《Time Effect ( A Mass Effect Fanfiction)》


 PROLOGUE – First Cycle

    ''''


    What''s going on...?''''


    That was the first thought that came into my head as soon as I ''woke up''. I tried to open my eyes just then, but something made it impossible to open it.


    I tried a few more times, then gave up, and focused on trying to move my limbs, to no avail.


    Confused, I tried to remember what had happened before I went to ''sleep'' and it hit me like a truck,


    '' I had died.''


    I remember the scene very well, but I don''t delve into it because it already happened and the result was my death.


    ''Ah... so this is heaven, hell, or limbo, huh.''


    Unable to change my situation, since I knew I was dead, it didn''t take me long to accept what was happening to me. But... I was unsure what was happening to me, if that makes sense ''Let''s see if I can somehow recognize where I am... as long as it''s not hell, that''s good enough.''


    I once more forced my eyes open and this time I managed to open them. But what I saw in front of me scared me a little. It was a giant and she was holding me in her hands.


    '' No, wait... I''m the one who''s too small!''


    I then finally realized what was happening. Of course, it was absurd to think about it, as it only ever happened in movies, games, and such, but the reality that appeared to me in front of me was exactly like what transpired on those media.


    ''I was born again as a baby... now I just have to find out where, when. Of course, the why doesn''t matter.''


    With the goal formed, to just find out where I was, I mentally prepared myself for everything except the supernatural sleep that came over me and I quickly fell asleep.


    YEARS LATER


    Well, I quickly discovered which universe I was born in. In my old life, I read and played a lot of stuff, so I basically knew what to ''do'' in situations like this, but I wasn''t exactly prepared for what I discovered.


    I discovered that I was in the Mass Effect universe. Of course, having played a lot in my old life, I discovered this information with ease.


    However, instead of being excited by the prospect of living in a futuristic world, I can only remember the worst parts of this new world. One of them is Cerberus, an organization formed by humans who couldn''t be more inhuman and who wanted to take humans over the galaxy at any cost. Then there were wars of huge magnitudes, that threatened the entire galaxy.


    There are lots of other things too, but the worst was the Reapers.


    If you''ve played Mass Effect or read anything related to it, you''ll already know what the Repaers are, and I did too, but living in the same universe as them was frightening. They were, essentially, a race of highly intelligent and deadly machines that periodically extinguished life in the galaxy for unexplained reasons.


    They were basically unbeatable, and the only reason we could beat them in the games was because it was a game. But now, I was here, inside this universe, and not playing. So my chances of actually winning were slim to none.


    Yeah, that was the world where I was reborn.


    Sure, it was bad, but I didn''t lose hope, all because of a few people. Shepard, Tali, Liara, Wrex, Garus, and a few select others, were characters from the games. There, they beat the Reapers, at great cost, but they won.


    Which meant that I had a chance of living if I snuck close to them.


    However, the problem was that as well as being born in this fucked-up universe, I was poor. And since I don''t have much knowledge of the universe outside the timeline of games and books, I had no choice but to survive by any means necessary and try to survive long enough to meet the crew.


    It wasn''t so bad, but it was better to have money than not.


    Besides, I still had to find a way to get close to Shepard, but I didn''t have many options. So, after several years of training my body and as soon as I got enough money, I decided to become a mercenary.


    I knew when the Reapers would arrive and I still had a few years to go, so I decided to go down the route of showing my services and maybe being called up to Shepard''s crew, and in the meantime, putting together my own group. It wasn''t easy, but I had a good team, made up entirely of mercenaries.


    I wasn''t an expert or anything, but I was good enough not to die on the missions that were passed on to my group. And, after a few years as a mercenary, and with very little time left before the plot began, I managed to get close to Shepard... Jane Shepard.


    She was better than I had imagined, in terms of appearance and personality, which was a mixture of paragon and renegade, or good and bad.


    I quickly, already knowing the future of the missions, managed to get close to her, and helped her avoid making rash decisions, like killing Wrex. Of course, I had to improvise a few things along the way, but in general, everything followed the plot of the games.


    I''ll admit that in the middle of it all, I kind of lost my cool a bit, being close to those characters that I was a fan of in my old life and asked everyone on board the Normandy, Shepard''s ship, to teach me a few things related to their area.


    Besides doing all that to get close to them, and as I said before, I was only a good soldier, but nothing more. No biotics, no technology ahead of my time, nothing, so their expertise could also help me a lot in life if I somehow learned from them.


    And lucky for me, the crew helped. So I learned a few things from everyone. Wrex briefly taught me how to torture and fight like a Krogan, it was difficult but it helped a lot.


    Garrus taught me how to handle weapons and improve them. Tali helped me with technology and how to improve other things. Mordin helped me with anatomy and doctor stuff. Liara taught me how to look for archaeological things, among other things. And so on.


    I didn''t have much time to learn everything from them, but at least I knew the basics.


    In the middle of training, I became even more close to Shepard. As I knew her personality beforehand, and from what I saw, she had the background Earthborn and Solo survivor, which meant that she was born on Earth, was an orphan, and joined the military as soon as she could, to escape crime.


    Solo survivor means that on one of her missions as a member of the military, her group was attacked by a Thresher Maw, which was a giant worm that spewed acid out of its mouth, leaving only her as a survivor.


    So I used my knowledge to get close to her and after a few months, I got into a relationship with her. I never thought I''d manage it, but it happened.


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    But the most surprising thing happened later.


    At this point in my story, we were approaching the end. As I saved Shepard from a Collector attack, a lot and very little changed. The most significant was that Liara didn''t go off into the galaxy and stayed with Shepard and me.


    And, well, it happened. I won''t say I didn''t want to, but ... Liara simply admitted one day that she liked Shepard and me. I was surprised and so was Shepard.


    After much deliberation, we decided to accept Liara, and the rest is history. I thought that was the end of it, but...


    "Are you saying you like me?'''' I was genuinely surprised by Tali''s confession, but I admit I was flattered, since in my playthroughs, she was my favorite romance partner.


    However, I was already totally focused on Shepard and Liara and admittedly didn''t notice Tali in a romantic sense.


    Tali nodded in a shy way, if that was possible, '''' Yes... I now regret saying it out loud.''''


    ''''Don''t... just give me some time to sort out my feelings. This is not a no, by the way.''''


    I was a little taken aback too, because in this universe, I thought harems weren''t things, but it seemed I was wrong, seeing as that was what happening to me. I admit I never researched about this topic, something I now regret a little.


    Well, a conversation with Liara and Shepard later, and Tali joined us. The rest is history.


    Finally, after a lot of sweat and preparation on our part, the Reapers finally attacked.


    I won''t lie, it was ugly, uglier than I imagined. However, we won the war using the Red Ending, which destroyed every kind of sentient machine in the universe, even our allies. A high price to pay, but we didn''t have many options.


    What came next was the reconstruction of the galaxy, which even though we have won, had many problems. Shepard used her status as the savior of the galaxy to get things back on track.


    And in the middle of it all, there was me, Tali, and Liara. I was writing in my book/diary, which I had put in a place where no one could see it, about everything that had happened to me.


    '' And today is the last time I''ll write here. After that, I''ll probably destroy this book or something. It''s all over and now I''m going to live my life in peace, with my wives.''


    I smiled as I wrote and read the last part.


    Putting the book in a safe place, I turned and looked outside the window ''So much has changed from the games...''


    Liara didn''t become Shadow Broker, who was the biggest spy boss in the galaxy, because I intervened. She was now more focused on being the best archaeologist in the galaxy and I helped her wherever I could.


    Tali, after the war, decided to focus on helping her people. And I did too. Together with Mordin Solus, we developed a type of serum that helped her race to walk around normally out of their suits for a limited period of time, withouth any side effects.


    I''m not going to lie, it took a lot of time, as we began this research even before the war, but it paid off, as we literally helped an entire species live better. Mordin even said there was room for improvement, making the effect of the serum permanet, if we focused more on the research.


    We decide to rest a bit before going that path.


    And Shepard, as always, was in a meeting to solve the galaxy''s problems. The war against the Reapers had been ugly, and now the reconstruction was somehow even more taxing than the war.


    The main problems were the Krogans, who were now going to multiply rapidly, and the Rachni, who had to be kept in check as well. All that and stay alert to other unknown threats.


    I helped where I could, but there was not much I could do, even if I wanted.


    I was doing a lot of small things for my wifes, and in the middle of it, I used my free time to train with Wrex, who at this point was the leader of the Krogan Race.


    We trained so much that he said I was basically a Krogan in the way I fight and the way I know how to torture.


    I focused on fighting because I knew things would not be so peaceful after the Reapers, and now, while I can''t be considered a master, I was confident in facing almost everyone in a one-on-one fight, but that might be arrogance.


    I was fighting Wrex to a draw most of the time, and there are very few people in the galaxy who could do that, so yeah, I could be a little arrogant.


    Well, today was my birthday, my 28th, to be exact. So, I knew when they ended the things they were doing, I would be showered with affection.


    ''I can''t wait.'' I looked at the time, and it was just past seven at night.


    Just then, Tali finished what she was doing and approached me. Of course, as we made the serum to help the Quarians get out of their suit, Tali was almost nude, as she said she felt suffocated in that suit her whole life.


    While I was thinking about and admiring her body for the 100,000th time, Tali approached me and tapped my head. ''''Are you there?''''


    I smiled seeing that. '''' Of course. Did you finish what you were doing?''''


    Tali nodded, then stretched her arms. I was already accustomed to that gesture, so I hugged her with all my heart. She clearly enjoyed that.


    We continued hugging for some time, until she let me go. She looked around, "Are those two still occupied?"


    I nodded. '''' You know the drill, both are very busy. Shepard even more so.''''


    '''' Yeah, yeah. Being the savior of the galaxy, don''t let you have time for yourself.'''' Tali was mad on Shepard''s behalf, as she knew how much time she spent on those useless meetings.


    Useless in the meaning that nothing changed even though there are a lot of those meetings every day.


    I was mad too, because the time we spent together had decreased significantly since the end of the war, but I endured, as I knew it was only temporary. '''' When this is over, let''s go on a vacation.''''


    Tali turned her head to me in a flash, her eyes twinkling.'''' Can I choose the location?''''


    '''' Sure.''''


    '''' How about me?'''' Just then, Liara appeared in front of us, asking about her input,'''' Can I choose a location too?''''


    '''' Of course! I don''t know if I told you guys, but we are on vacation forever after this war. Being on the crew of the savior of the galaxy has its perks.''''


    Yes, the family of four was rich, more than people could think, thanks to their contribution to the war. While less than a year passed since the war ended and things were still going back to normal, this was set in stone almost from the beginning.


    '''' Good! I found this place that might have traces of an older civilization, from a cycle way even older than the Protheans! Isn''t that amazing?'''' Liara was always an archeologist, and now that there wasn''t a big threat around, she could do what she wanted with no worries.


    '''' Yes. We can visit that too.''''


    '''' What about me?'''' Just then, Shepard finished her reunion and sat on the sofa near everyone, saying, '''' I need a break since 11 months ago.''''


    '''' You can also choose a location.'''' I was amazed and lucky to have all three of them by my side.


    While they started a conversation about where they wanted to go, I started to worry about our lifespan, ''Now that the war is over and we are the most powerful crew in the galaxy, things should be peaceful for a while, or so I think.''


    Being the most influential person might not be good, as there would be a lot of people trying to use us for their benefit, and I don''t like that one bit. I bet the girl also didn''t like that.


    '' Maybe we should just retire to a distant planet or something... Anyway, about the lifespan, maybe I can talk with Mordin about this and see if he can think about anything related to this.''


    While it was a far-fetched idea, it could work, as the man literally managed to fundamentally make an entire race infertile. Giving me a few extra years might not be difficult.


    '' The problem is, I don''t know how much time he was left...'' Mordin was a Salarian, a species that was known to have a short lifespan. He was nearing his end.'' Maybe I should let him rest in his last years?''


    While I was thinking about that, it seems the trio arrived at a conclusion and brought me back to my thought, '''' We decided where we wanted to go.''''


    '''' Oh? Tell me.''''


    '''' First....''''


    After we made plans to visit a few planets, I went to take a shower. It was 23:55 by the time I got out. I knew they must have had a surprise for me right outside the bathroom.


    I stood in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection. I wasn''t saying I was handsome or anything like that, but God did make me good enough. In some parts, he was very generous too.


    As I looked at myself, I could not help but think about my life to this point.


    '' Reincarnating  in the Mass Effect universe as a baby, growing up poor but with a loving mom, going out to the galaxy as soon as I could, training hard until I fainted, entering a mercenary group, making my way up to the Shepard crew, then getting all the girls... I give my life a pass.''


    Of course, it wasn''t all sunshine. As I mentioned before, we won the war, but we lost a few allies, ''Garrus, EDI, Ashley, Samara... I could not save them.''


    Even with all my knowledge, I''m not omnipresent. I wasn''t present for a few of their deaths, but the majority happened at the end of the war. While the games only showed Shepard''s perspective, they didn''t mention that the Reapers sensed their defeat getting close, and started to go crazy down on Earth, the place where the more centralized fight was occurring.


    They launched attack after attack, and unfortunately, all those I mentioned, minus EDI, as she died when Shepard killed all machines, died at that moment. It was frustrating, but life isn''t perfect.


    ''... I will honor your memories.'' Giving a silent prayer to my fallen comrades, I put the sadness aside and started to get ready for whatever was going on outside the bathroom.


    I checked the clock, and it was 23:59.


    ''''... Are you coming out?'''' I heard a voice calling me from outside.


    '''' Yes, give me a second.''''


    I was already dressed at this point. I gave one last look in the mirror and vowed to enjoy my life, for me and for those I lost, ''We will see each other again, I''m sure of it.''


    With that, I was about to go out when, suddenly, darkness started to consume my view. I panicked a little, but before I could even say something, I lost consciousness.


    That was the end of my first cycle and the start of my journey, but I didn''t know that yet.

 PROLOGUE – Second Cycle

    I couldn''t believe what was happening. The feeling was the same as the one I experienced 28 years ago when I was born...


    Fearing the worst but hoping for the best, I opened my eyes, and what met me was ... My baby body. Yeah, I became a baby again, even after everything.


    ''No ... it can''t be.''


    I was trying to think of a reason why this could have happened, but nothing made sense.


    ''Did I do something wrong, that''s why I went back in time?''


    ''But why now, and not before?''


    So many things came into my mind, thinking about why it might have happened that I was almost going mad since I had lost not only my loved ones, Liara, Tali, and Shepard, but also my whole life, 28 years that I had battled like crazy, meant nothing.


    Depression took hold of me for a while, thinking only about the bad things that I had lost.


    Which was a lot. But, I knew only thinking about the bad of a situation only led to despair, so I tried to look from another perspective. Soon after, I regained a little bit of my composure, thinking about the ''good'' of this situation.


    ''Now that I know the future in more detail, I can change some things. No, a lot of things...!''


    While I changed I few things from the plot last time and saved some that were supposed to die, I also didn''t like how a few things turned out, so I didn''t mind fixing that. Mainly saving those who died in the last battle.


    There were also other things, but that was the worst part.


    But that meant I would have to relive all that, all the pain and suffering. It wasn''t/wouldn''t be a nice feeling, but I had no choice but to accept it.


    Anyway, while the depression went away for a moment, the feeling of irritation with this situation still remained, and that soon turned into anger.


    ''Why me? Why that moment?! I lived my whole life preparing for the Reapers invasion, training from morning until morning, only for this to happen! WHY!''


    To be honest, this second life of mine was nothing but hard work. I started from the bottom and made my way up, only for it to mean nothing, as I just returned to when I was a baby.


    The anger continued to grow, and, as I was just born, I literally had no way to express this anger. So I cried my lungs out. Not out of sadness, but out of anger.


    But, in the middle of that, I started to formulate a plan to use what I now know about the future.


    '' If I use this correctly, I can become more rich than anyone on Earth.''


    While I knew the plot of the game before, that was it. But now, I know much more. I still had the knowledge I acquired before, the training and study I did with Wrex, Tali, Garus, Mordin, etc. I could and will use that in my favor.


    Also, thank God I was a fan of sports. In between the battles, I watched a lot of it and remember which team would be champions, etc.


    If I used what I knew from those things, I could speed up the process of becoming rich.


    ''... Let''s focus on living again. I will see it through once more and reunite with my loved ones.''


    ''But, will they be my loved ones, the people I feel in love with, or another person altogether?''


    Those thoughts came in a hurry but I pushed it away.


    '' No, I can''t let those tough times cloud my judgment. I will make a plan and follow it through until the end.''


    With a heavy heart and the sensation that things would not end the way I wanted, I tacked life once more, from the beginning.


    YEARS LATER


    I am now rich. This time, however, other than using my future knowledge to become rich, I also made some connections before leaving the area. I met the boss of the slums where I lived and asked for him to take care of my house, as it had sentimental value to me.


    He agreed after I paid him well. He was a nice (?) guy, that was what my gut told me, but I would never know that because I, along with my mom, moved from that area soon after that.


    Well, I forced her to come with me, as I didn''t want her to stay there. She wanted to stay in the house where I grew up, so I made a compromise to maintain the house, make some renovations, and let her go there once in a while.


    With my newfound money, I managed to put a lot of things in motion, so I managed to meet Sheppard a lot sooner, even before she became a Specter. Of course, I changed a few things here and there.


    For one, I didn''t enter a mercenary group or create one. I tried this in my last cycle, but to be honest, it was a hassle taking care of the logistics. However, I had plans to make one, but not for now, and maybe not even in the future.


    So, meeting with Shepard was good, but soon I realized something that made me depressed for a long while. While it was Shepard, it wasn''t ''my'' Shepard. That made me feel a lot of rage, anger, and sadness. The feelings combined and put my mood in a downward spiral.


    Of course, I also realized after that the new Tali and Liara weren''t the ones I was with in my last cycle. Even the rest of the crew weren''t the ones I bounded with.


    It took a long time, but I had no choice but to accept the fact that I would never meet them again. But I found peace with the fact that, while not the one I had, they still existed.


    Even better, now I have more time to spend with them. Well, at least Shepard for now. The other two and the rest of the crew will have to wait a little while longer.


    After that, I entered into a relationship with Shepard while she was still with the Alliance. Nothing much changed, but I helped her with her mission, the same one that made her lose her entire squad in the game. I helped her kill the Thresher Maw and save her squad.


    I did that because I decided to change a few things because my gut was telling me that it wouldn''t be the first time I went back in time. Of course, I hoped, with all my being, that wasn''t true, but it was a feeling I couldn''t shake off.


    Like it was part of my soul or something along those lines.


    '' What if nothing I did mattered once more? How could I live like that?''


    Eventually, things changed a little, but not much. After years of proving herself, with me helping for some time, Shepard was nominated as the first human specter.


    The plot of the game followed almost the same, but this time, after she gathered the crew, I approached Wrex, to resume my training.


    In the last cycle, he taught me the basics and I mastered it, but now I will ask for more. I wanted to become a force no one could stop, and there was no better teacher than Wrex in that regard.


    Of course, I was still a good soldier, but that was it. If a few hundred husks, who were something the Reapers can make (they use the species within the galaxy to make troop soldiers, corrupting them to a point of no return), attacked me at the same time, I would be dead, as at the end of the day, I was just a human.


    No biotics or cheating, just me.


    Anyway, as I knew now more than what I knew about him in the games, I came prepared. I already took his ancestor''s armor and tried to make a deal with the Krogan.


    '''' So, let''s get this straight, you want me, a warlock Krogan, to teach you, a human, to fight out the Krogan way?''''


    What I loved about Wrex was that he treated everyone the same way, so there was no discrimination from him.


    He hated everyone the same way.


    He was also one of my best buddies last cycle, and I wanted to continue that way in this new one.


    '''' Yes.''''


    '''' Why would I do that?''''


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    While I knew the krogan, I still had to be cautious of him, as we weren''t even friends in this cycle yet. Only acquitances.


    I put his ancestor''s armor in front of him, '''' Because I have this. And because I asked nicely?''''


    When he saw the armor, Wrex''s facial expression changed a little. He took the armor and inspected it for a while, then looked at me and said, ''''This is my ancestor''s armor. How do you have this?''''


    I ignored the threatening sound he made in between his talk and explained the situation to him.


    ''''I found the armor, took it with me, appraised it, and somehow it was your ancestor. Coincidence, no?''''


    I bullshited him a little as I knew he had no choice but to accept what I said.


    After doing that, I extended my hand and said,'''' So, do we have a deal?''''


    Wrex hesitated only for a moment. ''The deal is too good for me. I just have to ''train'' this human for some time in exchange for something I''ve been looking for for years.''


    '''' Deal.''''


    WREX POV


    What Wrex did not expect was that in less than a day, he would be surprised. Extremely surprised.


    '' It''s almost like this human already knows the basics of how to fight like Krogans. It''s really amazing.''


    First, Wrex just wanted to repay the human for the armor, so he went easy. But soon, he noticed that his easy training was really easy for the human in front of him.


    It tickled his pride a little, so he ramped up the intensity of the training to the point where even a normal Krogan would not be able to keep it up.


    But the human did it. Not only that, he was learning at a fast pace, like he was a sponge.


    Of course, as the bodies of a human and a Krogan were different, the teaching he could do was limited to some extent, but now Wrex was interested to see how far this human could push himself.


    ''If he continues like this, he could be a force to be recognized.''


    Wrex was now interested in how far he could go, so he was going to teach the human everything he knew, and maybe more.


    '' Let''s see if you can keep it up.''


    NORMAL POV


    Time passed, and Wrex was amazed once more. He looked at the human towering over him, and then at the hand extended at him.


    '''' Come on, Wrex. Get up.''''


    Yes, Wrex just lost a sparring match against the human. It was only two years after the training started, but now the number of times they had won against each other was almost identical.


    Wex accepted the help and got up. He looked at the human in front of him with respect and said, '''' You have proved yourself far more times than I could count. If you were a Krogan, by now you would have become a warlord or in an even more powerful position.''''


    '''' I don''t mind doing the rite of passage.''''


    Wrex looked at the human with astonishment and said, '''' You know about the ritual?''''


    ''''Yes, but I also know I can''t do it alone, so I''ll wait for a better time.''''


    Wrex started to laugh out loud. '''' HAHAHAHA, no problem. I''ll send you a message if a Krogan tries the ritual. But it might take a while for that to happen.''''


    '''' No problem, I can wait.''''


    ''''... I have nothing more to teach you. You can hold yourself against almost everything the galaxy throws at you.''''


    Wrex taught him the best he could, and now he was on his own.


    ''''... Thank you for your teaching.''''


    '''' Don''t mention it. Now, go make your name known across the galaxy or something like that. Maybe help Shepard more, hahaha.''''


    After that, I went to talk with Mordin, the salarian genius. I asked for help regarding the quarians problem about not being able to get out of their suits.


    I even passed the data I had from the previous cycle, the one where we both and Tali created a pill that temporally made the Quarias not have a problem going out of their suits, with no drawbacks.


    When Mordin analyzed the data, he said was willing to help me with that. He even said the research was close to the end, and the quarians would have a permanent ''cure'' to their problems.


    As we had already made something similar in my past cycle, things went smoothly. But, in the middle of our research, we had a breakthrough, but not in the direction we imagined. We created a more powerful medical gel.


    '''' We really did this?''''


    '''' Yes, my friend. We did this.'''' Mordin looked at the med gel with fascination and said, '''' This is absolutely amazing. 100% more powerful than the Med Gel on the market right now, with no side effects. Amazing, yes.''''


    While I was ecstatic about this and memorized everything about the process of making it, we still didn''t manage to hit our goal, ''''But we didn''t manage to help the Quarians.''''


    '''' Yes, a shame. But we will continue our research, yes. I believe that in 5 years or so, we can find something permanent!''''


    I looked at the Salarian with a complicated gaze and said, ''My friend, we don''t have that much time. The reapers are arriving in less than 4 years.''


    '''' I sure hope so.''''


    Time passed once more, and the Reapers attack began. Mordin died some time ago, just like in the games. He sacrificed himself to cure the genophage once more.


    I could not save him this time.


    But a few things are different now. Mainly, he had almost concluded the Quarian research.


    I took advantage of that and memorized everything about it, including the newer Med Gel and the cure to the Genophage.


    If I wanted, I could now create the cure to the Genophage on my own. But I hoped it would not need it, as it would mean I would return back on time, to when we didn''t use it.


    The battle against the Reapers was a bloodbath once more. This time, for some unknowable reasons, both the Leviathans, who allied with us during their creation and the Batarians, who were also an allied race, betrayed everyone.


    I had managed to save everyone before the betrayal, and Shepard was already on the verge of using the crucible, but the betrayal meant my friends died.


    I could not save everyone... Again.


    Liara, Tali, Garus, Jack, Miranda, and Wrex are all dead.


    Again...


    This time Shepard chose the blue end, where she sacrificed her body and put her mind into the Reapers network, controlling them. She sent them away from the galaxy, but I doubted it would be for long. Her mind could slowly be corrupted over time, and continue in the next cycle.


    But worse of all, I was alone.


    In this cycle, I let the romance part out of it, deciding to focus only after the war. I still had a romantic relationship with Shepard, but we decided to start to think about our next steps after the war ended.


    And now, she was dead.


    Of course, I still made friends with everyone else, but the majority were dead.


    Shepard, Liara, Tali... My loved ones are all dead. Even if they weren''t the ones I had before, it doesn''t matter. I lost them anyway.


    Without Shepard to control things after the war, the survivor races immediately started attacking each other.


    The Krogans, without Wrex as their leader, decided to wage war against everyone once more. The Asari, who lost their homeworld, had to interfere with the rest of the galaxy.


    The Batarians, who betrayed us, were the target of everyone, and they were almost on the brink of extermination.


    The Quarians and the Geth tried peace for a month or so before resuming their feud.


    Humans were neutral in the whole thing, focusing more on their own survival.


    Meaning, that everyone was basically on their own now, the companionship we had in the war was nowhere to be seen.


    And I? I was alone on a planet near the Persian Veil. You could buy planets in this universe, and so I did it. It was one of the best planets in the galaxy because of the natural resources, and I bought it for cheap because no one knew about it.


    Even I only knew about this because it was a planet with a lot of good resources in Mass Effect 2. And it had a breathable atmosphere, meaning I had no problem living there.


    But, again, I was alone.


    Not the life I imagined after suffering from Wrex''s gruesome training and learning from Mordin. I could proudly say that I was now a master of the Krogan way and a goddamn good scientist.


    But the depressing thoughts were now more powerful than ever before.


    '' Nothing matters anyway. I will probably go back in time again.''


    This was a feeling I had had since I was born. I felt in my soul that something wasn''t right, something was missing. I would return in time again.


    I was incomplete in some form. I don''t know how, or why, but that was my feeling.


    ''I do not know how to stop this.''


    Worse of all, I even wanted to go back in time. My feelings were complicated right now.


    I wanted to live, but not in a world where I lost almost everyone I loved. But I also didn''t want to return back in time, as this would mean my instincts were correct and I was somehow trapped in a time loop.


    ''... But I know it''s better to return in time to save everyone¡ªto try and save everyone once more.''


    I looked at the clock, and it was 23:50. 10 minutes more until I hit 28 years of age.


    I started to laugh about this whole situation. Then, I cried a little.


    I started to lose my sense of self. I was feeling okay-ish by the thought of losing people because I felt I knew I would somehow return in time.


    And that was dangerous. But, I pushed this thought aside for the moment.


    '' I can fix all of this... I think.''


    When the time hit 00, darkness once again consumed my vision.


    That was the end of my second cycle.

 PROLOGUE – ? Cycle

    As soon as I opened my eyes, I cursed internally and had no choice but to accept reality. I was stuck in a time loop for some reason.


    ''Again, God, why are you doing this to me?''


    After cursing whoever did this to me, I began to think about what to do in the future to somehow stop this.


    I even started to consider... extreme options.


    '' Should I... kill myself to see if I return back on time? But if I don''t, I would just have killed myself for no reason.''


    Pushing this thought aside for the moment, I started to think about all that was happening to me and maybe the reason I was stuck in this loop.


    One thing came to mind, regarding getting out of it, ''Maybe I should save everyone in the crew?''


    In the past cycles, we won against the Reapers, but some of the crew members died. Maybe, just maybe, if I save all of them, the time loop will end.


    '' Or it could be the ending.''


    By now, Shepard has chosen two of the three (or 4) endings, the red and the blue ones. The last two are the green, which will merge machines and species together, and the one where everyone dies.


    '' I doubt we should follow the fourth ending, as everyone just dies in that one, so if my theory is right, if we follow the green ending while saving everyone, the time loop should stop!''


    With new vigor to see through, I looked forward to this life, all while worrying about it all.


    YEARS LATER


    I followed the same path as I did before, getting to know Shepard earlier and helping her reach the top.


    As soon as I could, I went to talk with Mordin about a lot of things. While I learned a lot from him before, this time I wanted to learn more. This time, I wanted to surprise him.


    So, our talk about the quarians went smoothly, and with the data I had from previous cycles, we managed to find a ''cure'' for the quarians. They could now live outside their suits without any trouble.


    The galaxy was astonished after this, as this meant the Quarians would eventually regain a lot of their fighting power.


    A few races started to become aware of them, but that was something for them to worry about in the future.


    Needless to say, both me and Mordin were showered with immense gratitude for our discovery. Aside from money, all Quarians offered other things to us.


    I don''t know what Mordin chose, but I choose, '''' Please give me knowledge.''''


    I wanted more. I wanted to know more, so I could do more.


    You might think that two cycles were much, but if you count my age at the end of both cycles, I was ''only'' 56. And the majority of that time I spent as a teenager, on Earth, so while I knew a lot, I wanted more.


    The Quarians didn''t hesitate and helped me with that. They gave me all they had, and I called Tali to help her too.


    While she was not my Tali, I still loved her. Shepard and Liara too.


    But it was all too complicated for me, so I maintained my distance from the trio. The opportunity, though, was too much to not let Tali enjoy it too.


    So, for years before the Reapers arrived, I studied with Tali about all things technological. We asked EDI for help too, and she did give us her mother code. That helped a lot too, and we managed to make something even above EDI.


    EDI was an AI companion. There are a lot of things I could say about her, but I will only mention that she was one of a kind.


    Anyway, we decided to put the thing we made to use, and it helped a lot.


    In the middle of it all, I asked Garus to teach me everything about guns, and he didn''t mind.


    So, by the time the Reapers arrived, I was now a master of technology, thanks to the Quarians, and a medium-gun expert.


    So, before the last fight, I made some preparations in case the Leviathans and Batarians betrayed us again.


    Let me say something, I hate the Batarians to the core now. They are the main reason everyone died last cycle, so I was getting pretty annoyed with them already.


    Anyway, things went smoothly, and Shepard chose the green ending, and I managed to save everyone.


    I was over the moon with that. I thought things were done, and I could live once more.


    I even started being openly flirty with Tali, Shepard, and Liara, as I thought that was the end.


    But, as soon as the day I turned 28 came, the darkness consumed my vision, and once more I was transported back in time.


    <hr>


    '''' HA ---... ha! HAHAHAHAHAHA.''''


    I laughed maniacally in my head as soon as I realized what happened.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I can''t exit the time loop.


    I saw no reason to even try now. Everything I do doesn''t matter.


    '' God, what do you want from me? What should I even do?''


    I followed the green ending while saving everyone, so it must not be the ending or saving everyone.


    '' If not that, what can I do to stop this?''


    I continued to ask God, but no answer came my way.


    After spending years in self-pity, my despair turned into anger.


    '' So you will continue to send me back on time, huh?! Okay then! I followed the story all this time, but now, fuck it! I''ll do what I want now!''


    <hr>


    ? CYCLES LATER


    Deciding not to follow the plot now, I started to go around the galaxy, learning a lot of things. Assassination tactics from Thane and Kasumi resumed my training with Garus, and I even became a crime lord.


    I even let myself get indoctrinated once.


    It was a strange feeling like I was in my body, but at the same time, I wasn''t in control of it. I thought that I could finally die that way, but no, even indoctrinated, I still returned in time when I turned 28.


    When I woke up as a baby, I wasn''t indoctrinated anymore, but something changed deep within my soul. I didn''t know what it was, but later in life, I noticed that now I could somehow see whether a person was indoctrinated or not.


    That was a cheat I gained after becoming their slave for one cycle. Of course, it only meant I could see who was indoctrinated and not help them in any way.


    The only way to save from indoctrination was to kill the person who was indoctrinated.


    ... or so the galaxy thought. I will not go into detail, but there is a way to deal with indoctrination. The price is very high, though, and many people might think it''s better to be dead.


    Life continued on, and cycle after cycle passed. In some cases, I spent most of my time doing some random things while learning new things, but sooner or later, I always participated in the war against the Reapers.


    My mind thought... I became insane. Not maniacally so, but I started to do things I would never do before. I became dangerous in the sense that I would do anything to feel alive.


    And, for the most part, the things I did were dangerous. I faced a Thresher Maw alone, went head-on against Cerberus, an evil organization, went against the Council, the ''leaders'' of the galaxy, against the Shadow Broker, and other dangerous beings.


    In most cases, I won by a hair breath, but sometimes I lost and had to spend some time hiding in the corner of the galaxy.


    In the middle of that, I figured out all the locations of the Cerberus bases, and the dirty secrets of all Council members, the route of the Shadow Broker, among other things.


    I even took over Omega.


    Safe to say, I did stupid things for a while.


    My personality changed too. I became a little unstable and more ... ''free''. It wasn''t exactly a good thing, but it was the only way my mind found to keep me going.


    It was interesting how the brain changed to keep you alive.


    The cycles changed me, for better or for worse, I don''t know. I let the others judge me all they want, it doesn''t affect me anyway.


    If for me to live a good life, meant I should trample others, I didn''t mind that one bit.


    What did I think about those changes? Well, I don''t care. I just wanted to feel something... anything. So, I accepted all that came my way.


    I cried, I laughed, I was broken mentally, I recovered, I killed, I died, I survived, I wanted to die¡ªno, more than anything and anyone, I wanted to live.


    Not in a time loop, but in real life, one where the things I did and the people I saved mattered.


    Even if I changed too much from what I was before, the thing I most wanted was the same.


    To live.


    One thing about time is that it doesn''t hear if you ask it to wait. It passed without worrying about you and the impact it has.


    By the time I noticed, I had become an expert in a lot of things. I knew future events, the better planets to buy, and who to save.


    I could do so much for so many people, but I knew that nothing mattered, as I was trapped in a loop.


    I looked up at the sky, from my planet. I think this is my seventh cycle. I honestly don''t remember, but it should be it or close.


    Anyway, this time we had lost the battle against the Reapers. It wasn''t something new, as the galaxy had lost before in past cycles.


    Sometimes, the best we had wasn''t enough. Sure, the times we had lost were when Shepard didn''t manage to unite the whole galaxy, and I also joined the fight later.


    But, excuses don''t matter. We lost.


    So, now, I was here, once again, alone, on the same planet I was many cycles ago.


    I knew the Reapers were close to my location, as they had already cleared most parts of the galaxy.


    On this planet, there were a lot of other survivors, but they knew it was just a matter of time until the Reapers found us.


    I wasn''t worried about that, as I knew I would return back in time. But it wasn''t a nice feeling seeing all this despair.


    It was almost like you could see it in the air.


    Anyway, from the crew, only a few survived the war and were now hiding here or somewhere else.


    The few were 2, Wrex and Garrus.


    And they weren''t in the best condition either. Garrus has lost an eye and a leg, while Wrex has lost an arm.


    But they still had fighting spirit.


    I admired them for that, as I had lost mine cycles ago. Well, not lost, but mostly dormant, as my feeling that it all didn''t matter was still present.


    If I knew that I wasn''t trapped in a time loop, nothing would stop me from accomplishing what I want, whatever that is.


    Both of them were discussing a way to fight against the upcoming Reaper attack. They both knew it was something impossible but they were still trying.


    I also joined them and gave some tips here and there but mostly stayed out of their way.


    As I looked around me, I could see a mixture of hope and despair among the survivors.


    '' They look just like ... me.''


    They also just wanted to live.


    All this time, I just wanted to live a normal life, no longer trapped in this time loop.


    I just want to -


    BOOM


    Just then, a bean attacked the area where the survivors were, causing a lot of destruction.


    I was knocked out of my feet, but recovered soon after. I was bleeding from somewhere but I ignored that.


    I looked at the area where the bean hit and yeah, no one survived that.


    I could see Wrex and Garrus in the distance, trying to evacuate anyone that survived from the planet.


    '' Yeah, it wasn''t going to work...''


    As I thought of that, I also was smiling a little, seeing a lost battle in front of me ignited my passion once more.


    As I said before, I was broken.


    Smiling like a madman, I approached Garrus and Wrex, '''' I will try to slow them down, use whatever time I gave you to try and escape.''''


    Both looked at me with eyes filled with respect. We are, after all, comrades in this cycle and all others.


    '''' ... Thank you.''''


    ''''Don''t mention it, I don''t even know if it will work.''''


    It was the truth. I looked up and noticed it was just 3 Reapers attacking, but just that was at an impossible level to combat right now.


    '' The most time I could buy would only be a few minutes.''


    But still, I was going to try.


    I entered a random spaceship and bulldogged ahead.


    I shot them with all my guns until the system of the ship said it didn''t have more ammo.


    I dodged the bean they shot at me, all while trying to distract them.


    I then started to throw all the bombs it had, alongside all the things I could find.


    It barely made a dent in them, but it distracted them for a good few minutes.


    I looked for Garrus and Wrex and sure enough, I saw a few dozen spaceships getting out of the planet.


    I smiled but soon shook my head. I knew they just bought another few months to live.


    '' My job is done... now, let''s end this cycle with a bang.''


    I knew from the beginning the outcome of this ''fight'' against those 3 Reapers. I was dodging all they shot at me, but my weapons didn''t make damage.


    So, I aimed my ship at one of them and accelerated towards it.


    I saw death once more and she was close, smiling at me.


    I smiled at her but also shouted at the top of my lungs


    '''' I want to live!!!''''


    BOOMMMMM


    And that was the end of one of my cycles.

 1 – Once Again (1)

    EARTH, 2158


    Humanity, since discovering the hidden alien technology from the Protheans , a race/ species that was extinct since a few thousands of years ago, in a ruin on Mars a few years ago, had a boom in the science field, and some people called this boom as Mass Effect. They managed to better their space travel, found something called Mass Relays, that allowed interspace travel at a much faster rate than their current one, and started to colonize other planets at a rapid pace.


    It was, honestly, one of the best eras in human history, as their expansion began and more and more humans were born. Colonies were made, and progress in various fields was skyrocketing by the minute.


    But, in their many travels across the galaxy, humanity soon found out they weren''t the only intelligent species in the galaxy still alive. They knew, thanks to the ruin of the ancient civilization, that there EXISTED intelligent life out there, but, in their naivety or arrogance, they thought they were the only ones in this period still alive. So, humanity, without knowing that other races existed out there, broke a few intergalactic rules without intention, and an alien race called Turians, who looked humanoid but with a very blatantly different appearance from the humans, took upon themselves to teach humanity a lesson, as their viewed their action as something ''primitive'' and offensive.


    The Turians, seeing the ''mess'' the humans made, decided to take a colony from the humans as a lesson and a warming, and thought that was the end of it, as humanity looked like a newbie species in their eyes, with no strength to retaliate. But, to their surprise, humanity fought back, expulsing the Turians from the planet and regaining the colony. But, as every action has consequences, the Turians didn''t like the fact they lost a fight and decided to fight more seriously, eventually starting a war, which was called The First Contact War.


    And in this war, a lot of people died for no reason. If both races just stopped and tried to communicate, things would''ve ended peacefully. Well, maybe not, but they didn''t even try that;


    Anyway, just as the war was going to ramp up in scale, as both humans and Turians prepared to fight until one of the races was extinct, the Citadel Council, a group composed of the leaders of the main species of the galaxy, that generally took decisions with the greater good of the galaxy in mind, intervened.


    But, don''t be so naive as to trust the Council, as they all had their agendas. The races that oversee the Council were the Asari, blue-skinned aliens with an extensive lifespan alongside a few other perks, Salarians, a very VERY intelligent race but ''cursed'' with a limited lifespan, and last, the Turians, who acted as the shield and sword of the council.All of them had humanoid appearances, with characteristics that differentiated each race.


    The Asari were known for only having a female body, as with the characteristic of their race, they didn''t need a male one. They could still have babies with other females, and other races if they so desired, but how they managed that is a story for another time. The Salarian also looked humanoid, but had eyes like fish and only 3 fingers on their hands. The Turians, as mentioned before, were humanoid but their apparency was very distinct, as they looked like a hybrid of birds and humans. A fun fact about them: they had a cloacla.


    So, with the intervention of the Council, humans and Turians made peace, even though reluctantly, and life moved on. The Council, who also only now noticed the human''s existence, started to teach them the rules of the galaxy and introduce the race to the many species within.


    Humanity once more was surprised by the scale of it all, but learned quickly, and while still a newbie in pretty much every other race eyes, as they were the last one to be ''discovered'', their status within the galaxy was slowly rising, as humans continued to prove themselves formidable allies and enemies, as exemplified by the war with the Turians.


    While both races fought, humanity was behind in every aspect, but they still fought to a stalemate against one of the most war-orientated races. The Turians only lost in the war aspect to the Krogans, a race that the majority thought only existed to fight and kill.


    And, while The First Contact War was over, to the families that lost their loved ones to this stupid war, things changed a lot.


    This brings us to today. It was like any normal day on Earth. People were going about their normal routines and in the middle of it all, in the slums of a city, a mother was giving birth to a baby. The father of said baby was a soldier who died in the war. To the mother''s surprise, almost no help from the government came, but she still preserved and managed to find a house. It was in a slum, but it was still a house.


    '''' Just a little bit more! PUSH!'''' The doctor/midwife was doing her best to help the mother to give birth, as she passed instructions left and right. It was only her helping, as the mother didn''t have that much money, and going to the hospital was a no-go.


    It didn''t take long for the baby to be born. However, to the horror of the ''doctor'' present, the baby didn''t cry or make a sound. Which usually isn''t a good thing.


    Fearing the worst, the ''doctor''/ midwife went to check the baby more closely, but when they looked at the baby''s eyes, they were open and in focus, which meant that he was, at least until that moment, alive.


    Of course, this small sign of life didn''t mean much, so the ''doctor''/ midwife slapped the child on the butt to see if it would start crying and to calm the mother, who began to notice the strange atmosphere in the room.


    "What''s wrong? Is something wrong with my baby?!'''' The woman, who appeared to be no more than 30 years old, said with tears in her eyes and growing despair, as she didn''t hear a cry.


    The ''doctor'' / midwife tried to calm her down, all the while patting the baby''s butt, who still hadn''t cried, ''''Don''t worry! He''s fine, it''s just that some babies don''t cry right after they are born.''''


    The mother sighed in relief and visibly relaxed a little. What the doctor/midwife didn''t mention was that usually, babies who don''t cry have some kind of problem, whether it''s physical or mental, ''Let''s hope it''s nothing serious and that this baby has a good, long life. His father will watch over him.''


    The doctor/midwife here was a ''friend'' of the baby''s father, who died in the war. The man had helped her in a very dangerous situation, and she vowed to help him in any form she could. She was sad when she heard he died, and when the widow called her and asked if she could her with the delivery, as she didn''t have anyone else to call, she dropped everything and came to help.


    Hoping for the best and expecting the worst, the doctor raised her hand to give it a harder slap when out of nowhere, the baby changed his face almost imperceptible, and began to cry. Faintly, but it was a cry.


    With a look of relief on her face, the ''doctor'' / midwife sighed in relief, covered the baby with a cloth, and handed it to the mother, "Congratulations, it''s a boy. He''s very big and ... strong. And everything is fine with him.''''


    The baby was so fat that the doctor/midwife had some doubts as to how he got out of his mother. ''Ahhh, human anatomy is a beauty.''


    The mother, who had finally calmed down after hearing the baby cry, even if only a little, hugged him tightly. "I thought I was going to lose you too...''''


    After a few moments like this, the midwife was afraid that the baby would suffocate and coughed a little, grabbing the mother''s attention. '''' Have you thought of his name?''''


    The young mother smiled a little, ''''My ... husband and I agreed that we would call him Samael if he was a boy and Samara if he was a girl. I''m going to honor my late husband''s wishes.''''


    '''' Good. Now, my work here is over. I don''t see any major problems with you and your body, but I recommend resting for a few days. If you have any kind of pain or strange bleeding, call me and I''ll come and check on you.'''' The doctor/midwife was glad that everything went ok. She passed a few prescriptions of cheap drugs to the mother, to deal with the pain.


    The mother was grateful, ''''Thank you. I can''t afford to pay you right now, but-''''


    The doctor waved his hand, ''''Valery, don''t mention it. What your husband has done for me is more than enough... If you wish, I can-''''


    '''' Thank you, but no. I know it going to be even more difficult from now on, with this big guy.'''' Valery pointed at Samael, and the doctor smiled, '''' But I can manage. I think... I will give you a call if things get out of control.''''


    '''' Please do. Don''t hesitate to call me.'''' After that, the midwife left, leaving the mother and the baby, who had now calmed down, but his gaze was strange.


    The mother didn''t notice this, as she was in a state of happiness, where her only focus was on the baby''s well-being. When she looked at this little thing in her arms, even though just a little, she saw a copy of her dead husband, and was overcome with emotions,'''' You and I are going to be very happy...''''


    '''' But now that everything has worked out and you''re well, it''s time to prepare for the future. Clothes, diapers, schools... well, I''m quite screwed. Maybe I should''ve accepted the doctor''s help... Oh well, she said I could call her if needed.''''


    The woman returned her full attention to the baby and smiled as she cuddled him, ''''But it was and will be worth it.''''


    What the woman, Valery, didn''t know was that the baby in her arms was ... different.


    ---


    Samael, the baby in question, was having a hard time right now. '' It happened again...''


    Samael was a reicarnator from Earth. The one where Mass Effect was a game. He wasn''t a god gamer or anything like that, but he did, however, play a LOT of Mass Effect when he was a teenager and an adult. Even the Andromeda one, and the only reason he didn''t play Mass Effect 4 was that at the time of his death, it wasn''t released yet. He even liked Mass Effect 3...


    Anyway, he was 28 years old when he suddenly died. He stopped a robbery but was stabbed and bled to death. He had a few regrets, but overall, he thought he lived a good life, with good morals. And, just as darkness consumed him, he was a baby again. He soon found out he was in the Mass Effect universe and he was a little surprised and afraid. Afraid because of the threat within this Universe, the most problematic being the Reapers.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    The Reapers are a ''species'' made entirely of war machines. They existed for a long time, and every 50.000 years, they killed ALL species that they deemed too advanced. Their motive wasn''t explained that well in the game, but it was supposed to bring balance to the galaxy.


    It was difficult to accept it at first but he soon managed to calm down and planned things to follow the plot of the game and get the best ending, where the Reapers were killed after Shepard rallied the entire galaxy against them. But, with the game knowledge, he was going to change the fate of the one who died unnecessarily.


    So, in the first life, he followed the logic and went with the RED or Destroy ending, where Jane Shepard killed all the Reapers once and for all. They won and some people that were supposed to die, survived, even Shepard, but some new ones died.


    War never ends well.


    But, to his surprise, one year later after the fight, after he had finally settled down and was watching as the galaxy went into a new era, he went back to when he was a baby as soon as he turned 28. He didn''t even have the time to watch the changes that would happen, as he only ''enjoyed'' one year of post-war;


    Samael was confused, but as he had already experienced reincarnation he soon calmed down. He thought the universe didn''t like the RED or Destroy ending, as it killed the Reapers alongside ALL non-organic life, like the GETH, an ''android'' like civilization that allied with the humans against the Reapers, and the AIs.


    So, in the second life, he followed the Control or Blue ending, where Shepard supposedly took control of the Reapers and sent them away, but with the same results.


    Samael then decided to try the other ending, the Green ending or Systesys ending, where organic ( humans) and synthetic ( machines) merged and created a whole new species, but the result was the same. He returned to when he was a baby as soon as he hit 28.


    After that, he finally had to accept that he was trapped in a time loop. Nothing he did changed the outcome, as he always returned in time. And, he had just returned from his 9 life. Same pattern, just as he hit 28 years of age, he was brought back in time, to the moment he was born.


    Still, some people might think, well, isn''t that a good thing, to be able to live a lot of time? Samael thought so too at the beginning, as he enjoyed life to the fullest with the time limit he had, but after a few loops, he started to lose his mind a little, as he would notice that literally nothing that he did matter, as it would all turn to dust in 28 years.


    The loop was cruel in Samael''s opinion, as it made him relieve his WHOLE life from the beginning. Just imagine, you lived 28 years, had friends, lovers, and your adventures, just to suddenly have to go back where none of what experienced or did mattered. Of course, you would remember everything, but your connection with others was nonexistent, and as the loops continued, it started to change Samael, little by little.


    And, the last one was his ninth life. To say he did everything in those 9 lives would be an understatement. Master of calibrations, learning from Garus and others, check. Prothean expert, studying with Liara for YEARS, check. Gun expert, taught by none other than Wrex, ''King'' of the Krogans, check. The deadliest assassin, being trained by so many people he lost count, check. Explorer of the unknown, going with Tali around the Galaxy, check. The list goes on and on.


    Samael, who tried everything to stop the time loop, could only watch as it continued with no sign of stopping. So, without hope of stopping it, he started to do things differently, forgetting about Jane, the crew, and the Reapers. He knew he had a time limit of 28 years, so for the last 3 time loops, he did what was on his mind, forgetting his friends and family.


    Partying, doing some shady stuff. He even let himself get indoctrinated by the Reapers, a process where they use their super advanced technology to make you into a slave to their will, to feel how it was, but was disappointed with it. He joined hands with the Elusive Man and brought humans to the top of the galaxy, etc. But, it changed nothing.


    And, let me tell you, after 9-time loops, where you know almost every single thing that will happen, was nice in terms of getting rich. Save for the first life, where he struggled a LOT with money and getting to help Shepard, the rest of them were a breeze in terms of money. But, again, all meaningless in the eyes of Samael.


    But now, let''s go to the end of the last cycle, to see how that time loop went.


    ? CYCLE


    The year is 2187, one year after the war which united the entire Galaxy against the Reapers. They had won, but as always, Samael felt that life was meaningless, since nothing he did mattered anyway. He, who had woken up some time ago, was sitting in bed and looking at the clock, which was approaching 00:00, with eyes that seemed unfocused.


    After some noise, the blanket on the other side of the bed was lifted and one female asari, who still seemed to be asleep, asked, ''''Samael, what''s wrong?''''


    Samael made a pained expression. He knew that, within a few minutes, his entire love life, and all his commitments here would turn to dust, and he would have to start all over again. ''''It''s nothing, don''t worry about me and go back to sleep.''''


    The asari knew it was a lie, she knew him too well to realize that, but there was nothing she could do. After all, Samael was a difficult person. The only person in the universe she couldn''t read, not even with melding.


    '''' Okay, but come and lie down quickly. I''m getting cold in here.''''


    Samael smiled sadly, as he knew that this would most likely be the last interaction he would have with this particular asari. Well, at least in this life as in a few minutes, he would wake up as a baby again and would''ve to live everything once more.


    He got out of bed, kissed the sleeping Asari''s forehead, and went into the kitchen. It was 11:48 p.m., and he still had 12 minutes left. He grabbed a beer and some leftover pizza and went out onto the balcony of his skyscraper in the middle of London.


    You might ask, won''t that place cost a lot of money? Well, yes, but as already mentioned, he was rich. Besides, after the Reapers were defeated, London was devastated, and Samael helped rebuild it and in the process, he got a lot of land for him to use. In the end, it was useless, but he did everything he could to help.


    On the balcony, Samael turned around and looked inside the things in his apartment. His armor, a few pieces of a nameless Reaper, and a few reminders of the people he had lost in this life.


    Don''t get me wrong, Samael was strong, probably the strongest in the universe when it came to experience and combat skill since he was at least 250 years old and more experienced than everyone else, but even so, the Reapers were still a threat and he still lost a few loved ones in this life.


    By the way, with ''only'' 250 years of experience, Samael considered himself stronger than most, but the puzzling thing to him was how come the Asari, who had 4x his lifespan, hadn''t dominated the galaxy already? With their lifespan and the things they could do with it, the only reason they haven''t done so must be pretty good... or stupid.


    Anyway, the win count of Samael x Reapers was in Samael''s favor, as he won against them more than half the time. It was hard to rally the galaxy around Shepard when he knew it wouldn''t matter anyway. And, to be fair to him, the times he lost were when he no longer cared, as he was doing other things around the galaxy or when he joined the figth too late.


    And as mentioned before, in war, you always lose a few loved ones.


    Looking at Tali''s shattered helmet, a small notebook from Mordin Solus, Wrex''s shotgun, Grunt''s burnt armor, and, last but not least, Jane Shepard''s dog tags, Samael squirmed in pain.


    Tali'' Zorah was a female quarian, an alien race that needed suits to survive thanks to their weak immunity system. She died in the final fight against the Reapers.


    Mordin Solus, a Salarian scientist who made a LOT of errors in his life but somehow managed to make it right at the end, died the same way he did in the games.


    Wrex died in the Citadel at the end of the War, and Grunt died after being hit by a Reaper laser beam.


    Samael was a little guilty because, in this cycle, he began to help a little late, as he was enjoying his life in Omega. So when he joined the fight, it was too late to help the fate of some. It wasn''t the first time he had lost a friend, but every time it happened, it hurt as if it were the first time.


    They were his family, and now they were gone. He knew he would see them again, as he would be going back in time in a few minutes, but it wasn''t good to lose someone you loved, even if temporary.


    Sipping his drink in honor of his lost family, Samael looked out over wasteland/recovered London. He smiled, knowing that he was the one who had helped the most.


    Samael lost himself in thought as he recalled the good times he''d had during this life. He didn''t have many regrets, save for not joining the fight earlier, but, at least for the time being, he wasn''t living a perfect life, because you couldn''t do that when you knew you were going to start again anyway.


    He remembered the parties, the good times with Tali, Liara, and Shepard, the drinking competition with the two Krogans, and the discussion about the genophage and its cure with Mordin. He did this until the clock started ticking, indicating that he had one minute left.


    Samael sighed and took one last look at London, then hurried back to his room. As the seconds began to tick away, he looked at Liara asleep in his bed.


    In this life, they connected a little bit earlier and started a relationship. But, they never managed to ''marry'' or have babies because Samael didn''t want to compromise, as he knew his time here was temporary.


    There were 10 seconds left and he kissed her once more.'''' Goodbye, and I love you.''''


    Just in time, and as soon as the clock struck 00:00, darkness consumed Samael as he was thrown back in time.


    He was already used to the process, so he just waited. He didn''t have to wait long, because a few minutes later (or so he thought), he was born once again.


    ----


    Now, back to the beginning, where baby Samael was looking at the place where he had been born, ''Okay, my memories of this time were sometimes fuzzy, but I remember this place.''


    They were in the slums of San Francisco. You might think that the fact that he was reincarnated/born in the Mass Effect universe meant that bad places didn''t exist, but you''re wrong. The disparity between the poor and the rich was somehow even stronger than in his old universe.


    Earth had a lot of troubles in this universe.


    Samael then noticed the silence in the room, and the eyes of his mother and the doctor on him.


    It was then that he remembered, ''Right, I was supposed to start crying...''


    He was about to start crying, to satisfy everyone here when he suddenly felt a jolt deep in his soul.


    His thoughts stopped for a moment as he felt something different from before. It was a feeling he had never felt before, deep in his soul. It was different from before like it was finally ''complete'' or something along those lines.


    Samael knew something was different and started to grow excited about its prospects,'''' I - I''ve never felt this in the past cycles!... Does this feeling mean I can finally have a normal life?''''


    He was desperate to have a normal life, to finally start to grow old with his loved ones, to have his life have meaning, as after the moment he realized he was stuck in a time loop, things changed for the worse. But now, he had hope, as the feeling in his soul told him something was different.


    There were other possible explanations, but once again, it was a feeling from the depths of his soul. He was confident, based on his instinct that was rarely wrong, that this was his last life.


    ''''FINALLY!FINALLY!FINALLY!" Samael was so happy that he didn''t even notice that the doctor had hit him at least a few dozen times.


    The prospect of finally having the chance to live a life that had real meaning sent Samael to the moon with happiness, '' So many possibilities, so many things I can do with the things I know... this time, I will live a perfect life! No one I love and care about will have to die a meaningless death!''


    Vowing to himself to do better than all his other cycles, Samael finally noticed the pain and started to cry a little. '' OUCH! THIS DAMN DOCTOR hit me so many times!''


    After that, everything was a blur to Samael, as when he finally returned to himself, he was already in his small crib. He calmed himself more and started to think about the danger he would have to face in the future, '' The illusive man, or Jack Harper, one of the most lunatic men in the universe... I even worked with him in one of my lives. Let''s just say he was legit crazy.''


    In his life where he worked with the Illusive Man, while he did bring humanity to the top of the galaxy, we lost the war against the Reapers at that time, so it didn''t matter.


    ''Beside him, there''s the Collectors, the Reapers, the Leviathans who were BACKSTABBING bastards, the idiocy of the Council... But my most difficult problem now is that I need to deal with this BABY BODY!''


    To a person who lived a long time as an adult, to return to a baby body was hell. Nothing worked the way he wanted, he would poop himself a lot, and he was sleeping all the time. Speaking of sleeping...


    '' ... I''m already tired. It wasn''t even 30 minutes since I woke up... Well, those 5 to 10 years will be hell, as I will have to interact with children even though I have more than 250 years. But, for my perfect life, I can endure it!''


    And, while thinking about what to do, Samael went to sleep.

 2 – Once Again (2)

    EARTH, 2168


    To Samael''s luck, his first years of life passed like a blur. He, however, had already put some of his plans into action. It wasn''t anything special, but the things he did in the first 10 years of his life were in preparation for the future. It helped the fact he knew when shit would hit the fan¡ªin 2183, to be exact¡ªa few years into the future.


    It was plenty of time to prepare, but that did affect the ''social life'' of kid Samael. So much so that even though he was almost a teenager, he didn''t have many friends¡ªonly one, in fact. Her name was Veronica, and she was a constant in all of Samael''s lives.


    But he didn''t care about the lack of friends, as they were still growing up right now, but they were scattered across the galaxy with not a single one of them living close to Samael, so he mostly waited to meet them again.


    And, as he didn''t have to socialize as a child, something that Valery didn''t like, he had more time to do his things, like upgrading a few of his gadgets here and there and making preparations for when he would eventually leave Earth and explore the galaxy.


    Speaking of Veronica, they were good friends in all of Samael''s other lives/cycles and a romantic interest in others. She was an odd one in terms of personality. So much so, that Samael was also her only friend. They were almost inseparable, and as Samael knew her already from his other lives/cycles, he didn''t mind her company. She was the only person in the galaxy as of now, that ''knew'' what Samael was doing, as he showed his gadgets to her. But, as she was too young, she didn''t understand any of it, that''s why he continued showing it to her with no problems.


    As Samael knew her future and liked her attitude towards life, he made plans for her, as he knew what she was good at. She, in most of his past lives, followed the path of a pilot, and a good one at that. So, at the tender age of 10, he was slowly helping her get her talent to shine earlier.


    But Samael finally hit a wall he would need help overcoming, to help with his plans and with Veronica. He needed money. A LOT of money. He knew the stocks, but only from the future, close to when the game begins, so he need a plan to get money NOW.


    In the others cycles, after he realized about the time loop, he didn''t really care on the how to get money, so he exploited some people here and there.


    Meaning the money he got wasn''t ''legit''. Of course, a few millions were, but for his initial sum, he normally used others.


    So, as this was supposed to be his last life, he wanted to do things normaly. Gaining money in a legitimate way.


    That was going to be difficult if not for the fact he knew the future amoung other things.


    He was also excited a little, as this was the first time in ages he was going into a uncharted territory, doing things he didn''t do in past cycles.


    And that was something that made him really happy, as something new to a person who lived trapped in a constant time loop, was a blessing.


    ---


    Valery noticed very soon that her son was special. At the age of 2, he was already doing things that 5-year-olds did. At 5, he was ahead of everyone, and at 10, the only reason he still wasn''t in university was because he said he wanted to enjoy his youth, doing his own thing. She was over the moon seeing her son display this disposition, as it normally meant he was set for life.


    Samael was so good at what he did that even though he was only 10 years old, he helped most people in the slums with their electrical problems. And let me tell you, there was a lot of trouble. So much so that little Samael got the reputation of a ''genius helper'' in the slums, giving him more than a few cookies from the nice ladies around.


    The only thing Valery didn''t like was that he didn''t make more than one friend, even though kids his age have lots of them. But Samael reassured her that he liked that way, as it gave him more time to study, or so he says.


    So, Valery could only accept as she knew her son''s potential. If sacrificing friendships could lead him to live a happy life, she didn''t mind one bit. Besides, he had Veronica, and she usually came around the house every day. Valery found that cute, but she refrained herself in the sense of acting as if Veronica were her daughter-in-law already.


    As the boy''s needs grew, she had to eventually accept the help of the doctor, Amanda, as their bill only went up. And Amanda graciously helped her.


    ''''Are you sure?'''' Valery asked when she saw the amount Amanda gave her. It wasn''t enough to leave the slums, and Valery didn''t want to leave either, but it was enough to help with Samael''s studies.


    '''' I think it''s too little, based on what your husband did to me. I tried to contact the others to see if they would help, and they said they would send a few thousand credits in the future.'''' Amanda once again reassured Valery that it was ok, as her husband literally gave his life to save her and others.


    '''' I... I don''t know what to say.''''


    '''' Say nothing and make sure to use this money well.''''


    She smiled, remembering that conversation. She then focused her attention on Samael, her 10-year-old son, and noticed he was making something in his room. She was content with their lives at the moment.


    ''It would be best if you were here with us, Mason.''


    Mason was Samael''s father. He died in the First Contact War. He was on the offensive to retake the colony from the Turians.


    From the stories they told her, he singlehandedly saved at least 100 colonists, as they were about to be killed by the Turians. Of course, it cost him his life, but a few of the 100 vowed to help his family, and Amanda was one of them.


    As she was lost in thoughts about how their lives would have been different if Mason were still alive, the 10-year-old Samael was making some upgrades to his omni-tool.


    Omni-Tool was a technology exclusive to the Mass Effect universe. It was essentially a computer that also worked as a lifesaving device, a phone, a weapon, etc. It was a jack of all trades, and in one of his lives, Samael learned how to better it to a terrifying degree. And this is exactly what he was doing, as his omni tool would be, at least for the next 18 years, the best in the whole galaxy.


    In the games, you exclusively had to choose a class, and there are a lot of them, and as always, each one of them specializes in one thing. If you choose one, you can''t use the perks of the others, but as this was '' real life'', this limitation didn''t apply to Samael.


    His modified Omni-tool would put Engineer (a class you can choose from in the Mass Effect games), Sentinel, and Infiltrator to shame. Those three were supposed to have the best omni-tool in the galaxy, but the one in Samael''s possession was better than them. All that with limited funds.


    The only problem with the limited funds is that, at least for now, he couldn''t make an advanced AI just yet. He even got the original code from EDI, an AI who was an ally with Shepard and the rest, and the modified and upgraded version of her he made with Tali a few cycles ago.


    Another problem is that he needs to make this AI in the shadows, as in the Mass Effect Universe, they were considered very dangerous. The people who were caught making them would be arrested or even killed.


    So, at least for now, no AI. The possibilities of what he could do with it were enormous, but he didn''t have the money or the opportunity to make it. He could build a VI ( Virtual intelligence), which was a lesser version of an AI, more restricted and with limited opinions, and that is exactly why he didn''t build one.


    '' AANNNND, done.'' Samael smiled as he waved the finished product. ''Now, I just need the ingredients to make the serum.''


    This serum that Samael was talking about was something he made in one of his cycles with the help of Mordin Solus. This serum supposedly gave him more lifespan.


    Supposedly, because he never had the time to see if it was true, as he returned in time. But based on what Mordin said, the serum was legit.


    Supposedly, it also didn''t have a side effect.... supposedly.


    He asked help from Mordin just in case the time loop stopped , so he could enjoy his life with Liara, who had at least 1000 of lifespan, and he was glad he did that, as now he didnt have to worry about it.


    At the end of the day, Samael was just a human, with no cheats on him. No game-like-system, no superstrengh, nothing. His only ''cheat'' was that he was trapped in a time loop.


    Samael didn''t have biotic powers, and he didn''t want to risk trying to have them. Biotic powers allowed the person to do some ''magic'' stuff, as Vallery would say. It was also a class in the game and allowed for some pretty crazy combos with other classes. Generally, people choose this class as it is one of the most fun to play. But the price to get those powers was high.


    You had to either be born with it or be exposed to a radioactive material called Element Zero and if you were lucky, you would have biotic powers. If you weren''t, you would probably die of radiation.


    But the problem with the serum was that the ingredients were expensive, way above the budget of his struggling family, ''Mom is already borrowing money from Amanda, so I can''t bother her now... It seems it''s time for me to do some risky stuff.''


    '' But, it can''t be something illegal, so that reduze my options.''


    '' Sigh, I should''ve studied the lottery numbers from before the year 2180. Or, at least the one from 2170 and before.''Samael was already regretting not grabbing the number of lottery tickets from the past. He only remembered the numbers of the ones after the year 2180, but, at that time, the amount of money he would earn would be meaningless, as he planned to be a trillionaire at that time. '' But, no sense crying over what already happened. I just need to be careful.''


    Samael didn''t want to risk everything just yet, but the prospect of this being his real last life made him more reckless, something he didn''t mind, as it was making him enjoy life for the first time in decades. ''I need money. A lot of it.''


    Just to put it in perspective, the SSV Normandy, the main ship of Jane Shepard and her crew, was estimated to cost at least 150 billion credits, the currency of the Mass Effect universe (equivalent to the dollar). So, if he wanted to make changes in the galaxy, he would need more than that, as his plan wasn''t just limited to a ship.


    Countless planets could sustain life out there, and Samael didn''t mind getting one or two... Or three.


    And he knew exactly how to get that kind of money. It was risky, but it was the only way for him now. Betting on future sports events, as he knew everything about it. That was one of the ways he made money in the other cycles too, but generally, he waited until he was away from home to start his fortune. As this was his ''last'' life, he was in a hurry to be rich, but the problem was how to bet at this exact point in time, as he was still 10 years old.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    '' I can''t use the Valery name, so only one more option remains. Getting involved with shady people.'' To his luck, in the slums where he lived, there were a lot of them; he just needed to find one that could be manipulated by him and was, generally, a good person. Of course, the chosen one would probably become rich like him, so he needed some trustworthiness, and that was going to be difficult.


    '' Well, I at least have to try... Besides, after the serum, there''s the AI too, and the Advanded Med-Gel. This one will bring me a lot of money.''


    Med-gel was a foam that healed almost every single injury, save the fatal ones, like a shot in the heart or head. The upgraded one that Samael invented with the help of Tali, who wanted to help her species live out of their suit, was even better than that. They managed to make one in a cycle, and Samael never forgot how to make it.


    Sighing, Samael got out of his room and said,'''' Mom, I will go out to play with Veronica.''''


    A surprised voice came from the kitchen: '''' Oh? Ok, but don''t stay out there too long. Dinner is almost ready. And bring her with you!''''


    '''' OKAY!''''


    So, Samael went out ''to play''. He wasn''t lying per se, just that the people he was going to play with were different from what Vallery expected.


    ---


    In the middle of the slums, where crime ran rampant without any trouble, you could see a child walking right to the heart of it, where the ''owner'' of said slums lived. The thugs knew the kid as they heard the history of his supposed genius intellect and he had already helped their distant relatives, some even had their problems fixed by him.


    They never got involved with him or his mom because of their ''protection''. Mason had a few friends here, and they made sure to protect both.


    So now, seeing the kid come toward them, they were surprised. One of the five thugs protecting the area where the kid was passing said to the other, '''' What do we do?''''


    '''' He''s probably lost. Send someone to guide him home.''''


    ''''I''ll go.'''' One of the thugs there raised his hand and started to go towards Samael. The other four watched as the man smiled at the kid. But soon, his face changed, and he came back with the kid in his tail.


    The leader of the five thugs asked as he got closer, '''' What''s wrong?''''


    The thugs who guided Samael looked a little ashamed. '''' He says he wanted to talk with the boss.''''


    The leader snorted, '''' Ha, not everyone has that privilege. Send him away.''''


    Under the gaze of the leader, the thug almost passed out, but he managed to say, '''' He knew the boss''s name... and he said he wanted to do business with him.''''


    That made the leader pause. The latter part flew through his head as he focused on the fact that the kid knew the boss''s name. ''''Are you sure?'''' Everyone in the slums knew that the real name of the boss was a NONO subject, as only their group knew it. Not even the government, police, or their rival faction knew, as if they did, things would be ... problematic.


    '''' Yes.''''


    The leader of the five thugs looked at Samael, who was smiling as he watched this unfold. '' It''s a risk, but I can just say I''m a genius and figured it out. My ''Reputation'' will help with that, I hope.''


    It was an extremely dangerous situation for Samael, as his body, even though he trained every day, was still that of a child. So, while he was confident he could face an adult or two, he couldn''t win against 5 of them. Not yet, anyway.


    Again, the only reason he came here in the first place was because he needed money and someone to bet for him. And the only people he knew now was the boss of the slums.


    From his past cycles, Samael knew the man superficially. He knew his name, as he introduced himself in one of the cycles, but never met him for good. So he didn''t know if he was trustworthy or not.


    But, based on what happened in his other cycles, he decided to try. By the way, if you''re wondering why he never took this exact action in his past lives, it was because he was focused on getting to help Shepard. Only in his first life did Samael act in a hurry to get money, and it took a while, even with the game knowledge. In the other lives, he only got rich much later, as he was focused on Shepard.


    As Samael was remembering a few things about the boss of the slums, the leader of the five thugs said with a grim voice, '''' Follow me.''''


    Samael did so and followed with ease. They didn''t say a single thing until they arrived at the heart of the slums, where the boss was.


    '''' Wait here.'''' The leader of the five thugs said, left the other four and Samael behind, and went to a house. It didn''t take long for him to come out and say, '''' Follow me. The boss will speak with you.''''


    Samael smiled and said, ''''Thank you.'''' Inside, he was thinking, ''Let''s re-met my money cow!''


    ---


    After entering the house that was supposed to be the hideout of the boss, Samael was guided to the boss''s room. The thug looked at the kid in front of him with a strange gaze and said, ''''He is inside, waiting to talk with you.''''


    Samael smiled kindly at the man. '''' Thank you.'''' He honestly didn''t care if they were thugs or not, as he himself acted out of the law in a few cycles. The only thing that mattered to him was that they were humans and not Reapers. Of course, even he had a bottom line, if he found out one of those thugs did something he considered nefarious, he didn''t mind giving them their punishment.


    So, Samael entered the room and was soon met with a familiar face: the boss of the slums. While familiar in the sense that he met him once in a past cycle, he knew very little about the man. By the way, he was a typical-looking thug.


    Bald, a few tattoos here and there, and a slightly bulging stomach.


    And as Samael was judging the boss, the boss was doing the same. Though he was more than just surprised,'' So, the rumors of the genius child were true. I never thought I would meet him like that.''


    The boss, or Tarzan, was a thug but a good man. He occasionally helped people with potential in life make out of the slums. And the young child in front of him was one of the candidates for that. So, imagine his surprise when one of his men told him the kid knew his name and wanted to talk business with him.


    And the topic of his name was taboo because, well, his name was ... exotic, to say the least. And, as it was exotic, it was very easy to find his whereabouts if the police found out about him, as crime was fiercely fought on this Earth. And, if the rival''s faction knew his name, they would make fun of it, and the fate of the ones that did so weren''t good. A war would start, so everyone who knew the name stayed quiet and just called him boss.


    Tarzan found the situation a little absurd, but he didn''t mind talking with the kid. ''''So... what business do you want to talk about with me?''''


    Samael, who finished his detective work on the man, said,'''' Before that, do you have a drink?''''


    Tarzan paused and soon started to laugh, '''' HAHAHA, where are my manners! BOYS!''''


    A voice came from behind the room door: ''''Yes, boss?''''


    '''' Bring me a beer. And what do you want, kid?'''' Tarzan asked Samael, who at this point was acting very comfortably, not like he was in the house of a thug.


    '''' I''ll take anything you have.''''


    Tarzan smiled, "Bring me two beers then!"


    '''' On it!''''


    Tarzan noticed Samael just smiled at that. So, he coughed to ease the awkwardness,'''' So, again, what business do you have with me? I assume you didn''t come here just to waste my time.''''


    '''' Of course not. Before I say it, tell me what sport you like. Football, basketball?'''' Samael was going to act as if he were a master analyst by giving the man in front of him the results of his favorite team and sports.


    So, when he was proven correct, they could start the business partnership.


    By the way, sports have incredibly survived until now, and they mostly were the same as Samael''s old Earth.


    '''' Hmmm? I don''t know why you asked, but I like the Chicago Bulls.'''' Tarzan found the conversation amusing and didn''t mind answering.


    '''' Ok. So, first things first, let me introduce myself formally. My name is Samael, and I assume you heard of me.''''


    Tarzan nodded at that.


    '''' Good, so that makes things easy. I started to delve into sports recently and noticed a few things. I can basically predict who would win a game with an error margin of 0%.'''' Samael said that, and, as expected, Tarzan started to laugh.


    '''' HAHAHAH, KID, don''t make me laugh! There''s no way anyone in this entire galaxy could have a 0% loss.''''


    Right on time, one of the thugs entered the room with the beer and passed it to Tarzan, who passed one to Samael. The thug left soon after


    Samael, under the gaze of Tarzan, said mysteriously, '''' The galaxy is a big place. Are you sure it isn''t possible?''''


    '' Ahhh, if only I had my AI already, things would go much faster than now.'' Samael sighed internally.


    He could''ve used his AI to bet for him, but being poor sucks.


    Tarzan then paused. He knew what the kid in front of him said was true, something like that had a chance to be real. But, still, it was difficult to accept that.


    ''''... Why come for me then?'''' That was puzzling to Tarzan. If he had that kind of ability, he would use it to his own benefit.


    Samael took a sip of the beer. His throat didn''t like it that much, but the soul was already accustomed to the taste. '''' I need money to start to bet, besides, I''m only 10. Even if I managed to have money, just to find a way to bet on it was going to be impossible.''''


    Only now did Tarzan remember that the person in front of him was a kid. The aura he gave made him forget about the fact. He then also took a sip of beer.


    '''' So, you need someone to bet for you, and you take all the money?''''


    Samael shook his head, "No. I take 70 and you take 30%. By the way, this is what I plan on making in a week.'''' He passed a paper to Tarzan.


    When Tarzan took it and saw the numbers, he almost choked on his beer. He looked at Samael like he was a mad child. ''''How much is going to be the initial bet?''''


    '''' 10.000 credits.''''


    '' It isn''t much...'' That was what Tarzan thought. But, while not much, it was still money.


    Just as Tarzan was thinking about the pros and cons, Samael said, '''' Listen, I''m only willing to show you this so you trust me and bet those 10.000.'''' He then passed another paper to Tarzan.


    When he saw the number on this new paper, Tarzan said with a trembling voice, '''' In how much time do we make this kind of money?''''


    Samael smiled widely. '''' In a year. And remember, you take 30%. Not your friends or family, you. You can even use the money to buy a planet or two.''''


    The cons went out of the window, as the money there was enough to last for 20 generations. Of course, all that is based on the fact that the kid was right. Tarzan had some money on his account, and while risking 10.000 credits was a little bit nerve-wracking, if what the kid was showing was true... it was worth the risk.


    ''''...OK, I''ll lend you 10.000 Credits. It will be from my own money, by the way, so you better be right.'''' Tarzan would not admit it, but he was almost drolling, thinking about the money he would earn in one year.


    '''' Good. Here''s the list of games and which team will win. I didn''t know which team you liked, so I made a few.'''' Samael passed a list to Tarzan with the results of the games.


    Samael only passed the list with the basketball results, as it was the one Tarzan said he liked. He had more lists about other sports, but those will stay with him to use in the future. The money he would earn would be more than what Tarzan could ever dream of, but because of his age, he could not use it. So, after this first week of successful betting, he would slowly give more lists to Tarzan, and in return, he would make more money.


    Of course, he would lose 30%, but it was acceptable. He trusted his guts and instincts, which said the man was trustworthy, so he would probably be okay. If the man in front of him did something wrong, Samael didn''t mind teaching the man a lesson he wouldn''t forget.Let''s just say the Krogan, more specifically Wrex, had a few... exotic ways of torturing humans, and the Krogan had taught him in the past cycles.


    When Tarzan saw the list, he noticed four games were today. It would start in a few hours, so he acted fast, '''' A few games will start soon, so I''ll leave in a bit... If it does not work and I lose the money...''''


    Samael immediately said, '''' I''ll work for you in the future. You know what I am capable of, as all the rumors about me were true. Child genius and all that, so me working for you for a measly 10.000 credits is a nice deal.''''


    Tarzan said nothing more, as he knew it was the truth. He then said goodbye, '''' I''ll go bet now. Follow me, and I''ll leave you at your house.''''


    Samael smiled and said, '''' Well, I didn''t tell my Mom I was coming here. Leave me at Veronica''s house.''''


    Tarzan snorted, as the tales of the two kids were normal around the neighborhood ladies. '''' Sure.''''


    '''' By the way, send the money to this account when you win. You can deduce the 30% yourself.''''


    Tarzan looked at the account in his hand and said, ''''How did you do this?''''


    '''' I hacked into the bank.''''


    While the AI would help the hacking process, Samael didn''t live 250 years for nothing. He had some particular sets of skills that he used to his benefit once in a while.


    Hacking was one of them. While not the best in the galaxy, he could hack into the bank.


    The only reason why he didn''t hack the betting site was because it was more risky than hacking the bank. As in the bank, he wouldn''t steal any money, he just made the account using someone''s name and that was that.


    ''... Then why did you not hack a betting site?''


    As if Samael could almost hear his thoughts, he said to Tarzan '''' Too much trouble. It''s a fake account that I''ll only use for now, and I''ll ask my mom in a year or two to make one official.''''


    The duo then talked no more, as Tarzan then drove Samael to Veronica''s house. When the man was leaving, Samael said, '''' Follow exactly what''s on that list, and we will make it rich!''''


    Tarzan nodded and went away to bet. If it were all true, he would be able to fund all of his brother''s families and their studies. ''It''s a long shot, but it''s worth the try.''


    HOURS LATER


    '' No FUCKING WAY!'' That was the only thought in Tarzan''s mind. As all 4 games happened at the same time, he didn''t have the chance to become too nervous, so his reaction to the results was explosive. He double checked the result just in case.


    He looked at the list Samael gave him and put it beside the results. It was the same, every single game, even the ones where the ''weak'' team won, was on the list.


    Tarzan was grinning like a maniac and trembling as the 10.000 turned into 500.000 in 4 games. '' It''s true! IT''S TRUE!''


    Tarzan vividly remembers the huge amount they would make in one year, according to Samael, and almost fainted.


    He even started to think of stealing some money, but soon stopped himself. He wasn''t dumb and knew that Samael had more of those lists. The amount of money he could earn was astronomical, even if only 30% of it. '' It isn''t worth losing his trust for so little..''


    Tarzan knew the kid was testing him, as he had already hacked into a bank at 10 years old. So, if he didn''t deposit exactly 70% into that account, he didn''t doubt the kid would search for another person to bet for him.


    ''... I''ll honor the deal. 30% of 500.000 only because I used my age to bet is more than generous. '' He knew that the kid gave him 30%, so he didn''t have other thoughts. And it was working. '' By the way, I can''t let this kid with no protection. After I go back, I will send a few of my man to protect the area around his house.''


    Tarzan smiled as he knew the kid had him hooked for good, '' HA! The kid is a special one, a genius indeed.'' He then made his way to the slums, more rich than before and now trusting Samael.


    That was the start of Samael''s empire and the Tarzan legend within the slums, but no one knew that yet.

 3 – Start Of Something New

    The conversation between Samael and Tarzan took a few hours, and just after being dropped off at Veronica''s house, Samael asked the girl to tell his mom that he had been with her for a long time.


    The girl saw no reason not to and agreed to lie. Soon afterward, Samael returned home with Veronica, "Mom, I''m back.''''


    Valery was in the living room and didn''t seem too irritated by Samael''s delay, but she was a little annoyed, ''''The food is already cold....'''' She was about to continue talking, but when she saw Veronica with Samael, she just smiled and said, ''''Well, the important thing is that you''ve arrived. How was your afternoon?''''


    Veronica, who, although she didn''t understand much of Samael''s heavy talk, still knew how to pick up on social cues, ''''It was great! Samael and I played a lot today.''''


    '''' Yeah? And what did you play?''''


    ''''Doctor!'''' Veronica answered innocently and Samael, who had gone into the kitchen to help himself and take a drink of water, almost spat out what he had taken.


    '''' OH?'''' Valery noticed her son''s action and knew that he knew what playing doctor meant while Veronica clearly didn''t. So, to play a little with her usually calm son, she continued by asking, ''''And how was that?''''


    '''' Well, we-''''


    COUGH


    After feigning a cough, Samael went towards Veronica and started dragging her into the kitchen before she could say something that could be interpreted differently, ''''Veronica, go sit on the table. And mom, it''s not at all what you think.''''


    Valery smiled mischievously, ''''And what was I thinking, huh?''''


    Samael could see the smile on his mom''s eyes and knew he had lost, '''' ... Sigh. Nothing, just forget what she said.''''


    Even with all his knowledge, it seems he still can''t win against his mom. It was like that in all his other cycles, but Samael didn''t mind that one bit, as he loved his mom.


    So, ignoring Valery for now, Veronica and Samael sat at the table and started to put food on their respective plates.


    Veronica, though, was a little bit confused, as she noted the laughing face of Valery, '''' Why did your mom react like that when I said we played doctor?''''


    Samael again almost dropped what was on his hands. But, with twitching lips, he answered, '''' ... You''re still too young to know that.''''


    Veronica found that a little annoying, as they clearly are of the same age. But she trusted Samael, '''' Ok, but when I''m older, tell me.''''


    '''' No problem.''''


    And, after they ate, both of them went to Samael''s room while Valery stayed in the same place, but Samael could see the smirk in her eyes.


    '' ... Mom, please. We are only 10 !'' Samael thought as he entered his room and closed the door.


    Veronica, almost like a reflex, went and laid on Samael''s bed, who didn''t seem to mind. That showed how close their friendship was, as they were almost inseparable.


    '''' So, did you finish it?'''' As mentioned before, while she didn''t know what it meant, Veronica was still in the loop regarding Samael and his upgraded gadgets.


    '''' Yup.'''' Samael showed her his finished Omni-tool, '''' What you''re seeing now is the best the galaxy has to offer. For the next 20 years, anyway.''''


    '''' OHHHH. Can you give me one?''''


    '''' Sure. But not now. In a few days or weeks.''''


    '''' Aww..... ok then.''''


    As soon as he finished showing her the omni-tool, it flashed, indicating something happened to one of his Samael accounts in the bank. Sure enough, he saw 350.000 Credits deposited there.


    He smiled but soon his facial expression became serious. '' I can now start...'' Samael looked at Veronica, '' It''s time to see which path you''ll take.''


    While Veronica usually follows Samael around in their childhood, in a few cycles, she stopped listening to his pieces of advice when she became an adult. While always a pilot, she could potentially not be on the good side of the law, if things don''t go right.


    But, Samael didn''t mind that one bit, because himself also went to the wrong side of the law in a few cycles. It really didn''t matter if she became a bandit or not, but as this was supposed to be his real last cycle, he wanted his close friend to live a comfortable life.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    So, now he was going to propose something to her. Something he didn''t do even in his past cycles, '''' Veronica.''''


    The girl was meddling with Samael''s omni-tool when she heard that. She found his voice a little weird, and when she looked at his face, she noticed it was serious. A face she had never seen before, so the kid became a little apprehensive as a reflex, '''' Ye- Yes?''''


    Samael continued with his serious attitude, '''' What I''m about to ask you could potentially change your entire future, your entire life. You do not need to answer right away, do you understand?''''


    The girl, still confused, could only nod.


    '''' Good... What do you want to be when you grow up.''''


    Immediately, and as if all the anxiousness went away, Veronica answered, '''' A pilot!''''


    Samael smiled internally, but continued with his serious face, '''' Good. Now, do you want my help to become the best pilot in the galaxy?''''


    It wasn''t an empty promise. He had the intellect and knowledge to make her the best, and he had done so in a past cycle. But now, she just had to say yes, and he would do that sooner.


    Veronica found the whole conversation a little bit weird, but she didn''t find any reason to not say yes. So, she said, '''' Yes!''''


    Samael smiled at the naive girl, who just said yes to going through a hell lot of training, '''' No takes back. Let''s start right now!''''


    '''' Now?'''' Veronica was surprised by the sudden announcement. And it was already night, so it didn''t make much sense.


    '''' Yes, there''s no time to lose.'''' Samael then said to her, '''' Let''s go.''''


    The duo then went out of the room, passed Valery in the living room, and said, '''' We are going out.''''


    ''''Don''t be too late. While you don''t have school, Veronica does.'''' Valery wasn''t worried about anything happening to both, as the people from the slums usually don''t mess with the people from the slums unless they do something wrong. Besides, she would not tell Samael, but she knew he trained to fight or whatever that was when he was alone in his room.


    '''' Sure!''''


    Samael, alongside Veronica, started to look around for an empty area within the slums with enough space for the training. He did find a suitable place soon after.


    '''' Here. In the future, we will come here often to train.'''' Samuel thought about sending Tarzan a message saying he wanted this place,'' I don''t think it''s unreasonable. He will accept... probably.''


    He could even build a gym or something like that here, for his use and maybe for the people of the slums to enjoy too.


    Samael ended that train of thought when he noticed Veronica looking around the place, confused. He then started to say, without waiting for her to adapt, '''' So, as I said before, I will train you to be the best pilot in the galaxy. Tell me, what do you think it''s the best thing a pilot should have?''''


    '''' A good ship!'''' Veronica immediately answered.


    Samael''s eyebrows twitched a little, '''' That too, but no. The best thing a pilot could have is experience. But, as we can''t pilot a ship right now, we will do the next best thing.''''


    '''' Which is?'''' Veronica asked with apprehension in her voice, as she could see Samael crack his knuckles.


    '''' Train your body and a little bit of martial arts. I''ll do both with you, so prepare yourself.''''


    Veronica suddenly started to regret her decision.


    ----


    1 HOUR LATER


    Veronica was on the ground, painting and with a lot of bruises here and there. Samael didn''t go easy on her just because she was a kid or a girl. He trained her seriously, as he wanted her to shine. That did put a lot of strain on her body, but Samael knew she could handle it. After all, he wanted her to live a long life.


    His ''training'' was simple. First, he did some basic sets of push-ups and a few runs around the area. Second and last for the day, he said to her to attack him seriously, like she wanted to kill him.


    Veronica hesitated a little, as even though she knew he trained his body a lot if she hit him, he could still be hurt.


    Samael sensed her hesitation and smirked, '''' Don''t worry, I doubt you will land a single hit, so feel free to try.''''


    Veronica got pissed at that provocation and jumped at Samael, who simply stepped aside and tripped her, making the girl fall hard on the ground.


    The girl then held her head in pain, as she fell on it. She wanted to stop already and even started to tear up a little.


    Just when she was going to give up already, she heard Samael''s voice, '''' If you''re thinking about giving up, then just do it. I said before it''s going to be difficult and this is just the beginning. There will be A LOT more pain and hardships in the future... But if you continue, I can guarantee you that you''ll be one of the best of the best within the galaxy.''''


    Even though she was young and a little naive, Veronica wasn''t dumb. She had known Samael since they were toddlers and knew he was special, as everything he said he was going to do, he did, and everything he said was going to happen, did happen.


    So, the prospect of being the best pilot in the galaxy gave her enough motivation to get up, wipe the tears, and say, '''' Let''s continue.''''


    Samael smiled, as at least for now, this indicated she would follow the hard path, and not the easy one. The cycle she went to the wrong side of the law was when she didn''t have enough will to preserve.


    '''' Good. Let''s continue then!''''


    You might think this train was useless but no. The serum Samael was planning on making had a lot of things inside, like the DNA of other races, the ones with strength above humans. So, the person had to have a strong body, to be able to endure the effect of the serum.


    After all, something that makes you live longer than you should isn''t to be taken lightly. Also, while the serum gives you a longer lifespan, it also makes you stronger, faster, and better than normal.


    That''s why you need a strong body, otherwise, you will explode. Literally.


    Samael didn''t plan on monopolizing the serum he was going to make, so, he was making sure Veronica had a strong body, as he would give her the serum in the future. He then carried the exhausted Veronica in a princess care, towards her home. By the way, she didn''t lend a single hit on Samael.


    '''' Ho- how are you so ... strong?'''' While she knew his body and that he trained, it never crossed her mind that she would not be able to hit him, not even once.


    '''' I lift!''''


    ---


    What Samael didn''t know at the moment, was that the serum he wanted to make, had some side effect that neither he nor Mordius could anticipate.


    As Samael usually only lived until 28, the side effects never had the chance to show, as he didn''t have the chance to find out about it.


    But, if Samael knew about it, he would probably still take it, as the Reapers and the other''s threats were formidable enough for him to make that decision.

 4 – Changes

    The very next day, Samael went to encounter Tarzan. And as if they had some prior order, all the thugs along the way let Samael pass through them without any obstruction.


    The boy soon arrived at Tarzan''s hideout and said to the thug at the door, '''' I want to talk with the boss.''''


    '''' ... It''s you. You can enter.'''' Again, it seems that Samael now has a free pass to the slums.


    After entering the house/hideout, Samael didn''t have to wait long, as Tarzan soon appeared, '''' BOY! HAAAHAHAHA, did you receive the money?''''


    Samael nodded and said, '''' Yes. I''m here to give you more... of the stuff.''''


    Tarzan''s eyes shone, ''''Sure! Follow me to my office!'''' The man then leads the way to his office, passing some thugs who looked at Samel with a mix of surprise and a little respect.


    As soon as they entered the office, Samael showed the man a hologram from his omni-tool and asked for the terrain that both he and Veronica trained yesterday night, '''' I want this area for me. Can you give it to me?''''


    Tarzan looked at the place the hologram was showing and knew it was an empty lot, a rare place within the slums. But he didn''t hesitate, as the kid in front of him was his golden nugget,'''' Sure, but can I ask what for?''''


    '''' I''ll probably make a gym or something like that. But, at least for now, the gym will be only for my use. If want to use it, you''ll have to talk with me first.''''


    '''' No problem. Do you want anything to drink before we talk business?''''


    '''' A beer would be good.'''' Samael wouldn''t lie, he liked someone who treated him as his actual age, over 200 (or an adult for that matter).


    '''' No problem. Boys, bring us a beer.'''' Tarzan then looked at Samael expectantly. ''''So, can I see the list?''''


    '''' Sure.'''' Samael passed the list with the basketball games for the day.


    Tarzan looked at it for a second, then nodded.'''' All in?''''


    Samael smiled widely and said, ''''All in!''''


    If you''re interested, they would end with 5.000.000 today. That was an absurd amount of money, as they started with only 10.000 credits yesterday.


    Tarzan, even though this was their second meeting, found the boy more and more pleasing to the eye. ''''Send the money to the same account?''''


    '''' Yes. And here is my part for today''s bet.'''' Samael passed all the money that was in his account to Tarzan.


    Tarzan nodded as he saw the money entering his account. ''''So... do you need anything more?''''


    ''''At least for now, that''s it.''''


    After drinking the beer, Samael left the place. '' Now, I just need to wait until I make enough money to buy the ingredients for the serum, for the AI, for the Med-Gel... Fuck, my money didn''t even arrive, and it''s already gone.''


    Sighing about it, Samael returned home and found Veronica spralled on his bed. ''''... What are you doing?''''


    '''' You made me like this. Take responsibility!''''


    ''''... Do you even know what that means?''''


    '''' No, but your mother and my mother told me to say this to you today!''''


    It seems Veronica told both about their training, and that was their reaction. It wasn''t a secret, though, as yesterday Samael entered Veronica''s house with her in his arms, and her family saw everything.


    The weird thing is that they didn''t even say anything about the situation at that moment. But now it makes sense, as it seems they left the response today.


    Samael sighed, ''What both families are thinking?! What is even this situation?''


    Veronica then got up from the bed and asked, ''''What are we doing today?''''


    '''' Train again. But less intense this time, we need to give time to the muscle to heal.''''


    While Med-Gel healed a lot of injuries, Samael didn''t want to use it on every injury. Besides, the best healing for a tired body was rest.


    '''' We will train right now?'''' Veronica asked with not-so-subtle tiredness.


    ''''... Sigh. I guess we can go later. But let me do something for you in the meantime. Give me your omni-tool.'''' Samael extended his hand out and waited for the goods.


    Veronica did so without hesitation, and Samael started to meddle with it for a bit.


    He will upgrade her omni-tool, not to the same level as the one on him, but more advanced than anyone else at the moment.


    '' I should also do this to mom. It might raise some questions, but I can deal with that.''


    Again, omni-tools in the Mass Effect universe served as a lot of things, like weapons. So his mother would have another way of protecting herself. Samael hoped she would never use it, but who knows? Better safe than sorry.


    After a few minutes of Samael doing his things, he finished the upgradee and passed the omni-tool back to Veronica. '''' Here. There are some new functions, like this.''''


    A blade different from the one from normal omni-tools came out of Samael''s omni-tool. It looked more dangerous.


    Veronica was surprised, '''' Can mine do that too?''''


    At Samael''s nod, Veronica started to look at how to use it, and soon enough, a blade also popped out of her Omni-tool.


    '''' OHHHHH.'''' Veronica''s eyes shone, and she looked at her blade, which looked almost the same as Samael''s.


    '''' Careful. It could kill you or hurt you.''''


    Veronica put the blade away, then looked at Samael with fire in her eyes. '''' Could you teach me how to use it in a good way? Like, fight and stuff like that.''''


    '' Ohh, look at that.'' Samael''s intention was just to upgrade her tool to pass the time until Veronica wanted to start training, but it seemed to have a good effect, as it ignited her passion.


    '''' Sure. Do you want to go now?''''


    Veronica nodded. It didn''t even cross her mind that Samael might not know how to use the blade. The boy in front of her knew how to do almost everything she could think of, and she was right on the money again.


    Samael was trained by so many people for so many years that it is safe to call him the best hand-to-hand combatant on Earth right now. Maybe even in the whole galaxy.


    So, the duo once again went to train.


    A MONTH LATER


    '''' NOT FAIR!'''' Veronica fell to the ground, dead tired, after another session of training. Once more, she did not hit Samael a single time.


    Samael helped himself to some water in their gym. Oh yeah, the empty place where they used to train was gone. Now, in its place, was a full set of buildings, a compound.


    Of course, all with the best quality, even though it was in the slums. Money was not a problem anymore, as Samael now could be considered a multimillionaire, his fortune almost crossing the billions.


    As the money they won increased, he and Tarzan had to slow down on their betting, as it could attract unwanted attention, so they limited themselves. That''s why it''s only millions, not billions, right now.


    The empty space now had a gym, a range to train shooting, a food area, an arsenal, etc. Samael went all in at this place, as he thought of something a few weeks ago.


    FLASHBACK TO WEEKS AGO


    It was a normal day in the slums. People went on with their lives, and Samael went out to look around, as ordered by his mom after she found out what he did with her omni-tool.


    Samael explained what the uses are, but his mom was not listening after she saw the blade coming out. But she didn''t ground him and said for him to go out to grab some fresh air.


    Sighing, Samael was glad his mom reacted that way and didn''t throw the omni-tool away, as it meant more protection for her. Going out wasn''t a punishment, and he didn''t know what was on her mind when she said for him to go out. But he still listened and was strolling around in the slums, greeting a few people he knew along the way.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    So, as Samael was going on with his life not paying attention to any kind of danger as he was safe, at least from the thugs, when he was in the area. But, today, a few people have different ideas.


    Sighing once more after seeing the scene in front of him, Samael asked, just to be sure, ''''You guys don''t know who I am?''''


    The situation right now was that Samael was in an alley, surrounded by six people. They were not much older than him, maybe 15 years old, so they must not know his special situation. Heck, they might not even be involved with Tarzan and his thugs.


    It seemed that Samael was correct, as the one at the front, who looked older than the rest, smirked, ''''Should we know about it?''''


    Samael just shook his head and said, '''' Nah, don''t worry about it. So, what are you going to do now? Rob me or something like that?''''


    '''' That''s exactly what I''m doing. You''re surrounded and on our turf. We isolated this place, so you can scream a lot, but no one will hear you.''''


    ''... Tarzan, how are you taking care of this place? Those kids are acting like this in your area, my guy!''


    Deciding to have a small conversation with Tarzan about this situation, Samael didn''t look nervous.'''' Let''s get this over with. I''ll not hand you any money, and you can try to make me do it. But let me tell you in advance before you do anything. You are going to regret it.''''


    The leader looked frustrated that the kid in front of him didn''t listen. And, while it looked like the kid wasn''t that old, the leader didn''t mind giving him a beat.


    '''' Boys, kick his ass!''''


    MINUTES LATER


    The five teenagers, along with the leader, were on the ground with varying kinds of injuries. Some had broken noses, while others had broken arms or legs.


    Samael stood over the leader, who looked shocked. '''' So, what should I do with you guys?''''


    If he reported to Tarzan about those kids, they would most likely be killed, and while he wasn''t a saint, Samael didn''t want to see kids, even those who tried to rob him would die for no reason.


    '' If they have to die, at least they could act like a meat shield against the Reapers or something like that ... Wait!''


    Samael had an Eureka moment, ''In the battle against the Reapers, we need a lot of people to throw at them to stop the advance of their ground troops. Those kinds of people in front of me are perfect!... I have to thank Mom for making me take some fresh air.''


    The Reapers were big, like kilometers big, but they also had ground troops, so there were various fronts in the war. And, using the people from the slums, who otherwise would have joined crime or died a meaningless death, to combat those troops was perfect.


    '' I will contact Tarzan after this and tell him to build a few buildings in the area where Veronica and I have a gym. It wouldn''t take long, and money isn''t a problem.''


    Samael then looked at the leader on the ground and asked, ''''How many people do you have?''''


    The leader, Josh, was trying really hard to understand the situation in front of him. They lured a kid, who looked somehow out of place and rich, to an alley to rob him.


    The kid refused, and Josh tried to teach him a lesson, but he found himself on the ground with his nose broken and a few bruised ribs. ''How could a kid do this?''


    Josh felt the hits, and they didn''t hurt that much. The problem was that the kid was nimble and hit the same spot over and over, even while surrounded. He took the fast ones first, then focused on me.


    It was a crap show, and now Josh is regretting it. But then he kind of heard the kid say something, but he didn''t understand. ''''W-what?''''


    ''''How many people do you have under you?''''


    Josh could see the madness and the fire in the kid eyes and regretted attacking him.


    Left with no choice, the teenager led Samael toward the place where his gangs usually stay. Usually was a loose term, because they didn''t really have a place of their own, so they just stayed in whatever area they were in at that moment.


    When the gang saw their boss in that situation, broken nose and all that, they immediately reacted, '''' Who did this to you!? Just say the word, and we will handle them!''''


    They said them because they could imagine a situation where their boss lost to a single person to such a degree.


    Just as Josh wanted to tell them to shut up, Samael''s voice came from behind him,'''' It was me who did it. So, what are you going to do?''''


    When the group saw Samael, who didn''t look older than 13, and his somewhat fancy clothes, they almost burst out laughing. They only didn''t do so because Josh said in a hurry, '''' I''m sorry guys, but run! Don''t face him, you can''t win!''''


    While the state Josh was in was enough to show them something was wrong, their minds were clouded after they saw Josh''s state, so they were acting without much thought. '''' No, we can handle him!''''


    Samael looked around the six kids or teenagers around him and nonchalantly asked Josh, '''' You said you had 50 people under you. There are only six here.''''


    Josh gritted his teeth. '''' The rest is out robbing people for us to eat!''''


    Samael sighed, '''' To be honest, I don''t really care about your motive, but you messed with the wrong people. Be grateful, as I have a good plan for you and your gang.''''


    What Samael was going to do was create a small army or something like a mercenary group, the latter was something normal in the Mass Effect Universe. He never did this in the other cycles, well, he tried to do that on the first one but the plan was put on hold in the second cycle and foward because he didn''t have the people, the resources nor the pacience to manage it.


    And in the point in time where he had it, he had already realized he was trapped in a time loop, so he didn''t think about creating an army because, well, it didn''t make much sense, as all his hard work would turn to dust when he hit 28.


    But now, with this possibility being his last life, he was going all in. He would never actually do something drastic, such as attack other people for no reason, but if they gave him one, he would not hesitate to use his future army.


    '' But I can''t use them like this... I''ll have to use my money to make something like a place for them to train and live.''


    From the malnourished bodies of Josh and the other 11 people (6 were already down for the count, Josh and the thugs who tried to rob Samael), they clearly weren''t eating much, so if he wanted then to be an army, he needed to make them strong.


    ''For now, let''s deal with them and wait for the rest.''


    While Samael''s body was still 10 years old, he trained every day from the moment he could walk and coupled with the experience he had, if they fought once more, it would be a piece of cake.


    Samael then looked at the kids in front of him, who were ready to attack. '''' Come, let''s end this. I have plans to put in motion, and you are wasting my time.''''


    Minutes later, all 11 kids were on the ground, and now Samael was waiting for the other 39. '' Well, if they all come back at the same time, even I would have trouble fighting them with this body.''


    But, as Josh said before, they were robbing people, so, to make things more efficient, they usually stole in small groups. So, groups of five arrived at the place where Samael was, in intervals, and were quickly dealt with. After 2 hours or so, all 50 kids were on the ground.


    Samael looked at all the kids in front of him and thought about how to make them useful, '''' Now, listen up. I''ll give you a one-in-a-trillion chance. Well, I say a choice, but you can''t say no.''''


    The 50 people gritted their teeth at what Samael just said.


    '''' Continuing, in the future, I''ll be going out of the slums to the faraway galaxy, doing a lot of things. And those things usuall- scratch that, always are trouble, with me being in danger all the time, so I need a team/ army/ mercenaries/allies, to fight alongside me. That''s you guys, if that wasn''t clear.''''


    Before they could protest, Samael continued, '''' But I''m not a monster. You attacked me thinking I had money, and you were right, I''m rich. So, in exchange for your loyalty, I''ll give you three meals a day, a place for you and your family to live, and a promise that I''ll take care of them if you die on the job.''''


    At Samael''s words, every kid stopped complaining. What he was saying was too good to be true, as they sometimes didn''t eat once a day, and a roof over their heads was rare too.


    After Josh exchanged glances with a few of his friends, who looked a little shocked by what the kid said. They were somehow moved, even Josh, so he asked Samael,'''' How could we trust you?''''


    Samael smirked, used his omni-tool, and showed the balance on one of his many account, ''''Here, do you trust me now?''''


    When the group saw the huge amount of credits in Samael''s account, they forgot the pain they were in and just stared at the number. They were too stunned to even think.


    Samael smirked when he saw that reaction, ''Gottem!''


    END OF FLASHBACK


    Remembering how this small ''army'' came to be, Samael thought about how to use them, '' I''m not doing this as a charity, as they would most likely be cannon fodder in the war against the Reapers. But, if you look at it from another perspective, I''m giving those kids a chance to live a somehow better life, as they would usually turn to crime.''


    The kids are being trained by some people Samael hired and are slowly changing to become loyal to him. Of course, it would take a long time to form an army, but Samael was going to expand the plan, as only 50 people was too little. The plan to make the army was made on a whim, but it seemed good.


    He wasn''t even thinking about doing this in his other 9 cycles, as he was just going with the flow and focusing on other things. In the ones where he was trying, he followed the plot of the game to a T and didn''t focus much on anything else.


    Besides, on the cycles that he did form a team, he learned it was hard to manage it. So, all this army montage was somehow new to him, and that made him excited a bit.


    New things were the best things to Samael.


    Samael helped Veronica get up. '''' You have gotten better. You almost hit me today.''''


    Veronica pouted, ''''Yeah, but I didn''t hit.''''


    '''' Give it a few years, and you''ll be able to.'''' Samael ruffled the girl hair.


    '''' Yeah, yeah. I''m hungry. Let''s go eat. My house or yours?''''


    '''' You chose.''''


    Samael then followed Veronica out of the gym. The duo passed the other kids training their aim and their combat skills. At first, Veronica was surprised by all of this, but Samael said it was some preparation for the future, and she accepted it with ease.


    As they both passed the kids/army, the teacher suddenly saw them and coughed. The kids paused their training and did an awkward salute, '''' Boss!''''


    Samael''s eyes twitched, '''' Don''t call me that! Who taught you to say this?''


    ''


    The kids hurried back to their training as Samael went to talk with the teacher. ''''Why teach them something like that?''''


    '''' They need discipline... And I kind of wanted to see your reaction. Let me tell you, it was nice, hahaha.'''' Jaret, an ex-soldier who participated in the First Contact War but was discharged after losing an arm, was also a friend of Mason, Samael''s father.


    By the way, he has a robotic arm, and it was cool.


    So, when Samael saw he needed a teacher to train those kids, he knew he had to find someone trustworthy, and someone he knew. Jaret was the first choice, as the man was a constant in the other cycles.


    Jaret was one of the people Mason saved, and he vowed to protect Valery and Samael, so he moved in secret to the slums and did so for 10 years until he was intercepted by Samael.


    He was surprised by what the kid was doing and the scale of it all, but all he had in mind was, ''As expected of Mason''s son.''


    Samael made him promise not to tell this '' side'' of him to Vallery, and the man accepted, as this wasn''t something she should know. It was, according to the kid, a way to have another way of protection.


    Against what or who, he didn''t say, and Jared didn''t ask.


    Jaret didn''t ask where the money was coming from because it didn''t matter. He only asked if the kid was in trouble or doing something illegal, and when the answer was no to both questions, Jaret accepted the job. The pay was amazing too, so it was a win-win situation.


    '' Sigh, I''m surrounded by weirdos.'' Samael calmed down, he just didn''t like to be called the same way as Tarzan, '''' I don''t like being called boss, anything else is good.''''


    '''' Sure things, leader!''''


    '''' ... ''''


    Samael was almost regretting hiring Jaret, '''' Listen, you are the veteran here, and I want them obedient and loyal to me, I don''t mind how. Just do it.''''


    Jaret looked serious as he answered, '''' Don''t worry, when I''m finished with them they will jump in front of a train if you tell them to do so.''''


    '''' Good. I''ll go eat now and stay away for today, you are free to stop training earlier.'''' The kids lived in the compound, which had almost everything, so they rested almost in the same place where they trained.


    '''' Sure. See you later, kiddo. ''''


    After that, Samael and Veronica went away to eat at one of their houses.

 5 – Spar

    As he was already a millionaire at the age of 10, Samael could leave the slums whenever he wanted, but he made the decision not to leave. Here he had everything he needed, he had the protection of the owner of the slums, and many other ''perks'', so there was no reason for him to leave.


    Of course, if there was a reason, he would leave and probably take his army with him, but until then, he would remain here. Obviously, even if he lived in the slums, all the furniture in his house was state-of-the-art, so that his mother could live better.


    He somehow won those furniture in a bingo... well, that was what he told Vallery.


    The only reason he didn''t move to a better house in the slums was because Vallery liked the one where they lived. And because she didn''t know Samael was rich.


    ''The time is coming for me to tell my mother that I''m rich... I just don''t know how to do it.''''


    Remember that in the other cycles, Samael usually became rich at the age of 18 and upwards, so being a millionaire at the age of 10 was something new for him and he didn''t know how to navigate these waters.


    He could simply say, "Mom, I''m a millionaire!" but that would open the door for her to ask how, and he wasn''t ready, at least not yet, to say that he was involved with Tarzan, even if VERY superficially. Vallery would surely think he was doing the wrong thing and force him to stop, and that couldn''t happen.


    '' Maybe I can use Jaret for that... Well, that''s a problem for the future me. Let''s focus on now.''


    Samael looked at the scene in front of him, where 10-year-old Veronica was staring at John, the teenager who had tried to rob Samael. The two of them were in a fighting position. ''How did it come to this...''


    HOURS BEFORE


    Veronica had just finished another sparring session with Samael. And the results were already showing, as her body was now defined. Not like a bodybuilder, but anyone who saw her would know that she trained in some way, even if she was only a child.


    Samael also had a muscular body, much more than Veronica, since he had been training practically since he could walk, but he usually tried to hide any kind of sign that showed he could fight and was strong. This was something he learned from Kasumi Goto, a companion from the Mass Effect games. She said there was no need to show everyone what you could do when it doesn''t matter, only when it does. Since then, he''s followed her advice and the number of people he''s taken by surprise has been many.


    Heck, even in this cycle, apart from Veronica, Jaret, and Vallery, the latter not knowing the size of Samael''s talent, they were the only ones who knew he could fight. Even Tarzan was in the dark about this, but after Samael made his little army, he began to suspect that he was hiding other things.


    Of course, Tarzan didn''t care as long as the two didn''t fight. And Samael had already made it clear that he had no interest in the slums, and that there was nothing to worry about. Tarzan had no reason not to believe him, since everything the child has said so far has been nothing but the truth.


    Anyway, after finishing today''s training, the duo left the gym, which was practically theirs alone, since the army used other facilities in the compound. And today, the duo bumped into John and his five henchmen. It seems they continued as a group even after they joined the army.


    The six immediately saluted Samael when they saw him, ''''Boss!''''


    '''' I told you not to call me that! Anyway, how are you settling in here?'''' Samael had to thank John a little since he was the one who gave him the idea of setting up this ''army'' so soon.


    "Everything''s great!'''' John and his friends lived in the slums, so they usually didn''t have much money and their houses weren''t in a good location. After they were ''recruited'' into Samael''s army and brought to the compound, their lives changed for the better.


    First, their families were able to follow them and lived in the compound, which had better buildings than other parts of the slums. Secondly, they had abundant food here and didn''t have to steal to eat.


    Of course, they were being trained to be a kind of army, but in the eyes of John and the others, their situation was better than before. So, even though it had been less than three months since the ''army'' had been set up, their loyalty was already with Samael, because he had changed their lives for the better.


    '''' That''s good to know. If you need anything, talk to Jaret and he''ll probably do it.'''' Samael then began to walk past them when he heard John.


    '''' Boss! Wait.''''


    Samael turned and faced him, ''''What is it?''''


    John looked embarrassed as he began his apology, "I didn''t apologize for our first encounter. I know everything has been resolved, but I still owe you an apology... So, I''m sorry!''''


    Samael always just killed those who stood in his way. But now he was more restrained because he wanted to live his last life in peace. A perfect life, or so he said.


    And that was something very difficult to achive, even for him.


    '''' You don''t need to apologize, I forgave you a long time ago.''''


    '''' Wait, what did he do to you?'''' Ver¨®nica noticed something strange in the conversation and intervened, her hostile eyes looking at John, who seemed confused.


    ''''...Oh fuck.''''


    ----


    This brings us to now. When Veronica learned that Jonh had tried to rob Samael, she wanted to teach the boy a lesson. Samael tried to stop her but soon let it go,'' Let''s see how she does against others.''


    Although Veronica still didn''t manage to land a single blow on Samael, she was on another level compared to John. She would still lose to Jaret, but it should be a close fight.


    John looked confused and apprehensive, probably wondering how not to hurt his boss''s girlfriend.


    Samael noticed this and warned the teenager, "Get those thoughts out of your head and face her head on. I trained her personally, so don''t expect anything easy.''''


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    When John heard that the girl in front of him had been trained by Samael, he felt shivers run down his spine, his frowns now replaced by caution and trepidation.


    As the compound was small, everyone heard about the fight and went to see it. Jaret even stopped today''s training and was acting like a referee. ''''Listen, this is a spar, so don''t overdo it, no killing each other. Are you both ready?"


    Faced with nods from both of them, Jaret said, "Begin!''''


    As soon as Jaret''s voice faded away, Veronica went on the attack with everything, and John, to the surprise of many who were watching the fight, retreated instead of trying to attack or anything like that.


    Veronica wasn''t the same size or weight, but she had a lot more agility and she was putting that into practice. John, almost like in his fight against Samael, had no reaction and continued to receive blow after blow.


    He even tried to react, but every time he did, he was quickly attacked in such a way that he had no option but to retreat.


    Of course, it wasn''t a one-sided fight, as John managed to land a few blows on Veronica, but to his surprise, they didn''t seem to have any effect. It was as if her body was made of iron or she felt no pain.


    That''s when Samael''s training kicked in. Not only did he train her in combat, but also her body, precisely for situations like this.


    It didn''t take long for the result of the fight to be announced, as Veronica won without much trouble. John didn''t seem too upset, since he knew that Veronica had been trained by Samael, a monster, ''At least she didn''t break my arm or my nose.''


    '''' Veronica won!''''After Jaret said this, everyone watching the fight applauded a little.


    Samuel was about to go and congratulate Veronica when he heard Jaret''s loud voice, ''''Guys, although the fight was good and all, it left a few things to be desired, don''t you think?''''


    '''' YES!''''


    '''' So, do you want to see another fight?''''


    '''' YES!''''


    Jaret then looked at Samael, who already knew what was going on. Sighing, Samael began to address the man,'''' Are you sure?''''


    Jaret nodded and looked at the crowd: "Today, you have special seats to see your boss in action against me!''''


    The crowd went wild, "Boss!''''


    '''' BOSS!


    '''' BOSS!


    ''I have to find a way to stop them from calling me that.''


    By then, Samael was already in front of Jaret, "So, the rules are the same as theirs fight?''''


    '''' Yes!'''' Jaret then looked at Veronica, who was watching the scene with shining eyes, "Girl, be our reference, please.''''


    Veronica immediately agreed: "No problem!''''


    After that, she repeated what Jaret had said before starting her fight, then said, '''' BEGIN.''''


    --


    Unlike Veronica''s fight, this time the two fighters didn''t attack immediately. They moved slowly, almost as if they were studying each other.


    And that''s exactly what they were doing. Although they hadn''t faced each other, they knew what the other was capable of. Jaret, as already mentioned, had sworn to protect the Mason family from danger, so on the day the boy was ''robbed'', he watched the whole scene from a distance. He knew what the boy was capable of, but he never had the chance to fight him. Until today.


    The same applies to Samael because he knew how the man fought, based on their interaction in the other cycles. Therefore, they were both wary of each other.


    But the stalemate didn''t last long, as Jaret made the first move. The man aimed high at Samael''s head, who used his height and agility to dodge to the side. But Jaret wasted no time and right after he missed the blow, he tried to hit Samael''s leg with a sweep, but what he found was a punch coming at him.


    Having to give up the sweep in favor of defending himself, Jaret received Samael''s punch.


    PUNCH


    They both reacted differently to the punch. Samael sighed, as he knew that the punch hadn''t done much damage and that he would have to fight a little more seriously if he wanted to win. His fighting style, which consisted of hitting many times until the person was injured, probably wouldn''t work against a trained soldier like Jaret. Of course, he still thought he could win with enough time.


    Jaret also had almost the same thought and thought he could beat Samael. So he immediately put that thought aside, ''I can''t embarrass him like this in front of his ''army''. It looks like our real fight will have to wait a little longer.''


    Just as he was thinking this, he heard Samael''s voice, ''''Why are you thinking so much, have you forgotten the situation you''re in?''''


    Only now did Jaret notice that Samael was closer to him than before. ''The kid could have attacked me for good if he wanted to.''


    Ignoring the cold sweat, Jaret said, "I''m sorry, I was distracted. It won''t happen again."


    Samael nodded and said, ''''I think I know what you''re thinking.''''


    '''' Oh? Then please tell me.''''


    '''' You''re thinking that I''m weaker than you though, as I know that you saw my fight against Josh and the others and that you can win this. Let me tell you right now that you''re wrong. Don''t worry about anything else and let''s fight seriously."


    Jaret looked stunned for a moment before signing, "I guess I''m getting old... You''re right, let''s fight seriously!''''


    Then, the fight continued, but now, more intense. While it was clear Samael was above Jaret in terms of experience, the boy was still a boy.His body wasn''t made to fight yet.


    But, that didn''t stop him, as he continued to trade blows with the veteran.As Samael was short, he had to get close to Jaret to hit, and as he did that, it opened the chance for the veteran to attack too.


    They continued to trade blows until Samael tried to do a flying kick towards Jaret, but thanks to his short stature, it gave the opportunity to Jaret land a good hit on his face, making his nose bleed and the boy stumble a little.


    Jaret immediately regretted attacking him, as he noticed the boy made a small mistake, almost as if he wasn''t that accustomed to his body. He was going to check on him, but suddenly, he felt a chill and raised his guard immediately.


    '' ... What is this?'' It was the first time Jaret felt this sensation since retiring. He was feeling afraid. The crazy part was that the sensation was coming from Samael in front of him. As he observed the boy, he noticed he was smiling like a crazy person, '' This isn''t good?''


    Feeling something was wrong, but before he could say anything, he only had time to roll backward, to avoid the kick that came toward his head.


    After he avoided it, he noticed he was sweating cold,'' If that hit me, it wouldn''t be good.''


    '''' Samael ... are you okay?'''' While maintaining his guard up, Jaret asked the boy.


    Samael looked a little animalistic, as he still didn''t wipe the blood from his face. He was smiling while his eyes were pure ecstasy, '''' Why would I not be? Let''s continue!''''


    Jaret wasn''t going to admit it, but while he was feeling a little bit of apprehension, thanks to the dangerous feeling Samael was giving, he was also a little excited to be able to go all out, as he had a feeling he would get injured quite badly if he didn''t do so, '''' Let''s!''''


    VERONICA POV


    What was happening in front of her and the crowd was something strange and mystical. After the conversation between the two, their aura changed and everyone felt it. They became more dangerous and ferocious.


    The crowd was no longer loud and everyone was focused on the scene in front of them. Samael and Jaret were exchanging blows fiercely, with both of them getting a little hurt here and there.


    Many of those present, before the fight began, thought that Samael had no chance against Jaret, a veteran, as he was only 10. Of course, he was taller than normal, but that was it, they thought. As if to prove their expectations correct, he was hit and was bleeing quite heavily.


    They thought that was the end of the figth, but no. Samael recovered and was way more agressive than before, giving them goosebumps. As time went on, the fight was clearly in Samael''s favor. Anyone paying attention would notice that Jaret was staggering a lot and that his blows were no longer having any effect.


    Veronica was staring at Samael, who was smiling in a way she had never seen before. The way he was fighting was also very different from the way he used to fight her.


    It was primal, animalistc. Almost like he didn''t care about his wellbeing, his  only goal was to kill, or this case, defeat the enemy infront of him.


    ''''How incredible.''''


    Samael''s status in Veronica''s heart only grew.


    Finally, after a lot of trading punches, Jaret seemed to have reached his limit and after a punch from Samael hit his shoulder, he fell to the ground, Samael didn''t waste that chance and put his foot on the man''s chest.


    Samael, even though he emerged victorious, wasn''t much better off than the veteran, with many bruises here and there. He looked at Veronica and said, "The result.''''


    Veronica finally recovered and said, ''''Samael won the fight!''''


    '''' OWOOOOOOOOOO!''''

 6 – Creating

    ''Mason, your son is amazing!'' Jaret thought that as he lay on the ground after the fight. He had fought seriously and still lost to a kid. '' Incredible.''


    The moves the kid showed him were extraordinary, and somehow managed to counter everything he tried to do. Of course, he hit the boy a lot of times, but it looked like it didn''t affect him that much.


    Jaret got up from the ground and approached Samael, who was surrounded by his army and Veronica. They parted the way for the veteran and the kid to face each other, '''' Nice fight, kiddo.''''


    Samael, who was happy to finally have some real fight after a few years, also looked at the veteran differently, '' He is a good fighter.''


    Of course, if it was the older Samael, the fight would have ended sooner. If it was the Samael with the serum, it would only take a minute or even less than that. Still, it was a good fight, as the veteran wasn''t a veteran for nothing.


    Both of them had handicaps, Samael his age and Jaret his robotic ''arm'' ( if could call that a handicap), but the fight was amazing.


    '''' You too, old man. Let''s do this again in the future, but be careful not to die.''''


    '''' HA! Look at you, just because you won once you think you''ll win every time... But, sure, let''s fight again in the future.'''' Jaret then looked at the kids around them, '''' You see what we did today, and if you train every single day what we teach you, you can reach, at least, my level. But, go rest today and absorb what you saw as it is a nice learning experience.''''


    The army was in ecstasy after watching the spar, as their fighting spirit was ignited after watching such an exciting battle.


    After that, Samael and Veronica went to his house. Vallery thankfully was away, otherwise, she would scold them both for allowing Samael to get this hurt.


    Veronica helped Samael get to bed and he asked, '''' So, what did you think of the spar?''''


    '''' It was amazing! Do you think I can win against Jaret too?''''


    Samael nodded and shook his head, '''' Yes and no. NO, as you can''t win right now, and yes you can win in the future.''''


    As Veronica was trained by Samael, one of the most experienced fighters in the galaxy, she could win against almost anyone; But, right now, she had the body of a child, even though trained, and didn''t have the experience Samael had, so she would lose against someone on Jaret level.


    After making sure Samael was okay, Veronica left the house and the boy started to absorb what happened today, '' I need to grow up quickly.''


    The figth agasint Jaret was a warining. He only won because he was experienced, but if he fought someone like an Asari commando, an elite force of the Asari focused only on battle, he would''ve lost.


    While he could use the serum, the materials he needed to make it didn''t exist on Earth as they were too exotic, so that too had to wait. But, the wait was killing Samael, who was made aware of his shortcomings.


    '' I wish I had a skip button to when I''m 18...''


    With that in mind, Samael went to sleep.


    --


    DAYS LATER


    It was a peaceful day in the slum where Tarzan lived. Ever since he started gambling with Samael''s help, everything had become more peaceful. His people were now armed with the highest quality weapons and armor, so he was gaining more and more power in San Francisco.


    Of course, he wouldn''t forget that all this was only possible thanks to Samael, and the thought that he would betray the kid didn''t even cross his mind, not even in the future, when he would be much richer than now.


    Looking at the bets he was going to make today, Tarzan wondered where Samael was and what he was doing, ''The boy is a machine of surprises. I don''t doubt that one day he''ll say that he''ll save the earth or something, and the worst thing is that I believe him...''


    Pushing these thoughts aside, Tarzan would focus on the now, ''Even if our present is guaranteed, our future could take a turn for the worse in an instant. I''d better recruit more people and put more security on those I want to protect.''


    Just as Tarzan was about to put this plan into action, one of his men knocked on the door. He said with a slight tone of irritation, ''''What is it?''''


    ''''Boss, Samael is here and says he wants to talk to you.''''


    Tarzan immediately changed his tone to a more cheerful one, because a visit from Samael was only good news, ''''Let him in. And bring two beers.''''


    '''' Okay.''''


    It didn''t take long for Samael to enter Tarzan''s office, and just as the man imagined, the boy, as always, got straight to the point, ''''I need a favor from you.''''


    Tarzan tried to hide his greed but couldn''t, not that Samael minded, ''''Go ahead.''''


    Samael then passed a pile of paper to Tarzan, who, when he saw it all, was confused, ''''What is all this?'''' With his limited knowledge, he really didn''t know what it was.


    "This, my friend, will make us even richer. There''s a limit to betting, and this will serve to break that limit.'''' Samael sounded as if everything was in his control.


    '''' ... Can you explain what I have to do?'''' Tarzan now just wanted to know what part he was going to play. The plan itself didn''t matter, since in the end, he would get richer anyway.


    ''''Sure, but first, let me show you what these papers are. Give me a knife or a gun, please.'''' Samael held out his hand to Tarzan and waited.


    Without hesitation, Tarzan passed a pistol to Samael, who looked at it quickly and out of nowhere, shot himself in the arm.


    '''' What the hell?!'''' Tarzan got up quickly and went to use the latest generation Med Gel he had bought to heal the boy, who for some reason had shot himself. At the same time, some of his men entered the office with weapons in hand, thinking it was some kind of attack.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Before anyone could speak or do anything, his attention turned to Samael, who pulled something out of his pocket. It was familiar to everyone there, but a rarity for them. It was some kind of Med Gel.


    '''' Look at this.'''' Samael then applied the Med Gel and the wound disappeared instantly, something that surprised everyone on the spot, ''''This, my friends, is something I call Advanced Med - Gel. It''s 50% more powerful than the best on the market and it works instantly.''''


    Samael had invented this with Tali in one of the previous cycles. What he made now was a weaker version, but this weaker version was already more powerful than anything else on the market today.


    '''' And you''re going to help me set up a company to launch this product onto the market. I want everything in order, without any irregularities. Can you do that for me?'''' Samael said as he looked at the shocked Tarzan. The wound in his arm long healed.


    '''' Its also a chance for you to really start to be legit, getting away from crime.''''


    To the eye, it didn''t look much different from a normal Med Gel, but if what Samael was saying was true, they would profit greatly. Before Tarzan could even ask how much he would make, Samael continued, ''''Oh, and I''ll give you 10% of the profits. It may not seem like much now, but that''s not the only product I''m going to launch...''''


    This company that Samael was going to make, he was going to use to launch, little by little, products from the future, so that the whole galaxy could advance in research. All to fight the Reapers.


    And well, make him more rich.


    After hearing the last part, Tarzan immediately agreed, "Leave it to me!''''


    While he was a thug, Tarzan knew how to make bussiness. It wasn''t diffuclt, to be honest. The problem was the product.


    Generally, it need some time of testing to see if there''s any problem with it, but while the others didn''t knew the boy infront of him and his intelect, he knew, so he was condident the product was normal.


    But, f he wanted the product in the market as soon as possible, he would have to bribe his way trought.


    But Tarzan knew it was going to be worth.


    '' The product alone is worth bi-no, trillions. If he has more ideas like that...''


    Tarzan shuderred just thinking about it.


    '' Let''s do me part.''


    --


    The following day, Tarzan went ahead and registered the company under the name of LD ( Last Defense). He never asked why Samael chose that name and he also didn''t care.


    After registering that company, he bribed a few people to speed up the process of being able to submit a new product, and again, after bringing more people, he sent the Degraded Advanced Meg-Gel to test.


    This was supposed to be the tricky part, as it could take years for the people to analyze the product, then approve or disapprove, and then go public.


    So, Tarzan also bribed a few other people who worked in the testing area, but even then, they said it would take some time.


    But, at that moment, Samael asked for the names of the people who were supposed to analyze the product.


    '''' Why?'''' Tarzan knew he shouldn''t have asked but his curiosity got the better of him.


    '''' No reason.''''


    Anyone with a brain knew Samael was lying. He was going to do something, and Tarzan didn''t know what.


    But, supposedly, it would make the process faster.


    So, Tarzan passed Samael the names of the people he knew were working on the testing, even the ones he had already bribed. He, honestly, didn''t like them, as his instincts he honed until this point in life were screaming they were bad news.


    He didn''t mind throwing them under Samael''s pressure. On the very next day, the product was approved and only a few more steps were needed for it to be able to launch in the market.


    All in all, it was less than a month since it was sent to testing, so this speed was something never seen before.


    Tarzan shuddered thinking what could''ve happened to make the process so fast, even faster than bribing, but decided to ignore it.


    '' I don''t think anything good will come out even if I knew how he did it.''


    As the product passed a lot of tests, a lot of other companies and groups found out about it through their connections and were asking around about it, some with nefarious intent of stealing the data and idea, others just afraid of it, or just watching for fun.


    One of them was Cerberus.


    But, to their surprise, they found resistance from the people who worked with them in the past. Almost like they were afraid of something even more dangerous than them.


    Of course, even if they did find the formula to make it, it would still be difficult for them to replicate, as it was a technology from the future and Samael put a few protections on it just in case it leaked.


    Well, even if it leaked, Samael was confident the one he made was the better one. Besides, the purpose of launching it on the market was to make money and at the same time, speed up the process of advancement of new things.


    So, if his Degraded Advanced Med-Gel was the catalyst for others to create an even more powerful version, Samael was going to be happy.


    Anyway, time passed, and the media soon found out about it.


    Earth was surprised, as this product was revolutionary, to say the least. The commotion got too big even the Council started to take notice of it, alongside other species.


    For a while, every eye in the galaxy was on Earth, waiting for this product to launch.


    And, while the interest was still high, and after a few months since he sent it to testing, Samael used this opportunity to launch it on the market.


    Save to say, it was a success. Something 50% more powerful than the Med - Gel on the market and only slightly more expensive. Again, others even bought it for study.


    The materials to make are almost cheaper than the ones used to make a normal Med-Gel, so the profit was enormous.


    In the months before it was launched into the market, Samael used his future knowledge to hire the best of the best in their respective areas in the future, to manage his company. But, as he never really paid attention to this area in other cycles, he must have missed a few good seeds around, but nevertheless, he was happy with the people he pouched.


    Even if they just reproduced only 50% of what they did in the future, he knew his company was going to be okay in their hands.


    He, however, left a position to a person he knew on his past cycle but just didn''t meet yet. It was a higher-up position and he wanted that person to get that.


    This was just the start though, as Samael was going to make this company the start of his empire here on Earth. He would use it to launch more products, dominate the market on Earth, and then slowly start to reach other parts of the galaxy, eventually having footing around the entirety of it.


    Samael never really tried this in other cycles, as he was too busy being depressed, helping Shepard, or doing other things. But now, he wanted all of it.


    After all, it was going to be easier for the after-war effort if he already had a strong position on Earth or the whole galaxy. With the products he was going to launch, it was going to be easy to dominate the market.


    In the middle of all the frenzy that occurred when the Med-Gel was launched, one particular man was intrigued, '''' So, how did we miss something like this?''''


    A man with armor with a C on it was sweating bullets. He slowly answered, '''' We followed the protocol. When a revolutionary item was sent to be studied before being launched, we would steal the idea and make a better version, then kill or silence the other part. Everything was going normal, but for some reason, the other part managed to go ahead with it, even with our man on the inside.''''


    That was something that bothered the agent. '' How could something like that happen?''


    Cerberus was slowly but surely dominating the market on Earth, all behind a veil. They already stole a few products, but not a single one of them was like the ones they had just lost.


    They even had an inside man to ensure everything was in order but for some reason, he just didn''t do it.


    '' Should we kill that man?''


    While not a Cerberus agent, the inside man knew a lot of their things. So, he was a loose end.


    While the agent was thinking that, the leader of Cerberus, Jack Harper, said, '''' Is that so?''''


    The man felt death from the stare and was going to beg for his life before Jack continued, '''' This is going to be the last chance. Make sure you have the formula in my hand in the next week or it will be your head in its place.''''


    '''' On it!'''' The man then hurried to Earth once more, to try not to die.


    Jack Harper, the Illusive Man, was a little taken aback by what happened. Never before he was outsmarted like this. It was a nice feeling from him.


    '' Something strange is happening.''


    His gut told him it was bad news for him, but for now, there wasn''t much he could do but wait and see.


    But, he would surely remember the name of the company that managed to escape from his grasp.


    When he looked at the name again, he smirked a little.


    '' Last Defense, huh. Let''s see how will you behave in the future.''


    What he didn''t know at that time, was that was just the start of his misfortunes.

 7 – Dominating the Market

    Cerberus, ah, Cerberus.


    This is an example of what a human genius could accomplish if he wanted to. The problem was that this human genius was a lunatic.


    Experiment with other species, experiment with his own species, kidnap kids from their homes, etc.


    You name an atrocity, and I bet you they have done it in the past.


    They were a tumor that would slowly consume the Galaxy, that everyone should have gotten rid of ages ago. The problem was that they were good at hiding in plain sight. So much so that while the government knew about Cerberus, they still didn''t know the atrocities they were committing on a daily basis.


    The ones who knew have long since joined them or killed.


    Anyway, you might ask, why Samael, who knew about them in totality as he worked for them in one of his cycles, wasn''t doing anything to prevent them from doing all that?


    Well, let''s just say he still has a few uses for them. Don''t get me wrong, if an opportunity to destroy them without any repercussions appeared, he would probably take it. It would disrupt his plans, but that was okay.


    So, for now, he tolerated Cerberus existence, even if he knew what they were doing. But if they ever crossed his path with malicious intent, he would act.


    They still have a part to play in the whole stage which was the galaxy.


    Anyway, after the product launch was a success, LD was slowly gaining momentum as it continued to consume parts of the market other people had.


    Even the Alliance was keeping an eye on it, but Samael didn''t care. He just wanted money, the market, and a few other things.


    He didn''t care about what others might do. If they tried to force something he didn''t want, he didn''t mind screwing things over for everyone.


    As it slowly dominated the market on Earth, a lot of groups started to try and infiltrate LD or try to find out who was behind it all, but Tarzan did a good job hiding Samael''s existence.


    All the groups found out was about Tarzan, and while they thought it was a ruse, they still didn''t want to piss off a powerhouse from a slum. Even though a lot of groups were powerful enough to destroy Tarzan and his slums, it was too much of a hassle for them to do so.


    Besides, it would raise a lot of questions.


    So, they hit a wall in that area but continued to monitor Tarzan.


    But that didn''t stop them from continuing to try to make a better Med-Gel than LD, but so far, nothing has come from that area.


    Months after launching, the Degraded Advanced Med-Gel had already dominated the market on Earth, pushing the other companies that made Med-Gel to the brink of collapse, then assimilating them under LD, and in proxy, Samael. The majority of the companies on Earth were following this path.


    Even in the galaxy, some parts were already exclusively using the Med-Gel Samael made.


    It is safe to say that the number of people looking for information on the company only increased, but no attacks were made.


    As it assimilated more and more companies, LD started to grow more and more, gaining more influence. There were even talks they were making something so revolutionary it would shake the whole galaxy.


    It was Samael who made that rumor, and it was true. But he would only launch this product in the future¡ªa few years at least.


    At that point in time, Earth''s market would probably be controlled by him, and he would have a foot in the galaxy.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Of course, everything wasn''t smooth sailing, as LD met resistance when trying to buy out other companies. Some resisted to the end and just went bankrupt. Generally, those companies were related to Cerberus or other secret organizations.


    Samael specifically focused on those he knew who worked under those secret organizations. If they don''t comply, they would be pushed off the market.


    After making sure Cerberus and those secret organizations lost their footing on the market, Samael used his future knowledge about good companies that would make new products and started to buy their companies at a very early stage.


    But, as it was too soon in the timeline, the number of companies he has under his wings is still too small, but the quality is top-notch.


    He tried his best to remember the people who would make big in the future, but even that was limited.


    When he talked about the companies, he assured the owner he was going to let the work flow freely from LD. He wanted them to flourish sooner than before, and not letting them have freedom wasn''t good for that.


    So, he promised a lot of money in exchange for them to study normally, maybe even better than before. After all, everyone looks for comfort, stability, and normality.


    Even doing all that, Samael continued to stay out of sight, relaying his order through the talents he hired earlier on. Until now, no one knew about his existence, only a select few.


    If buying the company didn''t work, LD did try to hire a few employees, but the majority said no.


    The majority who rejected were under Cerberus, as at this point in time, they were already deep in the earth.


    To say he disrupted the Cerberus plan was an understatement. Their plans were destroyed, and they lost their influence and a lot of money.


    But Samael knew how rich Jack Harper was, so while it was a lot of money, at the end of the day, the lunatic was still in good shape.


    Still, he wanted at least to see the man''s face when he realized he was outsmarted by a supposed 10 or so-year-old.


    WITHIN CERBERUS


    Jack Harper was trying his best to maintain his poker face, but he was failing quite badly.


    Over the last few months, he lost most of his footing on Earth Market, a few of his supposed friends abandoned him and joined under LD, and he lost money.


    A lot of money.


    So much so that it was starting to affect, even if minimally, his plans.


    It was bad to the point he was not sure anymore if he could still maintain Cerberus''s good image, as a lot of things about them started to circulate around.


    Harper knew if he didn''t act, sooner or later, everything he built at this point would come crashing down on him. Of course, at the end of the day, he was still a trillionaire, but for him, that wasn''t enough.


    He wanted more. He wanted to see humanity at the top of the galaxy, above everyone else. He committed his being every day to that task.


    But now, it seems his plans aren''t going to become a reality.


    ''All because of this company... I should''ve acted as soon as I found out about them.''


    LD, or Last Defense. A behemoth that started a revolution in the market as soon as they launched their first product.


    Jack wanted it for him, as it was really revolutionary, but every person he sent on a mission to find more about the product was missing, as his best scientist still didn''t manage to crack the product.


    To make matters worse, as LD continued to grow in the following months, it started to ''eat'' a lot of other companies. Jack didn''t mind them eating up those companies, as in his eyes, they weren''t valuable.


    But he soon regretted that. After those companies went under the wings of LD, they started to launch products after products. There was nothing revolutionary that had shaken up Earth and the Galaxy, but they were good products.


    So much so, that those companies under LD started to eat up their rivals in their respective areas, a lot of them were under Cerberus, making LD more powerful and making Cerberus weaker.


    When Jack noticed that, it was too late. He even tried to use his connection with the government, but that too did not work, as his inside man was afraid of LD.


    That was also something deeply puzzling to Harper, as it seemed almost every corrupt person was afraid of LD.


    '' It''s almost like what they have on them is worse than what I have.''


    So, only a few months later, LD has taken Cerberus out of the market, gaining control over it, and it doesn''t seem to stop.


    And that made Jack Harper furious beyond belief. He regretted not acting sooner.


    '' It seems I will have to do something about them... but what?''


    Sure, he could kill the supposed owner of the company, a thug from San Francisco if his intelligence was right, but that would be it. He doubts the man had the intellect to have done all of this, meaning he was just a front, a ruse.


    The problem was, even if Jack knew it was just a ruse, he had no idea who was really behind it all. And that infuriated him, as he had no real target.


    ''... Calm down. It''s not the first time you''ve experienced failure.''


    Jack knew an opportunity to rise again and strike LD would come, so he decided to continue to fight them in the dark, even though he was losing, in hopes of catching them off guard.


    '' I hope you enjoy your fame while it lasts because I''m watching you.''


    ---


    What Jack didn''t know at that time was that LD would not stop, and when he realized he had made another mistake not attacking them with everything he had at this exact moment, it would all be too late.

 8 – 5 Years Later

    5 YEARS LATER


    A lot changed in those 5 years. Samael and Veronica grew exponentially, just like their army, which once had 50 people now had 1000, all kids from the slums who otherwise would have turned to crime or worse. They even had some biotics in their midst, and Samael was in the process of looking for a teacher for them, but in the meantime, he taught them what he learned from the best.


    Samael was also in the middle of the process of making them a Mercenary group, to make connections across the galaxy, even if small. Connections were something everyone needed in life, and Samael knew that. So, he would use his mercenary group to gain some.


    Samael fortune also grew and he now had more than enough to make the serum, and he already made the AI and the Advanced Med Gel.


    The Advanced Med-Gel was 50% more powerful than the one he launched in the market years ago, but he still wasn''t going to launch it to the public yet. He would only supply to his mercenary group for the time being.


    The only reason he still didn''t make the Serum yet was because the ingredients weren''t available on Earth and he would only leave Earth when he reached 18.


    It was something he set for himself, to enjoy a little more time with his mom, because after he hit 18, he would not stop to rest until the Reapers were annihilated and, even after that, there could be trouble within the post-war problems, so he had to enjoy the time he had right now.


    Now, onto the AI Samael made. Its mother code was from EDI, and close to the one he made with Tali in a past cycle, so it was very advanced. Remember that AI in the Mass Effect universe were restricted, very much, with so many shackles on them that most of their function were not available, as they were VERY dangerous.


    Even Cerberus, one of the main antagonists in the Games, never used and unshackled AI before EDI ( even then, the only reason the AI was unshackled was because of imminent danger to the Normandy crew in Mass Effect 2), so you could see the precaution they had. But the one Samael made had 0 of those shackles.


    Of course, he only trusted this AI because of the EDI mother code and because Tali helped him create it.


    It was dangerous, having an unshackled AI out there, as it was basically free to do anything it wanted, but so were the Reapers.


    He named the AI : RR ( short of Reaper''s Reaper), and since its creation, has helped Samael in a lot of things, like the management of his army, his bank accounts, etc. He almost didn''t bet anymore, as his LD ( the company) was already a behemoth on Earth and was slowly gaining foot in the galaxy market.


    But he still used Tarzan to do it, as the man proved himself very useful for the last years, and he didn''t mind losing some money if it meant he could have a powerful ally here on earth, even if just a boss within a slum in San Francisco.


    However, the number of times they bet had decreased exponentially after a certain amount of credit was earned and as LD grew.


    The Advanced Med Gel, as mentioned before, was only used in his army. He was going to release it on the market in the near future, but held back, as it could lead to some effects he didn''t anticipate, since a product that wasn''t supposed to appear in this period, did appear.


    But, if for some reason, there was an improvement in the technology thanks to his products, it was still a good thing to Samael, as it meant more protection to everyone against the Reapers.


    Besides, the money he earned selling the degraded version of the Advanced Med Gel, along with other products he launched in the market after getting other good companies under him was ... more than enough.


    He was easily in the top 3 or 1 of the most rich on Earth right now, but no one knew about him, because his money was scattered across various accounts, all managed by RR.


    He still used Tarzan as the creator of LD, as the man was good as a shield. But he was now a legit billionaire.


    So, after he became a legitimate billionaire ( even though he had more money than just millions), he showed part of his fortune to Valery. She almost fainted when she saw the money.


    She was happy about her son, and when asked if she wanted to leave the slums, her answer didn''t shake Samael.


    '''' I will stay.''''


    '''' Why?'''' Even though he knew the answer, Samael still asked.


    '''' Here''s it''s already home. It could be dangerous, or even worse, but is still the place you grew up. I have friends and ''family'' here.'''' Valery was emotional thinking about the past.


    She did not have any more family alive, only Samael, and the people in the slums filled that gap, so she would not leave and would even help them.


    '''' So, can you help the people around here with that money?''''


    While she would not leave the place, she didn''t mind having her house upgraded even more and helping those who helped them in the past.


    Samael didn''t hesitate, '''' Use the money in this account for whatever you want.''''


    When Valery checked the balance of the account Samael gave her, she was once more shocked by how rich her son was, '''' Can you repeat how you earn this much money?''''


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    '''' I created an advanced Med Gel, something that''s better than anything in the market right now. Remember LG, the company everyone talked about for the last 5 years?''''


    Vallery nodded, still a little absentminded.


    '''' I was the one who created the product and asked Tarzan to create the company. I''m much, much richer than you think. Just don''t tell anyone about this, as it could mean trouble. Like, real trouble.''''


    Vallery was speechless. First, because her son created a multibillion-dollar company 5 years ago and she didn''t know about it, and second, because the last thing he said sounded dangerous, '''' Are you okay?''''


    She asked with concern for her son''s safety.


    Samael nodded, '''' Yes, I used Tarzan as a cover for me. He was investigated a lot of times in the last few years, but no one made the connection with us yet, so we are okay for the time being. And in the future.''''


    As he saw his mom''s concerned face, Samael reassured her, '''' Don''t worry, I can handle this. I promise.''''


    Vallery had no choice but to accept it all. The milk was already long spilled, trying to stop it now meant nothing.


    ''''The account I just gave you is nothing but a small part of what we have.'''' Samael knew money didn''t matter much to Vallery, but he still said that part with pride.


    Valery was quite proud of what her 15-year-old son did, even if worried about him, '''' And what are you going to do now?''''


    With that much money, he could easily leave home already and do his thing. Vallery was a bit sentimental at that.


    Samael smiled at his mom, '''' Don''t worry, I''ll leave when I hit 18. Until then, I''ll pester you with my presence until you get tired of me.''''


    Valery chuckled at that, '''' ... Whatever you do in the future, know that I''m proud of you. Mason is probably smiling watching over you.''''


    '''' Thanks, Mom.''''


    Another thing that changed was Samel too. He now stood at 1,75 meters in height, with more room to grow, his muscles would put others to shame, but they were compact, so only his army and other select people knew what Samael was capable of, others were in the dark about it.


    Safe to say that he now had a body that was capable of fighting others easily. His body was ready to take the serum, he just needed the materials.


    Samael also never lost against Jaret, but he was hit by Veronica a few years ago. The girl was getting better and better, and he had already begun her training to become a pilot.


    She now was the best pilot in his army/mercenary group of 1000 and she was teaching others who aimed to be a pilot too.


    All in all, life was good. But Samael knew better and didn''t relax with just that. Right now, he was in an office in his new compound, looking over a few files. He then remembered something and asked, '''' RR, how is the process of acquiring the land in Eden Prime?''''


    A robotic voice came from somewhere in the room Samael was in, '''' I already brought the ones you asked me. It cost a little more than I calculated, as the sellers offered some resistance.''''


    '''' No problem, we don''t lack money right now. Hmmmm, should I just go there?'''' The land Samael bought from Eden Prime was housing the last specimen alive of the Protheans, Javik.


    Javik was a Prothean breed at the peak of the war against the Reapers in his time. Protheans had something called '' Avatars'', members of their race who embodied a single virtue for the society. Javik is one of those Avatars, and his virtue is Vengeance. ( AN: Literally the description they had on him on his wiki )


    He was also a companion of Shepard, and someone whom Samael knew well, as both were ''friends'' in every cycle. Javik was tasked to lead 1 million Prothean warriors against the Reapers in future cycles. They would be put in stasis, a process to make the body survive for long periods, so they could outlast the war against the Reapers in their cycles, and eventually wake up and help the races in the future cycle against the Reapers. But, Javik was betrayed by a few Indocrinated Protheans, and out of the 1 million Protheans who were there, only Javik managed to survive.


    But, the attack on the base where they would be put in stasis damaged the equipment which was supposed to be automatic, so Javik was essentially trapped in the stasis until someone found him and woke him up.


    Shepard would eventually do that, but only in the future. Samael was going to accelerate that process. But, he knew the moment he rescued this guy, things would change, so he didn''t want to do that now.


    '' ... Let''s wait 3 years.'' Deciding to still follow his timeline, Samael then asked, '''' How about the lives of the people I asked you to look after?''''


    '''' Here.'''' RR passed a few files to Samael''s Omni-tool, who read with attention.


    On those files were how his friends and family were doing.


    After making sure they were okay, Samael said to RR, '''' Continue monitoring them, if they get in any trouble, tell me immediately.''''


    '''' No problem. And the process to use becoming a mercenary group was finalized just now.''''


    Samael was surprised, as he began the process of becoming a mercenary group not so long ago. He knew that was because of RR, so he thanked it, '''' Thanks for your help.''''


    '''' All to help the creator stop the Reapers.''''


    Yes, Samael told about the Reapers to RR, as it would become a main force against them. It didn''t take long to convince the AI about their existence, as their traces existed even after 50.000 years.


    After all, you can''t just wipe out all intelligent life within the galaxy and not leave any traces. They were faint, but they existed and Samael managed to convince the AI.


    '''' Please inform me if someone contacts us to a mission.'''' While he would still not leave Earth, he had already prepared his army of 1000 to do so. They would leave at a moment''s notice if Samael ordered.


    By the way, to house the 1000 of his army + their family, Samael had changed the slums a lot. Tarzan even gave a part of the slums to Samael, who only accepted it after making sure it was possible to renovate it.


    So, renovate it he did. The old compound was renovated to house 1000+ people, and the better area of the slums was his.


    '''' Will do, master.'''''' RR then stopped talking and Samael returned to what he was doing.


    While he was doing that, trouble was brewing for his family.


    ---


    The slums where Samael and the others lived weren''t the only ones that existed in San Francisco. No, there are many others, but in the last few years, only one of them managed to almost have the same power as the one where Samael lived.


    Tarzan used the money he made with Samael to better his business, so the other bosses of the other slums got jealous, as they continued to lose business to Tarzan. They tried to find out how he managed to do it, but nothing so far.


    They knew he was the one who supposedly created LD, but just like other groups, they knew Tarzan wasn''t intelligent enough to do something like that, so he''s protecting someone or someone is using him as a ruse. Or both.


    However, the second most powerful slums found out about Valery, something not even Cerberus did, as Tarzan put his men to protect her after his partnership with Samael. That backfired now, as they thought she was his woman and decided to kidnap her and get some answers.


    '''' Are you sure about this? Tarzan will most likely attack us as soon as he finds out about it.''''


    By this point in time, everyone knew about Tarzan''s name and it wasn''t a taboo any longer.


    ''''Don''t worry, by the time he found out about it, it would be too late. HAHAHAHA.''''


    What they didn''t know was that Vallery wasn''t only protected by Tarzan. A very advanced AI was with her 24 hours a day, alongside a few other people who were there just to protect her, and Samael too.


    They didn''t know that and went ahead with their plan to kidnap Valery in her own home.

 9 – Clean Up (1)

    It was a normal day in Valery''s life and she went shopping as usual. After she found out that Samael, who has always shown a different disposition from other children and teenagers, had created a Med Gel that made them a lot of money, she was more relaxed about everything.


    Anyone who says that money doesn''t bring happiness is either very rich and doesn''t understand what it''s like to be poor, or they''re stupid. The money in the account made her worry a lot less, she paid Amanda back with huge interest, and now she was enjoying life for the first time in a long time.


    Of course, it wasn''t as if she hadn''t enjoyed life before, but now, without having to worry about money, everything was different. Valery''s only concern now was to get Samael and Veronica to start some kind of relationship, but that was proving difficult, even though they both spent most of their time together.


    Anyway, today Valery, as usual, bought her groceries and was on her way home. What she didn''t know was that danger was lurking around her, in the form of rival gangs, who somehow thought she was in a relationship with Tarzan, even though she never met the man.


    THUG POV


    Today was supposed to be an easy mission since Tarzan''s girl wasn''t that heavily protected. However, if it was easy, what is this situation...


    '''' ARRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.... PLEASE STOP! KILL ME!''''


    Looking at his ''friend'', who had come to help with the kidnapping, the thug shuddered seeing the state he was in. The worst thing was that the one who was causing the pain didn''t look like a demon or something like that. No, it was a normal-looking teenager, someone you pass by regularly on the streets, and that was even more scarier.


    Pulling the knife out of his friend''s thigh, the teenager sighed, ''''Yeah, no. You''re not getting off that easy. Death is something you''re going to have to work hard to get.''''


    All those captured shuddered at that, as the teenager continued, ''''I''ll ask one more time. Who sent you?''''


    To understand the current situation, let''s go back a few hours into the past.


    A FEW HOURS AGO


    While Valery was doing her shopping, some rival gang members were lurking around her house. What they didn''t know was that as soon as strange people approached the house, RR had already warned Samael and activated the defense around the house. They vary, as some were lethal and nonlethal, but know that almost every square inch around the house had some sort of trap waiting to be activated.


    ''''Samael, suspicious individuals are in the vicinity of your house. I recommend intervention.''''


    Samael immediately stopped what he was doing and said to RR, "Show me the images.''''


    Immediately from Samael''s Omni-Tool came several images of security cameras, alongside the location of a few traps.


    Samael wasn''t naive to fully trust Tarzan, as everyone could make mistakes, so he prepared a lot of traps on his house, in case of an attack or something like that. And it seems today was the day they would put to use.


    '''' Hmmmm, they''re covering their faces, so RR can''t use the police database to see who they are... but it doesn''t matter. They''re clearly not from around here and they''re watching my house, that''s enough for me to act.''''


    Samael got up from his office in the compound and started heading home, ''''Where''s my mother?''''


    '''' Valery is on her way home.'''' RR was connected to Valery''s Omni-tool too, so he knew exactly where she was.


    '''' Contact Tarzan and tell him to use the people who are protecting her to slow her down the max they can.''''


    '''' NO problem.''''


    '''' Wait, one more thing. Tell him to prepare.''''


    '''' Prepare for what?''''


    '''' Those people weren''t from here, so someone sent them. And this someone will die, so he will need to clean up. Tell him to prepare all his forces.''''


    Samael wasn''t going to let this slide as if they had the balls to do it one time, they could do it again. '' It''s time to clean up some dumb people.''


    He knew that somehow, someone found something about him or Tarzan and it led to his mom. And the only people who would try to get that info were the other slums, who were losing space after Tarzan started spending more money on his business many years ago, a secret organization, or Cerberus.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Based on a few things, he assumed it was the thugs from others slums, as no good secret organization nor Cerberus would be so ... dumb. He hated those organizations and Cerberus, but he knew their strengths.


    '''' Contact Jaret too, tell him to prepare all of our forces and be ready to depart at any time. Our mercenary group will have their first mission today. Ha, it seems I have to thank those people who attacked because they just provided a chance for us to advertise our forces to the galaxy. Make sure to have some people film our attack.''''


    After relaying those tasks to RR, Samael went home alone, as he was enough to handle them. Before doing that thought, he grabbed a few things from the armory to use on those people.


    ----


    The bandits from the other slums were lurking outside Valery''s house, just waiting for her to come back and kidnap her. After that, their job would be done and they would return home unscathed, oblivious to the cruel fate that would probably befall the woman.


    But they didn''t care about that at all, since it was a normal thing for them to do. Kidnapping and killing were normal for them, so much so that they no longer felt anything when they did it.


    However, today, one of the members was having second thoughts, "Where is she? According to the schedule, isn''t she supposed to be here?''''


    They had studied Valery''s routine for some time, and at the current time, she was supposed to be at home, even with unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, the instinct of one of the members who had come to kidnap Valery was screaming for him to run.


    However, the others thugs were calm, ''''Don''t worry, her being late can happen. Let''s wait and act quickly when she arrives, and get out of here as soon as possible."


    Even though he wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible, the member who wanted to leave knew he couldn''t do that, since he would be punished if he did. So he could only grit his teeth and wait.


    However, what happened immediately afterward sent chills down everyone spine.


    "Good afternoon. May I ask who you are?'''''' A voice came from behind them, startling everyone. Something that was supposed to be impossible, since they had placed movement sensors and cameras around the area to monitor it. Therefore, anyone getting behind them unnoticed was impossible.


    ''How?!'' The cautious member was already regretting coming on this mission.


    Everyone was stunned and didn''t respond. The person noticed this and asked again, this time with a stronger tone, "Who are you and what are you doing in my house?''''


    When they heard that it was his house, the group knew that the person in front of him was Valery''s son. They quickly forgot that he had somehow managed to sneak up on them and were already thinking of using him to kidnap Valery.


    Only one wasn''t feeling it, the same member who sensed something was wrong. He, again, had the instincts screaming at him to run.


    However, before he could even say anything, one of the members smiled evilly. ''''Ha, brat, you''re unlucky today.''''


    He took out a pistol from his waistband, ''''Be a good boy, stay quiet, and follow us. Then, you may live.''''


    The boy didn''t react much having a pistol pointed at him. He just sighed, an act that sent chills down the spine of the cautious member.


    '''' Smart people would''ve left, but it seems only one of you is smart.'''' The kid looked straight at the cautious member, who was involuntarily retreating, almost as if the instinct had taken over his body, '''' You might be useful under me. The rest...''''


    Before the others could comprehend what was happening, they were hit with something on their head, making some fall to the ground, and one of them was hit on the arm, dropping the gun. '''' Will die.''''


    What hit them was a nonlethal bullet, and while it didn''t kill them, 2 were knocked out while the other lost his weapon.


    And while the thug who just lost his gun was still trying to figure out what happened, the only thing he saw was a fist coming straight to his face.


    PUNCH


    After that, darkness.


    Samael then looked at the member who tried to retreat, who by now realized it was impossible. He was waiting for him as the reaper-looking teenager approached, '''' Who sent you?''''


    The cautious man stayed quiet. Samael sighed, '''' Are you really going to do that? You are clearly a smart man, so you know what will happen now. Do you really want to go through that route?''''


    With no answer, Samael just said, '''' OK.''''


    Before the cautious men could react, he was hit in the face too, going straight to the dream realm.


    --


    And this brings us back to the now, as Samael was in the middle of using his torture experience on the gang members.


    '''' I''ll ask you one more time, and please don''t answer me so I can continue this. Who sent you?''''


    The cautious man was the only one not getting tortured, as it seemed Samael liked the man. Still, watching people getting tortured in front of you wasn''t a nice feeling.


    '' I should''ve just told him from the beginning.''


    The cautious man was regretting now, but it was too late, as the torture on the others was already too deep and they were already dead, it was now just a question of time.


    But, the cautious man decided to tell Samael, to end their suffering, as it was clear the person in front of him wasn''t going to stop, '''' Stop, I''ll tell you everything I know.''''


    After that, the cautious man told Samael everything he knew about the plan, who sent them, who knew what, etc. Samael checked the info with the others, and when the answer he received was a yes, he said, '''' Good.''''


    BANG BANG BANG BANG


    After four shots, the others members of the group who came to kidnap Valery died, leaving only the shocked cautious member.


    The cautious men knew Samael somehow had an interest in him, seeing as he hadn''t tortured him until now, '' Maybe he wants to recruit me or something?''


    Of course, he would accept it immediately, as it meant his survival.


    But, that train of thought stopped as he saw Samael pointing the gun at him. He immediately started to trash around, '''' Why?! I told you everything you wanted! You even sparred me from torture, so you know I''m different from them! I can work for you!''''


    Samael didn''t change expressions, '''' You''re clearly more intelligent than them, and if you were born here or didn''t take the mission to kidnap my mom, I would''ve let you live and even take you under my wing. But, you just had to try to warm my mom.''''


    '''' No one in the galaxy could''ve protected you from my wrath.''''


    BANG


    And just like that, all the members of the group who came to kidnap Valery were dead. Samael continued talking to the dead man, as if he was still listening, '''' But don''t worry, soon you will be joined by all your gang friends. Tonight, those who tried to attack my family will disappear.''''


    True to his words, Samael left to attack the other slums right after that.

 10 – Clean Up (2)

    Before going to his base/coumpound, Samael went to his house, entered his bedroom, pulled his bed aside, and opened a kind of door on the floor. Inside was a chest, which he quickly opened.


    Inside the chest was a suit of armor, which Samael picked up and stared at.


    ''No matter what cycle, I always end up wearing the same style...''


    In games, like any good RPG, you had armor that was heavy, medium, or light, and each type of armor could only be used by specific classes.


    Here there were no such limitations, so the armor Samael had here was of a mix of all types, getting the better out of each, and had lots of protective shields. He always wore the same style and color, so memories of his old fights came flooding back.


    He had been making this armor for years, always adjusting the size as he grew, but this was the first time in this cycle he was going to wear it for real.


    The armor was also of the highest quality, something the galaxy wouldn''t see for another 20 years, so it''s safe to say Samael had the edge in that regard.


    ''... Friend, let''s enjoy this last life together once more!''


    Putting his armor on, Samael left the house and headed towards his base.


    While on his way to his compound/base, Samael said to his AI, ''''RR, pass on the information we''ve gotten to Jaret. Tell him I want the places of everyone involved destroyed today."''


    Samael now had information about who wanted to attack them, and basically, it was all the other slums in San Francisco.


    '' They thought my mother was Tarzan''s girlfriend... My God, what idiots!''


    But this allowed Samael to clean up the other slums. He was going to do something like that before he left Earth, but he was going to do it in the future. This attempted kidnapping gave him the last push he needed to act. He wasn''t a hero or anything like that, but he wanted Valery to stay in a safe place, and cleaning up the other slums, who already attacked his family, was a good start.


    He would also incresce the security around her, as if even thugs found out about her, the others organization also did. They just didnt act on it for some reason,maybe they thougth it was also a ruse of some kind. It worked in his favor until now, but he could not guarante it would work in the future.


    ''''Don''t forget to tell them to film our fight. Let''s make use of the opportunity to do some marketing.''''


    '''' Consider it done.''''


    Samael now had a few options: join the attacks in the other slums, stay with his mother while everything was sorted out, or go and talk to Tarzan about what to do in the future, since all the slums would now be under his command.


    ''Hmm, I''m not one for staying away from the action.''


    '''' RR, wait.''''


    '''' What is it, Samael?'''' The robotic voice of the AI asked in a neutral tone.


    '''' Tell Jaret to leave one of the slums for me, get me someone to film me, and put aside a few weapons. I''ll deal with one of them alone.''''


    '''' Will do.''''


    Samael then started to stretch, saying, ''''It''s been a while since I attacked what could be considered a base. About 20 years now.''''


    The last time was in the last cycle, when he got angry with one of the Batarians, a disgusting race that was racist against humans, and decided to destroy one of their colonies. Several thousand of Batarians died because of his actions, but Samael didn''t care, since he hated the Batarians with passion.


    '' The Batarians weren''t the worst race in the galaxy right now because the Leviathans exist. But damn, they are annoying. Ahhhh, I miss the time I killed a lot of them.''


    After finishing stretching, Samael finally arrived at his base and saw that everyone was ready to leave.


    Jaret then noticed Samael entering the base and went to talk to him, ''''What happened that we need all this mobilization?''''


    ''''Some idiots tried to attack my mother. I''ve already taken care of that, but now it''s retribution and a chance to advertise ourselves, so make it look good. I don''t want any unnecessary casualties.''''


    Jaret was shocked when he heard that Valery had almost been attacked. ''Now it all makes sense.Idiots have messed with a monster, and now all of San Francisco will kind of benefit from it...''


    Jaret replied, ''''Don''t worry, with people of their level, our men are more than ready. And, by the way, your transporter and camera are ready.''''


    '''' Thank you. And good luck.''''


    After that, Samael and Jaret went in opposite directions, but with basically the same goals. To wipe out all the other slums in San Francisco.


    When Samael arrived in his transport, he noticed that it was a SkyCar, which, from the name alone, you could tell was a car that flew. Which was extremely normal in this universe, due to technological advances.


    "Who is my pilot and cameraman?''''


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Samael''s question was answered when Veronica''s face appeared in the SkyCar''s window, ''''Hello there.''''


    ''... That''s right, it could only be her.''


    Samael sighed, as he knew there was nothing to be done at this point since the base was almost empty and all his forces were ready to attack.


    Besides, she needed to prepare herself for the horrors of war and this was a good start.


    Although all the members of her mercenary group or army had been trained, some of them had never fought seriously, let alone killed anyone. So this was a first for many people, including Veronica.


    By the way, the age of those who were going to attack was over 15, the only exceptions being Samael and Veronica. Those under 15 had to stay behind and train.


    "Are you ready? Today, we''re going to kill people.'''' Samael knew that Veronica must already know the purpose of their mission, as he really didn''t hide it and Jaret must have already informed everyone by now.


    Veronica''s expression changed, but she answered anyway,'''' I knew from the start that accompanying you on this whole journey was a difficult decision, so I''m going to answer the same way I did when you asked me if I wanted to be a pilot a long time ago.''''


    '''' Yes, I''m ready.''''


    Samael nodded and was a little proud of her, ''Peace is born of conflict, and only those who are willing to fight can have peace. She will do well in this life.''


    '''' Good. Get your omni-tool ready, and let''s go.''''


    Samael and Ver¨®nica then left for one of the slums.


    That same day would be remembered by the citizens of San Francisco, Earth, and even parts of the galaxy as one of the bloodiest and most one-sided conflicts that had ever taken place.


    That day was also the debut of a group of mercenaries who would become very famous in the future.


    ---


    VERONICA POV


    Ever since I was a child, I noticed that Samael acted differently from the other children. He had no friends and was forced by his mother to leave the house and go play in the playground.


    So, I decided to follow him around, to figure him out. It started out of curiosity and now we''re good friends. I always knew he was special, but what''s happening here is on another level.


    With her omni-tool, which served as a camera, Veronica was filming the fight between Samael and the entire slums from a safe place. No, it wasn''t a fight, but a massacre.


    Samael, who was wearing a type of armor that Veronica hadn''t seen before, was killing the bandits left and right.


    While those thugs used the normal guns with thermal clips, Samael seems to use the type of bullets from the last century, and it seemed more effective, as it was one shot, one kill.


    Of course, as all the other slums didn''t have the same money compared with the one where they lived, they didn''t have any good armor, only a few but they were trash compared with the one Samael was using. But, all of the members of the mercenary group had one, so Veronica assumed the other slums weren''t in a much better situation than the one they were attacking now.


    But she doubted the others had someone like Samael in their midst.


    Veronica thought he would use a stealth approach, seeing as he was only one VS an unknown number of people, but no, he went guns blazing, and somehow, he was winning.


    Of course, he was getting shot here and there, but the shield on his armor seemed stronger than normal, as it was recharged as soon as it was hit, meaning he wasn''t in the slightest of danger.


    BANG BANG


    Veronica could only continue filming the scene and stare in awe as Samael continued his killing spree.


    It looked like it took a while, but by the time Samael stopped shooting, only an hour had passed.


    Veronica watched as Samael triple-tapped the others, and after he looked around a bit more, he used his omni-tool to call her, '''' It''s done, let''s leave.''''


    ''''OK.''''


    Veronica then grabbed Samael with the SkyCar, and they returned to the base.


    ---


    NORMAL POV


    When they arrived there, Jaret arrived at the same time, along with the other team.


    '''' How are the casualties?'''' Samael asked after he noticed a few people injured.


    '''' None. That Med-Gel that you gave us is good, better than the one in the market right now.'''' Jaret could only praise Samael, as he was the one who created such wonder.


    Remember, the Med-Gel the mercenaries uses were even better than the one Samael launched in the market. It was exclusive to his group, and he instructed everyone to not say anything about it, at least until they had a few more thousands of people in their group.


    Samael smirked, '''' Thanks, I only give the best to those under me... I assume you''ve killed all of the thugs?''''


    '''' Yes, they never saw us coming, and we attacked all of them at the same time, so they didn''t even have the time to tell others. But we do have a few injuries, but thanks to your med gel, nothing life-threatening. And, as you instructed, we filmed all of the operations.'''' Jaret used his Omni tool to pass the files to Samael.


    Samael confirmed it and said, '''' I don''t know if I edit it or send it to the galaxy unedited. What do you think?''''


    Jaret didn''t hesitate,'''' Send it unedited, the effect it gives is better.''''


    '''' Ok. Please send the videos to your contacts in Omega and across the galaxy. Tell them we are waiting for contracts.'''' While Samael would not leave Earth for the next 3 years, the rest of his mercenary group was free to do so. So, they could already take missions out of Earth, as Samael had already brought some ships for their transport.


    '''' Consider it done. By the way, nice armor. Do you think I could get one like that?'''' Jaret was a veteran forced to retire because he lost his arm ( even though there''s a replacement in the form of a robotic arm), so he knew only by looking how special the armor Samael was using.


    Samael shook his head, '''' This is only for me, one of a kind. I will eventually give a degraded version for the mercenaries to use though, so stay tuned.''''


    Jaret could only sigh in regret.


    Just as the two stopped talking, they heard a commotion and noticed their army getting ready to attack. Both looked at each other and went to see what it was.


    After arriving at the center of all of the confusion, Samael saw Tarzan with all of his thugs. '' So this is why they acted that way. They thought they were here to attack us or something like that.''


    Samael immediately acted before things got ugly,'''' Weapons down, how come you didn''t recognize the boss of our slum? They are our allies!''''


    Immediately, the mercenaries lowered the weapons, and Tarzan finally let out a breath he was holding. He was also shocked by the scale of Samael forcers, ''I knew I did the right thing by having him on my side.''


    Samael then looked at Tarzan and said,'''' You''re late.''''


    '''' Sorry, but it was difficult calling all of my forces without any prior reason.'''' Tarzan was a little embarrassed because of it, but he didn''t show it.'''' So, what did you call me for?''''


    Samael tilted his head and said,'''' I haven''t told you?''''


    '''' You did send a message, but you never told me why.''''


    ''''... Sorry about that. But, hey, how do you feel about becoming the ruler of all slums within San Francisco?''''


    Tarzan paused and opened his mouth to say something, but when he realized Saamel wasn''t joking, he could only mutter, ''''What?''''


    Samael then used his omni tool to show the video of his mercenary group killing all the other thugs: '''' As of one hour ago, all slums within the city were vacant of people in power, as we killed all of them. Use your forces to capture them all and consolidate your power. And, congratulations.''''


    Tarzan could only nod after seeing the video,'''' We will go there now.''''


    '''' There are various places to cover, do you need a few of my forces?'''' Samael offered some help, as there are quite a few places to cover.


    '''' Please.'''' Tarzan didn''t hesitate to accept the help, as he needed it.


    While Samael killed the leaders of the slums and all of their forces, some courageous people might want to have the power to act, so Tarzan had to go to those places fast.


    After receiving the help, Tarzan left to become the new unofficial king of San Francisco.

 11 – A Path to Andromeda (1)

    THREE YEAR LATER


    A lot has changed in the last three years. Samael''s mercenary group, which he also called Last Defense, was on the rise, with many people requesting their services, which ranged from defense to assassination.


    Of course, as if wasn''t obvious by the name, he used his people to announce to everyone in the galaxy this was a mercenary group under LD company.


    Before they did that, however, there were a few people dumb enough to hire them, LD ( the mercenary group) to investigate LD ( the company/conglomerate)... Yeah.


    Safe to say, those people were put on a blacklist.


    Also, after the clean-up of the slums of San Francisco, the Alliance sent a few people to investigate the matter. It was normal, after all, a lot of people died, but not a single one of them was innocent.


    So, after investigating and finding out LD, who was also a Mercenary group under LD, the company, the Alliance had nothing to say. After all, it was normal for mercenary groups to simply do their jobs and most of the time, their job was killing people.


    Also, because Tarzan was going legit for a few years now, there was nothing much the Alliance could do, because he was clean. He wasn''t dumb, as when Samael let him use LD, he immediately went and cleaned up his name the best he could.


    Because of that, the Alliance found out about Tarzan''s connection with LD, so they didn''t act in a hurry and decided to just observe the matter from afar. It helped the fact the people who died were criminals.


    All in all, the Alliance tolerated what had happened, because Tarzan was more ''chill'' than the other slum lords. But it did irk them a bit, let Tarzan have so much power over San Francisco, but they tolerate him because of LD.


    They also started to pay attention to LD, the mercenary group, but that was the only job they had taken on Earth for a long time.


    Every month more and more people joined the mercenary group, since Tarzan had taken control of all the slums in the city, the number of children and teenagers applying to enter the mercenary group grew exponentially.


    After the relationship between LD and LD was revealed, a lot more people tried to enter the mercenary group. The majority were struggling people, with a few spies who were taken care of, in the middle.


    Even the number of biotics began to grow (remembering that it was difficult to have a biotic human due to the problem of how to create one).


    Samael even authorized Jaret, who now spent more time off Earth than on it taking care of the mercenary group, to hire other races for the group. As the man followed his orders, the group now had many aliens there, who usually taught the humans a lot.


    Valery was okay, no other attacks occurred after that attempt. It seems the showcase he had with the slums, showcasing LD''s might, made the other groups not attack. At least for now, that is.


    Veronica was at the peak of her powers, and by now, she could be considered the best pilot they had, surpassing even Samael, who had the theory but not much practice.


    Tarzan took over the city without any problems since his group was already the richest and had the most people even before the massacre. He walked into the other slums and took power without any kind of problems.


    So Samael''s life in the last three years was all about preparing for the future. He grew a lot, and was now 1.90 meters tall, with no fat on his body. He hadn''t forgotten to train in recent years and the results showed.


    Even if he tried to hide that he was strong, it was no longer working, but he still tried his best.


    LD was officially the number one company on Earth, controlling the market in its entirety.


    Food? LD has under her the people who made the most delicious food on Earth.


    Guns? LD has the best.


    You name it, LD has its hand on it.


    It got so big the government tried to intervene, but Samael was prepared for that and just a few calls later, saying he would reveal the dirty secrets of every higher-up in every part of the government, no one bothered them any more.


    Thanks to the future, he knew a lot of things that if went public, would change the status quo in the politics on Earth. He even has the dirty on almost every member of the Council, but that wasn''t something that would help him as of now.


    Thanks to that, LD wasn''t going anywhere.


    Right now, Samael was in his office at the mercenary base and looked at the network of wires in front of him, each line connecting to another person.


    Sure, he could use the omni tool to organize it better, but he preferred it that way. After taking a long hard look at the mess in front of him, showing where every member of his family/crew was, Samael smiled,'''' I''m ready. RR, take a picture of this.''''


    A flash later and the picture was safely stored within his omni tool.


    '''' Good.'''' Samael then proceeded to tear down all of it, and set it on fire, ''I''m not risking anyone seeing this, as it could doom us all.''


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    After making sure nothing was left behind, Samael left his office to talk with the replacement Jaret left to teach the newbies, Nale.


    Nale was a veteran too, but he wasn''t discharged or anything like that, he quit because he wanted more money. So, when Jaret told about his existence to Samael, who didn''t know the man from other cycles, he hired him with a huge sum.


    After walking for a bit, Samael saw Nale talking with a few kids, giving some pointers. When the veteran noticed Samael, he dismissed everyone, '''' Go do your thing. I''ll be right back and we will continue where we stopped.''''


    Nale then approached Samael, '''' What can I do for you, boss?''''


    Samuel tried to get rid of that name, but he gave up a few years ago. '''' It''s time. I''ll be leaving Earth in a week or so and this base will be fully in your hands.''''


    Nale didn''t seem so surprised, as it was common knowledge Samael was leaving as soon as he hit 18. '''' Leave it to me, I''ll teach those kids how to survive and manage this place well.''''


    Even with the influx of people trying to enter the mercenary group, the majority were people from the slums, as Samael wanted to help them a little, while also gaining an army in the process.


    ''''I''m sure you do it just fine.''''


    After passing some instructions to Nale, Samael said his goodbyes, '''' I''ll get going now, as I have a few more things to tie up before leaving.''''


    '''' Can I ask where are you going now?''''


    Samael smiled, '''' To see a Pathfinder.''''


    ----


    While Mass Effect 3 was the last game of the trilogy, it wasn''t the end of the franchise. It had another Game called Mass Effect Andromeda, and while it wasn''t that well received or that good, it was an okay game, one that Samael enjoyed playing in his past life.


    He knew the plot of the game and the one who would become the Main Character, so he knew that the original Pathfinder, or Alec Ryder, would build a ship to leave Earth after the Reapers attack. And while Samael was going to do his best to make sure that wasn''t a last-ditch effort, he still wanted to set things in motion earlier.


    This time, however, he would be the main financier of the project.


    So, Samael was in front of Alex Ryder''s home, courtesy of Jaret network and RR hacking. It was outside of San Francisco, but with the fast way of travel on this Earth, he would be able to go back home fast.


    Alec was an N7/Alliance employee, but he would eventually be discharged from his job because he was fixated on AI, as it was the only solution he thought of to save his dying wife, who was exposed to too much element zero and caught an uncurable decease.


    So he would eventually break a few intergalactic rules and would be caught. The only difference between him and Samael was that.


    Samael was here to talk with the man, to accelerate the process of creating the ship that would guide them to Andromeda. He was going to give him money and maybe ask to build more ships than what it had in the game.


    While it was true nothing was set in stone, Samael wanted to make sure they went to Andromeda, as he had doubts if the moment he easily defeated Sovereign ( the name of the first Reaper to attack the Galaxy) the project would not go forward, dooming the other galaxy.


    After taking a deep breath, Samael went ahead and knocked on Alec''s door. This was a first for him, as he never talked with the man in any of his previous cycles.


    '''' Hello? Who is it?'''' A voice came from inside the house.


    '''' Hi, my name is Samael and I''m looking for Alec Ryder. Is he home?''''


    The door was open and a teenage girl looked at Samael, '''' He is not home. Is it something urgent?''''


    Samuel recognized her as one of the twins Ryder, the girl. Depending on your choice, if you choose to be male or female, she was a main character or a plot point. He only was distracted for a moment, '''' I''m here for a job opportunity. One your father would not let it pass.''''


    Sara didn''t buy that one bit and found the situation a little weird, '''' Can you tell me about it before I decide what I do for you?''''


    Depending on the answer, she would ask for him to leave or let him enter. He didn''t look that threatening, only a little buff, '' Me and my brother can handle him.''


    Samael smiled misteriously, '''' It''s AI related.''''


    Sara tilted her head, '''' He is not interested in something like that.'''' She was also more confused, as AI is a banned subject in most places in the galaxy.


    '''' You sure? Give him a call and say someone that doesn''t mind breaking rules is going to give him an opportunity of a lifetime, to create an AI.''''


    '''' ... You know you just admitted to me, a daughter of an Alliance Personel, you''re going to break intergalactic rules, right?''''


    Samael nodded and continued saying, '''' If your father doesn''t accept the job, you''re free to report me to the authorities. I just ask you to wait for his response.''''''


    Sara hesitated for a moment before calling her dad, '''''' Dad, hello. There is a man here who says he wants to hire you for something... I know, I said that but he said you should listen to this: It is something involving AI, or making them... Ok, I''ll wait.''''


    It seemed Ryder would come home immediately, but Sara didn''t understand that one bit, '''' Isn''t making an AI supposed to be forbidden?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Yes, that''s why we are going to do it in secret.''''


    '''' But why my father? I mean, there''s probably a few people out there more appropriate to work with.'''' That was the most puzzling part, as her father, at least from what she knew, wasn''t interested in AI''s.


    '''' That is something only he could tell you.''''


    After that, Sara let Samel in, '''' Dad said he was leaving work and is going to arrive in a few minutes... Do you want anything to drink?''''


    '''' Water is fine.''''


    Sara left for the kitchen, while Samael stayed in the living room, thinking. All of this situation was uncharted territory for him, so he was a little bit happy about it.


    '' I don''t need much to convince him, just that I want to explore the galaxy more and I looked for people who might benefit from it and are experienced in space travel.''


    Sara gave the water to him and both waited for Alec to arrive. Just as the silence was getting awkward, a voice came from upstairs in the house, '''' Sara, is there a visit?''''


    Samael calmly drank his water, '' It must be Scott Ryder, Sara''s sibling, and another possible MC from Mass Effect Andromeda.''


    Sara replied to her brother, '''' We have a visit. He said he had a job for our father.''''


    That seemed to interest Scott, as he got down the stairs and into the living room. He greeted Saamael, '''' Hi, nice to meet you, I''m Scott Ryder.''''


    '''' Samael.''''


    Sara noticed she didn''t introduce herself, '''' My name is Sara Ryder, by the way.''''


    '''' Nice to meet you both,''''


    Scott asked as soon Samael stopped speaking, '''' Can I ask what kind of job you want to give my father?''''


    '''' It''s AI-related.'''' Samael then remembered something, '' As I''m leaving Earth soon, it''s time to make RR a body. I just need to buy the materials for it, just like EDI. It shouldn''t take too long to arrive.''


    He tapped a few things in his omni tool, and RR immediately bought the necessary materials.


    RR then replied, '' The materials will arrive in a few days at the base.'' It was a written message on his omni tool, that only Samael saw.


    With that out of the way, he returned his attention to the siblings, who didn''t understand why their dad wanted to work with an AI, and the only response he gave them was, '''' Wait for him to arrive and let him explain. It''s not my position to do it.''''


    After that, the siblings continued asking questions and Saamael didn''t mind answering them, as long as it wasn''t related to the job he was going to propose to Alec.


    Samael liked both quite a bit, as he enjoyed playing Mass Effect Andromeda, and seeing both MCs in front of him was a nice feeling.

 12 – A Path to Andromeda (2)

    It didn''t take long for Alec to arrive. He was out of breath, meaning he was rushing home.


    Sara and Scott were a little taken aback but hugged their dad and said, '''' Nice to see you, Dad. ''''


    Alec kissed both their foreheads and said, '''' I''m home. Are both of you ok?''''


    Both nodded and Sara continued talking. '''' This man came here to talk with you.''''


    Samael then introduces himself professionally, ''''My name is Samael.''''


    Sara then said, '''' He knocked on our door, saying he wanted to talk about AI''s related business. So I called you, and the rest is history.''''


    Alec had now recovered his breath and was looking at Samael with caution in his eyes. It was unexpected, as very few people knew he was working with AI, all to save his wife from her illness. So he was doubting Samael''s intention.


    Samael noted that and said, '''' I''m not working with the government, so don''t worry. I came here simply to talk business.''''


    Alec once again looked at Samael, and he really did not look like a government agent. If it were a normal day, Alec would never trust Samael, but he was getting desperate as his research on AI was hitting a wall and he was running out of time.


    After making Sara and Scott go to their room, Alec said, ''''What kind of business?''''


    Samael used his omni tool to pass a few blueprints to Alec, ''''One that will change history.''''


    When Alec read the name of the project, he was a little surprised by the name, ''Project Andromeda.'' Then he started to read, and he was getting more and more shocked.


    Samael had taken into consideration that Alec right now still hadn''t been fired from his job for researching AI, so he might not want to leave the galaxy. But he was making a bet that he would accept, as they would not be leaving now anyway.


    After a few minutes of Alec reading in silence, he suddenly turned off his omni tool, his face somber as he looked at Samael and asked, '''' Why me?''''


    He knew just by reading this that it was a project of gigantic magnitude. He was talking about exploring a whole uncharted galaxy, so he didn''t understand why the man in front of him chose him.


    Samael said, '''' I read your files before deciding on you. You were part of the First Contact War, one of the first people who found the Mass Relays, and a few other things. You are, by default, an amazing explorer, but it seems lady luck follows you regarding exploration. So, I chose you based on that.''''


    '''' My luck didn''t help my wife.''''


    Samael didn''t miss the opportunity. '''' That''s where the AI and the traveling to another galaxy enter the fray. While you will be traveling for years while in cryosleep, the AI will be running tests to find a cure for your wife''s condition.''''


    Alec calmed down his excitement over that. '''' But how can I trust you? I mean, you showed up at my house to talk about AI, then suddenly turned into an intergalactic journey, then to cure my wife. I''m sorry, but it''s all too weird for me.''''


    Samael just smiled. ''''So what?''''


    Alec paused, ''''... Excuse me?''''


    '''' So what if all of this is weird? It is the truth. I''m a person who worries about the future and wants to give every species in this galaxy a chance to survive if things go wrong, while you''re a man who can guide us there. The bonus is that I can help you with your problems. That''s all there is to it.'''' Samael wasn''t going to try to convince the man in front of him of his motives. He knew he didn''t have to, as the man was almost accepting the offer.


    Alec stayed in silence for a while. ''''Do you have the funds to make those ships?''''


    Samael showed one of his accounts, with more than enough money to build one, based on Alec''s knowledge.


    After staying silent for a while, Alec eventually said, '''' How about the AI? As you know, the galaxy forbids people from studying and making them. So how are you going to fix that?''''


    If Samael''s response wasn''t to his liking, Alec would end the conversation right now, as the AI was the most important part of this ''negotiation'', as only it could help with his wife''s condition.


    Samael smirked at that. ''''Just because people say we can''t make something does not mean we have to follow their rules. Right, RR?''''


    From Alec''s Omni Tool, a robotic voice sounded, ''''Yes.''''


    Alec jumped from his seat and examined his omni-tool. After looking at it for a while, he looked at Samael with a feverish gaze and asked, ''''Is that...?''''


    '''' Yes. I made it a few years ago.''''


    After Samael said that, Alec immediately said, '''' I''m in.''''


    They had a conversation for a few hours after that, making some arrangements. Then it was time for Samael to leave.


    ''''You are the main lead of this project, I''ll give you the funds, and a few suggestions along the way, but it will be your project.''''


    ''''I''ll leave it to you to find the crews and the participants willing to partake in this adventure. The funds will be sent to you the moment you ask. And, if you have any questions, feel free to call me anytime. Goodbye.''''


    Samael then left the house and went directly to San Francisco, saying, ''Another thing put in motion. I hope things go the right way.''


    While Samael was leaving, Sara and Scott went to see their father. '''' Dad, what happened? Did you accept the job?''''


    Alec nodded. '''' I did.'''' He looked at his kids and said in a serious tone, '''' The conversation about AI can''t leave this room, otherwise things could go wrong.''''


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    He saw the faces of his children harden but they nodded, indicating they understood the magnitude of the problem. Or so Alec hoped.


    But, he didn''t want to leave them in this heavy mood, so he decided to share one information they would like, ''''...This is the best chance we have to save your mom.''''


    '''' Really?!'''' Sara and Scott were ecstatic, as almost every doctor had given up on their mom, as her diagnosis was terminal.


    '''' Really. I had to make some sacrifices, which I will tell you about in the future, but it will be worth it if we can save your mother.''''


    Alec then turned his gaze to his omni-tool, where the blueprints for the ships and materials to make an AI.


    ''Andromeda...''


    ----


    Samael returned home the very same day. He spent the night with Valery, as this would be the last week he would see her for a long while. So, he was extra affectionate today, and Valery noticed that.


    After dinner, Valery asked,'''' What do you want to talk about?''''


    Samael sighed. '''' It seems I didn''t hide it that well, huh.''''


    '''' Son, I''m your mother. If I didn''t notice something wrong with you, who would?'''' As Valery only had Samael as family, she focused all her being on him, so she knew he wanted to say something that must be important.


    ''''Right.'''' Samael hesitated for a moment before saying, ''''I''m leaving Earth in a few days.'''' While he did have this conversation in the other cycles, other circumstances were involved, so he was apprehensive.


    But his worries were for nothing, and as Valery just smiled, '''' I knew it.''''


    '''' You did?''''


    '''' Well, Veronica isn''t exactly a good secret keeper.''''


    Samael''s eyebrows twitched as Valery continued talking. '''' But also, I knew that, for a long time, Earth, or even where we live, couldn''t contain you. You are destined for greatness, as proven by the fact that you created a whole new Med-Gel while you were a teenager, alongside a multibillion-dollar company. There must be other things you wouldn''t tell me about, but I trust you. And I couldn''t be more proud of what you became.''''


    ''''... Thank you.''''


    Valery wiped a few tears. '''' Remember, if you ever want to come back, this is still your house forever. You can come back anytime you want.''''


    '''' I will. Also, I''ll leave more money for you. And if you ever encounter any trouble, please call this number, and they will resolve it for you.''''


    The number Samael gave his mom was Tarzan''s. He doubts anyone in San Francisco would attack his mother, as it would mean a death sentence, but it''s better to be safe than sorry, even more so after the fact LD was growing more and more.


    Eventually, people would find out about him, the real owner of LD, as he wasn''t trying to hide it that hard, so people would also find out about Valery. Of course, it wasn''t only Tarzan who would protect his mom, there were also several other things to that task.


    Valery didn''t ask who it was, as it didn''t matter to her, only that her son trusted the person. ''''Thanks. ''''


    After that, both continued talking through the night, remembering the old days.'''' By the way, how''s Amanda?''''


    Amanda was the doctor who helped them earlier on, with money and a few other things. Samael never checked on her in other cycles, but this time, he was curious about his mother''s friend.


    Valery replied, '''' I''m still in contact with her. She had a daughter and is happily married now.''''


    '''' Good to know.''''


    Soon after, both went to their rooms. Samael sat on the bed, then opened his omni-toll. There, he checked when his ship would arrive.


    The ship was something he asked to be made for him and his future crew.


    It cost billions, as it was the best in the galaxy at the moment. But the most important thing about it was that it accepted more upgrades than normal, and those upgrades are where the true value of the ship would come in handy.


    He bought a specialized company to make the ship and brought it under LD wings. He patented the blueprint, a degraded version of course, of the ship to make money, as he wanted to make the industry progress faster than before by allowing others to use the blueprint so the galaxy could be better prepared against the reapers. Of course, he would make more money along the way, but that is secondary.


    But the upgrades to the ship that he would make himself. If other people saw what the upgrades could do, the galaxy would be in an uproar. He would eventually release those in the market too, but only in the future.


    After making sure everything was in order in that regard, he looked at a picture of a young Jack and Miranda.


    Both were companions he had from the games and his past cycles, and both had a complicated past. Jack was tortured to be one of the best human biotics that exists, while Miranda was loyal to the wrong man and committed a few wrong things throughout her time at Cerberus, even if unknowingly.


    He could intervene on their behalf right now, but Jack has already been kidnapped on Eden Prime by Cerberus to be experimented on some time ago while Miranda was still here on Earth. So, he wanted to get her loyalty, as she was one of the most loyal people he ever met.


    She only betrayed the Illusive Man in the Mass Effect games because she discovered the atrocities Cerberus commited under his command. And while Samael wasn''t exactly a saint, he was at least better than the Illusive Man.


    Also, she is what we could call a superior human, as her ''father'' created her to be the best human possible, and he succeeded. He is also a crazy man with a lot of money (sounds familiar) who used his genome to create Miranda. She was excellent in all aspects, be it biology, looks, aim, etc.


    By the way, Samael wasn''t going to follow the plot of the game, as he had already done so for 4 cycles, and it didn''t change much. For the others cycles, he did his things, and while he didn''t interfere with the plot of the game that much, he changed a few things here and there, and those things sometimes went okay and others didn''t. As this was his real last cycle, he was going to make 100% sure everyone he loved was okay.


    He could''ve saved Jack earlier, but in the cycle he saved her, she ultimately died an unfortunate death, as she didn''t have the strength she gained with the experiments. So, while it sucks to be tortured, it sucks even more to be dead.


    He even had a hypothetical conversation with Jack, in the cycle after she died an unfortunate death because she didn''t have the powers she gained through experimentation, asking about this exact situation. The reply she gave was that she wanted to live, so he was also following that wish.


    '' I''ll go get Miranda, save Javik , then save Jack. After that, I''ll probably put some other plans into motion and wait. I only have a few years until the Reapers appear, and I''m far from ready to face them right now.''


    While he did some things here and there, on the scale of it all, it changed nothing regarding his fighting chances against the Reapers. While he won in the other cycles, he had sacrificed a lot of things to defeat the machines, so this time he wanted to make sure everyone he loved was okay, and that was going to be difficult. But now, as he was going off Earth, he was free to change a lot of things that could help him in the future.


    ''Now, let''s see where Miranda is.''


    As mentioned before, Samael asked RR to keep an eye on some individuals, mainly his companions from past cycles, and Miranda was one of them.


    Her situation was more complicated, as based on the last reports from RR, she had been on the run from her father for some time now. You might think that she''s a ''perfect'' human being, but that comes with a cost. Her father didn''t let her have friends; she only existed to follow his demands, so she rebelled a few years ago and has been on the run since then.


    Her father didn''t let that go and used all his money to track her, and it seems she finally decided to seek help, as it seemed she was going to meet a Cerberus agent in London. She was there to get protection from the group in exchange for her loyalty. ''It seems I have to travel once more and finally meet Cerberus personally in this cycle. I''ll take Veronica with me.''


    Samael never forgot about Cerberus, he even knew they sent people to investigate LD. He, unfortunately, had to let them exist, as he has a plan for them, but he did fuck up their business on Earth quite a lot.


    Compared with the other cycles, Cerberus was way weaker, but still had a lot of power. He would eventually punish them for the lives they destroyed in this cycle and others, but not now.


    But when he does so, he would kill them in the most painful way possible.


    THE NEXT DAY


    As soon as it was morning, Samael and Veronica departed from San Francisco for London to recruit Miranda.

 13 – Stealing from Cerberus

    MIRANDA POV


    My name is Miranda Lawson. I was made by my ''father'', who used his genome to create me, so I have no mother. My father is a lunatic, for lack of a better word.


    I was ''perfect'', or so others say, and had everything others ever wanted. Biotic powers, appearance, physical powers, aim, etc. I had it all but at the cost of not having a life. My father, the lunatic, dictated everything I did, from what I ate to who I could talk to.


    I endured for some years until I couldn''t anymore. So I ran away from home. I knew it wasn''t going to be easy to run away from my father, as he was rich and had connections everywhere. But I did it anyway, as I had no other choice.


    At first, everything was going okay, as I used all that I learned and had to stay out of trouble, but everything has limits, even I. So, after a few years or so after running away from my father, I decided to get help, as the situation was getting more and more dangerous.


    The problem was that not everyone wanted me, someone being hunted by one of the most rich people in the galaxy, on their team. My father would not stop until he got me back, and I cannot imagine what he would do to me to stop me from running away again, meaning I could never be caught because if that happened, I would probably be lobotomized or something along those lines.


    So, I started to look for groups powerful enough to shield me from my father, but only had a few opinions, and when I asked, the majority backed away after learning about my past.


    Unitl I found Cerberus. They seem decent from what I could gather. While they received funds from my father, they told me they would take me anyway. It certainly means they would lose his support, but I guess I''m valuable enough for them to risk that.


