more pity with how the Pyjack is trying but failing to justify his actions.

"The Salarian Wheel of Life. Similar to Humans but modified. We make mistakes, grow, and learn. Reincarnation appealing. Life does not stop here…" Mordin looks at the female Krogan… "Wast of life."

Shepard shakes his head "Maybe the Genophage was not a good idea to begin with."

"No! Had to be done. Rachni wars, Krogan rebellion. Pointed to Krogan Aggression. Simulations pointed to all-out war. We Saved lives"

Shepard moved next to Morden and said while point his head to the table "look at the dead women Mordin It looks like you couldn't save hers."

"No…. It doesn't" After that silence rained in….

Wrex finally spoke "My scouts as well as Baltech are coming in to secure the labs. We need to get moving" Everyone nods and starts heading towards the exit on the other side of the labs. They moved inward seeing another door to the right.

"Looks like a Cell" Samara stated. Everyone nodded in an agreement. They open the door to see a Dead Blood Pack Krogan and another Krogan sitting in a ball-like form.

The ball-shaped Krogan looks up "You Killed the Blood pack Guards."

Wrex looks over and eyes widen. "You are the missing scout from our camp. Wait Blood pack Guards. You mean we have been fighting the blood pack. Not the remaining Weyrloc clan members."

The ball-shaped Krogan coughs and nods "Chief. The Weyrloc guards brought me here, but they are few compared to the blood pack." Wrex Grunted. "Get back to the camp run. Your chief is in need of you."

The ball shaped Krogan shakes his head "I cannot. They did something to me. Drugs. Injections. Said I was sacrificing the good for all Krogan." Gluts snarled.

Wrex growls at the Pyjack "You claim Krogan but all I see is a wet Salarian. How dare you call yourself Urgnot!"

The ball-shaped Krogan stands up in his normal feat positions, snarling at Wrex "How dare you. I am Krogan!"

"Then Act like it growl some fucking quad and report back to our scouts NOW!" The random Krogan leaves, having a new spirit lift him up.

Gluts laughed "Nicely done" Wrex smirked back.

Shepard nodded, letting Wrex deal with Krogan politics "Let's move forward. I think we almost there" Everyone nods and caring on going forward. They reach a catwalk of multiple levels. They see voucha and get attacked. They push forward against the onslaught of Krogan and Voucha. They make to the lower levels reaching. Weyrloc Guld.

"You dare attack are lands Urgnot Wrex, Baltech Gluts" Guld shouted.

"And you dare Attack are traditions, kill are females and think we would not notice. Guld." Wrex growled out. Gluts goes in for the attack, while Wrex charges after leaving Shepard and his crew behind fending off the rest of the Blood pack. They were easy work as most were voucha.

Glut struck Guld barriers with a shotgun head shot. Wrex used his warp to target Guld feat staggering him. Both Wrex and Guld Krogan then both Fired Shotgun rounds on Guldbody. Guld fought back using his own biotics. Hitting Wrex's own Barriers but not enough to destroy Them. Guld kept firing his shotgun till Shepard charged forward and punched Guld in the face. Wrex used this to send a carnage to Guld face. Knocking him out. Guld was defeated… They take a minute to calm down. Shepard walks up to Gluts and Wrex. "Is he Dead?"

Gluts shakes "No. He needs to be punished for Crimes against the Clans. Wrex is having a submit meeting take place at Urgnot camp. Where all clans come together to decide his fate." Shepard nodded

Wrex walks next to the two "He is restrained till the scouts come in and take him. Time to save your Pyjack assistant."

Shepard again nodded. "Let's go!"

Gluts looked around "I stay and make sure this bastard is not during anything shitty" Wrex understood gluts' intentions here. If Mealon was to escape it would do so without Gluts present. They all nod and head down to find Mealon.

Mealon lab Weyrloc base

As they were walking, Shepard can tell Mordin is nervous because of Mealon. You cannot really tell because they hide their emotions behind their intelligence. Samara notices as well and keeps close to him making sure nothing bad is going to happen. Wrex just kept grunting.

They walk in and see Mealon Unharmed on a console. "Mealon. Alive, unharmed. no signs of restraint no evidence of torture. I do not understand."

Mealon chuckle "for such a smart man. professor you have always had trouble seeing evidence that disagrees with your preconceptions. How long will it take you to admit that I am here because I wish to be here" Mordin eyes widen. His mind is circulating ideas.

Wrex snarled at the Pyjack assistant already putting the puzzle together. "He was not kidnapped; he came here voluntarily. To cure the Genophage"

Mealon laughed "Hahahah Even the Krogan has better Preconceptions than you doctor" he said that we have some malice in his voice.

"Impossible. The whole team agreed! Project Necessary" Mordin voice becoming nervous and louder.

Mealon's anger started to rise above him. "How was I supposed to disagree with the great Dr Solace? I was your student. I looked up to you!"

"Experiments performed live subjects. prisoners torture and executions you are doing" Mordin anger also stared to rise.

Samara comes in, placing a hand on the doctor. "Calm yourself Doctor" Grabbing Mordin's shoulder. Mordin nods, taking a few breaths.

"I have already got the blood of millions on our hands, doctor. It takes a bit more to put things right. I can deal with that" Mealon is still angry with Mordin.

Wrex Grunted with a little hiss to his tone "You think what you did was justifiable. Weyrloc already went to shit. Your experiments are over Pyjack." Shepard who has been quiet this whole time finally chimed in.

"How much data have you collected?" Mealon looked at the human in shock. "I don…." Shepard interrupted him "Save it. I can tell you trying to save as much data as you can and wipe the old logs."

Mordin pushes past Mealon and is looking through the data. "He... He is close to a cure. The data, while barbaric in nature, has come leaps."

Wrex eyes widen. "How much of it is completed?" Mordin did not want to answer but did so out of respect. "60%" Everyone in the room was shocked.

Mealon smirked "You see I was close to a cure that can help the Krogan."

That got Shepard thinking. "Mordin how welcoming would Mealon be back at STG."

Mordin who was thinking about what Shepard was planning. "He would have his license removed if the experiment was revealed."

Shepard nods. "I got a plan. That can benefit everyone here. What if Mealon and the original Data stay with Urgnot Wrex. That way he will not have to work on the experiments again and Wrex can further his dream to become true. While they are doing that. you take a copy of the data Mordin for yourself and take it back to STG. You might not think a cure is a promising idea, but the benefits of the data outweigh not having it. Plus having two viewpoints can help along the way" Wrex was nodding along. He did not like the idea of having the Salarian here in his clan, but this benefits The Krogan for the long run. Plus, they are no such thing as Krogan scientists.

Mordin was silent but nodding. Samara came up to him. "You do not have to do this; Shepard is just making a suggestion on the matter. You can still wipe the data." Mordin started working on the idea in his head. The pros, the cons.

Shepard chimes in "She right Morden. It is your assistant data. You get to choose what to do with it."

"It… Good plan. I can cover Mealon tracks within STG. Even if he leaves this planet. The STG would find out what he did here, and he would lose his Job there. He may even be spied on for the rest of his life. It is better if he dies."

Mealon eyes splurged "Now wait a minute doc you're not…"

"I know I am not. Fake Death, hide fake body. Mealon you were my best student. I cannot take that away from you." Everyone was silent at the idea, even Mordin's support surprised Mealon.

Wrex nods agreeing to the idea "It works for me at least. I can say he is an outcast from his people. The Krogan will like the idea of stealing from a Salarian. Even if it is a Salarian itself."

Shepard also nodded "So we are in agreement" They all nod.

Samara was smiling, "Let's leave."

Morden nods, creates two copies of the data and hands one to Wrex. Keep one for STG and leave the original here. Wrex put his hand forward… Mordin takes it. "I have Urgnot Guards come here instead of moving the pyjack back to camp. Less obvious that way" Mordin nods and keeps the copy himself.

They all leave except for Mealon. with Gluts coming from behind. They had to explain the plan to Gluts. Who agreed to keep it a secret and even othered some guards here himself. He wants the Genophage gone as well and likes Wrex sees the long-term benefits for the Krogan.

Wrex turned to Gluts "Clan Urgnot. Feels it beneficial to have an alliance with Clan Beltecj."

Gluts smiling "Clan Beltecj aggress. We as a clan we join you in journey for a Fun Krogan Future" They both aggressively arm shake uniting the clans.

Wrex looked at Shepard and his crew "We best get back and get this Weyrloc scum sorted" They do get back to the trucks heading back to clan Urgnot camp. Wrex leaves guarding duty to his chief scout now they have a plan to help his people.

Wrex was smiling for a better while Mordin was frowning for a mistake he never admitted to.

Chapter Text

Camp Urgnot.

Shepard, Wrex, Gluts, Samara, and Mordin return to camp Urgnot. Wrex went off to set up the trial with Gluts. Along the way Wrex went to deliver a combusting manifold for his engineer. Mordin went back to the Normandy to organize with STG about Mealon. Samara went with him for support. Shepard stayed to find Ben, Jack, and Grunt. He starts look only to find Ben at the local kiosk looking over at some items.

"Ben"

Ben turns around seeing Shepard strained faced appear. "Shepard back from the mission. How it go?"

Shepard Grimaces and strokes his cheek. "It was complicated but nothing that we could handle. Oh, you need to report to Wrex to what I assume is Grunt right into Urgnot."

Ben smirked "Heh. He need to do more than that. Grunt the official second person to kill a Thresher Maw" Shepard chuckles.

"Yeah, Wrex going to love that. Anyway, what you doing here? Where Jack and Grunt?"

"Well to answer your first question. Krogan has some decent armour upgrades like armour plating and such. Though it be a good Idea to harden some places on my armour that weak to close range fighting" Shepard nods. it makes sense medium armour good for support strikes and long ranges attacks not close quarters fighting which Ben good for.

"To answer your second question. Fighting pits and Varren arena. Not in that order" Shepard snorted at that.

"I'm surprised you did not go for Light armour back then on Illum" Shepard said crossing his arms.

Ben nods back "That would make sense considering what I used to wear, but I am also dealing with weapons that can penetrate amour with the right skill set. I am just being extra careful." Shepard nods back.

"Where Morden and samara anyway?" Ben asked.

"Back at the Normandy. For emotional reasons. Anyway, we have a Trial coming up. A Krogan clan leader has been experimenting on live female Krogans, so all the clans are coming together here to see him punished for it" Shepard said that quickly to move the topic away from Mordin.

"Hmm. Yes, that tracks with what I heard here. From what I hear they pissed." Shepard nods agreeing but gets caught off guard by Ben next statement. "Look, you know I understand why you never told me about Mordin being part of the Genophage team, but did you really think I would not notice after the reaction to my Krogan form. Even the fact Salarian councillor reaction about Mordin back on the Citadel was a dead giveaway."

"Shit. Look Tennyson they a reason I never told you" Shepard explained knowing for well how Ben gets about people rights and fairness.

"I am aware of the reason. You were thinking I have a go at him for Creating it and your right I would, but I can also tell he conflicted about it. He not particularly good at controlling his emotions. It quite easy to tell once you learn the Salarian body language. Do not worry I am not going to tell anyone" Ben explained looking back far and beyond.

Shepard breaths easy "Thank you Ben" Ben shrugged back and went to looking for armour upgrades. Shepard help in finding some decent plating that works best on humans. They stop for a moment to hear Shepard name being shouted "Shepard!" They both Turn to see Wrex coming towards them.

"The Trial is getting ready to start and most of the clans have arrived. The ones that Haven't are busy dealing with they own problems" Shepard nods back. Wrex continued "We need you to testify since the pyjack and the Asari went to 'cool' off."

Shepard nods again. "I can do that. Just tell me what to do and I say my peace on the matter."

Wrex smirking "Good and there not much just answer so When I call your name or you need to do is recalled what we did at Weyrloc base" Shepard nods.

Wrex turns to Ben "Heard about the runt Killing a Thresher Maw. Has not been done since my turn on the rite. Next, you are telling he can produce dark matter." Ben snorted. Shepard chuckled.

"I also heard what happened to Uvenk. Good riddance. He bad rubbish. Anyway, after the trial I introduce Grunt into the fold and do not worry Shepard I won't take grunt from you. He needs experience before he can join in active Krogan combat."

Shepard snorted "Yeah because collectors are perfect target practice." Wrex laughed bellowed. Ben just smirked.

Ben was wondering about the Guilty Krogan "What happens to A Krogan if they found guilty of the Crime they committed?"

Wrex stroke his spikey chin "its honesty depends on the Krogan and the crime. Since the Genophage we been few in numbers so Krogan of lower ranked gets left of with a slap. While higher ranking will receive a harsher punishment. The crimes itself depend on what they are and how they affect are culture. It not perfect but we kept are numbers that way. Why do you ask punk?"

Ben was also scratching his cheek. "It just you are putting a Clan leader on trial and well I was just curious about that really."

Wrex nods in understanding "Ah, yes Clan leaders' crimes are a different beast altogether and in all honestly it has not happened since a thousand years ago though the pyjack himself was not a clan leader. His crime fit the bill. Luckily, he was not punished heavily for it. Right, it looking like guld will be strip of his Krogan title and Banished from Tuchanka." Ben raised an eyebrow.

"I am wondering, what would you do if Guld would become scared to death? Not literally obviously but enough for him to become catatonic" Wrex stared at Ben deeply.

"We would laugh at his miserly and find that it is a suitable punishment for what he did to the females." Wrex stops for a minute "You got a way to do that?"

Ben nods "Yep. He called Toepick."

Wrex was smiling "Heh, Heh, Heh."

Ben Shuddered "Do all Krogan laugh like that, I thought it was just Grunt" Wrex never stop smiling. (Shout out- Want to give a shout to Anon-reader667 on Wattpad for the idea of Toepick)

Clan Urgnot Varren pits

Everyone gathered around the pits. Ben, Shepard, and grunt are next to Wrex when he starts the trial. Jack went back to the Normandy after finding out, that all social gatherings aka fight club was stop because of the Trial. Guld tied up in the middle of the pit being looked down upon by his peers.

"Gather Round fellow Krogan. For Today we have Weyrloc Guld charge with Harming towards the females leaving them dead." The Krogans around growled. The other clan leaders were boiling in rage after hearing that news and started staring down at Guld like he is a pyjack. Wrex smirked at the reaction.

"We have two witnesses. One being a human called Commander John Shepard. A friend of clan Urgnot" The Krogans started to growl but was instantly halted by Wrex. Shepard moan at Wrex use of his first name "ENOUGH! This human is one that I Travelled with to defeat Saren so pay some fucking respect you Pyjacks."

One Krogan to offence to that "How would we know he is telling the truth. Brother"

Shepard and Ben raised an eyebrow at that. Grunt was staring menacingly at the offended Krogan. "Shut the fuck up Wreav. Your lack of Brain make the Salarians idea of a Genophage agreeable, if I still have to tolerate your presence any longer than I have to." Other Krogan nodded in agreement reluctantly.

"The second witness is from Clan Baltech. They leader Baltech Gluts. Who joined my hunt and had evidence to back up the Disgrace Guld." The Krogan nods in acknowledgement of the Clan leader. Both Gluts and Shepard came forward to give they statements of the event.

A few minutes later after statements.

To say the Krogans were pissed is a momentum understatement. Loud noise of growls and arguing. Some Krogan wish for Guld death. others Banishment. The one asari who married a Krogan on Illum. well Wrex now likes her because she insulted Wreav after he tried to Insult her first and failed. Wrex then told his Fellow Krogan that he picked a good one and told him to "Keep her well." This all happened because the Asari herself was more disgusted by what Guld admitted throughout the statements. Which was Guld attacking Asari colonies with the Bloodpack.

"We heard statement, answers and now we need punishment. The shapeshifter has offered one such solution. A form that will Scare the Living Day lights of Guld that he cannot function anymore. He be less than Krogan he be in a catatonic state" A lot of Krogan mumble towards each other. The clan leaders are liking the idea. Wrex looks around "any objections?"

The asari raises her hand "Not an objection but an idea. You want to humiliate him, right?" Wrex nods not knowing where this is going. "Well, if he be in a catatonic state you need to look after him" The Krogans growled at that.

Wreav shouts at her "We will do no such thing. Bitch"

The asari nods "Of course but the Asari can look after him. In prison. Which I sure The Krogan can find that Very humiliation."

Wrex blinks Then laughs "Hahahahahah. It be further humiliation if he ends up in Asari Jail. Oh, Wreav you better be careful she more Krogan than you at the moment" Everyone chuckled at that.

"So, we are in agreement. He will be punished by are shapeshifter Ally. Then he be escorted by my friend Shepard to the asari Prison" Everyone nods. Wrex then looks at Ben. Ben nods back and heads to the pits but as he walks. Wrex still talks.

"As of today. Weyrloc clan is no more, and any members can join from said clan can join any other clan they so wished. Guld you are here punished by the hands of Krogan for torture of the Females and use of the Blood pack. You are a Betrayer. You are No longer Krogan."

Guld Growls and was trying to speak by was overshadow by a bright green light.

"Toepick" Toepick said in a sleepy dreamy voice. The Krogan were horrified by the look of Toepick and his cage head. Which is saying something because they rarely get horrified.

Guld chuckles "what this creature going to do scar…." As he said the Toepick leaned in closer to Guld. Open the cage doors. Guld Scream can be heard across the Galaxy.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. NO PLEASE MAKE IT STOP, PLEASSSSE MAKE It STOP." Everyone blanch. Guld is now pitch white. Like his armour white, his skin. It was horrifying to hear and see. Even Wrex was horrified at what he is looking at and hearing. he later composed himself but can tell the Over Krogan want to fight that creature. Wrex not stupid. The shapeshifter can best them in single combat. If the Shaymin assessment are corrected.

Wrex looks at Shepard "Right, we have an escort of the prisoner to your shuttle Shepard." Two guardsmen do so and takes a now white Guld to Shepard shuttle.

Wrex coughs getting everyone attention "My last news is simple. We welcome Urgnot Grunt. we welcome you to clan Urgnot. Nice job Killing a Thresher maw has not been done since my turn in the rite" He smirk at that last comment as it gives Wrex more political power within the Krogan ranks. Grunt smirk back.

Toepick then change back to Ben and walks back to Shepard. Wrex nods at Shepard. Shepard nods back He turns to Ben and Grunt. "Come on, the rest of the meeting is stuff we not allowed to be involved in. Krogan Culture and such" Both nod back and head to the shuttle.

As they were walking the three heard Wrex shout "Urgnot Ereba, wins and yes Wreav Since she married a Urgnot and more Krogan than you, she is There fourth a Urgnot. Expect it. All though the female Krogan shaman going to have to give her the rite to make it official."

They get in the shuttle and head back to the Normandy.

A few minutes later in the Normandy SR2 Meeting room.

Shepard after coming back from Tuchanka went to the meeting room for a call to the Asari councillor. It had been 5 minutes when he started the call. He been tapping his foot waiting.

A few minutes later The Asari councillor appeared in holographic form.

"AH Shepard, sorry for the delay in answering your call. I just came from a meeting with a couple of Matriarchs. So how may I help you and considering your using the spectre line I assume it important."

Shepard nods "Yes councillor, Tevos. I heard from the grape vine that your colonies have been Attack?"

Tavos narrows her eyes at Shepard "Yes though we kept it concealed even to outside spectres. So, I curious how you find out."

"Well as luck would have it. I caught one of the culprits."

Tavos eyes widen. She look to see if Shepard is lying. "You have. You must bring them to Thessia immediately." Shepard nods and call out to Joker over the coms. "Joker set a course for Thessia."

"Aye, aye"

Tavos nods in thanks. "Now let's get the Debrief over with so I can set up a coordinated transfer of prisoner" Shepard nods and goes into detail about the events that transpired.

A few minutes after Shepard telling Tavos about the day's events. She blanches "Dear god. The were experimenting on live Female Krogan, that, that…are the Krogan really that Desperate?" Shepard nods and further explains.

"Well considering what Wrex told me. Some were considering letting him continue the experiment. I think that should give you some idea of how bad it is."

Tavos grimaces but nods "it does. If I have the power, I will help them but sadly the power of choice when it comes to the Genophage comes down to the Salarians. I hope you understand."

Shepard smiles nodding "I do. Which is why I have not told you the full story because I know you obligated to tell the Salarian councillor not by choice. So, I told what happened there and not why. Though Valern knows why we there."

Tavos smiles at Shepard "Thank you. That does make it easier on me. Now Since This Toepick. One of Ben Transformations scared this Guld in a catatonic we need medical on site. I assume your fine we have a team meeting at your ships Airlock. I know you have a mission to get with."

Shepard nods agreeing. "Yes, that fine. I have Samara help to make it easier on your end. Since I am still temporarily working with Cerberus."

"That does help. Thank you. That puts my Asari at ease. Now that I know it the Blood pack we must keep an eye out for them. I thank you commander you put ease to a lot of Asari today. The Goddess watch over you."

"Yours as well councillor" Tavos nods and smiles The lines cut. Shepard called out to joker "How long to Thessia Joker?"

"ETA Ten minutes"

"Thanks"

"No problems commander."

Chapter Text

Thessia space. Outside Thessia.

Right now, the Normandy is outside Thessia getting ready to release the Krogan prisoner to asari hands.

Commander Shepard who was pacing between the cockpit, with Samara, EDI, Joker and the catatonic Krogan. Ben is sleeping off all those transformations as they tired him out from using six forms on Tuchanka.

"This is SSV Normandy requesting permission to dock. Sending Spectre codes now." Joker exclaims over the coms as they approach the planet.

A female voice appeared "Request Granted. Sending designated landing coordinates. Be warned an asari matriarch and the conciliar are waiting as soon as you arrive. Armed guards are to be expected."

"Roger that control. Joker out" Joker cut the com and turns to Shepard "You hear that commander" He nods back to Joker. Joker smiles and starts to land at the designated coordinates. Samara sees Shepard worry.

"You feel something wrong" Shepard sucks in his lips "It Ben. He…"

"Had fun on Tuchanka. Yes, Jack expresses how child-like he was on that mission" Shepard nods "We need to find Zs'Skayr and Eon so Ben pain can end. All that smile. He is hiding a lot of emotion behind it" Samara breathed heavily agreeing but now they sat in silence.

5 minutes later

EDI calls out "We will be landing shortly Shepard."

"Understood EDI" He looks towards Samara "Let's go" They both pip up The Krogan and get ready to walk out the Airlock. They reach towards the Airlock Bay doors giving it the Exterior pressure speech. Their green light is good, and they make their way outside seeing a squadron of guards and an Asari matriarch. They also see the Asari Councillor.

"Commander Shepard. Welcome to Thessia."

Thessia

"Thank you, Councillor, for the welcome" Tevos nodded smiling "If Justiciar Samara transferred over the prisoner to Matriarch Ventress. You and I need to talk Shepard. It about Tennyson." Shepard grimaces but nods to both Tevos and Samara signalling for the go ahead. He walks with Tevos.

"Before we start, I have Tennyson documentation here. I figure since you came here that I will meet you in person and hand deliver them" Shepard nods and grabs hold of the data pad and identification papers. "Thank you"

Tevos smiles "That leads me on to my second point of why this discussion is happening. I am afraid The Alliance is none too happy with Tennyson. When I went to collect documentation from Anderson. He was in a shouting match with An. Admiral Hackett over communication."

Shepard stop to look at the Councillor with a strange expression one of which was noticed by the Tevos "Do you know why the shouting at each other"

"I am afraid I do not have all the details but suffice to say. Anderson was angry with Hackett for being left in the dark and surprisingly Udina backed Anderson on this." That surprised Shepard. Hackett and Anderson were as thick as thieves. Something bad must have happened if Anderson was shouting at him. Shepard thought Bitterly

"Hackett seems to know Tennyson was here before anyone else and for that matter Us the Council. Stating 'I'm protecting our interest.' You seem to know what he is talking about?" Tevos then notices Shepard's facial features.

Shepard nodded and grimaced. Hackett was always a constant vigilance kind of man who never trusts anyone or anything. He holds his breath then releases after 10 seconds. "What I am about to tell you is on a need to know, even from the other councillors including Anderson" Tevos nods wanting answers.

"To start out. Tennyson has an enemy which we did not put in the data packet we gave you during the council meeting" Tevos nods but is not happy about information being left out.

Shepard continues "He called Eon, and Evil time travel with time space abilities. He also an Older evil version of Ben Tennyson himself" Tevos eyes widen and was about to speak but was cut off "I am not done. It turns out Hackett knew of Ben arrival before he even arrived and was warned by a Paradox. Have not met him or her but Ben knows them, and I have a gut feeling about how Ben arrived here. Hackett was in contact with Paradox about something though I do not know what."

Tevos stops and thinks "The implications. If what you say is true, then."

Shepard nods knowing the answer "Then we need to watch out for them. I already warned Omega of the threat. As I believe that was where Eon held out. With Zs'Skayr. Paradox well. You must wait on that one."

Tevos grimaces but knowing that Shepard is right in this situation. "I called Aira, and I sent some commandos to assist her." Shepard gave Tevos a look. She smirks back "How do I think I became a councillor. She listens to me, Shepard. She owes me more than I owe her. I also have the commandos waited for your arrival as well but for now they just search and seize."

Shepard nods "it is a mess. Isn't it?"

Tevos smiles warily "Yes but at least now I know what I am gearing up for. Final question: What happened to the Krogan, even his armour the same shade of white."

"Toepick. Ben transformation. It is in the data pad and is terrifying. I can send a vid if you want."

Tevos nods "Thank you. I let you get back to what you are doing Commander and thank you for the clarification. I am going to have some words with Anderson when I get back to the citadel" Shepard nods, feeling bad for Anderson.

"Then I should go" and he does so, meeting Samara at the edge of the Normandy airlock. Looks towards Samara and speaks. "We have a problem. Go to Miranda and tell her to meet me at the Rustbucket." Samara nods.

Normandy SR2 Hangar Bay.

"Are you Sure Shepard with what The Asari councillor said?" As she said this both Miranda and Shepard are walking up to the Rustbucket, where ship and Prometheus are sitting just outside the door.

"I am sure Miranda. The alliance knows more than they let on and the Asari are noticing it. Which is why The Councillor informed me of this. Hell, they even offered aid on omega when we hit Zs'Skayr and Eon." Miranda grimaces, bites her lips and nods, unfortunately agreeing.

"Ship, Prometheus. Is Ben inside" Both ship and Prometheus turn to look at Shepard and Miranda.

"Yes, but he is sleeping at the moment. He was exhausted from using a lot of transformations on Tuchanka." Prometheus explained. while Ship was nodding along with a "Ship." Or a "Ship, Ship"

Shepard nods then knocks on the Rustbucket. "That felt old fashioned," Miranda snorted.

Ben shouted through the closed door "I am sleeping for fuck sack. What do you want?"

Miranda raised an eyebrow "So you won't have your identification papers then?"

The Rustbucket doors slam open reliving Ben topless "Now I never said that."

Miranda looks up and down at Ben body "I am not impressed. Tennyson"

Ben snorts. "Please I do not need muscle to win a fight. I just need skill."

Miranda tilts her head slightly at that but Ben carries on "You are coming in or do I need to get a pole to dance the night away" Now Miranda was scowled. Ben laughs. Shepard just chuckled but both he and Miranda stepped inside.

Miranda looks around and sniffs "it certainly has character" The Rustbucket has been updated with modern mass effect technology Ben is just waiting for a warp drive.

Ben puts his shirt on and turns to look at Shepard and Miranda "So what's up?"

"Well first off Ben. Here is your paperwork/ documentation." Shepard puts Ben documentations on the Table. Ben went to sit and read. Miranda is sitting right next to him to see if they are up to scratch.

After a short read Shepard continues "Second The alliance knows more about you than we do. Apparently, Paradox Told a friend of mine all about you" Ben's eyes were yanked out of him.

"And he believed him" Shepard nodded his head "I know my friend is always cautious with current information especially around strangers. He has a saying "Constant vigilance." Unfortunately, I have no idea why they are talking just know that they are."

Ben snorts. "But he believes Paradox. Look at you, I can see your face. Paradox is a good dude. The problem is he is very cryptic about everything" Shepard squirms a bit "So how…." Shepard was cut off.

"He probably showed your friend a certain future or past. Whichever convenient for you friend to be convinced."

Miranda who was reading looked up at Ben "He is a time traveller like Eon?"

"Yeah, but a good one. I trust him" Shepard nodded to him that was all he needed.

Miranda looks up again from the paperwork and asks "These documents seem to be perfectly accurate about you. How much is…"

Ben again interrupts "All off it. Well almost all of it. Different town probably because Bellwood does not seem to exist here. So, I now live in…" Ben looks over the paperwork. "California. neat." Miranda nods.

"I'm also curious, Benjamin your cousin Gwen, she seems" Ben slams his first on the table "Not now! I am not ready" Both Shepard and Miranda jump at Ben's sudden burst and can see a rainforest coming out of Ben's eyes.

Shepard looks at Miranda. "We leave you to rest." Both him and Miranda get up and leave the Rustbucket. Closing the door behind him.

"Well…... That was" Miranda started.

"Emotional"

"I was going to say… You know what you are right." Miranda stops herself.

"Ship" Both Miranda and Shepard look down to see Ship looking up at them. Prometheus is still sitting by the door.

"Ship, Ship" He sounded mad.

Shepard goes down and pats his head "What are you saying boy?"

Prometheus answers "Do not ask about Gwen again. He feared what would happen to Ben if she brought up."

Shepard and Miranda had a solemn look at each other. "Thank you we better be going" Prometheus nods back.

Shepard and Miranda make it to the elevators "Well shit" They both said.

A few hours later on Zorya

The Normandy shuttle lands on the planet. Open the doors reveal Jacob, Shepard, and Zaeed. They are on a jungle-like planet full of trees and foliage. They are here to Help Zaeed to rescue the workers there as they are being held hostage by blue sons in a Ezo mining factory.

"Comms check. Got to make sure we were covered. Never know what the blue suns are up to these days." Jacob nods acknowledging Zaeed play. Shepard is quiet. Zaeed notices this.

"You okay shep?" Shepard turns to Zaeed rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, this is your mission, and I am not focused on it."

"You are good. I assumed it had to do with the Kid" Zaeed assumed and assumed correctly.

Shepard nods. "It is. I do not know who to trust anymore Zaeed. The Alliance are hiding something from everyone that revolves around Ben. Cerberus trying to do whatever they want with Ben alien DNA. It is a huge mess right now and the Council are the only ones that want to help Ben. Granted it for their own gain but they never hid that fact from us. They know if they hide things from Ben he squirms."

Zaeed grunt looking out onto the horizon "it sounds like, and this is coming from me oh mister mercenary with trust issues. That Ben is the new player of the game. Is about to become the new villain of the game."

Jacob cocked his shotgun but asked "Why do you say that?"

"You haven't been talking to Kasumi, have you?" Both Jacob and Shepard shake their heads. Shepard stated he wanted to wait till she was ready to talk after the Hock mission.

Zaeed hums "She was extremely worried after her mission with Hock. Paranoid even. Apparently with the information she gathered at Hock mansion beside the destroyed Kenji data. The alliance may have ties with this Eon Bloke. She trying to get her contacts to find out more because the info she gathered is spotty at best."

Shepard and Jacob blanch "That bad commander" Zaeed snorts and looks at Jacob "is your last name sherlock. First name, No Shit. Look shep. Whatever is happening with the kid is getting worse by the day and we still have not dealt with the collectors."

Shepard cringed and nodded his head. "Let's get going shall we and not waste any more time saving those workers."

All Three walk through the forest like terrain as they walk forward, they hit pips and tubes. They also encountered the blue sons.

"God dammit a blue suns checkpoint" Zaeed muttered.

Shepard just smirks "Lets rumble" They did just that rumble. Shooting off targets. Freeze them with Shepard Cryo Blast to later burn them with Zaeed incendiary rounds. Jacob pulls a pull allowing Shepard and Zaeed to take pot shots at the blue son's heads. Their area was about to be clear until a voice strangely similar to Shepard's voice but female.

"Reinforcement incoming" at least 20 more Blue suns appeared.

"I did not know you had a double ganger Shepard and a female one at that" Jacob quipped.

"Shut up…" He said but for a different reason.

As the reinforcement grew closer, plant-like tentacles shot out of the ground encasing the blue son's reinforcements. Then what appeared next was a Plant like monster that drilled above ground. Shepard instantly notices the Omnitrix.

"Ben" Shepard asks exclaiming as he sees the head of the plant open up like a Venus fly trap. Displaying a one-eyed fang plant thing.

"That's me. or should I say WildVine!"

"What you are doing here I thought you were."

"Sulking on the Rustbucket. Nah. Decided to go a fly around after joker travelled here."

"In space" Jacob ask incredulity.

"Jetway, one of my flying forms, allows me to fly in space without having breathing problems. As I was flying around after we warped here. I saw the shuttle land on this planet. So, I followed you in case you needed help. Which you did. You're welcome." WildVine explained. Though the crew noticed his breath sounded exhausted.

Zaeed gave him the stink eye "I thought you were exhausted from all those transformations."

WildVine nodded "Oh I am. I had five minutes of Jetray after I landed here. Another ten just so I have to wait for my next transformation. I am cutting it close today." Then the beeping happened, and a red light popped off to now show Ben in human form. "Well, it looks like proto-tool time." He pulls it from his back and locks and loads.

"Plus, it will be a pleasant change of pace. AlsoI need some fresh air. I also need a large sleep when we get back to the Normandy" Shepard and the crew nodded.

So now they move forward. Making to a bridge where Zaeed stated that there was a previous co-owner for the blue sons and was betrayed. He also knows that Vido, the one who betrayed Zaeed, is here. He is also the one who shot his eye into blindness. Shepard and Ben had a sneaking suspicion that Zaeed was not here for the contract to save the workers. Ben also thought about how the hell was Zaeed a good shot with one blind eye.

They make it to the factory entrance only to see. "Vido!" Zaeed Growled. On a balcony. With a squadron of blue suns.

"Ah it is good to see you, Zaeed. How's the eye?" Vido asks with much smugness he can "Well cannot stay long. Duty calls. Open fire." The blue suns do so where everyone goes behind cover. Jacob, Shepard, and Ben return the fire.

"God Dammit. He is not getting away this time!" Zaeed was looking around to see if… Zaeed grins. Shepard notices

"Zaeed what are you…." He cut himself off because Zaeed the mad man himself went towards a valve. Ben sees this too and in the many times he has been in factories similar to this, one thing comes to mind when he sees a valve like that.

"Oh, fuck Zaeed NO!" Ben screamed out.

"ZAEED YES!"

Jacob was confused "What here doing?"

Ben growled "He is blowing up the joint" Both Shepard and Jacob did not have time to react as Zaeed already turned the valve and opened fire on the pipes causing an explosion chain to go off.

Vido growled "You were always a crazy mutt Zaeed." An explosion nearly hit his face. "Come on, we're getting out of here" He leaves with some of his guards.

Zaeed starts fire more but stop by a hand getting in the way "What the hell Shepard."

"I could ask you the same thing! What the hell was that!?"

"That was me getting my revenge" He growled back at Shepard.

"Our job is to rescue the workers if you can't focus on the mission then…." Jacob cuts in "guys let's just get going before more of the fire spreads."