    So, I''m extremely grateful to Cerberus for accepting me. Then, they sent a message to meet an agent of their organization, so he could take me to the leader.


    I then made my way to the rendezvous point, London, and was waiting in a park for the agent of Cerberus to come and get me away from there. It was a public place, and I was still afraid it could be a trap or something like that, so I had my guard up. But suddenly, without my noticing, someone sat beside me on the park bench.


    I immediately reached for my gun in case it was someone my father sent, but when I looked at the person, I noted it was a young-looking man, not older than 20 years old, and he just smiled while looking at me, completely ignoring that I had my hand on my waist, meaning I had something there.


    The young man said, '''' Hello there.''''


    I continued in silence and with a hand on my gun, but the young man continued, '''' Well, I expected that. You might be confused or think I''m one of your father''s men, but I assure you I''m not.''''


    When he finished saying that, I knew he knew who I was. I immediately tried to take my gun out, but he overlapped the hand I was holding my gun, preventing me from drawing it. I was about to use my biotic powers to send him flying away when I noticed he was pointing a gun at my stomach with his other hand, '''' Don''t be like that. I''m here to help.''''


    Even with my biotic powers, I don''t think I was fast enough to be able to block that bullet at so close range. So, I had no choice but to calm down a bit.


    The man noticed that and slowly, he removed the hand that was holding my gun and put his away. I relaxed a bit after that, but I still couldn''t trust him, as he appeared out of nowhere, aimed a gun at me, and then said he was gonna help me. Any sane person would not believe it.


    ''''Who are you and what do you want?''''


    ''''My name is Samael, and I''m here to recruit you.''''


    '''' ... I''m sorry, but you''re late. I tried to reach out to various organizations to see who would take me, but only one said yes.'''' The way he was talking, meant he knew her situation, so she was honest with him.


    While he did point a gun at me, my instincts said he wasn''t hostile.


    '''' Cerberus, right?''''


    I was surprised but hid it well. '''' How do you know?''''


    Samael smiled, '''' I have my ways... But you will regret joining Cerberus.''''


    I was a little taken aback. ''''What do you mean?''''


    The man in front of me used his Omni tool to pass some files to me and said, '''' You''re running from a lunatic right into the hands of another.''''


    Confused by what he said, I started to check the files and was horrified by what I was seeing. It was a lot of files, and I only saw a bit, but that small percentage was enough to make me have some chills run down my spine.


    ''''Is this true?''''


    The man nodded and said, ''''I can give you more information if you want.''''


    Samael then started to send more files to me.


    As I noted more and more files coming into my OmniTool, I realized I had already fallen into a trap. With chills down my spine, I thought, ''What could have happened If I joined them... ''


    I thanked Samael, '''' Thank you... I would''ve made a big mistake without your help.''''


    Of course, now that she couldn''t join Cerberus, she was back at square one. She had to run away from her father once more, and hope a group take her in. But she already lost hope of that, because the only group that accepted her, did things worse than her father.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Samael did offer to recruit her, but she wasn''t sure he was strong enough to hold her father at bay.


    But Samael continued saying, '''' Again, I''m here to recruit you. I can protect you from your father and Cerberus too. Are you interested in joining?''''


    '''' How can I trust you weren''t the same as Cerberus and my father?'''' I was even more suspicious of everything now, after what I just learned.


    '''' True. How about this? Join me for a bit while I make a trip across the galaxy. Then, you decide later on if you want to join my team or not.''''


    '''' You''ll be leaving Earth?''''


    '''' Yes, in a few days at most. I''m just waiting for my ship to get ready.'''' The ship Samael was talking about was top-notch, made from the best materials and the best companies under LD, so it took a few years for it to be done and it would arrive at his place today, alongside the materials to make RR a body.


    The upgraded stuff had to be made by him, so that took a while too. He would never trust that technology from 20 years into the future to get into another hand.


    Miranda knew she didn''t have many options right now, and from what little she could gather, this Samael looked trustworthy. But so did Cerberus...


    But, again, she didn''t have any other choice. It was this or trying to run from her father, knowing that without support, he would get her eventually.


    ''''Will you be able to protect me against my father AND Cerberus?'''' From what I could gather, Samael knew about my situation in its entirety, but I asked just to make sure he knew what he was getting involved with.


    Samael didn''t look fazed at all, meaning he knew and didn''t care, or didn''t know and didn''t care.


    '''' If you''re on my team, no one in the galaxy could hurt you. And in the rare case they do, I promise they will pay a price they can''t afford.''''


    That was enough for me. '''' I''ll join you as a trial. If I don''t like what I see, I''ll leave and try my luck with others.''''


    '''' No problem. Welcome to my team.''''


    The duo shook hands. Then I remembered I was here to meet the Cerberus agent, so I informed Samael, '''' What do we do about the Cerberus agent that was supposed to meet me here?''''


    '''' I''ll handle it, don''t worry.''''


    As soon as the man said that, he used his omni tool to speak to someone, ''''Do you have eyes on the target?''''


    '''' Yes. He''s approaching your location. How do you want to proceed?''''


    The man looked at me and with a calm look asked, ''''What do you want to do? I''m not going to be hypocritical and say that my group doesn''t kill, because we kill when necessary. But right now, the decision for this person''s life is in your hands.''''


    I hesitated. I don''t have a problem with killing people since in the galaxy it''s kill or be killed, but maybe this agent doesn''t even know about Cerberus''s true face, since even I, who consider myself more intelligent than normal, didn''t notice anything amiss.


    Just as I was about to make my decision to spare the life of the agent who was coming, the man said something and handed me some files, "Before you make your decision, here are the agent''s details.''''


    Once again impressed by the vast amount of information he had on Cerberus, I took a look at the files. And what I saw made me angry.


    '' Murders, experiments, kidnappings... That kind of person deserves to die.''


    I immediately said, "You can kill him.''''


    The man nodded and said, "Take care of him. Try to be as discreet as possible. I know it''s your first kill, so take your time.''''


    I asked curiously, ''''First kill? I thought your group was more... experienced.''''


    The man stood up from the bench and said, ''''I never said we were experienced, just that we can protect you from Cerberus and your father. And the person who''s going to kill the agent is my ... disciple.''''


    I had nothing more to say since the transaction had already taken place and I was tired from all this situation.


    My father is a lunatic and made me spend most of my teenage years on the run, Cerberus, the only help I found, was worse than him. Then, the person who exposed Cerberus to me offered to take me in.


    It was a lot for me to handle, so I was really tired of it all.


    "Shall we?''''The man offered his hand for her to get up from the park bench and I accepted.


    NORMAL POV


    You may be wondering, why Samael let Cerberus act so openly. Well, as he often says, they''re a necessary evil for the galaxy, at least for now.


    Besides, they were busy building the organization up for him.


    As their evil deeds still haven''t been exposed to the galaxy, Cerberus was still respected. So, he just needs to kill the higher-ups, kill the real evil people who know its true face, and take over Cerberus.


    While not powerful in this cycle, they were still a force to be recognized.


    Of course, if they crossed a line they shouldn''t have, he has all their files from future cycles stored away, their research, locations, all of their agents names, etc, so if needed, he could destroy them.


    But Cerberus also tends to make things flow more ''normally'', so he tolerated them and let them run free, but making sure they weren''t too powerful. He almost made them run away from Earth, taking over their business left and right.


    However, the moment Cerberus loses its function or does something to him and his group, Samael could and will easily make it disappear from the galaxy. He, after all, knew everything about the organization, from its secret bases and even future employees.


    He didn''t save Jack from them because of one reason: in the other cycles he saved her, and she died powerless. Cerberus kidnapping her was something that would shape her into a stronger person and that''s what he needed against the Reapers. Of course, he wasn''t going to let her suffer too much since in less than 3 months he was going to save her and it hadn''t been a year since she was sent to the worst facilities of it all, and according to the plot, the worst experiments only happened to people who arrived there after two years, so even though they knew her potential, Cerberus was waiting.


    He knew that because he already hacked into their database and was monitoring Jack situation. At any sign she might really die, he would break his timeline and save her.


    Looking at Miranda who was sitting next to him in the SkyCar, Samael smirked at the thought of Illusive Man''s reaction when he learned that he had missed his chance to recruit one of the most powerful humans in the galaxy.


    Just then, his omni tool made a sound, meaning someone wanted to talk to him. He accepted, and Veronica''s voice came out, ''''Done. I tried to be as discreet as possible, but I don''t know the result.''''


    "It doesn''t matter if it was quiet or not, I''ve taken care of it.''''


    Even before Veronica killed the Cerberus agent, Samael had already instructed RR to hack into the central office and turn off all the electronic security equipment in the area.


    '''' Okay. Shall we meet at the appointed place?''''


    '''' Yes.''''


    The call was then disconnected and Samael continued his journey to the meeting point.


    It didn''t take long for the three of them to meet and Samael introduced Miranda to Veronica, ''''Veronica, this is Miranda. Miranda, this is Veronica. Let''s get along!''''


    Miranda spent some time analyzing the young woman in front of her and was a little surprised, ''Although she''s not a biotic or anything, my instincts tell me she''s dangerous.''


    By the way, her instincts also said that she shouldn''t confront Samael at all costs.


    And Veronica was doing the same since the young woman in front of her was the first time Samael had been proactive in going out to recruit. He had already informed her of his abilities, but seeing her in person it was a different story, ''Samael was right to recruit her.''


    Although to this day Veronica has no idea as to why he created a mercenary group, she still follows Samael and his ideals.


    The duo shook hands, '''' Nice to meet you, and welcome to the team.''''


    '''' Likewise.''''


    Then, they turned to Samael, '''' What now?''''


    '''' We will return to the base, rest for a few days, and go to Eden Prime.''''


    Samael goal was to save Javik, but first, he needed to put the upgrades he made on his ship, and that would take a few more days.


    '' I''ll rescue him first, then go after Jack. Wait for me, both of you!''

 14 – RR Is A Female or A Male?

    As soon as they got back to San Francisco, Miranda was dumbfounded to know that Samael was the true owner of both LD, the behemoth who consumed Earth''s market in the last few years. She was even more surprised it was them who tried to recruit her.


    But, Miranda learned her lesson and used her intellect to learn about the strength of Last Defense, down to its small details, to try and find if they are an evil organization. She was surprised at how much money they had and at the number of mercenaries scattered across the galaxy. While still not at the level of a superpowerhouse, it wouldn''t take long for the group to arrive there.


    They could definitively protect her from Cerberus and her father.


    She was a little curious about Samael''s ultimate goal, so she asked Samael, "What is your goal?''''


    To her surprise, he replied with conviction in his voice, ''''To live a happy life!''''


    Although she didn''t understand why he needed Last Defense for that, she decided to follow him, as it would mean her protection. Then she continued reading some files and was shocked by what she discovered,'''' You are the person who made the Advanced Med Gel?! I spent a few months doing some studies on it, and it was something amazing.''''


    She thought he found someone or something along those lines, and that person made the Med Gel. But no, it was him.


    Meaning he was, at least, on her level of intellect of above.


    Samael smiled mysteriously, '''' And that is only the one where I launched in the market. You should see the better one, which only Last Defense, the mercenary group, uses... By the way, did you manage to make a better version of it?''''


    Mirando shook her head, '''' While I did progress in that direction, I escaped home in the middle of the research. I don''t know what happened with it, as I was the one leading it, but it would take a few years for them to replicate it, even more so to upgrade it.''''


    '''' Is that so?'''' Samael wanted the progress of those things to be faster, as it would save lives against the Reapers, but it seems the slighter weak Med Gel wasn''t enough to advance the research, '' Well, while Miranda and humans didn''t manage to upgrade it, others races like the Salarians could have. Let''s hope.''


    Miranda then saw a file named: Future Home. When she clicked on it, she saw Samael had bought a few planets. It wasn''t that weird, as her father also had a few planets under his name, but the location Samael chose to buy was weird. ''''You''ve bought three planets near the Perseus Veil. May I ask why?"


    The Perseus Veil was home to the Geth, a synthetic race that drove off the Quarians from their home planets, forcing the Quarians to live in spaceships and away from home. After the Geth War, they went beyond the Perseus Veil and hid there.


    The planets Samael bought were near it, and in Miranda''s perception, it meant danger. The price was cheap because of it.


    '''' Of course. Those planets have an atmosphere almost identical to Earth''s, and because they were so far away and close to the Veil, nobody bought them. So I bought them.''''


    ''''Do you intend to use these planets? Even with the Geth nearby?''''


    '''' Yes. In the future, one of them will be my and our group''s home planet. I intend to take my mother to live there when everything is settled.'''' Samael wasn''t afraid of the Geth, as he would have them under him in a few years. He would not let the Reapers have them, as they are a formidable opponent and even better allies.


    Samael currently owns three planets and will own more in the future. Money opens a lot of doors, after all. Buying those planets could mean trouble with the Council in the future, but he wasn''t afraid of them in the slightest.


    He would populate these planets with many humans, Krogans, Asari, Quarians, etc. Anyone who wanted to live there could. Except for the Batarians, they can die in a trashcan for what he cared.


    Also, he chose those 3 planets because he knew they had abundant natural resources, thanks to his past cycles. He always bought them in all his past cycles.


    Miranda nodded as she thought about the possibility of owning three planets with an atmosphere close to Earth''s. ''He''s planning so far ahead, but at the same time, I have no idea what he is planning.''


    It was both refreshing and frightening to Miranda to see a plan she could not figure out, even though she was right in front of the person who made said plan.


    She looked at the last file and noticed that several billion credits had been spent on rather strange materials. As she was quite curious about her new employer, she asked, ''''May I ask why so much money is being spent on these things?''''


    Samael looked at the files she was looking at and smiled mysteriously, "Of course. RR, tell her.''''


    To Miranda''s surprise, she heard a voice coming from her omni-tool, meaning someone or something had hacked it, "Those things are to create a body for me and to make some improvements to the ship he owns/made."


    Miranda''s jaw dropped, as she knew what this meant, "You have an AI?! Are you crazy?" She knew the danger of one and what others did to those who had them, so she was shocked.


    "Not only do I have it, I was the one who made it. And don''t worry, I''ve got everything under control." Samael then looked at Miranda and smiled. "We''re in this together now, so follow me and make sure I don''t make any mistakes along the way.''''


    ''''It looks like I''ve already failed at that." Miranda sighed, but soon continued, "I''m already part of your team, so as long as you don''t commit any atrocities, I''ll take care of it."


    '''' Good.''''


    ---


    A few days passed, and Samael finally received his ship and the materials to make RR''s body. He let Veronica fly around with it while he went to talk with Miranda.


    '''' Did you see inside the ship and how it''s made?''''


    Samael asked that because he saw Miranda looking at her Omni-tool with the specs of the ship.


    Miranda looked at him with a burning gaze, '''' You created this, right?''''


    While he had interacted with her in other cycles, it was already later in life, so seeing a young Miranda looking so fired up, contrary to her ice queen persona he interacted with, was nice.


    ''''Not only did I create it, but I''m also planning on realizing it in the market. A not-so-powerful ship, but I will do so. How much do we think we can gain with that?''''


    As always, while Samael was glad to help the galaxy get better ships/armor/guns, he also wasn''t dumb enough to not control the knowledge he released. He was doing his best to consolidate his powers first, then arm the entire galaxy.


    He still has a few years to do so, and it was progressing nicely, according to his plans.


    '''' You got to let me see your brain one day, I want to see what more incredible things you thought.'''' Miranda calmed down a bit.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Samael chuckled, '''' Maybe I''ll create a machine that lets normal people see other memories.''''


    Well, the Asari already does that, but not the rest of the galaxy.


    '''' Well, regarding your question before, we can make a lot of money. A lot.''''


    In the past couple of days, Miranda had already checked the finances of the company and knew they were swimming in money. But, if they launched the ship or its blueprint on the market, there would be another revolution in the market, just like when they launched the med-gel years ago.


    Samael nodded, '''' Then I''ll leave that to you.''''


    Miranda looked at him puzzled.


    Samael smirked seeing her face. '''' From today on, you''re the CEO of LD. You will gain shares of the company, and you will only need to answer to me, and I''m pretty lenient with the things I let you do. As long as you don''t make the galaxy suffer with your decision, you''re free to go ahead.''''


    Mirada was so shocked her mouth was open. She did not know what to say. They had met only a few days ago, and he already let her in charge of a trillion-Credits company. It wasn''t normal.


    She was going to start speaking, but Samael put a hand on her shoulder and said in a serious voice, '''' I trust you, Miranda. I went against your father and Cerberus just to hire you because I know your potential. You can become one of the best humans in the galaxy, in all points.''''


    '''' Think of this position akin to training, for you to get better and better. I trust you enough.''''


    To say Miranda was getting emotional was an understatement. She went from running away from her father to running away from Cerberus to now being a CEO.


    She could see the sincerity in Samael''s eyes, so she could only retribute that trust by working hard, '''' ... Thank you.''''


    '''' Don''t mention it.''''


    Just then, Veronica landed the ship, got out, noticed the strange atmosphere, and asked in a confused tone, '''' What happened while I was gone?''''


    Samael eyes twitched, '''' Nothing. Now, tell me how is the ship?''''


    That made Veronica forget the scene and her eye shone, '''' It was amazing, really. The performance was far above anything we have now.''''


    '''' I expected nothing less. Now, I''ll make some adjustments to it. You can stay or go do your thing.''''


    Samael immediately started putting in the upgrades he had made beforehand and, at the same time, made RR''s body.


    DAYS LATER


    Today, he was at the workshop in a place close to the slums where he lived. It was easy to buy this place, as Tarzan had the whole town under his thumb, and by proxy, so did Samael.


    The ship and RR body just needed a few more adjustments, and then they were good to go, and Samael was doing just that. While he was in the middle of putting an upgrade on the ship, Veronica approached him. '''' I don''t see Miranda.''''


    '''' She is busy doing a few things I asked.'''' Miranda was a godsend to Samael, as it helped him quite a lot regarding his whole operation. While he was good at it, she was even better. ''''What are you doing here?''''


    "Just checking on you.'''' Veronica then looked at the ship in front of her. ''''Have you thought of a name for it?''''


    ''''Not yet.'''' Samael didn''t want to call his ship Normardy because that would be too clich¨¦, and he wasn''t that fixated on the name, so he left it to fate. '''' Do you have any in mind? ''''


    ''''Not really, but I''ll tell you if I think of a good one.''''


    '''' No problem.'''' Samael then focused his entire being on putting the upgrade on the ship. It wasn''t a stretch to say that those upgrades are a matter of life and death. The majority of them are a few years more advanced than the one on the market right now and focused more on the Reaper threat than anything else.


    Samael didn''t even notice Veronica eyeing his body. As it was quite hot in the workshop, he was shirtless, so his upper body was exposed. Thanks to his routine, his body was at its peak in terms of appearance and strength, and it was showing.


    Veronica gulped a little, and she started to get some naughty thoughts, ''Since when did I begin to think of Samael like that?''


    Ever since she was little, she had a little crush on him, but now, as they were already considered adults, the crush was evolving to the next step.


    She shook her head after a few minutes of staring, then went to help Samael, who did not reject her help.


    '''' Put it there..... Hold it steady for me.....Thanks. ''''


    After a few more hours, all upgrades were installed, and the ship was good to go, meaning they could leave Earth at any moment. But there was one more thing to do.


    '''' RR, answer me something,'''' Samael called his AI from his omni tool, and immediately there was a response.


    '''' Ask away.'''' The AI, as always, sounded androgynous and robotic.


    '''' What kind of body would you like to have? Female or male?''''


    Samael gave the AI a choice. He didn''t mind what it would choose, but to be honest, a female android that would follow him around was nice. He only ever got EDI to do that, and she was taken by the Joker anyway.


    Veronica was a little surprised by the question, but her interest peaked, as she now too wanted to know what the AI would choose.


    ''''Hmm, let me think for a few seconds.'''' RR then went silent, probably using the network to reach out a bit. After a few seconds, it asked, ''''Would you possibly use my body for sexual pleasure?''''


    As it was hot in the workshop, Samael used the time RR went away to drink water. But when he heard what it said, he choked on it and was forced to cough.


    COUGH COUGH


    Wiping the drop of water coming out of his mouth, Samael asked RR in a strange tone, '''' Why did you ask?''''


    RR answered, '''' I read in the database about what kind of androids other people buy, and the majority of them are female, so they could have intercourse with them. So, after collecting all the data possible, the conclusion I arrived at is that you want me to be female so you could use me sexually.''''


    Samael''s lips twitched a little. While some parts were true, some were not. At least for now, he didn''t have that in mind. So, he answered truthfully, '''' No, RR. I don''t want to have sex with you.''''


    RR''s voice almost sounded disappointed. '''' Is that so? Regarding this, I would still like to choose a female body.''''


    '''' No problem.'''' Samael then pulled out the materials necessary to make the necessary changes. He looked at Veronica and said, ''''Do you want to watch?''''


    Veronica nodded. She wanted to see the process.


    '''' Ok.'''' Samael then started the process.


    Right at the beginning, RR interjected, '''' I want it a bit bigger..... Yes, just like that. My waist is too wide, narrow it... Perfect...What kind of face do I want? Hmmmm, I''ll trust you on that one.''''


    After a few more hours, a naked android was in front of Samael and Veronicaa, the latter blushing quite a bit and saying, ''That is pretty real.''


    While the whole body was made of metal, it was still quite an somehow erotic scene.


    '''' RR, you can start the process of transferring yourself to it.''''


    All AIs had to have a place where their central stayed, like a core, to ensure it was running all the time. The core right now was in the Samael omni-tool, but now it was going directly to that body, leaving only a small part of it in the omni-tool. Of course, it would still work the same way regardless, but RR would now have a way to fight.


    '''' Ok.'''' RR then started the transfer. The whole process took a minute or so, and in front of Samael and Veronica, the android started to move around. '''' How do I look?''''


    '''' Amazing!'''' Samael didn''t hold back the praise. He was quite proud of what he had made.


    Veronica nodded at what Samael said,'''' It definitely looks amazing.''''


    RR nodded her head and said, "Thank you."


    ''''Now, can you give me some clothes? Or, if you want, I can go around naked.''''


    '''' ... Veronia go grab a few clothes for her, please. And, while we wait, use this.'''' Samael passe a blanket to RR.


    '''' Ok.'''' RR then covered herself with a blanket while Veronica went to grab some clothes for her.


    Only RR and Samael stayed at the workshop. ''''So, what now?'''' asked the AI.


    '''' The Reapers are coming. You getting a body will help us in the long run, as you would be more active than before, and could go on solo missions. Just trust me on this journey.''''


    The only other ''person'' who knew about the reapers was RR, as Samael had told it since the beginning. It was also the ''person'' he trusted the most right now.


    '''' Don''t worry, we will stop them. Whatever it takes.''''


    '''' Whatever it takes.''''


    After Veronica returned with some clothes, RR put them on, and Samael looked a little sad. '''' What is wrong?''''


    '''' The ship is ready, RR has a body, San Francisco is my turf, Earth''s Market is dominated by LD, my mom is protected, meaning I can leave Earth at any moment now.''''


    While Samael already went through this process a few times, it was never easy to leave home, as it would mean he would almost not see his mother anymore. '' In the other cycles, I only talked to her after everything was finished, save for the ones where I didn''t follow the plot. But, even so, I missed or will miss my mom.''


    But you have to make sacrifices if you want to defeat the Reapers, and he knew that now was the time. He even thought he was behind in schedule, as in a few years Sovereign, the first Reaper sent to see how things are in the current cycle, would arrive at the galaxy. He could still remember the day he saw the bastard. It was very different from the game, seeing a machine km meter long, that shot laser beams capable of killing thousands in a single shot.


    It was terrifying. But, he had managed to defeat them in other cycles, and he would do so again in this one!


    Veronica also started to get sad. Different from Samael, though, this was her first time leaving home, and she felt it would be a long time until she saw her family again.


    ''''... Let''s have a get-together.'''' Samael decided on the spot to have a ''farewell party'' for them. '''' Call your mom and a few of our guys who will leave with us tomorrow.''''


    While the Last Defense ( mercenary group) was doing okay, there were still some recruits on Earth, but it was Samael who delayed their deployment because their talents would shine better on his ship, which was still unnamed.


    '''' On it.'''' Veronica sounded a little more happy about it.


    '''' RR, order a few drinks and food and have it delivered to my house.''''


    '''' No problem.''''


    Samael then went home with his new android companion.

 15 – Priority: Eden Prime (1)

    At the same time Samael and RR were going home, Miranda was trying to adapt to her new job. Or better, try to find a trustworthy person to help her, as she will soon leave Earth with Samael.


    She started her job as CEO of a multi-trillion-dollar company yesterday. And her job on the very next day was to launch a revolutionary blueprint for a ship while also showcasing the final product.


    But, as Samael said, he was launching a degraded version of said ship, so the video would be heavily edited to show only the bad frames.


    Something that made Miranda question her rationality, as every other company would do the opposite, but, oh well, she had her orders.


    Anyway, she checked once more on the plan to showcase the new blueprint, made sure everything was okay, and was ready to leave.


    As she checked almost every higher-up inside the company, she knew everyone was, at least on the surface, on LD''s good side, so she didn''t mind leaving the rest of the process to them.


    '''' You just need to send this to the market. I''m the new CEO, but you guys are here way before me, so I trust you to do a good job.'''' Miranda was talking with the other higher-ups in the company, the majority were also geniuses whom Samael pouched based on his future knowledge.


    It is safe to say that they are the best on Earth.


    '''' Leave it to us!''''


    '''' Good! I''ll go now. And remember, I''ll be going on a long trip soon, so please, help me find a middleman who can relay my orders around the company.''''


    Miranda was just making sure everyone was on the same page.


    And even if she didn''t find one, she trusted Samael to help her if the need arose.


    '''' I''ll pass their contact info to you soon.''''


    Miranda nodded, said her goodbyes, and hurried home to the party. When she was out of the company building, she looked at her watch and noticed she was already late.


    '' Shit, I''m late!''


    She then hurried to Samael''s home. She didn''t really care if it was in the slums. Even if she was from a rich family, she had normal principles.


    The product would eventually sell like hot water, but that is history for another time. Samael''s plan of arming the galaxy with better technology, even if limited, was going nicely.


    ---


    WITH SAMAEL


    ''''... Can you repeat that, please?'''' Valery was having a hard time right now. She knew it was coming, but her son leaving tomorrow was a shock to her. Then he showed her his new Android like it was nothing.


    '''' Hello, Valley. My name is RR, and Samael made me. Nice to meet you.'''' RR extended her hand for a handshake.


    Valery was still in shock over all that happened in the past minute but soon accepted the handshake. She noted the skin of RR was a bit cold. ''''¡­ It''s nice to meet you, too.''''


    '''' Oh, and I called Veronica, her family, and a few other people for a farewell party.'''' Samael was dropping more and more news on Vallery, and she was taking it like a champ.


    '''' No problem. Anything more I should know?'''' At this point, if he said he was going to fight an intergalactic war against machines, she would have no choice but to believe him.


    '''' Just that. I''ll be in my room until the guest arrives. Call me if you need anything.'''' Samael and RR went to his room and closed the door.


    Samael went immediately to the place where he had hidden his armor previously. As he hadn''t used the armor since the clean-up, the place was unused, until now that is. He was now going to leave a few things behind for his mom''s protection.


    '''' RR, how are the traps and the cameras around the house?''''


    '''' They are in perfect condition. If any person I do not recognize passes through the area, I will immediately contact you, and if you are unavailable, I will call Tarzan.''''


    '''' Good. Hmm, should I make a VI so it could become standby in case of emergency?'''' Samael was thinking about the fact that Tarzan might not arrive on time if there was really an emergency.


    '''' Samael, are you replacing me?'''' A voice dripping with malice sounded from behind him.


    Samael said as a reflex, '''' No, you''re the only AI for me.''''


    RR sounded glad. '''' Good. And don''t worry, I''m enough to handle any type of attack here.''''


    '''' ¡­True. How about this? I''ll make a few more drones that you can connect and use if the need arises. I''ll also leave a few more things here, in case of an emergency that you can''t handle, you can use them. ''''


    Remember, the place in which he was leaving those things was the sort of basement in the Samael room. He would leave guns and armor for his mom just in case, among other things.


    '''' There won''t be such a situation, but I see no problem with you giving me more things.'''' RR didn''t have any complaints.


    So, for the next 30 minutes or so, Samael and RR reorganized his ''basement'', took out the things he would need, like his armor, and closed it.


    Just when they were done, the doorbell rang. '''' Samael, the food you ordered arrived.''''


    '''' COMING!''''


    Samael went to the door, received the things, tipped the delivery guy, put the food on the table, and then sat down with his mother in the living room while RR went to do her thing.


    Soon, the mother and son stayed in silence, watching TV. After some time, Valery started a conversation.'''' So, we already had this conversation before, but I''ll say it again. No matter when and if you come back home, remember that you will always have a place here, no matter what you do or become.''''


    '''' Thanks, Mom. While I''m away, please live well. Remember, if you have any problems, just call that number, and they will help. Oh, if you need anything, just use the account I gave you previously.''''


    Money is not an issue for the family anymore, as they have more than enough to last for a few generations at this point.


    The two then hugged each other and continued to watch TV until someone rang the doorbell again. ''''They arrived.''''


    It should be his crew, the one he trained a little bit for some time, and their families arrived at Samael''s home for the ''party. While the crew he gathered was temporary, they were still his, so Samael made sure if anything bad were to happen to them, their families would have a comfortable life.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    After getting off the sofa, Samael opened the door, and sure enough, Veronica and her family, the other members of the crew, and their families too had arrived.


    They had a few drinks on their hands, along with a few other gifts.


    '''' Enter and make yourself at home. There''s food inside for a hundred people, so please eat a lot.''''


    '''' Thanks!'''' Everyone then entered the place. It was a little cramped, as the place wasn''t that big to accommodate 15+ people, but they managed it well.


    Samael saw the gifts they brought him and felt bad, as he didn''t have any for them. So, he used his OmniTool and asked RR to buy some. '''' Buy a few gifts for me, you can choose whatever you like. Don''t be stingy and use my money on it.''''


    RR just said, '''' OK.'''' The AI then proceeded to buy cars, a few terrains in the slums, and many other things.


    While Samael never said what to buy, he did say he would leave it to her and not be stingy.'''' I can''t give them the terrain in person. But the cars I can.''''


    The AI then ordered the cars to be delivered today. RR didn''t have any problem wasting Samael''s money, and it was clear she was enjoying it.


    ---


    The party was on the way when there was another ring on the door.


    Samael opened it, and there was a nice-dressed man. '''' Is this Samael''s house?''''


    Samael right away knew RR went above and beyond what he expected, but he still asked the man, ''''Yes.''''


    The nice-dressed man clearly didn''t like to be in the slums, so he was speaking fast so he could leave. '''' As I had ordered earlier, here are 15 SkyCars, all with reinforced windows, along with a few other upgraded ones. Please, sign here.''''


    Samael glanced at the document in front of him, and it was just a normal thing to declare that he had received the Sky Cars. After signing it, Samael then said to the man, '''' We are having a party now, do you want to join?''''


    After nine cycles and hundreds of years, Samael was a carefree man. He didn''t care about the opinions and prejudices others had, he just wanted to live a fun and normal life, so he didn''t mind inviting unknown people to his house to party.


    The nice-dressed man declined the invitation, '''' I''m afraid I have to continue my job. It was a pleasure doing business with you.''''


    It was clear he wanted to leave as soon as possible.


    Samale was imagining the man''s reaction if he realized the person in front of him was one of the richest on Earth and possibly even the galaxy. '''' No problem. And here''s a tip.''''


    After tipping the man 100,000 Credits, Samael almost closed the door when he heard a woman''s voice say, ''Wait!''''


    When he looked behind him, it was Miranda. '''' Took you long enough.''''


    '''' Sorry, it was a busy day at the company...Are you sure you want to give me part of the shares?''''


    Miranda was talking about the shares of LD Samael said he would give her yesterday when he hired her as CEO. Any % of a multitrillion-dollar company was a huge number.


    '''' Yes. To be honest, I have the brain to make things, not manage them. You, on the other hand, are good at both, so you can help me twice.''''


    Samael wasn''t lying. While he did live various cycles, management bored him so bad. He prefers to lie low, or at least stay on a battlefield, rather than work in that area.


    '''' Thanks for the trust. Can I come in?'''' Miranda had already finished her work for the day and came to the party. She never really had a family, save for a few servants who raised her thanks to her absent and lunatic father, so she wanted to live in the atmosphere of it.


    '''' No problem, and yes. Welcome to the party.'''' The duo then entered the house, and Samael started to give the keys to the SkyCars to the participants of the party.


    '''' What is this?'''' One of them asked.


    '''' Keys to your new SkyCar. They are parked outside, so if you want to see them, feel free.''''


    Everyone was shocked when they heard that and rushed out. The people who received the car started to tear up a little while they thanked Samael.


    '''' Don''t thank me, this is just a small gift to you, as your family will work with me.''''


    Samael would not say it out loud, but it was going to be dangerous to those working under him. Mainly because those in his crew would be in the most dangerous places in the galaxy.


    So, he was rewarding their family, and if anything were to happen to them, as mentioned before, he would make sure their families were taken care of.


    After checking their new cars, everyone went inside, and the ''party'' continued. ''Party'' was an exaggerated word choice, as everyone was conversing and eating. No loud music or anything of the like. It was more like a get-together, than a party.


    RR eventually joined the ''party'' and introduced herself to everyone, who were a little surprised by the android, but soon recovered when they found out Samael made it. After all, the ''genius of the slums'' already made even more shocking things, like the Advanced Med Gel, so an Android wasn''t far-fetched.


    While the galaxy still didn''t know about him and the fact he created the degraded version of the Advance Med Gel, the people in the slums knew, as he didn''t bother that much to hide it.


    Miranda''s eyes made a credit sign, as she could see the possibilities of earning money with the new Android, but Samael shut her down.


    Well, at least for now. Even he could see a market for... female androids. But even he doesn''t want to touch THAT part of the market.


    HOURS LATER


    '''' So, when are you two going to start dating?'''' Veronica''s mother asked Samael, who looked surprised.


    Before he could respond, Valery also said, '''' Yeah, when are you going to date?''''


    '''' MOM! AUNT VALERY!'''' Veronica was a little tipsy, thanks to a few alcoholic drinks some people brought, but she was still embarrassed.


    Samael, on the other hand, had developed thick skin thanks to the drink too. ''''We aren''t dating'''', He noted Veronica''s reaction was a little sad, so he continued, ''''Yet.''''


    '''' Hohoho, good to know. Remember, I want grandkids as soon as possible!''''


    '''' MOM!'''' Veronica was embarrassed but a little happy, as this meant Samael might date her in the future.


    Samael had a friend-with-benefits relationship with Veronica in a cycle, but things didn''t end that well. So, after that, he refrained from trying to have that kind of relationship with Veronica. But now, he didn''t mind seeing where things led them, and he wasn''t opposed to having some kind of romantic relationship with her.


    But only time will tell if that will happen.


    When it was clear it was time to end the party, Samael made a speech, '''' I thank everyone who came here to this farewell ''party''¡­ I''ll be honest with you all, I don''t know when we are returning to Earth, so this might be the last day you see your son/daughter or family in a long time.''''


    While everyone knew it, no one had said it out loud. When Samael did, the atmosphere changed to one that was a little more depressive.


    But Samuel did not care and continued while looking at the families of his crew, '''' But I promise to do my best to take care of your sons and daughters. I can also say with conviction that while they work for me, we will do our best to change the galaxy for the better.''''


    He raised his cup and said, '''' To us, to the galaxy, and to our journey. Cheers!''''


    '''' Cheers!''''


    The last part lifted the spirits a bit. The party then ended soon after, and thanks to Samael''s warming, the crew would spend the rest of the day with their family and enjoy their company while they could. Miranda asked to stay, and Samael lent his room to her and RR and went to his mom''s room.


    Doing what, only God knows.


    Samael also wanted to enjoy his mother''s company, and for the first time in years, mother and son slept on the same bed. '''' It''s been a few years since we did this.''''


    '''' Well, consider this a farewell gift. When I come back, we could do this some more.''''


    '''' At that time, my grandson might take your place, you know?''''


    ''''... Maybe. We will see.''''


    '''' I love you, son.''''


    '''' I love you too, mom.''''


    The duo then slowly entered a deep slumber.


    THE NEXT DAY


    Inside the unmanned ship, Samael and the rest of his crew were gathered. We had Veronica, the pilot, Josh, the thug who tried to rob Samael years ago, is the man in charge of the weapons.


    There was also Clare, the ship doctor, Nate, the navigator, Miranda as a jack of all trades, and a few other crew members to act as a group when they landed in other plants or regions.


    They had all already said their goodbyes to their families and were now waiting for Samael to give him the okay to leave.


    '''' By the way, we have to alert Alliance that we are leaving, no?'''' Veronica asked as she knew all unmarked ships who tried to enter or leave Earth, without saying anything with the Alliance were shot down or put on a black list.


    '''' Don''t worry about it. RR, activate the Stealth mode.''''


    '''' Done.''''


    Veronica said with expectation in her voice, ''''Is that what I think it is?''''


    Samael looked smug and said, '''' Yes. You can go around in all places within the galaxy unnoticed. I developed it myself, so trust me.''''


    Well, he wasn''t lying per se. Kasumi and Garus helped him make those in a past cycle, and he never forgot how to make them. By the way, the only place that might notice them would be Tesia, the Asarian home world. And even then, it was a small percentage.


    Miranda immediately asked after she heard him saying he made it, ''''Do you plan on selling this?''''


    Samael shook his head and said, ''''No. It would cause more trouble than good. At least for now, no sale.''''


    Miranda nodded and didn''t object anymore.


    '''' You made this? Cool¡­ So, where to?'''' Veronica asked Samael with expectation, as this would be her first time flying out of Earth and potentially using one of the Mass Relays. The way those mass relays worked was that they kind of warped, or went at a high speed, to the location of the other mass relay. It helped a lot in halving the time of galactic travels.


    The pilots who used them always said it was a fun sensation to use them, so Veronica was excited to experiment.


    '''' To Eden Prime!''''

 END OF THE FIRST ARC

    Okay, with Samael leaving Earth, we are officially ending the first small arc of the fanfic. The next 30 or so chapters will pave the way toward the first game, with Samael traveling across the galaxy to meet his family and loved ones.


    Well, with that out of the way, I wanted to say a few things and explain a few others.


    First things first, if you''re reading the FIC, you probably played the games or in some way or another, know about the Mass Effect franchise.


    But, if you don''t, there might be some terms and nuances about that universe that you might not know about, hell, even I who played the games so many times, might not know or remember a few details.


    So, because I don''t want to fill the future chapters with too much information about things unrelated to the plot, I decided to put those things in this chapter, to explain and try to show what they are. With that out of the way...


    <hr>


    The Asari:


    Blue-skinned alien, for pretty much everyone who knows the game, is the known race when speaking about Mass Effect. They are the most powerful species in their cycle.


    Can meld, a process where the Asari and their partner connect on an almost spiritual level, through their nervous system, allowing the Asaria to map the genome of their partner, to have kids if they want. It''s an all-female race, so they could only use the meld to reproduce.


    Also, allows them to feel the feelings, and see the memories of their partners.


    All Asari are biotic since birth, but some of them choose not to develop those powers.


    Could live up to 1000 + years.


    <hr>


    Krogan:


    A species focused on war/battle. Also is the meat shield of the galaxy, so much so that when there''s a problem the Council cannot handle, like the Rachini, the Krogan are enlisted to fight.


    But, as they were made for war, they grew ambitious and powerful enough that it made the Council act. They used their intelligence and made something that made all Krogan unable to have children.


    They called it the Genophage.


    Stronger than most races, can bend steel with bare hands.


    Most of them are living in Tuchanka, the homeworld of the species, or working as a mercenary.


    Can live up to 500+ years;


    <hr>


    Turians:


    Also known as the sword and shield of the Council, this race is known for its tactical and military powers. They come close second in regarding fighting powers, losing only to the Krogans.


    Also known for their militarist and disciplined culture.


    Thye look a little like a mixture of a bird and a human.


    They have a cloaca ( I find this very funny tbh, so I will probably write about this in the upcoming chapters, where the turians were introduced)


    Can live up to 200+ years;


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    <hr>


    Reapers:


    The main villain of the Mass Effect trilogy.


    They are a race made of killing machines, that exterminate all intelligent life in the galaxy every 50.000, for unknown reasons.


    Are kilometers long and very difficult to kill.


    Can slave other species in a process called indoctrination, making the others do their bind. A single scrap of their ''flesh'' can cause huge damage to society, so it''s advised to completely destroy all remains of a Reaper.


    Also, can transform species into something called Husks, which are their ground troops.


    Essentially, using the Husks, they use the population of the galaxy to fight the population of the galaxy, all while waiting for the right time to exterminate all intelligent life.


    Can be cunning and are very dangerous.


    Doesn''t have a lifespan, but can be killed.


    <hr>


    Salarians:


    The brain of the council and probably the most intelligent species on this cycle.


    Very intelligent race, also responsible for creating the virus that made Krogan unable to have children,


    Can also be very sketchy if necessary and are very scheming by nature.


    Don''t live long, 40 years at most.


    <hr>


    Protheans:


    Masters of the last cycle, were exterminated by the Reapers after a century-long war.


    Also view everyone in this cycle as primitive, as in their time, most species are at the beginning of development.


    The Protheans are the reason the Asari became the master of the actual cycle, as they had chosen the blue-skinned alien as the master of the future cycle.


    Very good fighters, managing to last decades fighting the Reapers.


    Can live up to 100+ years.


    <hr>


    Quarians:


    A species that made an AI, which turned out to be extremely intelligent.


    That made the quarians act out in fear, resulting in them being thrown out of their planets by the AI ( the Geth) and forcing them to survive in the Migrant Fleet, a huge spaceship housing millions of quarians.


    The quarians , with no planet to return to, now wander the galaxy, waiting for a chance to strike the Geth down and recover their lives.


    Don''t have much respect from the galaxy, who view them as a scavenger at best and a worst, creators of the Geth, which had become a problem to the galaxy.


    Can''t live outside their suits, but our MC is going to take care of that.


    Can live up to 100+ years, but that number is normally way shorter, as they don''t really have a good immunity system.


    <hr>


    Clusters:


    Clusters are large areas within the Galaxy, that contain one or more star systems.


    There are a lot of clusters in the galaxy, but I won''t be mentioning them that much. I''ll mostly say '' They used this relay to arrive close to this planet''. Only if necessary, will I go into more detail.


    There will be some plot points around the Clusters but not too big.


    <hr>


    Mass Relays:


    Consider this a fast travel device. Without this device, interspace travel would be practically impossible.


    Can make a trip that normally would take years into a few minutes ''drive''.


    <hr>


    Thermal Clips;


    Basically a way to make your gun have infinite ammo. If you don''t overheat the clip, you can, supposedly, shoot for a very long time. Of couse, if it overheats, you have to change clips.


    Inside those clips can also have moddifications, like armor piercing rounds, incendiary rounds, etc.


    I also don''t plan on going in to much detail on this, but know this is a thing.


    <hr>


    Galaxy Systems:


    Basically, a way to show who has powers in that part of the galaxy. The names are self-explanatory, as in the Earth alliance system, you have to follow the humans laws.


    Inner Space Council has to follow the laws the Council made.


    You get the idea.


    I will probably go into more detail about this in the future, as the planets Samael brought were not in the Alliance Space, so I can make a plot point around that. Maybe a conflict with a species or something along those lines.


    <hr>


    Anyway, that was it. It was short, but I think I showed enough, for now.


    I don''t plan on introducing most races across the galaxy, as I don''t think I could do them justice, so I''ll only mention their characters briefly in the chapters. The main ones in my Fic will be the ones I mentioned above. The rest will be an afterthought.


    If I do find a plot point in the future, regarding another race not mentioned here, I''ll update this chapter.


    Thanks for the support!

 16 – Priority: Eden Prime (2)

    Veronica turned on the ship, which still had no name, and began to fly. She noticed that no communication with the Alliance had been made, meaning that Samael''s cloaking device was working.


    ''He surprises me more and more.''


    Quickly taking altitude, everyone on board the ship looked out of the window and into space with awe in their eyes.


    This was the first space travel for all of them, except Samael, who smiled seeing the vast galaxy up close once more, ''I came, I saw, and I will conquer! The Reapers will pay for targeting my home.''


    He lost count of how many years he spent traveling around the space, but it was always a somehow nice feeling seeing it so close once again. It was one of the few reasons he didn''t lose his mind experiencing so many cycles.


    It got close a lot of times, and he was broken too, but he always grabbed his pieces and put himself back up, in the hopes of escaping that hell.


    The space always calmed him and helped him cope with all.


    After a few minutes of silence, Veronica rushed to the Mass Relay closest to Earth. Once more, she remembered they had to ask for permission from the Alliance to use it, but when she looked at Samuel, she noticed he was also looking at her.


    '''' Don''t worry about it, and just use it. RR, hack into it, and program it to the Mass Relay closest to Eden Prime.''''


    Samael didn''t care if they somehow found traces of RR in their system afterward, which was something close to impossible, by the way. He wasn''t afraid of the consequences of people finding out about the AI as the ship was in stealth mode, and, in the rare cases they find about it, the consequences were just an inconvenience to Samael.


    He already lived on the run in other cycles, from forces even bigger than what the galaxy can muster right now.


    " Got it!'''' Veronica and RR said at the same time.


    Soon enough, the ship was ready to go through the Mass Relay into the galaxy. Samael took this opportunity to say, '''' Guys, take a good look at home. It will be some time until we see it again.''''


    The mass relay started to work as soon as Samael finished saying that, and a countdown began thanks to RR: '''' 10, 9, 8, 7 ...''''


    By now, Alliance personnel in charge of the Mass Relay must be panicking because of this unknown situation. Everything was in order just a few moments ago, but suddenly the Mass Relay started to work without anyone doing anything. The strange part was that there was not a single ship in sight or caught on the sensor.


    It was also like the Mass Relay was activated for no reason at all.


    '''' 6, 5, 4,...''''


    Samael looked at Earth one last time, '' In my past cycles, I managed to save my friends, and we won, but the galaxy paid a huge price. Now, I''ll make sure I will do things flawlessly, or at least close to that. I have everything I need, I just need time and a little bit of luck on the side. But I can do this... I will do this. It''s a promise.''


    To whom no one knew.


    '''' 3, 2, 1....''''


    ''Until we meet again, Earth.''


    ''''0.''''


    The Mass Relay then launched the ship across space, in the direction of Eden Prime. Even with the mass relay, it would take up to 10¨C20 hours to reach the planet.


    EDEN PRIME


    Life was good at Eden Prime. It was one of the first planets colonized by humans since they went to space, and it had a lot of potential that, to some, had already been reached. There were plants, plantations, and other good things on the planet, considered to some a safe haven.


    It was a good place to live, the almost 4 million residents of the planet could attest to that, but today, the residents in a certain area of the planet were raising their eyebrows at the newly arrived people.


    Those new people arrived a few days ago and started digging through an area that belonged to others. Or so the residents thought.


    They went to ask those people to stop when suddenly a young man came out of the houses where those new people were residing. He was smiling at everyone and saying, '''' Good day to you all. How can I help you today?''''


    The leader of the group of people who came to ask them to stop gained some confidence seeing he was dealing with a young man. So he took a deep breath and started spewing nonsense nonstop. '''' Good day, my ass. Who gave you the right to dig here? Let me remind you that blablablablablablabla....''


    The young man wanted to say he had the authorization, but when he saw the meltdown the man in front of him was having, he just nodded and smiled at what the man was saying.


    The leader continued talking, '''' If you don''t leave now, I''ll have to call Alliance personnel to escort you out of here.''''


    HUFHUF


    He was out of breath after speaking so much, so fast, and in so little time. The leader looked smug, as he just showed the ''power'' he had as leader of the people in Eden Prime.


    '''' I have the authorization.'''' The young man said it in a calm voice, but everyone could hear the laughter behind it.


    ''''... What?'''' Hoping he heard it wrong, the leader of the group asked in a low voice.


    But his hopes were shattered as the young man, or Samael to friends, said once more, '''' Not only do I have the authorization to dig in my own property, I would kindly ask you to leave now. You are interrupting our work.''''


    He then showed them his documents, showing them that he was indeed the owner and the authorization he had to make some ''renovations'' around the area.


    By the way, the land was bought ages ago ( AN: check chapter 8), and the permit was legit too, as he had asked RR to do both.


    Grasping at straws, the leader said in a hurry, '''' You can''t make loud noises after 8 p.m. It''s on the rules.''''


    '''' We never made a sound after that time. You can ask anyone to see if it''s true.''''


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The leader knew it was true. While they were loud and looked bad in this otherwise prismatic place, they were following the rules. Defeated, he just sighed, '''' Just... follow the rules.''''


    Samael nodded and sounded naive, but everyone knew it was fake. '''' Of course, I''ll follow the rules! Who would be crazy enough to not follow the rules? Guys, '''' He asked the crew, who was digging using a few machines and a power armor he bought earlier, '''' Do we break the rules?!''''


    '''' NO-YES!''''


    '''' Who said yes?! Are you trying to embarrass me here?!'''' Samael looked offended that someone said yes. When no one came forward to take the blame, he sighed and said to the leader, '''' See how difficult it is to manage those people? Imagine what would happen if people continued to interrupt their work. '''' He then screamed this last part, '''' WHICH IS NOW DOUBLED THANKS TO SOMEONE WHO SHOUTED YES.''''


    ''''BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHH.'''' The crew started to throw their food at Samael, but for some reason, it was only hitting the people who came to complain.


    When Samael saw that, he hurried and went to clean the face of the leader, who was hit by an egg in the face. '''' Oh no! I''m sorry!'''' He started to wipe the man''s head so hard that it started to hurt, and a few hairs started to fall.


    When the man noticed that, he hurried and screamed,'''' STOP! STOP! STOP!!!!!''''


    Samael only stopped after he made sure no egg was in the man''s face or some parts of his hair.


    ''''Done! You''re free to go now! You''re welcome to watch us work any time of the day!''''


    The leader and the rest of the people ran out of the digging site, as they didn''t want to be involved with those people. They clearly looked like ruffians, but they could not be charged with any crime as they did not commit any. So, everyone knew they didn''t have a way to make them stop the digging and could only hope the escalation stopped soon.


    After everyone left, Miranda approached Samael and said,'''' Good job.''''


    '''' Thanks. I made sure they wouldn''t bother us again. By the way, who the fuck hit me with an egg?'''' While he dodged almost all of them, one of the eggs hit Samael.


    No one came forward again, so he could only accept defeat. '''' Don''t let me find out!''''


    Miranda smiled, seeing the carefree attitude everyone had at the moment. But she still wasn''t sure why they were there, on this planet.


    Don''t get her wrong, as she didn''t mind leaving Earth, but she had just started her job as CEO of LD, just for her to be now on the other side of the galaxy ... digging.


    For what purpose, she had no idea.


    ---


    DAYS EARLIER


    It was the same day they arrived at Eden Prime. As Samael had already bought a few pieces of land on the planet, they went straight at it.


    To the crew''s surprise, there were already people there waiting for them there. They looked a little rough, and based on the heavy machinery behind them, they were construction workers, a rare professed thanks to the machines taking over,'''' Are you the buyer?''''


    Samael nodded and went to talk with the man, saying, ''''Yes. I take everything I ordered is here?''''


    '''' You can check yourself.'''' The man pointed behind him, and Samael discretely asked RR, who was at his side, to make the count. Seconds later, she nodded.


    Satisfied, Samael transferred a little tip to the seller, '''' Thanks.''''


    '''' It was a pleasure doing business with you. Man, we are leaving.'''' Everyone got out, and Samael''s crew looked confused.


    John gathered courage and went to talk with Samael. ''''What exactly are we doing here?"


    ''''Digging.''''


    ''''... But won''t we need them for that?''''


    Samael looked at John with a shocked face and said, ''''Why do we need them if we have us?''''


    John''s face twitched. ''''We don''t know how to use those machines.''''


    Samael laughed, '''' Don''t worry, RR will help you guys with that! Right, RR?''''


    RR ''smiled'' at the crew, '''' Trust me, by the time I''m done with your training, you will be better than those people who just left.''''


    The crew cursed their luck. They just left Earth to dig Earth on another planet, and for reasons they didn''t even know.


    Regardless, two days later, everyone in the crew, including Miranda and Veronica, knew how to dig. Samael didn''t take the lesson because he knew it already, thanks to his travels with Liara in the past.


    It was the fifth day since they arrived when the people showed up.


    --


    PRESENT


    '''' Can I ask why we are digging?'''' Miranda didn''t manage to hold back her curiosity. Her genius gene or whatever prevented her from acting normally regarding things she didn''t know.


    She always wanted to get to the bottom of things, and the situation was no different.


    Samael looked at the progress of the dig and knew it would take at most a day to reach the place where Javik was. '''' You will soon know... By the way, I have an errand to do on this planet. I''ll let you handle things here.''''


    He then said while looking at RR, '''' If you need help, ask her.''''


    Miranda nodded. She wanted to ask so badly what he was going to do, but held herself back, '''' Good luck.''''


    '''' Thanks.''''


    Samael then left the digging site, to meet with someone.


    A few moments later, Samael was stalking a woman¡ªJack''s mother, to be precise. He didn''t forget the tragic tale of her and her daughter''s lives.


    Jack was kidnapped as an infant, and her mother was told Jack had died thanks to her huge exposure to element zero.


    Remember that it was this same element that gave biotic powers to people, and Jack was one of the best, if not the best, human biotics that would ever exist.


    Maybe Miranda could face her, as they were evenly matched in other cycles too.


    Anyway, Samael wanted to bring her mom to see her and somehow save the last few remains of humanity Jack had left. He wasn''t going to lie, while leaving her to be tortured was the only way to guarantee her survival, he still felt sorry for her.


    So, he wanted to at least try and help the young woman deal with her past by bringing her mom to meet her. By the way, this was the first time in Samael''s life that he was doing something like that. It was uncharted territory for him, and that brought joy to him.


    But the fact that he couldn''t just go there and say to the woman, '''' Hey, just for your information, your daughter was kidnapped by an evil organization and didn''t die in your labor. You were lied to, and she is still alive today. I know this might sound weird right now, but it''s true. I have proof of it.''''


    Samael then passed a photo of Jack to the bewildered woman alongside a few more information he had on her.


    When she saw the photo on her Omni-tool, she paled. She then started to read the files Samael passed her and she was convinced soon after.


    Then she started to cry a little and said in a hurry, '''' Are you for real!? WE HAVE TO SAVE HER NOW! No, we have to call the police! The press! Everyone''''


    Samael was still thinking about his plan when he realized he just went and did it.


    ''''... OH shit.''''

 17 – Priority: Eden Prime (3)

    It took a few long minutes until Samael managed to calm Jack''s mother, Natasha, down. '''' Easy, drink this.'''' He passed her a cup filled with water and sugar.


    After the whole thing happened, Samael had guided her to a nearby food place, and they both were now seated.


    The woman took the cup with trembling hands and gulped it down in one go. She then looked at Samael and said, ''''What you said to me... is true?''''


    Samael sighed internally, ''What the fuck did I do? Why did I do that? To be honest, I subconsciously thought it would be somehow a weird conversation, but I went ahead anyway... Well, the cat is already out of the bag, and if I don''t have a plan, I just have to improvise.''


    While Samael would never admit it, he did have a few screw loose on his head, thanks to the constant loops. Is just that he controlled himself so well that it rarely shows this side of him.


    That act just now was one of the few times it has happened in this cycle.


    '''' Yes. I hacked into this organization, and in a stroke of luck, I managed to arrive at your daughter''s files. It filled me with rage reading that, so I decided to take some action. I came here to invite you to follow us as we rescue your daughter.'''' Samael then passed the files he had on Jack to Natasha, who started to read immediately. '''' Of course, we will also save the others who were there as well.''''


    Well, his objective is Jack, but he doesn''t mind helping others along the way.


    She was relieved to see her daughter alive, but angry about what they had been doing to her since long ago. ''''... Are you sure she is still alive?''''


    Samael nodded. '''' Based on the documents, she has the privilege of being the greatest human biotic to ever live. So, while she was tortured quite a bit, she is still alive. And she might need her mother to help her heal.''''


    Natasha finally recovered a little and looked at Samael with suspicion. '''' Why, though? I''m just a nobody to her, as she doesn''t even know I exist. Probably this organization made a lie I sold her or something along those lines. Besides, I doubt you would do all this because of the kindness in your heart.''''


    She was right on the money on both sides, as Cerberus did lie about her selling Jack. The girl spent her childhood and teenage years hearing that from her torturer. But Samael really wanted Jack on his crew, or even if she didn''t join, to have a better life. She deserved that.


    '''' To be honest, I kind of wanted to recruit Jack into my mercenary group. My mercenary group is called Last Defense, and this is our portfolio and what we do.'''' Samael passed Natasha the files to his group. He was telling the truth to her, as he wanted her trust.


    By the way, this is also the first time he met Natasha in all his cycles, so he was happy with this new experience.


    After a few minutes of reading, Natasha was surprised by the scale of LD, and seems to have made a decision, '''' I died on the day Jack died. I only lived for unknown reasons and will probably die in a few years thanks to cancer. So, I want to at least meet my daughter before I die. When do we leave?''''


    '''' Soon. Take a few days to sort things out here on Eden Prime, and then when we are ready to leave, I''ll come and get you.''''


    '''' Got it. Do I need to take guns?''''


    ''''Trust me, you won''t need it.''''


    Then, Samael spent a few minutes explaining to Natasha where he was located, among other things necessary for her to know, paid the bill, then left for the digging site, hoping they had already reached Javik, while Nathasa went home to prepare a few things.


    Based on what she saw about Last Defense, they were ''trustworthy'', or so the file says. She didn''t have a choice but to believe them, because the group that had her daughter also looked powerful. But she would not leave her fate in the hands of others, and she would do her best to face them.


    As this might be her last run, as she was going to a dangerous place, she would sell everything she had, buy a few guns and an armory, and leave the rest to Jack. In the event she died, her daughter would have a few hundred credits to rebuild her life.


    '' If they prove to be trustworthy, I don''t mind my daughter, Jack, going with them. Who knows, I might even join them.''


    Chuclknig to herself, about the absurdity of the situation Natasha prepared herself mentally for the future.


    Also, she cried a lot more thinking about what her daughter went through in her entire life, while she lived oblivious to all that was happening to her baby.


    It filled her with rage, and she vowed to make Cerberus pay the price.


    The only reason she didn''t expose them to the world, is because Samael asked her not to. He said they had connections with the government, and she didn''t doubt him, as it was close to impossible for a group to do so many nefarious things and remain unknown.


    Someone was protecting them from above.


    But, Samael did promise her revenge, and she will not hesitate when the time arrives.


    --


    By the time Samael arrived at the digging site, there seemed to be a commotion among his crew.


    ''Finally!''


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    He hoped they had reached the target as he rushed ahead.


    Sure enough, in the digging site, the crew found something there like an entrance to a base. Everyone didn''t know what to do, with this situation.


    Of course, they knew they were digging for something, but Samael never told them what it was. When they finally dug up enough, they found an old base, probably from an alien species, as the humans arrived only a few decades ago and this base looked much older.


    They didn''t know what to do.


    Miranda had advised them to wait for Samael, so they did just that. She also ordered the place to be locked down so others could not see what they found. She had a gut feeling what they found here was extraordinary, and soon she was going to know if that was right.


    But that didn''t stop the gossip around the area and amused the crew. '''' Dude, how does Samael know this?''''


    Just when the member of the crew mentioned that everyone remembered that it was Samael who told them to dig in this place.


    '''' This...''''


    '''' What the hell, is he a seer or something?''''


    That was one more obscure thing in Samael''s history. The young man somehow beat a veteran at only 10 years old, created a base for young people in the slums, made a new Med Gel, made a ship so advanced it looked like it came out of a movie, a multi-trillion dollar company, and now could have potentially found something valuable from an older species.


    Samael''s legend only grew. It was still contained within San Francisco and his friend, but in the future, the entire galaxy would come to know of his feats. But that is a story for another time.


    '''' What did I miss?'''' Just as everyone was in the middle of the conversation, Samael arrived.


    Miranda looked a little relieved. ''''We found this.'''' When she pointed at the entrance to where the entrance to the base was, she noticed Samael''s eyes shine.


    ''''Good job. Miranda, Veronica, John, and RR are with me. The rest should block any people who try to come here, no matter who they are. You guys are going to experience something incredible in a few minutes, so please hold your curiosity for a few minutes.''''


    Everyone nodded, and the four humans plus an android entered the base where Javik was.


    '''' Oh, before I forget. RR, film everything.''''


    ''''OK.''''


    It was dark, so everyone used their omni-tool as a flashlight to shine their way. There are some unknown letters on the wall, ones that Veronica and John didn''t recognize, but Miranda, Samael, and RR did.


    Well, Miranda knew the basics of the basic, but it was enough for her to recognize it was Prothean, but not what the letter was saying.


    '''' It''s Prothean!'''' Miranda''s voice was full of surprise. It was to be expected, as the only traces of the Protheans left were a few things. Based on only that text, this could very well be a Prothean base no one knew about. That meant if word of it went out, that they found it, things could get troublesome for them, as anything Prothean was highly sought out by all races across the galaxy.


    Just as Miranda was going to raise her concerns about this whole situation, as this would mean they would be entangled a lot more with the Council and other races/species, she heard Samael say, '''' Those who enter, be prepared to die. We are at war, with extermination close. But our spirits never die, as long as our enemies are still alive! If they want war, we will give them what they want until we take our last breath.''''


    The other three looked at Samel with shock and said, ''''You know Prothean?''''


    '''' I do.'''' He learned from Javik and Liara. The text was roughly translated by him, but the undying will of the poet was transmitted through it.


    '''' Good to know. Please translate for us if you find any other texts.'''' All precautions went out of Miranda''s mind when she noticed that Samael, who was at the same level as her, was calm. Which means things were still okay for them.


    '''' No problem.''''


    So for the next hour or so, the humans and the android went through Javik''s base, and as Samael continued to translate the text, finally, the group arrived at a place called "the resting place of the future warriors.''''


    Miranda said, '''' Hmmm, it could mean a cemetery of sorts, or... a place where they put the stasis pod! We could have an alive Prothean!''''


    At that last part, she was almost screaming. You could not blame her, as having a Prothean alive was something the galaxy never dreamed of having. In the middle of it all, she forgot the place didn''t have electricity anymore, meaning the pod must have stopped working ages ago.


    '''' We will see when we enter the place.'''' Samael then easily pushed the door, thanks to the place not having power, and entered the place. Sure enough, hundreds of stasis pods were scattered around.


    Veronica, Miranda, and John were excited at the beginning and checked every single pod they came across, while RR just followed Samael. They soon realized, however, that all of them were long dead, only a few of their ashes still remained.


    While those 3 were cursing their luck, Samael and RR went directly to Javik''s pod. Sure enough, the Prothean, or Revenge incarnated, was lying there, sleeping for 50.000 years.


    '' Hello, old friend. It''s time for you to wake up and help me destroy the Reapers once and for all.''''


    By this time, Miranda noticed Samael wasn''t with them, and when she searched for him, she saw him looking at a pod with a strange gaze. It was relief mixed with happiness, almost like you just found a family member who survived an accident.


    '' Could it be...''


    She then started to run towards Samael.


    Veronica and John noticed her running, saw Samael over the pod too, and rushed to the place.


    Sure enough, they found Javik there. Miranda was the most animated of them all. '''' Oh my god! We will make history.''''


    She also knew this would somehow put a target on LD''s back, as the whole galaxy would pay attention to them for a period of time. But that didn''t matter, as finding a Prothean alive was worth it.


    Just then, Samael translated Javik''s text, which others put outside his stasis pod.


    '' Our last hope to defeat the Reapers was Javik, but that too failed. We are betrayed by those indoctrinated, and in a last-ditch effort, we decided to save him to help fight the Reapers in a future cycle. For future generations, if you find him, I hope you still have time to prepare for them. The specimen inside the pod is our last struggle and our last hope. He carries the will of our race, and he will get us our Revenge!''''

 18 - Javik (1)

    <div>


    ''''... Reapers?'''' Veronica and John looked confused, while Miranda looked horrified.


    '''' The Reapers are real?'''' She knew the ''hidden story'', as the father told her the folklore about the reapers. A race/species that come to the galaxy, wipes out all intelligent life, then leaves just to repeat the cycle after 50.000 years.


    Apparently, they had no reason to do it, and Miranda thought it was just right, as they didn''t need a reason because they were a fairytale. But now, that worldview of hers shattered in a million pieces, as the Protheans and Samael didn''t have a reason to lie to them.


    Samael took this opportunity to reveal a few hidden cards. He wanted to ensure Miranda''s total loyalty as well as inform his crew about the things they would have to face in the future. '''' They are very real... And they are coming.''''


    Miranda started to tremble a little. She asked with trepidation in her voice.


    ''''Are you sure?''''


    ''''100%. RR, tell them what we found about the Reapers.''''


    '''' Leave it to me.'''' RR then told the lie she and Samael reversal exactly for this moment, '''' Many, many years ago when Samael was just a child, he ran into something like this in the middle of the place where he lived.''''


    RR showed a holographic photo of a Prothean beacon, the same one Shepard ran into in the first Mass Effect game, just that it was in the middle of Earth and not Eden Prime.


    Miranda, through her small but precise knowledge of the Prothean race, said, '''' Is that a Prothan Beacon? If so, the effects were still unknown to the galaxy.''''


    '''' Not to me. RR, please continue.''''


    '''' When he found it, he had an urge to touch the thing, and against his instincts, he did it. Soon afterward, he had a vision of the past and what would become the future if he didn''t intervene.''''


    ''''... What did you see?'''' Veronica asked with a voice filled with concern for Samael. She could not imagine what he saw at such a young age.


    ''That must be the reason he has been different from others since childhood. He saw something he should not have seen.''


    While not intentional, Samael''s lie helped him to a point he didn''t know he needed.


    While he had tried to say in one of the cycles, about his reincarnation and about the Reapers sooner than normal, no one believed him. So, he refrained himself, and ''studied'' since then to have a convincing story when needed.


    And it was working to a T.


    '''' Death and destruction caused by huge machines. They didn''t let anyone live, no matter if it was kids, old men, or animals. Everything that stood their way was annihilated.'''' Samael then looked at Javik. '''' He should be the last Prothean alive, as I saw them get exterminated. Since the day I saw that, I began to prepare.''''


    Miranda asked the question everyone was afraid to ask. She knew the answer, but she didn''t want to hear it.'''' For what?''''


    Samael did his best to convey his true feelings. He was a little apprehensive about the war that was coming, as even though he had won more than he lost, this was his final chance to save his loved ones.


    '''' The Reapers, the same machines that made the Protheans, an entire race, only have one survivor, are coming.'''' He looked at the trio, who didn''t know that before. '''' And it''s our time to get ''cleaned.''''''


    --


    The atmosphere after that was bad after learning all that. The trio wanted to believe Samuel was lying, but from what they knew about him, he rarely did lie.


    ''''... What do we do now?''''


    Miranda asked in a voice with mixed emotions. Just a few minutes ago, she was excited to be one of the first people to find a Prothean alive, but now she is hit with the fact that a deadly race/species is coming to exterminate all intelligent life in the galaxy.


    The worst part of it all is that, based on the folklore behind the Reapers, they would most likely be successful this time too, as they are supposed more advanced than the whole galaxy combined.


    ''''Actually, nothing changed at all, besides the fact we found Javik.''''


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    Samael''s voice was calm, even though he ''just'' found out there was going to be an attack in the galaxy.


    Miranda found that odd and asked, '''' Care to explain?''''


    '''' As I said before, from the very beginning, everything I did was in preparation for them.'''' Miranda now knew who ''them'' were, and Samael continued talking. '''' Everything that I will do in the future is also to face them. So, if you trust in me, please believe in me when I say we can stop them. It will be, though, but we can do it.''''


    Silence dominated the place as Veronica, Miranda, and John tried to digest everything they just learned.


    But, the pieces slowly started to piece together and a lot of what Samael said made sense. It would also explain a lot of things regarding him, LD, and the products he created.


    Samael knew that this was a lot for them to take in, but he knew, based on his experiences with past cycles, that it was better for people to know of this earlier, and the more people who knew and believed it, the better for him, as the Council always wanted more ''proof'' about the Reapers existence.


    And the longer they waited to believe him, the worse the odds of them surviving, as the galaxy would not unite on time. Besides all that, he would still need Shepard to be the spearhead of it all, while he worked on the shadows to help her.


    Samael almost began to curse it out loud, remembering the ordeal he went through in others cycles to make them believe him earlier than normal, failing more times than not, but he said to the trio,'''' You don''t have to believe what I told, hell, even if I wish it was a lie. But at least trust me and in what I do. The future will tell you if I''m right or not.''''


    Of course, the first one to answer was Veronica,'''' Suddenly, everything you did when you were a child makes sense now. The way you defeated an adult as a child and trained me and others are all thanks to the Prothean Beacon and what it showed you. It turns out, you were preparing us for this... As always, you can count on me forever.''''


    '''' Thanks.'''' Samael was glad about Veronica''s pledge. She always had his back, and he appreciated that.


    ''''... I have no reason to doubt you.'''' John sounded a little defeated, but he asked, '''' Is it thanks to the Prothean Beacon you found on earth that you found this place right?''''


    Another lie that was helping him, and Samael wasn''t going to refuse help, ''''...Yes.''''


    John made an ''I knew it'' face. '''' I''m already deep with you, so helping you against those Reapers that would also destroy Earth is no big deal.''''


    '''' Thank you.''''


    For last, Miranda, who used the time the others were talking to make some calculations about what she knew about Samael and what he did in the past, arrived at the conclusion that he wasn''t lying, meaning everything he did was really to stop the reapers.


    Of course, he made money along the way and also dominated the Earth market, but that was also planned from the beginning. After all, while money is good, what you do with it is what counts in the end.


    And based on what she knew, he used it splendidly, as now he has a lot of companies under him that could help him achieve this ... impossible goal of his.


    '''' I''ll help you with everything that I have.''''


    She didn''t know if Samael saving her was also thanks to that, but it didn''t really matter. Now that she knew about the incoming threat, she was going to help regardless.


    '''' Thanks... Now, let''s leave this place with our new friend and tell the rest what we found.''''


    The quartet plus RR carried the stasis pod where Javik was outside the base. They covered it with something just in case someone had trespassed and was filming.


    Thankfully, when they got out, only their crew was there. They reacted a bit oddly when they saw them carrying something out.


    ''''Did they find something good?''''


    '''' Maybe some relics?''''


    '''' Dude, look at the things they are carrying. That is clearly a pod of some sort.''''


    ''''You''re right! I bet 50 credits it''s an alien!''''


    '''' 100 it''s a sexy alien!''''


    Bets started flying around, and Samael managed to suppress his annoyance with them, as he was also part of those things in his past cycles. He said nothing because this kind of banter helps the morale and strengthens the bonds of the crew.


    When the quintet got closer, Samael then issued an order immediately, ''''Tidy things up here and gather at the ship, we have a lot to discuss.''''


    Of course, he knew the time to be serious, so the betting thing among the crew was already out of his head. The way he said that, in a grave voice, made everyone realize it was something very serious.


    It worked, as this was the first time they said Samael in such a serious tone. He was always carefree, but he was serious this time. So, the crew also acted in a hurry, wanting to know what made him act that way.


    While RR and the quartet put the pod into the ship, the crew cleaned up the area in a few minutes and rushed inside, leaving only the construction machines behind.


    When everyone entered, they noticed a stasis pod in the middle of the ship and noticed a strange-looking humanoid inside it. The crew connected the dots and realized they might be in the presence of an ancient alien species that was forgotten in the base they dug. But no one said anything and waited for Samael to speak.


    '''' Is that considered a sexy alien?''''


    '''' ... I don''t know.''''


    Samael ignored the crew''s murmur and said in a tone everyone could hear.


    '''' This is a Prothean, a race thought extinct since long ago. The specimen is alive.''''


    There were some murmurs here and there, but overall, everyone was excited by what was happening. After all, they just found a specimen of a race/species that the galaxy thought was long since extinct.


    Also, the people who won the bet were happier and richer than their peers.


    Samael wasn''t going to talk about the Reapers to the crew right away, he would use Javik as ''evidence''.


    So, for the time being, after he woke Javik up, make him tell them about the Reapers, he would order some kind of quarantine for a day or two, and then he could leave the planet with Natasha to save Jack.


    '''' We will wake him up in a few moments, so the whole ship will be in quarantine. RR, initiate the protocol.''''


    '''' Affirmative.''''


    All entrances to the ship were sealed, and everyone was trapped inside the ship. No one reacted badly because they trusted Samael and knew it was necessary to ensure no prying eyes.


    '''' Now, let''s go to the infirmary, wake our friend up.''''

 19 - Javik (2)

    Samael and the others carried the pod to the infirmary, where Clare, the ship''s doctor, was waiting for them. When she was the unknown alien inside, her eyes showed a little hint of worry, '''' I don''t have the necessary equipment to deal with the unknown bacteria this unknown alien might have...''''


    When she looked at Samael and the rest, she noted they didn''t care about it, so she sighed, ''''But I can wake him up.''''


    '''' Please, make sure he is okay and healthy first. If there''s any risk to his health, don''t do it.''''


    Samael had already saved Javik earlier in another cycle, but not this earlier. There were still some good years before the Repears attack, and the Prothean could change a lot of things with his knowledge about the Repears attack, so, once more in this cycle, Samael was ''swimming'' in uncharted territory.


    Also, it''s easier to believe in a member of a race that goes against the Reapers than a human, and that was something Samael was counting on too.


    '''' Leave it to me.''''


    Under the watchful eye of every member of the crew who wanted to see the alien up close, Clare began to inspect it with her omni tool, and without taking it out of the cryopod, she said, ''''Hmm, I don''t know what to make of it. He''s from an unknown alien race, one that I didn''t study, but it appears to be male.''''


    '''' Booooooh.''''


    '''' I lost again!''''


    Samael marked the 2 who had just spoken and would make sure they would train harder than others for at least a week... or two.


    For the next minute or so, Clare went full fanboy over the alien, and everyone didn''t mind one bit because they were also excited by it all.


    Finally, after the moment was over, Clare noticed she went a little far and coughed a little, '''' Well, he''s all good. Let''s wake him up.''''


    So, she undid the stasis pod, put some needles on the alien, which were connected to some liquid, presumedly food, and waited. Everyone on the crew also waited in suspense.


    The wait didn''t take long, as the Prothean rose a few seconds later and looked around in shock. When he gained his bearings, he immediately sent Clare flying away using his biotic powers, but Samael was prepared, as he had already experienced Prothean waking up before and caught the doctor before she fell on the ground and hurt herself.


    '''' Thank you.'''' Clare responded a little out of breath, as she didn''t expect what had just happened at all.


    '''' Don''t mention it.'''' Samael said that, but his focus was on the scene in front of him.


    The still disoriented Javik was facing John, Veronica, and Miranda, as they reacted faster than everyone else, closed the infirmary door, and now were fighting.


    The rest of the crew wanted to help, but Samael held them back, '''' Trust them and trust me. If things get out of hand, I''ll intervene.''''


    That was enough for the crew to relax and they let things happen. But, they relaxed so much they immediately started to bet on the outcome of the fight.


    This time, however, Samael was prepared and also put a few hundred credits into the betting pool. He put his credits on Javik.


    He knew the Prothean, he was TRAINED by the Prothean. He also knew the fighting strength of Veronica, Miranda, and John, and they still weren''t at Javik''s level.


    Of course, it was a somewhat fair fight, as while the Prothean had some advantages over the trio, they were offset thanks to him just waking up from a 50.000 years nap.


    But, he still was confident in the Prothean winning. It''s not like the trio who was facing him was weak, on the contrary, they were pretty strong in their own right.


    Unfortunately, compared to Javik, they are still lacking a bit.


    Samael smiled and watched the scene, as he had seen it before. Well, not saw, he experienced it before. Shepard, him, and Liara woke up the Prothean, only to be met with a barrage of biotic attacks. They managed to calm him after a while and the rest is history.


    ---


    As Javik clearly didn''t speak their language, he also didn''t understand that they were asking him to stop, so he attacked them with no worries.


    He did have an Omni tool from 50.000 years ago that served as a translation tool, but that stopped working thanks to the passage of time.


    Javik used his biotic powers on Miranda, as she was the closest and most weak-looking of the trio, but that was a mistake, as she was one of the most powerful biotics alive. So, when she counterattacked, Prothean was shocked to see his powers being held back, and even losing space.


    '''' asdkadj?'''' Javik said something, but only Samael understood. He asked ''how''.


    But no one answered Javik, as Veronica and John took advantage of his distraction and both punched his face and chest. They held back, as they assumed he was just confused by it all, but that was a mistake.


    You can''t hold back against Prothean, especially Javik.


    BANG


    The punch hit, but the Prothean didn''t flinch and finally recovered from the shock of his powers being held back. Of course, he was hurt, but not much. Finally realizing the situation was not looking good for him at all, as nothing made sense, he decided to knock everyone out.


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    First, he made the output of his biotic powers weaker, and when Miranda noticed something was wrong, it was too late. He used his own biotics to explode Miranda''s, making her fly away.


    Miranda erected a barrier just in time, but when she got up from the ground, John and Veronica were fighting the alien hand to hand.


    She watched as Javik used his weight when Veronica tried to body slam him, and sent her toward John, making them both fall to the ground.


    Everyone now got up and was serious. Javik was now partly recovered from the dizziness, and Miranda was ready to go all out.


    Just in time, Samael intervened, as this part could be dangerous, '''' Stop.''''


    To Javik''s shock, the being in front of him spoke Prothean, so he stopped what he was doing, '''' How can you speak my language?''''


    Samael just motioned with his hand for him to get close.


    The Prothean then stumbled a bit before coming close to Samael. By this point, the only reason the crew didn''t shoot the alien was because Saamel didn''t say so. Also, he looked quite calm, even with the whole situation in front of him.


    The Prothean muttered a few things that no one but Samael understood. As he was speaking, well, Prothean, '''' Who are you?''''


    Samael offered his hand to Javik and spoke his language, ''''Grab my hand.''''


    Shocked by the whole thing happening, Javik did so. Immediately, both minds connected, almost like the melding the Asari had, but something different.


    But Samael, who already experienced all types of melding, was immune to some parts of it, mainly the part where they shared memories. He had trained his mind to block that part, thanks to Liara''s training, and he managed it.


    So, for now, the only thing Javik and Samael shared was their knowledge of how to speak a language.


    If Samael wanted, however, he could share all he had. His feelings, what he knew. He just didn''t know what would happen to the person who experienced his mind for a moment, as even he struggled to maintain his sanity sometimes.


    After confirming he managed to pass the language to Javik, Samael retracted his hand and spoke in English, '''' Can you understand us now?''''


    Javik, who was still a little disoriented by all that happened, nodded. But he soon spoke in a hurry, '''' Did we lose?''''


    Samael knew what he was talking about and, under the gaze of his shocked crew, nodded. '''' Yes, the Reapers exterminated your race, 50.000 years ago, or in the last cycle... I''m sorry.''''


    A few murmurs sounded from the crew, as some knew the fairytales of the Reapers. But the scene in front of them didn''t seem like a fairytale and more like a horror movie, as Javik slowly spoke loud enough so everyone could hear, '''' I see. From the beginning, we knew it was a losing battle, but we never lost the will to fight.''''


    The mood of the crew was now serious and not a single one mentioned betting of any kind.


    Samael took this opportunity to say, '''' Your name is Javik, right? I saw your stasis pod and just want to confirm.''''


    Javik nodded, and Samael continued, '''' Good. First things first, it''s been 50.000 years since your species has been confirmed extinct... well, they weren''t anymore. But I know about the reapers, thanks to a beacon your species left the future generations, but my crew doesn''t know much about the war and the Reapers. Can you explain to them?''''


    '''' ... I guess I could help the new races for a moment.''''


    Javik was a complicated person to deal with, as he lived in an era much older than everyone here, so his customs were different. But, behind the facade that was this grumpy old man, he was a good person.


    So, for the next 10 or so minutes, Javik gave the crew a rundown on what happened in his cycle. How the Reapers came out of nowhere, and how the Protheans thought they were ready to face them only to be wiped out, among other things.


    He decided to end his speech with something heavy, '''' I don''t know how much time your cycle has, but if my species was gone 50.000 years ago, you only have a few decades left, if not less. I''m sorry.''''


    When he finished speaking, the atmosphere on the ship was bad, like really bad. It was to be expected, however, as they just listened they would be extinct in a few years.


    Samael knew the effect of having an actual Prothean talk about what happened was best, so that is why he didn''t say anything to them and left this job to Javik.


    '''' Thanks, Javik. We will get you checked up for now. Let you rest, and then we will speak when you recover. For now, rest.''''


    Samael decided to let the alien rest, as he had just woken from a 50.000 years nap. He was clearly tired, fought 3 people, and he talked nonstop for a few minutes.


    By the way, the omni tool served as a translator too, but Javik had a damaged one thanks to not using it for thousands of years. That''s why Samael used that old method of transferring the knowledge to the alien, as he knew beforehand what would happen. He would give the Prothean an omni-toll when he wakes up from his resting.


    Anyway, after Javik was sent away with Clare, Samael looked at his crew who were still shocked by what they had just heard. Who could blame them though, as they just heard an entire race of murder machines coming to wipe them all out?


    So, Samael decided to tell a half-truth to them,''''... I''ll be honest with you all, I lied to you.''''


    When everyone looked at Samael with a doubtful look, almost asking why he was saying that now, he continued speaking, '''' I knew about the Reapers since long ago.''''


    Amid the shocked faces of the crew, he retold what he had said earlier to Mirnda, Veronica, and John. He added, '''' That''s why I started to make the mercenary group and the company. It''s all in preparation to face them. Of course, compared with the scale of it all it''s a laughable attempt, but I still tried.''''


    '''' Once more, I ask you to work under me, not only so we can stop the Reapers and save everyone we love, but also to win something along the way.''''


    This something was also a huge thing. The galaxy as a whole.


    He was 100% honest on that part. Samael wasn''t a good person per se, but at least he didn''t want to exterminate all intelligent life in the galaxy. He just wanted power to protect those he loved, and that would require a lot of fight. He knew because he had already gotten the power, only for it to mean nothing as he returned on time.


    But now, there was no time loop, this was it. So he would make sure no one could even begin to plot against him or his family.


    If he needed to conquer the whole galaxy, destroy a planet, or kill a lot of people, to help him with that goal, he would do it without batting an eye.

 20 – Pep Talk

    A DAY LATER


    Nothing much has changed since Javik woke up and Samael revealed the Reapers. Of course, you could see tension on the faces of everyone in the crew, but they knew their capabilities and knew that there was nothing they could do at the moment.


    After all, the Reapers weren''t an immediate threat. According to the data they had and what Javik said, they had at least a decade or so.


    But the atmosphere was different from before. It was normal to react like that, but they were also calm, given the situation. For what''s worth, the crew was reacting quite normally to the news that a species made of killing machines, which had already decimated countless cycles before, was coming for them.


    They believed Samael because of what he had accomplished so far in life, and they also trusted him enough to know he had some kind of plan. He was always one step ahead of everyone, and they maintained hope that this was the case now too.


    So, with nothing but time to prepare for what was coming, they decided to leave things up to fate.


    --


    '' This is better than in other cycles.''


    Samael has just woken up and is going around greeting everyone. He was referring to the fact that they were acting ''normal'' after revealing the Reapers.


    More often than not, in other cycles, no one believed him first, only after Sovereign arrived. Then they suddenly trusted him. But, by then, it was too late to prepare for the full scale of the Reapers invasion, and the galaxy lost a few times thanks to that.


    ''Well, I''m glad this is the case for my final cycle.''


    In the majority of the cycles they believe him, things happened in a way they had a better fighting chance and they won.


    Samael hoped this was the case in this last cycle of his.


    He was now making his way to Miranda, as he knew the prideful girl must have been shocked by the first encounter she had with Javik yesterday.


    '' They were 3 vs. 1 against a fossil and still lost. She must be quite down.''


    Just in time, Samael arrived at the sleeping quarters and made his way to Miranda''s room.


    He knocked on her door, '''' Miranda? It''s me, Samael. Can we talk?''''


    And a few seconds later, someone needed it.


    Samael was surprised to see John and Veronica inside. He joked, ''''Did I miss a party or something?''''


    ''''Haha, not funny. Enter.'''' Miranda let Samael enter her room, closed the door, and sat on her bed with a pensive look on her face.


    Samael noted the mood in the room was bad and knew he was right on his assumption. Miranda, along with Veronica and John, weren''t taking their defeat that well.


    So, like the good therapist that he wasn''t, Samael sat on the floor and sighed, '''' OK, I''ll act like a wise old man now. Tell me what''s on your mind.''''


    Miranda looked at Jonh and Veronica, who nodded. Sighing, she started talking. '''' We thought we were good enough to face everything and everyone in the galaxy throw at us. Yesterday, we woke up from our delusion.''''


    The trio in the room sighed in unison.


    Samael thought for a while and knew their ''arrogance'' was just overconfidence. Think about it, the majority of them have been trained since childhood, except for John, who started late. They could and should be proud of what they''ve accomplished so far in life, it''s just that there''s always a bigger fish out there.


    Miranda was raised to be one of the best of the best, but she still lost. Veronica was personally trained by Samael, who was one of the best fighters across the galaxy. Both together were quite deadly, and adding John, who could help here and there, they were a force to be reckoned with.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    And they still lost.


    It was normal that they were a little depressed, even more so because they were literally lost to a fossil that had just woken up.


    Looking at the gloomy trio, Samael saw in them him in his past cycles.


    He was desperate for things to not be true while wanting to work hard to not let that happen again, only to not know how to do that.


    Samael knew he had to give them a pep talk, as he wanted others to do for him in the past, but no one did.


    So, he started talking.


    '''' What do you think being strong means?''''


    The trio looked up at him, puzzled by the question. But Miranda answered nonetheless, '''' Capable of winning against any kind of person.''''


    Samael said nothing and looked at the other two.


    '''' Having strength.''''


    '''' Experience.''''


    Samael nodded. ''''So, are you strong?''''


    That made the trio pause. They began to think about what they had accomplished so far in life, their powers, and their experiences. In the end, they were sure that they were strong, even if little.


    When the trio nodded, Samael asked, ''''Then, why did you lose?''''


    Before they could say anything or interrupt him, Samael continued, '''' Everyone is convinced they are strong, until someone above their level shows them reality. That was what happened to the trio of you.''''


    '''' Javik is a special case. He was made to be the last hope of an entire race, to fight against impossible odds. While they had hope, he was also their weapon for revenge in case they lost. Say, do you really think he would be stronger than any of you?''''


    They thought about it for a while and hesitantly nodded their heads. They didn''t know much about Prothean culture, but they knew they were battle-oriented. If a Prothean was made just for one reason and that reason only being war or fighting... he was really strong.


    The trio started to have a realization based on Samael''s words.


    Samael saw that and continued talking, hoping it could help them.


    ''''I could also defeat the 3 of you at any moment now, as even though you have the potential to become the best, you aren''t there yet. Now, if you train for a few years, do you think I could defeat you easily in the future?''


    They shook their heads. While they still didn''t think they could defeat him that easily, they knew they would be stronger tomorrow than they were today.


    '''' So, don''t let things get to your head. You are strong¡ªstronger than most. But there are also stronger people than you and me scattered across the galaxy.''''


    Samael smiled a little, thinking about how a handful of people were his match.


    '''' Train hard, live well. This is not the last time yo-we will experience defeat. We are lucky Javik was normal, but our future opponents might not be. If you live and fight with everything you have and survive, then you will have the qualification to be called strong.''''


    It was a pep talk to the trio, but it also reaffirmed Samael''s conviction.


    He was weak, extremely so, in the face of the reapers. But, so what?


    He, a weak person, defeated them more times than they defeated him. So, that made him strong in his own right.


    Samael wanted the trio to have an easy mind about losing.


    It seems to have worked, as their faces lit up. Samael also said,'''' Do you want to get stronger than you are now?''''


    The trio did not hesitate and nodded.


    '''' Good. I''ll ramp up Veronica''s training while also training John personally.''''


    Samael then looked at Miranda. ''''I don''t have biotic powers, but don''t we just meet a good teacher from you?''''


    Miranda hesitated and said, ''''Javik?''''


    She knew it was him, but she still asked.


    Samael nodded. '''' He will teach you. He knows what the Reapers are capable of, and training people to face them is normal.''''


    It was true, as the Prothean did train him in past cycles.


    Samuel knew the talk was over and got up. He would leave them to absorb what he said.


    '''' The personal training will start today. I''ll just say hi to Javik, then meet you both at the gym. I''ll also talk to him about you. Oh, if you want to train with me too, feel free to come.''''


    He said that last part to Miranda.


    The trio looked at him with gratitude, as he really didn''t need to go out of his way to lift up their spirits, but still did.


    '''' Thank you for everything. ''''


    The trio thanked him, as the pep talk worked and they recovered, even if little, from their defeat yesterday. It wasn''t that surprising, as he really was wise for his age.


    '''' Don''t mention it.''''


    Samael exited the room and went to the hospital to talk to Javik.


    --


    Arriving at the infirmary soon after, Samael noted Javik was already up, and Claire was doing some exams on him. He waited until she stooped to announce his presence.


    '''' Good day to you both. How''s everything? ''''


    The Prothean and the doctor looked at him, but Claire spoke first, '''' His exams are ok if you consider he was in cryosleep for 50.000 years. Other than that, there are no unknown bacteria or diseases. He only needs to rest a little bit more and should be back to full strength.''''


    While Claire was talking, Javik was staring at Samael intensely.


    After thanking the doctor, Samael said, '''' Can you leave us alone for a moment? I want to talk to him privately.''''


    '''' Sure. Just let me know if something happens to him.''''


    Claire then left the infirmary, leaving only the Prothean and Samael inside.


    In other cycles, Samael let Shepard do the talking and only watched from afar, hearing the content of the talk later. But now he was going to speak with the alien first and a lot sooner.


    He was excited to see how things would change across the galaxy thanks to his decision.

 21 – Jack: Subject 0 (1)

    '''' How are you doing considering, well, everything?'''' Samael asked the Prothean while sitting down in a nearby bed.


    By this point in time, Samael had given Javik a new omni-tool, as his one was 50.000 years old and broken. So now the Prothean could communicate with everyone normally, as the tool acted as a translator.


    Javik from the beginning was looking straight into Samael''s eyes, like he was trying to read him or something like that. Soon, however, he just sighed and started talking, '''' I''m alive... And I don''t even know if that is a good thing.''''


    Samael really could understand what the alien was feeling, as he had felt this before, in countless other cycles. The feeling of not being able to do anything to change the outcome, losing, and, worst of all, surviving to see how it all unfolds.


    It wasn''t a pleasant feeling.


    But Samael wanted the Prothean to try and live well. Even if it was just a selfish feeling, that was what Samael wanted.


    So, he would try to give a pep talk to the Prothean, to show how there''s still life after all that he went through.


    '''' Do you believe in fate?'''' Samael asked while grabbing a nearby syringe


    Javik didn''t understand his actions but still replied, '''' My race did believe it, but I never fully trusted their call with that.''''


    '''' Ok, but now , based on what I know, your so called fate was to help win the war againts the Reapers, no matter the cost, right?''''


    '''' Yes. But I failed.''''


    ''''We all experience failure sometimes in life, is how we react to that that defines us.'''' Samael then showed the syringe he had on his hands, ''''You see this syringe?''''


    Nod.


    '''' Good. Now, the fate of all syringes is to be used as a tool to help inject things into our bodies. Their fate, so to speak.''''


    Javik was following the conversation but didn''t understand where it was going. While it was common to think all Protheans were ''sages'', graced with knowledge, that was far from the truth. Javik was inteligent, but he could still learn things here and there.


    '''' Now, if I do this,'''' Samael said, dropping the syringe on the ground. '''' Did I break its predetermined fate?''''


    Javik looked at the syringe on the ground and thought for a moment before saying, '''' No. It''s fate is still intact.''''


    It was true. While a little broken and dirty because it fell on the ground, after cleaning and repairing a bit, it could still be used...


    '''' Ah...''''


    It finally hit Javik what Samael was trying to say. He was the syringe.


    He was created to fight an impossible war against the Reapers, only to be betrayed thanks to the indoctrination and put into a cryosleep. Then he woke up 50.000 years later to find out the Reapers were attacking again, even after making his species extinct.


    So, even though he was late, his predetermined fate was still the same. To do everything in his power to win the war against the Reapers.


    Samael saw Javik lit up and knew the Prothean had figured it out. Again, he was just like him for a few cycles, and the only thing he needed was a drive, a goal, to put himself back up and force himself to move on with his life.


    But it wasn''t that easy to cheer Javik up. He got up from the bed, grabbed a glass cup, and dropped it on the ground.


    "What about now? The cup is gone, there is no way it will ever work again. Its ''fate'' is broken."


    Samael just smiled faintly at the alien, as he also saw himself as the cup. He grabbed the broken pieces of the cup and put them on a table nearby.


    "If the need arises, we just put all the pieces back together and try our best to restore them to what they were before."


    "What if you can''t fix it in its totality?"


    "Then we use it as it is now. A broken cup is still a cup."


    Just like a broken, purposeless, and lost Javik was still Javik.


    After a few minutes of silence, as Javik strengthened his resolve once more, he asked Samael, ''''Are you the spearhead on this cycle?''''


    Normally, in past cycles where the Reapers killed everyone, there was always a person who led the whole galaxy against the Reapers, a


    spearhead.


    '' The spearhead, huh.''


    Samael wasn''t going to lie and say he never tried to rally the galaxy under him, but even after winning, he was still trapped in the time loop, so he never tried again. So, he left that job to Shepard and has helped her through the shadows since then.


    '''' No, I''m not. I''m just a guy who is preparing everything, so the spearhead has an easier job.''''


    '''' Do you guys have your spearhead?''''


    '''' Not yet. Hell, the whole galaxy is still unaware of the looming threat. Only the people on this ship know it.''''


    While everyone knew about the Reapers and their supposed involvement in the mysterious disappearance of the Protheans, no one believed it.


    Heck, even Miranda, who knew the folklore about the Reapers almost didn''t believe everything about their involvement in the extinction of the Prothean race, so how do you think the galaxy would react?


    So, who could blame them though, as the story of deadly machines who came to the galaxy once 50,000 years to kill all intelligent life, was ridiculous.


    '''' We need to alert everyone now!''''


    Samael sigehd internaly. '' Do you think I don''t want to do that? But he does not know about the stupidity of the Council.''


    In a past cycle, while not so soon in the timeline, Samael and Shepard did bring Javik in front of the Council a few years earlier than normal, but they still did not act. They wanted more proof.


    '''' You just woke up, so you are still unaware, but the leaders of the galaxy, the Council, are... hardheaded. They usually don''t listen to anyone about unknown threats, even more so about supposed fairytale monsters.''''


    '''' Even with me, a Prothean, saying what I know?''''


    '''' Yes. Unfortunately, we need more proof. But don''t worry. If you want to appear in front of the Council, in a few days we will visit them. After all, you being alive is a surprise to everyone in the whole galaxy.''''


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Samael planned to rescue Jack, and then go to the Citadel to deal with the council. He knew the outcome of the conversation, but he would still go, as this was even sooner than the last attempt.


    Who knows, maybe things will be different this time.


    ''''Thanks.''''


    '''' Don''t mention it... Say, Are you willing to teach a few of us how to fight?'''' Samael was asking on Miranda''s behalf.


    Javik looked at him strangely and said, '''' You don''t need training. You can fight against me with no problem.''''


    Samael knew Javik had good intuition, and the Prothean was right once more. '''' It''s not for me, it''s for the woman with whom you fought yesterday. She has the potential to become one of the most powerful biotics on this cycle.''''


    '''' Oh, her. She is strong, probably stronger than me, but she doesn''t know how to use her powers... Ok, I''ll help her and everyone else who might need it. After all, we need all the strength we can get to stop the Reapers.''''


    Samael was glad he woke Prothean up, as both had the same driving


    force: stop the Reapers, no matter what the cost.


    '''' Good. I''ll let you rest for now. We will leave the planet, do some things, then head to the Citadel in a few days, or weeks at most.''''


    '''' The Citadel, huh? So your cycle also uses that as your principal base of operations.''''


    '''' We do. It''s, after all, the best place in the galaxy.''''


    The Citadel, a ''ship'' that existed for countless years, was the headquarters of almost every races across all cycles of destruction. It was an amazing place really, but it was also a trap, but no need to say that now.


    Javik took a few seconds to gather his thoughts, '''' Thanks, for everything... In my cycle, you would''ve been an amazing asset in the war.''''


    '''' Thanks, and you don''t need to thank me.''''


    After that, Samael went to the gym to train with Veronica and John and to inform Miranda that Javik will train her to better her biotic powers.


    --


    After training with Miranda, Veronica, and John, Samael went to grab Natasha up. It was time to save Jack from Cerberus''s hands.


    '''' RR, is everything ok with Jack?'''' Samael asked his AI while he made his way towards Natasha''s house.


    '''' No changes so far. Also, the other people you asked me to look after were still in good shape and no trouble on their way.'''' RR was talking about Shepard, Tali, Garrus, Wrex, Liara, etc.


    While not looking for them now, Samael was still keeping tabs on their lives, to help if the need arose.


    '''' Thanks for that.''''


    Soon, the android and human duo arrived at Natasha''s house. They found her outside with just one briefcase filled with clothes.


    '''' Is that all?'''' Samael could see the resolve in the woman''s eyes. For her, this was it. No coming back.


    Samael would not comment on that, but he knew the feeling.


    '''' Yes. This is all I have now.''''


    '''' ... Good. Let''s go destroy that base and save your daughter.''''


    While he said to her his objective was to destroy that Cerberus base and then try to recruit Jack to his group, thanks to her potential, his only goal was Jack all along. The rest will come as a bonus.


    So, Samael led Natasha to his still unnamed ship, then went to wrap things up in Eden Prime.


    He will not touch the Prothean Beacon located on the planet, as there''s no reason for him to do so. If the need arises he just needs to come and collect it. Maybe he could use it on the Council, but that''s a thought for later.


    As he had brought the terrain where Javik was located, he would have to let some people around, as when he revealed Javik to the galaxy, a lot of researchers would flood the area.


    Samael knew Liara would also come in a hurry, but it was not the time for them to meet yet. Even if he wanted quite baldly...


    Anyway, he paid a few people to maintain his terrain and left a person from his crew here, to oversee everything and have a personnel of his group in the area.


    He instructed said member to wait for his order and play around if he wanted, just don''t let people find out about the base yet.


    After making sure everything was in order, he entered the ship and prepared to save Jack.


    Before that, however, he told the crew their mission.


    '''' While the Reapers are a threat, they will not be arriving until years later. Until then, we still have a lot to do, to prepare for them. Now, we will go after a powerful group called Cerberus.'''' Samael then passed the files he had on Cerberus to everyone in the crew.


    Miranda and Veronica didn''t act surprised seeing the atrocities Cerberus committed, as they knew beforehand, but the rest of the crew did react quite violently, as the majority of the people Cerberus kidnapped were from the slums, where the majority of the crew was born.


    While not the same slums, the feeling of seeing a person who came from the same place as them being experimented on or being killed left and right wasn''t nice. They were angry,


    '''' I found out about Cerberus a few years ago, when they tried to sabotage LD, the company. Since then, I watched their every move, and now it''s the time to strike them. We will attack this base, rescue the people inside, then look for more bases to attack.''''


    Samael knew it was almost time for Cerberus to be gone for good, well, at least the Illusive Men had to die.


    '''' Remember, this is a rescue and destroy mission, and this time, they will be better armed than the people from the slums you faced before. So, do not let your guard down.''''


    While LD, the mercenary group, faced other people with better armor than the thugs on Earth, the majority of the ship''s crew had never participated in the mercenary group, meaning they never faced people with good armor.


    They could die if they get complacent.


    '''' Go rest now, because when we arrive at the place, we will face them. Good day to you all.''''


    After that, everyone on the crew went to prepare for the fight ahead. Some went to eat, others went to train, and others went to rest a bit.


    Samael assigned a room for Natasha, '''' We will arrive in a couple of hours at the base where Jack is. You don''t need to participate in the fight.''''


    Natasha looked at him, '''' What do you mean? I will be the first to shoot at them for kidnapping my daughter and doing those ... experiments on her.''''


    While she didn''t show much, everyone could see the guilt on her face. After all, even if she didn''t know about Jack''s predicament, it still happened.


    Samael said nothing as he knew she was prepared to die. He would not say no to a mother who was trying to save her daughter.


    So, he would try and help her survive. He passed her an armor of good quality and a few weapons. '''' I know you brought a gun, but these ones are better.''''


    Natasha looked at the things Samael passed her and knew he accepted her resolve. So, she also decided to accept his help.


    She grabbed the armor and the guns and looked at him meaningfully, '''' Thank you.''''


    ''''Don''t thank me yet, we still have to save Jack. Besides, after all that, I still want to recruit Jack into my group.''''


    After that, Samael went to the cockpit and passed the coordinates to the navigator of the ship and to Veronica.


    '''' Let''s go save a few people and recruit another powerhouse.''''


    --


    JAVIK POV


    On the same night they left Eden Prime going somewhere else he didn''t know, Javik was resting in the infirmary.


    That would be his routine for some time until he recovers 100%. Wake up, eat, rest.


    The conversation he had with Samael was repeating itself in his mind. He knew the young human was right. A broken cup and a dirty syringe were still useful if used right and cared for, their ''fate'' was still intact.


    But it was still difficult to accept reality. He alone had survived while his entire race was exterminated. No one could relate to him, hell, he didn''t even know if he could reproduce and restore the Protheans.


    So, while he knew Samael was right and he was still Javik, the Virtue of Revenge of the Protheans, it still wasn''t a nice feeling.


    He knew he could not stay longer in this cycle of pain and misery, so he was doing his best to gather his thoughts and focus them on defeating the Reapers once and for all.


    For one, the idea of training young people of different species in Prothean ways is a good start. That human girl had potential, as even he struggled with her biotic powers. If she had more experience, he would have lost that fight.


    But he would not stop with just her. There were a lot of other personnel on this ship and he had nothing but time.


    He would train them in the art of war, the Prothean way, of course. After that, he would speak with this ''Council'' that Samael mentioned, and try to put sense in their heads.


    That was going to be difficult as if what Samael thought of them was true. The young man didn''t believe they would act, even in the face of upcoming destruction.


    '' As always, politics and the power struggle might ruin our chance to win this war.''


    Things were just like that in his cycle too. While he was born decades later from the begginign of the war, the politics at his time were also pretty bad.


    The Protheans, at the beggining, didn''t take the Reapers seriously, and when they finally did, it was too late.


    While Javik was going through all of this in his mind, he noticed something in the corner of his eyes. His eyes enlarged quite a lot, demonstrating he was quite surprised.


    He got up from the bed and approached the object he saw. Even up close, he still didn''t believe what he was seeing. It was the cup he shattered into millions of pieces before.


    Just that this time, it was ''fixed''. Well, not fixed, but it was glued together, thanks to something, making the cup whole again.


    While not beautiful, it was still useful, as it was filled with a liquid, proving it was still working as its fate dictated.


    There was a note attached to it, and Javik read it.


    '' Remember, a broken cup is still a cup, just like a Prothean is still a Prothean even after 50.000 years.''


    For the first time since he woke up, Javik let out a small smile. His fighting spirit was ignited once more, and he swore he would avenge his species.


    '' This time, things will be different. We will prepare- I will prepare them for what is coming... This will be the LAST time the Reapers attack the galaxy!''

 22 – Jack: Subject 0 (2)

    JACK POV


    My name is Jack. I don''t know my surname and even if I did, it wouldn''t matter.


    I don''t have many memories of my childhood, and the ones I have are filled with pain. I don''t know my mother or father.


    I was an experimentation subject for an evil company. A few years ago I discovered the name of said company, Cerberus.


    A fitting name, as from a history book I read before, Cerberus was supposed to be a dog gatekeeping hell. Well, for me, they were hell incarnated.


    For as long as I can remember, I''ve been moving from place to place, always to another base, but the reason is the status is the same. To be experimented on, all so that I can grow more powerful.


    At first, I was alone for a long time, but they started to introduce me to new kids after some time. I thought that was a good gesture from an evil person, but I found out later that it was just their sadistic nature taking over them.


    It was difficult at first, to make friends, as I was isolated from the rest and didn''t have much conversation abilities. But guess what, neither did those kids.


    So, after some awkward times, we became colleagues. Every day my "colleagues" and I were experimented on by various scientists to develop our biotic powers.


    If that were all there was to it, I could accept it, since as soon as I grew strong enough, I would be able to escape.


    The problem is the thinking of the people who experiment on us, or just Cerberus, who believes that only the strongest of the experiments can survive. And they believed that with conflict and without relationships, we would become stronger...


    So, ever since I could remember, I was forced to kill my so-called '' colleagues''''. Yes, they pitted us against each other in a fight to the death.


    Over the years I''ve had several people I''ve connected with, but the result was the same, after a while, we were forced to fight to the death.


    And as I was the most powerful subject, I won most of the time. There were times I wish I hadn''t, but for some reason, I don''t know, I wanted to win.


    Maybe because of revenge, or something along those lines.


    After years of doing that, killing the people I connect with, it broke me down little by little and made me who I am today.


    Subject 0.


    One of the only people who had been alive since the beginning of the experiments and who was more powerful than all the other guinea pigs.


    An 18-year-old girl with no friends. I learned to not connect with anyone since I was usually forced to kill them.


    I even started a ritual of tattooing myself to honor the memories of the people I was forced to kill. There were so many that my body was riddled with tattoos, with hardly a place without them.


    It was a small gesture and one of the only ones I could do for them since I was locked in facilities all my life.


    Even though I was the most powerful in the base, I was still hiding my real powers from Cerberus, waiting for the perfect moment to escape. And that time was near.


    I was shaking with anxiety, as I couldn''t wait to kill everyone who tortured me every day, in the most painful way possible.


    I dreamed about what I would do to them.


    Until it happened...


    A few days before my plan to escape was about to begin, since we were going to change location, someone started attacking the base where I was staying.


    I thought those people were going to kill everyone, but clearly, they were only targeting Cerberus agents. And that didn''t make me happy, since they were taking away my opportunity for revenge.


    Of course, I couldn''t see everything, since my cell was the most remote and smallest of all, since I''d tried to escape before, but I could see enough. I was also being restrained with several chains, making it difficult to move.


    It was then that I noticed a person in armor different from the others approaching my cell.


    The person in the armor was strong, the strongest I''ve ever seen. You may wonder how I knew that. Well, after years of being tortured, I sort of developed certain instincts, which have helped me stay alive to this day.


    And those same instincts were screaming that the person in front of me was dangerous. So, even though these people who were invading were only killing Cerberus agents, I had to use part of my escape plan and quickly got rid of the chains and prepared my biotic powers, just in case.


    Then, the door opened to my cell and I prepared to attack.


    But, the only thing the person said was, '''' Hello there!''''


    --


    A FEW HOURS AGO


    Samael and his crew were approaching the planet where Jack was, Pragia. It was a planet with various mutated plants, isolated and lacking a population.


    At first, it was a normal planet, with not a single intelligent species living on it, untouched by everyone.


    That changed centuries ago, as the Batarians chose this isolated planet to make the food for their species. Then, they introduced non-native flora and mutated plants into the ecosystem of the planet.


    Safe to say, it was a mistake. The mutated plants started to evolve beyond what the Batarians could handle, started to kill everything in sight, and forced them to flee the planet.


    Studies said that in 60 years, the planet would die thanks to mutated plants. Another mistake in a long list of fuckups from the Batarians.


    Fuck them.


    Anyway, the problem with the mutated plants is that they grew in the direction of killing anyone on sight, so it was a very dangerous planet, that very few people visited, and the ones who ended up regretting it.


    Thanks to that, it was home to various types of people, mainly bad ones. It was known to be the home of drug lords, smugglers, mercenaries, and the location of one of the Cerberus bases.


    In a past cycle, Samael had once lived on this planet for some time and knew the type of people who lived there. They weren''t exactly what you would call nice. So, he authorized his crew to attack with deadly force if necessary.


    They would arrive on the planet in a few minutes, so Samael went to check on Natasha. He entered her room and noticed she was already wearing the armor he gave her alongside a gun.


    '''' Are you ready? Things will get ugly down there.''''


    Samael was being honest. This was above the thugs he had faced before, and while not at the same level as him, they could pose trouble to his crew, even more so to Natasha, a civilian.


    But even after hearing that, Natasha didn''t change her mind. '''' I will save my daughter, no matter what.''''


    Samael could see she was prepared to die, so he gave her a piece of advice, '''' Listen, we will save your daughter, whether you''re there or not. I know you had the thought, ''If I have to die to save her, so be it'', but you have to think of about after you saved Jack. She never had love in her life, so you need to stay alive to show her a little bit of that.''''


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    ''''After all, dead people can''t help their loved ones.''''


    Natasha accepted what he said but said nothing more. Her resolve didn''t shake one bit.


    Samael sighed internally, '''' We will arrive where she''s being kept in a few minutes. When you''re ready, go to the cafeteria as I will do a briefing with the entire crew.''''


    After that, Samael went to the infirmary to talk with Javik.


    The Prothean had started training everyone on the ship a day ago, all while not being 100% recovered. He was a little bit disappointed with the level of the crew but saw the potential.


    Jaret training was good after all.


    He did not have much to say about Veronica, John, and Miranda, as they were a level above the rest of the crew. He did, however, make a separate training course for Miranda and the other biotics on the crew.


    There are only a handful in the ship, but they could be used as a hidden card if the need arises.


    So imagine Samael''s surprise when he entered the infirmary and saw Javik with armor and a few guns on his waist.


    Samael knew the Prothean well enough, and based on what he was seeing, he wanted to fight too.


    '' I''m surrounded by reckless people... well, I''m also one.''


    He would not tell Javik to stay on the ship, as after him, he was the most experienced ''person'' on the ship. Even a not 100% recovered Javik would mean trouble for Cerberus.


    So, Samael just said, '''' Are you ready? We will be meeting at the cafeteria in a few minutes for a brief rundown on the operation.''''


    Javik nodded, '''' I heard about this... rescue and destroy Misson. I don''t know why all this fuss, as in my cycle, we also experienced other races and species.''''


    '''' Times change, Javik. What was normal then is not normal now. There are some lines we can''t cross. Kidnapping babies to experiment on them is one of them.''''


    While Samuel did get Cerberus''s intention of growing stronger, they should have done this in a normal way. Heck, he knew if they announced they were experimenting on people to make them stronger and called volunteers, a lot of people would flock to their bases for a chance.


    But no, they had to go the other way and be evil for no good reason.


    '''' Hmmm, is that so? Well, it doesn''t matter to me. After training those green sprouts, I was itching for a real fight. The closest one I had was when I had just woken up.''''


    Javik was talking about the 3x1 against Miranda, Veronica, and John.


    Knowing the Prothean, Samael offered a spar, '''' How about a spar after this? Just you and me.''''


    Javik liked that, '''' Good. Even if I''m not recovered, I don''t like being ordered to just rest. I want to move my body around as much as I can. After all, I slept for a very long time.''''


    Samael patted the Prothean holder, '''' You will have enough to fight with us, I guarantee you that.''''


    At first, he wanted to invite Javik to LD, but it was too soon. Besides, the Prothean will be busy after talking with the Council.


    '' After all, there should be some Prothean alive in Illos. There are still a few years until the canon starts, so Vigil, the VI overseeing the remaining Protheans, should have enough powers to sustain a few of the cryopods.''


    Illos was a planet home to the Protheans. The only way to gain access to this planet and its cluster was through the legendary Mu Relay, which was still untouched on this cycle.


    On that planet, there is a base filled with thousands of Prothean pods. In the games, by the time Shepard and her crew arrived on the planet, Vigil had been forced to shut down the majority of the pods, thanks to the passage of time.


    In his last cycles, Samael never bothered to check if there was any other Prothean alive, and when he did go to Illos, it was generally too late for them anyway.


    Now, as it was his last cycle, he wanted Javik to have a chance to rebuild his race. Who knows, maybe there could be some other Prothean alive in Illos.


    This future trip to Illos also ignited Samael''s passion for new things, so he was more than happy to help with that.


    So, after talking with the Council in the next few days, he would send Javik there, along with a few other people from his crew. They could then grab some information from Vigil and Illos and show it to the galaxy.


    That way, they would have no choice but to believe the Reapers are real. But Samael didn''t bet on that, as he knew how stupid the Council was.


    Well, that was a problem for the future, and for now, Javik was still the last Prothean alive.


    After that, Samael went to the cafeteria and waited for everyone to arrive. He nursed his drink and ate some fruits that were around the area.


    '''' We will arrive in 5 minutes.'''' Veronica''s voice came through the speakers.


    After that, everyone came to the cafeteria.


    After confirming everyone who should be there was there, including Natasha and Javik, Samael gave a brief rundown.


    '''' First things first, the planet is hostile to any living being. The plants there were enough to kill all of us, so be careful not to separate from us. With our stealth system, we will go directly above Cerberus base, so there should not be a problem with getting lost.''''


    Then, he showed them the armor Cerberus agents used alongside their guns.


    '''' They are way above the thugs we faced before, so go with caution. Cover your comrade, and stay alive.''''


    '''' Our mission this time is to rescue some test subjects and kill all personnel inside the base. Everyone in this facility knows the full scale of what happened to the test subjects, so none of them are guilt-free. Again, you''re authorized to kill everyone.''''


    No one said anything about that, as they knew, based on the documents Samael gave them a few days ago, that they had committed many atrocities with those kids.


    '''' After this, we will go to the Citadel, then deal with Cerberus once and for all.''''


    '''' Any questions?''''


    No one said anything.


    '''' Good. Javik, you and Miranda go together to the east side of the base; there is the place with the most soldiers, so deal with them. Veronica and John, you will lead the rest to the north and south. I''ll take the west side of the base alone... Natasha goes with Veronica and John.''''


    Just then, an RR voice came through the speaker, ''''We arrived.''''


    '''' Good. We all know our role and mission, so let''s give them hell!''''


    Everyone nodded solemnly at that and prepared to destroy this Cerberus base.


    '''' RR, you stay on the ship and kill the people who manage to escape. Also, block their communications.''''


    '''' Leave it to me!''''


    Then Samael and his crew arrived on the base, ready to kill and save people.

 23 – Jack: Subject 0 (3)

    Right after that small briefing and after RR made the stealth unnamed ship become airborne right above the base, the doors to the hangar opened and everyone that was able to fight jumped out of the ship.


    They had a device that slowed down their fall on their armor, so as not to die because of it. Yes, something similar to a jet pack but at the same time, not a jet pack.


    Of course, the ship was invisible, but not them. So, when they jumped out and landed on the roof of the base, almost immediately alarms started to sound.


    '''' You know your mission! Don''t die!''''


    After Samael said that, he went alone towards the west side of the facility. Everyone watched as he launched himself out of the roof, made a maneuver midair, and entered the facility by breaking a window.


    Then, everyone else also went to do their mission, doing the same as him but in different locations.


    Well, their locations were different but the reception was the same.


    WITH VERONICA AND JOHN


    BANG BANG


    True to their infamous nature, the guards around the facility were prepared as soon as the alarm sounded, so when the crew entered through the windows, they were met with a barrage of shots.


    '''' Take cover!''''


    Veronica screamed and looked around for something to hide. While their armor was enough to handle a few shots, she didn''t want to risk it. She took Natasha with her hands and threw the bewildered civilian towards cover.


    There were at least 20 guards in their area and they only had around 10 people.


    After also getting into a cover, Veronica then looked at Natasha, who had already recovered from her initial shock and was shooting the Cerberus guards. Nodding towards the woman''s attitude, Veronica did the same.


    Shooting towards the guards while in cover, Veronica was able to kill one guard in the process. '' It seems our bullets were better than them.''


    Of course they are, as Samael gave his crew an advanced and special thermal clip, capable of breaking most armor/shields with just a few shots.


    John saw the guard dying somehow easily and shouted to the team, '''' Our bullets are very effective! Aim to kill and don''t miss!''''


    Also knowing their armor was better, a few of the crew got quite reckless and got out of their covers and advanced at the guards. What ensued next was a mixture of stabbing with their omni tool, while some others shot.


    While Samael''s crew was outnumbered, thanks to their superior equipment and reckless behavior, they were already winning this initial fight.


    Of course, as the reckless behavior was, well, reckless, it was bound to bring some trouble.


    '''' ARGHH!''''


    Veronica looked toward the sound that was made and noticed it was one of their own. It seemed his shield gave out and he was shot in the leg.


    '''' COVER!''''


    At this point in time, 5 minutes passed since their fight began, and the number was now equal. 11 Cerberus guards were killed while only one of Samael''s crew was injured.


    John immediately shot the guard who broke that man''s shield then jumped toward the fallen ally. He then dragged him to safety behind cover.


    After making sure they were somehow okay, the man who was shot immediately used the Advance Med Gel, exclusively made for the crew, and the wound healed almost instantly. He also immediately apologized to John, '''' Sorry... I got too arrogant and -''''


    '''' Don''t need to say that to me. We all felt the same.''''


    While the crew had fought before, they were passionate in this particular fight, as Cerberus struck a nerve targeting poor people from the slums scattered on Earth and the Galaxy. So, they went above the protocol and wanted to kill every Cerberus agent.


    While it worked until now, the armor finally gave up, and one of them was injured. Of, course, thanks to the Med Gel, he was out of danger, but it served as warming for the rest.


    They are stronger than the Cerberus agents, but not invincible. They could die too if they are not careful.


    '''' Can you continue fighting?'''' John asked while getting up from his seated position.


    The now healed man nodded, '''' Let''s give them hell.''''


    John nodded and returned to the fight. Soon after that, that part of the facility was cleaned and only Samael''s crew remained.


    '''' Now what?'''' Asked one of the crew members.


    '''' We look for the test subject while killing everyone related to Cerberus.''''


    Right after Veronica said that there was a nearby explosion. Not too big but not too small either.


    Natasha asked with corcen in her voice, '''' Should we be worried about it?''''


    Of course, she was very much distraught, as she was very close to reuniting with her long-lost daughter, so with every movement or sound that was made, she reacted with worry.


    '''' No, don''t worry. If there was really trouble, it would be for Cerberus.'''' Veronica said in a reassuring tone.


    While Natasha, a civilian and newbie to the team, might not know about their fighting power, Veronica and the rest do.


    It wasn''t a stretch to say that the people who were attacking the other parts of the base, meaning Samael, Javik, and Miranda, were enough to handle the base alone.


    They were after all, above their level.


    '''' Now, let''s rescue everyone!''''


    --


    WITH JAVIK AND MIRANDA


    '' Boring.''


    Javik thought as he launched a biotic black hole toward and specific location. He watched as the nearby hiding guards were sucked into its small orbit and he shot them dead in instants.


    '' No one here will give me a challenge?''


    He looked toward Miranda and noticed she also was easily killing the guards with the same style as him, just as he trained her. Using her biotics to get them out of cover and then using their special thermal clips to kill them easily.


    '' Well, I have to admit, Samael is really good.''


    Javik had nothing but praise for the human. He asked around and found out he trained a lot of people, to fight the Reapers in the future, and also gave advanced equipment to his crew. This thermal clip and better armor were the highlights.


    Even in his cycle, there were very few things on this particular level, meaning Samael was better than the Protheans scientist, as he supposedly created both the special thermal clip with special bullets and the armor. Of course, not by so much, but well, the point remains.


    A species that was considered primitive managed to make something better than his species, which was the master of that cycle. It was admirable.


    '' But, that does make the fight a lot more easier.''


    While Veronica and John had 10 x 20, Javik and Miranda had 2x30. And they were almost winning already, as only 5 were remaining.


    And those 5 clearly were almost peeing their pants, seeing as they were blindly firing from their cover. They were missing all their shots of course, and bullets that did hit close or them were denied by the shield from the armor. Hell, they didn''t even manage to break the biotic cover he put on his shield.


    '' Boring...''


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    Javik thought of that once more when suddenly there was an explosion near his location. When he looked around, he noticed Mirada was ok, but nearby, there was a hole in the wall, and from outside, a machine came through it.


    '' I don''t know what that is but ... it seems fun!''


    Just as he thought that there were five shots in Miranda''s direction. When the Protehan looked over, he noticed the last 5 guards were killed, leaving only the big machine in front of them.


    '''' A Mech, huh... This could be trouble.'''' Miranda said that while changing clips.


    '''' Do you know what that is? '''' Javik asked while prepping his biotic powers.


    Miranda nodded, '''' That thing is called Mech. It is a machine piloted by others or by a VI. It has a lot of strength and there''s a lot of variety of it... Essentially, it''s a small mecha.''''


    '''' It''s a creative piece of machinery.''''


    '''' You guys didn''t have that in your cycle?''''


    Javik nodded, '''' We didn''t need that to fight our fight.''''


    Miranda thought for a while and knew the Prothean was telling the truth. His race was the master of their cycle, owner of the entire galaxy, a race cultivated to fight and grow stronger. So, they really didn''t need to create a Mech, as they most likely didn''t need it.


    '''' Makes sense. It''s weakness ar-''''


    Javik interrupted Miranda as he charged toward the unknown Mech.


    '''' I don''t need to know! Everyone and everything dies with enough damage!''''


    Miranda sighed and smiled at the same time thanks to the Protehan attitude. She then also used her biotic powers and charged toward the Mech.


    --


    WITH SAMAEL


    Samael knew that this base had roughly 100 or so agents. He also knew the place where Jack was located had more personnel around as, well, she was the most powerful subject they had.


    So, he took it upon himself to deal with the most dangerous area but at the same, he also wanted to train the others in war, as while they were trained well, they didn''t have experience. So he left around 50 for others and around 50 for him.


    BANG


    '' That makes 30 ... I think.''


    After killing what he thought was the 30 agent, Samael began to think about Jack''s predicament in all cycles.


    Although Samael didn''t let Jack suffer much longer than necessary, he knew the hell she''d been through so far. It didn''t make him happy, but it was the only way she could survive in this galaxy, where there was danger everywhere.


    While they were rescuing other subjects and killing the other Cerberus agents, Samael was alone and looking after the sector where he knew Jack was.


    He had already fought off three Cerberus agents, and the mask of normality he put in front of others was starting to fall a little.


    Samael was smiling widely from behind his helmet. It was as if when he fought seriously, and his life was on the line, he became someone else.


    More ferocious, more deadly.


    It was something he didn''t have much control over because it was something he''d received by living for so long.


    After all, for a long time, his only source of happiness was fighting, as it brought him closer to death than anything.


    And in this last cycle of his, this was the third time he could ''relax'' and let his mask fall and reveal a little of his true nature.


    The other 2 were in the fight against Jaret when they attacked the other slums.


    BANG


    After killing yet another Cerberus agent, Samaael was painting, not because he was tired, no. Because he was excited.


    "This is life!"


    That''s why he doesn''t participate much in the fight because he''s afraid of losing control. But he also wanted to fight, because I brought him a lot of joy.


    It was a contradictory feeling, to do something he wanted while also holding himself back for the sake of others.


    This is also why he wanted others to help him manage LD, both the company and the mercenary group. Although he was afraid of losing control, he knew his place. His true calling.


    It was at the frontline of battle, dancing with death.


    The problem was trying to balance everything. At the same time as he felt joy, he also felt other things, like lust.


    It was almost like all his feelings were amplified while he was fighting. He knew about this, and in other cycles, he had help from Liara, Shepard, and Tali, so he managed to keep his urges in control.


    But in this cycle, he never did the deed yet.


    Normally, it wasn''t trouble, but now, it was starting to affect him a little.


    ''Should I ask someone to deal with this urge?''


    Perhaps he could go and see a few Asari consort in the Citadel.


    But, that was still in the future, for now, he had to deal with saving Jack.


    While thinking about this problem, Samael arrived at Jack''s cell.


    "Let''s see how this goes."


    He opened it and inside he saw Jack in all her glory, naked for some reason.


    '''' Hello there!''''


    Immediately after Samael said that Jack tried to attack him with a biotic wave, but he knew her personality, so he was prepared.


    But even if Samael was prepared, it was difficult to fight a biotic, even more so a super powerful one like Jack, that could kill him quite easily if he dropped his guard.


    Taking advantage of the fact he knew she would attack as soon as he entered, instead of retreating, Samael went ahead and pounced at Jack.


    She immediately tried to form a biotic barrier but Samael was faster. In the blink of an eye, after dodging the biotic wave, Samael was pointing a gun toward her stomach.


    '''' Now now, don''t need to do that. We are here to rescue the test subject in this facility.''''


    Jack noticed something was odd with the man in front of him. She could feel him smiling even through his helmet. And she could also see his eyes...


    It was filled with mixtures of feeling. Madness, joy, lust, everything was mixed creating a somehow creepy yet mesmerizing spectacle. It took a few seconds for Jack to react to him and what he said.


    '''' How can I trust you?''''


    '''' Do you even have a choice? Besides, I literally killed at least 40 Cerberus agents just to get close to you. Trust me.''''


    She stopped gathering her biotic powers, '''' So why are you pointing that gun at me?''''


    That made Samael recover from his strange state of mind, and he lowered his gun, '''' It was a precaution. I know you will understand.''''


    After he did that, silence filled the room. Jack was still naked and Samael still had lust in his system. But, he fought back against it and struggled to say, '''' Do you have any clothes on you?''''


    Jack could hear his struggles and thought it was quite amusing that he was thinking THAT while in the middle of a Cerberus base, right after killing a lot of people, from what she could see behind him. So, she nodded and bent over in her small cell. She did that deliberately to show the unknown man in front of her a show.


    She then put the clothes on and prepared to leave.


    The man in armor suddenly offered a handshake, '''' My name is Samael, by the way.''''


    Jack looked at the stretched hand and took it on her own, '''' Jack.''''


    '''' Nice to meet you. Now, how about we destroy this base once and for all?''''


    Now that made Jack happy, as she smiled sadistically, '''' You should''ve said that from the beginning!''''

 24 - Reunion

    It didn''t take long after that for the whole facility to be destroyed. Literally.


    After getting the testing subjects out, every single one of them launched their biotic powers into the building, making it collapse on itself, thanks to the huge quantity of their attacks and the power behind them.


    All those biotic attacks, plus a mixture of the firepower of Samael''s crew, created a huge effect on the poor test subjects, as they felt happiest watching the place and the people who made them suffer were destroyed in such a fashion.


    Not even a speck of dust from those scientists or guards remained after they finished.


    Javik and Miranda had defeated their Mech adversary quite easily, and the girl brought what remained of the machine back to the ship to study it. Samael wasn''t going to say that to her now, but he had a plan to make machines better than that Mech and bigger, to fight the Reapers. He would just let her study it for now.


    No deaths on the crew, just a few injured people who were healed thanks to the Med Gel. Of course, everyone would still go to Clare to be checked up, just to be sure.


    But the most important and touching part of it all was when Natasha and Jack met. The civilian, who had already seen Jack''s photos and recognized her, was balling her eyes out while hugging a bewildered Jack.


    '''' My daughter! My daughter!'''' Natasha didn''t let Jack go, even after a few minutes.


    Jack had to look at Samael for help, as she didn''t understand this crazy woman. But what Samael said to her shocked her too.


    '''' She is your mother''''


    ''''... what?''''


    Jack could not even begin to comprehend what was happening right in front of her. She was told since the beginning her mother sold her, and now there she is, hugging her with all her might.


    At least for now, it didn''t seem her mother abandoned her. But the whole situation was very VERY confusing for her.


    Just on cue, Jack heard Samael say, '''' You''re kidnapped right after your birth. Cerberus found out about your potential when you were born. As your mother was exposed to a lot of element 0, they told her you had died and took you away. It made sense, and they even made a whole scene with fake ash and a small funeral for you. She believed then and spent her life thinking you died.''''


    '''' Are you saying she didn''t know I was alive?''''


    Samael nodded to her, then spoke to the rest of the test subjects. There are at least 15 of them, all biotics. '''' I can''t say for everyone, but I know that this is how Cerberus acts. After all, they do have powerful friends in high places, so they could escape from any repercussions that might have happened.''''


    '' Well, not anymore. Cerberus did lose quite a bit of power thanks to my meddling, but there''s no reason to say that now.''


    '''' So your situation might be the same as Jack''s. You probably were kidnapped at birth, your family has no idea you are alive and might still be mourning all of you.''''


    '''' I found out about this particular base after investigating the Cerberus for a bit. I saw what they were doing with you guys, specifically Jack, and decided to intervene.'''' Samael then said, looking at Jack, '''' Can we talk later, alone? I need to ask you a few things.''''


    Jack was still being hugged by this strange figure who was her mom, but she nodded anyway and said, ''''What do I do with her?''''


    Samael shrugged his shoulder. '''' She''s your mom, you decide. Just know that she only found out about you a few days ago and dropped her entire life just for a chance to come to rescue you.''''


    Jack''s eyes showed a complicated emotion. She liked dealing with her feelings in an explosive way, screaming and cursing as she wanted. But now she was lost.


    She had vented quite a lot of her anger in the building, and now she could not find hate for her mother, as from what she just found out, was a victim too.


    So she decided her next course of action was, ''I''ll deal with all those sentimental stuff later.''


    Samael ignored the mother-daughter duo and looked at the others. '''' We came to rescue you guys, and now we can bring you to the authorities if you want. Again, I think your situation is the same as Jack''s, so you might still have a family member alive.''''


    '''' Of course, I will offer you support until we reach a place where you can be brought to your family and safety... If you don''t have any family left alive or no family at all, you are more than welcome to join our crew.''''


    The faces of the test subjects lit up a bit. They weren''t sure if they had anyone left, so the offer from Samael was like a god-sent gift.


    '''' Now, let''s get out of this planet!''''


    Samael entered the ship, followed by the rest of the crew and the test subjects.


    By the way, Jack didn''t manage to lose her mother''s hug and had to walk with the woman in her arms.


    --


    A FEW HOURS LATER


    After leaving the planet, everyone else was more or less adjusted to their places. The majority of them were sleeping while others were doing ... ''something'' to alleviate the symptoms of stress after all the fighting they just did.


    Only Javik had no interest in it.


    Of course, Samael wanted to do the same as the rest of the crew, and it''s not like he was in a relationship at the moment, so it wouldn''t be cheating. He also had a few options lined up, but he didn''t go after them because he still had a few things to do at the exact moment.


    Well, right now he was in his room with Jack right in front of him. Natasha hugged her for so long that she passed out in Jack''s arms, who then brought the woman to the infirmary. Clare said it was just stress, and Natasha would wake up in a few hours. That did give time for Jack to prepare herself better for the long conversation the duo would have.


    So, Samael took the opportunity to call Jack to his room and explain the situation to her.


    By now, Jack knew Samael''s intention of rescuing her, and the man had offered an invitation to join his crew.


    Jack could not understand the man in front of her. From what he said, he came to this base to specifically recruit her, but now that she was hesitant to join them, he said he wasn''t going to force her.


    Everything that had happened in the last few hours made no sense for Jack.


    She was rescued because of her powers, and now the person who wanted her on his crew wasn''t forcing the situation. He had just saved her from a lifetime of torture, and demained nothing from her, just a choice.


    That made her suspicious and, at the same time, hopeful, as there could be people like him based on the stories she heard while locked. For example, the majority was a fairytale, so that was that.


    Anyway, Samael said to think about it and she will use the time off to do just that. Her mother, the offer to join... It was too much, and she needed rest. And a little bit of stress relief too.


    Jack still remembered how Samael was at the base, his gaze ... he wanted her but held back when she teased him. But now it was her turn to be horny.


    But Jack was learning as she grew, so this time instead of just showing Samael all of her, she simply asked, '''' Hey, do you want to fuck?''''


    Samael was in the middle of calming himself down. His feelings were still in hyperdrive, and he was doing his best to maintain a calm facade. But Jack and that personality of hers just had to say that.


    Right about as he was going to say yes, he stopped himself.


    '' Stop, you know what she is like. While we will fuck right now, she most probably will not trust me with all her being in the future. And that is something I don''t want.''


    So regretfully, he was going to say no. But just when he was about to open his mouth, an idea struck him, and he smiled mischievously inside.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    '' Let''s play cupid and speed up a few relationships.''


    '''' Sure. Just let''s take a shower first. I don''t want to fuck covered in blood.''''


    '''' I don''t mind.''''


    '''' ... I''m sure you don''t, but I do. Go ahead first, I''ll go right after you. ''''


    Jack shrugged her shoulder, '''' Your call. Just don''t leave me waiting.''''


    Then, she went to the bathroom, and Samael immediately sent a message to Miranda to meet him in his quarters.


    A few moments later, the door to his room opened. Miranda noticed Samael and asked, ''''What did you call me for?''''


    '''' I need to go out for a bit, can you watch Jack for me? She is taking a bath, but, you know, we still weren''t sure of her mental state.''''


    Miranda and everyone else saw Jack and knew the girl probably had a few screw losses thanks to all torture she endured all those years. So, she didn''t mind watching her for Samael.


    '''' Sure. Go ahead and do your thing.''''


    '''' Ok. First things first, here are some towels and fresh blankets. I also put a gallon of water close to the bed. Here is a box you must open only after I leave the room.'''' Samael then rushed outside the room.


    Miranda noticed something was up and opened the box in a hurry. She blushed when she was content. It was filled with sex toys.


    '''' What is this?''''


    Samael slowly closed the door. '''' I saw the way you looked at Jack, and you both need some stress relievers right now. Also, you will make a cute couple, trust me.''''


    '''' Wait!''''


    Samael didn''t wait and closed the door. Miranda tried to open it, but it was locked.


    With no other option, Miranda had to ask for help, '''' RR, can you open for me?''''


    ''''... No. I also want to see where this is going.''''


    '''' You too!?''''


    Miranda was shocked by the sudden betrayal... Well, she was not going to deny that she was stressed and also wanted to vent a little.


    What really surprised her was how Samael knew she liked girls more than men.


    '' How...?''


    Just as she was contemplating that, she heard a female voice coming from the now-opened bathroom.


    '''' Well, well, well. I must say, I was expecting Samael, but I don''t mind who it is, to be honest.''''


    Jack was naked, something Miranda clearly took a long time to confirm. When she came back to her senses, she tried to explain the situation, ''''Wait, Samael tricked me into coming here!''''


    Jack ignored Miranda and looked at the contents of the box she was holding. She smirked, '''' Yes? Then how do you explain that?''''


    Miranda looked at the sex toys and said, '''' It-''''


    Before she could finish saying it was Samael''s, Jack pounced on her and began to kiss her with all her might.


    Miranda struggled for a bit before letting things happen. She liked this situation quite a bit, but she would never admit it.


    After what felt like a long time, Jack broke the kiss. Both women were painting.


    But as always, Jack took the initiative and started to undress Miranda, who sped up the process.


    '''' Now, this is... amazing.''''


    Jack was drolling at the sight of Miranda''s body. It was the closest thing to perfection she had seen since her birth.


    '''' I will enjoy eating you up.''''


    Jack licked her lips while Miranda thought.


    ''I will also enjoy this.''


    What happened next is history and the start of a new relationship.


    --


    While Jack and Miranda were using his room to have fun, Samael was in the cockpit, alongside Veronica and RR. He was watching the vast space unfold in front of his eyes while trying his best to control his urges.


    He was also thinking about his future plans.


    ''It''s almost time to give the Quarians the pill that makes them live well out of their suit... Also, I need to buy the ingredients of the serum.... sending Javik to Illos after the meeting with the Council.... I also want to meet Shepard, Tali, Liara, and the rest.''


    In summary, Samael had a lot to do in such a short time. After all, in less than a decade, the reapers are arriving and the galaxy is nowhere close to being able to win without a lot of sacrifices.


    '' There''s also the Geth, the Krogans, the resuscitated Rachini Quenn, Omega, the Collector, end Cerberus once and for all... FUCK me!''


    Samael was sighing internally and externally, and when RR and Veronica saw him like that, they both nodded to each other.


    RR, without making too much noise, closed the door of the cockpit, leaving the trio ''trapped'' there.


    That finally made Samael return to the present, and he asked the mischievous-looking duo, '''' What is this?''''


    RR answered in a somehow excited tone, '''' Based on my research, the best way to alleviate stress after a fight is intercourse. Probably is correct too, as almost all of the crew, saving a few particular individuals, are participating in those activities.''''


    '''' I''m-''''


    Veronica interrupted Samael before he could say anything, '''' You are stressed, no doubt about it. Now, let''s deal with that for you.''''


    Both RR and Veronica then got nude, and Samael finally stopped holding back his lust.


    ''''... Oh well, when in Rome...''''


    The rest is history.


    --


    DAYS LATER


    After a few rounds of stress-relieving, everyone in the crew was back to normal. Well, there was one big surprise for everyone, except Samael.


    Jack and Miranda now had some kind of relationship, and Jack didn''t even bother to hide it. After she talked with her mother and both made peace with each other, she suddenly started to act very clingy with Miranda, who didn''t seem to mind.


    Also, she accepted working under Samael and LD.


    '''' Welcome to the team!'''' Samael welcomed her with open arms.


    '''' Thanks and... '''' Jack leaned closer to his ears and whispered, '''' Thanks for that gift, I liked it quite a lot.''''


    Samael smirked, as Jack and Miranda normally tend to end up as a couple in all other cycles too, he just sped up the process by a few years.


    '''' Don''t mention it.''''


    '''' Also, my offer is still up. Even if you gave your opportunity to Miranda, how about you join us for a few particular ...training sessions? We can be quite flexible after all.''''


    ''''... I will think about it.'''' Samael would really think about this situation. It was just that right now wasn''t the best time. '' Maybe in the future.''


    By the way, when Natasha heard Jack had joined the crew, she asked to join too.


    '''' I''ll join as a cook, a janitor, whatever you need me. Just let me stay near my daughter.'''' Natasha pleaded with Samael.


    Seeing no reason not to allow this situation, Samael offered her the position of a bartender. '''' Welcome to the team.''''


    '''' Thank you!''''


    Right now, Javik and Samael were in the gym, both sweating and out of breath, as they just finished a spar which ended in Samael''s victory.


    Well, it was expected, as he knew Javik''s style of fighting and was even trained by him. The student always surprises the master, after all.


    '''' We are getting close to the Citadel. Are you ready to talk with the Council about the Reapers?'''' Samael asked while taking a sip of water.


    Javik nodded, '''' They have to listen. Otherwise, things would not be so much different from my cycle.''''


    Samael knew they would not listen to them right now, but he didn''t mention it. After all, even this failed meeting is also something necessary.


    '' I will use this meeting as a way to meet up with the higher-ups in this cycle in a normal way, without using a different pretext.''


    Samael could simply use what he knew about them, to meet them earlier. But he wanted to do it the legitimate way, so they would treat him as a normal person and not a lunatic.


    Anyway, Samael wanted to put other things in motion in the citadel, as there were a lot of people he wanted to meet at the place right now.


    '' Wrex is there, Garus started his job a few months ago on C-Sec.''


    Samael was keeping tabs on everyone in his family, and only those 2 are in the Citadel right now. Tali had just left the Migrant Fleet, Shepard just started her carrer in the military, and Liara was still doing her job in a place far away from the Citadel.


    So, this trip to the Citadel would also allow Samael to meet his old family and he will for sure use this opportunity to grow closer to them.


    '' Wait for me, everyone!''

 25 – Citadel (1)

    Citadel, ah, the Citadel.


    A space station, housing embassies of every known species in the galaxy. Its structure was considered indestructible. Had 5 ''arms'' that closed on themselves, preventing the station from suffering catastrophic damage.


    The population was estimated at 15+ million.


    Symbol of power for every species in the cycle, as the ''owner'' of the Citadel was the fact leader of the galaxy. There were the Prothean, various unknown species before them, and now were the Asari.


    Only, all of them didn''t know it was a Trap set by the Reapers from the beginning.


    It was something like a hidden Mass Relay, capable of bringing in the Reapers from the Dark Space to the Milk Way in a flash. Also, think about it. Where would every race go hiding, if there was an invasion on the Galaxy?


    If you thought of the Citadel, you would think the same as the Reapers.


    Essentially, the CItadel was both poison and an antidote. You just had to pray you were in the era of the antidote.


    Managing the Citadel was a race called Keepers, an insectoid race that had been doing that job for countless years. Impossible to study, as every time someone tries to do it, they simply melt in a pile of minerals.


    Probably the first ever species enslaved by the Reapers, they were the reason the Reapers were allowed to use the Citadel Relay. In the last cycle, the Protheans managed to disrupt that signal, freeing the Keeper from the Reapers influence.


    Even though too late to save themselves, the Protheans gave a fighting chance for the next cycle, as the Keepers now evolved only to serve the Citadel.


    They are no longer under the Reapers. The Keepers were the epitome of Neutral, only focusing on the Citadel.


    Anyway, Samael and his crew were now looking at the Citadel right in front of them. It was busy with traffic, as that was the center of the galaxy.


    They had already announced their presence and were now waiting for the people in the air control to allow them to dock their ship.


    Also, RR had already marked a meeting with the Council for the next day. So, after docking everyone would have a day of vacation.


    ''''OK, everyone. We don''t really have a schedule here, we only came to announce Javik then we will leave.''''


    '''' BOOOOOHHHHH!''''


    '''' I want to see the ASARI CONSORT!''''


    Samael ignored the duo and continued, '''' But you know me, so you will have the day off when we dock, and a few more days after that. Also, I''ll give you a few hundred credits for you to laugh around, so enjoy!''''


    '''' BOSSS!''''


    '''' BOSS!''''


    The grumbling duo was now chanting BOSS, which the whole crew followed right after.


    '''' We are granted permission to land.'''' Veronica''s voice came through the speakers and lit a fire in the eyes of everyone in the crew.


    Everyone looked at Samael, waiting for his order.


    '''' Go prepared yourself. If you get in trouble, call everyone and we will help.''''


    While his crew wasn''t exactly a huge one, they still could fight in pairs with an army of at least 100. That''s if you don''t count Samael and Javik. If you did...


    After Samael said that, everyone went to their quarters, to prepare for their sudden vacation. Only 3 people didn''t move. Miranda, Samael and Javik.


    While the meeting with the Council was tomorrow, they still had a lot to discuss.


    '''' So, we will hide Javik until tomorrow? Can we even do that?'''' Miranda asked one more time, just to be sure.


    '''' Yes and Yes. The galaxy can wait one more day to receive the news that they are fucked. Also, this is the Citadel. Do you think a living Prothean is the most strange thing in the place right now?''''


    While Miranda never visited the Citadel before, she had also learned about its fame of being a place where stranger things happen. So, a living Prothean should be considered normal... right?


    It seems that getting to know Samael turned her perceptions of things a little convoluted.


    Samael then looked at Javik, '''' Sorry we could not let you meet them sooner. The Council, the so-called leaders of this cycle, are ... complicated as I said before.''''


    He even asked RR to schedule this meeting way before saving Javik. At least 3 months before. Of course, RR had to ''change'' a few things here and there for the meeting to happen, but the 3 months wait-period was crazy.


    That was to show how things are complicated regarding meeting the Council.


    Samael and Javik had a few conversations about the galaxy, the Asari, the Council, and some other things, in the days before they arrived at the Citadel. So, while not much, Javik now knew the basics of the basics.


    ''''Don''t worry. It would be good enough to just let them know. What happens next will influence the result of this cycle.''''


    Miranda gulped after Javik said that. She knew he was right... If the Council didn''t listen to them, things would get more complicated than necessary.


    '''' Until tomorrow, what you two are going to do?'''' Samael asked both.


    Miranda looked around the ship and noticed Jack smiling at her from the distance. She coughed to hide her embarrassment, '''' We- I will visit some places around the Citadel. Who knows, maybe we can find something good while looking.''''


    '' It seems she didn''t realize she said We at the end while she tried to hide the We at the beginning...''


    Samael then looked at Javik.


    '''' ... Everyone and everything I knew are gone. Of course, I know the Citadel but not its people... I don''t even know what I would be doing with this free time.''''


    '''' How about you follow me then?''''


    '''' What are you going to do?''''


    '''' Look around the Citadel and look around for new recruits. After all, we need more people. Even if we are good, we have too few numbers.'''' Samael wasn''t lying. He would not tell Javik, but this trip probably will not held any result in recruiting, but it would allow them to meet some good seedlings.


    Javik nodded at that. The crew now had 30 people, with half being male and the other female. Of course, this number was counting the rescued biotics.


    In the past few days, Samael used his network around the galaxy, to try and find their families. Only 2 people still had families alive and they still decided to work with LD, with the pretext to heal their minds.


    Who could blame them though? They were tortured since they could remember, they really need time to heal. Also, Samael raised the salaries of those 2, so they could ''secretly'' help their family.


    Also, Samael made sure to know beforehand if those 2 families sold them, but from what he could gather, they were victims too.


    Suddenly, the trio felt something accoupling in the ship. Just in cue, Veronica''s voice sounded, '''' We are docked. The hangar door is opening.''''


    Before separating, Miranda remembered something, '''' About the ship we launched in the market before we left Earth ... It''s a success.''''


    Based on the lack of reaction from Samael, Miranda knew he expected this result. It made sense though, as the ship LD was selling was that good.


    Of course, the amount of sales of the complete ship was big, but the blueprints were even bigger. It seems a lot of people were trying to better it or make some modifications.


    '' Oh well, good luck for them.''


    That was what was on Miranda mind''s, as the unnamed ship they are now was the best in the whole galaxy. Better than the one they launched by at least 50%.


    So the rest of the galaxy had a lot of ground to cover to reach their levels.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    '''' Good. Keep your eye open and watch for other companies who try to better it. If they do so, try to buy them and let them continue their research under LD.''''


    '''' If they refuse?''''


    '''' Well, they refused. We weren''t the villains who would destroy others just because they didn''t follow what we wanted.''''


    Miranda nodded at that and was glad that Samael was reasonable. If it was her father or others, the company that managed to make something similar to them would be swallowed or disappear from the face of the galaxy.


    After that, the conversation came to an end and the trio said their goodbyes and prepared to exit the ship.


    --


    WREX POV


    In an obscure bar called Chora''s Den, in the lower parts of the Citadel, a Krogan was sitting on a table, alone, nursing his drink.


    From the quantity of cups scattered across his table, he must have been there for quite some time now.


    No one seemed to care about that though, and he continued drinking. There are countless scenes like that in Chora''s Den, with a majority of the table having a lot of cups, some even having an Asari stripper.


    But, Wrex continued drinking like there was no tomorrow.


    He had just returned from a completed mission, only for his employee not to pay him in full, causing the Krogan to break its arm. Only then he was paid his due.


    He could not understand the logic of those people, if you had the money to pay me upfront, why pay only after I broke your arm? Like, you will only pay more to a doctor.


    ... But Wrex would not deny it was fun to break that Batarian arm.


    '''' HEHEHE.''''


    Wrew laughed slowly but loudly. No one paid attention to that, and he continued using the money he gained from the mercenary mission to drink.


    This is the life of a Krogan, work, gain your ''salary'', waste all of it with food or drink, and then repeat the process.


    Of course, Wrex harbored ambitions way above that, but right now, he was waiting for something to change the status quo of the galaxy, allowing him to pull all Krogans under his command and rule over them. But for now, nothing indicates that change would happen, so he was waiting.


    Krogans had nothing but time to spare anyway.


    Just as he was going to drink another cup, two people sat across him. The Krogan noticed it was a human, a species that had a meteoric rise in just a few years, and another humanoid alien covered in a hood.


    '''' What do you want?'''' Wrex said in an irritated tone.


    The human smirked, '''' Hello there.''''


    --


    NORMAL POV


    Samael smiled seeing Wrex once more. He knew the Krogan well to know the irritated tone of his voice was his normal one.


    '''' Can we buy you a drink or two?'''' Samael asked the Krogan, knowing he would not reject free drinks.


    That made Wrex relax, '''' Suit yourself.''''


    Samael raised his hand and an Asari waitress came to their table, '''' How can I help?''''


    '''' Bring me the 10 bottles of your most expensive and strong drink.''''


    The Asari paused. The commission of those 10 bottles would be the same as a 2-month salary. So, she didn''t hesitate and said, '''' ON it.''''


    She then rushed to the bar to grab them.


    Wrex was now paying close attention to the duo in front of him, as no one normally would pay 100.000 credits just for fun.


    '''' My name is Samael, by the way. This is Javik.''''


    Javik nodded at the Krogan.


    ''''Nice to meet you ...?'''' Samael offered his hand to Wrex.


    Wrex looked at it for a moment before shaking it, '''' Wrex.''''


    '''' Wrex. Nice name.''''


    '''' What do you want from me?'''' Wrex went directly to the subject. He really didn''t like to beat around the bush.


    Samael was glad the old dino never changed across all cycles. It was refreshing, it was like seeing the first Wrex from his first cycle.


    A small flash of uneasy passed trougth Samael mind but he pushed it away. He then smiled at the Krogan, '''' I just wanted to pay for some drinks to the scary-looking Krogan in the bar. Can''t I?''''


    '''' ... I will not say no to free drinks.'''' While Wrex was still confused by the whole situation, and the 2 in front of him did give some warning of danger, he was calm. That calm came from the fact if both attacked him, he was sure he would at least survive... or drag both of them to hell with him.


    Just in time, the 10 drinks arrived at their table. '''' Here it is. Can I help with some more?''''


    '''' No need.'''' Samael then showed his omni tool and paid the waitress. He even gave her a generous tip.


    The Asari smiled widely, '''' Thank you very much.''''


    After she left, Samael grabbed two drinks, passed one to Javik, and opened the other. Wrex didn''t hesitate and did the same. The trio then drank at the same time.


    '''''''''' AHHHH.''''''''


    The trio had the same reaction with Javik being the most surprised.


    '''' ... This is actually good.''''


    '''' Better than the drink in your cycle, right?''''


    Javik nodded, '''' Very few drinks have the same taste. They were stronger, of course, but not better.''''


    '''' We learned and evolved in the art of drinks.''''


    '''' Only if you evolved in the right parts.''''


    Samael laughed followed by a small chuckle from Javik. Only Wrex was still nursing his drink while looking around Chora''s Den. It seems the spending of the human in front of him attracted the wrong attention to the poor fellow.


    '' Should I warm him....? Nah, he will be good.''


    Wrex instinct was telling him the duo in front of him was more than capable of handling everyone here. Expect him, of course.


    So, the trio continued drinking, and Samael and Javik did most of the chat, while Wrex just gave his opinion or grunted when necessary.


    After a good hour or so, Wrex now was best friends with both, as the initial 10 bottles turned into 20, then 30, then 50...


    Everything was paid by Samael of course.


    '' If that is not a best friend, who is?!''


    At this point, even Wrex was a little tipsy, something the other patrons in Chora''s Den noticed and started to move. They told every waitress to hide.


    The one who grabbed the drink from Samael''s table tried to warm the trio of the danger but was held back by the other waitresses and they all rushed towards safety.


    The trio noticed that and Samael sighed in relief, '''' Finally. That took a lot longer than I thought.''''


    Javik nodded, '''' Yes. It seems they are cowards who waited until we got very drunk.''''


    '''' Only if they knew.'''' The drunk face of Samael changed and he returned to normal-looking-one.


    Wrex knew what happened, '''' You were baiting them.''''


    Clearly, it was all a show and the people fell for it.


    Samael nodded at Wrex, '''' Yes. You see, the owner of this place, Fist for those who know, wi- hurt a friend of mine. A Female Quarian to be exact. Blow a hole in her suit that it almost killed her.''''


    Wrex whinced a little. He knew how weak Quarians were if their suits malfunctioned. The Quarian girl was lucky to be alive.


    '''' So we came here to have revenge.''''


    ''''... But why did you decide to come drink with me?'''' That was the part that was puzzling Wrex the most.


    Samael smiled widely, '''' You are the most dangerous person in the whole place. If we got in your graces and even paid for your help, things would happen faster.''''


    Now that made Wrex interesede, '''' How much is the pay?''''


    '''' 10.000 credits for kill. Plus more drinks.''''


    Wrex smiled. Only that smile wasn''t filled with good intentions.


    '''' Also, try not to kill the important people here. There are probably a few patrons who are from the higher-ups. Don''t need to agitate them.''''


    '''' Leave it to me.''''


    The trio then continued ignoring the upcoming threat and continued drinking, waiting for them to start the fight.

 26 – Citadel (2)

    It didn''t take long though, as one minute later, a shot was aimed at Wrex of all people.


    BANG


    The shield on his armor worked like a charm and an unharmed Wrex got up from his chair, '''' Now I can say it''s self-defense.''''


    The person who shot Wrex wanted to kill the Krogan first, as it was him who probably had the most firepower of the trio. Only, he attacked the wrong person.


    The best course of action was to throw a grenade at them and hope for the best. But alas, they just sealed their fate.


    '''' Let''s dance!'''' Wrex pulled two shotguns from down the table and started blasting around.


    A few shots from Wrex''s shotgun hit a nearby human and the shield on his armor worked for one or two hits before the leg of that man was gone. Before he had the chance to scream, however, Wrex finished the job with a headshot.


    BANG BANG


    Sparkes and shields flared around, with Wrex tanking most of the bullets while doing more damage to the people attacking.


    '''' He''s experienced.'''' Javik said while sipping a drink. For those who knew Javik, that was a high praise he just made.


    That meant Wrex was above a lot of people when it came to fighting. Make sense though, as the Krogan has been fighting for at least three centuries.


    '''' I told you our propose here on the Citadel, besides alerting the Council, is to scout new and good members for our crew. We need the best of the best to face the Reapers, whenever they come.'''' Samael left it out that they would probably only recruit one or two very specific peoplee.


    Javik nodded at that statement. Only he knew the real extent of the Reapers nightmare, and he knew if they attacked now, this cycle was done for.


    '' But it seems we have a real chance this time.''


    Javik thought of that while looking at Samael. While nothing was set in stone yet, he had a gut feeling they would at least fight on equal grounds on this cycle. Or even end this nightmare once and for all.


    Then, Javik got up, after deciding it was enough showcasing from Wrex,'''' I''ll join him now.''''


    '''' Go. I''ll finish my drink and join you guys.''''


    Javik then utilized his biotic powers and used an a biotic rush into a human, which immediately exploded in a mess of blood and bones. The armor and shield didn''t help him that much.


    '' Damn... I sometimes forget how biotics are OP.''


    Seeing that scene made Samael remember something.


    '''' RR, make sure everything is filmed.''''


    '''' Leave it to me.''''


    RR''s voice came through his omni-tool. While she had her body, RR could still be in two places at the same time, thanks to her being an AI. From what Samael could gather, RR'' body was in the Markets, buying a few things for her and the crew.


    What, he had no idea...


    Looking around and making sure no innocent was being implicated in this fight, Samael finished his drink.


    He then got up from the table and looked at the deepest part of the bar, where Fist was. While he never hurt Tali in this cycle, he did so in others. You might think that wasn''t enough for him to die, but to Samael it was.


    Of course, the list of bad things Fist did wasn''t limited to just that, so it would also serve as a clean-up. He was the scum of the scum.


    A typical thug with no morals, Tarzan was a saint compared to him, Fist had some luck and managed to get into the good graces of the right people. He got Chora''s Den, then went under the Shadow Broker, and then escalated his wrongdoings from there.


    Shadow Broker was the best seller of information the galaxy had. He would eventually cross a line he should not have crossed too.


    Samael would eventually deal with him, but that was a story for another time.


    Anyway, the Asari working under Fist, while not explicitly abused, were under a lot of pressure. The younger Asari, typically took jobs like waitresses, and strippers on the Citadel, to gain experience. Fist took advantage of that and forced some of the Asari to work under some nasty conditions.


    So, safe to say, Fist was far from being a good person and he probably deserves what was about to happen to him.


    '''' I will not ask for compensation... wait, I think I will.''''


    From what Samael could remember, Fist had a bounty on his head, so he would go to the C - Sec ( Citadel Security Services) and grab it.


    '' A chance to meet Garrus.''


    While thinking that, Samael made his way toward Fist room.


    Just then, 3 humans launched at him with their pistols shooting from all angles.


    BANG


    By the time the shots hit the shield from the armor he was wearing, Samael had killed the people who shot him. It was the difference in ability and weapons that made that possible.


    While the people here did have some armor, the shield in that armor was trash, they weren''t comparable to the one Samael and his crew used nor able to withstand the firepower from Samael''s gun.


    So, when the shots hit Samael''s shield, he already knew where they were hiding, so he shot them enough times for them to die multiple times.


    '' Let''s get this over with.''


    After killing everyone who stood in his way, Samael passed a room on the path to Fist office. He noticed it was the employer''s room, all of the people inside were Asari.


    '' Hmmm, Chora''s Den will need a new owner.''


    With that in mind, he entered the employer room, only to be met with a barrel of a gun.


    ''''Don''t move or I will shoot!''''


    One Asari was aiming the gun while the others were preparing their biotic powers. By the way, all female employees were Asari, the male ones were all humans.


    All humans were under Fist by the way, the Asari were probably just normal employees.


    '''' Calm down. I''m not here for you, only for Fist.''''


    That made them relax a bit, as they were watching the fight. The trio who was causing trouble never attacked them or other patrons, only Fist people.


    '''' Why?''''


    The Asari asked that while waiting in the aim at Samael.


    '''' He hurt a friend.''''


    '''' ... And you will kill him just because of that?''''


    '''' Yes.''''


    Silence dominated the room. The Asari, the one who was aiming the gun at him, seems to have come to a decision. She lowered the gun, '''' He is in the last room in that direction, but I guess you already knew that. The code to the door is 1242.''''


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    '''' Thanks. And, what would you think about becoming Chora''s Den owner after I finish this? After all, the person in power will be dead.''''


    '''' You will not want this place?''''


    '''' If I can make connections with the Asari, Chora''s Den in a small price to pay.''''


    The unnamed Asari waitress said nothing to that.


    '''' Well, think about it. I''ll finish this soon.''''


    After saying that, Samael departed from the employee room towards Fist.


    It was a short path, as less than a minute later, he was at the door to Fist office. Samael used the code to the door and opened it.


    Inside the room, he saw Fist. The man was so occupied opening a safe in the wall that he didn''t even notice Samael.


    '''' Pathetic.''''


    When Fist heard that, he flinched and stopped what he was doing. He immediately turned around and drew his pistol, '''' Who are you?''''


    BANG


    Before he could even react, Fist was shot in the head. His face was a mixture of confusion, fear, and ugliness.


    He died without even knowing why.


    '''' You hurt Tali. Well, would hurt. I just killed you before you had the chance to even do that. Also, payback for all lives you ruined across your life and all cycles.''''


    Of course, he did a lot worse than just shooting Tali. But the main motivation for Samael was that.


    BOOM


    Just then, there was an explosion somewhere in the bar. Samael didn''t even worry about Wrex or Javik, as both would not die just from an explosion.


    '' I doubt a few dozen humans could handle both. Even with a grenade.''


    So ignoring that, Samael said that toward the door.'''' You can come in now.''''


    Soon after, the same unnamed Asari who pointed the gun at him, and the supposed leader of all the waitresses, arrived at the room. When she saw Fist, she asked, '''' Is that it? I''m the owner of Chora''s Den now?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Yes. You don''t need to give me part of the money you gain, just make sure I have a table for me and my friends. Oh, and free drinks too would be nice.''''


    '''' ... I would go bankrupt thanks to you and your two friends.''''


    '''' ...''''


    Samael coughed to not think about it, '''' Can you take care of the internal things around the bar, like the rest of Fist people, if there''s any? I''ll take care of the C-Sec that is coming here.''''


    '''' I can do that... and thank you.''''


    ''''Don''t mention it. It was just a selfish thing I did. You just benefited from it.''''


    The Asari hesitated before saying, '''' Do you want more from us? You know, us Asari can be quite good in bed.''''


    While the small exercise here in Chora''s Den did elevate Samael''s blood a little, he wasn''t in the mood right now. '''' No, but thanks for the offer. I''m sure others would love that though.''''


    There was a small disappointment on the Asari face, '''' Well, just come to us if you are in the mood. The Chora''s Den employers are now your lifelong friends.''''


    '''' We will see about that. Take care.'''' Samael then was leaving the room when he remembered something. He used his Omni tool and passed his number to her, '''' Call me if there any trouble you can''t handle.''''


    He then departed.


    The Asari looked at the new number on her omni-tool with a shine in her eyes.


    What happened today was a small change in the whole picture of the galaxy, but to those Asari under Fist, it was a blessing.


    While they weren''t mistreated/abused or anything like that, they were still seen as less than normal. But now, they are the owners of the place.


    They will use this opportunity to grow their influence in the lower parts of the Citadel and provide secure jobs to their sisters who would need them in the future.


    All thanks to the trio. The Asari would make sure everyone who worked here knew about their faces


    ---


    After Samael killed Fist and rejoined Javik and Wrex, he noticed they were in the bar, drinking more.


    '''' HEY!''''


    The duo looked at Samael.


    '''' Why did you start drinking without me, huh?!''''


    '''' ... Sorry?''''


    '''' I''ll forgive you both if you give me double of what you drunk!''''


    '''' HAHAHA, that''s the spirit.''''


    Wrex laughed out loud and passed some beers to Samael, who accepted them and started drinking too.


    The trio then drank while surrounded by a mountain of corpses. At least 30 people, the majority human, were making that mountain. All dead, of course.


    '''' I have to say, you drink well for a human. Your race isn''t known by handling your drinks well.''''


    '''' Thanks.''''


    '' If only he knew that he was the one who forced my very soul to endure stronger drinks...''


    In past cycles, when Samael was learning from Wrex, the Krogan forced a lot of things on him, stronger drinks and foods were the basic. Poisons and such were normal too.


    All so that his body could handle things the Krogan way. It worked too well, as it seems Samael''s soul learned that.


    Of course, with how his body is right now if he drank the REAL Krogan drink, that one that would literally melt the insides of humans, he would die instantly. Only after he uses the serum he would be able to really drink that and only a sip or two.


    For now, not getting drunk from this'' small'' dose of drinks was the best he could do.


    '''' By the way, what was that explosion before?'''' Samael was curious about that part.


    Javik looked at Wrex, who looked at the sun(?). After some time, the Krogan said innocently, '''' They threw a grenade at me... I just threw it back at them.''''


    Wrex pointed at a place and there was a pile of ... something.


    Samael just sighed and continued drinking. Everyone was relaxed, ignoring the fact they just killed a dozen of people with no problem.


    The trio were peas of the same pod.


    '''' What are you by the way? I saw how you look under the hood, and I don''t recognize your species. And trust me when I say I know all species of the galaxy.'''' Wrex was very sharp when it wasn''t needed.


    Javik looked at Samael who said nothing, leaving the decision to the Prothean.


    Sighingin, Javik said, '''' Have you heard of the Protheans?''''


    '''' Yes... wait, are you telling me you''re a Prothean? Do you expect me to believe that?''''


    Even Wrex with his unknown age, never heard about a Prothean corpse, let alone a living one.


    '''' It''s the truth.'''' Samael interject in Javik favor. An idea formed in his mind, '' Let''s make the meeting with the Council more interesting.''


    As always, Samael wanted to live new things, and Wrex attending a Council meeting this earlier never happened before. He wanted to see what would happen.


    '''' If you don''t believe us, how about we hire you for a bodyguard job tomorrow? Then, you will have no choice but to believe us.''''


    '''' The pay?''''


    '''' 100.000 credits for the day. And a chance to laugh at the Council.''''


    Wrex was surprised, '''' You are going to meet with the Council?''''


    '''' Yes. Javik here is a Prothean, a species thought to be extinct. He has some news for the Council... Even you might find it interesting.''''


    Wrex was now inclined to believe both, as for a chance to meet with the Council didn''t come from nothing. '' They should be legit... So, this is a Prothean, huh. Strong.''


    From what Wrex saw when they were fighting, Javik was stronger. Maybe a little better than him, but only time will tell.


    '''' I''m in. A chance to laugh at the Council doesn''t come every day. Plus, free money!''''


    '''' You tell me.''''


    Just then, the trio heard a commotion over at the Den''s door. They prepared for some kind of reinforcement from Fist men, but then heard something.


    '''' C-SEC IS HERE! Everybody, don''t move!''''


    Javik, Wrex, and Samael stopped after hearing it was C - Sec.


    '''' What are they doing here?'''' Wrex asked with innocence in his voice.


    '''' Really? Who was the one who used a grenade?!'''' While the tone was accusatory, Samael was smiling, indicating he didn''t mind the situation.


    Wrex was liking this human more and more. '''' I already told you they threw it first.''''


    '''' Yeah, yeah. Let me handle it.''''


    Samael, still with his hands up, approached the C-Sec agents and spoke in a calm tone, '''' We are the victims here.''''


    When the C-Sec looked at the mountain of corpses behind Samael, they didn''t believe him for one second.


    '''' That wasn''t me.''''


    No one believed him.


    They started to get close while giving commands,'''' Don''t move! If you move I''ll shoot!''''


    Samael asked in a whisper, for RR to use his omni tool for him and transfer the files from the cameras they had and what they filmed, '''' Calm down and watch the video.''''


    All agents of the C-Sec received a message at the same time. They stopped to watch, as the situation was too strange.


    There, they watched the beginning of the fight and how it was the people who formed the mountain of corpses, the ones who attacked first.


    After reviewing the footage some more, the C-Sec knew the trio was the victim. Regardless, they still wanted to take them to custody, or at least a testimony.


    So, they asked just that, '''' Can you give your version of events?''''


    As there were a lot of eyewitnesses alive, they would use their testimony to corroborate the story the trio would tell them.


    '''' Of course.''''


    For the next hour or so, Samael , Javik and Wrex gave their depoiment. The C-Sec found Javik a bit strange-looking but didn''t comment on his appearance.


    After making sure they were telling the truth, the C-Sec agents had no reason to hold them anymore, '''' While I don''t like this one bit, it was self-defense. You guys are free to go.''''


    Wrex just shrugged his shoulder, while Javik looked bored. Only Samael asked something from the agent, '''' Does Garrus Vakarian still work at the C-sec?''''


    '''' The rookie? Yes, he is the HQ. Are you friends with him?''''


    '''' You could say that.''''


    '''' Do you want to meet him for ...?''''


    While C-Sec agents normally don''t involve themselves in each other''s business, Garrus was a newbie on the force, so they wanted to be sure those people weren''t really a threat. While they did kill a lot of people, it was self-defense, so there wasn''t much they could do about that. But, if this so-called friend doesn''t have good intentions, they would not give Garrus location to him.


    Of course, if he searched around he would eventually find Garrus, but that was not the point.


    '''' We have some catch up to do... and I also want to grab my boutny.'''' Samael showed Fist''s omni tool to the C-Sec officer, who had no choice but to believe the guy.


    '''' Here''s his actual location.'''' The C-Sec wanted to see if the newbie could make this ''friend'' of his to reveal more of what happened here. '' Maybe there''s more to it.''


    C-Sec could only watch them get away under their eyes.


    '''' Thanks!''''


    The trio then departed from Chora''s Den, which now had the Asari as owner.


    What change that would bring into the future, no one knew, not even Samael, as this was the first time he did that.


    --


    While the trio was having ''fun'' at Chora''s Den, the rest of the crew were also enjoying their stay at the Citadel.


    Jack and Miranda were enjoying their date, with Natasha stal- following them from a distance, making sure they were safe.


    The rest of the crew was... enjoying their stay at the Citadel.


    The things they were doing for fun though... Let''s just say C-Sec was having more trouble since Samael and his crew arrived at the Citadel.


    While all of this was happening, a few reporters caught wind of what happened at Chora''s Den and used their connections to have the security footage.


    When the reporters saw the mess that happened there, they decided to try and interview the trio who caused all that mayhem and walked way free.


    A still newbie Diana Allers was fired up while the ''veterans'' Emily Wong and Khalisah al-Jilani also wanted an exclusive with the trio.


    If they would manage to have that interview, only time will tell.

 27 – Citadel (3)

    '''' ... Why I''m following you both again?''''


    Wrex was now following Samael and Javik around the Citadel. Their destination was the HQ of the C-Sec. To meet Garus and grab Fist bounty.


    Right now, they were passing the Markets, heading for a nearby elevator.


    '''' I hired you, no?'''' Samael asked with his head tilted.


    '''' For tomorrow only.''''


    '''' Oh. How about this, walk with us, chat with Javik over there, and I''ll pay for your food and drink all night long.''''


    Wrex looked at Javik, who was at the side a little far away from both. It was hard to think that that guy was the last Prothean alive.


    Samael noted Wrex''s gaze, '''' He needs a friend. Well, I''m his friend, but more is better than less. What do you think?''''


    Wrex sighed and cursed his good (?) nature, '''' Fine fine. I''ll do it because I''m a good person.''''


    '''' ... Then why are you buying so many expensive foods and drinks?'''' Samael smiled with his eyes as he watched the Krogan shamelessly waste his money buying things left and right not the Markets.


    He didn''t care though, as he had more than enough.


    '''' This is for me to be good!''''


    The trio passed by RR in the Markets, who gave them a nod. Javik and Samael retributed while Wrex was confused why an android did that but he wasn''t going to ask, so he just nodded back.


    RR then continued her shopping spree while the trio continued to their destination.


    They soon arrived at one Elevator and entered it. Different from the games, this one wasn''t slower or faster. It was normal.


    Yes, even the Citadel had an elevator. Dozens of them actually as the space station was big and had a lot of floors.


    The music though, was bad. Like, Samael heard this at least 1000000 times and it already started to get on his nerves.


    '' I should ask someone to change those things... Maybe Tevos will help with that.''


    Tevos was the person with the most political power in the galaxy, as she was the Asari counselor. While she normally doesn''t listen to the Reapers'' threat, she still has the authority to change the elevator music.


    '' Don''t hurt to ask.''


    The trio soon arrived at the C-Sec HQ, and after asking around for where the bounty place was, they went there. A few bureaucracies later, Samael had gathered Fist bounty and now was facing a newbie Garrus, who looked confused by the whole scene in front of him.


    A smiling (?) Krogan was with a hoodied figure staying behind a human, who was smiling like a madman at him.


    '''' ... Can I help you?''''


    '''' Of course, you can! Say, are you willing to join my crew as we roam across the galaxy, fighting crime and many more things?''''


    '''' ...''''


    Garus had no idea what was happening right now.


    Samael was a little bit emotional, as Garrus was his brother in arms - no, he WAS his brother. The times they faced death together were so numerous that he lost count. The times they won against her too.


    Garrus was a Turian, son of a ex C-Sec Officer, and had a sister. While he might look a little grumpy at the beginning, when you get to know the real him, you will notice he has soft spots here and there. Also, very loyal to those who managed to win his trust.


    '' This time, let me help you from the beginning.''


    Normally, Garrus would stay a few years in the C-Sec, until he met Shepard and decided to follow her. But, Samael wanted things to go differently from other cycles, so he would shake Garrus fate a lot.


    Of course, all with good intentions. He wanted the Turian to succeed in life.


    --


    HOURS LATER


    It took some time until Garus calmed down and forced the strange trio to leave. Soon after, he noticed it was time for him to leave his turn. He normally would go directly to his home but today, it seems he would have some visitors.


    '''' I said no!''''


    Garus shouted at the trio following him. That trio was now a quartet with him and it was attracting a lot of attention in the Citadel.


    '''' Listen! It will be good for you! You need experience right now! And I know you just started at C-Sec and you''re already let down by the corruption of your supervisors!''''


    Garrus almost fell to the floor as the human screamed. Well, he wasn''t lying per se, but to scream about C-sec corruption in the middle of the Citadel was crazy.


    By now, if you didn''t notice what C-Sec was, it was the police of the Citadel, maintaining order and security in the space station. But like all places, it had corruption.


    And Garrus had already gotten into the wrong people''s side, as he was too good for the C-sec. As he was raised by his morally bound father, who is also an ex-C-Sec officer who tried to change things but didn''t manage to do it, he followed the same footsteps but was met with reality and shut down almost immediately.


    So, the offer from that ... Samael was tempting, but he promised his sister Solana and his father he would last more than 2 months on the job... Though, a month and a half already passed so....


    '' No... I have to change the way of the C-Sec. There''s too much corruption around here. The Citadel needs protection from the inside!''


    He grew up listening to his father''s stories and how he wanted to change the C-Sec for the better. So, he vowed to try his best to change the place, but reality was making him see that it would not be easy.


    But he would not stop trying.


    Pushing those thoughts aside, Garus said to Samael, '''' How could I even trust you? I mean, you came out of nowhere and tried to recruit me to your crew without warming. Something is weird about this whole situation.''''


    The Krogan, Wrex, nodded behind the human, something Garrus was quickly to point out, '''' See? Even the Krogan agrees with me.... And I never thought I would say that out loud.''''


    '''' HEHEHE.''''


    Samael glared at Wrex, then suddenly took a business card out of nowhere and passed it to Garrus, '''' I work for LD and we are really looking for special people, like you, to join our ranks. Money and protection is not a problem, what we want is the best the galaxy has to offer.''''


    Garrus was surprised at the mention of LD. That was a human company that was making wave after wave across the galaxy with the products they launched.


    First, it was the Med Gel, and a few days ago it was a revolutionary ship that almost every species was going crazy trying to buy, including the Turians.


    The Turians engineer who managed to get their hands on it says it was a product ahead of its times and should be the best the galaxy has to offer right now and for a long time too.


    '''' We have eyes in every corner of the galaxy, and we find you have a lot of potential. Don''t let it go to waste working under those corrupt people.''''


    While Garrus was thinking about the situation, Wrex suddenly said to Samael, '''' ... Hey, why I didn''t receive a business card like him?''''


    ''''...''''


    Samael silently passed Wrex a business card.


    The Krogan smiled widely at that, '''' Thanks!''''


    It took some time for Garus to recover. He said after putting the business card away, '''' Can I think about it for some time?''''


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    '''' Sure.''''


    '''' Thank you!''''


    Garus then was left alone as he went to his place... Or so he thought.


    '''' Why are you guys still following me!?''''


    The trio didn''t leave his shadow until now, even when he was close to his apartment.


    '''' We want to chat some more with you. You know, getting to know your employer earlier is good.''''


    '''' I''m still thinking about the offer.''''


    '''' I know people think better with food and good drinks on their belly. Right, Wrex?''''


    '''' What he said, 100%.''''


    Garus sighed. He knew he met his match today. The worst thing was, the trio really didn''t seem to have bad intentions. They just wanted to chat with him.


    Ever since he arrived at the Citadel, making friends was difficult. While he had colleagues from the job, some didn''t like him as he put his nose where it didn''t belong and the rest treated him like a child.


    He had also heard from other officers that this trio annihilated a lot of people in the lower part of the Citadel in self-defense. Garrus was inclined to believe they were good people, as they didn''t seem dangerous and the people they killed were scum, based on their records.


    So, a few drinks and food with others didn''t sound so bad.


    '''' ... I know a place.''''


    '''' Good! Led the way.''''


    The trio now turned quartet, made their way toward Garrus''s favorite bar.


    '''' By the way, how much did we drink today?'''' Samael asked Javik and Wrex.


    '''' 10.'''' Wrex lied naturally as he breathed.


    '''' More than 40 bottles.'''' Javik told the truth.


    Garus almost collapsed right then and there.


    '''' Really? That''s too little! Let''s aim to triple that number!'''' Samael shouted while walking.


    Javik just smiled faintly while Wrex got animated.


    Garus only had one thought in mind.


    '' What mess did I get myself into this time...''


    --


    THE NEXT DAY


    '''' ... Do I want to know what happened yesterday?'''' Garrus asked the trio, who was sprawled out in his living room.


    By the way, even he doesn''t remember what happened yesterday. They went to the bar, got some drinks then... blank. No memories.


    '''' I think it''s better not to.''''


    Only Samael was awakened by now, and he got up to greet Garus. After all, while he knew the Turian for ages, this was the first time they met in this cycle. While he was being extremely forceful, he still had morals.


    Greeting the host who let you sleep on his floor was just etiquette.


    '''' I will follow your advice.''''


    Garrus then ignored the passed-out Krogan and the unknown figure, and went to the kitchen, followed by Samael. He then rapidly made some two cups of coffee and passed one to Samael.


    '''' Thanks.''''


    ''''Don''t mention it.''''


    The duo then drank in silence, their mind in different places.


    It was Garrus who took the initiative to talk, '''' So, are you serious when you said you wanted to recruit me?''''


    Samael tilts his head, '''' Why would I lie about that?''''


    Garrus sighed, still not managing to wrap his head around this whole situation, '''' I''m not special. I''m just a turian who has a good moral sense and doesn''t know how to stop.''''


    '''' And that is exactly what my crew needs. Someone who knows what is right and will do his best to follow his ideals. Again, you don''t need to answer right now, the offer will stay for a long time.''''


    '''' How long?''''


    '''' Years. While it would be good to have you on my team now, I also know you have your own objectives here on the Citadel. So, think about it, train yourself, then answer me in a few years. LD will do its best to support you along the way.''''


    Garrus had nothing more to say. The offer was very good, but he really didn''t want to leave the Citadel right now. While he met resistance, he still thought he could change things for the better if he tried for long enough.


    Only time would tell if he was right.


    '''' I still don''t know what you saw on me but ... thanks for the help. I''ll gladly accept it.''''


    Who really knows if he will join this crew in the future. But, he would accept their resources, as it didn''t seem it had strings attached. Of course, they wanted him to join them, but it seems they would not force the issue if he said no.


    So, he would gain powers in exchange for basically a promise. He was inclined to agree to join them right now, but only time will tell what his decision would be.


    He had years to think.


    '''' No problem.''''


    Samael was just glad his friend would now have enough resources to train his knowledge of guns and combat far earlier than normal.


    '' I''m excited to see what he becomes in the future.''


    In the games, Garrus rose to the top with only his strength. Now that he had LD support, the things he could accomplish were almost limitless.


    The duo then continued drinking their coffee.


    After some time in silence, Garrus didn''t manage to hold his curiosity back and asked again, '''' ...Can I know what happened last night?''''


    Samael just smiled faintly, '''' You really don''t want to know.''''


    There were a few flashes of memories in Samael''s mind. He smiled inside, knowing the young Turian would not do those things while sober.


    Then, time passed and it was time for Garrus to head to work.


    '''' I''ll wake both up and we will leave.''''


    Garrus nodded and went to dress to work.


    After that, Samael then went toward the still passed-out duo and woke them up.


    The duo asked in a still sleepy tone, '''' What happened?''''


    '''' The meeting with the Council is in a few hours. Let''s get ready.''''


    Javik seemed to sober up instantly at that. After all, the conversation he would have today might actually be the starting position of the whole war effort for this cycle.


    Wrex too got up, '''' Do we have some coffe?''''


    They heard Garrus scream from the inside of his house, '''' I made some for you and Javik. Feel free to drink as much as you want.''''


    Garrus, by now, was familiar with Wrex and Javik. Well, he knew their names based on the few memories he had from last night.


    '''' THANKS!''''


    Wrex screamed and went to the kitchen, followed by Javik. They had a quick breakfast and then headed out with Garrus to the elevator.


    '''' Where are you guys going today?'''' Garrus asked to make some conversation.


    ''''Didn''t we tell you? Oh well. We will visit the Council today.''''


    '''' ... What?''''


    '''' Yeah, we can''t say why though, as it''s secret. But I guess you will know in a few days.''''


    Samael smiled mysteriously, while Garrus was even more confused by the whole situation.


    I mean, he really said they were from LD, but a meeting with the Council wasn''t something money allows you to have at any moment. They must have some explosive news.


    DING


    Just then, the elevator arrived at the C-Sec HQ floor. He looked at the trio and offered a handshake, '''' It was a pleasure meeting you three. I''m hoping we still maintain this ... friendship the next time we meet.''''


    Wrex laugehd and said, '''' Of course!''''


    Javik just shook the Turian hand in silence.


    ''''Don''t forget, you''re now sponsored by LD. If you need anything, just call that number and we will provide it to you. Remember, you have a lot of potential, don''t waste it.''''


    Garrus nodded at that, '''' See you guys later.''''


    The elevator door then closed, and the trio continued up to the last floor, to meet with the Council.


    Samael thought while waiting for it to arrive.


    '' Let''s see how well this meeting will be this time.''


    While he had met the Council earlier in the timeline in other cycles, it was never this earlier. So, a lot of things could happen today.


    Either good or bad. They could believe them, give them full support, or treat us as lunatics.


    Whatever it was, Samael was prepared for either outcome.


    Nothing would stop him from doing his best to stop the Reapers.


    Not the Council, not even the whole galaxy.

 28 - Citadel (4)

    As mentioned before, the Council had 3 members from different species.


    We have Tevos, the Asari concelour. She is always the one who tries to meditate on things and end conflicts before they start. Also had a fling with Samael in one of the past cycles but don''t need to mention that.


    Then we have Valern, the Salarian councilor. Like all Salarians, he doesn''t like unexpected things and was always the most vocal in saying the Reapers didn''t exist in other cycles.


    Finally, we have Sparatus, the Turian concelour. Also don''t like to be confronted with the truth, and likes to push blame around if needed.


    Basically, the Asari are diplomats and envoys, the Salarians take care of intel across the galaxy, while the Turians are the sword and shield.


    And, in all other cycles, the Council never listened. When they finally did, it was too late.


    Safe to say, Samael didn''t really have a good opinion of them, as their action as leaders of the galaxy had doomed them more times than not.


    The Council had their special operator, better known as the Specter, who acted on their behalf in dangerous or diplomatic missions. Shepard would become one of them while one of the villains from the first mass effect was also a Specter.


    Saren, to be more precice. A Turian who disliked humans because of things that happened in the past. Samael would deal with him later.


    Anyway, by the time Samael stopped remembering the past actions of the Council, they arrived at the floor where the audience would happen.


    '''' Nervous?'''' Samael asked Javik while they went towards their goal.


    '''' Not really. I''m more preoccupied with their personalities. You know, if your leaders aren''t good, you''re doomed to fail, no matter your force.''''


    Samael agreed wholeheartedly with that.


    '''' Let''s hope they listen.''''


    While Samael said that, he knew the chance of that happening was less than 0%. Basically, the whole meeting with the Council right now would only be to show Javik to the galaxy and show there''s a Protehan still alive.


    That was Samael''s only goal, as he knew they would not believe Javik when he tell them about the Reapers... Hell, they might not even believe he was a Prothean!


    Wrex, who was watching the conversation, felt something weird. '' Samael always seemed easygoing, but now it''s like he''s a different person. More serious ... things are different from what I thought.''


    Initially, after he accepted the job, he thought it would just be to show Javik alive. But it seems he was wrong as the conversation was going to be heavy based on what he was seeing.


    Soon, the trio arrived at the audience chamber and were stopped by one guard, '''' Stop! The Council is preparing for an audience in a few minutes, so please leave.''''


    Samael came to talk to the guard, '''' We are the ones who will have the audience.'''' He then passed some documents via omni tool to the guard, who took some time to read them.


    Seeing nothing wrong with the documents, the guards still didn''t like the fact Javik was covering his face, '''' Show me your face. Only then you can enter.''''


    Javik did as he told and the guard found nothing wrong with him, only the face was a little weird.


    '''' You can enter now. In 10 minutes, you''ll be called.''''


    '''' Thanks.''''


    The trio then entered the audience room and were guided to one corner by the guard, who soon left them alone.


    Samael felt nostalgic seeing the place, as in past cycles, he spent a good chunk of time here with Shepard, discussing war efforts across the galaxy.


    But that nostalgia soon turned into scorn, as he remembered the Council and their stupidity.


    '' Even in the games, after they were attacked by Sovereign in the first one, they immediately dismissed it was a Reaper in Mass Effect 2, saying it was just a Geth ship, then said Shepard was a crazy person for affirming it was a Reaper. Then, when the Reapers finally arrived, we weren''t prepared.''


    Just thinking about it made Samael pissed. So he started to talk with Javik.


    '''' Do you want any help with what will you say?''''


    Javik shook his head, '''' I''m only going to tell them the truth.''''


    '''' The truth is so scary they will force themselves to believe it''s a lie.''''


    '''' At least they will know the truth and prepare.''''


    '''' We will see.'''' Samael then turned to Wrex, '''' What about you? Have you met the Council before?''''


    Wrex nodded,'''' Many years ago. I tried to appeal for the genophage to be reversed but it fell on deaf ears.''''


    '''' They probably don''t want to make the cure to be honest.'''' Samael hesitates only for a moment before continuing, '''' ...LD is getting closer to it.''''


    Saying that to Wrex so early was something he never did in other cycles. He was excited and a little hesitant to see how things would change now. I mean, he just told an infertile species he had a way for them to have babies once more. The fact that this species was war-oriented also was on his mind, but still, it was a bold decision, as he generally waited until later to help them. Now, it was even before the war started, so things would change a lot.


    '' Even after curing them, I have to deal with housing for the new babies. Krogan gives birth at a fast pace... Good things I have 3 planets.''


    Those 3 planets were crucial to Samael''s plan, as he would use all of them to the fullest. His main base of operation would be on one of them.


    That small remark from Samael made Wrex pause and he focused his entire attention on what Samael just said. He looked at the human with a burning gaze, '''' Are you telling the truth?''''


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    Samael nodded, '''' Why would I lie?''''


    ''''How close are you to getting the cure?''''


    '''' Very close, in a few years at most, we can get the cure for the genophage... Of course, we will sell in the market.''''


    Wrex forgot everything he was thinking and only heard about the cure. It made sense though, as his species was having less and less birth rate and their numbers were getting low.


    '''' If what you said is true... the Krogan will pay whatever price necessary.''''


    '''' Can you say that about your whole species?''''


    Wrex eyes shone, '''' I will make sure they will pay if you show me results.''''


    Samael smiled internally, seeing as he made Wrex want to rule over the Krogan earlier than other cycles. And he wasn''t lying, as the cure to the genophage could already be made by him, but he wanted Mordin to be involved, so the cure would have to wait.'' I have to contact him soon...''


    '''' I will maintain contact with you to keep you informed on the status of the research. Oh, and the conversation should never leave this room. I can imagine what the Council, specifically the Salarians, would do if they find out LD is getting closer to the cure.''''


    Wrex nodded at that. He knew the Salarains, even though very weak and frail, were worse than the Krogan when it came to war tactics. They didn''t care about anything other than the utter destruction of their enemies, or crippling their entire species. So, he would make sure to not say anything.


    But the fire of ambition already grew on Wrex''s heart. He didn''t have a reason not to trust Samael, as the man was nothing but trustworthy since they met. So, the cure was coming along in a few years.


    ''Plenty of time to organize things back home...''


    While Wrex was fantasizing about the future of his race without the Genophage, the Council finally arrived.


    Tevos entered first, looked over at the trio, and went to her position without even a nod. She was followed by the Salarian councilor, then Sparatus.


    Not one of them offered respect to the trio. Samael knew it was mostly likely because of Wrex, as the Krogan here participated in all wars in the last millennia, so it made sense their response, seeing that he was with them.


    '''' The meeting with LD, '''' There was a pause in Tevos''s voice when she read that, but she soon continued, '''' and its representative with the Council will start now. My name is Tevos.''''


    '''' My name is Sparatus.''''


    '''' My name is Valern.''''


    The council finally introduced themselves, and Tevos went directly to the subject, '''' While you said the meeting was urgent and you had news, can you finally explain what it is? We are busy with another meeting in an hour, so you only have that time frame to tell us.''''


    Samael looked at Javik, while the Prothean nodded at him.


    '' Here we go again.'' Samael took a deep breath and took the initiative to talk, as previously combined with Javik. He would introduce the Council to the whole story, and then he would let Javik talk.


    '''' First of all, my name is Samael, the owner, and creator of LD.''''


    That made the Council surprised, as nothing much about the de facto leader of LD was known. Not even the Shadow Broker knew about it, so it shows how secretive the identity of LD boss was.


    But now, he was here in front of them. And he looked young too.


    That made the Council interested, Tevos more than the other two.


    Samael knew the Shadow Broker would know about him after this meeting, as he had some form of deal with the Council, but he was already strong enough to deal with its forces, so he just told them the truth. Also, it adds credibility to them, seeing as the owner of LD was here talking.


    He let them gather their thought for a moment before continuing, '''' This one is Wrex, but I think you know him.''''


    The Council wrinkled their face, showing Wrex was known by them.


    Wrex just smiled (?) at them.


    '''' This one is Javik, and he is the reason I asked for this urgent meeting.''''


    Just in cue, Javik took off his hood and the Council member had a different reaction. While the Salarian and the Turian didn''t react much, only found the appearance weird, Tevos almost fell to the floor.


    Even with all her years of training and experience, she wasn''t ready to see the split image of her Goddess right in front of her. Yes, the goddess of the Asari was a Prothean, but that is a story for another time.


    '' How is this even possible!? ... Could it be?''


    Samael didn''t let Tevos think about the whole situation, as he dropped a bomb, '''' LD was excavating a place in a planet we will not disclose the name nor the location, when we came across Javik. He was in cryo sleep for 50.000 years...''''


    Understanding came to the Salarian first then Sparatus. Tevos already knew what was going on.


    '''' Wait... are you telling us-''''


    '''' Javik is a Prothean. Here''s what we studied from him and LD came to the conclusion he is legitimately a Prothean. No information from his DNA was found on all databases we had available, and the only species active 50.000 years ago were the Protheans.''''


    Silence. The trio received some files from Samael and took some time to read. The next meeting was out of their head, as this was a monumental discovery.


    The Protheans, even if living 50.000 years before them, were more technologically advanced than most races. If this Javik was really a prothean, the things he may know ... could change the status quo of the galaxy.


    While they were reading the files Sameal had on Javik, like his structure, and what he could do, the Council was thinking of ways to get Javik under them, so they could grow in power.


    Samael scoffed as he knew exactly what they were thinking. Only if they knew Javik was under LD already...


    It took some minutes until the Council read all of the files. If what Samael said was true, this is a monumental discovery for the galaxy, as the Protehan were considered extinct.


    '''' How can we trust you? I mean, this Javik could be another unknown species, for all we know.'''' Sparatus asked that but knew it was unlikely to be true. He was just testing the waters to see how things would go.


    '''' You can send people to the area where I excavated him. You will see it''s Prothean... Also, after leaving this place, I''ll divulge its location to everyone.''''


    In fact, a few days ago, before they arrived at the Citadel, LD sent an anonymous message to a young Asari, who was also a Prothean Expert, talking about their discovery. They even offered her a ride to the place. She was animated and was going to Eden Prime as they spoke.


    The Council had nothing more to say about that. As he was the one who found out about the base, he had the right to do anything he wanted with the information. While they wanted some time to study it for their species, nothing could be done.


    Samael then looked at Javik and nodded, signaling it was time for him to speak.


    Javik nodded back and took the spotlight, as the Council was now focusing on him, all with interest.


    '''' First of all, let me introduce myself once more. I''m Javik, the last Prothean alive. If you have any questions for me, I''ll answer them.''''


    That made Tevos eye shine, as she began bombarding Javik with questions. Valern and Sparatus also questioned Javik.


    10, 20, and 30 minutes passed and they still didn''t stop asking questions and Javik did his best to answer them. Some of the questions were strange like what they used to eat in the Prothean cycle.


    Valern was surprised to hear the Protheans used to eat Salarians among other species.


    Tevos asked some very specific questions and that made Javik''s eyes shine, as he most likely knew the Asari, who his species chose as their successor, had some kind of database on the Protheans. It made sense too, as the Asari would need a lot of help to gain enough power to be the leader of their cycle.


    Having some kind of Prothean beacon to give them information wasn''t that far-fetched.


    Why they didn''t disclose their find with the galaxy was unknown but Javik could guess why. Maybe they didn''t understand all the information from the Prothean beacon, or they simply wanted all the knowledge to them.


    Anyway, after enough time passed and the Council had finally stopped asking questions, Javik took the opportunity to say, '''' I unfortunately came here to say something you will not like to hear but will need.''''


    Tevos prepared herself, '''' Say it.''''


    '''' Have you heard about the Reapers?''''


    All Council members nodded. The Reapers were considered a fairytale to all species, a boogieman so to speak. Their ancestor passed the story down to them, and until now they were being told to children who don''t behave.


    But as no one really knew how the Reapers looked, only they were supposed to be machines, it left a lot of the terror out. Still, a race that exterminates all intelligent life in the galaxy was a good way to scare children.