Shepard and Ben nod. Zaeed grunts. So, they move forward seeing dead exploding bodies of blue suns. The floor erupting and the wall breaking. As they made it to the next door behind them, they heard a shout. They turn to see a worker on the balcony above.

"Hey, hey!" A civilian in worker clothes ran from the top of the balcony. "Hey, my friends are trapped in there."

Zaeed grunted "If we save those workers we lose Vido. We do not have time…." As Zaeed was going on about his revenge Ben was contemplating and then he smiled remembering the good old days. Memories flooded toward him like a hornet nest. Saving people, helping them. With his…

Shepard scowled and was going to screw the loyalty until. "I go" Jacob, Zaeed and Shepard turn to see Ben already gearing up to head into the fire.

"If he wants his petty revenge then let him. I am going to do what I do back home" Zaeed face becomes red "Petty, PETTY! That bastard…" He was cut off.

"And what is it that you did back home?" Jacob asks, seeing the sad look on Ben's face also knowing what Ben meant by 'back home.' Shepard sees it too but then Ben smiles a happy one unlike the ones before where his smiles looked sad now, he is simply happy.

"It Hero time" Ben muttered before walking off. Then shouts at the worker on the balcony "Get out of here I rescue your friends." The worker nods and leaves.

"Ben!" Ben turns to see Shepard "Good luck" Ben nods back and heads in the rusted metallic door.

Inside the Ezo foundry- rescuing the hostages.

Ben walks in a fiery blaze storming the foundry destroying everything in Ben's sight. Ben walks forward inward to what looks like a valve. He reads the instructions to see a water system.

"Perfect" Ben muttered. He turns the valve and the sprinklers start working. Ben notices they are two other valves. He starts walking forward to get them started and save those workers.

A good 10 minutes has passed, and he nearly took the final valve, but the fire has been spreading quickly and harshly. Ben heard a beeping noise coming from his wrist.

"Well, they only have one form that can handle the heat. Cannot use Heatblast, his heat will melt the pips" A slams the Omnitrix a bright flash of green covers him and here comes.

"Water Hazard!"

"Okay I have a few minutes in this form, so I need to be careful." He starts by firing pressurized water out of the arms of his crabby red, silver metallic claws. pushing himself forward to the final valve.

He gets there to turn on the valve. The water started sprinkling down causing the fire to be snuffed out. Ben reaches the civilians that are in a computer room "You guys. It is clear. Leave now before you get involved with the crossfire" The civilians nodded and left stage right. Ben follows behind so he can catch up to Shepard and the gang. He does so with heavy breathing.

He got to a crossroads one heading left, the other heading right but as he made a decision, a red-light flashed. Ben collapses on the floor at the edge of the wall and his eyes embraced the darkness.

Chapter Text

"Wake up Ben. Wake up!"

"Mrm Kai" Ben murmured but his eyes were awake from the darkness and forced himself up.

"What were" Ben looks around seeing that he is in med bay of the Normandy.

"Oh, good, you are awake. You were unconscious for a good month or so" Doctor Chalkwas started with a calm tone as she walked over to Ben who was laying down on Med Bed.

"A month. Urg fuck. What happened?"

"Well from what Shepard told me Him; Jacob and Zaeed came back for you when you were not answering any of their com. They found you unconscious by the worker entrance. You used too much of your energy which led you to my med bay" Doctor Chalkwas explained.

Ben snorts "Pretty sure its joker Med Bay as he claims it's his ship."

Chalkwas smirks "Yes, he keeps telling himself that. Now I am just going to draw up some blood for some test and you should be free to go. Oh, and you cannot transform. I play it safe and wait for another before we confirm it is just exhaustion. I know it has been a month but as a doctor I am demanding not requesting."

Ben frowns but does not protest. He gets up from the bed after the docs draw his blood and starts getting up from the med table to walk out.

"By the way, I have to ask. Who Kai..." Ben paused for a sec "Look Ben you can hide behind that smile for as long as possible but you're wearing yourself out." Ben froze at what Chalkwas said.

"I spoke in my sleep didn't I" Chalkwas did not say a word but just stared at Ben.

"If I tell you my story, would you tell Shepard?"

"Only if it impacts the missions and your care. Your suffering Ben, everyone can see it. You need to talk to someone" Ben huffed but nodded in understanding.

"Fine but we better get samara here. She sort of read my memories" Ben goes to sit back down opposite Chalkwas who nodded then called Samara up to Med Bay.

"This is going to be a long day," Ben said, suffering in his self-pity.

Illum Liara Office

"Are you sure about this Shepard? This information" Liara asked, wanted to make sure.

"This information is solid. Why I intensely dislike the Illusive man. He does know how to extract information" Shepard grimaced when he said that thinking about his meeting with the said illusive man.

Flashback. SR2 Conference room

"Shepard. The information about the Shadow broker you wanted is all here Black and white. Sent to you through email" The illusive man puffed out.

"How legit is your source?" Shepard asks the man not fully trusting him.

"I have managed to get the intel from an agent of the shadow broker. Quite sure they are dead now. The shadow broker does not like loose ends" The Illusive man explained.

Shepard quickly grimaces before thanking the Illusive man and ending the call. leaving to talk to Liara.

Flashback End

"I…I Thank you. I need to make plans." Liara got up from her desk and started to walk to the exit. Shepard stopped her before she could leave.

"Let me help you, Liara. Please. Let me help your friend."

Liara nodded but eyes held some form of hesitation behind them "Meet me at my apartment. Here I am sending you, my address. Just take a taxi fare from Illum Transport. Meet there in a few hours" She now leaves, not looking back or letting Shepard reply.

Shepard looks down. Then turns to Garrus and Tali "Come on let us go and Finish are side adjectives. We still got the data to give out that Ben collected when he was recruiting Thane."

They both nod without saying a word. They can see the tension growing in Shepard.

A few hours later in Illum Transit hub

"Nassana. It was fucking Nassana that own the twins' towers. I regret killing her sister now. Then again it was still blackmailed and she was a pirate." Shepard exclaimed loudly. After going over the side adjectives. Two of them explained what happened at the towers.

Garrus and Tali were amused by Shepard's rant. Tali pointed out "ah but didn't you exploit her by influencing she gives you more money." Shepard coughs in response.

Garrus shook his head "Come on. I think it has been enough time. Let us go see liara."

Shepard smiled "yes lets."

They head to the terminal and call a cab.

Liara Apartment

Shepard and the gang walk up to the penthouse apartment seeing blue holographic police lines. They see a group of Illum officers scanning and talking.

"Spirits. Shepard"

"I know Garrus." Shepard walked up to the officer near the door "Excuse me. Can you tell me what is going on here"?

The officer. An Asari looked at him with a deadpanned expression "I'm sorry sir but please step back this is."

Shepard interrupted her as quickly as she spoke her words "Yes, I can tell it is a Crime scene. I do not think I went blind recently. I am commander Shepard Council spectre. So, I am fairly sure I am above your pay grade" Tali snorted in the back. Garrus chuckled.

"I…"

A voice in the background continues things "Well, well, well Commander Shepard. Hero of the Citadel. Spectre Tela Vasir at your service. Officer Tila you and your men can leave now."

The officer in question gritted her teeth and left leaving no word behind with her men following behind.

Garrus whistle "She must not like Spectres"

Vasir who is an Asari with blue and white armour nodded with a smile a Smile Shepard does not trust "She does not. had issue with them in the past" She turns to Shepard "You are looking for your Asari friend Liara T'soni. We had not much luck here other than the Brocken shot window and the computer terminal" Shepard nodded.

"Let me look around. I might find something you did not" Shepard asked politely.

Vasir smiles gratefully and allows Shepard to look around while Tali and Garrus are stationed at the door. He does look around the Prothean collection Liara has. Shepard notices that they nothing of their time together on the first Normandy. He starts heading up the stairs and, in an instant, he sees a photo of SR1, the first Normandy. He walked towards it, picking it up only for a picture of Ilos to appear. His eyes widened, recognising the design. He runs back to one of the Prothean artifacts. It started beeping to which it revealed a disk.

"Hmm." Shepard jumps to who is next to Him.

"You scared me Vasir."

"Yes, well. You found something important." She grabs the disk with a hard snatch and heads to Liara console.

A video of a Salarian plays in view. "What have you got for me Sirket?" Liara voice played in the background

"What you wanted but the price is doubled. Do you know how much this information costs? How many enemies do I gain from this?"

"Do not worry Sirket. Just make sure the information ready"

"Oh, it is ready. Meet me at the Dracon Trade Centre. Usual office"

Shepard's eyes squinted "I need to get to the Dracon Trade Centre."

Vasir nodded "Come I know where it is" Shepard nodded and called for his two companions by the door as they headed out.

Dracon Trade Centre-Illum

As Vasir, Shepard, Tali, and Garrus arrive at the Dracon Trade Centre and roar "BOOM!" appeared. All four got out of the sky car and started to quickly run up to the centre.

Shepard shouted exclaiming "Liara in there!" seeing the explosion that took place and the injured civilians outside the building.

Tali muttered "Keelah."

Vasir was frowning "I jumped back in the sky car and headed up top. you work below, and we meet in the middle."

Shepard nods back "Keep in radio contact. We never know what we will find" She nodded back.

Shepard looked to his crew "Alright let's go!"

"Right behind you Shepard" Garrus said walking behind him with a vindicator in hand.

So, all three move inward to the Dracon Trade Centre. Inside the lobby they look around to see if there are any survivors of the explosion. All three walk toward the elevator only seeing that it is inactive. Shepard swore but that did not stop him and his two crew mates from walking up the stairs. They got to the next level seeing only more chaos and destruction. They look around further as they move forward. A Now dead civilian was shot with a Thermo clip. A Military grade Bomb that was served. Shepard reported this to Vasir who only stated this is sloppy work and that we should keep moving. They head out towards the corridor full of desks and cubicles. As they get to one of the windows they get hit with a….

"BANG"

"Dammit. We just got hit with a flash Bang." Tali shouted, holding her hand over her helmet.

Vasir over the coms "That commander Shepard is the shadow broker private army."

Garrus muttered snarky "Spirits. Of course he got a private army"

"Never mind that now Garrus, we got to keep moving" Garrus and Tali nod and follow Shepard into the firefight. They push through hitting overloads, warps, Combat drones, and firing from the respective weapons. They get hit with more of the flashbangs.

"I am going to shove my shotgun up these shadow brokers' forces ass. If they keep pelting us with Flashbangs" Tali angrily shouted.

After all that fighting Shepard, Tali and Garrus made it to Sirket office. All three walk in to see Sirket dead and a Shadow broker trooper dead next to the Salarian. With Vasir standing on top of both.

Shepard calmly asks "You found the data Vasir?

"No. It seems the Shadow broker forces have made off with it" Shepard eyes Tali. Who in returns opens up her Omni-tool. Vasir notices this.

"What are you doing?"

Tali answered, "Oh contact Liara" Vasir asari eyes widened.

"You've been in contact…."

Shepard snorted "yes. Not me specifically, I have been dead for 2 years. Lost contact with everyone. These two. However," Thumb pointing to Tali and Garrus "Not so much. So, while I was looking around the apartment, they got in contact with Liara behind your back."

Vasir Anger rose at the trickery "But I never heard you speak to those two whiles…."

This Garrus snorted "Yeah, we were lucky Shepard remembered the code, we made back on the SR1. Back when we were fighting Saren."

Flashback Liara apartment.

As Shepard was talking to Vasir back at Liara apartment. He gave out finger signals to Garrus, who in turn told Tali. Tali used to contact Liara.

End of Flashback

? "Indeed"

Shepard turned to the noise "Hello Liara" who had her gun out. Then Shepard, Tali and Garrus pulled out their respective weapons. Vasir gives Shepard a strange look "What, did you think I would not find it strange that a Spectre is investigating my old crew companion while looking for the shadow broker. I know the shadow broker has agents everywhere. Not wrong of me to assume that Spectre is one." Vasir flashes a cocky grin at that.

Liara had her hand out "So please can I have the Data, or do you want me to flare your mind."

Vasir grimaces "How about no! your Pureblood Bitch" She flares up her biotics and the glass behind her is destroyed. Shards chase after Shepard and crew while liara powers up a Barrier for her friends. Shepard charges and both he and Vasir bear hug fight each other till there reach the ground floor. Vasir managed to let go and runs away towards the exit. Liara jumps down and follows suit. Shepard gets up with Garrus and Tali catching up down the stairs.

All three get to leave only to stop by the shadow broker forces. They fight forward pushing back a reinforcement that appears out of nowhere. They made it to the exit seeing Liara and Vasir ducking it out through pistol fire. Vasir fires a shockwave to distract them, so she can get into a sky car and leave.

Liara notices and gets into another Sky car. She calls out for Shepard. "Come on, she is getting away!"

Shepard rolled his eyes "I am fine by the way thanks for asking. Come Garrus. Tali gets back to the Normandy and informs Joker of our impending car chase."

Tali nodded eagerly "on its Shepard" Garrus gave a mock betrayal look at her "Great now I have to deal with Shepard driving."

"Just get in archangel." He does so and they head off in the car chase.

Industry sector Illum- a few hours later

"Thanks Ben. I needed to speak to my sister" Miranda says, walking with Thane and Ben in his Amphibian form, side by side from helping her with her mission.

"Your welcome princess. I am sorry about Nicet."

She shakes her head "it all right. I do not think I really knew him, did I?" The two stare at each other for a bit in silence. Thane smiling in the background. That is until a ping is heard.

Miranda stops staring and looks at the omni-tool "A Sky car chase. Officers are leaving it alone due to the chase involving a spectre-on-spectre battle."

All three quickly stare at each other "Shepard."

Ben quickly hits the Omnitrix and turns into.

"Stinkfly" "I go on ahead" he does and flies up to catch up to the chase.

Miranda nods and looks towards Thane "We better get the shuttle ready for emergency pickup. Also did that form of his stink" Thane nods and follows Miranda back to the Normandy.

Car Chase illum Skyway

"Dammit what does this thing have?"

Liara responded, "it is a taxi, it has a fare meter."

"wonderful" Shepard muttered rolling his eyes.

Garrus Smirked "At least you're not driving the Mako" Shepard growled playfully.

"Oh, screw you. I am and always will be a…"

"TRUCK!" Liara shouted, interrupting Shepard's sentence. Shepard steered hard right to avoid it but still on Vasir's tail.

"Woah, which was close" Shepard chuckled mirthlessly.

Liara narrows her eyes "you're enjoying this aren't you" Shepard smirk in response.

"Sigh I miss that sofa on the SR1" Liara sighed. Shepard gulped at what liara said. She would punish him for being stupid and reckless on mission by sleeping in the Sofa and not on the Bed Together. Garrus was laughing in the background until he stopped.

"What that buzzing noise?" Both Liara and Shepard looked at each other. Then Shepard looked out the window, eyes widened. He sees the Omnitrix.

"Ben!" Shepard opens his omni-tool to call Ben out.

Stinkfly does the same only with his stinger. Liara muttered on how that even works.

"He Shep. Lovely weather for a car chase." He joked.

"Not the time. trying to stop the car ahead of us"

"Say no more. Stinkfly on the case or in this case chase."

Stinkfly does not go on ahead but climbs on top of Shepard skycar. Narrows his eyes and fires green sludge at Vasir engines. Exploding after a short minute. Causing Vasir sky car to crash. Shepard follows where she crashed and lands in Hotel Azure.

Hotel Azure

"Kinky" Stinkfly said, looking around the hotel. Clearly seeing what this hotel is for.

"Okay, what is that smell!" Garrus exclaimed as he got out of the car.

"Garrus, I am called Stinkfly. Take a gander at what comes with this form."

Garrus' birded eyes narrow "I think I found the one form I hate the most."

"Fascinating, you must be Ben Tennyson. The shapeshifter." Liara smiles widened at finally meeting the famed shapeshifter. She also ignores the smell Stinkfly producing.

Shepard chimes in "look you can convos later we need to get to Vasir."

Stinkfly nodded to a point at the upcoming vehicles. "True and it looks like she called in backup. I hold them off until you get to that Vasir person" All three turn to the mentioned backup. Shepard nodded and left with liara and Garrus to retrieve the data.

"It Hero time" he hit The Omnitrix again.

"UPCHUCK!"

Garrus' head turns back "Upchuck?" Only to see Upchuck eating the car the three came in and fired a "BUUUUUUURRRRRRP!" Blast from his mouth towards the shadow broker forces Skyvan, destroy it in the process.

"Spirts that disgustingly powerful."

Shepard shouts back "Come on Garrus" Garrus nods and follows.

All three move to find Vasir bleeding out and heading towards a group of humans on a balcony like resort.

Liara the first to react "it over Vasir."

Vasir sneered "is it" She vanguard warps over to the human female with short blond hair. "Well, we have to see about that now don't we. Now…..."

"Vasir. I am the first Human spectre. I sacrificed hundreds of lives if not more to save the destiny's ascension. So, for your sake you better have a good fucking way out of this situation." Vasir sneered and evaporated now seeing Shepard's confidence.

"Liara now" Vasir's eyes widened at the realization she was distracted. A Table slammed across Vasir's body pushing her towards the edge of the balcony.

"Shit I need…."

"Yeah, not happening. My friend is distracting the shadow broker forces for us. while we talk. In fact, he was the same one who shut down your car. You know, being a shapeshifter and all." Shepard chimed in. Vasir's eyes show a hint of worry.

"You want the data, here fine but you are letting me go in exchange."

Liara and Shepard looked at each other. A silent conversation is happening. Shepard looked back first to say, "Fine but the data first, then you go."

Vasir does not even hesitate when she throws the disk. Liara picks it up and starts scanning it "Here. Now can I get back to my spectre duties commander," She spits that last sentence. Shepard looks towards Liara who nods back.

"You can go, Vasir. Let us go liara, Garrus." All three started turning away.

"Wait that it. no tricks, no plan. You are just letting me go?" Vasir was confused.

"You kept your end of the bargain. So, I kept mine. I know people think humans are not honourable. Well, most aren't but there are a few who do stick to the deals." Vasir sniffed "well it seems Saren was wrong about you."

Shepard turned back "you knew Saren."

Vasir nodded with a smile "Yeah glad that bastard was dead. Believe it or not The Asari councillor and the Salarian councillor wanted him gone. He was becoming a liability when he became indoctrination." Vasir sees the shocked faces "oh please. Everyone in the spectres believe your story about the reapers. We knew Saren before he became well. Your story made more sense than what the council put out there."

Shepard was silent "I should attend those Spectre meetings."

Vasir shakes her head "Don't while you are still a respected spectre. Then an order by the council not work with you until you get your head checkout. No offence but until you can prove the reaper theory. Your crazy in their eyes"

Garrus rolled his eyes on the matter. Shepard just shakes his head "See you next time Vasir."

"You too Shepard"

Garrus, Shepard, and Liara head back to Ben. Shepard turned to Liara as they walked. "Liara are you alright?" He asked concerned written over his face.

Liara stops to look at Shepard "No Shepard, I am not all right. You had to help me again."

"And that a problem" As Shepard said this Garrus walked off towards Ben to leave the two in peace.

"Yes, because I am trying to save my friend. I am trying to prove I can do this…. I, I" A tear falls out of her eye. "I… It's been two years Shepard, I do not know if you…"

"Liara, I came back."

"It's been two years. Two years, John Shepard. You cannot take those two years of grief back."

"We have time, the Normandy can get us to those coordinates leaving enough time to talk."

"Please, I just want to save my friend. Then we can talk"

Shepard nodded but was frowning "Okay. Okay we save your friend."

"Thank you" Liara walks away, confidence booming leaving behind an empty Shepard. A short while after Shepard follows suit as the Normandy shuttle arrives. They all get in ready to face the shadow broker.

Chapter Text

A couple of hours before Shepard helps Liara.

Med Bay Normandy.

"It started when an alien device did what it did and stuck itself upon my wrist with secrets that it hid. Now I gain powers beyond my control at first at 10" Ben started talking explaining his life before now to Chalkwas, from ten to sixteen. Samara here also after being told why she was needed.

Chalkwas hums "I see" she looks towards Samara "from the mind meld, can you agree to what he says."

"Yes. Though I would like to point during our mind meld. Something blocked me from accessing the full story. Some parts were covered up by a purple fog. It felt like a purple mist. The block was indefinite." Chalkwas hums. Looks to Ben who had an expression of fear.

"Ben?"

"EON. So that paradox meant" Samara eyes widen now remembering Ben nemesis. Though became confused on who this paradox person is.

"You think he had something to do with it. Eon blocking out certain memories" Chalkwas asked.

"Maybe. But I know now he not my Eon now" Both samara and Chalkwas was confused by what Ben meant.

Samara asks, already knowing the answer "The multiverse."

"Yes. It seems that this Eon affected another universe Ben causing rupture in time and space. By doing so he was punished by coming here. That all I got though"

Chalkwas nodded "Well moving on. It is safe to say you have PTSD. You are having a nightmare. Pushing yourself to the point of brink hardship. You catch my drift. I am going to prescribe some anti-depressant and maybe some more chats going forward."

"Can I go now" Ben asking, not wanting to continue. Chalkwas nodded and Ben rushes out of there.

"Oh, before I forgot. Benjamin. The blood results say you are fine, but I recommend keeping up to three transformations only as Limit" Ben looks back as the doors open and nods. Now leaving as quickly as he nodded.

As Ben left, both Samara and Chalkwas looked at each other and understood each other.

"They parts of him hiding within himself isn't there."

Yes, and while I am a shame to know all of his burden. I cannot express this information without his knowledge or without his permission."

"I understand," Samara nods, understanding the conversation finished leaves.

Male toilets crew deck Normandy.

Ben is painting in front of the sink mirror. Sweating from top to bottom after waking up. He has been hearing Kai's voice. "Ben, Ben, Ben" over and over. A tap on his shoulder jumps him.

"Calm, Tennyson" Thane had his hands up.

"Thane? What are you?"

"Miranda wants to see you. Wants help with a family matter and Shepard is not available at the moment. Are you all right?"

Ben gave a deadpanned expression but shook his head. "No but thanks for asking.... Let us go."

Normandy Airlock

"Princess." Ben called out.

Miranda turns around and sees Ben who in her eyes looks downright depressed. "Benjamin, good you here. I need your help. Shepard was going to help but he got more important matters to attend to."

Ben raised an eyebrow coming forward with Thane in tow.

"So, what are we doing?" Ben asked.

Thane nodded "Yes I am too curious as to what we are doing."

Miranda sighed "I explain on the way but in short, I have a sister who needs help" Both Thane and Ben Nods and follows Miranda out the Airlock.

Illium

As they move forward Miranda explains her situation. From leaving her father to kidnapping his sister from her father. To protect her from the shadows. Ben has this gut feeling he is forgetting something as she explains about Niket.

As they reach Illium Bar towards the VIP Section they are met with an Asari leaning against the back of the vibrant wall.

Illium Bar

The said Asari contact moved out of the leaning position and started talking. "Mrs Lawson. Glad you can make we had a complication."

Miranda's eyes filled with worry "What happened? Is Oriana all right?"

The Asari nodded but held a steady facial expression. "She's fine but... you listed the man named Niket as your trusted source?" That is when Ben Brain kicked in. He remembered a man called Niket at a Hock party as a plus one next to a Lawson.

"He contacted me, warning that your father has sent eclipse mercs to make a sweep. He suggested that the mercs might be watching you for you personally. He offered to escort Oriana's family to the terminal instead." The contact explained.

"All cards on the table Who Niket?" Ben asks hoping his thought process was wrong while looking at Miranda with a small semblance of pity sketch on his face. Thane sees this.

"He is a friend. He and I go back a long way. He..."

"Do you want any of your other contacts to assist on this Mrs Lawson" The Asari contact asks.

Miranda shakes her head "no you and Niket are the only ones I trust on this."

Thane's smiles "So what is the plan. This is your sister after all" Ben was silent.

"We go with the Niket plan. We drive them away while he secures Oriana. Give him access to the family Itinerary" Everyone nods but a silent Ben is worrying Thane. Miranda is too focused on saving her sister to notice Ben's emotion and reactions.

But Thane the ever safety net asks "I doubt Eclipse are going to come at us in full force" Miranda understood the meaning behind Thane wording.

"Niket can take care of himself. Any armed guard will draw attention to him. Come on we need to move" Everyone nods. Thane, Ben, and Miranda head to the skycar. While walking on the way there, Thane stopped Ben by grabbing his shoulder.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing," Ben answered too quickly. Thane caught on and pushed for answers.

"Ben, I Haven't been in the game as long as I have without picking up some moments like your left eye twitch." That exact eye twitch again.

"Shit. All right. I do not trust Niket. Remember the Hock heist for Kasumi. Also, we should catch up. Walk and talk" Thane nods to both and walks forward with Ben by his side.

"Well, his name came up in a plus one at the visiting list at hock estate. Along with Lawson."

Thane already connected the dots "The Father?"

Ben nodded "Both have been funding a place called sanctuary. Hock and Niket I mean. Father Lawson is apparently in charge along with a secret backer. One that is Illusive."

"You need to tell her." Thane said straight away.

"I will after the mission. Right now, she needs to focus on her sister. I think her trust in Niket is blinding her." Thane" while reluctantly agreeing to Ben's wishes.

Miranda notices them talking but ignores it as she wants to focus solely on helping her sister. All three get in the skycar.

Illium Factory district

As they drove to Divert the mercs and Gunship appeared beside them. "Dammit. Eclipse mercs. They dropped mercs in the cargo area" Miranda said, sounding annoyed.

Ben smirks "then let us say hello."

Thane nods agreeing. "Agreed our plan was to distract them so it best to be direct." Miranda nods to the both of them and heads down but before that she turns to Ben.

"Turn into Big chill I want to at least have some surprise on my side" Miranda ordered. Thane nodded, agreeing with that.

Ben sniffed "Yeah, I got someone better with that many mercs. Plus, with all that tech." he smiles. He slams his watch.

"Amphibian!" A blue jellyfish like, Alien. Thane and Miranda are not really shocked or surprised, simply confused.

Ben sees the looks "oh, I can go intangible, read minds, shoot electricity, and also absorb it. I swear all my electric forms can absorb electricity. It is like a basic function of all of them." He swore.

Miranda rolls her eyes "Of course you have... wait read minds!" Thane was also stunned by that revelation.

Amphibian nods his non-existent head "yeah."

Miranda was about to say something but was cut short by Thane "not the time. We are about to land" Miranda turns to see they were and nods. "Benjamin." Amphibian nods a fly through the floor of the sky car. The skycar lands safely behind some cargo.

Both Miranda and Thane got out of the skycar seeing a very stoic human eclipse member.

"You're lucky we have not shot you down."

Miranda smirked, "I'm guessing from that fact you're not shooting us that you know who I am."

"Certainly. You are the bitch who kidnaps the boss' little girl." As the conversation was going on Amphibian sees a flammable rig being craned across above eclipse mercs. He flies up to the crane control panel. Small pulses of blue light fire out signally and one at a time.

Back to the conversation.

"..... I do not know what your damages is, but you are not getting away with it."

A growling Miranda lunged "Leave before it gets bloody."

The merc snorted "Captain Enyala has ordered us to give you one..." He was cut off by a.

"BOOOOM!"

The merc turns "what the...." He did not get to finish that sentence as his neck got twisted by a pair of feminine hands.

Both Miranda and Thane looked around at the distraction Amphibian made. Burning corpse. Electrified dead bodies.

"Nicely done, Ben. We got the attention now" Thane complimented.

"You're welcome" Amphibian jump scares both Miranda and Thane from behind.

"Jesus, Benjamin." Miranda exclaimed.

Amphibian shrugs. "Elevator just around the corner. Also took a guard's radio." He tossed it to Miranda.

Miranda smiles and grabs the radio while also walking to the elevator. Pulling out her Omni-tool she configured the coms to work on the right frequency. "Good we should be able to patch into enemy coms."

Over side of the factory district

"Sargent, Sargent, do you read. Team 1. ANYONE!" Captain Enyala screamed. "Shit. Anyone got visual" She loudly exclaimed afterwards, turning to her troops.

A random merc appeared scared out of his wits "Sir. We got visual through the cameras."

Captain Enyala growled slowly "Show me" He does so and what she sees. Her odds went down.

"Fuck. the shapeshifter involved." Captain Enyala said remembering the reports of surviving Eclipse merc from the hock heist and the Nassana towers. She starts passing back and forth, thinking of a way to get rid of the threat.

Another merc appeared next to the scared one "Sir we are in contact here with the family. We are ready to move in transit" She turned to her merc.

"Get me Niket. I need to have a word with him."

"Yes sir" The merc saluted.

Captain Enyala had her two fingers to her ear and let out a cold demanding tone "All forces this is Captain Enyala besides my group, you are to converge towards the three intruders. By us as much time as possible. I do not suspect you will survive. Captain Enyala out."

Back with the trio

"Whoever is Captain Enyala. They are trouble" Thane spoke as all three were walking through the next level of the factory district. Hearing the command that was sent through.

"Agreed, we need to be.... Careful. Look out" Thane and Miranda jump out of the way while Amphibian phased through the rocket.

"Mercs" Amphibian exclaimed and started flying towards them firing off bouts of electricity Miranda got up and followed behind. Firing off there Smg, warps and pulls.

"Hit the gas canisters. It caused a reduction in Merc forces." Thane nodded towards Miranda orders. and switch to his sniper firing of his rifle towards those canisters.

Amphibian who was flying about hitting mercs with electricity "We need to push to the elevators" Both Miranda and Thane agreed and started to push forward to the end of the corridor leading to the elevator.

Once they reach the elevators they head up to the next floor. Which once again they are full of mercs. More than before.

Miranda growled "Same plan push the elevators" They do so run through moving cargo containers and mercs out to kill. So, they kill back. Using their powers and guns. Thane in a blink notice something as the three are running/floating.

"The mercs are not trying as hard to kill us." Thane said.

Amphibian as he floated beside them nodded "yes, I noticed that too. It is almost as if..."

Miranda finishes "That there holding us off. This Captain Enyala knows that she will not win... we know this already though. What good is pointing that out?" She asked

Amphibian adds "It also might have to do with the fact that some of these merc recognise me. Probably from past missions. I can tell that some of them fear me. They know they cannot win because of me."

Thane nods while shooting mercs in the head. "Yes, Kasumi has heard from her contacts that eclipse merc are ordered to stay clear of you. Something about menace and They do not get paid enough for this shit." Amphibian snorted

Miranda rolls her eyes but sees the potential "Good we can use that" she said this as she shot an engineer in the head and overloaded mechs shields.

They make it to the second elevator door that was filled with eclipse mercs. Over time the mercs that walk out of the elevator just got hit like pawns in a tower defence game. As they reach for the elevator doors over the coms, they hear Captain Enyala say.

"Niket has reached the terminal. He switched the family over to our transport now."

"NO! Niket it cannot be. That cannot be right" Miranda exclaimed.

"Come on we find out when we reach the docking bay terminal" Amphibian said trying to calm Miranda down.

As they get in the elevator. Miranda started pressing the controls to go up while muttering to herself "Maybe This captain listens in. maybe she knows. It is just... I."

"You're confused," Thane pointed out.

"No Niket would not do this" Thane looked at Ben. Amphibian looked back shaking his head.

"Benjamin. You should tell her."

"Tell me what?" Miranda instantly called out.

Amphibian looks to the princess "Back at the hock heist. I had a list of guests."

"Yes, you explain about sanctuary." Miranda interrupted

"Yes but, hock was funding it along with another and had assets on the horizon to build the site there. He was not going to run it. The person who was running it was Lawson." That froze Miranda.

Amphibian was not finished "And Niket was Lawson plus one at that party" Miranda in her state connected the dots.

"You mention another investment. Who?" She asks. Amphibian and Thane looked at each other. They can tell she connected the dots.

"I do not know. They are silent. Kasumi is going to find out more for me, but I have a suspicion that it is..."

"Cerberus" Miranda finishes Amphibian. Who nodded in return. A red tick appeared across Miranda's face. She turns away toward the doors, presses a button on her omni-tool and speaks.

"You better be right about this" She slams her fist in the elevator controls "and Why can't this thing go any faster" Banging the controls. There is a cold hard silence in the box air.

They wait for a silent few hours.

docking bay terminal

"We are not traumatizing the family anymore that we...." Nicket shouted.

The elevator doors open and exit the trio of Miranda, Thane, and Amphibian. Niket, a man with a stubby beard, looked directly at Miranda.

"Miri"

Captain Enyala smirks "Oh, this should be fun" everyone pulls out their gun on the three.

Amphibian snort "Really. Last I checked I made more than half of eclipse scared shitless. So, is this really fun for you? Blue Mary." The captain snarls and brings out her shotgun and kablam the dock worker.

Thane sighed, hand on his face. "Was that necessary."

"Be quiet. Niket, you sold me out." Miranda shouted.

Amphibian had his tendrils out ready "what the play princess?"

Miranda squinted her eyes "What Niket. Why do this? You were my friend; you helped me get away from my father."

Niket growled "Yes because you wanted to leave, that was your choice. If I know you stole a baby. "

"I did not steal her, I rescued her." Miranda countered.

"From a life of wealth and happenings. You were not helping her. You were getting back at your father." Niket countered back.

"Yes, let us talk about wealth. How does Cerberus fit into Sanctuary?" Miranda asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Wait... What, how do you know about that and how do you know about Cerberus' involvement." Niket stuttered.

Amphibian snorted "We didn't. you just confirmed it for us."

Niket blanched heavily.

Thane then had a thought "That means. Cerberus is involved in this op as well because didn't they help you escape with your sister Miranda?"

"They did" She connected the dots.

Nicket was having a panic attack now "Look you have to understand...."

Miranda growled further "What there to understand, everyone I trusted is backstabbing me..."

Amphibian chimed "Well not Shepard or m...."

"Benjamin Kirby Tennyson. If I hear a word out of your mouth ..."

His tendrils raised in surrender "I get it. I get it."

Captain Enyala who was watching from the sidelines knows she out matched here. She comes into the conversation "Look, I get my team and leave. I know when I met my match, but your shapeshifter need to leave the eclipse forces alone."

Niket shouted "no!"

Amphibian chuckled "I can make no promise. Your forces might do something I disagree with, and I am a spectre.... So got to do my job. sorry."

Captain Enyala nodded "I can respect that. My boss will not however."

Amphibian if he had a smile he would be smirking "Maybe a change in leadership is in order then. From what I gather out of the three main Merc groups. Your lot is the more decent of the groups."

Captain Enyala smirked back. Put the shotgun away and said "Maybe. All right folks fall back. We are done here!" She ordered.

Niket really wanted them to help but now. He turned and faced Miranda.

Miranda with a gun to Niket's head "You are the only loose end left Niket.

"Miri. Please" A single bullet hit through his cranium.

"Was that really wise?" Miranda turned to Thane.

"Yes, but why do I not feel happy about it."

"Only you will have the answers for that, but I suspect it because he was family" a tear dropped out of Miranda's eye.

Amphibian came in "Alright we clear of eclipse troops we best head to your sister" Miranda silent but nodded.

Illium Upper market. Private district

"Look at her all grown up," she said, smiling. Beside her is Thane and a Human, Ben.

"You should talk to her. You never know what will happen" Ben offered up an idea.

"Benjamin that... I-I cannot"

"I made that mistake myself. I never got to talk to my cousin one last time. Go" He nods his head in her sister's direction. Miranda is silent as this is the first time Ben has been open about his past. She nods and she heads to speak to her sister. The sister she loves.

Thane came to Ben side "That must have been hard but your right Miranda needs this. I needed it for Kolyat. When you are ready, we will be here" Ben just nods.

A few minutes later.

All three get in the elevator looking back at Miranda's sister who in return directs her stares in return along with a smile. The elevator doors shut.

Industry sector Illum- a few hours later on a silent walk

"Thanks Ben. I needed to speak to my sister" Miranda says, walking with Thane and Ben side by side.

"Your welcome princess. I am sorry about Niket." Ben offered

She shakes her head "it alright. I do not think I really knew him, did I?" The two stare at each other for a bit in silence. Thane smiling in the background. That is until a ping is heard.

Miranda stops staring and looks at the omni-tool "A Sky car chase. Officers are leaving it alone due to the chase involving a spectre-on-spectre battle."

All three quickly stare at each other "Shepard."

Ben quickly hits the Omnitrix and turns into.

"Stinkfly!" "I go on ahead" he does and flies up to catch up to the chase.

Miranda nods and looks towards Thane "We better get the shuttle ready for emergency pickup. Also did that form of his stink" Thane nods and follows Miranda back to the Normandy.

Present time on the NormandySR2 cockpit.

"Then I battle against these shadow broker mercs. With Shepard chasing after some other spectre." Ben started explaining the events after helping out Shepard. He was sitting on the navigation seat off to the side. Miranda and Thane picked them up on Azure with the shuttle.

"Well, that's interesting," Joker muttered.

"Are you listening to me, Joker? Or are you playing the listening game?" Ben asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, to both. I am listening to Shepard and Liara's conversation."

"Not going well?" Ben asked.

Joker Snorted "Garrus and Tali are having a hard time to punch some sense into Shepard but other than that no."

"Shepard really needs to let Liara sort out her feelings first." Ben argued.

"And Liara needs to understand that Shepard needs to have a new form of Normalcy since everyone, and things have changed for him after he died. Everything changed for him and well he was confused" Joker argued back.

Ben snorts "Forgot you're a Shepard fanboy."

"Please I'm the fucking president of the club." Joker retorts back.

EDI chimes in "Benjamin Liara would like to speak to you in the hangar bay."

"Let me guess Prometheus answers all her questions, can't understand, Ship and My transformation." Ben guessed getting up from his seat.

"Yes"

Joker snorted "good luck. Liara has this knack of asking a thousand questions in one minute."

Ben dryly thanks joker and heads off to hanger bay.

Chapter Text

A day later Inside the shuttle.

"Okay, let me get this straight. So, I am a distraction for you, Liara, Garrus, and Tali, to sneak in and kill the shadow broker" Ben explained Shepard's plan.

Liara chimed in "And rescued Feron."

"And rescue Feron." Ben Amended "It is not a bad plan but one problem. The bad guy hides out and is going to have more men than usual. It is always the case."

Again, Liara chimed in "Oh once we take out the outside guards the inside will be much easier and less men to deal with."

Ben coked his head to the rest of the crew "She did not just say that."

Garrus shook his head. Tali snorted. Shepard grinned into his mouth.

"Why? what did I say."

"Ben. Liara has a knack for being naïve and hopeful even at the worst of times. It is her best but also her worst trait ever" Shepard explained. Ben snorted in reply.

"Uh hum" Liara who now had her arms crossed.

"Oh, come Liara, you know it is true. Remember the Guards on Noveria?" Tali Ask

"I do"

"Wait, wait, what is this about?" Ben asked. So, Garrus explained, heavily explaining the mission on Noveria and pointing out Shepard's choice.

"Dam at least the Queen kept her word." Ben turns to Liara "Why did you think the people in peak fifteen were on your side. They clearly worked for your mother.

"Because they were nice," Shepard rolled his eyes. Liara notices and frowns at him.

Ben moved on and decided to get change whistling at the coming storm that raging outside the shadow broker ship "time to give the storm some Feedback."

Garrus muttered something about "at least you're not eating it."

Ben hit his Omnitrix turning into a black and green plug alien called.

Ben hit his Omnitrix turning into a black and green plug alien called "Feedback!" The shuttle lands, door slides open. Feedback walks out first.

"Feedback!" The shuttle lands, and the door slides open. Feedback walks out first. Turing behind speaking.

"I start the distraction and meet you inside."

Shepard nodded "Call if there are any problems" Feedback two fingers waved back heading off to cause some mayhem but before Feedback moved another step, lightning surges towards him from the sky. Pulling up his plug absorbers Feedback absorbs the lightning. Smiles and walks off with no scratch on him.

The rest just look at him in awe as they get out of the shuttle themselves. "keel'ah/Spirits/By the goddess/wondering if he can absorb a reaper laser?"

All heads turn to Shepard giving him a deadpanned look. Shepard held up a defensive posture "what, it is a valid question?"

Liara just rolled her eyes "let's just go" and so they walked off to stop the Shadow broker.

Shadow broker ship outer walls

All four walk off heading the centre of the ship.

Liara walking alongside the crew, with SNG in hand, sees an electric rod filled with energy, across the bridge they are approaching. "Those pillars keep the ship intact, destroying one of those conduits should disrupt the enemy formation and their shields."

"Good to know. Garrus swapped to Sniper and hung back. Wait for my signal to destroy those conduits" Shepard ordered.

"On its Shepard"

"Tali takes points with Liara." This surprised Liara. She was half expecting to join the Shepard side. So, he can talk again about....

"On it" Liara shouted heading up front.

"Understood Shepard" Tali nodded to Shepard. Understanding where he is going with this.

"Ben get ready we about to push" Shepard ask over the coms.

"Understood Shep, urm but forewarn, those conduits you hit. The storm target me as a replacement so better to choose wisely on those shots of yours" Shepard frowned.

"How have you worked that out?" he asked.

"I may have tested a theory." Shepard rolled his eyes.

"Alright we are cutting coms till we reach the centre. Call only on an emergency" Shepard ordered.

"Roger, Roger" And the coms are cut.

"Alright let's move" Shepard told his team and so they did.

As they walk across the bridge guards appear from a cover hole. Though there may not be a lot of guards, their armour and shields do make it tough to kill them. Shepard fires off his assault rifle, Tali moving forward shotgun in hand. Liara firing off a singularity allowing Tali to shoot at the enemy in open space. Some of the merc guards got flown out in the wind where the lightning purged their body from existence.

They push forward and as they move towards the centre of the ship Shepard, and the gang decide to go around through the side railings and even inside part of the ship. So far, they have not met any more mercs, only mechs and drones. Then a....

"CrackaBOOOM!"

An explosion appeared on the other side of the ship, and several guards flew across into space. Garrus chuckled behind Shepard and the gang.

"Seems Ben distraction, is working."

Tali nods "yes, though I am curious what he did to cause that explosion."

Over to Ben (led zeppelin-immigrant song playing in the background)

"HA AH, I'm putting a shock to your system" Feedback said this while connecting to the conduits near him causing an overload in the shadow broker systems. The mercs are trying to stop him. They are doing an unbelievably bad job of it. considering they are sending their men to kill Feedback with just Guns and Feedback and absorb biotics.

Back to Shepard

"Well, whatever it is...." Liara interrupted Shepard after he pushed the first node passing through the side route they took.

"The second node is just over there. On the other side of the ridge. We push that down, then the solar panels will make a route for us."

Shepard nods. "Alright same formation as before" They nod in return.

Garrus walks next to Shepard and asks. "What was it you about to say Shepard."

"Oh, just that whatever Ben is doing is working, we got some breathing room to push forward. That is all."

"Oh! I thought" Garrus was stunned. Why is Shepard being more agreeable now than before? He knew Liara was not ready to talk about her feelings.

"You thought what?" Shepard raised an eyebrow at Garrus.

"Urm...well"

"You were thinking, this is my chance. Etc, etc." Shepard air quoted

Garrus gaped. "Well," Shepard snorted.

"I may disagree with the mission and worry about Liara but that does not mean I was not going to help. Plus, the shadow broker was after Liara because of me. I be lying and saying it was not personal." Shepard explained.

"Right," In front of the two, Liara and Tali heard. Tali under her mask smirks. While Liara frowned. She was told...

"So, you...?" Garrus pushed.

"No, I am not." Shepard answered with finality

"oh" Garrus was surprised by how Shepard had given up on Liara so easily.

Flashback Normandy SR2 mess hall.

At the back of the corner Shepard was leaning against the side wall, looking at Liara from afar while she was talking to some of the crew.

"You know you need to give her space right. You cannot force your way back in" Shepard turned to the voice.

"Ben, I don't think..."

"Trust me I have dated, well was in a... anyway. 2 years of you being dead, you cannot come back from that. I meant figuratively by the way. She grieved, mourned, never to expect to see you again. What do you think her reaction was going to be like" Ben explained.

"I just thought that. I miss the old days. The days where everything I knew was gone and the new thrive." Shepard explained.

"And that is the problem. These aren't the old days. They grow up, make mistakes, and become new people. Different people. Death does that to a person. It changes you. It changes her." Ben tilted his head to Liara. He patted Shepard's shoulder.

"What should I do then? Wallo in self-pity?" Shepard's turned to Ben.

"Find yourself first before you find other people." Ben Answered

"No offence, but are we sure we are referring to Liara here?" Shepard ask.

"Maybe or maybe not but know this Shepard, death will always haunt you, as you have escaped it." Ben then walks away. Leaving that last thought to Shepard.

Flashback End Shadow broker ship outer walls.

"Urm." Tali interrupted Shepard's thoughts. He turns to look to see more mercs coming their way.

"Alright get ready to charge! Garrus snipe those conduits!" Shepard gave out commands.

"On it" He does so, electrocuting the mercs. Tali and Liara working on the same Strat from last time while walking forward. Shepard started firing, upon the mercs hiding behind corners while also using cryo blast to freeze groups together. Then smashing them with a warp.

As they make their way to the second node pushing past the Mercs. As Shepard pushes down the node Ben calls Shepard.

"Yo Shep"

Garrus answers through his omni-tool "Shepard busy at the Ben. What going on?"

"Right so good news, Mercs are leaving me alone..." Feedback explained.

"Meaning now they are redirecting their forces at us. Thanks." Garrus put the piece together.

"You're welcome. Other good news: I am inside the ship. Made a quite big crater back here. Anyway, I am heading to your direct point of entry and see if I can open it from my side before you get there." Feedback further explained

Garrus nods "right good plan, I let Shepard know."

"Good also one more thing. I landed in one of the security rooms. I know where Feron is, and he is alive but barely. You need to get moving. Fast."

"Understood Garrus out" He cuts coms. Looking up to see Shepard finishing his task.

Liara pointed out "just across from here they main entrance we need to move fast."

Garrus chimed in. Everyone turned to him as he started to explain what Ben told him. "Not just fast. Ben just called. Shadow broker found out about the distraction and is sending the mercs our way. Ben managed to get inside and is meeting us at the entrance so he can open the door on his side." He turns to Liara "He found Feron and according to Ben he is barely alive, but we need to hurry."

"Keel'ah, we need to hurry," Tali just copied what Garrus just said. Shepard nodded.

"I just said that" Garrus sulked. No one was listening.

"Right, let's go. Move it!" Shepard shouted.

They move fast, running towards the centre of the ship. Fighting a wave of guards leading there, they made it. The centre was incredibly open with many flanking positions that the mercs could reach. They see the door right dab in the middle.

"Alright we are here. Ben better get that door open. This place is open to ambushes" Tali said with a nervous tone.

"Well."

"No time mercs, Garrus covered with sniper fire, Tali right side, Liara left." Shepard shouted out orders. Everyone nodded and mercs started pouring down on them from every corner of the ship.

On the other side of the door

"Come on," Feedback used two of his plug fingers to override the circuitry of the door. Then he hears what is happening outside.

"Oh great. Shepard better holdout...."

Back outside

"Drone flying above!" Said drones along with the merc are onloading upon Shepard and his squad.

"Garrus!" Tali shouted.

"Yes, yes, I am overloading them. Why don't you use an Energy Drain?" Garrus shouted back.

"I DID!"

"Oh."

"BEN HURRY THE FUCK UP" Shepard demanded.

Back inside

"Dammit it not working, I need" I lightbulb appeared and open his omni-tool.

"Shepard, I have a plan and at this point it is a fairly terrible plan..." Feedback said.

"Well, what do you need me to do?" Shepard asks while in a fire fight.

"Well, I am going to plug myself into the conduit power system and you get..."

"Shoot the conduit, get it. Just send the signal" Shepard sounded very eager as he Tali, Garrus and Liara fighting hordes of mercs and drones.

Back outside

"Garrus, snipe the conduit on the left on my signal." Shepard shouted to his friend.

"What signal?"

"You won't miss it" Shepard said as he pulled up his carnifex on the other Conduit.

Back inside

Looking around the walls, Ben sees a panel. He opens it up to see a junction for the conduits.

"Alright I am in, Shepard...." Electricity flows through his body as soon as he finishes the word Shepard. He directs the flow towards the door.

Back outside

Shepard gets his Carnifex out and shoots conduit on the right as soon as he hears Ben's voice. Garrus sees this and fires the left conduit. Tali and Liara are delaying for this to work pulling out every skill they have to hold off the mercs.

They hear a creek. Seeing the door open their rush in and what came out was feedback firing off a wave of storm at the mercs. Then heading back inside after incapacitated them permanently.

Back inside

Tali huffing and puffing within her clear mask. "That was close. Ben, what took you?"

"Sorry, the door has several layers of encoding." Feedback explained.

Garrus puffs out a breath "Couldn't you turn into an upgrade, and you know...."

"Not with that storm. I get fried the moment I use him here."

Shepard chimes in "enough, Ben take us to Feron, you said you know where he is" Ben nods and orders the gang to follow him as they run through the long corridors. Liara asks as they were taking fire from rockets from mercs.

"More of them, how many guards does the shadow broker have?" Feedback snorted at Liara Naivete.

"You weren't kidding about her being naïve," Shepard snorted in retort. Liara sent a glare at the pair.

Shadow Broker: "Hold your positions no matter the cost!"

Garrus fires a sniper shot from his side cover "Ben, I think it time for a change."

Tali nodded agreeing hiding on the other side of Garrus "you need something that can help us, cover while pushing forward."

Feedback smirk hit his Omnitrix dial changing to.

"Mentacle!" A light skin green tentacle alien. Using Mentacle powers. Like Xylene. He grabs a couple of metal panels and telekinesis moves them in front of the crew leaving small gaps in between.

"I got the cover, lets push." Mentacle cheerfully exclaimed, while holding up a metal shield.

Shepard smirks "everyone get behind Ben cover and push forward. Time your shots." So, they push and push, making it hard for the mercs to fight back thanks to Ben telekinesis cover.

Mentacle was smiling "just round the corner we reach Feron. It is a two-lane corridor. So, get ready." everyone nodded.

Liara was pouting "I had the base schematics downloaded."

Tali patted her on the back while she, Liara, Ben, Shepard, and Garrus took out the guards. "It is okay. Ben is just annoying like that."

"Oii!" Ben made a noise of protest.

Tali snorted "Tell me I am wrong then."

"Did not have to say it though." Mentacle said this while slamming a merc head against shards of metal.

Garrus comes in "That should be all of them."

Shepard responded "yes but you know how missions go. Best scout ahead. Make sure we did not spook."

Garrus nods "got it Shepard" Tali put her hand up "I go. With these tight corridors best if someone with a shotgun goes" Everyone nods and Tali heads of to scout

They walk towards the door that holds Feron.

Shepard opens up his omni-tool "let Me bypass it. Only take a sec" it was a sec. "It's done" They Walk in guns up. Liara walks in first to see Feron tied to a chair.

"Feron!" Liara shouted.

"Liara," Feron replied in a groggy voice.

"Hold on, I'm getting you out of there" Liara tried imputing some commands in the console near Feron for it only to shock Feron.

"AHHHHH"

"Oh god Feron"

"What the hell," Shepard exclaimed.

"The equipment is sensitive to tampering. This chair plugs in the broker info network. You have to shut down the power. Pull me out now and my brain is cooked." Feron explained breathing heavily.

Liara pulls up her omni-tool "do you know where we need to cut the power."

"It will not be easy you have to go to centre operations."

"Easy or not, we're getting you out of there" Shepard turns to Garrus. "Stay here and make sure Feron alright."

Garrus nodded. "Got it Shepard."

Tali charged into the room. "Shepard, we got company."

Shadow Broker: "I want all teams to outpost C" Shepard nods.

"Tali, stay here with Garrus. Ben charged ahead and created an opening for us."

"Got it Shep/of course Shepard." Ben charges a head holding some metal shards in hand he created earlier.

"Let's go liara." Liara nods to Shepard.

Tali looks at Liara "we keep him safe don't you worry. You have our word."

Again, Liara nods and follows Shepard out.

A few minutes later, a couple of dead bodies, both Liara and Shepard, catch up to Ben.

Shepard asks Ben "Any trouble."

"Just the ones outside the torture room. This one guard thought it was smart to play dead and hit a rocket in my face. Did not work though, telekinesis was a shock to his system." Ben responded, smirking.

"Let's get in there and finish this" Liara said with a cold steel in her voice.

All three walk through the corridor. Seeing a big shadow behemoth behind his desk and computers.

"Here for the Drell, Reckless even for Commander"

Mentacle snorted "Got something to say Benjamin Kriby Tennyson." Mentacle stopped cold.

"Funny, when Dr. Psychobos explained who you are. He never told me how much of a childlike attitude you have" Both Shepard and Liara are a little surprised.

The shadow broker continued "he also told me to tell you. Beware of the rule of three." Now that shocked Ben understanding behind those words.

"Yes, your Universe, which is now here. It is also Eon Universe and a third Universe. Was affected by Eon singularity effect that caused his world to merge with another. You also get the added bonus of three villains each world whether there be teams or single."

Mentacle snarled, "I doubt Dr. Psychobos told you this willingly."

"Oh, he did. Wanted out of his partnership with Eon and Zs'Skayr." he Shadow broker explained.

"Not surprised both are, a little insane!" Mentacle quipped.

"Agreed, it was me who told Zs'Skayr of the illusive man base location. He related in kind. You never wonder where you got my base info commander." The Shadow broker mentioned, and Shepard cringed. Yes, that explains a lot, The illusive man must retaliate against the shadow broker.

"ENOUGH!" Liara shouted in anger "That bombing on illum was not necessary. You caged Feron here for two years."

"Dr. T-Soni. Your interference caused all this, Feron betrayed me when he handed your Shepard body. The Drell is paying the prick." The Shadow broker pointed out.

Shepard argues back "Someone was bound to come after you for working with the collectors."

"It was a mutual..."

"Unknown alien scan competed!" Ben Omnitrix scanned The Shadow broker and spoke up.

"Unknown alien scan added to registry."

"Neat." Mentacle chirps. Shepard snorted.

The shadow broker was not amused.

Shepard continued and tried to negotiate. "Let Feron walk out with us."

"You won't be walking out at all." The shadow broke, leaned forward and demanded.

Liara's lips started to tip upwards "you're quite confident for someone with nowhere left to hide."

"You travel with interesting companions Dr, T-Soni. Ben here will help with my survival against the reapers." The shadow broke turn to Mentacle.

Mentacle snorted "Yeah noooo!" letting that no be drawn out.

"It is pointless to challenge me Dr, T-Soni, I know you every secret. while you fumble in the dark."

Liara went on a tangent with her lips smiling. "Is that right? You are a Yarg, a pr-spaceflight quarantined to their home world from massacring the council's first contact teams. This base is older than your planet's discovery which means you killed the original shadow broker 60 years ago then took over. I am guessing you were taken from your world by a trophy hunter who wanted a slave.... or a pet. How am I doing?"

Silence filled the room to the point that pin drop was not even heard.

Mentacle snorted again "Dam!"

The shadow broker stands up from his desk and slams it down with a hard smash down. Pulls out his revenant assault rifle and opens fire.

Mentacle holds the thermal clips in the air using telekinesis from the shadow broker barrage. Shepard opens fire, followed by Liara dealing some heavy damage. Mentacle uses the thermal Clips and redirects them back at the shadow broker destroying his shields. Liara closes in with a warp that destroys half of the shadow broker armour, then Mentacle floats some shards from the broken table and tossed them to the shadow broker, taking down his armour. The shadow broker heads to the centre of the room and uses the energy above him to restore his shields. Shepard charges in and boxes The Shadow broker losing his focus. Now the shadow broker conjures a shield and walks forward firing off against the crew.

Mentacle grabs one of the pillars using telekinesis and slams into the shadow broker. Liara fires off a warp. Shepard fires a constant barrage. The shadow broker shields are down again and Laiar goes for another warp then followed by a Shepard warp destroying the armour of the shadow broker. Shepard goes in for the box, giving the shadow broker the 1, 2 leaving back to the same state frozen while gearing up.

The shadow broker charges us for a third time, but this time Shepard fires off an overload. Mentacle toss another pillar destroying the shields. Liara followed up with a third warp exhausting her. Heavily breathing the shadow broker took his opportunity to attack her only. Shepard opened his side arm and rained hell Mary protecting Liara. Mentacle uses the rest of the slammed desk and drops it on top of the shadow broker. The shadow broker heads back to the centre to recharge but Liara has other plans. She looked over to Shepard who nod in return and started their plan. Shepard boxed for a third time barely holding down the shadow broker. Liara used as much of her biotics as she could and destroyed the energy grid above them, laying down waves of energy on the shadow broker eradicating him.

Liara panting standing off to the side. Mentacle, leaning against the wall exhausted from the fight. Shepard first checked on Liara but saw Ben was struggling and went to help out.

Power fluctuations happen around the ship. Feron free from his cage. Garrus and Tali helped him get out. Liara walking next to Shepard sees the command console in the room light up.

"Shadow broker this is, operative Murat. We had a momentary connection failure. Can you confirm status" Liara walks forward.

"Operative Shora requesting an update. Are we still online." Liara walks further forward.

"Shadow Broker, we lost are fed. We are online and waiting for instructions" Liara reaches the console confused at what she is seeing but in a split second she makes decisions. Calming her breath, she pressed a button and spoke.

"This is the shadow broker. The situation is under control" Over where Feron, Garrus and Tali are, now hearing the shadow broker voice pulls out their weapons and charges towards the shadow broker "we experienced a power fluctuation while upgrading hardware, it disrupted communications momentarily."

Feron, Tali and Garrus Walk into the shadow broker room see Liara becoming the shadow broker "however we are now back online resume standard procedures. I want a status report on all operations in the next solar day, Shadow broker out." Liara finishes.

Feron shocked "Goddess of oceans it you, you are the... How" Garrus and Tali are equally as shocked.

Liara responded with "Well everyone who's ever seen him in person is dead so..."

"Spirits you're the new Shadow broker T-soni." Garrus muttered.

"Yes, Garrus I am" Shepard and Ben who are over on the other side. Seeing this Mentacle speaks.

"I mean cool extra info and stuff..."

"Thanks Ben" Shepard was silent on the matter which was noticed by everyone. Tali coughs.

"It looks good on you Liara" Shepard remembering Ben's words.

Liara smiled "thank you Shepard" though was shocked with Shepard 180 on the matter.

"Well, we better leave you to get set up. I will come back later whenever you are ready." Shepard said.

"Yes, that be.... Best." Liara agreed.

Ben coughs, muttering awkwardly. A red light appeared, and Ben went back to being human form. He struggles to stay standing.

Garrus comes over putting Ben right arm around Garrus shoulder seeing as Ben is exhausted "I got you lets go."

"Thanks Garrus"

Garrus looks back, "We go on ahead to the shuttle, make sure Ben rests up."

Tali nods "I go with them" So all three leave. Leaving Feron, Shepard and Liara alone.

"Well, goodbye Liara, hope to see you soon" Liara just nods and turns to the console. Feron, feeling awkward, heads to the upper deck to rest, Shepard sighs and leaves thinking about what Ben said.

Shepard muttered to himself. "Everyone has changed, have not there. Maybe.... No, even if she did change, she will never forgive me." Liara heard this as Shepard was leaving. She laid a hand on her console. Liara has a funny feeling that John was not talking about her.

"No, I don't think she will John...."

Chapter Text

Normandy SR2, cockpit

"Shepard mopping again." Joker started with.

"Yep," Kasumi said.

"Hey, he was told by his now ex to let her grieve and move on. After all, he did die." Ben finished.

"Ship, ship" ship nodded in agreement with Ben. He has been hanging around Prometheus a lot more because Ben is busy...

"Yes ship. It seems, these primitives, have some form of attachment with these emotions of theirs" Prometheus said in a condescending tone, though it came across amusing.

"Prometheus, we really need to get you out more" Kasumi nodded to Ben Idea till Joker…

"Yeah, then you can explain to everyone why we have a collector, who by all accounts is abducting human colonies, is on board my ship. while getting gunned down at the same time. Hell, the crew barely stands him." Joker sarcastically stated.

Kasumi pouted "Your no fun."

"Ship" Ship giggles

"I am confused as to why we are having this conversation behind Shepard back" EDI Ask with curious intent.

"It is mainly because we care for him EDI and are worried, he might do something he might regret or…." Kasumi explained.

"Stupid"

"Thanks Joker"

"Your welcome prankster twin" Kasumi grins. Joker grins back in return.

"Tennyson" Everyone turned to the noise. It was Miranda and Jacob.

"Can I help you princess?"

"We found something, we don't recognise it on the codex entry on the species page" Ben raised an eyebrow at Jacob's explanation while thinking that Jacob can be quite boring sometimes.

"Okay but what does that have to do with me?" a confused Ben asked.

Jacob opens a holo vid. Showing….

"Is that a Varren fuck a Thresher maw attacking Cerberus troops. How?" Joker ask confused on what he is seeing.

A Varren mix with a… "Fuck. I got all the mad scientist villains, don't I." Ben exclaimed to himself.

"You seem to know who this creature is, Benjamin," EDI pointed out. Through Ben Outlook she was not far off.

"Well, you know at some point we will meet Dr psychobos." Everyone nodded. Knowing him with Eon at Omega "Well he was not the first scientist villain I faced. Another called Dr Animo and from your look princess it tells me, you already know what he is capable of." Everyone turns to Miranda Sower look.

"This was a Cerberus operation mixing the genetic code of animals bypassing their genetics and biology." Kasumi looked confused.

"Okay ewe but how can we tell if it this Dr Animal."

"Animo and it is him. I can Check the level of Genetic mutation science in this timeframe and year. It knows where on par with his science, and he is the only one I have known to combine animals that are not compatible with each other." Ben finishes.

Joker made a disgusted face "Well he sounds like a nut job."

Ben snorted louder than he meant "Yep." He popped out the P

Jacob in an all-serious face "What his weakness. How can we face him? I do not trust the illusive man but there no way he trust people who are crazy to do this mad science,"

"Look for a device. The man likes it, so he is in control of his creatures, oh and he likes the sound of his own voice. a lot. What is this about anyway?"

Jacob nodded but side eye Miranda "So external sources got it and to answer that question we don't know. We have reason to believe he is working on a Cerberus project but do not know what the project is."

Miranda then started going on about another mission "Anyway, Shepard is dealing with some problems right now. Garrus and Tali are with him right now. So, to occupy our time, Shepard has ordered me to do the illusive man favour. The mission is called overlord. We have been experimenting with the idea to control the Geth through the human Vi interface. Apparently, they found someone who quite a genius with this type of work."

Joker snorted towards the group "Bet, Tali would love that." Ben on the other hand.

"Can I take charge of this one? I need to get back in my groove and well, I have a gut feeling and hate those." Miranda smiled and thought that it was not a bad idea. Plus, she always wanted to see more of his skills in action, and she gets the chance to see his leadership skills.

"Sure. Plus, we can take Prometheus with us since it is located on an isolated planet." Miranda said. Ben wanted to get him out there.

"Oh, oh can I come." Kasumi was giddy with the idea, but Ben thought about it and had a gut feeling that something bad was about to happen on this mission.

"Yeah, you can come. EDI, Joker keep Ship here, would you?" Joker was about to argue but EDI started saying what she wanted to say before he had a chance.

"I do not mind plus; I would like to converse with Ship more." EDI responded.

"Princess can you and Jacob get Thane, Mordin, grunt and Zaeed. Then meet in the hangar bay." Ben asked.

Jacob raised an eyebrow "thinking we need all hands-on deck for this?" Ben just nods and heads down to hangar bay with Prometheus and Kasumi following behind.

Normandy SR2, Hangar Bay.

Prometheus and Kasumi were standing next to the shuttle waiting for the rest of the team, while Ben was talking to Kennith about the rust bucket.

"Aye. She is good at traveling on planet level but still needs that mass effect core part for it to have space travel capabilities." Ben nodded.

Kenneth continued "Pretty sure my friend is delivering the parts we need now so I should be done soon. Roughly after your next mission and after I get the parts here. Hell, with Gabby's help it should be smooth sailing."

"Nice." Ben retorted. Then their elevator open up and everyone Ben ask for came out and started heading towards the shuttle.,

"See you Kenneth," Ben waved bye as now was heading towards the shuttle. Kennith waved back. Ben hopped in the shuttle with everyone else. The shuttle take off for planet Aite.

The shuttle

Everyone filed in the shuttle like a tight hug, as they are flying down, Ben starts to wonder his own self-worth of change. After talking more with Chalkwas he has been more alive than before but still feels this empty soul of his.

Zaeed made a coughing sound that attracted everyone attention "right so, I know what we are doing but why do we need this god dammed many people."

Miranda/Kasumi/Jacob and Ben answered, "Shepard life caught up to him."

Zaeed nodded understanding, giving him space "Ah, yes wondering when the trauma of being dead kicked in."

Ben snorted. "You're subtle, though what do you expect from a revenge hungry madman."

Zaeed smirked back. Then frowned. "What about you kid. You are feeling better?"

"No, every time I sleep, I remember my friends and my family. Haunting me of my failures to save them. FYI we are not friends. Your revenge plot could have gotten people killed unnecessarily." Ben said with laced anger in his tone.

"Kid," Zaeed can see the pain in the kid's eyes. The pain that got him here in the first place. A pain he recognises himself from experience.

"It is fine. Really, I am getting there, just" Ben started rubbing his eyes with a depressed monotone.

"I just need to get to Eon and Ghostfreak. Then I have my payback." Zaeed nodded in understanding. they may not be friends, but he understands the need to get back at someone. Miranda speaking to Morden and Jacob overheard the conversation and is saddened.

"ETA to Aite. 2 minutes." EDI said over the shuttle coms.

"Well, that was fast." Ben Muttered

2 minutes later.

Aite Hermes Station

"Sniff, sniff, I don't like it… haunted." Grunt said as he examined the outlook of the facility while getting off the shuttle. The facility looked destroyed and burnt like an inferno punch through it walls.

"Yes, I do feel a faint presence in the air." Thane agreed with grunt on the matter.

Miranda nodded and looked at Jacob and Ben. "We need to cover our Flanks."

Ben looked towards Kasumi and Thane "You two, and princess. Scout on ahead, check for survivors and any information on the project here."

Thane nods. Kasumi giggles. "Oh, that a stupid question Benjamin of course I can" Those three went ahead with Miranda in the lead.

Jacob raised an eyebrow "Expecting trouble."

"You in the Shepard crew. You are not expecting it?" Ben retorted in mild humour

"Point, taken."

"Alright, then you and Grunt cover the front. Mordin you with me and Prometheus scan anything that might help us. Zaeed covers the rear" Everyone nodded at the rolls given. Jacob opened with his newly formed barrier and Grunt slammed his fist together allowing fortification to power up. They walked forward into the facility passing damaged walls and corpses that spread across the floor.

"Ah you here" That made everyone jump. Looking around Grunt points to a monitor where a face appeared. A man with a high hairline and a deep voice that reminds Ben of Loghain from the Dragon Age game he played back home. Also, to Ben, it oddly reminds him of that Quarian Admiral.

"Sorry about the scare, my name is Doctor Gavin Archer. Head researcher of project Overlord. we are facing a catastrophic VI breakout. You need to get to the satellite dish controls, to stop the Vi. It is trying to leave and access the outer network. I tried to save as many as I could but with The VI in the network. Well, you understand. Good Luck" Gavin said with some hope filled in his voice. Then he cut the call.

Ben opens his omni-tool, while talking to Miranda "Princess, just found a survivor, do not know where he is but he is in this facility. Do you mind looking for him? He Dr Gavin Archer"

Over the coms Miranda said "Yes, me and my squad will search around for him. Be warned though, Geth are here and are vastly different."

"How different?" Ben asked.

"They are glowing green, and we hear screens from the Vi station here," Miranda explained.

"pl ] #, M #~ ..." A sudden scream echoed across the room deafening a few squad mates. A few numbers jump on screen. It looks to be simulating a face.

"Yeah, we just got a taste of it" Ben retorted.

Morden chimed in the discussion "VI reacts with emotion. Tone indicates human emotion. Simulated experience, possible AI involvement" Ben hummed.

"Well Anyway, we are going to head to the satellite Dish controls, apparently the VI trying to access the outer network, probably the Normandy from my guess." Ben finished. He can hear Miranda processing that information till…

"What!" Miranda screamed across the coms.

"Look, we need to get going, so once you find Gavin meet us at the Dish controls. Bye." Ben finally finished. Then he cut the call.

"Was it wise to cut the call?" Jacob asked Ben.

"Yes. She is going to give me a lecture on stopping this. I am not dealing with that. Now let's get going." Jacob snorted and followed with the rest of the group and walked forward inward towards the Satellite controls.

The group made it to the cafeteria of the facility which was overrun with Geth.

"Geth! Different, controlled maybe." Mordin stated. Intrigue by the Geth fresh look.

"Whatever it is, it's killing time," Grunt grunted.

"Agreed. Grunt, Jacob and Zaeed take the ground floor, hit them where it hurts" Ben stated out a plan. Ben followed up with "Prometheus covered them with air support. Mordin you and me are heading straight through the Geth and toward the satellite control room" Everyone nodded and went on with the plan with Grunt slamming down Geth, Zaeed firing behind cover in the kitchen and Jacob covering the stairs on the other side of the room. Prometheus flying high is shooting his targets with precision making sure his cover of his crew mates are secure. Ben slams his Omnitrix, and a green flash appears.

"BullFrag!" BullFrag shouts. BullFrag then pulls out his Prototool, nods to Morden and both head to the First floor of the cafeteria. Well, Bullfrag jumps towards the railings, while grabbing some Geth with his tongue, slamming them down to the ground afterwards and followed up by shooting the Geth on the First floor. Morden also took down some Geth with cryo then followed up with shooting with his SMG as his incineration does not work on Geth.

They both push forward when they make it to the Satellite dish control room.

"Doc, why don't you work your magic here and get this satellite to go offline." Bullfrag said with a Brooklyn tone accent.

Mordin nods "doing it now. Standby."

2 minutes later.

SLAMM.

"You are good, doc?" Bullfrag ask Mordin.

"No, the VI counter my commands, we need to manually destroy the struts support beams in order to stop the VI transfer. No over choice." Mordin explained.