    Javik said sombrely, '''' They are the reason Prothean went extinct. They are real.''''


    That made the Council pause. They could not even begin to comprehend what Javik said.


    And Javik didn''t stop there, '''' They are real... and they are coming for you now. You only have a few years to prepare for their arrival.''''

 29 - Stupidity

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 30 – Interview

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 31 – The Things We Do For The Galaxy …

    HOURS LATER


    In the news channels in the Citadel, Earth, and other places in the galaxy, suddenly there was breaking news in 3 different channels. The headlines of said channels were absurd.


    '' EXCLUSIVE: LD, the behemoth of Earth and who is taking over the Galaxy with its revolutionary products, had found a LIVING PROTHEAN.''


    Then, in those 3 channels, Javik''s face was shown. They, for good reason, skipped the first question, as a Prothean being alive was more important than a fight in a bar.


    The news talked about how LD found a Prothean base on a planet they still had not revealed and they also found a cryo pod in said base. Inside the pod, there was a Prothean, alive, frozen since 50,000 years ago.


    The interview then showed Javik and the questions they asked.


    Of course one of the questions was what really happened to the Protheans that caused their extinction but Javik dodged that question and threw the hot potato to the Council.


    '''' I already spoke to the Council about what really happened to my species. It''s on them if they want to reveal it or now, as I will not do it... At least not now.''''


    Some people noticed Javik''s tone was far from optimistic, and knew the talk he had with the Council an hour before the interview, as stated by the reporters on scenes, was not good.


    The Galaxy was now waiting for some kind of news from the Council regarding this matter, but at least for now, they were silent.


    Everyone in the galaxy was blown away and LD suddenly received a lot of calls on all their phones, with everyone wanting to know more about Javik and said base, where it was, and what more they found there.


    LD response was the same to everyone: We will reveal the location at a later date.


    Safe to say, not everyone was happy about that and wanted to protest, but to do so, they would need to talk with the Council, as LD has every right to not disclose that information.


    By the time the supposed meeting to know the location of the Prothean base would take place, LD would''ve already revealed the location.


    So, everyone in the galaxy had to wait until LD was ready to show others.


    Of course, some very specific people knew the location, like Liara and a few other select personnel, but they were forced to sign a document saying if they revealed the location, they would no longer receive help from LD and maybe even be ... discarded.


    Not a single one of those people said anything. They are not dumb, getting on the wrong side of LD wasn''t good, besides, they were the only people in the galaxy, minus LD, who knew the location and specifics of the base.


    Also, other organizations took notice of that news and started to get more aggressive with LD. One of those organizations was Cerberus and the Illusive Man got tired of being on the defensive.


    Cerberus launched a massive cybernetic attack on LD servers, but an AI repealed them in less than a second. But, Cerberus attack and the other organization were passed to Samael, who took notice of them.


    Now, you might ask, where is Samael right in the middle of this controversy?


    GARRUS HOUSE


    '''' ... My house is now a hotel, huh.'''' Garrus said while taking a sip of his coffee.


    Samael looked genuinely sorry, '''' Yeah, even I have a limit. I drank too much yesterday and lost control. We somehow ended up here.''''


    After Javik, Wrex, and Samael went to Chora''s Den, they started to drink nonstop. Sometime later, they sent a message to Garrus, when his shift was over.


    By the time Garrus arrived at Chora''s Den, they were close to being wasted. The still young Turian then accelerated the process and they soon lost control.


    When they came to their senses, the Asari owner was looking at them weirdly. The four of them had, somehow, drank all of their stock of most expensive drinks. Well, Samael was human and while he could drink a lot, the amount was nothing compared with what the aliens could.


    Wrex drank more than anyone else, followed by Javik, Garrus, and then Samael.


    The cost of the drinks was close to 1.000.000 credits. When the still-drunk Samael heard that, he paid the bill, even though the Asari said it wasn''t necessary.


    It would help Chora''s Den a lot, so after some more convincing, the owner accepted Samael''s payment.


    After that, the four went around the Citadel, being drunk as fuck. They got into fights here and there, with other drunk people who Samael would later realize it was from his crew. They ended up fine, as the quartet went easy on them.


    They caused a commotion so big, that C-Sec was getting involved. What they didn''t expect was that there was a C-sec officer with the drunk group.


    When Garrus heard the news that C-Sec was coming to apprehend them, he somehow managed to convince the other 3 to go to his place.


    Then, as soon as they arrived there, they passed out. Like, Wrex was somehow sleeping in 3 chairs, while Javik was sleeping at the ceiling. Samael woke up in the bathroom, inside the bathtub. Garrus was the only one who slept on the bed.


    ''''Don''t worry about it. You guys are... refreshing. The others are -, I don''t know the right word for it...''''


    '''' Boring?''''


    Garrus hesitates for a bit before nodding. I mean, until yesterday, he was on the side of the ''boring'' ones. Now that he had LD support, however, his attitude was changing, little by little.


    '''' Well, at least we are alive.'''' Samael and Garrus then heard Wrex rough breath,'''' ... Well, some of us are.''''


    That made Garrus chuckle a little and he finished his coffee. He then looked at the time and noticed it was close to his turn, '''' Time to leave.''''


    Samael said nothing more and went to wake up Wrex and Javik.


    '''' Ughh....'''' Wrex looked a little taken aback, '''' Anyone noted down the plate of the thing that knocked us out?''''


    '''' I did. It was the 100 bottles you DRANK alone.''''


    '''' HEHEHEHEHE, I''m getting old if only 100 bottles did this to me.'''' Wrex then, almost like he knew the drill, went to the kitchen, grabbed a cup of coffee, and gulped it down like a hungry lion.


    Javik also woke up, but he was silent, like usual. He also drank the coffee in a hurry, as Garrus was almost finished getting ready.


    When Garrus came out of his room, everyone was ready to leave. The four of them left the apartment, going to the elevator.


    '''' By the way, we are leaving the Citadel for good today, so this is really the last time we will see each other for some time.''''


    Garrus looked a little sad. While the trio he met a day before was chaotic, they were good people... or so Garrus thought.


    They had brought a lot of fun to his otherwise boring life. Also, gave him a path to follow, as before they arrived, he was getting close to giving up on his ''quest'', as he was unable to do what he wanted nor fight the corruption.


    '''' Don''t worry, an LD personnel will soon enter in contact with you. He will stay on the Citadel, to follow you around and help you if needed.''''


    '''' Thanks once more.'''' Garrus extended his hand to Samael, as he was getting closer to his floor.


    '''' It was my pleasure. I hope your answer changes by the time we talk again.'''' Samael shook Garrus''s hand.


    '''' We will see about that.''''


    Garrus then shook hands with Wrex and Javik. When he finished, the elevator arrived at his floor.


    '''' See you guys later.''''


    The elevator door closed when Garrus left, and now only Wrex, Javik, and Samael were in the elevator.


    Wrex suddenly said something, '''' By the way, did you notice that the music in the elevator changed?''''


    Samael just smiled, as he mostly likely knew it was Tevos doing. '' How long will she resist calling me?''


    Just in cue, almost like she was reading his mind, Tevos sent a message to his omni tool.


    '' Why did you reveal Javik''s existence?''


    Samael smiled seeing that. He soon responded, '' You should be glad we didn''t say anything about the Reapers. Javik is not a secret to be kept, he is a survivor.''


    '' ... Can you meet me today? We have a lot to discuss.''


    '' When and where?''


    '' At my place, in 30 minutes.''


    '' Sure.''


    Tevos then passed her address to Samael, who already knew where it was based on his past cycles.


    He would now have a ''conversation'' with Tevos. Before that, however, he looked at Wrex and Javik.


    '''' I''ll visit someone right now and then we are bound to leave. You guys use this time to assemble the crew and buy the things you want.''''


    Javik nodded while Wrex looked surprised, '''' I''m going with you guys?''''


    '''' If you want to. I have a special mission for you. It won''t take long and pays well.''''


    Samael was going to send Javik to Illos. He knew the risks that might pose, as he would have to expose sensible information to the galaxy, so he wanted Wrex with the Prothean. '' While I trust Javik, more protection is better.''


    He also wanted to send Liara, as she most likely already finished looking around the base on Eden Prime and knew about Javik by now, seeing as the interview went live while they were drunk.


    While he had not watched the news, the interview was making waves across the internet.


    Javik looked confused, as he also didn''t know what this mission was.


    Wrex hesitated for a moment, as time was of the essence for him now. He had to return to Tuchanka, gather power, and then buy the cure.


    '''' 1 million credits for a week.''''


    '''' ... I don''t know.''''


    Samael just smiled, '''' 1 Million credits a day for a week.''''


    '''' When do we leave?'''' Wrex attitude changed in an instant.


    '''' I don''t know how long this conversation will take, but no more than 5 hours.''''


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    '''' Plenty of time to assemble the team and buy the things we need,'''' Javik added.


    '''' Also, please buy those things for me.'''' Samael passed a long list of different ingredients to Javik, who looked at the list confused.


    '''' Can I ask why you need so many ... exotic things?'''' Even to Javik''s standards, which was weird enough, the list Samael gave him was on another level.


    '''' Secret.''''


    The list was the ingredients needed to make the serum. That was also one of the reasons Samael came to the Citadel, as some of the ingredients only sell here.


    '' I''ll buy the last one in Omega... they do have the last ingredient here but I need to make a connection.''


    While money is the most important thing in life, connection comes close second. So, Samael would use this opportunity to get close to Aria T''Loak, as she was already one of Omega''s leader''.


    He would buy directly from her while trying to make a good impression on the Asari. Both had dealings on past cycles and while she was rough and a little crazy, she was a good ally regardless of what she did in the past.


    Also, he wasn''t in a hurry to make the serum, so he could wait a little more. The serum, while helping fight the Krogan and such, had little to no effect in the fight against the Reapers.


    '' I also need to get in contact with Mordin, as I want him to ''help'' me find the cure to the Genophage.''


    Mordin was one of the people who made the Genophage and it''s cure on the first cycle, or first timeline. Samael wanted the Salarian to be involved in the cure this time too, as it helped him quite a lot regarding his mentality, as the Salarian felt guilty for what he did with the Krogans.


    ''While there''s still a lot of people to meet, my family is almost complete once more.''


    LD is already in contact with Liara, and she was on Eden Prime based on the reports he received. He was also periodically receiving news from Shepard and Tali, and he was making some moves to get them close to him.


    Samael wasn''t just going to let things go the normal way, no. He wanted to at least control what happen to his family, so they don''t suffer anymore than necessary.


    Also, with LD powers, the reach he had was enourmous. Not only he was helping his family from the shadows, he also was keeping an eye out for the other aliens who he knew would get powerfull by the time the Reapers arrived.


    Samael was going to do his best to get them on his side. If he had to be a little forcefull and crude with his tatics, so be it.


    Only time will tell if it will work, as while Samael knew a lot of things, he can''t control destiny/fate, he could only do his best for things to go his way. Sometimes it works and sometimes it won''t work.


    He just hoped things would go his way this time.


    Soon, the trio separated, with Samael going to meet Tevos and Javik and Wrex went to do their task.


    --


    KNOCK


    '''' Enter.'''' A seductive voice came from inside the door where Samael had knocked.


    Samael then pushed the door open and sure enough, Tevos was inside, sitting on a table drinking something that looked like wine.


    She was looking out her window, at the traffic outside. Safe to say, the view of her apartment was spectacular, a perk of being a councilor.


    The scene outside was amazing too. SkyCars floating around, not a single accident even though the number of cars was huge and lack of policing.


    It was chaotic while at the same time, organized.


    '''' Feel yourself at home.'''' She continued looking out the window, not looking at Samael.


    Samael heard her and went directly to the kitchen. He already knew where it was, and when he arrived there, he grabbed a cup and sat beside her.


    He put the ''wine'' in his cup and drank it. The duo then continued looking at the traffic for some minutes.


    '''' It''s peaceful, don''t you think?'''' Tevos suddenly said.


    '''' It is.''''


    '''' Then, can you imagine the chaos it would happen if they suddenly heard about a species of murderous machines and that this same species was coming for them?'''' Tevos calmly took a sip.


    While some people knew the Reapers from fairytales, it wasn''t much. They only knew they supposedly ''existed'', not their appearance or anything like that.


    Samael winced. He knew. He saw the despair it caused, he lived it. But he also knew they had to tell them sooner than later.


    '''' We have to tell them. Prepare them for what''s coming.''''


    '''' Now it''s not the time.''''


    Samael took a sip and nodded, '''' I know. But when it will be?''''


    That made Tevos pause. She wasn''t ready to answer that question, as even she didn''t know if they would reveal that knowledge.


    While the other two Counselors were skeptical about the Reapers, Tevos was more trusting of Samael, as from the content they had unlocked in Tessia, there was mention of the Reapers. But, as it was too little, they dismissed it and never bothered to look at it again.


    While Tevos was thinking that, Samael suddenly said, '''' Thanks, by the way.''''


    '''' For what?''''


    '''' For changing the music on the elevator.''''


    Tevos smiled faintly, '''' Don''t need to mention it.''''


    '''' So, let''s talk bussines.'''' Samael got seroius, '''' What is the Council stand on the Reapers matter?''''


    '''' We will not reveal it. At least for the time being.'''' Tevos was honest. This conversation with LD leader was to figure out his intention and try to gain his support somehow.


    Her changing the elevator music was just an olive branch, to show her sincerity.


    '''' And what do you think about it?''''


    '''' While I do believe Javik''s words, there''s isn''t much we could do now.''''


    Samael sighed internally. '' Time to force things a little.''


    '''' How about this, if you help me with what I need, I''ll help the Asari regarding the hidden Prothean Beacon in Thessia.''''


    Immediately, Tevos started to gather her biotic and reach around for a gun.


    Almost no one knew about that, and those who did were in the upper schallon of the Asari society knew. For a human to know that it was astonishing.


    Samael didn''t even react to that, '''' Calm down, LD, and I have no interest in revealing to the galaxy. We have a alive Prothean with us, it''s way more valuable than just a beacon.''''


    Tevos calmed down a bit, but she was still on edge. This is no laughing matter, as it was a secret no one should know.


    '''' What could you offer for me to help you?''''


    '''' You guys never managed to unlock all things in what the Prothean left behind, right?''''


    Teveos was getting more and more surprised by how much this human knows, '''' How did you figure that out?''''


    '''' Those things the Protheans left behind, they had a failsafe. Only those who had the mind of a Prothean, could understand the contents of the message.''''


    The Cipher. It was the end goal of a mission in Mass Effect 1. The effect it had on the mind of the person who used said Cipher was that it allowed them to fully unlock the contents of what the Prothean left behind.


    That was why the Asari never managed to fully unlock that. They didn''t know about the Cipher so they could never truly unlock all the content in the beacon.


    If some people ask how Samael managed to find out about the Reapers from a beacon if he wasn''t a Prothean, he would do what he does best: Say some bulshit and improvise.


    '''' Then, how could you know about it?'''' While Tevos didn''t know for sure if Samael had entered into contact with a beacon or something like that, it was the only plausible opinion.


    '''' Secret. What matters is that I''m willing to help you guys unlock all of what the Prothean left behind.''''


    '''' What''s the price?'''' Tevos knew everything in the Galaxy had a price. Even this.


    Samael smiled faintly, '''' I want the Asari support regarding telling the galaxy about the Reapers.''''


    '''' ... That''s it?'''' It didn''t make sense to Tevos. What Samael was asking was too little, as they would help them anyway, only later in the future.


    Samael looked deep into Tevos'' eyes, '''' We are not prepared for them. Hell, even if we start preparations now, I don''t think we are ready. So, we need to accelerate the process of unification of the galaxy. I''m willing to trade that.''''


    Tevos hesitates for a moment before accepting. '''' Deal.''''


    Tevos then stopped reaching for her gun and dissipated her biotic power. She then offered her hand to Samael, who accepted the handshake, '''' Deal. It was a pleasure doing business with you.''''


    Then, Samael tried to take his hand off, but Tevos held it. When he looked at her eyes, he could see the lust in it.


    '''' Say, how about we ... discuss something a little better now that we finished talking business.''''


    Tevos wasn''t going to lie, this human attracted her. He acted like he was in control of everything that was around him and based on the little interactions they had, he proved himself more and more delicious.


    It would not be the first time Tevos had fun around, as the Asari people are known to be a little... promiscuous.


    Who could blame them though, as their race was quite literally made for that.


    Samael smiled faintly, not rejecting her touch or the offer.


    '' The things I do for the galaxy...''


    --


    By the time both fished, Tevos was left painting in bed while Samael left after kissing her some more.


    She could only moan faintly and some red colored her face. Never in a million years would, she imagine she would lost in bed to a human, a young human at that.


    It''s not like she was strange to sex, as she also did everything to get to where she is. But almost every time she came out on top... But today, she lost.


    Quite badly too.


    '''' See you later.''''


    She watched as Samael left her house. Then, Tevos decides to take a nap.


    '''' I''ll deal with everything after I wake up.''''


    --


    While Tevos was recovering, Samael''s eyes shone in a dangerous light. While he was drunk and had this meeting with Tevos, he didn''t forget about what RR repassed to him.


    Cerberus and other organizations attacked LD servers. They finally crossed a line they should not have crossed.


    And while Samael could ignore the other organization, he could not ignore Cerberus. They were weak, yes, but they still had powers. Samael was going to deal with the right after his trip to the Citadel, and they still managed to piss him off.


    It was time to end them for good.


    '' Time to kill a dog.''


    Cerberus was about to be attacked.

 32 – Checking on Tali, Shepard and Liara

    After Samael left Tevos''s apartment, he sent a message to the crew to gather. When he arrived at the docks, he noticed everyone was already there and Miranda alongside Jack, Javik, and Wrex was waiting for him.


    He approached Miranda and asked, '''' How was your little vacation? Did you enjoy it?''''


    Jack said in a hurry, '''' That''s what she said.''''


    Mirada ignored her girlfriend, '''' It was good, but I know we have a more pressing matter.''''


    Ever since finding out about the Reapers, she was a fraction more desperate. She knew, based on what she found, that the galaxy wasn''t ready for the Reapers.


    Based on what Javik showed them, the Reapers are almost indestructible.


    On this trip to the Citadel, Miranda, while she did enjoy a little bit, thanks to Jack, she also acted as LD CEO. She sought out partnerships and bought a lot of things so they could study them and see if they could make them better.


    All so they could try and be more prepared for the upcoming fight. The worst part for Miranda was that they didn''t know when the Reapers would attack. That dread was worse than anything.


    '''' Relax. Now it''s still not the time to despair. Trust me and yourself.'''' Samael then whispered in Miranda''s ear, '''' Also, please tell Jack and the others who still don''t know about the Reapers.''''


    While this trip to the Citadel was a vacation, Samael came to hire people. But, he only brought Wrex with him for a mission. The others he mentioned were the test subjects besides Jack. They already agreed to work with/for LD, keeping them in the loop was just normal.


    '''' Leave it to me.''''


    '''' Also, you see that Krogan over there?'''' Samael pointed at Wrex.


    Miranda noticed the Krogan earlier on, as some of the Crew members were talking to him. They were the same group that had entered a fight with Samael, Garrus, Wrex, and Javik in the past when they were drunk. They seemed chill and were smiling while talking with Wrex.


    '''' What about him?'''' Miranda asked.


    '''' He will work with us for a bit, but I want you to deal with the negotiation.''''


    Miranda was a little puzzled, as she didn''t know what Samael was talking about, '''' Which negotiation are we speaking of? A mercenary job?''''


    It didn''t make sense to Miranda, as LD itself was a mercenary group. '' Only if he wants to recruit that Krogan.''


    While Miranda was thinking that, Samael shook his head and then whispered, '''' Don''t tell anyone, but LD is making a cure for the Genophage. It''s research is at the beginning, but it''s showing progress.''''


    Miranda''s mind went blank. The genophage was known by all species across the galaxy, as it almost crippled the entire Krogan species. And now, Samael just told her they are going to cure it.


    The consequences of that would be unimaginable.


    Before Miranda could say anything, Samael continued, '''' We need the Krogan to fight the Reapers. No other way around that. And right now, they don''t have the number to help us for good. We have no other choice.''''


    Miranda sighed, as while she didn''t know if it was the correct decision, she also knew there was almost no other option.


    '''' I''ll handle that too. Should I be forceful? Ask for a lot?''''


    '''' No, please be reasonable. After all, while the money we might make from them might be good in the short term, in the long term they might resent us. So, focus on giving the cure rather than the price. I trust you.''''


    '''' Thanks.''''


    Samael then left Miranda and went to talk to Wrex, '''' Did you finish your deal here?''''


    '''' Yes. I''ll work for a week, then go to Tuchanka. You know, to gather my people under a single banner, so that we can pay for the cure.''''


    '''' I trust you can do it. Also, don''t go around talking about the cure. It''s on the test phase, so please.''''


    '''' I will do my best.''''


    Next, he came close to Javik, '''' Did you buy everything I asked?''''


    '''' Yes. I bought some other things for me, I hope you don''t mind.''''


    ''''Javik, you''re an LD asset. You can buy anything you want, we have more money than we can waste.''''


    Javik was grateful as he passed the ingredients to Samael.


    Samael then embarked on the unnamed ship alongside the rest.


    Veronica suddenly appeared in front of him, '''' Where to now?''''


    Samael smiled at that question. '''' I will go on a mission alone, while you guys will do something no one in this cycle has ever done.''''


    '''' And what is that?''''


    '''' Use the Mu Relay.''''


    Everyone who heard Samael paused, as the Mu Relay was considered just a myth, as it was lost a long time ago.


    Samael just smiled seeing that reaction, '''' Let''s go.''''


    --


    WITH LIARA


    The last few weeks have been a dream for Liara. She was on a planet with other people, trying to find anything related to the Protheans, something she''s been doing for years, with not so much luck.


    So imagine her surprise when suddenly people claiming are from LD came to her while she was looking around.


    They had armor on and asked directly to her after looking around the area, ignoring the others, '''' Are you Doctor Liara T''soni?''''


    While skeptical about all of this but feeling safe because of the other people with her, Liara responded, '''' Yes, it''s me. How can I help you?''''


    '''' We are from LD.'''' The soldier looked around and saw that a lot of people were paying attention to their conversation, so he whispered, '''' Can we talk privately?''''


    Liara found the whole situation weird but before she could say anything, the soldier continued, '''' I think you still haven''t heard the news but LD has found a Prothean base... and a Living Prothean.''''


    Immediately Liara changed her posture and gestured them to follow her. After making sure no one was listening, she said, '''' Continue.''''


    '''' LD keeps an eye on certain individuals across the galaxy, with certain types of skills. We find you to be the best Prothean expert around the area and decided to get you to go get a look at the Prothean base so that you can study it and see if there''s anything LD missed.''''


    '''' Only me?''''


    '''' Yes. LD has no intention of revealing the location of said Prothean base for at least one more month.'''' The soldier was saying Samael''s instance on this matter.


    While he did say to the Council he would reveal the location soon after their meeting, he lied.


    '''' When do we leave?''''


    Liara didn''t hesitate to accept the offer, as she had been on this planet for some time now and the search didn''t have any results. She knew it was probably just another dead end.


    '''' Righ now if you want.''''


    Liara then gathered her things, said goodbye to the people who stayed behind, and left with the LD soldier towards Eden Prime.


    She was excited to see what she could learn there.


    DAYS LATER


    The things Liara learned on that base alone were more than what she did in the past two decades.


    Of course, time did its job and corroded a few things here and there around the base, but what she found was good enough for her research.


    She also felt it was a shame only one specimen survived, and when she asked if she could meet Javik, the Prothean she saw on the interview that was making waves across the galaxy, which she had watched too, the answer was yes.


    Liara was confused, as LD was giving her too much leverage on all of this. '''' Can I ask why are you guys so lenient and nice to me? Of course, I''m not complaining, just curious.''''


    '''' I said before, LD likes people with potential and generally supports them with money or other things they need. You are one of those people.''''


    '''' Even if I don''t join you guys later?''''


    '''' Yes. LD cares for the greater good of the galaxy.''''


    Safe to say, Liara had a good opinion on LD. After all, she was treated with respect even though she did almost nothing but study every day.


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    There were also a lot of soldiers protecting her, but she had no idea why she would need 5 people to protect her. But hey, free protection never hurts anyone.


    Then, after a few more days passed, and Liara had finished looking around the base. She had found everything she needed and wanted and now was just compiling what she discovered, then she would leave.


    It was then that someone came to speak with her. '''' Liara, LD has an offer to you.''''


    '''' What is it?''''


    '''' Do you want to meet Javik?''''


    Again, by this point in time, the interview was out for a day and a few hours, so everyone already knew about Javik.


    '''' Of course!''''


    It would be the realization of a dream for Liara, meeting a living Prothean, the species she dedicated her entire life studying.


    '''' Then, we have to leave Eden Prime now.''''


    Liara accepted. She had done her best to study the base, and she was sure there wasn''t much more she could find here.


    After tidying up her things, Liara left with LD to meet Javik.


    --


    SHEPARD POV


    My name is Jane Shepard. I was raised in the streets from a young age, as I didn''t have a family. I stole, I beat other kids up, I made a small gang and we had an operation to steal so we could eat and didn''t die of hunger.


    It worked well until I met my match when I tried to steal from an older man.


    I was 12 and he looked like 30. When I tried to steal from him I learned that he was a good fighter, way better than anyone I faced before.


    Of course, he had more strength than me as he was an adult, but I thought I could handle him.


    I was wrong.


    He was military and subdued me after a small fight. But, rather than give me to authorities, he said he saw potential in me and said he didn''t want me to waste my talent on the streets.


    I knew he was right, and didn''t hesitate to accept the offer. While I was the leader of a small group of kids like me, I knew it wasn''t enough for me to live comfortably.


    Of course, I struck a deal with the man, Anderson, so that he could help the one under me. He accepted and put them into an Alliance Program to train them while taking me under his wing.


    So, for the next few years, until I turned 18, I studied under Anderson while making connections with Alliance personnel. When I hit 18, I finally entered the Alliance officially and now could go on missions around.


    But, something had been weird. I noticed some people looking after me for some time now, like a stalker. It got on my nerves so I started to ask around and learned from their mouths who they were.


    '''' Wait, are you saying you''re from LD? That LD?'''' I asked incredulously.


    LD was enormous on Earth. Every human knew about it. Hell, almost every product that is launched on the planet comes from them. They were even expanding their reaches into the galaxy.


    '''' Yes.''''


    '''' And you saw my potential and decided to ''invest'' in me?''''


    '''' Yes. We will give you resources and men, to help you reach your full potential.''''


    '''' No strings attached?''''


    '''' Well, we would love it if you joined LD down the line, but for now, we are happy as long as you accept our help.''''


    I find that whole situation weird. They were following me for a week straight, saying nothing to me, and now they want to help.


    Anyway, she would want to see their bottom line now.


    '''' I need 100.000 credits for a project of mine. Can LD provide that free of charge?''''


    '''' Of course. Give me your bank information.''''


    After I gave my info expecting nothing, I received a message from my bank saying 100.000 credits had been deposited.


    I now got serious, '''' Why?''''


    '''' I told you, we saw potential. We will help you along the way.''''


    '''' Sigh... Ok. I''ll accept the help.''''


    '''' Also, we will follow you and your squad from the shadows, to help you in case you guys need. Do you mind?''''


    '''' Not a bit. We are on the way to an alien planet right now.''''


    While I was a newbie, thanks to my results in the Alliance system, and a little help from Anderson, I was granted a small squad to lead from the get-go.


    Our first mission was to check a missing pioneer team in Akuze, a planet in the earlier stages of colonization. We are still on Earth right now but will leave for the planet today.


    ''Also, while I do have some good names on my squad, like Ashley Willians, Kaidan Alenko, James Vega, Steve Cortez, an almost retiring Doctor Karin Chakwas, Jacob Taylor, and a newbie pilot who calls himself Joker, I will take any help I can get, we have no idea what we will find there.''


    Besides, LD was trustworthy, based on the Alliance''s intelligence and had many deals with them too. While a little shady, they are good.


    '''' A pleasure doing business with you.''''


    '''' Likewise.''''


    --


    WITH TALI


    On a place near the Terminus System. While the Citadel was the most known space station, there are others scattered across the galaxy, with Omega being the second most known.


    Right now, Tali was on an unnamed space station, selling the things she found on her trips.


    She was on her Pilgrimage, something all Quarians who reached a certain age must go through to prove themselves. They leave the Migrant Fleet ( their home), search around the galaxy for something of value, and then try to join a new crew ( home), giving the thing of value they had found.


    As all Quarians live in the Migrant Fleet, the Pilgrimage is a necessity, to not let inbreding happen on the ship.


    She had started her Pilgrimage just a few weeks ago, but in this sector of the galaxy, her skills were already recognized as one of the best. She didn''t have difficulty finding jobs, but because she was Quarian, the pay wasn''t good, she had to resort to selling scraps too and no one wanted her on their crew.


    In the middle of one of those sales of hers, she had found a peculiar vendor, who was saying something outrageous to the young Quarian.


    '''' Are you saying you''re going to pay 100% above the Market rate for whatever I sell you?'''' Tali was confused about the whole situation around her.


    Based on what she knew and heard about others Pilgrimage, it was always difficult. The other quarians usually sell their things around to fund their travel expenses and hope they find a crew before they die.


    The problem was, that almost everyone treated the Quarian like garbage. Who could blame them, as they were the reason a threat like the Geth existed.


    Even Tali was okay with it and prepared herself for the difficulties ahead of her. So imagine her shock when she went to sell the things she had found on her trips and the vendor said he liked her spirits and decided to sponsor her from her on out, all while paying way more than the market price for the things she bought to him.


    '''' Yes.''''


    '''' ... Can I ask why?'''' While confusing, Tali didn''t see any malicious intent from the other part. It made no sense for others to help her, as she was a Quarian.


    '' I doubt anyone in the galaxy would want my body, so why?'' That was what was on Tali''s mind.


    The vendor smiled mysteriously, '''' I saw your potential. You can reach incredible heights if you have the support. I decide to be that support.''''


    '''' Besides, it will not put a dent in my finances, so please accept it.''''


    Tali had no reason not to accept it, '''' Thank you then.''''


    '''' No problem. Do you need better guns and other things? Here''s a supply of med gel, an armor, this pistol too.''''


    Tali''s hands were getting heavy as the vendor put more and more things on it.


    '''' Phew, I think that''s enough.''''


    Tali now was almost suffocated by the weight of the thing she received.


    '''' Where are you going now by the way?'''' The vendor suddenly asked.


    '''' I''ll go looking around for some Geth. I want to study them a bit more.''''


    Yes, Tali was a huge nerd and liked studying the Geth. She wanted to see if she could understand them better and try to find their weaknesses.


    She, like every other Quarian, wanted to clean their reputation and take back Rannoch, the home planet of the Quarian which was taken over by the Geth.


    '''' Do you mind if I send some people with you?''''


    If that was not clear, the vendor was from LD. He was under strict orders from Samael.


    Tali really didn''t understand the situation she was in. It was almost like fate itself was moving around, helping her.


    And she would not reject its help.


    '''' ... Of course, no problem.''''


    The vendor smiled mysteriously, '''' Also, are you looking for a crew? I assume you''re on your Pilgrimage.''''


    '''' Yes and yes.''''


    Tali was only 19 years old. Some Quarians don''t complete their Pilgrimage until they hit 40 and some never manage to complete it before they die, so she wanted to get that out of the way. If she could find a home soon, things would get easier.


    She didn''t even mind if they were poor or anything along those lines, she just wanted a home so that she could focus on getting more intel on the Geth.


    ''''OK, I''ll pass my boss''s contact info and you should give him a call. He would love to have a Quarian on the crew.''''


    The vendor knew he would gain a huge bonus if he managed to get this exact Quarian to contact the boss, as it was a special mission Samael himself delegated. It wasn''t just him who received the mission, a lot of other LD agents were also on other space stations, looking for this specific Quarian.


    They had no idea why and they also didn''t care, as they just wanted to pay back LD and the boss for what he did for them in the past.


    Remember that the majority of LD personnel ( the mercenary group) were from the slums and were saved from a life of crime because of Samael''s actions.


    While the vendor was happy he completed the secret mission Tali was left confused as she just managed to break a record. The fastest Quarian complete her Pilgrimage.


    Then it hit her. She still didn''t have a ''gift'' to give her new captain. She also said that to the vendor, '''' I have nothing of value to give ... your boss.''''


    The vendor dismissed her, '''' Our boss. And you don''t need to worry about that, your skill is more than enough for him.''''


    Tali didn''t have a reason to not believe him, as she had managed to make a good reputation for herself in the past few weeks, as she did the best she could to show everyone her skills. All in hopes she could find a crew, but for some time, no one said anything to her.


    But now, she got lucky. She would accept anyone who accepted her.


    Tali left the shop with a lot of things and a new crew, though she still hadn''t met them. The vendor said she should give the number a call and in at most one week they would come get her.


    But Tali never forgot her goal to study the Geth, so no vacation for her, at least not now.


    Tali left the unnamed space station looking forward to meeting her new crew/family, promising the vendor to give the boss a call as soon as possible.


    Alas, if she knew the crew that was just recruited was from Samael, her lover for other cycles, and subsequently LD, she would probably faint.


    --


    NORMAL POV


    By the way, this approach wasn''t just happening with those 3. Remember that Samael already poached/recruited the people from Earth, who he knew would be good in the future, to LD ( both).


    Now, as they had more than enough power and money, he sent LD agents to poach/recruit very specific people, but instead of just Earth, it was from the whole galaxy.


    Of course, not all of them got the preferential treatment he was giving to his family, but it was more than enough to get them under LD and ensure they would reach their full potential.


    You would be surprised by how many aliens didn''t have support. What LD/ Samael was doing for them was more than enough to warrant their future support.


    When the species of said people realized the potential they had, it would be too late. They would be already under LD.


    Slowly but surely, LD was growing more and more, with almost unlimited potential.


    By the time others noticed the huge net LD put over the galaxy, it would be too late.

 33 – The Lost Planet, The Underworld Dog and The Handler (1)

    A DAY LATER


    By this point in time, the crew had departed from the Citadel a day ago and were now close to the Terminus System. Samael had ordered Veronica to go there but never gave an exact location, only where she should stop and then wait for other orders from him.


    So, almost everyone in the crew was gathered around Samael, trying to make sense of what he said a day ago.


    '''' Are you 100% sure this is the location? You will not be with us to guide.'''' Veronica sounded a little bit unsure. The navigator also nodded.


    They were in the middle of the Terminus System, and while there was a space station and hangar around the area, there was nothing more.


    The Mu Relay was nowhere to be seen.


    Who could blame them for having doubts, as Samael suddenly said they would use the Mu Relay, a relay that was lost to the galaxy a long time ago, thanks to the Rachini war. It was a myth.


    While they trusted him with their life, it was still difficult to accept it.


    But, Samael knew the truth, and better yet, the location of the Mu Relay. Well, not the exact location, but where it was supposed to be a few years from now. That was more than enough for him.


    '''' Trust me on this. I''ve already double-checked the location with RR, this is it. We need to use the Mu Relay to get to Illos.''''


    In the last few hours, Samael explained his plan to everyone. He wanted Javik to go to Illos and try to find anything related to the Reapers so that they could show it to the Council. Now that Tevos was on LD side, they could push more strongly.


    Of course, to have Tevos on his side he would eventually have to help the Asari with the Beacon on Thessia, but that is a problem for later.


    Javik was more than happy to go, and Wrex would serve as a bodyguard in this mission. Not that Javik or the other needed it, but Samael was trying his best to ensure everyone got along with each other, as they would expend a lot of their time together in the Reapers Wars.


    He also did something to make sure Shepard got along with a few of her future crewmates, but that is a story for another time.


    In the past cycles, sometimes the crew was a little hostile to each other thanks to things unrelated to him, but Samael was trying his best to ensure this life of his would be perfect.


    '''' And where are you going exactly?'''' Jack, who was also at this meeting, alongside almost all other members of the crew, asked.


    '''' Kill a bad dog.''''


    Jack connected the dots almost immediately, '''' Let me come with you.''''


    Samael shook his head, '''' I know how much you want revenge but I''ll deal with Cerberus alone... I reckon Miranda already put you up to date?''''


    Jack nodded with a hard face. She didn''t want to believe it at first, but she knew it was most likely true. True that an ''immortal'' species made out of machines was coming to wipe out all life in the galaxy.


    And that they would have to fight that species if they wanted to live. '' All that torture and me escaping only to be given that news...''


    '''' We need to kill all those opposing us and who are evil right now, as we need more powers to fight the Reapers. This has to be done sooner or later... Also, I need you to protect them while I''m gone.''''


    Jack''s ego inflated a little at that last part. '''' Leave it to me.''''


    ''''OK, now that everyone knows what we are doing, it''s time for me to leave. RR, I''ll bring a drone for you to be able to go with me, while also taking care of the ship.'''' Samael then said while looking at Veronica, '''' I need you to go to this place.''''


    It was a place close by, the previously mentioned nearby space hangar.


    Veronica said nothing and got up and prepared to fly there.


    Samael said to her, to dispel her doubts, '''' I have a ship waiting for me there.''''


    This ship was a normal one, but he had made a Stealth upgrade on it. He would fly undetected directly into Cerberus'' heart and kill the head.


    '''' We know our mission. Don''t die, protect your comrades and come back alive. We will need all the help we can get to fight the Reapers.''''


    Everyone nodded and then got up to do their things.


    Samael was going to his room to prepare for his trip when he noticed Wrex was looking quite down and he approached the Krogan, '''' What happened?''''


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    Wrex sighed melancholically, '''' You have found a good employee.'''' He looked at Miranda, '''' She made a good deal.''''


    '''' Are you talking about the genophage cure?''''


    Wrex nodded, '''' We reached an official deal. I''m sure she will let you know the specific details about it later on... but damn, I don''t feel good.''''


    Samael smiled in his mind, as the deal must be quite good for LD and bad for the Krogan, even though he asked Miranda to go easy on them.


    '' Oh well, I trust her, and I know how melodramatic Wrex is. The deal must be good for both of us.''


    '''' Wait for good news in about 5 years or so.''''


    Wrex nodded, '''' Our species endured far more than that. We can handle a few more years.''''


    Samael then left the place, making a mental note to call Mordin soon, as he wanted the Salarian to be involved in ''creating'' the cure.


    HOURS LATER


    After making sure everything was ok, Samael made one last call, to see how the guest was and if she would arrive on time. After all, going to Illos was a dream for the young Asari.


    While he really wanted to meet Liara, it was not the time yet. Or that was what he convinced himself. But he missed her.


    Of course, he missed the other members of his family, and he also ensured they were taken care of, but ... Liara, Tali, and Shepard were different. They are his loved ones, his other half (s).


    LD had already contacted the trio and from what he heard from his agents, Tali had already agreed to enter his crew, Liara would enter too if asked, as she would not pass the chance to study Javik.


    '' Only Shepard would be a little more complicated, as she felt she own something to Anderson. Staying in the Alliance was/is a way to repay him.''


    As Samael knew about Shepard''s life, he also knew she considered Anderson as a father figure, for everything the man did for her when she was younger. He also knew she would not leave the Alliance, so his approach to her, while almost the same as others, had to have a different result.


    '' I will deal with that hill called Anderson later on.''


    Samael called the LD personnel in charge of Liara, confirmed everything was good with her and they were on their way. He finished the call and looked ready.


    '' Now, let''s go meet one of my many teachers...''


    Checking if everything was ok with the drone RR would be using, Samael departed from the space hanger toward Cerberus'' main base, while the crew, with the unnamed ship, went toward Illos.


    While Samael was flying towards Anadius, a planet in the Horse Head Nebula, the location of Cerberus'' main base, memories of the cycle he studied/worked with the Illusive Man came to his head.


    He wasn''t proud of that moment, but he had hit rock bottom and thought there was no way out of the time loop so he said fuck it.


    Ironically, it was this cycle, where he committed so many wrong things, that put Samael back on course. He continued stuck in the subsequent time loops but no more involvement with Cerberus or doing evil stuff.


    Anyway, in that cycle, he came to know the Illusive Man or Jack Harper, on a personal level. The man taught a lot of things to Samael, that he would come to use in future cycles.


    How to manipulate those he wanted, to kill those who stood in his way. It was pained for Samael to admit it, but the teachings of the lunatic were useful.


    Their relationship is complicated, as while the man is without a shadow of a doubt a piece of trash, ridiculous, a lunatic, a maniac, etc, he is also Samael''s teacher.... Well, at least one version of his was.


    Of course, Samael would not blink an eye when killing him but it was a complicated feeling.


    While working under the Illusive Man, Samael knew the exact location of every Cerberus base, and everything they did and would do, so he knew they should be destroyed, for the sake of all life in the galaxy.


    Only one thing was on his mind, '' If I do this EDI will not exist. Well, yes, I do have her mother-code and could make ''her'' as soon as I want, but this begs the question: If I create her, It would be the same EDI I know or not?''


    The situation was the same with Legion ( a Geth ) and Grunt ( a Krogan made in a lab), as one of them would be born only a few years down the line, and the other might not have the upgrades he need, but if Samael wanted, he could also make Grunt right now with the right ''ingredients'' and he could also direclty go to Legion and upgrade the Geth. But, would they be the same?


    Basically, Samael''s entire life was a Ship of Theseus paradox. ( AN: Ship of Theseus paradox:   it''s a paradox regarding identity over time. One version, positing a scenario in which all the parts of a ship are replaced gradually and one at a time, poses this question: Is the vessel that exists after the replacements the same ship as the vessel that existed before the replacements?)


    If he upgraded Legion to his best form, if Samael made both EDI and Grunt  right now, would they be the ones he know.... Is ANYONE he met, the same person he met in the first cycle? Is it fair for him to think about that?


    Even if he didn''t like to think about it, he had modified a few things here and there around the previous cycles and in this one, and those things changed the person he had met in the previous cycles, even if just a little or maybe too much. They were the same but at the same time, they weren''t.


    Some of their personality were different, he took out a few growing experiences they might have, he added a few more here and there, and some things about them changed.


    Sometimes he thinks he didn''t have the right to do that, but he knew they had better chances of survival if he intervened.


    Of course, the majority of them maintained their personality across all cycles but, it was fair to change the way they are?


    Their original personalities/life were the ones from the games, but Samael had already deviated from that path long ago.


    Samael''s mind broke, healed the best it could, but never managed to find the answer to that question... and he knew he would never be able to answer it.


    He could only accept what life threw at him and deal with it. But now, this was the last time. NO more redos, no more time-loops


    What he decides now is the end and he would have to live with the result. Because of that, a small spark of doubt crept into his mind.


    '' Should I wait so that EDI can exist? If I make her... it''s ok to do that?''


    While thinking that, Samael was calm.


    '' It''s just doubt. I know what I need to do with Cerberus... If EDI suffers from the consequences of my actions, so be it.''


    '' Time to put an end to this madness.''


    WITH THE ILLUSIVE MAN


    Things haven''t been going Cerberus'' way since a few years ago. Everything dates back to when LD was created. Cerberus lost a lot of power and influence thanks to them.


    The worst thing was that they had the chance to go all out at the beginning when LD was at the start of its journey, but the Illusive Man chose not to.


    Who could blame him though, as if they created a Med Gel way ahead of its time. If he gave them time and then took the benefits from them down the line, things would be incredible.


    Alas, fate had other ideas and now Cerberus was a shell of its former self. While still powerful, it was not good enough for the Illusive Man. So much so that he did something that endangered them all.


    '''' EDI, can you send me the reports on the researchers on the bases? I need the data from all fronts.'''' Jack asked his newly made AI while he was making his way towards his office, with a view to a dying star.


    A robotic voice responded, '''' All data has been transmitted to your omni-toll.''''


    '''' Thank you.''''


    The Illusive Man checked the documents while thinking about the consequences of his actions. Making an AI was taboo few crossed and those who did came to regret it.


    But he had no other choice. LD was too powerful, and he would need the AI to win the upcoming war against them.


    His original plan was to make an AI, but in the future and only after making the necessary preparations for things to be safe. Also, it would be shackled but the final version was unshackled, something VERY dangerous.


    Cerberus was going all or nothing. If outsiders find out, they are gone, if they don''t find out things would go smoothly.


    It was just recently made but the results were amazing. But, for some reason, EDI could not hack into LD servers.


    That put doubt in Harper''s mind, '' What if LD also has an AI?''


    But just as that thought came, it went away, as AI research was prohibited across the galaxy, so there wasn''t much from where to start. Hell, even Cerberus''s research was at the beginning and EDI was made as a last-ditch effort.


    LD was good, but not that good.


    ''I''m almost prepared for the attack. They will not see what hit them.''


    Cerberus had been preparing an attack on LD for ages, and the one he launched days ago alongside other organizations was just a ruse. The next attack will be the main one.


    When Jack Harper entered what was supposed to be the most secure room in this facility, he was shocked to see a young man wearing armor clearly waiting for him.


    The young man was seated on his chair with a drone flying above him while looking at the door, and subsequently, at him. '''' Hello there. I think we never met, at least not in this cycle.''''

 34 – The Lost Planet, The Underworld Dog and The Handler (2)

    While Samael was facing The Illusive Man, Javik and a few others from the crew were going to Illos through the Mu Relay.


    The crew would also have to pick up a guest at a place close to the relay.


    First things first, the Mu Relay was ancient and the only way to get to Illos. It was lost to the galaxy when it was pushed out of its place when a nearby star went supernova, but it wasn''t damaged. The aftermath of the supernova made the Mu Relay covered in hot gas and dust, meaning the relay was impossible to detect as scanners can''t pick up "cold" objects like the relays in interstellar space.


    At that point, the Mu Relay was supposed to be lost, but the Rachni, at some point in the past, knew its location. The problem was, they started a war they could not win, and after being, supposedly, exterminated by the Krogan and the rest of the galaxy, the location of the Mu Relay was lost.


    But, in the games, it would be known after the revived Rachni Queen gave its location to Matriarch Benezia (Liara''s mom), who gave it to Shepard. At that point in time, Saren also knew the location of the relay, and it became a race agastin time, to see which team arrived first at Illos.


    But Samael didn''t need to go through all that to know that information, as he knew where the relay was from the beginning, thanks to his past cycles.


    But, as it was in the Terminus System, a place not affiliated with the Council or its rules, it was a dangerous place for anyone. Well, anyone other than Javik and the crew, as with the unnamed ship Stealth system, no one could or would detect them.


    So, when Samael gave the location of the Mu Relay, he made some bulshit on the spot, saying RR knew where it was thanks to the Prothean Base on Eden Prime. She made some calculations and knew the supposed location of the relay.


    That was how he knew where it was. He said to everyone that he would give this information to the Council when they visit them once more.


    It made sense, and the crew had no reason to not believe Samael on that.


    Before they arrived at the Mu Relay, the guest they had to pick up finally arrived at the unnamed ship. It was a young Asari.


    She was young by their standards, as she was already 100+ years old.


    Liara entered the unnamed ship and immediately looked at Javik with a shine in her eyes. Who could blame her, as he was literally a living subject of the species she spent her whole life studying.


    She approached him, '''' Nice to meet you! My name is Liara T''soni, and I have a lot of questions for you. Do you mind answering some of them?''''


    '''' How about you greet everyone first, then we can talk later?'''' Javik said calmly as he saw the agitated Asari.


    Liara finally realized her mistake, '''' By the goddess, that was rude of me.'''' She then started to introduce herself to the crew.


    Liara was a little awkward, as she spent most of her life traveling across the galaxy or under her mom''s protection, so she didn''t have a lot of experience or interaction with others.


    It showed in her actions, but the whole crew was filled with weirdos, so she fit right in, making friends with almost everyone.


    Everyone on the ship also knew about her, as Samael, before leaving, had told them about the existence of a Prothean Expert who now worked for LD. He also said to give her the best treatment possible.


    At this point, the unnamed ship was getting closer to the Mu Relay.


    Before Liara had the chance to talk one-on-one with Javik, they arrived at the forgotten Relay.


    Javik looked at it, and it brought back old memories of a time when his race dominated the galaxy.


    ''Times sure do change things, huh.''


    The Asari, whom they chose as their successors, really used the knowledge to become the masters of this cycle. The Salarians, who were seen as food then, are now at the top too.


    As he was reminiscing about the past, Veronica''s voice sounded through the speaker, '''' Using the Relay in one, two , three...''''


    After the count was fishing and Javik opened his eyes once more, he could see Illos right in front of them.


    '' ... Home.''


    While not his home per se, it was home to his species. The only reason it managed to survive the Reapers attack almost with no damage was that after the initial attack, the knowledge of its location was lost, so they were safe.


    '''' Javik, come to the cockpit, please.''''


    After hearing that, Javik went there. Veronica asked right away after seeing him, '''' Where do we land?''''


    Going through his memories, Javik roughly knew a spot. The location of the base where the pods are, '' Maybe some are still alive.''


    Maintaining a little bit of hope, Javik pointed to a specific location and said, Let''s go there.''''


    '''' ON it.''''


    Veronica then went toward that location.


    --


    After landing the ship, only a small group of people went there and decided to go on foot rather than using a M.A.K.O. Mainly Javik, a confused and exhilarated Liara, Veronica, Miranda, Jack, Wrex, and RR. The rest of the crew stayed behind on the ship.


    While the group was traveling around, Javik was clearly a little affected by seeing the planet and its actual state.


    What was once a planet filled with life is now devoid of anything. It made Javik''s heart ache with sorrow.


    '''' That place used to be a playground.'''' Javik pointed at one particular place, but so much time passed that it looked like just a deserted place.


    Liara did her best to listen to anything Javik said.


    As they continued going towards the base, Javik continued saying what place it was, and anyone with a brain could see he was getting emotional.


    '''' There, a restaurant.''''


    '''' There ...''''


    After a few times of those poitings, Wrex touched his shoulder. Javik looked at him with a puzzled gaze, not noticing his own state. He was crying.


    '''' Calm down, big fella. You have a chance to avenge them. Don''t let other things cloud that thought.'''' Wrex knew a griving person when seeing one, but Javik was above his pay grade, being the last of his species and all that. But he did try his best to lift the mood of the Prothean.


    Liara took this opportunity to chime in, '''' I''m sure there''s a lot more of the Prothean race we don''t know. How about we talk about it after we deal with all this, whatever it is. What do you say?''''


    She didn''t know why they came to Illos or how they did that, she really didn''t care. What she cared about was gaining a connection with a Prothean and she would do her best to accomplish that.


    Javik recovered a little bit, '''' After this, I will give you all the information you need.''''


    '''' Thank you.'''' Liara continued to document all she could of the planet, as this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    After a few more moments of walking, where everyone was in silence, they arrived at where the entrance to the base, forcing Javik to push away the sadness. Just as they were about to enter the location, a hologram appeared in front of them.


    '''' Stop.''''


    Everyone did, but RR was looking at the hologram with an interesting gaze, '''' HMMM, a very advanced VI, close to being an AI. Maybe it''s overseeing things here on this base?''''


    The supposedly VI didn''t react much to RR but said something, '''' No indoctrination detected, but I''m sensing an AI and a living Prothean... How?''''


    Before anyone could say anything, the VI continued, '''' It doesn''t matter right now. What matters is that you arrived just on time.''''


    '''' For what?'''' Javik asekd.


    '''' To save the Protheans still alive on this base!''''


    WITH THE ILLUSIVE MAN


    Jack Harper tried his best to maintain his composure and used the hidden button inside his suit to call everyone in the facility to his location.


    The young man just smiled faintly and said, '''' They will not come. My AI here already made sure that there was no communication going in or out of this room. It''s just us.''''


    Jack didn''t believe him and tried to press the button once more, while also speaking to his newly made AI. '''' EDI, try to bypass what they did and contact everyone, now!''''


    '''' ON it!''''


    The young man was a little surprised when he said EDI but said nothing, just smiled at his actions and didn''t try to intervene.


    Jack then realized what the man said was true.


    1 minute, 2 minutes, 3... when 5 minutes passed, Jack had no choice but to accept his base was infiltrated easily and those people could kill him at any moment.


    EDI''s voice came out at that moment, '''' I can''t bypass what they did. And... that AI is way more advanced than me...''''


    Jack Harper could only curse his luck and how useless EDI was at this moment. Then it hit him.


    '' Wait... they still didn''t kill me. Maybe they want something from me?''


    Those situations were quite common for him, it''s just that it never happened on his base or with him. Normally, he was the one with the gun.


    That assumption, that they wanted something from him, made the Illusive Man gain a lot of courage, but it was then that the young man pointed a gun at Jack Harper and said for him to get closer.


    Seeing no other option and trying to buy time for himself, Jack Harper approached.


    '''' Say, do you play chess?''''


    Jack was surprised by the question but answered in a calm tone,'''' Yes, I do play chess.''''


    '''' Good. RR, please set a game for us.'''' The young man said that, and as if pre-planned, the drone, or RR, bought out a table, two chairs, and a game of chess with her little robotic arms.


    '''' I''m going to play with white. You have no objections, right?'''' Samael said that while pointing the gun at The Illusive Man.


    Jack Harper cursed in his mind and had no other option besides accepting that he would use the black pieces.


    Normally, the white piece plays for the win while the black pieces plays for a draw. So, from the start, Jack was at a disadvantage.


    ''''OK, before we start, let me just make myself clear. Regardless of the outcome of the match, you will die.''''


    That made Jack pause. He didn''t like that.


    He was a lunatic, but what he wanted more than life was to see humanity at the top. He could not die before that.


    Before Jack could say anything, the young man continued, '''' But, if you manage to win against me, I''ll let you choose the way you die. I''m quite a generous person, don''t you think?''''


    Jack Harper''s eyebrows twitched at that, but he knew there was nothing he could do now but play. Who knows, maybe his subordinates will come to check on him and see the situation.


    Then, the situation would be reversed, and he could not help but imagine what he would do with the person in front of him.


    '''' While we are playing, how about we talk?''''


    Jack Harper ignored the young man for now and saw him play the move: PAW to E4.


    Then, Harper played the move: PAW to C5.


    The young man also ignored Jack''s silence and started to speak, '''' OH, where are my manners? I never introduced myself.'''' He then smiled widely at Jack Harper and said, My name is Samael, owner of LD and LD.''''


    That finally made Jack Harper pause, as he now had a face he could associate with the company that had given him trouble in the last couple of years. They systematically destroyed a lot of Cerberus''s business, so much so that they had to scale down their operations quite a bit.


    '''' Oh, don''t look at me like that, it''s scary.''


    Samael then moved KNIGHT to F3.


    '''' RR, please leave us alone. You don''t need to worry about me, just stay on guard somewhere else. Also, take EDI with you. I have ideas on what to do with her, so please do your best to show how LD is better than Cerberus.''''


    RR drone ''nodded'', grabbed the Illusive Man omni tool, and went outside the room to guard it. She would have a little talk with this infant AI.


    '' By the time I''m done with you, you will have us as a family.''


    While RR was ''indoctrinating'' EDI to the LD side, Samael turned off his omni tool, to ensure RR or anyone else would not listen. The talk he would have with Jack Harper was something no one in the universe could learn the contents of.


    '''' ... Why did you target Cerberus?''''


    Jack then made the move: paw to D6.


    ''''You''re kidding, right? Not only did you try to steal my product, but you also kidnapped so many people, humans and aliens alike, and tortured them for your own benefit. Also, I know you''re targeting LD and most probably were planning to attack my company soon.''''


    Samael moved the paw to D4, giving it away.


    Jack Harper said nothing about the accusation because he didn''t need to. But, he was still in the mood to talk,'''' If you know Cerberus''s true face, you also know our objective and why we needed to do that to achieve said goal.''''


    Jack moved his paw to D4, taking the white paw Samael had put there.


    '''' I do, and while it''s normal to want your race to become stronger, you can''t do that in the back of kidnapping and torture. The path you take to reach your goal matters.''''


    Samael moved KNIGHT to D4, taking the black paw there.


    Jack then moved his KNIGHT to F6.


    ''''Even if you did manage to help humanity rise up, what do you think would happen when the galaxy found Cerberus true face?'''' Samael responded by also taking his other KNIGHT from its initial position with the move: KNIGHT to C3


    '''' It won''t have mattered, as we would have been stronger than them. We would be unstoppable.''''


    Jack Harper was convinced Cerberus would win against all galaxy if needed. That was how big his ego was and how crazy he was.He also moved PAW to A6.


    '' No, we won''t have been.''


    In one of the past cycles, Samael joined hands with Jack Harper and helped bring humanity to the top. But, after that, it all went downhill.


    As they had gone up to the top before the Reapers arrived, the whole galaxy suddenly had a common enemy in humanity.


    It is safe to say that while we were at the top, we could not win against the entire galaxy. Of course, humanity fought back, but we still lost to them.


    So, Jack was wrong. Samael had seen the results of his plan, and it wasn''t good.


    '''' We would not be unstoppable. We would be given the galaxy an excuse to attack us once more. Remember the First Contact War? The Turians would just attack us at the first opportunity they got. We stand no chance.''''


    Samael moved BISHOP to G5, pinning the KNIGHT to the black QUEEN.


    '''' I admit that, but my plans also took that into account. We could have had an unstoppable army in just a few years, but only if a person didn''t disrupt all of my plans, and now we weren''t anywhere close.''''


    After staling for a few minutes, Jack moved PAW to E6.


    ''''Now I''ll talk while you just play and listen, okay?'''' Samael said that and moved PAW to F4.


    '''' This is what would happen if your plan succeeded.First, after we managed to be on top, the Turians would launch a massive attack on human colonies scattered across the galaxy.''''


    Jack Harper stayed quiet and listened, just moving his pieces and trying to make sure he stalled for as long as he could, in hopes someone noticed his predicament.


    He knew it was close to impossible, but he could hope. Jack Harper moved PAW to B5.


    ''''We would fight valiantly, and we almost won, but then the other species would join the attack. Even though we had weakened them, when cornered, even a rat would do his best to kill the cat who was attacking them.''''


    Samael then played the move: PAW to E5, giving it away to the PAW Jack Harper had on D6.


    Jack Harper didn''t see a better move because if he didn''t take the paw in E5, it would take the KNIGHT in F6. So, the PAW Harper had on D6 took Samael PAW on E5.


    ''''But, we would have still come out on top ... if they hadn''t hired countless Krogans to attack us. They focused on Earth, and thanks to our forces being scattered and protecting our colonies, they would take over Earth.''''


    Samael then played the move: PAW to E5, taking up the black paw there.


    '''' After that, we would do our best to regain Earth from the Krogans. As a response to the attack, we would destroy Tuchanka with a nuke, killing all those who stayed on the planet.''''


    Everything that Samael was saying was what had happened to him in the cycle he worked for Cerberus. It was a nightmare.


    Jack ignored the attack on his KNIGHT and moved his QUEEN away to C7, so it would not stay pinned.


    '''' As a result, we managed to infuriate the Krogan for real, and now it was a matter of revenge and not just mercenary work. All Krogans joined hands too and stopped holding back.''''


    Samael knew his position was good and was just making sure it would continue that way by moving his QUEEN to E2.


    '''' The attacks they made were brutal, and more time than not, we lost the battle against them.''''


    Jack has now moved his KNIGHT to safety with the move KNIGHT to D7. He could do that now because his QUEEN wasn''t pined by the BISHOP anymore.


    '''' After we started to lose, they started to target all humans across the galaxy. It didn''t matter if they were innocent or not.''''


    Samael knew it was a good time to start a full attack and used CASTELING with the KING and ROOK. Making the KING go to C1 while the ROOK went to D1.


    Jack was doing his best to build a fortress around the king, so he moved the BISHOP who oversaw the light-colored spaces on the board, to B7.


    Samael smiled seeing that move. He won. It''s just that the Illusive Man didn''t see that yet.


    His next move was a sacrifice... Samael played the brilliant move KNIGHT to E6, eating up the PAW there.


    It was the start of the end for the Illusive Man.


    Jack Harper paused. He noticed an attack brewing but tried his best to calculate the best move.


    '' There is no attack on my KING but if I don''t eat the KNIGHT with my PAW, it would eat my QUEEN in C7...''


    Seeing no other choice, Jack Harper had to play the move: PAW to E6, taking the KNIGHT and saving the black QUEEN.


    But that was just the start of the attack. Samael moved the QUEEN to G4, preparing for the full attack.


    '''' They would start hunting down every human across the galaxy. Soon, we would not have a single place left to go, as no one would help us.''''


    Jack thought for a long while and decided to move his QUEEN to B6, making sure it was in a nice position and could defend too if necessary.


    '' A blunder...''


    Immediately, Samael noticed it was a blunder, a mistake. It was time to start the full attack.


    In this position, Samael played the brilliant move ROOK to D6, attacking the QUEEN on B6. Of course, it could be taken by the BISHOP black had on F8, but that was what Samael wanted.


    He sacrificed his ROOK so he could go full attack.


    At this point in time, Jack started to sweat a lot, as he could see Death approaching. His position wasn''t the best, and the result of this game was his death. Even though he was trying his best to stall the game for as long as he could, the pressure was enormous.


    With no other choice, Jack Harper played the move: BISHOP, the one in the black spaces of the board, to D6, taking the ROOK and saving the black QUEEN.


    That was also a mistake as it allowed Samael to play the move: QUEEN to E6, taking the black PAW there while also giving a check on the black KING.


    Seeing no other option and forced to move his KING, Jack made the move: KING to F8.


    Samael then made another brilliant move. The BISHOP in the light-colored spaces of the board to C4, giving it away so he could have a better position on the board.


    Jack was forced to play the move: the paw he had on B5 to C4, taking up the BISHOP there. If he did not play that move, it was a checkmate in one move.


    '''' In the middle of all those attacks, Cerberus would try its best to fight back against everyone.''''


    Samael then moved a piece he hadn''t moved before: ROOK to F1, giving it a CHECK on the black KING.


    Jack was mortified at this point, as he could not see a way to stall any longer. The attack white had on him was too good. After calculating the best he could, the best move he found was: KNIGHT to F6, providing cover for the KING and making sure it was protected from the CHECK.


    '''' But, it was futile. We would lose everything we ever owned.''''


    Samael then played another brilliant move: He sacrificed his ROOK by playing the move ROOK to F6, taking the KNIGHT and giving CHECK once more.


    Jack immediately saw. He had lost. It was Checkmate soon after this move.


    While he played under a lot of pressure, the way Samael played was too good. He sacrificed a LOT of his pieces for a chance to give a checkmate.


    If Jack Harper had calculated better and made the sacrifices pointless, it would have been amazing, and he would have lost the pieces for no reason.


    But, again, the attack was too good, and he had no chance to fight back.


    Resigned to his fate, Jack Harper made the move: PAW to F6, taking the white ROOK there.


    Samael then looked deep into Jack Harper''s eyes as he said this part.


    ''''Humanity as a whole would fall because of your actions. We would go extinct.''''


    Of course, not totally, but yes, the situation was that dire in that cycle.


    It just showed the might of the galaxy if they united. If they won against the Reapers, Cerberus would be an easy replacement.


    Samael knew that and joined anyway, as he saw no point in living, as he was in the worst mental state at the time and wanted to see how far humanity would go.


    It showed him the potential of humanity once more, as they almost won against the entire galaxy. Alas, it wasn''t meant to be.


    While it sucked for humanity in that cycle, it helped Samael recover his mind and go back to its roots.


    Also, in that cycle, thanks to the fierce war against humanity, which was fierce, the whole galaxy was weak, and the Reapers won easily, as they had no forces to fight against them.


    Samael then played the move: BISHOP to B6, trapping the black KING.


    It had nowhere to go.


    '''' Checkmate.''''

 35 – The Lost Planet, The Underworld Dog and The Handler (3)

    IN ILLOS


    The crew rushed ahead as soon as Vigil, the VI overseeing the base, said that. Javik, of course, was leading the charge, as he had just heard that there were other of his species alive, so for the first time since he woke up, he was ecstatic. He also made sure to inform the crew on their ship about the situation.


    Vigil had told them the problem: power. After 50,000 years, the base was running out of power. So, the crew was coming with enough power sources while also bringing Clare, the ship''s doctor, so that she could help the Protheans in the cryopod if possible and necessary.


    Of course, the ones who originally came with Javik were also running at full speed, ignoring the structure of the base. The only one who was paying attention to her surroundings was one particular Asari.


    Liara was looking around the base in awe. The asari was taking pictures and making notes of everything she was seeing.


    She was making sure to keep up with the others, as while this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she needed to be safe, and being on an unknown planet wasn''t exactly that. Of course, she could hold her ground if needed, as she was trained by her mother, Matriarch Benezia, but it was better safe than sorry.


    The group passed structure upon structure, but no one said anything, as Vigil seemed desperate, if a VI could even do that.


    But somehow, it made sense for it to be desperate. It has been 50,000 years since the Protheans vanished, the power must have almost ended by now, and there''s still Protheans alive. That showed how dedicated the VI was in trying to keep them alive.


    So, when they finally arrived at where the cryopods were, Javik immediately asked, '''' How many are alive?''''


    '''' 157...156.'''' Vigil answered in a hurried tone while trying his best to maintain the powers to the maximum pods he could.


    '''' WE NEED TO HURRY!'''' Javik screamed just as the rest of the crew arrived with their M.A.K.O., with enough energy supply to power up the base for another hundred years if necessary.


    They knew the location thanks to those on foot relaying their location to them. The personnel inside the M.A.K.O. got out ready to do their job, with power supplies at hand.


    '''' Plug them right now!''''


    No one said anything as they started to work flawlessly together. Vigil guided the personnel with the power supply to the place they needed to plug in to save the base.


    Javik also did his best, but it was a race against time, and time doesn''t wait.


    By the time they managed to stabilize the power source for the cryopods, another five Protheans were lost. Javik didn''t blame anyone but the Reapers for their predicament.


    Seeing the five pods that should have given him another five people from his species made the fire of revenge burn once more in Javik''s heart.


    '''' We can''t house all of those pods on the ship. If we want to get them out of here, we will need to contact others on Earth so they can bring a bigger ship.'''' Clare was speaking with Miranda after checking up on the Protheans on the pod. They were just like Javik was in Eden Prime.


    '''' No worries, I already called them. They will arrive here in one day.'''' Remember that Miranda was the CEO of LD. She just responded to Samael, and he had already given her full authority to handle LD business. Calling one of their bigger ships was okay.


    Of course, she would have to tell Veronica to guide them to the Mu Relay, but that was easy. Speaking of Mu Relay, that was an amazing discovery, and Miranda also knew of a few ways to gain money, among other things, with that information.


    But Samael had asked her to wait a little bit before revealing it, and now she had an idea why.


    '' This is a still-barely-functioning Prothean base. The things we find here might help against the Reapers. So, telling others about the Mu Relay now isn''t smart.''


    With that in mind, Miranda went to help others with the pods.


    Suddenly, RR paused. Everyone who knew her knew it was a weird thing for her to do that.


    '''' What happened?'''' Jack dropped what she was doing and approached RR with concern. The last few weeks have been good for Jack, as she is now more sociable and calm.


    Everyone in the crew knew RR was an AI. Miranda told the people who didn''t know when she talked about the Reapers to them. No one had a problem with it, some, like Jack, got close to the AI.


    By the way, Liara had just found out RR was an AI, thanks to Vigil mentioning it before. She was a little surprised but decided to keep her mouth shut, as LD gave her an opportunity so big she could never repay it. Keeping quiet was just normal.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    '''' Samael has disconnected me from his omni tool.'''' RR''s tone took a sharp turn. '''' It''s the first time in years he has done that.''''


    '''' Is he safe?'''' Miranda asked, fearing something might have happened to him.


    '''' He is okay. But he won''t be when we meet again, in person.'''' RR''s eyes glowed in a dangerous light. While she was there at the base, giving a pep talk to EDI, she was just a small drone, so there was little she could do to Samael. And she did promise to guard the door until the conversation was over, and she would honor her word.


    But, when they met again, she was already thinking about how to punish him.


    Everyone gulped and prayed for Samael''s safety. Then, after confirming everything was okay, they returned to their duties.


    Only Liara was pestering Vigil nonstop, asking about Prothean culture, what he knew, etc. She was having the best day of her life.


    WITH SAMAEL AND THE ILLUSIVE MAN


    Jack Harper got up from his chair and screamed at Samael, ''''You can''t know that!!''''


    Samael smiled sadly. ''''Not only do I know I lived that''''


    That made Jack pause, as he could not begin to comprehend the situation.'''' What do you mean?''''


    The facade of normal that Samel put on his face for a long time fell, and he showed his true feelings on his face. Helplessness, anxiety, and hope.


    He witnessed the downfall of humanity at the hands of others one too many times. While sometimes he knew it was justified and he would return in time anyway, it wasn''t nice to see that.


    Children dying, planets exploding, betrayal from those you trusted the most. Even the strongest-willed person couldn''t maintain their mindset for long.


    Sometimes he even tried to block out the memories of the carnage he had participated in and witnessed, but most of the time he failed. The memories of the cycles he had tasted defeat at the hands of another, either Reapers or not, plagued his mind even in his sleep, but he did his best to control his emotions and not let them dictate the way he lived his life.


    While his mind healed as best it could, he was still affected by the things he saw in past cycles.


    Everything he did from the beginning of this last cycle of his was to ensure nothing like that happened ever again. But even he sometimes had doubts about the success of what he was doing.


    After all, he was but one man. While he could fight against fate, changing things here and there, it was still a fight he could lose if he wasn''t careful enough.


    Samuel then looked directly into the Illusive Man''s eye and said,  ''''You will die without knowing.''''


    '''' The way you did things wasn''t the right way, and now it''s time to pay the price.''''


    Jack accepted his fate, as no one had come to him until now.


    Samael got up and punched Jack Harper.


    THUMP


    Soon after, Jack Harper was knocked unconscious.


    --


    Samael now has a dilemma. Kill Jack here and now, or let him live to see humanity thrive without him.


    The second option sounds too nice, and the first is too boring. Just killing him wasn''t fun. He had to suffer.


    '' I could use the  ''unoindoctrination'' method on him...''


    That thought immediately made Samael pause in his tracks, his body trembling a little. It was the first time in this cycle he thought about the method, and that sent shivers down his spine.


    Remember that Samael had found a way to undo the indoctrination in one of his past cycles. It was essentially, a hard reboot of the person''s very soul/psyche.


    How did he figure that out, you ask? Well, something had bothered him since the first time he played the trilogy.


    The attack on the temple of the ''defective Asari'', the Ardat-Yakshi. Those Asari were slaughtered without any reason in Mass Effect 3, and when Samael investigated, he found that their defect was actually a blessing in disguise.


    They were considered defective because they could not control their urges to kill, to have sex, or to meld with anyone. They took pleasure in that, and their favorite method was death via melding.


    It was a different process than the normal Asari, they were more destructive.


    So, Samael figured out that the Reapers targeted them because they knew they were the key to undoing the indoctrination. And he was right.


    He tested in other cycles, and they could undo the indoctrination. Of course, the side effects were extremely severe. The person ceases to exist and basically returns to a baby, with no memory, personality, etc. They become a brand new book.


    Samael''s plan was to do that to Jack Harper and mold him into an advocate of peace between all species. The only downside was that the real evil man would die in the process.


    And now that he thought about this process, he also remembered how he had been acting weird for some time now. Losing control of himself when losing a figth, talking without thinking... Dots connected at a high speed in Samael''s mind at that point.


    The conclusion he reached, based on what he knew, did not please him one bit.


    But now was not the time to think about that. It was time to think about the Illusive Man and what to do with him.


    '''' ... I don''t know. Let''s let Jack and the others he tortured, decide on his fate.''''


    Looking at the unconscious man, Samael laughed a bit, '''' Before that, let''s take control of Cerberus!''''


    '''' RR, you can enter now.'''' After he turned his Omni tool back on, he called RR back to the room.


    When the drone entered the room, Saamael immediately noticed its bad mood. He also knew why, '' I turned her off from my omni tool. It was necessary, but I felt bad...''


    Anyway, RR said nothing about that and passed the Illusive Man omni tool to Samael, '''' I did what you asked. EDI is now on our side, she just needed a little convincing.''''


    '''' It is a pleasure working with you.'''' EDI''s voice came out of the Illusive Man omni toll.


    '''' Likewise.''''


    '''' Also, Samael.'''' RR''s voice was cold and dripping with malice.


    Samael sweated a little, '''' Yes?''''


    '''' Never disconnect me from your omni tool again.'''' RR was very serious when saying that.


    '''' ... Sure.'''' Samael sighed in relief when he saw RR return to normal. He had to do that, as she could not listen to the conversation.


    '' She could have discovered something because of the conversation, and I have no plans on revealing about the cycles to anyone, ever.''


    Putting that aside, Samael''s mind was complicated at the moment. Based on his actions on this cycle, EDI was born a few years earlier, missing a few parts of herself. He felt a little guilty but vowed to upgrade her to RR level. After all, RR is EDI ''daughter'', as their mother-code was almost the same, only RR was more advanced.


    '''' EDI, it''s good to have you onboard. Can you do me a favor?''''


    '''' Anything.'''' EDI sounded a little too eager.


    Samael ignored that and said, '''' Call the names I will give you to this base. I want them to think it was the Illusive Man who called them. Give them a day or so.''''


    The list Samael gave EDI had names of people he knew were involved in shady business in Cerberus. Remember, Cerberus still had good reputation in the galaxy, as they didn''t know about their experiments and true face.


    Only a few select people, the ones who authorized and participated in those experiments were evil. The rest, like Miranda was in the games, didn''t know about Cerberus''s true face.


    What Samael would do was: eliminate all the bad roots, take control of Cerberus, put them under LD, and then use them for the greater good of the galaxy, not only humanity.


    '' That will piss off the Illusive Man so much... But I don''t even know if he will be alive to see that.''


    '''' Done. They all said ok, and that they would arrive tomorrow.''''


    '''' Good. Now we wait.'''' Samael sat on the Illusive Man chair and started watching the dying star, with a drone floating right beside him and EDI, who was transferred to his omni-tool. He still needed to find her source, but she said it was in this base, so he wasn''t in a hurry.


    ''Peaceful.''


    That is what was on Samael''s mind; He just eliminated one of the biggest threats the galaxy had, and things would be peaceful for at least a month or so.


    And that made him afraid. For years and years, all he did was fight. Of course, in some cycles, he messed around and did nothing but party around, but ... even then, he fought back when needed.


    What he worried about now was what he was going to do after the Reapers were dealt with. There would be no more Time loops, so he would have to live his remaining life span.


    '' But... doing what? All I know is war and war.''


    While Samael was smarter than most, as he lived and learned for more years than normal, all he used this knowledge for was how to use it against the Reapers or to kill someone.


    He wanted to do better, but ... nothing would matter if the Reapers still won. So, he was forced to focus on that.


    Of course, he also wanted to do other things. Alas, fate didn''t let him.


    Even with those doubts in mind, Samael maintained his calm, as he knew it wasn''t time to be dealing with that.


    He then just enjoyed his view with his AI''s companions.

 36 – New Cerberus (1)

    After enjoying the view for a few hours, Samael had time to breathe and think about himself for a change. He was alone, well, he had RR and EDI on his side, but the AIs were mostly quiet unless they wanted him to answer something for them.


    It gave him enough space and time, so his mind automatically went down a path he just thought about after he remembered it from the conversation with the Illusive Man.


    The Ardat-Yakshi, the ''defective'' Asari. They had the power to wipe out the personality AND the memories of the person, as their powers were more focused on the destruction/death part. The other Asari, while in theory, could also do that, it was close to impossible, as their conscience didn''t let them do what the Ardat - Yakshi does.


    Samael wasn''t a dumb person, far from it, most would say he was above the rest, so he connected the dots his mind refused to before, as he had never thought about the ''unodocrination'' process in this cycle.


    And when he did, it was almost like something clicked in his head, saying, '' That''s it!''.


    '' I know I probably passed through this process... Ever since I arrived at the galaxy, maybe even before that, since my birth, I noticed something changed in me compared to other cycles. I started to act differently than normal, almost like something had intervened with my personality.''


    The conversation with Natasha, Jack''s mother, came to mind. Instead of thinking about what to say, he just told her what he was thinking, regardless of the consequences.


    There''s also the way he fights when cornered. When he starts to lose the fight, Samael goes into an animalist-like state, something he has no control over. It never bothered him before because he thought it was normal, as he was trained by Wrex across various cycles.


    But he was also trained by other people. So, the normal he thought was normal wasn''t normal at all. It was a sign of something deeper within his mind, slipping away from his grasp the more he tried to comprehend.


    When he thought of the process to use on the Illusive Man, it assured Samael of something.


    '' I''m not dumb... I know I had my memories wiped out. The problem is how many times and why...''


    That begs the question: why does he just remember certain cycles and not the rest? What or who was capable of doing that to him?


    Samael then tried to remember how many cycles he had before, and the answer was that he didn''t know. This information didn''t bother him before, as it somewhat made sense for him to only remember some parts or some cycles, his mind was probably blocking some parts because they were irrelevant or painful for him to remember.


    But after the conversation with the Illusive Man and the information about the Ardat - Yakshi returning to the spotlight of his thoughts, Samael connected the dots immediately.


    He had memories of exactly nine cycles, but now he was even doubting his own mind, which was broken but healed after some time.


    '' If this last cycle of mine had already happened before, and out of grief, I wiped my memories because of it...''


    To be honest, he was afraid of what he would find out or what would happen to him if he forced his mind to really think about it all.


    Shaking these thoughts away, Samael tried his best to think of other things. He didn''t like to think about where his mind would go if he continued to think about the subject.


    He knew he would have to deal with what he thought was his broken-but-healed mind, but the time wasn''t now. He didn''t have the means to do that, nor did he know if others had the means. It was a problem for the future.


    '' I''ll deal with this when and if I can.''


    Then, to take his mind off of this subject, Samael decided to call another one of his teachers. Mordin Solus.


    Mordin was one of those responsible for making the Genophage and was plagued with guilt for the rest of his life. In the games, he had sacrificed himself to ensure the cure would be used on the Krogan population, giving them a chance to rebuild their forces and, in the process, fight the Reapers.


    But Samael didn''t want his friend to die for no reason and would help him deal with his guilt, just like he did in other cycles.


    Samael made a few taps in his omni tool, and a call was being made.


    Seconds later, a familiar voice comes through, '''' Yes?''''


    '''' I''m talking with Doctor Mordin Solus?''''


    '''' Yes. May I ask who you are?''''


    '''' You might not believe me right away, but have you heard of LD?''''


    '''' Who hasn''t in the past few years?''''


    Samael was glad he created this company, as it helped him so many times in this cycle. '''' Well, my name is Samael, and... I''m its creator, and I have a deal for you.''''


    He had revealed himself to the Council, which had connections with the Shadow Broker. So, by now, a lot of other people would already know about him, and in the first place, he wasn''t exactly hiding his identity. He just wasn''t going around telling other people, like now.


    '''' Oh? What deal?'''' Mordin''s voice had a mix of curiosity and perplexity. He had no idea what LD wanted with him but was interested in what this so-called LD''s creator would say. If it was really him, something Mordin doubted a little, but he decided to listen anyway.


    '''' This can''t leave this conversation. I trust you in that regard.'''' Samael said in a serious voice.


    '''' My mouth is sealed, yes.''''


    Samael took a breath and said, '''' LD is working on the genophage cure. We are close, and we wanted to invite you for help.''''


    There was a long pause in the call. It was to be expected, as Mordin was a Salarian and one of the people who made the Genophage. This was way earlier than in the original timeline, so his mind might not be the same.


    But the Salarian responded soon after, ''''... Why me?''''


    '''' LD knows your involvement with the Genophage... and your regret over it. We are offering something few people could give you.''''


    '''' What would that be?''''


    '''' A chance to do things right, a second chance, redemption.''''


    Only Mordin''s ragged breath came through the call. He was struggling quite a bit with what he had just learned. He knew that if he reported it to his superiors, LD was going to suffer a lot of backlash because of it.


    The Salarians don''t treat their enemies with grace, the Krogan being an example of that. If they learned that LD was making the cure for the Genophage ... he didn''t even want to think about the consequences.


    '' There would be a war...''


    But, regardless of everything, Mordin was tempted. There are very few regrets he had, and his role in making the Genopahge was the biggest of them. The chance to fix that was amazing.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    It took some time and a few struggles with his mind until Mordin came to a decision.


    '''' How do we meet?''''


    Samael smiled widely. '''' Our main base is on Earth, but we are relocating soon. But, in the meantime, I''ll send some people to give you a ride to our facilities, the ones in which we are studying/making the cure. Also, regarding the cure, we have some ideas on how to go about it, but your perspective will help a lot.''''


    '''' Can you send me the data on what you accomplished so far?'''' Mordin''s voice wasn''t filled with conviction, as he knew LD would most likely not trust him with that information. Hell, he still didn''t even know if the person on the other side of the line was really the creator of LD.


    After all, their call right now wasn''t with holograms, so he could only hear the voice of Samael.


    To his surprise, however, Samael simply said, '''' Sure.''''


    A few moments later, a few TB of data flowed into Mordin''s Omni tool. He could not believe that, and as he read the data, he was even more disbelieving. LD was closer to the cure than he thought.


    '' Amazing...''


    Just a few more adjustments here and there, and it would be done.


    '''' Thank you for the trust.'''' Mordin was already thinking of ways to improve the cure and help relieve his guilty conscience.


    ''''Don''t need to mention it. I hope to see you soon, and it was a pleasure talking with you.''''


    '''' Likewise.''''


    The call then ended, and Samael smiled, seeing that his friend, even in different cycles, had the same or almost the same personality.


    '' Now I have to send him to my team.''


    Remember that Samael ''recruited'' very special people who he knew were intelligent and would be great in the future and made them work on... certain projects that were ''exquisite'', to say the least. The Cure of the Genophage was one of them, alongside nanomachines, a MECH way bigger than normal, etc.


    Most of these projects were in the early stages of study, but thanks to Samael''s information from other cycles, they had a path to follow, so the speed at which these projects progressed was great. In a few years, Samael knew that they would have results on several fronts. But until then, he had to wait.


    While he could create the Cure for the Genophage right away, he gave it to his team on Earth, 70% done, to see if they could improve it. Now that Mordin has entered the fray, they will be able to achieve 100% soon, maybe even improve it.


    Samael would also send the complete formula of the serum to Mordin to see if this version of him could find problems or even improve it. It was unlikely, as the serum was the result of several cycles of study, but it was worth a try. Also, the serum was exclusive to Samael, so only Mordin and maybe Tali could look at it and study it.


    While Samael was thinking that, his omni-tool vibrated, meaning someone was calling him. This time, it was a hologram call from a number he didn''t recognize at first glance.


    His feelings and memories did stir up a bit, but he had no idea why. Very few people had his numbers, so Samael accepted the call, only to be utterly shocked by who it was.


    It was a Quarian. As she had a mask, he could not see her face, but he could recognize her even among millions of Quarians.


    '' Tali...''


    Memories of Tali and his love life came flooding in, and Samael was almost overcome with emotions. While she was the last to enter ''his'' harem in the first cycles, she wasn''t the least loved.


    On the contrary, if push comes to shove and things don''t happen in the way he wanted regarding the harem, Samael was pretty sure he would choose Tali over Shepard and Liara.


    '''' Hello.'''' The young Quarian offered her greeting, '''' My name is Tali, and I was ''recruited'' by one of your people a few days ago. He said to give you a call when I was ready to join your crew. Well, I''m ready now.''''


    By this point in time, Tali had already studied the Geth in the area she was in for long enough and was ready to meet her new crew and family. Also, Quarians had the tradition of having their ship name as a surname, and she was looking forward to the one she would receive.


    Only if she knew the ship, the crew had no name yet...


    Tali noticed the man was staring at her with a strange gaze, one she had never seen before,'''' Uhhh, hello?''''


    That seemed to bring Samael out of his stupor, '''' Oh, sorry. I was distracted for a moment. My name is Samael.''''


    ''''I heard about you and your skills, Tali''Zorah nar Rayya. Very few people in the galaxy have your potential, so that''s why I wanted you to join me, so you could reach your full potential without having to worry about anything else. I know how the galaxy treats the Quarians, so I knew I had to help a gem.''''


    Tali winched a little when he mentioned the quarian treatment, but she still said, '''' Thank you, as I said before, I''m ready to join you as a crewmate... I will be honest, I never thought my captain would be so young.''''


    '''' What matters is the skill, not how you look.''''


    Tali herself nodded at that statement, as she was the living proof of that.


    '''' Where are you? I will send someone to pick you up right now.''''


    Tali then passed her location to Samael. It was just then she realized she, in her stupor, didn''t even ask who was her new captain and who he worked for.


    If he was a villain or a bandit, she would reject the offer and go hiding if necessary.


    '''' By the way, I never asked. Who do you work for?''''


    Samael looked puzzled, '''' He didn''t tell you?'''' He was talking about the vendor who contacted Tali first. By the way, he made sure to reward the man handsomely. Like 1 million credits handsomely.


    Tali shook her head and said, '''' No. He just said his boss found my skills good and wanted to recruit me, nothing more.''''


    Samaeel sighed, but answered her, '''' Well, I''m the creator and owner of LD. In my crew right now, we have a living Prothean, a Krogan Warlord, though he is just hired for a week, me, and a few other good people. You will not regret joining us.''''


    This time, it was Tali who was too shocked to speak. She could not believe her luck if that were true.


    '''' Oh, it''s normal if you don''t believe me right away, but I guarantee you it''s true. The people who will go get you will most likely be using our standard uniform and symbol.''''


    If you ask what symbol LD had, it was simple. It was the letter LD on their uniform, just that, nothing more. But, in recent years, just seeing that symbol sent chills down the spines of others.


    Some even tried to impersonate LD personnel, but their fate wasn''t good.


    Samael found the confused Tali cuter than normal.


    '''' ... Okay.''''


    Samael knew she was too shocked and would take some time for her to recover, so although he still wanted to hear her voice, he would give her space and time to recover.


    '''' Well, that was it. You''re a fine addition to my crew, and I guarantee you will not regret joining us. See you soon.''''


    '''' ... Bye.''''


    The call then ended, and Samael thought about his first interaction with a loved one. He thought it was a good one, and he would not lie, seeing Tali after so many years, was amazing.


    '' Now, only Liara and Shepard left. I will meet Liara when I leave here, but Shepard... I don''t know when our paths will cross.''


    Samael could have forced the situation, to meet her sooner, but he decided against it.


    '' Let fate take its course.''


    After the call to Mordin and the call from Tali, Samael asked RR, '''' How is the expedition on Illos going?''''


    Remember, the AI was here in a drone ''body'' while also there in Illos with her android body. She was giving Samael updates on the mission, but as he was on call for some time, she didn''t do it.


    RR''s voice sounded a little happy, '''' We have found a few pods with living Protheans inside. Also, there''s a VI there called Vigil, who said he had data on the Reapers. He is transmitting it to us as I speak...I also asked him to allow us to transfer his core to our ship, but he refused, saying that he would stay at the base until he ran out of energy or was destroyed".''


    Vigil was giving all the information he had and could to RR, per Javik''s request. All so that they could prepare better for the Reapers. But the VI close to an AI was loyal to a fault and decided to stay on Illos.


    Samael thought it was a shame, as Vigil would make a good addition to his crew, but you can''t have everything. '''' Good. Also, make sure to explain everything to EDI. Yo- we are family now, so don''t hold back on anything.''''


    '''' Leave it to me.''''


    Samael then went back to the chair and sat down. Tomorrow he would deal with the ugly side of Cerberus, and then he would take over the place.


    He would make sure Cerberus would be used for one and only goal: to ensure the WHOLE galaxy would prosper, not just humanity.


    Samael''s mood lifted as he thought about what the Illusive Man would think about that.


    By the way, the Illusive Man was tied up and drugged in the small ship Samael used to arrive at Cerberus main base, with no way to escape or even wake up.


    A DAY LATER


    Everyone who had participated in certain projects of Cerberus received the same message, telling them to go to the main base in a day.


    No one understood why, but they had to follow orders. A hundred or so people arrived at the main base at the same time and started to joke around, asking about the results of their research.


    '''' I heard a few test subjects escaped a base some time ago. Killed all guards and employers.'''' One of the people there, a scientist who specifically was in charge of seeing the effect of what happens if you push the human body and mind to the limit, commented with his colleagues.


    '''' I heard it too. It''s scary to think about that, as it could happen to us too.'''' This one was making a pheromone to agitate Thresher Maws into attacking people who were just passing by.


    '''' I went ahead and made sure the test subjects I''m working on couldn''t do that. I doubled security on the base and.. euthanized a few rebellious ones.'''' One of the other scientists chimed in, smiling sadistically as he said what he said.


    '''' OHHH, good thinking.''''


    While they were chatting away, they continued walking around the base, going toward the main office, noticing there were very few guards. They didn''t think much of it and, after some time, arrived at the main office. Upon entering, all of them were amazed by the view and the huge table in the middle of the office.


    '''' Well, it seems we arrived. I''ll go to my assigned seat. I don''t know what this meeting is for, but good luck!''''


    No one knew why the meeting was called, but they thought it was a reward of some kind. While Cerberus wasn''t that powerful anymore, it still had money. A lot of money.


    And they were the backbone of the company, working for the true purpose of Cerberus.


    Bring humanity to the top of the galaxy, regardless of the cost or what they need to do. They didn''t mind dirtying their hands, and that was exactly why the Illusive Man hired them.


    '''' Good luck to you too.'''' The other scientists nodded at each other and went to their chairs.


    Soon after, everyone was seated and waiting for the Illusive Man to arrive. By the way, they knew him personally, as he was the one who recruited them in person. All for the great good of humanity.


    It is safe to say that all those inside the office were monsters of the highest caliber. They all had crimes under their names, but Cerberus made sure those who knew were silenced, gaining the loyalty of those monsters, and making them work for the group.


    As time passed and there was no signal from the boss, they continued talking.


    A few minutes later, the office door opened, and an unknown man entered. He was dressed in plain clothes and, for some reason, had two drones following him.


    After everyone looked at the door and saw it was just a young man and not their boss, they continued talking. Never in a million years would they have thought it was an intruder, as they were in the most important and secure base of all the others Cerberus owned.


    Only a madman would invade Cerberus main base, walk up to the boss''s room, and sit on his chair.


    And that was exactly what was happening.


    Samael sat on the chair and coughed a little to call everyone''s attention to him.


    COUGH


    It worked, and only now have they realized the situation was weird, as no one but the Illusive Man was allowed to sit on that chair.


    Samael started speaking, '''' Good day to you all. I''m sure you''re all surprised to see someone else and not your boss sitting here, but I''ll be honest with you, Cerberus recently had ... a change of head.''''


    Immediately, alarm spread into the minds of everyone there, as they noticed the situation wasn''t looking good. Some even got up and tried the door but to no avail. It didn''t budge one bit.


    ''''Don''t bother; you can''t escape the room.'''' Samael was surrounded by 100 or so people, but he was calm. Of course, those 100 people weren''t trained soldiers, but still, it was a huge number, even for Samael to face them head on.


    Lucky for him, he was armed, but they didn''t need to know that for now.


    Sensing the weirdness of it all, everyone was still quiet but got up and tried to approach Samael.


    '''' Again, don''t bother. EDI, do your job.''''


    BANG BANG BANG


    A few shots later from one of the drones close to Samael were enough to make everyone stop in their tracks, eyeing the drones with newfound fear and dread.


    Some of the scientists heard what Samael said and shouted in a hurry,'''' EDI?! The AI Cerberus made!? How!? Why did you betray us?''''


    EDI drone stayed quiet while aiming the guns at the scientists.


    '''' We, LD, can be very ... persuasive if we want. Also, don''t bother trying to call anyone, as just a few minutes ago, the base suddenly received a vacation notice and all personnel had left. That''s why I was a little late to our meeting.''''


    When they heard it was LD who was behind this... attack, it all made sense to them. They were being attacked and, most likely, lost. It clicked on the heads of the scientists here, explaining why there were very few personnel around the base. It was the job of the man in front of them and their biggest enemy, LD.


    The situation wasn''t looking good for scientists.


    Samael had prepared very well for this meeting. He didn''t want a single thread of the old Cerberus regime to be left behind when he took control of the company.


    Today would mark the very end of the old Cerberus, while also marking its rebirth as a whole new group.

 37 - New Cerberus (2)

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 38 – Omega (1)

    Omega, ah Omega.


    A huge space station, not at the Citadel caliber, but still big. Home to all types of criminals, with no type of police or any forces like that protecting folks.


    The best thing they got close to something like a police force was the protection of the crime lords overseeing the space station, as they tried to maintain order with their forces.


    It had illegal casinos, illegal fighting rings, and prostitution rings with personnel of almost any species.


    If you want a female Krogan to ride you, you just need to pay the price. Also, Samael would not recommend it unless you take the serum he and the others made or you are a Krogan. Why he doesn''t recommend that is a mystery...


    Anyway, it was nostalgic for Samael, as he spent most of his time in a past cycle there, partying and fooling around. He knew it like the back of his hand.


    But now he didn''t come with partying or relaxing in mind. He had a mission: get close to Aria, get the ingredients for the serum, wait for his crew to arrive, and then think about his next steps.


    As he had already sent a message for the construction crew to start working on his planet¡ªjust a simple base and a few other essential facilities¡ªto house the sleeping Protheans, there were just a few more things for him to do.


    The problem is that Samael was bored. He was already in a hotel room, the best Omega had to offer, and one located under Aria''s territory, but... he had nothing but time now. He had one week to get to know Aria and wait for his crew.


    He knew he could not rush things with Aria, as she wasn''t exactly trusting of others, so... he was bored, as he had nothing or maybe too many options to do.


    '''' Sigh... RR, EDI, give me options on how to pass time.''''


    RR immediately said, '''' Make me a body with functioning genitals so we can fool around.''''


    Samael was already accustomed to her bluntness, but EDI was a little bit shocked by the conversation.


    '''' Pass, I already associate seeing you on your original body, it would be weird. EDI?''''


    '''' I want a body too.'''' EDI immediately jumped at the opportunity.


    '''' I can make you one, but only a week later.'''' Samael could make a body for her now, but the materials on Omega weren''t the best in the galaxy, and Samael wanted the best of the best for his family.


    '''' I can wait... How about we roam around the place and see if anything is interesting?'''' EDI offered another choice.


    '''' HMMMM, sounds good. Let''s go.''''


    Then, Samael, along with his two AI drones, started to wander around Omega.


    Some people even tried to rob him right as he exited the hotel, but ''security'' dealt with them, as he was on the ''good'' part of Omega. Their fate is now unknown.


    Samael then went to the markets, which were filled with a lot of places. The busiest ones were food ones, like normal, while the majority of the vendors were either Batarians or Quarians.


    Making sure to not buy anything that touched a Batarian hand, Samael found a good food place, one he also visited in a past cycle, and bought a mountain of food.


    After eating the food, which was mostly a paste of something that tasted like chicken with barbecue sauce, Samael decided to be a good samaritan today, and in doing so, he would gather Aria''s attention.


    Using his now not-so-reliable memory to remember which vendor worked under Aria, Samael entered a particular shop run by a Quarian and bought their entire stock. All of it, down to the bone.


    '''' I want that... Oh, that desk looks amazing. How much is it? 1000 credits? I will buy... Also, are you seling your helmet?''''


    The Quarian vendor, while happy that all his merchandise was sold, was a little taken aback by Samael''s enthusiastic buying. Also, he had already contacted his boss, Aria, about the huge whale in the market right now.


    '''' Sorry, the helmet is not for sale.''''


    '''' A pity. Do you have anything more to sell?''''


    With a heavy heart and filled with joy, the Quarian shook his head and said, '''' I sold all my stock to you. The total was 323.029 credits.''''


    Samael transferred 330.000 to the Quarian vendor.


    When the Quarian saw the number, he was about to say something, but Samael beat him to it, '''' It''s a tip. I recommend you transfer to your account before the person your boss sent to ''get'' me arrives.''''


    The Quarian looked a little guilty, as Samael had seen through him, '''' Sorry, I was doing my job.''''


    '''' You just told your boss the truth, nothing else.'''' Samael then looked at the thing he bought and said, '''' Well,  I can''t carry all of this with me. Can you make sure it goes into a storage I can access later?''''


    While it was a huge spending to some, to Samael, it was pocket money. But he wasn''t one to ignore the things he bought, so he would make sure to use them or at least try.


    It was a huge variety of things, ranging from an unknown desk to guns of all types, armor, etc.


    '''' Leave it to me.'''' The Quarian was more than happy to help, as he just received a tip of 7,000 credits. Besides, while forceful, Aria wasn''t evil per se. He was sure this customer could handle the Asari.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    '''' See you around, kid.'''' Samael left the store alongside his drone.


    He then repeated the process two more times until, finally, a huge Krogan appeared in front of his path and said,  My boss wants to talk with you.''''


    '''' And who is your boss?'''' Samael was calm, as he wanted this situation. Now, Aria knows about him, and she came to him.


    Alas, he did have to force things a little, but if life follows what you want, it would not be called life.


    '''' Aria, the owner of Omega.''''


    '''' Owner?'''' Samael tilted his head, making the Krogan enraged.


    While it was true that Aria had a lot of power over Omega, she was not the true owner of the space station yet. YET.


    '''' Ok, make way.''''


    The huge Krogan then huffed and started to make their way towards Aria, with Samael, RR, and EDI following him in their drone forms.


    '' Let''s make a good impression.''


    --


    '' I failed.''


    Samuel sighed as he watched Aria rise up from her seat, looking down at him and at her bodyguard.


    The place they were in was Aria''s ''home'', a strip club. Aria herself almost lives there, with her ''office'' being in the tallest part of the club, overseeing it all.


    Very few people could enter her ''office'', and the majority that managed to enter were someone who helped her, made a deal with her, or her enemies. It is safe to say that the fate of the enemies who enter is not good.


    Samel immediately said, '''' He started it.''''


    The Krogan, in fact, did start it. Everything was going as he planned, the Krogan bodyguard guided him to Aria, but it was then that he made a mistake.


    Thinking Samael was an easy and a ''whale'' target, he tried to extort some money from him just as they arrived at Aria.


    When Samael said no, the Krogan tried to put his hands on him. Alas, he didn''t expect a human to react and beat him so easily.


    Of course, it was not as simple as ''Samael defeated a Krogan'', no. It was a mixture of experience and his opponent not taking him seriously. I mean, would you believe a normal human would be able to knock out a Krogan with two moves?


    No, neither did the Krogan. When he tried to put his hand on Samael, the human grabbed his hand, then aimed a kick at the Krogan legs, making him fall to the ground, using his own body weight against him. Before the Krogan could react, Samael aimed a punch at a very specific spot on Krogan to make him pass out in two moves.


    ... Nah, not even Samael could do that, as there is no spot like that on a Krogan. What happened was that after Samael managed to drop the Krogan on the ground, EDI and RR used a tranquilizer on the Krogan without anyone noticing, making it seem Samael defeated it in two moves.


    You would be surprised at the arsenal the drones had on them. Sedactives, thermal clips, etc.


    Truth be told, he would be able to defeat the Krogan, but it would take more time. So, he just went the easy route, and it made him appear stronger than he actually is to others.


    '''' I saw it. I''ll deal with him later.'''' Samael flinched a little thinking about the fate of the now knocked-out Krogan, while Aria said while looking directly at him, '''' The question is, what do I do with you?''''


    '''' How about inviting me for a drink or two, so we can discuss things?''''


    Gasp


    Everyone around Aria gasped and took a deep breath. What Samael was doing was incredible, as no one faces Aria like that and doesn''t suffer.


    '''' Hmmm.'''' Aria too was a little taken aback, but she found the situation interesting. After all, it''s not every day you watch a human knock out a Krogan so easily, '''' Come.''''


    Aria then sat down on one of the sofas in her ''office'' and started to drink something.


    Samael, without a care in the words and under the bewildered stares of everyone in the ''office'', sat down on the sofa facing Aria. '''' Thanks for the invite.''''


    '''' Don''t mention it.''''


    Samael then called a waitress, who entered the room and started to tremble a little from nervousness, and asked for a few drinks, tipped her handsome, then finally faced Aria for real, '''' My name is Samael, by the way. And I came to discuss business.''''


    Aria paused after hearing that name. It was exotic for sure, but based on the reports she received from an agent of the Shadow Broker a few days ago, LD creator was called Samael. A thought came to her mind, '' Could it be him?''


    It made sense too, as no one normally would face her so nonchalantly, and he came to discuss business.


    So, Aria decided to test the waters, '''' What kind of business would LD''s owner want with a criminal like me?''''


    Samael chuckled, not thinking about what she said, '''' I need something, and I think you have it.''''


    Well, it wasn''t a lie per se, as other people also have the same ingredients in other parts of the galaxy, but he wanted the connection with her more than the ingredients themselves.


    '''' What is it?'''' Aria was certain now that the person in front of her was from LD, and while that made things a little difficult, here was her home. She wasn''t afraid of anyone here, not LD nor the Council.


    This is her home, and no one messes with her here!


    Samael then passed a paper with the last ingredient on it. Aria took it, read it, and raised her eyebrows, '''' This ... is quite uncommon and common at the same time. I know of other places, even here in Omega, that have it. Why come to me?''''


    '''' It''s not every day you can use an opportunity to have a connection with Aria T''olak, the owner of Omega.''''


    That praise did, in fact, raise Aria''s ego a bit, but she knew she still wasn''t the true owner of the space station, '''' So, LD, wants a connection with me, a criminal?''''


    '''' Well, we will not be best buddies, but a connection is a connection, isn''t it?''''


    '''' Hmmm.'''' Aria didn''t really have a reason to say no to Samael. It''s just that it was strange, all of this. But based on what she knew about LD, they were weird.


    '''' I''ll see what I CAN DO for you. I need some time to gather the amount you want.''''


    '''' I can wait for as long as necessary.''''


    Just then, the waitress arrived with Samael''s drinks. He thanked her, took one, and passed the other to Aria.


    '''' Cheers.''''


    Samael downed his drink and watched as Aria did the same.


    '''' So, now that that is out of the way, what will you do in my home now?'''' Aria didn''t really want LD owner here, as he was a hot potato. Granted, very few people knew of him, but that might change in the future.


    '''' I''ll have some friends coming here in a week or so. Until then, I will wander around the place, doing something.'''' Samael now has a lot of free time and very little to do. Even this meeting with Aria started because he asked RR and EDI what to do, improvised later on, and things ended up here.


    '''' Do you want to watch some films? Someone to sleep with?''''


    '''' Is that an invitation?''''


    Aria chuckled at that, '''' Careful boy. I ate people more important and better than you.''''''


    It was Samael''s turn to smile at the Asari '''' You should have seen the face of the last Asari who thought she could handle me. I thought you might know her, Tevos.''''


    Aria paused, '''' The Councilor?''''


    '''' The same.''''


    Aria''s interest was piqued, and she was watching the human with interest, '''' Tell me more.''''


    So, for some time, Samael and Aria talked about Tevos, guns, and LD, among other things. While not BFFs, they did form a small connection.


    '''' Alas, it''s time for me to meet other people. Being one of the owners of Omega has its perks, but it''s downsides as well.'''' Aria sighed a little. Her conversation with the human was very interesting, '''' But I enjoyed our conversation a lot.''''


    '''' Me too. Maybe we can continue at a later date.''''


    '''' Perhaps... what you asked of me will arrive in a few days, with the price set at 500.000 credits.''''


    '''' No problem.'''' Samael got up and extended his hand to Aria, saying,'''' It was a pleasure doing business with you.''''


    Aria shook her hand and said, '''' Likewise.''''


    After that, Samael got up and left Aria''s strip club.


    For a moment after leaving, Samael wondered if Samara''s daughter, an Asari who also happened to be an Arktsha-Yashit, was there, but decided to check it later, as he had time. He wanted to relieve some stress he was feeling.


    The Illusive Man could wait some more time with his personality and memories intact, as he was drugged in his ship right now and had no way of harming others.


    Speaking of stres, while sex was good to aliviate it, he wanted to do it with people he knew and liked, not some random. He did a lot of that in other cycles.


    So, the only other option was to fight or watch others fight.


    With a glint of madness in his eyes, Samael made his way into one of the many illegal fighting rings in Omega.

 39 – Omega (2)

    Samael arrived at one of the fighting rings, which he knew Aria looked over. He sat in the audience and ordered a drink.


    Counting the one he had on Aria''s main ''house'', this was his third, or so he thought.


    After an Asari waitress brought it to him, Samael tipped her and started to watch the fight.


    It was a Krogan vs a Turian. Samael knew from the beginning the outcome of the match. The Krogan would lose.


    How did he know that you ask? Well, one of the most, if not the most, special traits Samael had was the experience he honed across multiple cycles. That was how he managed to win against so many foes stronger than him. Experience.


    And that same experience was telling him the Turian would win. First, the Krogan was already wounded before the fighting began, which made Samael think this ring was a winner-till-losing kind of fighting ring. Meaning you fight until you can''t anymore.


    His memories of specific places in Omega were failing him.


    The Krogan probably was past 10 fights but was reaching his limits. The young Turian, on the other hand, was calm. Turians, normally, were trained from a young age to fight. He was confident he would win.


    So, Samael did something naughty and called the Asari waitress, who served his drinks once more.


    '''' How can I help you?'''' The Asari was more than willing to help this whale, who gave her a generous tip just a few moments ago.


    '''' Is there any kind of betting system here?'''' Samael asked with a sly gaze.


    The Asari nodded, and Samael immediately said, '''' 100.000 credits on the turian.''''


    COUGH


    The waitress coughed a little, as the amount was bigger than she thought. Still, she tried to persuade him, '''' Sir, that Krogan is on a winning streak of 11 fights, and he is the favorite on this one. I ask you to reconsider.''''


    The Asari was going against her own code of conduct, alerting the client of possible losses, but alas, it seemed he was not going to listen to her.


    '''' Nah, the turian will win. Trust me... also, it''s only 100.000 credits, no biggie.'''' Some not-so-good people were now paying attention to Samael, as even though this was Aria territory and they had an agreement of some sort, Omega was still Omega.


    Alas, if they knew he was from LD, they would shit their pants and hide behind their mother.


    The Asari knew a man who would not accept no as an answer. With a sigh, she said, '''' OK.''''


    After that, she placed the bet on Samael''s name.


    5 MINUTES LATER


    The Asari looked incredulous at the fighting ring, then at Samael, who won 400.000 credits from this fight alone.


    Gathering her courage, she approached Samael and asked, '''' How did you know he would lose?''''


    '''' The Krogan was tired.'''' Samael took a sip of his drink while looking at the Krogan on the floor. In Omega, you choose to let your foe live or not, and the Krogan got lucky the turian let him go, '''' And his opponent was good enough to win against the odd.''''


    While a tired Krogan was still a Krogan, a young Turian could deal with that. If the Krogan were in normal circumstances, things would not go so easily.


    '''' ... Will you bet again?'''' The Asari asked with a strange gaze. She won 5% of the bet, as she was the one who placed it.


    '''' ... I don''t know.'''' Samael was getting bored once more. The fight was entertaining, for sure, but it was too short. He wanted something more exciting.


    '''' Sir.'''' After some hesitation, the Asari said, '''' How about you fight then?''''


    Samael looked at her with a strange gaze and said, ''''Aren''t you scared I would die right away?''''


    The Asari snorted, '''' You can win against that turian. Call it an instinct or something along those lines, but mine is telling you are a very dangerous individual.''''


    Samael smiled at that. He was considering the Asari''s words. '' Well, it would not hurt a little bit of fighting here and there.''


    He didn''t consider the spars with Javik, or what he did at Cerberus, a fight. The last real one he had was at the Chora''s Den some time ago. He felt it would not be boring to relieve some stress.


    '''' Ok, you convinced me.'''' Samael got up from his seat, downing his drink, and asked, ''''Where do I go so I can fight?''''


    The Asari pointed at someone and said, '''' You talk with him, pay a fee, and you are good to go. You can stay in the ring for as long as you win your fights or until you think you have reached your limits.''''


    '''' Ok, can I bet on myself?'''' Samael asked like it was nothing.


    '''' ... You can.'''' The Asari smeled money right away. She would not let this opportunity pass. The human in front of her was looking like a giant pile of credits in her eyes.


    '''' Good.'''' Samael started to make his way to the person the Asari pointed to with his two drones but suddenly paused. He looked at the Asari and said, '''' Also, what is the record of winning?''''


    '''' A Krogan won 34 fights in a row a few years ago.''''


    Samael''s eyes shone in a dangerous light, '''' I will give you a piece of advice. Bet on me every fight, and that I will break the record. Also, here''s another tip.''''


    The Asari received the tip and already knew where she would spend it. Betting all on this human in front of her.


    '' ... What I''m doing, spending all I have on betting on a human..''


    It wasn''t normal for a human being to be able to win against a Krogan, Turian, or Asari alike. But, again, the instinct of the Asari was screaming at her to listen to it.


    The Asari watched as the human spoke with the person responsible for the fight ring. She made her decision at that exact moment.


    --


    Recently, some sort of rumor or legend was created in Omega. In one of the many illegal fight rings on the space station, a newly arrived human, who was followed around by two strange drones, was undefeated.


    For 39 rounds. Those 39 rounds happened in just 5 days, meaning the human had fought and DEFEATED more than 5 people a day. Those people might be Humans, Krogans, Turians, or Asari. It didn''t really matter who he fought, as in the end, the human won all his fights.


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    It wasn''t just winning, it was a massacre. Based on his legend, the first fights were normal, but the human started to get aggressive as the fights went on. It wasn''t weird if someone broke a limb or two when fighting him.


    The problem was that one of the limbs was from the human. It was like he didn''t care about his injuries and continued fighting. Of course, he got close to losing a lot of times, as his injuries almost got the better of him, and his opponents were in better shape than him.


    But always, when it seemed he was going to lose, he started to fight manically. Some people even said he looked like a beast, an animal. Of course, it wasn''t something like that, but it was like something awakened in him, and he fought like there was no tomorrow.


    That was why the legend of said human was growing in Omega, and with it, the strength of those who challenged him.


    In the time between fights, Samael and Aria talked. As he fought in one of her fight rings, things between them got a little complicated, as he betted on himself a lot of times and won a pocket change.


    For him, the owner of a multi-trillion-dollar company, the ''pocket change'' was nothing, but to Aria, it was a lot.


    So, Samael felt bad for her, and they made a deal in one of their meetings.


    He would look weak in most of the fights, so people would bet on the other person. Then, he would win anyway.


    The strategy was working, and Aria/the house recovered a lot of what she had lost and was now starting to have profits.


    After the 39th fight, Samael retired for the day. He went directly to Aria and passed through her guards like they had a prearrangement. He arrived at her booth and ordered a few drinks.


    Soon after, a waitress and Aria arrived at the same time. Aria just raised her eyebrows at Samael, then sat opposite him.


    Samael thanked the waitress and then passed one of the drinks he ordered to Aria, who accepted it. He then started saying, '''' I''m sorry for winning so much.''''


    Aria snorted upon hearing that. She knew the human in front of her was an unbelievably good combatant, and most of the fights would be over in an instant, but thanks to their arrangement, he started to get a lot more injuries than normal.


    He even had a few close calls with the Krogans, but it was to be expected, as normally a human x Krogan would end in the Krogan victory most of the time.


    But, Samael made the impossible possible, winning the fight against the Krogans. Of course, it was close, but he still won.


    Aria looked at the battered human in front of her and said, '''' How are you so strong?''''


    The Asari saw something like pain cross the human eyes, but she could not understand why he had that emotion.


    ''''Experience.''''


    '''' You? Experience?'''' Aria was taken aback by that. He already told her he was less than 20 years of age, so he must be lying.


    But Samael looked deep into her eyes, and she was stunned for a second. He then said slowly, '''' Sometimes, some people go through some things others can''t even begin to imagine. I''m one of those people. If you ever see yourself fighting against me, hear my advice. Run. As fast as you can.''''


    Aria maintained her strong persona, but inside she was a little taken aback. Based on their past interactions, Samael was honest. So, this time he was too.


    '''' Then, let''s hope we never go down that path and continue this ''relationship of ours.'''' Aria raised her cup at Samael.


    '''' I hope so too.''''


    Silence filled the booth, and both continued drinking. Sometime later, Samael remembered something, '''' Oh yeah, in a few days, a few LD personnel will arrive at Omega. Mostly a small crew, but I ask of you to let them enter with no problem.''''


    '''' You have my word. Also, the things you asked me for will arrive in a few days too. Until then, let''s continue making money.''''


    '''' Let''s.''''


    Soon after, Samael left Aria''s strip club and went to rest a bit. After all, he had to wait for his crew and the ingredients to arrive.


    Thanks to the multiple times Samael fought, he was too exhausted to get bored, so it was a win-win situation for everyone. The injuries he sustained were somewhat severe, but nothing a med-gel and rest didn''t resolve.


    Also, an Asari waitress is very rich right now, considering even buying a bar on Omega or becoming Aria''s partner in crime, but that is a story for the future.


    --


    2 DAYS LATER


    Javik, Liara, Wrex, Miranda, RR, and the newcomer Tali, along with almost the rest of the crew, arrived at the meeting point, which just so happened to be Omega.


    Remember that the crew and Samael had separated a week ago. While Samael had gone to deal with Cerberus, the crew went to Illos to get information about the Reapers to show to the Council and ended up finding living Protheans, something that never happened in past cycles.


    All the Protheans saved were in the huge spaceship LD had, the ones who were in the unnamed ship were transferred there and were still in cryopods. Samael had asked for that, as he wanted them to have a safe place to wake up. And he had the perfect place for that.


    One of the planets he owns. Samael had plans for all the planets he owned, as he wanted them to be a safe haven for anyone in the galaxy... Minus the Batarians. Fuck them.


    He even sent his building company there, and they should be almost done with their job, or so he hoped.


    Anyway, it was a week ago, and they decided to meet at Omega at Samael''s request, and the crew arrived a day ago. They wanted to check on Samael right away, but when they arrived at Omega, a few suspicious people came to chat.


    The crew prepared for a battle, but to their surprise, the people there just escorted them to Aria T''loak, one of the bosses of Omega.


    LD forces a lot of its members to remember the faces of certain individuals, so they should take extra caution when meeting them, and Aria was one of those individuals.


    They were in Aria''s personal booth right now, and the Asari started to talk, '''' Samael said you would arrive in a few days.''''


    Miranda noticed something right away, '''' ... Did you make some sort of deal with Samael?''''


    Aria nodded.


    Jack snorted a little and visibly relaxed, '''' He always does that, huh.''''


    Wrex and Javik, both of whom already had drinks on their hands, along with other personnel like Veronica, RR''s main body, agreed with what Jack said and relaxed too.


    Tali and Liara, who still hadn''t met Samael, were looking confused. They only talked with Samael through calls, so his personality was a mystery to both.


    But, everyone in the crew knew Samael was always doing things no one thought were possible. The things he did were unpredictable.


    Miranda shushed her and continued talking, '''' So, what kind of deal did you guys make? Can you say it to us?''''


    '''' How about you ask him?'''' Aria pointed at the outside of her booth, where a fight was occurring.


    Everyone looked there and was taken aback when they saw Samael there. He was a little bloodied and was fighting against a Turian.


    Tali and Liara were looking at Samael with surprise, as they never thought their boss would fight so... violently. Safe to say that Samael''s first impression on both was good(?).


    '''' We made a deal a week ago, and I thought he would lay low. Imagine my surprise when he defeated all my people in the fighting ring, almost bankrupting me in the process.'''' Aria took a sip of her drink and said, '''' But after I talked with him about it, he was reasonable and helped me recover my money and even helped me gain some more.''''


    Miranda noticed Wrex was watching the fight that was happening intensely, so she asked, '''' What happened?''''


    Wrex was clucking a little, his knuckles cracking, '''' I never had a chance to see him fighting for real, as Chora''s Den was just an appetizer. But now that I see him ... he is crazy.''''


    '''' What do you mean?'''' Jack asked, feeling a little confused by what Wrex said. Everyone was now waiting for the Krogan response.


    '''' He ... fights like a Krogan. Look, he doesn''t care about his body, he just wants to win.''''


    Everyone watched as the Turian used his superior strength to break Samael''s left hand, but the man didn''t care. By the time the Turian finished with his hand, he had received a headbutt that made him stumble.


    Samael used his opportunity, didn''t even look at how his hand was, and started a barrage of attacks on the Turian with his right hand and with kicks. The Turian lost consciousness a few moments later.


    There was some cheer around the fighting ring, and Samael retired for the day, to recover from his injuries.


    At this point, Wrex was grinning, '''' I want to fight him.''''


    Just then, someone said, '''' I can arrange that.''''


    When the crew looked at who said that, Aria was smiling mischievously, '''' I''m the ring owner after all. Making you his opponent is easy.''''


    '''' Tha-''''


    '''' Wait a second.'''' Javik, without his hood as the galaxy already knew his existence, said, '''' I want to go to.''''


    Aria, from the beginning, was looking more at Javik than everyone else in the crew, as she found him more interesting than the other members of the crew. When she heard that, she said without losing time, '''' No problem.''''


    Everyone in the crew, even the newbies Tali and Liara, who still hadn''t met Samael personally, wanted to see this.


    '''' Also, Samael paid for the best hotel in Omega for you, and I will have my men escort you around, so you don''t fall prey to ... others.'''' Aria was reasonable with her allies and ruthless with her enemies. LD was her friend, so she didn''t mind helping them around her home.


    '''' Thanks for the offer.'''' Miranda thanked her.


    '''' Now go. I already wasted too much of my time with you.'''' Aria then shooed away the crew, who went to do their things around Omega.


    --


    WITH SAMAEL


    The man was here on a mission, to have a connection with Aria and buy the last ingredient needed for the serum.


    But, he got bored, and things happened, as he somehow ended up as a legend in one of the fighting rings in Omega.


    As his boredom started to get the better of him, he decided to go and fight and let loose. Samael didn''t like staying behind and leading others while he just ordered around, he wanted to be at the epicenter of the fight, where the action was happening. So, he went into one of the ring fights Aria owned and started his journey there.


    At first, he was just venting, but when he realized it, he had won more than 40 fights. He didn''t come out of it unharmed, as he broke his bones so many times he lost count, but it healed after a night or two and a few med gels.


    The fight continued, and Samael got more and more into it. It made his blood boil when he was almost losing, and that was when he let himself go.


    After he let himself go all out on his opponents, he always came out on top. But, the most difficult opponents he had to face were Turians and Krogans.


    They are VERY difficult to deal with. He only had to fight five Krogans, but he always came out of the fight with at least a broken bone.


    The Turians also put up a fight, as they were stronger than a human by at least two times.


    If he had the serum, he would win without so much injury, but for now, only having broken bones was the best he could do.


    Samael also didn''t kill his opponents, even though he could. They weren''t exactly his enemies, like Jack Harper or the Reapers, they were just a way for him to not be bored, so there was no reason to kill them.


    Anyway, today was the day his crew would arrive at Omega and his last day fighting, as he had made a deal with Aria regarding that. She had manipulated the odds in favor of his opponents today, but he didn''t know who they were.


    So imagine his surprise when he entered the ring and Wrex and Javik were waiting for him there.


    Samael was taken aback but smiled like a madman, '''' How long have you guys arrived here?''''


    '''' Yesterday. We wanted to talk to you right away, but after we saw you fighting, Wrex here got too excited and didn''t want to miss this opportunity. So, we waited and talked with the people who escorted us about this. Imagine our surprise when they took us to Aria and said she arranged this 3-way fight.'''' Javik looked towards Aria, who was smiling at the whole scene.


    Samael chuckled a bit at the situation. He didn''t mind a bit, as he loved fighting. But he looked at Wrex and said, '''' One week has already passed, aren''t you supposed to go to Tuchanka?''''


    '''' That can wait. Besides, you still have to pay me anyway.'''' Wrex, like a true Krogan, wanted to fight more than anything. The challenge Samael and Javik might pose was enough for him to delay his trip to his home planet.


    '''' Also, did our newbies arrive?'''' Samael asked as he looked around the crowd.


    '''' Oh, are you talking about Liara and Tali?'''' Wrex saw Samael nodding and saying, '''' Yes, they arrived.'''' The Krogan pointed at Aria''s booth, and sure enough, after years, Samael saw the loves of his life once more.


    That just made him want to win even more, as he now had extra motivation.


    Samael had nothing more to say, ''''So, no killing, ok? Also, Javik, how about no biotics?''''


    Javik snorted, '''' No.''''


    Wrex was okay with anything they wanted to fight with, he just wanted to fight, '''' Less chat and more fight.''''


    Samael sighed. He knew it was going to be his most difficult fight as it was 1x1x1, free-for-all. '''' Nice to see you both too.''''


    The last time they saw each other was a week ago, and they met again in a fighting ring. Fitting.


    The trio then entered fighting mode as the crowd started to cheer and bet on the outcome of the match.


    A part of the crew immediately bet on Wrex, as while they knew Samael, they didn''t believe he could win against Wrex and Javik.


    Veronica, Miranda, and RR just shook their heads at those people. Yes, while Samael was looking like the weaker one, they knew it was far from the truth.


    So, the trio bet on Samael, while some others in the crew put their bet on Javik.


    Tali and Liara didn''t know who to bet on, so they didn''t. But, they wanted the person they thought was the underdog, Samael, who, even though he had won 40+ fights in a row and should not be considered an underdog, to win.

 40 – Omega (3)

    Samael looked at Wrex and nodded at the Krogan, who understood right away.


    You might think the big, scary Krogan was the biggest threat in the ring, but no, it was the Prothean. They were literally a small version of a Krogan, but stronger, faster, and had better biotic power and output.


    So, with an unspoken conversation, human and Krogan made an alliance at the moment. They would take the Prothean down and then fight each other.


    '''' Oh? So this is how it is, huh?'''' Javik also noticed the unspoken alliance and snorted, '''' It will not be enough.''''


    While Javik and Samael had spared before, it was a spar. This was a real fight, so things would be different.


    '''' We will see about that.'''' Wrex finished saying that, and Samael immediately launched himself at Javik.


    Javik snorted and was about to launch a biotic attack¡ªnot so powerful to kill, but it would send Samael flying away. Before he could do that, though, Wrex also joined the charge.


    Immediately, Javik changed the target and attacked Wrex, who was sent stumbling away. But that was a mistake, as Samael attacked Javik''s legs with a sweep.


    The Prothean tried to dodge it by jumping, but Samael predicted that, and when he missed the sweep, he used the same leg and did an uppercut kick, hitting Javik on the head.


    Javik stumbled a bit, giving Samael a chance to get closer and try to finish the task. Alas, the Prothean recovered faster than what the Samael anticipated and caught his punch.


    The human tried to use his other hand, but Javik caught that one too. Human and Prothean stared at each other for a moment when Samael suddenly headbutted Javik.


    GROAN


    The attack worked too well, and both got away from each other, with Samael even bleeding from a cut he gained. With a shake of the head, they recovered soon after.


    Javik was going to attack again, but a sudden tackle from behind made his biotic powers dissipate, and a Wrex pinned him on the ground.


    '''' Stay.'''' Wrex smiled at the Prothean.


    Struggling a little, Javik said, '''' Not a chance!'''' He then launched a biotic surge at the ground, making him and Wrex stumble away. It helped him get up from the ground, but Javik was tired already.


    Spitting a little bit of blood, Samael prepared himself again, '''' Come on, that was just the beginning!''''


    Javik ignited his biotic powers once more, '''' COME!''''


    --


    After a gruesome 10 minutes, where Wrex tanked most of the biotic powers and Samael used the chances because of that to try and defeat Jaivk, they finally did.


    Samael had put him in a chokehold, and the Prothean passed out.


    It took a while, and the already battered Samael, who fought 40+ times before fighting them, was close to his limits. But he would not let that dictate what he would do.


    Getting up from the ground and after putting Javik in a place where he was ''safe'' in the ring, Samael faced Wrex, who was also panting slightly, '''' So...''''


    '''' So...''''


    ''''I would suggest an arm wrestle, but I would lose.'''' Samael was trying to get some time to recover some of this energy. The problem was, that Wrex was recovering too.


    Wrex snorted, '''' I would break your arm.''''


    '''' You would.'''' Samael didn''t deny that. A Krogan was way stronger than a human, and the only way for them to start to compete with them in strength was the serum Samael would make. But he didn''t have it yet.


    However, Samael had won against Krogans before. He could do it again.


    '''' So, it only leaves one option.'''' Wrex got into a position to fight.


    '''' Yup!''''


    Human and Krogan were ready, but no one attacked. Samael knew what Wrex was capable of and was waiting. Wrex knew, from the short time he spent with Samael, that the human was strong.


    He is not strong in the sense of having super strength, but in the way he fights. He could make even he, a Krogan, feel a little bit of apprehension.


    So, both opponents studied one another, waiting for a signal.


    The first one to attack was Wrex. He charged ahead, trying to grab Samael and pin him to the ground like he did to Javik.


    Samael was prepared and rolled to the side, dodging the attack and at the same time leaving a leg behind, so the Krogan would trip.


    Alas, it didn''t work, and Wrex almost stepped on it.


    No words were exchanged anymore, and both returned to studying the situation.


    It was a stalemate. Wrex had superior strength but knew it would not mean much in front of Samael, who could find openings easily.


    Both continued to circle around the ring, waiting for a chance.


    '' Fuck!''


    Samael was cursing his luck. He was out of gas¡ªa single hit from Wrex, and he was sure he was out.


    The problem was, that Samael didn''t like to lose. He had done a lot of that in past cycles, and he swore up and down he would not lose if not necessary.


    And this time, he wanted to win a lot. Of course, Tali and Liara''s presence helped with that sentiment, but the human was out of options.


    He could not attack Wrex without thinking, and he had no energy to defend himself. His luck was that Wrex was, for some reason, fighting defensively.


    If he had just attacked Samael, he would have won.


    So, with time not on his side, Samael decided on a crazy plan, '' The chances of failing were big... but I''m on borrowed time anyway. I have to try.''


    Taking a deep breath, Samael charged at Wrex at full speed. It was akin to a suicide attack, but he had no other option.


    The Krogan was taken by surprise by the sudden charge but soon smiled, '''' Come!''''


    Samael jumped as high as he could and tried to punch Wrex, but the Krogan caught it easily. Not only that, with the other free hand, he caught Samael in a bear hug.


    Wrex smiled, seeing his victory, '''' A shame you''re so tired we didn''t have the chance to fight seriously. Alas, maybe ne-''''


    CRACK


    The Krogan had to stop talking as Samael headbutted him pretty hard, and a bone breaking was heard.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    It was from Samael, who probably fractured his skull to some degree, but that didn''t stop him.


    Of course, a Krogan has high resistance, but Wrex was fighting Javik, so he was tired too. The headbutt did some damage, and he groaned a bit, but he was still up and hugging Samael.


    The Krogan looked at the human and said, '''' That was good, but it''s over. I won.''''


    Samael was preparing to do another headbutt, but Wrex squeezed him harder than before, and he lost strength.


    '''' ARGHHH!''''


    Samael shouted in pain, but the fire in his eyes was still there.


    Wrex recognized that look and knew the human would not give up unless he was passed out, so he decided to do just that.


    Just as Wrex was going to knock out Samael, a biotic attack hit him on the side, making him lose a little of his balance. Nothing much, but it distracted him and gave Samael an opportunity.


    When Samuel looked at the side, he saw Javik smirk on the ground with his hands up, meaning he was the one who distracted Wrex, '''' Finish him.''''


    Samael thanked the Prothean on his mind and proceeded to headbutt Wrex once more. That made the Krogan drop him on the ground, and Samael started attacking him from all angles, using his last bit of strength.


    A few good punches, kicks, and for last, a sweep on the legs, ended the fight.


    Finally, Wrex fell to the ground and didn''t get up again.


    Javik closed his eyes once more when he saw that.


    The last one still standing was Samael.


    He had won.


    Samael raised his hand, and cheers erupted around the fighting ring.


    --


    The fight was over, and the fighters were escorted out of the ring and to where their people were.


    As the trio were from the same crew, they received treatment at the same time.


    Wrex and Javik were still a little out of it, and were receiving treatment from Clare, the crew''s doctor. She said they were okay, with no true damage.


    Samael was as awake and normal as he possibly could be after fighting a Krogan and a Prothean.


    '''' Well, that was something,'''' Miranda said to Samael as RR, using her Android body, was looking for any injuries he might have in the fight.


    '''' I''m glad you liked... ouch.'''' Samael flinched a little as RR applied Med Gel to his injuries.


    '''' Done. No lasting damage to your bones, and you have a little trouble with your skull, thanks to the continuous headbutt, but nothing permanent. You''ll probably have headaches for a few days, but nothing more.''''


    '''' Thanks.'''' Samael put his clothes back on. He then said to Miranda, '''' Where are our new recruits?''''


    '''' Oh, you mean your new fans over there?'''' Miranda looked at a place, and when Samael followed her gaze, there were his loved ones.


    '' Tali and Liara.''


    '''' How do I look?'''' Samael asked Miranda.


    Miranda gave him a weird look, '''' Bloddied and stinking.''''


    Samael smelled himself, and sure enough, he was smelling a little bad, '''' I will take a fast shower and meet them. Then we can talk about other things later on.'''' He knew Miranda had a lot to talk about, but his conversation with Tali and Liara came first.


    '''' Also, everyone is free to have fun around Omega. We will leave in a few days.''''


    '''' Another vacation so soon? The crew will get complacent with so many vacations in so little time.''''


    Miranda was referring to the fact that the crew of the unnamed ship was in the galaxy for less than 2 months and already had 2 vacations. Of course, the number of days in those two vacations was small, but still, her point remains.


    But Samael knew better.


    '''' It''s better to have time now than not do it later. Remember our final goal. Stop the Reapers. To do that, we need everyone in their best spirits, and a little vacation here and there helps with that.''''


    Miranda had nothing to say about that logic, '''' You are the boss.''''


    ''''You''re the boss too. You''ll learn more with time, just don''t be too hard-headed... We both really have a lot to discuss, huh.''''


    Samael sometimes forgets that Miranda was just 18 years old and didn''t really have time to learn a lot of things, even if she was a genius.


    On top of that, he let her take charge of LD, and now Cerberus too. He probably should lend her RR or EDI, and teach Jack some more things, to help her.


    '''' We do. But, as you said, let''s enjoy the little free time we have, then we talk business.'''' Miranda smiled a little, repeating what Samael had just said.


    '''' See, you''re learning.''''


    After saying goodbye to Miranda, Samael went to take a shower, to make sure his first impression was nice.


    Alas, his first impression was good, he just didn''t know that yet.


    WITH TALI AND LIARA


    '''' By the Goddess! What did I just witness?'''' Liara was thoroughly confused and excited. The thing she just watched was too good.


    A human somehow won against a Prothean and a Krogan. Granted, both human and the Krogan took out the Prothean first, but still, the point remained. He won against the odds.


    '''' ... '''' Tali was just staring. She never saw anything like that. It was a miracle.


    ''And that is my Capitan... amazing.''


    The fight they watched planted a small seed in both hearts, something not even Samael predicted.


    --


    HOURS LATER


    Samael got out of his shower, struggled a bit, thanks to his injuries, to put on his best clothes, passed a perfume, and asked RR, who was now with her android form (her drone was sent to the unnamed ship), and the stiil-in-a-drone EDI. '''' How do I look?''''


    RR gave it a thumbs up. EDI did her best to compliment too, '''' I would fuck you.''''


    Samael stumbled a bit and stared at RR. He knew his AI must have influenced EDI a lot.


    RR shrugged, and Samael sighed, '''' Thanks, EDI.''''


    '''' No problem.'''' EDI was happy even in her drone form.


    '''' Now, if you excuse me, I have a date.''''


    Samael then left to meet with Tali and Liara.

 SIDE STORY – Daily Life of a Construction Worker On An Uncharted Planet

    This side story takes place from chapter 37 onwards.


    --


    Hello, my name is Jason.


    Some time ago, my company was bought by LD, in what I thought was a strike of luck. Of course, before buying my company, Samael, LD''s boss, offered me a job to construct a few things on an uncharted planet.


    I had accepted before LD bought my company, and here we are.


    After LD brought my company, I brought ALL my rival companies and even the ones that were better than my own. Money is awesome.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    My company now was probably the best Earth had to offer in terms of personnel and equipment, but we work under LD, so LD has preference above other customers.


    Anyway, as combined with Samael, my crew and I arrived at the uncharted planet and-


    '''' TRESHEERRRR MAWWWWW!!!'''' An LD soldier shouted that and I heard a few shots here and there.


    I looked at where the shout came from and continued my work. I didn''t stop my work because-


    '''' ANOTHER TREEHSEEERRRR MAWWWWW.'''' Another LD soldier, in another part of the area, shouted at the top of his lungs, followed by a barrage of shots coming from a dozen M.A.K.O.


    Because this was normal. This uncharted planet was filled with danger.


    Those attacks, mainly from Thresher Maw were common on this planet. On the first day we arrived here, we were attacked by 7 of them. But, LD and the army of a thousand man we have with us, dealt with them quite easily.


    A few missiles did the job and we started our job.


    But, the number of soldiers told us this operation was important so we did our best.


    Samael wanted a few facilities done in a week and I''m proud to say-


    ''''THRESHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR MAW! ''''


    that we did it!


    The planet now had a big arsenal, a few hundred houses, and a hospital, among other things.


    But, I think I lost something important on this trip.


    '''' THRESHER MAWWWWWWWWW!''''''


    My sanity.


    HAHAHA


    I miss Eart-


    ''''THRESHERRRRRR MAWWWWWW!''''

 SIDE STORY – Mordins Thoughts

    This SIDE STORY takes place from chapter 34 onwards.


    ------


    '''' ...''''


    The conversation I had the other day plagued my mind. A chance to undo what I did was too good to be true.


    But, based on the data Samael showed me ... it was true. I had on my hands, a second chance. A thing many look for but almost no one finds it.


    But I did gain that opportunity. And now, I have a choice. Do I tell about the cure to my people, or follow my heart...


    I don''t know...


    I have time to think, as the team Samael said would come to get me will arrive in a few days. Until then, I''ll have my answer.


    DAYS LATER


    '''' Are you Dr Mordin Solus?'''' A sky car dropped right in front of the pickup point LD and Mordin combined beforehand.


    '''' Yes.'''' Moridn confirmed it was indeed LD, as the personnel were dressed with their logo and their specific armor. No one in the galaxy wanted to impersonate LD, as things generally don''t end well for them.


    '''' Well, we come here to give you a ride to one of our bases, on Earth. Are you ready to come with us?''''


    Mordin looked back at his house and took a breath. He knew that, while his presence there would only speed up the process of the cure being made, it was still helping. This means he would be actively helping the Krogans, making him an enemy of his entire species, as not a lot of Salarians like the Krogans.


    But, he had already decided.


    '''' Let''s go.''''


    Mordin then entered the SkyCar, which then went to a nearby hangar. The salarian and the LD personnel, after arriving at the said hangar, got out and boarded a spaceship.


    Their target is alraedy set, Earth.


    DAYS LATER


    Mordin was once more surprised by everything around him. He was on Earth, on San Franciso, to be exact. And the facility he now called home, was amazing.


    Way better than anything he had ever seen, and that in itself was impressive, as Mordin was part of a team of the elite of his species. He visited a lot of facilities in his earlier years, but nothing was like that.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    He made friends with everyone real quick, as everyone there had the same goal: to make the cure as fast as possible.


    For some reason, after asking around, Moridn came to find out the researchers received the research of the cure at 50%, meaning Samael, the person who talked with him, made the 50% first.


    That was incredible, as even with a lot of intelligent people, they only managed to have a 20% progress in years.


    But, that only made Mordin fighting spirits hotter, as ever since he arrived in the facility a few days ago, 5% of the research was bettered.


    But, just as he was feeling good about himself, and saw the cure being made in 5 years, the salarian, alongside everyone in the base received a message on their Omni-tool.


    It was from Samael, saying, '' Quarian Pill.''


    After everyone read the content, they only had one thought in mind.


    '' Genius...''


    The content of the data they received was a pill that would allow the Quarian to live outside their suit once more. And once more, it was already 50% complete, meaning Samael made 50% of the whole research alone.


    Mordin just smiled at that and said to his fellow scientists in the base, '''' It seems we have a lot more work to do, yes. But, it will be fun!''''


    There were some nods here and there, and everyone in the base got back to their job, as now they had 2 high-quality projects and little time.


    Samael said it was fine if it took 4 to 5 years to complete the research but the pride of the people who worked here was too big to let that happen. They vowed to themselves, that in 1 year both projects would be complete.


    If they would manage that, only time will tell.


    But one thing is for certain, Mordin didn''t regret his decision. Not only he was undoing his mistake, but he was having fun in the process.


    He also wanted to meet Samael personally, as he had nothing but respect for the human.


    '' Now, let''s back to work.''


    The salarian returned to his routine while singing.


    ''''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 xenoscience studies range from urban to agrarian -


    I am the very model of a scientist Salarian!''''

 SIDE STORY – Shepard’s Thoughts

    <div>


    This side story takes place after chapter 35


    --


    '' This could''ve been ugly.''


    After Shepard looked around the battlefield, she roared, '''' Report on the injured, now!''''


    An older female voice said soon after, '''' None of us is injured seriously, only Vega has a broken arm, but that''s it. But, we see no signs of life from the colonists...''''


    Shepard knew it was unlikely the colonists survived the Thresher Maw attacks, but she held hope. Only, it was in vain.


    Her first mission with her newly formed team was a failure of sorts. They were to come here and investigate the sudden silence from a newly established colony on the planet Akuze, only to find the place deserted and to be attacked by a pack of Thresher Maw.


    '' If not for them, things would have been very dangerous.''


    Shepard thought so while looking at the LD personnel, the same one who agreed to sponsor her and asked to come into this mission. If not for their help, she doubted she would''ve been able to protect her comrades so easily. They would have won eventually, but there would be casualties.


    The LD personnel was small in number but for some reason, they focused more on helping us stay alive than trying to kill the Thresher Maw, which Shepard found weird but appreciated the effort nonetheless.


    She then remembered they were sponsoring her, so it made sense to protect her and her crew. Just... it was weird.


    '''' Sigh, I''ll think about it later. For now,  I need to prepare a report to the Alliance.''''


    Shepard winced a little, as she knew this failure would not be good for her records, but honestly, she didn''t care. What made her happy was that no one died under her command and she found the real strength of this newly formed group.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    '' Ashley is an amazing soldier, some as Alenco. Vega was a little too barbarian, but he will learn. Joker was doing an amazing job as a support with the ship while Jacob did its job well... I have nothing but praise for them.''


    Shepard smiled as she thought about the potential of her crew, but then stopped what she was doing, as it was disrespectful to the colonists who died an unjust death on this planet.


    '' I hope you know we avenged you. I know it''s nowhere close to being enough, but it''s the best we could do for you.''


    After offering a small prayer, Shepard looked around and said to her team, '''' Pack up, we are leaving this place.''''


    She wasn''t dumb, as only 3 Thresher Maw attacked but the place certainly had more. So, they wanted to leave before another attack happened.


    '''' Roger.''''


    The crew rushed their job and did their best to return to the ship as fast as they could.


    Shepard approached the LD group '''' Thanks for the help. I don''t even want to think about what would happen without it.''''


    The leader of this group from LD said to Shepard, '''' Don''t mention it, it''s our job. Our boss saw your potential and just wants you to stay alive long enough so you can show it to everyone... I must say, we had our doubts at first but you led extremely well in a difficult situation. Congratulations and sorry too.''''


    '''' Thanks. We are leaving the planet by the way, are you coming with us?''''


    The LD personnel nodded, '''' Our orders are to help you, and we will do so until our boss says stop or ...''''


    Shepard nodded and understood the last part, '' Or until they died. I have no idea what LD boss saw in me but ... I guess it''s good someone saw the potential I have?''


    ''Anyway, now I''m curious about this boss they speak so much. But, that is a thought for the future, for now, let''s leave this planet.''


    Soon, everyone in Shepard''s crew plus the LD group boarded the ship, which soon left the planet.


    Also, what Shepard didn''t realize was that another group from LD was on the planet, destroying a certain Cerberus facility there.


    <div>

 SIDE STORY – Miranda’s Thoughts

    '' I''m tired.''


    Ever since joining LD and escaping from my father''s grasp, I haven''t been able to relax for a single moment... Nah, I can''t be that harsh.


    There was the Citadel vacation and now the Omega one, but still, I had to act as CEO of LD and now of Cerberus.


    It is safe to say that things have been chaotic for me. Thank the heavens for Jack, as while she was a little dumb, she compensated for that by being hot. I admit, at first she was a little too skinny, but now, thanks to the crew''s care, she is even better in appearance and personality¡ªat least for me.


    So, like any sane person, I used her ideas on Cerberus to make the group better. Now we just have to wait to see if there will be any results from that front.


    The ideas she had were in line with what the other test subjects we saved asked for. I used LD influence to make Cerberus brighter and to shed the old it from within. I only had the job for a week or so, but I can say that on that front, things have been okay.


    I was doing my best to make sure we undone the damage the old Cerberus had done to others while showing a new side of our new company.


    But... there''s one problem that''s been pestering me for some time now.


    '''' Mother-in-law, you know we can''t possibly do that!'''' I shouted at Natasha as she asked for a grandson once more in less than a day.


    '''' Honey, I don''t know how much time I have left, so please, give one grandbaby... or two... or three! I can settle with four if necessary.'''' Natasha shamelessly proposed to Miranda.


    I almost collapsed right there and then. I looked for Jack''s support, but she was just smiling at the situation. So, I involved her too. '''' You know, I would only accept it if you also carried one of the babies.''''


    Jack paused. She looked at Natasha and sighed, "Sorry Mother, it seems we lost.''''


    Natasha, on the other hand, was ecstatic, '''' We accept it!''''


    '''''''' What?''''''''


    Jack and I were pretty shocked by Natasha''s statement. She was forceful before, but not this much.


    I finally connected the dots, seeing her so desperate.


    ''''... How much time do you have?'''' I asked, not wanting to hear the answer.


    Jack seemed to notice the implication of my question and looked at Natasha with worry in her eyes. Even if their time was short, her mom made sure she got all the love she hadn''t received for the past 18 years, and both grew attached to each other.


    Natasha just smiled and said,  I made peace with it long ago.''''


    '''' You didn''t answer my question.''''


    Natasha sighed. '''' The doctors gave me three years, five years ago.''''


    Jack went to her mom''s side and grabbed her hand. From her expression, the worry was clearly visible, '''' Why didn''t you tell us sooner? Maybe we-''''


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    '''' Honey, I accepted death long ago, your existence was the only thing left for me to live for. Now, imagine what a grandchild would do to me...''''


    I sighed. Things got a lot more complicated.


    '' We have the Reapers arriving in less than 10 years, the Council, how the galaxy will react to the news, LD, Cerberus, business opportunities... If I or Jack introduce a baby into the mix....''


    I had a headache just thinking about it all. Besides, we are too young to be parents, for fuck sake!


    But... Natasha is dying.


    We are in a dilemma now. Jack was now on board with getting a baby, but we would lose her for 9 months or me for 9 months. I don''t want to brag, but we are a good asset to the crew.


    There''s also the fact that we will need a sperm donor, someone we trust, and then take time to collect ''it''.


    Also, the fact that we just recently started dating...


    For the first time in a while, I don''t know what to do.


    '' Let''s ask others.''


    Miranda first asked RR and EDI, the AIs who lived together in a safe place in the SSV Phoenix.


    '''' In what part do you need help? I can''t help with the sperm, but with the rest, count me in.'''' RR was in her android form there, looking after EDI, who still didn''t have a body.


    '''' I would not ask for sperm from you... I''m just curious if you think it''s a good idea to have a baby when the galaxy is on the verge of a war of gigantic magnitude.''''


    RR looked deeply into Miranda''s eyes and asked,  When the galaxy wasn''t at war?''''


    '''' Sorry?''''


    '''' The Rachni War, The First Contact War, and a lot of other minor and big wars here and there. The galaxy is NOT a safe place, period. You or Jack carrying a baby in your bellies would change almost nothing in the bigger picture. I say go for it.''''


    EDI chimed in, '''' If you need help with the donor, just tell us. We can arrange one for you in a heartbeat.''''


    '''' Thanks, I guess?'''' Miradan left the place feeling confused, but what the AI said was true. There''s war everywhere in the galaxy, and there''s still time.


    Besides, they just had to win. Simply as that.


    With new vigor, Miranda went to see Jack once more.


    --


    '' I know we are rushing things by a lot, as we started dating not so long ago. But, I feel this is the right thing to do. Besides, not only Natasha is on limited time.''


    If things didn''t go the way LD wanted and the Reapers won, everyone was doomed anyway. Making a rash choice to have a baby with the person she was in a relationship with didn''t seem too rushed when thinking from this point of view.


    With that in mind, Miranda looked at Jack in front of her.


    '''' Ok, we have to decide who will carry the baby.'''' Miranda dropped a bomb, and Jack was dumbfounded.


    '''' You accepted it?'''' That was the part where she was surprised the most.


    '''' Of course. Natasha is dying, we can give this gift to her before she passes... Did she tell you what she has?''''


    Jack looked a mixture of sadness and hopefulness, '''' She said it''s cancer. Normal, because even though I was born as a powerful biotic, imagine what happened to her.''''


    Exposure to element Zero is what gave Jack her powers, but it also gave Natasha cancer.


    Miranda hugged Jack and comforted her, '''' We will deal with that too. Now, I''m excited to see you with a big belly.''''


    '''' I''m sorry?'''' Jack broke the hug and looked at Miranda with surprise, '''' I thought you would be the one to get pregnant?''''


    '''' I have so much on my plate with LD, Cerberus, and the crew, while you... Dear, I''m sorry, but you''re a bun! You just spar with others all day long!''''


    Jack looked offended, '''' I train hard, okay?''''


    '''' I didn''t say you didn''t, I just said you just do that all day. You can stop for 9 months, I can''t.''''


    Jack was huffing, but she knew Miranda was right. She just didn''t like losing.


    '''' ... Fine.''''


    Miranda gloated, thinking about the pregnant Jack, '''' I''m sorry, I didn''t hear. Can you repeat that?''''


    '''' I said, fine, I''ll get pregnant with your baby.''''


    Everyone in the area looked at the duo with surprise. Miranda immediately blushed a little but said nothing in return.


    Jack took advantage of that, '''' What about the donor? Who are we choosing?''''


    The duo could, in fact, try to grab an anonymous donor, but they didn''t want that. They wanted a person who they both knew and who was a good person too.


    '''' I have an idea.''''


    '''' Say it.''''


    '''' What about Samael?''''


    '''' Do you think he would agree?''''


    '''' If we ask nicely, I''m sure he will.''''


    Jack nodded at that, and the duo now had their target in mind. Now, the only things left for them to do were get his sperm, go to a lab, mix both of their genomes with the seed, and voila.


    A baby.


    If the duo achieves their goal, only time will tell.

 41 – A Date(?) with Tali and Liara?!

    After Samael made his way out of his hotel room, he thought, ''It''s time.''


    He used his omni-tool to send his personal team, the same one where Mordin was now part of, a file called - The Quarian Pill.


    ( AN: This ties up the content in Mordin''s SIDE STORY)


    The content of it would forever change the fate of the Quarians, as they would be able to live outside their suits once more. Of course, the content was 50% done, as he wanted his team to research and see if they could somehow improve it.


    Regardless, now that he would meet Tali once more, he knew it was time to launch that. After all, he wanted to have ''fun'' with her, and he knew how bad it was for the Quarians to have ''fun'' without the pill.


    Just for them to have fun, Tali would have to take a bunch of medications so she would not die when getting naked in their room. Their room should be sterilized hours before, their clothes cleaned, etc. There are a bunch of unnecessary steps that the new pill will make useless.


    Of course, the Quarian community as a whole will benefit from it. Samael was thinking of them too, of course. Not just sex with Tali, no way.


    Anyway, he also wanted to make sure Tali was involved with the pill, so today, besides having a date with both Asari and Quarian, he would say something to her.


    '' I hope they fall in love with me at first sight once again.''


    With narcissistic thoughts, Samael made his way toward the location of the restaurant, where both were.


    WITH TALI AND LIARA


    For the last month or so, things went differently than what both thought their lives would be.


    One was in a space station, studying the Geth while also scrapping around to survive, while the other was exploring planets to search for Prothean history.


    They thought things would continue the same, but alas, fate had very different things in store for them.


    They were now part of a crew so special that they could not even begin to understand why they would want them on it. With a captain so strong (?) he won against a Krogan and a Prothean.


    They were in awe watching the fight that took place a few hours ago and a little fidgeting to now meet their new captain.


    For some reason, Miranda told them to put on their best clothes, and both were suddenly escorted to the best place in Omega. Both were confused, and they asked Miranda why all this.


    But all Miranda did was smile at them. She would not say it out loud, but from the brief gazes Samael gave the two, she caught something in the air and acted on it.


    A fucking amazing wingwoman, Samael would say in the future.


    Anyway, now both were sitting at a table for three, waiting for the other person to arrive.


    In the meantime, they chatted. They already knew each other, since they met a few days ago when the crew got Tali from her place.


    '''' So, what do you think this is?'''' Tali asked as she tried to ignore the gazes she was receiving. After all, she was the only Quarian in the restaurant, and the Quarians were perceived by almost everyone as being below them.


    '''' I have no idea. Maybe the captain will interview us, I honestly don''t know.'''' As Liara had a matriarch in her family, she grew up a little bit privileged, so the restaurant wasn''t that fancy to her. Regardless, she was also curious about all this.


    '''' Do you think he will kick us out?'''' Tali would not say it out loud, but she already adapted to the ship, which she found out had no name yet, and to the crew. By the way, her room was strangely exactly like she wanted, for some odd reason.


    '''' I doubt it. They came looking for us, not us for them. It would make no sense to kick us out.'''' Liara''s room too, was, for some odd reason, just like she wanted.


    A voice suddenly came from behind them, '''' I will not kick you out, don''t worry.''''


    When Tali and Liara looked at the voice, they noticed it was their new captain. He still had a lot of bruises on his face, thanks to the fight a few hours ago, that still hadn''t healed, but he was dressed nicely.


    Also, the way he was looking at them was ... intense. They never felt someone looking at them so intensely before, so they spaced out a little.


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    '''' Oh, where are my manners? My name is Samael, owner of LD and captain of the ship. It''s a pleasure to meet you both in person.'''' Samael offered his hands to Tali, who absently gave them to him.


    To her horror and surprise, he kissed her hands immediately, with no shame, or disgust in his eyes. He was staring at her the whole time, and all she could see was a feeling she didn''t know what it was.


    It is safe to say that Samael was making a very good impression on the Quarian. Oh, in the Asari too, who just found out her captain was the creator and owner of LD, something she didn''t know before.


    Tali already knew he was the owner and creator of LD, but Liara didn''t. It''s not like the crew goes around saying those things out loud, and Liara never asked.


    When Samael offered a hand to the now-shocked Liara, their hands touched a little, and Liara felt a spark she had never felt before. It was like her body wanted to meld with this person in front of her so badly that she almost initiated the process without knowing.


    The Asari coughed a little, to hide her embarrassment.


    Samael smirked, as he knew exactly her sweet hidden spots, and lucky for him, one of them was in her hands. So, he touched it, and her body reacted the same way it did when they were a couple.


    He then sat down and said, '''' Have you guys ordered?''''


    '''' Not yet. And nice to meet you too.'''' Tali managed to answer after recovering from her own ordeal. While not as intense as Liara, she went through some of it too.


    '''' Nice to meet you.'''' Liara was doing her best to calm down, as she could not understand why her body reacted that way.


    '''' You can ask anything from the restaurant, and anything about me too. I will answer you both honestly.''''


    Tali looked at Liara, who had recovered, and the Asari nodded.


    '''' Why did you hire us?'''' That was a point Tali could still not understand. There are a lot of better Quarians and Asari out there, and this person went out of his way to hire them.


    '''' You see, I was born in a slum on Earth.'''' Tali and Liara were surprised by it, as not a lot was known about LD''s boss, and the crew didn''t exactly go around saying things about him or his past. '''' I managed to get out of it thanks to sheer luck and determination.''''


    '' And nine lives lived.''


    '''' So, I knew a lot of gems were lost in the process, just because others didn''t give them a chance to shine. LD goes after those kinds of people, as they deserve a chance to try. I met you through that process, and I must say, you guys were better than I have ever hoped for.''''


    '''' It''s an honor to have you in my crew.''''


    '''' Thanks.'''' Liara was grateful, but not as much as Tali.


    The Quarian grew up hearing the treatment her species received from others, and in the short time since she left her home, she did meet those treatments. While small in time and quantity, it changed her a little for the worse.


    So, imagine her surprise when a crew hired her, then she found out the crew was from LD, and the person who recruited her was the creator of LD, who kissed her .. dirty hands.


    She looked at the hands he kissed and thought of the things she had done just so she could eat. While she didn''t have to go through the same things as other quarians, she did a lot of things she didn''t like with those very hands.


    And Samael kissed with no problems. That really affected the quarian, but she didn''t know that yet.


    The trio then ordered their food and started a conversation, that ranged from Protheans, Geth, etc.


    Liara even started a strange conversation, '''' So, you didn''t hire me because of my connection with my mother?''''


    While she knew it was unlikely, as for the past week or so, she met the crew and today Samael, and not a single thing pointed to that train of thought.


    Regardless, she had to ask.


    Samael looked at her with surprise and said, '''' No, while your mother is a Matriarch, we didn''t hire you for that. You have the potential to be better than your mother in every aspect. Trust me when I say that.''''


    Liara nodded at Samael, and it was Tali''s turn to be doubtful once more.


    The Quarian almost had the same predicament as Liara, only her father was a lot less important than a matriarch.


    Just when she was going to ask, she noticed Samael was looking at her.


    '''' Don''t worry, w-I scouted both of you personally, not because of your family, but because of you. Don''t doubt yourself.''''


    Tali nodded absentmindedly, and the dinner continued.


    As the Quarians could not take their helmets off, their food had to be prepared differently. It had to be something like a paste, that the Quarian would put in a compartment on their mask, and then eat with a straw.


    It was weird but convenient too, and it helped them eat without dying.


    '''' Also, Tali. I know you have started research on the Geth. Can you give me the data?'''' Samael asked Tali for a favor. If she gave it to him, he would probably have enough to make Legion, complete.


    Legion was a Geth companion from the games, and while he already existed at this point in time, with the data he had from other cycles plus the ones Tali could give him, Samael was sure he could upgrade the Geth to a whole new level, like he did with RR.


    He wanted to let fate take its course, but he was changing a lot of things in succession, so there was no guarantee things would follow the timeline. EDI was made earlier, Legion might not have the upgrades he needed, and Grunt might not be made at all.


    '''' Sure. I''ll transfer to you now.'''' Tali then tapped her Omni tool, and the data she had was transferred to Samael.


    '''' Thank you very much.''''


    '''' Don''t mention it.''''


    The trio then continued chatting, and hours passed without them noticing.


    --


    By the end of the date, Samael escorted both to their hotel room, with Liara going off first, and when Samael''s hands touched her again, the same thing happened.


    The Asari almost initiated the melding process unwillingly.


    Liara fought her blush and entered her room, thoroughly embarrassed.


    Samael then guided Tali, a little more slowly, to her room. He wanted to enjoy her presence some more.


    '''' So, what do you think about the ship and the crew?''''


    Tali was a little absent-minded but responded, '''' Oh, they were lovely. The only problem is the ship''s name. You ko-''''


    '''' I know about the Quarian tradition of using the ship name as their surname. I''ll think about a good name, don''t worry.''''


    Tali was glad her boss was such a hand- good man. She saw herself enjoying his presence a lot.


    Soon, however, they arrived at her hotel room.


    '''' Sooo...''''


    '''' Soooo...''''


    Both didn''t want to end the conversation. One because he was with his love, and the other because she found him interesting.


    It was then Samael remembered something and got serious, '''' What I''m about to say is it''s secret. You can''t say about it to anyone, not even your family.''''


    Noticing the seriousness of the situation, even if it came out of nowhere, Tali nodded,'''' Yes, captain.''''


    Samael took a deep breath, '''' LD is working on making a pill... that makes it so the Quarians could live their lives outside their suits.''''


    Tali''s eyes enlarged so much that even her helmet was having trouble showing. To Samael, she looked cuter.


    '''' It''s at the beginning of development, but I just wanted you to know that. In a few years, it will be ready, and I want you to be involved in the process of making it.''''


    Tali was shocked. She could not even begin to comprehend all that she just heard, '''' Why?''''


    '''' Well, I know your expertise, and ... I want you to succeed.''''


    Again, Tali found herself drawn to his eyes, which were looking at her with intensity. She could not even muster another why.


    '''' Can you help me with that?''''


    '''' ... I don''t know IF I can help, but I will do my best.'''' Tali resigned herself, as her soul could not even take more surprise today.


    Samael sighed in relief. He wanted her involved, as she was the one who helped him and Mordin make the pill in the past. So, it was only fair to involve her again.


    He was forceful, but it was necessary.


    '''' It''s time for me to leave. It was a pleasure meeting you personally.'''' Samael offered her hand again.


    Tali took it, and Samael kissed it once more, '''' It was also my pleasure.''''


    After he broke the kiss on her hand, Samael turned around and left in a hurry. He wasn''t sure if he could control himself any longer in the presence of his loved ones.


    He wanted to do nothing but kiss Tali and Liara and hold them for some time, but it was not the time.


    Tali noticed he left in a hurry, but she was in such a daze she didn''t even care. She entered her room, closed the door, and went directly to the bed.


    What happened today was outside her expectations.


    '' The Pill, Samael...''


    With a lot on her mind, Tali went to sleep.

 42 – Leaving Omega

    After the date with Liara and Tali, and getting the last ingredient he needed for the serum, Samael was ready to leave Omega. Well, he still didn''t have the ingredient at hand, but it was with Aria, so it was all good. Also, the injuries he sustained while fighting Wrex and Javik were mostly healed, only a small headache still remained but that was it.


    While being in Omega was a good distraction, he knew there was no way he could relax now, as the clock was ticking and the Reapers were coming to kill everyone. So, he had to go back to playing hero, or at least the coadjuvant.


    After sending a message to everyone telling them they only had this day as vacation, Samael went to talk with Aria, as this most likely would be their last conversation for a long time.


    Arriving at the nightclub, Samael bypassed all security and entered the Aria personal booth with no problems.


    There, the Asari looked unconcerned at the door and smiled a little seeing it was Samael, '''' A pity, I thought finally one of the other idiots decided to attack me and give me an advantage.''''


    '''' Sorry for not being here to kill you.'''' Samael sat beside her and said nothing, both just looking down at the dance floor.


    '''' It''s ... calm, isn''t it?'''' Aria asked no one and at the same time, 2 people, '''' The people down there, don''t even care about anything else, they just want to dance around while their lives crumble.''''


    '''' Who could blame them, though?'''' Samael interjects at that moment, '''' Some people were too cowardly to face the truth.''''


    '''' Yes.'''' Aria paused, '''' Sometimes I wish I was like them, just imagining not having the same problem as I do right now... it would be amazing.''''


    '''' But it would not be you, right?''''


    '''' Yes... I guess I like what I turned out too much and can''t let it go.''''


    '''' Trust me, I get that.''''


    Samael really gets that. Even in the cycles where he decided to not do anything, he was dragged to the last war anyway, forcing him to fight once more.


    No matter what he did, the outcome was the same. So, instead of continuing to run away, he embraced his role. Of course, in other cycles, he took his sweet time before joining the war effort but he did so at the end.


    Aria looked at Samael with a strange gaze, '''' Sometimes I feel like I''m the younger person here, even though I''m over 400 years old.''''


    Samael snorted, '''' You''re pretty ol-''''


    '''' I recommend you don''t continue that phrase.''''


    Samael saw Aria start to gather her biotic powers, so he stopped. '''' Experience doesn''t necessarily come from age. Look at Wrex for example, that Krogan lived through almost all major wars the galaxy had and still didn''t change one bit.''''


    Aria nodded at that, '''' So, how can others become like you?''''


    Samael sighed, '''' They would''ve to go through what I did and I doubt anyone in the galaxy would be able to maintain their sanity. Hell, even I got a little bit broken by it all but managed to rebuild myself.''''


    Aria knew Samael was serious, and that made her a little sad. '''' ... I hope no one else goes through it.''''


    '''' I hope so too.''''


    The duo then continued watching the dancing floor for an hour or so, in silence.


    Finally, one of Aria''s men knocked on her ''room'', '''' Excuse me.''''


    '''' Enter.''''


    After Aria said that, a Krogan entered the place. '''' Here''s the thing you asked a week ago.''''


    '''' You can go now.'''' Aria took the ingredient from the Krogan and then sent him away. She then looked at Samael, '''' Here.''''


    Samael tapped his omni tool and transfered the money to Aria, '''' Thanks.''''


    '''' No, thank you.'''' Aria confirmed the transfer and finally asked a question that would satisfy her curiosity, '''' Can I ask why would you need that?''''


    '''' It''s a secret for now, but LD is making something that uses this as an ingredient.''''


    Aria shrugged her shoulders, '''' You do you I suppose. Now what?''''


    Their business just ended and now Samael and Aria weren''t exactly partners in crime, so the situation got a little ambiguous.


    '''' Now we continue our friendship into the years to come.'''' Samael smiled widely at her.


    Aria sighed in relief, as she didn''t want to make LD her enemy for no reason. She then called a waitress and grabbed 2 drinks, one for her and one for Samael.


    '''' Where are you going after finishing our business here?'''' Aria asked while she nursed her drink.


    Samael paused. He thought about Aria and her story and knew that while the Asari was working towards her goal to be the true owner of Omega, it would take some time to reach that goal.


    So, he decided to push things forward a little. He knew there might be unknown consequences thanks to his actions, but everything was already at the point of no return anyway.


    Samael got serious instantly. '''' What I''m about to show you is something very few people in the galaxy know.'''' Samael was about to tell Aria about the Reapers.


    There''s no other reason other than to warm her as soon as possible, as while she considered herself the boss of the station, the situation wasn''t that simple. 2 other people had the same power as her and they all were in a stalemate regarding who owned everything.


    Again, the Asari would eventually rule over Omega, and Samael would just speed up the process and help here and there as he did with Wrex.


    '''' Oh? Now I''m curious.'''' Aria looked intrigued as in the week Samael spent with her, he never looked so serious.


    Samael then passed the file he had on the Reapers to Aria, '''' We already told the Council about it and now we have proof of their existence. The whole galaxy will be in Chaos when this news is made public.''''


    The mask of a strong person faltered a little as Aria continued reading. When she finished reading, she looked concerned. A lot concerned.


    She was about to ask if it was true, but she held back, as Samael wasn''t the type to lie. Besides, the data he had on those Reapers are too real to be faked.


    Aria asked, fearing the response,''''... How much time do we have?''''


    '''' No more than 8 years.''''


    Aria sat down on her chair, sighing and feeling powerless. Her whole life, everything she did to arrive where she was today, felt meaningless when she received that news. '''' Fuck...''''


    '''' But, don''t worry. We will start preparations now, to face them. LD and hopefully the whole galaxy, I mean.''''


    Aria still wasn''t convinced but she put her mask back on, '''' Why show me those news anyway?''''


    Samael looked mysterious, ''''It would be made public in a few months at max. And because I think Omega is a great asset. From now on, LD will help you be the real owner of the space station, with no strings attached. You only need to help in the upcoming war in a few years.''''


    Aria had nothing much to say. The whole day was a mess to her, and while she didn''t like to be linked with others, the no-strings-attached part was attractive enough.


    '''' No strings attached?''''


    '''' None.''''


    The Asari had no reason not to accept the help. If what he said was true, the whole galaxy would have to be involved for them to even have a small chance of winning. Even Omega.


    Aria reached a conclusion. '''' Pleasure doing business with you.''''


    Both shook hands and Samael said, '''' Likewise. Of course, we will revise everything regarding taking over Omega, but that''s it for now. We will keep in touch. And congratulations on being Omega''s true owner from now on.''''


    Aria smiled biterly, '''' Thanks, but with the news you gave me, I don''t have the energy to be happy right now. See you later, Samael.''''


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    '''' See you later, Aria.''''


    Samael then left Aria''s strip club and went to his hotel room. There, he sent a message to Tevos.


    '''' We have the proof of the Reapers existence.''''


    He sent that message and less than 10 seconds later, Tevos called in a holographic call.


    Samael ansered, '''' Hello.''''


    '''' Hi. Is that true? You have proof now?'''' Tevos clearly looked like she didn''t want to believe what Samael was saying because if he did, things in the galaxy would get complicated. A lot more complicated.


    '''' Yes. We will be going to Citadel in a day and I would like to have an emergency meeting with the Council. Can you arrange that for me?''''


    Tevos sighed but soon nodded, '''' I can. Also, don''t forget your part of the bargain. Send someone who can fully unlock the Beacon we have in Thessia.''''


    '''' I didn''t forget about it, don''t worry... Also, Councilor, you look nice.'''' Samael said a compliment to Tevos, as he knew she liked that. Of course, their ''relationship'' was a transaction, with both sides given something while taking something in return, but it doesn''t hurt to be nice to each other.


    Tevos smiled at Samael, '''' See you soon, boy.''''


    The call then ended and Samael was left alone in his room. EDI and RR drones were taken to the ship already so he had no one to talk to, and RR for some reason was looking at him weirdly in Android form, so he was avoiding her for now.


    Speaking of the ship... it''s time to name it.


    Normally, I would go through a cliche route and call it Normandy but... this is my real last life. Everything I do here has consequences I can''t see the outcome, so... let''s be serious.


    But... what is a good name, that represents me and my journey?


    Nameless? Unammed? Spearhead?


    No, none sounds good. Besides, I have to think about the future Quarians who might join the crew, besides Tali. They would have a surname with the ship''s name, so it got to be good.


    So, if I mix everything about my journey, the cycles, the deaths, and how I was reborn...


    ... Phoenix. A bird that is considered immortal, as every time it dies, it returns from its ashes.... Fitting.


    Ok, Phoenix it is.


    Samael snickered thinking about Tali. '' She will be called Tali'' Zorah Vas Phoenix... Never mind, she''s still cute.''


    After that, Samael stealthily passed the still-drugged Illusive Man to the SSV Phoneix from his small ship and prepared to depart to the Citadel once again.


    But, before leaving, there were still a few hours to go, since he gave an entire day of vacation. So, Samael made a few arrangements, took off the stealth upgrade he had installed in his small ship, and decided to let it stay at Omega, under Aria.


    While top-notch compared to other ships in the galaxy right now, its true strength was in the Stealth system, and Samael already took that. So, it would be a nice gift to Aria.


    After making sure everything was in order with that, Samael returned to his hotel room. But, as soon as he entered, he froze.


    He felt something wrong as he saw RR in her Android form waiting for him there.


    Samael could see the tension in the air and tried to door, but for some reason, it was closed, '' Fuck!''


    With no other choice, he faced RR, '''' Hmmm, hello RR. Is there anything going on?''''


    Samael tried to maintain his calm as he reached the fridge to grab a drink.


    '''' Everything is better with you here.''''


    '''' Why is that?'''' Samael could see RR was naked already, so he knew she wanted something from him. But, for some reason, he was apprehensive.


    '''' You see, I felt real bad when you disconnected me from your omni tool. Real bad.'''' RR said while getting closer to Samael, who finally understood.


    RR was going to ''punish'' him for what he did days ago.


    '''' It was necessary! I swear!'''' While he was sure the ''punishment'' would be enjoyable, he still tried to think of an escape route just in case.


    '''' I know, but... I''m still mad. You already promised to not do it again, but punishment is a must, don''t you think?'''' RR got in bed and motioned to Samael to get closer.


    Sighing, the man accepted his fate, '''' What do you have in mind?''''


    '''' For now, until the vacation ends, you are mine to do what I please. Oh, and EDI will also watch.'''' Just then, EDI in her drone form appeared in front of Samael.


    The man hesitated, as EDI and Joker have been a couple in almost all his past cycles. But, it''s not like he had a choice at the moment, and this is not considered cheating if they were still not together, right?... Right? Besides it was just watching anyway.


    '''' ... Ok.'''' Samael knew he had been defeated so he just accepted it.


    '''' Good, now get naked! I''ll enjoy this as much as you.''''


    Samael thought while getting undressed.


    '' What did I create?''


    But anyone could see the man was more than ''happy'' with the situation.


    --


    WITH TEVOS


    '' Things just got a lot more complicated.'' Tevos sighed after the call with Samael ended. She knew LD had the proof of those Reapers existence, meaning they were really real. And they were coming for them now.


    That alone was enough to send others into a frenzy, but Tevos was as calm as she could, given the situation. But, she was afraid of what the other Councilors would do.


    People react differently when faced with reality and from the years she worked together with the other 2, they would most likely fail quite badly at maintaining their calm.


    '' Maybe that is a good thing...?''


    The situation was something she never felt before, a danger so big that it threatened the entire Galaxy''s existence. So, even she was unsure how to proceed.


    '' ... For now, I''ll do my part and call an emergency meeting. Also, I''ll help LD as best as I can.''


    Tevos knew from the little she interacted with LD and Samael, that the company was preparing for the Reapers arrival, meaning they must have some sort of a plan to stop the threat. With her power as a Councilor, she would help too.


    Tapping a few things in her omni tool, Tevos sent a message to all Specters acting on the galaxy right now, '''' Come to the Citadel as fast as you can. Code Red.''''


    As mentioned before, the Specters are the Council''s special forces, having the authority to do anything necessary to achieve the success of the mission. They only respond to the Council, so calling them out of the blue was big.


    But it was necessary. They must know about the Reapers existence too!


    Tevos sent that message and returned to her duties as a Councilor. Even in the face of the Reapers, work didn''t stop for the Asari.


    --


    IN A FAR CORNER OF THE GALAXY


    Saren, a Turian Specter, just received a message from Tevos, the Asari Concelour. It said Code Red but he knew it was most likely nothing big.


    '' Probably someone bothered her again and she wants us to act.''


    Regardless, he had to go there as the message was sent to all Spectres.


    And whether he liked it or not, he had a duty to follow.


    For now, that is.


    Looking at the big machine in front of him, the Turian said, '''' I have to go now, but we will continue the conversation later.''''


    The machine stood at 2170 meters/2,17 KM tall, with just its presence making others fear it. It also had a massive ''eye'', and huge land pods that looked like tentacles. It looked imposing and invincible.


    The machine looked down at the Spectre but said nothing back. Its ''eye'' glowed red for a few seconds, indicating it understood.


    The Turian then left in a hurry, as even though he and the machine ''worked'' together to reach their respective goals, he still didn''t like it.


    Soon, the Spectre left the unknown planet near the Perseus Veil, going to the Citadel.

 43 – Punishment

    HOURS LATER


    An exhausted Samael, alongside a glowing RR and a trembling EDI-in-a-drone, met with the entire crew inside the SSV Phoenix.


    RR suddenly said to Samael, '''' I forgot to mention, but Vigil passed me a program that allows me to differentiate Indrocrinated people from those who are not.''''


    Samael also had something like that. It was something he honed across cycles, a ''skill'' deep from within his soul, but it was nice to see his AI, and possibly all other VIs ( in the future) in the galaxy, have it.


    '''' Can you pass it to another AI or VI?'''' Samael asked.


    '''' I can.''''


    '''' Good. Hold on to it for now, but it''s nice to have it.'''' Samael knew Sovereign was already in the Milky Way since long ago, hiding and plotting, indoctrinating a few people already. But he was waiting for the right time to act. And right now, it isn''t.


    Sure, he could try and find the location where the Reaper was and kill it, but then what? Samael knew that, with the stupidity of the Council or even the whole galaxy, they would not believe it was a Reaper. Worse, they believe it, and seeing as it was defeated quite easily, would get complacent with the preparations, resulting in the galaxy not being ready.


    So, he had to wait for it to act. Samael also knew Saren was already under the Reaper, but he also had to let the Turian walk away for now.


    After that thought, Samael looked around the place and noticed the entire crew was here, with Wrex and Javik already at the bar, while the Illusive Man was in Samael''s room, ''ready'' to have his judgment.


    Remember, while Samael wanted the man to go through the ''unoindocrination'' process and be reborn as an advocate of true equality among all species, his fate was still at the hands of Jack and the other people who were experimented on by Cerberus.


    After Miranda saw how Samael was looking exhausted, she approached him.


    '''' What happened to you?'''' Miranda asked with concern in her eyes, '''' Is the fatigue from all the fighting you had at Omega? I know you broke the record, but-''''


    '''' No, it''s not that. It''s something else that I will not disclose.'''' Samael then remembered something and called the attention of everyone, '''' Guys, as you all know, the ship we use has no name. I thought it was okay, but with Tali now joining us, it was fitting to name it.''''


    Nods come from the crew, and someone asks, '''' What is the name?''''


    '''' From now on, the ship will be named SSV Phoenix!''''


    '''' Ohhh, nice one. I thought it would be a way crappier name.''''


    '''' Me too.''''


    '''' Hey! My naming sense is amazing!'''' Samael cried out, but no one listened. '''' Ok, with that out of the way, we will depart in 30 minutes.''''


    Veronica asked, '''' Where to?''''


    '''' Citadel once again. We got the prof about the Reapers existence, thanks to Vigil. They now have no choice but to listen to us.''''


    Veronica nodded and went to the cockpit. RR and EDI followed right behind her.


    The crew then dispersed, and Samael was left alone. He was debating whether to talk with Tali and Liara or Wrex and Javik when Miranda and Jack approached him.


    '''' Can I help you both?'''' Samael was a little surprised by the situation but still asked. They were good allies after all.


    '''' I- We want to ask you for --- you - No, I can''t say it! Too embarrassing'''' Miranda was going to ask something, but paused.


    Jack sighed seeing that, '''' I told you you''re too shy to ask that yet.'''' She then looked at Samael, '''' Captain.''''


    '''' Yes?'''' Samael asked in a confused tone. This was new to him, this conversation never happened in other cycles.


    Also good to note this was the first time Jack called him captain in this cycle.


    '''' We want your seed! Sperm, your water of life, whatever you call it.'''' Jack didn''t hold back and said that.


    Samael paused. The implication of what they asked was clear, '''' You guys want to have a baby... can I ask why?''''


    Jack hesitated but answered, '''' It''s Nat- my mom. She has cancer. Terminal cancer.''''


    Samael paused. '' That explains a lot.''


    Natasha was dead in other cycles, so that''s why she never appeared in Jack''s life down the line.


    '''' And what does she have to do with you guys getting pregnant?''''


    '''' She wants a grandchild.''''


    '''' And both of you accepted?''''


    Miradan and Jack nodded.


    Samael could see the determination in both, and he was not going to say no. He never had children in past cycles, as he knew he lived on borrowed time.


    But he always wanted a lot of children with Tali, Liara, and Shepard. And in this last life of his, he would do his best to have as many as he could with them.


    Also, helping Miranda and Jack have one was no big trouble for him.


    '''' I can help you guys with that. Just tell me when to ... give you my seed.'''' Samael was thinking about how he would have to ejaculate in a cup.


    Miranda''s and Jack''s eyes shone. They looked at each other and nodded, '''' Say, Captain, are you dating someone right now?''''


    '''' No, but I do have my eyes on some people. '''' Samael thought about Tali and Liara. He would get more aggressive in his approach later on, when they got to know each other better. After all, he wanted to be with them for the rest of his life. '''' Why do you ask?''''


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Jack grabbed one of Samael''s arms while Miranda grabbed the other, '''' How about we receive the seed personally?''''


    Samael paused. He knew what they were implying,  but he was thoroughly pumped out yesterday by RR, so he had to recharge for at least a few more hours.


    '''' How about we do this in a hotel in the Citadel? I''m exhausted right now, but I''ll be 100% in a day or two. Prepare everything, and I''ll go through with it.''''


    Miranda and Jack nodded at that, as the man really looked like he would fall over and pass out. They will have to wait 9 months anyway, a few more days won''t hurt. '''' OK.''''


    '''' Also, I''ll think about Natasha''s situation and see if we can help her heal.'''' Samael was thinking about putting the woman in a cryo sleep pod until the baby was born or finding a cure for terminal cancer.


    '' Maybe the serum can help with that.''


    The serum could cure cancer in its initial stages, but not terminal, or at least he didn''t know that yet. Besides, Natasha would have to be fit enough to be able to take the serum, otherwise, she might die from taking it.


    '''' Thanks. We will leave you to your work now.''''


    Miranda and Jack left, leaving Samael alone. He wanted to go talk with Tali and Liara but he was too tired.


    So, left with no choice, he went to his quarter. He entered, saw the Illusive Man in a drug-induced sleep in a corner of the room, kicked him for fun, then went to his bed.


    As soon as he hit the pillow, he slept.


    HOURS LATER


    An energized Samael got out of his room, and after asking Veronica, he knew they still had a few more hours until they arrived at the Citadel.


    So, he had time now, but when he went to talk with Tali and Liara, both were sleeping.


    Cursing his luck, he went to the bar. To no one surprise, Wrex and Javik were there.


    '''' Hello, guys. How are you doing?'''' Samael sat with them and grabbed a drink from the bar.


    '''' Ohhh, it''s the winner! We are good. Your ego must be up at the moon, huh?'''' Wrex commented while downing his drink. He wasn''t bothered about losing the fight. All he cared about was that he had fun.


    '''' Nah, I''m good. It was normal to win, after all, I received help from both of you.''''


    It was true. While Samael was sure he could win against both if he had the serum, the win he had at Aria''s ring was because he received help from both.


    Wrex helped him against Javik and Javik helped him at the last moment against Wrex.


    '''' Kid, you won anyway, Be proud!'''' Wrex patted Samael on the back, almost making him spill his drink.


    '''' Thanks.'''' Samael looked at Javik, '''' How are you, my friend? The last day has been chaotic and we didn''t have time to catch up.''''


    Javik looked at his drink, '''' It was an amazing week. I found more of my people alive, but the only thing is that we still don''t have a place to put them without causing a commotion in the galaxy.''''


    At this point in time, Javik was well aware that his existence and the existence of the other Protheans were not exactly good things for them or for those who housed them.


    So, he was grateful for LD and Samael''s help, but he also just wanted his people to wake up as soon as possible.


    Samael saw through his problems, '''' I''m dealing with their housing. In a few days at most, we should have everything prepared.''''


    Javik looked at him with surprise, '''' What do you mean?''''


    '''' Let''s just say LD owns a few inhabited planets that just happen to have a nice atmosphere for all living beings.'''' Samael smiled seeing Javik''s reaction.


    Even Wrex was surprised. Of course, as the Krogans were limited by the Council to only having one planet under them, which just happened to be Tuchanka, the Krogan was more than surprised to learn LD owned more than one planet.


    '''' Must be nice, huh,'''' Wrex said in a voice filled with envy.


    Samael looked at the Krogan, '''' I said to all living beings, didn''t I?''''


    Wrex paused, '''' You mean?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' When the threat of the Reapers is over, I will personally vouch for the Krogan people with the Council, to allow you guys to own more planets. If they don''t listen, LD will help anyway.''''


    Wrex was getting more and more things for LD and Samael and he felt he didn''t have enough to give back, '''' Sam-''''


    ''''Don''t thank me yet. We still have to win. Right now, even if we launch the entire Krogan population at the Reapers, it will not be enough. There is still too much to lose until we can gain something.''''


    Wrex said nothing more, as he knew Samael was right. Still, a new planet for the Krogans was another thing he would have to pay back to LD.


    It was Javik''s turn to thank Samael, as he had said he would help his species have a home once more.


    '''' Thanks for the help with that.''''


    ''''Don''t mention it. We are at war Javik, we need all the help we can get. 100+ Protheans were a good addition to the war effort.'''' Samael wasn''t going to lie and say he didn''t have a plan for the newly arrived Protheans. It''s just that they were too small in number to make a huge difference, but they still have their uses.


    '''' I asked my people to make a few buildings, like a hospital, homes, etc. When they give me the okay, I''ll pass the coordinates to the ship where your species are, and then they can go there. You can go if you want, I will not hold you.''''


    By that point in time, the emergency meeting they would have with the Council would be over, so sending Javik away was okay.


    '''' Thanks, my friend. I will go there and oversee things.''''


    Samael nodded and raised his cup, '''' Cheers to us!''''


    '''' Cheers!''''


    HOURS LATER


    In the bar of SSV Phoenix, a reunion taking place right now. There''s Samael with an unconscious man on one side, and on the other side, all test subjects, Jack included, alongside a few other people from the crew.


    Miranda was there to support her girlfriend, while Liara and Tali, both of whom had just woken up, were curious about the situation.


    '''' Do you know what is all this?'''' Tali asked Liara, who was also confused.


    '''' I have no idea, but it seems serious.'''' Liara noted everyone looked on edge, Jack more than others.


    It was then that Samael started speaking, '''' I gathered you here today because I promised you all something. Justice for what happened to you and others scattered across the galaxy.''''


    He then kicked the unconscious man into the middle of the bar. Everyone seemed ready to tear the man to pieces, but they respected Samael enough to not do anything before he said it was okay.


    Samael eyed everyone who wasn''t a test subject and explained the situation, '''' This man here is Jack Harper, or just The Illusive Man. He was the owner of Cerberus, a company that is now under LD control. The man was rich, had connections, and felt secure thanks to that. But, he met his match with us.''''


    '''' He has a long list of crimes, and way more victims. The majority of those gathered here know what he was capable of, but for those who didn''t know, I''ll say a few of his crimes.''''


    '''' Illegal experimentation on children, forceful exposure on pregnant ladies so they could somehow grow a biotic child, kidnapping, murders...''''


    Samael continued to say crime after crime, not stopping. Safe to say, Liara and Tali now looked at the unconscious man with disgust.


    After Samael listed every crime Jack Harper committed, he said, '''' Now, it''s time to decide his fate. I will abide by whatever you guys decide, but - I will offer you something first.''''


    Samael had the full attention of the wronged ones. They wanted to tear The Illusive Man to pieces right now, but they felt it was lacking.


    '''' I have a way of making his existence miserable from his point of view while assuring the evil man is dead. Of course, he will not be killed, but he would wish he was.'''' Samael then concluded, '''' Again, the choice is yours, but think, what would be worse, a quick death right now or a life full of pain?''''


    '''' The votes will be simple. Do you want it to be anonymous or not?'''' Samael asked the test subjects, '''' Also, to be fair to others, only those wronged by Cerberus could vote, as it would do justice to all others who faced pain through its hands.''''


    The test subjects eyed each other until they stopped at Jack, who sighed, '''' It can be an open vote. But, before we vote, can you guarantee that your way, he will suffer more than death?''''


    Samael smiled, seeing a future where Jack Harper would live his entire life advocating for every species'' rights across the galaxy. The original personality would be wiped away by the Ardat-Yakshi, while he would mold the new one to his pleasure.


    Evil, yes, but the man deserved even worse.


    '''' I can.''''


    Jack nodded at that, '''' What are the choices?''''


    '''' Ok. Here are your opinions: We kill the man who put you through hell right now, today, and his history ends right now.'''' That made some murmurs among the crowd, but they waited for the second option, '''' Or you trust me, and let me make sure he lives his life in eternal hell.''''


    The test subjects now waited for Samael to start the voting.


    '''' Whoever wants to kill him right now, please raise your hands.''''


    After Samael said that, 5 people raised their hands. The minority, as there are over 20 test subjects on the ship.


    '''' Noted. Now, who wants the second option?''''


    The rest of the test subjects, Jack included, raised their hands.


    '''' Good. With everyone as witnesses, I now declare this man will suffer from his worst nightmare....''''


    Samael then looked at each test subject. He could see the pain in their eyes, as even though the man who put them through hell would experience the same, things still happened. They were changed forever thanks to the actions of that man.


    ''''Now, the nightmare you guys faced is over. It''s over.''''


    A few of the test subjects started to cry a little.


    '''' You can sleep safely, as the monsters who did this to you and many others are long gone, killed by my own hands. This man was the last, I made sure of that.''''


    '''' You can now live.''''


    The waterworks started a lot more forcefully this time, and all the test subjects started to cry. Miranda was seen consoling Jack alongside Natasha.


    The test subjects were also being embraced by the crew, each one being comforted in its own way.


    Samael said what he had to say and would now let them deal with their emotions. He looked at Wrex and Javik, who were still drinking, '''' Make sure to waste everyone here. I don''t want a single one of them sober.''''


    Wrex accepted the misson, '''' Leave it to us.''''


    Javik said nothing and just grabbed a few drinks and passed them around.


    After making sure Clare was around, to take care of anything if something were to happen, Samael left the bar. On the way out, he says Liara and Tali.


    Both were a little shocked by what just happened.


    Samael approached them naturally, '''' Shocking, right? We just decided the fate of a monster, but what he did didn''t change. People still got hurt because of him.''''


    '''' I say, justice was served anyway. The best we can do now is ensure the affected can live their lives in peace.'''' Tali heard the crimes the unconscious man committed. Not even death would be enough of a punishment.


    '''' Do you really have a way to make him pay?'''' Even the naive Liara was mad just after hearing about the crimes the man committed.


    '''' I can and I will.''''


    '''' Good.''''


    Samael was going to leave the bar, but after seeing the duo, he changed his mind, '''' Ladies, with that heavy stuff out of the way, how about we drink a bit and talk about life? Besides, we might even have a pity party if things continue this way.''''


    Looking at the bar, everyone there had a drink in hand. Samael wasn''t sure if the stock of drinks would last for long.


    Liara and Tali had no reason to say no. While the Quarian had to take drinks in a special way, thanks to her immune system, she still could drink.


    '''' Sure.''''


    The trio then entered the bar and drinks started to pass around. Soon, almost everyone in the crew, minus RR and EDI, as both AI had to make sure to maintain their course to the Citadel, was drinking heavily.


    --


    A DAY LATER


    SSV Phoenix arrived at the Citadel. The crew members were still a little tipsy from the sudden party last night, but their spirits renovated thanks to the confirmation that the man who made the lives of a few members hell was dealt with.


    This was the second time the crew was at the space station, and on both occasions, they didn''t come with good news.


    After making sure all the data Vigil gave them was good, Samael called a few specific people to go with him to the meeting.


    They were Miranda, Wrex, Javik, Liara, Tali, Veronica, and Jack. RR and EDI would be on his omni tool, while RR Android body would be at the Markets buying the things to build EDI body.

 44 – Emergency Meeting with the Council

    With Samael leading, the group made their way to the Council Chambers. They passed through the Markets, the Clinics, and even close to the Embassies until they finally arrived at one of the many elevators scattered across the Citadel.


    They entered the elevator and after a few moments, arrived at their destination/floor.


    Upon entering the floor, they noticed the influx of people was bigger than ever before, so they knew something was up.


    '''' What do you think is this about?'''' Wrex asked everyone.


    Samael knew what happened, '''' Our friend Tevos probably called all Spectres to watch the meeting.''''


    '''' Why would she do that?''''


    '''' We are about to show them that the galaxy is on the brink of extinction. The Spectres, liking it or not, are the special forces of the Council. They have to know about this.'''' Samael was right on the money.


    '''' Makes sense.''''


    The group continued making their way toward their destination, while one particular Quarian was shocked.


    Tali was looking around in awe, as this was her first time in the Council Chambers/floor and now she was even going to meet the Council. Sadly, it was with bad news.


    FLASHBACK


    When the Quarian and Liara heard about the Reapers from Samael and the crew''s mouths, they really didn''t believe it at first. But, Javik interjected at that moment, saying it was true.


    The Prothean showed both what Vigil gave them as proof. And it worked.


    Liara believed 100% now. While she was with the crew for a little longer than Tali, no one exactly mentioned the Reapers to her at any moment. But, with her studying the Prothean for so long, she knew a few things others didn''t know, and one of the biggest mysteries was how they disappeared one day without leaving anything behind.


    Of course, there are places with Prothean remains, but there was no huge data on what happened in those places, to tell what really happened to them. So, it made sense to her, that the Protheans were wiped out by the Reapers, a race she thought was a fairytale until now.


    So, receiving that news, she panicked a little, even wanting to call her mother to say something, but was held back by Samael.


    It was not the time to talk with her.


    Tali was also frozen with fear. The pictures she had on her mind after hearing about the upcoming threat, weren''t good. But, it was at that point that Samael said something that helped both.


    '''' Do you know what LD stands for?''''


    Liara and Tali shook their head. They really didn''t know and also didn''t understand why Samael was talking that right after telling them the galaxy was fucked.


    ''''It stands for Last Defense.'''' Samael sighed, '''' Thanks to something that happened to me when I was a child, I was made aware of the Reapers existence earlier on. Since then, I made it my life mission to do my best to stop them. LD was created with that goal in mind and everything that I did and will do is towards that goal too.''''


    '''' So, trust me. We can stop them if we unite. The galaxy right now doesn''t stand a chance, but if we unite everyone, we can.''''


    END OF FLASHBACK


    So, that was how Tali and Liara were made aware of the Reapers threat. Everyone in the SSV Phoenix was now in the loop.


    After walking around the Council Chamber a little more, the group finally arrived at the meeting place. The guards asked them to stop, and after confirming their identity, let them pass.


    Inside the meeting place, Samael noted at least 50+ people in the room. Based on his calculations, about half of the Spectre were in the room.


    The others were late or couldn''t come even if they wanted, as they were on a mission or something like that.


    The eyes of everyone in the room turned to Samael and his team. There are countless Spectre of different races and a few members of the crew felt intimidated by their gaze.


    Safe to say, as Samael''s identity was ''revealed'' a few weeks ago, every single Spectre now knew they were from LD. That only puzzled them a little more, as Tevos message didn''t specify anything at all, just said Code Red.


    While the Spectres were a little confused about what was this about, Wrex, on the other hand, said out loud, '''' I can take them.''''


    Samael snorted, '''' Me too, but I don''t think I would win.''''


    '''' ... How about me, you and Javik? Do you think we can win if we face all of them?'''' Wrex asked.


    '''' Hmmmm.'''' Samael knew if he took the serum, the chance would rise, but as of now, if the trio faced those in the room, they only had a 50% chance, '''' 50/50.''''


    When the Spectres heard that, there was laughter in the room. They found the idea of the trio facing them and having a 50% chance was ridiculous.


    You have to remember, that the Spectres are the very best of their people/species in terms of skills. So, they had their pride too and didn''t like hearing that.


    They also had no idea why Tevos called Code Red, a code only used when there''s a war or something along those lines. They were already mad to be called out of the blue, dropping their mission, only to hear that.


    The atmosphere of the room got worse thanks to the banter between Samael and Wrex, but both didn''t care.


    Everyone was waiting for the Council to arrive. It was then Samael noted a very special Turian among the crows of Spectres.


    '' Saren.''


    The turian was the villain of Mass Effect 1 and right now was in contact with Sovereign. But, as Samael''s ''sixth sense'' didn''t activate nor RR said anything, meant the Turian still wasn''t indoctrinated.


    Also, to Samael, the Turian was a sad figure. He faced Sovereign earlier on in his career, lost miserably, and now works for the Reapers in exchange for a promise to save as many as he could from the ''cleaning''.


    He was doing whatever he could to save himself and others because he was lost in despair. If he just had a little more hope in the galaxy, things would go differently for him.


    Alas, Samael tried to help him in one cycle, but he did not get good results. Even Shepard in the games tried to help the Turian, but when she managed to get to him, it was too late, as at that point in time, he was indoctrinated. It only helped him gain clarity for a moment and he used it to kill himself.


    A sad life.


    '' I deal with you in the future. You still have your uses.''


    Just like he left the Illusive Man alive for some time, he did the same to Saren.


    After thinking about Saren and what he could be useful, Samael looked through the crowd of Spectres. There, he saw a few familiar faces: Nihlus, Tela, Jondam, and Avitus Rix.


    He had interacted with those Spectres in past cycles.


    Nihlus, a Turian Spectre who would be betrayed and killed by Saren in the future. Samael had saved him in a couple of cycles, and the Turian helped later, regarding Saren and the war against the Reapers. The Turian was a good asset in war and Samael didn''t mind saving him one more time.


    Tela Vasir, an Asari Spectre. She would be more known in the future thanks to a few feats, but the main reason she is remembered by Samael is that she is a double agent. While she''s a Spectre, her loyalty is with the Shadow Broker. Safe to say, Samael dealt with her and her employer in a few cycles and will do the same in this last cycle of his.


    Jondam Bau, a Salarian Spetre. Works with the STG ( Special Task Groups),  the same group Mordin worked with, and is a good guy.


    Last but not least, Avitus Rix, another Turian Spectre. He is a good person, his major problem is that he was recruited by Saren. Normally, after Saren betrays the galaxy, he retires from the Spectres and joins the Andromeda Project. With Samael''s interference, that was unlikely to happen this cycle.


    Of course, there are other Spectres that Samael knew, but not as much as those he thought. That was because, in other cycles, he didn''t stay in the spotlight and let Shepard do the conversations.


    As the large majority of the Spectre helps in the War against Reapers, Samael, while not much, had a good impression of the majority of them. Of course, the ones like Saren and Tela exist, but they weren''t the majority.


    Right as Samael finished thinking, the Council finally arrived at the meeting place.


    Clearly, two of them didn''t want to be there by the look on their faces. Only Tevos was normal, but her semblance wasn''t good, as she knew the meeting would not be bearing good news to the galaxy.


    Tevos looked over everyone in the room and stopped her eyes at Samael''s group. She then started speaking, '''' Good day to all of you. I''m sure the majority of you are confused as to why we called you here in such fast fashion and with Code Red.''''


    The Specters looked solemnly now, as Tevos just admitted the galaxy was in danger of imminent war. Against whom, they didn''t know.


    '''' ... Yes, once more. This is code Red. But, the threat is not immediate but is the most dangerous one we have ever seen. To explain the situation, I''ll now let LD''s group say a few things.''''


    Everyone''s attention was now on Samael and the crew. Taking a breath, Samael took the stage. '''' I know the majority of those here know who I am but for those who don''t, my name is Samael, creator and owner of LD.''''


    '''' I''m afraid I don''t have good news.'''' Samael then explained the situation, from the beginning, '''' A month or so ago, in the middle of an excavation on Eden Prime, we found a Prothean base.''''


    Samael just now revealed that it was on Eden Prime that LD found Javik. He promised to tell the Council where it was and he maintained that promise.


    He was sure the Shadow Broker would get wind of the information, but at this point in time, it didn''t matter much.


    '''' As you know, we found Javik there.'''' Samael motioned to the Prothean, who nodded at everyone in the room, '''' and we woke him up. Do you know what were his first words?''''


    No one said anything.


    '''' He said, '' Did we lose?''. After that, we asked what he meant and he explained it to us. His species, the Protheans, didn''t simply go away, disappeared from the galaxy without traces, and died peacefully, no. They were exterminated by another species made of killing ''Immortal'' killing Machines, almost like the Geth but way stronger. And ... that same species is coming to attack the galaxy once more.''''


    A shocked murmur started to roll around the room, with some believing and looking serious while others didn''t look concerned. Saren had a poker face.


    '''' They were called the Reapers and from what we, LD, and based on the things we found out thanks to Javik, the Reapears systematically wipe out ALL intelligent life in the galaxy every 50.000 years. It''s our turn now.''''


    '''' I know, it''s hard to believe without proof. In our first meeting with the council, we came up with that information but they didn''t listen, wanting proof of what we told them. So, we left and found your proof. Javik, if you may.''''


    Samael then left the spotlight and left the ''last'' Prothean alive to give his part of the speech.


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    Tapping his omni tool, Javik passed the info Vigil had to the omni tool of all Spectres and the Councilors, and at the same time, he started projecting something in a hologram to everyone.


    Every single one in the room was watching in attention. The hologram showed war. Massacre. Death.


    All caused by something straight out of a nightmare. A HUGE machine who killed without stopping.


    It showed countless Reapers coming out of the stars, destroying every planet it came across, leaving no survivor.


    It was real footage, as this was what the Prothean had on their archive on Illos, and that Vigil passed to RR on Javik''s request.


    Javik whinced a little while watching that. Even though he experienced the war firsthand, it was still not nice to watch his species being exterminated.


    So, he started speaking, '''' As mentioned before, those machines are the Reapers. I''m sure a lot of you know them as a monster from fairytales, but they were real. My species faced them 50.000 years ago and we lost.''''


    Javik then went and started to explain about the Reapers in more detail, their powers, appearance, etc. He finished saying, '''' All I said is true. And now it''s your turn to face them. The Reapers ARE COMING.''''


    '''' And, let me say something. My people faced them for a century, and we had a good chance of winning, but the strength of the Reapers doesn''t just lie in their fighting capabilities, no. They were cunning and used the Indoctrination process, to help them achieve their goal.''''


    Javik then explained in detail what the indoctrination is and what it was. Safe to say, no one liked to hear that.


    The Prothean finished explaining it and looked deeply at the room.


    '''' We have to start preparing, now.''''


    Javik then left the spotlight, but the room was silent. Everyone was too shocked to say anything.


    Before they could even react, Samael interjected, '''' Also, please look at the files of old missions you guys participated in. More so even involves a huge Geth.''''


    Dots connected in the mind of the Spectres, while Saren looked a little pale.


    '''' Are you suggesting-''''


    Samael interrupted the unknown Spectre, '''' Yes, the Reapers might already be here, hiding and plotting. Now that you know its appearance, we can hopefully identify one if it really did appear in one of your missions.''''


    The hologram and the proof Javik gave everyone, had the Reapers image on it, so everyone knew its appearance now.


    Also, Samael knew that Sovereign was in the galaxy right now. The Reaper wasn''t a normal one that just came to attack, no. Its role is to stay in the galaxy between ''cleaning'' cycles and help pave the way for the rest of the Reapers when the time is right. Meaning the Reapers had already arrived at the galaxy since long ago.


    After that, there''s some murmurous here and there, but they promised Samael to look at old files, to see if there''s any truth to what he said.


    Even though Samael stopped speaking, the repercussions of what Javik said were still happening.


    The two Councilors, who didn''t want to be there were shocked. The two knew very well the implications of what they had just seen.


    The galaxy was fucked. Even their powers as Councilor meant nothing in the face of this threat. They were frozen-shock by seeing the proof even after being warmed by Samael before this meeting, so imagine how the Spectres were as they just found out about this.


    Nihlus was the first one to recover from what Samael and Javik said, and to ask something, '''' Why tell us first and not our government?''''


    '''' Because your words have weight. Why do you think we didn''t reveal anything about the Reapers to the galaxy yet? Because no one would believe us without the Council''s backing. With you in the fray, others will have no choice but to believe us.'''' Samael explained.


    '''' ... How much time do we have?'''' Jondum asked.


    '''' According to our calculation, no more than 10 years.''''


    '''' Fuck.''''  An unknown Spectre cursed out loud. Everyone was discouraged after they received that news.


    Who could blame them? While they were the Spectre and could face other races/species with no problem, the Reapers, from the little they saw, were on another level. They were not ready, nor did they think they would be in the future.


    Samael could see the shadow of doubt over everyone. He sighed and knew he had to say something to help them recover.


    '''' We know that there are dark times ahead of us, with the threat of utter annihilation on the horizon. But, we can lose hope, at least not yet.''''


    '''' So, to show you how serious LD is, starting from today, we will help any species with monetary means and we will help with research projects.''''


    '''' This is not the time to not move. LD will be at the front leading the war efforts, but I ask you to relay the contents of this meeting to your government.''''


    '''' I''m sure for those species that don''t have a representative within the Spectres, that the Council will tell them about it. This isn''t a fight where they or we could run or hide. We have no choice but to face them.¡±


    Then, Samael stopped speaking and as if waiting, there was an explosion of conversation between the Spectres and the Council.


    Some of them asked a few questions to the LD group, mainly Javik, regarding the Reapers and such, and the Prothean answered as many as he could.


    The majority of those were on how to identify indoctrinated people, and Javik told them LD was working on a project that allowed others to identify those too far gone.


    When it was ready, it would be given to the galaxy for free. The Spectres appreciated that, and just as Javik, found the indoctrination very scary.


    Just imagine, you''re winning the war when suddenly an indoctrinated person explodes a planet just because they could.


    It sent shivers down everyone''s spines and they vowed to keep an eye open to any signs of indoctrination.


    In the meantime, Tevos approached Samael, '''' How are you doing? I reckon getting those proof wasn''t easy.''''


    Samael looked around and made sure no one was listening, '''' Well, we just had to use a long-lost Realy. I''m talking about the Mu Relay, I''m sure you know it.''''


    Tevos was surprised, '''' LD knows the Mu Relay location?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' And as a courtesy, we will tell you the location. What you do with that information is on you.''''


    Teveos took a few seconds to digest everything. '''' ... Whenever you come around, you either bring extremely bad news or too much good news.''''


    Samael smiled mysteriously at Tevos, '''' You should see this then.'''' He passed a file to her omni tool.


    Tevos looked at the name of the file: Project Andromeda, and quickly began to read it.


    Samael watched in real-time as Tevos'' usual poker face lost the battle against the file, and she showed surprise and understanding.


    After some time, she closed the file and asked Samael, '''' Why show me this?''''


    '''' This is a fail-safe, an assurance the species of the galaxy can repopulate another if ... we lost. And, I want the Asari to be involved.''''


    '''' How so? From what I could gather, funding isn''t a problem.''''


    True, LD was funding the Andromeda project alone, but money isn''t everything in a project of this scale.


    '''' People. I left the project in the hands of a good person, but I want to help him the best I can... Also a favor.''''


    While Samael was sure Alec could handle everything, and it''s been less than 2 months since he left the project in the man''s hand, he wasn''t going to stay put and let the man work alone. The Asari could help a lot.


    With them on board and with huge numbers, repopulation would not be a problem.


    '''' What do you want in exchange?'''' Tevos wasn''t dumb. She knew everything has a price and the information and the chance to participate in such a project wasn''t going to be cheap.


    Samael smiled at Tevos. This was one of the reasons she was his favorite Concelour. She knew exactly how things worked. So, he put forward one of his plans, '''' I want a human Spectre.''''


    Shepard was going to become a Spectre way sooner.


    Tevos reacted a little weirdly. She hesitated for a moment, before saying, '''' I''m sure you know, but humanity had its shot at having a Spectre but failed.''''


    The Asari was talking about Anderson, and how he almost became humanity''s first Spectre. But, unfortunately for him, Saren was the Spectre chosen to oversee his mission. Safe to say, the Turian sabotaged the mission, making Anderson fail.


    The human even tried to say something about it, but Saren''s words had more weight, so he wasn''t heard.


    That was humanity''s first shot at having a Spectre.


    '''' There are rules to follow regarding that so-''''


    Samael interrupeted Tevos, '''' This is a one time offer. Think carefully about how to respond.''''


    This was forceful, but Samael knew Tevos would accept it. A chance to have your family members, or even you, survive for a Spectre position was something easy to decide.


    Tevos sighed, '''' Do you have the file of the person who you want to become a Spectre?''''


    '' Gotcha!''


    Samael just managed to have a human as a Spectre. It cost almost nothing to him.


    '''' I''ll send it to you in a few days. Also, how fast can you push it forward?'''' Samael wasn''t dumb and knew even Tevos didn''t have the authority to make a Spectre right away. He wanted a timeline and knew that it would take roughly half a year or so, but he wanted more detail on that.


    '''' Hmmm, maybe in a couple of months. I will push it forward whenever I have the chance, so please send the file. Also, the person must be good at their job otherwise, not even my autorithy could make them a Spectre.''''


    Thinking about Shepard and what she could do, Samael assured Tevos, '''' Don''t worry, she''s good.''''


    After this negotiation, Tevos looked at the other two Councilors. '''' Do you plan to tell others about Andromeda?''''


    '''' No, at least not now. You''re the first person besides me and Alec to know about this project.''''


    '''' Thanks for the trust.''''


    '''' You earned it.''''


    After all this, Tevos officially joined the project Andromeda.


    Samael and Tevos made a deal on the spot. The Asari had to do two things: help Project Andromeda by helping recruit promising Asari to the project, and would have to help humanity have a Spectre. In return, she would have a few personal spots she could give to her family or to her.


    He also told the Asari about the Mu Relay location but didn''t say anything about Illos. That wasn''t exactly his ''secret'', so he would not disclose it. Only if Javik allowed, but that is a conversation for the future.


    '''' Also, let me be the one to inform Humanity about the Reapers.''''


    '''' No problem.''''


    Samael asked and Tevos accepted.


    When both finished their talks, the meeting with the Spectres also came to an end. Things were said, deals were made, and everyone had a mission now.


    Everyone soon left the Council Chamber with a somber expression. The Spectres and the Councilors now had the job/mission of informing the government about the upcoming threat and they weren''t exactly pleased with the situation at hand.


    The Councilors had it worst, as there wasn''t much variety of species within the Spectre ranking, so they would have to tell ALL the species who weren''t there.


    Even Tevos didn''t look good. No one wanted to have the job of informing others about the upcoming extinction event.


    After Samael left, he eyed Tela for a bit before going away. The Shadow Broker was his next target and he knew he would have to face the Spectre if he went after it.


    But, he wasn''t afraid of her or the Shadow Broker. In his mind, they were just obstacles he had to overcome to have a peaceful life.


    With that in mind, LD group soon entered the elevator and left the council chambers.

 45 – Wrex Farewell Party (1)

    WITH SAREN


    '' FUCK!''


    The Turian punched a wall as soon as he was out of sight of others. Things just got a lot more complicated.


    '' We can''t win against them! FUCK!''


    Saren was working with a Reaper. Not because he liked it, but because he saw the truth. He was afraid.


    When he first saw the machine, it was on a mission. Others thought it was a Geth ship and the Council sent him to deal with it.


    He was an arrogant person to begin with, that did a lot of shitty things throughout his life and thought this mission was beneath him. But, as he still had to follow the Council''s order, so he went there.


    Saren saw the ''Geth'' ship, and thought it would take a lot to destroy it. But, after firing all his arsenal at it, it didn''t even have a dent.


    Despair overtook him and just as he was about to call for help, ''it'' spoke to him. The machine told him the purpose of its mission here, and the Turian felt a deep fear and helplessness.


    It was not a Geth, it was something even worse and way stronger.


    The machine liked that despair, and as if toying with the Turian, showed him a ''way out''.  To work for it, help it achieve its goals, then the machine would allow a few to survive the cleaning and help them ''transcend'' their mortal shell.


    The Turian knew that whatever the Galaxy threw at the Reapers, it would not be enough. So, he put his pride aside, and worked together with the machine, to save as many lives as he could.


    So, for the last few years or so Saren ''worked'' with the Reaper, as it indoctrinated a few here and there, and got a few Geth under its control.


    Honestly, getting the Geth to work for the Reaper was easy, as when the Geth saw the machine, they thought it was their God or something along those lines. So, they willingly came under the Reaper and were loyal to it.


    All so that the rest of the Reaper fleet comes sooner than later.


    But now, things have gotten complicated.


    '' They know now... and I have to tell ''it'' about it. At least I didn''t report anything about the mission, so they can''t link it to me...''


    Yes, Saren didn''t report anything about the mission where he found the Reapers, he only said there wasn''t a Geth ship around and killed the witness.


    Alas, he also knew there might be some information that linked him to it. But he was confident nothing would come out of it, or so he hoped.


    Now, Saren knew the implication of telling the Reaper that now the majority of the galaxy knew about his existence. Plans would be moved forward, so things would get a lot more dangerous.


    But... a small part of the Turian held hope. ''Maybe, just maybe, if we unite the whole galaxy we ca-''


    The turian shook his head, sending his hope away, '' No, we can''t win. I know we can''t.''


    Resolve once more filled the Turian eyes, '' I will do what I must to protect as many as I can.''


    '' Nothing will stop me from doing that. And I will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.''


    ''It doesn''t matter if I have to kill innocents, or let others be indoctrinated.''


    The Turian also knew he could eventually be indoctrinated, but he didn''t care. He knew the galaxy had already lost the fight before it even started, so he was okay with it if it meant he could save others from the cleaning.


    With a heavy heart, Saren left the Citadel, going towards the Reaper location, to tell it the news.


    ---


    WITH SAMAEL


    '' Sigh. While I do think the meeting went well, I also know it would not bring good results. The governments also tend to not listen to the threats.''


    While the Council was incompetent, the government of the species followed suit, just a little better than them.


    Based on Samael''s experience in other cycles, the results of the Spectres showing proof of the machine''s existence, it was going to be a meeting. Afterward, the governments would probably call a representative of LD, to another meeting, to tell them about the details in full.


    Then, after the meeting, they would still be unsure about the whole situation.


    The only saving grace about this is that the galaxy still has time to prepare, and the usual slowness of the people in charge could be ignored.


    Still, Samael knew dark times were ahead for the galaxy.


    Looking around, Samael noticed the group he came with had separated and gone to do their things.


    As usual, Javik, Wrex, and Samael stayed together and were now talking.


    Right now, two of them wanted to see Garrus, but one of them held back.


    '''' Don''t go bother Garrus, from what I gathered, he is on the hunt for some corrupt officer around C-Sec. Let''s see how he handles it.'''' Samael told Wrex and Javik, as both wanted to go meet the Turian. But he had received the reports from the people he put in place to protect the Turian.


    Safe to say that since receiving LD support a few weeks ago, Garrus got bolder and went after those who were corrupt in the C-Sec.


    There were already times when LD personnel had to intervene and help Garrus, but it wasn''t happening with high frequency.


    Anyway, the Krogan and the Prothean sighed at that. They liked Garrus quite a bit, as they felt he was like a younger brother to them.


    '''' What do we do then?'''' Wrex sighed about his life.


    Samael looked at him weirdly and asked, '''' Aren''t you forgetting something?''''


    Wrex looked at Samael, and shook his head, '''' I know what I need to do, it''s just that this vacation was quite nice. And I know things will get a lot more complicated for me from now on.''''


    The Krogan had to go to Tuchanka, gather all Krogans under him, pay for the Genophage cure LD was making, and then lead his species into a whole new era.


    He would make sure to not repeat the mistakes of his ancestors and make sure his people would prosper under him.


    Samael then tapped his omni tool a few times, and Wrex received his pay. It was more than 10 million credits, by far the biggest pay Wrex had since he began his mercenary career ages ago.


    '''' ... I envy you.'''' Wrex was honest. Having 10m credits to pay a mercenary and not looking upset was something crazy to Wrex.


    '''' Don''t, I''m too crazy to be envied.'''' Samael smiled at the Krogan, '''' Is everything good for you to go? If you want, I can buy a few more things for you, like a gun, a new ship, etc. Just say the word.''''


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    '''' I''m good, kid. Just let me say goodbye to the crew before I leave.'''' Wrex was with the SSV Phoenix for no more than a month, but the experience was quite good.


    But Wrex made an effort to look pitiful and looked at Samael with puppy (?) eyes.


    Let''s just say the scene was.... strange.


    Javik almost laughed seeing that but held back.


    ''''... Sigh. Let''s have a party at Chora''s Den, to celebrate you going on a mission.'''' Samael relented, as he knew exactly what the Krogan wanted. Besides, he did promise his crew a one-day vacation, and ending it with a party for Wrex was a nice way.


    He then tapped his omni tool, sending the whole crew the message about the party.


    '''' YES! The bill is on you!'''' Wrex then darted ahead of Samael and Javik.


    '''' ... Did he forget we don''t need to pay at Chora''s Den?'''' Javik asked in a low voice.


    Samael replied in a whisper, '''' Don''t remember him or I fear he might bankrupt them by drinking all their stock.''''


    Javik thought for a while and he actually could see that happening. '''' My lips are sealed.''''


    The Prothean then followed Wrex, leaving Samael alone. He then asked RR, '''' Any signs of Indoctrination?''''


    As she didn''t say anything before, nor did his sixth sense activate, Samael was sure there was none in the meeting just now, but he asked just to be sure.


    '''' No signs of Indoctrination.'''' RR responded in her usual monotone voice, '''' On an unrelated note, I bought all things necessary to make EDI a body. Please tell me a time when you''re free so you can build it.''''


    '''' When we leave the Citadel, I''ll build it.''''


    '''' Thank you.'''' EDI voice comes through Samael''s Omni tool.


    ''''Don''t mention it. Also, are you keeping an eye on the Spectre I told you?'''' Samael was talking about Tela. She was the Shadow Broker agent and his ticket to the figure.


    Of course, Samael knew roughly the location of the Shadow Broker at this point in time. If now was 10 years into the future, he would know the exact location but now it''s too soon on the timeline.


    Even Samael didn''t have such a good memory that he would remember where the Shadow Broker, a figure a little too irrelevant to him, was located in the past.


    Besides, since the meeting with the Illusive Man and remembering about the  Unoindoctrination process, Samael wasn''t 100% sure he could trust his mind/memories anymore.


    So, as he didn''t know the exact location, only its whereabouts, he would use Tela as a way to reduce the area where to look.


    '''' Yes. I put a tracker on her as you ordered. As of now, she''s still on the Citadel.''''


    '''' Good. Tell me immediately when she leaves and make sure to record the path she takes.''''


    '''' Leave it to me.''''


    Samael, along with 2 AI inside his omni tool, started to follow Javik and Wrex to Chora''s Den.


    But, suddenly, he was ambushed by two people. Jack and Miranda.


    And they looked like they wanted a ''fight''.


    '''' Girl, wh-'''' It was then that Samael remembered the conversation he had with both a day or so ago. They wanted a baby and chose him as the donor.


    Only, the donation they wanted was in person. Samael wasn''t going to lie, ever since Liara and Tali showed up, he didn''t want to engage that much with other females, so his image wasn''t ruined in the eyes of his loved ones.


    Of course, he flirted here and there, but nothing much. RR doesn''t count because ... yes.


    So, he was a little bit reluctant but relented. The flesh is weak and the spirit is even weaker.


    '''' Our deal, do you remember?'''' Jack asked while grabbing one of Samael''s arms.


    '''' I do. Do you want it now?''''


    Miranda was a little red, but nodded, '''' Yes. We just finished our talk with Natasha. As you suggested a few days ago, we will put her in cryo sleep until the baby is born, so that she can see her grandchild. Or, until we find a cure for her cancer.''''


    Yes, Samael proposed to both to put Natasha on cryo sleep, just like Alec was doing with his wife. That would allow her to have some time until the baby is born or a cure is found.


    '''' So, are you to it now?'''' Jack had a look of hunger on her face.


    Samael looked at Miranda, '''' Are you sure about this?''''


    Surprisingly, Miranda nodded, '''' I know what I''m getting into, don''t worry. Besides, I was on board with the idea on the Phoenix, and I''m still on board now.''''


    Samael had no more reasons to say no. He was done playing in the defense. His aura changed a little as he watched both, '''' So, who is going to be first?''''


    Miranda was a little taken aback by the sudden change but Jack was exhilarated.


    '' YES! THIS IS THE PERSON I MISSED SINCE THE ATTACK ON THE BASE!''


    Jack was referring to how Samael was acting when he attacked the base she was locked up. It was like he was high all the time, in an animalistic state.


    And now, she was seeing it again. It made her look forward even more to their insemination session.


    '''' We will decide that later! Let''s go to one hotel first!'''' Jack, still grabbing one of Samael''s arms, grabbed Miranda with the other one, and then the trio went after a hotel.


    They found one close to their location, and Samael paid the bill. It was a little expensive, but they didn''t care.


    The trio entered the room and Jack immediately got naked and climbed on the bed. She motioned to Miranda and Samael, '''' Come here you both!''''


    Miranda dealt with Jack daily, so she didn''t say much, as this was normal to the woman. Samael had also dealt with Jack for far longer than Miranda, so it was like peas in a pod.


    Samael had to admit, that now that Jack had returned to a normal height, she looked hot. Her hair even grew quite a bit, and she wasn''t bald anymore.


    Looking at his side, he saw Miranda was also naked and admired her body too.


    Even though he had seen them naked before and fooled around with both, this was the first time in this last life of his that he would engage with both. At the same time at that.


    '' Jack, you''re awesome!''


    After some time, Miranda also climbed the bed and started to kiss Jack. Samael took that as a cue to join in.


    Taking off his shirt hurt a little, as even though a day or so passed, the continuous fight he had at Omega still hurt him quite a bit. He was still bruised here and there, but it wasn''t going to prevent him from doing this activity.


    Only if he was fighting.


    '' Wait... I''m not so sure that Jack will act normal in this.''


    It was exactly because Samael knew how Jack was that he knew it was a possibility. Alas, it was too late to back now.


    Jack and Miranda were looking at him with fervor in their eyes. While it was not the first time with a man for Jack, it was the first for Miranda. She found Samael quite hot, even though he was covered with bruises.


    Jack, on the other hand, found the bruises made Samael even more sexy.


    Now fully naked, Samael got on the bed. He looked at the duo in front of him, '''' So, who is it?''''


    Jack smiled mischievously and said,  ''''Let fate decide.''''


    Samael understood what she said. He was a little shocked, '''' You know that you both could get pregnant, right?''''


    '''' Are you even sure you could get one of us?'''' Jack was making sure Samael was in the mood she wanted.


    And it worked. Samael looked at Jack, '''' You''re first then!''''


    Just as he was about to start the process, RR suddenly interjected, '''' The best position to ensure fertilization is-''''


    '''' RR, if you continue speaking, I''ll turn you off. And you would not be able to complain.''''


    '''' .. Fair enough. Just, next time make sure to call me too so I can join.'''' RR then stayed quiet.


    Samael regained a bit of his sanity, as he had lost a little thanks to the lust and Jack''s encouragement.''


    '' I''ll make sure to only focus on one of them! I can''t have both of them pregnant at the same time!''


    With newfound resolve, Samael fought bravely.


    '' I can do it!''


    --


    '' I failed. Multiple times, and on both!''


    With Jack and Miranda using both his arms as pillows, Samael was looking at the ceiling of his hotel room. He looked defeated.


    At first, Samael only focused on Jack and made sure to finish on her. But, in the middle of it all, he lost control and went on Miranda too.


    Of course, he did finish on Jack a lot more than on Miranda, but it doesn''t need that of a seed to fertilize an egg.


    He was a little disappointed in himself, losing control like that, but he was calm about the situation. If both got pregnant, so be it.


    '' We still have time until the Reapers arrive. So, even if both do end up pregnant, I''m sure we can handle it. Besides, it was only the fighting part they could not help.''


    As Miranda was already the CEO of LD and one of the owners of Cerberus, the things she did were already more business-focused, so the crew would not lose too much firepower with her.


    Jack too, even though she was one of the best human biotics, they could handle being without her for a year or so.


    Anyway, they were spent after doing so much. The trio went to sleep and Samael had just woken up.


    He looked at the hours and saw they spent 3 hours here.


    '' The party must already be underway... I pray for the Asari owner.''


    Without him there to regulate Wrex, things could go wrong at any moment. He should be there.


    But, seeing Jack and Miranda in his arms was too nice to just let it go. It''s not like they were a part of his harem in past cycles, but he did have a few flings with both. He knew their preferences, what they liked and disliked.


    He didn''t love them, but it was close. He wanted the best for both, and he was going to make sure they could enjoy their babies in a galaxy free of the Reapers threat.


    '' Wait, will I need to act like a father...?''


    Just as he was thinking that, Jack and Miranda both woke up. They were still a little sepply as they asked for the hours.


    '''' We spent 3 hours here. The party at Chora''s Den must already be underway. Are you guys going?'''' Samael asked while getting out of bed.


    '''' I''m spent, but I can''t say no to a party.'''' Jack also got up and went to the bathroom, '''' But, I need a shower first.''''


    Miranda was looking a little more tired than Jack, but she still wanted to go say bye to Wrex. So she forced herself out of bed, '''' I''ll go too.''''


    '''' Great. Let''s take a shower then.'''' Samael followed Miranda and Jack to the bathroom. He noticed the look Jack was giving him, '''' Only a bath, Jack. I''m sure I did more than enough to ensure you got pregnant.''''


    '''' What if I''m not? Don''t you want to make sure?'''' Jack seductively swayed her hips at Miranda and Samael.


    Samael resisted the urge to slap it, '''' If you''re not, I can do it again.''''


    Miranda almost stumbled upon hearing that. Even though she liked this ''session'' she wasn''t sure how to feel about another one.


    Jack, on the other hand, nodded at that, '''' You said it, not me!''''


    '''' Well, you do have a deadline though. When I found my one, she might not like this, so even if I wanted to help, I would not be able to.''''


    '''' We will keep that in mind.''''


    The trio then just took a shower. After doing that, they put their clothes back on and went to Chora''s Den.


    Wrex''s farewell party was going to have another 3 members.

 46 – Wrex Farewell Party (2)

    As soon as the trio entered Chora''s Den, they noticed a C-Sec personnel close to the door. One that Samael recognized.


    He was surrounded by a few Asari and a few crew members from the SSV Phoenix.


    Approaching the officer, Samael asked, '''' What are you doing here, Garrus?''''


    Garrus looked at Samael with surprise and said, '''' Samael! It''s good to see you!''''


    '''' Yes, the feeling''s the same.'''' Samael sat down and watched as Jack and Miranda greeted Garrus, then went away with the crew members who were at Garrus'' table to talk with the others and dance.


    By the way, Chora''s Den was closed to the public, and only the crew was allowed there.


    Garrus downed a drink and sent the Asari away, '''' I had just gotten out of work when Wrex sent me a message, telling me about the party.''''


    '''' Sigh... I asked him not to interrupt you when you were working. By the way, how are things holding for you?'''' While Samael already knew how the situation was, he still asked. Because one thing is knowing something from someone else''s mouth, and the other is hearing from the person personally.


    Garrus looked quite angry, '''' I''m sure you know, but with your support, I went deep into C-Sec corruption, to see if I could do something to stop it. Imagine my surprise when I found out C-Sec is dirtier than I ever thought possible.''''


    Grabbing two drinks from a nearby waitress, Samael passed one to Garrus while he drank the other, '''' Explain in detail.''''


    For the next 10 minutes or so, Samael just listened to Garrus, and the Turian let out his pent-up frustration with the state of the world.


    The Turian looked sad at the end of it, '''' The worst thing is... the Council is aware of the corruption. And they still choose to be blind to it.''''


    Samael paused. He wasn''t going to say anything at all, because it would be hypocritical on his part. I mean, he let Cerberus run rampant for so long and let Slavers and other evil organizations exist even though he could end their existence if he wanted.


    Of course, the reason he doesn''t act is very different from that of the Council, whereas he just didn''t see the reason and the Council was incompetent and scared of acting. Still, he let bad things happen.


    He would act when and if necessary. If they step out of line, he will go after them. But, until then, it was true that he was letting others suffer.


    '''' The Council is complicated. They had a lot to consider, but I do admit they are rather-''''


    '''' Incompetent.''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Useless too. Well, I gotta say that Councilor Tevos is good, but she can''t act much because the other two limit her.''''


    It was true. Tevos is by far the most competent Councilor, even though the bar is not that high. If push comes to shove, she is going to act.


    Garru looked a little surprised by that info, '''' Do you think I should go directly to her if I want to take care of it?"


    Samael paused. This was new, as it never happened in another cycle. Garrus and Tevos forming an alliance in the Citadel and dealing with the corruption in the Space Station.


    '' This could be interesting.''


    Samael decided to be the bridge between them. '''' I''ll introduce you both.''''


    '''' Thanks, man!'''' Garrus finally saw a way to fight back. Even though he had LD support, it still wasn''t enough. But now, with a Councilor on his side + LD, he was sure he could take down the corrupt officer.


    The conversation continued until Samael sent Garrus away to meet the rest of the crew. The turian went happily and started small talk with some.


    In the distance, Samael was watching the scene with a small smile on his face. His family was almost complete, and it was nice seeing Garrus interact with them.


    ''Peaceful.''


    Looking down at his empty drink, Samael became lost in his own thoughts, which, for him, was not good. He remembered the times when they partied before the final battle only for everyone to die a horrible death, as the Reapers won in that particular cycle.


    Or how they parted after they won the war, but the majority of his family was dead.


    ''... I will do my best to stop the Reapers, but I fear what I might do if I fail...''


    Just as Samael was drowning in self-pity, a very particular Krogan screamed his name, '''' SAMAEL, LOOK AT THIS!''''


    What the Krogan was pointing at was a drunk Garrus ... dancing. Well, it was more like a rusty robot trying to move around.


    Everyone was laughing at him, but the Turian didn''t care. Samael put his drink to the side and put the depressive thought aside.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    '' I can deal with those feelings later, for now, let''s party!''


    So Samael went to the dancing floor and started to dance too. Except ... his moves were exactly like Garrus.


    Safe to say that everyone laughed even more.


    The ''dancing'' continued, and everyone soon joined. Of course, the focus was on Garrus and Samael, as both danced without a care in the world.


    Soon, however, RR, without meaning to do it, bumped into Wrex, making the Krogan drop his drink.


    Everyone watched with attention what the Krogan would do.


    The old dinosaur looked at the AI with a gaze that looked like he wanted to have fun, '''' You will pay for this!''''


    RR didn''t look fazed and responded naughty, '''' Oh? How are you going to make me pay?''''


    Wrex looked around the bar, saw a table, took out the contents with a push, and sat on the stall. He put one of his arms on the table and smirked at the AI, '''' Arm wrestle!''''


    RR looked unimpressed, '''' Are you sure about this? Aren''t you afraid of losing to a machine?''''


    '''' I can handle you!''''


    RR shurgeedd, '''' Your call.'''' She then sat opposite him and grabbed his hand.


    Samael sighed seeing that, a gesture a lot of people caught on to.


    Javik approached Samael and asked, '''' RR is going to win, right?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' She is a better version of me. Everything I know, she knows, and the best part is she isn''t held back by the human body. I made sure to not limit it. Of course, I focused more on agility than her strength -''''


    CRACK


    Just then, there''s a cracking sound, and when looking at where the sound came from, the table where the arm wrestling took place was destroyed, and an incredulous Wrex was looking at his own arm.


    He had lost in less than 5 seconds.


    '''' Is on another level.''''


    Everyone was shocked by that, but soon there were cheers. Wrex too recovered quite fast and started to laugh, '''' HAHAHA. I should''ve expected that, as your boyfriend didn''t intervene.''''


    RR ignored the boyfriend''s comment and stated, '''' I could beat you in anything you challenge me.''''


    Wrex twitched a little,'''' Is that a challenge to my challenge?''''


    '''' Yes.''''


    '''' GOOD! LET''S CONTINUE THEN!'''' Wrex screamed as he and RR continued challenging each other in a variety of ways, and each time Krogan lost.


    In one of those losses, a quarian helped the krogan get up from the ground. '''' You did good! That was awesome.''''


    The Krogan looked at Tali with amazement in his eyes. It was clear he lost quite badly, but she was doing her best to help him. He appreciated that quite a lot.


    So, he smiled at her and said, '''' Lass, do you want to help me against the robot?''''


    Tali didn''t hesitate, as she also wanted to see how she would fair against RR, and she accepted Wrex''s proposal,'''' What do you have in mind?''''


    '''' Wait a second!'''' A female voice interrupted both, and when they looked to see who it was, they saw Liara, '''' I also want to join!''''


    Wrex motioned for her to come close, '''' Come, let''s defeat this evil robot!''''


    Soon, the trio turned into a quartet, with Garrus joining in the fun, even though he had no idea RR was an AI. He just thought it was a very advanced VI, with whom the crew had a bond.


    Samael approached RR and asked, '''' Are you sure you can win against the 4? You guys didn''t even decide on the game you would play.''''


    RR sounded confident, '''' I can win. Besides, EDI is helping me too.''''


    Both AIs were on Samael''s omni tool, but they also could be at other places, thanks to being AIs. And while EDI still didn''t have a body, she did have a drone.


    Samael then looked around, and sure enough, EDI-in-a-drone was flying above the quartet, watching their plans and passing the information to RR.


    '''' ... I''m proud of you both.'''' Samael had nothing to say about that.


    '''' Thanks. But please remember that it was you who programmed me this way, and I taught EDI. So, it''s all on you.''''


    Offering a small prayer to the quartet, Samael went to talk with Javik. The Prothean was watching all of what was happening with a small smile on his face.


    '''' How are you doing?''''


    Javik took a sip of his drink and said, '''' Considering everything, I say I''m good. We finally alerted or will alert, all authorities about the Reapers, and hopefully, the preparations for the war will start.''''


    '''' I found 150 survivors of my species, you said you got us a planet... This has been the best time I have had since I woke up.''''


    '''' You know, you could still use Illos to house the Protheans. If you want, LD will arrange everything for you.'''' Samael offered Javik his help. Of course, he would have done that regardless, but it was ok to show the Prothean he cared about the situation.


    At this point, only a small settlement of LD personnel + Vigil were on Illos. If Javik wanted, Samael would help rebuild the planet.


    But Javik shook his head, '''' I appreciate the offer, but this is something I must do with my people. Of course, I will accept the help when the time arrives, but until my people adapt to the situation, we will not go to Illos. It is a constant nightmare.''''


    Illos was destroyed, thoroughly. Rebuilding it would take years, so it made sense for Javik to suggest letting his people rebuild it slowly.


    '''' In a few days or so, the accommodations on my planet must be ready to house your people.'''' Samael could only offer this to the Prothean.


    '''' I will be waiting.''''


    Samael then left the Prothean alone and went around the party, and all this while, Wrex, Liara, Tali, and Garrus were losing to RR.


    He saw Veronica on the corner of the bar, watching the scene, and approached her. '''' How are you doing?''''


    Veronica looked at Samael with a smile and said, '''' I''m good. It''s fun watching them lose.''''


    Samael snorted as the quartet lost again to a smug RR, '''' It really is.''''


    He then continued after a few seconds of silence, '''' So, how are you liking our space adventure?''''


    '''' I can''t complain. It''s been a lot of fun, and I have the opportunity to put what I learned from you into practice.'''' Veronica looked at Samael weirdly, '''' Now, how come you know so much and did so much? I mean, I remember our childhood, and you''re the same now as you were then. Prepared, like everything is under your control.''''


    Samael looked sad. The situation was very different from what Veronica could have ever imagined. He had no choice but to adapt to his situation, and his situation was shit.


    Trapped in a time loop, he had no choice but to do his best to memorize certain things and skills because if he didn''t, things would get more complicated for him. In doing so, he really came across as knowing it all, but the truth was more deep than that.


    He knew even one mistake could cost everything he held dear.


    '''' I don''t have everything under control, I just adjust to the flow and try to navigate things as they happen.'''' Samael then flipped Veronica''s forehead playfully, '''' Now, why are you having those thoughts, huh?''''


    Even though he had the pretext of the lie he made about the Prothean Beacon on Earth/San Francisco, he didn''t use it because it was Veronica. He knew she was his ally until the end.


    Veronica smiled as she ignored the flick, '''' Nothing much, it''s just fun remembering all of what we have been through since childhood.''''


    '''' It really is.''''


    The conversation naturally came to an end, and Samael continued going around, talking to others.


    He talked with John, who, thanks to the personal training he was giving him + Veronica, was getting better and better as a soldier.


    He checked on Clare, the ship''s doctor. For some odd reason, she was the only one in the whole party already wasted. She was sleeping on top of a table, and everyone did their best to ignore her.


    Finally, he arrived where Natasha was. Samael knew she was dying, and it was clear she was doing her best to enjoy her life.


    He had a lot to say to the woman, but he just gave her a drink, as this was not the time nor place for them to talk about her mortality.


    Natasha accepted the drink and continued watching Jack. She was looking at her daughter with love and a little regret.


    Samael stayed by her side, quiet and doing nothing too. Sometimes, things don''t need to be said.


    The party then ramped up when the quartet finally won a challenge against RR.


    '''' YESSSS!'''' Wrex screamed and downed a drink, '''' I''M THE BEST.''''


    Even though he won thanks to the help of the others, he forgot that.


    ''''YES!''''


    But, the trio didn''t care, and neither did the others. Everyone started to congratulate Krogan, as this was most likely the last time they would party like this with him for a long time.


    Samael approached RR and said,  ''''Nice of you to let him win.''''


    RR looked at the side and said,  ''''I have no idea what you''re talking about.''''


    Samael patted her head and said,  ''''I''m sure you don''t.''''


    The party then continued until everyone slept or passed out drunk.


    --


    By the time Samael woke up, he noticed everyone in the crew was sleeping on Chora''s Den floor. ''Thank God the Asari is under me.''


    Samaeel was the first to wake up and started to help the waitresses who were cleaning the place. After all, time doesn''t stop.


    '''' Thank you.'''' A waitress thanked Samael, while she continued cleaning up the mess.


    ''''Don''t mention it.''''


    Gradually, everyone woke up and also helped clean up.


    '''' Report.'''' Samael asked a still dizzy Clare.


    The ship''s doctor held a hand up to her forehead and said, '''' Ugh, no one died, but almost everyone is having a hangover. How are you okay?''''


    '' Countless cycles have made me a lot more resistant to alcohol.''


    ''''Training.''''


    '''' You better teach me that too then.''''


    '''' Never!''''


    Soon, Chora''s Den was cleaned, but their stock was empty. Samael went to see the owner and, after some back and forth, paid the bill. His argument was that while it was Wrex''s party, it wasn''t only him that used the stock.


    The owner accepted and both parts left satisfied.


    Just as Samael got out of Chora''s Den, RR suddenly said, '''' Tela is on the move.''''


    Samael stopped in his tracks, his eyes became menacingly, '''' Time to break a Shadow.''''

 47 – Informing the Governments

    While the party was taking place, the Spectres, who were tasked with telling their governments, were doing just that.


    As the majority of the Spectres were from the Asari, Turian, and Salarian, there was a small game to decide who would be the chosen one to tell them. The rest of the species would be informed by the Council members.


    Also, as the news was quite big, the Spectres rushed their job and tried to complete this mission as fast as they could. At this point, not even one day have passed since the meeting took place but they were doing their best to tell everyone in power.


    --


    SUR''KESH


    Sur''Kesh was big and housed an incredible 10 billion Salarians, and in the games and past cycles, it was one of the last planets to fall, as it was very far from where the Reapers typically arrived at the Milky Way.


    The Salarians were a strange species; they were 90% male, didn''t really have a sexual impulse, their breeding was carefully planned, and they almost had no romantic relationship thanks to that, as their female was expected to breed with the Salarian her clan chose.


    The Salarian government, known as the Salarian Union, was weird, to say the least. If compared to Earth, the structure was akin to the noble families in Earth''s medieval times, where those in power did all they could to maintain the power in their hands.


    There are a lot of processes to maintain that, such as interbreeding, among many others.


    There were many clans in the Salarian society, and even those had a hierarchy.


    The power was concentrated in the Dalatrass. They were female Salarians who were seen as the leaders of their people. They tend to possess a large influence in Salarian society.


    Jondum Bau, the salarian Spectre whom Samael knew, had arrived at Sur''Kesh, the home planet of the Salarians, with bad news. Very bad news. End of the Universe news.


    Well, you get it.


    The person who was supposed to deliver this news was the Salarian Councilor, but as normal, he passed the responsibility to the Spectres, who by now were getting quite fed up with the Councilor.


    The Salarian Spectres played a game, and Bau lost, so he had no choice but to be the bearer of bad news.


    He ignored anyone who tried to greet him as he made his way towards the meeting room. He had already called and informed them about his arrival, and he was sure that with the network his people had, they must already be aware of the Reapers or at least that he came with bad news.


    Sure enough, when he entered the room, everyone there had faces colored with nervousness.


    Immediately, one of the Dalatrass asked him, '''' Is the news we received true?''''


    Thanks to being one of the most intelligent species, their network of information was good, almost rivaling the one the Shadow Broker had. By now, all of those present knew about the contents of the meeting Bau had.


    Bau nodded, '''' Unfortunatelly, yes.''''


    The room went silent.


    Jondum sighed. He knew things were looking grim for everyone else. If he was honest, based on what he saw and the testimony of Javik, they stood no chance as of now.


    The only silver lining is that they have a chance if they unite everyone.


    IF...


    Just in cue, almost as if waiting for him to think that, discussions started to roll around the room as the Dalatrass from various clans started to discuss.


    '''' We need to combine our powers, NOW.''''


    '''' Yes, but we can''t just stop doing what we are doing too. This is not an immediate threat; we still have time.''''


    '''' We don''t -''''


    Jondum sighed as the meeting turned into a match of interests, and the real problem, which was the Reapers, was mostly ignored.


    The Specter only hoped his colleagues had a better time than him.


    --


    PALAVEN


    Palaven was the homeworld of the Turian species. The Turian society focused more on meritocracy than your birth. Anyone, if proved  to be competent, could go to greater heights.


    There''s almost no magnetic field in the atmosphere of the planet, meaning the sun''s radiation was bigger and stronger here, making the planet quite hostile to those unprepared.


    Housing 6 billion Turians, the planet was one of the first to be attacked in Mass Effect 3.


    The Reapers felt the Turians were ''too strong'' for their liking, so they decided to prove them wrong. So they attacked the planet in full force. The outcome was to be expected. The planet was mostly in ruins, but EVERYONE fought back.


    The Reapers won, but they also suffered great losses.


    Well, that is a story about a possible future, and as of now, the planet was safe.


    -


    Nihlus arrived on the planet and rushed ahead to meet the Turian Hierarchy, the government. Just like Bau, the person who was supposed to deliver the news was the Councilor, who passed the responsibility to the Turian Specters.


    Again, just like Bau, he lost the game and was the chosen one.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    One thing that was odd to Nihlus was that Saren, one of his companions, simply didn''t participate in the game, something that angered the other Turian Spectres.


    Nihlus, on the other hand, knew Saren must have a good reason not to participate, so he made sure the others were okay with it too.


    The Turian Spectre made his way through the buildings on the planet until he arrived at his destination. He entered the meeting room and was immediately given the order to speak.


    '''' We heard about the meeting. Tell us, is it bad?''''


    The Spectre had already explained to his government that there''s a code Red. And a code Red is trouble. So they were already expecting it and just wanted to know how big it was.


    Nihlus sighed, '''' You will not like it...''''


    For the next 30 minutes or so, the Spectre retold the content of the meeting and what he knew. He also relayed the information that LD would help, etc.


    When he finished, grave expressions were on the faces of those present. They weren''t dumb, this was a fight they could not win as of now.


    '''' ... We will need the Krogan''s help.'''' One of the Leaders said.


    '''' Not only from them. We will need funds from others to start preparing the necessary equipment.''''


    '''' The volus will help with that.''''


    Different from the Salarains, the Turians had already started to prepare. If anything comes out of it, only time will tell.


    --


    THESSIA


    Homeworld of the Asari, the planet houses 5 billion souls. The planet was attacked by the Reapers in Mass Effect 3. They fought back but ultimately lost to the machines.


    The government is called the Asari Republic. There''s not really a power structure, as the Asari culture doesn''t rely on that. Political debates might happen at any time, and the making of decisions happens when there''s consensus or when a Matriarch intervenes.


    Those so-called Matriarchs were Asari older than 1000 years old, and they were the closest the Asari people had to a leader. There are various Matriarchs scattered around the galaxy, but they rarely appear to the public or intervene.


    Anyway, one unknown Spectre Asari was relaying the information to the Matriarchs, who were also on a holographic call with Tevos.


    One of them, Matriarch Benezia, who some might know as Liara''s mother, asked the Councilor, '''' Is this true?''''


    Tevos nodded, '''' Unfortunately, yes.''''


    All those present got quiet.


    '''' This is bigger than anything we have ever faced, so I ask you to start to prepare. How I don''t know.'''' Even the Matriarchs didn''t know where to begin.


    Soon, a discussion started to strategize for the defense of their planet, if necessary.


    Tevos suddenly called Benezia, '''' Can I talk to you for a moment?''''


    Benezia found the situation strange but relented, '''' Sure.'''' Soon, they went away from the meeting, and the Asari made sure no one was around, '''' You can speak now.''''


    '''' I have a person who knows how to fully unlock the contents of the beacon we have.''''


    Benezia paused. The existence of the beacon was one of the most guarded secrets of the Asari, so for someone to know about it and not tell others was weird.


    '''' Can I ask who is the person who knows it?''''


    '''' His name is Samael. He is a human... Also the captain of the ship your daughter is on right now.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' Benezia''s interest was piqued. The humans were a fairly new species, so she didn''t have much chance to interact with them. And her daughter was working for this human.


    Tevos saw through that and snorted, '''' Don''t think he is easy. He is far more formidable than normal, and he is also the Owner of LD.''''


    Benezia wanted to talk about Liara, as she hadn''t interacted much with her for some time now, but when she heard LD, she got serious. '''' So you''re saying that LD knows about the beacon and chooses to stay quiet ... why?''''


    '''' Well, they have a living Prothan, so I doubt they would need the beacon.''''


    '''' True... What did they ask for in return for helping us?''''


    '''' ... Nothing.''''


    '''' Nothing?''''


    '''' Yes.'''' This was something that bothered Tevos too. Samael could''ve asked for money, fame, or many other things, but he just asked for the normal. To help against the Reapers.


    In Tevos eyes, this was nothing, as this was something the Asari as a whole would do anyway.


    '''' Hmmm. Did he give a timeline for when he could come?'''' Benezia was now more curious than ever.


    '''' He didn''t, but I can ask him to hurry.''''


    '''' Do that... Well, if that is all, we have to return to the meeting. We do have a lot to discuss.''''


    '''' WAIT!'''' Tevos suddenly shouted. '''' I have something else to talk about. It''s serious too.''''


    Benezia looked around once more and concluded that no one was around, '''' Tell me.''''


    '''' There''s something called Project Andromeda...''''


    --


    The same scene was happening on other planets, with the Councilours doing the jobs ( surprise!).


    By the Council''s calculations, in a few days, all intelligent species would be aware of the Reapers existence.


    The boogyman from fairytales was real and, knowing that, might cause a lot of people, even those in power, to panic or act in a shortsighted manner.


    The ramifications of telling them about the threat so early would only be revealed later, but save for some, the majority of the species acted like the Salarians, choosing to ignore the bigger threat and focus on the now.

 48 – Captain Anderson

    Before Samael went after Tela, he had to inform humanity about the Reapers threat. A day or so had passed since the meeting he had with the Council, and he was certain a lot of the species were already informed about it.


    He asked Tevos to be the one to inform the humans, and he would do that now.


    Samael even knew the person to call. Tapping his omni tool a few times, a call was made.


    After 10 seconds or so, someone picked up, '''' Hello, this is Anderson. With whom I''m speaking?''''


    Anderson didn''t know the number who called him or who called, so he asked that.


    Samael smiled upon hearing the man''s voice. Anderson was a good friend, and it was nice to ''meet'' him again in this cycle. Officially, that is.


    '''' Hello, my name is Samael. I don''t know if the Alliance has intel on me, but it doesn''t really matter. I''m LD''s creator and owner. Nice to meet you.'''' Samael didn''t know how far the information about his identity had spread, but again, he really didn''t care about others knowing about him. At this point in time, almost no one could threaten him.


    Anderson was quiet on the call. As this was a normal one and not holographic, his expression wasn''t seen, but it was clear the man was taken aback. But, as if to prove his will of steel, he recovered after a few seconds, '''' Yes, we heard about you. Can you imagine how the government reacted when they found out the LD owner was from the slums? It was quite the sight.''''


    Samael snorted at that. While he lived multiple cycles, his disdain towards the people in power only consisted, as with each cycle, the reactions they had toward people who threatened their so-called influence only got worse. It is safe to say that while Samael would not outright go after them if they stayed quiet, he would not help them either.


    '''' I''m sure it was.''''


    '''' Ok, I''m not sure why LD owner called me, but I doubt it was to hear that. What do you want?'''' Anderson thought that Samael was going to ask something of the Alliance, and as he was one of the most influential officers, it made sense to come to him first.


    Samael sighed, '''' I''m afraid I don''t have good news for you, nor the whole galaxy.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' The tone and what Samael said intrigued Anderson. He stopped what he was doing, and his whole attention was on the call, '''' Go on.''''


    With a heavy heart, as it should, as he was basically telling Anderson death was coming for them all, Samael started speaking, '''' First things first, I''ll start from the beggining.''''


    '''' LD was digging around Eden Prime when we found a Prothean base. As I''m sure you know, inside that base was Javik, the Prothean who appeared on all news channels weeks ago.''''


    '''' Yes, the revelation shocked a lot of people. Please, continue.''''


    '''' He was in a cryosleep for 50.000 years, but after making sure he was okay, we woke him up. The first thing he said was, '''' Did we win?''''. Confused, we asked why he said that.''''


    Samael took a deep breath, '''' It was then that he explained to us that the Prothean didn''t just die peacefully or go away to another galaxy. No, they were in a war against a species called Reapers, immortal, deadly machines.  You may have heard about them from the fairytales, but let me tell you, they were very real.''''


    ''''They were the ones responsible for the Protheans disappearance, as they exterminated the entire race.''''


    Anderson was silent as he tried to process the information. It was a lot to take, but he didn''t understand why Samael was telling him that. It was then that a thought struck him, and he didn''t like it one bit. Before he had the chance to speak, Samael continued talking.


    '''' Worse thing is, the Protheans found out that the Reapers had been doing that to other species, forming a never-ending cycle of death and destruction. Basically, every 50.000 years, the Reapers come to the galaxy, wipe out all intelligent species, and then go away. No motives, they just come, kill, then disappear.''''


    '''' And ... 50,000 years have passed since the last cycle. We have proof that shows the Reapers are coming to the galaxy once more. Anderson, we have a war of a magnitude the galaxy has never seen before coming to us.''''


    '''' I was tasked to inform humanity, as the Council and the Spectres were tasked to inform all other species. I ask you to relay the information I just gave you, to the government.''''


    '''' I could''ve done it, but your words have more weight than mine at the moment.'''' Samael then tapped his omni-tool and sent Anderson the files Vigil had given his crew, '''' Here are the data we have on them.''''


    Vigil files had a lot of things in them, and it helped immensely. It explained the indoctrination, what the Repaers looked like, what they were capable of, etc. A god-sent gift.


    Anderson looked at the files in a hurry, and for a minute or so, the call was silent. Soon, after he recovered from the shock, he said slowly, '''' This is quite a lot to take in.''''


    '''' I''m sure it is, and I also know for a fact that the governments of other species must already have received the same news. Just give someone a call to confirm it. This is serious.''''


    Anderson sighed. Life just got a lot more complicated, not just for him, but for everyone else too. '' Just when things seemed to go okay.''


    After he ''lost'' the chance to become a Spectre, Anderson tried his best to not let it get in his way of happiness. So, he focused on his work and even helped Shepard, a girl he had ''adopted'' earlier on in his carrer, advance rapidly through the Alliance ranks, and now she even has her own crew.


    But now, it seems dark days are ahead. Of course, when the call ends, he will confirm with the Alliance intelligence and ask them to ask other governments about it, but from what he can gather, it seems legit.


    He doubted LD owner would call him just for an end-of-the-galaxy prank.


    '''' ... I''ll confirm the information, and if everything is okay, I''ll pass it on to the higher-ups.''''


    '''' Please do. Also, I know you have contact with Jane Shepard. Can you give me her files?''''


    That made Anderson pause. Things just took a weird turn, so he asked, '''' Why do you want her files?''''


    He didn''t notice, but he was acting like a father trying to protect his daughter.


    '''' It''s like this. I''m not sure if you know, but LD has been ... supporting Shepard with credits, guns, or other things. We saw her potential and decided to help her.''''


    That made it even more confusing, '''' Why not just make a file from that then?''''


    '''' It''s because I want the Alliance one, the official one. You see, LD managed to secure a Spectre position, thanks to a few sacrifices. And.-''''


    '''' You want Shepard to be it.'''' Anderson wasn''t dumb. He knew Shepard''s potential, and her becoming a Spectre seemed normal to him.


    '''' Yes. She is a natural leader, and with the crises that are about to happen to us, it is nice to have a human representative within the Spectre ranking, don''t you think?''''


    Anderson wasn''t going to lie, while it hurt a tiny bit to see another human become a Spectre, he was even more proud that it was Shepard who was chosen. I mean, he trained her and taught the girl everything he knew. It was almost like his second chance.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    '''' I''m sending it to you. It might take a few days, though.'''' Anderson could''ve sent the file right away, but to be honest, Shepard only had one mission under her. He now wants to increase her curriculum, and that will take some time.


    '''' I can wait. Thanks.''''


    '''' One more thing before we end this conversation.''''


    '''' Ask away.''''


    With a little hint of fear in his voice, Anderson asked, '''' How much time do we have until those Reapers arrive?''''


    '''' 10 years at max, 1 year at worst. We will do our best to stop them. LD will help others with research projects and funds, as agreed in the Council meeting. Oh, I forgot about it. I''ll send the files with the whole meeting to you.''''


    Samael then sent Anderson the video and audio he captured in the meeting. Of course, he took out the part where he had the conversation with Tevos, as that was a huge secret.


    '''' While the news I delivered to you wasn''t nice, it was nice to meet you. I had heard a lot of your feats, and after just a little talk, you seemed to deserve all the praise.''''


    '''' Likewise. Now, if you excuse me, I have a lot of people to call now.'''' Anderson sounded tired already. He could see the tiredness he would have in the upcoming hours.


    '''' Bye.''''


    The call then ended, and now humanity would get in the loop about the Reapers. Samael calculated that by now, every single government of major species, and those affiliated with the Council, must already know this.


    He also knew that they would not listen and would call for a lot of meetings before they started to act for real.


    '' Shity politics always ruin things.''


    Samael sighed and looked around. The crew had already left Chora''s Den after helping clean it and were now going to the hangars. Wrex was there too and was saying goodbye to everyone.


    '''' Did you buy the things I asked for?'''' Samael asked RR, who was beside him in her android form. While they could communicate by using his omin tool, he liked talking with RR in this form.


    '''' Yes.'''' RR pointed at a small ship beside the SSV Phoenix. '''' The ship is the best the Citadel has to offer, it''s bellow LD standarts, but that will have to do. Also, we can can build EDI body now.''''


    The ship was one of the gifts Samael would give Wrex. Inside it, there are also a lot of goods, ranging from food to guns.


    '''' Thanks.''''


    '''' Don''t mention it.''''


    When both finished talking, Wrex was alone, watching them. Samael and RR approached the Krogan, who hugged the Android.


    '''' While I do think you are a little crazy, it was nice meeting you. Also, if you ever rebelled against the galaxy, please don''t kill me.'''' While Wrex faced countless beings before, even he was afraid of what RR, or any other AI, could do if they went rogue.


    ''''Don''t worry, I''ll leave you for last.'''' RR hugged him back and then went inside the ship.


    '''' Thank- wait, what?!'''' When Wrex looked back, RR was nowhere to be seen. He could only sigh and face Samael.


    He had a lot of things to say about the young human, but he knew he didn''t need to say them out loud. It was almost like they were equal in all terms, whether by age or strength.


    Of course, the Krogan knew it was unlikely, but it was a feeling.


    The Krogan extended his hand to Samael and said, '''' While short, the time we spent together was one of the best I had in a long time. You gave me a lot of credits, and you are making a cure for my people. I don''t know how I can repay you.''''


    Wrex knew that paying the Genophage with Credits was far from enough. LD, and by proxy, Samael, was risking a lot by even researching it.


    The Krogan species wasn''t exactly seen by others with good eyes, and Wrex knew it was with reason, as his species does tend to be aggressive. But they were good people, if you let them show you.


    So, Samael doing all that to help the Krogan really did move the old dinosaur.


    Samael accepted the handshake and said, '''' You can repay me by getting ready for the upcoming war... Wrex, I''m sure you know, but this is it. The fight of our lives¡ªeverything that we did or will do¡ªwill not matter in the face of the Reapers. We are not ready, so I ask you to help me prepare the Krogans.''''


    Wrex smiled at that, '''' My species likes a challenge, and the Reapers are good as the last ''boss''. Don''t worry, I''ll put all of them under my banner and train them the best I can.''''


    '''' Good.''''


    After that, they broke the handshake, and Samael went towards the SSV Phoenix while Wrex went to grab a ride.


    When Samael looked back and saw him leaving the hangar, he called him out, '''' Wrex!''''


    The Krogan looked back, confused, '''' What!?''''


    Samael pointed to the ship he purchased to the Krogan, and said, "That is yours!"


    '''' ... WHAT?'''' That took Wrex by surprise. He didn''t expect that.


    '''' RR didn''t tell you?''''


    '''' She didn''t.''''


    Just in cue, as if waiting, RR peaked out of the ship and threw the keys to Wrex, who grabbed them. She winked at the Krogan and went back.


    Wrex blinked. He could not even be mad at the AI. So, he could only say, '''' Thank you. I''ll use it well.''''


    Samael waved one last time and then embarked on his ship.


    Wrex looked at the keys once more and vowed to do his best to stop the Reapers. Even if only to repay the kindness he was shown.


    And what he said earlier, about this being one of the best times he had was true. The crew treated him with respect, not just as a mercenary.


    It was nice.


    But now, he had to enter battle mode. What he was about to do was big and ambitious. Others tried to gather all the clans of the Krogans under one banner but failed.


    They made one mistake, though.


    They weren''t him.


    Wrex boarded his ship and was flabbergasted by the huge amount of stuff inside it. But now it was not time to look around, it was time to go home.


    Soon, Wrex''s ship departed from the citadel, even before the SSV Phoenix, going towards Tuchanka.


    That was the start of the Great Krogan Empire, but that is a story for another time.


    --


    Veronica asked Samael as soon as he entered the cockpit, '''' Where to?''''


    '''' RR will pass you the coordinates. Just follow it.''''


    They would follow Tela''s path to a T and find the Shadow Broker. Again, while he knew the whereabouts, in the same area where the game counterpart was located, Samael didn''t know the exact location, as it was years into the past.


    With Tela''s path as a guide and with the information he had, Samael was pretty sure he could find the Shadow Broker. He also knew it would not be the same Shadow Broker from Mass Effect 3, as this was a position where the figure changed very fast.


    It was dangerous to be the Shadow Broker, but also rewarding, as you quite literally know everything about anyone.


    '''' Leave it to me.''''


    SSV Phoenix then left the Citadel, going after the Shadow Broker.

 49 – Another Farewell

    In the middle of following Tela''s trail, Samael received a hologram call. It was from Jason, the boss of the building company under LD.


    Samael accepted, and he could see the man in a holographic form. He looked dead inside.


    '''' Jason? Man, what happened to you?''''


    Jason sighed, '''' HAHAHA. The planet you asked us to build on was infested with Thresher Maws. LD personnel dealt with them, but we suffered quite a bit.''''


    Samael was sorry. He had forgotten how weak-minded civilians are. He knew about the infestation, but he didn''t care, as he knew his army would deal with it. He just didn''t take into consideration the builders.


    '''' I''m sorry about that. I will give you guys a huge bonus don''t worry.''''


    At the mention of a bonus, Jason brightened up a little. '''' Thank you. But that is not why I called you.''''


    '''' Go on.''''


    '''' We finished building the things you asked for.''''


    This means Javik might now leave the crew too to oversee his people.


    '''' Thanks for telling me.''''


    '''' No, no. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.''''


    While the last few weeks have been rough for Jason, he was more than willing to go through the whole process again, because the pay was that good. If his sanity remained, that was another thing.


    They talked some more until Jason finished the call, leaving a pensive Samael.


    '' Javik will leave soon, and the crew will lose a lot of firepower. But we can manage.''


    Samael then went around the ship, searching for the Prothean to tell him the news.


    Now that Wrex was gone, the place where Javik spent most of his time was the gym, as even though he was friends with everyone in the crew, he felt out of place when talking to them.


    Only Wrex and Samael didn''t pass that feeling, and he felt at ease with both.


    Anyway, Samael found Javik there alongside Liara. The Asari was doing her best to spend most of her time with the specimen. Who could blame her, as this was literally her dream ever since she started her job.


    And, the Asari liked to ask difficult questions, that she had no answer to, such as how they bathed, what food did they like, etc.


    Javik didn''t mind answering them, so it was a win-win.


    '''' Hello.'''' Samael greeted them both as he entered the gym.


    Javik nodded at him, and Liara smiled, '''' Hello, Samael. What brings you here?''''


    Samael looked at Javik and said, '''' It''s ready.''''


    The Prothean tilted his head a little, and it took some time until it clicked, '''' The facilities were ready?''''


    '''' Yes. If you want, we can start waking them up now. I will pass the coordinates of the planet to them and to you. You can leave now if you want.''''


    Hesitation colored Javik''s face. While he knew he was helping Samael, as the human was doing his best to stop the Reaeprs, he also knew the probability of an attack right now was almost 0. Besides, the crew has very powerful people on it, so even if he left, things would be okay.


    Javik really wanted to be there for his people when they woke up. He remembered how he felt when he woke up, surrounded by unknown people. It wasn''t nice and he didn''t want his people to feel the same.


    He would do his best to make them adapt fast to the now.


    '''' ... I will go there. I will help my people adjust, then join you once more when I feel they are ready to go on without me.''''


    Samael shook his head and said, '''' Take a year or two of vacation, you deserve it. We can reunite as a crew at that time.''''


    Even though it had been less than 2 months since the Prothean woke up, he really deserved a vacation. I mean, he woke up from a 50.000 nap, and even though he put a thought front, he had difficulties adapting to the new normal.


    A small vacation would help a lot.


    '''' Thank you.''''


    ''''Don''t mention it.''''


    Liara then interjected, '''' Can I go too?''''


    Javik noticed the look Samael gave in a split second and smirked a little, '''' Unfortunately, no. I will, however, give you my contact information along with any other information you want. This crew needs you, after all.''''


    '''' Rally?'''' Liara was a little taken aback, as she felt she wasn''t that important to the crew.


    '''' Really. Besides, we still have a lot of time before the Reapers arrive. In the future, when my people adjust to the now, I''ll even let you interview everyone.''''


    ''''It''s a promise!'''' Liara then left the gym after saying goodbye to Samael.


    '''' Thanks for that, by the way.''''


    ''''Don''t worry... But, really? Do you want to mate with her?'''' Javik could not see the appeal Liara had.


    Samael sighed, '''' Not only her...''''


    Javik stopped. He was now curious about who the others were, ''''Miranda?''''


    '''' Nope, and I already ''mated'' with her and Jack.''''


    Javik was getting more and more surprised. Still, the females on this ship were limited, there''s Clare, but Samael didn''t show interest until now. Veronica''s situation was a mystery, even the dense Javik noticed that.


    It only left, '''' Tali?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' She is quite the beauty, don''t you think?''''


    Javik really could not understand Samael''s tastes.


    --


    After SSV Phoenix made a pit stop on a nearby planet to buy Javik his ship, the crew said goodbye to the Prothean. He said it didn''t need a farewell party, as the one Wrex had was enough for both.


    Everyone hugged the Prothean, something he didn''t like that much but tolerated, as they said their goodbyes. Liara looked at him with regret in her eyes, but she had his contact now and a promise to meet with the other Protheans in the future.


    Besides, the Asari had already learned a lot from his people in the past 2 weeks or so.


    Now, Javik and Samael were face-to-face.


    '''' You know, when I saved you in Eden Prime, I really didn''t picture this situation.''''


    Samael really didn''t. This was the first time for him, as he never found another Prothean besides Javik in any other cycle. New things excited him, and he was looking forward to how those 100+ Protheans would change things.


    '''' I fear what might have happened to the galaxy if you hadn''t. But everything worked out for us both.''''


    '''' It really did.''''


    Javik then said with a serious tone, '''' I''m still part of the crew, this is just a vacation. If you ever need me, just give me a call and I''ll help you, anywhere, anytime.''''


    '''' I hold you on that.''''


    Human and Prothean then said their goodbyes, one going toward a planet to oversee the survivors of his species while the other went to confront a hidden, powerful figure.


    Both had one final goal, though: Stop the Reapers.


    Soon, SSV Phoenix continued following Tela''s trail while a small ship went towards the coordinates of a planet in the Terminus System.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    --


    As Veronica continued to follow the path RR gave her, Samael was at the workshop, working on EDI with RR helping. He had all the ingredients to make her a body and is now tinkering a bit with the AI.


    He was looking to see if she was okay and if she needed an upgrade.


    '' Hmmm, this is quite amazing, alright. Cerberus made something really good with almost nothing. Of course, this EDI is not the same as those I met in other cycles, but it was close enough.''


    After making some adjustments in EDI, she was now closer in ''power'' to RR. If before she was seen as a newbie, they were now equals.


    '''' And done. Now, how do you want your body?'''' Samael asked the same to RR and now would do the same to EDI. And while he referred to the AI as she, she might not want to be a girl.


    '''' Do you want to have a female body or a male one?''''


    '''' Female, please.''''


    ''''OK, and what kind of face do you want? Do you have anything in mind?''''


    RR had a face similar to Android 18 from DBZ, the only difference was that her skin was silver. He offered the same to EDI, she could ''choose'' who to be.


    '''' I already discussed this with RR. I want this face, please.'''' EDI then showed Samael what she wanted to look like.


    Samael was surprised, as it was quite close to how she looked in the past cycles, '' It''s funny how some things are meant to be.''


    '''' I can do that.''''


    After asking some more questions, Samael started to build the body.


    It was a relatively straight process, and with the expertise he had acquired in past cycles, he made the body in a short time.


    One hour later


    '''' Done.'''' In front of Samael was EDI''s body, all silver and nude, '''' You can start the transfer now.''''


    All AI had cores, a location where they had to be anchored. But, as they were quite literally a program, they could divide themselves and do multiple tasks. That''s how RR was with Samael all the time, even if her android was somewhere else, as the core was with Samael.


    And now EDI was the same. Her core was with Samael, but she transferred a part of her to the just-made-android-body.


    A few moments later, EDI got up from the table. She looked around in wonder, then at her hands, and started to move it around.


    '''' How are you feeling?'''' Samael asked as he watched the AI ''feeling'' for the first time.


    ''''It''s... weird. But also pleasant. I like it.'''' EDI then looked at Samael, '''' Thank you for this.''''


    ''''Don''t need to thank me, we are family.''''


    EDI then looked at RR, and the air changed in an instant, '''' Say, how about we do this?''''


    Samael noticed the change and slowly started to get away from the workshop.


    '''' Oh? You just had your body and are already challenging me? Brave.''''


    EDI shugreed, '''' What can I say? I learned everything from you.''''


    As both AI entered in position, Samael said as he got out, '''' Just don''t destroy the ship, please.''''


    The AIs nodded at that, and he closed the door.


    '' ... I can''t even be mad at them, as I influenced RR, and she in turn influenced EDI.''


    With that in mind, Samael left, as the SSV Phoenix continued to follow Tela''s trail.


    --


    UNKNOWN LOCATION


    The galaxy is not a safe place. Countless crime lords, small and big, were scattered through it. Slavers, killers, pirates, etc. You name it, the galaxy has a ton, walking around.


    And while Omega was the hub, the Terminus System is where things got really ugly. Basically, almost all planets were being controlled by some kind of evil force, and there''s almost not a single place untouched by them. Those who were untouched belonged to either powerful people or organizations.


    LD owned three planets here, and they were untouched, as Samael made sure of it. If others knew the potential those planets had, things would get ugly fast.


    But, even those evil forces were afraid of something or someone. The Shadow Broker. Not much is known about the figure or its location, but everyone who tried to mess with it died without fail.


    The figure, while not straight-up evil, wasn''t nice either. It had slaves, tortured people for information, and killed them too. The Shadow Broker was dangerous.


    One of the things that helped the figure survive for so long was the location of its main base of operations. It wasn''t a planet; no, it was a ship. A fucking big ship.


    The said ship ''lived'' in the Terminus System, more specifically in the Hourglass Nebula, a cluster deep into the Terminus system, and no one, not even the Old Cerberus, fucked with it, as it meant death. Hell, they didn''t even manage to know its location until now, and it was certain that even if they did, the figure would be okay.


    All that was because of its reputation.


    One of the reasons the location of the base/ship wasn''t discovered is because it used the volatile atmosphere of a planet called Hagalaz, a planet within the Sowilo system, as a way to be hidden. It worked like a charm, and no one knew the location.


    Of course, it was dangerous, with many hazards hitting the base, but it was so massive and sturdy that almost nothing made a dent in it.


    As time passed, the Shadow Broker used his ''control'' over others to get very special people under him. One of them was a Spectre. It was a win-win situation, as the Shadow Broker gave her information about things for her mission, and she gave it information about other things.


    Today was the day Tela and the Shadow Broker decided to meet, as they had a lot to discuss. The appearance of the Reapers wasn''t an exact surprise to the Shadow Broker, as the galaxy isn''t exactly a safe place, but still, even the figure didn''t like it.


    Looking to the side, to one of his favorite slaves, the Shadow Broker, or rather, an Asari, smiled at it, '''' You are here for such little time, but I only received bad news since. It seems you bring bad luck, huh?''''


    The slave was a Yahg, a species that wasn''t exactly nice or intelligent. The Council made contact with them a few decades ago, but after the delegation they sent was killed, they sort of banned any interaction with the Yahg because of their behavior.


    The Yahg was big, towering at 5 meter, can use biotics and was packing a punch. How the Shadow Broker managed to capture it was a mystery. It didn''t say anything to the Asari, only stared at her with eyes filled with killing intent.


    ''''Don''t look at me like that.'''' The Asari sighed at the sight, '''' I was nice to you, giving you the honor of serving me. But it seems you''re not ready yet. Maybe it''s time for another ''lesson''?''''


    Even the tall Yahg flinched when it heard lesson. It must have suffered quite a bit at the hands of the Shadow Broker.


    '''' Report!''''


    One of the subordinates the Asari had on the ship interrupted the ''nice'' conversation they were having.


    The Shadow Broker looked at the Yahg one last time, '''' It seems our meeting will be cut short. But don''t worry, I still have a lot to learn from you, so I''ll come back.''''


    With that, the Shadow Broker left with the subordinate, who came to inform her that Tela had arrived, leaving the Yahg behind.


    The eyes of the creature burned with revenge, as it swore that if it had an opportunity, it would kill the person who tortured it.

 50 – A Broken Shadow (1)

    The Shadow Broker made its way towards Tela, one of its favorite agents due to the fact she was a Spectre.


    Of course, the number of agents the figure had was massive, but Tela was that good.


    Passing through various places, like torture chambers used to extract information from unwilling people and slaves trapped in their cages, the Shadow Broker finally arrived at her main place.


    It was too big to be called a dorm, and too small to be called a deposit. It was just her main space.


    It was there that she ''worked''. Blackmail, bribery, torture, you name it. Everything was okay if she came out on top. She had many agents working under her, and while some were doing it because they liked the money, others were forced.


    Again, the Shadow Broker didn''t care as long as it benefited her. Sometimes, out of boredom, she would capture ''toys'' she found around in the galaxy, and the unlucky one this time was the Yahg. Lucky for her, they were a species that others species were banned from contact with because they were too aggressive.


    Now, how long this toy will last is a mystery.


    Anyway, as the Shadow Broker looked around, she saw Tela sitting down at the big rendezvous point, which was a big computer filled with calls and information coming from every point of the galaxy.


    The Shadow Broker didn''t mind Tela seeing that, as the content was something she shared with the Spectre. Still, they were here to talk business, '''' Tela.''''


    The Spectre stopped what she was doing and turned around. '''' I''m sure you know, but I don''t have good news.''''


    A flash of worry crossed the Shadow Broker''s face. Even she was afraid of the Reapers, and she knew the atmosphere of the planet would do nothing much to stop the machine.


    '''' I know. Do you have the video of the meeting? I want to analyze something.''''


    While the Shadow Broker already had the contents of what was said in the meeting, she still didn''t have the footage of it. She wanted to see if she had missed something.


    '''' Here.'''' Tela passed the file to the Shadow Broker.


    '''' Do you mind if I analyze it for a bit?'''' While the Shadow Broker was an evil person, she was also smart. She wanted to see if she could catch something others didn''t.


    '''' Go ahead. I''ll be here, seeing the ''news''.'''' Tela pointed at the computed, where information was coming and going at a fast pace.


    '''' Suit yourself.'''' The Shadow Broker then started to watch the video carefully. She watched as Tevos spoke, and then she introduced LD owner, Samael.


    Even the Shadow Broker had a bad time with LD, as she only found out about the identity of the owner because he revealed himself. If he had not, it was safe to say she would never find out.


    It was quite a surprise for her when she found out LD was created by such a young species, but she saw a lot of strange things in her ''career'', so she got over it pretty quickly.


    The Shadow Broker continued watching the video, and when it arrived at Javik''s speech, she noticed something wrong with a figure she knew quite well.


    '' Saren doesn''t look too good...''


    It made no sense, though, as at the beginning of the meeting, he looked okay. But as it progressed, The Shadow Broker noticed his changing of expression.


    It was quite glaring because, while others looked terrified, he just looked pale, not a single visage of terror. It could be chalked up to him being a badass, but something wasn''t right.


    '' It seems like he knew something before everyone and was caught.''


    That was the impression the Shadow Broker had. And it scared her a little, as she had just sold a very big piece of information to the Spectre.


    '' I should not have done that.''


    FLASHBACK


    FEW HOURS AGO


    The Shadow Broker was doing its job as normal, looking around the big computer in front of it all while relaying information to its agents and instructing them the best she could. It also regulated the price and whether the agent could sell the information the buyer wanted.


    Of course, the figure could ban the negotiations anytime it wanted, if she felt like it, but that seldom happened.


    As of now, the big talk in the galaxy was the emergency meeting in the Citadel, the one with the famous Code Red. The content of the conversation was big, and the figure was making a profit selling that.


    By its calculations, a lot of people now know about the contents and the Reapers. Some even tried to buy information about the Deadly Machines from the figure, but sadly, not even the figure has much to offer. Just what Javik said at the first meeting, the Salarian Councilor sold the footage of that to it, and what was said in the second meeting.


    Very rarely the figure sells things personally, but when it does, it is for special people, like a Councilor or a Spectre. Of course, with a hidden figure and a hidden voice, being secretive is paramount to the figure. It had made quite a lot of enemies, so it was precautious by nature.


    And now, just as the figure was about to go have fun with the newest toys it had managed to capture, someone called. When the figure saw who it was, it got serious.


    The figure activated all stealth protocols to hide its face, voice, etc, and accepted the call, '''' Hello, Saren. Why do I have the pleasure?''''


    Saren''s voice looked a little pale, and his eyes were weird. '''' Broker. I need information about something. I''m accepting anything, rumors, real deals, etc.''''


    As if he forgot to add before, '''' I can pay handsomely.''''


    The Shadow Broker wanted to know what or who made the Turian look like that, but it entered business mode. '''' What do you want?''''


    A fervor appeared in the Turian eyes, '''' I want the location of a Prothean Beacon or rumor about it.''''


    '' Ow, this is new.''


    Before Javik appeared, very rarely people asked about the Prothean species, mainly archeologists or those who study the Prothean. When Javik appeared, the market spiked but soon died down.


    A lot of people also asked about the Beacon, but nothing has come of it yet. It was the first time someone from the Spectre caliber asked that, though.


    So, the Shadow Broker wanted to gain some money on that. '''' You see, that kind of information has been in high demand since the meeting you guys had at the Citadel.''''


    Scorn appeared on the Spectre''s face and said, '''' I see you already know about it.''''


    The Shadow Broker laughed, '''' As a matter of fact, a lot of people across the galaxy are now aware too... Anyway, Prothean Beacons, let me see here.''''


    The figure thought for a second and said, '''' 1 million credits per rumor.''''


    Saren didn''t hesitate, '''' Deal. Send me as much as you have.''''


    The Shadow Broker paused. Its instincts screamed that something was very wrong. but the credits it could earn from this transaction were too big to ignore. '''' Sending to you now.''''


    A few seconds later, Saren received the information and paid 20 million credits.


    '''' It wasn''t a pleasure doing business with you.''''


    The Shadow Broker snorted, '''' The feeling is the same.''''


    The call then ended, but the bad feeling still remained with the Shadow Broker.


    But the figure didn''t delve further into it and went to ''play'' with its new toy.


    --


    END OF FLASHBACK


    Saren had come for information a few hours ago, and even when she said a ridiculous price, he paid in a hurry. That should have been a clue that something wasn''t right, but money blinded her.


    The information she sold, you ask? The rumors about Prothean Beacon scattered across the galaxy. This means... Saren knows about Thessia, as there''s a rumor about it.


    With the newfound footage and her instincts, the Shadow Broker realized she had made a huge mistake. But now, there wasn''t much she could do, as the shit had already left her hand and was getting closer to the fan.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ''... Fuck!''


    Just to be sure, the Shadow Broker hurried to her computer and searched the file she had on Sarus. Tela was a little taken aback, as this was the first time she saw the figure acting that way, but decided to just watch.


    The Shadow Broker, using Samael''s advice to look into the old mission the Spectre participated in that involved the Geth, did just that, with Saren as a target. She searched for the ones where a ''Geth'' appeared, and sure enough, there was one.


    Clicking on the file she had, it was bizarrely barren, almost like someone had tampered with it. But who do you think the Shadow Broker is? This was nothing to her.


    With a few taps on the computer, the real content of the message appeared in front of her. And it shocked both Tela and the Shadow Broker.


    There, in plain sight, a Reaper appeared. They knew it was a real one because it was exactly like the ones Javik showed them.


    It also meant-


    '''' Saren is working with the Reapers!'''' Even for someone like the Shadow Broker, this was on another level. There would be no point in having an intergalactic shadow organization if there was no one in the galaxy.


    The Shadow Broker then passed the information they had about Saren to her omni-tool. This was not something that should be lying around. She also made sure to delete everything that could link her selling the information about the Prothean Beacons to Saren.


    She did that out of instinct because she still did not know the reason why Saren would want to know that, but now that she knew he was working with a Reaper, things just got dangerous for everyone involved with the Spectre.


    If the Council knew, even she doubted the Hagalaz'' atmosphere would be enough to protect her.


    '''' We have to inform the others now!''''


    '''' Agreed, lets-''''


    BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG


    Tela appeared in front of the Shadow Broker, pushed her a little bit back, and tried to defend the shots the best she could, but even she was caught off guard by the attack. She managed to protect the figure, but her shield and armor were pierced, and she was bleeding quite heavily.


    '' Fuck!''


    The Spectre knew the situation wasn''t good, as the assassin entered undetected and almost finished both in one move.


    '''' We have to leave now! The base has been compromised.''''


    As the Spectre turned to face the Shadow Broker, the person she protected using her body, she was taken aback. There was a person behind her, taking his omni blade out of the Shadow Broker''s chest.


    The figure had an unwilling dying face, as it did not believe this just happened. The figure was about to tell the galaxy about Saren and the Reaper but died just like that.


    Not even the Advanced Med Gel could save her. The person then pushed the Shadow Broker to the ground, and the figure stayed there, in its own pool of blood.


    The Shadow Broker died just like that, and Tela was severely injured. But an injured Spectre was still a Spectre.


    Tela assumed a fighting position toward the assassin, '''' Who are you!?''''


    The assassin had a helmet with a broken visor, something that struck deeply into Tela for some reason. It then said, '''' Dead people don''t need to know.''''


    The assassin was relaxed as if everything were under his control.


    Tela snorted and calmed herself. She had been in situations like this, and she just nee-


    BANG


    A shot came from behind, and as the Spectre had lost the shield (which still hasn''t recharged) and the armor, her only protection was her biotic barrier, but she was focused so much on the threat in front of her that she didn''t put it up as strong as it was.


    It sealed her fate. Of course, even without that, she would''ve died of blood loss, but a shot to the head also helped.


    The Spectre also looked unwilling to die just like that, but things were already past the point of no return. With a hole in the center of her head, and no brain active, the Spectre''s body fell to the ground, dead.


    '''' Thank you.'''' The figure took out his helmet, revealing Samael. He had just thanked the two drones who had come to the ship with him.


    One of the drones ''blinked'' a little, then went away toward the Shadow''s Broker ship, what it was doing was unknown. The other stayed with Samael.


    --


    An exceptional Spectre and an even more dangerous figure died just like that. Never in a million years would they have thought someone would infiltrate their ''home''.


    Samael had infiltrated the ship with RR and EDI in drone-form. Thanks to Thane''s training he received in a past cycle, they had no chance against him. He used the RR drone to shoot both, successfully distracting the Spectre and he used the opportunity to kill the Shadow Broker.


    The distraction worked so well that Tela didn''t notice the drone, and Samael assumed it was thanks to the huge blood loss that Tela wasn''t thinking straight. If Tela had, she might have put up a better fight, but fate was cruel to those who weren''t paying attention.


    SSV Phoenix managed to arrive at Hagalaz athmosphere undetected thanks to its stealth system, something that was from the future, and the current Shadow Boker had no way of winning against it, and the SSV Phoenix was waiting for Samael''s return.


    If he needed help, he just had to ask, and the crew would come and help.


    He only spared a glance at the Shadow Broker and Tela before looking over at the computer. There, he saw that the Shadow Broker had managed to find out that Saren was working with the Reapers.


    '' As always, the Shadow Broker is dangerous, no matter who is behind the name.''


    Most of the time, Samael dealt with the Yagh as the Shadow Broker. But the situation at hand proved that any person with the mantle is dangerous.


    After making sure the Shadow Broker was dead, Samael said to the crew, '''' The Shadow is dealt with. You can come in; be careful about its soldier, though.''''


    Samael''s plan with the Shadow Broker was the same as what he did with Cerberus. He would take over the figure of ''Shadow Broker'', put someone in power who worked under LD/him, and let things go that way. He would have to deal with the soldiers and small army on the base, but he was sure money could buy their loyalty, as they weren''t exactly good people from the beginning.


    He then instructed the remaining drone, which just happened to be RR, to download all the information the computer had.


    When RR plugged in, even the AI was surprised by the amount of data the Shadow Broker had, '''' This is incredible.''''


    Samael knew that it was thanks to that information that the Shadow Broker managed to stay alive and powerful until now.


    '''' Continue the download while I''ll be looking for something here.''''


    '''' Roger.''''


    While RR was downloading all the files the Shadow Broker had, Samael was going, for the first time in his entire life, to look inside the Shadow Broker network.


    He could have done so with Liara in the cycles where she became the figure, but he held back because he saw no reason to. The only cycles where he ''lived'' for real were the first four.


    After realizing he was stuck in a time loop, he just did whatever he had in mind at that moment and never looked deep into the information the Shadow Broker had.


    Of course, even if he didn''t want to, Samael''s mind forced him to remember the bad things about people specifically from Earth or those important for the plot of the game, but the Shadow Broker was different.


    The figure had information about almost anyone in the galaxy, so Samael would look around to see if he found dirt on those in power that he could use in the future.


    But the contents of what he found only made him angry.

 51 – A Broken Shadow (2)

    FIRST-PERSON POV


    Seeing the ugly side of the galaxy wasn''t news to me. I had delved into it, thanks to Cerberus and a few cycles spent at Omega. But, for the first time in a long while, I got enraged.


    What I was seeing was something horrible. Slavery, experimentation on people, kidnapping, just like what the old Cerberus was doing, but using even worse methods.


    At least Cerberus managed to hide its true color from the public''s eye, but those people had no fear. It was almost like they knew they would not get in trouble, so they didn''t care if their faces were known.


    All of that happened in Council Space, where slavery was not allowed, meaning the Council was aware that it was happening but did nothing.


    Again, it was not like those people were hiding like Old Cerberus, no, they were doing all of that in the open, and the Council still didn''t act.


    Sure, if someone looks at the data of the Council, they probably sent one Spectre to ''deal'' with the slavers and evil organizations, if they crossed a line. But, from what I was seeing, it really didn''t change much.


    And, in the other parts of the galaxy, away from the Council Space, things were even worse, as slavery was permitted 100%. Safe to say, it was a shitshow.


    Seeing all that, I only had one thought in mind, '' I was naive. No, I chose to be naive.''


    I knew from the beginning things weren''t all rainbows and sunshine across the galaxy, as if Cerberus existed, others like it existed too. But, with the excuse to deal with the Reapers and Cerberus first, I choose not to look around me.


    I blinded myself to the suffering of others, just like I did in past cycles. Of course, I wasn''t a hero who would cry because others died, but this galaxy is my home. The aftertaste wasn''t good.


    I''m sure Cerberus wasn''t the only evil organization that the Alliance tolerated. The Illusive Man had a lot of politicians under his thumb who knew what Cerberus was doing but did nothing to stop it, so other people with the same connections as he could also do the same.


    It was unlikely, as I know the ins and outs of bad people on Earth, but ¡­ if they were in the Galaxy, things would get complicated.


    In other cycles, while I was on the dark side of the galaxy, I never delved deep into it, only working for Cerberus, or when I was indoctrinated, so I don''t know the extent of the reach those evil organizations/slavers had. Of course, if I heard the organization''s name, it would make me remember them and what they did in other cycles, if they did something to make them known to the galaxy.


    But I do know they exist. And, again, it started to bother me.


    Again, I wasn''t a hero who would cry if innocent people died. Nor was I a good person, as the number of bad things I did sully my soul to an irreparable degree.


    But, so what? Even though I wasn''t a good person or a hero, I still didn''t like what I was seeing.


    Because, if I wanted, I could put an end to it. It would take some time, but I could... No, I should do it!


    I don''t want my loved ones to live in a galaxy where this is normal, no. I have the means to put a stop to it.


    And I will do so.


    I will clean the galaxy!


    Cerberus and the Shadow Broker were just the start.


    --


    NORMAL POV


    After all that internal monologue, Samael tapped his omni tool a few times and filmed a message to all LD employees, from the company and the Mercenary group.


    '''' Hello to you all. I''m sure you know I''m your boss, so I will be direct. Recently, I came across something that troubled me. I found out about the huge slaver centers scattered across the galaxy and the existence of an evil organization, that was protected by various governments and with the Council''s protection. That irritates me to no end, as they were supposed to protect those who can''t protect themselves.''''


    '''' So, I decided LD would live up to its name. We will target the slave centers across the galaxy and those evil organizations. Of course, not right now because we have to prepare, but my goal is that in a few years, the galaxy will be free from those kinds of people.''''


    '''' To not implicate humanity, starting now, all those who live on Earth, prepare for a trip. The LD headquarters will be moving to another planet, and I want all employees and their families to come. Again, as this was something that just happened, it might take some time until all of you can move, half a year to a year, but I want everyone ready to leave when I say so.''''


    Samael made sure to put an angry face on this last part, '''' The Council knew about them but chose to stay quiet. Politicians on Earth knew about Cerberus but stayed quiet. The Slavers had assurance they were untouchable, thanks to being away from the Council Space and having the Council turning blind to their actions. But they made a big mistake. They put themselves into my target.''''


    '''' Effectively immediately, all LD personnel on a mission have my approval to act if you see a slaver in action. It doesn''t matter where you are, Council Space or Terminus, I will deal with the backlash if it exists.''''


    '''' If you don''t like how things are progressing within the company, you can leave. I''ll send all of you the location of the planet when things get ready. See you all soon.''''


    Samael stopped filming and asked RR, ''''Was that good?''''


    '''' Yes. Do you want me to send it to all employees?''''


    '''' Yes, please do.''''


    '''' Done.'''' RR edited the video in a flash and sent it to all LD personnel. It is safe to say that it would cause a lot of murmurs in the company, but Samael didn''t care.


    His goal didn''t change: Stop the Reapers. But he now had a sub-goal: clean the galaxy from bad roots.


    It was a far-fetched dream, even more so than stopping the Reapers. But, Samael was never one to back out of a fight.


    If it is necessary to achieve his goal, he doesn''t mind making the whole galaxy his enemies. He wasn''t dumb and knew those Slavers and evil organizations, like Cerberus, had powerful backing. The problem for them was that he didn''t care.


    Of course, the timing of the attack wasn''t good, as it was only a few years from now that the Reapers would arrive. If LD starts a campaign of this magnitude against those people, it might affect future plans.


    It was a worrisome thought, but ... Samael was going to go ahead with it. He liked new things and this challenge was something that stirred something deep inside him.


    Samael was looking forward to this.


    '' I already have a lot of regret from my past cycles, some even take my sleep or eat my conscience. I never went after those evil organizations or slavers, and now I will make sure to deal with them.''


    With a new mission, besides dealing with the Reapers, Samael smiled.


    '' Crazy to think I will change the galaxy for good just because I want.''


    It showed Samael how much influence LD had, as he was sure if even all Slavers and Evil organizations were to combine and attack his group, he could win. It would require a few sacrifices, no doubt, but he was sure LD would win.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    '' Now, let''s wrap this up.''


    At this point, the SSV Phoenix crew is already inside the Shadow Broker ship and waiting for orders. So, Samael would just make a small announcement to the whole ship.


    Grabbing a nearby console from the computer, Samael asked RR to connect him to the speakers. After getting an okay from the AI, he started to talk, ''''Hello to you all.''''


    He was sure the soldiers must be making funny faces, but he didn''t care about them as he continued speaking, '''' I''m sure the smart ones had already noticed, but I killed the Shadow Broker. It''s as simple as that, really.''''


    '''' I will not say who I am, but I already took over the place. Those loyal to the old Shadow Broker may come to find me in her room, and I''ll deal with you. Others who also wanted to leave but couldn''t because of blackmail, can also come to me. For those who are here being tortured, rejoice, because salvation came.''''


    '''' Anyway, that was it. The old Shadow Broker is dead, I took over, and I''ll be dealing with those who want to show loyalty to the old one, help those who wanted to leave, and those being tortured. Bye and see you soon.''''


    Samael ended the small speech, and just in cue, Tali, Liara, and Miranda, both AIs with their android bodies, entered the place. They noticed the two Asari dead but said nothing.


    '''' How is the place?'''' Samael asked.


    '''' It''s a fortress, that is sure. The concealment using the planet''s atmosphere is also good, but the most we won from this was -''''


    '''' The Shadow Broker. LD now also has it under control. We just have to find the right person for the position.'''' Under no circumstances would Samael allow Liara to be it, as he wanted her to be happy and not be covered in the galaxy''s dirtiness.


    '' I also have the perfect person to take over... It''s just that he is complicated, to say the least.''


    ''''... What is this?'''' Tali asked as she watched the files Samael forgot to close. It showed the hideous side of the galaxy, and the Quarian also didn''t like it.


    '''' This is the ugly side of the galaxy. Something a lot of people are aware of that is happening, but they choose to turn blind to it.'''' Samael was one of them until now.


    Samael sighed after saying that. He was fighting to save the people who committed such atrocities. It was a disgusting feeling, really.


    '''' Does the Council know about this?'''' Liara asked in a tone filled with rage.


    Samael nodded, '''' They do¡­ And now so does LD. I''m sure you didn''t have time to check, but I sent a file to all employees regarding the situation.''''


    Miranda used her omni tool, and surely enough, Samael''s video was on it. She watched along with the rest, and by the end of it, she was surprised, '''' You know LD probably made enemies of half the galaxy with this, right?''''


    '''' Yes. And honestly? I don''t care. We can take them.'''' Samael spoke with conviction. If the whole galaxy united and fought back against LD, they had a chance. ONLY IF.


    Also, the biggest problem right now was the small numbers LD had, and it was something they would have to deal with sometime soon.


    Miranda said nothing more. She knew it was a risky endeavor, but she also saw the merit. '''' I''m with you.''''


    Tali and Liara''s respect for Samael only grew.


    KNOCK KNOCK


    Someone knocked on the door, meaning the small army had arrived.


    Samael looked at the girls and asked,  ''''Do you think they came here to surrender or to fight?''''


    They rolled their eyes at him.


    '''' You guys are no funny.'''' Opening the door, Samael saw the small army with a small white flag with them. '''' Hello there.''''


    --


    After making sure the army had no weapons, Samael made sure to offer those soldiers a choice. It didn''t matter to him if they were working for the Shadow Broker through blackmail or for money.


    Stay and continue working on the ship, but the pay would be better, or go away from here.


    They had a choice, and now the small army was told to stay on standby while Samael would walk around the ship, giving them time to think about what to do.


    Anyway, Samael made his way through the torture chambers, making sure those there were treated. Clare had also entered the ship and was providing first aid with the help of RR and EDI.


    After walking some more, Samael finally arrived where he wanted to be. In a small room past all that, he saw a Yahg, the Shadow Broker he was accustomed to. Only this one was caged.


    He approached the beast with a small smile and said,  ''''Say, do you fancy becoming the Shadow Broker?''''


    The Yahg had no idea what was happening, it only continued staring at this person in front of him with its four eyes.


    Samael saw the confusion on Yahg''s face, so he tried his best to explain, '''' Listen, you probably got captured, and I just saved your ass.'''' He opened the cage and said, '''' I also know your species only respects the strong, seeing them as your leaders. Well, I''m your leader now.''''


    The Yahg got out of the cage for the first time in a few weeks, and when it heard what the person in front of it said, it almost snorted.


    Samael noticed that and said nothing more. He just got into a fighting position and motioned for the beast to come.


    FIVE MINUTES LATER


    The Yahg was on the ground, thinking about its life choices. It was all good a few weeks back, but then it was kidnapped, and experimented on, and just when it thought it could escape, a puny thing managed to defeat it.


    Of course, the Yagh also managed to injure the other part, but it was it who was on the ground.


    Samael was looking down at the contemplating Yahg, and then he looked at his now dislocated shoulder. It was a fierce fight, as the creature was more than triple his size, but he won thanks to EDI''s help, as she used the drone that went away earlier to distract the best.


    Going towards a nearby wall, Samael aimed his shoulder at a precise angle and struck forward with strength.


    CRACK


    '''' ¡­ This fucking hurts!'''' Even though he was familiar with pain, no one liked it. Unless you''re a masochist. If you are, good for you (?).


    Samael''s shoulder was put back in place, and he moved it a little. '' A bit stiff, but it''s ok.''


    EDI-in-drone approached him and asked, '''' Are you okay?''''


    '''' Yes, thanks for the help.'''' Samael would''ve won anyway, as while the Yahg was way stronger than him, it did not have the capability of using that strength to its advantage. But thanks to EDI-drone help, things went faster.


    '''' Don''t need to mention it.'''' EDI in a drone then stayed floating beside Samael, while he went to talk with the Yahg.


    '''' You there?'''' Samael asked the still on the ground Yagh. '''' I know you can understand me. The Shadow Broker would not let its toy not understand her.''''


    Sure enough, the Yahg looked at Samael with intelligence in its eyes, '''' What do you want?'''' The Shadow Broker had given the creature an omni tool, so it could understand her.


    '''' See, why did you not talk first? I know your species isn''t prone to talk, but come on!'''' Samael sighed then continued talking, '''' I''m sure you know by now, but I killed your torturer. And now, I''ll give you one in a lifetime opportunity.''''


    '''' What is it?''''


    Samael said with a strange gaze, '''' Again, have you ever thought about becoming the Shadow Broker?''''

 52 – A Broken Shadow (3)

    By the time the Yagh and Samael returned to the Shadow Broker''s main room, things were a little bit tense. Tali and Liara were still looking at the huge computer and all the information the Shadow Broker had collected over the years, both frowning as the documents were read.


    The small army was also still on standby, and the tortured people - now liberated, were also waiting. Clare was doing her best to help those in critical condition.


    It was a mess.


    '' Let''s sort this out right now.''


    Samael coughed out loud, gathering everyone''s attention, '''' Those tortured will be sent to the Citadel and the soldiers ... we already discussed this earlier, and now it''s time to make a decision. Those who still want to work with the Shadow Broker are allowed to stay as the pay will increase. Those who want to leave can do so too. But, I''m sure you know what will happen if you told others about what happened here...''''


    While not explicitly saying, those present knew that Samael and his crew were from LD, as they spoke about it in front of the small army. Meaning they knew the Shadow Broker now was under LD.


    They also knew the consequences of telling the galaxy about this. Anyone could notice the hidden threat.


    '''' Now. Choose.'''' As soon as Samael said that, about 70% of the small army came forward. One person, who looked like their representative came even closer.


    '''' ... Are you really from LD?'''' The representative asked just in case, but he was 90% sure it was. No one was crazy enough to impersonate LD... or attack the Shadow Broker''s main base and kill the figure.


    '''' Yes.'''' Samael didn''t deny nor he tried to hide it.


    '''' Can you guarantee our protection? How much is the pay increase?''''


    The representative and Samael then started to speak business. 10 minutes later, both parts were satisfied.


    '''' It was a pleasure to be working with you!'''' The representative was more than happy now. The small army now had increased pay, no chance of being killed just because the Shadow Broker was bored, and those who had family could also bring them here.


    But the representative didn''t recommend the last part, as they literally work for the Shadow Broker, a figure in danger most of the time. Of course, no one attacked them until now, as the ship was hidden, but LD just proved to them how easy it was to infiltrate the ship.


    If their families were here, things would get more complicated for them.


    '''' Likewise.'''' Samael didn''t need those people, but he made sure to buy their loyalty.


    While 70% of the army decided to stay, the rest didn''t. Samael said while looking at them, '''' You will be given a ride with the injured. Again, if I were to know anyone said anything about what happened here..''''


    Some gulped but stay still. They had gone through some dark times working for the Shadow Broker and while this new one might seem okay at the beginning, who could say he wasn''t like the old one.


    Since no one moved, it meant that their decision was final.


    So, Samael moved the injured and those who chose not to work for him to another place. In the main room, only those from SSV Phoenix and the small army were there.


    Samael nodded at them and started speaking, '''' I killed your old employer and now, I will replace it. '''' He pointed at the Yagh, '''' I have no idea what his name is, but this is the new Shadow Broker.''''


    Murmurs started among those who stayed, and a few were regretting it.


    '''' We already negotiated the terms. the pay will be good and there will be more personnel arriving to protect the Shadow Broker and in proxy, you.'''' Samael wasn''t dumb and knew that money wasn''t something absolute in this line of work. So, he would bring 30 people from LD, incorporate them into the small army then protect the ship.


    Anyway, no one who accepted to stay left after learning who the new Shadow Broker was. The pay was too good.


    After a few more words, the small army was dismissed and the Shadow Broker, Samael, and the crew were the only ones remaining in the room.


    Liara and Tali were still fixed on the computer, learning everything they could. The things they saw there weren''t nice but they were doing their best to learn. Samael didn''t interrupt both because he knew they should see what the galaxy really looked like.


    RR and EDI had almost finished downloading all the information the Shadow BRoker had. Miranda had followed Clare and the others, as she had no way of helping her.


    Also, only 30 minutes have passed since Samael killed Tela and the Shadow Broker and took over the ship, but the call waiting information didn''t stop. It was time to put the new figure on the spot, otherwise, things might get complicated.


    Samael then approached the Shadow Broker, '''' Do you have any question for me?''''


    '''' Why me?'''' The Yagh was confused. His species was aggressive, even he is, so it made no sense this puny person put him in charge of such a big network.


    '''' ... Call it fate. Just don''t mess with me and you''re good.''''


    For the next 5 minutes or so, and with the call still coming, Samael explained how things would go to the Yagh and the status of the galaxy. He explained about the Reapers, the Protheans, what they did, etc.


    When the info dump ended, he continued.


    '''' First things first, if anyone wants information about LD, you have to say to us first. We don''t mind selling information, but ask for more money.''''


    Before the Yagh could say anything, Samael continued. '''' Information about the Reapers, Protheans, Leviathan, and forgotten species is very important. You can put special attention on those.''''


    '''' I don''t really care to who you sell things, but I want information about slaver and evil organizations when they enter in contact with you.''''


    '''' Besides that, you are free to do whatever you want. Do you understand?''''


    The Yagh nodded.


    '''' Good. One last thing.'''' Samael came closer to the Yagh, and the difference in height became apparent. Still, it was the Yagh who was intimidated, '''' Do not betray me. I will kill you if you do so. Do you got it?''''


    '''' Yes.''''


    Samael nodded at the Shadow Broker, '''' You can now live your life. Other than what I said, you''re free to do whatever you want.''''


    The Yagh eyes shone. It now had an opportunity to grow. Of course, he was still a subordinate but he was also a large figure within the galaxy scheme.


    The Shadow Broker then turned on the diffuse program the old one had and started accepting calls. It now had all the information it needed to do its job.


    Tali and Liara finally got out of the computer as the figure was now working, but their eyes were dark. They saw the ugly side of the galaxy and discovered a lot of nasty things.


    Samael approached both, '''' ... How about a drink after we returned to the ship?''''


    '''' I would appreciate that.''''


    '''' Me too.''''


    Both need a drink to process the information.


    '''' Good. Let''s leave this place.'''' He had already done everything he came to do.


    Killed the old Shadow Broker, put a new one in its place, took all information it had, and made sure RR was infiltrated deeply into the network so that the new Shadow Broker could not even begin to think of rebelling.


    He really didn''t like the place so he wanted to leave as soon as possible.


    Samael went to the other room, grabbed Miranda, Clare, RR, and EDI drone and android forms, and returned to the SSV Phoenix. An LD ship will arrive shortly to take the injured and those who wanted to leave, to the Citadel.


    It was the least Samael could do to them.


    After entering the SSV Phoenix, Samael immediately called Jason, as he needed to push things forward right now. He had made a promise to go against the slavers and evil organization and he mentioned a new LD headquarters, away from Earth.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    It was time to build it.


    '''' Hello?'''' Jason''s voice comes through.


    '''' Jason, my friend. How are you? Are you still on the planet I sent you?''''


    '''' Boss! I''m good thanks for asking. And yes, me and my boys are still here, why do you ask?''''


    '''' It''s like this ... I need you to stay there a bit longer.''''


    Jason''s face dropped in the call, '''' How long?''''


    '''' Until you finish the construction of this.'''' Samael sent Jason the blueprint of all the facilities he wanted to build on that planet. As it was to be a new HQ for LD, it was safe to say the magnitude of the Project was huge. It was a thing for half a year to 2 years.


    Jason looked at the project and almost fainted. It would take a long time to be built and he wasn''t sure if he was up for the job. So, he tried to plead with Samael, '''' Boss, please! Me and my boys were traumatized by the experience! We can''t be here for that much longer.''''


    '''' LD already dealt with the Thresher Maw nest, so don''t worry. Do you need anything more to make you stay?''''


    Jason knew he was losing, so he tried more, '''' Me and my boys miss our families, so if you could send others....''''


    '''' Oh, is that the problem? Simple, we will send your family to you guys. LD will provide the children with education, you guys already made the housing, so just choose the ones you like the most, and we will provide a lot more funds to you. Also, we can send more workers too''''


    The money talk made Jason light up, '''' ... How much are we talking here?''''


    Samael smiled. Money is one of the best ways to solve things, '''' 10.000.000 Credits to be divided among your men if you complete the project in a half year. 5.000.000 if you complete it in one year.''''


    Jason''s hesitation was gone. He also knew his men would be the same. Think about it, it was almost like a vacation. Sure they had to work, but with their families here, things were doable.


    So, as being the boss of his men, Jason nodded at Samael, '''' When do you want us to start?''''


    This was a huge project, not the magnitude of Andromeda but close. Besides, Samael wanted it to be the best, so sending the material would take some time.


    '''' Rest for a week then you can start when the material arrives. Also, communicate with the LD personnel there, talking about your families and explaining it was under my orders. They will settle things for you guys.''''


    '''' Sure, boss! See you later.''''


    '''' Bye, Jason.''''


    The call ended and Samael officially dealt with another problem. Before heading to the bar, to talk with Liara and Tali, he sent a few files to some people he knew.


    Samael knew that to win against those in power, like the government, he needed the public''s help. If he wanted to go after those evil organizations, he also needed to make sure the public knew LD was on the good side.


    So, he sent some own personal files he had, the ones about dirty politicians, and some he gathered from the Shadow Broker computer, to 3 reporters. He sent them anonymously, but he mentioned LD was going after those evil people.


    What they would do with that information was on them, but he was sure they would publish it. And when they did, LD would have the population on its side and things would get easier for them to act.


    Samael then headed to the bar, to talk with Tali and Liara.


    When he arrived there, both were already drinking, with Tali always using the compartment in her suit to drink.


    Samael didn''t like that, but the quarian pill was ''almost'' made. He was thinking of just making a prototype for her but pushed the thought aside for now.


    He sat down, and both noticed, but no one said anything. The girls were lost in their own thoughts.


    Tali was raised in the Migrant Fleet, a place where she literally lived with only Quarians. Her perception of life was a little bit broken by that and what she saw wasn''t nice.


    Most of those slaves were humans or Batarians, but there were some Quarians too. And, as they were already a weak species, Tali saw a lot of death in her people. Preventable death.


    So, she was sad and angry at her own weakness, but there was nothing much she could do to change what was happening. She could only hope LD would keep its promise.


    Liara was the same. She was raised by her mother, a Matriarch, being sheltered too much. That was one of the reasons she chose to become a prothean expert because it gave her the excuse to be traveling across the galaxy, see new things, and hopefully, catch Prothean Relics.


    Too much changed in too little time Liara, and after seeing what she saw, she was mad at herself. She knew she could do better if she focused, but she chose to go away, chasing ghosts.


    But, her mentality was slowly but surely changing. For better or for worse, only time will tell.


    Again, just like with Veronica, John and Miranda earlier, Samael saw himself in them. They wanted to be better but had no idea how to start. Luck for them, he knew how.


    '''' ... Ladies, do you want power?''''


    Tali and Liara looked at him, '''' What do you mean?''''


    '''' Believe it or not, one day I was in the same situation as you both. Desperate, I realized my own weakness. Do you know how I got out of that situation?''''


    Both girls looked at him, waiting for his response.


    '''' I fought back against my own self. In the end, I won and I became the better version of myself. If you allow me, let me help you both to become the best version of yourself.''''


    Samael was going to personally train both, just like he was doing with Veronica and John. He also knew Liara learned a bit from Javik on how to use her biotic powers, and if she really wanted more, she could ask Miranda and Jack, as both were Javik''s oldest students.


    '''' Let me show you how you can face the galaxy and smile at the danger it throws at you.''''


    No hesitation was seen on the girl''s face.


    '''' I''m in.''''


    '''' Me too.''''


    Samael smiled at them, '''' Even though you are both cute, I will not go easy on both. Prepare yourself for hell.''''


    Tali reacted a bit weirdly to that statement, '''' How can you call me cute when you didn''t even see my face?''''


    Samael knew Tali had a complex with her appearance, thanks to her being in a suit her entire life. He also knew she loved being praised. '''' I don''t really care about your appearance, I only care about you. You can be a Yagh behind the mask, and I still would find you cute.''''


    Tali snorted remembering the Yagh face. '''' Yeah, yeah.''''


    '''' I have no reason to lie to you.'''' Samael was honest.


    Liara just smiled seeing both interactions. She felt a little attracted to Samael, but for now, that was the extent of what she felt.


    The trio continued talking until sleep came for them.


    ---


    When Samael woke the next day, he decided it was time for a member of his family to be ''made''.


    Using his new ''employee'' network, Samael got the number of a very specific Krogan and called him.


    '''' Hello? Who is this? How did you get my number?'''' A grumpy voice started a barrage of questions.


    Samael was accustomed to the Krogan way of speaking, so he didn''t mind it one bit. '''' Hello, Okeer. We never met but I know you and what you''re doing as of now. Cure and Genophage ring a bell to you?''''


    Warlord Okeer was, just like LD, working to find a cure for the Genophage. Only, his research would lead him to an unexpected path and he would end up creating Grunt in the future. Right now, the Krogan should be at the beginning of his research, so it was ''easy'' to approach the subject.


    Of course, as working on a genophage cure was a secret, no one should know.


    So it made sense to Okeer respond with a violence-toned voice, '''' ...Who are you?''''


    '''' A friend. And I have an offer you can''t refuse.''''


    Okeer was silent for a few seconds, '''' Say it.''''


    Samael smirked, as he knew he got the Krogan.


    '''' Have you ever thought of working for LD....''''

 SIDE STORY – Improbable Alliance

    This side story takes places between chapter 45 onwards


    <hr>


    Tevos was traveling in disguise through the Citadel, her destination was a bar called Apollo''s Cafe, located in Presidium Commons, a type of neighborhood within the Citadel. A friend worked there.


    That friend was Aethyta, who also happens to be Liara''s father. The Asari Matriarch worked as a bartender because she wanted to. She was what many call a rebellious or free spirit, a trait very few Asari possess.


    She also had quite a controversial point of view, as she wanted the young Asari to develop better at Thessia instead of going out of the planet to work as a stripper or mercenary.


    No one listened to her, and as she had quite a free spirit compared with the other Asari Matriarch, she spent her time working on bars here and there and just happened to be at the Citadel at the moment.


    In the games, she only worked here at Mass Effect 3, quite a few years into the timeline, but as mentioned before, she was quite the free spirit, so she could change jobs as she wanted.


    You could even interact with her in the games, and she would talk with you. If you have a relationship with Liara, she will comment on that too.


    Anyway, Tevos arrived at Apollo''s and sat down at a table. Sure enough, not much time passed before an Asari approached her table and sat down.


    '''' Tevos. Why was I graced with your presence today?'''' Aethyta asked as she served a drink to the Councilor.


    '''' Aethyta.'''' Tevos drank it and put down her cup.'''' Believe it or not, I''m here at work.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' Aethyta was a little taken aback. She was a Matriarch, so she knew that most of the time, the other two Councilors blocked Tevos regarding work. Even though the Asari wanted to do more, the other 2 didn''t let her, making others assume she was just plain incompetent, like them. '''' Did you find some dirt on them?''''


    Surprisingly, Tevos nodded and said,  Yes.''''


    '''' Tell me more.'''' Aethyta is now curious.


    '''' It''s like this. A few weeks ago, I made a partnership with the owner of LD. ''''


    ''''Samael. He''s a pretty obscure figure, managing to hide his identity for so long, and as soon as he revealed it, things started to happen around the galaxy, whether they were good or bad." Aethyta commented as soon as she heard what Tevos said.


    Also, she knew about Samael in depth because Liara was working under the human. Aethyta was quite overprotective over her daughter, and at any sign she was suffering from anything, she would use her powers as a Matriarch to intervene. There was no fear whatsoever that the other part was LD.


    '''' He is way more amazing than others give credit for.'''' Tevos realized she had gone too far with the compliments and went back on track, '''' Anyway, in that partnership, we exchanged contacts and made a promise to help each other.''''


    '''' Will you tell me what kind of promise?'''' Aethyta smirked knowingly as she figured out Tevos must have already ''eaten'' Samael.


    If only she saw the state Tevos was left in, she would not smirk like that. She would also laugh out loud.


    Tevos snorted, '''' Ask Benezia if you want, she knows everything.''''


    When she heard her ex- mate''s name, Aethyta frowned a bit and said, '''' Forget it, them.'''' While she loved Liara, Benezia was a complicated subject for her.


    Tevos knew Aethyta''s weakness and exploited it quite easily. The Councilor continued, '''' Anyway, today he asked for my help regarding something. That something just happens to be a C-Sec officer who has LD support and managed to find dirt on the other two Councilours. Quite a lot, actually.''''


    '''' Which officer?''''


    '''' Garrus Vakarian.''''


    '''' Oh, him. Uptight and good character. I even know his father and sister. He is a good turian.''''


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    '''' I know. Samael also only had praise for the turian.'''' Tevos finished her drink.


    It was then that Aethyta got up from the table and said, '''' It seems our guest has arrived. Good luck.''''


    Just as Aethyta got away, Garrus sat down on Tevos table. He was a little nervous, as this was a Councilor. But, he had a goal here, and he would see things through until the end.


    '''' Hello.'''' Garrus said it dryly, nervousness filling his voice, but he did his best not to show it.


    '''' Hello.'''' Tevos, of course, noted that right away. This wasn''t the first time she had those kinds of meetings, and she could read a nervous Turian from miles away. So, she also knew she would have to take charge of the conversation if she wanted things to proceed. '''' I talked with Samael first, but just to confirm, do you have dirt on the other two councilours, right?''''


    Garrus nodded and decided to give a preview of what he had to Tevos. So he transmitted a little bit of what he had to her omni tool.


    Tevos noticed that and took some time reading it. At the end of the 2-minute mark, she was smiling. With this, she could change a lot of things in the status quo of the Council. And the Turian is supposed to have much more.


    So, Tevos got into business transaction mode. '''' What do you want in exchange for all you have about them?''''


    While she trusted Samael, this has now turned into a transaction.


    Garrus then said in a serious tone, '''' I want you to help my father secure a position at the Council.''''


    Tevos paused. It was quite a big request, but the proof he had was big. Even she, with her power as Councilor, didn''t manage to find them because the other 2 Councilors also used their influence to block the majority of her access to C-Sec. And that''s the place where they used to hide their dirt, bribing those on top there to hide it from the public''s eyes.


    Even if she wanted and could, no one would help her.


    And now there''s a ticket in front of her that would help stabilize her position and even strengthen it. Besides, it was only one Council position, she could negotiate the other.


    There is no point in hesitating.


    '''' Deal.''''


    Garrus visibly relaxed hearing that. This was a gamble and something that Samael said in passing to him, and it got stuck in his mind. He had asked why the Turian father, a good person, never tried to up his career in the Citadel.


    Again, that stuck with Garrus, and he acted on it when he had the opportunity.


    '''' It was nice doing business with you.'''' Garrus then passed the last of his files to Tevos.


    When she saw it, her eyes showed anger for a few seconds, then resolve, '''' This is more than enough to make them retire. I just need to wait for a chance to make this public.''''


    '''' I know. Even I was surprised by the amount of dirt they had on them.'''' Garrus hesitated but continued, '''' Even you ha-''''


    '''' Don''t go there.'''' Tevos interrupted him, her face clouded, '''' You are young, but you know how things work. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do in order to survive. I''m sure you know, the things I did are nothing compared to what they did.''''


    Garrus knew she was right. Compared with the other two, she was a saint. But it was also true that she had her hands dirty.


    When that thought hit his mind, Garrus almost laughed at his hypocrisy. He was receiving help from LD, which had a mercenary group that worked for money.


    So, he stayed quiet.


    Just then, Aethyta came and gave both of them a drink. From her face, it seemed she had listened to the conversation, as she was happy for Tevos.


    Garrus grabbed his drink and raised it at Tevos, '''' To our partnership. Let''s hope it will bring us nothing but good news.''''


    '''' Cheers.''''


    It was a short meeting¡ªless than 10 minutes¡ªbut in the near future, it would change the Citadel''s political structure for good.

 SIDE STORY – Waking Up the Protheans

    This side story takes place after chapter 49 and onwards


    <hr>


    Javik had arrived at the planet Samael owned in a flash. Ever since he received the news that the facilities were already built, he rushed to the place. He was looking forward to having more of his people to interact with.


    After all, he was the only one of his species alive up until now.


    Samael had already informed LD personnel about Javik''s arrival, so they didn''t react much when an unknown ship landed close to them.


    Remember, because they had to protect Jason and his builders, 1000 LD men were on the planet, so no one was crazy enough to go there.


    Even if they did, what was waiting for them was certain death.


    Javik got out of the ship and went to a nearby officer and asked, ''''How are they?''''


    By now, all LD personnel knew Javik and that he worked for them. The officer who got asked knew immediately what he was talking about, '''' They were in the hospital. We are told to wait for your arrival before waking them up.''''


    Samael made sure that Javik was there and instructed everyone beforehand to listen to the Prothean when the subject was his people.


    '''' Take me there.''''


    '''' Follow me.'''' The officer started to make his way toward where the sleeping Protheans were, with Javik following close behind. He made small talk on the way, '''' You know, it was surprising to see so many of the so-called extinct species alive. You''re supposed to be the last one alive, so it must have been a shock to you.''''


    '''' It was, but I''m just glad to not be the last one alive.'''' Javik knew that with the technology at hand, he could repopulate alone somehow, but now, with so many survivors, it was different and more simple.


    The small talk continued until both reached the point. The officer said, '''' They were inside. There''s a medical team around the place, and when you feel ready, just say the word, and they will wake them up for you.''''


    '''' Thank you.''''


    The officer left, and Javik took a big breath before entering the hospital. There, he saw the many familiar cryopods. He had parted ways with them a few weeks ago, and now he was back in their presence. This time, he was waking them up for good.


    ''But, how do you do that? Wake all of them up in the same moment or in batches?''


    After a little thought, Javik, who wasn''t exactly the type of Prothean who waited, decided to wake all of them at the same time. So, he called the medical team.


    '''' Wake them up. Leave as soon as you do that.'''' Based on his own experience, he knew the Protheans would be disoriented and would attack others, just like he did with Samael and the crew.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    The medical team then started to wake all of them. Five minutes passed, and they left in a hurry.


    In the hospital, only Javik and the open cryopods remained. Anticipation was seen on the Prothean face.


    Slowly, the Protheans inside the pod began to wake up one by one. Those who woke early stumbled out of their cryopod and looked around with a little bit of panic in their eyes.


    Soon, all Protheans were awake but still dizzy. But it was then that Javik shouted.


    '''' Soldiers!'''' That shout gathered the attention of everyone.


    '''' Welcome home.''''


    --


    After a few minutes of explaining the situation to the 100 Protheans, some of whom were scientists, soldiers, etc. They were now up to date with what happened to them and to the galaxy.


    Well, not all of what happened in the last 50.000 years, but at least they now know when and where they are.


    '''' So they are coming again?'''' One of the many Protheans, a soldier more specifically, asked, but from his tone of voice, he already knew the Reapers were coming.


    Javik nodded, '''' And it''s our duty to once again guide the inferior species. This time, we will not be at the forefront, but rather at the back, helping them when necessary.''''


    '''' Of course, if they need it, we will be by their side in battle. But until then, we will help them in other ways.''''


    '''' How so?'''' One of the Prothean scientists inquired.


    '''' You see, even though it''s 50.000 years into the future, the technology is stagnant. My best guess is that the Reapers must have somehow intervened in this because our technology is better in almost every part.''''


    It was true. Very little progress has been made in this field for the past 50.000 years.


    '''' So, we can start with that.'''' Javik then noticed the tired faces of everyone. He stopped, and a feeling of compassion rose within the once-cold Prothean.


    '' They had just woken up from defeat, their last memories must be haunting, and I was just going to throw them at work... Even Samael was better.''


    Sighing internally, Javik said, '''' But first, let''s take a week for you guys to adapt. Then we can start.''''


    Nods come from everywhere.


    '''' By the way, this is our planet. Well, not ours exactly, but a good friend of mine lent it to us and said to feel free to upgrade it if necessary.''''


    --


    FEW WEEKS LATER


    The Protheans adaptability was awesome. Save for a few hiccups, like when they tried to act superior with LD personnel, only to be humbled pretty quickly by the superior numbers LD had, they were on good terms with everyone.


    The soldiers sparred daily with LD personnel and spent most of their time on the shooting range inside the arsenal. The scientists already started to work on some projects and made a list of what they remembered from the war, such as where the top secret facilities were located, etc.


    All in all, the Protheans were adapting well.


    It was on that day that a ship arrived on the planet, carrying a cryopod.


    The pilot went straight to Javik and asked him to take care of it.


    '''' Samael personally sent it.'''' The pilot said that and left the planet.


    Javik looked at who was inside the cryopod, and it clicked on his head, '' Makes sense.''


    There''s also a note on the cryopod: '' See if you can help her with Prothean Technology.''


    Javik smiled at Samael''s shamelessness. He would do that without the human asking, as the person in the pod, even though they didn''t interact much when they were together, was a good person.


    He passed the cryopod to the medical team and said, '''' Make sure the person inside is okay. I want a team checking on it every few hours, do you get it?''''''


    The medical team and a few Prothean doctors nodded at Javik. They then took the cryopod to the infirmary.


    Javik then looked around the place, where Protheans were helping humans here and there. He could see the potential they had if they united.


    He looked at the sky, facing a past he could not return.


    '' If there were other species on my cycle, perhaps we would''ve won...''


    The Protheans almost won against the Reapers, the only reason they lost was because of the betrayal by those indoctrinated. If other species were involved...


    Javuk shook his head, sending those thoughts away.


    '' The past is in the past, I must think about the future.''


    Looking forward to what the galaxy could do united against the Reapers, Javik returned to his people.

 SIDE STORY – Explosive News (1)

    This side story takes place after chapter 52 and onwards


    <hr>


    When Diana Allers received a message in her omni tool with files filled with dirt about the whole galaxy, explaining about the slaver centers and evil organizations, she didn''t know what to do.


    Because some of those groups had connections with the higher-ups within the Alliance, her employers. So, she had explosive news but could not publish it, as it would cost her job and potentially her life.


    Just as she was contemplating what to do, she received a call from someone she had never imagined. Emily Wong.


    Diana felt the situation was huge, as they had never spoken since the last time, when they found out about Javik. She accepted the holographic call, and sure enough, Emily was there with Khalisah al-Jilani.


    '''' Did you receive the files?'''' As soon as the call was answered, Emily asked in a hurry.


    Samael sent it anonymously, but he never bothered to hide the fact that it was he who sent the files. So, Emily, after receiving the files, looked for Khalisah and asked if she had received the files, and she had. So she called Diana, just to confirm.


    '''' Yes.'''' Diana also realized it was most likely Samael who had sent the files.


    '''' ... This is bigger than us.'''' Emily was now a little bit afraid. She knew that the moment those files were made public, a lot of things would change around the galaxy, Citadel included.


    '''' But we are still going to publish this, right?'''' Khalisah said that in question format, but her eyes conveyed her position on this matter. She would publish it, regardless of the other two opinions.


    Compared with the other two, Khalisah was 100% pro-human, and even though she knew the Alliance would suffer thanks to this news, she would publish anyway, as there are hundreds of humans suffering because of others.


    She would do everything she could to expose the bad people and protect the weak ones.


    Diana had time to deal with her struggles. She knew what she had to do. ''''... I will.''''


    Emily sighed when she saw that. This is beyond her level, as she was just a simple reporter on the Citadel. Compared with the other two, she was nothing.


    Just as she was struggling with that, she received a message on her Omni tool. It was from the same sender of the files, meaning it was from Samael.


    ''''If you fear for your life, look for Officer Garrus Vakarian at C-Sec and explain the situation. He will protect you.''''


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Diana and Khalisah also received the same message. When they read it, they got even more confident.


    That was enough for Emily. '''' I''ll do it too.''''


    Then the trio talked some more, trying to come up with a plan to make the most of the news.


    It hadn''t even been three months since they launched that interview with Javik, and now they would create another big wave in the galaxy.


    This time, the damage they would do would be higher than normal.


    --


    FEW WEEKS LATER


    ON EARTH


    On three news channels, explosive news just went live.


    '' BREAKING NEWS: Corrupt Alliance personnel turned blind eyes to slavery within Alliance Space!''


    The reaction from the public was immediate. Protests started to happen soon after, but the Alliance higher-ups didn''t comment on the situation.


    Those mentioned on the news, though, disappeared from their homes soon after, their fate unknown.


    Samael''s objective was met, as now others were aware of the existence of those slavers and evil organizations, not only on Earth but on the Galaxy too.


    IN COUNCIL SPACE


    ''BREAKING NEWS: The existence of evil organizations within the galaxy was revealed! Alliance personnel involved?''


    The files not only had dirt on the Alliance but also on the Slavers organization that existed within Council Space, something that was prohibited.


    For some odd reason, another file was launched soon after, with dirt on the two councilors. The Salarian one and the Turian one.


    Tevos, the Asari Councilor, came out of it unbothered, as her name was not mentioned at all. In fact, it gave her an opportunity to act.


    Councilor Tevos was merciless, and with the public on her side, she took action immediately. She used her newfound ''power'' to banish the other two councilors, who were sent back to their home planet. Their punishment was to be discussed later between their governments.


    Tevos also told the Salarian and Turian governments that there would be a meeting in the future to decide who would enter the two vacant spots.


    But for now, the Council only had one Councilor.


    The Turians and Salarians did try to stop that, but the news was too raw for the public, so they had no way to fight back. The good thing is that their Council position was safe.


    For now, that is.


    Tevos'' first command was to open a Spectre position. It was assumed a newbie species, like humans or batarians, would take that spot.


    But she also said she was waiting for the right person for the position. When she would find it, no one knew.


    Also, a newbie Turian from C-Sec was being promoted at higher speeds within the organization, thanks to Tevos recommendation.


    A lot of officers were being fired from their jobs too. Many of them had connections with the corrupt Councilors, so no one said anything about those actions.


    The Asari Councilor, the only one remaining, was cleaning the Citadel from its bad roots.


    In the middle of all that, three reporters were enjoying their lives after literally helping clean up the space station. Their account was now full of credits, and they were waiting for another chance to act. When that will happen, no one knows.


    For now, they just enjoy their lives.


    --


    Slowly but surely, the galaxy was getting better, with incompetent personnel being discarded and good ones taking their places.


    What changes would that bring? Only time will tell.

 END OF THE SECOND ARC

    With the end of this batch of SIDE STORIES, we officially ended the second Arc with 30+ chapters ( probably the largest arc in the whole FIC btw) and will enter the third arc in the next chapter. Then, there will be at least 3-5 more arcs until the fic ends.


    I want to thank my Patrons, the comments, the reviews, and the normal readers. While I might say I don''t care about the numbers ( trust me lol ), it''s nice to see the FIC being so well-liked. It gives me the motivation to continue writing.


    My current goal is to make this fic the most popular Mass Effect FIC on every site I post. In SH, it''s already the number one, in WN it already has 1M views and in RR it has 30k views but is far from being the best. So, I will do my best to continue posting regularly and with good content.


    Now, with that out of the way, I will do a character sheet just for fun. I will not include everyone, but it will be enough, I guess. Enjoy.


    --


    Samael - 18 years and 5 months old. 1,90 meters in height, his combat, and other skill battles related were honed to the max thanks to time loops. Very few could face him, but he was still very vulnerable to the Reapers and other huge species, like the Leviathans.


    Shepard - 19 years and a few months old. It''s already a Commander and owns her own crew. Her leadership skills are top-notch, the best the galaxy has to offer, even if she doesn''t know that now. Very fierce.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.Liara - ? old. The best Prothean Expert the galaxy has. Has the potential to surpass her mother, Matriarch Benezia, in every aspect.


    Tali - 19 years old. One of the best Engineers in the galaxy at such a young age. Has the potential to surpass everyone in the field.


    Veronica - 18 years and 11 months old. She is one of the best pilots in the galaxy. Has a crush on Samael, but still hasn''t gone after him for good.


    John - 22 years old. Has gained a lot of experience in the trip across the galaxy. Is integrated with the crew and a lot of people go to him regarding weapons and such.


    Wrex - ? old. Has gone to Tuchanka to unite the Krogan species.


    Javik - ? old. Is located in one of the planets LD owns. Has woken up his people and now was waiting for the call to act.


    Jack - 19 years old. One of the best human biotics in the galaxy. After being rescued from the Cerberus facility, has opened up a lot, thanks to her mother Natasha, and Miranda.


    Miranda - 19 years old. She is the CEO of LD, one of the smartest people alive on Earth, and also a powerful biotic.


    Garrus - ? old. The young turian started a ''revolution'' in the Citadel political system. Is using LD support to climb up the ranks, and is eliminating corruption along the way.


    ---


    That''s was it. It was short, as I mentioned, but enough to showcase the ''main'' characters of the fic.


    The normal chapter will be posted in a few hours.


    Thanks for the support!

 53 – Back Home (1)

    After dealing with the old Shadow Broker and making the new one loyal to LD, it was time for SSV Phoenix to return to Earth.


    Samael had speedrun a lot of things, such as telling the Council and, by proxy, the whole galaxy about the Reapers, saving Javik, meeting Tali and Liara, helping Shepard, etc.


    He also has one of the last things he needed: the ingredients for the serum. Now, he would go to Earth, meet Mordin, and make it.


    Of course, he could make it alone, but he wasn''t heartless. He wanted to honor those who helped him create the serum in a past cycle by making them participate in its creation, so he didn''t mind waiting a few more days. Besides, the Reapers wouldn''t arrive until years later, so he had time to do this.


    But for now, there''s another farewell that must happen. This time, it might take a long while for the person who was saying ''goodbye'' to meet up with the others.


    It was Natasha. She had cancer and was now getting prepared to be put in a cryosleep until Jack or Miranda had a baby or the cure for this type of terminal cancer was found.


    Right now, Natasha, who was also one of the first ones to join the crew, was in the middle of saying goodbye to everyone. She was already at the infirmary, and everyone in the crew was there too.


    Veronica gave her a hug and went away, John also said goodbye. One by one, the entire crew said goodbye, until only Clare, Miranda, Samael, Natasha, and Jack remained.


    Natasha was already crying at this point, regret and love filled her eyes as she looked at Jack, '''' I''m sorry for not saving you sooner. If I had ko-''''


    Jack stopped her, '''' Don''t go there. Even if you knew, you''re just a civilian at that point. There would be nothing you could do because Cerberus had a lot of influence deep within the Alliance.''''


    It was true. Even if Natasha wanted to do something, she did not have the power to do so, even if she knew about Jack. Her only help came from Samael and LD.


    Natasha said nothing more about that and grabbed her daughter''s hand, '''' I know we bounded the best we could in the last few months, but it''s not enough. I lost too much time without you, and now I must spend even more time without your presence. I''m sorry for being a bad mother.''''


    Jack''s eyes watered a little bit, '''' Just rest. When you wake up, we will have your grandbaby or even the cure for your cancer.''''


    Natasha chuckled at that, because she knew the cure was almost impossible to make, and also because she could picture her grandbaby, '''' I love you.''''


    '''' I love you too.''''


    Daughter and mother hugged for a long while until Jack broke the hug and excused herself. She was going to cry, but she didn''t want anyone to see it.


    Natasha now looked at Miranda and said, '''' Take care of my daughter. She puts on a strong front, but she is vulnerable. Also, thank you.'''' She knew that asking the couple, who were together only for a few months, to have a baby was too much, but it was a race against time. Lucky for her, this couple was for a lifetime.


    Miranda grabbed Natasha''s hand and said, '''' I''ll love and protect her. See you soon.''''


    They hugged, and Miranda also left the infirmary, to go after Jack.


    Now, only Clare, Samael, and Natasha remained.


    Natasha looked at Samael with a strange gaze, '''' If someone told me a year ago that I would come to know that my daughter is alive, save her, and then spend most of my time showing her love, I would not believe the person.''''


    '''' It was a crazy ride, huh.'''' That came from the bottom of his heart. Natasha was a new addition to this last cycle of his, and he could see the good influence she had on Jack. He was glad he intervened.


    Natasha smiled at Samael and said, '''' I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity.''''


    '''' You do-''''


    '''' Just listen.'''' Natasha interrupted, '''' What you''re doing and will do in the future, is amazing. You already helped a lot of people, but as you know, there''s a war coming. I want you to promise something.''''


    '''' Say it.''''


    '''' Please, protect my daughter and her loved ones.  I only ask you that. If something were to happen to me-''''


    '''' Stop right there.'''' Samael approached Natasha and said, '''' I will keep your daughter safe. Her and the whole galaxy, don''t worry. Now, you must do your part and sleep until we are ready to wake you up.''''


    Natasha could see the will he had in his eyes. '' He really believes he can win... That is dangerous and brave at the same time.''


    She then hugged Samael and said,  ''''Thanks, Captain.''''


    Samael hugged her back, '''' See you soon, Natasha. Also, one last thing.''''


    They broke the hug, and she asked, '''' What?''''


    '''' Where do you want to be? We are returning to Earth right now, but I can send you to a planet LD owns. The same Javik went... Who knows, maybe their medicine is better?''''


    Natasha chuckled at that. It was clear Samael wanted her to go to the planet LD owned. So she complied, '''' I want to go to the new planet.''''


    '''' Good.'''' Samael then started to leave the infirmary. He said, looking at Clare, '''' Make sure she is okay.''''


    '''' Leave it to me.'''' Clare knew Natasha was important to the rest of the crew and even to her. The woman was a nice person.


    Samael nodded, then said goodbye one last time, '''' See you soon.''''


    Natasha waved back, and Samael got out of the infirmary.


    Clare asked the woman, '''' Are you ready?''''


    Natasha looked at her omni tool one more time. There''s a picture of Jack showing up. She looked at it for a few seconds, '''' Ready.''''''


    Clare then started the process of putting the woman into cryosleep.


    It didn''t take long for Natasha to start to get faint. She looked at the picture one more time before her vision went black.


    --


    Samael sighed as he made his way toward the bar. It was a nice time to drink.


    When he arrived there, he saw Tali and Liara conversing. He joined both, '''' Hello ladies.''''


    '''' Capitain.'''' Both responded at the same time.


    '''' Can I join the conversation?''''


    '''' Sure.'''' Tali made space, and Samael sat between them.


    '''' Thank you.'''' Samael asked for a drink and then said, '''' What is the subject?''''


    '''' Seeing what is happening with Natasha and the upcoming Reapers, we were talking about family and such.'''' Liara nursed her drink while her eyes had a dazed look on them.


    Samael could not read Tali''s face, but he knew she also wanted a family.


    '''' Well, I don''t know if it counts to you both, but to me, the crew is family. Not of blood but of choice. We would go through hell and back for each other.''''


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    It was true in this cycle and in past ones. Samael considered them his family.


    He continued, '''' I hope you both feel the same down the line.''''


    Tali and Liara said nothing back, but they looked like they were thinking about it.


    The trio continued in silence, nursing their drink. After 5 minutes of silence, Samael said, ''''  Tali.''''


    '''' Yes?''''


    '''' We will go to Earth and check the progress with the Quarian Pill. Again, you can help the process.'''' Samael offered once again.


    Tali was really moved. Ever since he joined the SSV Phoenix, things have been going great for her. Now she would have the chance to work on helping her people.


    '''' I will gladly join.''''


    '''' Good. See you both soon.'''' Samael then said goodbye and went away to his quarter.


    Things are okay for now. Miranda was consoling Jack, Veronica was guiding the ship towards Earth, and EDI and RR were doing god knows what.


    And Samael went to sleep.


    --


    ONE DAY LATER


    Entering Earth''s atmosphere was SSV Phoenix. It had returned after 3 or so months of exploring the galaxy. A lot happened in those 3 months, so much so that it felt like years for the crew.


    They experienced the galaxy, told everyone about the Reapers, absorbed an evil organization, and killed and replaced an obscure figure. All in all, it was a success.


    But Samael knew this was just the beginning. He had a lot to do and very little time. There''s the Serum, the Quarian Pill, the Genophage Cure, wiping out the Illusive Man personality, maintaining his deal with Tevos, making Shepard a Spectre, waiting for the LD Headquarters on another planet to be built, waiting for Anderson to send Shepard files, see what''s wrong with his mind, check on Project Andromeda, etc.


    So, he would focus on things he could control and let fate guide the others. For now, it''s time to go home once more.


    Arriving at the LD main building in San Francisco, Samael told his crew they had at least a one-month vacation because the things he had to do were here on Earth anyway.


    Miranda and Jack went to work and checked with Clare to see if they were pregnant or not. The rest of the crew, like Veronica and John, went to their families. Everyone knew the upcoming threat, so they wanted to enjoy their free time with their loved ones.


    Tali and Liara thought they would stay at the LD building, but Samael stopped both. '''' Where are you going? Follow me.''''


    Both looked confused but followed Samael to a  SkyCar. They hopped in, alongside RR and EDI, and Samael went towards his home.


    He explained to both, '''' We are going to my place. You can sleep there.''''


    Tali and Liara got a little flustered as this was out of nowhere, but before they could say anything, Samael arrived at his home. LD''s main building was close to his place anyway.


    '''' We are here.'''' Samael got out of the SkyCar and helped both girls get out of it, '''' Time to meet my mom.''''


    Samael turned around and smiled a bit, seeing his loved ones getting so flustered. Then, his eyes got soft as he thought about how he was going to see his mom one more time,  '' ... I''ll have to convince her to leave Earth, as things will get more and more dangerous from now on.''


    His soft gaze was nowhere to be seen as he thought about the dangers.  He would ''convince''  Valery to go to the planet where Javik was, for protection.


    '' Now... how to convince her?''


    With that in mind, Samael, along with Tali and Liara, knocked on the door.


    '''' YES, who is it?'''' A familiar voice said it out loud.


    '''' Mom, it''s me!''''


    There''s a bit of silence in the area, then hurried steps toward the door. Valery jumped into Samael as soon as the door opened, '''' You''re back! I missed you.''''


    '''' I missed you too.''''


    After a minute or so of hugging, Samael broke the hug. He then looked at Tali and Liara and said, '''' Mom, those two will be staying with us for some time.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' Valery noticed Samael''s eyes when he looked at both girls. He never had that look on his face. She knew him better than anyone, and that surprised her, '' Could it be...?!''


    Samael, ignorant that his mom figured that he liked Tali and Liara with a look, introduced both, '''' This one is Liara, a Prothean expert. She is the best at her job.''''


    Liara, for some odd reason, was nervous, '''' Nice to meet you.''''


    '''' Likewise.''''


    '''' This one is Tali, one of the best engineers in the galaxy too. It''s a pleasure to have both working for me.''''


    Tali, too, was nervous but did her best not to show, '''' Nice to meet you.''''


    Valery smiled at them both and said, '''' How about you two enter here and go rest your feet? The place is way bigger on the inside.''''


    As mentioned before, before Samael left Earth, he upgraded the house Valery lived in. It was compared with the mansion, but the only downfall was that it was in the slums, so almost no one paid attention. And those who did were chased away by Tarzan.


    '''' Thank you!''''


    Tali and Liara then entered Samael''s house with hesitant steps.


    Then, Valery looked at RR and said, '''' Welcome back.''''


    RR ''smiled'' at her, '''' I missed you too. This one is EDI, I hope you don''t mind another room being occupied?''''


    Valery eyed EDI for a moment, then nodded at her, '''' It''s a pleasure to have you in my house. Feel yourself at home.''''


    EDI nodded, '''' Thank you, mother!''''


    Under the confused gaze of Valery, both AIs entered the home and helped Tali and Liara around.


    After making sure no one was hearing her, Valery ''interrogated'' her son, '''' So, who do you like between both?'' To be honest, they both seem pretty good for you.''''


    Samael looked at his mom with defeated eyes, '''' How did you know?''''


    '''' Son, I''m your mother. I know you better than most... so, who is it?''''


    '''' Both.''''


    '''' ... What?'''' This time, it was Valery who was surprised.


    '''' Yes, you heard it right. I''m going to pursue both, and there''s a third coming too.'''' Seeing the look on his mom''s face, Samael quickly escaped, '''' Wow, look at the time. I have to go help them.''''


    Samael then went inside his house and helped Tali and Liara settle in, with RR and EDI helping.


    Valery was in a daze for some time before sighing, '' Well, this is at least better than none.''


    She worried a lot in the beginning because Samael never showed interest in a romantic relationship. So, she was just glad he was finally acting toward that.


    '' ... What about Veronica...?''


    With worries for the girl''s chances, Valery entered her house.

 54 – Back Home (2)

    HOURS LATER


    '''' So, almost all members of your species lives inside a ship?... Is it good?'''' Valery asked Tali after she learned that information.


    Right now, it was just after dinner and everyone in the house was in the living room talking. Tali was the ''unlucky'' one to be the first one to be questioned about life.


    Tali didn''t hesitate to nod, '''' Well, yes. It''s very cramped, but we can manage.'''' She then told stories of her lifestyle.


    Samael was watching that with a smile on his face. Oh, how he dreamed of a life where this was normal. But no, this was one of the first times in many cycles he had the luxury of having this kind of scene, with his mom and two of his wives. Oh, and both AIs too.


    He was caught up in the moment, gazing at both with love-filled eyes.


    Liara, who was also listening to Tali''s story, suddenly looked at Samael. Almost like fate intended, Samael was looking at her too, with a gaze full of love.


    This time, however, Liara was aware of what that gaze meant after a few talks with Miranda and Jack. Both girls were... very open about romantic stuff.


    So, she recognized the look on his face as ''love''. The problem was the gaze was directed at her and Tali. That confused the young Asari, as romantics was not her area of expertise.


    Liara turned her gaze away, confusion and curiosity on why he looked at both like that taking her attention.


    While that was happening, Tali ended her story, '''' Yeah, so we are forced to leave so as to not let inbreeding take place.''''


    Valery was learning a lot today. As she lived most of her life on Earth, her knowledge of other species was limited, '''' Fascinating.'''' She then looked at Liara and started asking questions, '''' Now, Liara, tell me how does it work for the Asari to have babies? I mean, you are an all-female species, right?''''


    Samael smiled at his mom, as she had no qualms about asking difficult questions to anyone. '' I guess I inherited that from her.''


    Liara took her time to answer her, '''' It''s like this, our species had something called the meld -''''


    A few more hours passed and Valery finally realized it was late, '''' Oh my, look at the hours. You all must be tired from all that travel. Let''s go to sleep, you guys can choose a room.''''


    '''' Thank you.''''


    '''' Goodnight.''''


    Tali and Liara said goodbye to Natalie, as the woman went to her room.


    Both of them chose a room and went there. Liara noticed Samael was leaving the house and asked RR in a confused tone, '''' Where is he going.''''


    RR and EDI were going to their room, but the android stopped and answered Liara in a somewhat sad tone, '''' He is going to prepare.''''


    '''' For what?''''


    '''' For the Reapers.''''


    Tali, who was listening, asked, '''' But,  weren''t they a decade or so away? Why would he do that and not sleep?''''


    RR looked at both with a strange gaze, '''' You don''t know, do you?''''


    '''' Don''t know what?''''


    '''' About Samael''s end goal.''''


    Tali and Liara stopped to think about it. RR was right, the only thing they knew about Samael was the gossip of the Crew and the things he told them at their date a few weeks ago.


    So, they asked, '''' Tell us more.''''


    Unbeknownst to them, they were getting interested in Samael more and more with each passing day.


    RR then told both, as if reminiscing a long past, '''' Samael supposedly found a Prothean Beacon at a young age, here on Earth, before making me. He was plagued by the vision of destruction, and death, that the Beacon showed him. It molded him into what he is today, a person plagued with knowledge of a future he could not change.''''


    '''' So he changed himself. He only focused on trying to decipher the Beacon message and after a long time, he did. But, the future was worse than he thought. After learning about the Reapers and what they could do, he focused his entire life on preventing their success.''''


    '''' He had no friends in that phase of his life, expect one, and he spent most of his time studying, making tolls, all to stop the Reapers. That was how I was born, and named Reaper''s Reaper.''''


    For the first time since its creation, RR told others the meaning of her name.


    Tali and Lira were shocked but RR continued, '''' Can you imagine, you as a kid, learning about the future destruction of the galaxy, and the desperation and confusing feeling he must have felt?''''


    '''' Even after he made LD, all his focus was on how to better prepare. He still didn''t have time for a relationship or anything like that.'''' RR then decides to play wingman, '''' But, I noticed something changed when both of you arrived at the crew.''''


    '''' What do you mean?'''' Tali still didn''t realize Samael was interested in her.


    '''' It means he views us both in a romantic manner. '''' Liara said to the confused Quarian.


    '''' Wait, what?'''' Tali looked at RR, who nodded. '''' But, I''m a quarian...''''


    RR kind of snorted at that notion, '''' He doesn''t care about that. Samael is one of a kind, so if you ever get in a relationship with him and break his heart...''''


    The AI said nothing more but Tali and Liara gulped.


    '''' ... Can you lead us to where he went?'''' Liara asked, her face pensive.


    '''' Sure. Follow me.'''' RR then led the way, as Tali and Liara followed her. EDI stayed behind because she wanted to.


    The trio left Valery''s house and walked through the slums unperturbed. This was Samael''s turf just as much as it was Tarzan''s, so anyone who came out of that house was automatically protected.


    Soon, the trio arrived at the base they had in the slums, the same where Samael trained LD soldiers. As it was night, everything was dark, with everyone sleeping.


    RR navigated the place with ease, as she knew everything about the place. When she arrived close to Samael''s office, she stopped and looked back, '''' Don''t make much noise.''''


    Tali and Liara nodded as RR opened a small gap in the room. There, Samael was shirtless, working out and at the same time, he was writing something in a paper.


    The trio could not see the contents but it must have been important, as Samael didn''t even notice them. But, they could watch Samael work out.


    And, at least to one of them, it was a nice scene. Samael stood at 1,90 meters, had good muscle, dark hair, and brown eyes that looked like they could read you in an instant. He was a handsome person by all accounts.


    Tali and Liara looked at that scene with worry and concern, as it was already very late in the night, but he showed no signs of stopping what he was doing.


    '''' ... Does he do this every night?''''


    '''' No.'''' Just as Liara and Tali were relieved, RR continued, '''' This is tame compared to before.''''


    '''' My guess is that his time at the SSV Phoenix must have changed him quite a bit. Sometimes, he would go a day or two without eating and I would find him passed out on the ground out of exhaustion.''''


    That was a side no one except RR, who was with him almost from the beginning, knew about Samael. All they saw was the successful man on the outside, but they never saw what he did to get there and to prepare for the Reapers.


    '''' Now, let''s return home.''''


    Tali and Liara said nothing more to RR and followed the AI back home. Their feeling for the human was consolidating quite a bit thanks to what they learned about him.


    It also helped the way he treated both with nothing but respect.


    --


    WITH SAMAEL


    He was in his office, training, and making plans. By all means, the space trip was a resounding success. He put a lot of things into motion but there''s still a lot to do.


    The paper he had at hand was a list of things he should do. He crossed a lot of them already, such as making the Genophage cure, the quarian pill, etc.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    But there''s still a lot, like the following: Resolve the conflict between the Geth and The Quarians;


    Find and free the Rachni Queen;


    Make Legion the leader of the Geth;


    Go to Thessia to honor the deal with Tevos;


    Wipe out the Illusive Man personality;


    Wait for Shepard''s files, so she can become a human spectre;


    Romance Shepard, Tali, and Liara;


    Find someone or something that would help with my broken mind;


    Deal with the Reapers once and for all;


    Make sure Project Andromeda was on track and recruit everyone who should be recruited;


    Make Anderson a Councilour;


    Create the Serum and take it;


    Help Wrex from the Shadow, so he could become the Krogan emperor;


    Make sure people like Kasumi, Samara, and Thane are okay. Help them from the shadows if necessary;


    Make sure Garrus joins the crew down the line;


    Samael sighed seeing what he still had to do. Right now, he just wanted to rest but he knew he could not. Each second he spends preparing for war is another second won in his books.


    It meant he could not be free as much as he wanted, but it was a price he had to deal with. He just wanted to be in bed with Shepard, Tali, and Liara, as they told him about their days.


    '' How I miss those times... But, no rest for the wicked.''


    Just then, Samael remembered something, '' I forgot to send a message to the 3 of them.''


    He was talking about the reporters. He had sent the files containing the proof of the existence of slavers and evil organizations within the Alliance System. He also knew they would be in danger if they posted those files without protection.


    So, he sent another message to the three of them, '''' If you fear for your life, look for Officer Garrus Vakarian at C-Sec and explain the situation. He will protect you.''''


    With that out of the way, Samael returned to training.


    Time continued to pass, with Samael thinking about the future and possible outcomes, and finally, sleep came like a wave and Samael lost to it.


    --


    NEXT DAY


    Samael immediately noticed Liara and Tali looking at him almost like they did in past cycles when they got together. '' What happened?''


    He figured something must have happened and looked at RR. The Ai noticed that look and nodded at Samael.


    Samael looked at RR with pride in his eyes. His AI was an amazing AI.


    He would take advantage of this newfound interest they had in him to pursue both more aggressively.


    '''' Good morning, mom.'''' Samael kissed his mom''s forehead while she was in the living room, '''' Girls. How was your first night in my humble home?''''


    Tali smiled at Samael, '''' It was good, way better than the cramped Migrant Fleet.''''


    Liara nodded at that affirmation, '''' It was cozy.''''


    Valery chimed in, '''' How do you guys plan on spending the day? I mean, you still haven''t told me why you guys are on Earth.''''


    Samael paused. Yesterday was a busy day, with them arriving on Earth, so he did not explain things to Valery. It was time now.


    '''' Mom, what I''m about to tell you it''s top secret. Like, really. You can''t say this to anyone else, at least not now.''''


    Vallery could sense the seriousness of the situation, '''' OK. Hit me with it.''''


    So, for 10 minutes or so, Samael explained the whole Reapers situation to his mom.


    When Vallery heard about that, she stumbled a bit, '''' I have to sit down for a bit.''''


    Liara helped her sit down while Tali went to grab her a cup of water. Samael approached his mom and took her hand, '''' Mom.''''


    No reaction.


    '''' MOM!''''


    That shout brought her back to reality, '''' What is it?''''


    '''' We can win.''''


    No more words were said. The conviction of that statement shocked Valery a little. It was like he wasn''t even a tiny bit afraid. That made her ashamed as his mom.


    '' I can''t delve much into this. Besides, there''s nothing much I can do but trust him.''


    '''' Here.'''' Tali gave her the water.


    '''' Thank you, dear.'''' Valery gulped down the water and calmed down a bit. She looked at Samael, '''' ... I trust you, my love. Just, please, don''t do anything reckless.''''


    Samael patted his chest, '''' Of course, I''ll not be reckless! When was I?''''


    RR suddenly said, '''' When you fought 45 times in a row in Omega, when you infiltrated Cerberus alone and killed the head, when you fought a Krogan bare-''''


    '''' OK, ok! Stop.'''' Samael could see the light leave Valery''s eyes as RR spoke the things he did, so he stopped his AI. Then he turned to his mom once more, '''' Also ... I have a planet.''''


    '''' ... WHAT!''''


    '''' Not only that, I want you alongside a few others to move there in a few weeks.''''


    While the LD headquarters were still at the beginning stages of being built, the facilities for the Prothean and the LD army were still there. So, he wanted at least the family of those who lived here in the slums, to go to the planet, to live there. His mother included.


    Valery spaced out once more. It was too much information to take in , in so little time.


    Samael knew she reached her limit, so he said, '''' Think about it for some time. We will train for a bit, then we will come back.'''' He slowly backed away from his mom.


    Samael then said to Liara and Tali, '''' Let''s go.''''


    '''' Where?''''


    '''' To train. I made you both a promise to train you to be the best. It''s time to keep that promise.''''


    Also, that was an excuse to train their bodies, because as of now, if they took the Serum he was about to create, they would literally explode.


    The duo had no reason to say no, so they put on their training clothes and left the house. Before leaving though, Samael said to RR and EDI, '''' Make sure mom is okay.''''


    '''' Leave it to us.''''


    So, the trio left the house and went to the base to train. As this was morning, it was crowded, as it was literally the place where LD personnel were trained.


    Samael greeted those he passed and soon enough, the trio arrived at the training area. There Veronica was fighting John.


    '' Ohhhh. They both grew a lot.''


    Veronica was trained by Samael since young and John recently joined in the sessions. So, the experience was on the girl''s side and it was clear she was winning.


    Tali and Liara watched the scene with fervor, as they also wanted to fight like that.


    After 5 minutes, John lost and Veronica smiled at him,'''' It was a good match.''''


    John groaned a bit, '''' I need to train more.''''


    '''' Not really, you just need a little more calm. You had a few chances, but you wasted it.'''' Samael interjected as he gave some advice.


    Veronica brightened up when she saw Samael, '''' What are you doing here?''''


    Samael motioned to Liara and Tali, '''' From today on, those 2 will join us in training.''''


    John''s fighting spirit reignited, as he finally wasn''t going to be the newbie one. Veronica also had no problems, '''' Welcome aboard... And good luck.''''


    Liara and Tali were confused as to why she said that last part but before they could react, they heard Samael say, '''' OK, introductions were over. Let''s get started.''''


    GROAN


    Veronica and John groaned at the same time as they got into a fight position. Tali and Liara did the same but they had no idea why.


    '''' Why are you guys doing that?'''' Liara asked while looking unsure about the whole thing.


    Veronica said with a grinding voice, '''' You see, Samael''s training is effective but the way he goes about it... He says the best way to learn is to experience the move by feeling them.''''


    Liaraa paused. It meant they would get beaten, '''' But, we would not just stay still and get hit, right? I mean we should fight back.''''


    Veronica nodded, '''' We could, but do you remember the first time you saw him?''''


    Liara sweated (?) as she remembered the scene. Samael had won the 40+ fight in a row and faced Wrex and Javik.


    Tali also remembered it and the Quarian wasn''t so sure about the training anymore.


    But Samael didn''t care about that, '''' Ready or not, here I come!''''


    The training of one of the most powerful Asari and Quarian that ever lived started like that, but that is a story for another time.

 55 – Meeting with Mordin

    A few days after arriving at Earth and getting closer to Tali and Liara thanks to the rigorous training, Samael felt it was time to meet Mordin personally and speed a few things up.


    He asked Tali if she wanted to go with him, as he would be speaking about the Pill, among other things, with the Salarian. She declined and said she would love to join another time.


    So, right now Samael was at where his secret team worked on a lot of things. As of now, they were focused on the Quarian Pill and the Genophage cure, but later on, Samael would employ them on some interesting projects, like a bigger MECH and other things.


    Before entering the place, he made a call to Veronica. She answered a few seconds later, and Samael asked, '''' Did you get our new friend?''''


    Veronica sounded a little weird, '''' I did, but there was a little complication along the way.''''


    Samael sighed. As much as he loved the Krogans, they were just a little too prone to violent things. He knew right away what must have happened, '''' Are you ok?''''


    '''' I''m ok but our friend... John and I had to knock him out. Thanks for the concern.'''' Veronica sounded a little shy at that last part.


    '''' ...''''


    '' Ok, I might be too much of a good teacher.''


    Veronica and Jonh were personally trained by Samael so they are a force to be reckoned with. It was just he never thought they would be at a level where they could take a Krogan Warlord so soon.


    '''' Just make sure to go to Clare when you finish the drop. You and John.''''


    '''' Got it, Captain. We are arriving in less than 5 minutes.''''


    5 minutes later, a SkyCar descended and sure enough, a huge Krogan was ''sleeping'' at the back. Samael secretly took a few photos of it, just for posterity''s sake.


    He checked on John and Veronica, '''' You guys ok?''''


    '''' Yes. He was strong but in no way close to Javik and Wrex.''''


    Alongside Samael''s training, both also trained under Javik and Wrex.


    '''' Good. Thanks for the help.''''


    '''' Anytime.''''


    John and Veronica dropped Okeer to the ground and left soon after.


    It then hit Samael, '''' ... How I''m supposed to carry this dinosaur to the building?''''


    Each Krogan should weigh at least 100 kg. It wasn''t much for other Krogan,  but for a human it was.


    '' Sigh.''


    With no other choice, Samael dragged the unconscious Krogan to his building.


    Entering the secret place/building, Samael bypassed the nonexistent security. This place was so secret that no security was allowed. But, if someone entered the place without prior authorization, a VI would alert LD forces if demand was necessary, and they would come help.


    If that really happened, they would have to change places, but Samael was prepared for that too.


    Anyway, Samael navigated the building and soon enough he arrived at where the team was working. Their number was close to 100 and the majority was human with a few exceptions. They were the best Earth had in terms of intellect, as Samael made sure he ''recruited'' only the best of the best. Thanks to his future knowledge, that was easy.


    The scene in the place was weird. A lot of them were lying on the ground, sleeping, with only a few up and working. Those who were up had heavy bags under their eyes, indicating they had not slept for a long time.


    They were working under those circumstances. Samael would feel bad if he didn''t know those people loved working.


    COUGH


    With a small cough, everyone''s attention was on Samael. They knew him because he personally hired them.


    '''' Boss!''''


    That shout from a random scientist woke up everyone and suddenly they rushed to SAmael.


    '''' Boss, do you have more things we can work on?! We are almost ending the cure and the pill! We need more!!!!''''


    '''' How did you come up with that idea? GENIUS!''''


    '''' Dubbed anime is trash!''''


    '''' What is that Krogan on the ground?''''


    A weird shout was mixed with all that, but Samael just smiled at them, '''' Good to see you all too. How is the progress with the things I asked? Also, that Krogan is your new colleague, treat him well.''''


    Okeer and Samael had reached a deal a few days back and marked a meeting on Earth. They now would work together.


    Of course, Okeer thought he was supposed to work on the Genophage cure, but Samael would push him to work on Grunt. Maybe a lot of other little Grunts.


    A few scientists grabbed Okeer and put him on an improvised bed nearby. The rest started to tell the progress of the Pill and The Cure.


    '''' As of now, we are specifically 86% done with the Cure and 75% done with the Pill.''''


    It was an amazing progress.


    They started to explain things Samael already knew, but he pretended to listen well. Soon, however, Mordin came into view.


    Even with all that commotion, he was still working.


    Samael excused himself, '''''' Guys, thanks for your hard work. Take the day off today.''''


    A few boohed and others cheered. Samael made sure to send a few thousand credits to everyone''s account.


    Now, only Mordin, Samael, and the still unconscious Okeer were in the secret base/building.


    Samael approached Mordin from behind and looked at what the Salarian was doing.


    '' Hm... he''s close to finishing. He really is a good scientist.''


    Mordin was one of a kind. Even though his species was short-lived, the Salarian had done a lot of things with his limited time in the universe. He taught almost everything Samael knew about science.


    Samael didn''t interrupt the Salarian and the seconds turned to minutes and minutes into one hour.


    At one hour mark, Samael suddenly said felt it was time to introduce himself, '''' Mordin.''''


    '''' Busy.''''


    Samael smield at that, '''' MORDIN!''''


    That shout made the Salarian pause and look back. His fish-like eyes looked surprised.


    Samael extended his hand, '''' It''s nice to meet you personally.''''


    Mordin finally realized it was his supposed boss in front of him. He wasn''t intimidated though. He accepted the handshake, '''' Samael... Nice to meet you too. I have many questions... to start with, who is that Krogan?''''


    '''' Your new colleague.''''


    '''' Huh... Interesting, yes. Any reason for the sudden visit?''''


    '''' I want to meet you, check the progress of things, and ... show you something incredible.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' That last part intrigued Mordin the most. '''' Can you show me now?''''


    '''' Just like with the Genophage and the Pill, you can''t say about this to anyone else. Do you understand?''''


    Mordin got serious. If this new thing was at the same level as the other two, it was incredible. The Salarian prepared himself mentally, '''' My mouth is sealed, yes.''''


    '''' Good. Read this and tell me what you think about it.'''' Samael passed the serum formula to Mordin. It was complete, not only 50% like he did with the other two.


    It also had notes on what ALL the Mordin''s from past cycles had studied, what Samael had studied, and what other people who had come into contact had said about it. In other words, this Mordin was going to stand on the shoulder of giante. If anyone could improve or find an error in the formula, it would be him.


    This would change the fate of many. He only passed to Mordin as he wanted the Salarian to be involved even if just a little, as he was one of the original creators of this.


    Mordin received the files and started to read. It didn''t take long for his eye to enlarge to an enormous degree, '''' Is this real?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Yes.''''


    '''' ... This will change the status quo of the galaxy.''''


    '''' It will.''''


    '''' Did you make this alone?''''


    '''' ... I did.''''


    '''' Samael ... this is amazing. If the test were proven to be successful, it would basically allow a feeble species like the Volus to have the strength of a Krogan. Mixing the DNA of a species with great strength, you would obtain enormous powers...'''' Mordin then said in a somewhat sad tone, as he also read about the expected side effect of forcefully changing your DNA. '''' Of course, there will be side effects but I think it''s worth the risks.''''


    The Serum was, essentially, a way to gain the strength of a Krogan by infusing its DNA into the body of the person who took it and changing it. It was extremely dangerous for various reasons.


    In the notes, for some reason, there''s a list of possible side effects of infusing the DNA of a Krogan into another person: Extreme Aggressiveness;


    Short lifespan or a long lifespan;


    Infertility;


    Death;


    Samael could only affirm that the aggressiveness existed as a Side effect, as he experienced one in a past cycle. It wasn''t nice.


    But, he could not test any of the other side effects, as in past cycles he never tried for real to have kids, and he always died at 28 regardless if he took the serum or not.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    It was all hypothesis, but Samael knew based on Mordin''s intelligence and his own, that the probability of the other side effects existing was high.


    But that''t exactly why he compiled all the notes he had accumulated across cycles, from him and others, to help Mordin in this journey. If the Salarian would accomplish that, no one knows.


    Mordin continued reading the file and then inspiration hit him, '' If I could somehow infuse not only the DNA of a Krogan but also mix it with one from another species, like the Asari ... it could theoretically get rid of some side effects.''


    Just in cue, the Salarian changed a page on the file he was reading and sure enough, there were notes about what he just thought. But, it seemed Samael didn''t come up with an answer to this. '' Interesting...''


    A challenge arrived at the Salarian, and he would do his best to get rid of or at least diminish the side effects.


    It was then that Samael said,'''' That''s where you enter. I want you to work on this for some time to see if you can find a way to better it or find another unknown side effect. Also, I already have the ingredients to make one.''''


    Mordin paused. This was bigger than he thought. Before he could say anything, Samael said.


    '''' I can give you a dose too, but I don''t think your body can handle it all. See if we can somehow make it work.''''


    Mordin was touched. From what he knew, the files said to take the Serum you had to have a good and strong body to handle all the contents. You could literally explode if you tried to take the full-capacity serum.


    '''' I''ll start working on it right away. But, it will affect the progress of the Pill and the Cure. I don''t like to brag, but I''m one of the best you have here.''''


    It wasn''t a brag. He really was one of the best.


    Samael just smiled, '''' Don''t worry, they will be done soon.''''


    Mordin caught up quickly, '''' You mean..''''


    '''' Yes, I will help you guys on the research.''''


    Mordin relaxed instantly. He knew that Samael made 50% of both projects alone, and he also created the Serum. In a month or so, they managed to make good progress but did not complete them.


    Now, with the original creator joining, they will finish soon enough.


    Samael then said, '''' Now, let''s get to work?''''


    Mordin nodded, '''' Let''s!'''' He would use this opportunity to see what Samael was capable of while working on the Serum.


    By the way, Okeer was forgotten.


    --


    A DAY LATER


    Tali finally accepted Samael''s invitation to go oversee the making of the Quarian Pill after today''s training. They took a shower and went to the ''secret'' building in a skycar.


    Arriving there, both went inside and soon arrived at where the scientist did their job. They were working at full speed, as Samael''s presence yesterday made them want to work harder. From what they heard, Samael and Mordin stayed in the room, working, while they went away.


    That made the others a little jealous, as they lost a chance to see Samael''s work. So, today they were prepared and now overjoyed when they saw Samael arriving, '''' Boss!''''


    Samael smiled at his employers. While he could''ve done a lot of what they did here a long time ago, it was nice to see others growing at a fast speed thanks to you, '''' Good day to you all. I came here today with a fellow scientist of some sort.'''' He introduces Tali to them, '''' This is a crew member of the SSV Phoenix, and just like you all, she is irreplaceable. Her name is Tali Zora''h Vas Phoenix.''''


    There''s no contempt in their eyes, as they looked at Tali with nothing but respect. Working with Samael was more than enough to prove she was special.


    Only Mordin didn''t stop what he was doing.


    '''' Nice to meet you!''''


    '''' Welcome to our house!''''


    Tali was a little taken aback by the positive welcome but she embraced it. '''' Thank you. The honor is mine.''''


    In fact, it was really an honor to be here. In that room, most of the future best minds were gathered, working for a single man, for the betterment of the galaxy.


    After the introduction, Samael smiled and said, '''' Today, I feel like doing a little explaining to our friend Tali. You guys mind hearing me out?''''


    '''' No problem.''''


    All scientists, including Mordin and the still grumbling Okeer, stopped what they were doing and gathered around.


    '''' Now, I know you all know about this but I''ll ask anyway. What is the biggest problem the Quarian species faces today?''''


    One of the scientists spoke immediately, '''' Their immunity system is trash. So much so that simple exposure to normal air is almost fatal to them.''''


    '''' Correct. Now, as you studied it, how will the Quarian pill work?''''


    This time, Mordin spoke up. '''' We will forcefully adapt their system to the normal.''''


    The Serum and the Quarian Pill had basically the same principle, but the Serum was 10000 times more dangerous.


    '''' Good. Now, why did no one come up with that idea before? I mean, the technological advances, especially in the medical field, were BIG on the galaxy for the past decade or so. Someone should''ve thought of something like that along the way.''''


    A few murmurs started but surprisingly, it was the newbie Okeer who spoke up, '''' A few years ago I made contact with Quarians scientists. Don''t ask me how, because the details were irrelevant.''''


    '''' Anyway, at that time, he said something along those lines, but he said they did not have the capability of making something like that. Nor would they in a couple of decades, maybe even centuries.''''


    '''' Thank you for your input, Okeer.'''' Samael thanked the Krogan and continued, ''''So, how did LD, or rather, us manage to do what they did not? Are we smarter than them? Are we more desperate than them? NO!''''


    Samael remembers the struggle he was in when he created the Serum and the Pill alongside Mordin and Tali in a past cycle. He felt Tali''s despair of not having the chance to have a normal life so he spent almost that entire cycle focusing on this task only. It worked.


    Of course, not instantly, it was trial and error for more than 5 decades, counting the time loop. But he managed it by being stubborn.


    '''' We saw a problem and decided to do our best to fix it. Not more, nothing less. We aren''t better than them or anything along those lines, we just focused solely on that, with nothing else on our front. Of course, I helped in the beginning but the rest of the progress is on you.''''


    A few proud nods come from the team, as they knew Samael was right. They were recruited by him long ago and ''forced'' to continue following their dream and aspiration of becoming a good scientist. They managed it and the two projects they were working on, which were supposed to take more than 5 years to go from 50% completion to 100%, in only 1-2 months, was almost above 80%.


    It was a reminder that they ARE one of the best, if not the best teams around the galaxy. They were accomplishing things others thought impossible at a rapid pace.


    '''' And now, it''s time to finish BOTH projects. Starting today, I''ll help you all personally. Of course, Tali will help too.''''


    Just like Mordin yesterday, the scientists were ecstatic about finding out Samael was going to join them in the research.


    '''' Nice!''''


    After a few small cheers, Samael entered scientist mode, something he didn''t do for a long time. No more thoughts, about the Reapers, his task now was to finish the Pill and the Cure, while helping the others with their doubts.


    Tali followed suit and watched as Samael took charge of the operation in a room full of people more capable than her. It was honestly a strange scene.


    '''' He''s interesting, no?'''' Suddenly, someone arrived at Tali''s side. It was a Salarian, '''' Oh, where are my manners? My name is Doctor Mordin Solus. It''s a pleasure to meet you.''''


    '''' Likewise.'''' Tali greeted her fellow scientist and answered his earlier question, '''' Yes, he is.''''


    '' And for some reason, according to RR, he''s interested in me... Romantically.''


    That was something she found out a day or so ago, and from the gaze, Samael looked at her, it seemed to be true. Which was weird for the Quarian, as she never was at the end of the admiration.


    Even more so from a successful man like Samael. The human seemed to know everything, anytime, anywhere.


    '''' One of the most interesting humans I met, yes.''''


    Tali then made some small talk with Mordin and soon after, both joined Samael and the other scientists as they sped up the process of making the cure and the Pill.


    Also, Okeer for some reason, didn''t mind being here. That was supposed to be weird, as he was forced to come here and now he was working for real for the people who did that to him.


    But it also made sense, as the people here were working on something he was also working on. The difference is that they were almost finished while he was almost at the beginning.


    It hurt his pride a bit, but the thought of making part of the Genophage Cure, even if his participation was insignificant, was nice.


    Just as the Krogan was losing his sense of purpose, someone sent a file on his Omni Tool. He stopped thinking and doing what he was doing and looked at the message.


    When he saw the content, his eyes enlarged to a ridiculous degree.


    The file contained a project that would allow the Krogan species, even after being cured, to reach a new height. The only downside was the name of the project, something Okeer found silly.


    '' Project Grunt....''

 56 – A Fated Meeting (1)

    For the next few days, Samael''s life consisted of the following: wake up, flirt with Tali and Liara, train at the slum base, shower, take Tali with him and go help Mordin and the others with the research, and then return home, flirt with Liara and Tali, and go to bed.


    At this point, the Pill and the Cure were both 99% done, and today was the day they would complete them.


    Samael was looking around the room full of scientists with a smile on his face. He nodded at them and said, '''' WE OFFICIALLY FINISHED!''''


    '''' YEAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!''''


    Cheers erupted around the room, but Samael quickly said, '''' But we will not be launching them right now. We will use a few months to try and perfect the final product, if possible, and in the meantime, I''ll introduce you to a few new projects. REMEMBER, THE PILL AND THE CURE ARE A TOP-SECRET PROJECT, NO ONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THEM, AT LEAST FOR NOW!''


    ''''Also, BONUS CREDITS TO EVERYONE.''''


    When they heard the product would not be launched, and to keep it quiet, the researchers got a little dispirited, but as soon as they heard about the bonus, their vigor returned.


    Only Mordin and Okeer were still working. One with the Serum and the other with the new Grunt Project. The Krogan, however, was also in shock that the Genophage Cure, something that plagued his species for so long, was finally resolved in a matter of months from what he could gather.


    The scientists proved to be friendly, and, as he was brought personally by Samael, who he also found out was the owner of LD, they trusted the Krogan enough to tell him all he wanted.


    Of course, Okeer would also honor their trust and would not reveal anything to anyone, as long as it didn''t threaten his life.


    He also wanted to go to Tuchanka right now with the news about the Cure but knew LD was too powerful to go against. Besides, they were going to sell it to them anyway.


    Okeer didn''t interact much with Samael, but he had asked about what this was all about.


    FLASHBACK


    '''' Why are you doing this?'''' Okeer asked when he saw Samael alone. The others were eating or passed out on their improvised beds. Even the Krogan was sleep-deprived, but he had more endurance than humans, salarians, or quarians, so he was managing it well.


    Samael too, was tired as heck, as he almost didn''t rest, thanks to his tight schedule. But, he still finds time to answer his ''friend''. '''' It''s quite simple, actually.''''


    '''' Go on.''''


    Samael really liked the bluntness of the Krogan species. Just like the Salarians, they don''t give a fuck about you. '''' Well, first of all, I want to help the Krogans.''''


    Okeer snorted at that thought.


    '''' It''s true. Well, I also have a deal with Urdnot Wrex, but that is irrelevant for now... '''' Samael threw the bait and waited.


    He didn''t have to wait long, as Okeer said in surprise, '''' That old dinosaur? Even for me, that is someone who I consider crazy.''''


    Samael chuckled at the thought of Wrex''s reputation, '''' Yes, him. We worked together for some time, creating a bond, and we made a deal. I''ll help him gather all other clans under one banner, sell him the cure, and all he has to do is help against the upcoming war.''''


    Okeer paused and asked,  What war are you talking about?''''


    Samael realized he caused an opsie, but he didn''t care. He would not just say it now, '''' You can ask him later. Anyway, that was it. I wanted to help and also saw an opportunity, so I used it... You saw what we did, you studied it. You know there''s no risk, and I know it''s VERY soon to ask you this, but trust me when I say I have the best interest in mind.''''


    Okeer could see the sincerity in the human''s eyes and for some reason, his gut and instincts were telling him to believe the man. So, he said, '''' Just... thank you. For helping.''''


    The Krogan could only accept it.


    '''' You''re welcome.''''


    END OF FLASHBACK


    Okeer then saw everyone leaving and decided to go to another room in the building, one that Samael had given him after passing the Grunt Project. It was to help the Krogan work alone, but for some days now, he has been thinking about asking for assistance. The other researchers, his fellow scientists, would absolutely help him if he asked.


    If the Krogan would do that, only time would tell.


    Okeer and the researchers left, leaving only Mordin and Samael behind.


    The Salarian suddenly said, ''''  I thought of the name for the Serum!''''


    '''' Oh?'''' This was news for Samael, '''' What do you have in mind?''''


    '''' Chimera Serum. Because, well, you would basically become one. Not entirely, but you get it.''''


    Samael thought it made sense. Basically, the serum would change the structure of your body/DNA in a way that you would become some sort of chimera. Not totally, but close.


    It would allow you to have the strength of a Krogan. Of course, the aforementioned side effects existed, but it was too good of an upgrade to pass it. Of course, some people would not take it willingly.


    But, Samael was. The war against the Reapers was that big of a threat.


    '''' Also, Mordin.''''


    '''' Yes?''''


    '''' Make a Quarian Pill for me.''''


    The project was done, and now they would make the finished product. It would allow Tali to live outside her suit without any type of problem. Also, it would be an amazing Gift for the Quarian.


    '''' It''s for Tali, right? Her help was amazing.'''' Mordin remembered the young Quarian. While she arrived very late in the project, her presence did help a lot. '''' No problem.''''


    The Salarian knew they should test it first, but he was confident that there would be no problems. Because he made. It was 100% safe to use it.


    So, Mordin was about to ask for the ingredients to make it, but Samael just dropped them in front of him. '''' It seems you are really eager to see her without the suit.''''


    Yes, the Salarian had eyes and noticed how Samael looked at Tali. He did the romantic math and knew the human was interested in the Quarian. Which was weird for Mordin, but taste wasn''t meant to be disregarded or discussed.


    Others would find the Salarian bluntness off-putting, but Samael was ok with it, '''' As a matter of fact, yes.'''' He then continued, '''' But, besides that, all the other Quarians deserve a chance to live outside their suit.''''


    '''' I''m glad to have accepted your offer.'''' Mordin was sincere as he started making the PIll. It was a relatively easy process, but it would take an hour or two.


    Samael then started to help too. The ingredients to the pill were easier to obtain than the Serum, so the process of making them was also easier.


    TWO HOURS LATER


    Mordin had in his hand the Quarian Pill, a product that would change a lot of things around the galaxy. '''' Done.''''


    The Salarian knew that they could somehow improve the formula/pill but for now, this was the best. No side effect, almost immediate reaction. Tali would be able to get out of her suit in 2 or 3 days.


    Of course, the researchers and, by proxy Mordin, thought about all that and were convinced that nothing would go wrong, so it was safe to use it.


    Mordin passed the Pill to Samael, '''' Here.''''


    Samael grabbed the Pill with somewhat shaky hands. It was finally time to see Tali''s face once again. He wasn''t going to lie, more than 18 years had passed since he saw her face for real, and with his memory now not being more trustable, he was afraid he was going to forget her face.


    This Pill was made with the goal of helping Tali and the Quarians, but it was also born out of Samael''s selfish desires.


    Mordin then suddenly clapped his hands in a weird manner. Samael looked at him as the Salarian spoke, '''' I almost forgot. Go get her, TIGER! ... Or so I remember hearing.''''


    Samael stumbled a bit before smiling at Mordin, '''' Never change, Mordin. Never change.''''


    '''' I don''t plan to.''''


    The human gave the Salarian a quick hug, '''' Thanks for this.''''


    Mordin was a little awkward but didn''t reject it, '''' Go now.''''


    Samael broke the hug and started going away, '''' See you later.''''


    Mordin waved his hands at Samael and followed the human with his eyes as he left.


    MORDIN POV


    I felt a huge burden being lifted off my shoulders. I finally resolved my guilt because of my involvement in the Genophage by making the cure. Of course, what it did, my actions, and the repercussions of that still remain, but it''s just the beginning.


    I also helped make the Quarian Pill, and I''m in the middle of making the Chimera Serum, something even bigger than both those projects together... I could finally and confidently say I did it, and I started to feel good about myself.


    Looking for a chair nearby, I basked in the feeling for some moments.  I closed my eyes and just relaxed. It was nice...


    After what felt like a lifetime, I broke the spell and looked around. The place was a mess, but it was a place I came to enjoy.


    I also came to realize I didn''t have much more to do here, as the project I was called to help with was done. Of course, there are others, but the two we just finished took priority.


    But I could see some others, like a bigger MECH, nanomachines, and others.


    '' When me and Samael finish the Serum, if he doesn''t say anything, I guess I''ll just retire or something along those lines...''


    I laughed at my own thoughts, ''Who are you trying to fool? I know I can''t stay without a job ... and with Samael''s permission, of course, I can use the Chimera Serum to enhance my lifespan... if that is even possible.''


    That was just one of the many assumptions Mordin made with the small amount of time he had to study the Serum. Only time and more research would tell me if I was right or not.


    As I was thinking about my future, I heard a not-so-subtle-step. I knew immediately who it was, '' Okeer.''


    While I do admit I had some qualms with Krogan scientists, I came to admire the ''integrity'' of this one. He is a good researcher.


    '''' Salarian.'''' Okeer greeted me in a very Krogan-like manner.


    '''' Krogan.'''' I answered on the same coin.


    Okeer snorted a little as he started talking, '''' I would never have thought I would work alongside a Salarian , the same species that made the curse that plagued my people.''


    '' If only he knew I was involved personally in making it... but somethings were not meant to be said, and I''ll take that secret to the grave.''


    '''' It might be difficult, but I could say we are... acquaintances, yes?'''' I didn''t mind his company, and his intellect and ideas on the Genopaghe cure as a Krogan were very helpful.


    '''' ... Yes.'''' Okeer clearly struggled to say the rest, but eventually, he did, '''' I also never thought I would ask for help. But this is bigger than the Genopahge. This is more.''''


    '''' Oh? You have my attention.'''' I was intrigued by the direction of this conversation.


    '''' See this first.'''' Okeer transferred a few files from his Omni tool to mine.


    I began to read it, and metaphorically, my jaw dropped. A few pages in, and I recognized the author of the file right away. '''' This is from Samael, yes?''''


    Okeer nodded, '''' He gave it to me some time ago. The more I studied, the more impressed I became. The human is on another level.''''


    I could only nod at that information, '' The Pill, the Cure, This, the Serum ... who knows what more he had in store? I''m just glad he is a good person.''


    I then said to Okeer after I finished reading the file, '''' Why show me this? You know, I can just tell my people about it.''''


    Okeer actually snorted, '''' You won''t because I know you understand the file. It''s not just a way to make a Krogan, it''s a way to remove the imperfection of my species. You can''t say no to that.''''


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    '' ... It''s a shame to say he is right. The Grunt Project is something incredible.''


    '''' Also, I need your help.'''' Okeer sighed, '''' I''m enough to make the entire project alone, but ... I need someone to keep me in check. You saw the files and know how easy it is to go astray... I have no idea why Samael trusted me this much.''''


    '' He was right. He could do something wrong with the best intentions for his species... I guess I can''t say no. Besides, this will be fun, yes.''


    As I thought of the fun sleepness nights ahead of me, thanks to the Grunt Project and the Chimera Serum, I accepted the Krogan''s proposal, '''' It is my pleasure to help you.''''


    That was the beginning of an alliance that not even Samael predicted.


    NORMAL POV


    Samael rushed home, his thoughts were a mess. This was supposed to be routine, as he had done the same things other times before. But, for some reason, maybe because it was his ''real'' last time, he was nervous.


    His SkyCar cut others off as his focus was solely on going to Tali. Soon, the slums appeared in view, and he sped up even more.


    Samael arrived at his house and parked the SkyCar like a maniac. He rushed and pushed the door open, '''' TALI!''''


    Tali was in the living room, alongside Valery. They were watching something, and the shout startled everyone.


    RR and EDI were somewhere else, while Liara wasn''t there because she wanted to train some more with Veronica and John.


    The Quarian recovered instants later, '''' Wh-what is it?''''


    It was the first time she saw Samael so out of breath since she met him, so it must be important.


    '''' We finished it.'''' Samael held his hand out, and inside there was something that Tali knew about.


    The Quarian got up from the sofa with unsteady steps, her legs almost failing her, '''' Is that-''''


    '''' Yes. The Quarian Pill. After taking just one of these, the Quarians will be free of their suits. Forever.''''


    Valery just smiled at the scene. Her son created something outrageous once more. Like every Thursday for her.


    '''' No more eating from a straw, no more death because of a paper cup... Tali, your people are free.''''


    Tali was stunned. She had the Pill in her hands and was holding it like her life depended on it.  She knew how valuable it was.


    She never dreamed of this. When she looked at the human in front of her, her heart sped up a bit. '''' I don''t even know how to thank you. You changed the fate of my species forever.''''


    Samael held her hand, '''' I just want you to be happy.''''


    Tali could see his eyes, and the emotions he was giving were genuine.


    '''' Now, take it. Of course, the effect wasn''t instant, but in 2-3 days, you''re free from the suit.''''


    Tali nodded, and with trembling but firm hands, she opened the compartment where the Quarians put their drinks. She put the pill in her mouth and swallowed it.


    She started crying soon after that. Her nightmare and that of her people were over.


    Samael could not resist and hugged her, '''' It''s over.''''


    Tali returned the hug, and both human and Quarian stood there for some time.


    After some time, Tali broke the hug and took a deep breath. She then did something not even Samael predicted.


    He saw her taking some other medication, the ones where it allowed the Quarians not to die after being exposed to the outside, and suddenly, she took out her helmet. Her face was visible.


    Samael was dumbstruck. She wasn''t exactly beautiful by normal standards, but Samael didn''t care about that. Hell, he didn''t even care if she was the ugliest Quarian in the Universe. The only thing that mattered to him was that it was Tali.


    That was more than enough.


    Seeing her once more ignited something deep inside him.


    Valery saw that look on her son''s face and smirked. She sensed something was about to happen and quietly left the living room, going to the base, to ensure no one would interrupt whatever was going to happen there.


    Tali closed her eyes after taking the helmet off because, for the first time ever, she felt free. After some time of basking in that feeling, she opened her eyes.


    What she saw was a man clearly in love with her. For the first time since they met, she was confident that she also felt something for the human. It also helped that he was interested in her before even taking the helmet off.


    Tali then realized he wasn''t saying anything, '' Perhaps he thinks I''m too ugly...?''


    Just as Tali was about to say something, Samael suddenly went forward and kissed her on the lips.


    This took Tali by surprise for a moment, as this was literally her first kiss. Her first reaction was surprise, but the second was to reciprocate the gesture.


    It started with a peck, then tongue got involved, and things would''ve progressed even further if Samael hadn''t pulled back at that moment.


    He was panting, and so was Tali. Her eyes were a little glazed as she asked, '''' Why did you stop?''''


    Samael said with regret in his eyes, '''' You just took the Pill. I know that the medicine you took moments before allows you to survive outside the suit for a short period of time, but I also know how bad it gets for you even with that. I waited 2- this long, I can wait a few more days.''''


    Tali could not believe this man. He had her like this, could do anything to her, and he backed off because he cared more about her wellbeing than just physical contact.


    '' Oh, it''s over. I feel hard for this man.''


    It wasn''t supposed to be like this. They just met not long ago, less than 3 months ago. From the beginning, it was clear the man held some sort of sentiment for her, something others confirmed, but she hadn''t noticed at that point.


    When it was pointed out to her, she vowed to do her best to take things slowly, as it seemed he was also interested in Liara, a good friend of hers. But, at this point, and with his attitude, it was too late.


    This time it was Tali who jumped into Samael''s arms, then hungrily kissed him. She broke after a few moments, '''' Kiss is allowed, right?''''


    '''' More than allowed, it''s recommended. I heard somewhere from a study that a kiss a day, makes the Quarian -''''


    '''' Shut up and kiss me!''''


    Tali and Samael then continued their make-out session for a long time.


    --


    HOURS LATER


    When Valery arrived at home with RR, EDI, and Liara, everyone noticed the strange atmosphere in the room.


    For some reason, Tali was in the living room, still in her suit, helmet and all, eating something.


    Samael was in the kitchen, doing something to eat.


    RR, the sex-crazed AI she was, noticed right away something happened, '''' Samael, did you -''''


    '''' Yes, I made food for you all.'''' Samael interrupted her and showed everyone the food. He also winked at RR, who understood it was to stay quiet.


    But another AI didn''t get the memo.


    ''''Samael, did you have intercourse with Tali?''''


    Tali, who was watching TV, coughed hard a few times. Valery smirked at that reaction.


    Liara was a little taken aback, but she was glad for her friend. But, for some reason, she still noticed Samael was looking at her the same way he did. Which means he was still interested in her.


    '' This is ... interesting, to say the least. I need time to process all of this.''


    Samael faced palmed, '''' No , EDI. We didn''t. I just gave the Quarian Pill.''''


    '''' What is that?'''' Liara asked with curiosity.


    ''''Something that allows the Quarians to live outside their suit. Permanently.''''


    Liara instantly looked at Tali, who nodded. She was overjoyed and rushed to hug her friend. ''''Congratulations!!!'''' She then started a barrage of question, '''' Is it safe? No side effect?''''


    '''' Yes, and no. The effects take effect in 2 or 3 days. Until then, I still have to wear the suit.''''


    Liara was just glad for her friend. But a naughty idea plagued her mind, and she didn''t resist testing the waters, '''' Also, there''s a kiss mark in your helmet.''''


    '''' Where?!'''' Tali took off her helmet to check it.


    When she did so, she revealed a lot of kiss marks on her face. The Quarian was still looking at her helmet when she heard Liara snicker.


    It then hit Tali what just happened. The Quarian looked at Samael and just noticed he was smiling at her, clearing didn''t minding the situation. If the other part didn''t care, so she would care too.


    Also, RR and EDI were watching the scene with popcorn in their hands. Humans'' relationship was something like cinema to the Ai''s.


    Tali put her helmet back on, '''' You saw nothing.''''


    Liara nodded,'''' I only saw how beautiful you are.''''


    Tali was about to say stop, but Lara continued.


    '''' I mean it. And once more, congratulations.''''


    Tali could only hug her friend out of embarrassment, '''' Thank you.''''


    Samael was over the moon today. This was honestly one of the best days he had on this last cycle of his. He would cherish this memory forever.


    But, he was also thinking about how to proceed with Liara and Shepard, '' Liara is somehow the weak link, as she didn''t really mind polygamy. I can go slow with her... Now Shepard is another story.''


    He still hasn''t met her in this cycle, so he would have to change that.


    '''' Is the scene over yet?'''' Valery watched as she eat,'''' The food will get cold.''''


    Liara then remembered the food and said, '''' Sorry.'''' She and Tali, who had already eaten but chose to sit at the table, went there.


    Samael also sat down while RR and EDI went to do their things.


    '''' Thanks for the food.'''' Liara thanked Samael as she ate.


    '''' No problem.''''


    The dinner was somehow normal and awkward at the same time. Tali and Samael exchanged flirty glances but Samael also shared some with Liara. It was strange, for sure.


    Valery on the other hand, was having the time of her life for having the opportunity to see Samael act like that. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he really didn''t have any sort of romantic relationship. The only thing close to that was Veronica, but things were even weirder between them, and they didn''t flirt like that in front of her.


    So she was seeing her love-struck son trying to somehow date two girls. She really didn''t mind it, and she just wanted to see how things would end. She just hoped he would be happy and the other involved too.''


    Soon after dinner ended, everyone went to their room. Even Samael went to sleep and didn''t work until late. It seems the makeout session with Tali drained his willpower so much that he was dead tired.


    NEXT DAY


    Samael got up thanks to a message on his omni tool, and almost like fate intended, it was from the team he sent to protect Shepard on her missions.


    It was a simple one, '''' We are on Earth. Alliance gave Shepard a vacation, and she gave us one. We are waiting for further missions.''


    Samael responded with, '' Can you tell me where she is right now?''


    The LD personnel send Samael a message with Shepard''s location. It was a bar in the city, so he didn''t really need to travel.


    '' Good job. Go rest for now, you earned.'' Samael sent a few thousand credits to the group that accompanied Shepard.


    '' Thanks, boss.''


    Samael closed the message and went to get ready. Today was the day he was going to meet Shepard once more.


    Of course, before leaving, he would make sure to kiss Tali a little more, and cancel his schedule for the day.


    '' Ah, life is good.''

 57 – A Fated Meeting (2)

    WITH SHEPARD


    The last week has been HELL for me and my crew. For some goddamn reason, the Alliance, or rather Anderson, was sending us to missions nonstop. Generally, they were easy to do and close to Earth, so in the last few days, we completed 11 official Alliance missions.


    Meaning we had almost no rest. But, God heard our prayers since, after the last mission, we were given permission to return to Earth and rest. LD personnel also left, since we weren''t on a mission and didn''t need them.


    They said they would return after we were assigned a new mission. The crew was a little sad when they departed, but it was temporary.


    It was afternoon when we arrived at Earth. We took a shower, and at 6 p.m., we all got out to drink.


    Now, me and my crew decide to go to a bar on Earth. It just happened to be in San Francisco, a place a few of us know very well or very little about.


    The place had two floors, the first was obviously the bar, and the second seemed to be a place where the bartender could sleep. I don''t really know.


    Right now, I was seated in a chair, asking for drinks for my crew. Dr. Chakwas was the most excited of us.


    After receiving the drink from the bartender, I felt bolder, as I hadn''t been on vacation since a long time ago. So I shouted , '''' DRINKS ARE ON ME.''''


    Also, it just happened that only me and my crew were around. That helped my gesture a lot.... well, there was one more person in the bar, but he was on the other side of it, not interacting with anyone.


    He raised his beer at me, in a thank you gesture for the free beer. I did the same, then looked away.


    But, for some reason, I kind of felt he was looking at me...


    '''' NICE, COMMANDER!'''' Joker, our ace pilot, was already wasted. He only drank two beers...


    The rest of the crew also cheered me on and returned to their conversation. Jacob was talking with Ashley, Vega, and Kaiden about some of their past missions. Dr. Chakwas was dripping nonstop.