Then the facility speaker came online with a dull female voice. "Upload to satellite uplink. Target SSV Normandy SR2!"

"pl ] #, M #~ s#" "

" Scrap, that VI really creepy. Doc contacts The Bot and Joker. Let them know of the upload." Bullfrag swore.

"Agreed. What about you?" Morden said as he opened his omni-tool to call Joker and EDI.

Ben hits his Omnitrix again. A quick green flash appears.

"Astrodactyl Squawk!" Astrodactyl the rocketed off smashing the glass in front of him. Wasting no time to go and destroy the support beams. Then Mordin Omni-tool beeps.

"Mordin, I can't get a call from Ben and Jacob said he was with you, what happened?" Miranda ask from the omni-tool.

"He is busy manually shutting down the uplink. No choice, the Vi blocks remote access from satellite control." Mordin answered.

"Understand we are heading your way. We found Gavin Archer."

"Understood." The call was cut.

With Ben flying to the Satellite Dish

"Squawk, Time to bring down the house!" Ben deep dives in. rocketing himself towards the first support beam." He opens his mouth and fires a green energy beam destroying it. Geth from below fires upon him. Astrodactyl opens his wrist and grabs a Geth Pyro with an energy whip and slamming that Geth to the second support beam destroying it in the process. With one final push Astrodactyl fires off another beam towards the Geth prime which pushes it back to the third and final support pillar destroying the satellite. Said satellite collapses on itself causing structural damages to the facility.

"Now, let's see what Dr Gavin has to explain about this shit show Squawk."

5 minutes later

"Geth is gone and the Facility secured" Jacob said with an authoritative voice, talking to Miranda.

"Good, how are Mordin and Thane dealing with the bodies?" Miranda asked.

"Gave them the standard Cerberus practice, when it came to burying the dead and informing families. They follow through with it now and I join them in a minute. Grunt, Prometheus and Zaeed are doing a final sweep of the base." Miranda nodded. Happy this mission was successful until...

With Ben and Gavin Archer.

"Please explain to me what project overlord is?" Ben asks hoping answers will calm his gut. Him and Gavin are inside the facility in an office space that controls lab security.

Gavin sitting at his desk explained "this is Project Overlord, an attempt to gain influence over the Geth by interfacing a human mind with a VI…." He takes a breather "He is like a virus now, infecting the networks and seizing control of our technology."

Ben crossed armed "What the worst-case scenario because I for one don't want to get an earful from the council."

Gavin rubs his forehead looking tired "A Technology apocalypse. Every machine, weapon, every computer could be turned against us. Dav… The Vi has fortified himself at the main laboratory in Atlas station. It is in lockdown now. To enter you need to manually override security from area facilities in Prometheus and Vulcan stations." Gavin said with a strain in his tone.

Ben looked at the lockdown console then back to Gavin. "I assume I have to pull that tube out to override the lockdown on both stations allowing us the team to access the main Laboratory?"

"Yes, it works its magic once you hit the two stations, after that happens this will allow you access to the main lab" Ben nods to Gavin then turns to go out to meet his team but stops and thinks to certain words Gavin played out 'Dav…...'.

With Ben and the gang.

Ben walked outside and spoke to Miranda first. Explaining the situation.

"Alright so we got two stations and one main laboratory. Quite sure we got the exact numbers to head to each place, but we only have one shuttle." Miranda said calculating the odds. Ben's thoughts came to him with an idea. So, he shouted.

"Dr Archer!" Dr Gavin Archer came out of the lab to answer his call. "Yes, what is it?"

"Do you have any spare vehicles?"

"oh" he looked around to see how many there were. "I see, yes, I do. If you give me a moment." Gavin opens up his omni-tool then presses some buttons. Next the garage doors open to see one Mako and Hammerhead tanks.

"Whistles! Thanks." Ben said to Gavin who nodded in return and headed back inside.

Ben turns to the group "Right, so. Zaeed, you, Grunt and Prometheus head to Vulcan station in the Mako." Zaeed groan but nodded.

"I hate you so many kids." Ben grinned in return. Miranda nodded at the group with the mako. It makes sense to her as that station is lava territory as she researched and the mako can survive under the highest of heats.

"Thane, you, Kasumi and Jacob head to Prometheus station, with the Hammerhead" Thane nodded. Jacob groans also. His lack of trust towards the assassin is well documented.

Miranda again nodded with this group but also added "be warned you have to deal with a heavy cannon that was built to protect the station. It is also a Geth ship to boot, so take extra ammo just in case." Thane hummed in acknowledgement.

Both teams head to their respective vehicles and head off. Ben finished off by saying to Mordin and Miranda.

"We head off in the shuttle when they override the lockdown. Then have them meet us at Atlas station with, Zaeed team picking up Dr Gavin along the way." Both nod at the plan

Back on the Normandy Sr2 Shepard quarters

"Shepard" Tali softly spoke.

"I know Tali. It just is not easy" Tears welling up while looking at a picture of him a Liara on their first date on the citadel.

Garrus spoke but with a tough tone "look we knew you were going to have a challenging time adjusting. Especially when every single one of us had moved on or ruled a planet for Wrex's sake. We all grieved for you and some of us still do. When we first saw you, it felt like a gut punch. Like how you deal with your friend who has been dead for 2 years. We changed Shepard and honestly, it's hard to be friends with you now. Please give us time. We can still talk; we can still spend time together but we both must earn both our friendship back because it has been two years where I lost my best friend Shepard." Shepard felt like he been punched in the gut but nodded in understatement. Garrus left after that not wanting to be brought back.

"Garrus," Tali quietly said.

"Do you feel that way to, Tali?" Shepard asked

"Yeah. I am still coming to terms with you being alive and I… think you are as well. We got so used to you well dying and grieving that… well you know." Shepard was just silent.

"Well, I just go" Tali left after that. Shepard crawled up into a ball.

"Shit" Shepard muttered to himself. He opened his omni-tool and watched some old vids of his old crew.

"I never really did come to terms with being alive after death. I just went back to it. Like any N7 operative would do" he said to himself realising that the scars that affected him also affect his frie… companions.

Aite Vulcan station.

"Wow, that's a lot of lava," Zaeed muttered. Seeing all the lava that surrounded the facility.

Grunt growled "either way Mush" Zaeed gave grunt a deadpanned expression that says, 'are you serious but drove the mako forward anyway. Driving on rocky terrain and lava puddles. Once they close enough.

Prometheus stated "How are we going to get on top of the cliff side" Zaeed smirked.

"Bug boy, let me tell you, the Mako knows how to climb."

A few moments later. After a very bump Mako driving.

Grunts got out of the Mako with hands touching the floor. "Who taught you how to drive, old man?" he said in an angry tone.

Zaeed snorted "Not my fault the Mako could be jumpy." Prometheus even the emotionless one after getting out the mako, vomit.

"I did not know you could do that bug boy?" Zaeed asks humorously.

"Neither did I" Prometheus later muttered something about primitives and technology.

Grunt got up and started to stretch "well, we are here. Let go" They enter Vulcan station. With guns high. Walking in the facility they see a vent with pump values and a bridge.

Prometheus said, "let's go across the bridge, we should be able to gain access to the main terminal that way" Grunt and Zaeed nodded. So, they walked towards the bridge only for it to collapse but falling debris.

"Shit" Zaeed shouted. Grunt growled but Prometheus looked towards the valves and fires with his collector rifle.

"Boom!"

"WHAT THE HELL BUG BOY" Zaeed shouted toward the bug.

"I created a pathway. I can see that the pipes lead directly towards the upper levels. We take them so now we have a clear path" Grunt grunted but walked towards the new pathway. Followed by Zaeed and Prometheus. Once they reach the top floor….

"Mechs," Zaeed shouted. Seeing mechs activating with a green glow.

"And Drones." Grunt followed up on.

Prometheus finished "I fly around and hit the drones. Give you some breathing space." He does so use his collector rifle he fires upon them with great speed.

Zaeed pulls out his Maddock assault rifle and fires on the mechs using disruptor ammo. Grunts charges at the mechs with his mighty Krogan DMZ shotgun. Slamming them down to the ground.

A few minutes later.

Zaeed muttered up a storm and his lips twitch a smile "That was fun and therapeutic."

"Heh, Heh, Heh" Grunt agreed.

Prometheus flew down "Drowns destroyed. We must proceed forward" Both nodded in agreement and moved toward the corridor on the far end of the building, where there was a big square room full of.

"More mechs, Kill them." Zaeed shouted. Using the same method as before. Slamming shooting a drone destruction. Then a heavy mech came out of the side door.

"S~" £ pleas] #, M #~ s#" " Zaeed mentally screamed at how annoying Vi is.

"Ha, Heavy mech. This is going to be fun" Grunt stated exactly and started to charge at the giant mech while shouting "I am KROGAN!"

"Dammit" Zaeed cursed. "Bug boys cover him by shooting the arms" Prometheus nodded and shot the left arm. Grunt charge at the heavy mech made it stumble a bit till it got back on its feet. Then Prometheus fired off a warp at the left arm and Zaeed fired a concussive round at the right arm. Grunt then pushes the heavy mech near the edge of the room, then in repeated fashion punching the mech head before it was blown off by Grunt shotgun blast. A clicking sound started appearing in everyone's ears.

"Oh, shit it is going to nuke. Get COVER!" Zaeed screamed and everyone went into cover behind some pillars.

"CrackleBooom!"

The free got out from cover and silently agreed to just walk to the Side room. As they walk in, they see a mech hitting, stomping the override command with their metal feat. The mech turned around and saw Zaeed, grunt and Prometheus standing their guns up. The green glow mech pulled their gun only to be shot by all three of the crew destroying the arms. Now the green glow vanishes but once that happens the mech. Ran.

Zaeed moved forward "Alright, pulling the Override. Be on your guard." He pulled up the cylinder to start the Vulcan station override. Then a green numbered face appeared.

"S~" £ pleas] #, M #~ sto " Zaeed ignored the Vi and called Tennyson through the omni-tool.

"Kid. The override at Vulcan station is done moving to secondary adjective." He then turned to look at the armless mech. shot it and moved on.

Hermes Station with Ben, Miranda, and Morden. In Dr Archer lab

"Thanks, old man" Ben cut the call with Zaeed and turned to Dr Archer. "Just to confirm. Has Vulcan station been overridden."

The Dr nodded "Yes, now all that left is Prometheus station" Ben nods then turns back to his team.

"Okay lets…"

"Ben!" Miranda shouted. Pointed ahead of him. She pulled out her gun.

"What!" Ben turns and eyes widen when he sees.

"Why is there a Geth with a hole in its chest Here? and does not have the green glow surrounding its eye?" Ben asks himself.

The said Geth spoke in a monotone voice "We are looking for Shepard commander. Will you help us? "

Mordin, Miranda, Ben and Dr Archer were gobsmacked. Jaws wide as the eye can see. "Did the Geth just speak in English? Can they do that?" Ben asked.

"Fascinating" Mordin exclaimed.

"Not the time Morden!" Miranda exclaimed loudly, not dropping her gun at the Geth.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure this is a Good Idea Tennyson?" Miranda concerned laced in her voice over the com as Ben, Mordin and Geth where in the shuttle, heading towards Atlas station.

"It Be Fine. Plus, they can get us through security terminals easily enough" Ben confidents coming through his voice.

"If, you are sure. We have not heard back from Jacob's team, have we?"

"They are in the thick of a Geth ship. Chances are, they coms are cut out." Miranda explained.

Prometheus station

Kasumi, Thane, and Jacob are driving as fast as they can because whatever catches fire in the hammer head. Well stress comes in big packages especially for large ones made by Cerberus.

"Who Thought it was a fucking good Idea to put a massive tower size cannon at the entrance of a research station" Jacob angrily shouted.

"Apparently Cerberus," Kasumi quipped. What is it you must be wondering that they are driving? Is the hammer head known for its 'durability'?

"Why did we get the Hammerhead? Could not we get another mako!" Jacob, frustrated, cried with hands in his head.

"There, there, Thane Nealy got the last conduit, that shut down the shield and allowed us to destroy the cannon. Oh look, the engine is on fire... again." Kasumi sarcastically said.

"FUCK!" Jacob screamed. Thane is just driving in sweet bliss and ignoring Jacob screams at the back.

3 hours later.

"Hmm, that took longer than it needed to." Thane stated. The cannon has been taken down but not without some heavy damage to the Hammerhead.

"That thing is a death trap. Basically, no armour. Cannon does not make up for it. Speed is shit and I'm pretty sure a twig cogged the ventilations." Jacob muttered towards the hover tank. If you can call it that. Kasumi just patted him on the back.

"Agreed. Let go, we need to open the lockdown." Kasumi cheerfully stated but her smile says otherwise. Both Jacob and Thane nod while walking in the Geth death trap.

They walk through the entranceway, and the group sees Geth seal up tight. They ignore as they walk through the station halls and rooms that are soaked in falling wires and leaked flooded floors. They reach the lockdown room where it is held back by a floor puzzle.

"OH, a puzzle I got this." Kasumi giggled in excitement. After a few minutes of putting together the floor puzzle, Jacob ran up and Unlocked the Lockdown pulling down the control unit.

"Oh, right lockdown released, better get…" Jacob was interrupted by a sleeping Geth.

" #e M3^& I) £$P" Then the Geth glow green.

"Ah shit, Guns out and run" Jacob ordered. Kasumi and Thane nod and start running, guns in hand. While Jacob pulled out his trusted shotgun. Thane pulled open his Omni-tool and made a call to Miranda.

"Miranda its Thane. Lockdown control is released but Geth is swarming our location, will it be late to meet up?"

"Understood…. There was a change of plans on our end. We met a talking Geth."

Atlas station

Ben, Mordin and Geth? Are standing in the shuttle waiting for the last lockdown to be open so they can enter the last station.

"So, what should we call you Geth?" Ben asks Geth.

"Geth" The Geth spoke.

"But who is in front of me? The person." Ben tried.

"Geth, we are all Geth." Ben moaned.

"We?" Ben's face measured a confused look, but Mordin's eyes widened as he looked like he understood.

"Hive mind intelligence. Must communicate through pathways and simulated experiences. Fascinating."

"So, I am not talking to one Geth but..."

"Thousand, but the doctor's assessment is adequate," the Geth spoke.

"Great. You are practically a one-man army," Ben sarcastically said, knowing his experience with Hive minds.

Mordin chirped "is that experience here?"

"I had a friend who dealt with nano technology. It created a Hive mind which controlled people, which later controlled her…. In fact, it acted like the seeker swarms that the collectors have." Ben explained sadly about a past ex friend.

"Do you have that Nano technology with you?" Morden asked.

"Maybe I have to check if I have the schematics but not the tech itself. Why?"

"I want to see if I can see if that Nano teach is similar to seeker swarms like your claim. If they are, I could make a counter defence against them." Breaths "Maybe improved on my already defences."

"Cool maybe get… urm."

"Legion for I am many" EDI Chimed in interrupting,

Mordin smiled, "appropriate."

Geth or Legion now, quoted "Mark 5:9, of the New Testament. Jesus asks the demon-possessed man, "What is your name?" The demon, who is identified as Legion, replies, "My name is Legion, for we are many. This is an appropriate metaphor."

"Neat. Also, EDI what are you doing here?"

"The commander is talking to Joker. They ask for privacy." Ben and Mordin nod in understanding.

"Well tell Shepard we got legion as a guest coming on board soon and may help us in the fight against the collectors. Which reminds me. Legion one of their companions is an un-corrupted Collector" EDI Signed off and Legion nodded with an affirmative.

"Cluntch!"

The doors are opening and the shuttle flies in the gate towards the project overlord. The shuttle lowers down into the open landing pad.

Dr Archer voice through the radio "ah you made it. Good. I am getting some troubling readings. It seems the Vi manual is trying to upload from your location. You need to…..."

"Hmm Coms cut. VI wants us to follow" Mordin figured out.

"Acknowledgement. This VI seems synthetic. Organic. Scared. What is this emotion?" Legion described. Mordin was about to describe it but Ben chimes in.

"Hang on there a recording." Ben pressed a button, and it started playing the recording.

"Log 55.2. His Autistic mind is the breakthrough we are looking for. He can communicate with the Geth."

"Legions inform us if you ever get communicated by the VI."

"Affirmative. No tries have happened but will open channels." Ben and Morden nods.

"Guns out and Be ready." Everyone acknowledges and gets going with guns open. They reach a door.

"It is locked; we cannot get past. Legion can you… what are you doing?" Ben was confused at what Legion was doing. Legion was opening the door to the right of theirs, which opened the lock door.

"Morden, are we in a horror?" Ben asked.

"No," Blunt Mordin described.

"Right let's go" Ben stated but was not convinced that they were not in a horror. As they walk forwards, they make it to an elevator room. But not before the doors that lead to the room were having an argument as to which door would open. They heard another log about how unless they result the illusive man will bring this place down. They got the elevator controls working and it started coming up slowly.

"Units are on the other side." Legion stated factually.

"Oh, so Geth. Right get to cover. Legion can you hack them as they walk out and Mordin fires off a Cyro and Pyro blast after legion hacks" Mordin nods and Legion Acknowledge getting into cover. The doors opened and the plan worked quite quickly. Though Ben had to put in tough pot shots with his proto tool.

"Alright let's go" All three walk in the elevator. It starts going down. Then stop, then up. Then down. Then it started lit up in flames. Then the elevator crashed down. They make it to the lower labs. The walk forward passes any Geth that is in stasis making towards the end of a corridor. Ben goes to open the door for it to transfer over to the door on the left.

The gang walk into an open room full of servers and a console. Ben presses on the console only for it to react and spread in Ben's mind.

Omnitrix: Hostile Invasion detected preparing counter measures…. Counter measures failed. Recommend self-destruction. Also new scans were detected. New alien Life form added. But no one heard that last part.

Mordin and Legion are trying to figure out what is going on.

Ben shouted to his watch. "No Spread the cyber-attack onto legion and Mordin and activate emergency transformation into appropriate form." A green Flash appears.

"NanoMech" Ben screams like a cyber mouse.

"Oh, come on. Oh wait, this is appropriate." Mordin cough. Standing next to him is Legion, both are glowing in green.

"Oh right, so the VI manages to interface with me using something similar to VR and this form is to stop the spread further. So, I gave it to you guys" NanoMech explains.

"Affirmative, we sense that we are in a virtual reality." Legion explains.

"Fascinating. Whatever this VI is, it can transfer the mind into cyberspace and that form NanoMech. Based on observation it is Nanotech."

"Yeah, you know that story about Nano tech I said earlier" Legion and Mordin nodded.

"Tardar!" He stretched his arms out in a celebrative manner.

"Ah so The Nano tech became an alien species then fascinating but we must progress." Ben and Legion agree and walk forward back out to the corridor and towards the door that transfers itself. They make it to a long stretch hallway where Geth started attacking them but also a glowing green Ord full of virtual data. Of course, they were in virtual reality so fighting back was not so difficult. NanoMech even managed to hit a few in the eye.

They reach a research room where logs start pouring out and the more the logs played the more, they understand the VI.

"Mordin. I am starting to think. That this is not a VI…..."

"Yes, we must make haste." They rush to the other side of the research room where it became an observation room. Of course, more Geth got in the way and needed to die. They hurry to the end of the second hallway and reach a control room and call an elevator from the floor where the VI lives. Though they were resisting as Geth appeared from the elevator but was dealt swiftly by a drone from legion and NanoMech snipe shots. They take the elevator down to the final room.

Boss Fight

A hologram appears showing Dr Gavin Archer hooking up, His Brother.

"We're ready. Open a connection to the Geth network." Gavin ordered.

"Quiet!" David shouted in distress.

"No, tell the Geth to stand down,"

Announcer voice chimes in. "Establishing an upload link to the Normandy SR2.

"Quiet Please make it Stop…"

"Fucking hell. His brother is the fucking VI" Ben all but screamed out.

"Monsteras. This type of experimentation leaves no room for imagination. To torture one family member pure evil" Mordin shouted in indignation considering the Salarians treat they family like treasure. This is simply wrong in Mordin's eyes.

"Mission parameters have changed. We must eliminate the connection,"

"Agreed/fuck Yes" and so it begins. While NanoMech was flying around shooting the connection balls of light. Legion, his drone, and Morden were fighting off the wave of Geth that was coming. When the connection stops an armour shield appears and everyone opens fires to destroy it,

"Pull the plug. Tell Vulcan station to pull the plug!" David desperately ordered.

"It is too late we lost control!" a worker explained.

"Attempting to Establishing an upload link."

The same in repeat. Ben and the gang had to fight off the connection to Normandy, while fighting waves of Geth.

"David, you have to stop this!" Gavin urgently said.

"David does not want to be here!" David counters.

"Attempting to establish an upload link!"

Once again, the gang has to fight off the connection. NanoMech flying around to find any hidden connections that David Hidden.

"David, calm down. I can make this go away if you let me!" David called out. Trying so hard to stop this.

"Quiet please make it stop!"

"Attempting to Establishing an upload link.

Fourth time the charm is the gang fight of another wave and David.

"Quiet please make it stop…..."

Boss fight ends!

Green flash appears. Ben no longer, NanoMech mouth gapping at the sight he is seeing. Mordin suppresses any amount of rage he has to not kill Gavin Archer.

"Quiet please make it stop…..." Tears fell from David's eyes.

"Wait!" All three turn to Gavin, Miranda, Zaeed, Grunt, Prometheus, Jacob, Kasumi, Thane, and Shepard.

Ben, ignoring Gavin, asks "Shep what are you doing here?"

"When EDI informed me of a Geth you're working with. I wanted to check it out for myself but then your coms were cut so we got worried. You have been gone for a few hours."

"Your Monster," Mordin shouted. "To do this to your blood, your family. No compassion. No, No, No."

"I beg you don't do anything Rash." Gavin pleaded.

"Anything Rash. You're a God Dam Psychopath!" Ben angrily retorted. "Mordin Make sure David is all right and get him out of there. Legion Help him."

"With pleasure/Acknowledge" While those to deal with that Ben turn to Shepard and the gang, explaining what is going on and how the VI is a Neurodivergent Kid, with Autism. Who strapped up in tubes and wires.

"Oh my God." Miranda was God smack. Hands on mouth.

"You sick Fuck." Zaeed all but shouted. Zaeed all for advantages but to do this with your flesh and blood.

Grunt was growling. Kasumi was not smiling. Thane frowned heavily. Jacob Cracked his knuckles. Shepard walked forward at the sight while Mordin and Legion were freeing David from his cage.

"Zaeed, Grunt. Guard the Good Doctor. Would you." it wasn't a request.

"It will be a god damn pleasure." Zaeed cracked his knuckles, and he walked up to Gavin.

"Hehe." Both went to stand next to Gavin. Making sure he does not do anything funny.

Gavin tried to plead his case "I know how this must look but I never had intended any harm to come to him. You must believe me…." The silence was thick.

"Fuck you!" Ben angrily shouted. Miranda hands Ben Shoulder to calm him. Thane and Jacob went to help Mordin and Legion. Kasumi was just standing there gobsmacked by all this.

"It is not like I planned this. It was an accident seeing David communicate with Geth. It all seems harmless."

Miranda glittered her teeth "and Before you knew you were running your own private hell." it was just like the Lazarus project.

Gavin looked at her, recognising her. "You understand the illusive man, his demands are high. You know this. He does not broker failure." That word hit Miranda hard. Failure. She knows the Illusive man is up to something and she is going to find out what. Gavin continued.

"Any war we fight with the Geth will be bloody. I was asked to find a way to avoid that."

Shepard has been silent up to this point "and how many have already died for this project."

"More souls than they ever forgive me, but I will not apologize for radical lives. If my work spared a million mothers mourning the loss of millions of sons. My consciousness would rest easily."

"Look at him. Your brother would never be the same again." Thane shouted. It is rare to find that emotion in him but to Ben he understood family importance to Thane and from the nod Mordin gave him. He agrees.

Gavin is now trying to save face. "The damage may not be permanent. He might recover some resemblance of his mind."

Shepard put in. "Cerberus would never leave him alone. Your brother would always be a lab rat."

"A well-cared for lab right. At least he will be alive…"

Shepard had an upside-down smile "So you sacrifice your own brother's happenings for your own ambitions."

Gavin did not answer but just looked at David with a sad expression "square route of 9006.01 equals…."

"30.1. What I have done to David is unethical. If he dies it is unforgivable. Let me take care of him…. Please…." The room was thick in tension. No one said a word and Gavin's eyes were distant but hard. It was until…

"Quiet please make it stop!"

All eyes turn to David. Shepard shakes his head "I have only been here for a few seconds, but I have seen enough to know of your cruelty to know he will never be free from it here."

Gavin pulled out a gun "No he is too valuable. Leave him." Zaeed punctures him with the hit of his gun and Shepard starts walking away.

Ben comes up to Gavin "If I ever hear you coming after David. I will kick you into a black hole and trust me I can do that."

Gavin breath in "Where would you take him,"

Shepard turned back "Grissom academy. They treat exceptional cases like David minus the Torture." He open his coms.

"Joker, inform Grissom academy that we got someone who needs their help."

"Aye, Aye"

"The Illusive man can fire if he doesn't like it." Shepherd looks to Miranda for that comment. Who in turn looks away. Not hearing that. Even she agrees this is too much.

"The square route of 9012.04 equals 30.2… it all seems harmless…." The world fade to black.

Back on the Normandy in the meeting room

"Are you sure about this report Shepard?"

"I am sure about it, kahlee. Ben is never one to mince words when given a sick situation like this" Shepard is talking to a blond woman wearing an Admiral uniform called Kahele sanders.

"Head to Docking Bay 2. It leads to the medical centre on Grissom Kahlee out." The call ended.

"Joker."

"On its commander."

Grissom academy

Shepard, Ben, Chalkwas and Mordin head out of the Normandy meeting with guards and Kahele sanders.

Shepard raised an eyebrow "Really guards?"

Kahele snorted "You work for Cerberus. Sorry if your organization is not trustworthy" Ben snorted back.

"She got you there Shep."

"Shut it, Ben." Mordin walked forward with Chalkwas and David (who was on a stretcher) following behind.

"His medical report and… All reported torture done to him. I even added detailed notes on where the injuries… he received." Mordin explained, handing out a data pad while Chalkwas was transferring her care over to a school doctor...

Kahele Sanders read the report. He showed a level of pure murder. "Tell me you shot the brother. Painfully"

Ben shook his head "No but I did threaten him if he ever came near him. I will kick him in a black hole." Kahele sanders, laughed.

"We take care of him, Shepard. Promise. Now you should leave before the alliance decides you are here" Shepard nods and gives his thanks for the help.

The Normandy SR Meeting room.

"How can we trust this Geth Garrus!" Tali exclaimed.

"He is called Legion Tali." Garrues replied.

"Yes, because EDI named them." Tali pointed out in frustration.

"Look I…." The meeting doors open and Shepard walks in.

"Look I spoke to a new guest, you will be happy to know he does not work with the Heretics as he calls them."

"Hieratics?" Garrus asked.

"Apparently The Geth we were facing back from Edan prime to the citadel was a separate splinter cell faction. They believed that the reapers are Evolved gods Aka the Old machine, Aka."

"Heretics." Garrus finishes. Tali was confused.

"But that does not make sense. Geth do not have a belief system. They never believe in religion."

"According to Legion and I, going by their logic here Tali. Is that they were desperate."

Garrus and Tali were stunned "but that shows emotion." Tali stated.

"Yes, Legion has not explained it but from what I can tell, The Geth are Evolving, and they do not want war. Your people need to fight them again according to Legion has forced them into the Reapers."

"Shit" Tali muttered.

"That's not all…." Both Garrus and Tali. Look at him confused. What more to talk about.

"I want to apologize. To both of you…." Shepard continued.

Tali paced forward. "Shepard you don't have to." Garrus was silent watching.

"I do Tali. I-I realised. That I was trying to bring back the good old days and…" Tears welled up in Shepard. There was a beat of silence before Shepard continued.

"... and I remind you of those times, even though you moved on. From my death. You are different, you changed and adapted whereas I was stuck in the past. For that I am sorry. I did not mean to cause you any harm…." The silence was cold until Shepard suddenly felt crushed. Tali wrapped around him like a felt skin coat.

"You stupid fool. Of course I forgive you." Garrus came up and patted him on the back.

"Yeah, Shepard. Now I have something to hover over you now." Garrus quipped. Tali stopped the Hug and smacked Garrus' arm. Shepard chuckled.

"Prat."

"Thank you, guys." Shepard commented.

"So, what are you going to do now John?" Garrus asked.

"To change."

Chapter Text

A day after the overlord mission

"Your Okay princess" Ben asks with ship on his shoulders in the mess hall of Normandy easting A cheese sandwich. Seeing Miranda storming out of her office.

Miranda Turned to see Ben "No, Benjamin I am not. I just found out of a call with the illusive man. He told me he did not know about Project Overlord and Now Shepard off to help Jack."

"I bet he lied, also I know, Jack gave me back my hacking device."

"Of course, he lied but what worse he lied to my face." Miranda sits down across from Ben. "Are you are going on that mission?"

Ben shakes his head "no, they don't think they find trouble, and I'm still exhausted from using Manomet. Though Legion going"

"Really?"

Ben nodded "Yeah Shepard wanted to get a grasp on the power dynamics with the bot."

"I thought Legion was Helping with the nano tech idea Morden has."

"He is but Morden has a colleague on Sur 'kesh that works similar to nano tech and wanted to get some input before they get started."

"Have you found the designs to give to Morden yet?"

"Not yet though that might because My stuff was just dumped in the RV pilling up" Miranda shook her head.

"How do you feel about the illusive man now?"

"Why ask now?"

"Because if he lied to you about Overlord. Then what else has he lied to you about. Think about it, sanctuary, your farther. Your rescue of Orina. It doesn't make sense unless...." Ben halts a bit let the words sink into Miranda. He eyes widen.,

"He can hear us you know."

"Not really, I scrambled the cameras and recorders, a while back."

"He double crossing me why."

"Shepard, I believe."

"What?"

"I am guessing here but everyone recruit to this mission are people Cerberus is cutting loose. The illusive man knows that at some point you figure out your farther is involved with Cerberus. Jacob knows that to win this war is with Shepard, so he follows him to the end for the war or at least support it. Hell, practicality everyone here thinks that. So..."

"He is getting rid of people that he deems a threat to him or the very least not as loyal to him and is more loyal to Shepard. Of course, when Shepard died most flocked to Cerberus because we were doing something about the threats but now...." Miranda finishes. Hands in face.

"Ship!"

"Yeah, I know buddy" Ben looks to Miranda.

"Do you want."

"I need space." Then Miranda walks back to her office. Ben furrowed his brow in concern towards Miranda.

"Ship, Ship"

"Yeah buddy, I figured."

"Ben!" Ben turns to Kelly Chambers voice.

"You got a call coming from the meeting room."

"Illusive man?" He asked.

"I do not know. They just said they want to talk. Something about Geth?" Kelly eyebrow raised. Clearly fishing for information.

"Fine, let go ship."

"Ship!" waggled his tail and followed Ben.

Normandy SR2 Hangar Bay

"Shepard commander." Legion was walking out of the elevator.

"Legion. I hope you know I am putting a lot of trust in you" Legion blink and acknowledge. Then walk in the shuttle where Jack was waiting sitting on a seat.

"Finally let goo already!" Shepard chuckled and the shuttle went down to the planet Pragia.

Normandy SR2 Meeting room.

The holographic screen scanned Ben, then a figure appears. Ben raised an eyebrow.

"Well out of everyone to call me. I was expecting you to be on the bottom of list Shadow Broker." Liara T Soni appeared on the other side of the call. Turn and faced Ben.

"Shepard down on a mission to help subject Zero. This is a perfect time to talk."

"Ship?" Ben nodded at ship. Then looked back at Liara.

"So, why me." He asked.

"Because I need to know if it true?" Liara stated.

"What true?" Ben asks confused.

"You scanned your Geth companion." Ben was shocked. He turns to his watch and switch the dial seeing.

"Holy shit. Wait! How the Fuck did you know?" Ben anger spiked as quickly as he figured out, he had a Geth in his roster.

"A girl never reveals her secrets." Ship nodded like that a fact. Ben was wondering what Julie taught him.

"Fuck that. The Only way for you to find that out if you hacked into the Omnitrix and while I am not a genius, I know for a fact no technology in this universe is able to do that." Ben anger rising. Liara was not one to mince words now of days but here she deeply committed. She frowned.

"You know I can...."

"Answer now, or it be a one-way ticket to a Black whole by the boot. Trust me recently threaten someone with that." Ben was also not one to mince words when angry.

"Ship!" Ship growled heavily at Liara.

"Fine but because I know you can achieve that... Threat. I placed a device on your watch that scanned for any updates and such. I did it while we were on the ride to the shadow broker base. I removed it once I got what I wanted." Ben staggered. He would of notice any outside devices on his watch.

"Now about your Geth transformation. I thought you can only change into aliens?" Liara, Arms crossed asking. Ben frowned.

"I guess Geth are a race then." Ben jokingly said but at the same time serious. Ship chirped excitably.

"Do not joke with me, They AI, Synthetics. No DNA, no nothing." Liara swipes her arm across anger rising that Ben joking with her.

"Alright. You want to know. Fine he your answer. The Geth are a race. A species and before you say otherwise my Omnitrix categorise the aliens into factions. Geth is not my only Synthetic alien on my roster which means they Bleed. They live and they have a soul." Liara was stunned.

"Wait but, But how?"

Ben lifted up his fingers up, one by one. "Upgrade, NanoMech, BuzzShock and Clockwork just to name a few. I thought you knew this considering you fought Geth back in your early days. Also Scanning from my watch so that was a big give away."

Liara was breathing heavily. "Oh, goddess I was Hoping I was wrong."

"Is this to do with the reapers?" Ben interjected but Liara not listening.

"No, just changes the way how are world going to see them. The whole political landscape was that they were just AI now, they more than that. You need to mention this to the council." Liara put out.

"Urm, sure I do it after this call. Shepard got A direct line towards them because of his and mine Spectre access but why." Ben shrugged.

"Because Benjamin. You may have started a Civil war if this gets out. Does Tali know. Oh, wait you only just find out yourself" The Ben eyes widen.

"Oh god the Trial. The Quarians are not going to believe that the Geth are an Alien Race or like it for that matter. Fuck, Fuck!" Ben

"Now and that Why I called because this type of revelation put a perspective on the Geth aiding Saren."

"Yeah, because they Heretics according to Legion. Apparently, they have a religion." Ben explained.

"What!" Liara shocked factor grew.

"OH boy." Ben can tell this is going to be a long day for Him and Ship.

"Ship, ship" Ship agreed. Ben pattered him on the Head. He got a purr in response.

Pragia

Shepard, jack, and Legion are on top of a Cerberus research facility. One that help create Jack to who she is today. They walked forward into the place with a steady guard. The first one the entered was lab, then next a staircase that led to an open arena.

"Shepard, I don't think I can do this" Jack said squirming under the weight of the research facility she is standing on.

"Then don't but Jack, you can't let this fester. It will haunt you" Shepard stated.

"How do you deal with it. The pressure because it is fucking a bitch of a feeling." Jacked ask for advice. Gripping her fist.