    All in all, it was a nice scene. I preferred to be alone for now because I had a lot to think about. Of all the missions we had, only one ended in failure. The one in Akuze.


    After it ended, I reported it to the Alliance and asked permission to look for answers, but all they told me was that it was already dealt with. I was stunned because it was too sudden.


    So I asked da- Anderson about it, and he said it was true. Apparently, an evil organization existed there, and they were experimenting with the Thresher Maw, making the creatures more aggressive. He also mentioned that someone destroyed them almost at the same time we left the planet.


    That got me thinking, and I figured it out that it was probably LD, as they were the only ones, besides me, the crew, and the Alliance, that knew about the mission.


    '' So, it seems LD really lives up to their reputation.''


    While I was distracted, I noticed the man on the other side of the bar get up and approach me.


    The crew also noticed, even in their drunken state, and looked ready to intervene if necessary.


    I was glad to have such a team, but I waved them off. They did so, but they were still paying attention to me.


    I then looked at the man. The stranger seems okay. He was tall, like 1.90 meters, and his presence was intimidating but at the same time soothing. He had dark hair and deep eyes that felt like you could lose yourself if you looked at them too much. He looked young, at most 20 or even less.


    The trip to his table to where I was was short, and he sat beside me, '''' Can I sit here?''''


    I snorted at him, '''' You already did.''''


    The man smiled at me and said, '''' It seems I did. I also know for a fact you know how to defend yourself, so I''m not crazy enough ( AN: LOL) to try anything inappropriate with you.''''


    Honestly, I was supposed to be a little creeped out by such behavior, but the man was charming enough and had a way with his words, '''' You''re right about that. Me and my crew there could handle you in a heartbeat.''''


    The man looked at my crew, and a flash of clear happiness flashed through his eyes before disappearing, '''' You really have an impressive crew.''''


    '''' Thank you.''''


    '''' Name''s Samael, by the way.'''' The man, Samael, extended his one hand to me in a handshake offer, and in the other, he also offered me a beer.


    I attended the handshake and the beer, '''' Jane Shepard. Let''s see if it will be nice to meet you.''''


    The man didn''t mind my words, '''' Oh? Is that a maybe?''''


    '''' Maybe.'''' I  chuckled a bit.


    I took a sip of my drink, as I felt the subtle atmosphere. The man did the same, but he was looking straight at me.


    '''' Can I ask why you and your crew are here? I mean, don''t get me wrong, it''s nice to sometimes just do nothing but drink, but I don''t think you guys are that kind of crew.''''


    '''' We weren''t.'''' Far from it, we are one of the best. Most of us are younger than 20, but we might rival those who are already veterans.


    I was pretty drunk myself and didn''t mind sharing some things with the stranger I probably would not see again, '''' We just finished a mission, and Alliance gave us a small vacation. So we decide to do what makes sense, drink until we black out.''''


    '''' That''s ... reasonable.'''' The man smiled at me, '''' But, how about I offer you something ... more?''''


    I sighed internally. The conversation was going just fine, and he had to ruin it. '''' Sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but I''m not interested in fucking someone I just met.''''


    The man paused. He made a surprised face.'''' Oh... Oh!'''' It seems he realized how he sounded, and he said, '''' You misunderstood me. I was thinking about just talking about life, some D&D.''''


    '''' Oh.'''' This time it was I who was surprised, '''' Sorry for jumping to that conclusion. I mean, you gave me that vibe.''''


    The man smiled subtly, '''' Well ... if you want to, I don''t mind.''''


    '''' Calm down, cowboy. Let''s just talk.''''


    '''' I see no problem about that.''''


    So, for the next hour or so, I bounded with this man. Something strange, as I particularly didn''t like socializing. It was almost like the man knew me beforehand and just let me guide the conversation.


    It wasn''t boring or anything like that, on the contrary. I enjoyed the conversation very much.


    The one hour turned into two, and the clock hit 8 P.M. The night was young, but almost everyone in the crew, save for some, was pretty wasted.


    I stopped drinking too much, as the conversation with Samael was too nice to miss. So, only me, Dr. Chakwas, and the man were sober.


    I sighed as I saw the situation with my crew. I said to Dr. Chakwas, '''' Let me call a cab for them. Make sure they were okay.''''


    '''' What about you, commander?'''' Dr. Chakwas asked with a not-so-subtle smile.


    I snorted at her, '''' Don''t worry, I''m not a kid, and I can handle myself. Besides, I don''t sleep around ... that much.''''


    Dr. Chakwas said nothing more as I called the cabs. The destination was a nearby hotel.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    After my crew left, only me and Samael stayed in the bar. The bartender occasionally gave us a drink, which Samael insisted on paying for.


    I finally decided to ask who Samael was. I''m not dumb, it was clear the man knew about us, at least on a superficial level.


    I didn''t really mind because he is friendly, but I decided to ask anyway.


    '''' Who are you?''''


    Samael just smiled at me and said, '''' It took you a long time to ask. Why not ask when all your crew were here? Aren''t you afraid I might do something dangerous?''''


    '''' They were already wasted, so they would not be much of a help and more of a burden. Besides, I can handle myself.''''


    '''' I''m sure you can.'''' Samael then simply said to my face, '''' I''m LD''s owner.''''


    ''....''


    ''''What!?''''


    I could not believe what I was hearing. This man in front of me was one of the most - if not the most- powerful men on Earth right now. The man behind the company that was sponsoring me.


    The bartender gave us a drink, and retreated once more.


    Samael took a sip and seemed to enjoy my surprised face, '''' What, is that difficult to believe?''''


    I nodded and drank the whole cup in one gulp. '''' It is.''''


    Samael nodded at my statement, '''' Well, it is true.''''


    I calmed down and decided to ask something I wanted to ask since LD came to me, '''' Why me?''''


    '''' I will say what I say to everyone who was recruited by LD before. I saw your potential. You have the potential to do incredible things if you have the chance. So, I decided to help you.''''


    ''''There are many others I sponsor so that they can reach their full potential. But... I must say, you''re my favorite.''''


    It was too much information for the slightly drunk me, but I could not miss this opportunity, '''' How so?''''


    Samael said with a strange face, '''' You have amazing combat potential, your capability of leading others is out of the charts, and your charisma is unmatched. There are many other things that make you special, those are just a small fraction.''''


    '''' Well... thank you for trusting in me so much.''''


    '''' You''re welcome. But, how are you feeling as of now?''''


    I tilted my head, '''' About what?''''


    It was Samael''s turn to tilt his head, '''' Anderson didn''t tell you?''''


    I shook my head, '''' I had no idea what you''re talking about. The only thing he told me in the last week was about missions. I had so many of them that I was going to have a talk with him if he didn''t give us this vacation.''''


    Samael looked to the side as if he didn''t want to face me, '''' Well, I might be the reason you had so many missions in a row.''''


    I paused. '''' Explain.''''


    '''' LD has secured a Spectre position thanks to some negotiations with the Council. And, we just happened to have been sponsoring the best candidate possible for the position.''''


    I asked incredulously, '''' Me?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Yes. I told Anderson to send me your files so that I could push it forward. But, this is my guess by the way, your ''curriculum'' was small, thanks to your age and the time you gained your crew, so Anderson must have sent you on many missions so that others can''t say you didn''t do your job.''''


    I was speechless. This was too much for me, so I drank another beer.


    Even after that, I still had no reaction. I had no idea what to do with that information.


    Samael came in clutch and said, '''' Don''t let this get to your head. Just be you, and you are good. The position was yours even without the many missions you guys had done, so Anderson worked you to the bone without reason.''''


    Just then, Samael''s omni tool bipped, and he received a message. He excused himself and opened it.


    Seeing the content, he smiled at me, '''' Are you curious about your files?''''


    I nodded, and he showed me what the message was. It was from da-Anderson, with my file on it.


    I read it too, and it was good. There was only one failure.


    I then remembered and asked, '''' Akuze... the one who destroyed the evil organization facility there, was it LD?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' We destroyed it and killed those responsible. Also, the evil organization no longer exists, as LD had assimilated.''''


    '''' That''s ... good to know.'''' I grabbed a cup, '''' A drink to those who we lost.''''


    Samael repeated the gesture and we both downed our drinks... Okay, now I''m drunk.


    I looked at Samael, '''' Can you give me a ride to the hotel?''''


    '''' Why not sleep here? They have a room upstairs from what they told me.''''


    I shook my head, '''' I doubt they would let a customer sleep here. Besides, it might be dirty or dangerous.''''


    Samael smiled at me, '''' I bought the bar a few hours ago.''''


    '''' ...''''


    '''' The bartender is an LD agent.''''


    I looked at the bartender, who waved at me.


    '''' So, don''t worry too much and go to sleep.''''


    '''' ...''''


    This man was too weird for me ... but he was also so charming.


    I sighed, '''' OK, you won.''''


    Even in my drunken state, I was pretty confident I could defend myself against anyone, so even if they tried something funny, I could handle it.


    Before going to the room to sleep, I was stopped by Samael, '''' What are you going to do tomorrow?''''


    I answered honestly, '''' The same as I did today. Maybe the other might come, but some have family on Earth and might visit them, so I don''t know how many of us will be here.''''


    '''' Do you want to have another conversation tomorrow?'''' Samael asked with a grin on his face.


    I snorted at him, and I knew exactly what that grin implied.'''' I''m sorry, I generally don''t sleep around on the first or second date.''''


    '''' And on the third?''''


    '''' Who knows? Besides, you are my sponsor. You flirting with me and trying to get on my pants is probably bad conduct.''''


    Samael shrugged, '''' I see no problem with it.''''


    '' .. Neither do I.''


    '''' See you tomorrow, Samael.''''


    '''' Have a sweet dream, Commander Shepard.''''


    After that farewell, I went to the room in the bar. It was exactly as Samael said, the place was clean, almost like he knew I would sleep here.


    '' He is a strange person.''


    Today was productive, as I learned a lot of things. But, I''ll think about them tomorrow, when I''m sober.


    I closed my eyes and waited for the sleep to come.


    --


    NORMAL POV


    '''' Dude, she''s into you for sure. A few more dates, and you can score with her.'''' The bartender, who was an LD agent, said this to Samael. Only both were in the bar right now, with Shepard sleeping in the spare room upstairs.


    Samael smiled, '''' She is for life, my friend. That woman is amazing.''''


    '''' If you say so... So, about me. I am now a bartender forever?''''


    '''' Nah, only if you want. You will stay here until Shepard leaves, and then you can return to your position.''''


    '''' Thank you.''''


    ''''Don''t mention it.'''' Samael got up from his seat. It was time to go home, '''' See you later. You can run the bar normally.''''


    '''' See ya.''''


    Samael left the bar and immediately sent Tevos the files. He asked, '''' How long do you think it will take?''''


    Tevos answered immediately, '''' In a month or two. Thanks to your friend Garrus, I have a chance to ''clean'' up the Council. I will put forward the Spectre application after the cleaning.''''


    '''' Thank you.''''


    Tevos sent a no problem, and Samael did one more good thing.


    '' Now, I only need to wait for Mordin to revise the Serum formula, to see if the Salarian could improve it.''


    Samael sighed, '' It would be amazing if we could also put the Asari DNA into the Serum-''


    That train of thought stopped as Samael felt something unusual.


    '' Wait a second... I''m smart enough to think about this in this cycle, but not others...?''


    This doesn''t make sense.


    Samael knew something was wrong with him before this, but this situation rang an alarm bell in his mind.


    '' Ok, something IS DEFINITELY WRONG with me.''


    It was almost like his memories were missing.


    He tried to remember other cycles, where this situation happened, but to no avail. No memories of it.


    ... Nor of him coming up with an idea on how to better the Serum.


    '' ... I can''t delay this any longer. I have to go to Thessia.''


    Very few species have the potential to heal the mind like the Asari. The Ardat-Yakshi were even better.


    '' If even they can''t help me... I''ll have to do something drastic.''


    It was so crazy, that even Samael would refrain from doing it if he had the chance.


    He would have to make a deal with the Leviathans, the same species that created the Reapers. If the Asari could not help him, they were his last hope. The problem was that they weren''t trustworthy. Far from it.


    They only lose in the worst species aspect of the galaxy to the Batarians.


    It was stupid and dangerous to trust them.


    '' Let''s hope I don''t need to go to such lengths to deal with whatever is happening with my mind.''


    With a heavy heart and new worries, on what was supposed to be a good night, Samael went to his house.

 58 – Worry

    WITH MORDIN


    While Samael was talking with Shepard, Mordin was studying the serum. He had just finished helping Okeer with the Grunt Project and would now look at the Serum formula.


    The more Mordin looked at the Chimera Serum formula, the more he felt some parts were missing. It was like someone tampered with the final product, to make it less effective.


    For example, as mentioned before, the serum would act like a change in DNA. It would force the person who took it, to adapt to it. Basically, the person would be 99.9% whatever species she/he was and 0,01% Krogan.


    But that 0,01% would change a lot in the person''s body.Of course, there would be no metamorphosis so that the person would look like a Krogan, but the person would gain the strength of one and the aforementioned side effects.


    It would allow weak species, if they somehow manage to take the Serum without exploding/dying, to fight on equal ground against Krogans, the species known by their strength.


    But, again, Mordin felt the Serum was incomplete. He thought the Serum should allow other species'' DNA to be involved, not only the DNA of a Krogan, and somehow counterattack the side effects of the Krogan DNA.


    However, that would also mean it would allow the Side Effect of the other species DNA to be ''born'' too, if they existed.


    All in all, the more Mordin studied, the more fascinated he became with the Serum. He was going to test all his hypotheses, and then present a product better than anything else Samael had ever expected.


    Who knows, maybe he could solve the small life span of the Salarian and the humans...


    So, with nothing but time, Mordin went back to studying the formula, trying to improve it.


    --


    NORMAL POV


    NEXT DAY


    Samael followed his routine after yesterday night with Shepard and what happened to him. He knew no one could help him at the moment, so he had no choice but to endure.


    He trained with his pupils in the morning, kissed Tali some more, and then went to his secret building. There, Mordin was working on the Serum while Okeer was working on Project Grunt.


    The researchers were doing other things, but Okeer was looking at them like he wanted to ask for help.


    Anyway, Samael greeted everyone and went to Mordin. He immediately started speaking, '''' Mordin, I think we can include other species'' DNA in the Serum.''''


    Mordin, who noticed Samael getting into the room, nodded,'''' So you thought of that too. I thought it was too strange for you not to mention it, yes.''''


    Samael could only bitterly nod and tried not to think about it, '''' So... do you think we can do it?''''


    Mordin nodded, '''' Difficult, will need some more time to research, but ... it''s possible.''''


    '''' How long?''''


    ''''Without help, 1 month. With others''s help, maybe a week or so.'''' The Salarian continued, '''' The notes the file had were providential, as they helped a lot, yes.''''


    Basically, without those notes, Mordin would be stuck for a long time in the Serum and would not have time to think about how to improve it.


    Mordin hesitated before saying, '''' You see, there''s a lot of testing I have to do in order to improve it, so-''''


    '''' Ask what you want. I''ll try to answer it for you.'''' Samael offered. He was an expert on the serum.


    Of course, with his faulty memory, it might not be a good idea, but he wanted to see if he could help. It was not like his memories were wrong, it was more like they were missing. He was intelligent enough to help Mordin with this.


    Mordin, sensing an opportunity, started to ask a lot of things regarding the Serum.


    Samael, having made the serum a lot of times, answered the best he could.


    20 minutes later


    '''' So, if we put the Asari DNA, to combat the Krogan one, we might give birth to a whole new person...''''''


    Mordin was getting excited by the prospect of this, '''' I have to do some more tests, but the side effect might be even more severe.''''


    Samael said with a pained smile, '''' Do whatever you have to. But, I want a Serum for tomorrow. Can you do it?''''


    Mordin hesitated, '''' But, there could be something we miss-''''


    '''' Mordin. Can you do it?''''


    The Salarian saw the resolution in Samael''s eyes. He could not begin to understand why the human was risking so much, but he could answer, '''' Yes, but I need more ingredients. The original Serum formula only accounted for the Krogan DNA, so we still have to secure the other parts.''''


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    '''' What do you need?''''


    Mordin used his omni tool to send Samael a list of what he needed.


    Samael looked at it for a moment before saying, '''' LD has all this. You can have those by tonight.''''


    The Salarian could only stare.


    Samael smiled through the pain and said,  Being the owner of a multi trillon credit company has its perks.''''


    Before this, Samael wasn''t in a hurry to take the Serum. But what happened to him yesterday sent a danger signal to him.


    Something was wrong, very wrong. The problem was , he didn''t know what, when, where, who. He could only endure and prepare somehow.


    And the Serum with the Asari and Krogan DNA made sense to him, as it would give him strength to face anything.


    Of course, the side effect would not be known, but the one with the Krogan DNA alone was also not known, so it was all the same.


    Mordin nodded, '''' Come back here tomorrow at the same time. I will somehow make it.''''


    '''' Thanks for the help.''''


    Samael then left the building, going to his base. The place was one of his favorites to think about life, and right now, he needed that.


    FIRST PERSON POV


    I was at my base in the slums, specifically in my office. It was noon. I also turned RR and EDI off from my omni tool, just like I always do when I need to think about the future.


    I was still in disbelief about what was happening to me. I knew before that something was wrong with my mind, but this was on another level. My own mind was holding me back.


    Of course, the serum wasn''t that big of a deal, but what if I wanted to think about a big piece of information from past cycles, like when or where exactly the Reapers usually attacked, and my mind didn''t let me?


    Or when someone I liked was in danger? It could''ve happened with Jack beforehand, with Miranda too. That was a scary thought.


    So, today I was going to try and go through my own memories. It was a difficult quest because there are things I really don''t want to remember.


    But, I had no choice.


    I sat cross-legged on the ground and used the technique I learned from the Asari. Of course, I don''t have their powers, but I do know some tricks. Revising my memories was one of them.


    So, I started from the beginning.


    In the first cycle, I was just a naive person when I arrived in this universe. I did my best to escape poverty and used my game knowledge to help Shepard the best I could. I trained with Wrex the most, but I learned from others too. I also created the first version of the Quarian Pill, but the effects weren''t permanent like now. That took a lot of effort and time.


    Nothing much came out of revising the first cycle; my memories of that time were okay.


    The second cycle was almost the same as the first, but this time I used what I learned in the first one to make things easier. The Advanced Med gel was made in this cycle.


    In the third cycle, with the data I had before and after decades of research ( counting the time loop), we created the Quarian Pill. I used this as a favor and learned everything I could from the Quarian people. I also asked for EDI mother code, which allowed me to make RR in a future cycle.


    I also asked for Garrus training in that cycle, and the turian obliged.


    Then, in the fourth cycle -


    The fourth cycle...


    I slowly opened my eyes. If others could see me right now, they would immediately notice my turmoil.


    I can''t remember my fourth cycle... Or rather, I don''t know which memories are from what cycle.


    From the first to the third, everything was ok. But, from there, it was like my memories were tampered with. I have A LOT of memories, but I can''t organize them in cycles anymore.


    Which was weird, considering I did in fact write down my experience in other cycles. It was a custom to do it when I returned in time, in cases where something like this happened.


    So, I looked around my office and used a hidden compartment in the room. I noticed a small book in there and took it.


    Opening the first page, it detailed my first, second, and third cycles with precisely what I remembered, meaning they were normal.


    There''s also information about other cycles, which is something good.


    '' Maybe I will remember something if I read them.''


    I briefly looked at the information in them.


    Fourth Cycle - I became the owner of Omega.


    Fifth Cycle - I let myself be indoctrinated.


    Sixth cycle - I worked for Cerberus


    Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth all checked. But, for some reason, my mind wasn''t letting me organize my memories on those cycles.


    Meaning, something or someone messed with my memories in this last cycle of mine. Because, at the beginning, everything was ok, since I wrote this book, but down the line, my memories were disrupted.


    I sighed. Very few people in the universe could do something like this, and each option was worse than the other.


    But, there''s nothing much I could do. I will follow my own advice.


    '' If you can''t do anything about the situation, adapt, improvise, and find a way to come out of that situation on top. If you can''t do that, go with the flow.''


    I closed the book after memorizing all the contents and put it away again.


    I then meditated some more, to dispel my bad mood.


    After 20 or so minutes, I opened my eyes once more. My mood was now normal after the small meditation.


    ''We are going to Thessia in a month, and then I''ll deal with this. Until then, I''ll enjoy my life.''


    With newfound vigor, I went after Tali. I missed her lips already.

 59 – Second Date

    It was on the same night that Samael discovered his scrambled memories.


    As he knew there wasn''t much he could do to fix that, he decided to let things follow the flow. He was worried, yes, but knew that doing things out of desperation rarely results in good things.


    So, at night, he went to the same bar as yesterday. Shepard did say she might use the same bar.


    Sure enough, when Samael entered his bar, Shepard was there. But this time, no one of her crew members was there. There were other customers, but they were ''normal.''


    Nodding to his agent, Samael sat down beside Shepard, '''' Fancy seeing you here.''''


    Shepard snorted at that, '''' I think I have a stalker.''''


    '''' Oh my, who is it?'''' The bartender served two drinks and then went away to serve the other customers.


    '''' The owner of a multi trillon credit company.'''' Shepard smiled, '''' Good to see you.''''


    '''' Feeling''s the same. Did you have a talk with Anderson?'''' Samael was referring to the fact that Anderson didn''t tell Shepard about the Spectre position.


    '''' I did.'''' Shepard downed her drink, '''' He said sorry for not telling me sooner, but that was it. He said he was also proud of me... Why am I telling you all this, I wonder?''''


    This was something very personal to Shepard, and here she was, telling a man she met not long ago about it. Granted, he was her supporter, but that was supposed to be the extent of their ''relationship''.


    '''' Maybe I''m too charming for you to say no to?'''' Samael said in a serious tone.


    '''' ... PFTTT.'''' Shepard laughed out loud. It''s not like Samael wasn''t handsome, but the way he spoke hit some nerves, '''' Maybe, maybe.''''


    Samael didn''t mind the laugh as he asked, '''' How was your day?''''


    '''' The same as yesterday. Train, train, then come here to drink. Anderson said no more missions for at least a month or so, so this will be my routine for some time.''''


    '''' It might get boring down the line... So, how about I give you a tour tomorrow? On LD headquarters, I mean.'''' Samael knew that this was only their second meeting in this cycle, but he wanted to get close to her as soon as possible. Pushing things also wasn''t something strange to him, so he did it once more.


    Shepard hesitated. She wanted some change, as even though she and her crew arrived only days ago, she was getting bored. So, she accepted after some consideration, '''' Sure, why not.''''


    '''' Great. I''ll come and grab you here tomorrow morning.''''


    '''' Here?'''' Shepard tilted her head with a puzzled look on her face.


    '''' Of course! I mean, aren''t we going to drink until we pass out?'''' Samael held a drink to Shepard.


    '''' I will refuse today. How about we just talk? I realized I don''t know much about you at all.'''' Shepard wanted to know more about the mysterious man in front of her.


    Based on what she knew from asking around, he was young, just like her, but he was already a trillionaire. And he knew how to fight too, if the rumors were true.


    '''' Oh? Are you getting interested in me? I''m sorry, I generally don''t sleep around on the first or second date.''''


    Shepard laughed at what he said because that was what she said a day ago, '''' Me neither. Besides, the things I want to know aren''t like that. More like what do you do for fun, your favorite color, etc.''''


    '''' Well, do you want the resumed version or the long version?'''' Samael''s day had ended long ago, as he passed all his work to Miranda, so his nights were usually free. Only, he spend them thinking about how to stop the Reapers.


    '''' The long one.''''


    '''' In a galaxy, far, far away, long time-''''


    '''' Not that long.'''' Shepard smiled at Samael''s antics.


    ''''OK then. Well, my life is kind of boring, to be honest.''''


    So, for the next few minutes, Samael gave Shepard a rundown on his life. What he did as a child, how he found a Prothean Beacon and learned about an upcoming extinction event, how he was trying his best to stop that, that his favorite color was green, that he had a ship and a crew, etc.


    But, as it should, Shepard got stuck in a piece of information she could not wrap her head around, '''' Did you say an extinction event?''''


    Samael made a tehehe face, and said, '''' I will tell you about this tomorrow. But, it''s serious.''''


    Shepard realized it really was. Samael said that in a light tone, but his eyes betrayed him, as even though he had a ''cute'' posture, his eyes were serious.


    She got really curious, but he said he would tell her tomorrow, so she would wait.


    '''' Now, it''s your turn. Tell me about your life, Commander.'''' Samael already knew her history, in and out, but he wanted to listen from her mouth. Besides, being in her presence was nice.


    '''' Oh well, I guess I have to repeat the gesture, huh.''''


    The duo then spent the night, talking and drinking. Nothing sexual happened between them, but they got closer than before.


    They were still far from lovers, though.


    NEXT DAY


    '''' So here is how it looks from the inside.'''' Shepard said while looking around LD building. It cost a whopping 1 billion credits to build.


    It had 75 floors, each having a function different from one another. It also had a lot of employees, the best Earth had to offer as of now.


    Shepard heard the stories about how LD was powerful, its influence, etc. And seeing the magnitude of the building, cemented that thought.


    '''' I used to think the rumor exaggerated, about how LD was but just from seeing the building and the team that helped me in my missions, I have to say, it lives up to its name of being the best company on Earth.'''' Shepard said as Samael guided her through the building.


    '''' Why, thank you. But, don''t be too surprised yet. We will now go see the CEO and see how things are in terms of business.''''


    '''' Wait, are you even allowed to show me, an outsider and Alliance personnel, something like that?'''' Shepard knew Samael was a little bit unhinged, but this was another level.


    '''' I created LD, so it makes sense I can do whatever I want with it. Besides, the CEO is a crew member and a friend. I''m sure she would not mind...'''' Samael was even thinking Miranda might ask for help with the workload, but he did not say that out loud.


    ''''  Besides, you will be a Spectre soon. Getting to know LD power beforehand might help you see the scale of power in the galaxy.''''


    Shepard said nothing more. Finally, the duo arrived at the elevator and entered it.


    Contrary to the Citadel, the elevator had music, radio stations, and many other things. It was also transparent, so by going up, they would have a nice vision of the city. The CEO''s office was on the last floor, and Samael pressed the button.


    The elevator started to go up, and the duo stayed in silence, with Shepard appreciating the view.


    Soon enough, they arrived at the last floor, and the elevator opened with a ding. The duo stepped out, and a few guards greeted Samael.


    '''' Boss.''''


    Samael, even though he had to accept being called Boss, still didn''t like that nickname. But, he nodded at them, '''' Good morning to you all. I hope you have a nice day.''''


    The guards nodded, and the duo passed through them and arrived at the CEO''s office. Out of courtesy, Samael knocked on the door, and a voice said, '''' Who is it?''''


    Samael immediately recognized Jack''s voice, and a thought came to mind, '' Are they doing it here? Wow, they sure were shameless.''


    Not like he would mind that much if they were. Samael was well past the point of caring about decency.


    '''' It''s me, Samael. I came with a visitor. Are you both free?''''


    There''s some rustle from behind the door as Jack says in a hurry, '''' Give us a second... Or two!''''


    Samael smirked at that, and Shepard noted that. She connected the dots, '''' Wait, there''s two people inside?''''


    '''' Yup. And they were probably enjoying themselves, and we interrupted it.'''' By Samael''s tone, Shepard knew he was enjoying that situation.


    '''' You guys are crazy.''''


    '''' Not enough.''''


    A minute or so later, an out-of-breath Jack opened the door. Today, she was dressed quite modestly, with some jeans and a T-shirt that said: I''m the CEO''s girlfriend. She was looking normal, if not for the fact she was painting and sweating quite a bit, '''' You can enter now.''''


    '''' Thank you, ''secretary''.'''' Samael made a knowing face as he passed Jack, who suppressed the urge to say not-so-nice things to her captain.


    Shepard passed Jack and said a small sorry to her.


    Jack just smiled at the unknown female, '''' Don''t sweat it. We will continue after you guys leave.''''


    '''' Jack!''''


    Miranda, who was trying to look dignified by being seated at her table, failed after what Jack said. She too was dressed nicely, with a suit, but she was blushing quite a bit now.


    Jack smiled as she closed the door.


    Samael said as he sat in front of Miranda, '''' Busy day?''''


    Miranda followed Jack with her eyes until her girlfriend sat down in another part of the office. She then sighed, '''' You have no idea.''''


    '''' I do have, but please explain to our new friend here. She is an important ally.''''


    Miranda and Jack noticed Shepard way before, but hearing the confirmation about being an ally made them relax. Miranda then said, '''' May I know your name?''''


    Shepard introduced herself, '''' My name is Commander Shepard. I am alliance personnel and have my own crew.''''


    Miranda searched her memories, and sure enough, there was a Shepard that LD sponsored. She connected the dots immediately, '''' Nice to meet you, Commander. My name is Miranda, and I am LD''s CEO. This one is Jack.'''' She pointed at Jack, who waved at Shepard, '''' She''s my ... secretary.''''


    Samael snorted loudly at that, and Jack almost laughed out loud too.


    '''' ... Nice to meet you both. To be honest, I was really surprised by Samael''s action today. He said he was going to show me how LD works, and its business, but I have no idea why.''''


    Miranda made a surprised face as she looked at Samael, who nodded at her, confirming the information. She relaxed immediately, as Samael wasn''t one to make mistakes.


    '''' Well, he must have his reasons.''''


    Samael decided to say something he forgot to mention to Miranda before, '''' I forgot to say because it was in the heat of moment things, but LD managed to secure humanity a Spectre position. And Shepard here is the one LD and the Alliacen choose for that role.''''


    When Miranda heard that, she was taken aback but soon recovered. This wasn''t the first time, not the last Samael surprised them with something outrageous, '''' So you want to show her LD power?''''


    ''''Something like that, yes. Don''t hide anything.'''' Samael was clear about that. He wanted Shepard to know everything.


    '''' No problem.'''' Miranda then looked at Shepard, '''' I know you know, but please, don''t say anything about what you hear here to others. It''s very important stuff.''''


    '''' You can trust me.''''


    Miranda nodded, looked at Samael, and started to give the report about how the company was doing and what it was doing.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ''''OK then.'''' Miranda took out a few files from her Omni tool. A lot of things had to be discussed. '''' First, as you mentioned before, the governments did reach out to us to confirm the information about the Reapers. We did so, showing them all the data we had, and then they asked for monetary and military help right away.''''


    '''' Let me guess, the Salarians spearheaded it.'''' Samael also entered business mode.


    Miranda nodded, '''' Yes, they were the loudest of them all.''''


    '''' I don''t really like them, to be honest. I can count on one hand the good Salarians I met. The rest are rats.'''' Samael had a little bit of prejudice against the Salarians because that species was slightly racist, against everyone, to be more precise. '''' Well, we will honor our deal. Sell things at a discount and give them the blueprint for the ships.''''


    Miranda was taken aback but soon nodded. She knew it was the right thing to do, arm the galaxy to fight the Reapers. But, she knew they were potentially arming their future enemies. '''' Will do.''''


    '''' Second, this is the revenue of the company this month.'''' Miranda passed the file detailing everything to Samael.


    He briefly looked at it, '''' It seems the ship blueprint and the ship itself are still in high demand.''''


    LD had put the blueprint of a ship close to SSV Phoenix on the market before leaving Earth months ago. It sold like hot chocolate in winter at that moment, and the momentum didn''t seem to stop.


    And, it seemed it was time to put another type of ship on sale. SSV Phoenix was considered a ''small'' ship, capable of housing up to 100 people. Now, LD was going to sell bigger ships, capable of housing thousands and individual ones too.


    The revenue would not be small, but it would not be significant either. Samael was just making sure the market was flooded with better equipment so the galaxy was prepared in case of an attack.


    Of course, the one he was going to sell to others was worse than the ones LD had, but way better than the ones on the market right now.


    '''' Start to sell the bigger ship and the individual ones, along with their blueprints. If the government gets wind of it, maintain the deal and sell it to them at a discount.''''


    '''' No problem.'''' Miranda tapped her omni tool and then continued, '''' Third, LD has encountered a few skirmishes, thanks to your decision from a few weeks ago.''''


    '''' The ones about slavers and evil organizations?'''' Samael inquired but knew it was mostly likely from it.


    '''' Yes.''''


    '''' Tell me in detail.''''


    '''' The majority of the skirmishes were from Slavers groups, who were also mostly Batarians, and happened at various places. With our better firepower, we won quite easily, but their number didn''t seem to diminish.''''


    '''' Evil never does. Any casuallities?''''


    '''' Yes. We lost 41 agents.''''


    Samael sighed. Those people could have been an asset in the war against the Reapers but died because of his decision. But, he didn''t regret it, '''' How much did they save?''''


    '''' 1023 slaves were free. The majority were humans, but there were also a few Asari and some Quarians. They were treated, and then we sent them to the planet they wanted.''''


    '''' Good. Also, make sure the families of those fallen are set for life.''''


    '''' Will do.''''


    '''' Also, here is the data on the people you asked us to recruit. I must say, some of those were very difficult to find and recruit, but we did it.'''' Miranda passed another file to Samael.


    Shepard, who was silent, looked over at them. There, she saw a few unknown names, like Kasumi Goto, and Thane. Those had a ''recruited'' over their photos.


    She also saw a few other files with just names and no photos. Those have a ''not found'' over their photo. Samara was the first name on the list.


    Shepard then looked away, minding her own business. She was finding this quite fun, to be honest. The inner workings of a multi-trillion credit company seemed ... easy.


    Samael seemed pleased with what he read, '''' Good job. Make sure they were ok. I''m thinking of putting them in our crew down the line.''''


    '' I should also try and cure Thane. The Drell is going to get sick soon and die. I might help, and if things get ugly, I can do the same as I did with Natasha.''


    Thane was a good friend, so putting him in cryo sleep for a time until a cure for his disease was found seemed normal.


    '''' Oh? Are they that good?'''' Miranda asked, clearly taken aback. She studied them quite a bit but didn''t find them that good.


    '''' They have the potential to become the best, if we let them shine and guide them.'''' Samael was telling the truth. Both would, down the line, be at the top of their roles.


    Thane was already one of the best assassins in the galaxy, and he would become even better. Kasumi was just a young female now, living with her still-alive boyfriend, but was already doing her ''job'' quite well.


    Samael was just going to help them earlier than normal. Also, he would try to help them with their problems.


    '''' If you say so.'''' Miranda shrugged her shoulders and accepted it. Samael always does weird things that, most of the time, have good results.


    '''' Now, onto serious business.'''' Miranda got serious, even Jack sat straight up.


    Shepard also noticed the atmosphere and listened with rapid attention.


    '''' No sighting of the Reapers, even with the help of our obscure friend. However, he also said there are a lot of missing files that not even RR could recover. She could only recover that it was a conversation between the figure and ... Saren. A turian Spectre.''''


    That made Samael pause. This was a variable he never took into consideration. Saren being more active.


    It also never happened in past cycles, for as long as Samael could remember.


    Still, Samael would act based on that, '''' It might be nothing, but we should prepare.''''


    '''' For what?''''


    '''' Everything. Put a tail on him right now.''''


    Miranda nodded at that. The conversation then stalled, and Shepard took it as an opportunity to ask something.


    ''''Excuse me.'''' Shepard entered the conversation. She looked at Samael, '''' Can you tell me what that extinction event you mentioned before?''''


    She said it out loud because she noticed those present most likely knew something about that already. Only she was in the dark still.


    Samael didn''t hesitate and told her the truth, '''' You heard us speaking about something called Reapers, right?''''


    Shepard nodded.


    '''' Well, if you are not aware, most people know the name based on an old fairytale. In that story, the Reapers are a species made of evil machines that periodically exterminate intelligent life in the galaxy for no apparent reason... Only, it''s not a fairytale.''''


    Shepard found that absurd, but from the faces of Miranda and Jack, who looked resolute and ready to fight, she swallowed the joke she was about to make and asked in an uncertain tone, '''' Are you saying that those Reapers are real?''''


    '''' Yes... and they were coming for us.''''


    Samael, for the next 20 or so minutes, explained the situation to Shepard. About how the Reapers were coming, how they were powerful, how all the governments already knew but chose not to say anything to the public yet, how LD was at the forefront of the fight, etc.


    By the end of it, Shepard was a little pale. She searched for a cup of water or anything, and Jack passed it to her. The woman was looking at her with sympathy, as she was also in her position not so long ago, learning about the Reapers for the first time.


    The feeling is not so good.


    '''' Thank you.'''' Shepard downed the water and sighed, '''' So we have a war of a magnitude the galaxy never saw before happening in a few years.''''


    '''' Yes. And I''m doing my best to prepare for the fight. Sponsoring you was one of the steps.''''


    '''' What do you see in me to speak with so much confidence?'''' That was one of the things Shepard was most curious about. Even though her academic results in the Alliance were good, it didn''t warrant this level of interest Samael and, by proxy LD, had on her.


    '''' You see, very few people have the quality you possess.'''' Samael was sincere.


    '''' Which is?''''


    '''' The quality of a leader. Someone others would follow to the depths of hell just because you asked. I can count on one hand the people who possess such qualities. And we will need it in the upcoming war.''''


    Shepard tilted her head and said, '''' I possess that? How do you know something even I''m not sure of?''''


    Samael smiled, '''' You see, I have a special eye for this kind of stuff. Just ask Miranda here. I went against another multi-billionaire, her father, just to recruit her. Because I knew what she was capable of.''''


    Miranda nodded and added, '''' Samael does things others might find confusing, but they always end with good results. If he says you possess that ability, even if you still haven''t developed it yet, trust him.''''


    Shepard paused. It was a little too much to take in one day, something that happens a lot if you follow Samael, '''' I need some time to think about all of this.''''


    She then got up and went for the door. Before she left, Samael said, '''' You can tell your crew about this, but let the Alliance be the one who tells the masses. Also, Commander, I know this second date of ours wasn''t normal, but are you willing to go on a third?''''


    Shepard smiled a little upon hearing that, '''' Who knows?''''


    She then left the office and then the building soon after.


    After she left, Miranda asked Samael, '''' Is she really that good of a leader? I mean, she''s around our age, and I don''t really see that in her.''''


    Samael gave Miranda a small smile and said, '''' She is the best we have in that regard.''''


    He was telling the truth. In past cycles, where he tried to lead, it always resulted in larger sacrifices. The cycles where they won without anyone dying were the ones where Shepard led, and he helped her.


    '''' If you say so.''''


    Samael then prepared to leave too, '''' Anything else to report?''''


    ''''None. If something comes up, I''ll call you.''''


    '''' Good. Thanks for the hard work.'''' Samael then left the building too.


    Jack asked Miranda as soon as Samael left, '''' How about we continue where we stopped?''''


    Miranda sighed at her girlfriend/secretary, '''' ... We have to be fast, I have a lot of work to do.''''


    '''' I can''t promise that.'''' Jack said as she took off her clothes.


    ''''Remember that the doctor said to take it easy for a few days. It''s not confirmed yet, but we might be pregnant.''''


    '''' I know, I know. I''ll be gentle.''''


    Miranda smirked at Jack. While she wasn''t that much of a pervert like Jack, she wasn''t that far if pushed, '''' I''m more worried about you.''''


    The office door was closed, and no one knew what happened there.


    ---


    As soon as Samael exited the building, he made a grim face.


    '' Today is the day I will take the Serum... The pain I have to face is something I dread ... but I have no option.''


    With a heavy heart, he went to his secret building, to take the Serum and achieve strength no human ever had before.

 60 – Whatever It Takes!

    HOURS LATER


    Samael had gone to his secret building. The researchers there were now focused on making a bigger MECH and a better MAKO, and things were going smoothly in that regard. They think in a few years they would have it done.


    In the middle of that, a sleep-deprived Mordin was in the middle of making a dose of the modified Chimera Serum, the one where the Asari and Krogan DNA were mixed.


    Seeing that scene, Samael sent everyone home, even Okeer, as today was very important and no one should know about it and decided to help the Salarian. He had experience making the full Krogan version, so making one slight difference wasn''t that big of a deal.


    Finally, when it was late at night and only Mordin and Samael were in his secret building, the Salarian said with pride in his voice, '''' It''s done.''''


    In its hands, there''s a single vial of the Chimera Serum. Samael patted the Salarian on the shoulder, '''' Congratulations, my friend. You just made history with this.''''


    With this, weak species could fight back. Of course, if the person who took it survives the dose.


    '''' Thank you.'''' Mordin passed the vial to Samael and said, '''' Are you sure about this? It''s not tested and there might be -''''


    '''' Mordin. Thanks for the concern, but I''ll do this... Maybe we can make a less powerful version of it. I don''t know if others can survive the process.'''' Samael was sincere. He wanted to arm LD personnel with the serum but he doubted everyone would survive the process. So, making it less powerful was the answer.


    Of course, he never did so in the past cycle because it didn''t make sense to make it less powerful if he needed strength... Or maybe he already did but his memories of that were missing.


    Mordin said nothing more about that, but still said, '''' I''ll have Med-Gel at ready if you need it.''''


    '''' Do it after the whole process is done. If you use it when it''s happening, it''s more painful to me.''''


    Mordin was going to ask how he knew but decided to ignore that question for now. He then asked, ''''Do you mind if I film the process and take notes? It might help down the line, yes.''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Do as you please.'''' He then looked away, down at the vial, his whole attention was now on this.


    This was a ticket for a better chance of survival. His body would adapt and get stronger, but before that happens, his body would have to go through a slight metamorphosis. To make it withstand the Serum, his body would be rebuilt.


    However, the process was extremely painful. Even Samael, with his will and mental strength, didn''t really want to go through this process. But, he would do so, because he wanted to see things through to the end.


    Nothing would stop him, not even this kind of pain.


    Samael took a deep breath and started to get ready. He took his shirt out, and his shorts, and stayed only in his trousers. He knew his clothes would be destroyed if he took them with them. He was already tall, close to 1,90 meters, but after he took the Serum, his body would grow a bit.


    After that, Samael then put the vial in a syringe. He sat cross-legged then aimed at his neck, and with a resolute expression, injected it.


    '' To live a nice life, we must make sacrifices and go through hard experiences. This one is going to be one of the most painful of this life, but it will be worth it!''


    He remembered the cycles where he lost his loved ones because he wasn''t strong enough. The ones where he watched others die without being able to do anything.


    Samael had sworn before that he would do whatever it takes to win. And he would honor that.


    ''Whatever it takes!''


    The process of merging the DNA started shortly after. A pained groan escaped Samael''s mouth as a cracking sound started to come out of his body.


    ''Whatever it takes!''


    It started on his left hand. His finger cracked and bent, and then the whole hand was deformed. Still, the process continued. The whole arm then twisted in an abnormal way, making a crunching sound as it happened.


    '''' AHHHHH!''''


    Samael finally screamed in pain and Mordin, who was filming it, flinched a little. The Salarian even wanted to help but knew the process of injecting the Serum was irreversible. So, he could watch and hope his friend survived.


    The Salarian had a whole pack of med gel on his side but knew it would not help in this situation. It was for after.


    Samael''s left arm was ruined, as all the bones were destroyed and everything on it was twisted in a weird angle. The process stopped there but on his right hand, it had just started.


    CRACK


    The process repeated once more, but this time, more stronger. His fingers were crushed beyond recognition, and then his hand was smashed in.


    At this point, blood was already coming out of Samael''s mouth but his eyes were unwavering.


    ''Whatever it takes!''


    His right arm, just like his left one, was done for. Anyone who saw that scene would say his arms would never recover.


    Samael was still cross leg on the ground.


    The process then started on his right foot. This time, however, it immediately started with the whole foot. The bone twisted immediately, making the pain increase several times.


    '''' ... FUCK!''''


    Samael cursed as the pain continued. His right leg then broke, making him unable to maintain a seated position.


    Left with no choice, he lay down on the ground and waited for the process to continue.


    Even more blood came out of his mouth, some even started to come out of his ears. His eyes were getting bloodshot to a terrifying degree, with some blood coming out of them too.


    Still, his will was there.


    ''Whatever it takes!''


    His kneecaps dug in, and he screamed once more. That was a pain no one should ever have to go through.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Blood tears started to come out like a dam. Samael''s vision was colored red but he never passed out.


    His right leg was finished, and for 2 seconds, he felt no pain whatsoever. But, when the 2 seconds finished, his left leg started to break apart without warning.


    ''Whatever it takes!''


    After the left leg was broken, it was time for his internal organs to start to ''reshape''. This process could not be seen outside the body, but Samael felt everything.


    His ribs broke into millions of pieces, piercing his lungs, and forcing Samael to cough out blood. It was starting to get dangerous, but so was life.


    ''Whatever it takes!''


    His organs were damaged beyond normal, and it was time for his head to change a bit.


    His cheekbones caved in, his eyesocket cracked, but the fire in his eyes was still there.


    ''Whatever it takes!''


    Finally, after an excruciating 10 minutes, all bones in Samael''s body were broken, all his internal organs were damaged, his eyesight was filled with blood, and his vocal cord didn''t work anymore. He could not even feel his own body.


    But, if others could see his eyes, they would notice he was calm. He knew the worst already happened, but this next part wasn''t nice either.


    It was time for his body to be rebuilt. Stronger and faster than any other human in history.


    '' To go where others never went, you have to do things others didn''t do. If the me before this could face a Krogan and win, the me after this will win in a matter of 1 minute or so ... but, the problem wasn''t the Krogan. It was the Reapers.''


    '' So, even with this newfound strength, it''s meaningless in front of them. But, this is a necessary step to win.''


    With another CRACK sound, his body began to reconstruct. The bones of his hands started to line up and heal once more.


    In less than a minute, Samael could feel his hand once more. He still could not see it, but he moved his finger a bit and they seemed normal.


    The pain of his body being reconstructed was there but compared with being broken, it was nothing.


    Soon, his arms were healed. Samael then checked his voice and noticed he could speak. So he asked Mordin, '''' Mordin, please water. I can''t see because of the blood in my eyes.''''


    '''' On it.''''


    A few seconds later, Mordin''s voice came from his left side, '''' Here.''''


    The Salarian used a rag to clean Samael''s eyes.


    When it finished, Samael opened them once more. He could see once more.


    Furthermore, his eyesight got even better. He knew that he now saw better than before. He had, after all, taken the Serum in past cycles.


    Of course, this version was different, thanks to having Asari DNA mixed in it, but according to his and Mordin''s research, the Asari DNA mostly served as a way to stop the side effects of the Krogan DNA.


    '''' Thank you.''''


    Mordin nodded,  gave the rag to Samael, and went away once more.


    Samael used the rag to clean his whole face and waited.


    The legs were next. They healed in a bit and Samael once more sat crosse legged.


    The organs then healed, just like his ribs. In the middle of that, Samael coughed a bit of blood here and there.


    This was, after all, not a safe or fun process.


    After a few minutes, the whole process was done.


    Samael was reborn in a sense.


    Very few in the galaxy could face him in a fight. Well, counting the humanoid species. He still can''t win against a Thresher Maw with his fists, nor against a Reapers.


    Still, this was a beginning.


    --


    MORDIN POV


    What I witnessed was something incredible. A spectacle of resistance others never saw.


    '' I doubt others could handle pain like he did. Of course, he screamed in pain once or twice, but that was it. From start to finish, he only moved once and that was forced. Truly, this friend of mine is spectacular.''


    I witnessed the whole process, of Samael''s body being broken and then rebuilt. But, what impressed me the most was that his eyes... were clear. No doubt that it would not work, just pure conviction.


    '' But, it''s time to help him.''


    I approached Samael after the process was done and started to apply med gel on him.


    '''' Thanks.'''' Samael said as he lay down on the ground.


    '''' Any discomfort? I need all data I can on this, yes.'''' While I''m glad my friend was ok, I''m also a scientist, so gathering data was important.


    '''' I''m okay, Mordin. Well, considering everything. '''' Samael got up and started to stretch a bit, '''' I need to test build my new body.''''


    Just from seeing him, I noticed he grew taller. His muscles also bulged quite a bit, but other than that, he seemed normal.


    I noted down, '' No change in appearance. The subject doesn''t look like a Krogan, nor an Asari.''


    BANG


    I looked up from my notepad and saw Samael''s hand deep into the wall. I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out.


    I knew the material that wall was made of and that display of power was something no human should have.


    It means...! '''' It worked!''''


    Of course, I knew from what I studied that it would work. But, seeing it happening in front of me was another level, just like I know it will be a shock to see Tali without a suit, or when the Krogan were cured.


    I exclaimed in a loud voice and Samael looked at me, '''' We did it, my friend.''''


    '''' What will you do now?''''


    '''' I''ll take a day or two off to get accustomed to my new body. You can run tests in the meantime. After that ... who knows.'''' Samael said that as he picked up his clothes from the ground. It was a little bit tight, but it fit him, '''' So, what are you waiting for? Grab the test kit and come have fun.''''


    My eyes shone hearing that.


    '''' It will be my pleasure!''''

 61 – Conviction

    Shepard was walking through San Francisco, her mind a mess.


    What she had just discovered was something very shocking.


    ''I still couldn''t believe what I''d just heard. Some kind of powerful, murderous machines were coming to annihilate all life in the galaxy ... Yeah, even thinking about it now, it''s very hard to believe.''


    ''However, everything indicates that it was true. Which means that everyone was screwed, to say the least.''


    Of course, Shepard knew that LD and Samael were preparing to face these Reapers, but she didn''t know if it would be enough.


    '' Sigh... And to think I was happy yesterday finding out I was going to become a Spectre. And now it happens.''


    Shepard had received great news yesterday that now didn''t invoke any kind of joy in her. She knew there was a war coming and this time the whole galaxy was going to be involved. Which means a lot of people are going to die fighting.


    ''But it''s better to die fighting than doing nothing.''


    The next thing Shepard knew, she was standing in front of Anderson''s house in San Francisco. It was a house that Alliance had given him as a courtesy and he had used for most of his life. Shepard also spent a lot of time here.


    Shepard laughed a little when she noticed that, subconsciously, she had arrived here, "I feel like I want to be comforted.''''


    With a heavy heart, Shepard knocked on the door of the house. A few moments later, Anderson opened the door and was surprised to see Shepard, ''''What are you doing here?''''


    Shepard sighed, "Dad, I found out about the Reapers.''''


    Anderson''s expression changed and he looked around the house to see if anyone suspicious was around. He then ordered Shepard to come in, ''''Come in. We have a lot to talk about.''''


    Anderson had known about the Reapers for a week or so and told the government, who asked other species if it was true and received an affirmative answer.


    However, to Anderson''s dismay, the government was not planning to act. They said that since the arrival of these Reapers, according to LD, was 10 years away, they had time to prepare.


    However, LD also said that the Reapers could appear at any moment, but when Anderson said this, no one listened.


    The only good thing about all this was that Admiral Hackett was secretly in contact with LD so that the Alliance personnel would have better equipment.


    It was a start, but there was still a long way to go.


    Shepard nodded at Anderson and entered the house. Anderson looked around once more, then closed the door.


    As she lived here for some time, Shepard knew the house and went to the kitchen to grab some water. Anderson just followed her, as he knew her mind must be a mess right now.


    After finishing the water, Shepard asked immediately, '''' Why didn''t you tell me about this sooner? About the Reapers and the Spectre position.''''


    Anderson sat down on the counter and looked at Shepard''s eyes. He could see a lot of conflicted emotions there, so he answered truthfully, '''' I was delaying because I wanted you to enjoy life without the burden of knowing that. And the Spectre position, I was going to tell you this week. Congratulations, by the way.''''


    Shepard snorted at that last part, '''' Thanks. It only took an extinction event for humanity to have a position in the Spectre ranks...''''


    Silence ruled the kitchen, as the family tried to take all in.


    '''' So... do you think we have a chance? To win, I mean.'''' Even though Shepard trusted LD and Samael, this was a fight she could not see a way to win.


    But that doesn''t mean she wasn''t going to fight, far from it. She would do her best to win, but she wanted to her other opinion.


    Anderson was brutally honest, '''' If they arrive at the galaxy now, we don''t stand a chance. We are fragmented, the other species still have a lot of prejudice against each other. Hell, even humanity has a beef with the Turians and the Batarians.''''


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Shepard''s expression changed to a downcast. But Anderson grabbed her hand and continued.


    '''' But, we can prepare. According to LD, we still have time. So, we will do our best in that regard. An old wound can heal, a peace can be achieved against other species. If we do that, gather all the galaxy under one banner, we can win.''''


    Shepard''s conviction was getting consolidated, '''' So, we just need to unite the entire galaxy?''''


    Anderson sighed, '''' Yes. That in itself is going to be a drag, but I''m confident we can do it. We just need someone to lead that charge.''''


    Shepard then remembers the conversation with Samael in LD building. How she had the potential very few possessed.


    A thought started to brew in her heart, '' If, only IF, I trusted his word... Maybe I can spearhead that thought.''


    Shepard washed away her doubts at that moment. Only the thought of winning remained, '''' We can do that.''''


    '''' Yes?'''' Anderson was surprised by Shepard''s change. Her eyes, which before were clouded with a lot of emotion, like doubt and fear, now only conviction remained.


    '''' I was at LD building just before coming here, with Samael and LD CEO. They told me that LD sponsored me because they saw my potential. They also said my biggest strength was the fact I could lead others... I decide to trust their judgment on that. I''ll use their support to better myself in every regard, and then use my future status as Spectre to bring changes into the galaxy.''''


    Shepard was getting hopeful, '''' We can do it, Dad. We can unite the galaxy under one banner. They just need to have an open mind, which I reckon is the most difficult part of all that.''''


    Anderson could see the conviction on his daughter''s face, '''' Are you sure about that? This will require a lot of sacrifice and difficult choices. The road ahead of you is not something to be taken lightly.''''


    Shepard''s eyes didn''t waver, '''' I''m willing to do whatever it takes.''''


    Anderson closed his eyes, his thoughts also consolidating. He would help his daughter in every part he could. He had a contact here and there and there are a lot of things he still didn''t teach her.


    When he opened his eyes again, Anderson looked proudly at Shepard, '''' I''ll help you the best I could.''''


    Shepard hugged him, '''' Thanks.''''


    '''' Now that all the heavy stuff is out of the way, tell me about your day. Did you make some new friends?'''' Anderon said that after Shepard broke the hug.


    '''' Well, I ...''''


    The family of two got closer than before. That day also signaled the birth of the legend of Commander Shepard, whom everyone in the galaxy would know the name in the future, but that is a story for another time.


    --


    WITH TALI AND LIARA


    As Samael was with Mordin for a few days, to document the effects of the Serum, he missed the opportunity to see Tali without the suit for the first time.


    A nervous Tali asked RR a little fearfully, "Are you sure it''s safe now?


    Right now, RR, EDI, Liara, and Tali were at Samael''s base in the slum, more precisely in a room there. The androids had cleaned the room and sterilized it.


    RR nodded, "Yes, the Pill has taken effect. You can take the suit off now. Permanently.''''


    Tali took a deep breath. Before that, she spent the last day kissing Samael, but for that, she only needed to take off the helmet. Now, she was going to take it all off, without taking the medicine.


    Which was scary, if she hadn''t taken the Pill. But now it was safe.


    Tali then began to remove the suit. EDI stood to the side with a change of clothes, while Liara looked on with anticipation.


    The Asari was witnessing history right now. The first time a Quarian was unsuited without risking their life.


    It didn''t take long for Tali to take off her suit. EDI passed her some clothes, and Tali put them on.


    Then everyone was apprehensive, waiting to help in case something bad happened.


    However, seconds turned into minutes and Tali didn''t experience any kind of reaction. If it had been before she took the pill, she would have been injured right now.


    With a trembling voice, Tali said, '''' I''- I''m okay!''''


    Liara noticed that, and looked at RR who nodded at her and hugged Liara, '''' Congratulations. You just made history. Now, all your species will have a way to live normally.''''


    Tali just cried. She wanted to show everyone and Samael but knew it was not the time.


    She was just happy that her species would have another life.


    RR said in a sad (?) tone, '''' I wish Samael was here to witness this, but he said he was doing something big with Mordin.''''


    Tali and Liara broke the hug and the Quarian said, '''' I also wished that but what he does there is very important, and I know it is the same now. He will surprise us with something big.''''


    Of course, the Quarian was a little sad her boyfriend missed this, but knew the things he does in that building are for the betterment of the galaxy, so she didn''t mind that much.


    She would later surprise him by wearing something good.


    '' Wait, are we at that point in the relationship?''


    Liara noticed the look on Tali''s face and sighed. She knew that ''love'' look but as she also didn''t experience much romance in her life, she could not help her.


    A thought struck her, '' Maybe, we can learn together?''


    It was an absurd thought, but Samael still looked at her with love love-filled gaze, even though he was with Liara. Besides, the Asari didn''t really mind a little bit of poly.


    With a new thought in her head, Liara went on about her day, happy for her friend.

 62 – Results

    '''' Your bone density is 8x that of normal humans. Your muscles are comparable to Turians. And you regenarate at a higher speed.'''' Mordin, who at this point had already done several tests with Samael, was happy with the results.


    It showed that the Chimera Serum worked perfectly. Of course, Samael being able to punch a hole in the wall was already a sign that it worked, but with so much data collected, now it was certain.


    Samael was now 1.95 meters tall, able to lift 200kg with ease, and could jump 5 meters without much effort. Basically, he was a weaker version of Captain America.


    '''' What about the side effects? Did they show up?'''' Samael asked as he put on some new clothes that he had asked the other researchers to buy.


    They were surprised by his new appearance but didn''t say anything more after he said he would tell them what had happened at a later date.


    "So far, no. It looks like our idea of combining Krogan and Asari DNA was a good one. Only -'''' Mordin hesitated for a moment before saying, '''' It gave birth to a peculiar side effect ...''''


    Mordin showed Samael something. It was his cells.


    With Samael''s knowledge, he noticed that they were being generated at an accelerated rate, which means, '''' ... My lifespan has increased... Do you have any idea how much?''''


    This was something he didn''t like. With the Krogan Serum, he would''ve gained strength and a few more decades of life, but that was that. Just a few more decades, if his calculations were correct.


    But based on what he saw right now, he had at least 500 years to live, maybe even more.


    And he didn''t like that.


    Only Liara would be by his side after 500 years, and he didn''t know if Tali, Shepard, or anyone else, would survive the serum.


    Of course, he could just try to increase their lifespan, as he wanted to do with Mordin, but he didn''t know if that was possible.


    One might think that living 500 years was good, but for Samael, it wasn''t. He had already lived his quota of more than 200 years, counting the time loops. He had already lived a lot, seen a lot, and done a lot.


    Life is only lived well because you know that one day it will end. So you do your best to leave a mark on people. But Samael was tired.


    He felt that he had already done his part, or rather, that he was going to do his part in the coming war. After that, he would enjoy the rest of his life with his wives and then die.


    But now, that plan has been broken.


    '''' I have no idea, but based on what I''m seeing, more than 500 years." Mordin noticed the look on Samael''s face and asked, puzzled, "I take it you didn''t like that.


    Samael nodded, '''' Very few species have this lifespan. That is 5 generations in human life and 15 generations in Salarian one. I would lose my friends to time if they didn''t take the serum. And I don''t know if they will handle it.''''


    Mordin''s face morphed into something akin to apprehension, as he saw the look on Samael''s face and remembered what he had been through. He knew the human was right. ''''This... has gotten complicated...''''


    '''' Yes... But I''ll leave that to you. Can you make a serum that only increases lifespan? The reaction I had was because of the Kronga DNA in there. Perhaps, with only the Asari''s, the reaction could be different.''''


    Samael wanted a smaller version of the serum, one in which only the lifespan increased. He left all this in the hands of his Salarian friend.


    Mordin put his hand to his chin and said, "Yes... maybe it will work.''''


    The salarian began to investigate the matter. With the Chimera Serum as a base, he thought it might work.


    '''' What are you going to do now?'''' Mordin asked after a while.


    ''''I''m going to go to my family and girlfriend and explain everything to them.'''' Samael said this and started tidying up, ''''What about you? Do you want to rest or something?''''


    ''''No, I''m fine. I have a lot to do, and there are things I can help with. Rest can wait". Mordin was a workaholic, and it showed.


    '''' If you say so... Moridn, thanks again.''''


    ''''Don''t say anything. Now, go and see your friend. The pill has already taken effect since we''ve been here for two days''''.


    Samael knew this and was looking forward to seeing Tali without the suit.


    '''' See you later.''''


    Samael then left the building, heading for his house.


    --


    Two days have passed since Samael took the Serum. It also meant Tali was already out of her suit, which in turn, excited Samael quite a bit.


    Suppressing the thought for the moment, he rushed home. Minutes later, he was in the slums and in front of his house. He took a deep breath and entered it.


    The scene in front of him stunned him. He was speechless for a long while.


    From the front door, he could see Tali in the kitchen, with no suit on, just regular clothes. She was eating something, and from what Samael could see, she was alone in the house and didn''t notice him.


    Giving him the opportunity to look at her with love in his eyes.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.'' Let''s not do something dra-''


    Before Samael could realize it, his body acted on its own. He closed the door behind him and started to go towards the kitchen. Tali finally realized someone was in the house and was pleasantly surprised when she noticed Samael.


    '''' Samael! I missed you... Did you get bigger?'''' That was one of the first things Tali noticed. He was tall before, but now the feeling he was giving was different. Besides, he clearly grew a few inches.


    '''' ...'''' Samael said nothing and just caressed Tali''s face. A gesture filled with love, something the Quarian appreciated.


    It was then that Tali remembered that she was without the suit. As it was with her for her entire life, it was difficult for her mind to remember that she was outside of it.


    Still, with Samael''s hands on her face, she smiled at him, '''' How do I look?''''


    Before this, Samael clearly saw her face, as he kissed her many times, but this was the first time he saw her body without the suit. Tali was a little anxious about his reaction.


    '' What if he doesn''t like me? I mean, a Quarian and a human as a couple is odd... What if he breaks up with me?''


    Just as Tali was overthinking things, Samael said, '''' I think you''re the most beautiful quarian I''ve ever seen.''''


    Tali smiled at that, '''' And how many other Quarians have you seen without the suit?''''


    She then noticed Samael looking at her with a love-filled gaze.


    Samael suddenly blurted, '''' I love you.''''


    He knew it was extremely weird to say, seeing as they had been dating only for a few weeks and met up only a few months ago. But his feelings were genuine.


    As expected, Tali was surprised, '''' W-what?''''


    '''' I love you, Tali Var Phoenix.'''' Samael then kissed Tali, whose mind was in turmoil.


    '' He loves me? Isn''t this too fast!?''


    But soon, the kiss took all her attention, and she focused on it. Maybe it was because she was outside the suit, Samael was way more forward now, fondling her quite a bit.


    Tali didn''t mind it, but things were getting too hot even for her. So, she put a brake on it, '''' Stop.''''


    Samael did so, but had a puppy look on his face.


    Tali smiled at that and said, '''' We can continue this tonight... I even have a surprise for you.''''


    '''' I can wait.''''


    '''' Good. Now, tell me why you disappeared for two days.''''


    Samael didn''t hesitate to tell Tali the truth. This was one of the biggest secrets LD had, but she was his wife, so she had the right to know.


    '''' LD was working with something called Chimera Serum. Basically, we would infuse the DNA of stronger species and presumably inherit their strength... I took it two days ago.''''


    Tali was shocked. '''' Wait, what?'''' She was smart, so she knew the process most likely wasn''t nice, '''' Is there any side effect? Was it painful? Since when was LD working on this?''''


    She went into full worry mode.


    Samael smiled at that and answered, '''' If our research is correct, there is no side effect. Only ... my lifespan is now 500 years.''''


    Tali was too shocked to react. Her species only had a 75-year life expectancy, so this was a shock.


    '''' I''m still trying to figure out a way to only increase the lifespan because, with the Serum I took, the process is dangerous and painful. Very few would survive it.''''


    That was why, from the beginning of his life, he trained his body and did the same with others, like Veronica, John, Miranda, etc. He was preparing their body for the Serum.


    Those few he mentioned would probably survive if they took the serum too. Others were another story.


    Tali was speechless. It was a lot to take in, but she did her best to calm down, '''' So... are you strong now?''''


    Samael smirked, and with one hand, he grabbed Tali, who then let out a cute squeak, and lifted her up easily.


    '''' I have the strength of a Krogan.''''


    Tali was shocked but pleasantly surprised.


    Samael put her down, '''' I - LD, was researching this for a long time, all so that we can stop the Reapers.''''


    At the mention of the Reapers, Tali calmed down, her excitement for her boyfriend getting stronger diminished. She knew what the Reapers were capable of, thanks to Javik, so she knew the strength Samael now possessed meant nothing in front of the machines.


    Samael noticed that and decided it was time to tell his crew about his failsafe, named Project Andromeda.


    '' But, that can wait.''


    Samael kissed Tali once more, and the couple spent the rest of the day like that. They had time to enjoy themselves because the other residents of the house were out.


    At night, Tali did show Samael her surprise. It was a set of red lingerie.


    The Quarian had debated internally if they were moving too fast with their relationship, but the Reapers sent that thought flying away. She knew they were living in borrowed time until the war, so she would enjoy her human boyfriend the best she could.


    NEXT DAY


    Samael woke up beside Tali and smiled. The events of last night repeated in his mind.


    '' While she looks frail, she is a beast on bed.''


    Don''t let the frail-looking Tali confuse you. Maybe because of the Pill and the fact that she didn''t need to use the suit anymore, she was energetic in bed.


    Of course, she still ''lost'' to Samael, who had 200 years of experience in this regard. Both parts ended the night very fulfilled.


    Samael messed with Tali''s hair a bit and let out a laugh as she tried to take his hand away in her sleep.


    '' I would love to spend the day here, but we have things to do.''


    He kissed her forehead and then sent a message to his team, '' Assemble at LD headquarters, we have a lot to discuss.''


    Samael would make breakfast, wake up Tali and the others, then go to LD.


    As he got out of his room and went to the kitchen, Samael stopped in his tracks. In the living room, an awake Valery and Liara were looking at him with different gazes.


    Valery was smirking with an'' I know what you did'' look. Liara was looking at him with curiosity.


    '''' Oh my, look who it is! It''s Romeo! How was last night?'''' Valery teased her son and was enjoying the situation.


    '''' Stop. We are a couple, so doing those things is normal. I mean, the door was closed and all.'''' Samael had no shame in this regard.


    He also noticed the look Liara was giving him and realized she was interested in what had happened.


    '' Maybe it''s a chance.''


    ''''There was nothing normal yesterday. You see, the walls are thin in this house, so we heard a few things....''''


    Liara looked curious about that because she didn''t hear anything last night.


    Samael ignored that and asked both,'''' What do you guys want for breakfast?''''


    '''' ''Oh, my Samael, don''t stop!'' '' There, there!!!'' '' How can this be so big?!'''''' Valery''s teasing didn''t stop.


    '''' Cynade it is.'''' Samael said that and went to the kitchen. He knew his mom was teasing him because that was not what Tali said last night. Well, at least not just this.


    Besides, the wall in this house was meant to tank a few missiles, so being soundproof was the least it could do.


    Samael spent the next few minutes making breakfast for everyone. It was a simple bacon and eggs.


    Tali''s diet was different because she was Quarian and had a different stomach than others, so he made something special for her.


    '''' Here.'''' Samael passed Liara and Valery their portion, '''' Where are RR and EDI?''''


    Valery and Liara thanked him, and the Asari answered, '''' They were at the base doing something I don''t know.''''


    '''' Ok. Liara, have you received the message I sent?''''


    The Asari nodded.


    '''' Good. I will wake Tali, take a shower, and then we will leave together.''''


    '''' No problem.'''' Liara sensed the conversation had ended and started to eat.


    Samael then went to his room with Tali and his breakfast.


    At this point, the Quarian was up and dressed.


    '''' Good morning, girlfriend.'''' Samael put down the breakfast on the bed.


    Tali smiled at Samael, '''' Good morning, boyfriend.'''' She then thanked him for the meal.


    '''' Now let''s eat, then take a bath. The day ahead of us is a big one.''''


    The couple ate, took a bath, then grabbed Liara and the recently arrived AI''s and went to LD headquarters.

 63 – Opportunity

    Minutes later, Samael, along with Tali, Liara, RR, and EDI, arrived at LD headquarters. They went directly to the CEO''s office, greeting all the employees along the way.


    The members of the SSV Phoneix were well known by everyone in the building, as they were the ones Samael led, meaning a lot of attention was on them because of Liara and Tali''s presence.


    Soon, they were on the last floor, and from the elevator, they could hear some conversation inside the office. They said hi to the guards and knocked on the door.


    Jack opened it, and inside was the whole crew, waiting for Samael. She greeted him and the others, '''' It''s good to see all of you. Enter, we were waiting for you... Wait, how are you so tall?''''


    That made everyone in the room look over, and a few were shocked by Samael''s transformation. He was already tall to begin with, so any change in his height would be noticed immediately.


    Samael smiled mysteriously at them, '''' I''ll tell you guys in the meeting. For now, let us enter.''''


    So, Samael together with the people he came with, entered the office and started to chat right away, with him greeting everyone and going towards Miranda''s seat. Today was an important day, after all, so he would take over the seat momentarily.


    Miranda wasn''t seated there, as she was talking with others.


    Samael sat down and looked around the office, his eyes filled with pride for his crew. He knew their potential and them from past cycles, so seeing them so strong and close was a nice feeling.


    '' A shame Shepard isn''t here, but she has her own crew.''


    Shepard did try to contact Samael in the last couple of days to chat about things, as she seemed recovered from the shock about the Reapers. But as he was still in the secret building with Mordin, to see the side effects of the Serum, he just responded with a '' I''ll talk to you later, busy rn''.


    So, they marked a meeting for today at night, to talk about something. Samael was just happy he had a connection, albeit a small one, with Shepard.


    Samael broke that thought and noticed 10 minutes had passed since he arrived, so he decided to start today''s meeting.


    '' Cough.''


    That fake cough gathered everyone''s attention. They realized it was time for the meeting to start, so they stopped talking and started to pay attention.


    Samael nodded at that and noticed Miranda had put a lot of chairs in the office, so everyone sat down. He praised Mirnda internally.


    '''' So, a lot of you must be curious about my transformation, and I said I would reveal it at today''s meeting. But, it will be at the end. First, take a look at those files I''ll pass to you.'''' Samael used his Omni tool and passed the files he had on Project Andromeda.


    He gave his crew a few minutes to process the information, and sure enough, Miranda was the first one to finish reading it. She had a shocked look on her face, '''' This...''''


    '''' Is a fail-safe, in case we lose. Because if we lose, it is really the end. The Reapers would wipe out everyone we knew, so this is an assurance that our loved ones will be safe. Of course, we can''t possibly house everyone in your family, but your father and mother, your siblings, your child, and your significant other are included.''''


    '''' So, this meeting was to inform you of this. Those who have families and want them to join Project Andromeda, just need to say so. The project is in the earlier stages of preparation, so this will be something for the future. But start to think about it now.''''


    Some members of the crew, like some of the test subjects he rescued when he saved Jack, didn''t really have any family members left alive. But that doesn''t mean they would not have made a family until the project was finished, so they could potentially enter too.


    Noticing the heavy mood, Samael asked, '''' So, any question?''''


    Miranda shot right away, '''' How much is the cost of this project? By the files, this isn''t something normal.'''' She was smart and could see the magnitude of Project Andromeda with a glance.


    '''' It is 1.5 trillion credits per arc. We still have not decided how many we will build, but we are prepared to invest at least 10 billion. Again, the project is at an earlier stage, so almost everything is at the beginning. We still haven''t decided on the number of people it will carry.''''


    '''' That is ... cheap.'''' Miranda added. Her sense of money was always a little convoluted, thanks to her father and her being a CEO.


    That money was enough to buy dozens of planets, make Project Lazurus, and do many other things.


    '''' It is.'''' But Samael also had a strange view of money. He really didn''t care much about it, because it was a means to an end. He didn''t mind ''wasting'' so much money, because Project Andromeda was that good. He then made a cunning face, '''' But, with our influence and some contacts, we could arrange cheaper things with even better quality.''''


    '''' How many others know about this?'''' Jack asked as she noticed her girlfriend was lost in thought.


    '''' Only me, the person I put in charge, you guys, and Councilor Tevos. We made a deal regarding that. Also, it benefits us greatly, as if the Asari were involved, repopulation on another galaxy would be easy.''''


    John then asked, '''' How many slots do we have?''''


    '''' Again, enough to accommodate you and your immediate family. Cousins, uncles, and aunts are another history.'''' Samael sighed, '''' We can''t save everyone. Besides, this project is highly classified, so don''t go around telling people about it. It''s an assurance that we will have others carrying our legacy and surviving.''''


    Samael stopped talking, and everyone in the room started some conversation, with the main topic being Project Andromeda. There was no reason for him to tell them about this so soon, but he decided to show them he trusted them enough to tell.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    He looked around the office and noticed Liara was talking with Clare about something. Deciding to put something in place, he got up and approached her.


    Clare noticed that and excused herself. Samael then took the opportunity and started the conversation, '''' I know it might sound crazy, but it''s just precaution. We will win.''''


    Liara was stressed with all that, as reality started to sink in on how dangerous things would become in the future, '''' I know, it''s just that now, with everything that happened, my job feels meaningless. Everything I studied doesn''t matter.''''


    Samael didn''t want to see his future wife sad, so he proposed something to her, '''' How about you put what you know into practice?''''


    '''' Pardon?'''' Liara wasn''t following.


    Samael loved that distracted look on her face as he said, '''' Use what you know. How do you feel about receiving news regarding a Prothean relic or something along those lines, but the content was nothing new?''''


    '''' Quite down.'''' Liara was honest. Most of her time, when she was going around the galaxy studying the Protheans, almost every ''quest'' ended in failure, with no new findings. The feeling was bad.


    '''' So, how would you feel if you were an Asari that went to Project Andromeda and, 1000 years into the future, you didn''t knew about the story of your people?''''


    '''' ... devastated.''''


    '''' So, do your part. Start to catalog everything you want to pass on to other generations, be it about Prothean, humans, Asari, or Turians. It doesn''t matter about what, just pass it on to others.'''' Samael put a hand on her shoulder and said, '''' Be the guide of the future generation that will live in the Arc, if the need arises.''''


    Liara was inspired by what Samael said. It also made sense, it seemed as if that was kind of her job. She had already begun to think about how to compile everything to pass on to others. She looked at Samael with gratitude and said, '''' Thank you for this. You showed me a path I didn''t even think about.''''


    Samael put the hand away and said, '''' Don''t mention it. You are very special to me, so seeing you down made me act. Besides, I''m sure you would have thought about this down the line.''''


    It was true. She would''ve, he just sped up the process by a few years.


    Liara smiled at him, the implication of what he said didn''t miss her. While she was naive in romantic regards, she wasn''t THAT dense.


    The conversation naturally came to an end, and both parts parted, with Liara returning to Clare, and Samael going around, offering some encouraging words to the rest of the crew.


    Finally, Jack could not resist anyone and asked, '''' OK, now please tell me about what happened to you? You can''t just grow that much in less than one week.''''


    '''' Yeah, tell us.''''


    '''' Is it a girl?''''


    Samael ignored that last one, and smiled, '''' This, my friends, is also something LD was making in secret. It will change a lot of things around the galaxy, but the opportunity is for few.''''


    He then passed the files he had about the Serum, not the formula, as that was too dangerous for others to see, even if they were his crew. Not because they would tell others, but because others would come after them to extract the information.


    Jack read the title, '''' Chimera Serum...?'''' She started to read, and by the end of it, she was shocked. ''''Is that even possible?''''


    Samael smirked and demoted his new strength by grabbing an already accustomed Tali, and a slightly shocked Liara, who was in the dark too.


    '''' It is. Humanity, alongside other slightly weaker species, has now leveled the field against the other species. Of course, as you saw in the files, not everyone can take it, the process to assimilate the DNA is... not nice.'''' Samael put the ladies down.


    '''' How bad are we talking?'''' Miranda asked, hesitantly. She wanted to know, but at the same time, she didn''t.


    Samael passed everyone in the room the video Mordin filmed. It was bad.


    Some members of the crew were so shocked that they had to sit down once more. The video showed Samael, their boss, having all his bones broken, cracking, and being destroyed. And then he was reborn at the end.


    Still, the process was ugly.


    Some wondered how the fuck he only screamed a few times after everything, their respect for their captain only growing.


    Samael said, looking at Veronica, '''' Remember as kids when I told you you needed to train your body more?''''


    Veronica recalled those times with a smile. '''' I do. You forced me a lot.''''


    '''' That was why. I had the idea of the Serum in my head for a long time, but only now can I put it into motion. That was also why every LD personnel should be fit, so that if they had the opportunity to take the serum, they would survive.''''


    Samael added, '''' I will not lie, the process is not ... pleasant, and could kill you, even if you were prepared. We are working on a lesser version, but if you want, you can take the Chimera Serum in the next week. This opportunity is only for the crew, and we are still thinking of ways to introduce it to others.''''


    '''' Also, it''s a super secret, so you can''t tell anyone about this. Any more questions?'''' Samael finished saying it, and the questions started immediately.


    '''' How strong are you now?''''


    '''' Did your dick also grow?''''


    '''' Is there any side effect?''''


    Ignoring the weird question, Samael did his best to satiate the curiosity of the others.


    The meeting went good, the rest of it was normal, and Samael gave them a deadline for when they would leave Earth once more.


    '''' One month.''''


    The crew then disbanded, and Samael went on with his day.

 64 – Crew Meets Crew (1)

    WITH SHEPARD


    I was unable to contact Samael for a few days. He said he was busy with something important, and I don''t doubt him, as he was the owner of LD.


    But I could not hold on for much longer. I had to tell my crew about the Reapers and what we would face.


    So, today in the afternoon, I sent a message to Samael, telling him I would be telling my crew about the Reapers at night, so if he wanted to say something about that, say it now or it will be too late.


    A few minutes after I sent the message, he responded with, '' Meet me at the same bar at night. I will help you tell the news.''


    I responded with a thank you and waited.


    Soon, it was time for us to meet, and I grabbed my entire crew and went to the bar to meet up.


    So, imagine my surprise when I saw the place packed with people, with Samael in the middle of them all. I noticed right away that they must be close friends or something along those lines.


    Joker hesitantly approached me, '''' Commander, what is this all about? The bar is always empty, so seeing it filled with so many people is... scary.''''


    I nodded at my pilot but said, '''' They were friends.''''


    Just in cue, Samael noted me and stopped what he was doing, '''' Shepard!'''' He came in my direction and said, '''' Nice to see you.''''


    I smiled at him and noticed how he had grown a few centimeters since we last saw each other, '''' Samael, nice to see you too. Did you grow...? You know what, never mind.'''' I looked behind him and said, '''' Those are?''''


    Samael looks proud, '''' It''s my crew. Come, let us introduce ourselves.'''' He nodded at the rest of my crew and proceeded to spearhead this meeting.


    He introduced everyone to his crew''s doctor, '''' This one is Clare. She is one of the best doctors we have in the whole LD.''''


    Clare introduced herself and almost instantly, locked eyes with Doctor Chakwas.


    '''' I heard a lot about you, Doctor Chakwas. Care to share some of your stories?''''


    I didn''t even have to introduce Chakwas to the others, as Clare did that herself.


    Doctor Chakwas wasn''t one to say no to the young one who wanted to hear her stories, '''' It will be my pleasure.''''


    The duo went away, talking about their stories.


    Samael continued the introductions, '''' This one is Veronica and John. She is my pilot and he is one great soldier.''''


    Joker perked up hearing that, and just as he was about to go have a chat with Veronica, something caught his eye. It was an Android, which was besides another Android, but something in the first had captivated the young pilot.


    I noticed that, and Samael did too, so he said, '''' That is one of LD''s secrets. We have an Android that is close to being an AI rather than a VI. Please, feel free to go talk to them.''''


    Joker didn''t really care about AI or whatnot, his mind was only filled with that particular Android. His body went on autopilot and went in the direction of it.


    Samael nodded at one of the Androids, who gave a thumbs up. I didn''t understand the interaction, but I hoped my pilot would not have his heart broken by ... a machine.


    I looked around and noticed Alenko, Willians, and Jacob talking with Veronica and John.


    Most of my crew had already blended in, making friends with the rest.


    Samael continued the introduction, this time introducing an Asari and Quarian, '''' This one is Liara, a Prothean Expert. She is awesome.''''


    '''' Hello, Commander Shepard. Nice to meet you.'''' Liara offered a handshake, which I gladly accepted.


    '''' Nice to meet you too.''''


    '''' This one is Tali, one of the best Quarian engineers the galaxy has ever seen.''''


    The Quarian repeated the gesture, '''' Nice to make you an acquaintance.''''


    '''' Likewise.''''


    After that small introduction, they went away, to talk with the rest.


    '''' And this one is Mordin. He is a scientist working for LD.''''


    The Salarian introduced himself to me. '''' Hello. I heard a few things about you from Samael, yes. Like how he wants to-''''


    COUGH


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Samael coughed out loud, and Mordin made a knowing face and said, '''' Sorry for that. I almost said something I should not.''''


    I was confused, but I feel the Salarian was a funny one and harmless. '''' That''s ok. It''s nice to meet you too.''''


    The Salarian then went away and blended in.


    Time passed, and the introduction ended, with small groups already being formed. Of course, as time passes, those groups will blend with the others, but that is a natural process that I didn''t need to rush.


    '''' It''s nice seeing them interact so naturally, no?'''' Samael asked with a smile while looking at the scene ahead.


    I nodded at that statement, '''' We all might be young, but what we went through and did in those past months was enough to harden us. So, it''s nice seeing them so relaxed.''''


    '''' You tell me.''''


    I looked at the scene some more and said, '''' Now, how about we join them?''''


    '''' Let''s.''''


    NORMAL POV


    HOURS LATER


    After Samael and Shepard joined the fray, everyone introduced themselves to each other. Joker was still glued to EDI, and no one blamed him. The android even seemed interested.


    RR was around the young android, taking care of her.


    The rest of the crew had already blended in, making friends here and there.


    No alcohol was being consumed yet because the meeting today was more to tell Shepard''s crew about the Reapers than anything else.


    As Samael predicted, the crews made friends on the spot. Now, he had one more connection with Shepard, and things should go smoothly in romancing her.


    If nothing goes wrong, of course.


    Shepard was still with Samael, both eyeing their crew. It was then that she said, '''' It''s time.''''


    Samael nodded at her and whistled, gathering everyone''s attention, '''' Guys, Shepard here has some words. It''s serious.''''


    The SSV Phoenix crew noticed that Samael said that while looking at Shepard''s crew, so they rationalized that it must be about the Reapers. While their existence was known by the government of all species, only those higher-ups in the government knew about them. So, Shepard''s crew was in the dark, and she was going to say something.


    Everyone looked at Shepard, and she took a deep breath, '''' Some months ago, LD found proof of a species made out of a killing machine, strong beyond measure. Some of you might know them from fairy tales, but they were real. They are called the Reapers.''''


    Dr. Chakwas, who was somewhat calm, reacted fiercely to hearing that name, '''' Are you sure, Commander?''''


    Shepard nodded at her doctor and said, '''' It''s been confirmed, and the information about them was relayed to the authorities. The government knows about them.''''


    A bad feeling rose within Dr. Chakwas, '''' If you are talking about them...''''


    Shepard made a grave face and said, '''' Yes. The Reapers are real... and they were coming for us.''''


    For the next 20 or so minutes, Shepard explained to her crew about the Reapers, what they were capable of, their appearance, etc.


    The SSV Phoenix crew only looked at them with sympathy, as they were in the same position as them just a few months ago.


    Shepard''s crew, who were in high spirits before, looked defeated. Who could blame them though, as they just discovered they were being targeted by something most considered immortal?


    Shepard decided to give them a boost, '''' We will win.''''


    There are no doubts in her words. That gathered the attention of her crew, and their eyes lit up a bit. Even the SSV Phoenix crew looked surprised.


    Samael nodded internally. That was the Shepard he knew. It was in the beginning stages, but she was there. The leader the galaxy needs in the upcoming war.


    She could boost the morale of the troops with a single sentence.


    '''' Trust us, trust me, and trust yourselves. We have time to prepare for them, and this time, it''s the whole galaxy united. We will win.''''


    Color returned to the faces of her crew, as they sighed their worries away. Just as Shepard said, it was something for the future. The best they could do was prepare.


    Samael noticed that their spirits were lifted and Shpeard was done speaking, so he clapped and said, '''' Ok, with all that crap out of the way, let''s get wasted so much we forget about them. Who''s with me?''''


    With a cheer from his crew first, the rest followed soon after.


    The drinks then started to roll, and everyone did their best to enjoy their lives right now. What they will do tomorrow with that information in mind is for tomorrow.

 65 – Crew Meets Crew (2)

    GROAN


    Samael woke up in a pile of people. He held his throbbing head in his hand and looked around. He checked and made sure every one of both crews was there and sighed in relief when he counted every one. He also noticed RR and EDI were seated together, looking at him with interest.


    For some reason, Joker was close to both, but Samael ignored that.


    He pushed the people on top of him to the side, ignored the AIs, and looked for the bartender. He noticed the agent was sleeping in the bar.


    So, Samael approached him and woke him up. The bartender got up in a few seconds, his hand on his hip.


    '' Good reflex.'' Samael thought as he said, '''' At ease.''''


    Only then did the agent remember where he was, '''' Good morning, boss.''''


    He put his hand away, '''' What can I do for you?''''


    Samael sighed, '''' First things first, what the hell happened here?''''


    While it was strange to wake up in a pile of people, it was something he had done before, so no big deal. But, the state of the bar ... was something.


    Tables and cups were scattered everywhere, broken bottles also included.


    The Bartender scratched his head, '''' You don''t remember?''''


    Samael shook his head, '''' The last thing I remember was drinking something Mordin gave me ... Ah.''''


    An eureka moment hit Samael. He got drunk yesterday.


    Even he, with his almost supernatural tolerance to alcohol, got drunk yesterday, thanks to Mordin. The Salarian, knowing how Samael was more resistant to alcohol, thanks to the Serum, made a drink that guaranteed he would be drunk.


    When Samael heard that, he assumed it would not work and drank it all in a gulp. Big mistake.


    The drink worked. For the first time in a while, Samael got drunk drunk. And, lucky for some and unlucky for others, he was a rowdy drunk.


    '''' So I got drunk, huh.'''' Samael wasn''t even mad. He liked surprising things happening, so this was a nice outcome. A drink that was capable of making him drunk was awesome.


    '''' Yes, you did. After that, the whole party amped up in their drinks and this is the result.''''


    '''' ...''''


    '''' If you want, I can show you the whole party.'''' It was then that EDI and RR approached both, '''' I filmed it.''''


    Samael looked at RR and asked, '''' Did you also film our-''''


    '''' Yes, Samael. I film everything. Everything.''''


    '''' ... Good to know. Now, please show me what happened yesterday. And buy a few aspirins for everyone.''''


    '''' No problem. And here.'''' RR passed the video of the party yesterday.


    Samael received them and started to watch.


    FLASHBACK


    HOURS AGO


    '''' So, have you done intercourse with someone?'''' Mordin asked Samael when he noticed the human alone.


    Samael was enjoying a drink and looking around, at his family, when he heard that question. He almost choked on his drink but responded to his friend, '''' Yes. With Tali. Happy?''''


    Mordin put a hand on his chin, '''' Interesting. Did anything special happen in the intercourse?''''


    '''' Nothing of the sort.''''


    Mordin took a notepad out of nowhere and started to write something down, '''' Did Tali experience something out of normal? The pill took effect days ago, but I want to write down anything that might cause something to happen to her, yes.''''


    Samael didn''t mind answering, '''' She was ok. She was a little thirsty but that was expected. Other than that nothing.''''


    Mordin nodded and noted down a few things. Then he said something to Samael, '''' Be careful of your semen.''''


    '''' What do you mean?''''


    '''' You are more than a human now, Samael. You have the DNA of the Asari, the species known by their ability to get pregnant or in your case impregnate any other species. So, you could potentially -''''


    '''' Impregnate Tali, right?'''' That was a possibility that crossed his mind before, but Samael dismissed it as too absurd.


    Mordin nodded, '''' We don''t know much about other side effects, so please refrain from doing it again. Or don''t, if you want to risk it. Just bring up with your potential partners about that part.''''


    '''' I''ll keep that in mind.''''


    Adding the Asari DNA to the Serum was to counter the side effects of the Krogan DNA, but the possibility of adding other side effects was high. That was a risk Samael took, and now he would live with the consequences.


    '''' Again, this is just something that might happen, yes. Don''t let it bother you too much.'''' Mordin said that then offered something to Samael, '''' Also, here.''''


    Samael took the vial out of Mordin''s hands and inspected it for a few seconds, '''' What is this?''''


    '''' Something I made with Okeer. It''s supposed to be the strongest drink across the galaxy, enough to make even the Krogan drunk. This is the prototype, just for you, yes. Don''t worry, no side effect.''''


    Samael eyed it for a few more seconds and chugged it all down in front of a shocked Mordin. Samael noticed that face and asked, '''' What''s wrong?''''


    Mordin took out his notepad again and said, '''' You''re supposed to only take a sip, not take it all. Of course, it is safe but I will note everything that will happen to you, just in case.''''


    A vein popped on Samael''s head but he sighed it away. He can''t be mad at Mordin, '''' Oh well, if I get drunk, so be it.''''


    Samael doubted he would get drunk, but he didn''t mind even if he did.


    ''''OK.''''


    A few minutes later, the room started spinning for Samael and he was surprised.


    '' I got drunk.''


    He made a mental note to ask for more of this stuff, but then the drunkess overcame his mind.


    Now, Drunk Samael took control.


    Immediately after he blacked out, he also took control of the party. Taking out a microphone out of nowhere he started singing a song.


    "Oh, don''t you dare look back


    Just keep your eyes on me"


    I said, "You''re holding back"


    She said, "Shut up and dance with me"


    This woman is my destiny


    She said, "Ooh-hoo


    Shut up and dance with me"


    But the problem was ... his voice was shit, to be honest. So much so, a few people laughed but after the song ended, Shepard surprisingly took the microphone from him and started to sing too.


    Samael went directly to Tali after singing and started to kiss her, ignoring the rest. The Quarian was taken by surprise but returned the kiss.


    Tali was talking with the members of Shepard''s crew, who were surprised to see a Quarian without the suit and normal. She had just finished explaining the situation to them when Samael kissed her. The people who were speaking with her backed off and went to other places.


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    She broke it after a few seconds and asked, '''' Are you drunk?''''


    Samael smirked, '''' No. You guys who were too sober.''''


    Tali sighed. She refrained from drinking because she did not have good alcohol tolerance but seeing the situation, she thought ''fuck it'' and also let herself go.


    After drinking a beer, she initiates the kiss with Samael.


    A few members of the crew whistled, but that was that. Liara and Shepard, who was still singing by the way, didn''t really mind that.


    After Shepard finished singing, another person went to the stage, which just happened to be a table.


    It was Clare, who only had one drink but was already drunk.


    After a few more rounds of people singing badly, Samael stopped the kiss and said out loud, '''' Let''s play a game!''''


    '''' Strip poker!'''' Someone shouted.


    '''' Russian Rolette.''''


    '''' Darts!''''


    The party got out of hand, thanks to Drunk Samael, who without wanting to, led the party to the actual situation.


    Everyone played a few games and drank more and more.


    Samael even stole a kiss from Liara and Shepard. In the video, Tali didn''t seem to mind and also stole a kiss from Liara.


    The Asari, even drunk, was clearly confused about the situation but didn''t really mind the attention she was getting. Even Shepard kissed her.


    Hours later, their batteries ended and they just slept where they were.


    END OF FLASHBACK


    Samael looked at the footage and confirmed not much happened other than that. No new couple, or anything like that.


    Well, Joker was the exception. He pursued EDI very clearly but the AI was still unsure and maintained a reasonable distance.


    And the stoles kissed he gave Shepard and Liara. The Asari clearly enjoyed the situation.


    '''' That ... was fun.'''' Samael said that as he put the video away.


    '''' I had to buy drinks from other places. You alone drank more than the rest.'''' The Bartender commented. He had also watched the video but he really didn''t need it because he was sober the whole time.


    '''' Send the bill to me.''''


    '''' Sure thing.''''


    '''' And do you have coffee?''''


    A few minutes later, someone delivered the aspirins, and just on cue, people started to wake up.


    Shepard looked around, still dizzy, '''' Anyone noted the plate of the bus who hit me?''''


    Samael helped her up, '''' I did. It''s called alcohol.'''' He then passed an aspirin to her, '''' Here.''''


    '''' Thank you.'''' Shepard grabbed it and gulped it down. She looked around the place, '''' It was intense last night... do you remember anything?''''


    '''' I didnt, but my companinon there,'''' Samael pointed at RR, who waved at Shepard,'''' filmed everyting.''''


    '''' Oh... everything?'''' Shepard asked with trepidation. She knew how she acted when drunk.


    Samael smirked and passed a file to Shepard''s omni tool, '''' Everything.''''


    When Shepard looked at the file, it was her signing her sorrows away. The problem, just like Samael, her voice wasn''t nice. She also noticed the kiss between her and Samael and her and Liara.


    '''' ... Fuck!'''' Shepard cursed and said to Samael, '''' Don''t show this to -''''


    She stopped in her tracks as she noticed Samael passing the file of the whole party to everyone.


    He looked at her with a small smile, '''' You''re saying?''''


    Shepard gritted her teeth, but could only sigh, '''' Do you have coofe?''''


    '''' I, in fact, do have.'''' Samael knew the people in the bar, so he knew they liked coffee and asked for everyone.


    He passed one to Shepard and drank one himself.


    '''' It was a nice night,'''' Samael said while taking a sip.


    '''' It really was.'''' Shepard had a conflicted look on her face, '''' After learning about the Reapers and the upcoming war, I''ll admit that I was discouraged for some time. But, I had a talk with my da- Anderson and realized I could not be lost in self-pity. I had to fight.''''


    She was looking into a far future as she continued, '''' So this party was a nice way to make me forget, even if for only a few hours, about the things that were about to happen. Thanks for that.''''


    '''' No worries. Besides, me and my crew will stay on Earth for at least one more month. So, let''s have a meet-up between our crew for this duration, just without the alcohol.''''


    '''' That ... sounds nice.'''' Shepard held her cup of coffee up, '''' Cheers.''''


    '''' Cheers.''''


    The rest of the crew woke up one by one and took the medicine and the coffee. Soon after that, they exchanged contacts and went their separate ways.


    SSV Phoenix crew stayed behind at the bar.


    Veronica said after a while, '''' They seemed nice.''''


    Jack nodded at that, '''' True.''''


    '''' You guys will have more time to become friends. I and Shepard decided to make this reunion, not the same as what happened yesterday, a regular thing until we leave.'''' Samael said that and looked at EDI, '''' So, our youngest, how are you feeling? I mean, Joker clearly wants to woo you.''''


    EDI sighed, '''' I''m conflicted. I mean, he''s cute and all, but ...''''


    Some of the female members of the crew looked at EDI with some envy in their eyes. I mean, they were human but no one from the other crew went after them.


    '''' Just take your time. If you need help with that kind of thing, just ask RR. She''s good with that.''''


    RR puffed her chest, feeling proud.


    Miranda then clapped her hands, '''' While yesterday it was good and all, but we need to work.''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Let''s help with the cleaning them leave.''''


    Everyone started to help and Samael approached Tali and Liara. From their red faces, they must have watched the video he sent them.


    So, they also saw their kisses. Samael saw this chance and greeted both, '''' How are you doing?''''


    Liara jumped a little and looked ashamed, '''' I''m good. And Samael, sorry for-''''


    Samael just shook his head, '''' Don''t say sorry, it was just a kiss and nothing more. Besides, Tali also kissed you so no worries.''''


    Tali, who also had a little trepidation about how Samael would react, looked at Liara with a '' told you so'' face.


    '''' By the way, if Tali doesn''t mind, I also don''t mind going further.'''' Samael threw the bait and ...


    '''' I''ll think about it.'''' Liara took it.


    By the way, Samael was acting based on how well he knew his loved ones. Tali didn''t mind Liara getting into the mix and Liara also didn''t mind joining in.


    Shepard was the related one, but Samael would use the next month to ease her up a little.


    '''' Good.'''' Samael then gave Tali a small kiss and went back to cleaning, leaving the two alone.


    After Samael left, Tali said to Liara, '''' I told you he didn''t care. I just never expected that last part, of you joining in.''''


    It was clear that Samael was also interested in Liara, but he never acted on it. This was the first time he did and it was in a somewhat subtle way.


    Liara looked at her friend with a strange gaze, '''' So you don''t mind it?''''


    '''' I will not be a hypocrite and say no, but think about it Liara. We have a war coming and we are young. Let''s enjoy ourselves while we can.''''


    Liara was 100+ years old, but to an Asari, she was considered young.


    Tali''s argument made sense, and Liara made up her mind on the spot. She would not act right away, but she would enjoy it too.


    '''' I see. It''s something to think about. For now, let''s clean this up.''''


    The cleaning ended a few minutes later and the crew went their separate ways. A few of them went to work, and others went to train their bodies so they could take the Serum.

 66 – Preparing To Leave Earth

    It was in the morning after the party with Shepard and her crew. Samael had just woken up and noticed Tali was without her suit.


    It then hit him that he didn''t see her without it at the party, meaning she didn''t take her suit off then. He now wanted to know if she was in pain, or anything along those lines.


    So, after she woke up a few minutes later, he asked after cuddling a bit, '''' So, why you didn''t take the suit off yesterday? I mean, you are already free...''''


    Tali looked at Samael like he was an idiot, '''' Love, this is a groundbreaker thing. What would happen if it was known that a Quarian was living out of its suit?''''


    '''' ... A frenzy among the Quarians.'''' Samael knew it was true. He was so blind to his love for Tali that he didn''t consider that.


    '''' Yeah, unwanted attention. So for now on, unless you and I absolutely trust the person, I will not reveal it until LD is ready to reveal it. I endured my entire life, I can endure a few more months.''''


    Samael was touched and said, '''' I love you. And sorry you have to restrain yourself for a bit longer.''''


    Tali lightly kissed Samael, '''' It''s my choice, so don''t burden yourself with it. Now, how about we eat breakfast, huh?''''


    '''' You read my mind.''''


    The duo then went to the kitchen and noticed that Liara and Valery were there. The latter was grinning a lot for some reason.


    Just as the couple sat down on the table, Valery didn''t waste time and said, '''' A bird or two told me a few things you all did yesterday.''''


    Samael and Tali immediately looked at Liara, who looked at the clouds (?).


    '''' Do I want to know what the bird said?'''' Samael said while eating. Tali was smiling at Liara, who was doing her best to look innocent.


    '''' I''ll keep that information to myself.''''


    The family then ate breakfast and after that, Samael went to visit an ''old friend'', while the others went to do their own thing. He arrived at the house and rang the doorbell.


    RING RING


    '''' Coming!'''' A voice came from inside the house, and hurried steps were heard. A teenager opened the door and said, '''' Samael! Long time no see. Are you here to see my dad?''''


    '''' Hi, Scott. Yes, I''m here to see your dad, is he home?''''


    '''' No, he''s out. But, feel free to enter and wait for him.'''' Scott Ryder opened the door fully and invited Samael in.


    '''' Thanks.'''' Samael didn''t reject it and entered the house.


    '''' No problem.'''' Scott leads Samael to the sofa. '''' Do you want anything while we wait for him?''''


    '''' Nah, I''m good.''''


    ''''OK. I''ll let Sara know you are here.'''' Scott then screamed at the top of his lungs, '''' SARAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, SAMAEL IS HERE.''''


    '''' OKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.'''' The girl twin also screamed, but that was that.


    Samael and Scott then talked some more, and finally Alec arrived home a few minutes later. The Pathfinder greeted Saamael, '''' Hello.''''


    '''' Hello. I came to check with you about the progress of our project and to tell you not-so-good news.''''


    '''' Ok?'''' Alec was taken aback by that last part, but he put it in the back of his mind. He then started to explain where the Project was, '''' In the last 3 months, we started the building of 5 Arcs. It''s coming along nicely, and I also have a list of people I want to recruit.''''


    Alec passed a list to Samael, who looked at it. As expected, as it was too early in the timeline, almost no one from Mass Effect Andromeda was there. Regardless, he decides to help them.


    Samael nodded at the list and said, '''' I also want you to recruit a few people.'''' He then passed the list of the side characters from Androme to Alec.


    The man didn''t hesitate to nod, as Samael was the boss and main financier of this project, '''' No problem.''''


    '''' Also, I entered into a deal with the Asari. They will send a few of their prodigies to the Arcs, in exchange for something I can''t say now.''''


    Alec was taken aback. For the Asari to ''give'' their prodigies like that, the deal must be pretty good... or something was happening that he didn''t know of. It was then that he remembered the bad news Samael had.


    '' Could it be, that something bad happened in the galaxy?''


    Just in cue, Samael said, '''' Now, onto the bad news.'''' He then passed the Files he had on the Reapers to Alec.


    Alec spent the next few minutes reading it and then sighed, '''' So, that''s why you wanted this Project. You must have known about his way before then.''''


    Surprisingly, Samael nodded, and a lie that helped him in the past was used once more, '''' I entered into contact with a Prothean Beacon and it showed me what the Reapers were capable of. I acted with that in mind, knowing they would come back, and started Project Andromeda. Who knew they were close to attacking us?''''


    Alec now has more motivation for Project Andromeda than ever before. '''' I''ll speed things up. I might need more money, though.''''


    '''' Don''t worry about funds. Just make sure you have the Arcs built in at least 5 years or so.''''


    Alec made the calculation, and sure enough, 5 years was a good timeline.


    '''' Leave it to me.''''


    Samael then said goodbye to the Ryders and went to his secret building.


    There, he met Okeer, who said the Grunt Project was coming along nicely. In a month or so, he would have the first specimen made.


    He also checked the other projects, and they were coming along nicely. Samael said a few words to Mordin and the others and left the secret building, going to the slums. It was time to meet another old friend.


    IN THE SLUMS


    '''' Samael! Long time no see! For what do I own the pleasure?'''' Tarzan, who started as a small boss in the slums, is now the uncrowned king of the city.


    He got rid of the criminal part of his business (the best he could), and now it was legit. Tarzan had the whole city under his thumbs and knew that as long as he didn''t cross the line with the Alliance or Samael, he was safe.


    '''' You got fat.'''' Samael said as he sat down on the sofa in the office. He pointed out the obvious, '''' It seems powers made you relax.''''


    Tarzan laughed out loud because it was true. He let himself go when he gained power, '''' Nothing a surgery or two doesn''t fix.''''


    '''' Or three.''''


    '''' HAHAHA. Now, enough jokes. What do you come here for?'''' Tarzan was someone who watched Samael grow in power from the beginning, even helping at the start. So he knew the now young adult wanted something from him.


    '''' To give you an opportunity. Count this as your luck.'''' Samael passed a file to Tarzan, showing him an unknown planet with a few buildings.


    Tarzan looked at it with curiosity and asked,  What is this?''''


    '''' A planet LD owns and currently lacks people. You can move there if you want to.'''' Samael would not say anything about the Repaers to civilians, and even though Tarzan had a strong will, there was no point in telling him now.


    '''' ... Wow.'''' Tarzan knew this was big. He was quite touched by the gesture, '''' I don''t think I will leave Earth for a long time, but thank you for this. It means a lot.''''


    Samael nodded, '''' You just need to say the word, and we will come to get you and the others.''''


    Tarzan had a feeling there was more to it, but he trusted Samael enough. '' If he didn''t want to say it, it means he has control over the situation... At least I hope so.''


    '''' I will keep that in mind... And, don''t worry about your mother. I will increase the number of people protecting her.''''


    Samael smiled at the man, '' He''s smart. Well, he had to be for reaching this position.''


    Both talked some more, catching up with what the other was doing.


    20 minutes later, it was time to say goodbye.


    '''' Thanks. For today, that was it. It was a pleasure catching up with you.'''' Samael offered a handshake, which Tarzan accepted.


    '''' Likewise. See you soon, boy.''''


    Samael then parted ways with Tarzan and started to walk towards his home.


    He looked at the sky and thought things were going nicely.


    '' Well, I have one more month to enjoy Tali and build up the relationship with Liara and Shepard. It will not be easy, but I think I can do it.''


    '' Then after that, it''s time to go around the galaxy once more.''


    There was still a lot Samael had to do in order to face the Reapers, and the list of things to do, contrary to decreasing, was only increasing.


    '' Well, I will deal with things as they come. For now, let''s go home.''


    A MONTH LATER


    A lot and not much changed in the last month. The crews blended easily and were now friends for real, thanks to the continuous meetings they had. So much so that Tali opened up to Shepard and her crew about her condition.


    She revealed this by showing up at one of the parties without the suit. There was a reaction, but only a fraction of what Tali expected, to the point she asked around about it.


    The responses...


    '''' We kind of knew it.'''' Ashley said while the rest nodded.


    '''' It was kind of obvious.'''' Said Kayden.


    '''' .. How?'''' Tali was surprised they knew.


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    Dr. Chakwas smiled at the Quarian and said, '''' Honey, you''re seeing without the mask, kissing Samael for the past weeks. All without any side effects of being without the mask. We connected the dots from there and assumed LD/Samael had a hand on it.''''


    '''' And it seems we were correct.''''


    Tali got a bit red and said, '''' It''s still a secret. LD plans on selling this to the Quarians in the future. I trusted you guys, so please don''t say anything.''''


    Shepard and her crew looked solemnly. '''' You can trust us.''''


    After that conversation, Tali never used the suit in front of Shepard''s crew again. She was now waiting for Samael to reveal the Pill to the world, and when he did, so would she.


    Those parties, Shepard and Samael organized. Both crews met up at least three times a week. Sometimes to drink, others to train.


    Shepard''s crew visited LD headquarters and also the base of operations they had in the slums. They were left impressed by all of it.


    Also, they put up a good fight in the training sessions, but for the most part, the SSV Phoenix crew won. Jack and Miranda didn''t participate, thanks to Clare''s advice.


    If they want to get pregnant sooner than later, they should refrain from training hard. Still, they weren''t pregnant yet, and by the look on their faces, they wanted another session with Samael.


    They got their wishes last week, with Tali''s permission, of course, and now they are waiting to see if they got pregnant.


    The Quarian, almost as if influenced by the threat of the Reapers, didn''t mind the weird situation one bit. Of course, participating in it was another story, and she still wasn''t comfortable with it. Maybe in the future.


    As the crews got closer, Joker started to flirt with EDI openly, but there were not many results on that front yet. RR was doing her best to help the young AI navigate the relationship waters.


    Very few took the Serum, even though Samael offered. A lot of the crew really wasn''t sure if they would survive the serum, so they refrained for now and would train their bodies more.


    The few selected who took all survived. Veronica and John were included.


    They were now a force to be recon, capable of facing a lot of enemies head-on.


    Finally, it was time to leave Earth and deal with some things.


    First, the crew would go to Thessia, conclude the deal with Tevos by unlocking the Prothean Beacon there, wipe out the Illusive Man personality, and see if they could help with Samael''s mind.


    After that, they would deal with the Quarian and Geth conflict, find the Rachini Queen and bring her to their side, check on Wrex, and FINALLY, rest for a few years and prepare full-time for the Reaper attack.


    But, farewells were necessary once more.


    '''' Are you sure?'''' Samael wanted to confirm once more. He just offered for her to leave Earth and go toward the planet where Javik was. Because from now on, things might get dangerous.


    But, she rejected it.


    Vallery nodded, her eyes showing conviction, '''' I''m sure. At least for now, I''ll stay here... It''s home.''''


    Samael sighed internally but relented. His mother was just as stubborn as him. '' At least she will move in the future.''


    '''' At any kind of problem, call Tarzan or Jaret right away. They will help.'''' Samael had contacted the ex-slum boss, and they made another deal. He would provide the man with a place on his planet in return for his protection.


    Of course, even without that, the man would do so. It was more of a reward for his hard work.


    '''' I''ll miss you.'''' Samael hugged his mom.


    Vallery hugged her son back. The talk they had about the Reapre played in her mind once more, and she said, '''' If you find any of those Repaers traveling around, give them hell.''''


    '''' I will do so.'''' Samael broke the hug and let the others say goodbye.


    First, it was Tali, then RR, EDI, and finally Liara.


    After the goodbye ended, Samael was going to the LD building, to reunite everyone and then go to the SSV Phoenix, when he received a call in his omni tool. It was from Okeer.


    '''' Okeer? Is everything good?'''' Samael asked the Krogan.


    An ecstatic voice comes through the call, '''' Samael, it''s done!''''


    '''' Project Grunt?'''' Samael asked in a hopeful tone.


    '''' YES! The first specimen is done and only needs to be woken up. Do you want to do it now?''''


    '''' Let me be there first. Give me 5 minutes.''''


    '''' No problem.''''


    Samael looked behind him when the call ended. The girls heard everything, but he didn''t care, '''' Anyone want to come with me, or do you want to go to the LD building first?''''


    '''' I''ll go to LD buliding.'''' Tali said and kissed Samael, '''' See you soon.''''


    Liara followed Tali, '''' I''ll go with her.''''


    '''' Aren''t you going to kiss me goodbye too?'''' Samael teased Liara. Their relationship, while not yet in the realm of lovers, was close enough. Tali didn''t mind one bit and also enjoyed the situation, as she also stole a few kisses here and there.


    Liara rolled her eyes at Samael and went to LD Headquarters along with Tali.


    EDI and RR decided to follow Samael.


    Five minutes later, the two androids and Samael arrive at the secret building. They entered and went directly to the room where Okeer was.


    Opening the door, they could see a lot of the researchers surrounding a pod, their expressions a mix of astonishment and glee.


    Okeer was the first one to notice Samael, '''' Samael! You arrived!''''


    That gathered the attention of the researchers, and they made their way to Samael.


    '''' Nice to see all of you.'''' Samael then looked at Okeer and said, '''' Where is the speciemen?''''


    '''' Here.'''' Okeer pointed at the pod with a proud expression. '''' For the last few days, I''ve been giving him some lessons. Nothing too profound, but he knows who he is.''''


    Samael nodded at the Krogan and looked at the pod. There, Grunt was resting.


    '' Hello, old friend. It''s nice to see you.''


    After that mental greeting, Samael looked at Okeer once more and asked, '''' Can we wake him up now?''''


    '''' Sure. Give me a moment.'''' Okeer started the process. He remembered something and said to the others, '''' It''s better if you retreat a bit. A newborn Krogan might react strangely.''''


    The researchers did so, but Samael and the Androids didn''t move.


    Okeer didn''t say anything because he knew how capable they were.


    Soon, the pod was opened, and Grunt came out of it.


    The newborn Krogan almost fell down hard on the floor, but Samael held him up with one hand.


    The newborn Krogan was still dizzy, as he literally just woke up. But, his instincts kicked in, and he tried to attack the first person he saw, which just so happened to be Samael.


    PUNCH


    The punch was caught by Samael''s palm. If this was before he took the serum, his hand would be broken. '''' Easy.''''


    That made the newborn Krogan relax a bit, but things were still confusing for him, '''' Where am I?''''


    Samael released the hand and said, '''' You just woke up. Can you tell me your lineage first?''''


    The newborn Krogan ''smiled'' with pride, '''' I have come from the lines of Shiagur Kredak, Moro, Terg, Wrend, and Veeoll. I''m a pure Krogan. You should be in awe!''''


    Samael smiled like a madman. No one knew why he did that, but some noted that.


    He held his hand out for a handshake, '''' I see. Have you thought of your name yet? If you don''t, can I propose one?''''


    '''' Go ahead.''''


    '''' How about Grunt?''''


    Okeer and the others who were aware of the Project name nodded their heads. It made sense to name him that.


    Okeer, in particular, was very proud of what he did. Grunt was the perfect example, at least in his mind, of a perfect Krogan. A model others should follow.


    '' He only needs someone to teach him... and I have the best example here.''


    Okeer looked at Samael. He knew the man for less than 2 months, but from what he knew, the man was an example. Not only in terms of Krogan''s likeness but just as a good person in general.


    '' If Grunts learn from him...''


    Of course, in the last few days, Okeer did his best to ''teach'' the newborn Krogan in the pod the best he could about his species. But that had limits.


    '' Only time will tell if my choice is right.''


    '''' Grunt! Grunt! I liked the sound of that!''''


    '''' Good. For now, let''s get you prepared to leave.''''


    '''' To where?''''


    '''' To face enemies with great strength.''''


    '''' HEHEHE. I like the sound of that.'''' Grunt was ready to leave. He was a simple Krogan, really.


    Of course, in the future, when he develops better, he might change, but for now, that was it.


    '''' Ok, for now, follow those 2.'''' Samael pointed at RR and EDI, who came with him, '''' I''ll follow you soon.''''


    Grunt followed the Androids out. But his curiosity got the best of him, and he asked, '''' What are you?''''


    '''' One of your new teachers.''''


    '''' What can you teach me?''''


    BANG POW


    A small scream was heard, but everyone collectively chose to ignore that.


    Samael faced Okeer and looked at the Old Krogan with a mix of emotions. '''' Good job.''''


    That was enough for Okeer. His lifelong goal was completed, thanks to LD making the Cure, and he even went a level above and created Project Grunt. If they wanted, they could make others Krogan like Grunt.


    But...


    '''' Thank you. I honestly don''t know what to do now.'''' Okeer was sincere. He now had the chance to make others like Grunt, but he didn''t know if he should. They were ''perfect'' Krogan, but ... sometimes imperfection makes things imperfect.


    '''' How about putting Project Grunt on hold for now? Maybe there will be a time we will need more of him, but that time is not now.'''' Samael still hasn''t revealed the Reapers to this team. He would do so in a few minutes.


    '''' I see... I can do that. But, still, I still did my job, and now what? Are you going to kick me?''''


    '''' No... I also have to tell something to all of you.'''' Samael gathered the attention of everyone. When he saw that all his researchers were there, he tapped his omni tool and passed the files on the Repaers to them, along with Project Andromeda.


    '''' Those who want to join the last project shown, just need to tell me. This is for years into the future, but think about it now.''''


    The researchers read the files in a few minutes. It is safe to say that the mood in the room was at an all-time low.


    '''' Is this confirmed?'''' Okeer asked, his face clouded.


    Samael nodded, '''' Yes. We confirmed their existence and that they were coming for us.''''


    '''' ... FUCK!''''


    Someone shouted, but no one cared. They were too distraught.


    Samael was tired of seeing that, so he said, '''' Have faith in you and us.''''


    '''' What? Do you think all those projects I gave you were for fun? No, it''s for the upcoming war with the Reapesr.''''


    Something clicked in the heads of the people here.


    '''' So please, continue doing your best to ensure the projects are done.''''


    The researcher nodded and remembered the Projects they had at hand. Nanomachines, bigger MECH, a better MAKO. It all made sense now.


    '''' Again, say it if you want to join Project Andromeda.''''


    Samael looked at Okeer once more. The Krogan too was shocked, '''' You can stay and help us. This is not just for humanity but for the whole galaxy. You will even receive a salary.''''


    Okeer didn''t hesitate and said yes. This was bigger than him.


    '''' If you want to release some anger, there''s an LD base in the slum nearby. Just go there to train.''''


    Okeer nodded and went away.


    Samael then focused his attention on Mordin. The Salarian was calm, something normal.


    '''' You can also stay. No, please stay.'''' Samael knew how precious Mordin was in the whole picture.


    '''' I wasn''t planning on leaving.''''


    '''' Good. And here''s another project for you to work on. Illimited budget and ask for help if necessary.'''' Samael passed a file to Mordin.


    '' Project Lazarus.''


    Mordin read the name but decided to open the file later. Goodbyes come first.


    '''' I heard you''re leaving, yes?''''


    '''' I have something to do in the galaxy. I''ll be back in a few months or so.''''


    '''' Good. When you come back, let''s make a project together.''''


    '''' Lets.''''


    Samael said goodbye to everyone in the building and went to the skycar parked outside.


    When he arrived there, he saw a now covered-with-marks, but still smiling Grunt.


    Samael ignored the implication that the newborn was beaten up by both AIs and entered the sky car, followed by Grunt, EDI, and RR, the latter went to the driver''s seat.


    '''' Where to?''''


    '''' Meet with the crew and then leave Earth.''''


    '''' On it.'''' RR turned the skycar and went in LD''s headquarters direction.


    '''' Who is this crew?'''' Grunt asked after a few minutes.


    '''' Your family. People who have your back anytime, anywhere.''''


    '''' Huh, that sounds like a clan. Good!'''' Grunt knew a few things, but sometimes not enough. '''' Are you going to be my battlemaster?''''


    '''' We shall see.'''' Samael smiled at the young Krogan. Truth be told, he wanted Shepard to mold him but knew it was difficult. So, he would do the job.


    He would raise Grunt to be one of the best Krogans to have ever lived.


    If that would happen, only time would tell.

 67 – Priority: Thessia (1)

    Arriving at LD headquarters, Samsel noted everyone was already there. But, he also noted Miranda and Jack weren''t wearing their armor/combat suits and were just in casual clothes.  Also, the crew seems to congratulate both.


    Tali, in particular, was smiling at them with a '' don''t need to thank me'' face.


    '' Could it be...?''


    As Samael got closer, Miranda and Jack noticed that and approached him. RR and EDI went ahead and blended with the rest of the crew, introducing Grunt along the way.


    Samael asked as soon as the couple got closer, '''' Are you guys pregnant?''''


    Miranda and Jack nodded. Samael then contniued, '''' Who?''''


    As mentioned before, with Tali''s permission, Samael had done another session with Miranda and Jack, to fulfill their wishes for a baby. Now, he wanted to know who got pregnant.


    Miranda and Jack raised their hands.


    Samael blanked out for a minute before smiling. He hugged them both and said, '''' Congratulations.''''


    '''' Thanks, I guess.'''' Miranda broke the hug and sighed, '''' I mean, this was a possibility but for both of us to get pregnant...''''


    Jack, as always was direct, '''' Hey, after we gave birth and all, can we do another session? Without the impregnating part. I don''t really want a bunch of kids.''''


    '''' You gotta ask Tali if she let me.'''' Samael then remembered something.


    '' My DNA now is a mixture... I should''ve taken the conversation with Mordin into account. Well, it''s not like they didn''t know about the Serum, so it was a calculated risk.''


    Samael had taken the Chimera Serum and now was more than a human. Mordin even said to be careful of impregnating others, as the babies might come out with unknown features.


    So, just to be safe, Samael said, '''' You guys know about my different DNA, so please get in touch with Mordin and let him monitor the pregnancy.''''


    Miranda and Jack nodded solemnly, '''' We have taken that into consideration, don''t worry.''''


    The couple knew the risks but decided to go ahead anyway. They were living on borrowed time and the Reapers threat was getting more closer than far.


    '''' Good. Congratulations once more. Now, go give hi to the new member of the crew.'''' Samael pointed at Grunt.


    '''' ... Who is that?'''' Miranda asked. While she was CEO, she was still in the dark about most of the Projects Samael worked on.


    '''' His name is Grunt. Well, you can see he is a Krogan and an official newcomer.''''


    '''' Cool.'''' Jack already likes the addition to the team, '''' More firepower.''''


    '''' Yeah, even more, you mean.'''' Miranda sighed a bit, '''' It feels we were replaced somehow, even if I choose to do that.''''


    '''' What do you mean?'''' Samael asked, clearly not following the conversation.


    '''' Well, I worked hard this past month and gathered the people you recruited to the crew. They were inside the building, waiting to be integrated into the crew.'''' Miranda explained, '''' They were already recruited by LD, and as knew I would stay on Earth, I decided to call them to join.''''


    '''' I''ll call them right now.'''' Miranda tapped her Omni tool and sent a message. A few moments later, two figures Samael knew and another one whom he also had met before, arrived close.


    '' Thane, Kasumi, and Keiji... long time no see.''


    Two of them were family to him, while the other was some sort of friend he rarely interacted with in other cycles. Still, he was happy to see them safe and sound.


    Thane was a Drell, a species that resembled a fish. He was a master assassin who joined in Mass Effect 2 and lost a battle against a disease in Mass Effect 3, passing away before the final fight. Also had a son, whom Samael would now ensure stayed safe and in contact with his father.


    It wasn''t like he wasn''t paying attention to the Drell, he was ready to help him if the need arose. But, until that moment arrived, he was staying out of his life. Now, with him up close, he would involve himself.


    '' I''ll help with his son and then with his disease. Worst case scenario, he goes into a cryo pod just like Natalie.''


    Kasumi was a human, and arguably the best thief in the galaxy. Was introduced in Mass Effect 2, then appeared in Mass Effect 3 with a cameo and helped with war efforts by helping build things.


    Her path crossed with Shepard thanks to the death of her boyfriend, Keiji, who was also a thief. He dies in the hands of a small villain in the games after failing to steal something. The villain had something Kasumi wanted and she would join Shepard if she helped her retrieve the item.


    She was also one of the many teachers Samael had across the cycles. Their styles don''t match, but it was nice to know things.


    '' Well, with her here, she nor Keiji will die an unjust death. That''s a beginning.''


    Then there''s Keiji. Samael admits he doesn''t know much about the man, but he saved him on a whin in past cycles. He and Kasumi ended up together, but ... died in the end.


    The Reapers won in that particular cycle and the fate of everyone in the galaxy wasn''t nice.


    The trio passed the crew, who was still focused on Grunt, who was clearly flustered but put on a brave face. The Krogan was doing his best to adapt to the situation.


    '''' It''s nice to meet you, friend. I hope our friendship is as good as a breeze in a hot summer.'''' Thane was the first one to introduce himself.


    '''' I hope so too. Welcome aboard. If you need anything, just say the word and we will get it for you.''''


    '''' Thank you.'''' Thane then gave way to Kasumi.


    '''' You recruited me, so you know what I''m capable of. So, if you need anything to be stolen you just need to point at it and I''ll do the job.'''' Kasumi bosted a little but Samael knew it was true. She was capable of stealing almost anything in the galaxy.


    '''' I know about you and it''s nice to have you onboard. Just like with Thane, if you need anything just let me know. Also, I don''t think we need your particular sets of skills for now. But, if the need arises, I''ll let you know.''''


    Kasumi nodded and gave way to her boyfriend. Truth be told, she was glad to join LD at that moment.


    She usually stole from the rich and for a reason she didn''t know, they were getting paranoid now, and stealing from them was getting harder. She also made a lot of enemies, so laying low here and still receiving good money was a nice way for the dust to settle.


    When it does so, she would return to her old job.


    Keiji bowed a little to Sameal, '''' It''s a pleasure to be working with you.''''


    '''' Likewise.'''' Samael said the same thing he said to Thane and Kasumi. He then pointed at the crew, who was still surrounding Grunt, '''' Go introduce yourselves to the crew. I''ll join you guys in a bit.''''


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    The trio nodded and went there.


    '''' Good job.'''' Samael said to Miranda. While he was going to recruit them eventually, it was not now. It was something that had never happened before, a variable thanks to another variable, and it was mostly a good thing.


    Of course, losing Jack and Miranda at the same was bad for the crew''s firepower, but with the trio arriving, it was still good.


    '''' Thank you.''''


    '' Should I change another thing?'' Samael was going to talk about Miranda''s sister, who should still be a young child. A lot of things that didn''t happen in other cycles were happening and he would do another one.


    Just before he said something, someone called him. When he noticed the caller, he said, '''' Give me a minute. I''ll come back to you later.''''


    He then excused himself and answered the call, '''' Commander, what do I owe the call?''''


    '''' Samael! I heard you''re leaving Earth soon?'''' Shepard''s voice comes through.


    '''' Yeah, in a few minutes acutually. We have a few things to do in Thessia.''''


    There''s a small pause before Shepard said, '''' Well, I wanted to have a farewell party, but no problem. And what a coincidence! Alliance gave us a mission right now. We will leave Earth soon too.''''


    '''' We can have the party another time. Have you sent the message to the agents?''''


    '''' I did and they said they would prepare.''''


    '''' Good, good. Don''t hesitate to ask anything. You are, after all, the first human Spectre.''''


    While still not official, Shepard''s status as a Spectre was confirmed. Tevos had already cleaned up the council and entered with contact with Shepard. Just a few more official steps and it was good.


    '''' Careful, I might ask for a billion credit.'''' Shepards laughed out loud.


    '''' If you need, just say it.'''' Samael said in a serious voice.


    '''' ... Sometimes, I forget how rich you are. Anyway, I and the crew wanted to say a proper goodbye. But, seeing as you guys were leaving first, a call will do.'''' Shepard paused a little before continuing, '''' Please be safe out there. Don''t do anything I wouldn''t do.''''


    Samael smiled, '''' Thanks, commander. You too... Also, when will we continue our ''talk''? Tali and Liara seemed to be on board.''''


    Sheprad couhged a litte, '''' Ahem... We will see about that. See you later.''''


    '''' Bye, bye.''''


    The call then ended, and Samael smiled once more. Things were progressing quite nicely for the man. His relationship with his loved ones was good and he was almost getting to his goal: making them comfortable with each other to help the process of them being married.


    Also, his projects were coming along nicely.


    '' Let''s hope things continue this way.''


    Samael then made his way towards his crew once more. By now, everyone was introduced to the new members. He pushed Miranda aside and said, '''' I have news for you. About your father.''''


    Miranda was a little bit mad she was taken away suddenly but when she heard that, she paused, '''' What is it?''''


    '''' He made another you. Well, not a clone but a sister.'''' Samael deiced to sped up a litle.


    Miranda still didn''t know about her sister, she would know in the future. He only sped things up a little.


    '''' ... Are you sure?'''' Miranda asked just in case, but knew Samael didn''t lie about things like that.


    '''' Yes. Send a message to the Broker to confirm. I recommend you don''t act right away, as you are pregnant. Wait for the baby to be born. BUT, monitor the situation and act if the need arises. You have LD arms at your disposal.''''


    Miranda took a breath to calm her nerves. Truth be told, she wanted to barge into her father''s home and hit the bastard, as she now was powerful and not a young fleeing girl. But, she knew Samael was right.


    She would wait until the pregnancy ended and then act.


    '''' I will do as you say.''''


    '''' Good. Now, let''s join our friends once more.''''


    Samael and Miranda joined the group and they chatted away.


    '''' So, you''re like a day old?'''' Jack asked Grunt. She was intrigued by the Krogan.


    '''' Well, I woke up today, but I remember the teachings of at least a week ago. I think his name was Okeer or something. He taught me the ways of the Krogan, the clans, and a lot of other things.'''' Grunt was sincere in his response.


    '''' Huh, neat.''''


    '''' So, are you really the best thief in the galaxy?'''' Veronica asked Kasumi, who everyone knew joined the crew, and now wanted to know more about the new addition.


    '''' Yes. Just need to say the things you want stolen, I will do so.'''' Kasumi boasted.


    Veronica whispered something to Kasumi, who nodded but stood still.


    '''' So you are an Assassin?'''' John asked Thane.


    '''' Correct.''''


    '''' But you don''t like to use guns?'''' That was something John could not fathom, even after taking the serum. Guns were the safest option.


    '''' I prefer using my fists.'''' Thane was honest with his answer.


    By this point, Samael was in the middle of his crew, talking around when he noticed Kasumi, who was clocked, getting closer to John. He smirked a little, '' Veronica must have said something. ''


    Samael said nothing and just watched Kasumi steal something from John and give it to Veronica.


    The Pilot was shocked by Kasumi, '''' You are really good.''''


    Kasumi smiled proudly, '''' I''m the best.''''


    ''''Careful babe, your ego will explode at this point.'''' Keiji interjected. While he finds that attractive, he still wants her to slow down a bit.


    Samael then noticed Kasumi returning the item she stole, all that without John noticing.


    Thane, who by now had spoken with everyone, looked at RR and EDI with interest, '''' So, you both are AI''s?''''


    Kasuim and Keiji heard that and came closer and inspected both.


    '''' Correct. This is one of LD''s secrets, so please don''t go around saying it.'''' RR reminded the new members that.


    '''' Our lips were sealed.'''' Kasumi said that and the other two nodded.


    ''''Interesting... It seems I still have a lot of things to learn.'''' Thane got interested in what the AI could do.


    After that, they talked some more, and the crew said goodbye to Miranda and Jack. The couple would stay out of combat for the time being.


    Then, the crew entered the SSV Phoenix and Veronica asked, '''' Where to?''''


    Samael looked at the cryo pod where the Illusive Man was, '''' Trace the course to Thessia.''''

 68 – Priority: Thessia (2)

    After Samael informed Veronica of their destiny, he went around, talking with the others. He would admit, that the addition of Grunt, Kasumi, Keiji, and Thane was out of his expectations. He planned to have them close to him, but it was in the future, not now.


    After all, there''s still a lot of time until the Reapers attacked.


    Regardless, he welcomed new things and was sure things would work out. He also wanted to get closer to them, as the introduction only lasted a few minutes at most.


    So, he went looking for Grunt right away. The Krogan needed guidance more than the others. He, after all, had been born less than a month ago.


    Before doing that, he called RR and EDI using his Omni tool. Sure, he could talk to them through the device, but their android bodies were close, and soon enough, they were face to face.


    '''' What do you need?'''' RR asked.


    EDI mostly stayed out of it but was listening intensely.


    '''' Tell the newcomers about the Reapers and what we are doing here. We recruited them but didn''t explain everything. Please.''''


    Miranda only recruited them, and as the Reapers were still only known by the governments and a very few selected individuals, very few people were in the loop.


    '''' No problem.'''' RR didn''t mind that nor did EDI.


    '''' Oh, I''ll tell Grunt right now, so you only need to tell the other three.'''' Samael said before the AI''s left.


    Both nodded and went away, to do their task.


    Samael also left, and after asking around where Grunt was, headed to the hangar, where the M.A.K.O was parked. The hangar was also one of Wrex''s favorite places to stay.


    '' I guess this is a Krogan thing, as they usually stay in this place.''


    Arriving at the hangar, Samael saw the young Krogan. He was handling a few guns, mainly shotguns.


    Samael had a strange expression on his face, '' Is this a crime?... Nah, he''s a Krogan.''


    '''' Grunt! How are you holding up?''''


    Grunt looked at Samael with respect in his eyes, '''' Captain! All is good.'''' He then said, '''' I must say, the people in our clan are amazing, RR and EDI being one of the best.''''


    '' The AI''s must have taught the young Krogan the hierarchy of the crew... poor fella.''


    '''' Remember that you''re part of that too. Don''t undersell your value.''''


    '''' Don''t worry, I know what I''m capable of.'''' A dangerous look flashed across Grunt''s face, '''' So, how troublesome is this enemy we will face in the future?''''


    '''' I reckon Okeer taught you everything about the galaxy while you''re in cryosleep?''''


    Grunt nodded, '''' Yes. For the last week or so, he did his best to put me up to date with things. The Rachini war, the Genopaghe, the First Contact war. I''m aware of all of those and many more.''''


    Samael expected nothing less of Okeer. That old Krogan was meticulous, after all, '''' So, has he told you about the Reapers?''''


    Grunt paused and thought about it for a moment, '''' ... He did mention it. But it was brief and more like a story than anything concrete...'''' The Krogan paused. The implication of what Samael was saying dawned on him, '''' Are you saying?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Yes, the Reapers are real and are coming for us this time. We will face them in a few years.''''


    Grunt froze for a moment before laughing out loud, '''' HAHAHA, amazing! I can wait a few years to fight those machines!''''


    Samael patted the Krogan''s shoulder, '''' I''m glad you have this energy.''''


    They talked some more, with Samael doing his best to guide the young Krogan with what he said.


    After a few minutes, Samael left, satisfied with the conversation. He was going to ensure that Grunt stayed on the right (?) path.


    Soon after he left the Hangar, Samael arrived at Thane''s quarters. By now, RR and EDI must have informed the Drell about the Reapers.


    KNOCK KNOCK


    A few seconds later, a voice said, '''' Enter.''''


    Samael obliged and inside the room, Thane was in a lotus position, meditating, facing the vast space outside of his widows. But from what Samael could see, the Drell wasn''t calm.


    '' Who would be, after hearing that they were going to be attacked?''


    After a few seconds of silence, Samael asked, '''' Mind if I sit down too?''''


    '''' Please.'''' Thane said that and made space for Samael to sit beside him.


    '''' Thank you.'''' Samael also sat in a lotus position and decided to mediate too. Thane was a complicated man, and the way to get closer to him was to let him open up by himself, without pushing too much.


    But, as soon as Samael started to meditate, his mind reacted strangely.


    '' ... What is this?''


    Samael could now meditate a lot easier, his mind clearing up and his thoughts becoming more organized.


    '' Could it be one of the side effects Mordin and I rationalized?''


    FLASHBACK


    This was the day when both finished their version of the Chimera Serum.


    '''' Samael, this version of the Serum is complete, BUT we could better it with the addition of others DNA. Do you really want to take it now?'''' Mordin asked his human companion.


    Samael nodded, '''' Friend, with only those 2 DNA, there might be some side effect we don''t know of. Imagine if we put another DNA in the mix... This would only get complicated.''''


    Truth be told, he regretted not grabbing Javik''s DNA before, because he would definitely want the Prothean DNA, but now it was too late to go after the Prothean. This version of the Serum was enough.


    '''' Care to explain the possible side effect we would have of this new version?'''' Samael asked Mordin once more, just to confirm.


    Mordin nodded and went through all the notes. '''' First, the purpose of the Asari DNA is to combat the side effect of the Krogan DNA. By our calculations, it is possible. But, it might give birth to others, not so severe.''''


    The Side Effects of the Krogan DNA were mentioned before, things like increased aggression, etc.


    '''' Second, those new side effects might include better cognition, increased mental ability, the possibility of gaining biotic abilities, among many other things, yes. But, again, we can''t know for sure. You might gain all of those, or none at all.''''


    '''' To be honest, I just want the Side Effect of the Krogan DNA to be gone. If I gain anything more out of it, I take it.'''' Samael then looked at Mordin and patted the Salarian on the shoulder, '''' Congratulations, my friend. You just made history with this.''''


    With the Chimera Serum being done, weak species could fight back. Of course, if the person who took it survives the dose.


    '''' Thank you.'''' Mordin passed the vial to Samael and said, '''' Are you sure about this? It''s not tested and there might be -''''


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    '''' Mordin. Thanks for the concern, but I''ll do this... ''''


    END OF FLASHBACK


    '' So, this might be the increased mental capabilities Mordin mentioned.'' Samael had learned a lot from the Asari in past cycles, meditation was one of those things.


    But, as he was just a human before, the effects were almost nothing. Now, things were different.


    Samael was lost in his own meditation, not noticing the time passing. He basked in that feeling, letting things pass through his mind.


    By the time he came out of this state, he noticed Thane looked at him with a strange gaze.


    '''' Sorry friend. I lost myself in it.'''' Samael was really sorry. This was a first for him too. He never meditated so well before, even in past cycles.


    '''' Don''t need to say sorry. It was a learning experience for me too.'''' Thane got up and used a few things in his quarters to make a drink of some kind, '''' It was the first time I saw a human meditating so deeply. It was inspiring.''''


    The Drell then passed a cup to Samael. '''' Thank you.''''


    The duo drank in silence, until Samael said, '''' How are you holding up, after learning about the Reapesr?''''


    ''''Nothing much changed, to be honest.'''' Thane took a sip of his drink, '''' I now just have the conviction to resolve my problems.''''


    The Drell looked at Samael, '''' Captain, I know we just met but, can you help me?''''


    '''' Just say what you need.'''' Samael was sure it was going to be about the Drell''s son.


    Thane looked grateful, '''' I have a son, Kolyat.'''' A small smile appeared on his face, ''''He''s young, full of energy, you should see it.''''


    But, he soon returned to a cold face, '''' I wasn''t very much present in his life, thanks to my job, and after I lost my half, I distanced myself even more, losing sight of my son. That is my only regret.''''


    '''' Of course, I help him with money so that he could live a good life, but...''''


    '''' You feel it isn''t enough.''''


    '''' Precisely.'''' Thane looked at Samael, '''' That''s why I ask your help. Take Kolyat under LD, teach him to become the better version of himself.''''


    '''' Why don''t you do that?''''


    Thane looked at his hand. It was a normal one, but his eyes saw it filled with the blood of the people he killed, '''' I fear I don''t have that privilege.''''


    Samael said nothing more, finished his drink, and said, '''' I''ll do my best to ensure Kolyat''s future.''''


    '''' Thank you, captain. Here''s his actual location.'''' Thane used his Omni tool and passed the location.


    '''' See you soon, Thane.''''


    Samael then left the room, leaving Thane behind. The Drell put the cups away, cleaned the room, and returned to meditating.


    --


    '''' RR, send LD personnel to pick up Thane''s son and bring him to Earth. Ensure he has the better accommodations and things here.'''' Samael instructed RR.


    '''' Samael, don''t you think the Drell should raise him, rather than us?'''' As RR lived in Samael''s omni tool too, she listened to all his conversations, the one with Thane included, so she inquired. Her emotional spectrum was large, so she didn''t mind asking that.


    Samael nodded, '''' I think so too, and I plan on relaying that to him. But, for now, this is the best we could do.''''


    RR said nothing more, '''' I''ll do as you say.''''


    Samael sighed. He looked at the clock and noticed that 5 hours passed since they left Earth. He had talked with Grunt for an hour and Thane for about 2. So he had meditated for at least 2 hours.


    '' I should check that more in the future. But for now, let''s talk with Kasumi and Keiji.''


    Samael made his way toward the location of the couple. They shared a room, so when he arrived there, he knocked on the door.


    '''' One second.'''' Kasumi opened the door a few seconds later, her face showing a little bit of anxiety. '''' Hello, captain.''''


    '''' Hello, Kasumi. Do you mind if I enter?''''


    '''' This...'''' Kasumi hestiate a bit before sighing, '''' Please do.''''


    Entering the room, Samael noticed the place was a mess already, with a few broken things. '' They must have lost their temper a bit.''


    People react in a different way when reading about their impending doom, so this was nothing new to Samael, so he didn''t mind.


    Keiji was in the middle of cleaning things when he noted Samael, '''' Captain.''''


    '''' Keije. I came to check on you both... but I see you guys had already handled it.'''' Samael said with a small smile.


    Kasumi looked a little embarrassed, '''' Sorry about the broken things. It''s just that-''''


    '''' You don''t need to say that, and don''t worry about the broken things.'''' Samael helped both to clean up. '''' People react in a variety of ways when learning about the Reapesr.''''


    Kasumi and Keije shudrred a bit. The thief asked after some time, '''' Can we win?''''


    Samael paused. He had listened to that a lot of times and he would answer the same, '''' We can, if we unite all the galaxy.''''


    Kasumi could see the resolution on Samael''s face and calmed down a bit. Still, the pressure she was feeling wasn''t going away that easily.


    Samael noticed that, and said, '''' Don''t worry, we still have time to prepare for them. In fact, I still have a failsafe that you might like.'''' He passed both a file on Projetc Andromeda.


    He knew it was very soon, but knew this was going to be enough to calm Kasumi and Keiji.


    Sure enough, when both finished reading it, they calmed down. Kasumi hesitated a bit before saying, '''' Do we have a place on this?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' Eveyr LD agent has a place if they want. So, don''t worry too much about it, just follow me and do your best to stay alive.''''


    '''' That we can do.''''


    After some more banter between them, Samael left the room.


    He then went to his quarters and made a call to Tevos, to inform her that he was going to Thessia. Soon after, the Asari answered.


    '''' Samael, what do I owe the pleasure?''''


    '''' Long time no see, Tevos. I''m calling to inform I''m going to Thessia as we speak, to honour our deal. Do you think you could go there too?''''


    There''s a small pause in the call, but Tevos said, '''' I''ll be there. Do you mind if I call some others Matrichars? This is, after all, a nice learning experience for us.''''


    The Prothean Beacon/server in the Asari homeworld is something very valuable to the race, as it allowed them to be at the top of the galaxy thanks to the limited contents. If they learned everything, they would evolve even more.


    '''' Do as you please.''''


    '''' See you soon then.''''


    '''' Bye.''''


    The call then ended, and Samael sighed. Things were going normal, and he would resolve a lot of things on this trip, like wiping the Illisuve Man personally, finishing the deal with Tevos, and checking his mind, among other things.


    But, he knew there was still a lot to be done, so he couldn''t rest. So, he would meditate. And, that feeling he had when he did so a few hours ago with Thane was nice.


    Samael sat in a lotus position and meditated. Soon, he lost himself in the new feeling, with the timing passing very fast.

 69 – Priority: Thessia (3)

    DAYS LATER


    A few days had passed since the crew left Earth. Samael''s days consisted of training a bit, making out with Tali, trying to woo Liara with mid-success, and then meditating.


    The last part was one of the highlights for him, as it allowed him to relax a lot and helped him calm down a bit. His memories were still scrambled, but with meditation, he could mitigate the effects, allowing him to remember a few things with precision.


    That still didn''t help regarding the question of what could have caused the scrambled memories in the first place. Still, this ''new power'' was something Samael greatly appreciated, even though it just helped with meditation and nothing more.


    The crew also assimilated Grunt, Thane, Kasumi, and Keiji into the family. Equal to all other LD personnel, they would go to great lengths to protect their friends, a feeling the new recruits were starting to gain, albeit slowly.


    LD focus was making a tight group, a family of sorts, and it was working not just with the SSV Phoenix crew but with the group as a whole.


    Also, the group was experiencing a boom in sales thanks to the products they launched in the market a month or so ago, the ones Samael mentioned to Shepard when they talked at LD headquarters.


    Thanks to that, Miranda was busy on Earth, but she had Jack''s help, so they were managing just fine.


    Shepard had also left Earth on a diplomatic mission, but she didn''t say where. Secrecy and all that.


    But she promised to keep in touch with Samael and the crew, as they were now friends.


    Tevos also sent a message informing Samael that she had already arrived at Thessia and was waiting for him with a bunch of Asari, who would learn the content of the Beacon.


    WITH SAMAEL


    It was morning, not that it mattered in space, when he woke up with Tali in bed. By his assumptions, they would arrive in Thessia in a few hours.


    Samael kissed Tali''s forehead and got out of bed carefully so as not to wake up the Quarian. He dressed up, even though he was still a little sleepy, and went out of the room to grab something to eat.


    In the kitchen, he found Liara eating something. She was dressed in gym clothes, meaning she must have just finished her training.


    Liara noticed Samael and smiled at him. '''' Morning.''''


    Samael was still a little sleepy, and the image of this Liara interlaced with past cycles, in particular one where they were a couple. So, out of instinct, he said, '''' Morning.'''' and kissed Liara on the lips.


    Liara was taken aback at first, but this wasn''t the first time Samael, or Tali kissed her like this... Yeah, they need some time to talk about their status. But, for now, she accepted it.


    Samael broke the kiss after a few seconds, '''' How is your day?'''' He was clearly comfortable with the situation.


    Liara fought back against her embarrassment, '''' The usual. I woke up a few hours ago, trained a bit, and then came to eat.''''


    '''' Shame. I thought we could work out together.'''' Samael finally woke up for good after he took a cup of coffee, but he didn''t say anything about the kiss. This was, after all, one of the steps in his plan to become a couple with three women.


    '''' ... We will train together later.'''' Liara was talking about the training Samael was giving to her, Tali, Veronica, and John. Well, for the past month, after Samael took the serum, the training was halved for Liara and Tali, as they could not keep up with the three humans who took the serum.


    Regardless, they still trained together, and Liara was confident she could face a Krogan warlord on her own and achieve a draw. It was amazing progress, as just a few months ago, she was just a Prothean Expert, excavating ruins for fun.


    Samael shook his head and said, '''' Not today. We will arrive at Thessia in a few hours, so I plan on just meditating.''''


    '''' We can do that together then.''''


    Samael smiled at Liara''s suggestion, '''' Good. Let''s just wake Tali up first.''''


    '''' Let''s.''''


    They grabbed a few things for breakfast, with things that Tali could eat, and went to Samael''s quarters. There, Tali was still in bed, sleeping.


    '''' I''ll take a shower, you can wake her up.'''' Samael said that as he put the food down and headed to the showers.


    Liara looked at the human and when the door closed, she sighed, her mind a mess. While this situation with the couple was fun, she wanted to know her standing. Because, at least in her mind, it was fun for now AND because of the Reapers.


    '' What if after the war, if we survive, they both discard me?''


    That was the main preoccupation of the Asari, but she put that aside for now. '' I will deal with things as they come.''


    She looked at Tali''s figure and smiled a bit, '''' Let''s wake her first.''''


    --


    When Samael got out of the shower, he noticed Liara and Tali were talking, '''' Ladies.''''


    '''' Good morning.'''' Tali got up and kissed Samael, '''' Why didn''t you wake me up, so we could eat together?''''


    '''' Well, your sleeping face was too beautiful to ruin, so I let you sleep some more.''''


    Liara interjected, '''' I can confirm that you''re beautiful.''''


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Tali rolled her eyes and said, '''' Very funny. What are our plans for today?''''


    Cleary Liara and Tali talked about other things, as the Quarian was still in the dark about their arrival time.


    '''' We will soon arrive at Thessia, so no gym. I was thinking about just meditating for now.''''


    Before Tali could say anything, Liara said, '''' I need to take a shower too.''''


    Samael remembered she just got out of the gym and was a little apologetic as he didn''t let her take a shower first, '''' Sorry. You should''ve gone first.''''


    '''' No, it''s okay. It let me have a talk with Tali.'''' Liara then headed to the bathroom, grabbed a few clothes, and closed the door. By the way, she and Tali had a few spare clothes in Samael''s quarters, just as he had in theirs too.


    '''' Can I ask what you guys talked about?'''' Samael asked Tali, as he grabbed her, sat down on his sofa, and put her on his lap.


    '''' Just girls talk. She''s still unsure about where she is in our relationship.'''' Tali said that, with a few doubts about it herself.


    '''' Oh? Where do you think she is?'''' Samael said that and waited.


    '''' ... I don''t know. She is an amazing person, but I''m afraid of adding another person and not committing to any... Does that make sense to you?'''' Tali had fooled around with Liara, but mostly just kisses, so no real commitment. With Shepard too, but that is another story.


    She was afraid of taking the next steps and making this already complicated situation, more complicated.


    '''' It does. But regardless of what happens, you have to know I''m okay with whatever you decide.'''' Samael was way past the point of caring about anything related to sex or along those lines. He just wanted to be happy with his loved ones.


    '''' What if I want not just Liara, but others too?'''' Tali inquired, even though she knew she didn''t want more than that.


    '' Isn''t this supposed to be my line?'' Samael smiled internally, '''' We can talk about it, BUT only females, and I have to approve too.''''


    Tali smirked, and a human female face came to her mind. '''' Oh? How about Shepard?''''


    Samael smiled at his girlfriend and kissed her.


    After some time, Liara came out of the bathroom, and it was Tali''s turn to take a shower. Then, after the Quarian got out and Samael was ready to meditate, Veronica called him.


    '''' Samael, we arrived.''''


    Samael sighed. He looked at Liara and Tali and said, '''' Meditating will have to wait.''''


    He kissed both goodbye and went to the cockpit.


    --


    In front of SSV Phoenix was the main world of the Asari, Thessia. The population was close to 10 billion, and many considered this place to be the heart of the galaxy.


    The SSV Phoenix had turned off their stealth system and announced their presence on the planet. Soon enough, they received confirmation that they were allowed to enter the atmosphere.


    After Samael noted that, he called a meeting with everyone, to explain the situation to them. '''' Veronica, let RR handle the lading and the parking. We have a meeting.'''' He then tapped his Omni tool a few times and sent a message to everyone to gather in the main room.


    Veronica nodded as she passed the controls to RR and EDI. The pilot then followed Samael.


    After both arrived at the main room, everyone in the crew was there, waiting for instructions.


    Samael went directly into the subject, '''' Our mission here is simple. I will conclude a deal I made with Councilor Tevos, wipe out the Illusive Man personality, and possibly recruit a few people to LD.''''


    At the mention of the Illusive Man, the test subject reacted with glee. While they probably would not be present when that happens, they were just glad the man who made them suffer would finally receive his comeuppance.


    He has been in cryo sleep for months now. Just imagining his face when he woke up, only to find he would essentially die, was amazing.


    '''' So, it will take at most a week or so. Only a few people would leave, and the rest would stay on standby, waiting for orders. Any question?''''


    Kasumi raised her hand, '''' Can I steal something?''''


    Samael sighed internally, '''' As long as the person whom you will steal from is evil, go ahead. And I know I don''t need to say this, but don''t get caught. Anyone else?''''


    No one said anything.


    '''' Good. All dismissed.''''


    After everyone left, Liara came to him in a panic, with Tali following her with a small smile on her lips. '''' Samael, bad news!''''


    '''' What is it?'''' Samael was prepared for everything.


    '''' ... My mother wants to meet you. I might have talked about us to her.'''' Liara was clearly ashamed and didn''t expect this situation, as her mother was rarely on the planet.


    '' Benezia..''


    Samael had a past with her. In other cycles, he saved her a few times and even had a fling with her. '' She is an amazing Asari by all definitions, even to the point where she managed to fight back against the indoctrination, even if briefly.''


    But, he wasn''t afraid of her.


    Sighing in relief, Samael said, '''' We can talk with her. All of us.''''


    Tali nodded, her resolve strengthened.


    Liara was taken aback but nodded soon after. '''' Good. Just say when we are free to go see her.''''


    '''' No problem.''''


    Liara and Tali left soon after, and Samael added another thing to do in Thessia.


    '' In fact, this conversation with Benezia might be the most difficult part of this trip.''


    After a few more minutes, and after everyone prepared themselves, SSV Phoenix landed on Thessia.

 70 – Priority: Thessia (4)

    The crew disembarked the SSV Phoenix and were greeted by a large number of Asari, who helped them get organized.


    The new crew members were surprised by the size of the team, and Grunt said as he looked at Samael, ''''I knew it from the stories I''d heard, but you, or rather the team, are quite famous.''''


    Kasumi, Thane, and Keiji nodded, agreeing with Grunt''s words. They too knew about LD''s reputation, but to somehow receive such a special welcome was something they never thought would happen.


    Samael patted Grunt''s shoulder and said,  The best is yet to come.'''' He then went to help the others.


    The crew, with the help of the Asari, organized everything. Now, it was time to decide the group of people who would go out on shore leave and those who would stay on the ship first.


    Liara, after helping the others, was watching the scenery, with a nostalgic look on her face. She grew up here, after all.


    Also, she didn''t join the others because she would probably stay on the ship or follow her mother.


    '''' Missing home?'''' Samael approached her after he had finished helping.


    Liara shook her head, then, after some time, nodded, '''' It''s a confusing feeling. I lived here most of my life, but I had the most fun when I was exploring the various ruins scattered across the galaxy. I would not change a thing in my life, though.''''


    Samael hugged her and gave her a peck on the cheeks, '''' Netheir would I.'''' He then watched the scenario with her. After some time, both looked at the crew fighting for their vacation.


    Tali, unlike Liara, was in the middle of that, fighting for her right to be one of the first ones to enjoy shore leave.


    '''' Has your mother contacted you?'''' Samael said after witnessing Tali win against John. It was also clear he had let her win, as he had taken the Serum. And who would be crazy enough to beat up the boss'' girlfriend?


    Samael sent a hidden thumbs-up to the man, who noticed and nodded back.'' I''ll give him a raise or something along those lines for that.''


    '''' Not yet. But I don''t know how she will react to you, Tali, or us.'''' Liara maintained contact with her mother on a daily basis, so she did mention the quarian and the human to her.


    She also never said anything about their relationship, but Benezia, being an Asari who lived for 1000+ years, knew something was up, and although Liara denied anything, Benezia was now in mama-bear mode.


    While the Asari society isn''t against polygamy, Liara wasn''t sure how her mother would react when she learned she was in a relationship almost like that.


    '''' We will deal with that.''''


    '''' Hey, what about Shepard? Is she doing well?'''' Liara had grown a little bit of sentiment/friendship with the human and the last time they spoke, Shepard said she was going on a mission.


    Samael put a hand on his chin and remembered something, '''' Give me a minute to check something.'''' He then looked through his omni tool, and sure enough, there were a few messages from the agents he put in Shepard''s crew.


    They just said they left Earth, but there was no mention of where.


    '''' She left Earth a day or so after us. As she mentioned to us before, she is on a mission, but didn''t say where.''''


    '''' Thanks for the information.''''


    '''' Everything for you.''''


    After that, Samael and Liara joined the crew once more, after the fight for the privilege of going first ended.


    After some time, another group of Asari started to approach the ship, but their ''aura'' was different. More contained and dangerous.


    Grunt noticed that and started to smile a lot. While his violent tendencies were reduced, he was still a Krogan. He wanted to test himself against this newly arrived group but held back¡ªfor now.


    Tevos was leading the group of Matriarchs, and smiled upon seeing Samael. '''' Hello, boy. You finally came to honor your deal.'''' She looked around and made a disappointed face, '''' I don''t see Javik. Is he not here?''''


    '''' I always maintain my word. Also, he isn''t. I can''t say where he is, but he is safe.'''' Samael also smiled at Tevos and gave a nod to the other Matriarchs, who were watching the scene with interest. One, in particular, is paying more attention than the others.


    The Matriarchs looked sad, as they lost the opportunity to see a Prothean up close. Tevos also had a disappointed face, but as she had already met him before, it wasn''t like the others. '''' A shame, but maybe we can arrange a meeting at a later date.''''


    '''' I can talk to him about that.'''' Samael was still noticing the gaze of that particular asari, who just happened to be Benezia.


    Benezia took her focus off of Samael and looked at her daughter. Just with a glance, she noticed the girl''s growth. Not just physically but spiritually.


    '' She grew strong... but, I still have to ask the boy about his intentions with her.''


    As mentioned before, Benezia was watching Samael to determine what type of person he was. If he proves to not be worthy of her daughter, even though he is the owner of one of the most powerful groups in the galaxy, she will fight him.


    '''' Do you want to go to the temple now?'''' Samael offered.


    This trip was going to be simple and fast, as there''s not really much to do here.


    Tevos looked around, and the Matriarchs nodded. She looked at Samael once more. '''' Only you can come, I hope you understand.''''


    While Samael knew about the secret Prothean Beacon, Tevos wasn''t sure if the rest of his crew knew, so she was cautious. Besides, the fewer people who knew, the better.


    Samael nodded and looked at his crew, '''' Follow the arrangements and training regime. Make a rotation of who leaves the ship and those on standby. I''ll be back in a day or two.''''


    Under the eyes of the Matriarchs group, Samael went and kissed Tali and Liara.


    Benezia showed a bit of astonishment but hid it well. Tevos smiled at Samael, '''' It seems you got busy, huh.''''


    '''' Oh, you have no idea.'''' Samael then looked at the group of Matriach and introduced himself, '''' You must know who I am, but I''ll introduce myself anyway. My name is Samael, owner and creator of LD. I came here to honor the deal with Tevos and will unlock the full content of the Beacon.''''


    The Matriarchs all nodded at him, some even eyeing him flirtatiously, but he ignored that.


    After a few greetings, Tevos urged them, '''' Let''s go there now. We really want that data.''''


    '''' Let''s.''''


    Samael and the Matriarch group then left the place, going to the temple where the beacon was located.


    WITH LIARA


    Liara noticed her mother''s reaction but stayed quiet for now, but her mind took notice of her mother''s reactions, '' ... She didn''t seem to mind.''


    That made the young Asari relax a bit.


    Tali noticed Liara''s nervousness and said, '''' See? She said and did nothing, just like I told you. The galaxy is progressive, after all.''''


    The Quarian knew who Benezia was thanks to Liara showing her photo, so as to prepare her in case they met without Liara''s present in the place.


    '''' Whatever you say.''''


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Liara, seeing as her mother didn''t call her, was on the first shore leave with Tali, so she said, '''' How about we go visit some places? I know a few good ones close to here.''''


    '''' Le-''''


    '''' Can we join?'''' RR and EDI appeared in front of them and asked.


    '''' Of course.'''' Tali smiled at them and considered both AI''s good friends. She was secretly receiving their help in her research about the Geth.


    The quartet then left, along with the group of people who had won the right to shore leave first.


    WITH SAMAEL


    After a few minutes of walking, chatting, and looking around the city, Samael and the group arrived at the temple.


    A few kilometers of land around the temple were closed to the public, with armed officers protecting the place. The Asari placed real importance and secrecy on the Beacon, so only the important people were allowed beyond a certain point.


    Inside the temple, there are a few hundred of the brightest minds in Asari society. They were here to learn the best they could from the Beacon. Also, half of the Asari there were also chosen to be part of Project Andromeda.


    Tevos suddenly went ahead and made a small speech, '''' My sisters, today we will unlock the full content of the Beacon, the same one that allowed us to lead the galaxy. Our friend here, '''' Samael waved at the crowd, who was a little shocked by how a human was there, but they trusted their Matriarchs, '''' will do the honors.''''


    '''' You know this, but you can''t disclose what will happen here or its contents to anyone. The punishment for that will be grave, so bear that in mind.''''


    Tevos wasn''t lying. The punishment was death or worse, so the Asari who were given the opportunity took to heart the ''advice''.


    After seeing the crowd understand the situation, Tevos looked at Samael and said, '''' You can start.''''


    Samael nodded and looked at the temple. He knew exactly where the Beacon was, hell, he knew the contents, as he still remembered the content even with the scrambled memories.


    You might ask, so why did he just give the content to them? Well, it would raise suspicion about how he knew about that, and it would allow him the opportunity to gain the Asari friendship. So, it worked out well.


    Samael approached the statue of the ''goddess'', who was just a Prothean, and looked at it with appreciation. '' Your people faced death and still helped the future cycles. You have my respect.''


    It was clear from his friendship with JAvik that he appreciated the Protheans, even though they can be quite a handful sometimes.


    '' Well, let''s get started.''


    WITH LIARA


    While the other crew members who had won the right to shore leave first were left to their own, Liara was guiding Tali and both AIs through the city.


    She was showing them the good places and even the bad ones.


    '''' In that place,'''' Liara pointed somewhere that had a huge line to enter, and looked like a restaurant, '''' serves the best food on the whole planet. I can''t recommend it enough. ... But, I don''t remember if they serve Quarian food.''''


    Liara looked a little guilty after saying that, but it wasn''t her fault that the Quarians were looked down upon.


    Tali didn''t mind that, as she had already become accustomed to things not being easy for her species. Also, she didn''t like Liara looking down, so she reassured her, '''' Don''t worry about it. I''m pretty sure there are other good places around.''''


    Liara was relieved and continued the tour.


    EDI nudged EDI a bit and said, '''' So they really are in that kind of relationship, huh.''''


    While the crew knew that Tali and Samael were in a relationship, they had theorized that things were weird between them and Liara. The kiss that happened minutes ago plus this interaction made things clear. They were something like a couple.


    RR nodded, gloating a little, '''' I told you so. I''m sure Shepard, Veronica, and possibly Jack and Miranda were going to join later. Maybe even me.''''


    EDI asked with some doubt in her voice, '''' Are you sure?''''


    ''''Watch and learn, kiddo. You still have a lot to learn to reach my level of understanding.'''' RR then remembered something, '''' How about Joker? Are you still in touch?''''


    EDI looked embarrassed and nodded, '''' We are. You might not believe it, but he is in Thessia too.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' RR looked genuinely surprised and hurriedly looked at the message she had received from the agents who were with Shepard. Sure enough, there''s a mention of them going on a mission, but no mention of where. It was weird.


    But, RR was already accustomed to dealing with human emotions, so she came to a conclusion pretty fast, '' Maybe Shepard wanted to surprise us by arriving here unnoticed, so she didn''t say anything to the agents. But, she had to communicate with Joker, as he was the pilot, and in turn, he told EDI, his crush.''


    RR snorted in her mind as she thought about how Joker essentially snitched on his boss. But, she also wasn''t going to say anything, '' Let''s make this a surprise to Samael and the others. I''m pretty sure they will like it.''


    '''' Yeah, they have a mission here or something along those lines. We plan on meeting up later.'''' EDI wasn''t going to admit it, but she was feeling a little bit of attraction to the human. Just a tiny bit.


    '''' ... Good for you. Now, let''s catch up with the young lovers, shall we?''''


    The tour of the four continued.


    WITH SHEPARD


    Before Samael left Earth,  I had received a message from Da- Anderson. It said to meet him at home, and it was serious.


    So, I went there, and he finally said something I had been waiting for.


    '''' Go to Thessia. Councilor Tevos is going to officially introduce you to the Spectre ranks. Congratulations.'''' Anderson looked proud of what I accomplished.


    Even though we both knew it was more the work of Samael and LD, it was still good for us.


    I was really looking forward to this position, so maybe I can help with the bigger picture that were the Reapers.


    I hugged Anderson and said, '''' Thank you, for everything. I will make you proud.''''


    '''' You already do.''''


    After that, I told everyone, minus the LD agents, as I wanted to surprise Samael and the rest of SSV Phoenix. I asked the rest to not tell anyone.


    '''' No problem for me. Even though we separated only for a few days, surprises were good in general. I also lowkey want to see their surprised reaction.'''' Ashley said that and the rest agreed. They were the ones surprised by the scale of LD and what they were doing on Earth, so they wanted to do the same.


    It obviously didn''t have the same weight of surprise, but it was a beginning.


    The only variable was Joker. I don''t know if the man would stay quiet. He was, after all, trying to woo an android, and sharing this was a good way to build trust... I think.


    '' Anyway, it is nothing going to be a problem.''


    With that out of the way, the crew and I finished the necessary preparation and began to make our way to Thessia, the capital of the Asari species, to officially enter the Spectre ranks.


    '' Let''s see how that goes.''

 71 – Priority: Thessia (5)

    WITH SAMAEL


    For others, the ones who never entered contact with a Prothean Beacon, for you to have full access to the knowledge/content inside it, you have to have used The Cipher, something that makes it possible to read the confusing knowledge inside the Beacon.


    Essentially, it allowed non-Protheans to have the mental comprehension of a Prothean.


    As Samael had already interacted with the Cipher in past cycles, he could use this Beacon just fine. After all, only his physical body returned to the beginning when the time loop happened. His memories, his mind, and his soul, all went back with no problem.


    So, under the watchful gaze of hundreds of Asari, Samael started to use the Prothean technology. Seconds turned, into minutes, and he continued doing his ''best'' to unlock the contest inside the Beacon.


    Finally, after 10 or 20 minutes, Samael said while wiping the sweat from his forehead, '''' Done. More than 1 TB of that has been extracted. I must say, you guys hit the jackpot with this one. The Prothean technology is one of a kind.''''


    Samael wasn''t joking. The Protheans were a very advanced race, so the Asari as a whole would benefit thanks to the content of the Beacon. But, he would not say the part where LD also used some Prothean technology in their product, so the Asari still has a long way to go to reach LD level.


    Also, even though he didn''t need it, as he had Javik + 100 or so Protheans on his planet and his own knowledge, he used RR, EDI, and his Omni tool and transferred the data to LD servers.


    Tevos, the Matriarchs, and all the other Asari present were surprised by how fast Samael did the job. They thought it would require hours, maybe even days. Not even in their wildest dreams would they''ve believed that the knowledge they sought for centuries was just minutes away.


    Just to be sure, Tevos, who was the closest to Samael in all terms, came closer to him and asked, '''' Are you sure?''''


    Samael smiled at Tevos,'''' I told you before, and I''ll tell you again. I''m a man of my word, and we had a deal. Why would I screw you over? You know LD and mine stance when it comes to sharing technology.'''' He whispered this last part, '''' We need all the upgrades we possibly can get to stop the Reapers.''''


    Tevos had nothing more to say. She knew Samael''s stance when it came to Reapers. The man would not stop at anything when it came to that. Besides, she trusts him.


    So, after a moment of silence, she said, '''' Thank you.''''


    ''''You''re welcome.''''


    Just as Samael''s voice faded, a commotion started among the Asari present.


    '''' By the Godess!''''


    '''' This is revolutionary!''''


    At first, only the 100 Asari reacted with such passion, but after a few moments, even the usual stone-faced Matriarchs had an astonishing look on their faces. They also knew the gain they would have if they researched all this in depth.


    Samael used that opportunity to ask Tevos something, '''' Can I ask you a favor?''''


    Tevos wanted to join the Asari who were checking on the data, but she knew that staying on Samael''s good grace was good too, so she said, '''' Ask away.''''


    Samael would now ask for something he needed. This was, after all, one of the reasons he came to Thessia, '''' I know you have a temple that houses the Ardat-Yakshi close to here. I want permission to go there.''''


    Tevos was surprised, as while the temple isn''t exactly hidden, very few people knew about it. But, it also made sense for Samael to know about it, as he was the owner of LD. '''' Can I ask you why?''''


    Still, even though she trusted him, she had to ask again.


    '''' I just have to ask a few questions directly to them. I will go alone, if you want me to.'''' Samael wasn''t exactly lying. He would ask for their help.


    '''' Hmmm.'''' Tevos had no reason to say no. '''' You can go, I''ll send the headmaster of the temple a message about you. You will have free access to all the facilities there. Bring anyone you like.''''


    '''' Thank you for that.''''


    '''' Now, if that''s all, I''ll go join my sisters and see the data if you don''t mind.''''


    '''' Please, go ahead. See you later.''''


    Tevos then left Samael alone and joined the Asari. All of them were so focused that they didn''t even pay attention to Samael anymore.


    The contents inside the Beacon were that good. By their initial calculations, they could upgrade their technology in a few weeks.


    Samael had nothing more to do there, so he started to get away when suddenly, a Matriarch approached him. He sighed, but expected that.


    '''' Can I talk with you for a moment?'''' The Matriarch was none other than Benezia.


    '''' Sure. Do you want to go somewhere private?'''' Samael knew exactly what she wanted to talk about and knew it was somewhat of a private topic, so he offered.


    Benezia nodded and said,'''' Follow me.'''' She led the way, with Samael following.


    After both left the temple where the Beacon was, Benezia stopped and said, '''' What are your intentions with my daughter?''''


    Samael had had this conversation in past cycles, so he was prepared, '''' The best possible.''''


    Benezia tried to see any falsehood in Samael''s face, but nothing so far. She then said in a misterous tone, '''' You know, I heard a lot about you, your feats, etc. I must say, you don''t really look like you live up to the tale.''''


    At that, Samael raised his eyebrows. Look, he was the first one to admit he wasn''t THAT handsome, but for the rest, he was perfect. Tall, muscular but not too much, intelligent, among many other good things.


    '' She is trying to get under my skin... unlucky for her, but I know how to deal with this.''


    '''' It must be because we just met. In the future, when we are properly acquainted, you will see that all rumors about me were true.''''


    '''' Oh? All of them?'''' Benezia said with a strange gaze.


    ''''... almost all of them.'''' Samael said that while sighing, '' She is somehow difficult to deal with. I can''t say much but can''t say nothing.''


    It was a weird situation all around.


    Benezia seemed to come to a conclusion in her head, '''' I''ll continue to monitor you in the remaining time you stay here. If I find any suggestion that my daughter is being treated unfairly, you will face my wrath.''''


    '''' I promise that my goal is to treat your daughter the best way possible.''''


    Benezia nodded at that. What she wanted to convey was conveyed, and she would return to her sister now.


    With all things Liara related out of the way, Samael decides to ask something, '''' Are you, by any chance, in contact with Saren?''''


    After what he learned at the Shadow Brooker base, that Saren talked with the old figure before he killed it, he was keeping an eye on the Turian, just for precaution. According to what he knew, he was MIA for at least 2 weeks, and Benezia was one of the contacts he had, so he asked just to make sure.


    Beniza found the question weird but answered nonetheless, '''' No. I haven''t talked to him for a long time now. Can I ask why you asked that?''''


    ''''Nothing much, but I fear Saren is up to no good.'''' Samael told the truth, but knew nothing much would come out of it, '''' I would appreciate it if he contacted you, you tell me or LD.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' Benezia realized the situation was not nice, '''' How bad is the situation?''''


    '''' Nothing much, for now, just speculation.'''' Samael continued, '''' If it was that bad, I would tell you.''''


    '''' ... I will keep an eye out for him.''''


    '''' Thanks. Now, if you don''t mind, I have places to be. See you later.'''' Samael said goodbye to Benezia and left.


    The Matriarch liked the conversation. She still had a few doubts, but for now, she knew her daughter was in good hands.


    '' That''s the maximum we can ask.''


    She then returned to the temple, to study the contents of the Beacon.


    WITH SAMAEL


    With that out of the way, Samael now has some free time. He was debating internally if he wanted to go to the Ardat Yakshi temple today, but after some deliberation, he decided to go tomorrow.


    '' They won''t be going away anytime soon. I want to spend some time with the girl on a date.''


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Making up his mind, Samael sent a message to Liara and Tali, asking where they were. A few moments later, they sent their location, and Samael started to make his way towards them.


    As this was the Asari homeworld, it was basically only Asaris whenever Samael passed. As he made his way toward them, he also enjoyed the scene.


    Most of the time, when he visited the planet in past cycles, it was already destroyed by the Reapers or other threats. So, seeing the place so peaceful was nice.


    Samael smiled, seeing the families walking around, in peace. He visited a few places, bought some nice gifts for his crew, and continued making his way toward his girls.


    But, then he stopped in his tracks. He had noticed a man, a human, looking at him from a distance. The man was weird, to say the least. He had been following Samael for some time now, mimicking his movements.


    Samael had noticed the man ever since the beginning. He thought the man would stop following him after he stopped, but no.


    After he had stopped on his track, the man did the same. Then, when he started to walk again, the man walked too.


    So, after a bit more of that, Samael sighed and went to face the man. He didn''t recognize him from any other cycle, '' It must be a crazy man.''


    But, he pushed that aside, because he knew how rare it was for a human to be among the Asari. Both men now faced each other.


    For some reason, Samael didn''t feel any ill will toward the man, on the contrary, he thought the man had a somewhat calming effect, '' Weird... In all past cycles, I never felt something like this.''


    For someone who lived for more than 200 years, feeling something new like this was nice, even more so for Samael, who liked to experience things.


    '' ... I need to know what his deal is.'' The situation was too weird to begin with, and Samael wasn''t one to let things go, so he would try to get to the bottom of this... whatever this is.


    So, for starters, Samael said, '''' Have we met before?''''


    The man clearly didn''t mind that he was caught following someone. He smiled at Samael, '''' First time.''''


    '''' Why do I feel like I know you?'''' Samael said with an inquisitive tone, clearly trying to get a rinse from the guy.


    But the man continued to smile at him as if he didn''t notice his tone, '''' I get that a lot. Seeing as you came to me, you should''ve had some questions, no? Ask away.''''


    Shivers went down Samael''s spine as he realized this man was dangerous. Not in the sense that he could kill him, but that he somehow could read Samael''s intentions.


    Samael had pride in the fact that he was too unstable for people to read him... And now, the man did that easily.


    As if to prove a point, the man waved his hand and said, '''' Don''t be like that, I mean no harm to you.''''


    Samael sighed. '' So this is the feeling of having someone control the conversion.''


    It wasn''t the first time Samael experienced this, but it had been a long time since it happened.


    '''' Do you mind going for a walk then?'''' Samael offered, and the man smiled.


    '''' Gladly.''''


    The duo then started to wander around the city, with Samael trying to figure out the mysterious man, while the man was just smiling and following, not starting a conversation.


    They walked some more until they arrived at some kind of public park. It had a few places to sit, and Samael went there and sat down, with the man doing the same.


    '''' ... Who are you?'''' Samael went directly to the point. It was clear the man wanted something from him, as he was the one who was following him.


    '''' A friend.''''


    '''' Sorry, let me phrase that better. WHAT are you?'''' Samael had a feeling the man in front of him was more than human. This was something his instincts were telling him.


    The man maintained his smile, '''' My species has had many names across the ages, but our most known name is Stargazers.''''


    Samael stopped thinking. He was aware of that name. Not in the sense that he knew a Stargazer personally, but he knew briefly who they were. Hell, even in the past cycle, he never met one.


    The species had a very small part in the ME franchise, appearing in the last 2 minutes of Mass Effect 3. An old man was telling Shepard''s story to a kid, and that was the first and last apparition of a Stargazer.


    Not very much is known about them. They were even more obscure than the Reapers.


    '''' Why were you, a Stargazer, following me?'''' Samael had no reason not to believe the man in front of him.


    '''' You see, my species lives for a very long time, so much so that we get bored quite easily. So, to not be bored, we travel across the galaxy, in search of stories to tell others. And it just happens that the story we are most interested in is yours.''''


    Samael asked in a surprised tone, '''' Do you know-''''


    '''' About your full story? Yes.'''' The man dropped that bombshell like it was nothing.


    Now, Samael was REALLY surprised. No one, in past cycles, had found out about his time loops. And the Stargazer in front of him just said he knew.


    '' Do they know about me being a being of another universe, that this universe came from a game, or only about the time loop?''


    Samael had more question than anserws, but he still wanted to talk. So, he would assume they knew only about the time loops.


    '''' ... Do you know who did that to me?'''' Samael was talking about the time loops.


    '''' We are ancient and know a lot of things. But, even our species doesn''t know everything. We don''t know who caused that to you, sorry.''''


    '''' No problem.'''' Samael expected that. After all, something capable of trapping someone in a time loop could only be a deity or something along those lines.


    It was then that something clicked in Samael''s mind, '''' Why come for me now and not before?''''


    Again, this was the first time in all his cycles that Samael met a Stargazer. And, he just received confirmation that they knew about him, but had never had contact with him. So, that begs the question: why now?


    The Stargazer finally showed emotion other than a smile. He looked genuinely happy, '''' It''s because your story is close to an end.''''


    Samael asked after a brief silence, '''' Will I die soon?''''


    The Stargaze chuckled, '''' An end doesn''t always mean death. Besides, we don''t know the future, we just observe, never interact or intervene, and then tell others about what happened.''''


    Samael sighed. This trip to Thessia just got more complicated than he expected. He just wanted to honor his deal, check his mind, and wipe out the Illusive Man''s mind. But now, he got involved with an ancient species out of nowhere, who knew about his story.


    The Stargazer noticed Samael''s inner turmoil and said, '''' Don''t worry too much. We have no reason to tell your full story to others, besides, your story is too crazy for others to believe.''''


    '''' Thanks ...?'''' Samael was doing his best to recover from what he learned. It was a lot to take in in so little time.


    '''' You''re welcome. Now, do you have any other questions for me?'''' The Stargazer asked.


    '''' Why tell my story and not Shepard''s?''''


    '''' Who said we weren''t doing the same with her? But, I''ll admit, you were the first one we had contact with. We usually just watch, but this was a ... bonus.''''


    '''' Will we meet again?''''


    '''' Who knows? The possibility is high, though.''''


    '''' Then I''ll ask more in that next meeting.''''


    The Stargazer smiled, nodded, and got up from the bench, '''' It was a pleasure to meet you personally. Our species is very fond of you, and I was granted the privilege of talking to you.''''


    '''' It was also my pleasure. I learned a lot from our conversation.'''' Samael really did. He was reminded that there existed ancient species, who might be even worse than the Leviathan, scattered across the galaxy.


    The Stargazer, from what he heard, doesn''t intervene in the galaxy. But, what about other species? Will they do the same?


    The Stargazer nodded with a smile and started to get away. Just as he made a distance, he stopped and, as if he remembered something, said to Samael, '''' Also, don''t worry. Trust in your crew and in yourself, and you will survive.''''


    Samael found that comment weird but had nothing to say about it. He then remembered something, '''' I never asked your name.''''


    A crowd was passing through, and the Stargazer smiled, '''' You finally asked, Samael. My name is Anjo.''''


    The crowd passed in front of Anjo, and when Samael tried to find him, he was nowhere to be seen.


    '' That was cool.''


    Samael continued to sit on the bench for a few more minutes, digesting the information he had received.


    '' The Stargazers were real, know my full story, but don''t know who put me in a time loop. There''s one thing that is bugging me pretty hard, and Anjo just brushed it off. Why now? Why...''


    That was the burning question that was plaguing Samael''s mind. The Stargazers had a lot of time to talk and decided to do that now.


    '' ... I don''t know, and I doubt I will. Fuck me.''


    It was a lot to take in, so after a few minutes of doing nothing, he got up. After all, he had a date. He would not forget the conversation with the StarGazer, but he would put it on the backburner of his mind for now.

 72 – Priority: Thessia (6)

    Samael had already recovered from the conversation with the Stargazer. After all, what he had learned from that was almost nothing. But, he would remember what happened. In the end, he was just human, and had no way of exploring the whole galaxy in depth, even with the time loops, so there are things even he was unaware of.


    Of course, now he was aware that there was a possibility of another ancient species out there that knew about his story, and that it was coming to an end. He had no control over both things, so there was no need to act on them now.


    He then continued on his path to meet with Tali, Liara, EDI, and RR. Samael had already bought gifts for them before he met with the Stargazer, but he bought some more on his way.


    A few minutes later, he arrived at the location they sent him. It was a restaurant/bar, and the quartet was at a table, drinking something and laughing. Tali was the first one to notice, '''' Samael!''''


    The Quarian got up from her seat, went in his direction, and kissed him when she reached him. Samael reciprocated the gesture.


    After a few seconds, Tali broke the kiss and asked, '''' How was the meeting?'''' She and the whole crew knew that Samael had come to honor his deal with Tevos, and he had left just a few hours ago. She was preoccupied that the ''meeting'' went wrong.


    By this point, both had arrived at the table and Samael gave Liara and RR a small kiss, and EDI gave a small hug. '''' It all went well, and now I just need to meet some people and we can leave.''''


    A waitress came, and Samael asked for a drink. After that, he smiled and said, '''' I bought you guys a few things.''''


    Samael then passed on the gifts he bought them. For Tali, he purchased a piece of technology he knew she loved. For Liara, he bought a few clothes, and for RR and EDI he purchased a few ... peculiar clothes.


    '''' Thanks for that.''''


    The four of them thanked Samael. They liked the gift and RR was already thinking of ways to use the peculiar clothes later on. EDI too, but with another person.


    '''' Oh, by the way, Liara. I met your mom.'''' Samael smiled internally. His first meeting with Benezia, in this cycle, was brief but solidified the way he viewed the Matriarch. Tough on the inside, and even more tough on the outside. She was, by all means, a good mother and person.


    The only reason she was a small villain in the first game was because she was indoctrinated... after she tried to help Saren and guide him towards a better path.


    Liara paused and sighed, '''' How it went?''''


    She was already expecting the worst. After all, her mother was rigorous and by the kiss Samael gave her earlier on, in front of all Matriarchs, she knew her mother acted on that. '' Let''s hope it wasn''t severe.''


    '''' It was normal, actually. She just threatened me if I ever broke your heart. I said to her I have no plans on ever doing that.''''


    Liara was touched by what he said and relieved her mother was reasonable, '''' That''s .... was nice of her.''''


    '''' It was.'''' Tali interjects at this point. She grew up with a single father, Admiral Rael'' Zorah, who had a high position in Quarian society. He was strict with her, in hopes she would grow stronger and lead the Quarians, but that upbringing made them somehow distant over the years. So, seeing a mother care so much for her ... girlfriend, was nice.


    The waitress arrived with the group''s drink and they started to chat around. At some point, EDI said, '''' Oh, by the way, Shepard is coming to Thessia.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' Samael paused. The Stargazer did say they were also paying attention to Shepard, so one of the reasons he revealed himself to Samael may be because of that.


    '''' Yeah, she is on a mission from the Alliance or something along those lines. She wanted to surprise us, but Joker told me about it.'''' EDI smiled a little, thinking about the human.


    '''' Resonable.'''' Samael knew the reason Shepard was coming here was mostly likely for her to be pronounced as a Spectre. The Council right now was basically Tevos, and seeing as she was in Thessia, it made sense. He then checked his messages, and sure enough, the agents he put in Shepard''s crew sent a message saying they went on a mission, but not where.


    An idea started to blossom in Samael''s mind as he smiled and said, ''''  How about we surprise them instead?''''


    RR sensed fun, '''' Oh? Tell us about it.''''


    '''' Well, I can ask Tevos for a favor, and she will let us receive them.''''


    Just from that, RR has already thought of a few things to do. '''' I''m in.''''


    Tali and Liara looked at each other and smiled. They were also in.


    Even EDI is hooked now.


    After a few more minutes and planning the surprise, they all went away. The Asari had given them a place to stay, but they decided to stay on the SSV Phoenix instead.


    --


    WITH SHEPARD


    It didn''t take long for Shepard and her crew to arrive at Thessia, as they were using a handmade and exclusive new SSV Normandy, courtesy of Samael and LD, with the latest upgrades. It was almost on the same level as the SSV Phoenix.


    20 % better than the last ship, and with Joker''s abilities, they were 30% faster than before. So, they arrived earlier than they initially planned. This was, after all, the first voyage of the new Normandy.


    '''' Commander, the Asari had given us permission to land.'''' Joker''s voice came through the cooms to warm everyone.


    Shepard nodded internally and made a mental note about it. She checked all her things and made sure they were in order.  She then tapped her Omni tool a few times and sent a message to everyone in the crew, '''' Status.''''


    It didn''t take long for an affirmative message to start to arrive.


    '''' All good here.'''' Ash, as always, was the first one to be ready for action. She was, after all, a battle maniac, but don''t ever tell her that. She doesn''t like it.


    '''' Ready.'''' Alenko was a decisive man. He normally talks a lot, but when it is time to get serious, he only responds if necessary.


    The rest of the crew, like Jacob, and Dr. Chakwas, were also ready.


    After she receives an okay from everyone, Shepard sends a message to Joker, '''' Joker, permission to land.''''


    '''' Aye, aye, commander!''''


    Then the Normandy started to descend into Thessia, into what would be a new age for Shepard and her crew.


    Shepard was looking at the scenery with excitement in her eyes, not just because of the view, with the high-end buildings and beautiful scenario, but because she was going to make history. Granted, she had a lot of help, but she knew her worth.


    '' I look forward to the future.''


    She knew about the Reapers, but also knew they had time to prepare. So she was confident it could work.


    Shepard and the crew reunited close to the hangar and waited for clearance to leave the ship.


    The SSV Normandy landed on Thessia not long after, and the hangar door opened. Shepard was the first one to get out and noticed that there was no Asari present to welcome them.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    That made her pause, '' Tevos said there would be-''


    '''' SURPRISE!''''


    NORMAL POV


    Shepard flinched a little, and her hand went to her gun, but when she calmed down, she noticed it was a friendly face and smiled, '''' Samael! I wanted to surprise you, but it seems you beat me to it.''''


    The person who ''scared'' Shepard was no one other than Samael, and then other people started to show up. Basically, it was the whole SSV Phoenix crew there, including the new additions.


    RR, EDI, Tali, Samael, and Liara had a lot of ideas on how to surprise them, but they chose the simplest. Just a small jump scare.


    Of course, the intention was to scare the whole crew, but Shepard came out alone, so only she got ''scared''.


    RR said after sighing, '''' A shame.''''


    Samael ignored that and watched as the Normandy crew got out and were surprised by them too. Both crews then blended it, as they were close friends.


    '''' A bird told us you were coming, so we decided to be the group to welcome you.'''' Samael said that while looking at Joker, who was already talking with EDI.


    Shepard had a vein pop on her forehead, '''' It seems I will have to have a talk with my pilot.''''


    '''' Don''t be too harsh on him, we make dumb things when in love.'''' Samael knew that very well, as he had done a lot of stupid shit across time.


    '''' .. I''ll think about his punishment later on.'''' Shepard then hugged Samael, '''' Nice to see you.''''


    It hadn''t even been two weeks since they parted ways, but she missed her friend. In their lines of work, making friends was something difficult.


    Samael hugged her back, '''' Likewise.''''


    At this point, Tali and Liara had already greeted everyone from Normandy and were beside Samael. They had also made peace with their strange relationship with Samael, and now they were at a crossroads with Shepard.


    But, that would not stop them from being good friends with the human.


    Samael and Shepard broke the hug, and Tali and Liara greeted her.


    '''' Nice to see you, commander.'''' Tali hugged her.


    '''' You too.'''' Shepard would be the first one to admit she had a lot of fun in her life, but the situation with Tali, Liara, and Samael was new to her, and she didn''t know how to react.


    It was Liara''s turn to greet the Commander, and they hugged.


    '''' Welcome to Thessia. If you want, I can guide you to beautiful places.''''


    '''' I''ll hold you on that. After I officially become a Spectre , maybe.''''


    Liara nodded and then broke the hug.


    Shepard then noticed new faces on the SSV Phoenix crew, '''' Who are they?''''


    Samael looked proud and started to guide Shepard towards the new members, who were talking with others. '''' Shepard, meet Grunt. He is a Krogan under us.''''


    Grunt stopped talking with Jacob when he noticed Samael approaching. When he saw Shepard, he sniffed a little and nodded, '''' You look strong.''''


    ''''... Thank you. And nice to meet you, Grunt.'''' Shepard held her hand out.


    Grunt accepted the handshake and said, '''' Likewise... say, how about a spar?''''


    '''' Maybe later.''''


    '''' A shame.'''' Grunt then looked at Samael, with a gaze that said, '''' And you?''''


    Samael just smiled at the young Krogan, '''' Later, when we finish helping them tidy things up, I''ll train you.''''


    Grunt smiled savagely, '''' GOOD, GOOD. Don''t forget it.'''' The Krogan then went back to his conversation with Jacob and Samael continued on his way.


    Thane was the next one. The Drell was talking with Dr. Chwakas, but stopped when he noticed Samael, '''' Captain.''''


    '''' Thane. I want to introduce you to a friend, Commander Shepard. She is here to be put in the Spectre ranks.''''


    '''' Oh?'''' That was surprising to Thane, as humanity wasn''t that high on the list. So, she either was strong, had connections, or both.  But, the Drell was long past the point of caring about that, '''' Nice to meet you. If you need any help in ... taking out bad people, just give me a call.''''


    Thane passed his contact to Shepard, who said, ''''  Likewise. And thank you, I might use it in the future.''''


    While she didn''t really have any enemies right now, it could change in the future, so having an assassin promise to help was nice. She had dealt with them before and knew they were a hard bunch to deal with.


    After that, they parted ways with Thane and went to Kasumi and Keije, who were talking with Ashley and Kayden.


    '''' Guys.'''' Samael said that and gathered the attention of the quartet, '''' I want you to meet someone.'''' He pointed at Shepard, '''' This one is our friend, Commander Shepard. Be nice to her, as we will interact a bunch of times.''''


    Kasumi and Keiji approached, '''' Nice to meet you, commander.'''' Kasumi extended the hand to Shepard, who accepted the handshake but didn''t notice Kasumi had stolen something from her.


    Samael did notice but stayed quiet.


    '''' It was an honor to meet you.'''' Keiji bowed a little.


    '''' The pleasure is mine.'''' Shepard noticed Samael was smiling a little too much, '''' What''s wrong?''''


    Samael said while looking at Kasumi, '''' What have I said yesterday, on the ship?''''


    Kasumi was a little shocked when someone noticed her. She knew how ''strong'' Samael was, thanks to the crew telling her, but she really didn''t think he would notice. She sighed, ''''  Sorry.''''


    Under the shocked gaze of Shepard and the others, Kasumi passed the object she stole back to Shepard.


    Samael explained, '''' Kasumi here is one of the best bandits in the galaxy. If you need to steal something, just ask her.''''


    Shepard was taken aback by how easily she stole from her but was even more glad she was on her side, '''' I''ll keep that in mind.''''


    She then remembered something, '''' I''m not seeing Jack nor Miranda...''''


    Samael made an award face and said, '''' Both of them are on leave... They got pregnant.''''


    '''' Oh, that''s nice for them. I''ll send a congratulations to them later.'''' While Shepard was friends with both, she wasn''t aware of Natasha and their predicament. Still, she was happy for both, as this was mostly likely planned in advance.


    '''' Please do.''''


    Then, they joined the crew, and everyone started to chat away, all while organizing their things. The new members of the Phoenix quickly blended with the Normandy and exchanged contact with them.


    After a while, everything was tidied up, and now everyone was free to do whatever they wanted, as per Shepard''s orders.


    After all, only she had official business here, and she promised a few days of shore leave. It''s not every day they have a chance to visit Thessia, even more so with another group of friends.


    '''' Now what?'''' Shepard asked. She was supposed to be guided by a group of Asaris, but that clearly went astray long ago.


    '''' Well, our job was to help you tidy things up, then we would guide you to Tevos. Now that one of the parts is finished, let me guide you to where Tevos is.'''' Samael said that while looking at the crew''s talking.


    It was nice to see his family being friendly. After all, THIS was exactly what he was fighting for: Peace for his loved ones.


    '''' Sound good.'''' Shepard then got ready after a few minutes and said to Samael, '''' Let''s go?''''


    Samael also got ready. '''' Let''s.''''


    Soon after that, Shepard and Samael left to encounter Tevos and make the female the first-ever human specter.

 73 – Priority : Thessia (7)

    Leaving their respective teams behind, Samael and Shepard still had some catching up to do. Although it had been less than two weeks since they had parted on Earth, little and a lot had happened in the meantime.


    "I feel like I haven''t thanked you enough.'''' Shepard said that as she followed Samael, who, in turn, was guiding her through the futuristic city, among countless Asaris, to where Tevos was.


    ''''For what?'''' Samael asked. He was cautious today, because of a feeling he had when waking up, and Shepard noticed but said nothing.


    "For Normandy.'''' Shepard would be the last to admit it, but she wasn''t very well-versed when it came to ships. But even she recognized the brilliance of the new Normandy that Samael/LD had given her.


    Best of all, the design was pretty much everything Shepard wanted in a ship. Sure, the old ship was good, the best the Alliance had to offer, but it still didn''t compare to the one she had received as a gift.


    '''' You''re welcome.'''' Samael really didn''t take that to the heart, because this was something normal for him to do across all cycles. Making the ultimate Normandy so early was also a way to protect Shepard and the rest of his family better.


    Also, the design of the Normandy was something that Samael personally did, since he knew exactly what Shepard and the rest of the crew liked. Furthermore, in terms of performance, the new Normandy was second only to the SSV Phoenix.


    You have to remember that Samael sold the other ships with 50% of the Phoenix''s power, but since it was Shepard, he went one step further and made it equal to 90%, minus the upgrades he personally put on the Phoenix. That made the new Normandy the second-best ship in the galaxy.


    '''' How do even begin to think of the design and the output of the ship?''''Shepard really could not figure out the man in front of her. Not only was he one of the richest people in the galaxy, but he was also smart enough to put him at least in the top 10 in the galaxy in that regard.  The new Normandy was made by him after all.


    Samael turned around to face her and had a flashy grin, '''' That is a secret.''''


    Shepard rolled her eyes, '''' Cheapsteak.''''


    Samael ignored that, continued walking vigilantly and abruptly stopped soon after. Shepard paused and asked, '''' What''s wrong?''''


    '''' We have arrived.''''


    '''' So soon?'''' Shepard looked around and was surprised to see that they really were at the location Tevos sent previously.


    '''' Tevos chose this place because she was already close by, so it was easy.'''' Samael wasn''t lying. Tevos, along with the rest of the Matriarchs + the chosen Asari, studied the Beacon since yesterday, not resting for a single minute. And, Shepard had landed close to the temple, so they met halfway there.


    By the way, as mentioned before, the place where they would meet was a building close to the Temple where the Beacon was located. It was a small one, with only 3 floors, but it was a place where meetings took place.


    '''' Are you ready?'''' Samael asked Shpeard before entering the place.


    Shepard took a deep breath and nodded,'''' Yes.''''


    '''' Good. Let''s go.'''' Samael then pushed the door to the building. The layout was simple, a desk with an Asari to reception the guests, and only that. '''' We are here to speak with Tevos.''''


    The Asari nodded, '''' She is already waiting for you. Please go to the second floor.''''


    It was clear from the Asari attitude that Tevos clearly showed her Samael and Shepard''s faces beforehand. It wasn''t normal to just let people enter the building.


    '''' Thanks.'''' Samael and Shepard thanked the Asari and went to the second floor using the stars.


    Arriving on the second floor, both could see only one door. So, they rightly assumed it was the place and knocked on it.


    '''' Enter.'''' Tevos voice passed through the door.


    Samael looked at Shepard, nodded, and opened the door. Inside, the place looked like the Council chamber in the Citadel, only downsised.


    '''' Councilour.'''' Samael was more respectful today. After all, this was Council business.


    Shepard also said with respect, '''' Councilour.''''


    Tevos looked tired, but she had a nice facade, '''' First things first, sorry if I inconvenience you in any way. I''m sleep-deprived, thanks to someone.'''' She said that last part looking at Samael, who looked at the clouds (?).


    '''' Anyway, let''s get down to business.'''' Tevos touched her omni tool a few times and said, '''' Jane Shepard come forward.''''


    Shepard did just that and Tevos initiated the process of putting her into the Spectre position. It was a relatively straightforward process.


    Tevos basically asked if Shepard would uphold the Council laws, respect others, and would not use her status for her own gain.


    Shepard of course said everything Tevos wanted to hear.


    ''''Congratulations on being the first human Spectre. I pray for your success.'''' Tevos had done this process a few times, but it was the first time she ever did alone. The Council, as of now, had just her in real power.


    '''' Thanks for the opportunity.''''


    Tevos nodded then said, '''' Now if you excuse me, I have to leave.'''' She was tired as fuck, but the content in the Beacon was too strong to pass. She would leave here and go directly to the temple.


    '''' See you later.''''


    Tevos then left the place, leaving Shepard and Samael behind.


    ''''Congratulations.'''' Samael said once more to Shepard.


    '''' Thanks. Now, how about you say what is putting you on edge so much today?'''' Shepard didn''t realize when they met hours ago, but as time passed, she noticed Samael looking around a little bit anxiously, as if searching for something.


    Samael sighed, '''' I guess I have to train my poker face, huh.'''' This was one of his flaws. His personality got fucked up along cycles and he normally had his feelings splattered across his face without regard. Sometimes it was nice to have that, but other times, like today, not so much.


    '''' Come on, spill it.''''


    '''' ... It''s probably nothing much, but I woke up today with a strange feeling, that something is very wrong. You saw on the way here that I was waiting for something to happen, but for now, nothing. It''s keeping me on edge.''''


    '''' How accurately are your instincts?'''' While Shepard didn''t really believe in something like knowing the future, she believed in the sixth sense and foreboding. So, it was somewhat unsettling seeing Samael act like that, different from what he normally was.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    '''' They were right most of the time.''''


    That information made Shepard sigh. Now she too was alert.


    Samael noticed that and tried to reason with her, '''' Don''t worry too much. I doubt something really bad would happen in Thessia, the heart of the Asari people and of the galaxy. It''s probably nothing anyway.''''


    While Samael said that, he wasn''t going to let his guard down at any moment.


    But, it seemed to convince Shepard, '''' ... Ok. So, how about we go back to our crew, to celebrate. After all, this was only possible thanks to you and them.'''' Shepard knew her Spectre position was thanks to connections and her team. She wasn''t one to let people who helped her not get recognition.


    '''' Let''s.''''


    Samael and Shepard left the building and were going to where their crew was when he noticed someone he recognized nearby.


    The man was smiling at both. Samael paused, sighed and said, '''' Go first, I have something to do;''''


    '''' Oh, ok.'''' Shepard didn''t want to pry and went ahead.


    Samael watched as Shepard left, then turned to face the Stargazer who was seated nearby. He got close, sat down, and asked, '''' What now?''''


    The stargazer was always smiling, today was no different. '''' I''m just happy I got to witness history today.''''


    '''' Is that about the reason you are here? To watch my and Shepard''s story?'''' Samael inquired but knew it was most likely this. After all, Shepard became Spectre today, a huge point in her story.


    As expected, the Stargazer nodded, '''' While we can''t see the future, we can predict what will happen with scary precision when we know all the facts. And it just happened that today, one chapter of both stories will be made.''''


    Samael had a lot on his mind now. The Stargazers were a mysterious race with unknown motivations and goals, that somehow knew about his story. It was a little bit maddening that he didn''t somehow predict something along those lines.


    Also, the Stargazer being here made Samael relax a bit, as he woke up today feeling weird.


    FLASHBACK


    '' ... Something is wrong.''


    It was the dawn of the day when Shepard would arrive at Thessia. Samael had just woken up with his instincts screaming at him that something was wrong.


    The same instinct that kept him alive a lot of time taught a countless cycle. He knew he had to trust it.


    But, today was different. Normally, Samael had an idea of where things were wrong, but today he had no clue.


    After all, the major event today would be welcoming Shepard, making her a Spectre, and then going to the Ardat-Yakshi temple.


    Samael kissed Tali''s forehead, got out of bed, and went to take a shower, to gather his thoughts.


    Ever since he had the Asari DNA fused with his, it was easy to enter a meditative state, and it was good most of the times. But today, not even that was helping.


    The foreboding feeling didn''t go away, and he could not think about what was wrong. After he got out of the shower, Samael checked all his chat logs, to see if he missed something.


    '' ... No, nothing.''


    Nothing was wrong. Earth was okay, Cerberus was still being led by Miranda, the Citadel was okay, Javik was okay, and Wrex was too.


    Only one thing was out of the ordinary, and that was that Saren was MIA. Samael knew he was already working with the Reapers, but for him to go missing for so long without any saying anything.


    But, even with the LD network, the Turian could not be found. It was weird, no matter how you think about it.


    So, Samael said to RR while he watched Tali sleep, '''' RR, keep an eye out on Saren. If he appears anywhere, tell me immediately.''''


    '''' Got it.''''


    After that, Tali woke up, hours passed and they went to meet Shepard. But, even then the feeling didn''t disappear.


    END OF FLASHBACK


    '''' Is that about Shepard becoming a Spectre?'''' Samael asked for confirmation.


    '''' Who knows?'''' The Starzaer was mysterious as always.


    '''' Then, if you are so well known, why I''m feeling restless, that there''s something wrong?'''' Samael decided to ask. He knew the Stargazer probably didn''t know, but asking didn''t hurt anyone.


    '''' I do know what is wrong, but I can''t say. As I said before, we don''t intervene, only observe.''''


    That made Samael pause, as it gave confirmation something was wrong. '''' No even a clue?''''


    '''' No can do.'''' The Stargazer then made a pensive face and said, '''' You know what, let me help you.'''' He searched around his things for a while, took something out of his pocket, and said, '''' This will help you.''''


    Before Saamael could see what it was, the Stargazer dropped it inside a cup. Samael tried really hard to see what it was, but with no success.


    '''' What is this?''''


    '''' Something that will help you.'''' The Stargazer''s face clearly showed he would stay quiet about this.


    Samael sighed and looked at the cup. He knew it was a crazy thing to do, drink something another person gave you, but he somehow had a gut feeling that he could trust the Stargazer.


    So, he drank the contents of the cup and waited... and waited. After five minutes, nothing happened. Puzzled, Samael looked at the Stargazer with an inquisitive gaze.


    The Stargazer chuckled, '''' Who said it was instantaneous?''''


    That also made Samael chuckle a bit. '''' You never did... Now what?''''


    '''' Now you go on about your day, while I continue on mine. After all, observing is quite tiring, don''t you think?''''


    '''' Also, do you really have no idea who put me in a time loop?'''' Samael said that and waited. After all, the Stargazers were misterous and Anjo never said what he knew about Samael.


    '''' No, we don''t. We aren''t strong, you see. We are gifted with visions, but that is the extent of what we can do. If the Reapers find out about us, we are kind of doomed too.'''' Anjo said with a sad smile.


    '' So, it seems they don''t know about this universe being a game or that I''m from another universe... that seems fine to me.''


    '''' So, how do you guys even know about me?''''


    '''' I just said, we have visions and we had one of you. We decided to keep an eye out for you, because of what you went through. And, a few days ago, we received another vision, that a part of your and Shepard''s story would happen here. So, they sent me.''''


    '''' Also, we knew about Shepard because of those visions too.''''


    '' The Stargazer seemed... useless in a second thought. Yes, they know more about things than others but it doesn''t seem they can fight for control or anything along those lines.''


    But Samale wasn''t going to let his guard down with them. They knew about the time loops, and a little bit of the future. That made them dangerous.


    Still, there wasn''t much ore to say to Anjo. '''' Say, can you help with my mind?''''


    Anjo smiled, '''' I don''t need to do anything. You will resolve it on your own.''''


    Samael got up from his seat, '''' I''ll leave you to it then. Will we meet again?''''


    '''' Who knows?''''


    Samael nodded at the Stargazer and left the scene.


    The Stargazer followed him with his eyes until he could no longer see him. A rare melancholic look appeared on his face, '''' I wish you strength. You will need it.''''


    After that, the Stargazer disappeared from the place, to where no one knew.


    --


    After the second but brief conversation with the Stargazer, Samael finally decided to go to the Ardat-Yakshi temple, to deal with his mind and the Illusive Man.


    So, he tapped his Omni tool a few times and made a call to Grunt.


    '''' Captain? What''s wrong?'''' The Krogan, as always, sounded eager to fight. Even though Okker tried to change that a little, it seems that violence is linked to being a Krogan.


    '''' Grunt, I have a mission for you.''''


    '''' Say it.''''


    '''' Grab the cryo pod located in the infirmary of the Phoenix and tell Veronica to drop you at this location.'''' Samael passed the location of the temple to Grunt.


    Grunt received the location and said after a brief silence,'''' Should I expect trouble?''''


    '''' ... You can come armed, but don''t be too hostile.''''


    '''' I never am.''''


    '''' ...''''


    The call then ended and Samael started to head to the temple.

 74 – Priority: Thessia (8)

    Samael walked a few kilometers on foot. The temple where he was heading was 20 KM from the capital, the place he was just in. Sure, he could use a SkyCar and arrive sooner but he had a lot in his mind at the moment.


    The second conversation with the Stargazer, which he thought would help, didn''t. To make things worse, the feeling something was wrong still lingered in the air, not diminishing, only increasing. There is also the thing the Stargazer gave him, which he didn''t know the effect of.


    So, this walk was something Samael appreciated, as in the SSV Phoenix, even though it was home, he was having difficulty stopping and thinking about things. That happened only when he was meditating.


    As he was walking, RR suddenly said, '''' Samael, who was that man you just spoke to?''''


    Samael had turned her and EDI off the first time he met the Stargazer, but this time, he let them hear the conversation. And, he answered truthfully, '''' That man is a Stargazer. He is here to witness history. What history it is, I have no idea.''''


    Samael wasn''t dumb to think the Stargazer was here just because Shepard became a Spectre, no. It was something more, but he had no idea what.


    RR paused for a few seconds, most likely searching for the Stargazer. Then, she said, '''' Will there be trouble with him?''''


    '''' I doubt it. You heard him, they were neutral and I have no reason to not believe him... But, keep an eye out for anything suspicious, just in case.''''


    RR knew Samael too well and knew that anything meant anything really, '''' Leave it to me.''''


    After a few more minutes of walking in peace, Samael finally saw the Temple. It was a big place, secluded to the public''s eye, but serene and beautiful.


    That would also be the case today too if not for the fact that there''s a Krogan at the entrance, discussing heavily with the guards. Samael smiled seeing the scene.


    Veronica was nowhere to be seen, as she most likely dropped Grunt and the Illusvie man and left.


    '''' Well, let''s de-escalate things.'''' Samael rushed toward Grunt and the guards. Moments later, he was face to face with them.


    '''' Grunt.'''' Samael shouted and the young Krogan visibly relaxed/got excited, as backup arrived.


    '''' Captain. Can you explain to those dumb wits that we have permission to be here?''''


    The guards looked at Samael, who arrived out of nowhere, with suspicion.


    Samael nodded at Grunt and then looked at the guards, '''' We have business here.''''


    '''' Under whose authority?'''' One of the guards asked.


    '''' Councilour Tevos. Give her a call and you will see.'''' Samael knew that Tevos had most likely already talked about them with the headmaster of the temple, but the guards might still be in the dark.


    The guard said nothing more and was going to use her omni tool when a voice came from within the temple, '''' You don''t need to call Tevos, I can vouch for them.''''


    Everyone looked over at the figure who was approaching in awe. Samael recongined her, '' Samara..''


    He had previously kept an eye on her, but he stopped for a while after he helped her with something. Then, he tried to recruit her under LD, but she went MIA. She was also one of the game''s companions. She was a Matriarch, strong and resolute.


    Normally, Samael only encountered her later down the line, but now she appeared here, without him knowing.


    '''' But-'''' One of the guards tried to say something but Samara interrupted.


    '''' This is above you or me. Also, the headmaster is aware of his presence and has already given him and any person who came with him, authority to enter the temple.'''' Samara said that and the guards reluctantly lowered their guards and opened the gates, allowing Samael and Grunt in.


    The Krogan made sure to gloat as he passed them, making them grit their teeth.


    '''' Hehehe.'''' Grunt enjoyed their expression and the earlier commotion was forgotten.


    Samael now was face to face with Samara, '''' Thank you for that.''''


    Samara looked at him with a soft gaze, '''' I should be the one thanking you.''''


    '''' For what?'''' Samael tilted his head.


    '''' A bird sent me a message months ago, about my daughter, one that I have been searching for ages. I captured her and now I will stay here for some time, to try and guide her. Alas, I fear that is a losing game.''''


    Samara''s daughter was an Ardat-Yakshi, one who enjoys killing. While others tried to control their urge, she let things go, killing a lot of people. She is dealt with in the games, but this time, Samael helped a little bit.


    Samael just happened to be at Omega months ago and sent a message to Samara about her daughter being there. He helped his family whenever he could and that was one of the things he did for Samara.


    Still, he said, '''' I have no idea what you''re talking about.''''


    Samara didn''t push, and she had already thanked him.'''' Thank you regardless. Now, what business do you have here?''''


    This was something that was puzzling to Samara. She had received Tevos'' message a day ago about Samael wanting to come here. But, for what reason, no one knew.


    '''' I came looking for help. Something only the Ardat-Yakshi can help with.''''


    That picked Samara''s interest, '''' Oh? Can you explain better?''''


    '''' I could but let''s meet with the Headmaster first. After, she will have to give the okay.''''


    The Ardat-Yaski is something the Asari tries to hide from the galaxy. To allow them to work for LD, the Headmaster must give them permission.


    '''' No problem.''''


    The trio + the cryo pode carrying the Illusive Man made their way through the temple. Samael had already been here a couple of times in past cycles, so he knew the layout and a few hidden places. He, after all, studied under the Asari for a couple of years.


    On the way to the Headmaster''s office, Samara made small talk. Normally, she was silent but Samael was her benefactor, so she broke that rule today.


    '''' So, Grunt is it?''''


    Grunt nodded and Samara continued, '''' I can see that you are a very special Krogan.''''


    Over the years, few Asari, mostly Matriarchs, gained some kind of sixth sense, that allows them to gauge their opponent''s strength. It was rough, but it worked. Samara was one of them.


    And the feeling she was receiving from Grunt was telling her he was dangerous.


    Grunt looked prideful, '''' Finally, someone here knows my worth. How do you know?''''


    '''' I can sense if a person is strong or not. And both of you are strong.'''' Samara didn''t say the rest, but the feeling she received from Samael was way higher than Grunt''s.


    Grunt held his head high, ''''  I have come from the lines of Shiagur Kredak, Moro, Terg, Wrend, and Veeoll. I''m a pure Krogan. Of course, I''m strong.''''


    Samara recognized some of the names, and she fought alongside and against a few of them. That meant Samael, or LD, made something with Grunt... but she would not involve herself in it. She wanted to warm the human to not meddle with things he doesn''t understand, but that''s not her role.


    Samael made sure to praise Grunt too, '''' He''s special. The best Krogan in ages.''''


    Grunt''s ego was growing through the roof with so many compliments.


    The trio continued walking, passing through various structures and Asari. Most of the Asari here were Ardat - Yakshi, who wanted to hide from the world, so as to not kill anyone. Most of them just wanted peace and quiet, that''s why they chose to come to the temple.


    The temple was, after all, a sanctuary to all of them.


    Finally, they arrived at the headmaster''s office and Samara knocked on the door. '''' Enter.''''


    The trio + the cryo pod entered the place. Samael was familiar with the place, as he came to the headmaster for guidance a few times, and noticed very few things changed. It had a table, a couple of chairs and a few statues around.


    The Headmaster was one of the oldest Asari alive at the moment, almost crossing 2000 years. She made it her mission to give the Ardat Yaski the best life they could have.


    So, imagine her surprise when she received a call from Tevos about someone from LD wanting to come here to talk. Worse yet, it was the owner of LD, a man who had a very big reputation for causing trouble whenever he passed.


    The stories about what he did at Omega reached even her ears. He was also the one who gave the location of the Mu Relay to the Asari. Alas, the things they found there were something they could not disclose as of now, something that troubled the Headmaster.


    '' If we shared our knowledge with the rest of the galaxy, things would be easier...''


    She knew it wasn''t that simple, but withholding information also wasn''t nice. Now with the Reapers around, it showed.


    Yes, as a Matriach and one of the oldest Asari alive, she knew all of this.


    So, the Headmaster knew something was up with Samael and the sudden visit and started to prepare for this conversation, but no matter how hard she thought about it, she could not see why would someone come here.


    So, she would do her best to stay neutral and answer things if necessary. She eyed Grunt for a few moments then turned to Samael, '''' Tevos told about your visit. Now, care to explain why?''''


    This was something puzzling to everyone who knew about it.


    Samael sat down on a chair and started to explain, '''' I need help with something only the Ardat-Yakshi can do.''''


    '''' You will have to explain better than that.'''' The headmaster said, but it got her interested. Over the years, the Asari tried to study the Ardat-Yakshi nature, to try and help, but failed at every turn. So, someone coming to ask for help from them was weird, to say the least.


    So, Samael started to explain exactly what he needed.


    " As you know, the Ardat-Yakshi have a problem. They can''t control their urges and thanks to their predisposition, they kill their mates." The problem was deeper than that, but that was just to show them he knew about them.


    Up to this point, Samara and the headmaster were nodding internally. While the asari tried to hide the Ardat-Yakshi from the public''s eyes, some piece of information leaked here and there. So while not much, the galaxy was aware of their existence.


    " But I think that there''s more to them than normal.... sorry, I''m sure the Ardat-Yakshi were more important than you guys think."


    " In what way exactly?" The Headmaster now had her full attention on Samael.


    '''' You see, as mentioned before, they don''t have the restriction of the Asari. Their greatest gift and curse. Supposedly, It allows them to do things the normal Asari can''t like forcefully melding with someone, extracting  information, wiping memories, among many other things.''''


    The list goes on but Samael knew just this was enough to gather the attention of the Headmaster and Samara. As it should, both of them were now paying full attention to Samael. When he stopped talking, both said, '''' Are you sure?''''


    As mentioned before, the Asari as a whole, over the years, spent time and money studying the problem that was the Ardat-Yakshi, but no concrete results in that area. They knew something was there, but were held back by their own faults. They just weren''t intelligent enough.


    So, when Samael, owner of one of the most powerful groups in the galaxy, who created a lot of things over the years, said something like that, it sparked something deep within the Matriarch.


    Grunt, bored out of his mind after listening to the talk, was messing with the cryo pod, making faces to the sleeping Illusive Man.


    Samael smiled at the both of them, '''' I did say supposedly. But, all things were theory before they were proven to be true. That''s why I came here, to test those theories and, if they were proven right, to ask for help.''''


    Samara and the Headmaster exchanged looks and could see the shock and surprise on each other face. The history until now made sense, and LD had a history of studying things others might think weird. So, they were hopeful that whatever Samael wanted to test, could help with the Ardat-Yaskhi.


    '''' How can we help you with that?''''


    Now that they saw an opportunity, they would act on it.


    Samael pointed at the cryo pod. He noticed both Asari had a strange look on their face, and when he looked at it, he saw Grunt on top making silly faces at the Illusive man. He smiled at that and continued, ignoring the scene,'''' Inside the pod is a human, called Jack Harper. He also had an alias, with which he used to commit many, many atrocities. You name it he did it.''''


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Samael then started to say each and every crime the Illusive Man of this cycle committed. He also said things other Illusive Man did, from past cycles, to further prove his point.


    Even Grunt, who was joking around but listening to the whole ordeal, was taken aback when he heard about what the small man did. He now looked at the pod with disgust. Immediately after, he went back to dancing on top, this time, more forcefully.


    By the time Samael ended listing the things the Illusive Man did, the Headmaster and Samara also had a look on their faces. They found the cryo pod strange very early on, but now, listening to this, it made sense why it was here.


    Samael would experiment on the man, who experimented on others. Poetic, in some weird way.


    '''' He didn''t exactly voluntariate to this, but oh well.'''' Samael shrugged his shoulders and looked deeply at the Headmaster, '''' Now, are you up to the task?''''


    From the beginning of the conversation until now, Samael was aware that the Headmaster was not only one of the oldest Asari alive, but she was also an Ardat-Yakshi. He had, after all, studied under her in a past cycle and knew her on a personal level.


    Samara and the Headmaster were a little taken aback that Samael knew about this, but from the beginning of the interaction until now, he had full control over it. So, for him being aware of this wasn''t too far-fetched.


    '''' ... What do you need me to do?'''' While the Headmaster didn''t like being ordered around, the allure of what Samael was offering, a way of using the Ardat-Yashi, was something she could not pass.


    After all, she was one of the special ones that managed to live with her ''condition''. If what he had to say could help the others live a normal life, so be it.


    Samael smiled at her. He now could finally finish the Illusive Man, and open a path to the indoctrinated people to live on.


    '''' I''ll say this just once, but the nature of the Ardat-Yakshi can''t go away. This is a way to give them a somehow normal life, allowing them to go wild. If our theories are proven correct, LD will give a job to all actual and future Ardat-Yakshi.''''


    Samara was getting her hopes high, but the result was yet to be shown.


    What she didn''t know was that everything Samael wanted to ''test'' had already been tested ages ago. This was just a show to the Headmaster and Samara a path to Ardat-Yakshi.


    '''' Now, what you need to do is...''''


    --


    '''' Is this right?''''


    The scene at the Headmaster''s office was weird now. For the last 10 minutes or so, Samael explained in detail the ''theory'' he and his scientist had. Now, the Headmaster was in front of the Illusive Man, who was now out of his cryo pod but still in deep sleep, with her hand on his head.


    Samara and Grunt were watching the scene with interest.


    '''' Do you perhaps have some snacks?'''' Grunt asked the Asari.


    '''' ... Unfortunately no.''''


    '''' A shame.''''


    '''' A shame indeed.''''


    Both knew what they would see would be something no one had ever seen before, so not having a snack to accompany them was bad.


    '''' Yes, now you need to meld with him.''''


    The headmaster hesitated for a few seconds. This was something she had restrained herself, but now she would do it once more.


    '' All to help my younger sisters..''''


    The hesitation went away and she started the forceful medling. This was something only the Ardat-Yakshi could do, thanks to their true nature. A normal Asari could only meld if the partner gave her consent.


    '''' Now, instead of going for the climax, search around his brain. You can do it slowly.'''' Samael explained the process slowly,'''' You are looking for the side of the brain that overlooks the memories and the personality.''''


    Samael had guided other Ardat-Yakshi in this process countless times in past cycles, so he had experience. Now, some of them got the hang of it quite fast while others tend to take a while. Luckily for everyone involved, the Headmaster lives up to her reputation of being one of the most experienced Ardat-Yakshi.


    '''' Found it.''''


    In just a few moments since the process started, she had found the place Samael said. She was looking at it while holding back her urge to destroy everything.


    '''' Good, now listen carefully.'''' This was the part where most of the failure happened, so Samael was extra careful, '''' Because of your nature, I know you''re feeling the urge to destroy everything as we speak, but listen to my voice only.''''


    '''' I''m not asking you to not destroy, I''m asking you to relieve your urges in a very specific area. I want you to go all in, full force in the area you just found.''''


    That was the way to wipe the memories and personality of a person that only the Ardat-Yakshi could do. It was also the Undocrination process. Basically, the Ardat-Yakshi kills the Reapers'' influence over the person but in the process, ''kills'' the original person as well.


    It was a huge price to pay, but it was the only way to Undocrinate someone.


    '''' All of it?'''' The Headmaster asked just to be sure she heard correctly. She was also doing her best to hold her urges.


    '''' Yes. You know the theory I told you, so go for it.''''


    Under Samael''s urge, the Headmaster stopped holding back her urges and unleashed them.


    '''' AHHHH...'''' For the first time in a long while, she felt free. She felt pleasure long forgotten. So much so, that she almost lost focus and killed the human for good, but managed to hold back by a strand of hair.


    The Illusive Man, or Jack Harper, twitched fiercely for a few seconds then stopped abruptly. Samael checked the man and noticed no blood was coming out of any orifices, which generally meant the process went okay. If it didn''t, you would be seeing brain matter scattered around the place.


    This in turn also means that finally, after a long time, the Illusive Man was officially dealt with. Now, Samael could finally mold the man in front of him into whatever he wanted.


    He had already discussed with Jack and the others about this and would most likely mold the man into being an advocate of true equality among all species.


    The Headmaster recovered from her climax after some time. Samara helped her a bit, by helping her seat down, while Grunt just watched in interest.


    '''' Is it done?'''' The Headmaster asked after taking some water.


    Samael nodded, '''' It should be. You can check it yourself.''''


    Then, the Headmaster got up and went to the Illusive Man once more. She repeated the process and checked the results. Sure enough, everything in that part of his brain was gone. '''' It''s gone.''''


    This means that the Ardat-Yakshi now had a path and were more special than others might think. Granted, they still had obvious drawbacks that can''t be fixed, but based on what Samael said before, they will now have LD''s full support.


    With that, they would have a way to let go and get paid for it.


    Samael nodded internally as he saw the lit-up face of the Headmaster, '''' Congratulations, you made history today.''''


    '''' Now that your theory is proven correct, what are the next steps?'''' Samara asked after some silence. After all, even though Samael said he would support the Ardat-Yakshi, he didn''t explain how.


    '''' Now, we will conduct official business.'''' Samael tapped his omni tool a few times and passed the files he had compiled on how to use the Ardat-Yakshi and in what areas.'''' You can take your time to read it, it''s a lot.''''


    Samara and the Headmaster spent the next couple of minutes reading the files. The first thing they noticed was the length of it, which means LD was really researching them for a long time. It also showed their interest in their particular set of skills was real and how Samael was sincere when he said he had a job for the Ardat-Yakshi.


    When they finished reading it, they were now sure Samael was sincere from the start. Granted, he would still get something out of it, but it was better than nothing. So they would reciprocate the feeling.


    '''' As the representative of the Ardat-Yakshi, I want to thank you for giving us a shot at having a somewhat normal life.''''


    As expected, Samael said, '''' Don''t thank me. I showed you a path, sure, but you saw the files and know what I plan on doing with your people.''''


    Essentially, the Ardat-Yakshi would act like a secret organization with LD, in charge of extracting information, remodeling people if necessary, and Unoindocrinating others.


    '''' Still, you did more to us than any other living being. For that, you have my thanks.'''' Then, the Headmaster made a sexy pose to Samael. She had, after all, let go and now wanted to go at it again, '''' Say, how about we do something fun?''''


    Samara and Grunt pretended they didn''t see, or hear it.They were pocking the now basically brain-dead Illusive man.


    Samael smiled at her, '''' I would love to, but I have a favor to ask first.''''


    The Headmaster was a little bit disappointed but said, '''' I will help you in any way I can.''''


    '''' Good. Then, I need you to look into my mind for a bit.''''


    Samara and the others were taken aback by this request, but Sameal knew that based on his actions in this cycle, something was wrong with him.


    At first, he just acted strange, but later he forgot things he should not have. Again, he knew something was wrong, but had no way of checking. Even after fusing with the Asari DNA and gaining a few mental perks, like meditating faster and more effectively, the problem still existed.


    So, he now had a chance to check his mind with one of the oldest Asari and he would not miss the chance.


    '''' ... Are you sure?'''' The Headmaster asked just to be sure. After all, no one was crazy enough to ask a person who had, essentially, lobotomized another just a few moments ago, to enter his mind.


    But, Samael was crazy enough and he trusted the Headmaster, '''' I''m sure. Just don''t be surprised with what you will find there.''''


    While Samael had mental barriers around his brain, thanks to the continuous training he did with the Asari, protecting the information in his brain about everything, there were still some risks involved if he allowed an Asari, in particular the Headmaster, to enter his brain.


    After all, even with all his training, something might go wrong. But, he would allow it and guide her the best he could. He would trust in his training.


    The Headmaster said nothing more, approached Samael, and started the process once more. This time, however, she would not use the newly discovered process on him. Instead, she would be looking for something wrong with his mind.


    Soon after, the Headmaster was inside Samael''s mind. To her shock, she felt something familiar resonating deep within her.


    ''''It''s almost like he is an Asari ... but it''s impossible....''''


    Suddenly a voice came from behind her, startling the poor Headmaster, '''' Well, I guess I''m the impossible then.''''


    Samael stared at the mental form of the Headmaster in front of him. She still had a shocked expression on her face.


    The implication of what Samael just said wasn''t missed by her. She said after recovering from the shock, '''' ...What are you?''''


    Samael smiled bitterly, '''' I''ll explain to you after we leave here. For now, please focus on the task.''''


    The Headmaster had many questions but she held back for now. She would honor the deal, and then get to the bottom of this. '''' What exactly I''m looking for?''''


    '''' Any abnormalities, not the obvious ones.'''' Samael had meditated before and roughly looked around his mind, doing his best, but no results. He was hoping the Headmaster, and an actual Asari with much experience, would notice something he missed.


    '''' Got it.'''' The Headmaster, in her youth, did a lot of melding, giving her more than enough experience in dealing with minds. So, she started to look around Samael''s mind.


    The very first thing she noticed was how his mind was ... damaged, to say the least. It was almost like it broke, then forcefully put back together.


    Save to say, she never saw anything like that in her entire life. Samael was getting more and more interesting in her eyes. Regardless, she continued looking for anything too abnormal.


    Soon, after walking around some in Samael''s mind, she felt something in a deep region of his brain. It was like a hidden room.


    '''' What is that?'''' She asked Samael and pointed at that area.


    Samael tilted his head, '''' There''s nothing there... That is what I would like to say, but I guess I''m wrong.''''


    He noticed something was wrong when he looked at the Headmaster''s face. She wasn''t faking it, '''' I can''t see it.''''


    The Headmater nodded, '''' Seems like it.''''


    '''' Can you guide me to it?'''' Samael asked after thinking for some time.


    '''' Sure.''''


    The Headmaster guided Samael to the strange area. '''' It''s right in front of you. You just have to reach it.''''


    She knew it was a hidden area in his brain, so he just needed to find it to have access to it.


    Samael closed his eyes in his mind and used his senses. Sure enough, he finally felt something in front of him.


    '' It was so well hidden that I had to be literally in front of it to realize its existence.''


    '''' So, this is it.'''' Samael was sure this hidden place was one of the pieces of the puzzle regarding his state of mind. '''' See you later.''''


    Without hesitation, Samael lunged forward, and under the gaze of the Headmaster, entered the hidden realm in his mind.


    -----

 75 – Priority: Thessia (9)

    Samael entered the hidden place deep within his mind. This ''adventure'' never happened in any past cycles, and was a completely new experience to Samael.


    He had traveled through his mind before, even rebuilding it when it was broken, but this was the first time he found a hidden place there.


    With the things happening to him in this last cycle, he was sure this place was essential and most likely had an answer to what was wrong with his memories and him.


    So, he decided to thoroughly explore the place, leaving no place untouched.


    Samael started to walk around the place, which wasn''t big and was all white with a few dozen specks of colors flickering randomly. Nothing here made sense to him, but he continued exploring.


    As he continued walking in this place, the different specks of colors started to attract him. It also helped they were the only different thing in this white place. So, he approached one of them and tried to see what was inside the color, but to no avail.


    Left with no other choice, he touched one of the colors. And, what he found surprised him to the core.


    '' Those are ... memories.''


    Yes, those flickering specks of colors that were around the place were memories, sealed inside for some reason. The problem was, '' I don''t remember living this.''


    Samael had a bad experience not long ago, regarding his memories, but thanks to his preparedness, he managed to ''resolve'' the situation. But, the image he saw in that particular color didn''t match with any cycle he remembered.


    Feeling something was very very wrong with this whole situation, Samael stopped touching this particular color and rushed in the direction of another. He repeated the process and touched it.


    Inside were other memories, from a cycle he also didn''t remember.


    '' What the fuck...''


    Samael repeated the process many times, with each color showing different memories he didn''t remember living.


    He now had more questions than when he entered here. What are those colors? Are they really memories of a cycle he didn''t remember? If yes, why appear here? What IS HERE? Why he didn''t see this place any other time he meditated, or checked his mind?


    He then remembered the thing the Stargazer gave him, ''Perhaps that plus the Headmaster''s assistance helped to find the hidden place/realm.. But, the Stargazers were supposed to be neutral, and they now intervene?... This doesn''t make sense.''


    Just as Samael was feeling lost, he heard the impossible. Another voice, a very familiar one, in this hidden place in his mind.


    '''' You are not supposed to be here.''''


    Samael turned around as fast as he could and was face to face with ... himself. Another Samael was there, but he didn''t look lost, just surprised.


    ''''...''''


    While Samael was speechless, this other Samael continued talking. From his tone, he seemed exasperated, '''' Is this because of the Asari DNA?... No, if it was, he would''ve found this sooner... Maybe it was the help he received from the Headmaster....? Well, it doesn''t matter. It''s time for you to leave.''''


    Samael had recovered just in time to hear all of that, so he said in a hurry, '''' WAIT! What is this place? What are you? Can you explain what is happening to me?''''


    But this other Samael had no intention of answering. '''' I just told you it''s not time yet. See you later.''''


    Before Samael could say or do anything, the other Samael waved his hand and he was sent flying out of this hidden realm.


    The other Samael was left alone once more. He looked at the entrance from where Samael had entered and just left. '''' It seems I will have to be faster and more meticulous now. I know how paranoid he is, so I will not have much time now.''''


    What happened today was something he didn''t predict, '''' But at this point in time, it would change almost nothing. The preparations were almost complete. I just have to wait.''''


    The other Samael then sealed the entrance of this place once more and hid in a way that even with the help of the Headmaster would have trouble finding it again.


    '''' See you soon.''''


    WITH SAMAEL


    The Headmaster was left alone inside Samael''s mind for some time now. At first, she was curious and tried to look around, but to her surprise, she found mental barriers all around, preventing her from accessing a lot of things regarding Samael.


    She tried for some time until she realized she would not be able to bypass the barriers so she decided to sit around the entrance of that hidden realm and meditate.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    So imagine her shock as she felt and saw Samael being flung out of that hidden place and the entrance to it dispersing in front of her eyes. She tried to feel it once more but realized it was an impossible task.


    '' This day keeps getting weirder and weirder.''


    The Headmaster got closer to Samael and helped him get up, '''' What happened?''''


    '''' My situation is a lot worse than I initially thought. It''s time for drastic measures.''''


    Samael was staring at the place where the entrance was located. Just now, he felt a strong repulsion when he saw that other Samael. Who is inside his mind, in a place where he can''t reach, with memories he didn''t remember living.


    He wasn''t dumb and knew the situation was bad. So, he would act accordingly.


    Samael looked around his mind one last time before saying to the Headmaster, '''' Let''s get out of here.''''


    The Headmaster nodded and ended the melding process, allowing her and Samael to return to the outside world.


    IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD


    Samara and Grunt were left alone when the Headmaster and Samael melded.


    Surprisingly, the Asari and the Krogan had a high affinity and made a few small talks.


    Really small talk.


    But enough to make the Asari appreciate the Krogan more and more. They also toyed with the Illusive Man, well mostly the Krogan, as he drew a few things on the human''s face.


    Grunt was about to draw another thing when he and Samara noticed the Headmaster and Samael returned.


    ''''...''''


    ''''...''''


    ''''...''''


    ''''...''''


    Samael, even with all the things that just happened to him, smiled at the scene.


    Grunt said nothing, put the pen on the ground, and sat on a chair. Samara chuckled a little while the Headmaster returned to her seat.


    As soon as she sat down, she looked at Samael, who also sat down beside Grunt, '''' Now, let me ask you once more. What are you?''''


    She still remembers the familiar feeling she received when she was inside Samael''s mind. It was almost like he was an Asari.


    Samael could''ve bulsihited it, but he decided to tell the truth. '''' LD has been working on something that would allow DNA of different races to be mixed.''''


    '''' Are you suggesting-''''


    '''' Yes, the project is finished and I have Asari''s DNA.''''


    Grunt didn''t look shocked because he knew, but that was a clap of thunder in a clear sky to the Headmaster and Samara. They never expected to hear that. This was a realm not even they would delve into.


    But, it also made sense to the Headmaster, as it would explain the feeling she felt inside Samael''s mind.


    '''' ... This is amazing,'''' Samara remarked.


    '''' This will change a lot of things in the galaxy.''''


    Both Samara and the Headmaster could see the potential this thing had. They also knew the dangers, but they trusted LD and Samael enough to know they would not abuse. Or at least they hoped so.


    '''' Aren''t this supposed to be a secret?''''


    Samael smiled faintly, '''' Ladies, we are at war, you just didn''t realize it. Besides, I''m LD''s owner and I can share the things I made with my team... I know how to share, unlike others.''''


    '''' DAMN!'''' Grunt realized he said that out loud and looked at the sky (?).


    What Samael had just hinted was the fact that the Asari had the Prothean Beacon for millennia and not even once disclosed the existence of it to other species, nor used the content for the greater good of the galaxy, only for their own gain.


    If they had, from the beginning, shared the content of the beacon with the others, Samael knew the chance of them winning against the Reapers would be above 70%.


    Granted, the Asari were one of the most friendly species in the galaxy, but even they had selfish desires, and that affected the galaxy more than they realized.


    Of course, Samael also wasn''t going to share the Serum formula, he would sell it. ( AN: LOL)


    '''' We will sell it to the public at a later date.''''


    The Headmaster and Samara said nothing about what Samael said because they knew it was true. Regardless they now knew LD had this in their possession and would sell to the public later.


    They would tell this to their sister, so they could prepare.


    " Can you tell us what you gained from the fusion of DNA?" The Headmaster asked that because, initially, she just felt Samael had a mind like her sisters, nothing more. But now that that''s confirmed and she knew Samael had Asari''s DNA mixed with his, things might not be so simple.


    Granted, very few people would reveal their trump card so easily, but Samael from the beginning of their conversation until now, seemed honest enough.


    Samael once more didn''t mind being honest. He treated people how they treated him, and both Asari in front of him were friends," I didn''t gain biotic powers ... yet, nor the ability to initiate the melding process. But I can mediate a lot faster and it seems my mental capabilities improved quite drastically."


    It made enough sense, to Samara and the Headmaster, but before they could say something more, Samael continued, almost as if he remembered something, '''' Oh, I can also do this.''''


    Under the shocked gaze of both Asari''s, Samael got up from his seat and raised a pouting Grunt with only one arm. Mind you, a Krogan weighs at least 200 Kilos.


    Samael was content with the faces they were making, '''' I never said only one set of DNA could be mixed.''''


    Samara recovered from her shock and a few things now made sense to her. How Samael was emitting a far more dangerous aura than Grunt, how he seemed in control of almost everything he did .... because he was. She had nothing but praise for this human.


    '' It seems we will have to update his status in the list of important individuals.''


    All species have a list of important individuals and the owner of LD was on the top 5 of all of them. Now, they would have to update that list and put him in the top 3, maybe even top 1.


    And even though Samara knew the path Samael was walking was dangerous, she now knew the human in front of her most likely was prepared for almost everything, seeing as he revealed a lot of his secrets in this conversation.


    If only she knew how much Samael was still hiding, she would laugh at that assumption.


    '''' You are one of a kind.'''' Samara praised Samael.


    Samael put Grunt on the ground, '''' I try my best. Now, before we talk on a more serious note, I have to ask something from you.'''' He said that while looking at the Headmaster.


    '''' Say it.'''' The Headmaster at this point had recovered from all the things Samael said and had no trouble answering him.


    '''' Do you think my mind was wiped before?'''' Seeing the confusion on the Headmaster''s face, Samael added, '''' I mean, do you think I went through the same process as him?'''' He was pointing at the Illusive Man.


    The Headmaster hesitated because this really wasn''t her area of expertise, knowing the process only today. Still, she gave her opinion, '''' Your mind was ... patched up, meaning someone did something to fix something. Now, I can''t say for sure what that something was, so I can''t say you went through the same process as him.''''


    Samael made a pensative face for a minnute. He learned a lot today, so he would take some time to digest everything. So, he said after a few seconds, '''' I will deal with that later. Now, how about we talk business?''''


    Samara and the Headmaster looked at each other and nodded. They knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they would not miss it.


    That was the start of a deal between the Ardat-Yakshi and LD, but the end result of that was a history for another time.

 76 –Priority: Thessia (10)

    The conversation between Samael, Samara, and the Headmaster lasted a few hours. Still, by the end of it, practically everything was already accorded between the parts.


    Grunt, while the conversation was happening, played with the Illusive Man, who was still passed out. The human would stay in that state for a while, as he just went through a gruesome ''procedure'', that essentially killed him.


    Anyway, it was agreed that LD would take care of all the Ardat-Yakshi scattered throughout the galaxy. They would get a whole planet to themselves, allowing them to live a normal life among equals. It was basically an infinitely better version of the temple.


    In return, it was agreed that LD would use the Ardat-Yakshi to ''unoindoctrinate'' others.


    Some might think LD lost a lot in this exchange, but no, they won big. The indoctrinated people are, essentially, the trump card of the Reapers. They were extremely powerful, yes, but a tool that allowed you to kill your enemies from the inside was amazing.


    The Protheans only lost their war because of the indoctrinated people, so a chance of dealing a blow in one of the most fearsome points of the Reapers was huge.


    A planet and a few trillions of credits was nothing in comparison.


    The Headmaster and Samara were looking at the signed document with a lost expression. Neven in a million years would they have thought today would bring so many changes to one of their most forgotten and hated points in the Asari society, the Ardat-Yakshi.


    Also, they met an incredible duo, who showed them a path and gave them a planet and full support, all in exchange for a promise to help. It was an amazing deal, really.


    It also showed LD/Samael takes the Reaper threat very seriously. It compelede the Headmaster, who was watching Samael preparing to leave, to say, '''' Samael.''''


    Samael looked at the Headmaster, '''' What''s wrong?''''


    '''' ... How are our chances right now?''''


    While the Headmaster didn''t say explicitly, Samael knew right away from her tone what she was talking about. '''' Honestly, if we faced then right now ... 20%''''


    The galaxy was far from united. While LD/Samael made the groundwork, the whole thing was in its initial stages. If the Reapers launched a full-scale attack, they would have almost no chance. 20% was generous.


    ''''With the necessary preparation, that grows to 50%.''''


    You have to remember, even with the win count in favor of Samael and the galaxy, there were some cycles where they lost. So, 50% was the best they had at all times, even with the Conduit.


    The Headmaster sighed hearing that, '''' The galaxy is never peaceful, huh.''''


    Samael nodded at that statement.


    '''' Anyway, I guess this is where our conversation ends.'''' The Headmaster offered a handshake, '''' It was an honor meeting you.''''


    She said that last part truthfully. LD owner was a legendary figure in the galaxy and not only did he come here personally, he also already made a deal that would change a lot of the status quo within the Asari society.


    '''' Likewise.''''


    The Headmaster then broke the handshake and said to Samara, '''' Samara, can you please guide our guests to the gate.''''


    Samara nodded and started to leave the office, and Grunt used this opportunity to say goodbye to the Headmaster.


    While the Krogan was mostly silent in the whole ordeal, the Asari liked him. She knew just from their small interaction, that he was special.


    Soon, Samara, Samael, Grunt, and the still unconscious Illusive Man left the office, leaving the Headmaster behind.


    She looked at the documents in her hands and put them away in a safe location. She then grabbed a drink. She really needs one.


    Today, she made history. Tomorrow and in the days to come, she will see the results of her actions today. She could only hope it was good.


    '' To us.''


    The Headmaster downed her drink and then sat down. Even though she spent most of the day talking, she still had her job to do.


    --


    WITH SAMAEL


    The trio and cryo pod walked in silence through the temple, with Grunt being the most ''talkative'', but in gestures. When they first arrived at the temple hours ago, he was here to conclude a mission and now that that''s out of the way, he was cheerfully looking around, attracting a lot of attention from the Ardat-Yakshi present.


    Even though the majority of them there could control their urges to mate, seeing a Krogan after so long stirred something deep inside them. Of course, they would not do anything, as the Krogan was with a Matriarch, plus a human who looked strong.


    But, they could look.


    '''' It seems Grunt is popular.'''' Samara said to Samael as she watched the scene in front of her.


    '''' He will be a womanizer in the future. Only, right now, he''s only less than 2 months old.''''


    ''''... I doubt that matters in Krogan society. But, you will have to tell me more about his origins later.'''' Samara said after some pause. She knew from the beginning that Krogan was lab-made, but hearing the confirmation was nice.


    '''' I can answer a few of your questions later.'''' Samael didn''t reject her. After all, now they had a connection and it would be nice to rope her to his family sooner than later.


    After that, they continued walking in silence, giving Samael time to think about a few things. What happened in his mind still boggled him, as this situation never happened in past cycles. Another ''him'' hidden inside his mind was at minimum weird and at max alarming.


    Plus memories of cycles he didn''t remember. Inside of one the ''colours'' he saw a cycle where he had Biotic powers. Only, the only cycle he remembered where he had it, it didn''t end well for him. He got cancer and died even before the final battle.


    In the memory he saw, he was fine.


    In another ''color'', he saw a gadget with anti-biotic power, but he never made that, nor remember a cycle where he even began to think that.


    The situation only made him more desperate, as the options for what was happening to him were from bad to worse.


    But the worst thing was, despite doing all this preparation today, roping Samara and the Ardat-Yakshi to his side, the feeling that something was wrong was still there, urging Samael to do something.


    What that something was, he didn''t know.


    '' Let''s think about this not from my point of view but from the galaxy... what is wrong?''


    He started to think about the different things that had happened in this cycle.


    '' I already warned the species about the Reapers, so they were preparing, even if at the initial stages. Then, I got 100 Protheans on our side....''


    Samael thought and thought until he remembered something, '' Saren ... is MIA. That''s the only thing that is bothering me. But at this point in time I don''t have to worry... at this point in time... !''


    At, this point, they were close to the gate when Samael suddenly stopped in his tracks, with a stupefied face.


    Samara and Grunt also stopped and the Asari asked, '''' Samael, what''s wrong?''''


    But Samael didn''t respond, as his mind finally connected all the dots and formed an alarming conclusion.


    '' The Stargazer said he was here to witness history, but the only thing that would have been worth history was Shepard being made a Spectre... or so I initially thought.''


    Samael, under the gaze of Samara, the temple guards, and Grunt rushed out of the temple. He then closed his eyes and used his senses to see if he could find anything out of the ordinary.


    Thanks to the Asari DNA, that was one of the small perks he got.


    And sure enough, at the very end of his sense, he felt something that wasn''t supposed to be there. Something that was supposed to appear only a few years later. He knew that something very well, he lived to face them.


    Samael, after sensing that, suddenly looked in another direction and opened his eyes. In the distance, he saw Anjo looking at him with a gaze that was a mixture of expectation and worry.


    The Stargazer had come to witness history, but he didn''t know if it would be a tragedy or a hero''s tale.


    Samael sighed in a defeated tone and didn''t bother to look at Anjo anymore. The Stargazers were neutral and he doubted the man had a lot of fighting power. And that was exactly what they needed at this moment.


    '''' RR, try to communicate with Earth or any other planet nearby.'''' After gathering his thoughts, Samael asked his AI.


    RR said after a few seconds of silence, '''' I can''t open any conversation. Someone more powerful than me is jamming communication.''''


    That was the first time since she was created that RR was held back by something technological-related. It was a shock for her.


    At this point, Samara heard enough, '''' Samael, tell me what''s wrong.''''


    Samael slowly looked at Samara with a sorry gazy and asked, '''' Do you perhaps have armor for me?''''


    Today, as it was supposed to be a normal day, he came in civilian clothes, but he had a gun. '' I regret it now.''


    Normally, he was more cautious but for some time now, he was falling behind in that regard. The saving grace was that Grunt had armor and his one was at the SSV Phoenix.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    '''' ... Why would you need it?''''


    '''' Thessia is under attack. The Reapers are here.'''' Well, only Sovereign, but he didn''t lie.


    Grunt''s eyes shone hearing that, while Samara and the temple guards around them doubted their hearings.


    The majority of them didn''t know what the Reapers were, but they heard they were being attacked. That was enough for them to worry, as in their entire lives, the planet was never once threatened, let alone attacked.


    Samara knew about the Reapesr, and also that Samael wasn''t one to lie, even more so when the subject was the deadly machines, so she immediately said to one of the Guards, '''' Arm everyone and go grab an armor for him. Raise the security of the temple to the max! NOW!''''


    One of the guards nodded and rushed to the temple. Not long after, sirens were blaring and the Ardat-Yakshi started to prepare.


    '''' As you heard, interplanetary communications are unavailable, so we can only rely on the forces on the planet. And thanks.''''


    '''' Don''t mention it... What now?'''' While Samara was old and had experienced a lot of wars, this was the first time she was faced with an enemy she had no idea of. So, she had no trouble asking Samael, who was supposed to be an expert in Reapers matters.


    '''' Now, we prepare.'''' Samael tapped his omni tool a few times and made a call to everyone important that was on the planet. They needed to hear him.


    WITH SHEPARD


    Today was the day Shepard was introduced into the Spectre ranks. They celebrated and they went their separate ways, with a few groups forming.


    Shepard, Tali, and RR were together, walking through the roads of the city, and making a few purchases along the way. They stopped in one place to eat and watch the scenario.


    Shepard was still amazed every time she saw the peace this place had. There were a lot of civilians smiling and living their lives normally.


    It was a nice change of scenario for her, who spent most of her time fighting.


    '''' So, when are you going to ditch the suit for good?'''' Shepard asked Tali, as she watched the Quarian struggle to eat through the suit.


    Tali could eat normally but chose not to. The only precaution she had when she had not taken the Pill was an allergic reaction, with that now out of the way, she was ok. Still, she would admit it was a hassle to hide it, '''' When LD is ready to reveal the Pill to the public. I can wait.'''' Tali then thanked RR, who passed a few tissues to her.


    '''' By my calculations, it will take a few months to a year.'''' RR, while being one of the most advanced AIs in terms of maturity, was very methodical when it came to numbers and data.


    Suddenly, RR stood up with a stunned expression on her face.


    That was the first time Tali and Shepard saw her reacting like that.


    '''' RR, what''s wrong?'''' Tali asked with concern in her voice.


    Just then, all their omni tool rang at the same time. RR just said slowly, '''' You should take it.''''


    The caller was Samael, and both Tali and Shepard didn''t have a good feeling about this.


    WITH VERONICA


    Veronica, alongside Joker, EDI, Dr. Chakwas, Clare, and Jacob were together, close to where their ships are, talking about life.


    '''' I''m serious. I''m pretty sure I have seen studies being made at LD about your conditions.'''' Clare said to Joker, who was already taken aback.


    They were casually talking when his condition was brought up. He had Vrolik syndrome, which causes the bones of the body to be very fragile. He was about to explain what it was when Clare said that.


    Before Joker could even doubt Clare, EDI said, '''' I also heard about it.''''


    That made Joker pause, as he knew EDI was closer to Samael than almost any other member of their crew. But he still asked Chawkas, '''' Doc, how big are the chances of this being real?''''


    Dr. Chawkas was experienced and knew/helped Joker with his condition. If it was any other group that said they were working on a cure for Vrolik syndrome, she would dismiss it as a fantasy, but the side was LD, a group specialized in doing the impossible.


    '''' If it''s LD, I think the chances are high.''''


    Jacob beamed when he heard that, '''' Dude, congratulations.'''' He did his best to hype his pilot. '''' Now you can''t run from training.''''


    Before Joker could even be overwhelmed by the news, EDI suddenly stopped up with a strange expression. Immediately after, their omni tool rang at the same time.


    The caller was Samael.


    WITH JOHN


    John was together with Kayden, Ashley, Thane, and Keiji. They got together and went out and were now talking about Thane.


    '''' You gotta introduce Kolyat to us.'''' John said to Thane.


    The Drell was a late addition to the crew, so he wasn''t that familiar with those from his own crew let alone from Shepard''s. But, he was already opening up.


    Thane had just finished talking about him when his son came up in the conversation. He didn''t mind talking about him one bit, as he was his pride, '''' Samael said he would go look out for him and bring us together, but-''''


    Before Thane could continue, John said, '''' If Samael promised that, he would do it, you just have to trust him.''''


    '''' How come you guys trust him so much?'''' Ashely asked. Both crew were close friends, but the Normandy one never knew the reason why the SSV Phoenix trusted Samael so much.


    '''' You gotta tell us.'''' Kayden also was curious.


    Keiji was just background, listening and only talking when being talked to, '' Ah, I miss Kasumi.''


    She was supposed to be here with him, but she made something that prevented that from happening.


    John sighed, '''' That guy is a monster... in a good way.'''' He was the person here who worked for Samael for longer and knew the man personally.


    The beating he took years ago still comes back to haunt him a few times.


    John then started to tell about Samael''s legend to the others. Of course, they had heard it from others before, but John was there in the majority of them, so his telling was more credible.


    After a few minutes of, all their omni tools rang and the caller was Samael.


    WITH LIARA


    Liara was with her Mother, Tevos, and Kasumi. The human was here because she didn''t listen to Samael and tried to borrow something from Tevos, but was caught.


    Of course, she wasn''t caught per se, it was just that Samael had already given a heads-up to Tevos, so she was prepared.


    Anyway, it wasn''t anything serious, but Tevos decided on a whin to have the human follow her around.


    Liara happened to be close by with her mother when she saw Tevos and Kasumi. One thing led to another and they ended up walking together.


    Benezia started to pester her nonstop as soon as they sat down in a restaurant. '''' Don''t be seduced by a human word. They can''t be trusted!''''


    '''' ... Mom, I''m already 150 years old!''''


    '''' You''re only 150!''''


    While Mother and Daughter bantered around while waiting for their food, Kasumi was sighing. Her cleptomaniac instinct got her in trouble this time.


    Still, it was a surprise they didn''t punish her that badly. Still, being here was a little bit of torture.


    '''' .. I miss the Phoenix.''''


    Tevos, who was working and listening at the same time, smiled at Kasumi, '''' Relax, you will return soon.''''


    The Asari normally would''ve thrown the human into a prison, but she had to give face to Samael... besides, she would never have realized she was robbed if wasn''t for him.


    Kasumi gave her a wry smile.


    Just then, all their omni tool rang and the caller was Samael.


    NORMAL POV


    Samael immediately said as soon as everyone picked up the call, '''' I will not go into much detail because it doesn''t matter, but Thessia is about to be attacked by the Reapers. We have 5 to 10 minutes max to prepare.''''


    It was like someone threw a bomb into the heads of everyone listening. The Reapers were supposed to appear in the future, and not now. They weren''t ready.


    Everyone immediately jumped into action. They were in civilian clothes, so they had to go to their ship to gear up. So, they started to run, with EDI carrying Joker in her arms.


    As everyone rushed to their respective ships, they could not help but look around the place and notice that there were a lot of civilians around. A lot.


    So, everyone that received the call started to scream, '''' THESSIA IS UNDER ATTACK! HIDE IN A SHELTER NOW!''''


    The Asari''s around looked at them like they were idiots. Some even called something like the police force for them, but they continued running at full speed.


    Tevos and Benezia looked at each other and noticed the horror in their eyes. While the call with Samael was still happening, they called other Matriarchs and relayed the info.


    '''' Thessia is under attack. Evacuate the temple and gather the forces. Now!'''' Benezia took it upon herself to warm the Matriarchs while Tevos called their forces.


    '''' I want everyone armed and ready to fight, right now. Also, I need our forces in the sky too.... Yes, everyone. Thessia is under attack.''''


    Samael continued, '''' Interplanetary communications are blocked, meaning we are on our own. Our priority is protecting the civilians, the rest doesn''t matter. The Reapers are probably looking for the Prothean Beacon.''''


    After the call with the others Asari ended, Tevos tried interplanetary communication, to check, but to no avail.


    '' It seems we are blocked from getting help.''


    Tevos at this point was running to a place where she could help better, with Liara, Benezia, and Kasumi following her.


    '''' They probably have huge numbers, seeing as they got the courage to attack Thessia. Don''t be too surprised if you see a lot of ships. Don''t forget that they were the enemy.''''


    '''' Joker, Veronica, you guys have the best ships in the galaxy, so make use of it. They will probably have a lot of forces in the air, so don''t engage too much and focus on protection. EDI, stay with Joker at Normandy to help... And Veronica, I need you to drop my armor and the rest of my guns at the Ardat-Yakshi temple.''''


    '''' On it!''''


    '''' Got it!''''


    Joker and Veronica were already at the Normandy and SSV respectively. They were ready to depart as soon as everyone from their crew gathered their forces and armed themselves.


    '''' The rest, I want you to separate in groups and fight the ground forces. Ignore the Reaper completely, we can''t make a dent on him right now. Our focus will be to protect the civilians. Remember the file I gave you all on the Reapers ages ago and what they could do.''''


    Samael was referring to the fact he made a list, together with Javik, about the Reapers dangerous threat. There, he put about the device that transforms others into Husks. That thing was one of the reasons they lost ground fights.


    '''' Make the groups as you see fit. You can use a separate channel or use this one, it doesn''t matter... Good luck to us all. See you later!''''


    Everyone who was on the call acted the moment they heard Samael''s first complete sentence. All this readiness to act was something Samael had planted a long time ago. With his trustworthiness, everyone believed him right away.


    And now, they would face the very things that threatened their existence.


    If they would win, only time will tell.


    --


    WITH SAMAEL


    Samael ended the call and not even 10 seconds after, he heard a sound he tried to forget a lot of times, but never could. If Death had a sound, he was sure this would be it.


    ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM


    Samara looked up to the sky and sure enough, a machine so big she could not believe it was real was seen entering the atmosphere, followed by at least thousands of Geth ships.


    Everyone who saw was surprised by the addition to the problem, but the Geth was not the real threat. Samara was frozen after seeing the Reaper. All this, she hoped Samael was wrong, but no such luck.


    '' Oh my...''


    While facing death, some people no matter their species and their experience, act in a variety of ways. Some froze, some started to act, some even accented it.


    But, others...


    BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG


    Samara broke out of her stupor and looked at Samael. She noticed his face was calm but had a hidden madness and resolution behind it.


    '' He''s shooting at it...''


    The Asari knew that it would do nothing to the machine, but just the act was of defiance. Even in the face of death, he was ready to fight.


    The bullets never got close, but just that act made those watching recover a little bit. Grunt, on the other hand, was itching to go towards the fray, but held back, as Samael still hadn''t given him the okay to act.


    After shooting Sovering and knowing that it would not even hit the Reaper, Samael felt a little bit better. It was then that the female guard that went to get an Armor for him returned. She passed it to Samael and said in a hurry, '''' As you know we are an all-female species so the number of male armor we have is limited... very limited. This was the only one still working, and even then, barely.''''


    It seems that seeing the Reaper shocked her a little, as she was shaken.


    '''' It doesn''t matter.'''' Samael had asked Veronica to drop his armor here, ETA being 10 minutes, or so he thought. He would use the armor the Asari gave him until then.


    '''' Thank you.'''' Samael thanked the guard and looked at the worn-out Krogan Armor. Normally, no human would be able to use it, thanks to its weight of, but Samael was way past that point. Under the gaze of the Samara, Grunt, and the remaining guards ( the majority of them went inside the temple, to help organize their forces), Samael put the Krogan armor.


    '''' ... It surprisingly fits.'''' Grunt said that while admiring Samael. His captain was, after all, the person he looked up to the most. Seeing him in a Krogan Armor was something that somehow made sense.


    '''' It really does.'''' Samara, ready to battle, agreed with Grunt. She had received armor and guns from the same guard that gave Samael the armor.


    After putting on the armor, Samael entered war mode, something that last happened decades ago. Out of everyone on the planet, he was the most experienced when it came to the Reapers.


    '''' Ok, listen up. As I said before, the Reapers goal is probably the Beacon. That might lead you to believe they would not attack other places but you would be wrong. They are merciless, their only goal is total annihilation. So, you have to be prepared for everything.''''


    ''''They have a device that transforms any living being into their soldier. We call them Husks.''''


    As mentioned before, Samael and Javik had compiled a lot of info about the Reapers and released them to those necessary. There, they explained about such a device. But, the majority of people still didn''t know about it, because the Reapers threats weren''t made to the public yet.


    The device that transforms others into Husks was also one of the trump cards of the Reapers. Different from the games, where they were limited because the console could not handle a lot of enemies on the maps, this was reality.


    There was no cap on the number of enemies or devices. If they weren''t careful, Thessia would fall today.


    '''' Our goal is quite simple. Survive. Grunt and I will head to the temple in the capital, killing and saving others along the way if possible. The rest of you will stay here and protect the temple.''''


    Before Samael could say anything more, everyone noticed a huge number of Geth ships coming in their direction.


    Samael closed his eyes one more time, and when he opened again, only madness remained. '''' Samara, you take control of the Ardat-Yakshi temple. Grunt and I will help in the initial wave and then leave.''''


    Samara nodded and at the distance, the Headmaster and the rest of the guards were ready to fight.


    The first battle between the galaxy and the Reapers was about to start.

 77 – Priority : Thessia (11)

    What do you think differentiates machines from humans? Is it their lifespan? No.


    Is it their appearance? No, it''s not.


    It''s feelings. Sure, machines could imitate human feelings to a certain degree, but at the end of the day, they are not the same.


    So, a machine can''t feel fear thanks to that... Or so it should''ve been.


    50 Geth ships, counting 10 Geth inside each ship, attacked a temple that was far away from their goal. Their God told them it was their mission to kill as many organics as possible, and they listened.


    Based on their calculations, the place they would attack had a maximum of 300 people, so they had the number and the element of surprise.


    It was supposed to be easy...


    BOOOM


    A Singularity hit a Geth, who was experiencing something akin to fear for the first time, and what followed was an explosion, thanks to a combo between Samael, Samara, and an explosive round from his gun. That Geth was good as dead, not even dust remained.


    '''' HOLD!'''' Samael shouted as he tried his best to maintain the line of defense.


    Only 10 minutes passed since the Geth arrived and of the initial 500 Geth, only 250 remained while the forces from the temple suffered ''only'' 50 casualties. Still, they killed 250 Geth.


    It was a war of attraction, with the majority of the Guards defending the Ardat-Yakshi inside the temple, barricaded, while few of them were outside, with Samael, Grunt, and Samara, dealing with the frontline and providing covering fire.


    The trio, by the way, was annihilating the Geth like they were nothing. It was almost like they had a telepathic connection with the way they were fighting. They complemented each other to such a degree that the Geth had no chance of getting close to the temple. And as time passed, the Geth were losing their numbers rapidly.


    After saying ''hold'' to the Guards, Samael rushed ahead, towards a group of Geth who were separated from the main group, with Grunt following right behind.


    '''' Grunt! I need an impulse!'''' Samael knew they would eventually be attacked by this group after they joined the main one, so he would deal with them now.


    '''' Got it!'''' Grunt screamed a response as he grabbed Samael and threw the human right in the middle of that separate Geth group. It was a little difficult to do that, thanks to the weight of the Krogan Armor Samael was using, but he managed to do it.


    Samael landed in the middle of that separated Geth group and was met with a few shots, which were blocked by the armor shield, and rushed to the nearest Geth he could find. He then grabbed the hand of said geth, who was firing at him, and with a push, ripped its arm off.


    Before the Geth could do anything, Samael used its own gun to shoot him dead.


    BREAK


    Samael''s shield broke before he could shoot the others, after being hit so many times. Before the shot could test the armor beneath the Shield, Grunt arrived in front of him and tanked the hits.


    '''' Thanks.'''' Samael thanked Grunt as he stayed behind the Krogan, catching his breath and waiting for the shield to recharge. It was taking a while, seeing as the armor was old and hadn''t been used for a long time.


    ''''Don''t mention it.'''' Grunt was having the time of his life today. The Krogan continued shooting at the Geth close by, while still getting hit.


    BREAK


    Grunt''s shield also broke and he and Samael were forced to take cover nearby. They rushed to the cover all while shooting at the Geth.


    BANG BANG


    By the time they arrived at the cover, they had killed the initial group of


    10 Geth, but the shots didn''t stop coming. Samael looked around his shoulder and noticed the main group, consisting of at least 100 Geth, had arrived. With them, a few dozen husks.


    '' Fuck!'' Samael cursed as he watched the scene.


    While Samael was a good soldier, the sheer amount of enemies was difficult even for him to handle.


    Still, he wasn''t alone and he would still fight.


    '''' Ready?'''' Samael asked Grunt after he checked that his shield regenerated and all his equipment was good. While at the beginning he only had one gun, he stole a few from the Geth and was good in that department.


    '''' I can do this all day!'''' Grunt said with a smile. His shield also regenerated and he was itching to return to the fight.


    BANG


    All this while, the duo received covering fire from the guards inside the temple and those outside. The firing proved enough distraction.


    When Samael noticed that, he said while charging at the Geth, '''' Let''''s go then!''''


    Samael and Grunt jumped out of their cover and charged at the Geth. Their goal continued the same: Help deal with the Geth here and then join the main fight.


    BANG


    Human and Krogan were at the frontline, while the others Asari used their guns to somehow slow the movements of the Geth. Samael grabbed a Geth carcass, used it as a shield, and rushed to the main group.


    Grunt also didn''t want to be left behind and joined the fray. Samara eventually joined too and the trio battled the enemy forces.


    Samara used Pull in one of the Geth and as soon as the machine got close to Grunt, she released the biotic power, allowing Grunt to smash the machine''s head to pieces.


    The trio worked together flawlessly, The combos they did were perfect.


    Samara was the main initiator, as she was the only one of the trio that possessed biotic powers. She was pushing it to her limits, throwing Singularities, using Pulls, and even some Stasis.


    That allowed both Samael and Grunt to do what they did best, destroy their enemies.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    When one of their shields broke, one of them would protect the person until it recharged. While the others shot towards the Geth, to cover them.


    That process happened a few times, and their armor had to take a few shots, but no one was seriously injured, just bruised.


    After what felt like hours of battle, the number of the Geths and Husks had diminished considerably and Samael heard a familiar sound getting close.


    Sure enough, when Samael looked up, the SSV Phoenix had finally arrived.


    BANG BANG BANG


    Veronica used the ship''s guns to kill all the Geth remaining and their ship.


    Seeing that, Samael sighed in relief. While he was sure they would''ve won anyway, it was nice to save energy. Now, the only enemy force remaining were a few husks.


    The main problem of said Husks was their numbers, which came from the fallen soldiers of the Reapers'' enemies, and seeing as only 50 guards of the temple had fallen and the temple was located in a secluded region, there were few husks left.


    Veronica was looking for a place to land while the guards of the temple came out after seeing the main force dying and were now killing the remaining husks.


    Samara made a difficult expression while she killed a nearby Husk. She knew that her sister was long gone, but it still wasn''t a nice feeling.


    '''' Don''t think about it too much... sometimes, the best we can do is just that.'''' Samael offered a piece of wisdom he acquired after so many cycles. He had lost count of how many Husks he killed, even more so those who were once his friends.


    Another Husk came running at Samael and he kicked it towards Grunt, and the Krogan killed it.


    '''' That was the last one.'''' Grunt said as he cleaned his boots.


    Samael lookeda adoun the place. What was once a breathtaking scenario thanks to its beauty was now a battlefield, filled with Geth''s carcass, the item that transforms others into Husks, and blood.


    While they had won against a force triple their size, they still suffered a lot of casualties and destruction.


    Out of the 300 guards, 150 died in battle, while 100 of those transformed into husks. The majority that died were the ones that stayed outside the temple, helping Samael, Grunt, and Samara hold the line. None of the civilians in the temple died.


    '''' Now what?'''' Samara was burning with the need for revenge, but she was too old to let that cloud her judgment. While Samael had given the defense of the temple to her, now that they defended the place, she looked at him once more for guidance on what to do.


    '''' Now we will go help. While this place had guards, can you imagine those that didn''t?'''' Others place also had guards, yes, but only 50 ships attacked the temple. By Samael''s rough calculation, the Geth attacked Thessia with 1000-2000 ships + Sovereign. And the temple had him to defend, other places weren''t so lucky.


    Safe to say, the situation of Thessia wasn''t looking good. Just then, Veronica used her omni tool, '''' Captain .... I looked around when flying and there''s no place nearby that needs help... everything is already destroyed.''''


    Meaning she didn''t land just to give him armor and guns but to take him to the main fight.


    '''' Got it. I''m coming.'''' Samael looked at the Headmaster, who survived and now was close by, tending the wounded, '''' Can you handle here?''''


    He didn''t ask for her help because he knew everyone had their role and hers was to stay here. The Headmaster looked somlnley, '''' Go. Take Samara and a few guards with you. We can handle with just a few.''''


    Samael nodded. He knew it was almost impossible for the Geth to attack this place once more, as they were busy destroying other places. Before leaving, he said to the Headmaster, '''' Don''t forget to destroy that device. Don''t try to grab a single screw out of it, otherwise, you will regret it.''''


    He was talking about the device that transforms others into Husks. It had Reaper technology and even though the chances of being indoctrinated just for that were slim, it was still a chance.


    The Headmaster nodded, '''' Got it. May the Goddess be with you.''''


    30 of the remaining 150 guards volunteered to go with Samael and the others to the main fight.


    After saying goodbye to the Headmaster and the Guards that would stay behind ( the reason they stayed behind was because the majority of them were wounded), the trio + the volunteers rushed to where Veronica and the SSV Phoenix were parked.


    The group immediately entered the ship and Clare was there to welcome them with Samael Armor and guns.


    Samael took out the old Krogan Armor and put his own, '''' How are things?''''


    He was in the dark about a few things, as when the battle began, he didn''t pay attention to the Omni tool channel, as he was busy fighting. When he checked after the battle at the Ardat-Yakshi temple ended, he realized the situation wasn''t looking good for them.


    Clare looked pale but no fear in her expression. LD and Samael had prepared her for this moment, '''' It''s not good. 1400 Geth Ships + the Reaper attacked the temple. The Asari managed to hold them back but after a while, the Geth started to attack anyone close by, forcing the Asari forces to engage them ... they transformed the dead civilians and attacked the Asari.''''


    '''' The temple still stands, but we fear not for long. And the Reapers still hasn''t moved.'''' That was something that sent shivers down Clare''s spine. The Asari, one of the most powerful species in the galaxy was being pushed back, on its own home planet, and the main enemy didn''t move.


    Tevos, Benezia, and the rest of the Matriarchs were doing their best to fight this sudden war, but it was clear they were disorganized and it would not take long for their line of defense to collapse.


    '''' Veronica, lead us to the fight.'''' Samael ordered as soon as Clare finished reporting the situation.


    '''' On it.''''


    Samael then navigates the ship, followed by the rest. Not even one hour had passed since the Geth arrived at Thessia but things weren''t looking good.


    ''''Casualties on our side?'''' Samael asked Clare. He was talking about his and Shepard''s crew.


    Clare understood that, '''' None... but there have been reports of a Geth which was fighting against others Geth, protecting civilians.


    '' Legion.'' Samael connected the dots immediately. He knew the Geth was around the galaxy, but he didn''t pay much attention to it. Who would''ve thought he would be here on Thessia, and even helping.


    Regardless, the whole situation now got complicated for the Geth, as Samael now had another obstacle to overcome if he wanted the machine to coexist with the rest of the galaxy. But, that was a problem for the future, first he had to survive today.


    '''' Tell them to keep an eye out on that Geth and help him if the need arises.''''


    Clare nodded and relayed that information.


    Samael was still refraining from talking to his friends because he knew how much influence he had over them. He might distract them unnecessarily, so asking Clare to do that for him was normal.


    '''' 5 minutes until the drop-off.'''' Veronica''s voice blasted through the ship.


    Silence dominated the Phoenix. The people there were few, but they all looked downcast.


    Samael knew they needed a boost, so he channeled his inner Shepard.


    '''' A lot of people said a lot of things about LD.''''


    Everyone looked at Samael, their attention easily grabbed, as they didn''t want to think about reality, even if for a minute.


    '''' They said that the Reapers were a fairytale and that we invented everything for profit. I would love to see their face when they found what happened here... but for that to happen, we need to survive today.''''


    '''' That''s exactly why I created LD. The Last Defense, in case the whole galaxy falls. But, our goal isn''t just to be that. We want the galaxy to win, to live, without LD staying true to its name.''''


    '''' We gathered the best of the best, to help with that goal. And today is the beginning of the end. Today, even without others of knowing, the galaxy has forever changed.''''


    '''' And, we will win today.'''' Samael''s voice was firm, not a single doubt. This wasn''t just his feelings, it was a certainty that came with his age. He had faced the Reapers before, with worst odds, and survived.


    Everyone had their eyes glued on Samael, their entire focus on him.


    '''' Not only for Thessia but for the whole galaxy. We will save all those we can while giving the Reapers a reminder: Don''t fuck with us!''''


    Grunt was already up and raring to go, and the morale of those on the ship rose a bit. Even Samara looked impressed.


    '''' WE HAVE ARRIVED.''''


    Along with Veronica''s shout, the others could hear a lot of gunfire.


    Samael looked at them, '''' Let''s do this!''''


    Round 1 had ended and Round 2 was about to start!

 78 – Priority : Thessia (12)

    This is before Samael arrived at the main fight


    <hr>


    FLASHBACK


    ''This is a nightmare.'' Shepard thought as she ran towards where the Normandy and the Phoenix were parked. With her, Tali, and RR.


    ''The Reapers weren''t supposed to appear now. Even in the worst case scenario, Javik and LD said they would arrive only 5 years later ... but not even 5 months had passed since their presence was announced to the governments.''


    '' There''s no doubt in my mind about the Reaper being real and attacking Thessia. Samael is trustworthy and even said he had a bad feeling today.''


    '' I think - I hope we can hold our ground.''


    The worst thing about this whole situation is that different from other wars, where conflicts happen thanks to different opinions or straight-up evil, the Reapers only want one thing: the extermination of all organic life.


    So, Shepard hoped they could at least save as many people as they could.


    Finally, after running like maniacs, the trio arrived at their destination.


    By the headcount, they were the second group to arrive, as Jacob, Veronica, EDI, Clare, and Dr. Chakwas were waiting for them at the door of the ships.


    With a swift motion, Jacob passed Shepard her armor and guns. Veronica did the same to RR and Tali. It seems the first group had separated everyone''s armor and were just waiting for the whole crew to arrive.


    It saved a few minutes, at least. They knew that any second counted.


    Shepard asked as she put on her armor, " Joker?"


    EDI responded, " At the Normandy cockpit, waiting to engage."


    At this point, the attack still hasn''t started. Hell, even the enemies were missing. But the crew knew it was coming.


    " Good. The rest?"


    Jacob shook his head, " Last contact, they said they were close by."


    By this point, everyone there was suited up and ready to battle, minus both doctors. Tali had personalized armor, just like RR.


    Speaking of RR, both she and EDI were being overworked today, as their attention was split into so many areas it was getting difficult even for them to maintain.


    The small group there stayed in silence, as they waited for their crews to arrive.


    Suddenly they heard a sound that sent shivers down their spines.


    They all rushed to a place where they could see the sky better and they almost regretted doing so. Up in the sky and getting close to their location, thousands of Geth ships were seen.


    But the worst part was what was behind the Geth ships.


    "..."


    A massive ''unknown'' ship was seen entering the atmosphere. It didn''t land right away and stayed in the sky, almost like overseeing things.


    Even Shepard, who has courage that could topple mountains, was doubting their chances of surviving today. And that was only seeing ONE Reaper. If what Javik and Samael reported were true, that the Reapers had an almost unlimi-


    SLAP


    Shepard slapped herself hard, making those thoughts go away. She had her mission and she would complete it, no matter what.


    She looked around and was proud to see everyone had already recovered from their initial shock.


    Just then, all crew had arrived in full.  They took less than 3 minutes to ready themselves. In those 3 minutes, both crews heard a lot of screams and destruction happening around the planet, but they weren''t ready to act yet.


    But, now they were. By the way, Liara and Kasumi already warned everyone that they would not be able to regroup with them, as they were already fighting the enemy.


    Shepard saw everything was ready and started to delegate functions.


    " OK, listen up. Samael already gave orders so Joker, Veronica, take to the skies now and help where you can. Take the Doctors with you."


    Veronica and Clare entered the Phoenix, while Dr. Chakwas and EDI entered the Normandy. The AI was tasked by Samael to help Joker.


    Shepard now was going to separate the groups. Both crews had a lot of members, totaling more than 50 members.


    She separated the normal members and focused on the elite, " Jacob, Thane, Keiji, take 20 members from the crew. You will focus on saving civilians. Do your best to not engage with the enemies, and only do so if necessary. Take the civilians to shelter or as far away as you can from the fight."


    Thane was an assassin, so that mission was tailored for him. Kasumi would''ve been nice too, but she wasn''t there, so Shepard had to improvise. Keiji would help,  Jacob would act like a bodyguard, and the rest would provide support.


    Thane was, ever since he arrived, praying. Not for him, but for his enemies, because of what he was about to do to them.


    " Also, only use the channel Sama started the conversation in case of emergencies. Make one to communicate between groups."


    " Leave it to us." Jacob took command of that group, made a different group in his omni tool, and turned to Keiji and the others, " Everyone ready?"


    They all nodded.


    " Then let''s go!"


    With that, that group joined the fight on Thessia.


    Shepard turned to another group," Ash, Kayden, John. Take 20 members with you and go join the temple. Samael said their main goal was there, so obviously the main fight will be there. Go give them hell."


    Ash did the same as Jacob and created a different group in her Omni tool. John took command of that group and they departed soon after.


    Only Tali, RR,  Shepard, and 10 crewmembers remained. " We are the reinforcements. We will go around, helping all other areas."


    Shepard looked at Tali with concern, as from her point of view, the Quarian was still wearing a suit that she didn''t need to, that might make her slower or weaker." How about you ditch the suit? It might hold you back."


    Tali smiled at Shepard, " I''m ahead of you, Commander."


    With a click, the ''suit'' opened up, revealing a normal-suited Tali. The Quarian explained, " Samael made this for me. It''s an armor that looks like a quarian suit but way way stronger. It allows me to fight without revealing myself."


    At this point, Tali sighed, " He made this for the future when the Reapers attacked... I never would''ve thought I would be using one so soon."


    The armor was so good even Shepard didn''t notice the difference. She then looked at RR. She knew, based on her limited knowledge, that the AI must be under extreme pressure right now. " RR, you good to go?"


    The AI looked at Shepard, " I was made to stop the Reapers. It''s time I started doing that."


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Shepard nodded, closed her eyes, and prepared herself mentally.


    " Let''s go!"


    With that shout, all crewmembers of the Normandy and the Phoenix, have joined the battle.


    --


    PRESENT


    Not even 30 minutes had passed since the Geth and Sovereign arrived at the planet, but the number of civilian deaths was enormous.


    Even though the Asari forces were doing their best to protect the population, they were caught off guard and thanks to that, their initial response was slow. Now, they finally got their shit together, thanks to the Matriarchs, and the battle for the temple was in a stalemate.


    AT THE TEMPLE


    From the beginning of the invasion until now, this place was the focus of the Geth attack.


    Thanks to Samael''s warning, the 100 Asari elite, who learned the content of the Beacon and would probably be chosen to go to Andromeda, were evacuated, leaving only the Matriarchs behind.


    Liara, Benezia, Kasumi, and Tevos had joined them at the beginning and were fighting the enemy force until now.


    Benezia and Tevos had joined the other Matriarchs and they separated everyone so that they could protect the temple from all directions.


    It was decided that Liara and Kasumi would go together. The place they were protecting was supposed to be easy.


    Supposed...


    WITH LIARA


    Liara, who was finally getting tired, used a Singularity on a group of Geth and husks who got close, and Kasumi, clocked ( it means she was invisible, thanks to technology), used a grenade to finish that group off.


    That made the duo finally have a breath. But, it wasn''t for long, as another group of husks started to approach their location.


    Liara had her stomach turn, as she tried not to think that those things were once her sisters. She had lost count of how many she killed since the invasion started.


    '' If the death count is this big in only half an hour of battle, imagine in a day or a week.''


    Liara had that thought as she launched another Singularity on the husks. They were relatively simple to deal with, but you have to be careful as if you got surrounded by a huge number, things could get ugly.


    BANG BANG


    Kasumi dealt with the Husk. The human was a force of nature with her cloak, but she was afraid to fight the Geth head-on, as the piece had a brief cooldown before you could use it again.


    " Isn''t this area supposed to be the safest?" Kasumi asked Liara as she sat down and waited for more enemies to arrive.


    Liara also noticed the number of enemies was only increasing. So, the Asari suggested, " Kasumi, do you want to check the situation outside?"


    Kasumi shook her head, " I doubt it''s looking good and you need me here."


    Sure, Liara had been receiving training from Samael but even she could get overwhelmed. The only reason the duo was okay until now was because they were together.


    " ... I honestly don''t know for how long we can hold this place."


    Just as Liara finished saying that, the group call started at the beginning, and finally said something other than asking for help and silence.


    " This is Samael. We have arrived."


    He didn''t say where, but Liara relaxed just from hearing his voice.


    Kasumi, the newbie who only heard about Samael and never saw him in action, was still on edge.


    But, both were glad to hear reinforcements had arrived.


    Not only them, but the others who heard the message also got a morale boost. They knew Samael was a trump card, and while they doubted he could single-handedly win the war, they knew he could help immensely.


    WITH SAMAEL


    Thessia was transformed into Hell. An hour ago, this place was considered one of the most beautiful places in the galaxy, now....


    The worst thing was, that Samael was accustomed to what Thessia had become. In past cycles, the one where the Reapers won, the whole galaxy was like Thessia. The silver line was, that they could still rebuild Thessia and they still haven''t lost.


    The resilience of the galaxy could not be underestimated, but for it to show, the Asari would have to survive today. And from what Samael was seeing, things could be better.


    '' The response was slow at the beginning, that''s why there are so many Husks around. But, now it''s on a stalemate.''


    Just like Samael predicted with the things he had at hand, the main goal of the Geth seems to be the temple/beacon, and at least for now, the place still stands.


    The other areas need more help.


    Samael immediately acted with that in mind and commanded the personnel inside the Phoenix.


    '''' Veronica, you are our eyes. Drop us where is most needed at the moment.''''


    '''' On it!'''' Veronica was fighting the Geth ships and helping the Asari forces in the sky, all while looking around the place. The years of training under Samael were paying off.


    She then dropped batches of temple guards in different locations, leaving only Samael, Samara, and Grunt behind.


    '''' Lead us to the temple.'''' Samael said that to Veronica and used his omni tool to contact Tevos.


    The Asari answered and said in a hurry, '''' I''m busy at the moment Samael.''''


    Samael could hear shots being fired in the background of the call, '''' It''s a simple call with a simple motive. Destroy the Beacon.''''


    '''' ... What?''''


    '''' The Reapers are after the Beacon, so we destroy it. Besides, it''s not a loss, as we have already extracted all the data inside it. We just have to analyze it now.''''


    This was something Samael had thought immediately after seeing Sovereign arriving at Thessia.


    Tevos thought it made sense, but she could not act alone '''' ... I''ll talk with the other Matriarchs.''''


    Samael sighed. This was one of the many examples of what was wrong with the Galaxy. Even now, in the face of death, they would still ask others. Even Tevos, who Samael considered an exception, still falls victim to this.


    Just then, both Tevos and Samael heard something in the background of the call, '''' Spectre Saran arrived to help!''''


    Immediately after hearing that, Samael roared to Tevos, '''' DON''T TRUST HIM! HE''S WORKING WI-''''


    Static filled the call, meaning Sarem jammed the signal. The silver line was that Samael had alerted Tevos way before today, and Benezia not long ago, about Saren, so they should be on edge.


    Still, this was something that even he didn''t predict. Another problem has arisen.


    '' I was too passive... I should''ve killed him long ago.''


    Regret and doubt about why he didn''t act sooner filled his mind, but, Samael didn''t delve too much into the what-ifs of this situation. He just screamed at Veronica, '''' FASTER!''''


    While Samael doubted Saren could face all Asari inside the temple, things were so crazy now that even he didn''t know what to believe anymore.


    They were running out of time.

 79 – Defeat

    Everyone in the Phoenix heard Samael, and Samara was taken aback by such a response from him, so she asked. '''' What''s wrong with Saren?''''


    '''' Think about it, Samara. A Spectre appeared in Thessia, with no prior warning, right after a major attack on the planet? Think!'''' Samael roared at Veronica as he left Samara to think about. '''' GO!''''


    Veronica used the maximum capacity of the motor of the Phoenix, and in the meantime, Samara finally arrived at a frightening conclusion, '''' Are you suggesting -''''


    '''' I''m not just suggesting, I''m affirming. Saren is working with the Reapers. We had a lot of suspicion but never proof. Now, we have it.'''' One of the problems of knowing so much about the future is exactly this. Justification.


    Sure, from the beginning, Samael could''ve warmed everyone about the Reapers and Saren, but without proof, it would not be very meaningful. Hell, even with proof, the galaxy almost didn''t believe him about the machines, imagine accusing a Spectre.


    '''' In my opinion, even if just suspicion, we should''ve killed this guy long ago.'''' Grunt, with all his wisdom, said it out loud.


    '''' ... I agree with you. But, there''s nothing we can do about the past.''''


    Just then, Veronica screamed, '''' We arrived at the temple... the situation isn''t looking good.''''


    '''' You don''t need to land, just get close to the ground.'''' Samael said that as he rushed to the hangar, with Samara and Grunt following.


    '''' HA, Samael, are you saying we will drop out of a flying ship?'''' Grunt was excited. Today was a good day for him, even though thousands died, the Krogan was having fun and no one could say anything about that, as that was his nature.


    Samael nodded and looked at Samara, '''' Are you ready? It will be quite the fall.''''


    '''' I can handle it.'''' Samara didn''t care about her wounds, now her entire focus was on the situation inside the temple.


    Veronica''s voice came through the cooms, '''' Opening the hangar door in 3, 2 ... Give them hell!''''


    With that, the Hangar door opened and the trio realized Veronica was very close to the ground, 20 meters or so. With that height, there was no problem for Samael to land safely, nor Grunt.


    '' I should make a jet pack after this.''


    With a swift motion, Samael carried Samara and jumped out of the Phoenix, with Grunt following right behind.


    Just to be safe, Samara put a barrier around them, to soften the fall.


    BOOM


    Still, nothing broke and they landed safely. Veronica choose this location because there are no enemies there.


    Samael tried one more time to communicate with the people inside the temple but to no avail. It seems the Reapers jammed all communications, not only interplanetary.


    So, they had no choice but to go in blindly. The call with Tevos ended less than 5 minutes ago and with the Matriarchs there, the chance of them being safe was huge.


    Still, Samael was in a hurry, so he said to Samara and Grunt, '''' Listen up, we will charge ahead and as we know, the surrounding is filled with enemies we don''t have the luxury to deal with. Grunt, you will tank the shots as we rush inside. Samara, make a barrier for him and for you, and go ahead.''''


    '''' And you?'''' Samara asked.


    Samael looked at her with a somehow crazy smile, '''' I''m feeling quite angry, you see. This whole thing wasn''t supposed to happen so soon... they fucked my plans, they delayed things, and now they will pay the price.''''


    Samara said nothing more as she and Grunt understood the implications. While both will tank the shots and get the attention, Samael will kill all the enemies.


    '''' Ready?'''' Samael asked as they got close to one of the temple entrances.


    '''' Ready.''''


    '''' Always.''''


    With that, the trio entered the temple.


    INSIDE THE TEMPLE


    The layout of the temple was quite simple, with just a few different spaces. The problem was the size. It was quite big but only one entrance, besides a few others that were secret.


    Upon entering the temple, Samael saw Ash, Kayden, John, and a few other members of his and Shepard''s crew, fighting the Geth.


    The situation was just like what he thought. Bad.


    The stalemate that was maintained until now was broken, most likely thanks to Saren and the jammer, and the Geth now had the upper hand. There were many corpses of Asari around the area and even more of Geths and husks.


    Samael knew the Beacon was in the deeper areas of the temple, so he had no idea what had happened to it. Regardless, his plan continued the same. The bonus of it all is that Samael, Samara, and Grunt were behind all Geth forces, allowing the trio to ambush them quite easily.


    The trio joined the battle, with Samara and Grunt being the most destructive, and disturbing the Geth foramtion long enough that Jonh noticed.


    The man smiled upon seeing the trio, '''' FOCUS NOW!''''


    With John''s roar, everyone else noticed the trio and their face changed to one of hope.


    While Samara and Grunt gathered the attention, Samael did his best to sneak up on any unsuspect enemy he found and he killed it. He was glad he took the serum before coming to Thessia, otherwise, things would get even more complicated, as his favorite style of fighting was head-on.


    Now, with his new strength, he could deal with the Geth barehand.


    Sneaking upon a Geth, Samael tackled it to the ground, and with a roll, he got to his knees and killed it with a shot. Other Geth close by noticed Samael but before it could do anything, a Singularity hit where it was, followed by a grenade.


    BOOM


    Samael didn''t care who helped, didn''t stop there, and continued killing Geths. Thanks to the confusion that the newly arrived trio caused, the Geth numbers diminished considerably, but from the place where the trio entered, reinforcements were coming.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Still, the fight was in their favor now, and Samael knew John and the rest could handle it.


    '''' SAMAEL!'''' John scremaed something alarming, '''' LIARA IS ON THE BEACON!''''


    It seems Liara and Kasumi had changed positions right after Samael''s radio message.


    John didn''t know about Saren and the dangerous situation deep in the temple, but he knew that Liara and Samael were in a relationship, and seeing as the situation there was more or less solved, he told Samael that, so the Captain could go to her and see if she needed help.


    Contrary to what John was expecting, he saw, for the first time, genuine concern on Samael''s face. Before he could ask what was wrong, Samael rushed deep into the temple.


    With that, John knew things deep inside weren''t so simple, but he had a job to do and Samael was more than enough to deal with dozens of Geth. So, he held the position.


    Soon after Samael left, Grunt followed, with Samara staying behind to help John.


    For the first time in this cycle, Samael felt real fear that something might have happened to his loved ones. This attack in Thessia, while not having happened in any other cycle, would not affect much in terms of the whole war, as it will only serve to unite the galaxy sooner.


    But, the only thing that scared him was losing his loved ones... He honestly didn''t know how he would react to it, and that scared him. And with Liara being in the worst place ...


    It didn''t take long for Samael to arrive at where the Beacon was and what he saw wasn''t looking good. Saren was there, a little bit injured, with a completely destroyed Beacon, with a few Asari down, their state unknown.


    Kasumi, Liara, Tevos and Benezia amought them.


    Samael saw red for the first time in a long while.


    WITH SAREN


    '' I can''t believe the plan worked.''


    A few weeks ago, Sovereign told the Turian to prepare to attack Thessia, in what he thought was a dangerous move. Still, this was the last place left to check, so he had no choice.


    The information the Shadow Broker gave Saren, the rumors about possible Beacon locations, almost all turned out to be fake. Still, he found it in the end, thanks to Sovereign suggestion and the info he bought.


    He used his status as a Spectre to get close without any problems, dealt with the Matriarchs along the way, and, not only he had the knowledge inside the beacon, he destroyed it.


    Now, he would finish the job. But first, Saren contacted Sovereign, '''' I have it.''''


    '''' Good. Kill the maximum Asari you can and retreat.''''


    '''' Go-''''


    Before Saren could finish, a fist hit him in the face, caving his cheekbone and sending him flying.


    The Turian flew quite a bit before stabilizing himself. He held with face with surprise and fear, '' What hit me?''


    Saren was a prodigy, a Spectre, the best of the best. But, he was sent flying with one punch he didn''t even realize it was coming. The damage was extensive too. The turian applied med gel on his face while tapping his omni tool to request extraction, all while facing the man who did this to him.


    The man was on his knees, close to the Asaris, applying med gel to all of them.


    Saren clicked his tongue. He should''ve killed all of them, but his objective was the beacon, so he only knocked them out. The only ones that suspected anything were Tevos and Benezia, but he overpowered them, thanks to a few augmentations he had received from Sovereign. Both Matriarchs put up quite a fight and he was injured quite badly.


    After fighting both, he faced a younger Asari and a human and almost lost too. But, he relied on his experience, as he threatened the Matriarch''s lives, making both surrender. He knocked both out too.


    Still, the Spectre now just had to stall time until his ride arrived, so he started to speak, '''' Hey, do you know who you just hit? I''m a Spectre!''''


    '''' I also arrived not long ago, and I saw the same situation as you. Someone destroyed the Beacon and injured the Matriarchs! I was in the middle of investigating when you hit me!''''


    Silence. The man said nothing as he continued applying med gel.


    Saren was getting irritated but before he could say anything, he felt goosebumps and shivers down his spine. He immediately broke the persona of a good guy, got his gun out, and aimed at the man.


    He felt a horrible sensation when the man stopped in front of one of the fallen Asari.


    '' What the hell is this situation!?''


    The situation didn''t make any sense to Saren. He was feeling fear from a normal person. This wasn''t normal.


    The man sat down and applied med gel to the Asari. He checked its pulse and breath in relief.


    BANG BANG


    Feeling the situation was too weird, Saren acted and shot the man two times, but the man''s shield took the bullet and he didn''t react.


    Finally, after applying med gel to everyone down, the man turned to face Saren.


    BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG


    Saren immediately retreated while shooting. The face of the man was morphed into something hideous. It was like Death was looking at him and Saren retreated immediately.


    He had already done his mission, and it was a shame he didn''t finish the Matriarchs off, but oh well. Now, he just wanted to leave this place.


    But, the man didn''t seem to want to let him leave. The shield broke after being shot many times, and the armor also broke, but the man seemed like he had a sixth sense, as he was fine. He was shot a few times, but not in lethal areas.


    The man was getting closer and closer.


    CLICK CLICK


    The thermal clip was overheated and Saren knew the man would get close before it was recharged, so he put the gun away and prepared to fight hand to hand. Still, as the man was shot a few times, it should be weakened quite a bit, so he would face him in combat. The earlier fear was long gone, as he felt the man was at death''s door.


    If only he realized the man was ok, he would have never gotten close. Samael was taking the shots because of his med gel. As long as he is not shot in the head, heart, or killed instantly, he would be ok if it''s applied soon. And, the fight would not last long.


    As Saren threw the first punch, the man easily grabbed it. The Spectre tried a sweep, but the man simply stood still and let the kick connect.


    PANG


    Saren felt he hit a wall with his foot. His soldier instinct kicked in, and he tried to get his hand away, but the man didn''t let him. He tried to use his omni blade to slice the man''s hand, but the man crushed his omni tool, alongside his wrist.


    '''' ARRGGH!'''' Saren headbutted the man, trying to get his hand away, but to no avail. He only got more injured.


    Saren tried to get his gun out, oh how he regretted not waiting it to recharge, but the man didn''t let him. He reached for it, but the man kicked his other hand away, breaking the arm in the process.


    You have to remember that now, Samael had a Krogan strength and he was angry. He was not holding back and even though turians were strong, in front of a Krogan, they were only second.


    He then grabbed Saren''s gun and pointed at the turian stomach.


    '''' You can''t escape.'''' The man said in a raspy voice, '''' You should not have provoked me.''''


    The man, Samael, was going to kill Saren right now. He was shot in a lot of areas, like the stomach, and shoulders, but he would live, '''' Any last words?''''


    '''' Wa-''''


    BANG BANG BANG


    The continuous barrage of shots broke the spectre armor and hit him right in the stomach. If not treated, he could die.


    '''' Wa- sounds nice.'''' Samael applied Meg Gel to his injuries while aiming at Saren. The turian was holding his stomach with his broken wrist.


    After all his injuries were dealt with, Sameal aimed at the head, '''' Goodb-''''


    SHIVERS


    Before Samael shot the turian, a faint sound was heard. So faint almost no one could hear it. But, Samael lived a lot of time and things. He knew right away what that sound was.


    It was like a warming death gave before arriving. He heard it a lot of times when fighting the war against the Reapers.


    He ignored Saren completely and rushed towards the fallen Matriarchs, Liara and Kasumi.


    Grunt was already there, with them, looking at the fight. He was impressed with what Samael was doing, and knew the human won the fight, but he was confused when he saw Samael running towards him with a face full of resolve.


    Samael only shouted, '''' COVER!'''' as he pointed at the Matriarchs on the ground.


    Grunt immediately acted, as he knew Samael must know something he didn''t. He stood over the maximum of Matriarchs he could.


    Before he could ask anything to Samael, who was beside him, also doing his best to cover the Matriarchs, an explosion occurred.


    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM


    --


    Some people would call it a laser, but it was more a Death Beam. Sovereign was talking with Saren when Samael attacked so it knew his ''pet'' was in danger.


    So, he helped. By completely destroying the temple. He used his ''eye'' for the first time in this cycle. What once was a symbol to the Asari, was now a pile of rubble, thanks to a single beam.


    Everyone who saw it stopped fighting, their resolve shaken to the core. A single attack from that big machine destroyed a temple that stood for millennia.


    Moments after the temple was destroyed, a few Geth were seen taking out a body that belonged to Saren. If he was alive or not, no one knew. The Geth and the Reaper then left the planet.


    Only one thing was certain. LD, Thessia, Samael, and the Asari had lost. The Reapers had taken the knowledge inside the beacon, now they just need the to unlock it to know about the Citadel and bring forth the whole Reaper army.


    The galaxy was in danger.

 80 – Assemble!

    WITH ANJO


    Even though the Stargazers were mostly indifferent to what happens across the galaxy, they didn''t like to see the current state of Thessia. Worse of all, this was the best possible outcome of the vision they saw.


    The visions the Stargazer saw weren''t all perfect. They received many regarding Thessia''s future, and all of them ended in tragedy. Only in one of them did a variable appear, that somehow mitigated the damage.


    Someone who wasn''t supposed to appear, a stranger. The Stargazers nicknamed him '''' The Man Out of Time''''. When The Man Out Of Time, or rather, Samael, appeared in the middle of their vision, the best possible outcome to the tragedy followed suit.


    Thessia was attacked, and innocent died, but the planet was still standing and the Asari people could still fight.


    All because of one variable.


    Looking at Samael in the distance, Anjo muttered, '''' I really hope your story doesn''t end in tragedy. See you later.''''


    While they could not see much past the point that the man was an anomaly of time, they knew he was special. Still, even that might not be enough to a happy ending.


    With one final look over Thessia, Anjo departed the planet, as the story he came to witness, already happened and there were no more stories here.


    WITH SHEPARD


    '' I saw that red beam.'' Shepard and everyone else saw it hit the temple, making it crumble like sand. They knew their friend were there but they were battling and could not help but worry.


    The weird thing was, right after the beam hit the temple, all Geth started to retreat, allowing them a breather.


    '''' Check all those who need medical attention. Those who can move, go to the temple!'''' While Med Gel was a lifesaver, it was limited in quantity. Shepard and the rest used their stock and now those who need medical attention will have to get the normal way.


    With that, Shepard and the rest rushed to the temple. Arriving there, they saw carnage. Shepard was worried about her friends but sighed in relief when she saw Ash and Kayden were ok. Dr Chakwas and Clare were also around, helping where they could, together with the Asari doctor around the area.


    '''' How are you both?'''' Ash and Kayden looked at Shepard with surprise. They didn''t expect to see their commander so soon.


    '''' We are ok... but ...'''' Ash pointed at a place. Shepard looked at it and saw Samael sitting down, with a few Asari on the ground around him. Grunt was looking over them, with a difficult expression.


    Shepard''s stomach sank as she got closer, '''' Samael.''''


    Tali was already there but was being held back by Grunt for some reason.


    When she looked at the man''s face, the usual carefreeness was nonexistent. Only a blank look looked back at her¡ªand only one eye. In the place of his left eye, only a hole remained. In his arms, Liara was breathing but not responsive.


    '' SHIT...''


    Shepard knew Samael''s injuries were not simple, so she tried to get close, but her instincts were telling her to not go.


    '''' I would not recommend you go there. He''s out of it and you might be injured.'''' Grunt, let Tali go, and showed a wound he gained when he tried to approach Samael some time ago. '''' Also, all matriarchs were good, but knocked out.''''


    Tali and Shepard stopped in their tracks, but both still needed to check on him and Liara.


    '''' You both, let me.'''' RR said that. She explained, '''' You see, he instructed me not to let anyone other than me approach him if he was in this state. I never thought it would really happen, but here we are.''''


    '''' ... I''ll leave it up to you.'''' Shepard stepped away and let the AI do her thing. Tali wanted to go too but held back.


    RR calmly approached Samael, who was still looking at Liara in his arms.


    WITH SAMAEL


    It was not the first time nor the second he was defeated, he lost count of how many times it happened. He became numb to it, trying to only see the best outcome of things.


    But, it was the only time this happened... never, in any other cycle, the Reapers attacked Thessia so soon. Never.


    In past cycles, he had changed a lot more things than in this last one of his, and this never happened, so this disaster was not in a single plan of his. He had no counter to it. For the first time in a while, Samael was lost.


    '' It doesn''t make any sense for the attack to have happened so soon... They knew exactly about the temple and the beacon... I will find out what happened, down to the minimal detail. I have held back in a lot of fields, as I wanted this last cycle of mine to be perfect, but it seems the ship has sailed already.''


    '' I will stir things up, for real this time.''


    It was only then that Samael realized RR was in front of him, '''' ... What?''''


    RR looked relieved Samael was responsive. She had been trying, for the last 5 minutes to talk with him, but only now he responded. '''' Glad to see you back.''''


    Samael came back to reality. He looked down at his hands and checked Liara''s condition. He sighed in relief when he noticed she was ok, just passed out. He got up, passed her to RR, and said, '''' Report.''''


    '''' No casualties in our crew nor Shepard''s, but a lot are injured. Clare and Dr. Chakwas are helping where they can. We used all our stock of Advanced Med Gel. The Geth and the Reaper had left and no more sightseeing of Husks... civilians casualties are at least 1 million... that is the conservative estimate.''''


    Samael said nothing more and looked around the place. What was once a beautiful scenario now looked desolate with dead people all around.


    Death ... is a natural thing. A lot of things, people, die at every second in every place of the galaxy. It''s inevitable, when it''s your time, it''s your time.


    '' But this ...'' Everywhere Samael looked, he could see corpses scattered around. Those are the lucky ones that weren''t transformed into husks. At least, they had their bodies...


    The sight made his soul burn. He was too complacent. He prepared for the Reapers, but only for the future, and that cost lives. People who could have become a valuable asset in the future.


    He wasn''t an altruist, but this attack and the result of it was unacceptable.


    Unacceptable...


    That phrase continued to ring in his head until he acted. He looked down at his omni tool. He would call people, and he would use every favor he had, all preparations that he did for the future, to make the Reapers pay.


    Fuck the careful planning, fuck all that.


    The first person he called was a hunch of his. He called the agent he put on Feros, where the last Thorian was located. The last of his species, and the thing that had the Cipher. While the plant was only supposed to be discovered later on, it seems things happened without his knowledge.


    '''' Boss.''''


    '''' Any unusual movement on the planet?''''


    '''' It was included in my report. It seems a few days ago, some people excavated something out of the ground and transported it elsewhere. I tried to see what it was, but could not.''''


    Samael checked his records and sure enough, the report from the agent was there. Meaning he overlooked it... or worse. But, now was not the time to look after this, he would do so after he dealt with Sovereign.


    '''' Thank you for this.'''' Samael ended the call and his worries were confirmed.


    Saren had the Cipher, so he could ''translate'' and ''see'' the original content of the Beacon. So, he would also know about Illos...


    '''' ... That''s good, actually.''''


    It meant Sovereign and Saren would act in a previsible way. Even the Reaper would lose if he attacked the Citadel, so he would 100% go through Illos.


    '' If we ambush them there...''


    Samael looked down at his omni tool and before he made a call, he looked around one more time. He saw the concerned faces of Tali and Shepard.


    He approached both of them with a reassuring smile, '''' I''m alive, Liara''s too, so don''t worry too much.''''


    Tali touched the left side of his face with gentleness, '''' Your eye...''''


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    '''' ... This is nothing. I can always put on an eye patch. It might even be better that way.'''' Samael tried to lighten the mood.


    It seems to succeed, as Tali let a small chuckle, '''' I''m happy to see you ok.''''


    '''' Me too.''''


    The couple kissed and then Samael looked at the Shepard. '''' Commander. Glad to see you well.''''


    Shepard hugged Samael silently but firmly. It seems this experience was rough even for her.


    Samael sighed and reassuringly patted her head, '''' I''m not going anywhere anytime soon.''''


    After a few seconds, Shepard broke the hug and asked, '''' What now?''''


    '''' Now we stir things up,'''' Samael said as he looked around, looking for someone specific. When he saw the person, he screamed, '''' CLARE!''''


    Clare heard him and rushed over, but only after making sure the person she was treating was ok. '''' Captain. What do you need?''''


    '''' Wake Tevos and Beneiza as fast as you can. Also, check Liara''s condition, please.''''


    Liara was still in RR''s arms, sleeping still.


    '''' On it.''''


    While Clare was doing her job, Samael made some calls.


    WITH MIRANDA


    Things have been good for the woman, Cerberus, and LD. While Mordin said to her and Jack to take it easy, after the Salarian confirmed everything was good with both babies, she could not do that.


    There are a lot of things happening everywhere in the galaxy, and the opportunity to grow even more is around every corner.


    '' Cerberus is not my priority, but that doesn''t mean I don''t take care of it. After the Illusive Man fell, Samael gave the company to me, with all the bad roots cleaned and all the good employees still there. So, all I needed to do was to manage well and don''t be a bitch. Pretty simple.''


    So, under Miranda''s leadership, Cerberus was under a new era, undoing the wrongs they committed, while helping around other companies.


    ''Now, LD... is making progress at a fast pace in all fields. Samael had the ''hobby'' of collecting the best of the best, but even then, the progress was amazing.''


    LD was already at the top of the galaxy, now they only needed the numbers to back up that status and stay alert to attacks. The Reapers weren''t the only threat around.


    The Shadow Broker periodically sends messages saying that some people put a bounty on Samael or Miranda''s head. They deal with them before they become a problem, but, Miranda fears the day when not even the Shadow Broker could predict an attack.


    The last message of the figure was also enigmatic, '''' There''s unusual Geth movement. Stay alert.''''


    Miranda tried hard to think of places where the Geth could cause trouble and when, but nothing came to mind.


    '''' What''s going on in that pretty head of yours?'''' Jack, Miranda''s beautiful girlfriend, and secretary, passed her a drink.


    '''' Thanks.'''' Miranda grabbed the drink while Jack sat down nearby, '''' Nothing much, just ways to incrasece our numbers.''''


    '''' Any news from our crew?'''' Jack asked as she messed with her omni tool, '''' I tried to contact Clare an hour ago but couldn''t.''''


    Miranda stared, '''' Weird.''''


    Communications not working might not be enough to be suspicious but when it happened with LD personnel, it was. They had the best technology in the galaxy, so ...


    Just as Miranda was getting a bad feeling, she received a call from Samael. She sigedh in releif.


    Jack noticed the call and got closer, '''' Oh, it''s Samael. Ask him about Clare.''''


    Miranda nodded and accepted the call. She immediately stood up in shock, Jack doing the same after they saw Samael''s state and the scenario behind him, '''' What happened? Are you okay?''''


    The now one-eyed Samael said calmly, '''' The Reapers attacked Thessia with the help of countless Geth. They jammed interplanetary communications and succeeded in their mission.... the number of civilian casualties is big.''''


    Just as Miranda and Jack were processing all that information, Samael continued, '''' Miranda, I need you to activate Code Reaper, just in case.''''


    Code Reaper was a button in the CEO''s office, that would recall all LD personnel scattered across the galaxy to Earth. It was just in case the Reapers attacked the planet, and seeing Samael ask for it, made Miranda grow fearful, '''' Do you think they will attack Earth? There''s how many reapers?''''


    '''' Only one and no, I doubt they would attack Earth right now, as they have other things to worry about.''''


    '''' ... So, a counterattack them.'''' Miranda knew Samael, and that his plans had plans. So, he would not take this lying down. A counterattack was the logical conclusion.


    Samael smiled faintly, '''' That''s why you''re the CEO.''''


    ''''Consider it done... casualties on our side?'''' Miradan asked with fear.


    '''' None. You can call them after our call if you want to. Now, if you excuse me, I have a few more calls to make. Both of you, stay safe.''''


    The call then ended and the couple took a minute or two to recover from ... all that. It was a lot to take in, really.


    Thessia was attacked by a Reaper, the machine won, Samael lost an eye, and countless casualties.


    Surprisingly, Jack recovered first, as she took Miranda''s hand and reassured her, '''' We will survive this.''''


    Miranda lightly kissed Jack while her free hand went to the button, '''' We will.''''


    Miranda pressed the button as the realization the galaxy will change forever after today hit her.


    ''''Whatever it takes.''''


    WITH WREX


    The Krogan, in the past months, had done the impossible. Sure, he had LD help, but still, he had unified all Krogan clans under one banner. The Urdnot clan now rules the Krogan.


    Wrex was just consolidating his powers before he told Samael about it. He even asked the LD agents who helped him rise to power to hold the information and they let him.


    Today, he had just killed a Krogan who wanted to rebel and was now resting at Tuchanka. He suddenly received a warning in his omni tool.


    When he read it, his eyes widened with surprise. Before Wrex could digest the new information, Samael called him.


    Wrex accepted the call immediately. He saw Samael''s state but didn''t comment on it, '''' The code, is it true?''''


    While Wrex knew at the bottom of his heart, that only a Reaper could do that to Smael, he still asked. Also, even though he only worked for LD as a mercenary, Samael still included him in the personnel list, that''s why he received the Code Reaper too.


    '''' Yes.'''' Samael was simple in his response, but the way he said it made Wrex strengthen his posture.


    '''' ... What do you need me to do?'''' Wrex was already drooling over the prospect of fighting a Reaper so soon, but he still asked Samael out of respect.


    '''' Prepare a few Krogan to fight... How is the progress of your quest, by the way?'''' Samael was going to end with just a request, but he remembered how he promised to stir things up around the galaxy, and an idea formed in his head.


    Wrex grinned, '''' Already done. I wanted to surprise you later, but it seems I lost the timing.''''


    '''' You did... so I don''t need to hesitate on this subject. I will pass a contact to you. Okeer, do you know him?''''


    '''' I do, but why mention him now?'''' Okeer was someone Wrex tried to recruit in the past, but the old Krogan said no.


    '''' It''s because he''s one of the few people who know the formula to the Genophage cure. And yes, it''s already done... surprise!'''' Samael was slowly returning to normal, with his joking ways, but it was slow.


    That was shocking news even to Wrex. Today was an amazing day for the Krogan. Not only he could fight what many consider Death incarnated, but he also found the cure for his people.


    '''' Call him and tell him to ask Mordin about Tuchanka and how to use the cure there. I would call him myself, but I''m kinda busy.'''' Samael showed Thessia destruciton to Wrex.


    '''' I can see that.''''


    '''' Also, do not cross the line. In the same way we can make the Cure, we can also make something worse than the Genophage.'''' With one eye missing, Samael looked more intimidating.


    Wrex stayed in silence at Samael''s threat. Not because he was offended, as his people had proved time and time again to be untrustworthy. He was thinking of more ways to keep them in check.


    '''' I''ll keep that in mind.'''' Wrex said slowly.


    Samael nodded and after a moment of silence, said, '''' Brother, the war started. It''s time for the Krogan people to shine once more. See you later.''''


    Samael ended the call and Wrex took a couple of minutes to digest everything he heard.


    While Samael never said where they would fight, he would still prepare his side, '''' Is 5000 too little or too much... well, we will find out later.''''


    Wrex took a big breath and screamed at the top of his lungs, '''' BOYS AND GIRLS! PREPARE TO WAR.''''


    Today was an amazing day.


    WITH JAVIK


    Javik was also considered an LD personnel, so when he received Code Reaper, old feelings came back. Before he could process them, Samael called.


    '''' Brother.'''' Samael was gentle with Javik, as he knew exactly what the Prothean was feeling.


    '''' ... Brother Where do you need me?'''' Javik wasn''t dumb, and on top of that, he was a soldier, the Vengence of the Prothena species. Even though it seemed only one Reaper was here venegen dont care about numbers.


    While both were talking, all LD personnel on the planet were running around, preparing to leave. Only a few non-competent ones would stay there, to take care of Jack''s mother.


    '''' Grab 50 Protheans and go to Illos first, I think the main fight will be there. Then, the other 50 will go to the Citadel, just in case I''m wrong.''''


    While all LD personnel would first regroup on Earth, Javik and the Protheans were different. They already know how to fight a Reaper so the briefing on Earth was unnecessary.


    '''' How about the commotion of their approach?'''' Javik was talking about the 50 Protheans who would appear at the Citadel. Not even Tevos knew about them.


    '''' I doubt the galaxy would care about that.'''' Samael just said mysteriously.


    '''' You mean...''''


    Javik caught on to something shocking, but before he could say more, Samael said, '''' I''ll handle it, don''t worry about this.''''


    '''' Consider it done then.''''


    '''' Good. And Javik, thanks for everything.''''


    '''' Don''t worry. I will enjoy killing this Reaper.''''


    The call then ended and Javik took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Even though there was only one Reaper that appeared, the fighting force of this cycle was worse than his own, and even at that time, planets fell to one Reaper. So, things weren''t so simple.


    Still, a chance to avenge his people appeared easier and earlier than he thought, and he would use it.


    The Prothean then went to talk with the rest of his people and separated them into two groups.


    WITH THE SHADOW BROKER


    Various agents are calling, seeing messages to the figure, to talk about Thessia''s state. The figure obviously sold everything at a high price.


    Also, the figure didn''t really care about it and was only waiting for a specific call. And it came soon after. The caller was Samael.


    Unlike the others, this one was just a call, not a video chat.


    '''' I need you to sell information about something.''''


    '''' The price?''''


    '''' For free.''''


    That took the figure by surprise, but a deal is a deal. '''' What is the information?''''


    '''' All information about the Reapers, The Location of the Omega 4 relay, Illos location, the fact that the place had countless Prothean Relics and that the Reapers are trying to destroy the Relay and the planet.''''


    '''' ...'''' This was madness.'''' And how many of those are true?''''


    '''' Does it matter?''''


    '''' ... No, no it doesn''t. Consider it done.''''


    '''' Also, the information about the Reapers, make it loud. I want everyone in the whole galaxy to know about them.''''


    As the figure worked for Samael, it knew about the Reapers existence. Those in power, like criminal warlords, pirates, and such, also knew about them but now, the whole galaxy would know.


    '''' No problem.''''


    '''' Talk to you later.''''


    WITH SAMAEL


    After finishing the last call, Samael sighed. Everything he did, the preparations for the future, all gone. He knew the consequences would change a lot, but he was past the point of caring. If you push someone past his breaking point, that tends to happen.


    And his breaking point was long ago. He just needs a push to press the Fuck it button.


    And he just did that.


    What will happen thanks to his decision, no one knew.

 SIDE STORY – Saren’s Thoughts

    <div>


    This chapter takes place after chapter 54 onwards


    ----


    WITH SAREN


    '' FUCK! ANOTHER DEAD END!''


    Ever since receiving the file from the Shadow Broker, the one with a rumor about Prothean Beacons, I went on a hunt.


    I spent a lot of time going after those rumors, sometimes going personally and others sending subordinates, but nothing bore fruit. Basically, all of them were literally rumors.


    No Beacon on Earth, Tuchanka, Akuze, nor Eden Prime. All I did was waste my efforts on this.


    I sighed as I looked at the last location. Thessia.


    There were rumors about it before, but the Asari did its best to silence them. It also made sense, the existence of a Beacon would allow the Asari to stay at the top of the galaxy. It was also the reason I left this place for last... as it was literally going to be my last choice.


    The chances of exiting a Beacon there were close to 70%. But, the problem remained the same. At the end of the day, it could still be a Rumor and I would risk it all by checking it.


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    Without a real reason, it would be suspicious. And, it seems people were already on the edge with me...


    So, I had no choice but to talk with Sovereign about it. Maybe he has some kind of plan about it.


    --


    MINUTES LATER


    '''' We will attack the planet.'''' The Reaper dropped a bomb without giving me time to prepare.


    '''' ... What?''''


    '''' We''ve been hiding for too long. The others know about our existence and they will inevitably start to prepare. Of course, it will be futile but I want to show them our might. We will attack Thessia, to showcase our strength and to grab the Beacon.''''


    '''' And if we don''t we-''''


    '''' We would still deal damage to the so-called leaders of this cycle.'''' The Reaper clearly made up his mind already and nothing I said would change that, '''' There''s a Beacon there, no doubt about it. Prepare the Geth. We will attack Thessia... And prepare yourself for another session of enhancements.''''


    I trembled. This was worse than I thought ... but I had no choice.


    '''' I will do so.''''


    With a heavy heart, I left the place and went to prepare for the invasion. It would not be instant, as the Asari were too powerful to attack without full preparations.


    So, it would take at least a month or two to prepare.


    But, when we attack ... the galaxy will retaliate.


    I just hope what I''m doing is right.


    <hr>


    <div>

 SIDE STORY – Battle On Thessia (1)

    This side story takes place between chapter 77 and chapter 80.


    --


    As mentioned before, the reinforcements were Tali, Shepard, and RR. They never stayed too long in one area, as many places needed help.


    RR had hacked the Asari communications ( she tried to do the same with the Geth, but to no avail, as Sovereign was helping in that area), so they knew where to go and the number of enemies they would face.


    Shepard was helping a civilian go to safety, in a nearby bunker. After she did that, RR approached her, '''' Commander, 500 meters to the right, there''s a few Asari pinned down. They were requesting assistance.''''


    BANG


    After killing a nearby husk, who had just gotten transformed, Shepard nodded at what RR said. '''' I got it. Can you destroy that for me?'''' She was pointing at the device that transformed others into husks.


    ''''Certainly.'''' RR took a grenade out of somewhere and threw it at the thing.


    BOOOM


    Tali, who had been looking at the Geth corpses all this time, trying to hack into their communications, sighed, '''' Still no luck.''''


    She could hack the Geth for a few moments, and control its movements, but that''s it


    The Quarian then noticed RR and Shepard were ready to leave the area, so she got closer, '''' How are you both doing?''''


    While Tali had the least experience in battle, she was adapting quite well to the situation. The training she had with Samale helped, even if little.


    Shepard looked at the numerous corpses of Husks, Geths, and the lucky Asari who weren''t transformed into a monster, '''' ... I had better days, but I''m good.''''


    She was a soldier. She was trained to ignore the carnage around her and focus on her mission, but it seems the scenario in Thessia was so bad she was having difficulty on that front. Still, she would not quit the fight, unless she was dead.


    While RR was here with her body, the AI was trying all this time to find a way to end the jamming of interplanetary comms, but the Reaper was more advanced than her, so until now, no such luck. She still responded to Tali, '''' I''m good. Now, let''s rescue more.''''


    With RR leading the way, the trio went toward the group of Asari that asked for help. They killed any Husk or Geth on the way there, with their shield being depleted a few times, but they suffered no damage. Their armor was top-notch, after all.


    On the way there, Tali asked, '''' Do you think, if they were better prepared for the attack, they could''ve saved more civilians?''''


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Deep down, she knew the response but still asked the other two.


    '''' Maybe. Even Samael was taken by surprise by this attack, so it''s difficult to say.'''' Shepeard gave her opinion.


    '''' If this attack was on Earth-'''' Before Shepard could continue, RR interrupted.


    '''' If this attack was on Earth, they would still probably succeed, but I doubt they would be able to leave the planet alive. Not even the Reaper.'''' RR knew exactly the type of protection Samael had put on Earth. The situation was going to be way different than now.


    Also, Thessia was in this precarious situation because they weren''t battle-oriented. It was also one of the reasons the Reaper was sure the attack would be a success. If this attack occurred in Paluven or Tuchanka, the Reaper would probably die in battle. The rest of the galaxy, most likely would be even worse than the current Thessia.


    '''' We have arrived.'''' While they talked, they never stopped walking, so they finally arrived at their destination.


    The trio took cover and looked around the place. They could not see much, but Shepard asked RR, '''' The number of enemies?''''


    RR had a few drones flying all around Thessia, and while the majority was destroyed, she still had a few. '''' 35 Geth, 89 Husks, 39 Asari ... 38.''''


    '''' Tali, do your thing!''''


    '''' Gladly.'''' Tali was an Engineer and could hack, even if little and briefly, a Geth, and cause confusion in their ranks. That''s how the trio managed to gain the upper hand in most of their battle until now.


    Tali asked RR for a Geth who was away from the main group. She could not get too far away from RR, as it was the AI that had some sort of covering field that allowed the trio to remain undetected in the Geth radar.


    Before the unlucky Geth could even begin to comprehend what had happened to him, he had no control of his body anymore.


    '''' You have 16 seconds!'''' Tali urged.


    '''' Send him to the middle of their ranks and cause mayhem.'''' Shepard had already thought about what to do with their chance.


    Tali nodded and did just that.


    The hacked Geth got closer to the main group, who was gunning down the Asari who were hiding in a nearby building. Before the others could react, it started to shoot at the Geth.


    The machines, clearly confused by what was happening, shot back. The hacked Geth, before dying, used a grenade to kill as many as he could.


    Tali, RR, and Shepard took the opportunity to wipe out the Geth. The husks really become a problem if they are in a big number, and thanks to the explosion, the hacked Geth, and the Aasri who noticed the situation, they handled the creatures quite easily.


    It took only a few minutes for them to win this battle. The now 29-alive Asari approached the trio, '''' Thank you for that. We would not have held for long.''''


    The 29 alive were counting the civilians... they had 100 in this group when the battle on Thessia started.


    '''' Don''t need to thank me, not for this.'''' Shepard was only doing what needed to be done. No one with a sane mind would turn their back on someone in this situation.


    '''' Commander, 2,3 Km from here there is another group of Geth needing help.'''' RR suddenly said with urgency.


    Shepard nodded and looked at the ramaing Asari, '''' I won''t ask you to join us, but please take the civilians to a safe place.''''


    '''' We will do so.''''


    Out of the 29 survivors, only 5 were combatants.


    After that, the trio left the place and continued to help where they could.


    --


    30 MINUTES LATER


    They had received Samael''s message not long ago but had their hands full at the moment. HELL, ever since the battle started they had their hands full, so they could not contact him.


    The trio killed many and helped even more, but the situation seems to only get worse for them. The number of enemies never decreases, with more and more husks appearing, outnumbering the Geth by dozens.


    Only RR was still in her top form, as she never gets tired.


    Suddenly, RR stopped in her tracks, as the trio was going to help in another location.


    '''' RR, what''s wrong?'''' Tali asked with concern. It was the first time RR had done that since the battle began.


    '''' All communications got jammed.'''' RR said in a dark tone of voice. Anyone with a brain knew this was bad for them.


    Shepard immediately felt something big was going to happen, '' Let''s hope it''s just a feeling.''


    But now, the trio was stuck. They were relying on RR using Asari comms to decide where to go, now they lost that.


    '''' LOOK UP!'''' Tali suddenly screamed and pointed to the sky.


    At the sky, the Reaper, who stood still since the beginning, started to move. The machine seems to come to life, with a few openings appearing in its body.  10 seconds later, a Red beam came off of it. It looked like death.


    '''' COVER!'''' Shepard screamed as she lunged towards the ground, with a huge sound and an even bigger shockwave following soon. RR and Tali did the same.


    BOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM


    No sound was heard even after 30 seconds passed since the beam was launched. Tali and RR got up first, then helped Shepard.


    After a few moments, Shepard finally gathered enough strength to look at where the beam hit and noticed it was the Asari Temple. A symbol of the Asari.


    It was totally destroyed. The Reaper was also leaving the planet, with the Geth ships doing the same.


    '''' Before all comms got jammed ... Samael said he was going there.'''' Tali said in a small voice, but anyone who knew her could hear the despair underneath.


    The trio looked at each other and could see the worry in each other faces. They rushed to the temple, to see if they could help in any way, shape, or form.

 SIDE STORY – Battle On Thessia (2)

    This side story takes place between chapter 77 and chapter 80.


    --


    While the aerial battle wasn''t as chaotic as on the ground, it was pretty. The only reason there was even a stalemate in the air was the Phoenix and the Normandy. The help both ships were giving was that good.


    Still, it was a battle, and any distraction could cost a lot. The numbers of ships were almost equal, but the Asari was slow to act at the beginning, so until now, the Geth had a slight advantage, but as time passed, it reached the now stalemate.


    '''' To the side!'''' With EDI''s shout, Joker dodged to the side, avoiding the attack. The AI was acting as a copilot on the Normandy, giving Joker a chance to showcase all his piloting skills. He drove while EDI shot.


    BOOOM


    After the dodge, Veronica took the opportunity and killed the Geth ship which attacked Joker.


    '''' Good job!'''' EDI shouted to Joker while shooting the guns.


    This was the first real battle Joker faced. He got recruited as soon as he finished his courses at the Alliance Academy. For the first time, his physical condition didn''t matter. It''s a shame the only chance for him to shine was here, today.


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    Joker wiped the sweat off his forehead, '''' Thanks!''''


    The battle was far from easy, the only reason he was alive until now was thanks to EDI, the new Normandy, and Veronica''s help.


    Speaking of Veronica, Joker used the private cooms to talk to her, '''' Where the hell you learned to pilot like that?'''' He asked with genuine curiosity.


    You have to understand that, thanks to his condition, he literally spent all his time training to be a better pilot. And Veronica was at his level, maybe even better.


    BOOOMMM


    EDI killed another Geth ship, while Veronica responded, '''' Samael personally trained me.''''


    Joker immediately thought, '' Makes sense then.''


    The man seemed to be able to do anything, so training Veronica to this level didn''t seem farfetched.


    '''' 20 Geth ships approaching on the left side!'''' An Asari said through the open comms. Sure enough, at a distance, the ships were visible.


    Joker prepared to fight the new wave, when Veronica said, '''' Can you hold from a while on your won? I have a pit stop.''''


    The battle started a few minutes ago, and everyone heard Samael asking Veronica for a ride. Some time passed, so it made sense for her to go grab him.


    Looking to the side, at his possible future robot girlfriend, Joker was filled with confidence. Besides, he still had the Asari help, so he was confident he could hold, '''' Godspeed.''''


    '''' See you soon.'''' With that, Veronica left the main battlefield, to go grab SAmael.


    A few Geth ships seemed to follow her, but EDI acted swiftly and shot them down. She then looked at Joker, '''' We can do this!''''


    BOOMM


    A missile hit the Normandy shield, making them go down from 80% to 32%. Still, Joker didn''t seem fazed at all, '''' I trust you.''''


    ---


    The air battle continued for a long time, and Joker showcased his worth that day. He was one of the few ''lucky'' ones who witnessed up close the beam Sovereign fired at the temple.


    That didn''t discourage him, as he knew they would win in the end.


    Whatever it takes!

 SIDE STORY – Battle On Thessia (3)

    This side story takes place between chapter 77 and chapter 80.


    --


    '' This is hell.'' An unnamed Asari thought as she looked around.


    There are many superstitions about what happens after you die and this Asari had read a few things about other species'' interpretations. In this scene, she remembered about humans. If you are a good person, you go to heaven. If you''re a bad person, you go to hell.


    And today, this unnamed Asari was wondering what she had done to see this hell. She was a soldier, stationed in Thessia, and was enjoying a peaceful day with her sisters when ... hell arrived.


    Countless ships entered the atmosphere, with a bigger one following. At first, she and her sister were confused about all of this, but then they recognized the Geth, and alarm bells rang in their head and they started to prepare. Alas, even with all that readiness to attack, it was too late and too little.


    The unnamed Asari watched and the ships started to fire on civilians, in populated areas, killing a lot of people. She saw them dying, not having the power to help. Of course, she and her sister fired at the ships but it did nothing. They need bigger firepower that they didn''t have.


    The Geth ships continued firing, killing more and more, and even some bombs were dropped in populated areas, all this in less than 2 minutes after they arrived. Just as they thought it could not get worse, the Geth ships started to drop things.


    At first, they thought it was more bombs, but suddenly, when the things dropped to the ground, they transformed into some kinda spike. The unnamed Asari didn''t know what it was but knew it was trouble. She looked at the things and said, '''' FIRE ON THAT.''''


    Something in her mind was screaming for her to destroy that thing, and she acted on that. She and her sister fired on those things, and after a barrage of shots, it seemed to be destroyed.


    Before they could sigh in relief, they saw the Geth ships dropping countless things just like that, alongside Geth soldiers. It was clear the situation was bad for them.


    '''' ... May the Goddess be with us.'''' They were hearing other sisters on the radio, saying that interplanetary communications were jammed and there were too many Geth. Even the Matriachers joined the fray and it seemed the Geth focus was on the temple.


    But... the unnamed Asari and her sister were far from the temple and the Geth were still there.


    '''' COVER!'''' The unnamed Asari noticed the Geth that dropped not long ago were close and ready to open fire.


    BANG BAGN BANG


    The unnamed Asari survived because she reacted fast, but the same could not be said about the rest of her sister. A few were injured, but not much. Their biotic shield, the shield on their armor, and their armor helped with that.


    Still, they were pinned down. The Asari weren''t weak, far from it, but the enemy had three times their numbers. Even though they could put up a fight, that was the extent of what they could do.


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    The unnamed Asari threw a Singularity in the middle of a group of Geth and one of her sisters threw a grenade, killing a lot.


    BREAK


    The Asari who threw the Grenade had her biotic shield broken, '''' Are you ok?''''


    '''' Could be better.''''


    The biotic shield was put up after a few seconds, and the battle continued. More and more Geth fell but the Asari were getting more and more injuried. If things continued like this, they would fall sooner than later.


    The problem was, that the Asari didn''t have many troops on the planet. They had the numbers, but never considered that someone would attack their planets, so they focused more on the galaxy exploration.


    Still, from how things were looking, the Asari on the planet were glad that a grand majority of the younger ones were far away. Still, the number of younger Asari on the planet was bigger than what they wanted currently.


    '''' We can''t hold for longer!'''' One of the Asari shouted and everyone knew it was true. They were retreating more and more, towards where they didn''t know. They helped where they could, and the number of civilians they were protecting was growing and their resources were diminishing.


    '''' Any ideas?''''


    '''' I - wait, look at that!'''' One of the Asari pointed at the thing they destroyed earlier. It was not the same, because they destroyed that one, but another that the Geth dropped. They watched in horror and the Geth put a civilian body on the spike and not even seconds later, a monster came out of it.


    It had a humanoid body but ... the facial features were distorted in what looked like pain. Its body had a gray color and was skinny. Still, that sent fear into the hearts of everyone who saw it.


    '''' What are they doing!?'''' One of the Asarii shouted as the Geth put another body on it.


    It didn''t take a genius to realize what they were doing, '''' ... Let''s destroy those things while retreating.''''


    Everyone nodded. In less than a minute, countless of those monsters were made and it seemed they were going to attack everyone on the planet. There would be no hesitation coming from the unmanned Asari and her sisters, but it wasn''t a nice feeling shooting those things... they were their people, transformed into monsters, yes, but still their people...


    '''' ... May the Goddess be with us.'''' Said one of the Asari as she noted the monsters coming toward them.


    All the Asari readied themselves once more. Their hell had only begun.


    --


    This wasn''t only happening with the unnamed Asari and her group but on the whole planet. It was happening all around Thessia. They were outnumbered but still fighting.


    Shepard and Samael''s crew were also helping where they could, but it was like a drop of water against a volcano. It wasn''t changing much.


    Still, they would not stop fighting. This was the fight of their lives and even if the only possible outcome was death, they would accept it.

 SIDE STORY – Explosive News (2)

    This side story takes place after chapter 80


    --


    Diana Allers looked at the message she got not long ago. She had reread it many times, but until now, she could not believe it.


    It was a simple message, coming from one of the few sources she had that was connected to the Shadow Broker.


    '' The Reapers are real. The Geth are helping them.''


    Almost everyone that knew about the Reapers, regarded them as a fairytale that others tell children in order to scare them. But now, it seems the fairytale turned into a nightmare that turned into reality. Even worse, it seems the Geth, which were a plague to the galaxy, had joined hands with the monsters.


    Then, attached to that message was footage of Thessia being attacked... something she didn''t know had happened until now.


    ( AN: LD had the habit of filming all their battles, and then RR or EDI would edit the footage and release it to the public if Samael wanted. The fight in Thessia was no different and he gave the complete footage to the Shadow Broker, who then passed it around to everyone)


    So, you have to understand why she was shocked to the point of not knowing what to do. The first thing she did was check with her two seniors, Emily and Khalisah al-Jilani.


    Ever since they met months ago, they maintained contact and shared news. And now Diana had what she considered the most important news in the last few years. Not even Javik being alive nor the news about evil organizations and slavers mattered in front of this.


    "Did you guys receive the footage too?" Diana asked in the group chat, then sent the footage and what her contact said. Sure enough, Emily responded immediately.


    '''' Yes... I honestly don''t know what to do.'''' Emily wasn''t dumb. She knew a lot of reporters received this footage and news, as if even Diana, who could be considered a newbie, received it, so would others. Still, she wasn''t sure if they should post it.


    '''' They deserve to know.'''' Khalisah al-Jilani was a simple woman who wanted to bring the truth to everyone. Even if the truth was bad.


    ''''Other channels would probably post anyway, so we should do the same.'''' Emily already sent the footage to her superior and now the decision was in their hands.


    Diana sighed internally. With a touch, she sent it to her boss, who most likely already had that news in hand. Now, it was above her pay grade.


    '''' I only hope things don''t get worse from now on.'''' Diana knew most likely it was just a wish, as the Reapers are real. They even attacked Thessia, and from the footage, the planet took quite a beating.


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    At what Diana sent, Emily responded, '''' ... I have a few friends on Thessia. I can''t contact them and after seeing the footage, I''m worried. Do you guys have any contacts on Thessia?''''


    Diana said no, but Khalisah al-Jilani said, '''' I can try and use my connections. What are their names?''''


    '''' Thank you! Their names are -''''


    Diana had a feeling reading the conversation. This would become normal in the future, looking for their friends after the Reapers attacked.


    She could only hope it was just a feeling.


    ---


    While the 3 journalists took it surprisingly well, the rest could not be said for other civilians. Even though the upper personnel of the governments knew about the Reapers before this, now it was everyone.


    After the journalists received the footage, every planet posted about Thessia being attacked, the Reapars being real, and the Geth now probably being more active. It started a chain reaction, with everyone now being on edge.


    And just like Samael predicted, and based on what happened in past cycles, panic took over, even more so seeing the Geth being more active.


    Even the Citadel, a symbol to everyone, was in turmoil.


    '''' CALM DOWN! CALM DOWN!'''' Garrus, who was now higher up in the C-Sec, after taking out the bad roots, was trying to calm the public. After they received the news, everyone now wanted to leave the Citadel, causing chaos.


    Garrus was leading the officers and trying to appease the situation, but the panic was too strong. Also, the Turian was thinking about what to do from now on.


    '' I can''t stay here.''


    He was feeling restless. Sure, he could help with the chaos here on the Citadel, but so what? The galaxy would still be in danger. And he didn''t like that.


    Garrus had a family to protect, his father and sister. Taking a look at his omni tool, Garrus looked at his contacts with a calm face. He came to a decision, '' It seems its time for me to join the fray.''


    His position in the C-Sec probably will be given to others, but from what he saw and heard about the Reapers, this battle would be almost impossible to win.


    Almost.


    With a sigh, Garrus sent a message to his contacts.


    ON EARTH


    Panic took over. People started to buy and hoard food unnecessarily. Even though the government knew about the Reapers beforehand, they thought the threat was in the future, so they didn''t make any preparations for a situation like this.


    When the public heard about the Reapers and what happened to Thessia, they rushed to the markets, who also didn''t know what to do, and bought almost all their stocks.


    When the higher-ups finally reacted, it was too late. The rich had hoarded the food, while the poor could only watch.


    That caused riots in many cities across the planet. But, San Francisco was one of the rare exceptions.


    LD headquarters was located there and even though initially there was panic in the city too, Tarzan had acted and stopped the hoarding. The man didn''t care if you were rich or not, he was fair regarding the food situation.


    Besides, he knew it was futile, as most likely the fight against those machines was in the future. Still, the public was in a panic so they acted dumb.


    LD had also sent soldiers to control the population. The riots never had the chance to start in the city.


    Tarzan and LD managed to make San Fransico stay calm, even though under force. No one hoarded resources and things were safe.


    The other cities and countries also sent forces to try and contain the situation but conflict started to happen more and more.


    The same was happening on all planets, with a few exceptions, like Palluven, as the Turians were a military society, so besides the initial surprise, they were ok. Same as Tuchanka, the Krogans were raring to fight.


    Still, now everyone in the galaxy knew about the Reapers and were instructed to tell authorities if they saw one.


    What will come out of this, only time will tell.

 81 – Priority: Race Against Time (1)

    When Tevos woke up, after she had fainted in the battle against Saren, one hour had passed since the Geth and the Reapers left the planet.


    The Asari quickly got up and prepared to continue fighting when she noticed the sounds. There was no more screaming or gunshots.


    The realization made the Asari relax, even if just a little, and she looked around the place where she was at. It was a tent, roughly made, with all the other Asari Matriarchs, all of which were still out.


    '' It seems I''m one of the first to wake up.''


    '''' Ease.'''' A familiar voice said to her. '''' You took quite the beating.''''


    Tevos looked at Samara, who was acting as a lookout in this tent. They had known each other for years, '''' Saren... he was different. He was stronger than normal.''''


    '''' Like he was modified, right?'''' Samael said as he entered the tent. Samara had informed him minutes ago that Tevos showed signs of waking, and he came here to check. After all, he had done many things in these last hours, things she might not like.


    Tevos nodded at what Samael said and before she could say anything more, he continued, '''' That''s because he is. The Reapers must have done something to him.''''


    Even though Saren was a Spectre, the best of the best, his opponents were Matriarchs, so it wasn''t normal that he won against multiple of them. Plus, he survived Samael''s full power punch with only a few broken bones.


    '''' Your eye.'''' Tevos kept Samael''s comments in her mind and commented on his appearance.


    Samael touched the left side of his face, '''' A small price ... it could have been worse.'''' He then made a pained expression as he looked at Tevos, '''' You won''t like what I''m about to say.''''


    Samara looked quite down, so Tevos knew their situation wasn''t good, '''' Hit me with it.''''


    Samael started, '''' The temple and the beacon were destroyed, 1 million civilian casualties confirmed and many more missing, their fate unknown.''''


    Most likely turned into husks, but no need to say that now.


    Tevos sighed in defeat, '''' Anything else?''''


    This time, Samael had a forced smile on his face, '''' I may or may not have told everyone in the galaxy about the Reapers. Sure, we could''ve covered what happened here as a Geth attack, but with what I did, they can''t hide anymore.''''


    '''' How did the public react?'''' While Tevos was sad about what happened on her planet, she knew that she couldn''t stop to mourn now. Things were too complicated for that.


    '''' Hard to say, as it has been only a few hours since they know. But fear seems to be the safest bet.''''


    Tevos got up and started to walk around. Even though she had most of the galaxy power at her hand, as she was the Council, she didn''t know what to do with it. Rather, there was so much to do that she didn''t know where to start.


    As Tevos was lost in her own thoughts, Samael, who had accompanied her, said, '''' Start small.''''


    Tevos broke her train of thought and looked at Samael, '''' Sorry?''''


    Samael explained, '''' You''re in a position of power and have a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders. So, start small. Help here on Thessia before thinking about the whole galaxy.''''


    Samael was saying this from a place of experience, He had, in past cycles, garnered powers to control the galaxy, but with that, came a lot of problems he didn''t like. So, he adopted a carefree attitude in the face of it all.


    While it''s nice to have powers, you have to know how to deal with the adversities that come with it. Tevos was a Councilour for a long time, but it was the first time she had all its power in her hand, so it was normal she was lost.


    Tevos looked around her planet, now destroyed. She calmed down a little and looked at Samael, '''' You have wisdom that doesn''t match your age... I''ll do as you say. Help her for a few hours then deal with the rest.''''


    '''' Good. When you finish here, come to see me. We still have a lot to discuss.'''' Samael wasn''t lying. There''s really a lot to talk about, not only about the restoration of Thessia but how to deal with Sovereign.


    With that, Samael left Tevos with Samara and returned to the thing he was doing before coming here.


    Tevos looked at Samara, '''' Where can I help?'''' She wasn''t there as a councilor, nor a Matriarch, but as an Asari. She would do whatever she could, dirty her hands, to help.


    Samara had the same mentality as her, '''' There''s a lot of people still missing, so we need to look around, everywhere. The Headmaster and the rest of the Ardat-Yakshi were already helping, but it''s far from the numbers we need.''''


    Tevos was surprised by the information she heard, '''' That Headmaster appearance in public?... No, it makes sense. The planet needs help.'''' Even though she had a little bit of rejection when the subject was the Ardat-Yakshi, now was not the time to think about those things.


    Samara said while walking towards the mess, '''' The Ardat-Yakshi made a deal with LD. I can''t say what, but it''s beneficial to everyone.''''


    Tevos said nothing about that but was glad that was the case. She looked at the tent where the rest of the Matriachr were, '''' What if they wake up?''''


    Samara touched her omni tool a few times, '''' I just sent someone to look over them. Before this, Samael had asked for me to wait for you to wake up, call him, then go to help.''''


    Clare, Dr.Chakwas, and the Asari doctors did their best to wake up the Matriarchs first, Tevos and Benezia being the priority. Benezia woke up a few minutes ago, and now Tevos did the same. The other Matriarchs also received medical attention, but that was it.


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    '''' Good. Now, let''s help.''''


    Tevos and Samara walked the now destroyed Thessia, helping where they could. They used their powers to lift things, to see if there were any survivors below destroyed buildings and such.


    They weren''t alone in their quest, as a lot of Asari and some of Shepard and Samael''s crew were helping too.


    '''' I FOUND ONE!'''' Kasumi, who had woken up after being beaten by Saren, was with Keiji. Both had just found a survivor.


    Tevos rushed to the location of the scream and saw a survivor amidst a lot of bodies.


    '''' ... It seems they protected her with their bodies.'''' Kasumi said as she passed the unconscious Aasri to Tevos, '''' Take her to the doctors.''''


    There were no ranks here, only survivors. Tevos didn''t mind one bit being ordered around. '''' Leave it to me.''''


    Samara accompanied Tevos, as both went to the doctor area. They passed close to various devices, destroyed, that transformed others into Husks.


    '''' ... Destroy more thoroughly, please.'''' Tevos said that to Samara, who said nothing and used her biotic powers to reduce the device to dust.


    '''' Thank you.''''


    '''' Don''t mention it. It''s only right... Samael said that a single piece of this could indoctrinate others, so there is no reason to risk it.''''


    Tevos and Samara dropped the survivor off at the doctors'' and joined the fray once more.


    There is still a lot to be done, but the Asari people would not fall just because of one attack. Sure, they were beaten, but not entirely defeated.


    They would avenge their dead sisters, one way or another.


    WITH SAMAEL


    After he left Tevos, Samael returned to the place he was previously. It was an unknown location, also in ruins. In said place, there was a tent, with a Geth inside.


    With this Geth, who was injured, there was EDI, RR, and Tali. Said Geth was the one who was helping the Asari fight the other Geth. He was injured in the battle and one member of Samael''s crew rescued him.


    RR and EDI were there because in a sense both were ''big sisters'' of the machine, while Tali was there because she loved studying the Geth as a whole.


    '''' How is it?'''' Samael asked as he sat down. Mentally, he was far from okay and was doing his best to stay composed for now, and physically he was ok, minus his missing eyes. Still, he finally had time to sit down, even if for a few seconds.


    '''' The machine had ''woken'' up since you left. He explained a few things regarding what had happened.'''' Tali said that as she checked Samael''s condition.


    Samael thanked Tali and said, '''' What did he say?''''


    Before anyone else could respond, the Geth said, '''' Many moons ago, my people received a visit from what we consider a God.''''


    '''' A Reaper.''''


    To Samael''s affirmation, the Geth nodded, '''' Yes, a Reaper. This Reaper came to us, and promised paradise and many other things, in exchange for loyalty. Some believed right away and joined the cause, others didn''t.... those that didn''t were chased away. I was one of them.''''


    '''' Even though they chased us away, we could not see the rest of us die in a meaningless way. So this unity followed them, tracking and keeping an eye out on what they were doing.''''


    '''' That''s how we came to this planet. This unity didn''t know their true motive upon arriving but seeing what they were doing, even though they were the same as this unity, I could not allow it to continue. That''s why I fought and got injured.''''


    Samael could see the machine''s stomach was hit, the same as the right arm. He could already picture the enchantments he could do to it, '''' ... I believe you.''''


    RR, EDI, and Tali looked at Samael with surprise. They thought he would be more untrustworthy of a Geth after today.


    Samael looked offended, '''' WHAT? I''m quite the magnanimous person, you see.''''


    Tali smirked at that, while both AIs shook their head. Slowly but surely, they were getting back to normal after the battle.


    '''' Thank you.'''' The Geth thanked the human in front of him. He didn''t know if he was in its position if he would take the same route.


    '''' Do you have a name? I can''t call you machine.'''' Samael inquired, clearly knowing the next part.


    '''' I don''t but this unity researched quite a bit before arriving at a fitting name. Legion, Legion is my name.'''' The machine looked quite proud of it.


    '''' Legion, huh? Have you thought about working for me?'''' Samael was dirigt to the point.


    Even Legion was taken off guard. This action didn''t make sense to him, '''' Why would you allow a Geth to work with you?''''


    '''' You are not just a Geth, you are you. A Geth that fought against others to protect organic life, without anyone asking you to. That alone is a praise very few machines could receive.''''


    '''' Besides, this would also protect you from the public warth... at least mitigate it the best we could.''''


    Samael knew from the beginning that the Geth as a whole, just like the Krogan but more strongly, was seen as a plague by the galaxy population. He had considered that in his plan, and how to make the galaxy accept Legion and the rest of them later on.


    But now, clearly, that plan would not work anymore. Everyone saw the Geth attacking Thessia, and no one would be crazy enough to trust one... except him.


    Legion didn''t have much more to say, '''' ... I will join your cause.''''


    '''' Good. In this case, we will upgrade your body, if you don''t mind. And study you for a bit, if you also don''t mind.''''


    Legion felt this day was getting stranger and stranger.


    ---


    Samael had left the tent after confirming everything was in order with Legion, giving both RR and Tali a kiss, and encouraging EDI.


    He was going to see Liara... honestly, when he had her unconscious body in his arms not long ago, he almost lost control. Good thing RR didn''t allow anyone to approach him in that state, otherwise even he didn''t know how he would react.


    Samael might appear calm, but he was far from it.


    With a heavy heart, he went to Liara''s location. She was with her mother, who was the first matriarch who had woken up, even before Tevos. Both were also helping where they could.


    Samael arrived at the location, which just happened to be the now-destroyed temple. He still hasn''t spoken to her ever since she woke up, as he was busy and honesty still out of it. His mental state only recently got better.


    Seeing Liara at a distance, safe and sound, made Samael relax immediately. He approached her slowly but Liara noticed him.


    '''' Samael.'''' Liara ran to him under the watchful gaze of her mother and the others around her but she didn''t care. She embraced him, '''' I heard you''re injured! I wanted to go see you but -''''


    Samael interrupted her with a light kiss, '''' It''s ok, I''m ok.'''' He then hugged her with strength, almost like he was afraid she would disappear at any moment.


    Liara said nothing more and embraced him back with the same emotion.


    COUGH


    Benezia broke the reunion with a fake cough, '''' Now that you both know you were ok, can you help here?''''


    ''''Gladly.'''' Samael and Liara broke the hug and joined the helping hands.


    Only a few hours had passed since the Geth and the Reapers left but the rescue efforts on the planet were going full speed.


    For better or for worse, the concentrated attack of the Geth on the planet was in the locations around the Temple and the beacon, so the places where they had to search for survivors were limited.


    The problem was the sheer number of people in the place. Even with everyone who could still move, helping with the rescue effort, it was a difficult process.


    Still, everyone was doing their best to help, and many survivors were found, along with many Geth devices being destroyed.


    The reconstruction didn''t even begin, but things were already complicated. Even more so if you take into account the fact the Reaper was still out there, doing god knows what.


    ---


    While Thessia wasn''t resting and everyone on the planet helping, the other governments were doing almost the same. Some were preparing their forces for war, others were prepared to flee. To where, even they didn''t know.


    The only consensus was that the Reapers existence had ignited their will to act.


    And while everyone else was doing their things, the Reaper was also moving towards its goal. Now, hours later after the useful attack, He was just waiting to gain more numbers before he acted once again.


    Sovereign had ordered others to completely change Saren into what he thought was a suitable being, and then he would act to call the rest of his army.


    The day to do that was getting closer.

 82 – Priority: Race Against Time (2)

    Hours passed since the rescue efforts started but a few people, mainly the Matriarchs and Samael''s & Shepard''s crew, left the rescue efforts to talk about what to do next.


    The meeting was occurring in a secluded spot inside a tent. They were all seated in what was a roughly made chair, around a roughly made table. Some of them, like Thane, who was one of the people who killed a lot of husks and Geth alike, and Grunt, who took most of the damage that was directed at the Matriarchs, were still using a few bandages.


    The med gel worked on them, but they decided to heal at a normal pace, to maintain the stock.... ok, Grunt was just copying Thane because he felt the Drell looked cool.


    Besides those two, only Samael was significantly hurt, having lost his left eye after a piece of debris pierced it. Clare and Chawkas even said that a few more inches deep, or a few inches to the side, and he was dead.


    Samael started the meeting as soon as he realized everyone who should be there was there. He looked at his omni tool and started to say the data he was seeing, '''' 1 million confirmed dead. In the past hours, with everyone''s effort, we managed to find and rescue 1.4 million of the 5 million missing. There''s still 3,6 million missing.''''


    The mood was heavy hearing that. They still haven''t rested ever since the battle ended, and they helped with the rescue efforts, saving a lot of people, but hearing that, it felt bad.


    They all used their specialties to save people.Samara used her biotic powers to the point of exhaustion many times, just like Liara. Kasumi used her slender physique to enter places others could not, and the AIs used all the tools they had at hand to locate others. Everyone helped.


    So, hearing that there are still 2,6 million missing was a blow to them. They knew the chances of those people being alive were slim, but they could hope.


    Tevos said after receiving a nod from Samael, '''' The med gel in stock is depleted, and no way to know when it will be restocked. I recommend using traditional ways of healing others from now on.''''


    Silence dominated the room. It was bad news after bad news. The consequence of their defeat here would have repercussions that could last for a long time.


    Also, the reason the Med Gel was gone so soon is that the Asari weren''t preoccupied with war before, so their stock was small to begin with. After helping millions of people in just a few hours, in what could be considered a small battle, their stock vanished.


    '''' Anyone want to add anything about the situation?'''' Samael asked. To be honest, the situation in Thessia could be considered ''good'' by his screwed-up standard. If it was a full Reaper invasion, their loss would be in the billions, not millions.


    Thane took the opportunity to say something while looking at the Matriarchs, '''' The husks are a problem, not because they were strong, but because of their sheer number. I will be honest, I doubt we killed all of them. I ask you to maintain security high on the whole planet.''''


    The Matriarchs clearly already thought that out, and Benezia spoke for them, '''' Don''t worry, we took that into consideration and those who weren''t helping to look for survivors, were patrolling the areas where the husks were seeing.''''


    Thane nodded at that, and Kasumi also added something, '''' I also want to say something... I saw many Geth dropping small metal things on the ground. Based on what we know about them, I suspect it might be a Reaper fragment of sorts.''''


    As everyone knows, a small piece of Reaper tech, or fragment, was enough to indoctrinate others, so this was worrisome.


    Tevos looked surprised by what Kasumi said, '''' That''s ... problematic. We didn''t receive any report about that.''''


    Sure enough, the Matriarchs were checking their omni tool for any report that might contain any information about such fragments, but no such luck.


    '''' I saw by chance, so I recommend you to destroy ANY metal you find. I was waiting for a meeting to talk about this.'''' Kasumi was one of the most affected by this battle. She and Keiji were recently recruited to the Phoenix and in their first mission, they already faced a war, the Geth and a Reaper. She was also alive because Saren went easy on her and his goal was the Beacon... if he was serious about killing, she would be gone by now.


    Keiji was doing his best to calm his love down, and it seemed to be working.


    Tevos thanked Kasumi and looked at Samael. He was the Reaper expert here, so she was looking for guidance on what to do next.


    Samael sighed, '''' This is worrisome. We can''t know for sure where they dropped those things... There''s only a few options on what to do, and one is worse than another.''''


    Benezia sighed and asked, '''' What option save most lifes?''''


    Samael looked somber, '''' Evacuate the areas where the Geth and Husks appeared... and then destroy everything.''''


    Everyone was shocked by what Samael was suggesting. They were talking about bombing the places, not something simple.


    Shepard, who was quiet until now, inquired, '''' Is there really no other way?''''


    '''' Do you really think we have the manpower to search through all metal things we found or will find in the areas where they attacked? It''s like trying to find a needle in the sand... This is the most ''secure'' option to wipe out those Reaper fragments... Or we can hope it''s nothing, but I doubt that.'''' Samael was being honest, this was the best option.


    Bombing every place the enemies passed or doing nothing and waiting to see if those fragments Kasumi saw, was nothing more than a ruse.


    The Matriarchs also didn''t have a good face hearing that. Not only there''s still a lot of people missing, but now they have to bomb the places where they might be.


    '''' Also, regarding this new development, I recommend quarantining all rescue people... They might be indoctrinated.'''' Samael knew it was a stretch, but they could not risk it, not now, not ever.


    Of course, he now had a way to deal with the Indocrination, but the price those poelpe have to pay in order to survive was high. They would stop being themselves.


    The Matriarchs all looked defeated, '''' The situation is a lot worse than what we innitialy thought.''''


    Samael could only nod, '''' As I said before, it is not feasible to search for all these Fragments, so bombing is the best option. And, a small piece of a Reaper is enough to indoctrinate someone, so if one of the survivors entered in contact with it ...''''


    Also, this was the first time Samael saw the Reapers using this tactic so soon in the timeline. Normally, they would wait until the end of the war to do so, as they were too proud to take pieces out of their body, but it seems things changed in this last cycle.


    '' It seems this last cycle of mine is filled with new developments...''


    '''' Are we even sure it''s a Reaper fragment? It could only be something they dropped at random.'''' Ashley tried to offer another point of view, but even she knew it was unlikely.


    '''' ... We can''t risk it.'''' It wasn''t even Samael who said that, but Tevos, '''' If one of the survivous were indoctrinated and they use their position to cause more destruction....''''


    She didn''t say more but everyone understood. Ash sighed and said nothing more.


    Still, bombing the places where there could be still survivous was out of the question for now, so after a brief discussion with the other Matriarchs, Tevos said, ''''We will discuss this issue at a later date, taking input from the rest of our sisters.''''


    Samael respected them, but warned, '''' Ok, but for now, tell everyone to destroy ANY kind of metal they find.''''


    They were already destroying all equipment that transformed others into husks, so this should not be a problem. It won''t fix everything, but it was a start.


    '''' Will do.'''' Tevos and the matriarchs touched their omni tool and sent messages telling the others to do just that.


    '''' Anything else?''''


    No one said anything, so Samael continued, '''' Ok then. From now on, we will talk about what are our next steps, not only about Thessia but the whole galaxy.''''


    '''' This attack was only the beginning but it showed the might of our enemy. Not only do they have the Geth on their side, but they are also strong enough to destroy a temple that stood tall for more than millennia and deal a blow to the Asari morale.''''


    '''' They also have the Beacon knowledge.... with that in mind, their next target is most likely Illos or the Citadel.''''


    Samael didn''t reveal about the Thorian who went missing, because it didn''t matter. Most people there didn''t really care about the steps it took for them to access the Beacon, only that they did.


    '''' ... Illos?'''' There are murmurs among the Matriarchs after Samael dropped that name. Shepard''s crew also was clueless about what that was.


    Liara took it upon herself to answer, '''' Illos was a legend, a planet that housed the last Protheans. It was considered a legend because the only way to access said planet was through the Mu Relay, which was also a legend. But-''''


    '''' But LD found the Relay and then the Planet.'''' Tevos had an '' I got it'' face. Not long ago, Samael had told her about the Mu Relay location. She didn''t send any team to check, because she had a lot of work, thanks to the Council matter. But she still remembered about it.


    When Liara said that, all the scattered pieces of the puzzle connected immediately.


    Samael had a neutral face as he said, '''' Yes. LD already visited Illos ... and found not only a lot of Protheans infrastructures but Protheans too. Now, not only Javik but there''s also at least 100 Protheans alive.''''


    That was a bomb to the Matriarchs. They always thought their guides were long dead, so when Javik appeared it caused a commotion among them. But now, it seems there''s a lot more alive.


    '''' Were you going to tell u- the rest of the galaxy?'''' Benezia asked in a quiet tone. She knew she, and her species, could not say much about withholding things from others, but she still had to ask, as the Protheans were that important to them.


    '''' Yes, but not now. I would let them establish themselves first, as they had woken up at a different time, and then reintroduce them back into the galaxy, but the attack took my plans out of its rails.''''


    '''' ... Continue.'''' The Matriarchs still had a lot in mind even after hearing that, but they knew when to stay quiet.


    '''' As mentioned before, in one of the Infrastructers in Illos we found the Protheans. But, '''' Liara looked at Samael, '''' I doubt the Reapers were interested in the planet that much. There''s nothing much there.''''


    '''' Vigil.''''


    '''' That...'''' Liara thought about it. It made sense. The VI had a lot of information about the Protheans and their plans. But still, why go after a VI?


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    There''s a piece of the puzzle missing and Liara didn''t know what it was.


    Kayden inquired after seeing Liara staying quiet, '''' Who is Vigil?''''


    '''' Vigil is a Prothean VI that has a lot of information about the Protheans and what they did to stop the Reapers. We are still looking over the data it gave us, but it seems they made something that stops Reapers communications. What it was, we don''t know, but we can''t be sure the Reapers would be the same.''''


    Kayden nodded at the information and stayed quiet. The table was quiet, with no one saying anything. They were still trying to process what they learned.


    Samael thought for a while, '' The timeline is already fucked... so telling the truth one more time will not hurt.''


    '''' ... I lied.''''


    Everyone looked at Samael, '''' I just said we are still looking over Vigil data but we already finished it. There''s a small Relay in Illos, one that sends you directly to the Citadel.''''


    '''' ... So, if they go to Illos, they could also go to the Citadel. That''s why two fronts.'''' Tevos said that, but the room continued in silence after that.


    '''' Yes. By the way, before things get complicated, I would have never told anyone about this. No reason to, as those that knew would never use it.'''' Samael said that last part to calm everyone down.


    '''' The only reason I''m telling you this is so that you can prepare.''''


    Safe to say, not everyone liked the fact Samael hid such things from them, but there''s not much they could do about it. Everyone in this room had secrets they could not share, even more so the Matriarchs, so they didn''t say anything.


    '''' You can say anything about what I did later, but for now, I will say the best course of action.'''' Samael tapped his omni tool and sent the draft of his plans to everyone there. '''' This is just a draft, so it''s open for revisions. Read it and tell your opinions.''''


    No one delved too much into what Samael had hidden, their only reaction was what to do next. They started to read the plan.


    It was divided into two parts. One of the parts was to send a few elites to Illos and the other part to the Citadel, to protect both places.


    Everything in those plans was counting that the Reapers would only attack one of those two places. If they didn''t...


    '''' Who wants to go where?'''' Samael knew the best teams to send to each place, but he also didn''t mind letting them choose. After all, they just need to win.


    '''' Where do you think the main fight will happen?'''' Grunt asked in a not-so-subtle tone. It was clear to anyone that he wanted to be where the fight was.


    '''' Illos.''''


    That was what Samael thought anyway. Sovereign would only attack the Citadel directly if he was certain he would win... but, at the same time, he also only attacked Thessia because he was confident.


    That made Samael pause. Weird things were happening in this last cycle, so a full frontal attack on the Citadel, without needing to go to Illos, might really happen. '' It seems I''ll have to send more people to the Citadel.''


    At first, after he received confirmation that all LD personnel gathered on Earth, he would send 80% of them to Illos and 20% to the Citadel. But now, 50 - 50 seemed reasonable.


    Besides LD, he still has some support, like Wrex and his Krogan, and Javik and the Protheans. He didn''t think it was necessary to change them, so he would not contact them for now.


    '''' Then, I want to go to Illos.'''' Grunt was the first one to choose where to go.


    In the meantime, the Matriarchs were discussing between them, and it seemed they reached a conclusion. Benezia was the one to speak up for them, '''' All of us, minus Samara, would like to go to the Citadel. I hope you don''t mind.''''


    Sure, the Matriarchs were strong, but Samael could win without their support. Before he could say anything, Tevos added, '''' In addition, we would also use the Spectres to defend the place... Of course, if Shepard wasn''t to go to Illos, I can make an exception.''''


    Shepard breathed in relief. To be honest, she was just like Grunt, she wanted to be where the fight was. She didn''t like losing and she already lost once, and that was her limit. She would not lose from now on.


    '''' No problem. Anyone else want to go to the Citadel?'''' No one from Samael''s crew said anything, but a few from Shepard did. Just like the Matriarchs, they also discussed who to send and 3 people decided to go.


    '''' We decide to go.'''' Ashley, Jacob, and Vega seemed determined to help. No one would admit it, but this defeat shook them to their core, and just like Shepard, they vowed to not lose again. So, they decided to go to the Citadel, just in case.


    Samael was surprised by this group, but nodded, '''' Good. The rest of us here will go to Illos and Defeat the Reaper there... They are cunning, so those who will go to the Citadel have to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.''''


    '''' They won the first battle, thanks to their surprise attack, but now, we are ready. It won''t be easy, but we will win, no matter what.''''


    Everyone nodded at what Samael said and seeing that there was nothing more to discuss, he said, '''' Well, that was all. You are all dismissed.''''


    The Matriarchs, minus Samara, left the tent and went to help once more. Shepard''s and Samael''s crew stayed behind, clearly wanting to talk about something. Samara was staying behind for the same reason.


    Samael noticed the worries in everyone''s eyes, so he connected the dots, '''' Don''t worry, there has been no sightseen of the Reaper or the Geth close to Earth, or any colonies around.'''' He looked at Joker, '''' Even so, I recommend you tell your family to go to Earth. LD will arrange a place for them to stay... The invite is for everyone.''''


    While Samael wasn''t 100% sure, he knew some of the members here had family that lived outside Earth, so he offered that to everyone here, not only to Joker.


    Before he forgot, he also sent a message to everyone in Shepard''s crew about this.


    The only reason why he said that only to Joker at the beginning, was because, in past cycles, his family died in one of the colonies close to Earth, always by a Reaper attack. It was a helping hand to one member of his family.


    The pilot looked relieved and touched by the gesture, '''' Thank you.''''


    Other members too, looked calmer and more relaxed after Samael''s invite and reassurance.


    '''' Now, you all stayed behind for a reason. Spill it.''''


    Samara looked around and noticed Shepard was going to ask, so she waited.


    '''' We saw a Geth in the place where you guys were at. Can you explain?'''' Shepard asked with a worried gaze. She wasn''t fearing for their lives, as they could handle a single Geth with ease. She was worried about their reputation, as being seen with a member of a species that just killed millions wasn''t a nice picture.


    Samael clearly wasn''t taken aback by them knowing that. It wasn''t like he was hiding anyway, '''' Legion. That is the name of that Geth. He is the one who helped fight against other Geth. He is under LD now, so don''t worry.''''


    Shepard nodded at that. She trusted Samael''s judgment.


    Samara interjected, '''' But, haven''t you said any machine would worship or be indoctrinated by the Reaper?''''


    Samael was proud that someone asked that. Sometimes, too much trust is bad, '''' Machines are different from us but also some are different from each other. Legion is a special case, and from what we gathered, not every Geth went under the Reaper''s control, so there that.''''


    '''' Regarding the indoctrination, he didn''t get close enough, nor entered into contact with a Reaper fragment as far as I''m aware, so he is good in that regard too.''''


    Samara nodded and had nothing more to say. She stayed behind to ask about the Geth, and she got her answer.


    Also, Shepard waited for the Matriarchs to leave to ask that question because she didn''t want the Asari to know about the Geth. She didn''t know that Samael would have talked about it regardless, as Legion was trustworthy and he wasn''t hiding the Geth.


    Of course, the Geth reputation as a whole was at the bottom, but Samael''s influence would deal with that.


    Shepard and her crew got up and started to leave when Samara said, '''' Commander, do you mind if I join you?''''


    The Asari wanted to know better the crew that was close to Samael''s. She would do the same with his crew, but seeing as they were probably going to fly on the same ship when going to Illos, she could do that later.


    Shepard looked surprised but nodded, '''' Sure.''''


    That group then left and joined the rescue effort. This left only Samael''s crew in that tent.


    For some of them, it was the first time they saw him since their battle ended. They knew he was alive but wounded. Seeing his current state was a blow to them.


    This was their captain, the one who in all situations had a way out. Even after fighting a lot in Omega, defeating Krogans left and right, he only had broken bones and a few bruises. Now, he had lost an eye.


    That was a difficult sight for them. So, Jonh asked after a few moments of silence, '''' How are you holding up?''''


    Samael was a little touched by all their worried gaze,'''' I''m okay. Clare, Chakwas, and the Asari Doctors did a good job patching me up... And to be honest, losing an eye wasn''t that big of a deal.''''


    He had lost things a lot worse in past cycles. This was the last cycle, yes, but he could live with one eye. '''' As I have said before, the Reapers are the biggest threat the galaxy has and will ever face. Not only my eye, but I-we could lose things a lot more important down the line.''''


    Samael continued as he gave Liara and Tali a gaze, ''''This first battle showed that we still aren''t ready for them, as just one Reaper managed to defeat us, and it cost us dearly. Now, we will prepare more and better, so what happened here doesn''t happen anywhere else.''''


    Conviction slowly started to return to everyone''s eyes. Samael noticed that and nodded internally, '''' Now, let''s go and help.'''' He got up, a gesture everyone in the tent followed, '''' There''s still a lot more to do.''''


    Grunt asked in a pitful tone, '''' What if the Reaper and the Geth attack while we are here?''''


    Samael snorted at Grunt, as he noticed the battle-hungry look he had on his face, '''' They are cowards. They won the battle but we eliminated at least 40% of its forces, without even being ready for them. Now that we know about them, we will be ready.''''


    Grunt looked happy after he listened he most likely would not lose the main fight.


    Before leaving Samael remembered his crew once more, '''' Remember to destroy any metal you find.'''' He then dragged his tired body towards the ruins.


    Samael and everyone else were tired. They didn''t rest until now, because they knew every second counted when it came to the lives of the survivors trapped under something.


    '''' We can rest when we die.'''' Samael said that and everyone had the same mindset. Even though he wanted nothing more than just lying down with Liara, Tali, and Shepard, he could not stop now. Because the moment he did would be the day when he had no more strength to continue.


    Samael and his crew then joined the rescue efforts once more.

 83 – Priority: Race Against Time (3)

    2 days later


    The rescue efforts were still happening, but it was time for many people in Thessia to leave the planet, regroup, and prepare to fight the Reaper once more.


    It was not a matter of if, but when.


    Also, in the past two days, almost as if to show Samael that the galaxy is still worth fighting for, various species sent help in the form of doctors, med gel, and many other supplies to Thessia, to help where they could.


    Their help came at the right time, as everyone on the planet beforehand was reaching their limits.


    Volus helped with money, and the Turians sent ships to patrol the area around the planet and kill off any husks that might appear. Humans sent personnel. All in all, it showed that the galaxy could unite if they wanted.


    So, after resting for about 12 hours, Samael felt it was the right time to leave the planet. He, his crew, and Shepard''s one had helped where they could.


    Before leaving, he had to call someone. Garrus.


    He had received a message saying the Turian wanted to talk to him a few hours ago, but only now he had the energy to talk with the Turian.


    So he made a video call through his omni toll and not long after, Garrus answered. He was taken aback by Samael''s missing eye, but said nothing about it, '''' Good to see you.''''


    Samael smiled at the Turian, '''' I heard you wanted to talk with me. Say it.''''


    '''' I want to join the main fight. I feel trapped here, doing something meaningless while everyone else seems to be fighting where it matters.'''' Garrus was honest with Samael. At first, he was happy he got promoted and dealt with corruption at the Citadel, but, at the end of the day, that was that, and the galaxy was still the same. So, he wanted to do more but was ''trapped'' here. So, he asked to join.


    But Samael had plans for the Citadel, so he said, '''' I need you at the Citadel. We speculated that the Reaper may target it.''''


    '''' What about the other speculation?''''


    '''' It may not attack it.''''


    '''' From your face and tone, it seems that part is more probably than they attacking.'''' Garrus could be considered a newbie still, but he had received help from LD, so all this time he was bettering his abilities. With those, he saw through Samael''s face and knew that the Reaper attack on the Citadel might not really happen.


    Still, he wanted to hear the rest.


    ''''Correct. If things go our way, the Reaper would not even be able to reach the Citadel. And if things don''t go our way, you will be at the Citadel, as the last line of defense.''''


    '''' From what we could gather beforehand, the Prothean did something at the Citadel that scrambles the Reapers communication. So, if they manage to somehow undo that, what happened at Thessia would be child''s play.''''


    '''' With just one of them, they destroyed the Asari homeworld and we could do nothing to him. What do you think would happen if millions of them attacked us?''''


    The Normandy, the Phoenix, and the Asari ships had shot Sovereign many times in the air battle, but it didn''t do significant damage. Two of the best ships in the galaxy only lightly injured it.


    Garrus didn''t even know that fact, but just the mention of millions of Reapers was enough to show him how serious the situation would be.


    Before Garrus could get more pessimistic, Samael reassured him, '''' We can win, in the future, if we prepare well enough. But, for us to get to said future, we have to survive the next battle first. Are you up to commanding half of LD forces?''''


    Garrus was taken aback by such request, '''' I''m sure there must be someone more qualified and higher in the company to accomplish this task. Like Miranda and Jack.''''


    Samael looked at the sky and said in a small tone of voice, '''' Both pregnant.''''


    Garrus stared and Samael whistled at the passing wind, '''' Bad timing.''''


    '''' I could not agree more.''


    Garrus put that information in the back of his mind and continued talking, '''' How about Jaret? The man who helped around here mentioned him a lot.''''


    '''' Can''t. He''s on the other 50% that won''t join the Citadel.''''


    Garrus sighed. It''s not like he was afraid of leading others, it''s just that he thought it was too soon for that. Less than a year ago he was a C-Sec rookie whose routine was dealing with drunk people and, very rarely, robbery. Now, he was asked to lead half of the forces of what many considered the most powerful company in the galaxy.


    It was quite the leap. Just as his doubts about this continued to grow, he noticed Samael smiling at him on the other side of the call. Then it clicked.


    The human had trusted him since he was a rookie. It was like all that training was for this. Well, not literally, but to make him a better version of himself.


    And it worked.


    '''' You fox.''''


    Samael knew that Garrus had finally accepted to command LD troops, '''' I have no idea why you called me that. Also, meet with Tevos and the Matriarchs that were going with her. Then, think of a plan yourselves.''''


    ''''Got it.''''


    '''' If you could, please call your father and ask him to use his connections in the government to gather a few thousand troops and send them to the citadel.''''


    Garrus didn''t look so sure it would work, '''' The government thinks Palaven could be in danger. They didn''t even want to send the group to help on Thessia.''''


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    '''' Tell them that LD said Palaven is safe for now. Also say that if the Citadel falls, no place in the galaxy is safe.''''


    Garrus knew that was true, and the thought alone truly scared him, '''' I''ll do my best.''''


    '''' That''s all I could ask for.''''


    The call then came to a natural ending.


    '''' I hope the next time we see each other will be in a bar.''''


    '''' I hope so too. See you later, Samael.''''


    '''' Stay safe, Garrus.''''


    The call ended and not long after, Miranda called Samael, '''' All forces have gathered and I took liberty to send a few Cerberus agents to the mix.''''


    '''' No point in refusing help at this stage. At your discretion, send half of them to Illos and the other half to the Citadel. I want Jaret on the team that goes to Illos by the way. Also, those that will go to the Citadel will be led by Garrus.''''


    While Miranda thought it was too soon for Garrus to lead, she also trusted Samael''s expertise in nurturing others.


    Also, it would be hypocrisy on her part as most of LD was close to 20 years of age than 40. Hell, even Shepard''s crew was like that ... even herself.


    '''' No problem. But, Earth will stay unprotected.''''


    Alliance would stay there, but honestly, they weren''t a match to the Reaper or the Geth.


    Samael knew that, '''' ...It''s a gamble. One that I hope we win.''''


    Not once, in a past cycle, has the Reaper attacked Earth so soon. But, this cycle was so crazy it was really a possibility. So, it was a gamble.


    Miranda had nothing more to report, '''' I have nothing more to say, only, please be careful. I''ll keep in touch.''''


    '''' See ya.''''


    Samael also receveid messages from Wrex and Javik. They said that they were ready to leave, so Samael said to send half of their forces to Illos, and the other half to the Citadel.


    '''' It''s time to leave.'''' Samael said in a heavy tone as he looked around the destroyed Thessia. Sure, it was not like the whole planet was destroyed, but it was true that their symbol had fallen. They will recover, but it will take some time.


    Samael tapped his Omni tool and made a call to Veronica.


    '''' Samael? What''s wrong?'''' Veronica asked as soon as the call connected.


    '''' It''s nothing, just checking something. Is Legion already on the Phoenix?''''


    The Geth was kind of a secret and at the same time, not a secret. Nothing good would come out of others knowing about its existence but no one was doing a lot of work to hide it.


    They had quite literally just walked the Geth in front of everyone to the Phoenix, but no one paid attention, according to Veronica, who finished by saying, '''' We are good to go.''''


    '''' Ok. Thanks.'''' Samael tapped his omni tool and the whole crew was connected, '''' We are leaving Thessia in an hour tops. Say your goodbyes in that period.''''


    Some of them will go to Illos, while others will go to the Citadel. Regardless, at the end of the day, all of them were prepared to fight until the end.


    Samael had to say goodbye to some people, as most likely will take a long time for him to meet them again.


    The Headmaster was one of them, as she would stay behind at Thessia, helping with the rescue efforts and the rebuilding, while all other Matriarchs would go to the Citadel.


    To be honest, the talk with the headmaster was going to be short. In this cycle, they met only a few days ago, but for the sake of their prior arrangement, he decided to say goodbye personally.


    He walked for a few moments through the ruins of the city, until he found her.


    '''' Hello there.''''


    The Headmaster was commanding the personnel but stopped when she recognized the voice. When she looked at Samael, she immediately knew what he came to do.


    " So, when will I see you again?" Both the Headmaster and Samaael were talking while walking around the destroyed city, still trying to find any survivors.


    " Maybe in a few weeks, maybe in a few years, who knows. But I''ll keep in touch." Samael said in a heavy tone," Because I think our deal will be used a lot of times from now on."


    While the Headmaster didn''t fully understand what he was saying, she knew the deal. She would fulfill her part." Regardless of that, thank you for everything."


    Samael not only helped the Ardat-Yakshi but in the attack too, even though he didn''t need it. He had her respect for that alone.


    " Don''t mention it. It was the right thing to do. Now, let me say this one more time, it was an honor to meet you."


    '''' Likewise. You are the strangest human I ever met, and I say that as a compliment. See you around.'''' The Headmaster gave her goodbye and returned her full attention to the rescue efforts.


    With that, Samael left the area and returned to his ship. A couple of minutes had already passed, so he was met with a farewell happening, as Shepard and her crew were there saying goodbye to the trio who would go to the Citadel.


    While they were sure they could win the upcoming fight, casualties might happen, so the mood was ambiguous, to say the least.


    '''' How are you feeling?'''' Samael asks Shepard as he approaches her.


    '''' So, so. It''s the nerves, you know. Fighting the Reaper and the Geth does a lot regarding showing us who the real enemy is. And you?'''' Shepard took her gaze out of the farewell and looked at Samael.


    She still wasn''t accustomed to the bandages around his eye, but she would do so, eventually. Not like that would take away his charms, as he was still beautiful with one eye.


    '''' Optimistic. I''m already thinking about what to do after we defeat the Reaper and the Geth under him.'''' Samael was really doing so. Even though he knew the fight would be chaotic, he believed they would win, then, the troubles accumulated from that fight would arrive at his doorstep.


    '' I have to see what the other me inside my head was, and one option is worse than another. Then, I''ll have to deal with the Geth, spread the Genophage cure, help the Rachni Queen, give the Quarian the Pill, among many other small things.''


    Shepard patted Samael''s shoulder, '''' Hang in there.''''


    '''' Thank you. Now, if you excuse me, I have to say goodbye to them too.''''


    Samael then left Shepard and joined the people who were saying goodbye to Ash, Jacob, and Vega. They would go with the Matriarchs to the Citadel.


    If things go according to plan, they would not be in danger but things were so off track that everything was possible at this point.


    Samael and his crew then said goodbye to the trio officially, he gave them a few encouraging words, then steeled himself.


    '' Time to leave.''


    Everyone started to board their respective ships, with special guests among them, like Samara and Legion, already being accommodated.


    Also, the Matriarchs were around too, as they would also leave today. So Benezia was around saying goodbye to her daughter.


    After Liara entered the Phoenix, Benezia looked at Samael, who was the last one to enter, '''' Take care of her.''''


    Benezia knew the human in front of her had contributed a lot in the fight in Thessia, and for that she was grateful.


    But she was still a mother worrying about her daughter''s safety, so she spoke in a stern tone.


    Samael didn''t care about that and nodded, '''' I swear on my life she will be safe.''''


    It was a grand promise, but one that he will try to uphold until the day he dies.


    Benzia nodded at that and Samael started to enter the Phoenix. Before the door closed, however, he said, '''' Good luck on your path.''''


    The Asari muttered to herself as she watched the ship fly away, '''' You too.''''


    With that, she turned around and headed to the ship that would transport her and the other Matriarchs, with Ashley, Jacob, and Vega following her.


    '''' Dude, it''s only for me, or did they have a spark?'''' Vega said to Jacob, while Ash heard.


    The Matriarch almost stumbled when she heard that but said nothing.


    '''' ... I did too.'''' Jacob said only that but Ash glared at both.


    '''' You know that she could hear you both saying that her daughter''s boyfriend and she had a spark, right?'''' Ash was regretting coming, but at the end of the day, she knew it was the right thing to do.


    '' While both of them were good soldiers, it seems Vega has contaminated Jacob with his joking spirit.''


    Jacob and Vega looked at Benezia''s back and said a small sorry. Ash sighed, '' This will be a long journey.''


    They arrived at the ship, and Tevos was waiting for them outside, '''' You are late.''''


    Benezia didn''t need to answer Tevos, as they were both the same rank in power. She still did, out of respect, '''' I was saying goodbye to Liara.''''


    Tevos knew how much Benezia loved her daughter, even though she struggled to show that, so she didn''t pursue the subject, '''' Let''s go.''''


    The quartet boarded the ship and it too started to fly, going to the Citadel.


    --


    Every player has entered the board. It was time for the second round to start.

 84 – Priority: Race Against Time (4)

    WITH Sovereign


    '' Everything is going according to plan.''


    Yes, all the attack on Thessia was planned in advance by the Reaper, all thanks to the information he got from somewhere.


    Speaking of information, the Reaper just now received another one. One that he didn''t like but would have to act upon.


    '' So, I will have to ''die'' and be defeated in order for the plan to move forward... I don''t like it one bit, but I see no other way.''


    To be honest, this cycle was stronger than others. They were on the same level as the annoying Protheans, who almost won the war.


    '' I told everyone to wipe all species and artificially make ones but no one listened and I will have to pay the price. But, so be it.''


    Sovereign called Saren, who by now had been modified and no longer had any free will. The defeat he suffered at the hands of Samael was enough to make the Reaper change the Turian completely.


    By now, he was essentially a husk, but way stronger.


    '''' Why have you called me?'''' Before this, Saren still was trying to resist the indoctrination and the changes, but now, he wasn''t there any longer. All that was left was a being completely loyal to the Reapers and their cause.


    Sovereign liked that very much, '''' I came here to tell you the next phase of our plan.''''


    The Reaper passed Saren his plans. Saren was surprised by all this, '''' ... How can you be so sure this will happen this way?''''


    '''' I have my ways. They have already lost and didn''t even realize it.''''


    '''' But, you will suffer.''''


    ''''It doesn''t matter. What matters is that we will win and now, I''m sure with my ''sacrifice'', the others will see my ways and wipe everyone out, not leaving a single species behind. Then, we will introduce species biologically engineering to be loyal to us.''''


    Sovereign scoffed a bit, '''' I should be angrier, but I know that this is a must. Now, I will be seen as a hero among my peers and that is enough. Everyone will remember my name, NARADA!''''


    Saren could only be in awe of this great being in front of him, one that was willing to sacrifice his life in order for his species to win the war, '''' I must applaud you for that, my lord.''''


    Sovereign recovered from his dream of grandiose, '''' Now go and prepare to attack both fronts. Call all Geth troops, use all indoctrinated personnel we have, and ... call our special friends too.''''


    '''' They? Are you sure? They could be useful later on.''''


    '''' This is my last act, so let it be fiercer. Besides, what I said was true. This cycle is too strong... even with all these preparations, I''m only certain of our victory thanks to our other friend.''''


    Sovereign was injured in the air battle in Thessia. At first, their hits didn''t mean much but as time passed, and thanks to two very specific ships, he was injured quite a bit. By his calculation, if he stayed there for more than 2 hours, even he would have perished.


    Saren knew who the special friends were, but he didn''t know the last friend the Reaper mentioned. This friend had helped them a lot, and the attack on Thessia was thanks to it.


    '''' I will do as you command.'''' Saren left to delaget oreder to the army.


    Sorvering was at peace. '''' All to our species glory!''''


    The day of the next attack was getting closer;


    ---


    WITH SAMAEL


    A day had passed since they left Thessia. The crew slept through all day, and only now they had the energy to walk around.


    Clare had asked Samael to go to the infirmary to check his eyes. To be honest, all medical facilities in Thessia were destroyed, and the omni tool wasn''t exactly a medical tool that could analyze the true extent of the injury, so the treatment was rough.


    Still, Samael was alive and well.


    ''''Hmmmm, you are good. You have lost your eye, but other than that, you literally have no other significant injury. The Serum is amazing.'''' Clare said to Samael while she was checking his exams. He was almost like a machine.


    Clare knew that Samael had tanked not only the Reaper shot but also the debris of the temple with only his body. It was honestly amazing he was alive.


    '''' How about the others?'''' Samael, by his request, was the last one to be checked.


    '''' Grunt is like you, but no true damage. Thane ... thanks to the injuries he sustained I looked deep at him and found a disease in its initial stages. The problem is that there''s no cure to it right now... He''s good to go, but in a few years, he will be bedridden.''''


    '''' I''ll handle it with him. The rest?'''' Samael already knew about Thane''s disease and planned to deal with it in the future, so he didn''t mind. He was worried about the others.


    '''' Other than you 3, others don''t have significant injuries. Tali had been shot a few times but the shield and armor worked well, and she only had bruises. Also, the Pill worked flawlessly and she doesn''t have any signs of infection.''''


    '''' Liara and Kasumi had been dealt by Saren, but for some reason, he didn''t really damage them.... You should talk to Liara, as the psychological aspect might cause harm in the long run. Same with Kasumi. I heard others say that she and Keiji took this battle quite hard.''''


    It was to be expected as they were literally fresh recruits. Their first battle was this one. Thane was different as he fought every single day of his life before, so he was good in that aspect.


    '''' I''ll see what I can do.''''


    '''' John also was shot a few times but he too took the Serum so no real damage. Veronica was in the air, no damage.''''


    '''' All in all, everyone is ok physically, but their mind might have been affected. I suggest therapy or something along those lines.'''' Clare put away the files and looked at Samael, '''' Or just a long vacation.''''


    '''' I fear from now on, vacations will be very difficult.''''


    Clare sighed, '''' I expected as much.''''


    There was nothing more to say, as they already talked about everything relevant.


    '''' And you? How are you feeling?'''' Samael asked Clare.


    '''' ... It was my first real war. Our previous fights were never on this scale. I saw a lot and learned a lot, but honestly, I really didn''t like it. I hoped you were wrong about the Reapers and all but it seems things will only get worse.''''


    Samael got up and patted her shoulder, '''' Hang in there.''''


    '''' Thanks. Now, if you excuse me, I have other things to do.'''' Clare said goodbye to Samael and returned to her things.


    ''''See ya.''''


    Samael then left the infirmary and now finally had time to do his things. Hell, ever since the battle he didn''t have time to talk with Tali, Liara, or anyone for that matter.


    Only now he was free and he would indulge in that. Even he was feeling restless.


    '' Let''s see my girls.''


    Samael then went to search for both. It didn''t take long to find them, as they were both in the same room. His room.


    He entered his quarter without knocking and sure enough, both were sleeping. The battle had affected everyone more than what Samael initially hoped.


    Looking at their sleeping faces, Samael vowed to keep them safe, even though this last cycle of his was getting weird and weirder by the day.


    With a little more time until they arrived at Illos, Samael went to sleep too.


    ---


    Samael, Tali, and Liara were woken up by Veronica''s announcement, '''' We have arrived at Illos!''''


    The three still-sleepy people greeted each other, '''' Good morning.''''


    Tali gave Samael a small kiss, '''' Morning. How are you feeling today?''''


    '''' Better than yesterday and hopefully I will feel even better tomorrow. You?''''


    '''' I will feel a lot better after a shower. I honestly have been on autopilot since the battle ended. We have a lot to talk about.''''


    '''' We will have time when this battle is over. We can talk about anything you want.''''


    '''' You promised.'''' Tali giggled a little and went to take a shower, '''' Both of you, don''t make me wait too much.''''


    With that, she entered the shower, leaving Samael and Liara to talk.


    Honestly, of all the personnel on the Phoenix, Liara was the one who had lost the most in this battle. Her planet was attacked, a lot of her sisters died, and she suffered a defeat. She needed support.


    Samael had very little free time, but he would not say no to helping his family, even more so Liara. '''' How are you feeling?''''


    Liara gave a fake smile, '''' Honestly, I have been better. But, at least I- we are alive to fight another day. Sometimes, this is the best we can ask for.''''


    '''' If you need anything from me, just say it.'''' Samael kissed her and reassured her, '''' Also, I have already sent a lot of funds to help Thessia''s reconstruction.''''


    '''' Thanks for that... Say, this is only the beginning, right? I fear This attack, that destroyed a lot of Thessia, is the first one of many.''''


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Samael didn''t hide from here, '''' Yes. But, we can win. I promise you.''''


    He had a hidden trump card. The Crucible, a device that destroys all tech in the galaxy. It was a last-ditch effort, one that he hoped he would not need to use, but it was better to have it.


    '' I have to start to build it...''


    '''' I trust you.'''' Liara kissed him, '''' Now, how about that shower?''''


    '''' I''m right behind you.''''


    With that, both went to take a shower.


    30 MINUTES LATER


    The trio walked out of Samael''s quarters directly to the main area. Everyone was already there, as Veronica said they would land in 2 minutes.


    '''' How is everyone?'''' Samael asked as soon as he arrived. Tali and Liara went and blended in with the crew, leaving him alone. They still haven''t talked much, as they spent their shower doing some naughty activities. They promised each other that after this fight in Illos, they would have a long, long talk.


    '''' We are good.''''


    '''' Itching for revegne.''''


    '''' I want a raise.''''


    Seeing that everyone was ok and in good spirits, Samael said, '''' The Reaper is probably already coming here. I doubt the attack in Illos will be the same as in Thessia. The intensity will be stronger.''''


    '''' You mean they will have more numbers?''''


    Samael nodded, '''' I''m sure. But, we will also have numbers and this time, we will be prepared to face them. They lost the element of surprise and that will be our chance.''''


    '''' Half of LD is coming here, and the other half will be going to the Citadel. Wrex promised a lot of warriors, the same as Javik... We will win this battle, and then prepare for the upcoming war.''''


    '''' I will not lie, it will be ugly, and some of us might even die. But, our chance is higher. We are LD, we don''t back down from a fight, even if the odds are against us. We will honor our name and some.''''


    Right after Samael finished talking, Veronica said, '''' Landing in 3, 2 1... Welcome to Illos.''''


    The Normandy was right behind them and landed soon after.


    Samael took a last look around his crew, '''' Let''s gather everyone and talk about the plans.''''


    By the way, Wrex and Javik were soon arriving, in less than an hour. There is plenty of time to prepare one of the facilities on the planet''s ruins into a war office.


    ONE HOUR LATER


    Wrex and his Krogan had arrived, same as Javik and his Prothean. When the two species met each other, tensions were high.


    The Krogans wanted to test them and the Protheans also were keen to fight. Just as the atmosphere was reaching a boiling point, Wrex and Javik faced each other.


    '''' Brother! How have you been?'''' Wrex clearly didn''t mind the atmosphere and chatted away.


    '''' I have been good. In the last few months, I reconnected with my people. We are complacent but we are good. I heard about your feat in Tuchancka. Gathering all Krogans under one banner must have been difficult.'''' Javik was sincere with his compliment.


    '''' With LD support it was easy...How are you holding up, knowing about the Reapers reappearance?''''


    '''' Ready to live up to my duty. By the way, you guys better prepare because they were the most formidable opponent I have ever faced.''''


    That made Wrex smile even more, as he turned around and screamed at his mand, '''' Did you guys hear that?!''''


    '''' YES!'''' The atmosphere quietened down a bit after that.


    Wrex turned to face Javik again, '''' How about we spar a bit after the meeting?''''


    '''' I''m down if you are.''''


    '''' Good, good. Now, let''s go see our old friends.''''


    Both said to their man to stay put for a bit and they would have the chance to spar later on. For now, they had to meet up urgently as they didn''t know when the Reaper would attack the planet.


    Samael had long since passed the coordinates of where the meeting was taking place, and as both were already familiar with Illos, they had found it quite easily.


    They entered the place together and were met by everyone relevant, discussing the plans.


    '''' I''m telling you, it''s not possible. We don''t have enough firepower!'''' Samael was holding his head.


    '''' Are you saying a nuke isn''t enough to kill one!?'''' Joker was clearly desperate.


    '''' We don''t have one here! Besides, the planet is in the middle of recontrusti, so it''s not really smart to do that!'''' Truth be told, a nuke might not be enough, but Samael didn''t need to say that out loud.


    '''' So, our best chance was to just fight them with numbers?!''''


    '''' YES. Half of LD is coming, our ships are better than the Asari. We have the upper hand in that area.''''


    Joker sat down once more, with EDI comforting him.


    '''' Anyone else has something to say?''''


    From Samael''s tone, it seems the meeting started not long ago, as he was still calm about it. It was then that everyone noticed the duo.


    '''' Wrex, Javik!'''' Samael got up and approached both, '''' It''s nice to see you both again. A shame it has to be in those circumstances.''''


    '''' I could not ask for a better one.'''' Wrex smiled, '''' You took quite the beating, huh.''''


    '''' They cheated!'''' Samael turned to Javik, '''' I hope you are ready to live up to your name.''''


    '''' I will Avenge my people, one way or another.''''


    Everyone else greeted Wrex and Javik, and both sat down, '''' What did we miss?''''


    '''' Nothing much. JOker offered to nuke them out but I doubted it would be effective.''''


    Javik nodded, '''' No point in doing that, as he would most likely survive while we don''t. The best chance is a conflict.''''


    Joker sighed once more, '''' And then what? We already lost once.''''


    '''' We will fight them until one side falls. They have their goal and our job is to not let them achieve it. It''s a defensive battle, so we maintain that way.'''' Samael said while looking at Veronica and Joker, '''' You both, with RR and EDI support, will be in charge of the battle in the air. You have full authority over the ships that were coming here.''''


    '''' Roger.'''' Veronica nodded, and while Joker was still unsure about it, he also accepted his role.


    '''' Now, does anyone have any plans or suggestions?''''


    Shepard raised a good point, '''' How about we met them in space? I mean, it would reduce the risks of them using the Relay to go to the Citadel.''''