"You have to understand it then face it." Shepard explained considering he has to face his own demons at some point.

"Like the pressure you been facing to the point of the fucking reapers."

"Yeah, something like that." Legions halted.

"Shepard commander, Varren. Across the hall. 2 metres north."

"Thanks Legion" Shepard look into Jack eyes. "Ready to kill some Varren."

"Fuck yeah."

Normandy SR2 Meeting room.

After Ben meeting with Liara, Ben set up one with the council. Informing them of the Geth situation. Ship is staying quiet throughout this meeting.

"And I am telling you again councillor. My watch scans life forms. If the watch counted Legion. Then the Geth are considered life forms." Ben stated in an angry tone

Tevos the Asari councillor said in a calming tone "Tennyson. What you claim. It puts us in a predicament. I am sure councillor Sparatus did not mean anything by what he said."

"Oh, fuck you. You know very well he meant it and When are you not in a Predicament! It like every time something important happens, you stand there and think oh look, this person claims something happen with proof lets ignore and hope it goes away. How your human approval ratings by the way?" The councillors winced at that. Yes, the humans are not happy with the council for not helping surviving colonist but let us help an Asari widow grieve the loss of her child by funding a relief centre for Asari but not the humans who families lost loved ones during the battle of the citadel against Sovereign.

Anderson chims in "Yes, I did mention that the humans are getting sick and tired of being treated second class citizens even on the citadel. Thirty percent of humas have already left to live on earth or colonies."

Valern pointed out arms raised. "Yes but humans have become the majority for C-sec...."

"Which has resulted in more than a few shops and apartments to banning humans from the store/ housing, making harder for people to investigated illegal contraband on store fronts, while also making harder for them to live. Which also allowed blues sons to manage to get the equipment into the factory district by the way. So, while they are following citadel laws, they have top resort into using the same technique the criminals have....." Silence filled the room is deafening as Anderson points out the treatment the humans are getting.

Tevos was shocked "I was not aware it was that bad.... My secretary gave me reports that everything is fine."

Ben snorted "Please I read reports after Saren attack. A lot of species saw humans bully the way in after you gave them the seat on the council. So, they took initiative themselves and ostracized them. These reports come from the Elcor and Volus. Respectfully." Anderson and Valern snorted if a volus is complaining about another species treatment, which means it becoming bad for business for them and they hated the humans when they arrived. Valern even himself wondered if Tevos Secretary blames the humans. Tevos winced.

Sparatus was silent throughout this discussion. Then he spoke up, shifting back to the Geth discussion "Back to the Geth claims. If what you say is true. Then we need to set boundaries"

"Hey if it makes you feel any better. The Geth that attack the citadel are considered Heretics by the Geth on Rannoch. So yeah factions." The council faces a had a look that shows, what the Fuck expression.

"Oh... I never explain that did I."

Tevos shook her head "No you did not."

"Shit"

"Ship!"

Pragia

"I can't believe they made you fight other kids" Shepard exclaimed.

"It was fight for survival. I did what I had too" Jack answer with a bit of Vulnerability in her tone. Shepard shook his head.

Shepard, Legion and Jack Walks through the research facility finding nothing but Varren and videos recordings that link to Subject Zero aka Jack. Talking about their child subjects. How the react. Fighting against each other, especially against Jack.

"Man, we have not seen anyone. Must be our lucky day" Jack said jokingly.

"And you jinx it at some point.... Wait that, Varren." Shepard point to a Dead Varren.

"Kill estimated roughly 2 hours ago. We logically deduced that the Varren is a recant Kill" Legion Logic being used.

"No shit that was a recant Kill and it wasn't us that Killed it either" She look to Shepard.

"I don't like this Shepard. Let just plant that Bomb and go!" Shepard just nodded and lead on, taking point. Legion guarding the back. They make it to a room that resembles a cafeteria. Then...

"BANG!" Glass shattered and thermos started raining upon Shepard and his crew.

"Flashbang. Take cover behind the tables" Shepards shouts, taking cover behind a table unit. Jack followed suit and legion did as well.

"My scans Detect, Vorcha, Shepard commander" Legion stated factually.

"Vorcha, the fuck are they doing here" Jack ask screaming.

"I don't know but where there is Vorcha theirs Blood packs. Jack surprise them with a shock wave. Legion snipe them once they in the air. I give you guys cover fire" Shepard starts off by firing his M-8 Avenger to make way for Jack shockwave, which lead to them being lift up by force in the air. Allowing Legion to fire off snipe shots to the Vorcha Heads. Blowing them into pieces.

"I say again. The fuck are the Vorcha doing here?" Jack asks shouted in distress.

Mordin Lab Normandy SR2

Ben just came from his meeting with the council. They were not happy when I explained the heretics and how they came to play with Saran. Apparently, they do not like anything that resembles evidence that the reaper existence. He decided to look for those Nanotech blueprints for Mordin.

"Here you go Mordin. The nanobots Blueprints." Ben said handing out the schematics of the nanites. Remember when he had to fight Elana. He does not even know if she made it off world in his old Universe. Mordin grabbed the Data packet.

"My Thanks. Will so what I can do, with them." Then started humming a song while examine the Schematics Ben gave him. Ben raised an eyebrow at Mordin surprised by the hum. Ship followed the hum along.

"Urm what song are you humming?" Ben asked curiously.

"Oh, Shepard already knows this, but I sang at an Opera. Very enjoyable. You want to hear. I have a passion for the arts." Mordin Chipley responded.

"Urm sure"

"Ship"

Mordin cough, mouth open.

"I am the very model of a scientist Salarian!
I've studied species, Turian, Asari, and Batarian.
I'm quite good at genetics (as a subset of biology),
because I am an expert (which I know is a tautology).

My Xeno science studies range from urban to agrarian -
I am the very model of a scientist Salarian!"

"Wow"

"Ship."

Pragia

"These look like cells" Shepard observe.

"Yeah, probably. Fuck I do not know. It complicated. Let go plant that bomb." Jack retorts. Then a growl was heard.

"Varren Shepard commander" Legion stated factually.

"Open fire" The thermos clips are unleashed, and the Varren are dead.

"Let move" The move towards to the door on the other side of the cell's corridor, reaching a walkway. Where a.

"This... it a two-way Mirror? My cell was on the other side – I could see all the other kids out here. I screamed at them for hours and they always Ignore me" Jack solemnly stated. The team walk through the door on the other side of the walkway. They walk into a lab that had terminals. Shepard played one of those terminals with Jack standing next to him.

A bald man in a holographic "Log Entry 1054, Teltin Facility. The latest iteration of PergNim went poorly. Subject 1, 4 and 6 Died. No Biotic change among the survivors. we lowered core temperatures of surviving subjects but no biotically beneficial reactions occurred. as a side effect all subject died. So, we will not try that on Subject Zero. I hope our supply of Biotic subjects Holds up. We are going through them fast."

"That Bullshit. They never experiment on other kids for my safety!" Jack sounded angry but also disoriented by what she had herd.

Shepard looked back at the terminal. "It makes sense. This Facility was basically to turn you into what you are now."

Jack turn to face Shepard "You don't get it. I survived this place because I was tougher than the rest. that who I am."

Shepard smiled "Then you become stronger and tougher than yourself."

"Shepard Commander, this terminal has some important data" Legion shouted from the other side of the room. Shepard came over and activated the terminal, with Jack by his side.

Same bald from before "It fallen to pieces. The subjects are rampaging and subject Zero is loose. We Are shutting down Teltin. What a disaster. We infiltrate and piggyback onto the alliance ascension program. Hopefully, that will...... Subject Zero Wait!" Then Jack appeared on screen murdering the Blad man.

"Shepard...!"

"I know Jack. EDI!"

EDI voice appeared "Yes commander Shepard."

"I'm sending you a vid from Terminal. I want you to send a piggyback message into alliance channels of Ex Cerberus agents in the ascension program. Fairly sure Joker has a way. Legion Upload the vid and send it to EDI."

"Affirmative Shepard commander/at once Commander." EDI and Legion acknowledged. Shepard look between legion and Jack.

"Let goo" Both nods. They move towards the next room where a Krogan in white and red armour was skulking about on his coms talking to someone called.

"Hey Aresh, It Kureck. Yes, the intruders are here. You want them dead; we have to talk creds. Your promised lots of salvage but this place is a waste" His hand went to his ear.

"Fine we put 'em down. Then I am coming in there, and we going to talk salvage." The Krogan grumbled out.

Shepard step forward "looks like we fighting. Jack shockwave the Vorcha. Legion send of your drone towards the enemy flanking them." As Shepard said this, he activated his sentinel armour.

The enemy Krogan smirk and like any Krogan, they love a challenge "Now we are having fun." Jack shot out a shockwave launching Vorcha in the air. Shepard firing shots at said Vorcha to immobilise them permanently. Legion drone was flanking the enemy Krogan, firing pot shots to weaken they barriers and shields. The Multiple Krogan charges towards Shepard crew like a horde. Shepard fires of a Cyro blast on floor making some of the Krogan slip, which allowed jack to fire of a few pulls on said fallen Krogan. Legion and the Geth drone fired of shots at the floating Krogans reducing they armour. The leader Krogan continued charging forward, firing off his Krogan DMZ. He hits Shepard slamming him against the wall. Shepard Drops his M-8 Avenger and pulls out his M-6 Carnifex shooting the Krogan in lower regions of the Krogan Body. The Krogan back off then he got hit with a Shotgun blast from behind. Body drops with Jack appearing above.

"You getting rusty old man" Jack Joked.

"Ha, Ha"

"Come on, only room left is mine and found out who this Aresh is? I was going to plant my Bomb they anyway might as well do it on his corpse" Jack continued moving forward to her room. Shepard and Legion followed.

Normandy SR2 Crew Lounge.

"Today was not a calming day." Ben said in stress. His Omni-tool light up suddenly. Ben blinked. He opened it.

"Hello?" an auto voice echo though the Omi-tool.

"Spectre Tennyson. Councillor Anderson would like a word."

"Urm sure." Then Anderson Appeared on screen.

"Tennyson."

"Andy, how's things. What can I help you with?" Ben asked quickly.

"I get straight to the point. I have a plan that can get the rest of the Councillors on board about the reaper threat that looming over us!" Ben raised an eyebrow, interested peaked.

"Well, you have my attention, mind you there not a lot of it."

Pragia

Shepard squad walked into a child room, calling out "Come out we know you're here" A man step out from the shadows, A man with un-check hair and beard, wearing nothing but workers clothes.

Jack snarled "Who are you?"

Aresh smirked "My name is Aresh, and you are intruding in my home. I know you subject Zero. So many years has passed. I thought I was the only survivor" Jack right arm pull out a Gun on instinct, wobbling over the details Aresh conjured.

"My name is Jack. So How the Hell do you know me!" Jack had her gun out point at Aresh.

His smirk kept on going "We all know your face, Jack. They Inflicted horrors on us so their experiment would not Kill you. You are the question, and I am looking for answers."

Legion over to the side was Silent then spoke "Aresh Natier. Records indicated he was brought he at the Human age of nine, from an earth orphanage called Pilgram house."

Aresh smirked faulted a bit "urm."

"Interesting, then you were brought back here because of the attraction of this facility. That would torture kids" Shepard sarcastically snarked.

"You do not get it. I tried to forget this place, I really did but if follows you. I hire these mercs and came back a full solar year. I will restart the teltan Facility. I will unlock what my predecessors could not. Accessing the full potential of biotics children. It will be Glorious!" Aresh exclaimed that last part.

Jack snarled "I am trying to stop the fucking nightmares while you trying to fucking restart it, justified by what fucking happen here.

Aresh snarled back aggressively "Everything we went through Must be worth for something" Jack moved forward gun in hand, slammed it at Aresh face making him kneel over and jack pointed the gun on the back of Aresh head.

Shepard Look at Jack with such serous intent that make that the reapers look like comedians. "Jack we can blow this place up, but he stuck in his past. You are trying to move on from yours. Do not let Aresh here define your actions, you have change, with some still psychotic behaviours left in there but change non the less."

Jack gripping her gun with such contempt while looking at Shepard "He trying to restart this place."

"He won't be able to, not without funding and support" Shepard retorted.

Jack lowers her gun and snarls at Aresh "GO!" Aresh gets up slowly and runs off with a new determination.

"Come on I want to look around before I blow this place Sky high!" Jack looked around the room and hall remembering the times of her childhood or lack of one. She turn to Shepard nodding. Shepard nodded back.

5 minutes later the crew are in the Shuttle being whisked away from the upcoming explosion.

"CRACKABOOM!" A huge puff of cloud storms into the air. Leaving everything in its dust.

3 minutes later The Normandy SR2 Miranda office.

"Hey cheerleading bitch I have a...... what the fucked am I looking at." Jack storms in biotics in hand seeing a very drunk Miranda.

"I am a loose end is what you are looking at, your psychotic bitch" Miranda was slurring her words with fire and dam near hatred.

"The fuck?" Jack emotions stopped working after seeing what in front of her.

"Ben told me the most interesting theory one that points to being true. One where we all leftovers from the illusive man." Miranda slurred out.

"The fuck are you talking about?" So, Miranda explain Ben theory.

5 minutes later in Shepard quarters on The Normandy SR2

"Shep" Shepard turn to a very distrust Jack.

"Jack what are...?" Shepard tried to question Jack but was cut off before he had as chance to...

"No time I think the Normandy has a bomb in it!" Shepard eyes widen and straighten himself.

"I check with the engineers see what they fined. Jack if you right, then we have to deal with more than just the collectors." Jack nodded back but followed Shepard to make sure herself.

The Normandy SR2 engine room.

"Are you sure?" Tali wanted to confirm because having a Bomb in an open spaceship is a bad idea.

"Yes, jack seems to think so and..."

"Aye they is a Bomb" Kenneth interrupted him.

"What!?" Tali, Shepard, Gabby, and Jack shouted.

"Yeah, found it in the side of core drive when I was installing the new coplinks you got me. Bit of a hassle if you ask me." Kenneth sated. Gabby went for the ears.

"We need that Bomb removed." Tali exclaimed then turn to Jack. "How do you find out about the bomb?"

"It was the cheerleader, when I went to confront her, she was all drunk and miserable because she found out the illusive man was going to tie up loose ends after her suicide mission. I put two and two together and though the best way is to blow up the ship sky high" Shepard nodded aggreging with the assessment. He opens is omni-tool. Then Gabby put her two cents into it after punishing Kenneth.

"Yeah, an open planned engine room with ventilation that leads to every part of the ship is a great place for a bomb."

"Garrus get down to engineering." Shepard said with urgency

"Sure Shepard."

6 minutes later in The Normandy SR2 conference room

"So, verdict?" Shepard ask Garrus while pacing around the room. With Jack, tail, Kennith and Gabby or standing to one side.

Garrus was holding the bomb in hand explain the bomb details. "Well, I can most certainly say, it is human made and while I was disarming it. I notice some Thanex Tech in here." Kennith nodded.

"Oh defo, some from what I can tell are parts of an old High explosion bombs that the alliance cook up round back in your heyday Shepard." Shepard nodded.

Tali shocked her Head "So the illusive man was making sure to cut loose ends why? We no threat to him at the moment."

"But that moment will end when we hit the collectors." Jack answered and shrugged. "I see the play before." Shepard nodded then the conference door open up. It was Miranda and Ben.

"Head you found a bomb?" Miranda asks.

"We did. Well Jack figure it out after your urm." Tali said with some hesitation.

"Accurately it was Ben who did, I just did not want to believe it" Miranda responded. Shepard raised an eyebrow. Ben shrugged in response.

"I mean think about it, all these people came to help you stop the collectors, not Cerberus, you and from what I have been explained by a lot of people on this ship is that they only joined Cerberus because you were Dead."

"And the alliance was not doing anything." Shepard put it together. Yeah, Shepard got the memo a while ago.

"Garrus, coordinate with Joker, Tali, Kennith, and Gabby. Find more bombs on the ship I doubt the illusive man made just one. Miranda get into your contacts see who rat out on Cerberus. Everyone dismissed" Everyone nodded and went about they days but...

"Urm Shepard." Ben called out.

"Yes Ben?"

"Tell your Girlfriend to not hack into my watch again please and thank you." Shepard stared with a deadpanned expression on his face.

"Ship." Nodded.

Chapter Text

The Normandy SR2 is on a straight course for Omega after Shepard gets a call from the Asari commandos and Aria T'Loak about Eon appearing. There were few reports of colonies getting attacked but thanks to Bens's idea, Mordin shared the tech with the colonists to protect themselves from seeker swarms or at least survive to live another day, this led to the collectors making their first big mistake.

Citadel diplomatic chambers.

"The Collectors attacked one of the human colonies in citadel space, where was the citadel fleet!" Udina shouted at everyone in the room, including Anderson.

The Turian council Sparatus made no excuses. "That is a failure on our part, there will be a full investigation on the matter, I assure you that Ambassador Udina." Though The councillor himself was embarrassed by the citadel fleet for not acting on a distress call.

Another diplomat called Dalatrass Vix, and his apprentice Linron scoffed "How do we know Cerberus are not involved." Tevos stepped forward. Arms crossed

"Dalatrass, Video footage shows the collectors flying pass are sector scanners and search and rescue teams found traces of Cerberus infiltrators being captors too." Dalatrass Vix sneered at that piece of information. Anderson coughs.

"It seems Shepard's claim is true; Cerberus is trying to stop whatever is happening. Though one of the colonies that was attacked, Cerberus did work with the collectors at the time but was betrayed by both parties. So, we still cannot trust them. I can assure you though that The Humans are leaning towards joining Cerberus." Protests were made. Shouting at the human counsellor to do something.

Anderson put his hand up. Stopping the Shouting. "And what is it that you want me to do?" Dalatrass Vix scoffed.

"Order them or something. It is like your people are worth much." A lot of people cringed at that statement. Some of the Asari in the room had a smug look on their face.

"Well then. It is a good thing that 40% of the humans left the citadel and another 50% are looking to do the same from our projections." The smug faces were washed off. Dalatrass Vix's eyes widened in disbelief.

The Volus ambassador Din Korlack came forward. "And if it weren't for the trade market. We would have left with them. Humans make up most of the Banking clan finance through their non-stop investment. We made several complaints on the matter because we need those investments to pay back loans. Loans that help fund your project Dalatrass." Dalatrass Vix gripped his fist. The counsellors winced.

Anderson continued anger rising in his voice. "Because you need to blame us for the citadel attack. We were ostracized from nearly everything. C-Sec arrest rates drop by 60% because the majority of their forces are human and because we Banned from shops. We cannot keep the citadel safe. You want us to help, then give us a reason to help. We are not your piggyback." Udina nodded in the background. Everyone in the room cringed. There was a few minutes of silence till. The Elcor Ambassador stomped in with his thoughts.

"Compassion: We must ease humanity. We must let them join Cerberus. Even if they are going Good. Worried: I am concerned about the long-term implications."

The Asari councillor came forward after a very heated discussion with her ambassador. "We will investigate the matter, but all shops must re-open their doors to the humans. Of course, if the human in question is at fault either through stealing or fraud then that ban will stay in place or adjusted appropriately…." The rest of the room nodded. Anderson included. It is not perfect, but it is a start. The silence stretched thin till the Salarian councillor spoke up.

Valern opens his omni-tool as a peace offering. "With access from Mordin research," Valern pulls up a holographic scene of a collector. "The collectors' Geno patterns match that to an incredibly old DNA pattern. The Protheans" Screams of 'what!' and 'Mercy on the enkindlers. Primarch Fedorian was most vocal in this.

"How accurate is this research data?" The Primarch asked with a determination that made Krogan shudder.

Valern opens a graph "About 90%. If Shepard did not share this info with STG well... we would not be having this conversation at all." The Dalatrass was incense.

"Councillor, we did not give you permission to reveal that information." pointing at the Salarian councillor in anger.

Sparatus mandibles clicked heavily. "So, you can control the narrative and stop Shepard notion for aid or better yet hog all the scientific research for yourself, you self-righteous bug. You just want to tuck it away and hope the problem will as well. That is what led us into this mess in the first place. The humans idolise Shepard. They join Cerberus because of Shepard. They believe in Shepard."

"You would help him? He is delusional. A mad man. He is the reason we blame the humans for the citadel attack." The Dalatrass spoke up.

Primarch Fedorian was having none of it. "Seriously, you blame him. At least the Asari see Shepard as the one that saved him. They just think the humans are bullying their way through until they get what they want. You just want to hide under sand and hope everything will go away because you do not want to admit we pushed Humans away towards Cerberus."

Anderson chimed in "us at the Alliance are just at fault as well. Our people are losing faith in us because we cannot give aid to the colonists because they are out in Terminus space." Primarch Fedorian looked back and nodded.

"Beside what is the alternative, Considering the fact the collectors came in are sector, council space mind you. kidnapping 10,000 humans in the process, under our watch. Yes, yes, I very much would help him now that we were humiliated again! It does not help that Shepard warned us about this, and we ignored it like we did with Saren." Sparatus' voice grew at each passing word. The rest of the diplomats can see he is not taking this well. The Dalatrass just sneered at the Turian.

Tevos put a calming hand on Sparatus while looking at the others in the room "we also compared technologies. The collector's technologies match that of the ship called sovereign back when the attack on the Citadel happened 2 years ago, they are almost identical."

"Wait, hang on, that would indicate that sovereign existed 50,000 years ago since we are indicating that the collectors are Protheans. Long before Saren came into the picture" an asari anthropologist called Treeya stated. Next to her are two Humans with a bodybuilder statue and a skinny human holding a sniper as a walking stick. Murmurs went out in waves when this was pointed out.

Irissa the ambassador for the Asari spoke up "sorry who are you?" She asked aggressively.

"Urm…" Treeya struggled to find the words, but Anderson stepped forward "They with me, they were on Fehl Prime when the collectors attacked. So was Lieutenant James Vega and corporal Milque. They report and intel they gathered to help connect the collector to the reapers. Though at a price." Several alliance members bow their heads in mourning. Primarch Fedorian bowed in respect of the fallen.

Sparatus spoke firmly "it does not matter; we need to aid Shepard against the collectors. I know we are restricted due to our fragile peace with the terminus, but something must be done. We cannot keep losing and we need to gain the humans trust back."

"Better yet. How are we going to combat the Reapers when we now know they exist and are coming." Anderson put forward. He notices the change in the council, maybe it is the human complaining or the fact that connections they ignored before are repeating themselves, either way the reaper threat is getting worse by the minute.

Omega

Shepard and the crew that consist of Ben, Legion, Samara, Miranda, and Garrus, walk on the decks of Omega meeting Aria and the Asari commando just outside the afterlife. Next to Aria they also see Dr. Psychobos.

"Dr Psychobos!" Ben shouted. Dr Psychobos is a purple version of brainstorm considering there the same race just with a shorter crab arm than most and a white beard.

"Ah Tennyson… it has Been a while." Dr Psychobos! Retorted with mix of sarcasm.

"Fuck off you derange crab!" Ben swore back.

"The feelings are mutual Ape." Aria raised an eyebrow at the pair when she was finishing speaking with the asari Commandos.

"Friend of yours?" she asked, and Ben snorted.

"Yeah, sure, if you want a Jealous crab after my watch because of his inferior intellect." Dr Psychobos growled in response.

"My Intellect is not inferior to those…."

"Yeah, yeah no one cares. Right where Eon" Ben is looking to Aria. Who raised an eyebrow in return.

"He managed to secure himself in Archangel's old hideout" she said this while looking at Garrus. He coughs as a response. The asari commando then spoke.

"Name, Ashoka, I am in charge of 332nd Company commando unit. Commander Shepard is an honour" She bowed her head towards the commander.

Shepard bowed in respect. "The pleasure is mine."

"Anyway, we surrounded the building and made sure all exits were covered. We notice some irregularities such as an Asari working for him. We fear an Ardat yakshi is among us" Samara Breath inwards and ask.

"By chance is that Ardat Yakshi wears a dark skintight metallic covering. With markings across her face."

Ashoka nodded. "Yes? What does that have to do with who she is?"

"That is the Ardat Yakshi that I am hunting. He name is Morinth."

"I see, well she's all yours then Justicar," The commando spoke with a firm voice. Her head turned to the commander. "I will lead you to our operations."

Archangel hideout.

"We believe this Eon character, The Ardat Yakshi and the phantom character are located here." Ashoka pointed at a map showing the Hideout blueprints. Garrus came forward, looking at the map.

"That looks like the garage on the under layers of the building" The commando gave Garrus a curious look.

"I was connected to Archangel at one point." He explained away.

"u huh, anyway our plan is to infiltrate and strike into two teams. I suggest the Justicar deal with Ardat Yakshi and Spectre Tennyson deal with Eon with the rest backing them up. though I do not know why Tennyson needs to be the one to deal with this Eon human."

"Because I am powerful enough to get to the paradox level." Ashoka raised an eyebrow at Ben. She turned to Shepard who nodded to her.

"Sure… We should move in Commander." The commando said. Shepard turned and nodded and followed The Asari commando in the compound with Samara and Garrus following behind.

Miranda, Ben, and legion were about to follow when Ben had an idea. "Hey legion, I have an idea. I am sending you some data and energy readings." Ben opens his omni-tool legion and follows the same. Miranda had her arms crossed.

"Why is this important Benjamin?"

"You find out, hold your horses. So, Legion find something?" Legion who has been silent when they received the data, analysing it.

"Data response time indicates that the energy source response is not located in this compound. This Eon is not here." Legion responded.

"What!" Miranda shouted.

"Knew it," Ben exclaimed. Shepard and crew turn their heads back hearing the shouts. Off to the side, Aria and Dr Psychobos gave a curious look.

Shepard was about to walk back to Ben but was stopped by an invisible force. "What the?" He banged it a few times. Ben saw this and ask legion to finish his examination. They do so.

"Indication simulated that Energy source originated within these coordinates. What Shepard commander is hitting is a force projection that prevents any organic matter from leaving and entering." Legion opens their omni-tool and shows a map of Omega. Aria was a little pissed about that.

"Do I want to know how you have access to maps of my station?" Ben turns to Shepard and the asari commando, who seem to be trapped in an invisible force field.

"If a Trap. Eon knew we were coming; he must have noticed the commandos or Aria Guards looking for him. He also must have hired Morinth to keep us distracted, knowing Samara with us. Hell, he must have known Dr Psychobos would rat him out knowing he was a spinless git." Samara winces at the notion knowing it makes sense given the circumstance.

Dr Psychobos nodded "oh must certainly, no evil Genius would ever trust Eon. He is a mad fool." Aria just looks at him like the purple crab has grown a second head.

Shepard thought about and nodded "your right, Ahsoka, how many commandos are outside of the force field."

"None, I ordered a full move in on the target suspecting they be multiple" several wince at that order. Confirming Ben theory.

Shepard nodded and looked at Ben "Go deal with Eon, Samara got Morinth. With me a Garrus backing her up" Ben nodded, and Shepard and crew walked further into the compound.

Ben turns to Aria. Pointed to Legion map, Aria had her arms crossed "Were that."

"The Element Zero mine" she said seriously. Miranda Wince, which going caused some damage.

Archangel Underground tunnels.

As Shepard, Ahsoka, Samara and Garrus Walk down the stairs of Archangel Headquarters to his tunnel system they meet another Asari.

"Barris." Ahsoka exclaimed, running down to her. Samara looked into the young Asari eyes standing before them and her own widened.

"Stop," Samara shouted. Ashoka stops and turns.

"Why My friend is…..." She turns back to Barris also now looking into her eyes.

"No."

"She has been influenced by my daughter."

"What. The Ardat-Yakshi is your daughter. High command never told me that!" Ahsoka exclaimed.

Shepard winces "yeah it seems, Asari high command like to keep secrets from the soldiers" Samara nodded.

"Yes, it has built the foundation we have today for Asari military, Matriarchs and justiciars. We built for secrets, assassination, and infiltration not all out warfare. I have been told I am the exception to the rule by many."

Barris smiled "she is waiting for you. Mistress is waiting please do not keep her waiting."

Samara nodded and walked to her daughter's location. Ashoka wanted to help her friend but could not at the moment. So, she followed. Shepard was confused and alongside Garrus was following Samara.

"Samara, I have to ask, how quickly can an Ardat-Yakshi influence the mind of others?" Garrus asked.

"It takes a process but once done they are helpless and it is done one at a time, never multiple." The garage doors open and see a bunch of Asari commandos bowing down to Morinth.

"So, I assume this is new, then." Garrus pointed at the scene, while Ashoka and Samara were shocked, eyes widened in disbelief.

"Mother, how nice of you to visit" Morinth stepped down on her Asari staircase. Samara did not stop to reply, she went on the attack using reave. Morinth replies the same, causing a biotic clash.

"You Bitch. I am the genetic destiny of the asari race." Garrus fires off some quick with his quick draw sniper. Ashoka drew her asari blades and Shepard fired off a warp. The controlled Asari commandos blocked all this.

"Dammit snapped out of it." Ahsoka orders her men.

"Shit Samara, hang on." Shepard shouted out while fending off a few commandos himself.

Morinth has a smile that makes a Krogan look sane. "Eon, a fool that he is, wanted my help. He knew you were coming and decided to increase my power tenfold and the bonus of destroying you, mother."

"You will not get away with this daughter. What you don is monstrous" The biotic clash is expanding creating a singularity around the room.

"Oh, but I have a mother. Battles are won by the victors and this fight is over." Morinth screamed in delight that she was overwhelming her mother.

? "My dear girl, let me be perfectly honest with you. This is something you don't know about battle; the Fight never ends."

"What?" Morinth turned to the unknown voice. The mystery person grabs Morinth' arm with a twist to allow Samara to kill her.

"All yours please and thank you." The mystery person said to Samara. She nods and goes for the kill. Twisting her neck. The commando slump down to the floor, released from Morinth control.

The mystery man who wore a green jacket with the number ten on the side but was clearly not visible to Samara, smiled "now please Hurry, Eon disruption has caused a delay, and I meant to pass my Provisional licence exam right about now."

Shapard quickly ran towards Samara. "You okay."

"Yes Shepard. This man/child…, where did he go?" Samara looked around for the strange man who… looked like Ben.

"We did not see anyone." Garrus said as he walked towards the group.

"Well, we must hurry. The man said Eon disruption has caused a delay" Shepard was looking at Samara with a concerned look. Samara noticed.

"I am fine. I will grieve later. Come, we must hurry" Shepard nodded and turned to Ashoka.

"Can you keep an eye on your men?" He asked.

"I can go" Then Aria men charge in. Krogan walked up to Shepard wearing the omega symbol.

"Aria ordered me to take you to the Eizo mines as soon as the barrier around the compound collapses." Shepard nodded and proceeded to follow the Krogan. Walking forwards they walk past Dr Psychobos who looked exhausted.

Garrus pointed to him. "What up with him"

The Krogan smirked "Aria incentivises him to find a way to open the barrier. She does not like to be tricked on her station. You are lucky you're on friendly terms with her commander." At least Shepard knows Aria is on his side today.

Element Zero mines.

The elevator shaft open, Ben Aria, Miranda and Legion Walk forwards seeing the element Zero mine in its glory. They were stopped by an exhausted Batarian called Anto.

"Aria A human is causing massive energy waves towards the Eizo centre mining core. We need to turn off the engines before it explodes."

"Eon" Ben Muttered. He turns to Legion "Legion goes to the drill turn of the mine. Miranda goes with him."

Legion nodded. "Acknowledge."

"What about you Benjamin?" she asked, worried about the kid.

"What I do best." Ben said with determination. Aria side eyed him then looked at Anto.

"Anto go with the Geth and the Cerberus Chick to turn off the engine. I go with the kid and makes sure that no one fucks with me." Anto nodded and ordered the two to follow. Miranda looks at Ben with a pained expression.

"So kid, I assume you have a plan." Aria asked.

"Yeah. Eon needs a central position to extract the power he needs."

Aria raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you know what he's been planning?"

"No, but I know how I think." Ben stated as they ran. Aria looked at him clearly confused but not showing it.

"He has been in processing. It extracts all the element Zero and splits them from Quilty" Aria suggested.

"Then let's go."

Drilling rig

"Legion shut off the rig, we need to stop whatever is happening." Miranda shouted at Legion who nodded. Anto was in the back eyeing them both.

Legion walked forward to the command console "Attempting route bypass, shutting down main core systems." Legion arm started to beep.

"Lawson Miranda, behind you" Miranda looked back to see Anto firing his weapon.

"Hee-hee"

"You know, when Tennyson sent you here, I thought for sure I had the upper hand, but it seems that robot of yours got in the way." Miranda sees Anto four eyes are shot purple with black cracks reaching out to the side of his face.

"Ghost freak" Miranda guessed.

"Baah, that name is what Tennyson gave me. He now uses it as an insult. My true name is Zs'Skayr." Zs'Skayr. mirthless at her.

"Jesus, I forgot how annoying you can be" Everyone turned to the new voice that appeared. It was a man in a ruff side cap with a black and white line top and wearing cargo trousers to boot.

"Benjamin" Miranda exclaimed.

"Yes and no. Just so we all are not confused here, call me Survivor and we need to have a catch up Zs'Skayr."

Element Zero Mine Processing.

Ben ran in seeing dead workers scattered all over the floor. Aria followed behind looking at the scene in front.

"My men, Why the fuck was this not alerted to me." She shouted.

"Maybe because I turned off the Alert system." Both Aria and Ben turn a full 180 seeing Eon in his purple and black trench coat.

"Eon, you bastard!" Ben shouted.

Eon sarcastically rolled his eyes "Oh please, I know what you are thinking. Just, leave me alone. I want to go back to my Universe. That is all I want."

"And you meant to be serving your time here. Like a good prisoner." Ben retortedAria was pissed. "Wait so… What the Fuck!" Then a green flash appeared.

"Clockwork! You are going down Eon!" He said in a German accent.

"I like to see you try." Eon quipped.

The clash of Loyalty has begun.

Chapter Text

Clashes of green time energy vs purple time energy, cause ripple effects around the element zero mines in Omega. Aria on the side watching the battle of Clockwork VS Eon. Clockwork slowed down time, preventing Eon from accelerating it. While at the same time firing a blast of energy at each other.

Aria was flabbergasted. She had never seen so much power before. Her first thought was where Shepard finds these bastards. Everything around her is either accelerating through time or disintegrating back in time.

At the drill mine.

"And why should I believe you?" Zs'Skayr growled out not liking the explanation being told to him.

"Please I know you won't" Survivor said. "We have history. Well, the other me has history with you but that beside the point, you know I am right about this." he explained.

"Even if you are. I rather do it with my free will intact than being constricted to the Omnitrix." Zs'Skayr snarled.

"Then you are going to die, and Eon is going to win. Paradox is just going to repeat everything."

Miranda was frustrated; she was contemplating shooting the other Ben for his appearance alone. "What do you mean?" she growled out, questioning the Survivor's response.

He turns to her "Paradox is doing everything in his power to stop Boko no hero Eon from doing this but because he failed to stop him…."

"It created the time singularity paradox."

"No, it started it. Paradox was fighting Eon when, Ben from a different universe and Eon original home was fighting Vilgax in Japan. Eon was then sent to Your Ben's old universe. in which Eon gave Vilgax a baby Celestialsapien power. That caused the rest of the Celestialsapien to eradicate his old universe by their ancient law." The survivor clenched his fist in distress and anger. He continued.

"That Power clashed with eon which affected all three universes."

Miranda put the pieces together "you mean."

"Eon's plan to return to his own universe might work but in doing so" Survivor looks at the Drill computer screen like it is a window.

"By doing so he eradicates Both me and Ben in the process" Zs'Skayr was not stupid when Eon plan was put together like that he could tell now that he was more than hired help.

Miranda was shaking. "Everyone he knew and loved. He thought they…."

"They did not. Paradox saved this Ben because he was partly at fault at what happened and guilty for the mess he started. The only reason I remember is because I am on respectful terms with my Alien X. Boku no Ben, is not so he does not remember but was told by Eon. Your Ben knows half the truth. Paradox did not tell him about the eradication of his universe. Yet. it is going to happen though." The survivor further explained.

Miranda nodded and turned to legion "Make sure the Drill stops working." Legion nodded and got to work.

"No need." Zs'Skayr said and floated out of Anto's body.

"Eon already got enough element Zero to go through with his plan. He just needed that Shepard character out of the way. I do not think Eon took into account extras in his plan" Zs'Skayr points to Miranda and legion. "Out of the way" Miranda growled.

"Then we… Hey where did Survivor go?"

Back to the battle.

Fist bashing each other that causes the environment around them to collapse. Clockwork fire of beams of energy at Eon. Eon countered with shields and dodging. Eon turned to a blue Ord glowing, he Smirk and flew away, Clockwork chased after Eon. Aria is still stunned by the power that the two can create. The doors crash open. Aria turns to see Miranda, Legion and Zs'Skayr.

Zs'Skayr screams. "No, we are too late!" Aria turns back to see Eon opens a purple portal and goes in it. Clockwork chased after him with great speed.

"Okay can someone please tell me what the fuck, is Going on."

"Eon plans to convert all the element zero energy into one singular source. Bypassing all dimensional locks that prevent him from returning to his home. Using Omega resources." Legion described.

"What?"

"He is destroying this reality to return to his. He apparently made a mistake the first time he did it." Miranda explained.

"So, he destroys our home to return to his?"

"Yes,"

"Affirmative"

"Miranda!" Miranda heard Shepard's voice and turned to see him, Garrus and Samara jogging towards her and Legion."

"I need Sitrep!"

Citadel Tower.

Kaiden and James Vega Walk around the citadel tower waiting for the diplomats to finish their talks and plans.

"I am telling you James, you need to stop worrying. Anderson got it under control. After that bash he gave it to the Dalatrass." Kaiden said as they walked.

"Yeah, but Kaiden, you know how it is with politicians." James moaned. He really did not like politics.

"Oh, don't we…" A purple portal interrupted him and just appeared in the air.

"What the fuck is that. James Guns ready." Both him and James released their guns from their holsters and were prepared to fight.

"Understood Staff Lieutenant" James pulls out his M-96 Mattock with C-sec followed suit with their M-7 avengers with them all pointed, they gun at the purple anomaly. Eon flew out with clockwork jumping out from behind crashing on the floor.

"Eon for fuck's sake where…" Clockwork gets up and looks arounds. he turns to see Kaiden.

"Hi Kaiden. Would you believe the gal of that man? I was on Omega 5 seconds ago" Clockwork pointing to Eon. Kaiden rolls his eyes and sees the Hourglass symbol.

"All forces focus your attention on the purple human." Kaiden ordered. All guns turn on Eon.

"I did not know Humans can turn purple" An Asari C-sec officer said confusingly.

"We can't, that is clearly armour" another C-sec officer who was human answered. Eon gritted his teeth.

"My plans are coming together; all I need now is the conduit." Eon muttered, Kaiden's eyes widened.

"You fool, that opens the gate way to Dark space."

Eon Growled at the Canadian clear case of stupid. "You are the biggest fool. I am not stupid enough to let the threat of those reapers come through. I am just leaving to return to my home."

"By destroying this reality in the process!" Clockwork shouted. He turns to Kaiden.

"Make sure He does not get near citadel controls." Kaiden nodded and his head turned to James.

"Let us go! We need to lock down the citadel NOW!" James nodded and followed Kaiden. Eon laughed maniacally.

"You fool; it would not matter if you lockdown this place. I still achieve what I need." Clockwork notices that Eon had no response to destroying this reality in the process.

"I stop you, Eon."

"Please. Tennyson. You have no loyalty here. Why help them when you can return home"? Eon smirk grew. He was hitting it where it hurts. Clockwork wavered a bit, but Paradox words hit him back when he first arrived on horizon.

Flashback

"I am afraid you cannot return to your own world due to how much power you use in Alien X."

Flashback End

Clockworks eyes widen. "I see you figure it out. For what it is worth Tennyson I am sorry." Paradox voice rang through Tennyson's head.

"Damm you Paradox" His Omnitrix Bing as he said this.

"What was that boy?" Eon hears that noise and knows the Omnitrix like he knows himself. Ben Omni-tool lit up.

"Tennyson. Where…..." the message was cut off by a blast from eon. C-sec forces opened fire upon Eon. Clockwork had no time to answer that message and went to retaliate against Eon but Eon Dodge and moved towards the central part of the tower. He placed the orb on the controls and started his plan. He also froze the c-sec forces in place.

"No!"

"You can't stop this, Ben!" Eon fired a beam at Clockwork. Ben energises a shield around him. It did not stop the beam and reverted Clockwork back to Ben.

Ben's shocked face came through understanding dawn on him "you had the power to do this and never used it before."

Eon Never looked back "Because where would be the fun in that. You forgot Ben, I am you and you are me. You are not the only one you hold back in power. To be fair to me, I have a bit more rules behind it than you do."

"I will stop you." Ben suffered an injury from Eon blast. He is trying to get up, but his body is not listening.

"How? you have two transformations left and clockwork the only one that can counter my powers" Eon proceeded toward the centre of the tower around a massive ring. Ignoring Ben Completely. His hands conjured energy into blue Ord turning it purple and a mist started forming around him. Ben grips his fists in anguish. Then his eyes widen and hits the Omnitrix.

Inside of X

Ben turns to look at both Serena and Bellicus. "You knew, you were trying to wipe me out of existence. Not keep an eye out for me like Paradox said."

Serena's sad expression showed when she said "yes, we do not blame you Ben, in fact we very much think if the circumstances were different, we would have helped you."

"True if it weren't for Azmuth's new Omnitrix we would have wiped you by now. He must figure we would erase everyone, including you. It is honestly why you can only stand to use three transformations. Our power clashed with the watch and our laws are absolute on the matter. So, it was like a tug of war match between us and the watch." Bellicus said in an angry tone.

"Well, Eon is trying to go back to his home. I need to stop him." Ben shouted at the two.

"We know. It is why we beep the Omnitrix earlier idiot." Bellicus exclaimed angrily

Ben was rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, sorry."

"Because of Eon. He is making the situation much worse and as much as we want to punish Paradox for bringing you here. Eon is one that causes one Universe to merge with another outside its reality. One where it collapsed on itself and founded a new universe and yours where it was erased." Serena sombre tone.

"So, we are doing a trade of sorts. One where the rest of the Celestialsapien agreed to. You must stop Eon that much is given in the trade and in return you will be in a bind." Bellicus explained.

"A what?"

"A bind. You be binded to this Universe permanently making it your new home as you humans would say. The Celestialsapien will leave you alone and your pet ship of course." Serena smiled happily explaining.

"Will you be staying in the Omnitrix will that complicated matters?"

"Now that is complicated. We cannot leave per say because we are a part of you and vice versa." Serena started.

"So, part of the trade was that you can only use us in an emergency of high importance." Bellicus finished.

"Do reapers count?" Ben asked Hopeful.

"Oh god yes. I was hoping you would bring them up. Fucking breaking the cycle my nonexistence ass. If they were in the old universe Tennyson, the Celestialsapien would wipe them out for the shit they pulled. Breaking so many rules. Though we cannot outright destroy them. If you want to use us against the Reapers, they need to be a Last resort. Where we do not outright help in the war effort and restore those who have turned to Husk. It also has to be one where we have to agree to." Bellicus snapped angrily, though it almost came close to cheerfulness. Ben smiled and for the first time it was a happy one.

"Motion to defeat Eon and stop his plan." Ben chirped.

"Seconded it" Serena shouted cheerfully,

"Motion carried, now go defeat Eon and reclaim your life Benjamin Kriby Tennyson and on behalf of the Celestialsapien we are sorry for the turmoil we gave you." Bellicus shouted.

Citadel tower

Kaiden and James just got back from the control room where they alerted the council of what was going on. As soon as they got back, with some council spectres, they saw the C-sec officers are now frozen and Eon creating a worm hole inside the citadel tower. They open fire upon Eon only for it to be blocked by a force field.

"That fucker creating a worm hole, right within the citadel." Kaiden shouted. Vasir, one of the council spectators that followed to help, saw the Black stargaze figure standing as a statue.

"Who…?"

"Thats Tennyson" Vasir turned to the Kaiden shocked.

"How?"

"I don't know, I just recognise the hourglass symbol on his chest" James ever the soldier decided to brute force the force field only for him to be pushed back by an invisible push.

"Dam," James muttered.

"Motion carried" Everyone froze, especially Eon who turned back towards Alien X.

"Defeat Eon, no matter the cost" Alien X Hover in the air and with just a single flick from his finger, wipe out the worm hole and the blue orb. Eon froze and turned.

"No, Noo, NOOOOOOOOOO!" Eon shouted in pure pain. His mouth gaped.

"That was my ticket home. That…. Oh Fuck" Eon just realised Ben has control of Alien X meaning the Celestialsapien are no longer trying to kill Ben. Alien X turns to the frozen C-sec guards and un-frozen them with a wave of his hand. Alien X head turns back to Eon.

"Let's take this to Omega shall we, Eon." Alien X said emotionless flew towards Eon, clenching his fist which opened a portal Behind eon. Eon fires a blast at Alien X, but Alien X blocks them just by staring at the blast. Eon was grabbed and flew into the portal.

"What the fuck was that. That form of his wiped out a worm hole, with just a finger." Vasir shouted in shock, Horror.

"I need to contact Shepard. He…" Kaiden started but was stopped by councillor Sparatus laying a hand on his shoulder.

"No need. We already know of that form as does Shepard. Everyone here must be debriefed and see a mind healer. No arguments." He heard Yes sirs and understood but one thing is clear to Sparatus the connection there, the reapers must be stopped. He needs to contact Shepard, make plans with Anderson because while Tevos and Valern see the connection themselves their plans are to stop the reaper's arrival before they reach the galaxy. Sparatus is not stupid it took 60% of an alliance fleet to take down one reaper, what chance are we to stop it before their arrival.

Element Zero mines

Eon was tossed across the Ezo mines and shouted back angrily "You can't do this to me!"

"But I can Eon" Both Eon and Alien X came out of the portal, where Eon was tossed like a ragged doll while Alien X was floating beside him. Eon fires a blast of energy at him. Alien X Deflected with his middle finger.

"In the end, it doesn't really matter." Eon desperately gathered as much energy as he could and fired at Alien X.

"Your right it doesn't, Motion carried. Hakai!" Eon blast stops and reverses back into eon, who is now evaporating slowly from the waist upwards. Eon was confused and looked up at Alien X.

"The Bind that you were using to connect back to your universe. It is gone. Your connection to here is gone." Eon eyes widened.

"No, that means I…." He did not get to finish as his body now completely vanished.

"Bep, Beep, Beeeep" A red light flashed. Ben standing there in front of a now gone Eon. Turn and went to catch up with Miranda and legion.

"Ben" Shepard and the crew ran up to Ben. Shepard grabbed him around the shoulder to keep him stable. Ben smiled in return.

"Hey guys, Zs'Skayr, Aria. Eon gone, I did it." Aria nodded.

"Good now, I need to sort out where the hell are my miners. Barak!" She shouted and left to sort out this mess. She does appreciate that Ben cleaned up his mistake.

"Yes Mam, Barak" Barak was following Aria. Shepard chuckled and turned to Ben.

"While she does that…." Zs'Skayr interrupted him.

"Yes, yes, he debriefs you in a minute. Tennyson here" Zs'Skayr floated forward and scratched the Omnitrix. Ben looked up, eyes widened.

"Some spare DNA, now you can turn into Ghost freak. Arg still hates that name. without me. Now if you excuse me, I have a deal with Aria to make." Zs'Skayr left knowing he had done his part. Ben looks to Shepard for answers.

"Aria offered him a place here if he works for her. I think he gave you that transformation as a way to say you are even now." Ben snorted.

"Anyway, we need to head back to the Normandy. The Asari commandos are taken care of and headed back home to give their report. Also, Aria does not want us hanging here more than necessary." Ben nodded too tired to speak. But gives a rundown version of what happens to everyone.

A few hours later.

Ben got a full check up with Dr Chalkwas, then decided he was tired went to sleep down in the Rustbucket. Dr Chalkwas Agreed and said Alien X seems to put a higher strain on Ben body than the other alien does. Ben explained what happened as well as what happened to his old world. So, Shepard told him to take a few hours off. Shepard was glad Ben can transform now without that limiter on him but can see the pain in his eyes of everyone he knew being dead. Miranda said she was going to keep an eye out on him closer. Thane and Zaeed offered to swap places when she exhausted. As Shepard was drafting his report in his quarters, when EDI voice rang through.

"Shepard, a call coming in from the spectre line." EDI Said over the coms.

"Put it up through my monitor EDI."

"Yes Shepard." Shepard's eyes raised a bit when Sparatus' face appeared.

Commander" Sparatus mandibles clicked.

"Councillor? Do what I owe this pleasure." Shepard asks with a raised eyebrow.

Sparatus gets right into it. Leaning forward toward the screen. "Lest not waste time. The reapers, they are coming."

"You believe me now?" Shepard asks with some scrutiny.

"Shepard, I am a Turian that believes in facts, and the evidence is very much growing before my very eyes, I would have said you're delusional before but now…" Sparatus explained.

"But now that the collectors hit a Colney world in citadel space" Shepard finished. Sparatus nodded. Shepard read the spectre reports that went to investigate.

"Their attack was all too similar to the Sovereign attack on the citadel. Tevos and Valern know it too, but they want to stop it before it starts."

"That would be impossible if they managed to get tech above the reapers, I am all for it but as of right now."

"Yes, and that lies the problem. I say this plainly: Shepard, you and I are soldiers. We know what is at stake when a race with that size and power can do." Shepard nodded agreeing with the sentiment. What Sparatus said next shook Shepard.

"The Asari and the Salarians are still trying to cover it up."

Shepard's face turned to shock. "What but the Asari have been helping me…"

Sparatus shrugged like this is normal for him. "Yes because of Ben Tennyson, for some reason when someone has more power than an asari, they investigate and if challenged they kill. I have worked with Tevos for a long time, Shepard, I know how she operates."

"So, she was getting close to me so she could evaluate Ben." Shepard' asked.

"But they moved on for the moment, the attack left the humans rattled. So much so that they started to believe in your stories more and because of that..."

"The Asari are rattled." Shepard had his hand on his face.

Sparatus casualty crossed his arms. "Not so much as rattled more, angry because to me it looks like Tevos was hiding something. I say this due to the fact that when you made the discovery that the collectors were once ancient Protheans. Well, I have never seen her biotics act so erratically. It is funny really, you know that Prothean beacon you meant to retrieve from Eden Prime."

"Yes?" Shepard was confused about where this was leading too.

"That was to be handed off to the Asari, since you know they are a lead except for them. You see where I am going with this… Right"

"They are hiding Prothean Technology."

"And considering the fact they were considered the most advanced compared to most of the other races and were the first to reach the citadel, it is not hard to believe where they got the tech from." Shepard cursed under his breath. He asked about the humans.

"So, what happened to the humans?"

"They calmed down a bit when we said we are helping you defeat the collectors. As well as calm down when we investigate the rampant racism that was going on after the citadel attack..." Sparatus spoke with a shame in his tone.

"You did?" Shepard was at least happy that the humans were not going to be treated like shit because of the citadel attack.

"Yes, so what you next plan"

"We must head to a dead reaper and pick up a reaper Iff. We know where the collectors home world is and to get them, we need it."

"Where?" Sparatus was curious because it could be the Prothean home world.

"The centre of the galaxy star and not the Prothean home world." Shepard could see Sparatus' curious eyes.

"That… Considering who you are against, I have no choice but to accept that. When you receive the Iff. Send over the design, I am working with Anderson to get fleets ready and are readiness to be increased." Sparatus explained.

"Are you going to share it with the Asari and Salarians?" Shepard asked. He would want it to share with the other races so that they have the advantage.

"Not that I have a choice but yes, they know the threat is real and need every advantage they can get as well." Sparatus firmly explained. Shepard then had a thought.

"I have an idea that can help."

"Really and what is that?"

"Krogans" Shepard simply said.

"Shepard…."

"Listen, reapers do not need live forces when they can just take the dead. guess how many clips I wasted when trying to kill a horde of husks, especially when they reuse those corpses over and over?" Sparatus does not answer knowing the situation would be grave for Turian's. They prefer long range tactics. So, a hoarder of husk coming at them would be bad.

"Remembered Wrex, my old companion." Sparatus nodded. How can he not? A Krogan saving the council.

"Well, he can take off a horde of husks, without the need of wasting ammo." Sparatus can see this, Krogans are brutes if nothing else.

"I speak to Anderson about it. He likely agrees and sadly so do I. Is there anyone in particular that I need to speak to if we go down that rabbit hole."

"Yeah, Urgnot Wrex he is a clan leader as well as smaller clans being led by him. He is very much trying to get the Krogans to shape up. He can be trusted and know about the threats." Sparatus nodded. He spoke up after a few minutes of silence.

"Thank you Shepard for the talk and one more thing before I end the call. Tennyson… He."

"Used the power close to a god. I am aware. He debriefed me."

Sparatus nods "Make sure that power is kept in check. He wiped out a worm hole Shepard, which is not an easy feat."

"Understood councillor."

"Goodbye Shepard" The call ends.

"EDI, get me Garrus and Miranda."

"Right away"

In the Rustbucket

Ben laid on his Ben, looking at the old photos of his family, friends, even foes. Tears pricked at the corners of their eyes and the more he looked, the more tears started sprinkling down his cheek. A mournful wail filled the Rustbucket when the next photo was of his cousin and Grampa.

Outside of the Rustbucket. Zaeed, ship, Prometheus, and Thane Heard the wails of a man that lost everyone and thing.

Chapter Text

Shepard quarters Normandy SR2.

Garrus was passing back and forth in Shepard quarter. Hearing the news that the Turian councillor is working with the humans. "By the spirits. Sparatus must be spooked, if he is willing to work with humans at this level."

"More subdued. From what I gathered, the collector's attack on a council human colony put things into perspective for him." Shepard responded with a calm expression.

Miranda had her hand on her chin, thinking of possibilities this will bring for the humans.

"The Turian's must have dug into their own investigation into the attack." Garrus nodded in agreement to Miranda's suggestion.

"It would make sense, Turian Hierarchy always proceeds to investigate first, rescue always comes secondary and by all reports they were the first to respond." Shepard nodded.

"He did, he even said the attack was similar to the Sovereign attack on the citadel, a few years ago. They must find technologies that match the Sovereign key signature. At the very least a Reaper signature that is close to Sovereign." Shepard guessed but Garrus and Miranda nodded, thinking the same.

"Spirits!" Garrus exclaimed.

"So, what is the plan now? Has the illusive man contacted you about this?" Miranda asks, Shepard. Hoping for an answer she likes.

"Not really, he was… quiet, too quiet. It is almost like he is waiting for the shoe to drop. So, for now we hit the IFF." Shepard turned to Garrus after Miranda sprouted a frown on her lips. "Garrus, EDI going to give you a share blueprint of the IFF, then you are going to give to your contacts so, Sparatus and Anderson can get their hands on it."

"Understood Shepard. I know just the contact" Shepard nodded. Then look at Miranda already figuring out what she is thinking.

"I am bringing, Ben, Legion and Grunt, To the mission, that way you and Jacob can look into the illusive man" Miranda frown turns into a tilted smile.

"Thank you, Shepard. With what Ben already investigated, I worry about what I found." Garrus chuckled but was jolted when an alert came through his omni-tool. He made several rude remarks.

"By the way, Tali, Kennith and Gabby found all the bombs. Good news, they are all disarmed." Shepard grimaced. He saw that look on Garrus' face before.

"Bad News"

"Bad news, someone planted a virus into Mordin computers lab, while the bombs were being disarmed. Legion and Mordin stopped in time, but they managed to get more of Ben Alien DNA, even though the security lock was in place. The aliens caught were Ditto, Trenten, and Swampfire." Miranda scowled.

"Please tell me they caught the thief." Garrus smirked.

"Funnily enough, Kasumi heard what happened to Ben on omega and was following him around like a good Big sister, she is. She had to quickly go to the labs to help Mordin and legion with the Nano tech that Ben brought in." Both Shepard and Miranda nodded, thinking that makes sense. Kasumi is a hacker, she is able to piece things apart with an emotional level, unlike Legion can. Garrus continued.

"Well as she was walking in, when a guard walked past her. Kasumi did not think much, till Kelly Chambers pointed out she never recognised the guard. You can guess the rest." Shapard had his arms folded. This is the second time The Illusive man had managed to steal Ben Alien DNA.

"Garrus, go down and interrogate the guard, with Tali and Prometheus. Find out what you can." Garrus nodded and started to walk out. "Got it Shep..." Shepard turns to Miranda.

"Miranda."

"On its commander." Miranda followed Garrus to the elevator. As they leave, Shepard opens his omni-tool to make a call.

"Dr Chalkwas, is Ben ready for the field?"

The good Dr responded with a huff. "He is ready for the field. I recommend caution though; Ben blood levels are through the roof" Which is true, after hearing what happened to Ben home Galaxy, Both Thane and Zaeed took watch over Ben when Miranda was not doing it. All reported Ben being more subdued and less jokey. Even Joker has been watching what he says around him.

"Understood Doc. Talk to you later."

"See, you, Shepard" Shepard then made another call.

"Zaeed, Let Ben know to meet me at the airlock. We are off to find the IFF."

Zaeed responded in a ruff tone. "On it Shep."

Normandy SR2 Pilot cockpit.

The Normandy is flying towards the derelict Reaper that is orbiting, Mnemosyne (dwarf star) in the Thorne system based in the Hawking Eta cluster. Shepard standing next to a sitting joker as they pull in next to the Airlock.

"Dam, how long do you think it died?" Joker asked an EDI chime in with an answer. "I estimate, approximately over 100,000 years". Shepard hummed.

"So, the Protheans weren't the ones that killed this behemoth."

"That is correct Shepard."

Shepard leans into Joker Chair. "Take us in nice and slowly." Joker nodded but responded. Then the ship started to rumble into the derelict reaper orbit.

"The Space storm, gusting up to 500Kph, needs to stabilize. EDI can you re-aligned the thrusters, to match the Kinetic barriers, output. We need to match the storm's current speed with our own." EDI flashed an affirmative and re-aligned the thrusters making them more stabilized. EDI Then flashes again with some news.

"I detected another Ship, in the starboard side of the derelict reaper. It has the same energy, that of Benjamin watch."

"What that makes no sense, according to him all of his universe has been wiped out! Anything from them, would not be able to exist here." Joker exclaimed. Shepard Narrow his eyes. Then the Normandy suddenly shifted to normal output.

"What was that?" Shepard asks. Joker Grimaced but answered. "We just hit the reaper mass effect fields, which are still active by the way. We just passed through their envelope." Shepard nodded then retorted Joker point from earlier.

"Anyway, besides Zs'Skayr and Dr Psychobos, who are binded here. There is a good chance Eon brought others over". Shepard pointed out, then added with a heavy tone "Bring up visual?"

"Aye, Aye." Joker made the Ship appear on screens.

"The shape and size of the ship design matches that of a cargo ship. Benjamin did also point out that Eon Binded, Zs'Skayr and Dr Psychobos into this Universe. What to say he did not do it to others from the Ben universe." EDI reiterated Shepard's point to Joker. Joker and Shepard Grimaces at that Notion. Joker especially, what a Brittle Bone disease pilot is going to do against a Ghost or a Crab.

Shepard gets up and heads to the Airlock but not before mentioning "Once we dock, find out to whom that ship belongs. If it is one of Ben's enemies, then we need to be careful."

"Aye, Aye/ Understood, Shepard"

Inside the derelict Reaper.

Shepard and Grunt walked out first to check the perimeter. Then they were followed by Ben and Legion. Shepard's eyes lock into Ben's eyes.

"Remember we don't know who is here, so stay focused on the mission." Ben shrugged and mentioned. "Could be Dr Animo, I already confirmed he is here." Ben then went to his watch and slammed it. A green flash appeared.

Roooooaaaaaarrrrr!" An Orange fur ball appeared with a Shoulder plate on its left arm and Gils on its neck/head. The Geth, human and Krogan stared at the creature. Shepard opened his omni-tool.

"Miranda did Ben's data pad about his alien form explain one about an orange beast, with Gils." said Beast looked offended at Shepard.

"At least we know, he can hear us," Grunt pointed out as he chuckled at the offended Beast. Miranda responds with an exasperated grown over the Omni-tool.

"Yes, it's called Wildmutt. He cannot speak but has one of the best Tracking skills out of all his transformations. It is a form that loves to play a game of Hide and seek." Shepard understood the word play behind, Hide, and seek. Wildmutt chuckled at Princess exasperation.

"Thanks Miranda, Shepard, out" Shepard cuts the call. Then turns to Wildmutt.

"Lead the way, oh great tracker." Shepard said with a mocking voice. Wildmutt puffed up his fur in pride and led forward out of the Airlock. Shepard turns to Legion.

"Map out the layout as we walk. I doubt this is going to be a simple mission".

"Affirmative, Shepard commander" As they walk out the crew sees com station off to the side. Shepard went to quickly investigate to find leads on the missing crew, that the illusive man reported. As they continue forward, they make it to the second Airlock door. As they walked through to open the inner section a shake gave way throughout our derelict reaper uncontrollably.

"Normandy to Shore party!" Joker called out, sounded rushed. Wildmutt rushed on ahead to quickly scout out ambushes.

"What's going on?!" Shepard asked and answered.

"The Reaper put up Kinetic Barriers, I don't think we can get through from our side" Joker responded. Grunt Growled.

"I would rather not be dying by boredom Shepard". Legion was beeping which got Shepard's attention. "We have calculated that the barrier Generators need to be destroyed in order for us to leave. Our Sensors detected a heat spike, which appears to be the wreck Mass effect core of the reaper. indicated that they are on the far side of the Reaper. Transmitting coordinates now". Shepard nodded, then EDI chimed in.

"Be advised the Mass effect core is what keeps the Reaper maintaining the reaper altitude." Shepard nodded and responded.

"So, we need to find our own way to escape once the pile of trash falls into the planet core. Joker, if anyone can sweep us off, feat it you. We make a sweep for survivors and recover any data we come across. Stand by."

"Aye, aye, good hunting" Joker cut the call. Then Wildmutt came back with a husk head in his mouth.

"Hehe, who is a good boy?" Grunt patted Wildmutt. Wildmutt growled in response. Shepard just frowned.

"I'm guessing Husk is up ahead?" Wildmutt nodded and pointed to below the railings of the walkway that is ahead. Shepard nodded and understood. "Understand, check corners and group up!"

"On, Shep, time for some Krogan DMZ."

"Understood Shepard commander, we switched to M-96 mattock." Shepard and the group moved ahead. With Wildmutt spitting out the husk head from his mouth and leading the group. As they moved forward on the catwalk, husks and abominations appeared below and started charging attacking. Grunt managed to fend off groups of hordes, while Legion and Shepard picked off the abomination one by one, letting them explode around husk. Wildmutt clawed and smashed his way through the horde. They continued forward where they reached a huge storage facility. Spike layered across the room. Shepard growled in hatred looking at all the spikes around the room.

"Dragon teeth!" Shepard's face was stunned when legion got his attention.

"Shepard Commander, Hostile detected." Legion shouted as Husk, Abominations and Scions started appearing. Wildmutt is already on the attack by targeting the charging husk. Legion swapped to his widow sniper rifle to fire off shots at Abominations, letting them explode in groups of husks. Grunt fired off a husk that was close to the group, while Shepard pulled up his sentinel armour and created an explosive burst around the Husk that started to swarm him. Temporary destroying his Sentinel armour in the process. Wildmutt gills started to go erratic, his sense saw a Scion coming toward Shepard from behind. Jump across towards Shepard to get him out of sight of a Scion shockwave coming his way. Wildmutt grabbed him and took him behind cover where Shepard re-annulled his sentinel armour. Shepard came out of cover and fired a cryo blast at the scion, which slowed it down. Then Shepard opened fire with his M-8 Avenger, killing it. After the battle calmed down, Legion went toward the Dragon Teeth to examine them. Shepard took a breather then turned to look over at Grunt, who was laughing at all the fierce opponents he faced. Wildmutt's senses became calm but something familiar caught his scent, he followed the trail to lead him to….

"Shepard Commander. We are finished analysing the converters." Shepard winces. Apparently The Geth call Dragon Teeth converters. Shepard nodded.

"Let go. They have a door over by the right corner" Everyone nodded. Wildmutt wanted to stay and see what that familiar sense was, but with some reluctance he followed Shepard.

The group head out through another airlock and as they reach the other side. Husk bodies fill the floor. Shepard snapped into attention and turned to legion.

"Legion, work out what killed these Husks". Legion led out an acknowledgement before another voice spoke, one Wildmutt Recognized.

"Oh, I don't think that is necessary, Commander Shepard." Everyone heads to a high ledge where a man, wearing a grey trench coat and his Brain in a glass Jar. Wildmutt snarled and slammed his Omnitrix.

"HooooooowwwwL! BlitzWolfer! Dr Animo. As I live and breathe. Please just tell me if it was Eon who sent you here. Save me the hassle of trying to figure it out myself." Dr Animo chuckled.

"Ah Tennyson. How I do miss our banter. Why of course, along with Dr Psychobos and that one woman I forgot the name of, anyway once I came here, I went on my merry way. I will never work with that lunatic Eon." Blitzwolfer snorted.

"You are very much a Lunatic yourself, Dr, Mad scientist, who tries and steals other rewards". Dr Animo gripped the handlebar and gritted his teeth.

"I deserved that Award as it was rightfully stolen from me" Shepard tried to hold back a snort but couldn't. Dr Animo snarled.

"Well, I know you're after the IFF and I got what I have come for here. So, I shall leave you with parting gifts. Just like old times Tennyson." Legion Singular eye started to send out an alert.

"Warning incoming hostiles". Suddenly Giant frogs' creatures with Husk faces and crusty bone armour appeared. Then Dragonfly's with scion arms cannon attach to the hip. Blitzwolfer huffed, then puffed, then let out his four-way mouth to release a Howling scream at all of Dr Animo creatures. Shepard and Grunt followed behind by firing their weapons. Legion let out his drone to target the Dragonfly's who return in kind by firing scion shock waves. Dr Animo chuckled, seeing that their attacks were futile and weak.

"Au Revoir, Tennyson" Dr Animo left in his cargo ship.

Shepard turns to the group. "We need to move forward; are weapons are not doing anything on this… whatever the fuck they are."

Everyone nodded including Blitzwolfer even though he desperately wanted to chase Dr Animo. So, they all charged forward, running up and down some corridors, while Blitzwolfer jumped across and howled at some of Dr Animo creations. Some got pushed off the edge, mainly the Dragonfly's who just returned. They all reach an open catwalk that splits into two directions but leads to the same location. Blitzwolfer decided to go left while Shepard, Grunt and Legion went right.

They still get onslaught by Dr Animo reaper animal creatures but manage to fend them off till they get to the final door. What shocked Shepard and the group was that Husk and Scion also attacked them along with the creatures.

Legion made an analysis. "Analysis. It seems these creatures have a symbiotic link to their reaper counterparts."

Grunt grunted while firing armour piercing ammo. "Means that Dr Freak may not have full control of them when they created them."

Blitzwolfer howled at some of the Husks. But huff at Grunt stamen "Sound like him. He must have come here to experiment. Find how the Reaper forces tick. It is how he managed to fuse Animal DNA together, back in my world." Shepard launches an overload on all the Husk, creature and Scion heading their way. It slowed them down but….

"Legion gets that door open. We cover you!"

"Acknowledge" Legion walks over to the Door to hack it open. Blitzwolfer growls and hits the Omnitrix again for the third time. A quick green flash appears.

"HeatSink!" HeatSink shouted, then blasted fire from his mouth, next he tucked and rolled, rolling around like CannonBolt but with heated spikes, towards the Enemy. This caused several explosions that distracted Dr Animo creatures away from the group. This led to Shepard and Grunt hitting the Husk and Scion that are left. HeatSink looks like another version of ArticGuana.

Legion just finished hacking the door. "Shepard Commander. The door is open." Shepard smirked. "Understand, go on through Legion, we will catch up." Legion nodded, then walked on." Ben covers us, me and Grunt are retreating into the doorway. Then follow us through."

"Got it Shep." Heatsink said, in a silky-smooth voice. He is rolling round towards the bridges that connect between the Door and the Walkway, destroying them. This allowed Shepard and Grunt to catch up to Legion, into the Airlock. Heatsink then followed behind by firing of a flame towards the ground, creating a fire wall to escape. All four managed to get into the Airlock where Shepard commanded Legion to shut the door behind him. Legion then scanned the computer on the left-hand side of the airlock.

"Shepard Commander, The Reaper IFF and its schematics, are here on this computer database." Shepard smiled and went to pick it up. "Thank legion"

"Acknowledged." Legion then walked over to open the other door, which leads into the Mass effect reactor core. As they reach the centre control unit, The core has shut its shelf in, then swarms of husk and abomination appear from the floor below and start attacking the crew.

"It never ends, with these Husks." Shepard, growled in frustration. Opening fire at the Husk and Abomination heads. Grunt followed the same and Legion fire of his drone to strike the Husk and Abomination from Behind. HeatSink, saw the Reaper core shutter open and close in a set timer. HeatSink turns to Shepard.

"I got a plan; I need covering fire, because I am about to turn into a form that can radiate High level Energy that melts your skin off." Shepard nodded and did a slight turn.

"Do it, we need to leave. Everyone, cover Tennyson and keep those Kinetic barriers and shields up" Grunt and Legion nodded and went side to side with Shepard, covering Tennyson. Legion swapped back to his M-96 Mattock. HeatSink hit the Omnitrix.

"N.R. G!" N.R.G shouted in a thick Russian Accent. N.R.G is contained in an armour casing around his body, with a Turn dial on top. That said, the turn dial started spinning, which released a hatch on top of the Armour. Shepard, Legion and Grunt Shields started beeping and losing Kinetic Energy.

"Tennyson. What the hell your form, is just like the sun on haestrom, it given high radiation levels. Are shields are melting." Shepard shouted.

"Maybe because I am. excuse me while I shot or the reaper power core" N.R.G said leaving his armour and headed to the power core and when he got inside the shutter shut him in it.

1 minute later.

! Crackaboom!