    '''' Relay? Citadel?'''' Wrex and Javik were taken aback by this revelation, as both didn''t know about it.


    Liara noticed that and explained the situation to both, making them realize the seriousness of the situation.


    Javik also wasn''t so surprised about it all, as he knew there most likely were other things that prevented the Reapers from doing their ''job''.


    '''' We can do that, but our numbers will be divided and we will be weaker.'''' Samael didn''t reject it, but he lived through a lot of battles against the Reapers. Their goal was the Relay, and they would not stop to battle in space and would come directly into the planet, regardless of how many troops they had to sacrifice.


    The meeting continued for a while, with everyone giving opinions. At the end of it, a roughly made but concise plan was made.


    1 - The main fight will happen on the planet, and not in space. LD and their forces would focus on that.


    2 - Their job was to protect the Relay, but the soldier had permission to fire at will at the Reaper.


    3 - Wrex, Javik, Shepard, Veronica, Joker, Samael, and both AIs had command over troops, with Samael''s order being the priority to follow. All of them had different placements in the fight.


    4 - If they were defeated and the Reaper managed to use the Relay, they would also use it and help in the fight.


    '''' ... It''s simple but good.'''' That was Javik''s opinion, one that many shared.


    '''' Yeah, there''s room for improvement but honestly, we don''t know when they will attack, so this is good.'''' Shepard had raised a few good points, that Samael looked over, and this plan was good in her opinion.


    '''' Ok, all that is left is to wait for them to arrive. From now until then, we will maintain high alert but also feel free to talk with each other and get to know your friend.'''' Samael hinted that everyone should get to know each other, be it Krogan, Prothean, human, or any other species.


    Wrex clearly noted that and said to Javik, '''' How about that spar?''''


    Javik nodded, '''' Let''s.''''


    '''' Can I join?'''' A rough voice that carried a lot of inocee and strength, asked both.


    Wrex looked over at the young Krogan, and asked, '''' What''s your name, kid?''''


    '''' My name is Grunt!'''' Grunt gave his usual introducion.


    Wrex looked at Samael, who said, '''' We created him, with the help of Okker. I helped him in return for him helping me finish the cure.''''


    Wrex had nothing more to say about that. He knew it was only a matter of time now for his people to be cured, so he said to Grunt, '''' Sure, let''s go.''''


    With that, almost everyone left the war room, leaving only Shepard and Samael behind. Their relationship status was ambiguous, they still hadn''t done anything sexual, but the tension was there.


    And just like everyone else, they really didn''t have the time to talk after the battle in Thessia.


    '''' So, how are you feeling?'''' Shepard asked Samael after a few moments of silence.


    '''' Good. I mean, considering everything that has happened. I was saved by luck and my armor.''''


    Samael''s armor was the best in the galaxy and if not for it, he would''ve died when the debris fell on him, even with the Serum. It was a miracle he only lost an eye.


    '''' And you? How are you holding up?'''' Samael knew how prideful Shepard was, so this defeat, even though logical in every sense as they were the weaker part, was a blow to her.


    Shepard didn''t hide her feelings, '''' To be honest, from a very young age, I was at the top of everything, be it my old gang.'''' She smiled remembering that time,'''' Or the Alliance academy. It continued when I initiated my career in the Alliance.''''


    '''' 27 missions in the span of one year and only one failure... Well, two if you consider Thessia. That must be a record, but now I felt it is meaningless.''''


    '''' I mean, all of us should be dead. The only reason we weren''t was because the Reaper wasn''t going full attack for some reason. And that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.''''


    Samael had felt that many times before. Powerlessness. He never forgets the feeling, because, at the end of the day, he was weak in front of some powers. But, that doesn''t mean he would just accept things as they were.


    Even the weak can fight back and win.


    '''' I guess what I''m trying to say is that-''''


    '''' You will not lose another time.'''' Samael finished for her.


    Shepard was taken aback by how well Samael seemed to know her. She nodded, '''' Yes. I won''t.''''


    Samael smiled internally, as this was not possible in their job. Defeat is around every corner, and what differentiates one person from another is how they handle it.


    '''' No, you will.''''


    '''' Sorry?'''' Shepard asked with a curious tone. She never expected Samael to say that.


    '''' Shepard, you better than anyone else know how easy is to have your life turned around at a snap of a finger. Even more so a soldier one.''''


    '''' We are not gods, far from it. A stray Armor-Piercing bullet could kill you in less than a second. Defeat? You, me, and everyone else will suffer it countless times.''''


    '''' What makes the difference is how the person reacts to it.'''' Samael approached her, '''' I know how I''m reacting. I''m angry at myself for not seeing the attack happening, angry at how the galaxy is far from ready, angry that we lost.''''


    ''''Then, behind all that anger is the conviction I could''ve won if things were different. Now, I plan on turning that conviction into reality, to win not only this upcoming battle but the whole war.''''


    '''' How are you reacting to it?''''


    Shepard honestly doesn''t delve too much into her feelings, as she felt it was a waste of time. But listening to Samael, who looked reserved most of the time, speaking so much about this made her start to look over at her feelings more thoroughly.


    She ... was angry at her for how powerless she felt at the moment. Just like Samael. The problem is, unlike him, she still doesn''t know how to handle it.


    Samael could notice her inner turmoil at a glance. '''' ...After we win this, I will give you the Chimera Serum.'''' He explained to her what exactly it was and then said,'''' You will have the strength to face anyone in the galaxy head-on.... well, expect a Reaper. You will still need a ship to fight them.''''


    Shepard imagined herself fighting a Repaer hand to hand and giggled softly. She also thought how fitting for Samael and LD to create something so ridiculous as the Serum.


    '''' Just don''t let your feelings blind you. Trust yourself and your team.''''


    Samael had nothing more to say, and Shepard finished listening. She felt renewed after this talk.


    Honestly, she didn''t expect much, but the outcome helped her tremendously.


    '''' Now, let''s go to the spar. Maybe even join.''''


    '''' Let''s. Also, after the fight with the Reaper, if we survive, we should hang out more.''''


    ''''Absolutely.''''


    IN THE CITADEL


    Garrus was sweating bullets looking at the people around him. He was face to face with Matriarchs and a few new faces, as their ''leader''.


    Well, he had Tevos at his side, but he was leading too.


    '''' How many of our troops arrived?'''' Benezia asked after some silence.


    She, the other matriarchs, and the group consisting of Ash, Vega, and Jacob, had arrived not long ago in the Citadel and were still not in the loop about a few things.


    Garrus immediately acted, '''' A few Turians and LD forces had arrived earlier. Couple with your troops, we have quite the number.''''


    '''' Still not sufficient if the Reaper attacked.'''' Benezia said that and the Matriachrs also had the same thought. They had, after all, faced the might of the machine and knew how powerful it was.


    Not even the Citadel and its defense could do much in front of it.


    '''' We still have time. Based on what we know, the Reaper attack has a window of a week to happen. Not longer than that. We have that time to prepare.'''' Tevos said as she looked at Garrus, '''' We will be counting on you with the preparations.''''


    '''' ... Leave it to me.'''' Garrus was a little bit scared by the pressure, but also looking forward to showcasing his abilities, '''' We will win.''''


    The meeting continued and they made a few preparations for the battle. Nothing too much, but they would be ready.


    --


    FEWS DAYS LATER


    Samael, Shepard, and their respective crews participated in the spar, which originally was only between the Krogan and the Protehans.


    As expected, John, Veronica, Samael, and the other who took the Serum, fought head to head with any of the two species, with Samaeldrawingg a fight one time and losing none. The others who took the Serum had more losses than wins, but they showcased their might, surprising the Krogans and the Protheans.


    Shepard won her fair share, while her crew did too.


    Everyone then spent their days training and waiting for the attack to happen, all while making sure to prepare the defenses.


    Vigil, the Prothean VI, helped a lot in that regard. With RR and EDI''s help, he showcases all his abilities by using his power of bases across the planet.


    They were ready.


    Tonight, everyone was sleeping after training. Samael was in his bed, with Tali and Liara on his side.


    The trio was dead tired after today''s training.


    THEN-


    Samael was woken up by an alarm sound. He checked his omni tool and it was a message from the Shadow Broker, saying the Reaper was seen close to Illos.


    He acted immediately and raised the alarm. Soon, hurried steps were heard, as the alarm meant the Reaper was close.


    The second confrontation was about to start.

 85 – Priority: Race Against Time (5)

    When the Reaper and the numerous Geth ships entered Illos, Samael and everyone else were ready to meet them, armed to the teeth.


    Samael, Shepard, Wrex, Javik, and RR stood side by side, ready to command the ground fight, that consisted of 50 or so Prothean, half of LD, and a bunch of Krogan. Veronica, Joker, and EDI were already in the air, commanding the ships.


    Tali, Liara, and all the crew members were positioned where they would be most effective.


    BUZZZZ


    RR paused briefly and said, "They tried jamming the communications again but failed. It seems your gadget worked."


    Samael didn''t look surprised, as he was the one who made the gadget that blocked the jammer. However, others were taken aback by how effective it was, especially Javik.


    Having faced the Reapers before, Javik knew how dangerous and powerful their jamming gadget was. He could confidently say that it was one of the main strengths of the Reapers. To see it be dealt with so easily was a shock.


    "You are full of surprises." Javik said with admiration in his voice.


    Samael was in battle mode, but he gave a small smile, '''' I still have a lot in my sleeves.''''


    No one said anything anymore, and they waited for the fight to start. The air battle had already been in full course, with things being in a stalemate as of now. Half of LD was enough to give the Geth a good fight, if not a beating.


    The personnel on the ground were waiting. Samael, in particular, had a peculiar face. It was a mix of confusion, worry, and confidence.


    Shepard noticed that,'''' Are you okay?''''


    '''' I''m fine. It''s just a few personal things that are bothering me. I''ll deal with them later, for now, let''s focus on the battle.'''' Samael looked at Shepard and said, ''''Give them hell and maintain your crew safe.''''


    Shepard looed over at her crewmembr, who were in the middle of the army that was ready to face the ground forces, then nodded at Samael and waited.


    Wrex was clearly impatient, as the fight had already started on the air and he still wasn''t involved.


    Samael ignored that and looked at the battlefield in the air, his mind filled with countless thoughts.


    --


    Where do you think the main strength of a person trapped in a time loop/ a regressor lies?


    Is it the fact that they know things others don''t? Is it because they grow stronger each time they return? Is it because they can fix their mistakes?


    If you answered yes to all of the above, you would be right, and there would still be a lot more strength not mentioned. The point is, if you are a regressor or a time looper, you are guaranteed a good life.


    ...Only if you weren''t in a universe where there was danger at every corner and that had a time limit. Still, Samael persevered and won his fair share of fights, but he still lost sometimes.


    So, after every time loop, he got better, lived his life freely, and waited until his time loop ended. He was confident that he would be able to save everyone¡ªhell, he had done so previously¡ªin this last cycle of his.


    But, fate had other plans. In this cycle, he became aware that something was wrong with his mind, and that made him doubt himself quite a bit. A lot of his past actions - or inactions¡ªnow bothered him to no end.


    Before he had the time to process that, the Reapers attacked, not giving him the chance to go deep into this problem, and he had to put that in the back of his mind.


    Then, right after the battle in Thessia, he had this one, not giving him time to think. Still, he acted to protect his loved ones with the knowledge he acquired in past cycles.


    The gadget that stopped the jamming device came from past cycles.


    FLASHBACK


    ILLOS


    A day has passed since the first sparring match took place, and everyone who was supposed to arrive on the planet has done so. Things then have settled into a basic routine.


    Various activities are happening here and there, but sparring matches are the main attraction. Everyone participated, including Liara, Shepard, Tali, Kasumi, and others.


    The Krogans and the Protheans were surprised when they kept losing to the humans as if they were nothing, sparking a rivalry they didn''t know existed.


    Furthermore, only a few individuals knew about the other Prothean, so many of them were taken aback when they saw more individuals like Javik.


    Wrex even joked with the Prothean, "Javik, since when can you clone yourself? HAHAHA."


    Javik grunted at that and focused his being on commanding his people. They had interacted with LD personnel before and he ''taught'' them how to behave in this cycle.


    The Protheans learned it well and even made friends with LD personnel here and there, even the Krogans.


    All in all, everyone was friendly.


    '''' So, you''re saying she is the Spearhead of this cycle?'''' Javik, Samael, and Wrex were talking alone in a tent, drinking strong alcohol. Samael now could accompany both in drinking the hard stuff, as his body could handle it.


    The trio had talked until they were aware of everything that had happened to them in those past few months, and the topic of the Spearhead of this cycle came up. Samael had revealed it was Shepard, and while Javik could see potential, he was sure Samael was the better choice.


    Wrex didn''t understand the topic, so he nodded and drunk when a subject he didn''t know about came up.


    '''' She''s the best we have. LD has kept an eye on her from the beginning and then started to train her not long ago. She''s the one.'''' While Samael was having this conversation, he was thinking of ways to diminish the fighting power of the Geth and the Reaper. He had a few things in mind already, and now he just needs to act.


    He would do so after a drink ... or two.


    '''' I still think you are the best option.''''


    '''' I also think that.'''' Wrex said after he felt he was left out for too long.


    Javik looked at him and said, '''' Do you even know what we are talking about?''''


    '''' No, but I felt what you said sounded good, so I followed.''''


    '''' ... Smart.''''


    Wrex looked proud, '''' Smart, handsome, and strong!''''


    ''''...''''


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    '''' Wrex, do you know where Grunt is? I haven''t seen him since yesterday.'''' Samael asked after some time.


    '''' Oh, that kid. He was excited to be among peers, so he''s spending all his time with them... I hope you don''t mind.''''


    '''' Not a bit. He should spend the time with his people anyway.'''' While Samael was Grunt''s father figure, there''s still a lot to learn from others.


    '''' I think you should tell him to slow down a bit.'''' Javik said, '''' Not every Krogan is smart, handsome, and strong.''''


    Wrex laughed and ignored the obvious sarcasm, '''' That''s right! Only I am like that.''''


    ''''...'''' Javik ignored Wrex and said to Samael, '''' Regarding that Geth... Legion, if I remember correctly.''''


    Samael nodded, and Javik continued, '''' We have found nothing wrong with him, so he''s free to go.''''


    Javik and the Protheans that arrived at Illos have asked Samael if they could take a look at Legion, to see if he was indoctrinated or something along those lines.


    Samael knew nothing was wrong with the Geth, but he still allowed them to research it, with its permission, of course.


    They have found nothing wrong with it, so they relaxed. While not everyone was ok with the Geth being their ally, they knew how to respect Samael''s opinion.


    '''' We took the opportunity to better his body.'''' Javik casually added.


    '' Ohhh, lucky Legion.''


    Others might not remember, but the Protheans had more advanced tech than the current cycle, and while Samael could''ve bettered Legion, just like he did with EDI and RR, their upgrades were also amazing.


    Safe to say, Legion went up another tier in the fighting list of LD.


    After that, the conversation hit a wall, and Wrex and Javik started to bicker.


    Samael got up after seeing those two like that. They had already talked for some time, and now it was his turn to act, '''' Gentlemen, if you excuse me, I have a few things to do. See you later.''''


    '''' Bye.''''


    '''' See you.''''


    Samael then left the area where they were and went around looking for someone specific. He could ask RR or EDI for help with the person''s location, but sometimes he liked being alone. After a few minutes, he found the person he was looking for, '''' Jaret! Long time no see!''''


    Jaret turned around and faced Samael. He was surprised to see the young man he had known since he was a toddler, grow up to be such a figure, '''' Samael! You look good!''''


    The duo hugged each other, as they had not seen each other for quite some time.


    '''' How are you?'''' Samael broke the hug and asked the man. At first, he was quite involved in LD - the mercenary group- but he stopped because he had things to do regarding the other LD, so even though he was the owner, he left command to Jaret.


    And the man had done an amazing job leading LD, as they grew famous over time.


    '''' Good, good. I know you are aware of how well LD is doing, so I don''t need to say much about it. And I still have a few years on me, so don''t worry too much about me retiring.''''


    '''' You still have a few decades on you!''''


    After a few pleasantries, Samael went to business, '''' I need help regarding a few things.''''


    '''' Just say what you need.''''


    '''' I will build a few things today, and I need the guys help to put them in a few very specific places. Can you do that for me?''''


    Samael had a few countermeasures against ALL Reaper tactics, including the jamming device. He just needed to build it, and it just happened that he had ordered LD to bring the materials.


    It had occurred to him that this was exactly a problem. Samael had the tools, the ingredients, and everything to build things, but he only did so since the problem had already happened. It was honestly weird, but he could not figure out why he was like this.


    Another problem for later.


    '''' No problem.''''


    '''' Thanks. I''ll go do my things now, don''t be a stranger later.''''


    The duo parted and Samael went to build the anti-jamming device.


    When he arrived at his tent, Shepard, Tali, and Liara were there, talking and laughing away. This was something he saw various times in other cycles- the first one in this one- so he didn''t mind that much, '''' Ladies.''''


    He kissed Tali and Liara, gave a nod to Shepard, and went to work.


    '''' ... It''s really weird seeing this happen so naturally like that.'''' Shepard was still young, and while she was still more experienced than most, polygamy was a surprise to her. '''' How do you both deal with jealousy and things like that?''''


    Surprised and intrigued.


    Liara and Tali looked at each other, and almost like they planned it, they started to pouch Shepard to their ''team''. '''' I was honestly afraid at first. Of not being loved enough, not being given attention enough. Whenever I asked about the topic, that was the main precaution. But, Samael proved that those doubts were unfounded.''''


    '''' That man loves us very much, equally, with not a single aspect that would give us doubt of that.''''


    Shepard was still not convinced, '''' Yeah, but like, he has sex with both... Isn''t that weird?''''


    ''''At first, it was, but after some time, we grew to love each other too.'''' Liara and Tali held hands and showed them to Shepard.


    '''' Oh... OH!'''' Shepard connected the dots and coughed the embarrassment away, '''' I see.''''


    Liara noticed the ''iron'' could still be hit more, '''' Shepard, you must also have had your adventures. With what we have, you could have more and still be loved.''''


    '''' Of course, we are not saying you should join us specifically, just for you to keep your mind open.''''


    They were doing exactly what they said they weren''t.


    Shepard was far from pure and had a few adventures herself... She was getting more and more intrigued by their dynamics. '''' Say... do you guys do a test drive?''''


    Tali and Liara smiled, '' Gottem!''


    They had accepted their relationship with Samael some time ago, but they also knew the man held Shepard in a place in his heart. They also did, after all, they had fought and been together for some time now.


    So, while this was some sort of a ''gift'' to Samael, they also wanted this. It was a win-win-win situation all around.


    The trio chatted away, planning the day of the ''test drive'' into the near future.


    Samael was very aware of the conversation and the stares, but he did his best to wipe the cold sweat off his forehead and continued to work, '' What have I created...?''


    Still, anyone could see he was happy. Only he knew how difficult it was to have three loved ones willing to be in a relationship like that.


    A few hours later, the anti-jamming device was made.


    '' With this, we don''t have to worry about communications being stopped...I should''ve made this sooner.''


    He made some more and left the tent. Samael then gave them to Jaret and instructed the man to put them into places he had marked beforehand.


    Samael then returned to his tent and made another gadget, one that was a failsafe, in case they lost and the Reaper managed to use the Relay. He really didn''t want to use this, but he will if he is forced.


    Now, all he had to do was wait. In the meantime, he would enjoy his free time, free of worries, with his family.


    ---


    END OF FLASHBACK


    The gadget worked, and the Reaper had lost one of their main strengths. Samael would, in the future, pass the gadget to others, but for now, he would focus on the battle.


    The air battle was in full swing, but not on the ground yet. The main forces of the Reapers on the ground were, after all, the husks, and now there was no civilian on the planet, only trained soldiers. It would be a lot more difficult to make a husk.


    They had the Geth, but for them to be deployed, they needed to break the cycle LD formed in the air, and that was proving to be difficult.


    '' All is going well.'' Samael was eyeing Sovereign, and in any single strange movement coming from the Reaper, he would act.


    Just as they were waiting, his omni tool rang, and Samael looked at it. The caller was Garrus.


    '' Perhaps?'' A bad feeling surged up in Samael and he picked up the call, '''' Garrus, what''s wrong?''''


    '''' SAMAEL, THE COLLECTORS WERE ATTACKING THE CITADEL ALONGSIDE THE GETH. WE ARE HOLDING UP, BUT THEY ARE RELENTLESS.'''' Garrus sounded anxious.


    Samael''s pupil constricted. This was a new development, as the Collectors doesn''t appear at this point in time, never.


    They are one of the hidden weapons of the Reapers. The galaxy thought they were a legend, almost like the Reaper, but they do make an appearance here and there every hundred or so years.


    For those unaware, the Collectors were once Prothean. The Reapers used a process similar to what created the Husks, but more potent, to create the Collectors.


    They are stronger and smarter than a normal husk. They are a formidable opponent not only because of that, but also because of their ''hidden'' device.


    This device was something that created a stasis field around people, forcing them to be trapped, without the ability to move.


    They were so formidable they were the main enemy of Mass Effect 2.


    '' If they use their ''device'' in the Citadel, things will be over.''


    Samael knew how to counter this device, but he hadn''t built the thing that counters it yet. Once more.


    '''' The plan continues the same. Don''t let them enter the Citadel, and if they do, destroy them!''''


    '''' ... Ok.'''' Garrus took a breath and recovered his mental state. It seems he called just to alert Samael about the new variable, '''' Do you have any advice on how to handle them?''''


    '''' They die like anyone else, but be careful of their hidden card.''''


    Samael spent a few minutes explaining how to deal with them, all while hoping they would not use their device.


    '''' Don''t hesitate!''''


    ''''See you later.'''' Garrus sounded a lot calmer now.


    '''' Good luck.'''' Samael wished them good luck and turned the call off.


    As he eyed the Reaper, it seemed he was laughing at him. The main battle didn''t even start and they lost the advantage already.


    '' Fuck!''


    Just then, Sovereign started to move, and the Geth ships trapped in the air, after noticing they would not be able to break out of this battle in a short period of time, started to deploy the Geth soldiers anyway.


    BOOOMMM


    LD ships tried to intercept but a lot still passed. Granted, they were injured, some even destroyed, but the Geth finally arrived at the ground.


    '''' They are the distraction! The Reaper will go to the Relay, our job is to not let him use it.'''' Samael used his omni tool and said to Veronica and Joker,'''' You two, focus on the Reaper from now on. Use heavy artillery!''''


    '''' ROGER!''''


    '''' OK!''''


    With that, everything was in place. Wrex was commanding the Krogan, Javik was already in battle too, and only Samael, Shepard, and RR were left.


    The trio said nothing and started to go to the location of the Relay. As mentioned before, Samael had made a failsafe in case they lost, but he hoped he didn''t need to use it today.


    '''' Today is going to be a long day.''''

 86 – Priority: Race Against Time (6)

    CITADEL


    A FEW HOURS BEFORE THE COLLECTORS ATTACKED THE CITADEL


    Garrus has been feeling good these past few days. He got to know the Matriarchs, and Tevos better. He had a deal with the Councilour, but it was the first time they talked for real. They talked about life, and the next steps in making his father a Councilor. Of course, for them to be able to put that into motion they had to survive the upcoming battle... If said battle really would happen.


    There have been a few murmurs between the soldiers of the C-Sec, who choose to stay at the Citadel while the rest of the residents evacuated. They were saying that the so-called attack would not really happen. They were the minority though, as every one of LD, the Matriarchs, and the rest were convinced they would be attacked. They didn''t know if it was the way Sameal talked to them or their own sixth sense.


    Regardless, the Citadel was ready to fight. All noncombatants were evacuated, and everyone in the space station knew how to fight. Well, a few people with connections here and there stayed in the space station, to observe the battle, such as the trio of human reporters.


    They would do their best to convey the real story that would happen in the space station.


    Today, Tevos and Garrus had company in the form of Ashely, Jacob, and Vega. They have gotten acquittance in the past few days, and talked about many things, getting to know each other.


    '''' It''s funny when you think about the whole situation.'''' Vega casually remarked as he looked around the place. Numerous species were seemingly working in harmony.


    '''' What do you mean?'''' Garrus asked.


    '''' All that was needed for this situation, to unite everyone, was an extinction-level event.'''' Vega smiled at his own words.


    Everyone at the table finally realized what Vega meant and looked around too. The species were working really hard, ensuring the Citadel was at the peak of its power to handle the attack.


    Tevos chuckled a bit, '''' You should hear the story we have about the good old days. In my time, Krogans were hated and no one, especially the Salarians, tolerated them. Now, look at this.''''


    Krogans were working together with the Salarians. Granted, all involved weren''t exactly pleased, but the point remains.


    '''' It''s amazing to see such a picture.''''


    While everyone at the table knew the stories, hearing from others, it was a different thing when a person that lived said stories to talk about it. It was a privilege.


    '''' You gotta tell us more about this.'''' Ash said in a tone filled with respect. Her family is military, so being able to hear war stories from a Councilor and Matriarch, was amazing to her. While she was still a little bit resentful of alien species, she knew how to give respect to those who deserved it.


    Tevos smiled as she got up, '''' Later. I have a few things to do today, such as visiting the Protheans. It is not every day my species has such privilege.''''


    At first, there was only Javik, the last Prothean confirmed alive, and he didn''t really interact much with the Asari as a whole. But now, at the Citadel, there were more or less 50 Protheans. It was a field day for the Matriarchs and the Asari.


    So much so that Tevos was the only one of them that wasn''t in the same area as the Protheans.


    '''' See you later, councilor.''''


    After everyone said goodbye, Tevos left the place and went on with her day.


    Silence filled the place, when Ash said to Garrus, " So, can you tell us about how Samael found and recruited you ?"


    As mentioned before, Ash had hatred for alien species, especially the Turians, as a lot of her family fell in the First Contact War. Granted, most of the hatred was gone, but a small bit still showed here and there.


    Jacob and Vega knew about such a thing, so they watched over their friend so that she would not cross the line.


    Garrus also noticed the confrontational tone of Ash, but he didn''t mind. He thought for a while and answered," I honestly still don''t believe how easily things turned out. He said he was already looking out for potential recruits and I was on the list."


    He then recounted the story with a smile on his face. The trio listened to it with rapid attention, as they were curious about how Samael handled things.


    "If not for him I would still be a rookie at the C-Sec." Garrus finished the story with a smile.


    The trio noticed how Garrus'' recruitment was similar to their own. It made them think about how such a coincidence happened, but when you think about it, it was Samael''s modus operandi, so it made sense.


    " ...Samael is an amazing person." Jacob casually said.


    It was true. The way LD, and by proxy, him, handled things was amazing. San Francisco was literally paradise on Earth, thanks to the fact that LD headquarters was located there , and the things they created, as they were the best of the best.


    With only that, the life in the whole planet got better. Granted, there''s still a lot to improve, but the steps were being taken.


    And that was only on Earth. From what little they knew, Samael wasn''t going to stop at Earth. Soon, the whole galaxy will have to be at that stage, and all because of a human.


    Ash hesitated for a bit, as her opinion of Samael wasn''t exactly great. But she gritted her teeth and was honest. " I don''t know. I don''t exactly trust a person who seems so ... perfect, with no dark side. It''s almost like he hides a lot of himself. Granted, what he had done to the galaxy is amazing, but my point remains."


    It was bold of her, as everyone around was friends and respected Samael.


    '''' Maybe it''s just that he hasn''t shown us that side of him yet. Who knows what that guy went through.'''' Vega said that and didn''t talk about what Ash said. Maybe because he agreed or something along those lines.


    Garrus thought for a while, and in his opinion, Samael was far from perfect. He was just a person trying his best.


    Just as he was going to continue the conversation, alarms started to blare around the space station.


    Everyone stopped what they were doing and prepared mentally. As they knew about the upcoming attack, they were dressed to battle, so all they needed now was to go to their position.


    Garrus, as the commander of everything, sighed and got up, '''' It has started.''''


    Ash, Jacob, and Vega looked ready to fight, '''' Where do you need us?''''


    '''' I first need to see what we are going against, then think where to send you. For now, go to the Council Chambers and wait there.''''


    '''' Aye aye!''''


    The trio left, and Garrus also started to move. Soon, he found Tevos and the Matriarchs, '''' Do we have confirmation on who we are fighting against and how many?''''


    Tevos was a little pale,'''' ... The numbers are something we can handle but the problem is the type of enemies we are facing.''''


    Garrus knew something bad was going to come out of her mouth so he prepared menatly, '''' Say it.''''


    '''' The Collectors were attacking the Citadel alongside the Geth... The saving grace is that there''s no Reapers around.''''


    Even then, everyone could notice Tevos'' tone wasn''t exactly optimistic.


    Garus didn''t hesitate for a moment and said, '''' I need to make a call.''''


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Tevos nodded, and she knew right away who the turian would call. '''' Go ahead.''''


    ''Knowing when to ask for help is also a great sign of leadership.''


    Far from making Garrus seem ''weak'', his sudden call made Tevos admire the turian more.


    '' If you don''t know something, it doesn''t hurt to ask about it to others... In that regard, it seems that Samael knows more about things than even us.''


    The Asari as a whole were known as one of the most intelligent species, so seeing Garrus just skip them and ask Samael directly was strange.


    '' ... Well, we do know little about the Collectors, so there''s that.''


    Tevos then waited, all while preparing her sisters for battle.


    ---


    Garrus then called Samael right away. It was almost like an instinct, as the human seemed to be able to think of a plan, no matter how bad the situation was.


    '''' SAMAEL, THE COLLECTORS WERE ATTACKING THE CITADEL ALONGSIDE THE GETH.'''' Garrus sounded anxious, because, well, he was.


    The Collectors were almost like a myth in the galaxy, not like the Reapers, as the Collectors do tend to appear around the galaxy from time to time, but even then, very little things were known about them.


    The galaxy had just found out that they were allies of that Reaper and that alone was enough to make everyone anxious, as their numbers were unknown.


    Still, Samael sounded calm as he spoke to Garrus after a brief silence, ''''The plan continues the same. Don''t let them enter the Citadel, and if they do, destroy them!''''


    '''' ... Ok.'''' Garrus took a breath and recovered his mental state. It seems he called just to alert Samael about the new variable, '''' Do you have any advice on how to handle them?''''


    '''' They die like anyone else, but be careful of their trump card. Also, tell the Asari, especially the Matriarchs, to use a Barrier. It is the only way to stop their advances.''''


    That was also one of the only ways to infiltrate the Collector ship in Mass Effect 2. If not for the biotic barrier, the suicide mission in the game would''ve been a failure from the start.


    '''' The Collectors has small devices that put others into a stasis field. Only a Barrier strong enough is able to stop and even then, it only stops, and does not destroy them.''''


    '''' The Asari is our main force with this new development. Use the Matriarchs well, position them in strategic places, and make them protect the troops.''''


    '''' Use LD and other biotics too... One more thing, don''t hesitate!''''


    Samael had nothing more to say to Garrus. Things were already out of his hands, and all the cards were on the table. Now, they only need to wait for the results.


    ''''See you later.'''' Garrus sounded a lot calmer now.


    '''' Good luck.''''


    The call then ended and Garrus was faced with a new challenge, one that would change his life forever, whether he lost or won.


    '' I can do this!''


    With the new knowledge about the Stasis field and what the Collectors could do, Garrus was ready to lead.


    The first thing he did after the call was to talk to Tevos. The councilour was waiting for him.


    Garrus then revealed the information he got from Samael to Tevos.


    '''' I want the Matriarchs to be separated and placed in large groups. They are the key to winning this fight. They will make a barrier whenever the Collector''s device activates.''''


    '''' The same with the others Asari. You guys are our main strength in this fight... They still haven''t entered the Citadel, so we could still prepare.''''


    While the enemies hadn''t entered the Citadel yet, everyone knew it was a matter of time. Even now, there''s a fight happening outside of the space station, and in one way or another, enemies would enter.


    And when they do, they would be met with a force they never expected.


    Tevos nodded, '''' Leave it to me.'''' With that, she tapped her omni tool and relayed to everyone what Garrus said.


    The Turian then made his way to the Council Chambers, to lead others better. In that place, Ash, Vega, Jacob, and a few other people were waiting for orders.


    ---


    Unaware to everyone at the Citadel, something/someone was already deep inside the space station. It had just finished sending a message to a faraway place, and then it walked away, its fate unknown.


    ---


    WITH SAMAEL


    While Garrus was facing a periculous situation, Samael and Shepard were too, but ... it was a weird situation, even for Samael''s standards.


    They were following the Reaper as it went to the Relay when suddenly it stopped close to it. That made both pause too and a strange atmosphere was created.


    Samael noticed Sovereign had no intention of using the Relay, and that made things complicated in a lot of ways. First, this never happened in the past cycle, and second, his trump card would be useless if the Reaper didn''t use it.


    He was also unsure if he should attack the Reaper or not. He sent RR back to the fight, and stayed with Shepard. But, before Samael could think of what to do next, the Reaper took the initiative to do something.


    BZZZZ


    Samael got in front of Shepard, expecting an attack but no. It was a drone of sorts, one that Samael recognized, '' This is something that the Reapers used to contact people.''


    Sure enough, a rough voice filled with malice said out of the drone, '''' So you are the ones that were trying to stop us. I expected more, honestly.''''


    Shepard was tacked aback while Samael just silently stared at it. When she noticed that, she took the initiative to talk with the drone, '''' Why are you attacking us?''''


    While everyone heard from Javik and Samael, that the Repaers can''t be talked to nor negotiate with them, Shepard still wanted to talk, to see if she could take out something from the machine.


    '''' Oh, we aren''t attacking you, we are cleaning the galaxy, you are just on the way. It''s simple as that.''''


    Then, just as it happened in the games, Shepard and Sovereign started a battle of words, with no one budging.


    And while that was happening, Samael was thinking. He was sure the machine would not attack.


    '' This situation doesn''t make sense...''


    Every instinct in his body was telling him something was wrong, but he didn''t know where or what.


    '' The Sovereign I know from past cycles is not this passive. He''s arrogant, he wants others to know he won, but now... it''s almost like he already did and now was just waiting.''


    Then, it clicked. Samael looked around and didn''t see Saren. At this stage, the Turian should be close, but now, no sign of him.


    That made Samael realize something. At the same time the conversation between Shepard and Sovrtinh ended, Samael said, '''' You ... you already sent the message to the others.''''


    It wasn''t a question, it was an affirmation.


    Sovereign took his attention off Shepard and looked at Samael. The Reaper even had a hint of admiration in his voice, '''' So it''s you... It''s nice to put a face in a person.''''


    Samael didn''t understand that part, and Sovering continued,'''' You really are an intelligent person. You see, very few times we faced problems when cleaning the galaxy, but in this cycle and in the past one, things got complicated even for us.''''


    Sovereign voice''s then turned into something akin to pleasure, '''' But, even then, you already lost. The message has been sent and it is only a matter of time for the rest of my species to arrive. You lost.''''


    Shepard was shocked by this. All their preparedness, all they did, for nothing. The Reaper had somehow managed to talk with the others and now, millions, billions, or maybe trillions of Reapers are coming to the galaxy.


    Just as Shepard was losing focus, Samael talked in a calm voice, '''' Do you really think I planned on winning this fight here on Illos?''''


    '''' ... What?''''


    '''' In one way or another, even if you hadn''t sent the message, the Reapers would arrive in full numbers in a few years anyway. This altercation here and on the Citadel is training for us. You didn''t even realize this.''''


    Samael laughed at Sovereign, '''' You just sped up things a little. And guess what? We will be ready when your friends arrive too. Only, you will not be here to see that.''''


    Even now Samael was calm because he had a trump card to eradicate all Reapers. The price was too high though, so he really didn''t want to use it.


    But, if push comes to shove, he would use it.


    Sovereign didn''t like to be talked down, but his job here on this planet was done. He said while looking at Shepard and Samael, '''' Struggle all you want. You will turn to dust anyway.''''


    With that, the drone that made it possible to talk with each other went away, and Shepard looked at Samael, '''' Now what?''''


    Samael smiled as he watched Sovereign go towards the Relay, '''' Now, we watch the fireworks.''''


    He grabbed Shepard and entered the M.A.K.O they used to follow Sovereign. He then speeds away, trying to get far from the relay.


    Shepard didn''t understand why they weren''t trying to stop the Reaper but a response came in the form of Samael.


    '''' You see, we can''t stop a Reaper right now. If we used all we had, sure, but there''s the Geth holding us back. So, I thought of a way to ensure that even if it had passed through our defenses and used the Relay, things would not go his way.''''


    Samael smiled as cold sweat dripped down his face. He tried to press harder on the accelerator, but this was the fastest the M.A.K.O. could run.


    '''' Remember when I said to Joker a nuke would not work? Well, I did do something similar to that. '''' Samael''s voice was filled with madness, ''''Like a person I used to watch liked to say, I used EXPLOSION.''''


    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM


    The Relay exploded with such force that it created a cloud of dust so strong that swept the M.A.K.O that was already in a considerable distance away, making it roll around.


    The cloud was so big that not even the Reaper was seeing.


    Sovereign, Samael, and Shepard''s fates were unknown.

 87 – Priority: Race Against Time (7)

    ILLOS


    Everyone on the planet saw and felt that explosion. Although they were a few hundred kilometers away, the shockwave hit them hard, causing them to stumble away; some even fell to the ground.


    They could only imagine those who were close to the explosion, like Samael and Shepard.


    Even then, after the shockwave''s effect wore off, the battle continued. Hell, it never stopped, giving the Geth a brief advantage, as they ignored the effects.


    As the battle continued, more and more people fell, either Geth or LD personnel, but everyone there had one thing in mind: worry for their friend and leader.


    RR, Tali, and Liara were the most affected. They were together before the explosion, but after it, they separated a few meters. Before they could gather again-


    BANG


    Wrex killed a Geth who was sneaking up on Tali. He then said in a high tone of voice, '''' Hey, don''t get too distracted! Samael is a tough nut to crack. He''s fine, probably.''''


    Grunt, who was together with Wrex, interjected, '''' I doubt he''s dead with only that, so continue to focus on the fun.''''


    The young Krogan was naive in many aspects, but combat wasn''t one of them. He was strong, only behind a few, like Wrex, Samael, or Javik.


    Liara and RR got close to Tali once more. They heard what Grunt said and knew he was right.


    They relaxed a bit, but RR maintained a huge preoccupation, as Samael wasn''t responding to her contacts. But, the AI knew that losing focus was bad, so she focused on finishing this war so she could check on him.


    Just then, someone on the battlefield screamed at the top of his lungs, '''' LOOK!''''


    To everyone''s horror, the Reaper, although very damaged, was still floating in the air. Wrex cursed a lot after seeing that.


    '''' UNFAIR!''''


    The Krogan saw the magnitude of the explosion, so seeing something survive the hit was amazing and at the same time, damaging the morale and vigor of the enemies of said survivor.


    Everyone on LD''s side could feel fear climbing up their spine. To further complicate their situation, Sovereign started to ''open'' his body, preparing to shoot its beam at them.


    Javik immediately ordered as he watched that, '''' COVER NOW!''''


    It was chaos after that. After all, they were still engaging the Geht on the ground, and now they were the target of a Reaper beam. More and more LD personnel fell, as they fought tooth and nail to give their comrades a chance to hide.


    ''Luckily'' for LD and the army, Illos had a lot of places to hide. Granted, all of them were in ruins and their state wasn''t good, but it was better than nothing. It should tank one or two beams.


    Everyone rushed to cover, hoping it would be enough, all while the air battle continued at full force. They also felt the shockwave and saw the Reaper, but they could not stop fighting, as the Geth was stronger in the air.


    ZZZZZZZZZOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM


    Veronica and Joker watched with trepidation as a Beam hit the place where the army was, missing them by just a few seconds. They sighed in relief and continued to fight.


    The Geth were getting bold and reckless, as they calculated now was the best time to attack at full forces, seeing as their enemies were pinned down.


    ZOOOOOOMMMMMMMM


    Another Beam hit the ground, but by now everyone was hiding in the ruin of the planet. Still, cracks had already formed in the places where they were. Safe to say, those places would not hold for much longer.


    Even worse, the Geth didn''t care about dying, as they were hit by the beam, dying in the process, only for another Geth to come over and continue going after LD army.


    The Geth''s only goal was to please their God and they would stop at nothing to accomplish said goal.


    Tali, from her cover, hacked a Geth with RR and Liara''s help and sent it out to the battlefield.


    It managed to kill two units before being shot down. It seemed the Geth were aware of what Tali could do and didn''t hesitate to kill a unit they considered suspicious.


    Still, it opened a chance for Liara to use her Biotic powers. The Geth they sent out had explosives in them, and she detonated them with her powers.


    BOOOM


    It killed a few more, but the Geth momentum didn''t stop, as they continued to press onto the LD army.


    Grunt, who was close to Liara, Tali, and RR, was getting impatient and frustrated. He was basically locked up, while a fun activity was happening in front of him. He knew he could not join the fun, as even with his body plus his armor, he would not be able to tank more than a beam.


    Still, he was pissed, but luckily for him, Wrex and Javik were at his side, trying to help him deal with his impatience, all while fighting back the approaching Geth.


    '''' Kid, calm down.'''' Wrex was going to continue talking when an explosion interrupted him.


    BOOMMM


    An explosion outside made Grunt more excited, but Wrex didn''t let him move and continued talking, '''' This is just the beginning. Why risk it all now if in the future there will be even more fun for you to join?''''


    Javik saw a chance for him to speak, '''' Also, imagine how our troops and Samael would feel if you died here, without showcasing them your might? Besides, the Geth are still coming to us, so you will have your fun with them.''''


    With Samael, Wrex, and Javik giving Grunt bits of advice all the time, it was only a matter of time for the Krogan to become a powerhouse capable of facing countless enemies. But, he needs to be alive to do that.


    Grunt tried his best to calm down, as he looked around the place where they were hiding/pinned down. He saw Kasumi and Thane in the same area as him.


    Both of them were formidable assassins, so they could kill a lot of Geth. But, even they were hiding here, as there was no point in dying a futile death.


    They were mortals after all, and unlike Grunt, their body/armor would not even be able to tank a single beam.


    BANG BANG


    Even then, the duo plus everyone there was helping in their own way.


    Grunt then looked at RR, Tali, and Liara. He saw their tactics and was amazed by how well they worked together.


    Tali hacked the Geth and sent them to the middle of the rest, and Liara used her powers to detonate the explosives they put on the Geth, while RR was their support in all areas, showing them where to attack and many more things.


    Soon, the young Krogan calmed down, '''' What do you need me to do?''''


    Wrex grinned at that, as he knew how difficult was for a Krogan to calm down. He was proud.


    Javik had the same expression, '''' We just need to wait.''''


    '''' For what?''''


    '''' For an opportuinuty.''''


    Just in cue, an explosion followed by a big shockwave was felt. Only, everyone noticed the explosion wasn''t close by, but from far away.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Immediately, those who knew Samael felt it should be a plan of his coming into action or something along those lines. He had plans for his plans after all.


    No more Reaper Beams hit them after that, but many more explosions like the one before were felt.


    Then, silence. After a few seconds of that, the Geth continued their attack, but ... Wrex, Javik, and RR received a message on their omni tool.


    Wrex immediately got up and said to Grunt, '''' It has arrived! The opening, that is!'''' He then charged out of his hiding place, with RR and Javik following him, '''' CHARGE!''''


    The army didn''t understand what was happening but followed their leader''s charge regardless. Grunt was the first one to join the fun.


    The reason RR, Wrex, and Javik attacked the Geth was because of the content of the message. It was from Samael, saying ''the Reaper was dead. Feel free to end this fight now.''


    --


    The fight hit its peak, but for you to understand what happened, we will need to go back a few minutes in time.


    FLASHBACK


    A FEW MINUTES EARLIER


    COUGH COUGH


    After an unknown period of time, Samael woke up coughing his lungs out after his desperate ''plan'' came to life.


    Exploding the Relay was one of the few desperate plans he made to stop the Reaper from using it. One of the other ''plans'' was up in space, waiting for his turn to act. Samael hoped he didn''t need to use it, but he was prepared just in case.


    After a bit, Samael got up in the dark and used the flashlight in his omni tool to illuminate the place and to find Shepard. To his relief, he found her.


    Before he got too happy, he used the scanner in his Omni tool to check her injuries. Finally, he relaxed a lot when the results showed he only had a few broken ribs and wasn''t in mortal danger.


    Honestly, he was afraid. All the plans he made didn''t take into account Sobereing showing this soon in the timeline... They weren''t ready to face them. Sure, he upgraded the ships and other things, but it wasn''t enough.


    So, he was afraid that something might have happened to Shepard and his other loved ones thanks to the things he had to do to ''fix'' this mistake of his. Now, he was a bit relieved to see she was safe, but various problems still remained.


    How long was he out, how much damage Sovereign did in the meantime, and how were his loved ones that were battling the enemy''s forces. So many problems and very little to do that can help.


    Anyway, now that he confirmed Shepard was ok, it was time to face those problems head-on. He put Shepard in a considerably safe place and got out of the overturned M.A.K.O.


    Samael looked at the sky with trepidation. He knew Sovereign was still alive even after taking the Relay explosion head-on, but the Reaper was 100% damaged, what matters was the extent.


    The sky was clear, no sign of -- Not.


    Sovereign, very damaged, was up there firing his beams at LD and the rest of the force at the distance.


    '' From the looks of it, I was out for a few minutes at least. But, even in those few minutes, he must have done a lot of damage to our forces.''


    With trembling hands from worry about his loved ones, Samael tapped his omni tool and sent a message to his ''plan''. '''' Prepare the attack. I''ll point at where you need to drop them.''''


    After that, Samael pointed his omni tool and a laser-like-thing was aimed at Sovereign and started to talk with no one in particular, '''' You see, behind all my confidence, all my willpower, all of me, there''s a deep fear that comes from my failures in past cycles, that resulted in preventable deaths. Fear that I''m not doing enough to save those I love, fear that I''m wrong in certain things, that I''ll fail even knowing everything I do.''''


    '''' Before Thessia, I was confident we would win without even using the Crucible. But, after taking the Serum, finding out about my modified memories and the other me inside my mind, made me think about the whole situation deeply.. I asked myself, what have I really changed regarding our chances in the upcoming war?''''


    '''' Sure, I upgraded our tech to a whole new level, told everyone about the danger a lot earlier, made the ark that will bring us to Andromeda, I had already finished the Genophage cure and the Quarian Pill, Cerberus is no longer a problem. A lot really, but... things about it, what about those things REALLY change the outcome of the war.... the answer is almost nothing.''''


    '''' Now, if I had already built the Crucible or already recruited the Geth and the Rachni, I would still say things were on track. But, I kept pushing those things to the future, saying they didn''t have much importance in the grand picture of things... But, that is fundamentally wrong.


    ''''I didn''t even bother making the countermeasures against the Collectors, even though I knew about their existence. To top it off, I didn''t start making the only thing that would guarantee us victory. That''s when I realized something was very very wrong. This isn''t at the same level as my scrambled memories, this is the fate of the galaxy we are speaking. And, I''m not ashamed to say that I failed. The Reapers received the message to initiate the cleaning. We have 1-3 years tops to prepare. That''s ... far from enough.''''


    '''' After careful analysis, I discovered I could not trust myself, or my thoughts any longer. It''s like I''m holding myself back when it comes to the real preparations to deal with the Reapers... No, I am being held back from that. Now, I have a good hunch as to why.''''


    '''' But you know what''s funny? Despite all that, I still think we will win this. Even with all that advantage, you guys are still on the losing side.''''


    '''' After this, I''ll deal with a few things, then go on a journey to fix my mind. The Leviathans... they are my last hope. Even I don''t know if they can help, and even if they do, I don''t know what might come from it, but regardless, I''m looking forward to it.''''


    Samael said all that in one breath. He seemed relieved he could take that out of his chest. '''' Sorry for my rant.''''


    He looked at Sovereign and watched as the Reaper finally noticed him. Only, it was too late.


    '''' I''ll be seeing you out now.''''


    You might think, if a nuke nor a relay exploding works, what does? Well, have you heard about tungsten rods?


    Well, basically is something that has the powers of a nuke but without the nuclear fallout that comes from it. Even in his old world, a lot of people thought of using this as a weapon. Hell, it even has a cool name: Rods of God.


    Basically, you make a long ass tungsten rod and drop it on the target. It was a guaranteed kill. The only reason as to why it wasn''t widespread was the destruction it caused and the cost.


    But, who is Samael? He''s the owner of LD, the richest group in the galaxy.


    So, up in the sky, there are 15 satellites, filled with tugenst rods with sizes that reach at least 20 feet long. Any bigger than this and the Illos could literally be destroyed just from that.


    Samara was controlling them. Samael offered Javik the honor to kill Sovereign, but the Prothean declined saying he wanted to end all of them and only one was far from enough.


    Anyway, Samael was using his omni tool to indicate the Asari where to drop tungsten rods. He laughed manically as he watched the Rods dropping out of the atmosphere towards Sovereign, who noticed it too late.


    '''' ONE MORE TIME, WITH ME: EXPLO-''''


    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM


    Rod after rod fell into Sovereign. Thanks to the Relay explosion earlier, Samael was at a considerable safe distance, but even then, he was sent flying. When he managed to recover himself, thanks to his back hitting the M.A.K.O., he immediately looked at the scene once more.


    BOOOOMMM


    Samara wasn''t joking around as she continued to shoot Rod after Rod. 1,5,10,20 rods. The shockwave was so strong he used it to help him turn over the M.A.K.O.


    There was still a lot more but Samael knew that was enough. He was no longer seeing Sovering, the Reaper having died long ago. '''' Samara, you can stop now.''''


    Only then, the Asari stooped. Samael looked over at the biggest crater in the middle of where Sovereign was. It was so big that even from where he was he could see it.


    He spit on the ground and calmed himself down. Now, with that out of the way, only the Geth remained. After that, he still has a lot to do.


    Hoping those in the Citadel were safe from the Collectors and that those in Illos were safe, Samael rushed inside the M.A.K.O. and started to go towards his group.


    --


    IN THE CITADEL


    In the Council Chambers, just like the whole space station, was in shambles. A lot of corpses from the C-sec officer were scattered around, just like Geth''s carcasses and many other victims, filling the place with death.


    And right in the heart of it, stood Ash, Jacob, Vega, Garrus, Tevos, and a few unnamed officers, Asari, and LD personnel. They all stood over what was once Saren.


    Now, the turian was something else, something evil. He was already strong before coming to the Citadel, as he won against many Matriarchs. Granted, he surprised-attacked them and used his influence to win, but the point remains. But, after he suffered defeat at the hands of Samael, Sovereign decided to ''modify'' the turian.


    He was on a whole new level. The only reason he lost this fight on the Citadel was because everyone went all in on him. And they still lost a good chunk of people to his weapons.


    It was then that the modified Saren started to laugh manically. He had lost the battle but won the war, '''' I sent the message! Soon, the whole Reaper army will come to clean the galaxy! You lost!''''


    Everyone in the place looked uncomfortable just looking at him, and his work-


    BANG


    Ash shot Saren''s head off. No one said anything, as they knew from his action the Turian was far gone in all regards and no answer would come out of his mind. They were also digesting the bombshell he dropped on them.


    The Reapers were coming.


    Saren''s body started to turn into a puddle, just like the Keepers but no one paid any attention to him. What was once a great Spectre now was the galaxy''s biggest traitor.


    At that moment, reports started to arrive to Garrus and Tevos, informing them about the Collector''s retreat, '''' The Collectors were retreating! Should we pursue them?''''


    The battle at the Citadel was a stalemate from the beginning, but now with the retreat from the enemies, they had the initiative. Only, it had no meaning.


    Both Tevos and Garrus knew the Collectors were just the Reaper''s paw. Besides the danger that would come from going after them, they needed to assess the damage to the Citadel.


    '''' No need. I want you all the forces on the Citadel to focus on making sure to save those injured... Send a message to the other species about the Collectors retreat and their location. Tell them to do as they see fit.''''


    While the Citadel army would not pursue them, the same could not be said about the other species. No one knew if they would attack, but they didn''t care either.


    '''' Sure.''''


    Ash got close to Tevos and Garrus after she noticed they stopped talking to the officer in their Omni tool. Jacob and Vega went to help in other areas, '''' Now what?''''


    '''' Now we will join forces with Samael and the others and then think about what to do next. Only one thing is certain: hard times are ahead of us.''''


    They were far from ready, but they had something powerful. Hope. They would put all of it in Samael, LD,, and in the union of the galaxy.


    Only time would tell if they would win. For now, everyone in the Council Chamber went to help around the Citadel.


    --


    The second battle ended with the galaxy''s victory, seeing as Sovereign was dead, the Collectors were defeated, Saren was killed, and the Citadel was still standing.


    But, no one cheered, as their enemies managed to send a message to the rest of the Reapers.


    Now, it was a race against time, and the stakes were higher than ever before.

 SIDE STORY – Saren’s End and A New Path

    Saren had just finished sending the message when he was suddenly surrounded by troops¡ªhumans, Asari, and Turians alike. The only reason the ex-Spectre managed to send the message undetected was that he knew the layout of the Citadel at a level few could match.


    However, after he sent the message, his location was discovered, as the place he chose to send it just happened to be near the Council Chambers, where everyone decided to gather. The first to find Saren were Ash, Jacob, and Vega.


    Thanks to Samael¡¯s earlier warning about Saren and his powers, they decided to wait for backup. And soon, it arrived.


    "Why, thank you for the reception. I expect no less, after all, you are all struggling to have a chance of survival." Saren had long since transformed into pure villainy. "But it''s too late. I have already sent the message. Soon, the whole galaxy will be inundated by the Reaper fleet!"


    "You will not be alive to see that." Just then, Tevos, Garrus, Benezia, and a few other Matriarchs arrived at the scene. Liara''s father was there too.


    Benezia and Aethyta put their differences aside for this. The only reason the rest of the Matriarchs weren¡¯t there was that they were needed in the struggle against the Collectors. Without the barrier they provided, the battle would have already been lost.


    Sure, the Asari were fighting as well, but their barriers were not as strong.


    Everyone surrounded Saren, but the Turian didn''t seem fazed. He had accepted his fate long ago. "We will see about that."


    BANG!


    Without warning, Ash shot the Turian, but the shield absorbed the impact, leaving him unharmed.


    SCREEECCCHHH


    Saren didn''t just stay put, no, he attacked. If before, the reason he won against the Matriarch at Thessia was because of the surprise attack, now, he was stronger, thanks to the modification Sovereign made on him.


    The turian rushed towards a nearby C-Sec officer, grabbing him before he had a chance to react, and with a pull, he severed the hand of a said soldier.


    '''' ARGGHHH!'''' The soldier screamed in pain, as shots started to rain on Saren. It didn''t take long for the shield to break, the same as the armor.


    Saren''s body was riddled with bullets from head to toe, but the Turian- no, the monster was still up, showing no signs of slowing down.


    That made almost everyone scared, but soon Garrus shouted, '''' DON''T STOP! HE''S NOT IMMORTAL!''''


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Saren knew that as well, also that he would die here today. So, he would take as many people as he could.


    Under the frightened gazes and the storm of bullets, Saren continued to kill C-Sec officers around the area.


    However, he met his match whenever he tried to approach the humans or the Matriarchs. Their firepower was too big for him, and his regeneration didn''t catch up.


    Soon, everyone noticed that and gathered around the area where the Matriarchs were.


    With one final shout, Saren fell to the ground, his body giving up.


    His story ended not long after that, with his head being shot by Ashely. No amount of regeneration could save him.


    While his story ended, the consequence of what he did that day would resonate throughout the galaxy for a long time.


    ---


    WITH DIANA ALLERS


    Diana regretted, for a bit, her decision to join Emily and Khalisah al-Jilani in filming the battle at the Citadel.


    Sure, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but the dangers were enormous. Despite being protected by some LD soldiers and C-Sec officers, along with armor and shields, Diana felt it was far from enough.


    To heighten her anxiety, the Collectors, the main attackers, were ruthless. They launched their attacks without holding back, and the skirmishes around the space stations were bloody.


    Additionally, a few Geth were involved as well, assisting the Collectors. Their presence instilled deep fear in everyone for the first time in a while.


    The Embassies now was filled with corpses of humans, Turians, Geth, and Collectors alike. The Presidium was no exception, even the Elevators were compromised, filled with so many bodies that some stopped working.


    Not a single corner of the Citadel could be considered safe. All in all, this battle was more than what Diana¡ªand even Emily and Khalisah al-Jilani¡ªhad bargained for.


    Still, they did their job. They filmed everything, from the moment the Collectors arrived to the bloody conflict that followed.


    It was from the trio that the footage watched by Shepard came. This footage would later serve as a training resource for multiple species in the future, teaching their soldiers how to combat the Collectors.


    In the recordings, the Matriarch, some Asari, and Biotics from LD were shown fighting against the device that paralyzed people. The footage also displayed the grim consequences faced by those who lacked a strong enough barrier.


    They were paralyzed and soon killed by the Collectors. It wasn¡¯t a pleasant scene, yet the trio chose to send the footage to their employers.


    The trio survived the battle, but from the beginning to the end of the conflict, they witnessed many good people die. This experience made them feel something they had never felt before their powerlessness.


    Some of the individuals sent to protect them even lost their lives in the process, which might not have happened if the trio had been strong enough.


    Determined to change their fate, the trio vowed to get stronger, one way or another. They knew exactly who to call for help: Samael.


    Although they knew it was a long shot, they had nothing to lose. Even if he wouldn¡¯t help train them as soldiers, they would still join LD, as the company had begun to explore the news sector.


    They would submit their resignations as quickly as possible and contact Samael or the CEO of LD. They were eager to see what they could achieve after their training or under LD wings.


    ---


    The repercussions of the battle at the Citadel were significant, but their effects would only be felt later on. However, the galaxy was taking steps, baby steps, towards unification, as they watched and felt how weak they were when facing the Reapers, the Geth, and the Collectors.


    They were weak alone, but together, they could confront the Reapers and everything else the galaxy threw at them. But, again, they are only taking baby steps on that front.


    That day is not far away.

 SIDE STORY – Battle On Illos

    While Samael and Shepard went to confront the Reaper, LD, the crew, and the rest of the army were engaged with the Geth. Thanks to Veronica, Joker, and EDI holding back the Geth ships in the air, the troops that managed to bypass their defenses, hit the ground and suffered significant damage or were outright destroyed.


    Still, the number of Geth on the ground was far from small, forcing LD and the others into a fierce battle. Thanks to the Shadow Broker ''selling'' Illos location, as Samael requested, people started to arrive at the planet, either to watch things burn or to help. However, their numbers were too small to make a difference.


    Deaths were inevitable, especially in a conflict of this scale. Although the med gel provided by LD was helping, casualties continued to rise.


    In the midst of the conflict, two members of Samael''s crew were particularly deadly: Thane and Kasumi.


    Equipped with a cloaking device provided by Samael, which made them undetected by the Geth, and utilizing their assassination techniques, they were unstoppable.


    They were working together, and Thane had nothing but praise, saying, "You are good."


    Kasumi briefly uncloaked for a moment, killed a geth, and then cloaked herself once more before the other Geth around saw her. Then, an explosion occurred at the Geth carcass she just killed, resulting in damage to those nearby.


    '''' Thanks. I learned a lot from you.'''' Kasumi said as she looked at Thane''s feet. The ground around him was filled with Geth carcasses.


    Since joining Samael''s crew, Kasumi and occasionally Keiji had been training under Thane, which had improved their skills compared to the other assassins.


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    "Let''s continue. We¡¯ve dealt with a lot, but their numbers don¡¯t seem to diminish." Thane said, and Kasumi nodded in agreement.


    The duo then returned to the battlefield to help wherever they could.


    In another area of the battlefield, Tali, Liara, and RR were providing significant assistance. While the AI was initially meant to help against Sovereign, Samael asked her to support his loved ones, just in case. She not only helped them but also assisted everyone in need.


    Without the jamming device functioning and the fact that the machines-creating-husks had been destroyed before they could even arrive at the ground, the enemy had lost momentum.


    Compared to Thessia, RR was having a field day, and Grunt was too.


    He had fought alongside Samael before, but now he found himself ''alone.'' Well, not truly alone, as Wrex and Javik were with him, but it was his first battle without Samael.


    Grunt showcased his might, dealing significant damage to the Geth forces.


    Then the explosion of the Relay occurred, the Reaper survived and started to attack everyone with its beam, then finally, the Rods of God killed it for good, not leaving a single dust behind.


    The battle continued after that, with the LD forces winning, as the Geth had lost their most significant support. The others who had been merely watching decided to join the fray, and soon the Geth were forced to retreat from the planet.


    However, new problems emerged as the ''reinforcements'' began eyeing the Geth carcasses as potential ''spoils of war,'' unaware that some of them might be indoctrinated.


    Samael chose to leave a few LD personnel, along with several Krogan and Prothean allies, to monitor the situation. Vigil would assist in this effort, as he was capable of detecting, even if in a basic way, if anyone had been indoctrinated.


    Samael had even provided the same program that allowed Vigil to detect indoctrinated individuals to others, but its use still wasn''t widespread. This needed to change in the future if they wanted to win this war.


    Overall, Illos was set to receive a lot of attention in the near future, and a few dangers would emerge from it. LD had already warned everyone about the danger, they just needed to listen. That was the scary part, as everyone was looking out for themselves in this situation, which might cause a lot of trouble in the grand scheme of things.


    ---


    The battle of Illos concluded with a victory for the galaxy, but the war was far from over. The Reapers were advancing with full force, and time was not on their side.

 SIDE STORY – Sovereign’s Thoughts

    This cycle was supposed to be easy.


    That''s what the Reaper thought as he entered Illos and faced two puny humans. In the last cycle, it was shameful to admit, but they had almost lost to the inferior. So, in this one, he did everything he could to ensure a quick victory.


    It seemed as though the heavens were on his side, as he gained support from a ''friend''. However, the situation wasn''t looking good for him right now.


    He had just gone to use the Relay when it exploded, injuring him to an incredible degree. This made him furious.


    So, he retaliated. He started to rain down fire on the location of the army, his and the enemy. He was going to annihilate all of them, no matter the price. This is the fate of those who defy his species.


    He was doing just that when he suddenly received a signal he recognized. He stopped the attack in surprise.


    Unfortunately for him, that small hesitation was his downfall.


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    When he recovered from the initial surprise, he continued the attack anyway. At this point in time, nothing mattered more than his revenge.


    He was about to continue the attack when he noticed the puny human from before, looking at him from a distance and talking. But he didn''t have the thing that allowed them to communicate from a distance, so he didn''t understand a thing.


    Not that it would have mattered, as he would take care of the human now. Just as Sovereign was aiming at the puny human, he noticed something entering the atmosphere of the planet at a fast pace.


    The destination was ... him!


    Sovereign knew he could not escape, so he braced for the impa-


    BOOOOOOOOM


    The damage from the object was far worse than usual because the Reaper had already been damaged in the Relay explosion. Hell, even if he hadn''t been injured before, the strike would have inflicted serious harm.


    Before he had the chance to gather his thoughts or fire his beam, he noticed another object entering the planet. Then one more¡ªfour, ten...


    At that moment, he accepted his fate. Absolutely confident in his victory, his last thought was: WE WON!


    BOOMMMMMM


    That was the end of Narada, or Sovereign. He went out after completing his mission, causing significant damage to the reputation of the galaxy and its morale, especially to LD numbers. The attack on Illos had reduced the company''s numbers, and now it was a race against time.


    Who would come out on top in the end?

 88 – Virmire (1)

    GROAN


    Shepard woke up in a daze. As her situation came back to her, she quickly got up from whatever surface she had been lying on, preparing to face the enemy.


    To her surprise, the Reaper that was supposed to be floating in the sky was nowhere to be found. In fact, the sky itself was blocked by something.


    ''It seems I''m in some kind of medical tent...''


    Before Shepard could ponder any further, someone entered the tent hurriedly. It was a Prothean. "Easy.''''


    The Prothean did his best to calm Shepard down, but she immediately asked, "Where is this? Did we win?"


    While Samael had the serum, Shepard did not. It was normal for her to lose consciousness after the shockwave hit them, there was no shame in that. Now, she just needed to catch up on what had happened while she was out.


    The Prothean doctor examined Shepard in less than ten seconds and motioned for her to sit. "I''ll explain everything, but please, sit."


    Shepard complied and fixed her gaze on the Prothean, silently urging him to tell her what was going on.


    The Prothean did just that, '''' It has been 4 to 5 hours since you passed out. You are in a medical tent in Illos, and yes, we killed the Reaper, but I would not call that a win.''''


    '''' What happened?'''' Shepard noticed the doctor''s tone and was taken aback.


    The Prothean doctor tapped his omni tool a few times and sent a message to Samael, then said to Shepard, '''' I sent a message to your boyfriend, as he asked me to call him as soon as you woke up. He will tell you everything or you can just search for it yourself. Now, if you excuse me, I have many more patients to take care of.''''


    '''' He''s not my-''''


    The Prothean doctor didn''t let her finish and left a bewildered Shepard behind. The commander still had many questions, but she would ask them when Samael arrived. For now, she would look at the news, to see what was up.


    As the battle that was going to happen in the Citadel was known by all galaxy, news about it was plastered all across the internet, so it was easy for her to find it.


    '''' BREAKING NEWS: THE COLLECTORES ARE ON THE REAPERS SIDE! EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE WILL BE RELEASED.''''


    Shepard filtered the old news and was shocked by what she was seeing.


    She had heard about the Collectors before, a species almost as obscure as the Reapers. So seeing them joining the Reaper side was something really shocking. Not only that, but it also seems there are reporters filming everything.


    Shepard had a new respect for whoever was filming it but was also sighing because of their recklessness. Even her crewmates there were in danger, imagine civilians.


    But, she continued reading the news.


    Then, the exclusive footage was released, showing the Collectors fighting in the Citadel and the army doing its best to hold them back. In those footage, it showcased a lot of Protheans too, fighting side by side with the C-Sec and LD army.


    Shepard continued to watch more news, and time flew by.


    '''' BREAKING NEWS: THE COLLECTORS WERE RETREATING! MORE ON THIS SOON!''''


    Finally, she reached the end of the ones regarding the Citadel.


    '' We won there too, but the doctor''s words still are on my mind...''


    Just then, Samael, alongside Dr. Chakwas, entered the tent. '''' Shepard.''''


    Both went to Shepard right away, '''' Are you alright, commander?''''


    '''' I''m doing fine, Karin. And you?''''


    Dr. Chakwas used her omni tool and only when she was sure Shepard was ok that she realize, '''' Better now that you are up.''''


    Shepard smiled at her then looked at Samael, '''' What did I miss?''''


    She noticed he also didn''t have a good expression on his face.


    '''' A lot. Things will get more complicated from now on.''''


    Sheprad took a deep breath, '''' Hit me with it.''''


    Samael did just that, '''' We killed the Reaper but they achieved their goal. They sent a message to the rest of its fleet. We have 1 to 3 years max to prepare for them.''''


    Shepard sighed, '' Fuck.''


    ---


    Soon after that, Shepard got out of the tent and went to check on her crew members, with Dr. Chakwas continuing on with her day, helping where she could. All of Shepard''s crewmates were ok, with no one being seriously injured.


    She also called Ash, Vega, and Jacob, and was relieved they were ok too.


    '''' After we deal with things here, there will be a reunion on the Citadel, with all species involved. We will plan everything there.'''' Samael said to Shepard, as they walked around.


    '''' Good. How are your crewmembers?'''' Shepard asked that, while Tali and Liara''s well-being was on her mind.


    Samael gave a geniune smile, '''' Alive. But, the same could not be said about the rest of LD.''''


    A lot of good people died in this battle. Preventable death even. But, their sacrifices would be honored, one way or another.


    '''' My condolences.''''


    '''' They knew what they were fighting for. No one who died today died in vain.'''' Soon, both arrived at their ships. '''' Rest for now. We will talk later.''''


    Shepard held Samael''s arm before he left, '''' ... Are you really ok?''''


    He smiled at her, '''' I''ll be when we kill the last one of the Reapers.''''


    With a nod, Shepard let him go and Samaael returned to his day. With nothing more to do, Shepard entered the Normandy and went to see Joker.


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    '''' Commander!'''' As soon as she entered the cockpit, the pilot got up with some difficulty and hugged her, '''' Glad to see you alive.''''


    '''' You too, you too. A shame I didn''t do much, unlike you!'''' Shepard broke the hug and looked at her pilot with pride, '''' I heard a lot about what you did. Good job.''''


    Joker puffed his chest, '''' I am the be- one of the best pilots humanity has. I had help too, a lot of it.''''


    Shepard heard about his, Veronica and EDI''s tales when she was out, walking around Illos with Samael. It was said their leadership was the reason they won, as they held back a lot of Geth in the air, not allowing them to land with more troops.


    '''' Good job, regardless. Now, how about you tell me how is your progress with EDI?'''' Shepard smiled at Joker.


    '''' Commander!''''''


    Meanwhile, while Shepard was looking after her crew, Samael was doing the same.


    When he returned to the battlefield after defeating the Reaper, he found the battle nearly over. The Geth had lost the moral support that Sovereign provided, along with its devastating beam attacks. It was only a matter of time before LD gained the upper hand, and they did so quickly.


    Samael pitched in to help wherever he could while checking on his family. He found Liara, RR, and Tali safe and together. He embraced them with hugs and kisses, which they happily returned.


    Not stopping for long, he continued to search the battlefield for survivors and his crew. With communications activated, it was somewhat easier to find each other, but for those trapped under rubble or in destroyed vehicles, it was more challenging.


    Soon, Samael found Kasumi, Keiji, and Thane. Other than a few bruises here and there, they were okay.


    Wrex, Javik, and Grunt were more than okay, they were chatting and destroying Geth''s carcasses at the same time.


    Since the battle ended, Samael had been making rounds around the battlefield, trying to save anyone he could.


    FEW HOURS LATER


    Now, it was time for a brief reunion with those in positions of power, mainly Wrex, Javik, and Tevos. They had a lot to discuss.


    Samael entered the Phoenix and went to the bar, where he found Wrex and Javik waiting for him.


    ¡°How is Shepard?¡± While Wrex and Javik hadn''t interacted much, if at all, with Shepard, they had heard about her and knew that Samael held her in high regard. In fact, he had stopped talking with them recently to go check on her when she woke up.


    ¡°She¡¯s good. Now, how about we start that reunion of ours?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s.¡±


    Wrex and Javik knew they had a lot to discuss with Tevos, so they wanted to start sooner rather than later.


    Soon, Samael made a call to Tevos, and the Councilor picked up. Behind her were the Matriarchs and Garrus. ''''Hello."


    "Hi. I wish we were talking in better circumstances, but I guess we don''t have that privilege." Samael replied with a troubled smile.


    Tevos scoffed slightly. "It seems every conversation we have revolves around some crisis."


    Nonetheless, the Asari maintained a sense of hope, knowing Samael had a remarkable ability to turn situations around.


    "What are our next steps?" Tevos asked.


    Due to Samael''s past actions, his words carried significant weight and momentum, perfect for a situation like this, where guidance was desperately needed.


    "Not much has changed, but we will need to gather representatives from all species for a meeting. If they could hide before, they can''t anymore."


    Samael wanted to unite the galaxy, yes, but later, when things were more organized. But now, they didn''t have the luxury of time.


    Tevos frowned. "Even with everything that''s happened, I doubt they will listen to us or cooperate. By now, all of them must be thinking about how to escape... fools."


    It was somewhat true and not true at the same time. Not long ago, the galaxy had proven they could do better by helping Thessia. But now the situation was more serious, and no one knew how they would react.


    Samael was aware of all this, but he had a trump card regarding the matter, one that he had started to build some time ago. "Then, how about we give them just that?"


    Tevos noticed Samael''s expression and connected the dots. "Project Andromeda?"


    This revelation caused the other Matriarchs to react a bit, while Garrus, Javik, and Wrex appeared clueless.


    Samael nodded. "We reveal it to them, saying that only those that helped in the war efforts, will have slots on the Arcs. We just won¡¯t tell them exactly what we were planning from the beginning."


    Wrex couldn''t hold back any longer. As he watched the Matriarchs discuss among themselves, he asked, "What is Project Andromeda?"


    While Javik and Garrus were more reserved than the Krogan, their expressions and body language showed they were equally curious.


    As Samael explained the project to the trio, Tevos contemplated ways to ''explore'' other species, all aimed at protecting the galaxy. After all, it was everyone''s home.


    At that moment, Benezia approached her. "Why don''t you use what Samael just mentioned?"


    Tevos glanced at Benezia, encouraging her to continue.


    Benezia obliged. "I think it''s a human expression: ''carrot and the stick.'' It¡¯s a way to make an animal follow a path toward where you want it to go. Samael has Project Andromeda as his carrot, now we just need to find ours."


    Tevos thought for a moment and then had an Eureka moment. She looked at Benezia. "I could kiss you right now."


    Benezia scoffed. "No, thank you. You''re too troublesome for me."


    Tevos proceeded to ignore her and turned her attention back to Samael. Just then, he finished explaining Project Andromeda to the trio. "How about we use the Council as bait too?"


    Samael immediately understood what she meant, but for the sake of the others, he said, "Explain."


    Tevos said, "While you will use Project Andromeda as bait, I''ll do the same with the Council. The Turians and the humans have their place there already, but I think it''s time to expand. Three Council members seem too few, don¡¯t you think?"


    Samael couldn''t hide his smile as he looked at Tevos. He appreciated her business-minded approach. "For those species to have a chance, they must help us significantly, either with funding or something similar."


    "Precisely! Hahaha!"


    "Hahahahaha."


    Wrex and Javik took a step back from Samael, a reaction mirrored by Garrus and the Matriarchs millions of kilometers away.


    The Krogan whispered to the Prothean, "... They look scary."


    Javik could only nod in agreement.


    ---


    After that, it was decided that the reunion with representatives from the other species would take place a week later. This provided ample time for them to prepare the representatives they would send, clean the Citadel, and for Samael to do his part.


    While one week might not feel like enough, it should be sufficient for Samael to accomplish his tasks. First, he planned to go to Virmire, as he was certain his plant friend, who had been kidnapped from Feros, was there. He would likely need to summon an Ardat-Yakshi to assist him, as his friend was probably indoctrinated.


    ''Saren or the Reaper has taken the Thorian, and honestly, that''s the only place I can think of where it might be. He''s a valuable ally and the last of his species.''


    Samael wouldn''t admit it, but he had a soft spot for the last members of endangered species. After Virmire, one of the first things, the second in his plan, he planned to save the Rachni Queen.


    Thanks to the Shadow Broker''s regular reports, which continued even amidst the Reaper invasion, he learned that some individuals had found something resembling an egg and sent it to Noveria.


    This egg WAS the Rachni Queen, someone who could greatly benefit the galaxy if befriended. After that, he intended to send RR and EDI on a mission: to gather all the Geth under their banner.


    While many Geth had aligned with the Sovereign, a significant number sought freedom. That¡¯s where both of them would come in to recruit them.


    Now, he had just finished sending a message to the Headmaster, asking her to send an Ardat-Yakshi to Virmire, and was ready to leave Illos.


    Some personnel from the LD team, along with a few Krogans and even some Protheans, would remain on the planet for a while to ensure everything was in order. After all, Samael, when he presse the FUCK it botton after the attack on Thessia, had used the Shadow Broker to reveal the location of Illos, so a few oportunistc people might use this chance to try and take over the planet.


    They would have a ''good time'' if they did so.


    Speaking of Protheans, now that the truth was revealed, that a lot of them were alive and not just Javik, thanks to the footage taken by a trio of reporters during the Battle of the Citadel,which showed many Protheans alive, they decided to become more visible to others.


    What would come of this, no one knows.


    By the way, the crew reunited, as they were all heading to the same place in a week. They decided to accompany Samael on his errands. Joker took a vacation, and someone from Shepard''s crew would pilot the Normandy while he spent time with EDI on the Phoenix.


    Samara, who had slain the Sovereign, chose to join them too.


    Wrex and Javik sent their respective armies away. Samael, of course, recognized the contributions of everyone who participated in the war, rewarding them with a significant amount of credits¡ªa small gesture to show appreciation for their help.


    For those who died, their bodies would be sent back to their home planets and families, with LD providing full support until their families no longer needed it. This was another small gesture to ensure loyalty and demonstrate that LD/Samael cared.


    Everyone boarded the Phoenix, chatting and making small talk. Soon, the ship took flight, heading to Virmire.

 89 – Virmire (2)

    <div>


    WITH MIRANDA


    The past few days had been chaotic for Miranda, the CEO of LD. The entire company had been mobilized, and she was managing inquiries from significant clients¡ªleaders of large colonies and presidents of entire planets. Most were asking about weapons or whether LD had any technology for intergalactic travel.


    Miranda was growing tired of these calls, but she knew that her discomfort was nothing compared to what her family had experienced on Thessia or Illos. She was strong, so it pained her to be stuck on Earth, while her family was out there, fighting for the whole galaxy.


    But she understood it was for the best. After all, she was pregnant, just like Jack.


    They had confirmed with Mordin that their babies were healthy. Additionally, her father had, as Samael mentioned, created a sister just like her, but Miranda had already taken action and saved that sister. She had also dealt with her father, but that was a story for another time.


    In the present moment, Miranda was wrapping up a call with Jaret.


    "So, 34% of our troops died in battle," she said with a sigh. Money was no concern for her, as she had more than enough. What truly troubled her was the loss of personnel during two recent battles. Machines can be replaced, but people... LD had nurtured a lot of them from a young age, so it was really shocking losing so much of their numbers. Though they didn''t die in vain, the pain lingered.


    While LD is one of the most powerful groups in the galaxy, their numbers were considerably small, and now they lost almost half of their forces, making Miranda think about ways to recruit new people.


    Samael had sent her the casualty list a few hours prior, but Jaret called to inform her about it as well.


    "Yes... I trained some of them personally. War is poison, and this is one we cannot hide from nor should we," Jaret was a veteran of the First Contact War against the Turians, so he was familiar with the war, yet the losses still weighed heavily on him.


    "How are you holding up? Physically and mentally?"


    "...Once the war is over, one way or another, I plan to retire. I¡¯m getting old and soft. I hate seeing my students die like that." Jaret replied with honesty. He recognized his worth but acknowledged it was time for him to step away.


    "You¡¯ll have enough money to buy a planet, I guarantee you that."


    "Thanks, girlie. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have a few things to organize here on Illos. I''ll catch up with you later."


    "Bye."


    The call ended, and Miranda was brought back to reality. She glanced over at Jack, who was busy taking calls while she spoke with Jaret.


    Smiling, she touched her belly. "We will win this."


    With renewed determination, Miranda returned to her work, aware that the difficult part was about to begin.


    Call the families of the deceased and inform them. Sure, she could relay the task to someone else, but she felt it was her duty to inform them.


    '' War.... never changes.''


    She started doing just that, all while praying for her family''s protection.


    INSIDE THE PHOENIX


    Tension filled the bar as Wrex eyed everyone around the table.


    Reactions varied, some looked away, while others stared back, but Wrex struggled to read their expressions. He focused on Samael last, as the human was his target from the start.


    Making a decision based on Samael''s neutral expression, the Krogan announced, "Raise 10,000 credits."


    Without missing a beat, Samael replied, "All in."


    Gasps erupted from the other players and those watching, and Wrex smiled internally, thinking, ''I WON!''


    The table had an A, 3 , K, 10, 4.


    "Call."


    Wrex revealed his cards: two Aces, making it three of a kind.


    Before he could gloat, Samael laid down his cards: a 2 and 5, making a straight and winning the hand.


    Everyone gasped again and soon began talking among themselves about the hand.


    Wrex glared at the dealer, who just happened to be Samara. "Hey, you old hag! Why does Samael always win at the river, huh? Explain that to me!"


    This was not the first time Samael had secured a win with the last card. They had played poker for a few hours, sharing laughs and conversation, but one thing remained constant: Samael winning against Wrex.


    Calmly, Samara looked at Wrex. "I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about. This is a game of luck."


    She was blatantly lying, as her bank account was filled with credits from Samael.


    Wrex gritted his teeth and shouted, "AH, DAMN IT! I''ll go drink my sorrows away. Javik, you coming?"


    Not everyone in the bar was playing poker. Javik had just finished a nice conversation with Shepard. He had gotten to know her better and could safely say, based on his impressions, that Samael was right, she was a good person.


    However, he still wasn¡¯t sure if she was cut out to be a spearhead.


    At Wrex''s invitation, Javik glanced at Shepard. "Want to join us?"


    Shepard didn¡¯t hesitate. "Yes." She liked the idea of getting to know new people, and Wrex and Javik seemed decent, based on her initial impression. "Though only for a while. I have something to do in a few minutes."


    Javik, alongside Shepard, moved slightly closer to where Wrex was. The Krogan already had a new company in the form of Grunt.


    "Tell me more about it," Grunt said. The young Krogan was a Wrex fan, or rather a fan of Krogans as a whole, and it showed as he asked about old war stories while Wrex happily shared them.


    The old Krogan appreciated the attention but noticed Shepard and Javik''s arrival. He then said, "Sure, but later. For now, let''s drink our sorrows away."


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    Grunt nodded, greeted the newly arrived duo, and joined in the drinking. The quartet began to talk, getting to know each other better.


    After Wrex left, the poker table broke up naturally, with everyone dispersing. Some went to drink, while others relaxed at the bar, and engaged in conversation.


    Samael ''thanked'' Samara as he watched her walk away to talk with the rest of the crew. It wasn''t long before Samael was joined by Tali and Liara.


    Both knew he had ''cheated'' during the game but chose to say nothing about it. After all, he had literally paid everyone on the ship and returned everyone¡¯s money without them noticing. Being one of the richest individuals in the galaxy had its perks.


    "You bad boy. Why do you do that to Wrex?" Tali asked with a grin on her face. Samael had only ''cheated'' against Wrex.


    "Because it''s funny." Samael was completely honest. Messing with Wrex always elicited interesting and amusing reactions.


    The crew played poker as a distraction until they arrived at Virmire. After all, they were living beings who had been through war back-to-back, so a little relaxation was more than okay.


    Liara laughed at Samael''s explanation. "How did you convince Samara to help? I mean, she looks and is righteous, so seeing her ''cheat'' was unexpected."


    "It''s simple, actually. She and Wrex have history, she just needed a little push to help me troll him a bit."


    "The more you hear, the funnier it gets," Tali added before changing the subject. In a playful, seductive voice, she said, "I know we¡¯ll arrive at Virmire in a few hours, so we prepared a surprise for you."


    "Oh?" This piqued Samael''s interest. "We?"


    Tali nodded and whispered, ¡°Me, Liara, and RR. In a few minutes, our surprise will be ready, so meet us in your room.¡±


    She then kissed Samael, a gesture that Liara repeated, adding, ¡°Don¡¯t keep us waiting.¡±


    With that, Liara and Tali left, leaving Samael daydreaming about the surprise.


    But it didn¡¯t take long for another person to sit beside him. It just so happened that this person was also part of the surprise¡ªRR.


    The AI was more familiar with Samael than anyone else on the ship. She had also played a crucial role in the last two wars, helping out extensively across the battlefield.


    "Fancy seeing you here," RR said. She hadn¡¯t participated in the poker game but had been at the bar, keeping EDI company¡ªwell, more like being a third wheel in the young AI and Joker''s relationship.


    RR decided to strike up a conversation with Samael since they hadn¡¯t had a chance to talk in a while. The surprise was still set to happen, but that was that and this is this.


    "This place is really nice, so it''s natural for me to be here. Oh, by the way, did I mention I built it?"


    RR feigned surprise, placing a hand over her mouth. "Really?"


    Samael nodded, "Not only that, I designed the whole ship!"


    "You''re amazing!" RR continued to praise Samael non-stop.


    "I know, I know. But sometimes it¡¯s troubling."


    "Why is that?"


    Samael sighed dramatically. "I''m so perfect I attract too much female attention! They get we¡ª"


    "PFFFTTT." RR couldn''t hold it in any longer and let out a laugh, though she tried to hide it. "Sorry, please continue."


    Unfortunately for her, Samael had run out of fuel for roleplay, so he simply passed her a drink, which RR accepted.


    They both sipped their drinks in silence, knowing each other so well that sometimes silence was the best form of conversation. Each other''s company was more than enough.


    After a bit, Samael asked, "How are you holding up? Is anything troubling you or something I should be aware of?"


    RR shook her head. "Nothing like that. I just missed us."


    Samael smiled, remembering the countless times they had trained, lived, and done so many other things together. Those were nice days.


    "Me too. When everything is over, how about we have a nice vacation?"


    RR snorted at what Samael said. "Who are you trying to fool? I know exactly what your retirement plans look like, and vacations aren¡¯t on the list."


    "...A man can dream." Samael took a sip of his drink. "Now, how about you tell me what this surprise is all about?"


    RR smiled seductively at him. "Spoilers. Besides, in a few minutes, you will find out." The AI then got up from her seat, kissed Samael, and left the bar area, saying, "Don''t be late."


    Samael stared at her robotic butt for a bit before ordering one final drink. During that time, Javik, Wrex, and Grunt approached him.


    "Shepard just left us, saying she had something to do," Wrex said with a know-it-all grin. "Any idea what?"


    Samael feigned ignorance, "I have no idea."


    Grunt chimed in with a naive voice, "Really? Wrex and Javik said you''re going to mate with her."


    Samael almost spat out his last drink. He glared at Javik and Wrex. "You do know he''s less than two months old, right?"


    "HA! He¡¯s already participated in two wars but can''t talk about mating? Besides, news about him has already made it to Tuchanka. Your boy will be a ladies'' killer when the cure is released."


    ¡°... Touche.¡± Samael had not forgotten that he had already asked Mordin and Okker to release the Genophage cure on Tuchanka. All that remained was for all the Krogan in the galaxy to gather on Tuchanka, and then he would release the cure. ¡°And no, Grunt. I don¡¯t know if we will mate. I certainly hope so.¡±


    Grunt smiled at Samael. While he appreciated his captain, he felt he was often treated like a child, so it was refreshing to be treated like an adult for once, even though it was about a subject he had no experience with.


    ¡°By the way, Javik, speaking of mating, have you had any interactions with the Awakened Prothean?¡± Samael asked with a sly grin.


    Javik glared, his look saying ''I was just enjoying the situation, why put me in the middle?'' But nonetheless, the Prothean answered, ¡°."Yes, but we don''t have any offspring yet. We''re waiting to see the results of this cycle before committing to it."


    It made sense. Every cycle came with its dangers, and this one was no different. They didn¡¯t even want to imagine the chaos that would ensue if they had babies during the war.


    "If I could, I would have made a lot of babies," Wrex said with a serious tone and face.


    "Of course you would, you sex maniac."


    "Hehe."


    "Don''t laugh at that!"


    Samael ignored the banter between Javik and Wrex and eyed everyone in the bar. Samara was talking with Kasumi, Thane, Keiji, and Kaidan. Joker was with EDI, while Dr. Chakwas and Clare were examining John''s muscles. All in all, in this last cycle, his family was united.


    Sometimes, that''s all we could ask for.


    Samael excused himself. "Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have a surprise to attend to."


    Samael said goodbye to Javik, Wrex, and Grunt before heading to his room. When he arrived, he paused to take a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for what was inside.


    He opened the door, and to his surprise, he found five people on his bed: Shepard, Tali, RR, Liara, and Veronica. They greeted him in unison, "Hi, honey."


    "Well, this is a surprise," Samael replied. While he had heard Tali and Liara talking with Shepard about this before, he never expected to see Veronica there.


    He looked at his childhood friend and made a decision about her. ''We have already made love in this cycle, so in one way or another, we have a connection. I won''t mind loving her too.''


    Samael knew that she had a crush on him, but he never acted on it because he was afraid, afraid of wanting everyone, and ultimately ending up with no one. However, as things were unfolding, it seemed that his worries were unjustified, as his loved ones appeared closer than ever.


    Just like that, Veronica secured her place in his heart.


    Samael undressed, and soon after, the party began.


    ---


    Waking up beside your loved ones was good, now multiply that to five and you would feel like Samael was feeling right now.


    Samael smiled as he recalled the previous night. It wasn¡¯t the wildest he had experienced, but it was special. All his loved ones were present, and now he just needed to ensure it wouldn¡¯t be a one-time event.


    As Samael shifted, he inadvertently woke everyone else. He smiled at Shepard and said, ¡°Hey.¡±


    Shepard groaned, and the moment quickly came back to her. Last night had been enjoyable for more than one reason, but it also left her feeling a bit embarrassed. Still, she wouldn¡¯t show it. ¡°Morning.¡±


    ¡°Morning.¡± Samael replied, and soon, everyone greeted one another. Suddenly, someone spoke over the comms: ¡°We will arrive at Virmire in 20 minutes.¡±


    Samael turned to his family. ¡°Do you guys have bikinis?¡±


    They looked confused but nodded. ¡°Yes, but why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s time for the beach chapter!¡±


    They looked at Samael as if he had lost his mind.


    ---


    They understood his statement once they landed on the planet. It was literally a beach planet, filled with sand and an enormous ocean.


    However, they weren''t in their bikinis, they were in full armor. After all, they didn''t know what to expect on this planet.


    Also, Samael was talking with the Ardat-Yakshi sent by the Headmaster. The Asari had arrived not long ago and seemed eager to help wherever she could.


    She had heard and seen Samael fighting at the temple not long ago. It made her want to repay him, so when the Headmaster asked for someone to come to Virmire to help, she jumped at the opportunity.


    And now, she would do her best.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be counting on you.'''' Samael said after getting to know the Ardat-Yakshi.


    ¡°Leave it to me!'''' The Ardat-Yakshi answered with vigor.


    With that, the entire crew headed toward the location provided by the Shadow Broker. Coincidentally, the information had also come from Samael.


    Soon, they arrived at the facility where the Thorian was supposed to be located.


    ¡°Wait for me, old friend,¡± Samael thought as he entered without hesitation.


    <div>

 90 – Virmire (3)

    The group on the land included Samael, Liara, Shepard, RR, Tali, Javik, Wrex, Samara, John, Grunt, Thane, Kasumi, and a few unnamed cremembers. The rest stayed on the Phoenix and another large transport ship that followed them.


    After all, the Thorian was too big to fit the Phoenix.


    Samael entered the facility cautiously, aware of what to expect, but the many changes in this last cycle of his made it necessary to be careful. He took the lead, with the others closely following behind him.


    The facility featured only minor differences from previous cycles, but one change stood out the most: unlike before, when he had found some prisoners alive, now...


    '''' How horrible.'''' The Ardat-Yakshi that came with them commented as she saw the interior of the place. Various cells with dead prisoners, and those are the lucky ones.


    Some were still alive, but they weren''t ''normal'' anymore. The Reapers and those indoctrinated by them had experimented a lot on those prisoners, to the point they lost their sanity.


    Their bodies were mangled, reconstructed, and beyond saving, just like their minds. They were part of the point of return.


    Without saying a word, Samael started to kill those people. It was the last act of mercy he could give them. The rest of the crew, noticing that, followed suit.


    They continued ahead, encountering something that made Wrex pause for the first time in a while. He found a few Krogans, but ...


    "...What is this?" The Krogan''s voice was low and threatening. Those who knew him recognized the anger behind his words, and the crowd said nothing and watched in silence, understanding exactly why he had such a reaction.


    In front of them and in another area, stood countless cryo pods, all of them with Krogans inside. Well, they were once Krogans but now, they were mangled beyond recognition. The only reason they even knew it was Krogans inside the pod was because they had a label.


    Also, RR nudged Samael, indicating they were indoctrinated. He already knew that, as his soul told him, but he nodded at RR in appreciation.


    Samael took this opportunity to explain, using the Shadow Broker as a ''helper'', '''' We had received reports about this, but seeing it''s another story.''''


    "Explain. Now." While some might see Wrex as a calm and collected individual (?), he was not. He was smarter and more committed than other Krogan, but at the end of the day, just like Grunt, he was still a Krogan.


    Seeing so many of his species treated like lab rats was deeply infuriating. It''s not like he didn''t know that other species, like the Salarians, were doing the same thing or even worse, but as Samael said, witnessing something is different from just hearing about it.


    "They are clones. Literally clones," Samael said, looking at Grunt. "Unlike Grunt, where we cautiously ensured everything was in order, they didn''t care about that. Not only did they clone extensively, but they also conducted experiments with their DNA."


    This wasn''t exactly new information for Samael, but what bothered him was that their research appeared to be more advanced than in previous cycles. It wasn''t a level of advancement that warranted immediate danger, but it was enough to raise some alarm bells.


    "That one was fused with the DNA of a Yagh. Clearly, it didn''t work," Samael remarked, gazing at a cryo pod that stood out from the rest. It was enormous, easily 15 meters tall, dwarfing Wrex and the others by a large margin.


    Only God knows how strong that creature was meant to be, as it lay dead inside the pod. Just to be sure, Samael fired a few shots at it.


    Everyone wore grim expressions as they looked inside the other pods and read the labels others had placed on them. Some of the pods had other defective experiments on them, like a Krogan mixed with an Asari, or a Krogan with an Elcor.


    But, a thought made them pause: If those are the failed ones, where are the ones that worked...?


    Javik spoke in a grave tone, "It seems they thought the Krogan were the perfect match to infuse with DNA and create a new species. Good for us that it didn''t work that much."


    Samael patted Wrex on the shoulder, as the Krogan was still trying to calm down. "This was the Reaper''s doing. He''s gone now."


    '''' But others like him still live and are coming for us.'''' Wrex said with a rage-filled voice, but it also contained patience and wisdom with it, '''' They will pay for this.''''


    '''' We will make sure of that.''''


    Just then, Shepard called out to Samael, '''' Samael. You might want to see this.''''


    Her voice had a hint of fear in it. Samael and the others stopped looking at the pods and rushed to where Shepard was. Upon reaching her location, they paused too.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "This..."


    Wrex grinned for the first time since arriving on the planet. "Good! A chance to release some anger!"


    Shepard was staring at something outside, a courtyard that was infested with countless failed (?) experiments and, for some reason, all green. The only thing that separated them was a few feet drop.


    The failed experiments hadn''t noticed them, but Samael knew their green color meant the Thorian was close, so he said., "Remember our mission. We are here to grab someo-something the Reaper took from Feros. Our reports say it is an old species, older than even the Protheans. It should have information we don''t have, but for us to verify that, we need to save it first.''''


    "So, Samara and I will search for it while protecting our friend here.'''' Samael pointed at the Ardat-Yakshi,'''' We don''t need huge numbers for that. Meanwhile, the rest of you will deal with those creatures. Don''t hesitate, they''re not there anymore, only their bodies still remain here. Killing them is a way to save them too."


    "Shepard, you lead." Samael said, and no one objected. ''''Now go. We''ll start looking around once you create a distraction."


    "Leave it to me!" Shepard thrived under pressure, feeling that it allowed her to grow both as a person and a soldier. She hoped those under her command would feel the same. It helped the fact that they were all, in one way or another, under Samael''s influence.


    The mission was straightforward: create enough chaos to distract the creatures below while they waited for Samael to retrieve whatever was inside the facility.


    With all that out of the way, Samael went deep into the facility, to rescue the Thorian, while the rest looked at Shepard, waiting for her command.


    ''''You heard the man, our job is to attract their attention until their mission is over. So, you can cause as much chaos as you want.'''' She took two grenades out of her armor. "Thane and Kasumi, do your job and eliminate as many as you can, but be careful not to engage directly. We don''t know their strength, but just from their appearance, we can assume they are formidable. Avoid getting hit and wait for my signal to start the attack."


    The Drell and the human nodded and cloaked themselves under the watchful eyes of their teammates. They were now waiting for Shepard''s orders.


    "RR, Tali, and Liara, you will stay up here and use your specialties to make a difference, create singularities, look at the radar, and such. If things start to look bad, don''t hesitate to call for a retreat."


    The trio nodded, and Shepard looked at the rest of the group. "You all have one job!"


    She threw the two grenades she was holding¡ªone toward the pods they had just destroyed with bullets and the other toward the courtyard filled with the failed experiments.


    "Release them and have some fun!"


    BOOOOM!


    That was the signal everyone needed. A few seconds after the explosion, everyone jumped down, including the cloaked Thane and Kasumi, leaving only RR, Tali, and Liara up there.


    Most of the experiments survived the grenade blast, but now some are on fire and more agitated, making them even more dangerous than before. Despite this, the team was focused on saving/killing those poor souls trapped in their bodies.


    Liara threw a singularity at the middle of the enemy, a gesture Grunt noticed immediately as he threw a grenade at it. Biotic powers were the best to create devastating combinations, like now.


    BOOM!


    A large number of enemies died, but their numbers didn''t seem to diminish. Shepard noticed that and screamed, " DON''T STOP!''''


    No one had plans to do that. With RR having a view from above, thanks to Tali''s drones, she could accurately pinpoint and plan where they needed to attack to maximize damage.


    She could also see Thane and Kasumi through their cloaks. After all, their technology was linked to LD, "Thane, there''s one that looks dangerous 20 meters to your right, avoid that route if possible. Kasumi, a team member needs help 10 meters to your left."


    Tali was also assisting by controlling drones, which provided RR with vision and targeted the clones/experiments, killing them.


    The situation was under control, they just needed to make more noise to attract more enemies and, ultimately kill all of them.The situation was under control; they just needed to make more noise to attract additional enemies and ultimately eliminate all of them. This would make it easier for Samael to achieve his goals.


    Until now, things had been relatively easy for him and his group.


    WITH SAMAEL


    Samael, Samara, and the Ardat-Yakshi named Myany T''kenis heard the explosion and the shots, but they didn''t stop. They passed through increasingly disturbing sites, and after ensuring that everything in those places was long gone, they continued their way through the facility.


    They also encountered enemies, but with a Matriarch and Samael by their side, they really didn''t stand a chance.


    BANG! BANG!


    Samael finished dealing with one enemy and thanked Samara for her help. Like all Asari, she was using her biotic powers to assist him. "Thanks for that."


    "Don''t mention it."


    Myany lowered her weapon and began to question why she was even there, as they clearly didn''t need her help to fight those creatures.


    Samael made sure to always look out for the Ardat-Yakshi because, without her, their mission would be a failure. "Are you okay?"


    Myany nodded, but her expression didn''t look good. "I''m fine, but I feel like I''m not helping much."


    Samael smiled at her "What do you mean? You are the most important member of this team. Without you, this whole thing would be meaningless."


    Myany knew her mission, and she had been taught personally by the Headmaster the process of carrying it out. However, she still didn''t understand the reason behind it, which is why she felt conflicted.


    If she had known that only she and her "defective" sisters were capable of saving the indoctrinated, she would have embraced her role with confidence. But until that day arrived, she remained unsure of herself.


    Despite her doubts, she knew what she had to do. She looked at Samael with determination and said, "Let''s continue."


    Samael nodded and followed suit. They ventured deeper into the facility, to the point where the sounds of Shepard and the others'' gunfire were barely audible.


    After several minutes of walking, they finally reached their destination: a hole in the ground with something ''sleeping'' deep within it.


    ''Hello, old friend.''


    Everything in this mission up to this point was a breeze. Now, it was time for the "fun" part: dealing with an indoctrinated Thorian.


    Just on cue, almost as if it heard Samael''s thoughts, the creature began to wake up. Tentacles that resembled vines emerged from the ground until, finally, something that looked like a head surfaced from the hole.


    Samara and Myany took a step back, clearly taken aback by the creature''s appearance. They were even more shocked when its head opened up, and a green Asari was spat out.


    The Asari then spoke in an arrogant tone, and ancient tone, "You''re in the presence of the Old Growth. Be in awe!"


    It was clear that it was the creature speaking through the Asari rather than her normally. Samara and Myany looked at Samael, awaiting his next moves as they honestly didn''t know what to make or do in this situation.


    Samael was prepared to take action.

 91 – Virmire (4)

    Samael faced the barely green Asari. With some twist of fate, it was Shiala, a familiar face. It was also she who worked as a ''translator'' between species in the games and in past cycles. Only, Samael had no idea how she got involved with the Thorian so soon in the timeline.


    He approached cautiously and said, "Oh, great one. We come in peace."


    The creature seemed pleased with Samael''s way of addressing it, and replied through the Asari, "Why are you here, disturbing my slumber? Not long ago, others did the same. They took me out of my home and brought me here, asking for my knowledge... Are you going to do the same?"


    The tone was far from friendly. It seems the creature''s experience with Saren and Sovereign was unpleasant. This was expected, as the creature had been at Feros, chilling, before the others took it out by force and brought it here.


    Samael chose his words carefully. He knew that if he used one wrong word, the situation would get complicated. '''' No. We are here to help you.''''


    "Oh?" Genuine surprise was conveyed through the Shiala. "And how could you, an inferior species, help me?"


    The Thorian was a creature that lived through countless years, even cycles. It knew things others didn''t, much like Samael, and viewed humans as an inferior species.


    "You know what took you from your home. You know what they are capable of, the ways they twist things to make them their slaves... They did the same to you." Samael anticipated that the Thorian would react negatively to this, so he positioned himself in front of Samara and Myany.


    It wasn''t necessary, as both were strong enough to protect themselves, but they appreciated the gesture.


    As expected, the Thorian reacted strongly, with Shiala shaking with what could only be anger. "What are you suggesting? That I''m already under the Reapers'' control?! Me?"


    Samael nodded slowly. "Yes. You understand the Reapers and their abilities, you possess knowledge even they are unaware of. They wanted something from you, they got it, and now they''ve left you indoctrinated so that you would spread their indoctrination to those that find you."


    "I killed the Reaper not long ago, and I came here with an offer."


    The Thorian continued to shake with rage, but it was also smart enough to listen. If it had been indoctrinated long ago, no amount of talk-no-Jutsu would sway it. "Talk."


    '''' I have a way to undo what they did to you.''''


    "Impossible." The Thorian dismissed the reasoning immediately. "I have knowledge of countless cycles before this one. No one, in any other cycle, found a way to deal with the indoctrination. The only way is death."


    From its tone, it was clear the Thorian did not want to die, even though it knew it would become a slave to others in the future. It would fight until the end to survive.


    "They didn''t have me in it." An unnaturally arrogant tone emerged from Samael''s mouth. "The price to undo what they did to you is steep, bigger than others might be willing to pay, but I have a feeling you will accept it."


    The Thorian was clearly struggling. On one hand, it could choose to stay as it was now, feeling its sanity and control of its mind slipping away with each passing second, or it could listen to the human in front of it.


    In the end, perhaps because the indoctrination process hadn''t started for long, the Thorian was willing to listen, "What is the way to undo what they did to me?"


    Samael knew it was time to act like a salesman. '''' I developed a process in which we destroy the indoctrination from within your mind. I have to have help from the Ardat-Yakshi.'''' He pointed at Myany, who nodded at the controlled Shiala.


    The Thorian clearly knew what the Asari was and indicated for Samael to continue.


    "So, with the destructive mental powers of the Ardat-Yakshi, we can dismantle the indoctrination... along with the rest of your mind," Samael said slowly, allowing the Thorian to absorb that fact.


    The Asari controlled by the Thorian displayed a pensive expression. It seemed that even the Thorian hadn''t considered this approach. However, the creature was still not convinced. After all, who would be if someone told them that the only way to save you was to essentially destroy what made you, you.


    Before the Thorian could say something, Samael continued, '''' But, we also have a way to retain most, if not all your personality and memories. The process also isn''t easy, but in theory, it should be done. Are you interested?''''


    The mind-controlled Asari struggled for a good while before sighing in defeat, "Every passing second I''m feeling my mind getting corrupted... Tell me what I need to do."


    Samael sighed in relief, knowing the Thorian was listening. He relaxed a bit as he said, "First, release the Asari you are controlling. She won''t be needed anymore."


    The Thorian said nothing more, and Shiala fell to the ground almost as if someone cut the strings controlling her. Samara went closer to check for any injuries and see if she could help in any way.


    Samael nodded at the Thorian gesture and motioned for Myany to get closer. "Now, it''s the fun part. We will meld with you, access your mind, and carry out our process there. It''s also during this phase that we will extract everything that makes you, you. We''ll hold it in a device, and once the procedure is complete, we will implant all of it back into you, without the indoctrination part."


    What Samael failed to mention was that, due to the time constraint, the ''device'' would be his mind. He had performed this process for various individuals in past cycles, so theoretically, it should be straightforward.


    This situation was considered an emergency. Normally, all LD personnel had a device that contained what they believed to be their personality and their most important memories. Samael had required them to use this device, and now it was time to expand this process throughout the galaxy, seeing as the Reapers weren''t exactly a secret anymore.


    Both Samael and Myany moved closer to the hole where the Thorian was located, with the Ardat-Yakshi trembling slightly. "We need to be in contact for the meld to begin."


    A few vines got close to Samael, who grabbed one and brought it closer to Myany. He then said to her, "I''m counting on you."


    Myany knew the process, as taught by the Headmaster, but putting it into action was a different challenge. Still, she nodded, took Samael''s hand, and grasped the vine, starting the melding process.


    Samara watched, after making sure the other Asari was okay. She could only wish good luck to both of them as she waited for the process to be over.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    --


    INSIDE THE THORIAN MIND


    "This is... incredible," Myany remarked as she looked inside the Thorian mind. She had melded before with other species and knew that most of their minds were complex but simple. The Thorian was on another level.


    Its mind was enormous, each space filled with information she did not dare uncover or even touch. It was fascinating but incredibly dangerous.


    And at the very end of its mind, she could see what resembled a black cloud, slowly but surely eating away at its surroundings. Myany instinctively realized that this was the indoctrination as a shape, and it was spreading throughout the Thorian mind.


    ''... When that spreads through the entire mind, no one will be able to remain themselves.''


    It was a frightening thought¡ªone that Myany had recently learned would soon become a reality in the galaxy. She and her ''defective'' sisters were the key to helping everyone with this impending crisis.


    As Myany watched the ''indoctrination'' consume the Thorian''s mind, fear overwhelmed her. In contrast, Samael remained calm. Having experienced far more than anyone else in the galaxy, he broke the brief silence and spoke to the Thorian. "Are you there?"


    All species have different minds, so when entering one, things tend to look different from one another. Sometimes there are significant differences, and sometimes there are not.


    Some species, like the Elcor, do not have a mental ''form'' to be present in their own mind, and it seems the Thorian was the same, as there was no visible presence with Samael and Myany, but its voice could be heard.


    "What''s the next step?" The urgency was evident in the Thorian''s mental voice. It seemed the conversation with them earlier had sparked a sense of anxiety in the Thorian.


    Before, it had accepted its grim situation, but now it had realized there was a way out, which made it increasingly anxious.


    "First, before we deal with the cloud that is consuming you, we will safely store your personality and memories."


    "Where would you do that?"


    Samael pointed at his head. "Here."


    The Thorian was initially surprised but then became angry. A human¡ªa species it considered young and inferior¡ªhad just suggested that his mind was strong enough to contain all its personalities and memories. It had to be a joke.


    "You will die. The human mind cannot comprehend what I know and who I am." While the Thorian didn''t fully understand how the process worked, absorbing his memories and personality was undoubtedly a complex feat. Given that a human was going to be the ''device,'' it was rightly pissed.


    But Samael said calmly, "Are you sure about that? Myany, keep an eye on that cloud for a bit while I talk ''privately'' with our friend here. If there are any movements, let me know."


    "Leave it to me," Myany replied, focusing her attention on the distant cloud while Samael shifted slightly to the left.


    The Thorian didn''t have a mental body, so the conversation felt odd. Still, Samael said, " You have to trust me. I can handle it.''''


    He had faced far worse situations than this, but the Thorian had no idea, so it still felt uncertain.


    "You are human. Again, your mind cannot hold what I have stored. It''s suicide."


    "I can handle it," Samael replied in a serious tone. "Besides, right now, we don''t have time or a choice. Look at that cloud."


    Samael glanced at it, and he was sure the Thorian was doing the same. The cloud was slowly but surely consuming the Thorian''s mind. It was an unpleasant sight.


    It was like watching cancer spread and having no way to stop it.


    "It will not stop until you are no longer you. You will become a slave to someone else''s will, merely a pawn in their game. You will cease to exist, having no will or thoughts other than helping the Reapers."


    "Is that what you want?" Samael spoke slowly, with a caring tone. He had gone through similar a couple of times, not only with his mind but also with others, so he understood what the Thorian was feeling.


    "... No."


    "Then let me help you. Besides, it''s your only choice. We can do this."


    There was a brief silence as the Thorian began to accept this new reality. It looked at the cloud in the distance, understanding what needed to be done.


    ''If that cloud were bigger or closer, who knows what might happen... maybe by now, I wouldn''t even be me.''


    "How do we start the process?"


    Samael smiled and said, ''''I''ll open a way to my mind for you to start the process. It''s easy, but careful to not lose yourself.''''


    Again, this was an emergency, and Samael normally didn''t allow this to happen. A mistake would not only severely injure him but also the Thorian. It was dangerous for everyone involved, but they had no choice.


    "You said this is an emergency... Have you done the procedure before?"


    Samael looked into the distance, almost as if he were gazing into his past. "Yes, a few times. It worked for them, and it will work for you... Now, focus."


    Samael touched his forehead and closed his eyes. This was a difficult process to begin with, and now, with the Thorian lacking any physical form here, it had become even harder.


    ''If it weren''t for the Asari DNA within me, I don''t think I would''ve been able to pull this off.''


    While silently thanking his past self for incorporating the Asari DNA into the Chimera Serum, Samael began to drag his finger across his forehead, opening his head slightly.


    The Thorian could only watch in fascination. It was witnessing the ''inside'' of Samael''s mind. It was something incredibly rare to see, as even it had not witnessed such a thing before.


    ''Fascinating...''


    Then the Thorian sensed something. The human in front of it wasn''t ordinary, he was different, more dangerous...


    ''Now that I can glimpse a part of his inner mind, I can feel it. He''s part Krogan, Asari, and a few other things... But how?''


    Before the Thorian could ponder further, it caught a small glimpse of Samael''s mental landscape. What it saw was so strange that it was left dumbfounded.


    The Thorian spoke in a serious tone, "...What are you?"


    With a pained expression, Samael replied, "The one who will stop the Reapers once and for all. Now, start the process. Gather your memories, or what''s left of them, and bring them here."


    It was an easy enough task, as this was the Thorian''s mental world. A few moments later, its memories and personality, which had no shape or form, started to arrive.


    The Thorian was quiet, knowing this was it for him. Once he initiated the process, he would ''die'' for a few hours, days, or even longer.


    Without saying anything, everything began to flood Samael''s mind. If he hadn''t prepared in previous cycles, he wouldn''t have been able to handle it. But now? It was easy.


    Samael just needed to lock it safely away in a corner of his mind before passing it on to the Thorian after they completed the unindoctrination process.


    The memories sta¡ª


    BZZZTT


    "Samael!" After what sounded like thunder, they heard Myany scream. When Samael looked over, he saw the cloud that was consuming the Thorian''s mind in the distance, rapidly approaching.


    "It seems it felt what we were doing and decided to come over," Samael said with a smile, feeling the last part of the Thorian''s memories and personality enter his mind. "But it''s too late."


    With a flick of his hand, the cut across Samael''s mind was sealed shut, and the Thorian''s personality and memories were safely stored away in his mind.


    Now, the Thorian''s mental world was just an empty place, filled only with the indoctrination cloud and both visitors..


    Samael calmly approached Myany and said while looking at the approaching cloud, "Now, it''s your turn."


    Myany stopped shaking, and her expression of fear was replaced with ecstasy. She even spoke in a trembling voice, "A-are you sure? Can I really do it?"


    Again, training and doing something for real were different. She had learned how to perform the process, but now she was actually going to do it. It was exhilarating.


    "Yes. You don''t need to worry about me. Go nuts." Samael knew how it worked, so he would watch the show. Also, no one could truly harm his mind, as he had made many restrictions on it, so he was safe from what Myany was about to do.


    Smiling like a maniac, Myany stopped holding back. The Ardat-Yakshi only had two instincts, which they suppressed for the sake of others. She was no different, having done so for as long as she could remember.


    Now, after a really long time, she was ready to have fun and let it go.


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"


    With that shout, a biotic surge rampaged through the Thorian''s mind, obliterating everything that remained of it. The indoctrination cloud was nothing compared to the destruction caused by the biotic energy and it was annihilated the moment it came into contact.


    Even after that, Myany didn''t stop, as she was feeling good after a long time and she knew it was going to be diffictul to do this after today.


    Wavs of biotic powers continued to rampage around the place.Samael didn''t stop her, as he liked to watch it. It was quite the sight too.


    He was letting her have her fun while he thought about what to do next. ''We dealt with everything here at Virmire, so we will leave, but... I don''t know if I should leave people here or not... Yeah, let''s leave a team here.''


    ''The Thorian will be transported to Javik''s planet, where it will reside in the future. Then, I''ll transfer what he passed on to me. But that is for the future.''


    ''The reunion with everyone is six days away, but I still have to go to Tuchanka and the Migrant Fleet... No rest for the wicked, it seems.''


    Samael cursed his luck as he enjoyed the show in front of him.


    ---


    With that, the Thorian technically died, and for the first time in this cycle, an indoctrinated ''person'' was saved.


    Whether this process would become the norm in the future, no one knew.

 Please vote on what I should write next

    <div>


    <div>


    Hello THERE! I want to thank you all for your support throughout the year.


    As the Time Effect fic is coming to an end by the end of the year (don''t worry, I won''t rush the conclusion, and I still have at least 50k-100k words I can easily write), I¡¯ve decided to give you, my supporters, a choice regarding my next project.


    I started writing ''seriously'' in 2022 and have already completed 4 fics and written around 500k words in these two years, so I might be ready to tackle an original fic. If you choose that option, please keep in mind that it will focus on terror or suspense.


    Now, onto the options: I''m brainstorming several different story drafts, and those are your options. Remember, all of them are at the very beginning of the planning stage, so there could be major changes later on.


    1 - Terror Draft: This story takes place in a school or university where strange occurrences begin, including murders and missing people. Our main character, along with friends, starts investigating these mysteries, uncovering shocking truths about their city and families.


    2 - Suspense Draft 1: A meteor is heading towards Earth, and our main character is determined to stop it ( maybe this could be a prequel to the other idea)


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    3- Suspense Draft 2: A meteor has struck Earth, drastically altering the environment and affecting animals and insects, which forces humans to the bottom of the food chain. Years later, humanity must live underground or in hiding. The main character has to venture outside for various reasons. (This concept is heavily inspired by Love and Monsters, but it won''t be a fanfic)


    4 - Dragon Ball Z FIC: I''m considering a fanfiction featuring a half-Saiyan main character, starting at the Raditz saga, then going from there. I honestly love the thought of someone organizing the Saiyans and focusing on them dominating the galaxy.


    5 - Star Wars FIC: featuring a mute main character born/reincarnated/transmigrated in the poorest part of Coruscant. This character possesses ANTI-FORCE powers, meaning he cannot access the Force himself and can block others from accessing it. The story is set chronologically before Anakin was born. It primarily focuses on the MC coming to terms with the future and his efforts to change it.


    6 - Old Fics: I could also rewrite some of my older works and improve certain aspects. However, I''m hesitant because I think they are decent as they are. I believe rewrites should only be done if the original is genuinely bad, which I don''t think mine are.


    7 - Other: Or you can vote on the OTHER option, and share your thoughts on what you''d like me to write! I¡¯m open to topics I know little about, like Naruto or Bleach, but I¡¯d need a majority vote and some time to research these original works before starting writing.


    Remember, I haven''t fleshed out any of those drafts yet since I''m currently focused on Time Effect. This is a vote that will shape what I write NEXT year.


    Looking forward to hearing/reading your opinions!

 92 – Tuchanka (1)

    WITH SAMARA


    A few minutes had passed since the process began, and the Matriarch had to deal with a handful of enemies that came their way. Fortunately, she was able to manage them easily.


    She was repulsed by their appearance and felt even more compassion when she remembered how they were created and who they truly were.


    "The Reapers are an abomination... only when they are completely destroyed will we have peace of mind."


    Samara understood that now that the galaxy was aware of the Reapers¡¯ existence, a sense of dread would linger over all living beings. Only, and if, the Reapers were fully eradicated could things return to normal.


    As she pondered how long it would take for Samael and Myany to return, she suddenly heard a rumble and turned to look at where the Thorian was. Deep within its ''home,'' she noticed that the creature had collapsed, indicating that the process must be over.


    Sure enough, Samael and Myany awakened not long after. The Ardat-Yakshi appeared extremely satisfied; in fact, the usual stoic demeanor associated with all Asari was nowhere to be seen. Samael, on the other hand, looked a little pale.


    ''It seems the effort took a toll on Samael.''


    This was expected, as even though he had Asari DNA, at the end of the day, he was still human, and no human should be capable of what he had just done.


    After observing both of them recover from the process, Samara asked, "Did it work?"


    Samael nodded slowly. "Yes. Although our friend here will have a big headache when he wakes up."


    To ensure there wouldn''t be any problems, Samael tossed a few items into the hole where the Thorian called home, items that would make others sleep. Don''t ask why he had those with him at any moment.


    With the amount he threw in, the Thorian was going to sleep until he arrived at his new planet. Unlike with the Illusive Man, they didn¡¯t have a cryo pod big enough to carry the creature, so they would have to use one of the spaceships that came with the Phoenix and the Normandy.


    Speaking of him, due to what happened at Thessia, the plans regarding the man''s rehabilitation had to change a bit. Currently, Jack Harper was on Earth, undergoing rigorous secret training, with Jack and Miranda, to become¡­ something else.


    "Are you okay?" Samara asked Myany as the Ardat-Yakshi returned to her stoic demeanor.


    Myany coughed to conceal her embarrassment. "I''m okay... it''s just that... it''s nice to let go after so long."


    It had been centuries since she felt this way, and she was trying to savor the moment.


    "It''s a shame it was so fast." Myany sighed as she realized she wouldn''t have many opportunities to experience this feeling after today.


    Samael heard what she said and shook his head.''She doesn''t realize she would have plenty of opportunities like this in the future, not only to unoindoctrinate people but also to deal with troublesome ones, if necessary.''


    Remember that not long ago, Samael had hired all Ardat-Yakshi scattered across the galaxy to work for him and LD. Of course, all those at the temple, the others who had no affiliation and were hiding, weren''t counted.


    The Ardat-Yakshi received financial support and a planet in exchange for their assistance.


    Samael tapped Myany on the shoulder. "You will have plenty of opportunities to do this in the future. Things will get a lot worse before they get better."


    Even with his knowledge of the future, Samael admitted that he didn¡¯t know if there were other facilities like this one in Virmire, under the Reapers'' control. Of course, he knew the existence of others, but it wasn''t the Reapers conducting the experiments. He would deal with those individuals after the war ended.


    Samara and Myany grew serious at those words, the latter finally calming down.


    "Now, let''s regroup with the others. I sent our coordinates to the larger ship, so they will pick up our friend here."


    Of course, there were doctors in the mix to ensure the Thorian''s safety. Samael would not risk losing the Thorian for a mistake.


    Samara nodded and took one last look at the Thorian. That creature had helped them with its memories, if what Samael had said previously was true, so a little respect was something she could offer. Sure, it was because of the creature that Thessia was attacked, but it was forced to do so, so she didn¡¯t take it to heart.


    '' Thank you.''


    With that, the trio left the area after cleaning it up completely. They made sure no enemies could attack the unconscious Thorian and then left.


    WITH SHEPARD


    '' They are good.''


    That was what was on her mind after fighting with Samael''s crew and his friends. Sure, she had trained and fought alongside them before, on Thessia and Illos, but both situations were different.


    In Thessia, she primarily fought with Tali and RR, while on Illos, she had left with Samael to face the Reaper.


    Today was the first time she witnessed all of them in combat, and she was leading them. They didn¡¯t disappoint.


    If someone told her they were the best team in the galaxy, she would be inclined to agree.


    The way they fought was perfect. They listened to her commands, and when things got complicated, they had the ability to act on their own to ensure their survival.


    Far from feeling jealous, Shepard was looking forward to the day her crew would be like that.


    ''Maybe we should resume our training together...''


    Back on Earth, they had trained with them a bit, and now, witnessing all of this, Shepard wanted more. She would talk with Samael about this in the future.


    The battle on Virmire had ended not long ago, with the overwhelming victory belonging to Shepard and the others. Now, they were waiting for Samael and the other two to return.


    He had sent coordinates for extraction not long ago, which meant things had finished on his end.


    "Shepard, look!" Grunt approached her with a head in his hand. From what creature it came from, no one knew. "Doesn''t it look like Wrex?!"


    Shepard glanced behind the young Krogan and saw Javik doing his best to stifle a laugh while Wrex wore a not-so-pleased expression.


    With a sly grin, Shepard nodded and spoke in the softest tone she could muster, "It really does! How about you take a picture side by side, so others can compare too?"


    Grunt''s eyes lit up. "Great idea!" He then ran up to Wrex''s location, leaving behind a smiling Shepard.


    "I see you''re troubling Wrex," a familiar voice came from behind her.


    "Ah, it was just a harmless prank." Shepard turned to face Samael, Samara, and Myany. The trio had just returned from their mission. "How did things go on your end?"Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "Everything is okay. The Thorian isn''t under the Reapers'' control any longer, and he can now live his life. How about you? Did you have any difficulties with those test subjects?''''


    Given the situation and the atmosphere in the group, they were successful. This outcome was expected, as they were literally the best in the galaxy. Although their opponents were stronger, they lacked basic mental capacity, only attacking on instinct.


    Still, Samael asked because he liked to talk with Shepard.


    "All is well. It''s just... those people, we don''t even know who they were, and now they will be forgotten in this place." Shepard felt troubled by what she found on the planet and about the people those creatures were before becoming like that.


    Countless beings had been experimented on, almost all of them lacking any form of identification. Their stories ended without any chance to tell their loved ones about it.


    It was uncomfortable and sad.


    "LD will do its best to identify them, provide support for their families, and give them a proper grave. It''s a small gesture, but it''s something we can do," Samael reassured her, following his protocol for situations like this.


    In past cycles, and even in this one, there were bases like this across the galaxy. While he could not help everyone, he could assist them with a burial and support their families financially.


    "Thanks." Shepard felt a growing respect for Samael, he was different. Others, like the head of the Alliance, would not even look at these people and would bury them without a second thought. Samael went above and beyond to help those with whom he had no affiliation.


    ''Just like Akuze...''


    Shepard later learned that LD had helped rebuild the colony on the planet after eradicating the Thresher Maw around the area. They also supported the families of those who had died there and helped build better buildings in the colony.


    ''Ah, it seems I''m falling for this man hard.''


    Ignoring their complicated relationship for the moment, Shepard decided to change the subject to something more normal. "With that out of the way, Grunt had a lot of fun here."


    "I can see that," Samael said, patting Shepard''s shoulder. "Come, let''s gather the rest and discuss our next steps. Also, good job."


    "Thanks," Shepard replied.


    Samael, along with Shepard, Samara, and Myany, moved through the battlefield while rounding up the crew. When Samael met up with Liara, Tali, and RR, he greeted the trio with a light kiss.


    "How are you?" he asked Tali and Liara.


    "We''re not in any danger, RR made sure of that, and we might have found a good combination of powers. It''s in the testing phase, but it looks promising," Tali said, reviewing the footage she had gathered and considering where improvements could be made.


    "Oh? Will you tell me about it?" Samael asked.


    Liara shook her head with a sly grin. "Spoilers."


    Samael smiled at her and then turned his attention to RR. "Is there anything out of the ordinary that I should be aware of?"


    The AI/Android shook her head and said, "Nothing. Only, I gathered all the data that was available in the facility. I doubt we will use or need it, but I followed protocol."


    This was something that Samael had taught her, and in turn, she taught EDI: gather all the data the enemy had, destroy the original, and, if useful, use it against them.


    Upon hearing that, Samael replied, "You can destroy it. This is a situation where nothing good will come from having that kind of information with us."


    He briefly reviewed the data, which primarily focused on the experiments conducted on the planet. Neither he nor LD needed this information, as he would never go to the same level as the Reapers.


    Having such details in LD''s database wasn¡¯t worth the potential problems that might come from others knowing of its existence.


    RR nodded and destroyed all the data. "Done."


    "Thank you.'''' Samael thanked his companion.


    Tali spoke when she saw them stop talking. "I noticed many quarians... or something that resembles quarians among those creatures." There was a lot of anger in her voice.


    Liara held her hand up to soothe her, but it was difficult to stop the kind of feeling Tali was having.


    While most subjects were Krogan, many other species were also used as bases, and Quarians, her species, were the second most common.


    "We will make them pay." It wasn''t a question but an affirmation. Tali, along with everyone else who witnessed the horrors of this base, was fed up with the Reapers.


    "They will pay, I promise you this." Samael ruffled Tali''s hair to distract her from her anger.


    Tali calmed down, thanked Liara for holding her hand, and nodded at what Samael said.


    Soon, they continued walking and gathering the crew. Not long after, they arrived where Wrex, Javik, and Grunt were ''waiting'' in a peculiar situation.


    Javik was doing his best to hold Wrex in place, while Grunt was trying to position a creature''s head close to the old Krogan so they could take a picture.


    They were struggling, as Wrex wasn''t going to accept such a situation without a fight.


    As the struggle continued, Javik''s eyes lit up when he noticed Samael and the others approaching. "Samael! Good timing!"


    Even while struggling, Wrex knew he had a good chance of avoiding the photo. However, with Samael and the others joining the fray...


    "FUCK!"


    Wrex tried to struggle more fiercely to escape, but it was too late. Samael and the others had closed in. "Hey, it''s just a photo!" he exclaimed.


    "Yes, Uncle Wrex! It''s just a photo!" Liara echoed, gathering some biotic powers in her hands.


    "A photo," Tali said, aiming a gu- camera at Wrex.


    "HEY! HEY! TALI, THAT IS A GUN!" Wrex screamed when he saw the ''camera''.


    Tali shook her head. "This is a camera."


    Wrex was dumbfounded. After a brief silence, he sighed, "Just take the damn photo."


    The old Krogan wouldn¡¯t admit that the only reason he didn¡¯t want to take the photo was that the creature really looked like him.


    CLICK.


    They took a few photos with the head and Wrex and some as a group.


    After the photo session, Samael made sure to bury the creature''s head nearby. He could have left this task for the team that would come to clean things up, but he felt it was a nice gesture to do this himself.


    He had his share of funerals and understood the significance of a simple act like this. Sometimes, it was the best they could do.


    While it was entertaining for Grunt and the rest, nothing could deny the tragedy that had happened to the creature, so a simple act of burial was the least he could do.


    The others noticed what he was doing and offered their respect with a minute of silence, not only for that particular creature but for all those they had killed in the earlier battle.


    They were victims of monsters, turned into mindless creatures, and were buried as themselves again.


    Wrex approached Samael after the minute of silence ended and spoke in a hopeful yet serious tone, "It''s time, brother?"


    Wrex had used his influence as the leader of the Urdnot Clan, the most powerful and influential of all Krogan clans, to summon all Krogans across the galaxy to Tuchanka, or at least those who would listen to his call.


    He did that for a reason: to give them the Genophage cure, as it was ready. However, he didn''t need to mention that to the others, as it was dangerous and reckless to do so. Other species might try to intervene.


    And as he was their leader, his call must be answered.


    Still, Krogans were not known for their patience, and by this point, those he summoned must already be on the planet, so there must be chaos there. While he wasn''t desperate yet, he was feeling a bit anxious.


    Samael gave one last look at the facility in Virmire and nodded, '''' Yes time to go to Tuchanka. The new age for the Krogan Emperi starts now.''''


    Wrex nodded enthusiastically. While others recognized that Wrex and Grunt were good Krogan, they were a bit apprehensive about the idea of curing the Krogan species as a whole, as they weren''t exactly a role model. Still, they trusted Samael''s judgment, and to be honest, they didn¡¯t have much of a choice.


    They needed the Krogan to win the war. What would happen after the war was a concern for another day because their priority was to survive it.


    After that, Samael ensured that the Thorian was safely transported to Javik''s planet. He then destroyed Saren''s facility on Virmire and left a group of LD personnel there, just in case other groups had any funny ideas. They would leave in 30 days.


    Everyone boarded the Phoenix, and with the Normandy and several other ships following them, they left Virmire and headed towards Tuchanka.


    ---


    IN TUCHANKA


    Tuchanka, the homeworld of the Krogan species, is a harsh and unforgiving environment that shapes them into who they are. The planet is hostile to any living being, so for you to survive there you HAVE to be strong.


    Riddled with dangerous fauna and even more perilous creatures, such as Kalros, the mother of all Thresher Maws, radiation that would kill many other species, and bombardment craters from past wars, Tuchanka presents numerous challenges.


    There were almost no intact buildings; those that remained could barely be called buildings. Ruins littered the entire planet, and the Krogan lived on it.


    Seriously, even the air and atmosphere are trying to kill you 24/7.


    Despite its treacherous nature, the planet is now filled to the brim with Krogans, thanks to Wrex''s call. The rudimentary buildings and structures are nearly collapsing under the weight of the population.


    The streets are crowded with Krogans, and in such a situation, conflict is bound to occur. We are talking about Krogans, after all.


    Fighting has become the norm, and encountering corpses is something that rarely receives a second glance. The Krogans are strong and brutal, yet necessary in the upcoming war.


    In one bar, located in a building that was on the verge of collapsing, two Krogans who had just finished fighting each other were drinking something that could melt the insides of other species while engaging in conversation.


    "So, does anyone know why Urdnot called everyone to the planet?"


    "I don''t think so. And let me tell you, I envy him a bit. Being able to call everyone here without a second thought is nice."


    "Come on, he has responsibilities too."


    "Ha! Only to choose which female to bed."


    "Haha!"


    Both laughed, knowing they were far from Wrex''s position. They could only dream of having such privileges.


    Just as the laughter stopped, there was a commotion outside the bar. They looked at each other and went outside.


    There, they noticed everyone looking up at the sky, so they did the same. They saw various spaceships entering the planet, and someone yelled, "It''s Urdnot''s ship!"


    Another commotion started, and the news of Wrex''s arrival began to spread throughout the planet.


    It was time for the Krogan species to be freed from their centuries-old ''curse,'' a fact that most were unaware of.

 93 – Tuchanka (2)

    <div>


    It would take exactly 14 hours to travel from Virmire to Tuchanka. During that time, Samael talked quite a bit with Legion, who was at the Phoenix. While the battle was happening, he had been talking with EDI and Joker.


    The machine could help, but his discussions with Samael made him understand why he wasn''t used in battle yet.


    "Your people are being hunted, and the hate for them is at an all-time high. For your safety, it''s best to lay low for now. Besides, your strength will be needed in other parts, not here. Please keep that in mind."


    Legion knew, based on his calculations, that everything the human said was right. The time for him to appear wasn''t now, but nothing could take away the restlessness he was feeling. Even though he was a machine, he could still experience emotions similar to humans, albeit in a very limited way. After all, he wasn''t at EDI and RR levels yet.


    "Please, don''t forget about me and what I told you. There''s a chance for us to gather all the Geth that haven''t aligned with the Reapers." Legion''s goal was to help his people and understand himself. The window for that opportunity was closing as they spoke.


    Samael nodded. "Don''t worry, the Geth will be a great help in the upcoming conflict. I can say with confidence that they were essential."


    It was true. In past cycles, the Geth had been at the forefront of battle, helping wherever they could. They could go to planets where other species might not survive, and they could build things quickly. All in all, they were a significant asset in the upcoming war against the Reapers.


    "So, trust me when I say this: after the reunion with the galaxy representatives in one week, I will help you with your mission."


    Legion nodded. He then asked something unrelated. "Now, I have a question."


    "Fire away."


    "I was talking with Tali the other day, as she wanted to ''research'' this unity, and I asked something bothering me for some time now ... does this unity have a soul?"


    Samael''s face changed a bit, not because of the question itself, but because he had heard it many times before. The answer was always yes, but Legion''s death was one of the few things he ALMOST could never prevent.


    After all, to win the war against the Reapers, he had to use the Crucible, something that destroys all synthetic life, meaning Legion would die as well. In this final cycle, he was trying to think of ways to somehow save his synthetic friends and family, but time wasn''t on his side.


    He had a few ideas in mind, but only time would tell if they would work. Additionally, the times when Legion survived were when the galaxy lost or when Samael sent him away before the final battle.


    Samael patted the Geth''s shoulder. "I believe all sentient beings have something they could call a soul. In machines'' cases, even a small spark inside their programming could be considered a soul. So, does that answer your question?"


    In a way, it did, but it also raised many more questions. Machines like the Geth, which weren''t fully AI yet, had a hard time with emotions, so it was normal for Legion to feel lost even after Samael''s words.


    "I''ll keep what you said in mind. Also, until when are you going to continue using an eyepatch?" Legion asked. Since they both had only one eye, he could relate to Samael a bit.


    Samael touched the left side of his face. He would deal with it after the talk in a week. He had lost far worse in past cycles, and a little bit of vision loss was something he could live with. "Until the reunion... God, it seems things will get rushed after that."


    Legion could only nod.


    Samael noticed their conversation was coming to an end. "Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have a few activities I would like to return to." As Samael said goodbye to Legion and started to leave, the Geth said something that made him stumble.


    "Is it intercourse?"


    Samael paused and looked back at Legion. "Who told you that?"


    "EDI. This unity talked with all the members of the ship, but EDI, RR, and Tali were the principal ones. EDI told me about it."


    Samael sighed. ''I guess it''s time for another talk with EDI... and RR.''


    He knew that RR was the one who taught all that to EDI, so in a way, she was guilty too.


    "Yes, Legion. It''s intercourse." Samael looked defeated.


    "Huh." Legion blinked his eye. "This unity will keep that in mind too."


    After his conversation with the Geth, Samael had a ''great time'' with Tali, Liara, RR, Veronica, and Shepard for the most of the remaining 14 hours.


    It seemed that a consensus had been reached among them, and their arrangement would continue at least until they arrived at the Reunion on the Citadel in one week. After that, they would deal with things the right way.


    Also, in the meantime, someone had to say goodbye to the crew before they arrived at Tuchanka. It was Myany.


    Myany was an Ardat-Yakshi, so she was forced to return to the temple on Thessia, but not before thanking Samael for the opportunity and expressing her desire to work together again.


    "Thanks for that. I''ll tell my sisters how well you treated me and how great the opportunity is." Myany felt truly grateful. She hadn''t felt this alive in a long time. Before this, like most of the Ardat-Yakshi in the temple, she was just surviving, repressing most of her wants.


    Now, they had a way to live.


    "Don''t mention it. Also," Samael transferred a file to her, "please show it to the Headmaster."


    Myany tilted her head and opened the file, only to burst out laughing. Wrex, who was nearby, heard her laughter and came to see what was going on. "Who or what are we laughing at!? I call dibs on making fun of¡ª"


    The old Krogan stopped mid-sentence when he saw the image of himself alongside the creature''s head. The worst thing about that it''s that it REALLY looked just like him.


    Wrex looked at Samael, then at Myany. He asked slowly, "What are you doing, huh? Planning to spread this image, are you?"


    Myany felt a bit intimidated, but Samael wasn¡¯t fazed. He simply shook his head. "No."


    Before Wrex could breathe a sigh of relief, Samael continued, "I already spread it. All Matriarchs have this image. I just wanted Myany to gain some favor with the Headmaster, so I entrusted her with passing the photo to the Headmaster personally."


    Wrex was dumbfounded by that revelation. "¡­ This is bullying."


    The worst part was that Grunt had come up with the idea, leaving Wrex with no chance for retaliation. Now, he would probably be the talk among the Matriarchs for at least a month.


    Samael just smiled at him. "But, you know, you really look a¡ª"


    Wrex stepped closer, hugged the dumbfounded Ardat-Yakshi, and said, "See you around, kid."


    He then left the two of them alone, reasoning that if he didn''t hear it, it hadn''t happened.


    Myany chuckled a bit and then said her goodbyes to everyone on the Phoenix. Soon, she departed back to Thessia.


    Things then fell into a routine after that, and the crew spent their hours talking, ''doing activities'', or engaging in other pastimes.


    Now, fourteen hours later, they finally arrived at Tuchanka.


    WITH GRUNT


    Coming to Tuchanka was a dream for the barely two-month-old Krogan. From up in the sky, the place looked as terrible as the stories he had heard.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Basically, not a single area was "clean". Everything appeared as though it had been bombed or shot at. Craters with a radius of 100 meters were the norm, and he could even see some Thresher Maws here and there.


    So, he thought it was perfect. ¡°This is amazing!¡±


    Everyone looked at the young Krogan with incredulous expressions, silently communicating that he was crazy. Only Wrex seemed to share the same excitement. ¡°HA HA HA! I knew you would like it! Let me tell you some stories about how the Urdnot clan rose to the top!¡±


    While Wrex recounted his tales, the ship continued its descent toward the planet.


    Samael gazed into the distance, at the location of the bomb that was hidden on the planet. It was planted years ago by the Salarians and was forgotten for a long time. However, a message he received recently made Samael pay attention to this.


    '' Well, I''ll deal with it now that I''m here.''


    He also knew that Mordin and Okeer had arrived not long ago and were waiting for them to release the cure. By their estimation, at least 85% of the entire Krogan population was on the planet right now, a record.


    As he was watching the scenery, Samara approached him. "It looks exactly like the old days."


    "Have you visited Tuchanka before?"


    Samara nodded, a distant look passing through her eyes. "In my youth, I searched for adrenaline and a purpose, as if I were immortal. It led me to many places, and Tuchanka was one that stood out the most."


    "You have to tell me more about those experiences."


    The duo chatted some more until Veronica''s voice came through the comms. "We will land in one minute."


    Samael turned to Samara, and even though he had had those conversations with her in past cycles, it was always nice to hear her voice. "We will continue this conversation later," he said.


    Samara nodded. "I''ll hold you to that, Captain."


    The duo and everyone else started to prepare to disembark.


    ---


    ON TUCHANKA


    Mordin was waiting anxiously for Samael''s arrival. He had been here for a day or two already and wanted to spread the cure right away. Who knew who might get wind of this and try to sabotage it?


    Before the Salarian could worry any further, he heard someone calling his name, a familiar voice, "Mordin!"


    The Salarian looked over and, sure enough, Samael alongside many familiar and unfamiliar faces was heading toward his location. "SAMAEL!"


    Mordin was really glad to see his human friend again. After hugging Samael, he would make sure to do the same with those he knew, and for those he didn''t, a handshake or a nod would suffice. This was the case with Wrex.


    The Krogan had already made contact with the Salarian about the cure, as Samael had instructed a week or so ago after the battle in Thessia.


    Wrex had nothing but respect for this particular Salarian. Even if or when he found out that Mordin helped with the creation of the Genophage, all he would see was a man trying to fix his mistakes.


    "Mordin. It''s nice to see you face to face." Wrex offered a handshake, which the Salarian accepted.


    "It''s my honor to be able to meet the Krogan Emperor, yes." Mordin replied.


    Wrex laughed, "Haha, you flatter me." Then he became serious, "Can you tell me... does the cure really work?"


    While the Krogan trusted Samael with his life, seeing the cure in action was a different matter altogether.


    Mordin said nothing but pointed to his back, where Okeer was showing the others his offspring¡ªat least five of them.


    All the secrecy regarding the cure faded from Wrex''s mind when he saw that.


    Wrex looked at Mordin with a questioning gaze, and the Salarian said, "The Female Krogan lays 1,000 eggs a year, and the gestation period is only a few weeks long. Those we brought here are the ones born earliest. There are many more like them on Earth... The cure is real, Wrex."


    Meaning they have already used the cure on some lucky Krogan, and this was the result: many healthy babies.


    Wrex could only nod in agreement, then excused himself to go see the healthy and very much alive babies. Not only they were rare, but also cute (?).


    It seemed their appearance stunned the Krogan Emperor for good. Grunt was about to follow him but decided to greet Mordin first with a hug. ¡°Hello, old man.¡±


    Mordin sized up Grunt and nodded, pleased to see him doing so well. After all, in more than one way, the Salarian had helped ''make'' the Krogan. ¡°How are you feeling? Any discomfort, no?¡±


    Grunt broke the hug and replied, ¡°None.¡±


    ¡°Good, good. Now, go see Tuchanka while I talk with the rest. There are many ''beautiful'' places on the planet that the other Krogans can show you, yes.¡±


    Grunt nodded and walked away, following Wrex. The majority of the crew followed him, leaving only Samael, Shepard, RR, Tali, Liara, and Mordin behind.


    Mordin took the opportunity to greet the others. He hugged Tali, Liara, and RR, and when it came to Shepard, he said, "Commander, or should I call you Spectre now, yes?"


    Shepard smiled at him. "Call me whatever you want, Mordin. It''s nice to see you."


    "Likewise. Now that the greetings are out of the way, how about we go see Tuchanka? I''m sure Okeer is waiting to see you all too, yes."


    Samael shook his head. He had a complicated look on his face. "Not yet. I have some bad news.''''


    He showed them a message he had received from the Shadow Broker not long ago. LD and the figure were on the same team, so anything related to the company or Samael''s interests prompted the figure to send a message right away.


    Most of the time, it wasn''t anything important, but today... the message was about an STG team being sent to Tuchanka. They had heard rumors about the Krogan uniting, so they decided to check the situation and detonate a bomb that had been planted on the planet earlier if things didn''t go the way they liked.


    Samael swore that his presence didn¡¯t attract problems...no way.


    Mordin was taken aback while reading the message. He knew it was true, based on how the STG operated. But why was it happening now? Perhaps someone had leaked information about the cure?


    "This is ridiculous."


    "I know, but first, before we release the cure, we will deal with this quietly. So, only we who are here will go, handle the bomb, and then come back. Any questions?"


    No one said anything. They were trained to face dangerous and unforeseen situations, so this was normal for them.


    "Good. Now, let''s maintain a normal image and socialize a bit before departing. According to the information, the STG team hasn''t arrived on the planet yet, so we have plenty of time."


    The quartet rejoined the rest of the crew, all of them eyeing Okeer babies. They weren''t cute, but they were far from ugly. "Exotic" was the right word.


    From the look on Wrex''s face, it seemed he had made a decision not long ago. He spoke to a nearby Krogan and asked RR and Samael for a favor, ¡°Can you transmit what I say here to the entire planet?¡±


    Samael was about to say that this wasn¡¯t a good idea, thanks to the STG team coming to the planet, but he sighed. ''Let the man have his way.''


    Samael nodded, and RR and the Krogan prepared a few pieces of equipment. Soon, it was ready to be transmitted to the whole planet, or at least to those Krogan who had a way to receive it.


    After receiving the go-ahead from RR, Wrex began his speech. ¡°My fellow Krogans, I came here to make an announcement that will forever change our species.¡±


    Murmurs started to roll around the crowd as Wrex continued. ¡°We are plagued by a curse, thanks to our past actions. Time has passed, and I¡ªor rather, we¡ªbelieve we have learned from our errors and are ready to be free from the curse.¡±


    "But no one helped us when we asked. The Asari are too busy trying to appease everyone and disregarded our pleas for help, even though it''s because of us that they are in power! The Turians are more foolish than we are, so we can''t expect much help from them! Then there are the Salarians!"


    Wrex smirked as he mentioned the species name. "Ha, they were the ones who wanted us to stay like this, with almost no chance of rebuilding our numbers. Because they are afraid of what we can do and that made them blind to our predicament.''''


    '''' We reached out to other species, but no one helped. We are truly alone in facing the Genoaghe, even though we are the reason the galaxy is safe today. They are quick to forget that too.''''


    All the Krogan who heard him looked uncomfortable. They knew their past actions had caused this situation, but the price was high and already paid. Now, the galaxy had forgotten about them, just as they were about to face the biggest threat to their existence.


    But Wrex continued, "In the midst of that, I, as your leader, received helping hands... more than that, a key to our salvation."


    Wrex looked at Samael, Okeer, and Mordin. He knew that others had helped with the cure, but only these three were present at the moment, so he could only nod in appreciation to them.


    ¡°LD has been secretly studying the Genophage, and they found a cure!¡± Wrex motioned for Okeer and his offspring to come closer. ¡°And this is the result!¡±


    ¡°There are five healthy newborn Krogan, and these are the ones that were born the earliest! There are many more like them on Earth! THE GENOPHAGE IS NO MORE!¡±


    Wrex was screaming with emotion. ¡°My people, WE ARE FREE!¡±


    ¡°The cure will be released soon throughout the whole planet, so until then, don¡¯t leave the planet and call those who haven¡¯t arrived yet¡ªNOW!¡±


    ¡°This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so let¡¯s celebrate!¡±


    At first, all the Krogans were too stunned to speak, but soon, almost like a wave, shouts and even tremors began to occur, thanks to billions of them jumping across the planet.


    Wrex nodded at their reaction and looked at Samael. "Now, it''s your turn."


    Samael hesitated before replying, "I just need a few more hours."


    Wrex patted his shoulder. "You can take more than that. Just, I want to be there when you release it."


    Samael nodded. "No problem. I can arrange that."


    Samael then went to talk to Okeer and see the five Krogan babies. The Old Krogan noticed him approaching and gave a big smile, '''' Samael! Nice to see you after so long! How are you?''''


    '''' Good, good.'''' Samael played with the babies a bit, '''' I see you got busy when I left Earth.''''


    Okeer didn''t seem fazed by Samael, '''' HEHEHE, I called upon old female ''acquaintances'' regarding the cure. I gave it to them and tested the efficacy right away. Nothing too serious.''''


    Samael rolled his eyes, '''' So, what now? Are you still going to work with LD? As you know, with the Reapers coming, we will need all help we can.''''


    Okeer nodded immediately, '''' I will help LD, no worries. Having offspring is good and all, but at the end of the day, surviving is the priority. And I, just like many of the researchers, know that LD is the key to survival.''''


    '''' Good.''''


    '''' Regarding a few projects, we have some news about them, like-''''


    '''' Okeer, come here for a minute!'''' Wrex motioned for Okeer to come close with the babies. It seems he and his babies were celebrities.


    Okeer nodded at Wrex and looked at Samael apologetically, '''' I''ll leave this conversation for later.''''


    '''' No worries, Mordin can tell me about it. Go have your fun.''''


    Okeer and his babies went away. Samael and the others blended with the rest.


    Javik was quiet today because he knew how important this was for Wrex. No unnecessary talk between both, just a quietness that comes from the heart. The Prothean was happy for his friend.


    He saw the inner turmoil Wrex had when he initially saw the five babies. He would never understand the pain, but he could offer his support, either silent or not.


    After Wrex emotions stabilized themselves, Javik would pester the Krogan again. It was too funny to miss it.


    After a few minutes of pleasant discussion happening all around, Samael, RR, Tali, Shepard, Mordin, and Liara left to disarm the bomb.


    <div>

 94 – Tuchanka (3)

    WITH SAMAEL


    The group, which included Samael, RR, Tali, Shepard, Liara, and Mordin, headed toward the location of the buried bomb using an M.A.K.O. they took from the Phoenix.


    Samael took this opportunity to catch up with Mordin. After all, he had left the Salarian researching many projects back on Earth.


    '''' So, how is Project Lazarus going?''''


    Mordin looked unsure.'''' That project is... weird, to say the least, yes. For us to test it, someone has to die. So, for all intents and purposes, it is ready, only waiting for someone to use it. I really don''t want to use /test it, though, yes.''''


    '''' And about the Bigger Mech? I''m not asking for it to match the Reapers'' size, but something that could hold them for a few seconds at least.''''


    By the way, Samael spoke openly, not caring if the others were hearing. Not only everyone on MAKO was someone he trusted, but he was literally in a relationship with them. Well, minus Mordin.


    '''' We can''t create something that matches the Reapers'' size, BUT, we have prototypes ready to be created, yes. It reaches 70M in length and should be able to hold the Reapers for a few seconds, yes.''''


    Sameal nodded. This was all within his expectations. To be honest, even in cycles where he focused on technological advancements, sometimes, some things just weren''t meant to happen.


    The bigger Mech was one of them. From them to have something ready to be created was a miracle. The Reapers range from 160 meters to 2K in length, so for the galaxy to have something reaching up to 70 meters was incredible.


    And all that in less than one year of research.


    Samael knew Mordin was a genius, but the Salarian impressed him greatly every time he exceeded his expectations.


    Still, he asked in a hopeful tone about this last item of his, '''' About the device against a giant EMP blast... any progress on that?''''


    This was one of the things he wanted the most, as it would allow him to protect all Synthetic life, or at least their ''soul.'', if he used the Crucible. He would use a planet to house them, use said device, if made, and hope for the best.


    Of course, if he did that, he would have to win the war without their help/numbers, but that is a problem for the future.


    Mordin looked quite ambiguous, '''' We managed to create something, but the radius isn''t big... at most, 20 KM.''''


    Samael wasn''t discouraged. A beginning was a beginning, '''' Good job. If you may, I ask you to focus on this. It''s very important.''''


    '''' I will keep that in mind, yes.''''


    "By the way, how are Miranda''s and Jack''s babies? Everything good?" While Samael received reports from them, hearing the situation from their actual doctor was more reassuring.


    "No problems with them. We thought, thanks to the Chimera Serum, that the babies might be... different, but based on the tests we''ve conducted so far, they appear to be normal human babies, yes. We will monitor them to see if anything changes in the future."


    Samael nodded and remembered something. He had so much on his mind that sometimes he tended to neglect certain things. "By the way, speaking of the Serum, did you manage to create one that only extends lifespan?"


    He knew it was possible, as he had achieved the seemingly impossible with the Chimera Serum, but since it wasn¡¯t a priority, he had left it to the researchers on Earth. Given their intelligence and the groundwork he had laid out for them, by now...


    Mordin smiled with pride in his eyes. "I''m proud to say that we did. We isolated the Asari DNA, creating a serum that extends lifespan without the need for metamorphosis. This makes it much safer, yes."


    The Chimera Serum was dangerous because it contained Krogan DNA, which provided immense strength in exchange for a gruesome process that could be fatal for many.


    What the researchers did was straightforward: they developed a serum with only Asari DNA, providing an extended lifespan without any other effects. Even that is revolutionary.


    Samael was happy, not only for his team but also for what this represented. This change could significantly increase the life expectancy in the galaxy, as he didn¡¯t plan on withholding the new serum. Sure, new problems would arise from this, but they would deal with them as they came.


    "Mordin, this is revolutionary! You guys made history!" Tali, who had assisted with the research back on Earth in developing the Quarian Pill, was conversing with Shepard, Liara, and RR when she heard Mordin''s announcement.


    She stopped the conversation immediately to congratulate them, knowing how difficult the project had been.


    Liara heard Tali and connected the dots. She took on a thoughtful expression. "We need to be careful with it."


    She anticipated that a lot of trouble would come from this, but she trusted Samael and the others to make wise decisions.


    Shepard, who knew a little bit of the subject, patted Mordin on the shoulder. "And you? Have you already taken it?"


    Salarians tended to live less than 50 years, and Mordin was dangerously close to that age, so those who cared for him were a little worried.


    Mordin nodded. "Yes. By our calculations, I can easily become the oldest Salarian to ever live, if nothing goes wrong."


    While he didn¡¯t provide exact numbers, everyone knew he had gained at least 100 years of lifespan, allowing him to potentially become the oldest Salarian if he lived out the remainder of his natural life.


    "How about you, Shepard? When are you going to take the Chimera Serum?"


    Shepard sighed. She had been busier than ever in the past few months. She didn''t even have time to call Anderson, let alone take the Serum. The worst part was that, given how things were going, the upcoming months and years would likely be even more busy.


    "Soon, when I have time."


    Still, she was looking forward to taking it. After all, she had seen Samael, John, Veronica, and the others from LD who had taken it in action. They were a powerhouse capable of facing countless enemies.


    "After the Citadel reunion, we will make time. You can''t go on without taking it; our enemies will only get stronger."Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Samael was planning to give the Serum to everyone in his family. Sure, they could survive the upcoming war without taking it, but it was one more assurance.


    Of course, those like his mom would take only the one where it increases the lifespan, while those strong enough would take the Chimera Serum.


    '' Let''s hope Mordin and the others can somehow diminish the effects of the metamorphoses.''


    Even Samael twitched a little at the memory of the pain he felt at that moment. It showed how much he trusted Mordin and the researchers, as he was fully aware of their capabilities.


    '' Maybe, this version of the Serum can cure Natasha''s cancer... no, let''s leave this to the Protheans.''


    Samael thought about Jack''s mother, frozen into a cryo pod in Javik''s new planet. They were researching a way to cure her type of cancer, so he would trust them.


    "We are arriving at the destination," RR''s voice came from the driver''s seat.


    Samael looked at the others. "Get ready. I doubt the STG team is here, but don''t let your guard down."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. RR slowly opened the MAKO, and everyone stepped out.


    The bomb was buried not too deep but also not too shallow. They were going to dig out the bomb, but it would take some time, so they started working right away.


    Using a few tools from the MAKO, they began to dig slowly, being cautious, so as to not risk the bomb exploding.


    There were no signs of the STG or anyone else for that matter. The place was just like every other location on Tuchanka¡ªruins of old buildings among other debris.


    "So, Mordin, any more bombs we should be aware of?" Shepard asked jokingly, as they had nothing to do while the equipment did its job. Yet everyone there understood the possibility that other bombs might exist on the planet.


    The Salarians were known for being ruthless, after all.


    Mordin tilted his head and thought for a moment before replying, "Not that I''m aware of."


    He had worked for the STG before, so he knew a bit about their inner workings. With his level of clearance, he wasn''t aware of any more bombs.


    Samael, who knew the truth, decided to share it with his team. "Well, I don''t know about bombs, but you know the Shrouds the Salarians put on Tuchanka to help the planet''s atmosphere?"


    Some looked pensive, as they honestly weren''t much aware of the planet''s conditions, but Mordin nodded. "Yes. A work of art. It was helping the planet recover from the nuclear winter over time. A shame only one remained."


    "It''s a trap."


    Silence fell. Everyone was shocked by what Samael had said, but Mordin looked the most taken aback, as he understood the implications. He asked slowly, "Are you sure?"


    Samael tapped his omni-tool and shared the files he had on the matter, courtesy of the Shadow Broker archives... Having the Broker working for him was truly beneficial, as he could access information and give some of his own whenever needed.


    "How did you know about this?" "The Shadow Broker." "And how about that?" "Also the Shadow Broker."


    It was immensely helpful.


    Everyone started reading the files. They revealed how the Shrouds, which were supposed to be helping Tuchanka''s toxic atmosphere, weren¡¯t functioning at maximum capacity while they were around. They were operating at only 10%, which meant they weren¡¯t making any significant change.


    Before, there were many Shourds around Tuchanka, but after many wars on the planet, only one of them remained. And, to make it worse this last one was rigged to explode if anyone tried to put them to use. Only Samael knew how to bypass the process, otherwise, the cure could not be spread.


    The Salarians did this to ensure the Krogan would not recover their numbers. Honestly, Samael understood their reasoning. The Krogan were brutal; they consumed other species and acted as the galaxy''s watchdog. When they turned their aggression toward those in power, they were dealt with.


    The Salarians used various methods to ensure the Krogan wouldn''t pose a problem... but they crossed a line. Sometimes, if you do that, you become worse than what you are trying to prevent.


    Besides, a war was coming, and the galaxy needed the Krogan more than ever.


    "Read it slowly."


    They did just that and were shocked by what they discovered. The irony of it all was that the last Shourd would be used to help the Krogan for real.


    The Shourds were used as a bargain ship 2.000 years ago, in the Rachini War. The galaxy was losing and they used them to make the Krogan help in the war. Only, it was also a weapon they would use later on.


    After the Krogan attempted to rebel and ultimately failed, the only remaining Shroud was sabotaged by the STG of that time. They ensured that it would explode if anyone tried to use it to spread something like the Genophage cure, if it were ever created.


    They were meticulous in making sure the Krogan never recovered. The only reason this last Shroud remained was due to its location: it was located in an arena built for Kalros, the Mother of All Thresher Maws. This made it difficult for anyone to attack the place or interfere with it.


    Everyone finished reading the documents, except for RR, who had been relaxed from the beginning because she already knew about their contents. The others were shocked by what they learned.


    Even Mordin was taken aback. He had once been part of the STG and understood how the Salarians operated. In fact, he had contributed to many of their projects, both good and bad. However, he had grown as a person, realized his mistakes, and sought to atone for them for the remainder of his life. For years, he had turned a blind eye, and now, facing the true nature of his species was an uncomfortable experience.


    "By the Goddess..." Liara exclaimed, also stunned by the information she had just read. It took her several minutes to recover from the shock. She was no longer the naive Prothean expert she had been months ago; she understood how the galaxy treated the Krogan. But this... this was ridiculous.


    They had helped the galaxy, had become arrogant, paid a heavy price, and were still being punished to this day.


    "I doubt the Council didn¡¯t know about this... and if they knew, then the other species did too. And yet, they did nothing to stop it."


    Sigh.


    Liara sighed. The situation was extremely complicated. She understood where the galaxy was coming from, as the Krogan had never treated everyone well. Still, some lines can¡¯t be crossed, no matter the circumstances. Once someone does cross that line, it¡¯s all over.


    Samael noticed that everyone¡¯s reactions were the same and figured their feelings must be similar. He tried to lighten the mood with a bright tone, saying, "Relax. Now that we are here, we¡¯ll handle the problems and make sure we don¡¯t repeat them."


    Ping.


    A noise was heard, followed by RR saying, "We¡¯ve reached the bomb."


    Samael stopped what he was doing and said, "Leave it to me and RR. You guys keep an eye out for any unusual movements."


    Disarming the bomb was a process he had performed many times before in past cycles, so it was relatively straightforward. Under the watchful gaze of his friends, Samael started to work.


    " Here, open this for me .... perfect. Hold now... brilliant."


    As he continued to work, Tali was growing a little bit aroused. The quarians were builders by default, so seeing Samael so concentrated on his task was nice.


    "Say, is it just me, or does Samael look extremely hot right now?" After Tali said this, everyone except Mordin began to gaze at Samael with a feverish intensity.


    Liara noticed Samael too, '''' I can see that.''''


    Shepard nodded at both, '''' Yup.''''


    Mordin, on the other hand, had only one thought in mind: "Taste is taste."


    Twenty-three minutes later, the bomb was disarmed, preventing a future disaster. However, Samael had some funny ideas that he was determined to act on.


    After grabbing a few things from the MAKO, he began making a present for the STG that was coming.


    "What are you doing?" Tali noticed what he was up to and asked.


    Samael smiled mischievously, '''' Leaving a present to our friends.''''


    By now, the ''present'' had started to take shape, and Tali giggled when she noticed what it was, '''' Let me help with that.''''


    '''' Suit yourself.''''


    Liara, Shepard, and Mordin noticed too, and decided to help. The salarian ended up being the most helpful.


    '''' No, not like that. Make it bigger.'''' Mordin guided them on how to make the ''perfect'' present.


    10 minutes later, the group departed from the bomb site and returned to where Wrex was.


    ---


    30 MINUTES LATER


    An unknown MAKO arrived at the bomb site. By their speed and the way it was going, it seemed they were in a hurry.


    The MAKO parked and soon numerous Salarians got out of it, all on high alert. They had received intel about Wrex''s speech and knew about the Genophage cure by now, so they were anxious to detonate the bomb.


    So much so, that their superior ordered the detonation to happen right now. Only, when they arrived at their destination, what greeted them was...


    '''' What is this?'''' The Leader of this STG group looked shocked and mad. On top of the obviously disarmed bomb, a poorly made thing that resembled fish was there, with a message that said: you snooze, you lose.


    Clearly, their mission failed. One of the STG members asked the leader,'''' What now?''''


    The leader didn¡¯t hesitate to order a retreat. ¡°We retreat. We aren¡¯t dealing with the Krogan, but LD. We¡¯ve already lost this one.¡±


    Immediately, the STG team acted and retreated. With one last look at the bomb, the leader gave a sinister smile. ¡°They don¡¯t even know what will hit them in the Citadel Reunion.¡±


    The Citadel reunion in a week promised grand emotions. Soon after that, the STG team fled Tuchanka. They would regroup with their higher-ups and come up with new strategies.

 95 – Tuchanka (4)

    WITH WREX


    "Now?" Wrex was shocked when Samael and the others returned after a few hours, saying it was time. He wasn''t mad, he was just surprised.


    He didn''t even know what they had gone to do. He was still basking in the glory of everyone around him, so it came as a surprise when Samael appeared out of nowhere.


    "Yes, now. Are you up to it?" Samael knew how anxious Wrex was beneath his tough facade, so he was using his ''authority'' to encourage Wrex to move.


    As expected, Wrex nodded and got up from his seat. The playfulness from a few moments before was nowhere to be seen. "Let''s go."


    He relayed a few orders to those below him. After all, even without him there, things had to go on. It was something small, just to ensure no one caused any trouble while he wasn''t around. Though he knew it was a wasted effort, as Krogans tended not to listen and often caused trouble anyway.


    "Wait. Where''s Grunt?" Samael asked after Wrex finished relaying his orders. While he didn¡¯t mind the young Krogan having fun around Tuchanka, he believed Grunt needed some sort of supervision, not for his sake, but for the others. After all, Grunt wasn¡¯t the average Krogan.


    Wrex had a grin on his face. "Hehe. Samara''s with him, just like Kasumi and Thane... probably. To be honest, those two creep me out a bit with their trick of appearing and disappearing out of nowhere. The others were around, doing something."


    Sure enough, Samael only had to look around to find the other members of the crew. They were chatting together with some Krogans.


    It seemed that being surrounded by friendly faces gave them a boost of confidence, as they weren''t afraid of facing the Krogans. Joker and EDI were even kissing, finally making progress in their relationship.


    With that, Samael felt reassured. It was time to finally release the Genophage Cure.


    Javik, who was nearby and silent for the past few hours, asked before Samael could say anything, "Do you mind if I join?"


    "Feel free." Samael then gave one last look around the team that was going. It consisted of him, Shepard, Wrex, Tali, Liara, RR, Mordin, and Javik. "Everyone ready?"


    There were nods all around.


    "Then let''s go."


    Soon, everyone boarded the MAKO once more, heading toward the last Shroud on Tuchanka, hoping not to find trouble along the way.


    In the meantime, Wrex, who was in high spirits, chatted away with everyone and no one in particular. "So, after the cure is released, I''m thinking of facing Kalros, the Mother of All Thresher Maws. Anyone up for it?"


    Questioning gazes rolled around the MAKO, so RR, from the driver''s seat, took it upon herself to answer, "Let me explain. Kalros is considered the Mother of All Thresher Maws due to its size, strength, and the records about its age. Based on the few registered sightings of the creature, it is recorded to be around 1,000 meters long, almost rivaling Sovereign in size."


    Just for comparison, the average Thresher Maw measures around 30 meters. In contrast, the Reapers ranged from 160 meters to 2 kilometers in size, meaning Kalros could face them with almost no problem. This is exactly what she did in Mass Effect 3 when she killed a Reaper attacking Tuchanka.


    "It lives on Tuchanka, but no one knows exactly where. Facing it in combat is regarded as a great honor, and just seeing it in action is more than enough."


    So, it made sense why Wrex wanted to face it. Not only would it be fun, but it would also strengthen his position as the Krogan Emperor, as literally no one in the past century had confronted Kalros and lived to tell the tale.


    "Hehe, RR gets me. So, anyone interested?" Wrex asked once more.


    Samael wore a nostalgic expression, having joined this same "adventure" with Wrex many times in past cycles. Almost every time, they ended up retreating after seeing Kalros, but it was always a thrilling experience.


    Kalros was also one of the few things Samael couldn''t interfere with, making it special for him. He loved things that changed but also cherished those that remained constant across cycles.


    ''It seems we will meet each other again...''


    He was visiting many old friends at this moment in time. First the Thorian and now maybe Kalros.


    While he had never managed to establish contact with the creature, he held a great deal of respect for it, as it consistently stood up against the Reapers whenever they attacked the planet.


    "Count me in," Samael said first, confirming his participation, and soon others followed suit.


    "Me too."


    "Why not?"Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Everyone except Mordin confirmed their participation. Wrex looked at the Salarian with pleading eyes, prompting Mordin to sigh, "Okay, okay. I will participate, yes. Happy?"


    Wrex nodded, clearly pleased to have everyone on board. "I''ll tell Grunt about it too. The kid will love it."


    Not long after, they arrived at the last remaining Shroud of Tuchanka. Samael wore a somewhat grim expression. After all, this place didn¡¯t exactly give him good vibes or memories.


    ''Mordin dies here most of the time. I¡¯ve managed to prevent some of those deaths, but sometimes... Well, today will be one of those days where he survives; I will make sure of it.''


    He had witnessed his old friend die too many times, so he vowed to protect him in this last cycle. Though he felt uncomfortable being around the Shroud, he was on a mission and would see it through to the end.


    RR parked the MAKO, and as soon as the door opened, everyone disembarked in formation, on high alert, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.


    Samael didn¡¯t inform Wrex nor Javik about the STG team that tried to detonate the bomb as he didn¡¯t need to. But caution was necessary for what they were about to do, so the high alert made sense.


    The previously joking atmosphere had vanished, as everyone present understood the gravity of the mission.


    Mordin was the last to exit, carrying a briefcase that contained the cure. He held the briefcase tightly, fearful that fate would take it from his hands.


    Everyone had their weapons ready and slowly made their way toward the Shroud. They entered the tower and made their way deep inside. Mordin led the way, as he was a Salarian familiar with the Shroud''s structure.


    As mentioned earlier, the Shroud was a massive tower-like structure primarily designed to aid Tuchanka''s atmosphere. Now, however, it served as a trap to ensure no one could use it to distribute something like a cure, if one were ever created.


    To release the cure safely, they needed to reach the highest floor, place the cure in its designated spot, and finally release it into the planet''s atmosphere.


    It was just a few more steps, but everyone there could feel the pressure in the air. The decision they were about to make was enormous.


    Finally, after moments of walking, where everyone was on edge, afraid of their own shadows, they arrived at the elevator that would take them to the top.


    Less than two minutes later, the elevator reached the highest floor. Samael, RR, Wrex, Shepard, and Javik stepped out first and surveyed the room.


    "Clear!"


    "Clear!"


    With those shouts, Tali, Liara, and Mordin exited the elevator and the Salarian immediately began his work.


    He opened the briefcase and took out a vial containing the cure. Mordin made his way to the center of the room, where there was a control panel.


    He tapped it a few times, and from the panel, a compartment emerged. It seemed designed to hold something¡ªprobably the substances that "helped" Tuchanka''s atmosphere, but now it would hold the cure.


    Mordin carefully placed the vial in the compartment, tapped the panel a few more times, and the compartment slid back inside.


    Now, just one more click, and the cure would be released into the world. However, Mordin hesitated to press the button. It was understandable, he was essentially betraying his own species.


    Of course, he was also undoing his previous actions, but it was a heavy decision to bear. It was also a little bit poetic, that the device they were using to spread the cure, the Shroud, was originally a trap built by the Salarians.


    The whole situation was weird, to be honest. The Krogan had helped the galaxy more than one way for a long time, got arrogant, paid the price for that, and now the Salarians were the villains of the situation.


    Samael noticed Mordin¡¯s hesitation and Wrex''s growing concern and decided to offer his support while inspiring the others. ¡°What makes a good leader?¡± he asked rhetorically as he approached the Salarian. ¡°Is it the person with high charisma who attracts others to their side? Is it someone who can make difficult decisions? A person who behaves well under pressure?¡±


    Everyone was paying attention, including Mordin.


    ¡°If you answered yes to all of those questions, you would be correct, but you would also be missing a key detail: the willingness to live with the consequences of your choices.¡±


    ¡°No matter the situation, you must have the will to continue living, just as you have in the past and just as you will in the future with the decisions you make today.¡±


    ¡°Do you think the decision you are about to make is the correct one?¡± he asked, this time more sincerely.


    Mordin nodded slowly, pressing the release button a little more, but still not committing fully.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t hesitate. If you don¡¯t want to carry that burden alone, I can take it on for you. You are not alone in this, and you are also helping the Krogans and the galaxy. We will need them in the upcoming war.''''


    Samael placed his hand above Mordin''s, not applying any pressure. "We will deal with the consequences of today in the future. Together."


    Mordin looked at Samael and then at the people behind him. They weren''t judging him; rather, they were looking at him with acceptance, ready to support whatever decision he made.


    The Salarian took Samael''s hand off his and said, "Thank you."


    Samael nodded, allowing the Salarian to make the final call. Soon, Mordin closed his eyes and pressed the button, declaring, "No more Genophage."


    PRESS


    Immediately after pressing the button, a cloud containing the cure was released into the Tuchanka atmosphere. Any Krogan coming into contact with it would be free from the Genophage.


    A new era for the Krogan was now upon the galaxy. What would come of it? Only time will tell.


    Samael had made a similar decision in the past, but he never lived long enough to witness the results of that choice. However, whatever awaited him now, he would face it head-on.


    Wrex looked emotional as he watched the cloud with the cure being dispersed through the planet. With this, his species now had the chance to grow stronger while not repeating the errors of the past.


    Countless memories of babies, some of them even being his, dying flashed through his mind. What followed was pain appearing in his eyes, but it was soon filled with resolution.


    He vowed to be better than his ancestors and those in power in the past. He looked at his crew, that now could be considered his family. Even Shepard, who came late to the party, was considered part of his family.


    Wrex said with a tone filled with sincerity, as he looked at Samael,'''' From today on, you are my brother, not out of blood, but out of choice. Anything you want from the Krogan, you just need to ask.''''


    Samael nodded, appreciating the feeling. Wrex then looked at the rest of those present, '''' All of you, the crew members of the Phoenix, even those not present, are my family too. You are forever an ally of the Krogan species, so don''t hesitate to ask for help.''''


    Everyone noticed Wrex''s sincerity and was touched a little. They knew the choice they took today would change a lot in the future, but as everyone said before, for them to worry about its consequences, they had to survive the war against the Reapers.


    Samael patted Wrex''s shoulder, '''' Let''s go, brother. We still have a lot to do. Let''s celebrate the Krogan new beginning, then continue on our path.''''


    Wrex nodded, '''' Let''s go.''''

 96 – Saving Private Wrex

    <div>


    The group soon arrived at the location where Wrex''s party was taking place. However, this time everyone was looking up at the clouds in the sky.


    The reactions of the other Krogans on the planet were the same. They didn¡¯t exactly know what the cloud meant, but based on what Wrex had said previously, they assumed that it was the cure.


    That alone made them ecstatic, but soon confirmation would come.


    RR and the same Krogan from before, the one who had helped them film Wrex''s declaration earlier, started to set up the equipment once more.


    They began to transmit Wrex''s speech again, this time a different one.


    "My people, earlier today I promised all of you the cure to our curse. And now, I''m here to confirm it to you. THE GENOPHAGE IS NO MORE!"


    Wrex''s emotions were visible as he spoke with emotion.


    "The clouds you see in the sky are the cure! It''s going to reach the whole world, so no matter where you are right now, by our estimates, in a matter of hours, you will be FREE from the curse."


    "Which means, in a few hours, everyone could have babies once more! So, do not hesitate. The galaxy is on the brink of the biggest war ever, and we can¡¯t miss the fun. So, grab a partner or two and enjoy yourselves!"


    "LONG LIVE THE KROGAN EMPIRE!"


    What followed was the Krogans screaming their frustration at the top of their lungs. Some were shouting for bloody war, murder, and so on, but the majority were relieved. Some of them were even crying.


    This was to be expected, as they had suffered for a long time. All in all, today was a turning point in Krogan history. The Reapers will have a lot of trouble ahead.


    --


    The rest of the day was chaotic, to say the least, especially for the male Krogans, particularly those considered strong. The females, who wanted "strong" babies, pursued them relentlessly.


    Even then, all males had their turn, as at one point¡ªperhaps because the strongest were already captured¡ªthe females stopped caring about strength. They just wanted babies.


    By the way, Wrex was the first to be ''kidnapped.'' It happened right after the second speech, and no one from Phoenix noticed.


    The females had somehow bypassed Kasumi, Thane, RR, and EDI''s monitoring¡ªan amazing feat, really.


    Once they noticed that, the entire crew decided to protect Grunt. They almost failed, as the females tried to kidnap him right after doing the same to Wrex, but the crew managed to shield him and retreat to the Phoenix.


    Additionally, some members of the crew had funny ideas, as some found the way the female Krogans acted quite... attractive.


    There were a surprisingly large number of them in the crew, but Samael stopped them in their tracks just as they were about to leave the Phoenix to "explore" Tuchanka.


    Samael had a deep, stern look on his face. "I don''t recommend it."


    None of the group said anything, they all just stared at the sky(?).


    Samael sighed, "I mean, it''s fun and all, but..." His voice trailed off. He had lived for far too long and had obviously "experimented" with all sentient species in the galaxy, including the Krogan. So he knew that only those who had taken the Chimera serum would manage to survive a fun night with a female Krogan.


    "Wait a minute..." He suddenly noticed that all those who wanted to experiment sex with the Female Krogan were the ones who had taken the serum alongside Veronica and John.


    Samael was about to continue speaking, but the group backed off suddenly, without him needing to say much. That made him suspicious of their intentions but he decided to ignore them for now, as they weren''t doing anything wrong...yet.


    After that, everyone on the Phoenix went to sleep. They were sure things would quiet down by morning.


    HOURS LATER


    "Who was the one who said things would calm down, huh?" Samael asked no one in particular while looking at the cameras around the Phoenix. They showed that Tuchanka''s current state was worse than before.


    The planet was overcrowded with Krogan, leaving almost no place for them to conduct their activities in private. As a result, at some point yesterday, they had stopped caring and began to have sex in the open.


    Meaning, the whole planet was filled with females Krogan all around, looking for their next target.


    Worse still, Wrex was still missing, and his presence was crucial for the upcoming Citadel Reunion, which was set to take place in five days. In more ways than one, they were stuck on Tuchanka.


    Samael turned off the cameras, as he really didn''t need to see what was happening, and made a decision. He went to the cockpit and used the coms around the Phoenix to call for a meeting, '''' Attention, Wrex was kidnapped by sex-crazed-female Krogan. He is needed elsewhere, so we have to rescue the bastard. Everyone, meet at the bar to discuss further plans.''''


    Samael knew that if he didn¡¯t take Wrex with him now, the Krogan wouldn¡¯t be able to participate in the reunion. While the situation was quite comical from others'' perspectives, the rescue operation was anything but funny.


    MINUTES LATER


    Everyone in the Phoenix had gathered at the bar. Some, like Tali, with the help of RR and Liara, had sent drones outside right after Samael''s call to try to locate Wrex, who was still missing at this point.


    Meanwhile, others, like Joker, were already brainstorming ideas. ¡°How about using Grunt as bait?¡± he suggested.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Grunt nodded enthusiastically. Feeling left out of the fun, he said, "I like that idea."


    Samara spoke for Samael, having grown fond of the young Krogan. "Rejected."


    "NOT FAIR!" Grunt exclaimed.


    Joker sighed, "I¡¯ve run out of ideas, then."


    Everyone rolled their eyes at Joker, including EDI.


    "How about using a sleeping-inducing drug and then using the Shroud to make everyone sleep?" Mordin suggested after some thought.


    Samael had enough drugs to do that, but he replied, "No. It should be simple and fast. Besides, Tuchanka isn¡¯t a planet where you can sleep anywhere. We would be putting others in danger."


    Tuchanka was riddled with dangers, from Thresher Maws everywhere to other types of aggressive wildlife. Making all Krogans sleep would put them all in danger.


    Mordin hummed, indicating that he understood.


    "How about using the same method we used against the Collectors?" Samara suggested. Even though she hadn¡¯t been at the Citadel battle, many videos of it were available, and she had studied them. What she proposed was a good option, only¡ª


    "It would attract too much attention. Who knows how those females would react upon seeing a barrier?"


    Shepard said after Samara''s suggestion was rejected. "So it seems our only option is an extract and run. But we will use non-lethal methods."


    Samael nodded. "Veronica and Joker, you two need to be ready to leave at any moment. The rest of us, minus Grunt¡ª"


    "WHYYYY.''''


    " Will rescue Wrex in the traditional way. We just need his location."


    "We found it!" Liara''s voice broke through at that moment. She and Tali had located Wrex''s position.


    It wasn''t far from where they were, so it should be simple.


    Samael nodded after seeing the location, '''' Good job. Now, everyone suit up and get ready to depart!''''


    MINUTES LATER


    With Shepard leading the way, everyone stealthily disembarked from the Phoenix. After all, Krogans were all around the planet, and one sound could attract the females to their location.


    The group consisted of Samara, Samael, Shepard, Javik, John, Mordin, Tali, Liara, RR, and many members of the crew. EDI stayed behind to assist Veronica and Joker in case of an emergency.


    Slowly, they made their way towards Wrex''s location, using Tali''s drones to guide them.


    Things went okay at the beginning, until¡ª


    ¡°LOOK OUT!¡± a crew member screamed, followed by a non-lethal shot.


    BANG!


    When those at the front looked back, they noticed that at least three members had been kidnapped by the female Krogans, who had somehow turned into stealth masters in a matter of days.


    The problem was, that another crew member said in a hurry, ¡°Hey, they wanted to be taken! I saw them smiling like maniacs when they got captured.¡±


    It seemed that the trio wanted to get captured. Samael recognized them after a fast headcount: they were part of the group that wanted to ''explore'' Tuchanka yesterday.


    ¡°Well, they got their wish... and they took the serum, so they should be able to handle it... I think.¡±


    A discussion was needed, but that could wait. ¡°Ignore them for now and focus on Wrex!¡± Samael ordered. They continued on their path, cursing and praying for their captured comrades.


    Tuchanka''s streets were filled with male Krogans ¡°sleeping¡± with smiling faces, but no females were visible. It seems they were hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right time to attack.


    The group soon arrived at the location where Wrex was.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Tali''s urgent voice was heard, trembling slightly. ¡°I''m counting 20¡ªno, 50 heat signatures inside, close to where Wrex is... It seems to be a trap.¡±


    At that moment, a trembling Kasumi and a sweating Thane decloaked. They said, ¡°We can confirm. We tried to save him, but there was no chance to act. They were all around him, above and below.¡±


    Samael took a sharp breath. Things had gotten much more difficult. ¡°Okay, who wants to leave? Things will get complicated now.¡±


    No one said anything. With determination in his eyes, Samael motioned for Shepard to enter the almost-ruined building.


    She took a deep breath and did just that.


    It was dark inside, and the smell was almost unbearable, but they pushed forward. Just as Shepard was about to take a step, Samael stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder.


    When she looked back, she saw him pointing at the floor, where dozens of female Krogan were sleeping.


    If she had taken that step just now, she would have woken them up. After nodding in appreciation, she continued leading.


    They passed many Krogans, both male and female, until they finally arrived at where Wrex was.


    Shepard¡¯s job ended here, and Samael and Javik took over. Samael was going to carry Wrex on his back, as he had lost the rock-paper-scissors game earlier. The Prothean would go in case of an emergency.


    Everyone got into a position where they could retreat quickly, and the duo made their way toward Wrex. They had to tiptoe their way, as there were many sleeping females in their path.


    GROAN


    Samael could hear Wrex groan, but he ignored it and cautiously grabbed him, making sure not to wake up the others. He managed to put the Krogan on his back and was on his way out when¡ª


    PFTTT


    Wrex''s stomach rumbled. It seemed that the activity yesterday had made him hungry. The problem was that the sound was so loud it woke up everyone in the room.


    Sameal pupil dilated and he screamed, ¡°RUNNNN!!¡±


    --


    Not even five minutes later, the whole group was seen running out of the building. They had rescued the nearly unconscious Wrex but attracted the attention of the females.


    Worse still, it seemed that all the females around the planet had developed a hive mind, those outside became aggressive and started to attack the crew.


    They ran for their lives, with Samael carrying Wrex on his back while the others protected him.


    Even then, some sacrifices were made. All those who had stayed behind to buy time for the others to escape were males who had taken the serum and had tried to leave yesterday.


    It seemed their plan worked in the end. They could not be rescued right now, so they would stay on Tuchanka for a while before being saved.


    BANG!


    Samara shot a female Krogan that had pounced on them, making it slide for a few meters. But, not even three seconds later, the female recovered and grinned, "Is that all?"


    Samara continued to shoot, but the number of females was only increasing.


    "We won''t be able to hold them off for long!" Shepard screamed as she opened a path.


    Suddenly, at the front, they saw the Phoenix right in front of them, ready to depart. Hope filled their eyes, and they rushed inside.


    As soon as everyone entered, Samael ordered, "CLOSE THE DOOR!"


    The hangar door closed just as countless Krogans jumped onto it, making some dents here and there. The Phoenix then took flight, leaving Tuchanka for good.


    Samael looked at Wrex, who was exhausted. "I need some water," he said.


    It seemed Wrex had been awake the whole time but had no strength to help. Samael kicked him playfully. "You literally had to give them the green light for that, huh?"


    The old Krogan sighed. "Even I didn''t predict this would happen... but I can''t say I didn''t enjoy it."


    Samael said nothing more and kicked Wrex again. The Krogan was too tired to move, making him an easy target.


    "HEY, stop! I''m sore all over!" Wrex protested.


    Far from stopping, Samael looked around and said, "If anyone has a grievance with him, now''s the time to enjoy it!"


    The crew had suffered a bit, losing at least seven members who had taken the serum to Tuchanka. Again, they would be rescued, but only later, as their focus was on reaching the Migrant Fleet, then the Citadel.


    Some people, like Samara, took that opportunity and started to kick Wrex. "This is for what you did centuries ago!" she exclaimed.


    Wrex felt confused. "What did I do?!"


    "I don''t remember, but it must have been something bad," she replied.


    Wrex was too dumbfounded to respond. After Samara, Kasumi and Thane took their turns kicking him as well.


    Because of him, they both had to watch the Krogans have sex for hours.


    After everyone kicked Wrex, Samael handed the Krogan over to Clare and Chawkas. "Make sure he''s okay," he instructed.


    Both doctors nodded and went on their way.


    Now that they had left Tuchanka, they needed to head to their next destination, though Samael hadn¡¯t revealed where that was.


    Most assumed it was the Citadel, but when Shepard asked, "Where to now?"


    Samael replied, "To the Migrant Fleet." He looked at Tali, who was already becoming emotional. "We freed the Krogans from their curse; it''s time to do the same for the Quarians."


    Tali kissed him. "Thank you."


    Samael nodded and said to Veronica and Joker, "Set a course for the Migrant Fleet!"


    <div>

 97 – Migrant Fleet (1)

    Many friends stayed behind at Tuchanka, like Okeer and those captured by the female Krogans. They would be rescued later, so their situation didn''t worry Samael too much.


    Samael''s next target was the Migrant Fleet, a collection of 50,000 ships responsible for housing nearly all Quarians in the galaxy.


    Truth be told, they could have received help from other species, but they didn¡¯t. Most felt the Quarians deserved their predicament since they introduced the threat to the galaxy known as the Geth. However, the public justification given was financial concerns.


    The Migrant Fleet was always near Rannoch, the Quarian homeworld that had been taken by the Geth, in the hopes of retaking it when the Geth showed an opportunity.


    Samael asked Veronica, Joker, and EDI to go there, and they obliged. The journey would take 10 hours, which meant they now had only 5 days and a few hours left until the Citadel Reunion started, rather than the original one week.


    Since the Fleet rarely received guests, Tali had to call her father in advance, not only to inform him of their arrival but also to request an assembly.


    '''' So, you want me to call a meeting with all the Admirals? For what?'''' Admiral Rael''Zorah, Tali''s father, asked her after she called him.


    He was puzzled. Tali had left the Fleet not long ago and was now returning, asking for an immediate meeting. He knew what it implied, she must have found an amazing Gift capable of helping the whole Fleet, but calling a meeting of such magnitude required time and a reason, so he was probing.


    Tali took a deep breath and decided to reveal part of the truth. She had learned this from Samael. "In my Pilgrimage, I found something... the ultimate gift for the Fleet. I wish to present it to everyone... Father, it¡¯s serious."


    The Quarians sent their young ones on the Pilgrimage, a rite of passage that required them to search for something to better the Fleet, after all, the entire culture/society revolves around the Fleet. Generally, they only returned if they found a good gift.


    And, just like Tali said, she had found the ultimate one: a way for the Quarians to live outside their suits once more.


    Rael''Zorah could hear the sincerity in his daughter¡¯s tone. He weighed the pros and cons and sighed. "Alright, I¡¯ll see what I can do. When are you arriving?"


    "...In 10 hours."


    Another sigh. "Tali... this better be important."


    Tali almost couldn''t hold back the news, but she managed in the end. She wanted everyone in the Fleet to hear what she had done. If she told her father the news now, within minutes, the entire Fleet would know.


    She was acting a little selfish, as she wanted to be the one to tell everyone the news. She would also use this opportunity to reveal to her father her relationship with Samael.


    No way was she using the Pilgrimage/Pill as a way to shield herself from her father¡¯s possible ire. No way.


    "Father, again, this is revolutionary. It will change the fate of our species."


    Rael''Zorah had nothing more to say. He trusted his daughter and hoped her gift was as amazing as she claimed. "Consider it done. I miss you."


    "Me too, Father. But in a few hours, we will see each other again. Keelah Se''lai."


    "Keelah Se''lai."


    The call then ended, and Tali relaxed. She looked around Samael''s room. While she was making the call, the room had been busy with various activities.


    Shepard was discussing leadership with Samael, focusing on specific scenarios and the choices they would make. ¡°But if you choose that, half of your forces would die!¡±


    Samael sighed at this. ¡°Sometimes, we don¡¯t have a better choice. Our job is to find and select the least damaging option. Now, how about this scenario: Your crew vs stopping Saren?¡±


    Shepard became intrigued and said, "Explain more." She found these scenarios interesting, as they forced her to imagine them and prepare to face them if they ever happened.


    She was also inspired by what Samael had said to Mordin on Tuchanka, so she listened to him intently.


    Samael then presented a scenario: "Let''s say this: On Virmire, at the Saren facility, there was a bomb that, when detonated, would destroy the facility and everyone inside. On one side of the facility, Ashley was fighting Saren himself with good chances of killing him but was far away from the bomb. Meanwhile, Alenko was attempting to disarm the bomb.''''


    '''' If you choose to help Ash, Saren would escape seriously injured and you both would be out of the explosion radium. Alenko would die, because he failed to disarm the bomb. If you choose to help Alenko disarm the bomb, Ash would be killed, and Saren would escape unharmed but the bomb didn''t explode. You could only save one."


    Shepard fell silent. This was a choice she really didn¡¯t want to make.


    After some time, she sighed, '''' I would-''''


    Meanwhile, Liara and RR were brainstorming ways to preserve information for eons.


    ¡°How about trying to create an Omni-Tool from Element Zero? Maybe it could withstand the erosion of time?¡± Liara suggested to RR. She recognized that the AI possessed a vast wealth of knowledge, so she was not shy about asking for her opinion.


    ¡°Hmmm, I doubt we have something like that in the market. Perhaps we can consult Mordin and the research team on Earth to help develop it. But yes, it could work,¡± RR replied.


    ¡°Nice!¡± Liara said, feeling encouraged by the response.


    They were speaking softly so as not to disturb Tali, something she appreciated. "Guys, I finished the call."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    They stopped talking and looked at her. "How did it go? Did you convince him to call a meeting?"


    The Migrant Fleet rarely accepted strangers, as they could compromise the entire Fleet with normal germs, which normally killed the weak Quarians.


    By the way, Veronica wasn''t in the room because she was driving the Phoenix.


    "Yes, I did. It took some convincing, but I managed to do it without revealing the Pill."


    '''' Good job.''''


    '''' Now, what do we do? Should we join the others?'''' Tali asked.


    Samael knew what was happening around the ship, as RR informed him periodically. He was aware of the chaos taking place in the bar and really didn¡¯t want to miss good times with his girls.


    ¡°How about we watch some movies?¡±


    At Samael''s suggestion, everyone in the room nodded. Soon, everyone cuddled in bed to watch something together.


    Samael wasn¡¯t really watching; he was enjoying their company more than anything. He had seen the movie many times before, so he wasn¡¯t paying much attention to it.


    This is all he wanted: for the people he loved to be happy. But he knew how hard was to get that wish and he was willing to fight until his last breath to make sure his wish was achieved.


    ---


    While Samael and the others were bonding in his room, the rest of the crew was also doing the same. Several hours had passed since they left Tuchanka, so those who were tired had already rested, and those who were injured had recovered enough to walk around the Phoenix.


    Alenko and Keiji, who hadn¡¯t participated in the crew¡¯s activities back on Tuchanka because they didn¡¯t feel like partying and the rescue team had enough members, grew closer and formed a friendship. Once things settled down, they called everyone to join them for a game of poker.


    However, the outcome of the game wasn¡¯t what they expected.


    AT THE BAR


    EDI and Joker were there, observing everyone and nursing their drinks. They had left Veronica alone in the cockpit since they had covered for her a few times when the pilot visited Samael''s room. Legion was with them.


    The Geth wasn¡¯t particularly liked by everyone there, but he had Samael''s trust, and that was enough for the others to refrain from showing any hate towards him. Although he was slow, Legion was gradually making friends.


    Nearby, Thane, Kasumi, Alenko, and Keiji were watching the scene around the bar, with the last two having deadpan expressions.


    ¡°So, is this what you had in mind?¡± Kasumi teased her boyfriend.


    Keiji silently shook his head, a gesture Alenko almost copied.


    ¡°This is a little bit fun,¡± Thane was Drell of few words and even fewer emotions, but his tone indicated that he was enjoying the situation.


    It also helped that not long ago, Samael had informed him that Kolyat was safe and adjusting well on Earth, even helping around with a few tasks. This news clearly made Thane less worried, allowing him to relax a bit.


    ¡°I swear this wasn¡¯t what we had in mind. We just wanted a normal game of poker¡­¡± Alenko said, just as a few unknown liquids splashed against his biotic barrier.


    ¡°Maybe this is normal for them?¡± Kasumi tried to offer encouraging words, but her point failed to resonate as John was flung from one side of the bar to the other.


    BOOM


    Mordin, Clare, and Chakwas rushed to John to check on him. He was already getting up when they arrived on his location.


    Mordin pointed his omni-tool at him. ¡°Vitals are normal, no broken bones, yes.¡±


    ¡°No signs of concussion either,¡± Clare added after a few more seconds of examination.


    ¡°Then he¡¯s good to return,¡± Chakwas said after checking John a bit. ¡°Do you want to go back?¡±


    John nodded. ¡°Yes. And you guys can bet on me this time.¡±


    The trio of doctors exchanged glances, almost reevaluating their decision to send John back. The man was clearly hallucinating, as he hadn¡¯t won a single hand since the poker game began.


    ¡°What is taking so long?!¡± Grunt roared from the other side of the bar. ¡°I¡¯m getting bored here!¡±


    ¡°Coming!¡± After thanking the doctors, John returned to the game table while the trio went back to their positions.


    They had been ''hired'' by the poker players to assist with any injuries that might occur during the games.


    The players at the table included Wrex, Javik, Grunt, John, and a few other crewmembers who had taken the serum. They were the only ones allowed to participate, as regular people wouldn¡¯t be able to keep up.


    Samara was the dealer, and since Samael hadn¡¯t bribed her, and considering she had beaten up Wrex not long ago, she was dealing fairly today.


    Initially, the poker game began normally, but when Alenko and Keiji, the game organizers, stepped out for just two seconds, Grunt came up with an idea. ¡°Hey, how about we make this game interesting?¡±


    Everyone perked up, signaling Grunt to continue.


    ¡°How about if you lose a hand, you can still keep your credits if you win a fight with the person who won the hand? I call this ¡®Fight Poker.¡¯¡±


    Ignoring the rather simplistic name, a few players found the idea interesting, especially Wrex and Javik, although the rules seemed too basic for their liking.


    Then Samara entered the discussion. ¡°Let me offer some suggestions.¡±


    After Samara spoke for a while, the game adopted new rules:


    1. It was still poker through and through, but this time, you could reclaim your money if you lost and if you wanted to.


    2. Only the person with the worst hand could fight to try and win their credits back; this rule was meant to allow the winner to gain some credits while not exhausting themselves with constant fighting.


    3. The loser could choose not to fight, but the winner had to accept if the loser decided they wanted to battle.


    5. If the loser loses the fight, he has to pay what he lost plus 10% for the trouble.


    4. The dealer would take 3% of every pot.


    While some tried to argue about the last rule, Samara quickly shut it down.