. Explosions leap from corner to corner and the Reaper power core opens. Allowing N.R.G to quickly leave and go back in his armour. Shepard, and Grunt had to hold up the armour as the Explosion made it collapse on the floor, while Legion and his Drone kept covering them. N.R.G got into his suit, hitting the Omnitrix and turned to…

"Elast-elk" A purple body that quickly stretches out his body ready to leave.

"We need to leave now Shepard!" Shepard nodded and ordered everyone to leave. "We got what we came here for, let's go!" Everyone left though the same door they entered and started running to the other side. Shepard opened the coms when Joker Voice came in.

"Hang on, folks" Explosions ranged from left to right and even below them. Elast-elk has been escaping around like Tarzan, stretching his body, with high range, grabbing any pipe or thing he can hold. Shepard Ordered Joker.

"Joker. Open, port side airlock."

"Aye, Aye" The Normandy appeared with said Airlock open, Grunt and Legion Jump first, followed by Shepard. Elast-elk stretched out his arm to reach and pull himself in.

"We clear Go!" Then the Normandy left the Black dwarf Atmosphere.

Normandy SR2 Conference room.

"We need to talk about the sudden appearance of Dr Animo, Benjamin, I remember you saying he is a mad scientist. Of what science does he approach." Miranda asks as She, Mordin, Jacob, Ben and Shepard are around the table.

Ben, who is now back in human form, Grimaces, remembering his early days as a hero. "Genetic experiments, mutation, you name it. The man even created a frog dinosaur one time." Mordin was stoking his chin.

"So, he managed to find a Geno code fragment to combine species. Interesting." Jacob had a disgusted look on his face.

"No offence doc, but I am more inclined to shoot it first." Mordin smiled at Jaco. "Non taken. Easier to experiment on dead subjects anyway." Jacob, pale and looked like he wanted to throw up. Shepard leans into the table.

"He managed to combine animals with Reaper forces. Not only that, but they were also harder to kill. Grunt Bailey managed to damage one." People around the room had a frown on their face. Miranda chimed in with.

"He is clearly working for Cerberus. Otherwise, how would he know of Reaper Base." Shepard let out a huff.

"Nothing we can do right now, EDI, how long till the IFF is up and running?" Everyone nodded and went into the core of the matter.

EDI flashed in the Conference room. "I estimate one solar cycle. I would recommend taking the shuttle to your next mission. I believe Legion is ready with his conundrum." Shepard nodded and turned to Jacob.

"Prep the shuttle, Me, Legion and Prometheus will go. I need to pilot the shuttle." Jacob saluted and went straight to his task. Ben Smirked.

"That is roughly one mission with EDI estimate, so by the time you get back, we will be ready to launch against the collectors." Miranda and Mordin nodded. With Mordin adding.

"Indeed, I would like a rest stop though before we launch the attack." Shepard smiled.

"I figured, EDI, Joker heads to Omega. I head out in the shuttle with the crew and meet you back at Omega. Time for some shore leave, I think."

"Understood Shepard." EDI flashed away. Shepard opened up his Omni-tool and turned to Mordin who had his Omni-tool.

"Take this to Garrus. He is meeting his contact, back on Omega." Mordin nodded and left to meet the Turian. Shepard turns to Miranda. Ben stayed to hear this for himself.

"How the Guard, interrogation."

"Well…"

Omega and Normandy SR2 cockpit/portside Airlock.

As Shepard, Jacob, Legion and Prometheus leave in the shuttle, the Normandy SR2 goes towards Omega for a much-needed shore leave.

"Have fun guys. Do not try to kill anyone. Except Jack as well all know, she is bound to do anyway." Jack smirked when Ben shouted, as now the crew left for shore leave. He later retreats to the cockpit.

"So, Joker."

"So, Tennyson." They stared at each other for a full hour. Before Joker broke with.

"Were monsters you call, Ship and why are you not on shore leave."

"Shiip" both turn towards the long hallway that leads towards the cockpit. Ben had his thumb pointed backwards and spoke.

"There and I am pretty sure Aria will have me escorted around her station. Something about too much chaos." Joker rolled his eyes as EDI flashed in, with both the Pilot and shapeshifter turning towards her.

"The device is powering but there seems to be unusual instability in other systems." Ben raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Want me to check it out."

"If you can. Just go down to Engineering. I will monitor from up here." EDI responded.

"Alright come on Ship." Ship bobs his head and jumps on Ben's shoulder. Ben made it to the elevator crossing his arms.

Normandy SR2 Engineering.

Ben walks out the elevator when EDI flashed in the small Tablet on the wall. "Just head down to the main console in the main room in Engineering." Ben just nodded and headed there, walking past, Kenneth and Gabby working on their station. He makes it to the console and gets ship off his shoulder, to work out the power problem.

"Ship, go into the circuitry, see if you can find where this power imbalance is" Ship nodded and went into the circuitry. EDI went quiet, properly to not tell the joker. Ben snorted thinking Joker baby was being hurt.

3 hours later.

"Damn how long has Shepard taken on that mission?" Ben muttered to himself.

"Ship" Ben turned to Ship " coming out of the Normandy. "Found something boy?" Ship was rapidly nodding like they had some emergency. Ship looked like he wanted to drag Ben back to EDI.

"What…" Then Red lights appeared on the floor and alarms bleeding through the ship.

'EDI What's going on?"

EDI flashed in. "I have Detected a signal embedded in the static. We were transmitting our location, or more precisely the Normandy" Ben already clicks the pieces together.

"Fuck. EDI Get non-essential personnel down to the hanger bay" Ben turns to ship but EDI interrupts him before he can issue an order.

"It is too late, the collectors are boarding, Mr Moreau is heading down to your location to release me. Propulsion and defences are disabled; there is a virus in the ship database. we cannot leave. you need to fend off as many as you can, to allow Joker into Engineering and in the system."

"Well, why can't I do it? I am right here." Ben asks quickly, pointing to the console.

"Because you don't have the right access."

Ben cursed himself. Then he turns to Ship. "Stay here, and help Joker, save a few people while you are at it. Got it Ship."

"Ship, Ship" Ship nodded and somehow saluted. Ben then hit up his Omni-tool. "Crew of SR2. We need reinforcements. The Normandy is under attack. I repeated that she is under attack by collectors." Ben cut the emergency call and hit the Omnitrix.

"BuzzShock! Hahahah. This may Tickle EDI."

"Understood?" Then BuzzShock static his way into the ship wiring, which made EDI giggle. Ship then stood guard at the console centre, ready to blast a collector on its path, waiting for Joker.

Chapter Text

Heretic Station

A few hours earlier.

Legion, Prometheus, and Shepard were at a standstill. Legion has offered up a choice to rewrite the Geth or destroy them. This possible course of action was made when the squad had been fighting waves of Geth Trooper, Geth Prime, Geth Hunter, Geth Rocket Trooper. Wave after wave. Now all three are standing there. Conflicted on the choices.

"So even though they are rewriting. They still might side with the reapers?" Shepard asked with scrutiny.

"Acknowledgement. This choice will make the heretics decision harder. They are less susceptible to reaper influence. We anticipate an 80.5% change in the processors." Legion said. Explaining. Prometheus jumped in here.

"Shepard these Geth, were the ones that were with Saran correct?" Prometheus asked to which Shepard nodded. Prometheus turned to Legion. "You said you defer to Shepard's choice. Right? But is the right choice here?"

"You got one option which is Brainwashing and the other Death. Both options will result in consequences no matter how you deal with it. Prometheus turns back to Shepard. "Do what you think Best Shepard. This does not just affect the Geth but the Quarians too." Shepard nodded. Hand on his face.

He looked up. "Alright legion. Let go with….

Omega Afterlife: Present time

"Here." Garrus is sitting on a table in the dark corner of Afterlife. He shoved a data pad to his contact. Who is on the opposite side of the table "Make sure. It gets to the Turian councillor." He pressed making sure the contact does the job right.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. I do not know why you cannot have transferred it across yourself?" The Turian contact said.

"I am on a Cerberus ship, chances are. They magically cut the transfer and stop the other races getting their hands on this. Do you really want Cerberus ahead" Garrus explained. Annoyed that he had to explain that. He also agreed with Shepard about the Illusive man. The man in question went quiet and tried to steal Tennyson Aliens twice. Cerberus is up to something, and Garrus is going to make sure they do not get the upper hand.

The contact huffed "Fine." He opened his Omni-tool. Press a few buttons and slide his finger across. The contact eye widens. Garrus sees this.

"You peaked." Garrus quipped.

"No. it- The Turian councillor received it. The transfer is done." The contact started. His face was pale.

"But" Garrus pressed.

"The Turian councillor told me to tell you that the Alliance has… well, ordered a full investigation into commander John Shepard. Authorized by Major…" Garrus slammed his fist down on the table. His mandibles are going crazy in rage. He knows who sent that order out. "Dam her!" Garrus thought.

"I just go." The Turin contact quickly left. Garrus' anger boils up when he takes a swig some of the strong stuff. His omni-tool beep. Garrus looks to see a message from Ben. He lights up the Omni-tool and…

"Crew of SR2. We need reinforcements. The Normandy is under attack. I repeated that she is under attack by collectors!"

"Spirits!" Garrus stood up and ran out toward the Normandy SR2 Airlock.

Normandy SR2: crew Deck

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kelly Chambers screamed as a collector dragged her away into the elevator. Two other collectors are behind them with a Pod that has a human inside and a Pod just outside the elevator. Electrical currents pass through the walls as the three Collectors get zapped. The Collectors fired off beams of laser at the elevator walls to fight back but to no avail. Kelly was kicking and screaming where the one dragging her had to let go. She slapped a collector in the bug eye face. The Collector Grabbed Kelly by the neck and the… A small Battery creature can out of the walls and zapped the Collector holding Kelly in the back.

"Ha-ha. you three Collectors are in a world of Pain." The three Collectors fired back their laser only for their weapons to short circuit. Exploding in the buggy face. The battery creature flew next to Kelly.

"You okay Kelly? It's me Ben. Or BuzzShock when I am in this form." Kelly eyes widen and starts wailing through her eyes.

"Oh, Ben, it 's horrible. I thought…." Kelly sniffed. Rubbing her nose and collapsing.

BuzzShock had his hands up.

"Woah. Woah. It's fine. Look I need ..." He was cut short when a shout interrupted him.

"Come on Joker, I will protect you." A crew member named Hawthorne ran out of life support guns ablaze. He stopped short when he noticed Kelly on the floor with BuzzShock.

"Urm. What…"

"Hawthorne, slow down!" Joker exclaimed. "Like to remind you that I am brittle and not fit." Joker walks out of the Life support room and turns to look at the scene also.

"So…"

BuzzShock rolled his eyes. "Not the time. Hawthorne Take Kelly and hang on..." BuzzShock turned and went to open the pod in the elevator. He electrocuted it. Which causes the pod to fritz. Forcing the pod door to open. Inside was Mess Sergeant Gardner. BuzzShock opened the other one the same way. Inside was Jenny Goldstein. He was about to wake them up when gun fire rounds were heard. BuzzShock returns to see Hawthorne firing upon a Scion coming from the side corridor up where the mess hall is. With Kelly hiding behind him. BuzzShock charged in and sent out a static wave destroying the Scion.

He turned back to Hawthorne and Kelly there. He gave out orders. "I guess Joker went to the med lab then. Hehe-Hehe" Hawthorne nodded. "Good. Hawthorne Take Kelly, Goldstein, and Gardner who in the pod back to Lief support. EDI will lock you in till it is safe to come out. Won't you EDI Hehe?"

"I will. You have my word." EDI said over the Ship com. Hawthorne saluted which resulted in BuzzShock rolling his eyes. Hawthorne took Gardner out of his pod, carrying him on his back and took him. Kelly took the initiative and carried Goldstein back to life support. Where EDI locks the Door behind them. BuzzShock shot himself into the wall. Off to go fend off more Collectors that are attacking.

Omega Markets.

A firefight has erupted with Collectors v Shepard crew. In the Omega markets. Miranda and Garrus were taking charge and issuing out commands. While shooting at collector forces. Grunt and Jack are fighting waves of Husk charging at the group. Jack uses her shockwave to reduce them in numbers Zaeed, Tali and Samara taking point, firing shots, and biotics at collectors' soldiers. Thane was on high ground firing snipe shots protecting his squad from flanks. Kasumi was getting civilians out of the way; Luckily, Aria forces have helped by blocking people from watching the firefight. Mordin was attending to the wounded.

NormandySR2: Main Deck.

BuzzShock is flying through the ship. Halting any Collectors as Best he can. The ship was full of them and Scions. As well as the Praetorian that Tennyson fought on Horizon. They are these big creepy husks like wasps that are only made of barriers and armour. EDI called out to him flashing by his side.

"Joker is Neering the console in Engineering and Ship has fought off the attacking collectors heading his way." EDI explained.

"Okay, now the bad news?" BuzzShock asked. They always unwelcome news.

"Kenneth and Gabby ran towards Ship when they noticed him in Engineering. Only one of them made it." EDI said monotonically.

"Fuck. I am heading down there. Then no use waiting anymore." BuzzShock said. Mournful at the losses they took. BuzzShock burst into the Normandy wiring and headed down to Engineering.

NormandySR2: Engineering.

BuzzShock sees Joker already typing into the system. With Ship and Gabby by his side. BuzzShock appeared out of the console, surprising Joker and Gabby. Gabby tripped on the floor when BuzzShock surprised them. She was sniffling and crunching into ball formation. Ship was still monitoring the deck ahead of them in case collectors return. BuzzShock hits the Omnitrix and returns as Ben. Took out his proto tool and stood guard.

Ben asks Joker about the purge. Joker retorted "What about the crew?"

EDI flashed in. "Other than the ones in the life support area. They're gone." Gabby sniffed harder hearing that.

"Dammit," Joker exclaimed. He started pressing down buttons on the console. "Fine. Activating purge. Releasing locks Now… EDI sent a message to Shepard…" A blast wave was sent out through the ship.

"Tennyson!" Ben's omni-tool flashed and he answered. "Hawthorne here. What happened? We felt a blast wave in Life support."

Ben pinch his nose. He responded with "Collectors are gone. It's safe now…. Gabby is safe." Ben turns to see Joker leaving. EDI even asked him if he is all right.

"No, but thanks for asking…"

"What about Kenneth?" Hawthorne asked, interrupting Ben's thoughts. Ben never said a word because of what to say. It was pure silence… Finally he responded with. "Get someone to come down here in Engineering.… She needs support right now." The call suddenly dropped. Ben can tell they knew that the collectors took Kenneth.

Ben started walking out himself. Ship jumped on his shoulder. With him to the end. Ben looked back to see if Gabby was fine, but Kelly suddenly ran past them heading towards Gabby. Comforting her.

As Ben was walking to the elevator his Omni-tool flashed again. He answered. "Yes?"

"Ben. Garrus here, we got your Sos. We are heading back now. We had a run in with the Collectors. Stopping us and someone was jamming the transmission." Garrus explained over the coms.

"I see…..." Ben's monotone voice scared Garrus.

"How bad?" Garrus asked.

"92% of the crew were taken. Has the collector ship left?"

"Spirits…Yes, whatever you did scared them off back to the omega 4 relay. What was that anyway?" Garrus asked.

"You best come back and find out for yourself. I am going to check our supplies before we launch." Ben's voice was laced in sadness. They need to be prepared now more than ever. It is time to attack the collectors home world.

"Understood Garrus out." The call ended with Ben collapsing in the elevator. He pressed a button to go up.

A few moments later.

Normandy SR2: Conference room.

The rest of the crew return from the shore leave after dealing with the collector attack on Omega. All of them got to work to organise everything. Tali went straight to Engineering. Samara and Thane went to comfort the surviving crew members. Mordin is with them also to check up on any injuries. Since Dr Chalkwas was taken. Jack and Grunt are patrolling around the ship, making sure there are no stragglers. Kasumi and Zaeed were in the hangar bay waiting for Shepard to return from his mission.

"You released a Damm AI!" Miranda shouted at Joker and Ben as she walked in the conference room. Arms crossed giving a stern look at the two. Ship was on the table quietly listening.

Ben leaned on the wall "I mean Joker…"

"Save it Benjamin." Ben zip his mouth.

Garrus walks around pacing. "How did we not see this?" He said annoyed.

EDI flashed in. "Because the signal was hiding behind many malwares and Data spots. It was missed in the scrubbing process because the signature match that of the rest of the data." Mirand furrowed her brow.

"Look we…." Her omni-tool flashed open. Kasumi's face appeared on screen.

"Miranda, it's Kasumi. Shepard returns from the mission and he is heading your way. Jacob is also coming. We told them the water down version of what happened."

"Understood. You, Zaeed, legion, and Prometheus go help the others. We need to launch soon" Mirandas suggested. Kasumi nodded and ended the call.

"Well at least, we don't have to explain it twice." Joker quipped. Sitting on the table. Ben snorted. Garrus just shook his head.

Miranda frowned. "Now about EDI?"

Joker bristled and retorted angrily "Oh, save it would you. It was either that or my smack with my brittle bone leg against the collators." Ben snorted.

"That would have been funny to watch."

Joker snorted, calming down. "You want me to send you vids of my suffering."

"If you wouldn't mind." Ben quipped back.

"Fuck, you Tennyson."

"No thank you. I have standards." Garrus and Miranda watch as the play by play happens in front of their eyes.

Miranda gave a deadpanned look at the pair. "Seriously?" Ben just shrugged and Joker snickered. Then the conference room door burst open. Shepard and Jacob appeared in full gear. Shepard walked up.

"Joker. You good?" he asked, concerned etch onto his face.

"I'm good. Just…" Joker's face was contorted with sadness. Shepard just nodded.

"And EDI?" EDI flashed in front.

"I am a fine Commander. It is the crew that needs your worry." Shepard nodded and turned to Ben.

"How is the crew?" He asked Ben who now had a frown on his face. Ben got up from the wall and leaned into the table.

"Kelly and Hawthorne are fine. Goldstein, and Gardner are uncurious. Gabby… well she is not taking Kenneth getting captured well. Both were almost captured when they saw Ship. They ran towards him." Ben's thumb pointed to ship.

"Ship!" nodded confirming the events.

Ben continued. "A collector was closing on them and almost grabbed Gabby but..." No one needs that finishing.

Jacob had his arms crossed and asked. "Where are they?"

"Gabby is with Kelly down in Engineering. Hawthorne took Goldstein, and Gardner top med bay. Right now, Hawthorne is the only one available to help us on the launch." EDI explained. Jacob nodded.

Shepard put his hand on Joker's shoulder and turned to Miranda. "We do not have time to worry about EDI. We need everyone at their battle stations." He turned back to Joker. "Head back to the helm. Be ready." Joker nodded and got off the table. Saluted and limped off. Shepard turned to everyone else. "Everyone dismissed. I need to make some calls." Jacob saluted and left. Garrus nodded and followed. Ben picked up ship and left with Miranda by their side.

"EDI Patch me through, the illusive man."

"Right away." The table floated to the floor and holographic lights started to emerge. The illusive man appeared and is sitting on his round chair. Looking over a bright star.

The illusive man puffed out a smoke. He spoke up. "Shepard. I just heard about the attack. My condolences. I assume you are ranging for an attack against the collectors?"

Shepard arms crossed. "We are. I just wanted to inform you as a courtesy because after our attack on the Collectors. We are through."

"Oh," The illusive man had his eyebrow raised.

"I know about the bombs."

"A precautionary risk." The illusive man quickly explained too quickly for Shepard's taste. Shepard narrowed his eyes.

"Then what about Sanctuary." Shepard put out. That got a reaction: The illusive man's eyes widened.

"That was you!" The illusive man exclaimed angrily.

Shepard smirked "No… Ben." The illusive man gripped his cigarette.

"You are playing a dangerous game Shepard." The illusive man snarked out. Shepard shrugged. The illusive man is not to threaten him.

"Anyway. I should and you know save the galaxy. EDI..."

"You're a fool…." The illusive man started.

"Cut the call." Shepard finished

"Yes sir." The call was cut. Shepard then asked EDI to call Anderson. After a few moments Anderson appeared.

"Shepard. What happened?"

Shepard started explaining. "The IFF. Was transmitting from the Normandy location. The ship was attacked." Anderson grimaced. He can tell Shepard is going to retaliate now.

He crossed his arm. "I need to warn our techs about that." Shepard nodded.

"I can do you one better. EDI Transmit the data frequency of the IFF top Anderson on the Citadel." Shepard ordered. He also does not have to worry about Cerberus stopping this.

"Already Done. Shepard." Anderson raised an eyebrow at Shepard.

"AI?" He asked.

Shepard snorted. "Mums the word hey Anderson." Anderson snorted and he heard a beep from his computer. He checked it out.

"Alright I received it. Thanks, Shepard, and good luck."

"You're welcome, Anderson." The call ended. Shepard then turned to leave the conference room and towards the Galaxy map.

Anderson Office: Citadel.

"You did not tell him." Anderson turned to face Udina.

"He is fighting the collectors. He needs the focus. No more problems and she is turning into one big one." Anderson explained. Udina nodded, not disagreeing.

"I will inform the Turian Councillor about the recent news then." Udina said. He was walking away until Anderson tossed him a data pad.

"Here, he needs proof. It is a copy." Udina nodded and grabbed the pad and left. Anderson turned to his console. He clicked on some buttons...

"Dr T-Soni. We have a problem."

Normandy SR2: main deck.

Shepard was hovering over the galaxy map. His face contorted with determination. Gripping the hand railing on the side. He shouted out. "Joker, head to the Omega 4 Relay. No one attacks Normandy and gets away with it."

"Aye, Aye."

"Shepard." Shepard turns to see Miranda coming up behind him.

"Miranda?"

"EDI informed the crew of the launch. She reckons it will take a few hours before it happens." Miranda explained. Shepard nodded.

"Good. I take some rest. Inform me when it's time to jump." Shepard walked up to the elevator. Miranda nodded and grimaced.

"The illusive man contacted me." Miranda blurted out. Shepard stopped and turned to face her. '

"What did he want?" He asked. Through the tone Shepard already had an incline.

"He wanted to know how Ben found out about the sanctuary." Miranda explained her voice is Shakey.

"And?" Shepard pushed.

"I told him I know everything. Including my father. He cut the call then." Miranda's voice is laced with sadness and her face portrays a look of betrayal. Shepard comforts her.

"Go relax, Miranda. I think EDI will inform us when we are jumping to the collector's home world." Miranda nodded and let Shepard leave. Which he does so up to his quarters. Miranda waited for a bit for the Elevator to arrive back down. When she hears the Bing. She hopes in and heads down to the hangar bay.

Normandy SR2: Rustbucket shuttle.

The Rustbucket is now retro- fitted with a fresh look. The windows were replaced with harder material. It got the Kodiak thrusted where the wheels used to be. The door got another placed in front for makeshift airlock and Kenneith managed to add in a small mass effect core into the new systems before he was taken.

Ben and Ship are laying around now exhausted from the fighting. Ben's stomach grumbled so he got up from his bed and walked towards the kitchen. Making snacks. A knock was heard. He went to open it. He pressed a button which opened both doors of the new Rustbucket. Once the doors are wide open it reveals Miranda. Ben's shocked face was apparent because Miranda was looking at him with 'let me in or I kill you, face.'

"Urm… come in." Ben spoke up. Miranda shoved passed him sitting on the lounge chair. Ben sat the opposite.

"Your Okay…" She does not answer, just moves to sit next to him and moves her head on his shoulders.

"I just need someone I trust at the moment." Ben does not say anything. He can tell Miranda is broken. Whatever happened between now and that last meeting. It really shook her up. Ben already knows it has something to do with the illusive man, but he will not ask till she is ready. His eyes closed and the world went dark.

A few hours later and a loud pounding at the door woke Ben up. Ben sees Miranda no longer there. He gets up and also sees ship on the lounge counter. Ben walks around to the door and opens it up. He sees Thane in front,

"What up?"

"We are launching now. Miranda came to get me to inform you." Ben nodded rubbing his eyes. That makes sense to him.

"Alright, Me and ship will be ready." Thane nodded and left.

The Normandy SR2 Bridge/cockpit

The Normandy was slowly flying towards the Omega 4 relay. Joker was on the controls. With Shepard and Miranda behind him watching.

"Approaching Omega 4 relay. Everyone stand by." Joker was maintaining control of Normandy. Shepard nodded.

"Let's make it happen." He ordered.

"Commander." Jacob said over the com. "The Drive Core lights up like a Christmas tree!" He finished.

EDI Flashed in "Drive core electrical charge at critical levels."

"Rerouting!" Joker shouted.

The Normandy is charging in the Omega 4 relay and is building itself up to launch. Orange electric lights surge throughout the body of the Normandy and Slam. The Normandy is launched into the Galaxy central core. The collator home world.

EDI Chim over the coms "Brace for decelerating!"

The Normandy slammed into the Galaxy core.

The Normandy SR2 Bridge/cockpit & Galaxy core. Collector Homeworld.

"! Slam!" The Normandy Decelerated into the Galaxy core. Joker's eyes widened. Debris in front of the ship. Joker quickly manually used the controls.

"Ah Shit!" He maneuvered the Normandy upwards to avoid the Debris field that suddenly appeared in front of them. The Normandy flew straight up into a clear view of vision. Seeing an almost empty space wasteland.

Joker breathes a sigh of relief and rubs his forehead. "Too close." Shepard nodded and turned looking out of the bridge windows. Seeing the mass empty space of Debris. Joker was scanning the field.

"This must be the ship that tried to make it through the Omega 4 relay. Some look ancient." Shepard looked at these ships with sadness. EDI interrupts his thoughts.

"I have detected an energy signature near the edge of the accretion disk." A big hulking pillar strap with rocks and metal is near. Shepard nodded.

"Has to be the collector base. Take us in, nice and easy." The Normandy was slowly approaching the collector base. Two metallic orbs glow bright crimson red and launch themselves at the Normandy. EDI flashed red.

"Careful, Jeff. We have company." The metallic orbs started firing red lasers at the Normandy. Joker is trying to out fly them but is difficult due to the small speedy statue.

Joker bristled. "These guys are pissing me off." The Normandy fire of two burst shots destroyed two of the metallic drones. Joker manoeuvring allowed the ship to fly up and dodge more attacks. One managed to hit the hull of the ship.

Miranda commented. "At least the new armour plating holds. Remind me to send a thank you to Jacob." Shepard nodded back to her.

Joker was trying to steer behind the drones. He shouted "Come on Girl. Let's give it to them." He said to his ship. A drone fires a laser but misses another and hits the tail wing of the Normandy. It caused a shake with the Normandy. Tali shook in engineering, staring at the drive core vibrations. While Mordin was shaking in the lab look at the drive core.

Multiple lasers from those drones keep festering in Normandy. Jokers moved the Normandy into a full loop but that was not enough. Those drones kept chasing them. All of a sudden Ben's voice ranges through the coms.

"Joker, open the hangar bay door!" Ben shouted through the coms.

"What! Are you crazy?" Joker responded.

Normandy SR2 Hangar Bay.

"No more crazy than usual…trust me. Me and Ship got this." Ben said this as Both him and Ship ran across the Normandy Hangar Bay floor toward the large metallic door. There was silence on the other end till the doors opened wide and a blue mass effect shield erupted in its place.

"Thanks Joker." There was no response. Ben shook his head. He jumped out of the Normandy with a breathing mask on and slammed his watch. Ship transformed into his air assault vehicle.

"SKYCRAWLER! Rooarrrrrrrrrrr!" A giant scaly green dragon with wings and claws emerged from Ben's body.

The Normandy SR2 Bridge/cockpit & Galaxy core. Collector Homeworld.

"SKY CRAWLLER!" A giant green dragon emerged in view of Joker, Shepard, and Miranda. Joker's eyes are filled with mirth excitement.

"Holy shit. He a fucking dragon now!" Shepard smirked. Miranda rolled her eyes but had a glint of a smile forming.

Skycrawler growled. "Let go Ship."

"Ship!" Ship said in a deep voice. Both dipped 180 and attacked the drones. Skycrawler crawling a few in their one eye. Destroying them in the process. Ship fired a barrage of lasers and missiles at the rest. Bring down a hell Mary on those drones. More drones ignore the two and follow the Normandy.

Jokers noticed this and saw an opportunity in the debris field. "We are sitting ducks out here. I have to lose them in the debris field. Sky crawler and Ship nodded. They went back to fending off the remaining drones that are fighting the two.

The Normandy ran right into the debris field. The few remaining drones that followed tried to give chase. The debris is closing into creating a claustrophobic space for the Normandy,

"Our Kinetic Barriers are not designed to survive impact with that size Jeff." EDI said.

Joker smirked. "Well, it's a good thing we upgraded. We are going in." Joker charges forward driving the Normandy into the inner part of the debris field. A lot of the drones that follow either get hit by the debris or crash into it. The Normandy scrapped along a long metal strip.

Joker muttered. "Come on. Find some room."

"Kinetic Barriers are at 40%" Edi voiced over the com.

"Reroute non-critical power! This is going to hurt!" Joker shouted. Normandy was flying forward. Hitting debris on its wayward path. Joker then made the Normandy drop the ship downwards.

Normandy SR2 Engineering

Tali was working on the controls, preventing the drive core from going critical. She looked up to see the mass sphere was still stable thanks to the Cyclone technology she brought in.

The Normandy SR2 Bridge/cockpit & Galaxy core. Collector Homeworld.

Joker was hastily working on the ship's status. "Damage reported?" He asked EDI. Who responded with.

"Kinetic Barriers steady at 30% no significant damage." She explained.

Joker nodded. "Take the Helm, EDI. Keep it slow. See if we can avoid any more attention."

"Understood. Ship has informed me that all drones have been dealt with. Him and Skycrawler are on route. Past the debris field." EDI Mentioned. Shepard smiled at that and placed his hand on Joker's leather seat.

The Normandy flew past the debris field and at first sight they saw…

"They it is - the collector base." Joker flew onwards towards the base. A giant metallic and rock structure that resembles a hive or a satellite.

Shepard gave out a command. "See if you find a place to land without drawing attention." Joker got an alert on his systems.

"Too late. It looks like they are sending out an old friend to greet us." Joker commented. The collector ship was raised from the base. The same ship that attacked the SR1. The same ship that attacked the colonies. The same ship that attacked SR2. Charge at the Normandy.

The Enemy ship fires its piercing laser. The Normandy doges and a certain green dragon smashed into the side of the Collector ship. Forcing to move to one side. Hitting some of the debris and completely missing the Normandy.

Shepard smirked. "Nice timing Ben. Time to show them our new teeth. Fire the main gun." Joker slams his fist on a button. Two large rectangular tubes appear below the Normandy. Cylinders reach out and blue blinding lights fire straight at the Collector base. The laser was long and hard and managed to hit the Collector ship causing significant damage. Ship followed suit and fired a range of missiles at the damaged part of the enemy ship. This caused a crack into the ship's exterior.

Joker screamed for joy. "How do you like that, you sons of bitches!" Shepard smirked behind him.

He ordered "get in close and finish him off."

Joker nodded. "Everyone hold on - it's going to be a wild ride." The Normandy flew around another laser heading toward them. Doing a slight turn, Joker flew his ship towards the collector ship. Skycrawler and Ship appeared on either side of the Normandy flying beside it. Jokers slammed his fist on the precious button from before and shouted.

"Give'em Hell, girl." A blue slight stream down toward the collector ship hitting the target through the cracks.

"! Crackaboom!"

Destroying the front half of the ship once and for all. This caused a massive chain reaction where the rest of the ship was annihilated. Skycrawler's eyes widened when the energy around the ship started expelled from the Collector ship.

"Joker! Open hangar bay doors were coming back in! Ship on me!" Skycrawler shouted. Ship listened and came around to Skycrawler's side. The Normandy hangar bay doors open and Skycrawler slowly reverses in but…

"Watch out!" Miranda shouted but it was too late….

"! Crackaboom!"

Another explosion came from the collector ship releasing an energy wave that hit the Normandy. Skycrawler and Ship. Ship depowered from the hit and started falling. Skycrawler grabbed ship and flung himself inside the Normandy hangar. De-powering inside.

"Mass effect field generators are offline! EDI… EDI give me something!" Joker shouted out.

"Generators unresponsive. All hand brace for impact." EDI responded. Shepard and Miranda strapped themselves into seats. The Normandy was falling, crashing onto the Collector base external wall. Sparks flying everywhere.

"! Crash!" Some parts of the ship were burning from impact. Shepard got up from his seat and asked for a round check. He opened the Normandy coms.

"This is Shepard. Crew check. Who's up and walking?"

"This is Jack. I am good but fuck you joker." Joker smirked.

"Erh. Grunt here. No pebble crash landing can hurt me."

"Kasumi is alive and well. Also never doing that again"

"Samara is alive. She is keeping the unconscious survivors in med bay stable. With Hawthorne. To aid her. I am well Shepard." Thane voice carried through.

"Mordin here. in lad. I am secure."

"I'm good and the cain survived impact for the mission, Shepard." Jacob responded.

"Garrus here. Joker, how do you like those new guns built for this girl?"

"Love them, keep them calibrated." Joker retorted. You can hear Garrus chuckle on the over end of the call.

"This is legion. Tali Zora is keeping an eye on human female gabby."

"Zaeed bloody alive and kicking."

"Prometheus here. Managing and helping in Navigation." Shepard blinked. that right next to the galaxy map. He turns his face and sees Prometheus on the navigation console. Joker turns his head from his seat. He hummed.

"Now I know why, the mapping system was easy to read."

"This is Kelly. Tennyson took a hit. Ship as well. Requesting medical aid in hangar bay."

"Mordin here. I am on route."

"Acknowledge: I am also on route." Legion responded. Shepard turned to see Miranda gone to check herself. He turned back to the com.

"I, Joker and Miranda are well. Miranda is also on route to you Kelly. I want everyone in the conference. On the double."

Normandy Sr2 Hangar Bay.

Kelly kneeling was using as much of her medical knowledge to help an unconscious Ben. The elevator door opens revealing a Mordin and legion coming out. Mordin took charge instantly.

"Legion. Check on Ship. I managed young Ben here." Legion bobs his head and walks over to Ship. Mordin turned to Kelly. "Status?"

"Bump on the head and whatever that energy hits him. Made him and Ship go catatonic." Mordin nodded. Legion came back with a sleepy ship in hand.

"Ship. Function alive and well. Status: paralyzed from, energy wave." Legion explained. Kelly breathed a sigh of relief. The elevator opens again, and Miranda comes running out.

"How is he?" She asks worriedly.

Mordin grimaces and looks at Ben Omnitrix. An idea formed in his head. "We need to transform him. If my theory is correct. Just like ship he is paralyzed from the Energy wave that hit them both." Miranda nods and bends down.

"Allow me. I have seen how he does it." Everyone nods. Miranda hits a button and the turn dial lifts up. She turns the dial for a form that can help. Legion data mine of Ben forms was helping limit the search and Mordin knowledge on the power of Ben transformation helped find the closer to restore Ben.

"What about. Data?" Kelly asked. Miranda blinked and turned.

"Who?" She asked.

"Well, I remember him saying it after his call from Dr T-Soni. He said it is like Swampfire but instead of healing physical injuries it can heal mental capacities. Like a hivemind. I believe this falls under it." Kelly explained. Mordin nodded in conformation. Ship slowly bobs his head in agreement. Legion blink.

Miranda nodded and searched for Data under the watch registry. She found it and slammed the watch down on Ben's arm.

"DATA!" A giant Juggernaut Geth with White armour and green lines outlining his appearance. Parts of his body expose grey parts that have internal wiring on his back. His eyes glow green with his hourglass symbol on his shoulder pad.

"Computing… analysing… Status: Energy waves cause paralyzed effect on us!" Data explained. Legion tilted his eye light.

"Us?" Legion asked.

"Like your Geth has a connective connection to you Geth. I am the same as my other forms. I connect to them as you are connected to the Geth" Mordin's eyes glean. Miranda's head just shook. She was going to have words with him.

Data continued. "Disconnecting, De-transforming. Now!" A green flash appeared. Ben was back.

"Woah that was…." Miranda was hitting him in the arm.

"Ouch. Ouch. Why do you do that…" Miranda rolled her eyes. She had tears falling down her face.

"Come on, if you are good we need to go to the conference room." Miranda left with Mordin who was amused by the scene. Legion followed behind with ship in hand. Ben was baffled but shrugged and got in the elevator Kelly just silently got in the elevator. The door closes.

To be continued in Shepard retribution.

Chapter Text

Shepard pushed himself up from the crash. He turned to Jokers. His face mixed with worry and regret. "Joker, you, okay?" he asked.

"Urge … I think I broke my rib. All of them." Joker joked, holding his waist with his hand.

"Multiple core systems overloaded during the crash. Restoring operation will take time." EDI answered.

"We knew it was likely a one-way trip." Prometheus stated as he walked up from navigation next to Shepard.

"I do whatever it takes to stop the collectors, but I planned to live to talk about it." Shepard spoke in a controlled voice.

Joker turned his head with a raised eyebrow. "Well, I'm glad you're in charge … what next?"

Normandy SR2: Conference room.

The crew of the Normandy SR2 are gathered around the table. Miranda and Jacob were readying their weapons while conversing silently. Tali and Mordin are standing together, observing the Cerberus operatives. As Shepard entered, the crew turned to face him as he strode purposefully to the table's centre.

"This isn't how we planned this mission, but this is where we are at now." Shepard spoke, and everyone paid attention.

"We can't worry about whether the Normandy can take us home. We came to stop the collectors, and that is what we are going to do. That also means coming up with a plan to take down this station. EDI bring-ups are scams." EDI brings up a holographic map of the gigantic collector base.

"You should be able to overload their critical systems if you get to the main control centre here." EDI explained, pinpointing with a blue highlight.

Jacob huffed, lighting up his omni-tool. He showcased the centre part of the base. "That means going through the heart of the station. Right past this massive energy signature."

"That's the central chamber. If our crew or any of the colonists are still alive, the collectors are probably holding them." Shepard nodded and explained.

Jacob crossed his arms. "Looks like two main routes might be a good idea to split up to keep the collectors unbalanced, then regroup and regroup at centre processing."

Prometheus Hum. "Would advise against that. The collectors would block off both routes to stop that kind of attack. The only way past is for someone to open it from the other side." He spoke.

Shepard stroked his chin. "No way past that, Prometheus?"

"Yes. They have a ventilation that gets air out every few years to keep the station running. Someone could sneak past and open it from there."

Jacob smirked with a hunch. "Practically a suicide mission. I volunteered."

Tali giggled. "Jacob, I'm afraid you don't have the necessary skills to do faced her leader. Shepard, you need a person who can hack into the Collectors' systems. A technology specialist. Legion, Kasumi, or I would work.

"Alternatively, I could take care of it." Prometheus declared. Everyone is focused on him now. "As a collector, I know more about the system than most people." Some of the crew felt uneasy about that, but Shepard spoke up determinedly.

Shepard nodded. "He's right. While he does that, the rest of us split up into two teams and fight in each passage. That should draw the collectors' attention away from what he is doing."

Miranda nodded in agreement. "I lead the second fire team, Shepard. We'll meet you on the other side of those doors."

Ben snorted. "Sorry, Princess, but you need the crew's trust to lead. I can already tell Jack foaming at the mouth if you're in charge." Ben turns to Shepard. "You need either Garrus or Jacob to lead this one."

Miranda narrowed her eyes but conceded to Ben point when Shepard nodded. Shepard's head turns to Garrus.

"You're in charge of the second, Garrus."

Garrus nodded. "I get the team there, Shepard. You have my word."

Miranda nodded, crossing her arms. "Well, at least he knows what he is doing."

Shepard started pacing about, and determination filled his voice. "I don't know what we are going to find in there, but I won't lie to you. It won't be easy. We lost good people, and we may lose more." Ben and Ship bowed their heads in shame.

"We don't know how many the collectors have stolen -– thousands, hundreds of thousands. It is not important. What matters is this: not one more. That what we can do here today. It ends with us. They want to know what we made of. I say we show them, on are terms. Let's bring our people home! Legion, Zaeed with me. The rest follow Garrus."

The collector Base

Shepard jumps down from the Normandy airlock with Legion and Zaeed following behind. Shepard sees Garrus and the rest of the crew heading off. Prometheus going straight towards the ventilation.

As Shepard moves forward. A message came through on the coms.

"Prometheus here. I am in the vents. Pushing through." Shepard moving his hand to his ear.

"Team 2, you in position?"

"We are in position. We meet you on the overside of those doors." Garrus spoke confidently. Shepard nodded and pulled out his Avenger M-8 and lead forward.

The collector Base: with Garrus

Garrus turns to the shapeshifter. "Ben, ship."

"On it."

"Ship!"

Ben slammed down on his watch.

"EATLE!" A round beetle like biped with a metal jaw and green stomach. Ship slammed his liquid body into Miranda M-3 Predator. It now looks a green and black gun with attachments on.

Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Thank you ship." Kasumi pouted at the scene.

Garrus cocked his Vindicator. "Let move, Grunt and Samara take point." Both nodded in return. The collector doors open with a swarm of collectors on the other side.

"Open fire and Push!" Garrus shouted. The collectors swarm on Garrus team with heavy laser fire. Grunt charges in, taken a squad of collectors, while Samara reaves the Collectors in place, draining their power. Eatle snacks on metal walls, then green laser fires off at the tip of his horn.

Thane snipes from the back, covering everyone. Kasumi sabotage the enemy weapons, preventing the team from being pushed back. Miranda, with the now newly upgraded gun, blasts through the collectors. Mordin burns any flying collectors with Incinerate. Jacob followed closed up narrow encounters and stopping the collectors from flanking. Jack sent out shockwaves in the dead centre. Tali stays at the back, unleashing her drone.

Garrus fire round into husk and scion. He also sees his squad pushing. "Garrus here. Taking heavy fire, but we're moving." He said over the communication towards Shepard.

"Watch out! Reinforcements!" Tali shouted. Garrus quickly sees flying collectors and platforms full of scions heading the way. Eatle took a chance and fire beams of energy at them.

The collector base: with Shepard.

Shepard, Legion, and Zaeed were pushing forward. Shooting every collector that flies in. Legion covering the flank with his drone, and Zaeed monitoring the front using his inferno grenades. Shepard leading the charge, like the N7 always does, using his warp to bypass many Collector soldiers. As they walk towards an archway, their eyes linger towards the vent system in front of them. Prometheus appeared before them, walking through the pipeline.

"Ah, can one of you unlock the heat valve? I need it open in order to pass through. Its appearance is one of a green hexagon shape." Prometheus asked, and Shepard nodded, his eyes darted to Legion.

"Legion, unlock the valve."

"Affirmative."

Shepard turn back to Prometheus and asked. "How many more valves do we need to bypass for you to reach the other side?"

"There two on the other side in a tight, long walkway." A slight steam sound came out of the pipe, and Legion walked back to Shepard.

"Good, I am heading through the gate now, I meet you around the corner." Prometheus said as he went on ahead in the ventilation. Shepard and his squad following behind in the hive like walkway.

All three pushed as their eyes see a swarm of collectors ahead of them. Zaeed fired off some rounds with his Concussive Shot hitting a squad of Collectors. Using the M-96 Mattock as his main gun. Legion and his drone snipe off the heads of collectors with his Widow sniper rifle. Shepard used his sentinel armour as a shield to charge ahead to open the second valve for Prometheus.

As the valve opened, Zaeed shouted. "Above us! Goddamn Bugs!"

"Legion, cover the air, make sure those bugs don't land." Shepard responded as he and the other run forward.

"Affirmative Shepard commander!" Shepard managed to push to the third valve.

Garrus spoke over the coms. "Garus Here. We are making good progress. We meet you at the rendezvous."

The collector Base: with Garrus

"Ben, we need an opening! Provided it!" Garrus shouted. Ship in turret form was blasting a hive of the collectors.

Eatle smirked after firing a blast from his horn and shouted. "On it" He slammed the Omnitrix and change.

"Spitter!" Spitter looks like a ball wrapped in dry winkle skin. Spitter went to work, he jumped high, firing acid from his gummy mouth, spraying a bunch of collectors, green liquid. Leaving a path for Grunt to charge in and Krogan smash a bunch of the bugs.

Garrus grinned and shouted to the team. "Everyone charge!" Everyone did so quickly, charging up to meet up at the rendezvous point with Shepard and his squad. Squadron of platforms filled with scions flying across the, blasting at Garrus' group with shockwaves. Because of the Grunt krogan smash, the floor started collapsing on itself.

Everyone slowly stopped charged. Even the collectors were hesitating. Spitter being at the forefront could not do anything and fell through the collapse. Miranda and Kasumi try to reach to save him but was pulled back by the shoulders by Jack and Samara.

The collectors saw this opportunity to start in their heavy attack while the scions flanked the group. However, a green flash appears below.

"Gravattack!" and a flying miniature planet flew out towards the scions. Using his powers, he grabbed hold of the many platforms, shacking the Scion off and flung the platforms toward the collectors.

"Gravity powers," impressed Mordin. "Yes, very unique. I calculate that his abilities stem from the fact that he is a miniature planet statue with his own geotropism." He said this while incinerating some collectors.

"Ship!" eagerly nodded.

Thane nodded but hum out. "You can be impressed later. We need to move on." Garrus nodded in agreement and ordered a quick charge forward towards the doors. As the group reach the doors, Garris calls out to Shepard through the com link.

"We in position. Just waiting for the door to open."

The collector base: with Shepard.

Shepard slam his omni-tool into the valve controls. Letting Prometheus through.

"Just four more valves to go Shepard." Prometheus stated. Shepard nodded, moving forward along with Zaeed and Legion following behind.

They reach a huge open wide platform, filled with collectors and one possessed Collector. Zaeed tossed his inferno grenades scattering across the platforms. Burning a bunch of collectors. Harbinger slowly walked towards Shepard only for Legion to snipe it with his Widow. Shepard ran across to release another valve.

Prometheus shouted out. "I am moving forward!"

Shepard quickly turn to his team. "Come on!" and the team started running to the next valve.

"Good moving on to the next valve. Just Two more to go." Prometheus explained.

The groups started blasting a bunch of collectors as they get running to the next valve. They made it to the next room filled with more collectors.

"Push, we need to get those valves open. Zaeed charge on ahead and cover us by the doors. Legion with me!" Shepard ordered.

"Affirmative Shepard commander."

"God Dammit Shepard." Zaeed shouted as he started running to the doors while getting fire upon by the collectors. When he got into position, he started firing of shots to cover Shepard and legion. Shepard saw this and charge to the next valve release. Legion was running behind Shepard using his drone to cover Zaeed and his energy drain to immobilise some of the collectors. When Shepard hit the second to last valve, he started running to the last one which is on the other end by the doors. The collectors started to rapidly open fire to stop Shepard. Harbinger was walking faster to stop Shepard.

"One more Shepard." Prometheus shouted out. Shepard jump over some cover and ran as fast as he can. He manged to hit the valve.

He ordered. "Legion Door. Now!" Legion did so. So, with him, Zaeed and Shepard were in a firefight against collectors. Shepard started banging the door behind him.

The collector base: with Prometheus.

A door open, with Garrus and his crew coming in. Prometheus is at the controls trying to close the door now that Garrus crew is slowly coming in.

Garrus shouted. "Watch out seeker swarms!" Both Garrus, Grunt and Samara were covering the rest of the crew to get in, using they assault rifles. The kept fightback till Shepard voice came in the coms.

"We in position. We need this door open." Shepard ordered. Garrus nodded and pushed Prometheus to Shepard door.

"Go, we cover you." Garrus ordered.

Prometheus got to the control and work his magic but shouted. "The door been overridden. I need a few … I got it." The other set of doors open with Shepard, legion and Zaeed retreating into it.

Shepard shouted out, "Here they come." With Legion and Zaeed fighting alongside him. Garrus doors shut as Shepard said that and started to form a line with Shepard.

"Suppressive fire. do not let anyone through that door." Garrus ordered. Grunt, samara back him and Shepard up. Covering Prometheus who trying to shut the door.

Gravattack come up from behind. "Allow me." He hit his watch.

"Bloxx!"

Bloxx is a primary-coloured Lego Ape that can create constructs using Lego. He reach out his arms and created a barrier to protect Shepard and the gang from being hit on the other side of the doors. This allowed time for Prometheus to close the door. Crushing parts of Bloxxs arms but he regenerated them back.

"Thanks Prometheus." Shepard thanked.

"You're welcome, Shepard." Shepard then turn to Ben. "Lego?"

"Hey, don't knock if…." He was interrupted by Miranda soft voice.

"Shepard you need to see this…" Shepard turn to Miranda coming up next to her. The crew walked up behind seeing pods stacked next to each other.

Prometheus ran up to the pods and spoke up harshly but quickly. "We need to get the humans out of these pods. This is where they process the humans. It your missing colonist and crew!" Prometheus proceed to smack open one of the pods.

"You heard then man. Get to opening these pods. MOVE!" Shepard ordered. Everyone went to work. Bloxx change to Four arms to rip open these pods. While the rest work with Krogan strength, biotics and Tech. Shepard got to work with Dr Chalkwas pod.

"Dr Chalkwas your okay." Shepard asked kindly and softly.

Dr Chalkwas struggle to balance herself. She looked up. "Shepard you came for us."

Shepard smiled warmly "I never abandoned my crew, and no one gets left behind." He grab Dr Chalkwas and pulled her up. Another voice appears. It soft but faint.

"Ben?"

Four arms chuckled and picked her up. "Yeah, it me Lilith. Don't worry your safe… I could not save all the colonist though." He looked over at the process humans. Lilith is a Petit human female with light short brown hair.

She nodded. "The children?" she asked.

"They safe on the citadel. I protected them. Like you asked."

"Thank you." Her voice was soft but tired.

"Ship!" shouted.

Lilith giggled softly. "yes and thank you ship."

Kennith walked up behind Chalkwas and spoke up. "Thank goodness you came in time. A few more seconds and we be … well will be munch meat." Shepard nodded.

Dr Chalkwas shivered but carried on. "The colonists were… processed. Those swarms of little robots they—Melted Their bodies into grey liquid and pumped through these tubes.

"Prometheus why are they doing this? What do they want with are genetic material?" Shepard asked his bug companion. Some of the colonists that were saved shivered at Prometheus.

"Reapers!" Was all his answer."

"Great that not cryptic at all!" Jack murmured.

"Shepard, we still have a job to do. We have done well so far. Let hope we can finish it." Miranda stated. Shepard nodded and patch through to Joker.

"Joker, can you fix on are position."

"Roger that commander. All the tubes lead into the main control room right above you. The route is blocked by a security door, but there's another chamber that runs parallel to the one you're in."

EDI Chims in. "I cannot recommend that. Thermal emissions suggest the chamber is overrun by seek swarms. Mordin counter measures cannot protect you against so many at once."

Four arms smirked and crossed his arms. "I have a form that makes the seeker swarms won't be even to touch me in a mile radius."

Prometheus nodded. "And I be invisible to due to my genetic makeup. Me and Ben should be enough to pass through the seeker swarms and meet you on the other side. We open the security forms and meet you there."

Shepard nodded. "Then I lead the rest of us. we be the main diversion, Going through the main passageway."

Dr Chalkwas spoke groggily. "What about me and the rest of the crew Shepard. We in no shape to fight."

Lilith chimed in. "Us colonist are felling the same way."

"Commander!"

"Joker?" Shepard asked

"We have enough systems back online to do a pickup, but we need to land back from your position."

Four arms came forward, His four-arm crossed. "Ship can take them. He have enough space in the trunk."

"Ship, ship" Ship nodded in agreement.

Shepard also nodded in agreement, "Mordin go with them. They need medical as soon as they back on the Normandy." Ship Jump and change into his spaceship form.

Mordin open his omni-tool. "Joker, need location of landing zone. Will meet you there." He then proceed to board ship, with the rest of the crew following in tow, along with the surviving Colonists.

Shepard crossed arm. "We all got are assignment. Move out!" Four Arms slams his hand into the Omnitrix.

"HEATBLAST! Come on Prometheus!" Both of them walk towards the parallel route.

The collector base: with Ben/Heatblast.

Both Heatblast and Prometheus started to walk through the pathway. The seeker swarms did try to surround Heatblast but got burned to ash when they came into contact to Heatblast molten lava skin. The swarms ignore Prometheus completely.

The collectors fly in and fire at Heatblast and Prometheus. Heatblast runs forward, blasting heat at the enemy combatants. They bug winkle skin melt under the weight of Heatblast fiery atmosphere. Prometheus was firing energy blast at his ex-brethren.

"Be..n. Team #osti—n. we… w£$tin for y_o" Shepard tried to state for the radio com.

"It seems the swarms are interfering in radio contact". Prometheus claimed. Heatblast click his fire mouth.

"Dam, then there no need to waste time."

"Agreed."

Both increase they pace to reach the other side. Husk and Abomination appear from the ground. Scion coming out of the shady corners firing off their annoying shockwave. Though the abomination do tend to explode on impact when getting near Heatblast. Prometheus striked at the scions killing them through the collector beam laser. The husk just smack at Heatblast but melt when come into contact.

"Have you notice that Harbinger never appears when Shepard not here." Heatblast asked while blasting his way through a horde of husks. Melting them down to liquid.

"It because Shepard did something most reapers would calculate impossible. Destroying a reaper." Prometheus responded.

"So there scared of him?"

"More intrigued … Look the doorway leading to the security termial down there." Prometheus pointed to an open door. Heatblast nodded and lead the charge. As they run more Husk and Abomination appear from the ground below. Heatblast slowed to cover they rear. He pulled in his arms and released a bunch of moulting fire at every collector, Husk and Abomination in front of him. Heatblast slowly walk to the door where Prometheus shut it behind him.

"I repeat. Ben, do you copy?" Shepard called through the radio. Heatblast nodded to Prometheus.

"I got you shep. Where you at?"

"We at the door. We pinned down."

"Shit!" Heatblast swore. He and Prometheus started running to the other door.

"We are coming, Shep. Prometheus, get this door open. Shepard, prepare to duck, truck and roll." Prometheus worked on the controls as soon as he touch it. The doors open with Shepard, and the gang started to fall back through the now open door, firing back at the collectors. Heatblast breathed in, then breathed out a fiery breath from his nose, covering every collector that pushing forward, burning them.

"Closed the door!" Shepard shouted as he can see everyone is in. Prometheus did so.

Shepard com into his radio. "Joker, are you at the rendezvous point?"

"I'm here, commander. Chalkwas and the rest of the crew just arrived, as well as the surviving colonists."

"Mordin and Ship group just arrived, Shepard. No casualties." EDI added.

Miranda stepped up next to Shepard and was smiling as she heard that. She called out to EDI. "Excellent, now let make it count. EDI, what our next step?"

"They should be some nearby platforms that will take you to the main control console. From there, you can overload the system and destroy the base."

"Commander, you got a problem." Joker alerted. "Hostiles are massing outside. It won't be long until they bust through."

Shepard nodded and stepped up onto the platform. "A rearguard could defend this position and keep the collectors from overwhelming us."

Miranda nodded and spoke. "Pick a team to go with you, Shepard. Everyone else can bunker down and cover your back."

Shepard nodded and indicated for her and Thane to join him. Miranda nodded and jumped up.

"Ready, commander."

Thane followed suit, "Ready, Shepard."

"Anything you like to say, Commander, before we do this?" Miranda asked.

"Collectors, the reapers — they aren't a threat to us. They're a threat to everything – everyone. Those are the lives we're fighting for. That's the scale. It's been a long journey, and no one's coming out without scars, but it all comes down to this moment. We win or lose it all in the next few minutes make me proud make yourselves proud." Shepard's speech clearly boosted morale among the crew as they ready, they weapons and Ben triggered his Omnitrix.

Shepard's platform started lifting into the air, hovering to the last encounter, with Thane and Miranda by his side. The rest of the crew turn back to the doors, ready for the incoming assault from the collectors, husks, abominations, and scions.

A green light flashed.

"RATH!"

The collector base: with Shepard.

The platform rises forward towards other platforms. Miranda eyed the moving platform in front of her.

"Watch out, enemies ahead!" She shouted. Shepard notices a horde of collectors approaching them on different platforms flying towards them.

"Thane, time your shots. We won't be able to restock. Don't waste any Themo clips and aim for their heads." Shepard ordered.

"On it!" Thane pulled out his M-97 Viper and fired of shots towards the collectors' skulls.

"Miranda warp them. Conserve ammo. I throw them. For some reason, they don't fly when they fall off the edge." Shepard ordered out.

"Got it, commander." She fired off some warps at the approaching collectors. Shepard throw at one collector, who ducked behind cover. Shepard went to flank it with his Carnifex, shooting at the sides, killing the collector.

"More incoming." Thane shouted. Shepard eyes darted to see indeed more collectors were coming.

"Same as before. Let's do this quickly." Shepard ordered.

"I will direct this personally!" a collector started glowing yellow. Cracks form around its body. Harbinger appeared. Miranda fired up a slam on a collector and thane, biotic throw another off the edge. Shepard fired a warp off at Harbinger, lowing it amour, while Miranda let off some rounds into Harbinger. Harbinger return fire with an energy drain, Shepard dodged it. Thane used his biotic pull to stagger Harbinger, with Shepard hitting Harbinger with an overload, killing him.

As soon as Harbinger was defeated another platform emerged, with Abominations and two scions appearing. Shepard did not have the time, so he distracted the Abominations to follow him and lead them to scions. Shepard ordered Miranda to warp the Abominations. She did, which cause an explosion, making the scion collapse. Shepard ducked down onto the floor, feeling the weight of the explosion on his shields.

Thane ran up to Shepard. "That was reckless, Shepard." He helps the commander up from the floor. Shepard turn to see a green console on the platform that was holding the scions.

"Alright, let's go! This platform should lead us to the main central core" Both Miranda and Thane nodded and follow Shepard onto the platform. Shepard clicked on the console, and the platform started floating forward.

"This is it. All tubes lead to this spot. EDI, what can you tell us? What are they doing?"

EDI's voice carried through the coms. "The tubes are feeding into some kind of superstructure it is emitting both organic and non-organic energy signatures. Given these readings, it must be massive … Shepard, if my calculations are correct, a superstructure … is a Reaper."

"Not just any reaper…" Shepard started as all three looked what in front of them as the platform they connected to a station. "A human reaper!"

A huge construct appeared before the crew. It has a massive metallic human skeleton that is being holed up by wires and tubes. Those tubes are filled to the max with humanoid liquid.

"Precisely … It appears the collectors process tens of thousands of humans, significantly more will be required to complete the reaper. I theories that the reapers are basing this on you, Shepard."

Shepard growled. "Good thing I can packing heat. EDI, how do we take it out?"

"The large tubes injecting the fluid are a weak structural length, destroying them should cause the supports to collapse and the reaper to fall." EDI explained. The tubes that were open, now close shut.

"Shepard, we got company." Thane called out. So, they did more Collectors appeared in front of them as a new platform arises in front of them.

"EDI, we get back to you in a minute. We ned to take of some old friends." The collectors came flying towards Shepard, Thane and Miranda. Shepard used his warp to neutralize one. Miranda slam another of the edge and Thane used a biotic throw at one of the collectors to the edge of the platform, to then proceed to shoot the collector in the head. Shepard quickly check if the team was clear before hearing A noise rumbles and Shepard turn to see the tubes open up. He turn to Thane.

"Thane, shoot the two tubes on the right, I got the left." Thane nodded and snipe of the tubes breaking the container. Shepard did the same with his pistol. The giant human Reaper collapse from the tubes destruction and falls into the collector ship abyss.

Miranda opens up her radio. "This is Miranda, Ground team what your status?"

The collector base: with Garrus.

"RATH! GOING TO DESTORY YOU, COLLECTOR SCUM." Rath was running across the battler to smash and bash the collectors. Garrus was holding the line with Jacob. Jack was sending out shockwaves, with Samara backing her up with Biotic support. Grunt was following Rath along like a lost puppy, smashing any collectors.

Zaeed and Kasumi were covering the door, shooting any collector that comes near. Legion snipes any that flanks the crew with his drone and widow. Tali sent out her drone for Air support. Prometheus also provides air support with his collector drone laser.

Garrus snipers a headshot at a collector, when Miranda Voice echoes through the radio.

"This is Miranda, Ground team what your status?"

"Garrus here. We are holding but they keep coming, we need a way out soon." Garrus had to duck when a energy beam hist his cover. Garrus turn to Rath.

"Ben, Destroy the pillars block. We nee to slow them down." Garrus ordered.

"RATH, WE DO IT BECAUSE HE WANTS TO, NOT BECAUSE YOU ORDERED. PUNY GRUNT COVER ME."

"I want to fight you," Grunt excitably shouts as he shotgun into a collector face, Rath hits the Omnitrix.

"Ball Weavil!" Ball Weavil is a tiny four-legged beatle bug that cover in yellow skin. He spat out some goop and started rolling around on top of it. The more hi rolled the more the goop got bigger. In became huge by the time it reach the pillar. Ball Weavil jump from the goop letting it roll into the pillar and landed on Tali.

"Boom!" The goop exploded.

Ball Weavil looked to Tali. "Mind hitting the Omnitrix?" He asked in his small squeaky voice. Tali was amused and did so.

"Jury Rig! FIX, Fix… FIX…!" Jury rig was a small gremlin-like creature, that wearing a straight jacket and a helmet. Tali was shell shocked. Jury Rig seemed to be collecting the collector's energy weapons. Garrus who watched from afar was mortified. Then he heard Shepard's voice.

"This is Shepard. Head to the Normandy Garrus. Joker – Prep Engines. I am going to overload this place and blow it sky high."

"Roger, that commander." Joker accepted.

Garrus smirked and turned to Ben.

"Ben, get us a way out!"

Jury rigg smirked back and picked up the energy weapons that he collected. They now form a Hover craft of sorts with a turret mounted on the back. "Oh, I got us a way out.

FIX, FIX."

The collector base: with Shepard.

Shepard turn to see Miranda on coms. After of a few minutes for checking if the place is clear, he went for his radio. "This is Shepard. Head to the Normandy Garrus. Joker – Prep Engines. I am going to overload this place and blow it sky high."

"Roger, that commander." Joker accepted.

Shepard was pulling out the controls from the floor to set up the overload. That when Joker voice return.

"Urm, commander? I got an incoming signal from the illusive man. EDI patching it through." Miranda open up her Omni-tool to highlight the Illusive man appearance.

"Shepard you did the Impossible." the Illusive man praised.

"Not yet, I still need t blow this place. The horror of this place." Shepard responded.

"Shepard, I'm looking at the schematics EDI forward to me. A timed radiation pulse would kill the remaining collectors but leave the machinery and technology. This is our chance Shepard they were building a reaper that knowledge that framework … it could save us." the Illusive man argued.

Shepard did a slight turn of his head. "A few hours ago, you were having ago at me for allowing Ben to snoop into your files. You also were trying to blow me up and my crew up along with some loose ends. Now you want to use the technology that liquefied people. Turning them into mush" Shepard said this as he eyed Miranda. the Illusive man notice the shift in Miranda face.

"Don't be short-sighted our best chance, don't be short-sighted our best chance." the Illusive man argued back calmly. Though the frustration is showing in his facial features.

"I don't deny that personally, but the problem lies in the Reaper technology. They can indoctrinate, corrupted. Using this technology seems like a betrayal at it core." Thane counted.

"if we ignore this opportunity that would be a betrayal, they were working directly with the collectors who knows what information is buried there. this base is a gift we can't just destroy it." Illusive man counted back at the Drell.

"No matter what kind of technology we find … it not worth it." Shepard softly argued,

"Shepard you died fighting for what you believed, I brought you back so you could keep fighting. Some would say what we did to you is going too far but look what you've accomplished. I didn't discard you because I knew your value don't be so quick to discard this facility think of the potential." the Illusive man argued desperately.

Shepard was still at the controls and shook his head. He turn face to the Illusive man. Eyed the man. "I Win without it i won't let fear compromise who i am."

The Illusive man turned to face Miranda. "Miranda - stop Shepard …."

"Like how you stop niket in kidnapping my sister or funding my father's sanctuary," Miranda growled out sarcastically. Illusive man was stunned, jaw dropped.

"How did you know…." Miranda did not care to answer and cut the call. She handed Shepard and overload disk. While he was wiring up the controls on a set timer.

Shepard finished with the console and got up. He ordered both Thane and Miranda. "Let's move. we've got 10 minutes before the reactor overloads and blows this whole station apart"

A shake on the platform suddenly got the crew attention. The human reaper larva emerge from the depths.

"Shepard!" Miranda shouted as she and Thane jumped out of the way.

"Yeah. I see." Shepard pulled out a massive Yellow heavy gun. With a warning label on it.

"I aim for the eye see if that make it blind! This Cain Better be worth it Jacob" Shepard shouted. The human reaper was slamming his metallic arm down on the platforms, destroying one in an instant. Shepard was holding down the Heavy gun while aiming on its eye. Miranda and Thane were covering him, shooting the Human reaper chest core. Shepard release the trigger firing of a bright light, blast at the human reaper right eye. Exploding it.

"Boom!"

"Shepard." Thane Shouted on his left as he sees him being tossed back from the explosion as the cain in his hands slipped. The human reaper ducked under the Platforms. Miranda came running towards Shepard with Thane.

The human Reaper emerged from the depth and open it mouth. A blue light flashed attacking all three Normandy crew members. All three retaliated by opening fire on it left eye damaging it but not enough as the human reaper smashed another platform. Leaving Shepard, Miranda and thane only two platforms left. Shepard looked around to see the cain, only to find on the edge of the platform on the far end of him. He ran towards until the human reaper open it mouth to fire again. Miranda and thane were covering him damaging the left eye but was not working.

Shepard grabbed the Cain and press the trigger letting it load up. The reaper fire from its mouth, pushing Shepard back, but he held firm and kept a hold on to the trigger, though his shields were depleted, and the human reaper left under the cover of the collector base depths. Miranda and Thane were behind cover trying to recoup the damaged done to them. Shepard was sweating because when the cain runs out of charge they done for.

"Crack!" The second platform collapses, leaving the gang with only one, and the Human Reaper returns, but Shepard smirks.

"Eat this, you son of a bitch." He released the trigger and the cain released another blast, hitting the left eye of the human reaper larva. The said reaper collapses but not before taking out the last platform with it, making Miranda slide down toward the edge. Thane kept himself steady on the platform as it collided with other falling platforms. Shepard leapt forward, sliding down to catch Miranda. He grabs hold of her arm before pulling her up. Then the platform tips to the other side making her and Shepard roll down to where Thane is. As the group falls, Shepard looks up to see another platform smash into them. His eye turn to black.

Shepard's eye suddenly awoke, getting up from the crash, pushing the metal bar of him. He goes to check on Thane, who is alive and well. Shepard breathed a sigh of relief. His ace turn to see Miranda under the weight of a metal column. He goes to check on her, when he hears she is breathing, he helps her up, releasing her from the metal column.

Static over the radio is heard, and Shepard goes to check. "Do you copy… Commander? … Come on Shepard, don't leave me hanging here?"

"I'm here, Joker. Did the ground team make it?" Shepard asked.

"All survivors on board. We are just waiting on you." Shepard nodded but ordered Miranda and Thane to run as seeker swarm charge at the three. He pulls out his pistol and fires three shots then runs after his crew.

"Human, you change nothing. Your species has the attention of those infinitely or greater. That which you know as reapers are your salvation to … destruction." Harbinger called out, as the three crew members of the Normandy ran to said spaceship. The collectors come running after fire every shot.

Shepard, Miranda and Thane reach an edge when Normandy appears in front of them. The airlock door opens with Joker, Ship (as a turret) and Ben as 10/10 covering fire for the three. Miranda and Thane jump and make it to the Normandy. Shepard had to make a running jump since the floor started to collapse on him. He ran and jumped only able to grab hold of the edge of the airlock. Joker crouches down to pull Shepard up. The airlock door closed and everyone went inside.

EDI Voice carried through the Ship. "Detonation in 10, 9, 8, 7…..."

Joker interrupted her as he went to sit on the pilot seat. "Yeah, yeah EDI. We get the idea. Everyone, hold on."

The Normandy flew as fast as it could out of the blast radius, heading towards the edge of the system to escape. The collector base went "Claboom!"

The collector base?

A lone Collector with glowing yellow eyes was at a control console, working on the console, trying to save his Base. A holographic reaper appeared in front of him.

"You have failed. We will find another way. Releasing control" The yellow eyes dim and the sole collector turns, seeing a blast of inferno heading to its direction.

Normandy SR2: conference room.

Shepard walked in the room with his head held high. Walking past the debris from the space battle. The table lowered, with the illusive man appearing before him.

"Shepard, you're making a habit of costing me more than time and money." The illusive man started the conversation.

"Too many lives were lost at that base I'm not sorry it's gone." Shepard retorted with a harsh undertone.

"The first of many lives. The technology from that base could have secured human dominance in the galaxy." The illusive man argues.

"Human strength or Cerberus strength?" Shepard questions back.

"Strength for Cerberus is strength for all humans. Cerberus is humanity. I should have known you'd choke on the hard decisions too idealistically from the start." The illusive man angrily points out.

"Me, Hard choices. Please let us go back to Virmire or the Citadel. I made tough calls when needed, and I'm not certainly looking for your approval. Harbinger is coming and he won't be alone. Humanity needs a leader who's looking out for them. From now on I'm doing things my way whether you agree or not" Shepard Angrily bits back.

The illusive man snorted. "I guess she was right about you then. You were never one to stay loyal. Especially family. I made you Shepard so don't turn your back on me." Shepard narrowed his eyes at the Illusive Man.

"My sister was never one to be a good judge of character. Jokers lose this channel." Shepard ordered.

"Aye, Aye." The call was cut with a now agitated Shepard. He gripped his fist and walks out.

Normandy SR2: Hangar Bay

Shepard walked out of the elevator in his worker clothes toward the hangar doors. He sees several of his crew helping on repairs. Ben in particular is seeing with Kenneth and Gabby, working on the air conduits. Joker walks up to Shepard, handing him a data pad.

Information from the Collector base: REAPERS!

Shepard looks up.

?

Silhouettes appear in the dark, flying toward the galaxy.