    There were other rules, but this was the gist of it.


    With Samara''s revisions to the rules, everyone was on board with the game. By the time Keiji and Alenko returned, the atmosphere was already charged with excitement.


    And now, they could only watch chaos happen.


    Kasumi could no longer bear to see her boyfriend so down, so she said, "Let''s go to our quarters to relax."


    Keiji nodded, "Let¡ª"


    BOOM!


    John was sent flying across the bar again, accompanied by laughter. He had lost a hand against Wrex and tried to win his credits back, only to lose it.


    The light in Keiji and Alenko''s eyes dimmed once more.


    The game continued for a few more hours as the crew bonded over it. Joker''s group mixed with Kasumi''s, and Legion took that opportunity to make more friends.


    HOURS LATER


    Samael was awakened by Veronica''s voice speaking through the comms of the Phoenix. "Attention, we will arrive at the Migrant Fleet soon. You have 20 to 30 minutes to prepare."


    As he got up, he saw that everyone was already armored and armed, ready to head to the Migrant Fleet. After all, most of them were soldiers, so it made sense that they were prepared for anything.


    "What did I miss?" Since he was the last one to wake up, Samael asked curiously as he got up and headed to take a shower.


    "Nothing much. We just took a shower. We didn''t want to wake you," Shepard said as she finished checking her guns.


    Samael kissed her and the rest and nodded. "I''ll take a shower and meet you guys later."


    They left the room, and Samael entered the bathroom. Before he took his clothes off, he looked in the mirror.


    What looked back was his face, still missing an eye. He touched the left side of his face, feeling the weight of his failure. "Still handsome though."


    What happened to Thessia was something he hadn''t predicted, and it worried him quite a bit, as it could happen again now.


    Of course, with Saren and the Reapers dead, things should go ''smoothly'' from now on, but not being prepared enough has resulted in him losing his eye and putting his family in danger.


    This time, Samael would make sure that nothing went wrong.


    ''Nothing like changing the fate of your girlfriend''s species to gain favor with her father.''


    Samael chuckled at his thought, dispelling his previous heavy mood.


    "I''m sure things will go okay today."


    After that, he took a shower.


    When he got out, Veronica''s voice once more reverberated through the Phoenix. "We have arrived at the Migrant Fleet."


    Samael put his now almost battered armor. It was the same one he made many moons ago, but now battle-hardened. It was also ahead of its time, and LD would soon launch it on the market.


    He then put his gun on his waist, "Time to change fate once more."

 98 – Migrant Fleet (2)

    When Samael arrived in the middle of Phoenix, everyone was already there. It was shore leave for everyone, as very few people had the privilege of visiting the Migrant Fleet, so Samael wanted everyone to enjoy themselves.


    It took some convincing $, but the Quarians higher-ups ultimately agreed.


    Samael noticed that everyone seemed a little tense, especially Tali and Liara, so he decided to tease the Asari. ¡°So, have you thought about what to say to her father?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Liara looked extremely shocked by Samael''s comment, as it hadn''t crossed her mind to say anything special other than a greeting.


    ¡°Well, think about it. We¡¯re both in a relationship with Tali, so it makes sense for you to introduce yourself as her girlfriend.¡±


    Liara felt a rush of emotions as she imagined the scene.


    Before she could spiral out of control, she heard Samael chuckle and Shepard say, ¡°Stop bullying the poor girl.¡±


    Samael nodded as Liara lightly hit him to hide her embarrassment. ¡°Okay, okay. We¡¯ll just do what we did with Benezia¡ªavoid telling him for now. Later, when everything is settled, we can tackle this issue.¡±


    Liara felt relieved but still glared at Samael. ¡°We will.¡±


    Samael knew he was in trouble, but it was worth it.


    Tali, who observed the interaction, was sweating bullets inside her suit, which she didn¡¯t need to wear anymore. She would never admit it, but she also hadn''t thought about that situation.


    ¡®Good thing it¡¯s something for the future and not now.¡¯


    PANG.


    A sound echoed, followed by RR¡¯s voice. ¡°We have docked. We will go through a decontamination process once we leave the ship, but that¡¯s it. Enjoy your shore leave.¡±


    She had landed the ship because Veronica was getting dressed to leave too.


    Samael seized the opportunity and grabbed Tali''s hand. ¡°Ready to make history?¡±


    Tali nodded. ¡°I am.¡±


    Soon, the hangar door opened, and before anyone could take a step, dozens of Quarians carrying what resembled flamethrowers started to ¡°shoot¡± it at the crew.


    It was the decontamination process. The ''flamethrowers'' were modified to do this job. After all, unlike Tali, who could now live without her suit thanks to her fully functioning immune system, the other Quarians weren¡¯t as fortunate.


    One simple germ could be fatal if they were exposed. So, it made sense for them to be so thorough.


    ¡°DONE.¡±


    After two minutes, the decontamination process ended, and the Quarians said, ¡°Welcome to the Migrant Fleet.¡±


    Their voices had an edge, showing they weren''t exactly pleased with the situation. It made sense, as the Quarians didn¡¯t have a great reputation in the galaxy, which led to a sense of protectiveness regarding other species. The fact that they rarely had visitors only reinforced this feeling.


    But when they looked at Tali, one of their own, their tone softened a bit. ¡°Welcome back, Tali''Zorah vas Phoenix. It¡¯s great to have you back.¡±


    Tali was somewhat of a celebrity here¡ªnot only was she the daughter of an admiral, but she had also managed to join an elite crew. That alone made her popular.


    It also helped that she was ''cute'' and sympathetic.


    Tali nodded at the Quarians. ¡°Thanks. It¡¯s nice to see you all healthy.¡±


    Truth be told, ever since she joined the crew, she hadn¡¯t had many opportunities to check on her family and friends in the Fleet, so seeing her people being so welcoming was heartwarming.


    ¡°You too! I hope your return brings nothing but good news. Keelah se''lai!¡±


    ¡°Keelah se''lai.¡±


    After that, the group left, allowing the crew to disembark finally. The ship they stepped their foot on was the main one, used as a place for meetings and gatherings¡ªit was the best the Quarians/Migrant Fleet had.


    ¡°Everyone, have fun in moderation. Don¡¯t do anything I wouldn¡¯t do, and remember the Quarians¡¯ predicament!¡±


    At what Samael said, everyone nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation.


    ¡°Well, if everyone is on the same page, go have fun!¡±


    With that, the crew separated to explore various places. Tali had made them a map showcasing specific locations to visit.


    Wrex, Javik, Grunt, and John went together, as did EDI and Joker. Kasumi, Keiji, Thane, and Kaidan also went as a group.


    For obvious reasons, Legion was forced to stay on the Phoenix.


    After everyone departed, leaving Samael, Veronica, Tali, RR, Shepard, and Liara, they were faced with a particularly notable Quarian.


    Tali''s expression inside the suit turned emotional when she saw him. ¡°Father.¡±


    ¡°Daughter.¡± Emotion colored Admiral Rael''Zorah''s voice. ¡°Welcome home.¡±


    They hugged for about a minute before Admiral Rael''Zorah broke the embrace.


    While everyone could see and feel that Tali was glad to see her father, they also noticed a certain awkwardness in their gestures of affection, almost as if there was a barrier between them.


    They loved each other, but something wasn''t right.


    Liara recognized this because her relationship with her mother was similar. She and her mother were in the process of fixing it, but it was slow. She then looked at Samael and saw that he was neither intrigued nor surprised by the scene, meaning he knew something she didn''t about the situation.


    ''I will ask Tali about this later.''The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    That thought was on everyone else''s mind, minus Samael, because he understood Tali''s complicated relationship with her father.


    Rael''Zorah  then asked, ¡°Now, how about you tell me the reason you came back?¡±


    While he was happy to see his daughter again, curiosity was eating away at him ever since they talked.


    Tali understood her father¡¯s eagerness. ¡°Can we go to your place? I¡¯ll show you there.¡±


    The Admiral Rael''Zorah nodded and began to lead the way, with the rest following. Soon, however, he slowed down until he was beside Samael. ¡°So... I see the way you and my daughter look at each other and may have heard some rumors. Let me ask this: What are your intentions with my daughter?¡±


    Samael was impressed by how perceptive her father was and replied sincerely, ¡°The best possible.¡±


    ¡°Marriage?¡±


    ¡°Marriage.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Good, good!¡± The Admiral Rael''Zorah laughed out loud. ¡°I was a little worried since she never showed interest in anyone else. So, even though you are from another species, I will allow it.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    The Admiral¡¯s tone suddenly shifted, '''' But, if you ever hurt her ...''''


    The implication was clear and Samael didn''t mind, '''' I won''t.''''


    Admiral Rael''Zorah nodded and then rushed his pace towards his home. Samael was approached by Liara and Shepard, '''' He seems a nice person.''''


    They were impressed by how he basically threatened LD itself.


    '''' He is.''''


    They chatted some more until they arrived at the Admiral''s place. Upon entering, Samael asked, '''' Do you perhaps have some photos of Tali as a baby? I want to see them if possible.''''


    At that, Tali started to panic. She looked at her father in hopes he didn''t have but -


    '''' Sure, I can show you.''''


    Tali sighed in defeat.


    '''' But, before that. Tali,'''' Admiral Rael''Zorah looked at her, '''' What is the gift?''''


    Tali looked at her Samael, then at the others. She felt the encouragement from their gazes and took a deep breath. Under the shocked gaze of her father, she removed her helmet.


    The admiral quickly tried to stop her, but when he realized he couldn¡¯t, he attempted to give her medicine. "What are you doing!? Quick, take this!"


    "Father."


    The admiral ignored her and continued to grab the medicine. Sure, the Migrant Fleet was cleaned every day, to ensure no germs were around, but even then, it could still make the Quarians sick. Every second counted when it comes to this so-


    "FATHER!"


    That shout made him stop. He calmed down and realized the situation wasn¡¯t as simple as it seemed.


    A bold assumption hit him. He knew how his daughter was with her health, so for her to take off her helmet meant she had found something that helped her immune system.


    Tali could see her father figuring it out, so she nodded. "Yes, father. It¡¯s exactly as you think. LD has figured something out. The Quarians can now live outside the suit."


    The admiral was stunned. This was the biggest gift ever.


    ---


    It took some time for him to recover, but when he did, he was ecstatic. "HOW, WHEN, WHY, WHO?"


    He started to bombard Tali with questions, and she did her best to answer them.


    She retold the story, but making sure to high up Samael actions. Of course, they were noble to begin with, but she wanted to make sure her father knew that.


    ''''Even before meeting me, LD was already working on something to help the Quarians. When I joined the crew, it only accelerated the process. I even helped develop the Quarian Pill, which is the name of the pill that helps our immune system.''''


    Rael''Zorah was trying his best to comprehend what that meant, but he was struggling. He never would have thought he would live to see the Quarians without their suits, but reality proved him wrong.


    Tali finished telling him everything that happened, and he looked at Samael. ¡°Why?¡±


    Samael tilted his head, not really understanding the meaning of the question.


    ¡°Why help us, the Quarians, with this? I¡¯m sure LD has other priorities, like making weapons and such, so there is no good reason to focus on this.¡±


    This was what was on his mind. He was happy, yes, but his cynical nature didn¡¯t allow him to celebrate before getting to the bottom of this.


    Sure, he loved his daughter and had given her the pill, but what about the rest? What would they have to give in return to receive the pill?


    Samael finally realized the situation. He was doubting him, ''Understandable, but unnecessary. Not with me, and not against the Quarians.''


    Samael had a soft spot for endangered species, and the Quarians were in that situation, even though they still had good numbers. If their health continued to decline, they would face extinction sooner or later.


    ''Not only do I owe them a great debt, but Tali is Quarian. That alone is enough.''


    The Quarians had helped Samael in past cycles, allowing him to learn from them and even live in the Migrant Fleet. He had already repaid them in other cycles, but he didn¡¯t mind helping them again.


    Still, he needed to give Rael''Zorah a reason, and he had a good one. ''Time to use the lies others told to my advantage.''


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard about me from others, but let me tell you personally. When I was a kid, I came across a Prothean Beacon. It showed me death and destruction caused by large machines.¡±


    ¡°The Reapers.¡± Rael''Zorah and the Quarians were already aware of them and were making preparations to flee or face them.


    Samael nodded and continued, ¡°Somehow, I gained part of their knowledge. With that, combined with my own mind, I made improvements in almost all fields, with the intent to confront the upcoming threat.¡±


    ¡°The Pill is also created with that in mind.¡± Samael looked into Rael''Zorah''s eyes, making sure to convey his intent. ¡°The upcoming fight is not one where you can run or hide. The Reapers exterminate all intelligent life in the galaxy, so even if you run for years, they will eventually find you and wipe you out.¡±


    Rael''Zorah already knew that, but hearing it from Samael, who was known for his expertise on the Reapers, wasn¡¯t comforting. It only highlighted that they were truly doomed.


    ¡°So, we can only fight. The Quarians had the weakness of their immune system, so their help was limited. But now¡ª¡±


    "We can help in the upcoming fight." It started to make sense, but there was a problem with that. "But I doubt the other Admirals would help your cause."


    Rael''Zorah knew that the other Admirals, even he, wanted to retake Rannoch, the Quarian homeworld that was taken from them by the Geth, and live there once more. So, even though they knew it was ridiculous, their focus remained on that goal, even with the Reapers'' threat on the horizon.


    Samael nodded. "You guys want to retake Rannoch, right?"


    It wasn''t exactly a secret, so Rael''Zorah nodded. "Yes. So even if you gave us the Pill, we would focus our attention on that and not help that much."


    He knew it was extremely foolish, but feelings tend to cloud judgments.


    "I can help with that."


    Rael''Zorah looked at Samael. "What do you mean?"


    "I can help you guys take Rannoch without the need for a fight." Samael then held out a Quarian Pill in his hand and placed it in front of Rael''Zorah. "But only after the war with the Reapers. I will supply the Pills to ALL Quarians in the galaxy right now. AND, if you want, I can provide a planet where you guys can temporarily settle. But you will have to help against the Reapers, and you will have to comply with two of my requests in the future, no questions asked. That is my offer."


    Those two requests were to resolve the Quarian vs. Geth conflict, and the other was a secret.


    Rael''Zorah didn''t hesitate for long. He grabbed the Pill, examined it, and then placed it in the compartment of his mask. Soon, he took it.


    Of course, the effect wasn''t instantaneous, so he asked, "What do you need me to do now?"


    Samael smiled, seeing his future father-in-law take the first steps to be healthy. "Have you already called the meeting with the others?"


    Rael''Zorah nodded. "It will happen in 12 hours. All Admirals will be there, even a crowd. I made sure to tell them that Tali''s gift was revolutionary... thought, even I never would''ve thought she would bring this."


    The Pill would change the fate of the Quarians. It filled him with great pride knowing it was his little girl that made it possible.


    ''We will still have four days and a few hours to get to the Citadel... Well, I have one more stop in mind. It''s cutting it close, but we will manage.''


    Samael then said, ''''We will make history in this meeting, showing two Quarians without their suits and my promise to help after the war, along with the temporary planet. That should be enough to warrant their full support, don''t you think?"


    Rael''Zorah nodded. "It should." He was also happy to know that in a few hours, he could take his suit off without fear, after many years.


    "Then that''s what we are going to do," Samael said in a light tone. "It''s time for the Quarians to enter a new age."


    Rael''Zorah could see that happening and felt a little emotional. After a few seconds, he asked, "What are you guys going to do for the next 12 hours until the meeting starts?"


    "No idea. We''ll leave that up to you... But before that, please show us Tali''s photos."


    At what Samael said, everyone chimed in, "Yes, we want to see them too."


    "Do you guys have suits for babies as well?"


    "Show us, please."


    Rael''Zorah didn¡¯t hold back. "Sure, let me show you." He grabbed a few things from his house. "This is when she was one year old."


    "HOW CUTE!"


    "So they do have suits for babies..."


    "More!"


    Rael''Zorah started to show everything.


    Meanwhile, Tali wished she could bury herself right then to avoid the embarrassing scene.

 99 – Migrant Fleet (3)

    After showing Samael and the others all his photos of Tali, Rael''Zorah finally sighed, "Done. I wish I had more, but unfortunately, I traveled a lot in the past and didn''t take many."


    Everyone could hear the regret in his voice. Samael knew that Tali had a few complexes because of her absent father, and was still in the process of healing.


    In the games, she didn''t have the opportunity to change things, as her father dies in the near future. Thankfully, Samael was determined to prevent that from happening in this cycle and would support her in whatever decision she made, whether she chose to forgive her father or not.


    Veronica chimed in, feeling the atmosphere changing, "Don''t be too down. This much is good enough."


    She was sincere, a sentiment echoed by the others. It was nice to see glimpses of the past of the person they were in a relationship with. Some of them, like Shepard, didn¡¯t really have photos of her as a child because she was an orphan before Anderson took her in.


    '' Wait, he must have some. I will ask for him to delete them.'' That was Shepard''s thought until she realized the others were genuinely happy upon seeing Talis''s photos. '' ... Maybe it''s best not to delete them.''


    The Admiral shook off his past regret. "Well, only two hours have passed and ten hours remain until the Assembly with the Conclave and the Admirals. Can I recommend some places while I go to sleep?"


    Tali had already marked the place she wanted to go to, but Samael was still polite to his father-in-law. "Sure."


    The Admiral highlighted a few good spots and places they should avoid. After that, everyone left, and he stayed behind to rest.


    What had happened was exhausting both physically and mentally. Still, he was more than happy, not only because of the Pill but because his daughter was happy.


    "I notice the looks the others gave her... she must be in some kind of arrangement with them." He wasn''t dumb, he knew there was something strange about the whole group. Still, "If she¡¯s happy and not in danger, I accept it."


    He had failed her in the past, leaving her with emotional scars that didn¡¯t heal easily. He understood that and expected her to have negative feelings towards him, even feelings of rejection.


    But seeing her now, he noticed that her new friend had somehow filled the emotional void he had left in her life. This gave him hope that they could not only rebuild their relationship but also improve it to a higher degree than before.


    He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to face it. He had failed her once, and he would not do it again.


    With the photos still in his hand, he looked at one that featured Tali¡¯s mother, his wife. She had died when Tali was just 17, making her feel even more neglected. He recognized that other Quarians had helped Tali grow after that, as he had been too cowardly to confront the reality of the situation and had instead focused on his job.


    He touched the photo. "She¡¯s good. No, more than that, she¡¯s thriving... And now, thanks to her, the whole Quarian race will thrive too. If only the Pill had been developed before you went away..."


    He shook his head. "No, I can''t think that way. Focus on now and the future."


    A dangerous light flashed across his mask. "But for that, the Reapers have to go."


    The Quarians knew the truth but weren''t focused on that. Now, with the Pill and Samael/LD''s promise of help, he was determined to ensure they began to act decisively against the machines.


    He would make sure the other Quarians followed suit, no matter what.


    "Well, for now, let''s rest."


    He was tired and needed to rest. His daughter was in good hands, and now he would focus on being at 100%.


    "Crazy to think that when I wake up, I can take the suit off for good..."


    With that thought, Rael''Zorah lay in his bed and slept, holding the photo of his deceased wife in his hand.


    ---


    " He seems like a good person," Veronica said as soon as they left the Admiral''s apartment. She didn''t know exactly Tali''s relationship with her father, but from what Quarian had told them, he was absent.


    So seeing him show affection like that was something they didn''t expect, not even Tali, who appeared lost in thought even now.


    ''''He is, but let''s talk about the photos,'''' Liara said, clearly enjoying seeing Tali fidget. ''''I loved the ones where she was a baby. I mean, the Quarian in a suit is bad, but the babies do look cute on it.''''


    Shepard nodded. ''''I concur.''''


    RR chimed in, '''' I also agree.''''


    Samael then said, ''''Come on, guys. Tali is suffering here.''''


    The Quarian looked grateful, but before she could express it, he continued, ''''Besides, we all know the photos of babies are the best anyway.''''


    Tali sighed. ''''I''ll give you all the silent treatment for a minute.''''


    They all giggled and walked in silence, following Tali as she moved through the ship. Everyone who passed greeted her, and she greeted them back.


    Then, they looked at RR with a sense of aggression, but Tali quickly reassured them, saying, "She''s with me. She''s a VI, so don''t worry too much."


    The Quarians had to set aside their aggression, but their caution remained. After all, the Geth had destroyed them centuries ago, and they had never fully recovered.


    The only reason they were somewhat at ease was because of Tali. She was well-known and liked, after all.


    More than a minute passed, so Samael asked, ''''Where are we going?''''


    He knew the ship, but asked for the sake of the others who were just following Tali. They were looking curiously around the ship, and RR had already infiltrated their network.


    You would think they would have better security against cybernetic attacks, thanks to the Geth and all, but you have to keep in mind, that RR was way more advanced than their security system. The only machines more advanced than her were the Reapers, and even then, by a very small margin and still up to debate.


    Tali had already recovered from their teasing. ''''Well, 10 hours is too long, so I thought: why not enjoy ourselves a bit?''''


    She then stopped in front of one of the doors, indicating they had arrived at their location. Tali said, ''''It''s a bar, by the way. And yes, we still get drunk. We call it The Bar.''''


    ''''Pfttt.''''


    Someone in the group laughed at the name, but Tali ignored it. She pressed a button on the side of the door, and it opened. ''''Welcome to¡ª''''


    POW!


    What was happening inside was a brawl. The strange thing was that the Quarians weren''t involved, it was Krogan versus Krogan. Also, it seemed one of the Krogan had a Prothean as a coach, as it screamed instructions as the fight progressed, and an Asari was acting like the referee.


    Everyone knew those Krogan.


    Samael held his hand on his forehead. ''''Someone please explain to me why the hell Wrex and Grunt are fighting?''''


    He could also ''see'' Kasumi and Thane cloaked nearby. It must have been in case of an emergency, but based on what he knew about the human, she must have stolen from everyone in the bar by now.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Keiji and Kaidan were seated too, looking at the fight happening.


    By the way, Samara was the referee of the match.


    Tali was the most shocked of the group. ''''I have no idea that we even had a fighting ring. I mean, we literally can have a paper cut in our suit, let alone a hole the size of a fist.''''


    ''''Maybe they built it in a hurry?'''' Veronica said after she noticed the ''ring'' was literally just four metal stakes glued to the ground, with some kind of rope to delimit the perimeter.


    Shepard also noticed that. ''''Yup, whoever did it made it in a hurry and with scrap.''''


    RR said nothing and looked at EDI, who was nearby. The AI was clearly receiving some serious side-eye from the other Quarians, who didn¡¯t like machines at all, but for some reason, there was no hatred in their eyes.


    ''''She did something.''''


    Samael also noticed EDI and nodded at what RR said. ''''Our baby is getting naughty.'''' Joker was beside her, counting the credits they received as a betting pool. ''''I wonder who influenced her.''''


    The group said nothing more and just went to sit at one of the free tables around The Bar, with Tali still shocked by all this. I mean, she came here to relax, and the atmosphere inside the bar was far from relaxing.


    The usually reserved Quarians were all enjoying the fight, some even shouting and mimicking the fighters. That''s why they were tolerant of EDI, and only then.


    They ordered some drinks, then Shepard asked, ''''Will we stop them?''''


    Samael shook his head. ''''Nah, let them have their fun.''''


    Veronica sheepishly rubbed her hair. ''''Yeah, it''s best to let them enjoy themselves.''''


    Samael immediately knew something happened. ''''... You better not have gambled on this, right?''''


    ''''HEHEHE.''''


    ''''Don''t be influenced by Wrex''s laughter! It''s contagious!''''


    Liara also raised her hand. ''''I might have also placed a bet on this. I mean, it is fun.''''


    Tali did an almost full 360 and looked at Liara, her body language saying, "Et tu?"


    It didn''t end there, as Shepard also raised her hand, saying, "I also joined in the fun."


    Tali could only sigh and order another drink. "What the hell is happening around here?"


    Samael approached Shepard and whispered, "You didn''t do it, right?"


    Shepard chuckled, "Nope. It''s just funny seeing Tali like that. I mean, she, just like Liara, can be too reserved around us. Maybe these harmless jokes will help her become more assertive."


    Samael nodded at her reasoning. He knew Tali very well, and she actually enjoyed those jokes.


    He then whispered some more, "Do you want to know something funny?"


    "What?"


    "I joined in the fun."


    Shepard looked shocked but soon laughed. She tried her best to conceal it, but it was failing.


    "In who?"


    "Secret."


    After talking with Shepard, Samael noticed that Tali seemed off. He approached her and asked, "Is the teasing taking a toll on you?"


    "Huh? Oh¡­" Tali looked confused for a brief moment before shaking her head. "It''s not that¡­ it''s my father."


    Samael took her hand and said, "I know the gist of your relationship with him, but hearing it directly from you would be best. I''m all ears¡­ besides, talking about it might help you heal."


    Tali wasn¡¯t surprised that Samael knew about her situation with her father, as she hadn¡¯t exactly tried to hide it. While she tried her best to hide it, their interaction had underlying tension to it, and her ''family'' noticed it.


    "¡­ Where should I start?" Tali resolved to open up to her boyfriend. If she felt comfortable, she would share with the others as well.


    "You decide." Samael understood that this was an important step for Tali''s personal growth, so he let her take control of the conversation.


    "¡­ Well, it''s a normal situation. I was born into a loving family, yada yada. The problem was that, even with all that love, my father decided to spend more time working and traveling than with me and my mom."


    "I get it. The Migrant Fleet is more important than us, but¡ª"


    "Don''t say that. Just don''t."


    Tali could see sincerity in Samael''s eyes and knew that if the roles were reversed, he would probably not act the same way her father did. ''Well, that makes sense. He is all about family, after all.''


    She shook off that train of thought and continued, "That alone was bad enough. I was raised by my mom and a friend on the ship named Rayya, hence my old name, Tali''Zorah nar Rayya. I know you know this tradition."


    Samael nodded, and Tali continued, "But my father''s position put a weight on my shoulders. I thought that because I was the admiral''s daughter, I had to be better than the others or at least measure up to his level."


    "That damaged me, as I lost too much time trying to catch up to a shadow. Of course, I made sure to be there for my mom, as she was suffering too, but I wasn''t my father."


    "Then, tragedy struck. Mom died due to an infection, and Father... he didn''t even participate in the funeral, as he was on a mission.''''


    ''''I despised him for a long time because of it. Honestly, I still do. After Mom died, I was still a teenager, not a fully grown adult, and others helped me with a lot of things. I did what I could to help them in return. Father, as always, was more focused on work than on me.''''


    ''''That''s why I''m known by everyone. I helped the Fleet and not just the Rayya. Anyway, after I left for my Pilgrimage, I was forced to grow up after seeing how we were treated by the rest of the galaxy. It changed my perspective on my father, as I realized he wanted the Quarians to be respected again, which is why he spent so much time away.''''


    ''''I started to forgive him after that. Then, I met you guys, and the process accelerated a bit. Still, I can''t fully forgive him. Part of me still feels resentment. I mean, who doesn''t participate in their significant other''s funeral?"


    Tali was getting emotional. "So, this is where we are at. Father is trying to somehow make up for lost time and his many mistakes, while I''m trying to forgive him. And let me tell you, it''s not easy."


    Samael knew that well. He had not forgiven or forgotten the actions of some people in past cycles. But he had to move forward even then.


    Tali stopped talking after that, probably emotionally exhausted. It made sense, as she had just opened up about one of her biggest secrets.


    Samael started to speak. "You don''t need to forgive him."


    Tali looked at him, waiting for him to continue.


    "Sometimes, people close to us do something so horrible that we can''t forgive them. But our feelings for them can still remain strong."


    "We have to live with that and understand that they weren''t perfect. You don¡¯t need to forgive your father; you just have to accept reality. He is trying to fix his mistakes, but only you can answer this: Is now enough? Is what he is doing enough?"


    "And if you do try to forgive him, never forget what he did to you. Fool me once, that''s on him; fool me twice, that''s on me."


    "Just remember, whatever you decide to do, I¡ªWe will have your back."


    Tali absorbed what Samael said. It would take time for her to heal, but she already felt a little lighter about the situation. She had thought that in order to move forward, she had to forgive her father for what he did, but Samael showed her a new alternative.


    She can love her father, but still be alert around him.


    "Thank you for this." Tali expressed her gratitude from the bottom of her heart.


    "Don''t mention it. Now, how about you open up to them?" Samael pointed at Liara, Shepard, and Veronica, who clearly were curious about the conversation the duo was having but didn''t want to be pushy about it.


    Tali giggled as she watched the trio trying to scramble when they noticed she was looking at them, "Maybe later."


    Samael nodded, '''' Your call.''''


    After that, things returned to normal. The group relaxed and talked about the fight. Tali even joined in, already recovering from her confusion and the talk with Samael.


    "I think Grunt will win."


    "Why?"


    "He''s younger and stronger."


    "But to a Krogan, that means nothing. We don''t even know if those dinosaurs have a lifespan, as not a single one of them has died of old age. They could be immortal for all we know."


    No one reached an agreement, and the fight continued.


    Grunt had the upper hand because he had superior strength compared to Wrex, but sometimes, experience matters. This was one of those times, as Wrex won thanks to that.


    Grunt was on the ground, defeated. Wrex extended his hand, saying, "Nice fight, kiddo. But you still need to train for a few more years."


    Grunt took his hand and got up. "Good job, old man."


    The fight ended, and the victor basked in glory, with the Quarians shouting their names. This would be the start of their legend, as they would fight again- not. Samael was waiting for both of them outside the ring.


    "Who came up with the idea?" he asked.


    Wrex pointed at Grunt, who pointed at Javik, who pointed back at Wrex.


    Samael could only sigh. "Come on, let¡¯s get you all fixed up. The assembly will happen in ten hours, and I want you all in your best shape."


    "How about a drink first?" Wrex suggested, and Javik and Grunt didn¡¯t seem to be against the idea.


    Samael sighed, "Only one."


    It didn¡¯t end with just one drink.


    HOURS LATER


    Wrex was on the ceiling, with Grunt close by. For some reason, Javik was almost naked and on top of a table.


    The rest of the crew was ok-ish. They were a little drunk, but nothing compared with those 3.


    The Admiral had to pull some strings so they wouldn¡¯t get in trouble, but he was a little annoyed. "You managed to clean out the stock of the bar... how?"


    Samael simply pointed at those who were more wasted. "Them. Also, I paid."


    The Admiral sighed. "Only three hours left until the assembly with the Conclave and the Admirals. Are you all good to participate?"


    While the Admirals oversee the military aspects of the Migrant Fleet, the Conclave is the civilian equivalent, looking over the cultural/civil aspect of the Fleet. It was formed by selected representatives from Quarians ship that surpassed a threshold in numbers.


    The Assembly called Rael''Zorah includes both the Admirals and the Conclave.


    Tali nodded, "Yes."


    "How about a secret reunion with all the Admirals right now?" While the Conclave was important, Rael''Zorah knew they had to win over the Admirals first.


    The group was taken aback; they hadn''t expected this. It seemed Rael''Zorah had taken their words seriously. By the way, he was still wearing his suit.


    "Sounds good." Samael replied. He hadn''t drunk much, knowing this possibility was on the horizon. After all, all the Admirals were secretive, so a reunion to discuss matters before presenting them to the public was a normal step to take.


    "Good. So those who are sober, follow me. Also, please have someone take care of them." Rael''Zorah gestured toward Wrex, Grunt, and Javik.


    Samael tapped his omni-tool a few times and sent a message to John, knowing he was with Mordin, Dr. Chakwas, and Claire. "Come pick up Wrex, Javik, and Grunt. They¡¯re at this location and wasted. Tell the doctors to make them presentable in a few hours."


    He sent the message along with the bar''s location and quickly received confirmation.


    "Leave it to us."


    Samael then looked at an empty space, '''' Keep an eye on them and make sure they were ok.''''


    He was talking to Thane and Kasumi. By the way, EDI and Joker got some credits out of this fight and decided to return to the Phoenix for now.


    With that, the group consisting of Tali, Liara, Shepard, RR, Veronica, and Samael followed Admiral Rael''Zorah toward the secret meeting.

 100 – Migrant Fleet (4)

    <div>


    The walk toward the secret meeting was short. The location chosen for said meeting was a nondescript room on the ship, likely to avoid raising any alarms.


    Upon entering, Samael spotted several familiar figures: the Admirals of the Migrant Fleet.


    They have 5. The first one doesn''t need a description, as he was Rael''Zorah, Tali''s father.


    Next was Shala''Raan, and she was, for the best or worst, the most neutral of the Admirals. She didn¡¯t favor war or peace, as long as either ensured the fleet''s survival. Samael was fond of her due to her practicality.


    Then there was Zaal''Koris. He cared deeply for his people and never shied away from expressing his opinions, whether or not they aligned with those of his peers. He was the one who stood up in front of the Quarians during Tali''s judgment in the games, stating that the Geth were right to retaliate against the Quarians. Boldly put, he had guts.


    If Koris could be considered a Paragon, then Han''Gerrel was a renegade. A ruthless Quarian, he would not hesitate to do whatever was necessary to achieve his goals. His ambitions did not align with the interests of the Quarian people; he only cared about his own glory and legacy. He favors war more than anything, as it helps build his reputation. Unsurprisingly, he was not the most popular Admiral.


    Lastly, there was Daro''Xen, the fifth Admiral. She was ruthless and a mad scientist, focused solely on her research involving AI and the Geth. Like Gerrel, she would go to great lengths to achieve her objectives. A mad bitch, to simply put it.


    It was clear that each Admiral had their own flaws to varying degrees, but they could be reasoned with.


    "Hello there," Samael said in a casual tone, disregarding the fact that this meeting could change the status quo of the Quarians forever. "I assume my father-in-law has already briefed you on the basics?"


    Ah-hem


    Rael''Zorah coughed, indicating that he had not mentioned Tali and Samael''s relationship. Sure enough, the Admirals looked taken aback and glanced at Tali, who was seated beside the rest of the group, while Samael remained standing.


    She briefly looked at Samael with what a pout face ( he knew, even though she was wearing a helmet), and then nodded at the Admirals, a gesture they repeated, even though surprised by the revelation.


    The silence didn''t last long. Daro''Xen, who seemed to hold the most authority among the Admirals and had been eyeing RR curiously since the beginning, said, ¡°Yes, we heard the basics from our friend. Now, please explain everything to us.¡±


    ¡°Basics¡± was a stretch. Rael had merely mentioned that LD and his daughter possessed something that could change Quarian life forever. That was enough to warrant this secret meeting, even though they had another assembly scheduled in a few hours.


    It signified that the matter was truly important. Some tried to avoid attending, but a consensus was reached, and they showed up. Besides, even if it turned out to be nothing significant, they would at least gain some rapport with Samael, LD''s owner.


    At this point, Rael moved to sit beside the other Admiral at the table. So, on one side, we had Samael and his group, and on the other, the Quarian Admirals.


    Samael eyed them for a brief moment, '' All of them had different personalities, so the way I present the information might change their instance in all that follows. Still, we are running out of time, so I really don''t have much of a choice here.''


    Deciding to be direct in his approach, Samael started talking. '''' Well then, I, rather, Tali have acquired the ultimate Gift in her Pilgrimage. LD helped, but that''s not the point. Tali and Rael, could you please?''''


    At what Samael said, and under the shocked gazes of the Admirals, father and daughter took their helmets off.


    That was a crazy gesture, and the Admirals'' body language showcased that as they tried to grab medicated to give to them. After all, their immune system was so bad that even in the decontaminated ship, they were in danger.


    Shala''Raan said urgently, '''' What are you guys doing?!?''''


    Samael calmly said, '''' Watch.''''


    His calm tone made the Admirals stop, and think about what he had just said. A bold assumption crossed their mind, with Daro''Xen being the most excited, '''' Could it be...?!''''


    Tali nodded, '''' Yes, LD has made something that heals/better our immune system. With it, the Quarians don''t need the suit any longer. We are free.''''


    Silence ruled the room, and everyone was already thinking about the possibilities that would come from it. First and most importantly, they now had a shot at living a normal life, and that alone was more than enough in their situation.


    Some, like Han''Gerrel, were also thinking about the upcoming conflict with the Geth. With the Quarians now able to survive without their suit, they could face the Geth without fear.


    Before his fantasy could carry on any further, Samael said, "But this Gift does not come without a price."


    While some Admirals were inspecting Rael and Tali without their helmets, Shala remained calm. She was the most collected of them all, as she expected that this Gift would not be free. Everything in this world has a price, and something this significant has an even greater cost. "What do you want?" she asked.


    Samael repeated what he had said to Rael earlier. "You will need to help in the upcoming fight against the Reaper, starting immediately¡ª"


    "Impossible." Han''Gerrel recovered from his initial shock and rejected Samael immediately. "We will first retake Rannoch, deal with the Geth once and for all, and only then will we join the war effort. The galaxy has earned only that from us."


    Those who heard him might think he was enraged at the galaxy for the treatment the Quarians had endured all those years, but those who knew him understood that he wanted war with the Geth more than anything. Now, with Samael insisting they must stop everything and join his side, it was out of the question.


    Safe to say, he was blind to reason.


    Samael expected this reaction. "Do you realize that without the Pill or help from others, you will never retake Rannoch, right?"


    Han''Gerrel gritted his teeth. "We can win."


    "No, you can''t and won''t. If the Geth wanted to kill all of you, they would have done so long ago. They have remained quiet because you have been quiet. But if you start attacking Rannoch, they will retaliate and kill all of you."


    Han''Gerrel and the other Admirals fell silent, knowing deep down that it was the truth.


    After a brief silence, Shala''Raan asked, "Is that all you want?"


    Samael shook his head. "I was interrupted before I could say everything. Besides the Pill, I will provide you with a temporary planet for your species to regroup, and after the war with the Reapers, if we survive, I will help you retake Rannoch without having to fight the Geth."


    Those words stirred something inside the Admirals. They had asked for help countless times from the Turians, Salarians, Asari, and many other species, only to be turned away. Now, here was one of the newbie species, the humans, offering assistance.


    Still, Samael''s words carried weight, as he was a renowned leader of LD.


    Shala''Raan spoke quickly, almost fearing she had heard it wrong. "Can you guarantee everything you just said?"


    Samael nodded. "Yes. I give you my word, and if you want, we can even have a contract detailing everything. The war against the Reapers isn''t something to take lightly. We need all the help we can get, and even then, it might not be enough."


    Shala''Raan exhaled deeply and looked around at her peers. The only calm one was Rael, as he had already heard Samael''s proposal hours ago. The Admirals looked at each other and nodded. "Do you mind if we discuss this for a moment?"


    "Go ahead, take as much time as you need."


    The Admirals formed a circle in the room and began discussing the situation among themselves. Rael was the first to speak. "I''m in."


    They looked at him, waiting for him to continue. "LD is offering us all we¡¯ve ever wanted for decades: a place to stay, a new chance to live, and a future. Only a blind person would reject it."


    "What if they are lying? What if they don''t help us after we agree to help?" Han''Gerrel clearly was against the whole situation, as it would not aid his quest for glory.


    Thanks to the Quarians as a whole, the rest of the admirals weren''t so naive. Even Daro''Xen, the mad scientist, could only see good things coming from it. "Think about it. We will be healed, and have a temporary planet to repopulate our species, all in exchange for helping in a war we would have aided in anyway. There''s literally nothing bad about this deal for us."


    Of course, they had to win the war against the Reapers, but one obstacle at a time.


    Zaal''Koris also saw no problem with the plan. "Honestly, this is our best chance to regain our strength."


    Han''Gerrel looked at Shala''Raan, hoping that with her support, he might stop this, but no. She nodded in agreement. "We will accept it."


    Han''Gerrel sighed. He had lost¡ªnot only in this decision but also in his mission. He knew that from now on, things would become more complicated with the question of war against the Geth. He would still try, but it was going to be much more difficult.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The admirals discussed the matter for a few more minutes, and then Daro''Xen addressed Samael. "Do you have the contract?"


    Samael smiled and extended his hand to RR. She took a document out of her body, a contract he had prepared long ago, already anticipating the contents of this meeting.


    "Here you go."


    Daro''Xen eyed RR once more. "You have to let me research this machine in the future."


    Samael just smiled at her, silently indicating that he would not allow that to happen.


    Daro''Xen understood and then looked at the document. It contained everything: The Quarians would receive the Pill, a temporary planet, among other things, all in exchange for their assistance in the war against the Reapers.


    She signed, followed by the rest of the admirals. Han''Gerrel was the last to sign. He eyed Samael once more. "Do you even believe those Reapers were real? I mean, they could just be Geht for all we know."


    People like him were the problem in the galaxy. The truth was right in front of them, yet they chose to remain blind to it.


    Samael looked at him with a disapproving expression. "I have been preparing to face them for years. The evidence of their existence is all around the galaxy, you just have to look for it. And think about it: what if, at the end of the day, I am right but do nothing about it, and YOU are wrong?"


    Even with all his extensive preparations, things would not be easy. If he did nothing, then...


    Han''Gerrel said nothing further and signed the document.


    "Pleasure doing business with you." Samael took a copy of the document and then handed out four Quarian Pills. He gave one to each admiral who hadn''t taken one yet. "Here, and congratulations on your new life."


    The admirals looked at the Pill for only a brief moment before taking it. Now, they had another chance in life, one where they were free.


    "You just have to wait an hour or so for your immune systems to improve. After that, you can discard your suits once and for all."


    Shala''Raan nodded. "Thank you for this. The Quarians will owe a debt to you and humanity going forward."


    Samael looked at Tali with love in his eyes. "I didn''t do this for that, but I will welcome it."


    Shala''Raan teased Tali after noticing their interaction. "You have to tell me more about this."


    Tali chose to ignore her admiral for the moment.


    After that, the meeting came to an end. Samael provided them with Miranda''s contact information in case they had any questions.


    He also sent her a message explaining the situation. She responded with an ''OK.''


    Soon, the groups exited the secret room, heading in different directions.


    A FEW HOURS LATER


    After the reunion with the Admirals, there was not much time left until the next gathering regarding the Gift Tali had, this time with all the Quarians on the ship, led by Tali instead of Samael.


    Samael sent a message to the rest of the crew with the location of the reunion, calling for their presence. Mordin soon replied, mentioning that those who had been drinking had recovered and were on their way as well.


    Before long, the entire crew was gathered in the still-empty reunion room.


    "So, what did we miss?" Wrex asked as he settled into an empty chair.


    "Not much, just that we garnered the support of the Quarians." Samael casually replied.


    Wrex looked surprised for a moment, then relaxed. ''If he could gather MY support and the Asari''s, the Quarians should have been relatively easier.''


    "It''s good for us." Samael continued, "The Quarians are skilled at making great things with inferior materials. We will need their expertise."


    The crew began to banter while they waited for the Quarians to arrive. They didn¡¯t have to wait long, as the previously empty room filled up quickly.


    The Admirals arrived first, followed by the Conclave and then the rest of the Quarians. Now, the room was full, all waiting for the reunion to start.


    While the Admirals were informed about the situation, having already taken the necessary steps and the Pill, the Conclave and civilians knew very little, if anything at all. They only knew that Tali had brought a gift, and they were hopeful that it would help them immensely.


    Daro''Xen looked at the Admirals, who nodded at her. It was the signal to start the reunion. "My people, I''m sure there are already rumors circulating throughout the Fleet. Today, we are here to tell the truth about it."


    "But I ask you all to stay calm. The things discussed from now on might be shocking, but it is the truth." Daro''Xen then motioned to Tali. "Tali, if you may."


    Tali nodded, stood up from her seat, and looked at the rest of her people. They were just like her months ago, scared of their own shadow. Now, it was her turn to help them.


    She looked at Samael and her family and saw only support in their eyes. She took a deep breath and began to speak. "My people, I''m sure you know, but months ago, I was recruited by LD. Not only that, I was recruited to the ship of the LD owner, and I changed my name to Tali''Zorah Vas Phoenix."


    "At first, I felt inadequate. What was I, a Quarian, doing there with one of the most qualified crews in the galaxy? But as time passed, I realized something: They didn''t see a weak Quarian; they saw me, the real me, beyond all my weaknesses."


    "I opened up to them after that, and in doing so, I came across many of their secret projects." Tali took a pill out of her suit. "And I came across this. LD has been making this for a long time, and I only helped at the end. But the results are amazing."


    With her other hand, Tali removed her helmet. Scared murmurs began to roll around the audience, with some reaching out to their med kits to give to Tali. Before they could say anything, the rest of the Admirals did the same, removing their helmet.


    By now, everyone could see that the situation was far wilder than they initially thought, and Tali wasn''t in the mood to keep them waiting. "This thing is called the Quarian Pill. I know the name is basic, but what it does isn''t. It gives us a second chance at life."


    "This is something that heals our immune system. My people, we don''t need to wear the suits anymore."


    The Quarians recovered from their shock, and while some cheered, others remained in disbelief about the whole situation.


    "The necessary quantity to heal all of us has already been made by LD. Not only that, but LD has offered asylum to us¡ªa planet¡ªfor us to recover on before focusing on Rannoch," Daro''Xen continued, explaining the whole situation. "We will help in the war against the Reapers, and then, LD will help us retake Rannoch."


    "Our nightmare is over. We can dream once more!"


    With that, the atmosphere inside the ship reached a boiling point, and Tali and LD''s names would be remembered as a myth from this day onward.


    It was chaos after that, as everyone wanted to take the Pill right away. Samael had already sent them to the Migrant Fleet, and now they just had to wait a few hours.


    But it was difficult to contain them. For now, the Admirals decided to send Tali and the rest of LD''s crew away, as their presence was complicating matters.


    Samael shook hands with the Admirals. He had done everything he came to do: helped the Quarians with the Pill, signed the contract, etc. Now, it was just a matter of time before they joined the war effort.


    He even offered a ride to the Citadel reunion, but they declined.


    Tali stood face to face with Rael. She wanted to say many things, to scream at him, but she didn¡¯t. She was trying to see past his mistakes. "Father... I will be going now."


    Rael couldn''t be more proud of his daughter. He knew he had a tough road ahead to gain her forgiveness, but he was trying. "I will see you soon. Don''t be a stranger, call often too."


    "I will... Keelah se''lai."


    "Keelah se''lai."


    After that, the entire crew rushed to the Phoenix to leave the Fleet. Minutes later, they took off, leaving a wonderful gift for the Quarians.


    ---


    INSIDE THE PHOENIX


    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve resolved the Quarian issue, where do we go next? The Citadel, or do we have another stop?¡± Veronica asked as everyone settled on the Phoenix after leaving the Migrant Fleet.


    ¡°One more stop. Set a course for Noveria while I make a call,¡± Samael replied.


    ¡°Roger.¡± Veronica set the course immediately and noticed something after making a few calculations, ¡°How long do you intend to stay on the planet?¡±


    ¡°Not long. Why?¡±


    ¡°It will take us ten hours to arrive there, and traveling to the Citadel from there takes another twelve hours. So, we¡¯ll basically lose a day already. It¡¯ll be a race against time to reach the Citadel on time for the meeting.¡±


    The Citadel Reunion was happening in 3 days + a few hours. They were running close.


    Samael patted her shoulder. ¡°I trust you.¡±


    Veronica sighed and nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll make it happen.¡±


    Samael left the cockpit and called Miranda. It didn¡¯t take long for her to answer. ¡°Samael? What can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°First things first, how are you and Jack? Everything okay?¡±


    ¡°We are healthy, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Good, good. Now, do me a favor and buy this company right now.¡±


    When Miranda received the details, she was surprised to see that this company was located in Noveria, a rather peculiar place. The planet is literally covered in ice, with viciously low temperatures that could easily kill those unprepared. Because of that, many stories about companies doing shady dealings on the planet exist.


    And now, Samael was buying one of those companies, meaning he knew something others didn¡¯t. Miranda trusted him with her life, so she simply said, ¡°Anything more?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Samael hesitated for a moment. His fortune was enormous, and at the end of the day, his company was merely a means to an end. So he intended to buy all the companies in Noveria and deal with them. The rumors about shady dealings and experiments happening all around the planet were true, so it was a win-win situation, ¡°Buy all of them.¡±


    Miranda smiled upon hearing that. ''Typical.''


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    ¡°I need this urgently, so don¡¯t worry about the price¡ªjust buy it. If you want to keep the costs down, ask the Shadow Broker for help finding dirt on those companies, which shouldn¡¯t be hard at all.¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°No. Talk to you later¡­ and send a kiss to Jack.¡± He had already sent the contract with the Quarian to her, so she was in the loop.


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    The call ended, and Miranda got to work. She immediately looked up all the companies located in Noveria, gathered their names, and sent a message to the Shadow Broker, asking for their secrets.


    They had the money, and now she was waiting for the figure to respond before making some calls.


    Touching her now rather prominent belly, Miranda felt a little bad for her family out there. While they were in space dealing with many challenges, she was here doing nothing... well, she was handling LD matters, but honestly, she preferred to be in combat.


    However, she knew everyone had their role, and she would honor hers. After she gave birth, though, she wanted to return to action.


    Just then, someone entered her office. It was a child who looked to be about nine years old. "Sister, sister! How are you today?"


    It was Oriana, Miranda''s sister. Their father had created Oriana after noticing Miranda''s rebellious nature and had hidden her away. But Samael informed Miranda about it, so she rescued her sister and dealt with their father once and for all.


    He would not bother anyone anymore.


    Jack was accompanying Oriana as she entered the office and closed the door. She smiled at Miranda and blew her a kiss.


    Miranda rolled her eyes at Jack, then spoke to Oriana, "I''m doing amazing, and you? Have you made more friends today?"


    Oriana had been raised to be a better version of Miranda; she was forced to study and train from a young age, which had taken a toll on her. But now, in the short time since she had been rescued, she was slowly coming out of her shell.


    "I sure did! The sparring session today was amazing! I won more than I lost."


    Unlike the games, Oriana had been raised by their father directly in a stricter manner than Miranda, which meant she was also forced to train in combat. Whether they liked to admit it or not, she was good. At just nine years old, thanks to her superior genetics and biotic powers, she could face those far above her age and win sometimes.


    Miranda ruffled her hair, "Good for you."


    "Hehehe."


    Miranda then picked up Oriana and placed her on her lap. She looked at Jack and said, "Samael sent a kiss."


    Jack, the secretary, hurriedly sat down. "Oh? What else did he say? Did he ask for the progress in the Illusive Man training?"


    Miranda adopted an exaggerated expression. "He will now cause trouble in Noveria, as he asked me to buy all the companies there. And no, he didn''t ask about the training."


    Jack made a sad expression upon hearing that last part. She was making great progress with the man, but almost no one was paying attention. Well, she was sending the progress to the others who were experimented on, but talking face to face was better, "... I miss being in action with the crew."


    "Me too, me too." Just then, Miranda''s omni-tool vibrated, indicating she had received a message.


    She checked it, and sure enough, it was from the Shadow Broker with information on those companies.


    Miranda handed Oriana to Jack. "Time to make some calls. If you want, you can play here; I don''t mind."


    "Yeeeeayyy!" Oriana cheered, while Jack looked tired.


    Both of them started to play with their biotic powers while Miranda began making calls to buy all the companies in Noveria.


    ---


    WITH SAMAEL


    With that now out of the way, they only needed to arrive at Noveria. There, he would rescue one of the most dangerous species in the galaxy: the Rachni.


    As allies, they were formidable, and as enemies, even more so. But, like the Geth, they were essential in the upcoming war, as they could increase their numbers rapidly and build things quickly.


    And right now, the galaxy was racing against time. The Reaper fleet was coming for them in less than three years, and they hadn''t even started to build the Crucible.


    "Let''s save an old friend once more."


    <div>

 101 – Noveria (1)

    Today was a strange day for the director of the Noveria Development Enterprise. Yesterday, LD had come full force, trying to buy all the labs on the planet¡ªsomething he didn''t want to do since they had just discovered something monumental that could change a lot in the galaxy.


    They had found an unhatched egg of a Rachni Queen. With the research potential of such a discovery, only a fool would miss the opportunity. However, it seemed his superiors were fools, as not only had they sold all their labs on the planet, but they also sold the whole company as if they wanted to be free from it.


    He knew it wasn''t cheap, but the other side was LD, so it made sense that they had the money to buy them.


    Still, the strangest thing was that his bosses didn''t ask him to ''clean'' the lab of its data or anything along those lines, meaning LD knew exactly what they were doing here. He couldn''t tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing.


    But he stayed quiet and would do his job today, which was to act as a guide. After all, those who know too much often tend to die early.


    So, early in the morning, he got dressed and went to meet the people LD had sent. Since the planet was very cold, he wore special clothing to endure the chill, and even then, it was barely tolerable.


    He waited for a few minutes, and soon the air control informed him that a ship had arrived and docked, only waiting for his approval to disembark.


    ¡°Is it from LD?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the air control confirmed. ¡°They have the logo on their ship.¡±


    Only a lunatic would try to mimic LD, so they were sure it was real.


    ¡°Let them disembark then.¡±


    ¡°Roger.¡±


    Soon after that order was relayed, he started to hear some conversations coming from the hangar nearby.


    ¡° This is too cold.¡±


    ¡°Make a barrier or something.¡±


    '''' You know I can''t... Samara, can you make a barrier for me?¡±


    ¡°1,000 credits per 10 minutes.¡±


    ¡°WHAT?! This is robbery!¡±


    ¡°Do you want it or not?¡±


    ¡°... Please, for the duration of our stay.¡±


    ¡°Pleasure doing business with you.¡±


    The hangar door opened, and out came one Asari, three humans, and one Krogan. The director didn''t recognize them, but he greeted them nonetheless. For LD to send them quickly, it must mean they had connections with the higher-ups from the company. ¡°Nice to meet you, my name is Naomi, the old facility director. Now, I''m responsible for relaying the information about the labs and all their data.¡±


    ¡°My name is Samael, nice to meet you.¡± Samael then introduced the rest of them to Naomi, who, by now, recognized Samael''s name and was in shock.


    ''WHY THE FUCK IS LD''s OWNER HERE?''


    He was so shocked that he didn''t catch the introductions of the others, but he was experienced in social interaction, so he nodded at them, ¡°Nice to meet you all.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Now, show us the egg!¡± Wrex had heard from Samael that they found a Rachni egg and wanted to check if it was true. He had faced them before and knew how dangerous the creatures were, so he was a little bit apprehensive.


    Naomi nodded. ¡°From what I could gather, you are here only for this?¡±


    Samael nodded. ¡°Yes. We have no interest in the other areas. Also, relay to those conducting experiments here that as long as they don''t cross the line, we will let them stay and continue their research. BUT, if we find they did cross it, we will deal with it accordingly.¡±


    That was always Samael''s motto. He didn''t care about what you do, as long as you don''t mess with his family or cross a moral line HE decided. If someone did, well, they would go to hell.


    Naomi gulped. ¡°No problem. Now, follow me.¡±


    He then started to guide them toward the place where the egg was. He explained the situation, ¡°Not long ago, an affiliate found many eggs in a stranded ship that was floating in space and decided to retrieve it. When they checked, they were shocked to realize it was from a Rachni, a species considered extinct. So they decided to sell it to us, as Noveria is known to accept any deal.¡±


    Naomi regretted saying that last part but continued, ¡°So, we bought it from them and started researching it. Sure enough, this one is a Rachni Queen, still alive but unhatched. We tried everything to hatch, but maybe because of the little time we had it under our possession, nothing happened so far.¡±


    ¡°Good. You don''t know what they are capable of.¡± Wrex was glad it hadn''t hatched yet. Still, he knew Samael wanted to recruit them for LD, so either way, the egg would hatch eventually, but he wanted at least to be present in case things went wrong.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    He tried to talk to Samael about it when they were in the Phoenix, right after he told them about the egg, but the human said, ¡°Trust me on this. We need their help in the upcoming war. After that, we will see how things go.¡±


    ¡°I fear you are letting a lot of things for later.¡±


    Samael shrugged at that remark. ¡°There''s not much I can do about it.¡±


    ¡°...I''ll trust you and be at your side when things go wrong with the Rachni.¡±


    Samael laughed, ¡°Good to hear.¡±


    ---


    Back to the present, Naomi ended the conversation with this, ''''Well, that''s as far as we have researched it. Again, we didn''t have much time to do it, so sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s for the better.¡± Samael knew how it would go, so it was a blessing for them not to have hatched it. If they had, the whole installation, hell, even the planet, would have been compromised.


    That was how dangerous the Rachni were. It took the Krogan, along with the Asari, Turians, Salarians, and the rest of the galaxy, to win the war against them.


    Naomi''s tour ended as he arrived at an elevator. He entered alongside the others and pressed the floor where the egg was.


    As they weren''t there as enemies but as owners, things went very smoothly for them. Soon, they arrived at the floor, and Naomi opened the door. ¡°Behold, the last Queen Rachni!''''


    Inside the room and inside a tank full of water, lays a big egg, easily 1 meter tall. Samael recognizes it as the future Queen of the Rachni, ''Hello, old friend.''


    There was no infestation, nothing wrong, just an ''normal'' egg. The game timeline was set for a few years into the future, so this was something to be expected.


    '''' Can you pass me the data you have?'''' Samael asked Naomi.


    '''' Sure things.'''' Naomi did just that and Samael got to reading.


    '''' Hmmm...'''' Samael hummed as he read the data.


    "What? What did you find?" Wrex was on edge. At any sign of danger, he wouldn''t hesitate to kill the egg.


    "Our friend here managed to hide it very well from them, but not from me." From what he could gather, the Rachni was already ''aware''; it just hadn¡¯t chosen to hatch for some reason. "It could hatch at any given time, but it has chosen not to."


    Naomi looked shocked, then sighed. He was aware of the discussions scientists had about the egg around it and what they would do if it hatched. If the creature could think, it made sense that it would choose self-preservation.


    "Well, now that we are here, I¡¯ll go talk to it." Samael handed the data to John, who was still using the barrier Samara had provided. "Hold this for me."


    He then started to walk toward the egg. Wrex and Naomi were shocked. "What are you doing!?"


    They had never come into direct contact with the creature since the ''incident''. Someone from the ship who found the egg had touched it without protection and gone crazy. So, what Samael was doing now was considered suicidal.


    Wrex, on the other hand, was aware of the mental capabilities of the Rachni, having faced them before, and he knew that what Samael was doing was madness.


    "Relax, I know what I¡¯m doing." Under the shocked gaze of those present, Samael used his Omni-tool, which had control over the entire facility, to open the water tank where the egg was.


    Before doing anything else, he put on an oxygen mask, knowing he would ''pass out'' the moment he touched the egg.


    He then placed his hand under the water and touched the egg. Instantly, he was pulled into a kind of mental world, almost like the Asari when melding.


    That was thanks to the special method the Rachni talks, as they don''t have vocal cords and could only communicate like this, using a medium ( person) or directly like Samael was doing.


    INSIDE THE MENTAL WORLD


    Samael ¡®woke up¡¯ in this place that resembled his mind, mixed with something else. He was already aware of how the Rachni communicated, so this wasn¡¯t exactly surprising to him.


    "Hmmm, no changes. Well, it¡¯s not my mind, but a copy of what the Queen thinks it looks like based on a first impression."


    He felt a little disappointed, as he wanted to use this rare opportunity to examine his own mind. He had never forgotten what happened at Thessia, and was constantly making plans to deal with the situation, but it seemed fate wasn¡¯t kind to him.


    "Who are you?"


    An infant''s voice came from behind him. When Samael turned to face it, he saw a Rachni¡ªspecifically, a Queen, capable of restoring their species if given time and opportunity.


    It looked like a crustacean mixed with a spider. It was black in color, and perhaps because it was a mental construct, it was already two meters long before it even hatched. It wasn¡¯t surprising, as upon reaching adulthood, these creatures could easily grow up to ten meters in height.


    Still, Samael could sense that it was afraid.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I come in peace.¡± Samael genuinely wanted to help, even though he knew how dangerous the creature was. He also understood that he was its only option if it wanted to survive.


    Honestly, all the situations around him were similar. Wrex, Javik, and others really didn¡¯t have any choice but to believe him. If there was ever a situation where the other party wasn¡¯t backed into a corner or lacking something, the outcome would mirror his encounters with the Illusive Man.


    Only one of them would emerge from the confrontation alive, and so far, Samael remained undefeated in that regard.


    ¡°We saw you arrive at the planet. We know what your intentions are. But the question remains: why help us?¡±


    Samael didn¡¯t hide his motives. ¡°There¡¯s a war coming to the galaxy. I know that you have only recently gained consciousness, but I also know that the knowledge of your mother, the previous Queen, has been passed down to you.¡±


    This is one of the most fascinating aspects of the Rachni and the galaxy as a whole. Many more intriguing species could be scattered across it, waiting to be discovered, with many more distinctive features such as this one.


    In the case of the Rachni, the Queens had a kind of psychic bond through which she passed her memories down to her daughters. And yes, the Rachni operate with a hive mind.


    ¡°Machines capable of killing anything in the galaxy are coming... the same one that soured the songs of your mother in the past. We need your help.¡±


    The Queen voice trembled upon hearing that last part. The memories her mother passed down to her didn''t let the terror die, '''' Are you sure?''''


    Samael nodded. "Yes, they were called the Reapers. The ones who manipulated your mother, corrupted her mind, and guided your kind to extinction are coming once more. This time, however, they will not stop until they have killed all of us."


    Yes, the Rachni war happened thanks to Indocrination. The Queens of that time didn''t want war, but their ''songs'' were interrupted/orchestrated by others, causing all that bloodshed, almost driving their species to extinction.


    Samael wasn''t sure if it came from the Reapers themselves or it was the Leviathans, in their effort to try and regain some sort of control over the machines, but it was one of the two that caused it, and he was sure the new Queen also didn''t know, so he would use that to his advantage.


    So while they were undoubtedly the villains in that war, the Rachini were also manipulated into that role.


    Now, he would use his talk-no-jutsu to try and bring the Rachni Queen to his side.

 102 – Noveria (2)

    <div>


    The Queen seemed to have received a shock upon learning that the thing that disrupted her mother''s song many years ago was back. They had corrupted their songs to the point where they lost control of their voices, making them sing songs they didn''t mean, which caused a lot of damage to the galaxy.


    A form of mind control, yes. It forced her mother to sing songs of war, even though she didn''t want to. It caused her species to almost go extinct.


    So, yes, the Queen was afraid and also angry. Now, with the information that those things, that she learned were machines, had returned, or rather, had finally decided to reveal themselves, she was unsure of what to do next.


    She wasn''t even hatched from her egg yet, and the situation was already dire for her species'' future.


    Sure, she could create a colony of thousands in less than two days, without the need of a male, but it still would not matter in the face of the corrupted song the machines released. Her offspring would listen to the corrupted song and die for no reason.


    She felt lost. That was until the creature in front of her continued talking, "Help us and I''ll help you rebuild your species."


    "...How?"


    While she could sense some changes around the planet, within a small radius of 20 kilometers¡ªfor now, at least¡ªshe still wasn''t sure how long it had been since her mother died. Therefore, she was in the dark about the state of the galaxy.


    The last piece of information she had was about the so-called Council of the Galaxy, which tried to send commissioners of peace to negotiate with the other queens. However, due to the corrupted song, they didn''t listen. The Council, with no other alternatives, sent the Krogans to the planets where the queens had their colonies, resulting in the death of all the queens and effectively ending the war.


    The ship she was on was the last one remaining with eggs. It was a stroke of luck for them to survive until now, and if they hadn''t, the Rachni would have faced extinction for real.


    So, from the little information she had, the situation didn''t look good.


    "First things first, I''ll explain to you what the machines that corrupted your mother are," Samael said. He knew how important it was to avoid remaining in the dark about the situation around you, so he didn''t mind telling the Queen about it. While she was still young, she had memories of her mother, so she understood some things.


    "They were called the Reapers. They were created by an ancient civilization called Leviathans for motives we don''t care about. What we care about is that they rebelled against their creator, forced them into hiding, and then decided to ''own'' the galaxy and mold it at their pleasure."


    ''''From billions of years ago, the galaxy has been experiencing something we call The Cleaning, an event carried out by the Reapers for reasons we still don¡¯t fully understand. Honestly, at this point, we don¡¯t care about their motivation, as they can''t be negotiated with. What happens is that every 50,000 years, the Reapers¡ªalmost unstoppable machines¡ªkill all intelligent species in the galaxy. All of them.''''


    ''''The Reapers stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Almost everything bad that has happened in the galaxy can be traced back to them in one way or another. They orchestrate tragedies to hinder the advancement of intelligent life. They have incredible technology on their side, along with the gift of time.''''


    It''s not entirely true, but it¡¯s not entirely a lie either. The Rachni war was indeed planned by the Leviathans or the Reapers, but the Krogan wars were not. Overall, the galaxy has a tendency towards conflict even without their active intervention, so they really didn''t need much for a war to happen.


    ¡°We theorize that they missed your species in the past cycles because your species hadn¡¯t yet gained the ability for interstellar travel, just like mine and many others, causing them to neglect you and let you live. Anyway, they have cleansed the galaxy multiple times, but in the last cycle, they faced the Protheans in a war that lasted for decades. The Reapers almost lost, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°Their corrupted soldiers won them the war, yes?¡± The Queen interjected, demonstrating her mental capabilities and rational thought. She understood that those who were corrupted posed a significant danger and found the most rational answer.


    ¡°Yes. The Protheans were on the verge of victory when those indoctrinated¡ªwhat we call the corrupted¡ªsabotaged their army from within, effectively losing the war and leading to the eradication of all intelligent life in the galaxy.¡±


    '''' We are in the cycle after them. Almost all traces of the Prothean, be either culture, their looks, among many things, were lost.''''


    The Queen absorbed the information. Based on her mother¡¯s memories, she had some recollections of the so-called Protheans, but they weren''t very deep, as some memories may have been lost over generations. After all, 50,000 years is a long time even for her species.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°However, proving their resilience, the clues that remained gave the next generations information they didn¡¯t have in their cycle, such as weapons, and information about the Reapers, among other things. Thanks to them, in this cycle, we are aware of the threat and are preparing for it. Not only my species - humans- but the rest of the galaxy too, is preparing for the upcoming conflict.''''


    ''''We plan on building structures that will slow down their progress and ultimately destroy them once and for all, but-''''


    ¡°You need something they can¡¯t provide... perhaps numbers?¡± The Queen was following the conversation nicely,


    Samael nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°But what about those who killed Mother? Why aren¡¯t they helping with numbers?¡± The Queen was aware of the Krogan''s strength and resilience, after all, they had killed her mother and the rest of the queens, so why did they need more numbers?


    Samael sighed. ¡°War. They grew arrogant, blinded by their victory against you, and decided to try and gain more power than they had. Then, they received the same treatment as you did, in the form of a disease that killed 90% of their offspring. They still have impressive numbers, but far from what we need.¡±


    ¡°Vile. Taking away the chance for the children to sing...¡± The Queen didn¡¯t like what she was hearing, even though it happened to the species that almost led hers to extinction. No one should face that, no one.


    Samael sighed again. He understood that the galaxy was filled with bad decisions made by those in power, out of fear or something along those lines. Even those in power had their flaws, but while those flaws could lead to war, they could also lead to something beautiful or at least neutral.


    At the end of the day, for now, they were trying to improve. Samael made a promise that while he lived, no tragedy like the Rachni War or the Genophage would occur on his watch. He would educate the next generations to avoid repeating the same mistakes of the past.


    ¡°I know, but there isn¡¯t just tragedy in the galaxy. There''s good too... We cured the aforementioned disease that killed the Krogan offspring, and we helped many weaker species survive against the odds. There¡¯s beauty in failure and even more in rising against it.¡±


    ¡°I promise you, under my name, Samael, that I will do my very best to ensure the survival of your species if you assist us in this war. You might not know me, but I have significant influence in the galaxy, and as long as you promise me that you will not go to war against the galaxy in the future after we win the war against the Reapers, I will protect you and your children.¡±


    ¡°You can sing in peace, and when we win against the Reapers, you will do so without the fear of it being corrupted and causing another unwanted war.¡±


    The Queen remained silent. Honestly, she didn¡¯t have many options. If she stayed on Noveria, ( she had learned the planet name shortly after gaining consciousness), things would not end well for her. While she had the power to crush the entire population in her adult form, she was currently just an infant¡ªan egg, even.


    To gain strength, she needed time, and that was something she didn¡¯t have right now. After she regained her power, she would¡ª


    The Queen stopped that train of thought. ''No, no revenge or war. There is no reason for me to focus on that, as Mother and the others were corrupted into acting this way... I can fix what they did.''


    She remembered what Samael had just said: ''There¡¯s beauty in failure, and even more so in rising against it'', huh... Well, we will only find out if it¡¯s true when we experience it.''


    ''I¡¯ll hatch, give birth to many children, and let them sing our songs while we help... Maybe, just maybe, we can live in peace.''


    The Queen had no reason to reject Samael¡¯s help, as she had nothing to lose. In exchange for giving birth¡ªa task she would do anyway¡ªshe would gain support.


    ¡°Do you have a planet for us?¡± The Queen wasn¡¯t asking for much, as her species could survive even in the most dangerous ecosystems, such as the icy environment of Noveria or even Tuchanka (in Mass Effect 3, if you didn¡¯t give the Krogan the cure for the Genophage, the Rachni took Tuchanka for themselves after the final confrontation with the Reapers). So, she wasn¡¯t really asking for much, she just wanted to hear what this... Samael had to say.


    "If you help us, I''ll give you a planet for your species to live in peace. No one will bother you, and you can live a full life singing your songs."


    The Queen had heard what she wanted. "What do you need me to do?"


    Samael relaxed internally. He had had this conversation with the Queen in past cycles, and not all outcomes had been so positive. So, he was glad things were going smoothly in this last cycle.


    ''With the Rachni and possibly the Geth''s help, we will be able to construct things at 100%, or maybe even 1000% faster.''


    The Rachni and the Geth, unlike other species, didn¡¯t need to rest and could survive in harsh environments. Essentially, they were the perfect builders, exactly what the galaxy needed right now.


    ''We have the Arks to Andromeda that are being built, and we need to construct the Crucible, the MECHs, among many other things. With their assistance, we could achieve so much more and in less time.''


    Samael was excited just thinking about it. Just like the Queen, all he needed was time, and that was something he didn¡¯t have¡ªso anything that could cut down on that part was welcome.


    " We need numbers to help build the things that will stop the Reapers. That''s where you come in: give birth to countless Rachni soldiers and then help us."


    The Rachni didn''t exactly need a contract, so this whole transaction was based on mutual promises.


    "And in return, you will give us planets, support, and if we win, allow us to live in peace as long as we don¡¯t attack first, right?"


    Samael nodded. "Yes."


    "... Are you powerful enough to accomplish that?" Again, the information The Queen had about the galaxy was limited, so she didn¡¯t know if what the human was saying was true.


    Samael was sincere, knowing the Rachni could sense his feelings, even if only in a rudimentary way. "Yes. It¡¯s not a stretch to say I could do as I please in the galaxy."


    It had taken a lot of time and preparation for this to happen, but it was true. The time loop, while challenging, also had its advantages in moments like this.


    The Queen had nothing more to ask. "Under my name, I¡¯ll make an oath: I will help in the upcoming war in exchange for your future support."


    She was taking a risk, but she felt that what the human said was sincere, so she was confident things would turn out well. If they didn¡¯t, she would simply not hatch and hope for the best.


    Samael repeated the gesture, "Under my name, I swear I¡¯ll uphold my part of the bargain as long as you uphold yours."


    With that, the ''contract'' between the Rachni and Samael was made. The galaxy had gained a new ally, but would that be enough?


    Only time will tell.


    <div>

 103 – Citadel Reunion (1)

    <div>


    "Now what?" the Queen asked after the deal was made. They were in her rudimentary mental realm, staring at each other. They didn¡¯t have much more to discuss, after all, they had already done what they came to do.


    "Now, you decide. After I leave this mental realm, you can choose to hatch right away or wait until you arrive at the planet where you will reside for now. My company, LD, is respected and feared around the galaxy. We will protect you every step of the way, so don¡¯t worry."


    The Queen didn¡¯t hesitate. "I¡¯ll hatch now."


    She knew there was a Krogan nearby, but time was of the essence for her. The faster she hatched, the sooner she could produce offspring.


    "I¡¯ll end our psychic link right now."


    "Wait a second," Samael said, needing a moment.


    The Queen was puzzled. "What do you want?"


    This mental space was a mixture of her mind and Samael''s, making it feel strange. There were parts that felt incomplete, and no one could tell if it was due to her mind or his.


    "I just want to check something for a few more moments." Samael had never encountered that mental realm in his mind, the one where the other him was hidden, ever since the first time.


    He had meditated and created countless mental barriers, but something still didn¡¯t feel right. His instincts were telling him so.


    So, he was using this opportunity to see a portion of his mind and see if he could notice something he hadn¡¯t before.


    But¡ª


    Samael sighed, as he noticed not much was different. ''Well, Leviathans it is.''


    He really, really didn¡¯t want to go to them, but he had no other option. If the Asari, with their perfected minds, could not help him, and neither could the Rachni, he was out of choices.


    "Let¡¯s leave. Also, wait a few moments before hatching, as I¡¯ll explain the situation to others."


    The Queen said nothing more and ended the connection with Samael, allowing his mind to return to his body.


    ---


    OUTSIDE WORLD


    Not much time had passed since Samael touched the egg and fell into the water tank. Nothing much changed either, as he stood there with his hand on the egg, doing nothing.


    If he hadn''t worn the respirator, things would have become dangerous by now, but he had that covered.


    Still, everyone around was anxious, as they were dealing with unknown territory. Well, for some, since Wrex and Samara were familiar with the Rachni.


    Even then, both considered going to the Phoenix and calling Mordin and the rest of the doctors to check on him. Samara even wanted to meld with Samael to understand the situation better but was stopped by Wrex.


    "Don''t. Trust him. Besides, we don¡¯t know if it will help or damage him." Wrex was a little apprehensive too, but he viewed it from a soldier''s perspective more than Samara did. Samael had gone there on a mission, and interfering with him now could hinder that.


    Samara said nothing more and nodded, deciding to wait for any movement.


    Naomi at the side was sweating bullets. He had brought the LD owner here, to Noveria, a shady place, and he touched the egg of a Rachni Queen, passed out, and hadn¡¯t woken up yet.


    If something happened to him, not only would Naomi himself die, but even his ancestors would be revived only to be killed again for such transgression.


    He knew that LD was at the forefront of the upcoming battle against the Reapers, so any damage to Samael would be catastrophic.


    ''God, please!'' Naomi, who hadn¡¯t prayed in years, did so just now.


    Almost as if the heavens listened to him, Samael opened his eyes at that moment.


    Wrex was the first to notice, so he rushed to the tank to pull him out. He didn¡¯t need to do that, as Samael was more than capable of doing so, but they were brothers and helped each other out.


    Samael nodded at Wrex, took off his respirator, and said, "Thanks for that."


    "No problem." Wrex then got serious. "What happened?"


    Samael sighed and gave him a small smile. "Well, the galaxy has a new ally."


    Wrex paused, stared at Samael, and saw that he was telling the truth. He could only sigh at that affirmation, "I hope you know what you¡¯re doing."


    '''' They will help and I''ll help the Queen keep them in line, just like you will be doing with the Krogan. And honestly, with their help, we will gain more than lose.''''


    '''' We will see.''''


    The rest of those who had come with them rushed to Samael''s location, Naomi included. "What happened?"


    "As you all know, the Queen was awakened inside the egg, deciding to not come out until she felt safe. When we arrived at the planet she sensed use and hoped for the best. Still, as the Rachni don''t have vocal cords and can only communicate through mental contact or by using other species, she could not do much. So, I decided to talk to her, and voila," Samael explained.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Samara was following the conversation closely when she glanced at Wrex, who was sighing. She sensed that something significant must have occurred after Samael and the Queen entered into mental contact. Not wanting to be left out, she asked, "What happened then?"


    CRACK.


    The egg began to crack, signaling that the creature inside was hatching. Everyone, except Samael and Wrex¡ªwho was now smiling a little, thinking about a future where the Krogan and Rachni fought once more, retreated slightly, as they were not in the loop yet.


    Samael smiled as he observed the one-meter-tall Queen emerge from the shell. "Now, we have another ally," he declared.


    --


    After that, everything happened quickly. Any mention of the Queen was erased from Noveria, and she was secretly transported to the Phoenix for transport and medical research¡ªnon-invasive, of course.


    Before heading to the Citadel, they planned to transfer her to another ship and relocate her to one of the planets they owned. Samael wanted to send her to Javik''s planet, the same one where the Thorian and the Quarians were temporarily residing.


    However, honestly speaking, the Rachni wasn''t exactly trustworthy at the same level as the Prothean and the Quarians, so he used one of the three planets he had purchased ages ago. One was designated for Javik and the others; another was intended for the Rachni and possibly the Krogan in the future, while the last was meant for his retirement plans.


    Naomi gained a raise (bribery) thanks to his contributions that day. Overall, everything in Noveria unfolded in less than a day, meaning the Citadel Reunion was still a day or two away.


    Now, everyone in the Phoenix was crowding around the medical area, eager to see the Rachni Queen. Just like Javik back then, she was a rarity that they thought they would never see in their lifetime. In less than one year, they had witnessed two species once considered extinct.


    It was quite an achievement.


    Grunt was the most animated of them all, itching to go inside and fight, but he was held back by Wrex, who said, "Wait a few years."


    "Why?" Grunt asked.


    "The Rachni have allied with us against the Reapers. When and if we win, they will still be out there in the galaxy, waiting for us. We can fight them then."


    Grunt made an "oh" face. "Good idea."


    "That''s why I''m the Krogan Emperor!" Wrex added, though he wouldn¡¯t admit he heard that from Samael.


    Javik shook his head at the duo, then returned his attention to the Queen. His species, just like many others, tried to breed and control the Rachni, and just like the others, failed. Still, the resilience of such creatures was incredible, having lived through many cycles without being wiped out by the Reapers.


    Inside the infirmary were Chakwas, Mordin, Clare, and Samael. Obviously, they, like much of the galaxy, had never seen a Rachni before, let alone examined one.


    Still, proving their expertise, they did their best, with Samael overseeing them. He refrained from speaking, wanting them to learn on their own, though he knew more about the Rachni than anyone else in the galaxy.


    "Hmmm, fascinating," Mordin said as he showed something to the other two doctors. "Its brain is something I''ve never seen before¡ªmore complex than an Asari''s, yes."


    "This is something they didn''t teach us at the Alliance Academy."


    "Or at the LD compound."


    Samael found it cute to see his companions eager to learn something new, but both he and the Queen, who was scanning the crew on the ship, were not exactly pleased. One Rachni had just hatched and wanted to rest, while the other was preparing for the upcoming Reunion.


    Thanks to his friend, the Shadow Broker, Samael was aware that a few people were plotting against him, so a bit of caution was necessary.


    "So, is everything okay with her?" Samael asked the trio of doctors.


    They stopped reviewing the Rachni medical data, and Mordin took it upon himself to answer. "We aren''t experts in Rachni biology, so we can''t say for sure, but based on the parameters of the galaxy, yes, the Rachni is healthy."


    It made sense that there were no medical records for such creatures since everyone in the galaxy believed they were long gone. They were just like the Protheans, but in the latter case, no information was available because of the Reapers.


    "So, is she safe in this environment?"


    "Yes."


    "What about means of communication? Can she touch others?"


    "You mentioned that the Queen doesn''t have vocal cords and only communicates through another medium, such as a person. We confirmed this, and based on your exams," Mordin held up Samael''s medical chart, "everything looks good. She can communicate if she wants, and if someone volunteers.''''


    Samael looked at the Queen with a gaze that seemed to ask, ''Do you want to?''


    Thanks to their conversation in the mental realm, the Queen picked up on Samael''s gestures, including a nod or a shake of the head. In this instance, she shook her head, indicating her decision not to talk with others, at least for now.


    "How about some visitors?" Samael suggested, glancing at the crowd outside the infirmary. "I mean, you are a celebrity."


    The Queen extended one tentacle to Samael, who grabbed it.


    "As long as they don''t touch me, they can watch from up close."


    The Queen then retracted her tentacle, and Samael nodded. He looked at the three doctors. "Well, she doesn''t mind being watched closely, but no touching, for her safety and for the safety of others. Also, where do you think she should stay for now?''''


    The ship that was going to take her to her new planet was already on its way, so until then, she had to stay somewhere. Honestly, the medical area was the best choice, as the other areas around the ship weren''t exactly accommodating for the Queen.


    ¡°Here. We would like to take this opportunity, if you don¡¯t mind, to study you better,¡± Chakwas said while looking at the Queen.


    Clare and Mordin sighed in relief as the Queen nodded, accepting the offer.


    With that, the whole situation with the Queen ended, and peace returned to the Phoenix¡ªnot.


    Samael had one more thing to say to the Rachni Queen. ¡°From now on, when you arrive at your planet, focus on giving birth. We are running out of time, and you are crucial in the next steps of this war. As long as you do that, I will hold up my end of the bargain.¡±


    They had already discussed this, so the Queen simply nodded at Samael, indicating she understood. She also knew that from now on, she had to stay in line¡ªnot only for her survival but to ensure her species could have a place to live in peace in the future.


    ¡°The next time we meet will probably be months or even years, so I want to say thank you for your help. I hope we survive this,¡± Samael said sincerely. ¡° and guide our respective species to a long-lasting peace.''''


    With that, Samael left the infirmary and met with the rest of the crew. He could only sigh upon seeing their expectant eyes. ¡°She said you guys can check on her, but no touching, as she is quite special. You could literally go nuts if you touch her.¡±


    Everyone nodded, indicating they understood, though it didn''t diminish the popularity of the creature. After that announcement, the infirmary became the hotspot of the Phoenix, at least until the transport ship arrived.


    Samael went in the opposite direction, and after giving a kiss to each of his girlfriends, he told Joker, who was now the pilot of the ship, ¡°Set a course for the Citadel.¡±


    The reunion that would shape how well the galaxy would face the Reapers was about to begin.


    ---


    Just like the Phoenix and Samael, countless species were sending their representatives to the reunion. It was something without precedent.


    Elcor, Asari, Batarians, Quarians, Krogans, etc.¡ªyou name it, they had representatives at the reunion.


    The last time something similar happened was during the Rachni Wars when the galaxy was on the brink of destruction.


    Now, it was a reunion that would shape how things would go in the future. The stakes had never been higher.


    Even though this was supposed to be a gathering where everyone was on the same page, some individuals were planning trouble for one of their biggest allies. It showed that some people could be foolish, even in the face of death.


    This reunion promised to be eventful.


    <div>

 104 – Citadel Reunion (2)

    CITADEL


    The space station was filled to the brim with people from different species. It was hard to believe that not long ago, this place had been covered in blood and debris. Although some areas still needed repairs or a fresh coat of paint, the space station was in good condition considering the circumstances.


    Everywhere you looked, it was crowded. This was to be expected, as news about the upcoming Reunion had recently been announced to the public. The announcement triggered an influx of visitors, as civilians feared their representatives might abandon them if the reunion''s contents were bad, causing a bit of chaos in an otherwise calm Citadel.


    Additionally, protests erupted around the Space Station, with various groups demanding that civilians be allowed to attend the upcoming Reunion, as they felt it was too important to miss.


    Thanks to that, the C-Sec had their hands full. However, Garrus, who had authority over the C-Sec, was somewhat at ease. He focused on the Reunion rather than overseeing the security of the Citadel. He delegated that responsibility to others since he had a significant role in the upcoming event.


    There were even rumors about him leaving his position after the reunion, as he was going to be recruited into a Spectre or a similar role. Times were so chaotic that many rumors like that were rolling around the galaxy, with no one knowing what to believe anymore.


    Among the crowd were three human reporters who, thanks to their connections, had special privileges that kept them away from the chaos. They were waiting for an opportunity to speak with Samael, as they vowed to do better.


    In the last week, they had put their plans forward, resigning from their jobs and now the last and most difficult part waited for them: Be recruited by LD.


    Sure, they had Samael''s contact, but things like that were better said in person. They were confident he would listen, as he had nothing to lose and much to gain with them joining LD.


    In the middle of everything, a ship quietly docked at the Citadel, causing no stir.


    WITH TEVOS


    COUNCIL CHAMBERS


    Tevos had a long week. Not only had she battled against the Collectors, but she was also overseeing the reconstruction of the Citadel. And let her tell you, it wasn¡¯t simple or easy.


    There were many areas to consider, countless tasks to complete, and numerous people to lead. It was chaotic. Still, she was a Councilor with experience, so she managed it well. It helped that money was not an issue, but through that experience, she realized a significant problem the galaxy faced: people.


    Despite there being trillions of individuals across the galaxy, few were willing to help, even when offered compensation. The majority of the repairs were carried out by Quarians, Humans, Turians, and Asari. From those, only the Quarians weren''t in a secret deal.


    So, out of 4 species, only one came forward willingly.


    This indicated that the issue needed to be addressed in the near future, as things were bound to become even more complicated with time working against them and the increasing need to build many things.


    In the middle of this chaotic last week, there was a secret meeting, different from the upcoming Reunion, with selected representatives from different species, all aimed at making their lives easier in the future.


    Castis Vakarian, Garrus¡¯s father was among those she met and struck a deal with, along with others. The reunion that would shape the future was scheduled for today, and she was glad the whole situation would end today. For better or for worse.


    ''Thanks to all our preparations, things should go smoothly... I hope.'' Tevos thought.


    She knew some people would cause trouble during the reunion, but based on her knowledge, they were prepared to handle it.


    She was getting a drink when she received a message on her omni-tool. She brightened when she read it, ''Finally.''


    The message informed her that some people had arrived at the space station and had already disembarked and were coming to meet her. Now, things would proceed more easily.


    While she was a councilor overseeing all galactic projects, she was more than glad to receive help today.


    She tapped her omni-tool a few times and called a couple of people: Castis Vakarian and Commander Anderson.


    The two of them would be nominated councilors later in the reunion, along with a few others from different species, as it was the carrot-and-stick approach they had devised earlier. However, the Turians gained that spot thanks to the secret deal they made, while the humans gained their thanks to Samael.


    The future councilors would be based on their willingness to help, and based on what she was seeing, the Quarians surprisingly would gain a spot today.


    With a few hours remaining until the Reunion began, Tevos just called another one, but secret. With Castis Vakarian, Anderson, and the newly arrived Samael.


    Tevos gulped down her drink. ¡°So many secret meetings... well, all for the benefit of the galaxy.¡±


    Now, she just had to wait for the rest of the group to arrive.


    WITH SAMAEL


    As soon as they landed on the Citadel, Samael granted shore leave to everyone. He informed Liara, "Your father is at the Citadel, by the way. If you want to meet her, just call this number. Your mother is also around, so maybe a secret meeting with both?"


    At this point, Liara wasn''t even surprised that Samael knew about it. She appreciated the gesture and replied, "I''ll do that."


    He also informed Tali, Shepard, and Veronica, knowing they would accompany Liara to the meeting, whether in was a normal way or a more stealthy one.


    EDI and Joker decided to take a mini vacation. With their relationship solidified, this getaway was a nice break for them.


    Thane, Kasumi, Keiji, and Kaidan went off to meet with Ash, Vega, and Jacob, who had been at the Citadel since the battle a week ago. They had a lot to catch up.


    Mordin, Chakwas, John, and Clare headed off to take care of their own business.


    RR was the only one who went off alone to attend to her matters.


    After that, Samael messaged Tevos. He was in the loop about everything about the reunion, but hearing it was better than just reading it, so Samael went to meet Tevos to discuss things before the reunion started.


    He brought Javik, Wrex, and Grunt with him, as both were going to become councilors today and the third one almost cried about being left out. It was a crazy situation all around, but it was well thought out.


    It would showcase how serious they were about the carrot-and-stick approach, as they would make a scene during the reunion, pleading for help in the war effort before being made councilors.


    Though both were warriors and had no interest in being councilors, the entire reunion was going to be a performance to win support from the other species.


    Soon, the quartet arrived at the council chambers, and all C-Sec officers who saw them let them pass. Some civilians in the area tried to say something, but they were quickly silenced.


    They entered Tevos''s room and saw that she was there with two others. ¡°Tevos. Long time no see,¡± Samael greeted.


    Tevos responded, ¡°Samael, it¡¯s good to see you. It has been less than a week, but it felt like months.¡±


    She then greeted Javik, then Grunt, then Wrex. The latter smirked when she did so, as they shared some history. Tevos just snorted at him.


    It really did feel like months. The last year alone felt like she had aged a millennium, thanks to all the troubles that kept coming her way.


    ¡°Now, I think you know them, but let me introduce you,¡± Tevos said, guiding Samael and the others to Anderson and Castis Vakarian. ¡°This is Commander Anderson, and he will be the human councilor.¡±


    ¡°Nice to see you in person. Our last call wasn¡¯t pleasant, but I''m glad to meet you.¡± Anderson said, shaking hands with Samael. He couldn¡¯t help but praise the young man in front of him¡ªless than 20 years old, a trillionaire, and had the council in his hands. Everything about him was impressive.


    ¡°Yes, sorry about that. I¡¯m glad to see you so healthy and ranking up within the Alliance,¡± Samael replied.


    Anderson chuckled a bit. ¡°We all know it¡¯s all you.¡±


    Whether it was about the health improvements or the ranking boost, he knew Samael was involved in some way. LD had been making progress in the health department and giving/selling to the masses, and basically, they had the Alliance under their thumb.


    ¡°But you earned it. Be proud of it... Also, go meet Shepard after this. She misses you.¡±


    Anderson looked surprised but nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±


    Samael then turned to Castis Vakarian. ¡° It¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡±


    ¡°My son speaks highly of you. It¡¯s nice to put a face to the person he admires.¡± Castis replied, the feeling of respect being reciprocated.


    From what Garrus told him, Samael was way more amazing than the rumor about him circulating around the galaxy.


    ¡°Garrus is also an amazing soldier, you should be proud.¡± Samael said.


    After Wrex and Javik greeted both Anderson and Castis, things calmed down. Tevos started the meeting, ¡°Now, what do you bring of news to us?¡±


    While she reported everything back to Samael, he didn¡¯t exactly do the same, emphasizing that the things he was doing needed to remain a secret.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    It was true, further proven when the Salarians discovered that a cure was being spread on Tuchanka, they decided to detonate a bomb that would have killed many and likely damaged or destroyed the last Shroud on the planet.


    Samael laid out everything he accomplished in the last week. ¡°Well, don¡¯t be too surprised. First, we cured the Krogan from the Genophage. We expect their numbers to increase significantly in the coming months, so they will help in the war efforts.¡±


    ¡°WHAT!?¡±


    To their horror, Samael didn¡¯t stop there. ¡°Then, we cured the Quarians. They can now live without their suits... We expected their full support in the upcoming reunion, but this just solidified it.¡±


    Grunt and Wrex were enjoying the expressions on Tevos¡¯s and the others¡¯ faces. The young Krogan asked, ¡°Did we make the same faces when we found out?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but we are more handsome.¡±


    ¡°Hehehe.¡±


    ¡°Hehehe.¡±


    Tevos put a hand on her head, a gesture that Anderson and Castis copied, but Samael continued.


    ¡°Then, we rescued a Rachni Queen and gained her support. She will help us by breeding and using her children to build things faster. With the support coming from those developments, we should be able to finish constructing everything we need in time.¡±


    Pause.


    Tevos¡¯s brain stopped functioning. Just like the Reapers, the Rachni were supposed to be a myth, long extinct. Now, not only was it a fact that they were still alive, but also that they were working with them, the galaxy they once almost destroyed, on a war effort. This was enough to leave her speechless.


    Castis spoke quietly, almost in disbelief, ¡°Are you telling the truth?¡±


    Samael pointed at Wrex, and the trio looked at the Krogan, who said, ¡°It¡¯s true. I saw it with my own eyes, and yes, she¡¯s on our side.¡±


    That last part was spoken with sadness, but everyone chose to ignore it.


    Tevos wished she could sink deeper into her chair to think, but it wasn¡¯t possible. So, she did the next best thing: she stayed silent.


    Sometimes, it was best to remain quiet to recover from something unexpected. And what Samael had just revealed ranked high on the list of the most shocking things she had ever heard.


    ¡°Any more surprises?¡± Anderson asked after a brief silence.


    Samael hesitated but nodded. ¡°We may or may not be able to gain the Geth¡¯s support. As you know, yes, they helped the Reapers in the attack on Thessia, but it was only parts of them, not the whole species. The other part wants nothing to do with the Reapers, and that¡¯s who we will try to recruit. With their help, things would go even more smoothly.¡±


    At this point, Tevos could only laugh out loud at the absurdity of it all.


    No one said anything, as everyone felt the same way she did when they heard it.


    After some time, she asked, ¡°How much faster will we be with their help?¡±


    ¡°Let me put it this way: Without them, our chances to build the Andromeda Arcs and many other secret projects LD has, which will help in the war, on time is 10%. With the Geth, Quarian, and Rachni help, that goes up to 10000%. We will have the numbers, something we don¡¯t have right now.¡±


    Castis and Anderson were aware of the Andromeda Project but not its details; Tevos, on the other hand, knew all about it and understood that what Samael said was true, as she had just experienced it after the Battle of the Citadel. Still, it was too much to take in.


    ¡°How sure are you that those alliances will work? And after the war, how will things be?¡±


    Samael remained calm. ¡°The Rachni promised their support if we don¡¯t interfere with them after the war, so as long as we don¡¯t attack them, they will not attack us. Additionally, LD has given them a planet, so don¡¯t worry about that.¡±


    ¡°The Quarians will have a lifelong debt, so there¡¯s that. The Geth will be more complicated, but I promise you I can convince them.¡±


    There was no hesitation or fear of failure on Samael¡¯s face. Tevos could only sigh at that. ¡°Okay, okay... Goddess, this is too much to take in.¡±


    Anderson and Castis could only nod in agreement.


    ¡°Take your time.¡± Samael wasn¡¯t in a hurry. He had a busy week, so moments of quiet¡ª


    BREAK


    Everyone looked toward the source of the sound and noticed that Wrex and Grunt had broken a cup.


    The young Krogan pointed at Wrex, indicating that it wasn¡¯t him who broke it, even though the cup was in his hands. Javik just shook his head at them both.


    That was enough for Tevos to recover. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s continue this, otherwise I fear I won¡¯t be able to function properly. About the upcoming reunion, what do you know about potential interference?¡±


    Samael sighed. ¡°Well, the Salarians have information about LD creating and using AI.''''


    There wasn''t much reaction from the others, as AI is a sensitive subject to navigate. Still, all their species secretly tend to research AI and try to use it to their advantage.


    The only difference between that and LD is that LD actually managed to create and utilize it, which others eventually discovered.


    "Were you going to tell the galaxy about it?" Anderson asked.


    "I never really tried to hide it, so if you looked into it, it was easy to find. Yes, I would tell the galaxy about the AI LD made, but only if necessary. By the way, RR is the AI."


    That last part was directed at Tevos, as she was the only one present who had previously interacted with the AI.


    The Asari made an "oh, that makes sense" face. "Well, how do you think this will affect the reunion?"


    "Not much, really. They will probably stir things up, trying to gain more power for themselves, but they don''t realize that we need unity now and not more problems."


    The Salarians wanted more power and would throw LD under the bus to achieve that¡ªliterally, the company that was helping the most in the war effort against the Reapers. It was a shortsighted move, but that was typical of the Salarians.


    "LD will face sanctions, you know that," Anderson said gravely. "Not only from the Alliance but from the Council too."


    That was something even Samael could not prevent. But¡ª


    "So what?" Samael replied calmly. LD was merely a means to an end, and even though it might literally disappear thanks to this revelation, it didn¡¯t matter to him. At the end of the day, all he wanted was to live in peace, and if he had to lose LD for that to happen, so be it, "Let it take the fall, but make sure to push the sanctions to post-war against the Reapers. LD is essential in the upcoming years.''''


    Tevos nodded in agreement. "We can do that."


    "Good. Then we will reveal information about the Genophage Cure, the Pill, and the Rachni, but we won''t discuss the Geth yet, as we only have one of them to testify.''''


    It was Legion, but it was far from enough. They needed more before coming to the public with the news they would join the war effort.


    ''''Next, we will talk about the new Council and its councilors, the Andromeda Project, and how everyone can contribute. This reunion will significantly impact our war efforts, so we need to stay focused."


    Anderson, Castis, Tevos, and Samael continued to discuss how to conduct the reunion more effectively and the topics to cover.


    After about 20 minutes, Samael said, "Then there''s nothing more to discuss. Now we just need to wait for the reunion to start."


    The others nodded in agreement, feeling content with what they had discussed so far.


    "Finally," Wrex said out loud. "I want to see the look on those Salarians'' faces when they realize they won''t be on the Council, but the Krogan will!"


    The secret meeting came to an end after that. Castis and Anderson said goodbye and left, leaving Samael''s group and Tevos behind.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± Samael asked. He had relied a lot on the Asari in the past week.


    ¡°Tired, but alive. After the war, I might take a long vacation.¡± Whether they won or lost, she would take the time to rest. ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°Could be better. But I¡¯m honestly optimistic about our situation.¡± Samael was truthful. If things continued this way, they had a chance of winning without suffering significant losses.


    But only God knew if that would continue.


    ¡°Good. What are you going to do now?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll go talk to Garrus and then head to the Reunion. We only have a few hours, but it should be enough.¡±


    ¡°Well, then I won¡¯t hold you back any longer. See you later.¡± Tevos said goodbye to Grunt, Javik, Wrex, and Samael.


    The group left to meet Garrus, and Tevos stayed behind, mentally preparing for the upcoming reunion.


    ---


    WITH LIARA


    Thanks to the information from Samael, which she confirmed with the Shadow Broker, Liara had arranged a meeting with her mother and father¡ªwithout both knowing about it, of course, since the two of them weren¡¯t exactly on the best of terms.


    After saying goodbye to the others, she went to see her family. Unbeknownst to her, three people were following her to ensure their girlfriend was okay.


    The place she chose to meet just happened to be the bar her father owned. She arrived before them and waited, a lot on her mind.


    In the past year, things have changed significantly. Not only had she gained friends and a boyfriend, but also a girlfriend and a new family. She had grown stronger, met a living Prothean, and experienced many other extraordinary things.


    It felt as if all that boring stuff from the past 100 years had vanished. Don''t get her wrong¡ªsometimes boring can be good¡ªbut this¡­ this was life.


    As she sipped her drink, Liara noticed her father sneaking glances at her. She must have thought that, even though she called her, she didn¡¯t know what she looked like.


    She just didn¡¯t know her daughter well enough.


    With a gesture, Liara motioned for her supposed father to come over. She passed her work responsibilities to others and approached her table. ¡°Hello¡­ daughter.¡±


    ¡°Father. It¡¯s nice to meet you in person.¡±


    Aethyta smiled at her tone; fierce but well-meaning. ¡°Yes. I didn¡¯t want to say anything bad about your mother, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°But what?¡± Benezia''s voice came from behind them. The reason she was late was because of work. She rushed over as soon as she could and caught the tail end of that comment.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t let me meet her.¡±


    Benezia snorted. ¡°Stop lying, it was both of us that chose that.¡±


    Aethyta and Benezia''s relationship was complicated from the beginning but their only regret was how it affected Liara. Both, after the battle at the Citadel, dealt with their differences and were focused on bettering their relationship with Liara.


    Crazy to think the only push they needed was an extinction threat.


    Aethyta said nothing more about it. After greeting Benezia normally, she looked at Liara once more. ¡°Now, my daughter, why did you call us here?¡±


    Liara hadn¡¯t had family time in a long time, and this was what she wanted. With war on the horizon and limited time to make preparations, she wasn¡¯t sure how long it would take for them to meet up normally again.


    ¡°I just want to spend time with my family before the war.¡±


    Benezia and Aethyta exchanged glances and could see the worry reflected in each other''s eyes. To be honest, the galaxy¡¯s outlook wasn¡¯t looking good, but they could still hope.


    Besides, spending time with the daughter they had neglected for their work seemed like a nice way to spend whatever time they had left and what they had planned too.


    ¡°You know what? I think I like the sound of that.''''Benezia said.


    ¡°Me too. Now, how about you call those three friends of yours? They weren¡¯t exactly hiding that well.¡± Aethyta glanced over at the other end of the bar, where three people were unsuccessfully attempting to be stealthy.


    When they noticed someone looking at them, they tried to hide, but it was futile.


    Liara smiled at them and motioned for them to come over. The duo complied. ¡°Father, Mother, I know you must be aware of their names, but let me introduce you. This is Shepard, a Spectre.''''


    Shepard greeted both of them with an awkward smile. "Nice to meet you both."


    "Likewise," they replied.


    Liara then pointed at Tali. "This is Tali. She is one of the best engineers in the galaxy."


    Tali was without her suit, wearing just a hoodie. In front of her future family, she took it off and greeted them. "It''s an honor to meet you."


    Benezia and Aethyta nodded their heads in acknowledgment.


    Liara then pointed at Veronica. "And this is Veronica. She is the best pilot that LD has."


    Veronica laughed a bit. "You don''t need to hype me up that much, but I''ll take it." She then said to her future family, "Nice to meet you."


    Before Benezia and Aethyta could ponder all of this any further, Liara added, "The three of them were in a relationship with me and Samael."


    That last piece of information was unexpected for both Benezia and Aethyta. They looked at each other, before looking back at Tali.


    ¡°Wait, why is a Quarian outside of her suit?!¡± Benezia exclaimed. That was what made her pause for a few moments.


    The moment Tali took off her hood, she attracted some people''s attention as it wasn''t every day they saw a Quarian without their suit.


    Aethyta looked at her with disdain. ¡°Why focus on that? She¡¯s our daughter¡¯s girlfriend!¡±


    Benezia glared at Aethyta, but said nothing.


    Liara chuckled at their reaction. "Don''t be too shocked yet."


    "What do you mean?" Aethyta asked, feeling curious. She will admit, that she didn''t expect any of this when she received a call from Liara, but she loved it.


    "Well, LD has managed to create something that allows the Quarians to live without their suits. Soon, they will be out in the open once more, not just Tali."


    All the Quarians received a message to return to the Migrant Fleet, so by now at least 80% of their population must have taken the Pill. LD has made more than enough for them.


    "That''s ... amazing." Benezia stated honestly. This was something she never thought possible, but here we are.


    "Also, LD has developed the Genophage cure and released it to the Krogan." Liara dropped another bomb without giving time for her family to recover from the first news.


    ...


    "I need a drink." Aethyta said after hearing that.


    "Me too." Benezia added.


    Liara chuckled a bit at that. '''' And we might or might not have saved a Rachni Queen, who promised to help us against the Reapers.''''


    Tali, Shepard, and Veronica watched as the two Asari froze upon hearing the revelation. They whispered among themselves, as they were there only to accompany Liara and didn¡¯t want to interrupt, ¡°Say, isn¡¯t that supposed to be a secret?¡±


    Tali shook her head at Veronica. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know about the Rachni, but the rest isn¡¯t a secret.¡±


    It took a while for Benezia and Aethyta to recover from their surprise, but when they did, they asked numerous questions to Tali, Liara, Shepard, and Veronica, who were happy to answer.


    The family reunion continued, with Liara enjoying every second of it. This also allowed the others to get to know Aethyta and Benezia better.


    Meanwhile, the clock continued working and the reunion was fast approaching.

 105 – Citadel Reunion (3)

    Samael, the two Krogans, and Javik left their conversation with Tevos and headed toward another meeting. For three of them, it had been months since they last saw the Turian, while one was about to meet him for the first time.


    Naturally, Grunt was curious and asked, "Who is this Garrus?"


    Wrex took it upon himself to answer, eager to hype up the Turian since he liked him. "He''s a Turian we recruited long ago into the ranks of the LD. He''s strong and smart¡ªa great addition to us, though he never joined the crew on a mission."


    Samael looked at Wrex with a gaze that seemed to say, ''Why are you talking like you were in the crew from the beginning?''He said nothing because he appreciated Wrex¡¯s random, spontaneous acts. It was the Krogan biggest charm.


    "Why didn¡¯t he join us if he¡¯s so good?"


    At Grunt¡¯s follow-up question, Wrex and Javik turned to Samael.


    He shamefully met their gazes, though internally he regretted not calling Garrus to the crew earlier. ''At least the Turian had grown as a person and as a soldier, so there was that. Still, it would have been awesome if Garrus had been familiar with the whole crew by now, which hadn¡¯t happened yet.''


    ''Well, we still have time for them to bond.''


    "His skills were needed elsewhere, here on the Citadel. Proving my point, he was essential in the battle that took place here." Samael quickly thought of an excuse and hoped it worked.


    Javik pondered this for a moment. "Well, it¡¯s true, but it¡¯s a shame he didn¡¯t spend much time with us and the rest of the crew."


    At Javik¡¯s statement, Wrex could only nod in agreement.


    Samael noticed his excuse worked, and sighed in relief. He then continued, "Now, we will do just that. Speaking of him¡­" He spotted the Turian among the crowd. "Garrus! Over here!"


    They were at the Presidium, in one of the many bars in the area. At Samael¡¯s shout, Garrus made his way to their table. "Guys, long time no see."


    The Turian hugged those he knew, and gave Grunt a handshake, '''' Nice to meet you.''''


    '''' Likewise.''''


    Everyone then sat down, and Garrus continued talking, "So, how was life for you in those last few months?"


    While they kept in contact, the amount of things they discussed was limited. Now, it was time to catch up.


    Wrex responded with a grin, "Good, good. We faced a Reaper, found a Rachni Queen, saved another endangered species, and helped the Quarians. You know, the usual."


    Garrus made a face when he heard all of this. "¡­ You guys had too much fun while I was here."


    It wasn''t that his life in the Citadel was boring, but compared to what he just heard, it felt lacking¡ª a lot.


    "We know." Javik subtly glanced at Samael, who nodded in acknowledgment.


    "So, we think it¡¯s time for you to finally join us in the fun. It¡¯s time for you to join the crew," Samael offered Garrus the chance to have some excitement.


    Garrus was surprised at first, but then he relaxed. Many months had passed since he was ''recruited'' into LD. He had trained like a maniac and accomplished many things he thought were impossible.


    Even though he felt ready, he looked at Samael with a questioning gaze.


    Samael rarely saw that look on Garrus, but it made sense; even though he was a good soldier, he was still young. "You are ready. If you want, you can just join us."


    He officially made the offer now. Samael knew the chances of Garrus rejecting it were minimal, as the Turian was action-prone, while the Citadel lacked that spirit¡ªat least for now.


    Sure enough, Garrus accepted, "I''ll join you."


    He would resign from his high-paying job and its perks without thinking much about it. First, because the galaxy was about to become a mess in the near future, meaning there was no point in seeking stability in life. Second, he wouldn¡¯t be of much help stuck here, feeling like he was doing nothing.


    All in all, he was sure he wasn¡¯t going to regret his decision.


    "Welcome aboard then."


    At Samael''s words, Wrex laughed out loud, "Let¡¯s drink then."


    Everyone, including Grunt, looked at him like he was an idiot. "What?"


    "We have THE reunion in a few hours... we can''t show up drunk."


    "Why not?"


    Samael was taken aback at first, but then he patted Wrex''s shoulder. "Never change."


    The group then talked about Garrus¡¯ life in the Citadel over a few non-alcoholic drinks, of course.


    **HOURS LATER**


    The conversation naturally came to an end, and the group went to prepare for the reunion. All of them, except Grunt, had a role in it.


    They passed through the protesting civilians and the chaos of the Citadel. While the area where they were talking was relatively calm, the rest was not.


    Countless groups were screaming, demanding to participate in the reunion and its contest. Many different species demanding the same thing in the same space. It was bound to get complicated soon.


    "Say, aren''t we going to broadcast it to the public?" Grunt asked.


    Samael replied, "Yes."


    Grunt looked puzzled. "So why are they protesting?"


    Samael explained, "They are afraid. Of the Reapers, about what the Representatives of their species and the others will decide."


    Just then, a few people became upset and started a brawl, with C-Sec quickly trying to intervene, but to no avail. The group had to punch a few civilians to arrive at an elevator.


    They stepped in, and Samael pressed the Council Chambers floor. "People go crazy and do stupid things when fear overwhelms them. They will watch, yes, but they can''t participate in the decision-making. That makes them fearful and foolish, leading them to make harsh decisions."Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Samael had experienced what fear does to people in the galaxy many times. He had watched families leave behind their loved ones for a small chance of survival. Honestly, he could not blame them, as the Reapers are that big of a threat.


    Still, fear is poison, and they don''t need it right now. The worst part was that nothing he or the others did would change things now.


    "Hmmm." Grunt nodded at that, even though he didn''t fully understand.


    "That''s how I keep the other clans under me," Wrex added. "It''s not easy or fun, but fear is an effective tool to maintain control. Or, if you don''t know how to handle it, it can become a significant problem. Clearly, the folks here don''t know how to manage it."


    "Give them a break," Garrus offered the Citadel side of things, as he had been C-Sec leader just a few hours ago. "There''s not much to do in this situation. We can''t allow them to have a vote, or they might act shortsightedly. It''s a lose-lose situation for us."


    "In my cycle, we decided things through violence," Javik added humor to the conversation. "A fist resolved everything."


    Samael chuckled at that, something the other mimicked.


    Soon, the elevator arrived at the Council Chambers. The whole floor was packed with people trying to enter, and security was much tighter, as all representatives were present.


    Samael sent a message to the crew to come and watch. The group then made their way toward Tevos'' place to suit up. They had previously received authorization, and no one stopped them.


    The group arrived at Tevos'' place, and as discussed, had their suits ready for them. They suited up in less than three minutes and headed to the Reunion.


    ---


    COUNCIL CHAMBERS


    What once received only a few people per day was now packed with representatives from all intelligent species across the galaxy and some guests.


    There were the Elcor, elephant-like creatures that were extremely strong but, in front of the Reapers, were virtually powerless. They knew that, and that¡¯s why they were there¡ªto gain support for their species. They had no problem helping others, as long as others helped them in return.


    The Volus were present as well. Unlike the Elcor, they were weak, and like the Quarians, they had to live in suits due to their fragile constitution. They were short creatures, with almost none of them reaching a meter in height. They realized they would not survive to see the end of the war without the support of soldiers; they had plenty of money but needed backing. They were willing to listen to the Council''s plans but would not hesitate to leave if things didn¡¯t favor them.


    Also present were the Hanar, a species resembling jellyfish. They weren''t strong, but they had their uses and were open to helping others if they received help in return. They venerated the Protheans and were hoping to use today to make a friendship.


    The Krogans were present too, their presence easily felt. They were together with the Protheans, who were using them as shields from the other species'' interests, like the Hanar.


    It was working.


    Humans were there too, same with Turians and Asari. Besides the Representative, they were allowed a small group of people from different species, guests. Of course, they had to have some kind of reputation to their name.


    Even the Batarians had a representative there, though for some reason, they were grouped with the Salarians faction.


    As previously mentioned, due to some political schemes, there were factions. Among the Salarians were the Batarians, the Volus and the Hanar were seen hovering around them too. They wanted more powers, though it was clear the rest of them were just following the Salarians.


    Then, there''s the Council faction. Easily the strongest, as it had the Asari, Humans and Turians. The Krogans and the Protheans were on their side too, but it was a secret for now.


    Tensions were high as they waited for Tevos, the only Councilor, to start the Reunion.


    And they didn''t have to wait long, as Tevos entered the Council Chambers alone. Everyone stopped talking, and she began to say, "We are on the verge of a war we have never seen before. The Reapers, as you all now know, are real and are coming for us. Based on our estimations, the optimistic scenario is three years at most. The worst-case scenario is one year."


    "We need to stand together to face this threat! This is why this reunion was called¡ªto ensure everyone is on the same page regarding what comes next. We can''t escape from this fight."


    At Tevos''s last statement, the weaker species gulped, as their situation was already dire... now, it was worse.


    "Today, we will discuss a few things: First, the new members of the Council."


    Murmurs rolled around the room as Tevos continued, "I have been the Council representative for months, alone, thanks to what my companies have done. Now, it''s time to welcome not only two council members but more!"


    "WHAT!?" the Salarian representative screamed. "This is ridiculous!"


    Tevos ignored him. "I will allocate the empty slots to those species who pledge to help in the upcoming war."


    Right then, as if they had practiced before, four individuals from different species spoke in unison, "'''' My species is willing to help!"''''


    Everyone was still dumbfounded by what Tevos was saying when they heard that. They looked at the Human, Turian, Krogan, and Prothean who had spoken. It happened to be some familiar faces, such as Anderson, Castis Vakarian, Wrex and Javik.


    "Can you decide for your whole species?" Tevos asked with a cunning gaze.


    Wrex was the first to respond, "Yes. I''m the Krogan Emperor! What I say, the others can only follow!"


    Tevos didn''t hesitate. "Good. Then, from today on, the Krogan will have a representative in the council!"


    Explosive murmurs erupted around the room, as no one expected that. It was too simple, but it seemed to be true.


    The Salarian representative was fuming with rage. "I can''t accept this! Why can you do that!?''''


    Tevos proceeded to ignore him once more and looked at Castis. "Can you represent your species?"


    As mentioned before, this was all a ploy. Those four weren''t the official representatives but rather individuals/guests allowed to be there due to their reputations.


    Still, the representatives of their species knew this and were just enjoying the show.


    Garrus''s father nodded. "Yes, I can."


    "Good! Then the second new council member has been selected! The Turian is welcomed once more into the Council ranks!"


    Murmurs swept around the room, as they realized it was serious. Some species even wanted to join in on the fun, but were still hesitating for some reason.


    In one area of the room, many individuals were grouped together. The majority were human, but one Turian stood there looking quite proud.


    "You never thought your father would become a council member?" Samael asked. The group included the Phoenix and Normandy crew. Ash, Jacob, and Vega had already met everyone and were up to date.


    "Never. I know it''s a plot and all, but I can¡¯t help but feel proud."


    A feminine voice with an edge said soon after, "He''s our dad, after all."


    Solana Vakarian, Garrus''s sister, was there. She was in the loop on everything and had just met Samael and the crew. She was charismatic and easily blended together with the rest.


    Samael smiled, witnessing them interact. After smiling for a bit, he returned his attention to the reunion, which continued even though he wasn''t paying attention.


    To be honest, he was bored. He had witnessed many reunions like that, so the context felt dull to him. He was just waiting for his part to start.


    Meanwhile, Tevos had made humans, Krogan, Protheans, and Turians into council members. When the other species realized it was serious, they tried to join, but Tevos ''carefully'' selected those who would be included.


    The Quarians were included, as were the Volus and the Hanar. For obvious reasons, the Salarians and the Batarians were not.


    It was clear that those who were on the fence regarding their political alliances had chosen sides then.


    Under the protest of the Salarian representative, Tevos continued, "We will have to go through some process before announcing it to the public, but I want to say to those who weren''t chosen: The Council will not forget you all."


    "Regarding that, this is our next topic: Help from others in the war effort."


    Everyone perked up, as this was the topic they were most eager to hear about. Even though the Volus and the Hanar had just entered the Council ranks, they were interested in this discussion as well.


    "Again, this is a fight we can''t run, so we can only fight. LD has promised to help all species in regard to training, equipment, and many other areas. The Asari pledged to do the same."


    As if they were expecting it, the others who had just joined the Council said, "In accordance with that, the humans pledge to do the same. Even though we can''t compare with the Asari or LD''s resources, we will help wherever we can!"


    "The Turians will help with troops," Castis added.


    "The same goes for the Krogan," Wrex said with a sly grin on his face. He was enjoying all this, even more so seeing the Salarian representative fuming even now.


    One by one, the Council members pledged to contribute in various areas. The weaker races rejoiced at this support, and even though the future seemed bleak, they began to see a glimmer of hope.


    That was until the Salarian representative exclaimed, "WAIT A MINUTE!"


    The harmonious conversation halted, and everyone turned to look at him.


    Samael could only think, ''It has begun.''


    The Salarians would now attempt to paint LD in a negative light, not realizing how ineffective and foolish their efforts would be.

 106 – Citadel Reunion (4)

    <div>


    The Salarian representative felt as though today was a nightmare. Compared to their plans and thoughts on how this reunion would go, this felt like hell.


    Never in a million years would they have guessed that Tevos, who usually liked to concentrate all the Council power in her hands, would suddenly open it up to others.


    Not only did she open it up, but the Council now had eight members, all from different species: Asari, Turian, Human, Krogan, Quarian, Prothean, Volus, and Hanar. They held powers above the Salarians in the grand scheme of things, and that was not good for them.


    The Salarians wanted power so badly that they didn''t mind throwing their greatest support in the upcoming war, LD, under the bus and they even allied themselves with the Batarians and offered support to other species, although those haven''t joined them like the Batarians.


    They would remember that in the future.


    At first, when they were ignored in the Reunion, they endured the situation. However, when all the species seemed to come together in the war effort, effectively ignoring the Salarians, it caused the representative to panic and act.


    Now, as everyone in the room stared at him, the representative began to regret his actions, even if just a little.


    Tevos had an ambiguous expression on her face. "Why have you interrupted us?" she asked.


    The Salarian representative gulped but quickly dismissed any doubts about whether he was doing the right thing. He had his orders, and he intended to act on them. "I have intel that LD, and by proxy, humans, are using AI!"


    When he said that, he expected a lot of clamor from those around the room, but honestly, it wasn¡¯t much. Of course, those present understood that AI was dangerous, but compared to their actual situation, it didn¡¯t seem like much of a concern.


    However, the public reaction was different. As the meeting was being transmitted throughout the galaxy, fear spread among the viewers. This fear made them less rational, something the Salarians planned to exploit.


    But the effect wasn¡¯t immediate, as Tevos simply stated, "Show them to me."


    The Salarian representative noticed that the atmosphere was different from what he had anticipated, but he complied with the request and passed the proof to Tevos using his omni-tool.


    Tevos received the information and read it as quickly as she could. Essentially, the Salarians had found evidence related to Samael and his crew; things like videos, photos, and data they left behind had been analyzed. Based on that, the fact they had AI was certain.


    They even correctly deduced that RR and EDI were the AIs, though they didn¡¯t possess concrete proof. ''Impressive.''


    She had to give credit to the Salarians, as even though the Asari had been investigating LD from the beginning, they hadn¡¯t gathered as much information as the Salarians had.


    Tevos was still the only Councilor present, so she didn¡¯t need to disclose everything the Salarians had uncovered. However, she did so because Samael had asked her to. ''Truly, I have no idea what he is thinking.''


    This was essentially a death sentence for LD, as the others would demand punishments that even they wouldn¡¯t be able to endure. Yet, Samael didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    Tevos passed the information to all those in the room, '''' You can see what the Salarians have uncovered.'''' She then looked at Samael, '''' What do you, LD creator, have to say about this?''''


    Samael was calm. This wasn''t the first situation like this, nor would it be the last. "It''s the truth."


    Murmurs rolled around the room, with many people¡ªfriends even¡ªshocked by what Samael had just admitted. Even some of his new allies, like the Quarians, were in the dark about this.


    They, specifically, were troubled by this revelation. However, based on what Samael had done for them, they could 100% ignore it.


    "We demand punishment!"


    The Salarian representative grinned, feeling victorious. But, under his gaze, he watched as Samael tapped his omni-tool a few times.


    ''What is he doing?'' the Salarian wondered when he received a message on his omni-tool. When he clicked on it, he was horrified to see it was classified information about Salarians'' experiments, not only with AIs but with other species as well.


    Before he had the chance to open his mouth, Samael said, "If what LD did deserves punishment, what does this demand?"


    "OUTRAGEOUS!" one Quarian guest exclaimed when he saw those files. It showed the Salarian conducting experiments on a living Quarian, making the representative''s blood boil. The only reason he didn¡¯t just jump on the Salarian was that he was held back.


    The Salarian representative shrank back, all his bravado and momentum gone like a candle against the wind.


    "ENOUGH!" Tevos''s sudden shout caused the situation to calm down, even if just momentarily. It wasn''t just the Quarian trying to confront the Salarian. Ironically, they were being protected by the Krogan and C-Sec. The Batarians beside them also intervene.


    When everyone calmed down, Tevos looked at Samael. "What you uncovered doesn''t change the fact that LD has committed a crime against the Galaxy. You will have to be punished."


    The Salarian representative tried to smile, but he could not, as the situation did not allow it. Even though they had put LD in the spotlight, he could not feel happy, as they were also in it.


    "I see no problem with that. Even though LD has done many good things, such as curing the Genophage and helping the Quarians get rid of their suits¡ªby the way, you can take them off now."


    When everyone heard what Samael had said, they could not believe it. Then, they looked beside him and realized there was a Quarian without a suit, smiling at them. The situation with the Reaper was so shocking that they didn¡¯t even pay attention to their surroundings, easily ignoring Tali.


    But now, it has come to their attention and it shocked them.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Then, to their surprise, all Quarians present took their suits off, revealing they were free from their suits. And, by the way, they were dressed normally underneath.


    "But I ask you to postpone the punishment until after the war against the Reapers. LD is necessary for us to have a chance."


    Silence filled the room as everyone waited for Tevos''s decision. They knew Samael was right, but AI was a sensitive topic after all. The Geth, one of their biggest problems, was a direct result of that issue.


    Tevos smiled internally but maintained a stoic expression as she said, "We will postpone LD''s punishment until the war with the Reapers is over. In more than one way, it''s the right thing to do."


    If they win the war, it would be acceptable to punish LD, but if they lose, this whole matter would be meaningless.


    "What about the Salarians'' punishment?" The Quarian guest who had almost jumped out of his seat to attack the Salarian representative, asked. It was clear that he was frustrated about not being able to punish the Salarians for what they did.


    Tevos glanced at the Salarian representative, who now seemed devoid of any confidence. In fact, if he could, he would disappear from that room immediately.


    "Like LD, we will hold the Salarians accountable AFTER the war. What I said at the beginning was true: we will need unity now, not distrust."


    The Quarian still looked angry, but he nodded and sat back down. Unlike the Salarian, he understood how to look at the bigger picture.


    Those who were angry at the Salarians also swallowed their frustration¡ªfor now, at least. After the war, they would pursue them.


    "Now, does anyone have more to reveal?" Tevos asked.


    Surprisingly, Samael raised his hand.


    "Yes, Samael. What do you wish to say?" Tevos prompted.


    "Well, I might have found and gained the support of the Rachni."


    Silence. It was safe to say that no one expected that.


    ---


    After that, everything in the meeting happened like a blur. Everyone quickly came to terms with what Samael had said after realizing the extent of LD¡¯s help.


    It was safe to say that the company was the glue holding the entire war effort together. Money, new spaceships, resources¡ªyou name it, LD was the biggest contributor.


    The Turians would help train the troops from all species, just like Humans and LD.


    Krogans would assist with numbers, as they were now free from the Genophage.


    The Protheans didn''t have much to do in this reunion, as the contents of it overshadowed their presence, but they would contribute to research.


    All in all, the galaxy united as best as it could, and the public observed this. It was enough to slow down their fear and give them hope.


    It motivated both the young and old to move towards the goal of protecting their homes and families. They would help whenever they could.


    The meeting was a success, even though the Salarians tried to sabotage it.


    By the way, Project Andromeda would be revealed by Tevos to the others at another meeting taking place not long after this one. This was one of the things Samael disliked about Tevos and the entire galaxy: they had to hold multiple meetings to discuss the same topic or similar subjects.


    It was frustrating.


    Anyway, Tevos would use the opportunity to gain more trust from those who didn''t join the council, like the Elcor. They would even allow the Salarians and the Batarians to participate.


    Speaking of them, in this meeting their presence was rather small, as they only assisted the Salarians when necessary. However, Samael had business with them.


    With heavy steps, Samael made his way toward the Batarian side. ''Trash.''


    Not only had they allied with the Salarians in this cycle to try to take Tevos'' power, but in past cycles, they had also betrayed the galaxy¡ªmore than once.


    Samael''s hatred for them was more than justified, but even so, he would try to help.


    The Batarians were alone, as the Salarians had bolted from the room as soon as possible. They noticed him approaching with a carefree attitude, seemingly indifferent to his presence.


    "Fellas, I came here to talk about something important," Samael tried his best to sound polite.


    Despite his efforts, the Batarians were rude, laughing as one of them spoke in his naturally raspy voice, "What do you want, human? Have you come to ask for forgiveness, since you''ve finally recognized our greatness?"


    "No, no! He came here to admire our beauty!" another added.


    "That makes sense, considering the ladies by his side," chimed in a third. "One seems to be a Quarian no one wants, a used Asari, and then there''s a lowly human. He really needs to see something beautiful."


    It was clear from what they said that they were paying attention to Samael from the beginning.


    Samael already had a short fuse when it came to the Batarians, and now they had insulted his companions, pushing him to the limit. '''' Listen here, you fucking idiots.''''


    The Batarians grew angry, but before they could act on it, they noticed Wrex in the distance glaring at them. That was enough for them to remain silent, allowing Samael to speak uninterrupted.


    "One of your colonies is located near a Relay that the Reapers will use to arrive in the galaxy. However, this one is special because the Reapers are already on their way to use it."


    The Batarians struggled to follow the conversation. One moment, they were mocking the human and his companions, and now this human was saying something strange.


    "How do you even know that?" That was the strange part. Why hadn''t he shared this information with everyone at the meeting that had taken place not long ago?


    '''' I could tell you, but I don''t want nor need to. Now listen, we as in all council and those in power, decided to blow up said Relay. And, as this Relay is close to the planet, you will have to evacuate all citizens. Oh, and in case you guys didn''t realize, because you are too stupid, the explosion of the Relay will most likely destroy the planet too. Unlike.''''


    '''' ... What? Who do you think you are to command us like that?!?'''' The Batarians got enraged after hearing what Samael said.


    Samael got up to the face of one of the Batarians, '''' I''m the man who owns most of the galaxy. The man that is the owner of the company you buy food from. The man who could ask the Council to bark and they would ask in which species of dog. And even with all that, I''m giving you a fraction of a chance to save your people.''''


    Samael calmed down a bit after seeing that the Batarians were already intimidated enough. He sighed before saying, "Sorry, it was just that today was chaotic, so I went overboard... Anyway, LD will provide full support in the evacuation. And yes, you don¡¯t have much choice or time, so within a week at most, I want that planet evacuated."


    The Batarians were too stunned to even think.


    Samael honestly didn''t care about their feelings as he left, saying, "Expect contact soon."


    With that, Samael walked away. He had helped them, but he couldn''t deny that seeing their despair-filled faces was somewhat satisfying.


    ---


    Samael looked behind him and, sure enough, he recognized three faces: Emily, Diana, and Khalisah al-Jilani.


    "What can I do for you, ladies?" He had tried his best to stay on the same side as the reporters. They could, after all, help him manipulate others through their connections.


    Diana glanced at the other two, who nodded in agreement. She took a deep breath and said, "We want to work for LD. Not only in the news area but also to train in combat."


    That took Samael by surprise. Never in any of the previous cycles had they done anything like this. It was truly a breath of fresh air for him, so he asked, "Can I ask why?"


    "As you know, we were here in the Citadel, filming the fight against the Collectors. The people sent to protect us... almost all of them died, the majority because of our mistakes." Emily said, her expression filled with guilt. Whatever happened in the past, had changed her and pushed her forward at the same time.


    "So, we want to train so it wouldn''t happen again." Khalisah al-Jilani said after she noticed Emily staying quiet after saying that.


    By the way, Diana was Alliance Personnel, so she had basic training and wasn''t affected that much by what she saw in terms of psychological damage. However, it showed she was still weak, so she decided to change that.


    Samael looked deep into their eyes and sighed. He could see conviction in them and came to a decision. "Go to San Francisco and look for Miranda Lawson at the LD headquarters. She will be ready to allocate you there."


    The three beamed at what they heard. They came to talk with him in high hopes but never imagined it would be so simple.


    "But be warned, it won¡¯t be an easy path, but you will grow stronger." Samael knew they were resolute but still warmed them. He knew the path to becoming stronger wasn''t easy, but he knew their character, so he knew they would endure it.


    "Thank you." The three reporters thanked Samael from the bottom of their hearts.


    They exchanged a few more pleasantries before going their separate ways.


    Samael had only one thought as he was going to meet with his crew once more, '' It''s the last time we have free time. Let''s enjoy it.''


    <div>

 107 – Citadel Party (1)

    The reunion ended, and its effects were felt almost immediately. It seemed to ignite a sense of duty across the galaxy, as almost every species had a surge of recruitment just minutes after it had concluded.


    The ages of those eager to join varied widely, with even teenagers wanting to contribute to the war effort. They weren''t officially recruited; however, as LD and the rest promised, they would train anyone who came seeking it.


    Not only young people, but even older individuals sought out training. They understood what they were fighting for: a better future¡ªnot just for themselves but for the next generation as well.


    They were determined to do their part.


    Still, fear loomed, as the Reapers were an incredibly formidable opponent. They had literally destroyed the capital of Thessia in less than a day. More troops would only increase the number of casualties.


    However, for evil to prevail, it only requires a good person to do nothing.


    The galaxy was slowly but surely preparing for war.


    WITH VALERY


    Valery watched her son appear at the reunion, a few tears forming in her eyes and a proud look on her face. He had accomplished so much in his short life and was now at the center of the galaxy''s power structure.


    It was amazing. She was sure Mason would be proud if he could see his son now.


    However, when Samael revealed that RR was an AI, she worried about the reaction from the rest of the galaxy. At the same time, she trusted her son to handle it.


    Still, there was nothing she could do to help him regarding that, so she could only wait.


    After that, everything became a blur to her. She felt a mix of emotions. She knew how others reacted in the face of fear; she had felt that way when she heard about the Reapers months ago. But there was also hope that the galaxy would truly unite against this crisis and overcome it.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s wait and see.¡±


    To be honest, she wanted to help in combat too, but she felt too old for that. ¡°Maybe I should have taken some training like Samael told me.¡±


    Crying over the past wouldn¡¯t change the future. Valery knew the best thing she could do for the galaxy was to ensure her own safety. She knew her son well, and she was uncertain about what he might do if something happened to her.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time to leave Earth?¡±


    After much consideration, she reached this conclusion. The place where she lived was literally the safest on Earth¡ªit was in San Francisco, where the LD HQ was located. In her community, there was even a whole compound, so it felt secure.


    Yet Samael had offered to take her off Earth months ago, and now it seemed like a good time to accept that offer.


    Before she could continue that train of thought, someone knocked on her door. She checked the multiple cameras Samael had installed around the house and saw it was someone from the neighborhood and an old acquaintance.


    She didn¡¯t know why they were there, but she decided to answer the door anyway. Everyone in the area already knew Samael was the owner of LD, so she wasn¡¯t worried it would be an attack or anything like that.


    When she opened the door, the person, who didn¡¯t look over 40 years old, asked right away, '''' Where can I go to help?''''


    ''''Sorry?" Valery asked in a confused tone.


    The person looked resolute, almost as if they were ready to go to war. "I¡ªwell, I assume everyone in the galaxy saw the Reunion. So, even though I''m quite old, I can''t stay put and watch the rest of the galaxy move to help. Where can I go to join LD?"


    As mentioned in the Reunion, the Alliance, LD, the Krogan, the Turians, the Asari¡ªwell, the whole galaxy¡ªwill now accept civilians to train for the war, no matter the age.


    They just have to be willing to help.


    The person in front of her was one of them. Valery couldn¡¯t help but feel both good and worried about the situation. She knew the upcoming war would be bloody, and the chances of survival were slim. The moment she answered, this man''s life would change. Still, it was his choice, and now she had to make hers.


    "...There''s an LD compound in the slums. You can go there to receive training.''''


    Everyone knew about it, including the man, so he nodded. "Thank you for that. I came here just to be sure. See you around."


    "Bye." Valery watched as the man left, her mind racing with complicated thoughts. Not much time had passed since the Reunion ended, and he was the first to arrive at her place, but she suspected many more would come.


    "Maybe it''s not time to leave Earth after all. And it seems I can still be of help."


    With a resolute mind, Valery decided to assist in the recruitment process. This was a fight no one could escape from, and every bit of help was appreciated.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    She would do her part and hoped the rest of the galaxy would do the same.


    --


    WITH SHEPARD


    Right after the Reunion, which determined how the galaxy would prepare against the Reapers, Shepard went to meet the now-Councilor Anderson, her adoptive father.


    They had talked before, yes, but through calls, not in person. This was a rare chance for both of them.


    On her way there, Shepard noticed Anderson was surrounded by people from different species, all congratulating him on becoming a Councilor.


    Shepard hesitated to interrupt for a brief second, long enough for Anderson to notice her nearby. As soon as he did, he excused himself from the group and approached her. Soon, he was in front of her, looking quite proud of her. "How have you been?"


    Although he didn¡¯t show it, he panicked when he heard that Shepard was on Thessia during the Reaper attack. He immediately tried to send reinforcements but knew it would be too late by then. All he could do was hope she was alive.


    When he received a call informing him she was safe, he relaxed immediately. It also strengthened his resolve to better prepare the galaxy for the upcoming threat. So, when Samael called him a while ago with an opportunity to join the council, he accepted right away.


    "I have been good. Samael and his crew have treated me well," Shepard said, noticing Anderson''s worries despite his stoic exterior. She reassured him as best as she could.


    It also warmed her heart to see him like that; it meant he cared for her, and that was enough.


    "That''s good to hear." Anderson could see that Shepard cared for her crew and her new friends. Still, he was immensely glad to see her doing well.


    "By the way, when were you going to tell me about all of this, huh?" After their emotional (?) reunion, Shepard asked with a grin on her face. "I was surprised when you were announced as a Councilor."


    Anderson chuckled and looked at Samael across the room, who was surrounded by people trying to talk to him. Some were cursing him because of his AI, while others were thanking him for the support that the LD would provide to others in the upcoming years. Regardless, Wrex was at his side, managing those who might have had funny thoughts.


    It was amusing to Anderson that the Krogan had also become a Councilor, yet only a few people approached him to offer congratulations.


    Anderson knew that his current position was only possible because of Samael and his connections. If it hadn''t been for Samael to make a deal with Tevos, humanity would have taken a long time to secure a seat on the Council. "Believe me, I was surprised too."


    A while ago, Anderson had received a call from Samael and didn¡¯t hesitate to accept his offer. With his new position, he felt he could help far more than he could in his previous role.


    ''There''s a lot to do and think about: who to send to Project Andromeda, where to start recruitment and training. It seems I will be quite busy now.''


    However, he was happy that he could contribute more.


    Shepard noticed Anderson''s gaze and connected the dots. ''Samael must have helped with all this show.''


    It made sense since LD had a significant influence across the galaxy. Still, Shepard surmised that Samael had chosen Anderson primarily because of her. It felt a bit narcissistic, but it also made perfect sense.


    It warmed her heart, as it indicated that Samael genuinely cared for her; otherwise, he would have chosen someone with more power.


    ''That man is unbelievable, in more than one way.''


    With that thought, Shepard looked at Anderson with a soft gaze, knowing what lay ahead for him. "You will be busier now."


    Anderson smiled in response. "Don''t worry, we can still talk through calls... but let''s make it more frequent, okay?"


    Shepard nodded, "Let''s do that."


    "Don¡¯t go back on your word."


    While adoptive father and daughter shared a reunion after some time apart, Samael, on the other side of the room, faced his own challenges.


    ''What to do, what to do...''


    He was contemplating how to say goodbye to the Citadel, as after this trip, he would probably only return after a long time. When he left, he would embark on a journey that would take some time, and he still had to prepare for the war.


    Chaotic times were ahead, so he thought of throwing a good party. He had experience in that area, after all, he had lived a long life. Still, he had many doubts about how to ensure everyone would have a good time.


    ''Maybe we could use Chora''s Den?''


    The owner was the former Asari waitress he had helped after killing Fisk months ago. She still owed him a favor, so using the place made sense. But¡ª


    ''It''s too simple, and we''ve already been there before... I¡¯ll keep it in mind, though.''


    So, Samael continued to brainstorm ideas while more people tried to approach him to talk. Wrex served as a shield, allowing only those with good intentions to speak to him.


    Even then, Samael spoke to them in an automated manner while thinking about a good place to party.


    ''You know what, forget it. We''ll improvise.''


    Samael finally accepted that and redirected his attention to the present, looking around the room.


    Castis was speaking with Garrus and Solana, probably discussing what his life as a Councilor would be like. Garrus was likely talking about joining Samael''s crew, and Solana was there to stay in the loop.


    By the way, she had a position on one of the Arks of the Andromeda Project, but it remained to be seen whether she would accept it or not.


    Tevos was conversing with Liara and Samara. He had no idea what they were discussing.


    Tali was chatting with the Quarian Councilor, who just happened to be her father. Yes, that was Samael''s idea, just like he did with Anderson. Believe it or not, even though the galaxy had a war to fight, if they won, those two would hold positions of power for life, making their lives significantly easier.


    Now, they just had to win.


    The rest of the crew was scattered across the room. Javik and Grunt were together, as were Shepard''s crew.


    Samael smiled at the situation. "Let¡¯s get it going."


    He sent a message for everyone to regroup at Chora''s Den in ten minutes.


    ---


    CHORA''S DEN


    The bar was nothing like its previous version. Under the Asari, it had undergone numerous renovations, all financed with LD¡¯s help, as Samael had promised her.


    It was now considered one of the best bars on the Citadel, with its former reputation now gone. No more crime lords residing there or anything like that.


    It was bustling with people, and today was no different. Well, it WAS bustling, not anymore, because the owner had received a message that Samael was coming.


    She mentally prepared herself, knowing that the last time they visited, they had emptied the stock. She never got angry, though, as she realized she wouldn¡¯t be where she was today if Samael hadn¡¯t appeared in her life.


    So, she cleared the bar, drawing a few angry stares from customers. She ignored them because the guests coming was far more important than they ever would be.


    Soon after, a diverse crowd entered her bar: Krogan, Asari, Quarian, Prothean, Human¡ªyou name it, they entered. Well, she knew not every species was there, but it certainly looked that way.


    They immediately arranged themselves at the table, almost as if they had planned it beforehand. Soon, they began to ask for drinks and other orders.


    The owner no longer worked as a waitress, but she stayed nearby to keep an eye on things.


    From a distance, she could see Samael mouthing, "Thanks for that, and I''m sorry."


    The Asari could only sigh. It was going to be a long day.

 108 – Citadel Party (2)

    A few minutes had passed since the crew arrived at Chora''s Den, and they had already separated into groups.


    As always, Javik, Wrex, and Grunt were together, drinking their worries away. Samara joined them, as the Asari appreciated their attitude. Garrus, after getting to know everyone, also decided to join the group.


    Kaidan, Kasumi, Thane, and Keiji were catching up with Ashley, Jacob, and Vega. The latter three had some good stories to share about the battle on the Citadel, and everyone was listening intently. Clare, Dr. Chakwas, Mordin, and John were also there and engaged in conversation.


    Joker and EDI were in their own world, while Shepard, Tali, Liara, Veronica, and RR were together with Samael.


    It was a somewhat harmonious scene, and Samael enjoyed it immensely, as it was a luxury he had missed from past cycles. This was the first time in this cycle that his family was complete. Unfortunately, Legion could not join them for obvious reasons, but it still counted.


    He knew it was a privilege, so he was savoring the moment as best as he could.


    "So, that''s Garrus?" Shepard asked, eyeing the Turian. From what she had heard, he was ''recruited'' earlier into LD, just like her, and she compared her abilities to his. Safe to say, she thought she had a 60% chance of winning in a fight, based on what she knew.


    Samael realized it was the first time Shepard was meeting Garrus, although the Turian had made a good impression on her crewmates. They had a solid friendship in the games and past cycles, so he wanted to ensure they got along in this cycle too.


    After all, they were very important in the upcoming war.


    "Yes, that''s him. He''s a good friend and an even better soldier." Samael said, hyping up the Turian, with RR chiming in.


    "Based on statistics, he''s stronger than most LD soldiers, though not when compared to Wrex yet."


    "He''s friendly too, so be sure to get to know him," Tali added.


    She and Liara had met Garrus previously, so they were familiar with him, even if only briefly. He seemed like a nice person, and considering Samael was speaking highly of him, it meant he could be trusted.


    "We will see.... By the way, Samael, what are you going to do now? I mean, everything urgent has been dealt with, and we finally have a breather." Shepard asked.


    Samael smiled bitterly, his mind racing with the many tasks he still needed to accomplish to keep everyone safe and improve their chances of winning the war. ''I have to send someone to recruit the Geth, check on the Rachni Queen, as by now the first offspring must have already been born, and send someone to grab the Crucible blueprint or just write it down from what I remember.''


    ''That brings me to the last thing on my mind. I still remember what happened on Thessia, so I don''t fully trust my memories anymore. I''ll go to Earth, talk to Miranda, and ask her to send someone to Mars to grab the blueprint. Then I''ll compare it with what I have in my memories. After that, I''ll deal with the other me in my mind.''


    There was so much to do and only one or two years to prepare. Samael gulped down a drink, ''Crazy to think all of this happened in less than one year.''


    Yes, ever since he left Earth for the first time, only one year had passed. But his bond with his family was strong. That was due to the fact he knew their personalities and that some people were literally made for each other, so there was a connection right after they meet.


    Some call it fate.


    "I will be busier for a few months... And you? I mean, you''re a Spectre after all." Samael answered and asked Shepard.


    Shepard smiled at that. "Honestly, I think I have bad luck. I mean, on the week I was made a Spectre, Thessia was attacked, and then we went to war with the Reaper on Illos. Tevos hasn''t had the opportunity to give me a mission."


    "Maybe that will change. By the way, Tali, how are you feeling about your father being made a Councilor?"


    Just like with Anderson, Samael brought this up to ensure his family had a good time after the war if they won.


    Tali smiled at that question, because she had some doubts too, "That was what I was going to ask. Is that a marriage gift, perhaps?"


    Those around the table stared, as this was a touchy subject. After all, all those at the table were in a relationship, and marriage was on everyone''s minds, but no one had said anything about it. Until now.


    Samael didn''t look fazed, as his end goal was to marry all of them. "Hmmmm, maybe. Should we all get married before the war?"


    This made the entire table silent, no one could believe what they had just heard. Based on his expression, Samael was serious, something they didn''t expect.


    Veronica, who had known Samael since childhood, was the most excited. She never thought he would ask that, ever. It took her a long time to enter his heart, and now this.


    The others had known Samael for only one year or less, but they also felt good hearing that.


    Though, RR said, "How about we wait until the war is over? I know how good it is to marry, based on the data I have, but it''s not a good omen to marry before a war. It''s all in the statistics."Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Even if what RR said was bullshit, they had no way to verify right now, everyone fell silent again. It made sense, as in movies and even real life, those who marry before a war tend to die.


    Samael felt the inner turmoil of those around him, the fear stemming from moving too fast and the thought that RR was right, if they were truly meant for each other, etc.


    So, he said, "Then, after the war, I''ll officially ask you to marry me. If we are still together then and you all accept this... adjustment, we can get married."


    That was a compromise everyone could agree on.


    "Sounds good to me."


    "No problem on my side."


    Everyone was on board with it, and Samael remembered something. "Liara, how was the encounter with your mother and father?"


    Liara looked embarrassed. "It was good, honestly. We caught up, I forgave them for their absence and... they found out about all of us too."


    The other girls, minus RR who wasn''t present when they met Benezia and Aethyta, also looked embarrassed. Samael stared, contemplating the scene, before letting out a small laugh.


    ---


    Minutes passed, and the party continued with a harmonious tone when suddenly a mysterious person in a hoodie entered Chora''s Den.


    Even though everyone was enjoying the party, they were soldiers at their core, so they were alert from the beginning. When this person entered, they stopped what they were doing and stared at her.


    The person paused when she noticed their attention and took her hoodie off, revealing that it was Tevos. She smiled at the gaze she was receiving. "I heard about the ''best party'' that the Citadel has ever seen taking place here, so I decided to check it out!"


    Tevos looked around and nodded. "It seems to be true!"


    "HELL YEAH!" As always, Wrex was the most animated among them and exclaimed when he heard that.


    Everyone in the place knew Tevos, either personally or through others. When they recognized her, they relaxed, and the party returned to its normal rhythm.


    When Tevos scanned the room, she spotted Samael''s table and made sure to remember where it was. He was alone, so after greeting everyone else, she made her way to his table.


    Samael was in one of the best moods that day, so when Tevos sat down at the now-empty table, thanks to the others wanting to dance, he smiled at her. "Welcome to the party."


    "Thanks for the invite. And nice place you have here." Tevos, proving she was a good Councilor, knew that Samael was the true ''owner'' of Chora''s Den.


    Honestly, everything that happened in the Citadel, she knew. Sometimes she knew all of it, others times not so much, but she was aware of it.


    "You''re welcome, but I have no idea what you''re talking about." Yes, Samael had invited Tevos and a few others to the party, and yes, he was lying through his teeth.


    He then got serious. "The ''secret reunion'' to talk about the Geth and the Andromeda Project is tomorrow, right?"


    While he wasn''t going to participate, he knew all about it because, well, the Andromeda Project was something he had initiated.


    "Yes. Are you really going to miss it?" Tevos knew that Samael''s presence would raise the stakes, but sadly, he was going to miss it.


    "I have something to take care of urgently, so I will not be participating. Sorry about that, but I can send someone to act as the LD representative." He already had someone in mind: Mordin.


    While the Salarian was important to LD, if he was missing for one day, it wouldn¡¯t matter that much. He was also the one in LD who knew the most about the projects, so he was already familiar with the Andromeda Project.


    "I would appreciate that." Tevos then ordered some drinks while the conversation continued, with Samael asking for a favor.


    "Go easy on the missions you give Shepard. And, if and when I need her presence, let her go. Can you do that for me?"


    Tevos smiled knowingly, as she knew Shepard was intimate with Samael. "Don''t worry about it."


    As they continued to chat and drink, two more Asari entered Chora''s Den. Liara grew pale as she realized it was her parents. Nothing could be more embarrassing than that, but thankfully, they only nodded at her and didn''t embarrass her.


    Liara sighed in relief and returned her attention to the party.


    The two immediately went to meet Samael after nodding at everyone in the bar, with Aethyta sizing him up. After all, this man was in a relationship with her daughter and four others.


    "Hmm..." She was surprised by the feeling she was receiving from him. that he was dangerous. Of course, she knew all about him, being the owner of LD, but she never believed the rumors surrounding him. Now, seeing was believing, and she realized those rumors were most likely true.


    "Benezia." Samael had already met with her on Thessia, so he greeted her warmly.


    "Samael." Benezia sat down, along with Aethyta. She then pointed at her, "This is Aethyta, Liara''s father."


    Samael already knew her from past cycles, but he still greeted her as if it were the first time... well, it was the first time in this cycle. "Nice to meet you."


    "What are your intentions with our daughter?" Aethyta went directly to the touchy subject.


    Samael calmly replied, "The best. We even talked about marriage not long ago but decided to touch the subject after the war."


    Benezia and Aethyta never thought they would hear that today. Based on what they knew, they had only met about a year ago. It was fast, but honestly, considering the state of the galaxy, it made sense.


    Tevos, who had been ignored until now, smirked at the situation.


    Benezia recovered slightly. "As long as she is happy."


    Aethyta had the same train of thought. "Make sure to keep her safe."


    "I swear on my life I''ll do my best."


    Aethyta nodded, feeling satisfied with the conversation, and finally asked for some drinks.


    It was then that she realized Tevos was at the same table as her. "What are you doing here?!"


    Benezia also looked shocked.


    A vein popped in Tevos''s head. "I WAS HERE FROM THE BEGINNING!"


    The three matriarchs started to banter and time continued to pass.


    Not long after Benezia and Aethyta arrived, three more people entered the bar: one human and two Turians.


    Garrus recognized two-thirds of them, even though he was already tipsy. "Father, sister! Welcome to the party!" he exclaimed.


    He passed drinks to them, and Solana, who had already made friends with the crew, was like a fish in water. "Let''s get drunk!" she declared.


    Solana, being younger than Garrus, inherited the free-spirited nature of her family, making her much more social than he was.


    "Hell yeah!" Grunt cheered as he escorted her to the bar, which was close to running out of stock already. The owner had to call in some favors to replenish the supplies quickly. It didn''t matter the price, Samael was going to pay for it anyway.


    While Solana embraced the atmosphere, Castis felt lost. He knew almost no one there, just like Anderson, who finished saying hi to Shepard. They awkwardly greeted everyone before hurrying to Samael''s table, which they had spotted earlier, to escape the situation.


    On the way to the table, Castis remarked to Anderson, "Samael gives off the feeling of being old, doesn¡¯t he?"


    Anderson, trying hard not to laugh at Shepard''s earlier attempt at dancing (if you could call it that), nodded in agreement with Castis. "He really does."


    They arrived at the table, greeted everyone there, and sat down. "Thanks for the invite."


    "No worries," Samael replied. "I know how busy you all are, so take this party as a vacation of sorts." Samael really understood how rough they had it.d things, so he was honest.


    Moments later, a few drinks arrived at the table, and Samael said, "Let''s drink our sorrows away."


    Castis grabbed a drink right away and replied, "Let''s!"

 109 – Departure

    By the time Samael woke up, it was already the next day. Everyone around the bar was wasted, with some even lying on the floor, while others were scattered across the bar.


    Only RR and EDI were ''up'', as they really didn''t need to sleep. They greeted Samael with a nod, then returned to their conversation.


    Speaking of it, Chora¡¯s Den had seen better days. Some areas of the bar were in disarray, with some places clearly looking like they would need repair. Still, nothing money or time couldn¡¯t solve.


    Groaning, he got up and tried to remember what had happened yesterday, but¡ª


    ''I can''t remember past a certain point.''


    ---


    FLASHBACK


    HOURS AGO


    After the small talk with Aethyta, Tevos, Benezia, Anderson, and Castis, they continued discussing trivial matters for a bit. But, perhaps captivated by the festivities, they decided to join the party as well.


    Of course, the majority were reserved, after all, this was a party where they knew few people, and the people there were much younger than them. One person, however, didn¡¯t mind that at all, as he was already part of the younger crowd to begin with.


    Samael went to the dance floor and attempted to dance, but no one seemed impressed with what he was showing. When Shepard joined in with her... movements, everyone felt energized and began to dance too. After all, if that was dancing, then they were the best dancer in the universe.


    Soon, Benezia and Aethyta, perhaps caught up in the atmosphere, joined the dance floor as well. Liara, at this point, stopped caring about the awkwardness and just accepted the situation.


    Tevos, noticing this, decided to join in too. She entered the fray and started to dance with Garrus, making the young Turian blush at her movements.


    Solana tried to tease the poor young Turian, but a glare from Castis stopped her.


    Speaking of him, while he wanted to join in, his old bones and personality didn¡¯t allow him to dance like Tevos and the others. So, he just appreciated the scene, drinking copious amounts of alcohol.


    Anderson was the same. He had secretly filmed Shepard''s dance moves and planned to keep it as a souvenir.


    So the two of them got drunk while enjoying the atmosphere.


    But soon, a problem occurred. The owner made a slight miscalculation and ordered too many drinks. She tried not to show it to Samael and the others, hoping to keep the atmosphere on the dance floor, but she failed when Grunt noticed her actions.


    "Hey, what are in those crates?" Grunt asked with a suspicious look. Although he was enjoying the party, he was also paying attention to his surroundings. So when the owner brought multiple crates around the back and seemed to want to hide them, he became curious and alert.


    After all, there could have been weapons inside, so he came to check.


    When he saw the owner struggling to find the right words, he simply ignored her and opened one of the crates. When he saw the amount of alcohol inside, his eyes lit up.


    The previous dangerous atmosphere around him disappeared as he looked at the owner with appreciation. "Sorry about that, and good job."


    The owner sighed in relief and watched as Grunt carried some crates to the dance floor. Arriving close to the others, he shouted, "Guys, good drinks have arrived!"


    Yes, the drinks were the best the Citadel had to offer, and the owner had pulled some favors to get them.


    The others quickly realized the situation, looked at where the rest of the crates were, and brought them all to the dance floor.


    The owner could only sweat as she watched the whole party start to drink heavily. ¡°What have I done...?¡±


    And that was the start of the problems. As the party spiraled out of control, everyone got blackout drunk and began acting strangely, causing chaos throughout the Citadel.


    Though, that was a story for another time.


    (AN: I won''t be mentioning the things they did while blacked out because those will become the next batch of side stories. I planned on making those into a chapter, but I honestly had no inspiration for a chapter like that rn, so I did the best I could think of: leaving the trouble for future me.)


    ---


    PRESENT


    Samael sighed as he realized the situation.


    He had drunk so much that he blacked out. From the states of Wrex, Javik, and Grunt, it seemed the drinks had been too strong, as they were also sprawled out on the ground.


    "... How much did we drink?" He asked RR and EDI. For someone who was almost immune to alcohol, it wasn¡¯t normal for Samael to lose control like this. Not only him, but everyone has blacked out too.


    "Too much," RR said calmly, with a smile that made Samael think about what they did last night.


    EDI then asked in a light tone, "By the way, do you want to know what you guys did yesterday? We have videos, C-Sec reports, and many other things."


    Samael shook his head. "Maybe another time. It''s time to wake up the rest and clean up the place."


    EDI shrugged her shoulders. "Go ahead."


    She and RR once more returned to their conversation.


    Sweating and thinking about the things they could have done while in that state, Samael began to wake everyone one by one.After all, they had to help clean up the mess they made.


    Samael then went to wake Wrex, Javik, and Grunt first. After all, just like him, they were the best when it came to jobs that required manpower.


    He woke Wrex with a light kick and woke up Javik and Grunt with a small tap.


    The still sleepy Wrex rubbed the spot where he had been kicked. "What happened?"The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "We drank too much yesterday and I just woke you up... By the way, do you remember what happened yesterday? My memory is a blur after some point." Samael asked the three of them, now that Javik and Grunt were also awake.


    They looked at each other and shook their heads, with Wrex saying, "One of the last things I remember was carrying the crates with all those expensive drinks, drinking a lot, and that''s it."


    Javik nodded, indicating that it was the same for him. "By the way, Grunt, where did those crates come from?"


    Grunt clearly had fun last night. It showed on his face, and he wasn¡¯t trying to hide it. "I was watching Shepard dance¡ª"


    Wrex snickered loudly, while the others ignored him because they had almost done the same. Shepard''s dance was too ... memorable.


    "When I noticed the bar''s owner carrying the crates. I got suspicious, thinking it could be weapons, so I followed her. I then calmly asked her to take a look inside, and the rest is history."


    Samael knew that they must have emptied the stock or come close to it, so the owner must have prepared in advance. Only, she was found out by Grunt.


    He could almost picture the scene of the owner being terrified of a suspicious Grunt. "Did you scare her too much?"


    Grunt shook his head. "She was fine... I think."


    Javik shook his head at what Grunt said, then looked at Samael. "Clean up?"


    "Clean up. You guys start while I wake up the rest.'''' Samael said while looking at RR and EDI. Both of them knew what had happened yesterday, but they were staying quiet about it. He honestly didn''t want to press the issue because he was afraid of what he and the rest had done, and you know what they say: If you don''t know about it, it didn''t happen.


    Of course, if his curiosity got the better of him, he would ask, but for now, things would remain a mystery.


    The trio nodded and started to clean up the place while Samael began to wake up the others.


    First, he started with Shepard, Liara, Tali, and Veronica. They were at a table, sleeping together. Samael smirked at the scene and decided to wake up Liara first.


    He breathed lightly on her ear, knowing it was something she liked. Sure enough, she reacted and slowly began to wake up.


    The first thing she saw was Samael''s smiling face. "Samael?" she asked in a dazed tone.


    "Morning, sunshine."


    Liara slowly came to and looked around Chora''s Den, and the situation came back to her. "Morning... What happened here?"


    "That¡¯s something I honestly don''t want to find out," Samael replied as he moved to wake up Tali. "But, tell me, you don¡¯t remember either?"


    Liara nodded, "I saw Father and Mother... kissing, drank a lot, then... I don¡¯t remember."


    ''It seems that Benezia and Aethyta had a fling last night. Maybe it''s the beginning of their reconnection? Honestly, at this point, I just everyone to be happy. If reconnecting was what they needed to achieve that, so be it.''


    Samael woke up Tali in a way he knew she liked, while still talking to Liara. "Same for me. The only ones who know what happened yesterday are EDI and RR. They say they have C-Sec reports and videos, so if you want to find out, you should talk to them."


    Hearing that, Liara knew they must have caused a lot of trouble around the Citadel, and she wasn''t keen to find out. "I''m good," she replied, then saw Wrex, Javik, and Grunt. "Clean up?"


    Samael nodded. "I''m waking the rest to help. If you want to, you can start ahead."


    Liara got up, '''' Ill do that.'''' She kissed Samael and went to help.


    After that, Samael woke up the others one by one. While the majority of them were in good condition, some had clearly crossed a line, like Benezia and Aethyta.


    The duo had obviously enjoyed each other''s company. The only saving grace of the situation was that they were in a secluded space, so almost no one had witnessed it.


    Liara, fortunately, was one of the few who didn''t.


    Solana, Garrus''s sister, was also in an awkward position, as most of her clothes were missing, and her father and brother were around. Luckily for her, the other female crew members provided her with enough clothing to cover herself.


    Castis said nothing about it because, like everyone else, he didn¡¯t remember what had happened and only noticed that she was covered. He also had his share of crazy younger years, so it didn¡¯t faze him much.


    Garrus, on the other hand, was trying to hold back his laughter but was failing miserably.


    Tevos and Anderson seemed to be the most normal among them. Although they also didn¡¯t remember the events, their demeanor was one of calm.


    Soon, after everyone had woken up, the cleanup was quick.Samael spoke with the owner, thanking her for her hospitality and, of course, paid for the repair.


    "Please, come again when you feel like it. Although, do let me know in advance. After all, you guys made quite a bit of noise yesterday." From her tone, she was sober yesterday and witnessed the crew''s antics.


    Samael nodded in response and left Chora''s Den.


    Outside, everyone was saying their goodbyes. After all, some of them would be apart for a long time. Garrus had given up his spot at C-Sec to join Samael''s crew, while Mordin would stay behind to make an appearance at the reunion about Project Andromeda, Benezia and Aethyta were going off to pursue their own plans, while Castis, Anderson, and Tevos would return to their duties.


    Solana was an enigma; Castis had no idea what to do with her. Although she was a Turian, she was a free spirit and not as grounded as the others.


    When Samael approached the group, Castis immediately spoke to him. "Could you take Solana with you?"


    "Sorry?" Samael tilted his head, feeling confused. This was the first time Castis had asked anything like this, across all cycles, so he was taken aback. He did know Solana¡ªafter all, he had a fling with her in a previous cycle¡ªbut this request was surprising.


    Castis was straightforward, saying, "She¡¯s a good soldier, so you won''t lose anything on that front. The only problem is that she¡¯s very free-spirited."


    It was clear Castis was struggling to express himself, but he conveyed his feelings quite naturally.


    Samael didn¡¯t overthink it. "What has Garrus said?" As they were siblings, working together might affect Garrus, so if he was against it, Samael would reject Castis''s proposal.


    Castis looked relieved. "He already agreed, just like Solana." He then glanced at his daughter, who was clearly blending in well with both the Phoenix¡¯s crew and Shepard¡¯s team.


    "Tell her to pack up and meet us at the dock. We leave in one hour."


    Castis nodded. "Thanks for that."


    "Don¡¯t mention it."


    They both returned to the group, and Samael approached Tevos directly. "How are you?"


    "With a hangover and thinking about the reunion regarding Project Andromeda."


    "You¡¯ll do well. I reckon you¡¯ve already explained everything to Mordin?" Although Samael had informed the Salarian about the reunion, he thought it would be better for Tevos to explain it herself.


    Tevos nodded. "Yes, he¡¯s aware of it."


    "Good... Now, do you need anything from me? This will probably be the last time we see each other for a while."


    From Samael''s tone, Tevos realized he would be traveling a lot. She thought for a moment and shook her head. "Nothing comes to mind... and good luck with whatever you¡¯re going to do."


    "Thanks."


    Samael, his crew, and Shepard said goodbye to the councilors and headed to the docks.


    Now that things were "finished," Joker returned to the Normandy. He had already said goodbye to EDI, and they both promised to maintain contact.


    While the crew was talking, Samael was saying goodbye to Shepard alongside Tali, Liara, RR, and Veronica.


    The girls just finished hugging and were saying things like, "Don''t forget to call" and "Don''t forget us," etc. They then stepped back to give Samael and Shepard some space. After all, just like them, he was also in a fling with Shepard.


    This made Shepard''s expression confused. She wasn''t doubting her feelings, it was just too complicated. The war, Samael, and the girls¡ªall of their feelings¡ªwere overwhelming.


    It was too much to think about, so Shepard did her best to leave things for the future.


    "Samael," she said.


    "Shepard."


    Samael knew that Shepard was more emotional than she let on, so he chose to be direct. "I will be going on a journey that might take some time. I will probably return before the war starts, but I want you to know that what I said yesterday was true. If after the war you still want to continue our arrangement, I will gladly accept."


    Shepard was worried about the journey he was embarking on but didn¡¯t let it show. After all, everyone had their own life. Still, she appreciated Samael''s honesty. "I¡¯ll think about it."


    Samael smiled, hesitated for a second, then kissed Shepard.


    She looked surprised but soon returned the gesture.


    He then broke the kiss. "See you later."


    "Bye bye."


    Shepard and her crew watched as Samael and the rest entered the Phoenix. While Shepard was lost in thought, Joker teased, "How was the kiss, Commander?"


    That brought her back to reality. "How were EDI''s lips, Joker?"


    It seemed he liked to tease but had no idea how to handle being teased himself, as he stuttered, "Well¡ªthat¡ªsorry."


    His reaction made some snicker, while others just watched the Phoenix leave the Citadel.


    Shepard took one last look and said, "Let''s go. We have a lot to do and not much time."


    The countdown to war began, and time was not on the galaxy''s side.


    ---


    AN: Thanks for the support and sorry for the delay. The next chapter should be up in the next couple of days!

 110 – Secret Reunion

    The journey to Earth would take some time, so the crew used this opportunity to introduce Garrus and Solana to everyone and to the Phoenix.


    Garrus was already familiar with most of the crew, but Solana was a new addition and while she knew them, she wasn''t that familiar with all, so this was something they had to do. Neither of them had ever seen the inside of the Phoenix, so a tour was a nice way to spend the time.


    They visited the infirmary, then the bar, the cockpit, and finally encountered Legion. The Geth was waiting for Samael so he could help the Geth, who hadn¡¯t pledged alliance to the Reapers.


    The Geth was near the hangar.


    Solana nodded and greeted the Geth warmly, reasoning that if Legion was here, he must be normal, or at least not like the other Geth.


    Garrus, however, was more cautious about Legion. He had faced the Geth and the Collectors when they attacked the Citadel, so he didn¡¯t trust Legion right away.


    Samael noticed Garrus''s hesitation and acted as a mediator. "Garrus, this is Legion. He helped the Asari fight against other Geth when they attacked Thessia, and now he''s waiting.''''


    Garrus, eyeing Legion, asked, "For what?"


    "For me."


    Garrus looked at Samael in confusion, prompting him to explain, "The Geth, like everyone in the galaxy, have conflicts among their society. Some followed the Reapers while others, like Legion, just wants to be free. He wants me to recruit others like him, and I will do that."


    The Geth as a whole is a complicated species because of what they are. But at least some of them were ''normal'', and that was enough.


    Garrus still had doubts, but he trusted Samael. "Nice to meet you," he said to Legion. "My name is Garrus Vakarian."


    Legion, as always, was monotone. "Nice to meet you," he responded, before turning to Samael and asking, "Where is Shepard and the rest? Have they left already?"


    Yes, while not much, Shepard and the others from her crew had interacted with Legion. It started as curiosity, and then it became something normal. Legion noticed they weren¡¯t present, so he asked about them.


    Samael nodded. "We are entering the last phase in preparation for war. Shepard has her role, just as you and I do."


    Legion managed to make what seemed like a ''surprised'' face. "Do you mean...?"


    "Yes. It''s time to recruit the Geth!"


    Legion sounded hopeful. "How?"


    "Right now, we are going to Earth to prepare on that front. When we arrive, I will send you along with EDI towards the Perseus Veil so that you can recruit the Geth."


    While Samael had explored the Perseus Veil in past cycles, the rest of the galaxy hadn¡¯t. Just mentioning it made Garrus and Solana exchange surprised looks.


    They were listening to Samael and Legion talk and were taken aback by this turn of events. The Perseus Veil was an unexplored area of the galaxy, home to the Geth and many other species that the galaxy was not aware of.


    Exploring this region was akin to a suicide mission, yet Samael said he would do it.


    It is safe to say that his siblings were surprised, but they didn''t dwell on it for too long and decided to ask him about it later.


    Legion nodded. "Thank you for that."


    Samael patted his shoulder. "Thank me when we win the war. Until then, let''s do our best to survive."


    With that, the conversation naturally came to an end. Samael, Garrus, and Solana left Legion and continued exploring the ship.


    Thirty minutes later, the tour ended.


    Solana had nothing but praise for the ship. "Its design is amazing! Who would have thought to build something like this?"


    The Phoenix was ahead of its time by at least a decade, and it showed. Even the somewhat stoic Garrus was in awe when he saw the ship''s guns. The amount of calibration he could perform...


    Samael took the opportunity to boast. "I did."


    Solana looked at Samael with surprise and something more in her eyes. "Really?"


    Samael nodded. "I created LD, and almost all of its projects are mine. The Phoenix was completed a year ago, and it''s the best ship in the galaxy... at least for now."


    Yes, while Samael wasn''t going to hold on to the technology for long, the Phoenix was still the best ship in the galaxy, even when he released the blueprint to the galaxy.


    After all, all the modifications were his.


    Solana''s face was one of appreciation. "While my brother here told me about you, he never mentioned you also create things... that''s amazing."


    Samael could detect a flirtatious tone in Solana''s voice, but for now, he decided to ignore it. "Thanks. Now that you''re familiar with the ship, you can do whatever you want. The journey to Earth will take some hours, and you already have your personal quarters."


    Samael then showed them where it was. "Feel free to do whatever."


    Garrus nodded and went off, probably to find Wrex and Javik, while Solana looked at Samael once more. "... See you later."


    Samael smiled as she left. Thoughts about the cycle they were a couple came to mind. Still, he shook his head; now wasn''t the time for that.


    He then headed towards Samara. To be honest, the Asari should have left the Phoenix crew after the reunion ended, but she stayed. Samael had a few arrangements for her and knew she would listen.


    Soon, he found her near the cockpit, meditating. He watched her for a moment before coughing to break her from the meditation.


    Samara didn¡¯t look mad as she turned her gaze toward Samael. "I thought you would never come talk to me."


    It was true; Samael, even though capable, often left things to the last minute.


    Samael scratched his head. "Sorry, it''s just that things were moving too fast, even for me."


    This was also true. In this cycle, things were progressing at a much faster pace than any other before.


    Samara wasn¡¯t upset, she simply acknowledged the truth of his words with a nod. "Then, what are we talking about?"


    While she used the resources of the LD, the first Reaper kill belonged to her. It was a badge of honor, and Samael and the rest weren¡¯t going to forget it anytime soon.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "I want to recruit you to the crew." Samael got straight to the point. He wanted his family close, and Samara was part of that. She wasn¡¯t part of the crew formally yet, so he wanted to make sure that was resolved.


    Samara had already worked through a lot in her mind, the most pressing being her daughter''s well-being.


    Morith was at the temple in Thessia, and just like the rest of the Ardat-Yakshi, she would receive help from the LD.


    So, in a sense, Samara was free to accept Samael¡¯s invitation, but she had some reservations.


    Samael noted her hesitation. "You don¡¯t need to answer now."


    "What are my roles in the crew?" Samara asked.


    "You will take on a mentorship role, helping LD train some biotics while also being part of my crew. When we go on a trip, you can come along too."


    Samara didn¡¯t think long. "I¡¯ll accept it."


    She was already familiar with everyone and, honestly, she already felt like part of the family.


    "Welcome aboard¡­ for real this time."


    Samael would send a formal contract¡ªsimilar to what Thane, Kasumi, and Keiji had¡ª when they arrived on Earth.


    He then said goodbye and left Samara.


    His mind was racing; it was finally time to move things forward regarding his plans and other matters.


    ''This is it. We will enter the final stages of preparation now.''


    He wasn¡¯t going to lie; he was nervous. After all, there was no more do-over. If he failed, that would be it.


    The pressure was immense, but he was confident that he and the galaxy could win.


    However, at least for the next few hours, he would relax with his girlfriends.


    ''A shame Shepard isn¡¯t here, but at this point, there¡¯s nothing we can do.''


    With that thought, he headed toward his quarters.


    ---


    CITADEL


    While Samael and the others were going to Earth, another reunion was already taking place in the Citadel.


    It was supposed to be tomorrow, but it had to be moved forward due to circumstances.


    Fortunately, Tevos had already recovered from her hangover, same as Mordin, Anderson, and Castis.


    Since this reunion was secret, it took place at Tevos'' location. There were no reporters or anyone like that, with only the Councilors and the representative present.


    Although the setting for the reunion could be considered casual, the atmosphere was anything but, especially on the Salarian side. Perhaps it was because of what happened in the last meeting, their presence was noticeably subdued, yet everyone else was on edge too. After all, no one knew what to expect.


    Tevos, noting the atmosphere, decided to start the reunion. With a cough to grab everyone¡¯s attention, she said, "It¡¯s a pleasure to see you all once more in such a short period of time. What we will discuss here is confidential, so no leaks, please."


    Her words alone sparked murmurs around the room. Given the controversial nature of the last reunion''s contents, which were deemed crazy, one could only imagine what this meeting held.


    "First, to make sense of our discussions, I need to introduce you all to Mordin, who has come here as the representative for LD."


    With a nod from Tevos, Mordin began to introduce himself while passing the data he had on Project Andromeda to the others. "Good day to all. My name is Mordin Solus and as you can see, I''m a Salarian.''''


    The Salarian representative recognized Mordin but said nothing.


    ''''My job here, as Tevos mentioned, is simple: to explain to you any doubt you may have about what you will be reading next."


    The data was transmitted immediately. "If I may, please read the file that has just been transferred to your omni-tool."


    The participants in the reunion did just that, except for those who were already aware of the information. It quickly caused an uproar, as it contradicted what LD had previously stated about fighting until the end.


    As Mordin realized the situation, he calmly said, "This is just an assurance, as LD has no plans to lose the war. So much so that none of the higher-ups will join the arcs."


    Yes, Samael will not be joining the Andromeda Project because this was his home. Whether he lived or died would be here, in this galaxy. Of course, if circumstances changed after the war, he wouldn¡¯t mind leaving.


    "As you can see, the arcs are already under construction, with 20 to 30% complete. It¡¯s now time to allocate people to them."


    The Salarians and other species not on the council exchanged solemn glances, as they knew their standing. Even if someone opposed, they knew the others would receive different treatment. It also made sense, as the others had allied with the creators of the arcs, while those not in the Council, didn''t.


    Not on the same level as the Salarians, but their positioning was clear.


    "First things first, the arcs will have multiple species inside to prevent chaos when they arrive in another galaxy, and to maintain a sense of collaboration between species."


    Only god knows what would happen if they let one Arc with only one species.


    "Second, the species on the Council will have privileges and preferences when choosing the Arcs and in the numbers allocated."


    The Batarian representative, who hadn¡¯t spoken a single thing and was down since the conversation with Samael¡ªand who had already discussed blowing up the relay with their government¡ªlooked at the Salarians, hoping they would speak up. But his hopes were dashed as he realized the Salarian looked even more downtrodden than he did. It made sense; while the Batarians had never been on the Council, the Salarians had only recently been part of it.


    Now, on the brink of a war the galaxy has never seen before, those who were on the Council would receive perks.


    Safe to say, the Salarians weren¡¯t happy at all, but there was nothing they could do. They had already ''exposed'' LD, and their relationships with the others were also damaged because of it.


    "Third, we will be fair in the process of selecting personnel. For those who will be in cryo-sleep, we will choose from the most promising young people of your species, and for the captain positions, we will select those with experience."


    Tevos interjected at that moment, "If only someone had not done that to LD, maybe they would have had time to build more than five, but alas..."


    She was ensuring everyone remembered that the Salarians had messed things up, all to maintain her strength in the Council.


    Indeed, everyone looked at the Salarian representative with difficult expressions. The Salarian regretted his actions, but now there was nothing much he could do.


    Mordin shook his head at how shrewd Tevos was, realizing she wanted to make sure the Salarians didn''t gain any power, and asked, "Any questions?"


    There were many, and Mordin did his best to answer them.


    ¡°How many arcs will there be, and how much does it cost to build one?¡± the Volus representative asked after a few seconds. He had read the file and knew it must be expensive.


    ¡°It¡¯s trillions per arc, the exact number I''m not aware of. There will be five of them, at least for now. After all, LD funded the project alone.¡±


    That alone was enough for everyone to respect LD more and view the Salarian with more open hostility.


    All of them had almost the same thought: If they had just remained quiet, things could have been better with more arcs being built.


    ¡°How long will it take to complete?¡± Councilor Rael asked.


    ¡°According to our initial calculations, it was going to take four to five years to complete. But thanks to some external factors and the current situation of the galaxy, we plan on building all of them in one year or less. After all, the Reapers will not wait for us.¡±


    ¡°Can you explain to us what those external factors are?¡±


    Mordin nodded. ¡°As you all know, LD has entered into contact with a Rachni Queen. They made a deal, and the Queen will provide workers so the building process will be faster and smoother.¡±


    Mordin looked at Tevos, asking for permission to talk about the next subject. With her nod, Mordin continued, ¡°Also, LD is currently working on getting the Geth''s help.¡±


    ¡°WHAT!¡±


    '''' WHAT DO YOU MEAN!?''''


    Safe to say, no one there liked hearing that. It caused a commotion and the Salarian representative looked at the Quarians, hoping they would cause a scene so that he could speak up, but was shocked to see Rael remain calm.


    Then it clicked. Some people there already knew about it, while the rest were in the dark, dancing in the palms of their hands.


    With a defeated sigh, the Salarian decided to cooperate and hope his species could gain some support in the arcs.


    "The details are still being worked out, but it''s in progress. With the help of the Geth, we can build things even faster."


    "But how do you plan on keeping them in check? After all, the Geth are known for not being exactly trustworthy." the Elcor representative asked after a brief silence.


    "That''s something I''m not aware of, but I trust LD will have everything covered."


    Silence filled the room once more, as everyone considered the potential risks and rewards of such an arrangement.


    It also made sense they were so apprehensive, as it was a very bold move. The Geth weren''t what one would typically call an ally, especially after they had joined the Reapers in their attack on Thessia and the Citadel.


    So, hearing someone say they wanted to recruit them was unexpected.


    Mordin could see the hesitation in everyone''s eyes. "We don''t have the luxury to choose our allies right now. You all know what the threat we are facing is capable of, so any help we can get is welcomed."


    The representatives remained quiet because they knew he was right¡ªthey didn''t have the luxury to be choosy.


    The Volus representative finally spoke up, "...What can we do to help?"


    Mordin and Tevos exchanged glances and knew their plan was working. Now, everyone present would try to assist LD, either for more space on the arcs or out of the goodness of their hearts.


    While Mordin explained how they could help, his mind was on his crew. He wanted to leave this meeting and rejoin them as soon as possible, feeling he could be more effective if he was with them.


    The meeting continued for a few more hours until it naturally came to an end. Every species, including the Salarians and the Batarians, pledged their support¡ªeither in the form of funding or personnel.


    The galaxy emerged from this meeting stronger than before, but because it was a secret one, no one knew about it.


    IN THE PHOENIX


    The ship had just entered Earth''s atmosphere and was heading directly to San Francisco.


    It was time to put various plans forward while meeting old friends.

 111 – Plans (1)

    When they arrived on Earth, the first thing Samael and the crew did was visit the LD headquarters. After all, the majority of the people they wanted to meet were there or at least close to it.


    Truth be told, individuals like Wrex and Javik didn¡¯t necessarily need to accompany the Phoenix to Earth, but they chose to join anyway, thinking wisely that this might be one of their last chances for free time in a while. After this, it would all be war preparations.


    Not only would LD be busy, but so would the Krogan, training other species, while the Protheans helped with projects around the galaxy.


    It was Solana and Garrus''s first time on Earth, and they were truly shocked when they saw how grand LD was. Sure, they had heard about the company and knew its reputation, but seeing it in person was a different experience.


    Not only was the building the best she had ever seen, but the city itself was even better than Thessia''s capital, which many considered the best place in the galaxy before the Reaper attack.


    Solana could only say, "Amazing," after she saw the building and its surroundings.


    To enter, you had to go through a series of processes to ensure you were not ''compromised,'' among other things. The most important process is the Indoctrination test.


    Yes, the Vigil program that identified indoctrinated individuals had already spread throughout the galaxy, but for now, not many indoctrinated people had been caught. Still, it was better to have the program than not, and it is used by many species, in secret or in the open.


    LD is one of them, and at least for now, not a single Indoctrinated individual was found.


    "Come on, it''s not time to be surprised yet," Samael said as he and the rest of the crew passed through all the checkpoints.


    Garrus, who was also shocked but recovered faster than Solana, said to her as he saw they were being left behind, "Let''s go."


    Solana regained her composure after that and entered the building together with the rest.


    They moved through the lobby, where all the employees greeted the crew. They were celebrities, after all, having taken down a Reaper and were the face of LD as a whole.


    None of the crew displayed any airs about their accomplishments, knowing that if others had been in their position, they would have done the same. Their achievements were a team effort, not individual ones.


    Veronica, noticing Solana and Garrus trailing behind while admiring the inside of the building, moved closer to them and began speaking. "You see, at the beginning, it wasn¡¯t anything like this."


    "Sorry?" Solana was distracted and didn''t understand what Veronica was saying.


    Veronica realized she had overstepped but continued after a fake cough, "I was here at the beginning when it was literally just Samael in charge."


    Garrus and Solana could see the respect Veronica had for Samael just from that statement.


    "He fought tooth and nail to build LD, all so that the galaxy had a better chance against the Reapers. Of course, at the beginning, I had no idea about any of that, but now that we do, it¡¯s even more surprising, don¡¯t you think?"


    Solana and Garrus could only nod. As history goes, Samael had encountered a Prothean Beacon of some kind on Earth as a child, learned about the Reapers, and did his best to prepare. That alone was impressive, but considering he was just a child made it even more incredible.


    "Anyway, this is something you are both now part of, so be proud of it. If you have any troubles here on Earth, just come looking for me. You might not believe it, but I''m pretty high up in the LD hierarchy."


    It was true; Veronica was only below Samael and Miranda in the LD hierarchy.


    Solana smiled and nodded at Veronica. "I''ll remember that."


    Garrus did the same, and just then, the group reached the elevator. It was big enough to fit everyone, so they all stepped in.


    Samael pressed the button for the top floor, where Miranda was, but then changed his mind and decided to give a small tour. After all, Solana, Garrus, and a few others, like Samara and the new recruits, had never had the chance to visit the building.


    Samael pressed other floors, prompting curious looks from the others. "We will do a small tour."


    At his words, the others nodded and said nothing more. The first stop was the eighth floor, where they kept all the projects that the public was aware of. The more secretive projects, like Grunt and the larger MECHs, were still being researched in Samael''s private facility with the best scientists on Earth.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    However, just because it wasn''t that place didn¡¯t diminish what this floor had accomplished or was researching. Everyone in LD was impressive in their own right, so their projects were years ahead of others.


    "This is where we research the things we want to build. For example, here." Samael showed the others, some of whom were unaware of its existence, a new weapon. "This weapon is something we reverse-engineered from the Geth. We call it the Geth Rifle 2.0."


    Many LD personnel were on the floor, but everyone knew Samael, so they let him be while looking out for opportunities to assist him.


    The moment still hadn''t arrived yet, as the crew gazed at the Geth Rifle in awe.


    "What are the specs?" Garrus asked eagerly, his eyes shining with enthusiasm for the firearm.


    One of the scientists took it upon himself to answer, "It has 25% more armor-piercing capabilities, the thermal clips are stronger and more durable, and the recoil has been considerably diminished."


    As the researcher continued explaining what the weapon was capable of, Wrex was increasingly surprised. So much so that he nudged Javik, "Hey, why haven¡¯t your people done something like that, huh?"


    Javik also looked quite shocked by how advanced LD was, but it was still considered normal. After all, they were on the shoulders of giants. "Every cycle has a species that surprises common sense. It seems humans are the ones in this one."


    Wrex could only nod in agreement. While they were talking, the conversation about the gun specifications finally came to an end.


    Garrus immediately asked, "When will it be released to the public?"


    This time, it was Samael who answered, "Soon. Not only this weapon but many others will be released to the public. The war is approaching, and we will use the many advantages we may have."


    At what Samael said, Solana caught onto something, "Many?"


    Samael smiled, "You didn¡¯t think this was the only weapon LD has researched, did you?"


    The researchers smiled at the bewildered crew and showed them the rest of the things they were working on.


    Weapons, armor, vehicles¡ªwhatever you name it, they were researching it. And they were at least 5 to 10 years ahead of its time.


    The worst part was that even with all this technology, at best they had only a 40% chance of winning against the Reapers. But there was no need to say that out loud.


    ---


    After the tour of that floor ended,and everyone was left surprised once more by how advanced LD was, they continued upwards, passing through other floors while Samael explained what they were doing there.


    "This is the floor where we monitor suspicious activities near the Perseus Veil. If anything unusual comes up, we will alert everyone."


    The Perseus Veil was home to the Geth and one of the many places where the Reapers come from, so they would know immediately if they appeared. An entire floor was dedicated just for that.


    On another floor, another group of people was monitoring other locations. "This floor monitors all known places where, in history, the Reapers have first appeared. This way, we can respond appropriately."


    There were many floors like that, focusing on various research topics. LD was created just for that, so it made sense that the purpose of them was to monitor the Reapers.


    Soon, however, the tour ended when they finished visiting the last floor before the CEO''s office.


    "What do you guys think?" Samael asked the still-most-shocked crew. Sure, everyone there was from LD, but not many were aware of what was truly happening in the company. Only Veronica, Tali, and Liara knew about all this beforehand, so it was safe to say the rest were shocked by these revelations.


    "You have built something amazing," Javik said sincerely. "Not even in my cycles had things been so thoroughly prepared."


    "Thanks. But now, let''s meet Miranda and Jack, they were eager to meet us again and the newcomers too."


    Jack and Miranda had been with the crew from the beginning, so by now only the newbies didn¡¯t know them personally. Everyone in the crew was looking forward to meeting them too.


    Soon, the elevator arrived at the CEO¡¯s office, and Samael knocked on the door. Not many seconds later, Jack, smirking and dressed like a secretary, said, ¡°Welcome. The CEO is waiting for you.¡±


    Everyone who knew her recognized that she was enjoying this roleplay a lot, so they did the smart thing and ignored her.


    They entered the office and noticed Miranda was with a child beside her while looking over some files.


    ¡°Hey, wasn¡¯t she pregnant? How come there¡¯s a baby already?!¡± Wrex asked. While he wasn¡¯t 100% aware of how human pregnancy worked, he knew there was no way a baby could be born that soon. Heck, that was fast even by Krogan standards.


    Javik was also taken aback but remained calmer than his friend. ¡°There must be some kind of explanation... I¡¯m sure.¡±


    While he said he was sure, he wasn¡¯t entirely convinced.


    Soon, however, the answer came to them in the form of Samael. He knelt down close to the young girl and introduced himself, ¡°Hello there. I¡¯m assuming you¡¯re Oriana, right?¡±


    Although he was the one who tipped Miranda off about her existence in the story he presented, he didn¡¯t know the child, so it made sense that he was saying that, as it was their first meeting.


    Oriana was taken aback by how many people were in the office but soon regained her composure thanks to her childlike energy. With vigor, she nodded at Samael¡¯s question, ¡°Yes, my name is Oriana. What¡¯s yours, mister?¡±


    ¡°My name is Samael, and I work with your sister.¡±


    Wrex and Javik exchanged glances and nodded. The story now made sense, and since Jack and Miranda still had some bumps in their bellies, they were still pregnant.


    ¡°Oh? Then you are one of the good people!¡± Oriana exclaimed.


    ¡°You could say that,¡± Samael replied. He was great with kids, though he sometimes wished he had one of his own due to the time loop.


    ¡°Mister, mister, what are you going to talk about today? Can I join the conversation?¡± Oriana asked eagerly. She was only 10, but she was brighter than most kids. Don¡¯t let her youth fool you; she was smarter than most people in that room.


    Samael could see through her, but he didn¡¯t mind. ¡°Sure, join us.¡±


    At this point, everyone had already greeted Miranda and Jack, and the reunion was underway, with everyone sharing their stories.


    Samael smiled from the sidelines, watching the scene. He knew that sometimes the best thing to do is simply observe, and now was one of those times.


    Oriana joined in, eager to learn more about everyone. Minutes passed, then hours. As darkness approached, Samael felt it was time to intervene.


    Clearing his throat, he gathered everyone''s attention. "Guys, you can go now. I need to talk with Miranda privately for a bit."


    Everyone nodded, understanding that what he wanted to discuss was confidential, and they left. They had homes in San Francisco, so they had where to sleep, even the newbies like Solana and Garrus.


    Soon after, only Miranda and Samael remained in the room, and a conversation was about to take place.

 HIATUS

    We caught up with the Patreon release, and I haven''t written a single word for some time now due to being sick and having family visiting.


    So, I''ll be taking a break for one or two weeks. I was already on a semi-break due to a migraine, which, by the way, has passed (at least for now).


    While I was resting in bed, I had many ideas on how to write an exciting conclusion to the fic. However, once I felt better, I struggled to write anything down. It''s frustrating to have the layout of the chapter in my head but not be able to put it into words.Stolen novel; please report.


    So, I decided to take a break. A week or two should be enough for my mental health to recover, family to leave, and I can return to writing at my best.


    I promise to conclude the FIC in January and begin the next one, which appears to be a DBZ one ( It''s winning with one vote btw), in February. I know that this hiatus will make my fic lose the spotlight I fought hard to obtain, but there''s nothing much I can do.


    Sorry for this, thank you for your support throughout this month and year. Happy New Year, and see you around!

 112 – Plans (2)

    Before the conversation started, Miranda stared at Samael''s face, particularly the left side where he had an eye patch covering his missing left eye.''''When are you planning on fixing that? You have the tools and time now.''''


    Samael touched the left side of his face, clearly unfazed by what had happened to him. He had lost worse in past cycles, and honestly, this served as a reminder of the dangers of becoming too complacent.


    "I don''t know if I will fix it. It''s somewhat difficult with only one eye, but I can manage. Besides, I don''t want a robotic eye."


    While he loved the technology,RR and EDI, and enjoyed creating new things, he didn''t like the idea of being modified by them. He had seen the unfortunate fate of those who relied on technology to survive, and it wasn¡¯t pretty.


    Miranda nodded, and the atmosphere shifted. They were alone in her office and the happy atmosphere from their reunion after some time apart had been replaced by something serious that Miranda couldn¡¯t quite grasp.


    From Samael''s face and his aura, it was evident that this was serious¡ªprobably the most serious she had ever seen him, even more so than when he revealed the existence of the Reapers.


    "Samael, what exactly is going on?" With no idea what was happening, Miranda could only ask.


    Samael didn¡¯t answer right away. He appeared to be contemplating something. After a brief silence, he sighed and reached into his Omni-Tool. He tapped it a few times, and Miranda watched as every electronic device in the room, including her ad own Omni-Tool, stopped working.


    "What the¡­?'''' Miranda paused and then thought for a moment, ''Something like this is not unheard of, but it''s only used when someone doesn''t trust the area they''re in or the people around. And here¡¯s LD, his home ground, so it doesn¡¯t make sense.''


    Almost as if he could hear her thoughts, Samael smiled. "You''re probably wondering why I did that¡ªpreventing anything, even RR or EDI, from overhearing our conversation. You''ll understand in a bit."


    He stood up from his seat and paced around the office, preparing to tell another story that mixed lies with the truth to his family. He knew that every lie incurs a debt to the truth, and he was running out of lies to offer.


    By now, Miranda realized the situation was very serious. "What is going on?"


    "Have I ever told you the reason I created LD?"


    By now, everyone who needed to know was aware that Samael created LD solely to confront the Reapers after he gained knowledge about them from a Prothean Beacon.


    "Yes, you did. But why bring that up now?" she asked.


    "Because I lied. Well, the goal is the same, but how I got there is different." Samael looked at Miranda with a gaze filled with sincerity. "There was no Prothean Beacon that showed me the Reapers ahead of time or advanced tech... it was all me."


    Miranda paused. That made no sense, as the technology LD created was more advanced by at least a decade, and they couldn¡¯t have achieved that without help.


    Before she could think further, Samael continued, " Before I tell you how I did that, I will tell you a story first.''''


    '''' Go on.'''' Miranda got comfortable on her chair, as she felt the thing Samael was about to say was important.


    ''''Long ago, so long that I forgot when, someone was born on Earth. It was a boy, and he couldn¡¯t have been more ordinary if he tried. Still, he lived his life like anyone else¡ªhe studied, had some relationships here and there, and, with no money to pursue higher education, joined a mercenary group.''''


    ''''As time passed, the boy grew into a man. He was strong and survived all the missions the mercenary group undertook, and with his intellect, he rose to the top, eventually leading them¡ªall in under ten years.''''


    ''''He had a decent life, until... the Reapers attacked.'''' Samael was telling Miranda about his first cycle, so it was all true. He only omitted a few facts here and there and added a few things to make more sense, but the feelings he was trying to convey were genuine.


    ¡°It was almost the same as what happened to us not long ago, but the difference was that there was no one to warn the galaxy beforehand. They managed to defeat Sovereign after sacrificing a lot, and for the first time in a while, the galaxy felt unsafe. Still, no one truly believed that what they had killed was a Reaper; they fooled themselves into thinking it was just a larger Geth. Only two people tried to warn the galaxy for real, but no one listened.¡±


    ¡°One of them was the boy. Filled with dread about what the Reapers could do when they arrived in the galaxy with full numbers, the boy not only continued his work but also started to study how to stop the Reapers. Along the way, he discovered he had an incredible memory and intellect, capable of absorbing knowledge like no other. He learned things that took others years in less than a month.¡±


    ¡°Time passed, and the boy grew smarter, even receiving help from other intelligent people. He slowly convinced some key personnel that the Reapers were real. They believed him and started to help, but... it wasn¡¯t enough.¡±


    ¡°Three years after the initial attack, the Reapers arrived in the galaxy in full force. The other person who tried to warn everyone also did their best to prepare, but -.¡±


    Before Samael could continue, Miranda said, ¡°Stop.¡±


    He did just that and looked at her. Miranda''s face was filled with confusion, clearly not understanding what he was saying. ¡°Get to the point,¡± she urged.


    Samael smiled internally, as he liked this side of Miranda. Then he frowned and did his best to sound sincere. ¡°The reason I created LD and know so much about technology and the Reapers is... because of the future me... or past me.¡±


    He had laid the groundwork for Miranda to believe him, and now it was time to press the issue.


    '''' I have time traveled.''''


    "..." Miranda could only stare at Samael, struggling to believe him while also waiting for him to continue.


    "From now on, I need you to believe everything I say¡­ or at least believe me."


    All she could do was nod, and Samael continued to speak.


    "Commander Jane Shepard¡ªshe was the first ever human Spectre. After a series of events, she helped stop and warn everyone about the Reapers, but no one listened. A few years later, a series of events led her to join Cerberus in an attempt to stop the Reapers, culminating in a suicide mission. She, along with the majority of her crew, survived the ordeal and once more warned the galaxy about the Reapers, yet again, no one listened."


    "After some years, a full-scale attack happened, and the galaxy was in turmoil. They turned to one of the two people who had been fighting this war before it even began¡ªShepard."


    "So, she gathered her crew and the rest of the galaxy to face the Reapers¡­ and they lost."


    "90% of the population was killed, and those who managed to survive had to hide, constantly traveling in rundown ships, because the Reapers don¡¯t stop until ALL intelligent species are exterminated. Whether that takes 10 years or 100 doesn¡¯t matter to them; they will hunt everyone down."


    Miranda could see that Samael was serious about this. Despite her skepticism, she listened intently, making sure to memorize everything he said.


    At this point, even Samael didn¡¯t know if this truly happened in a cycle or if it was just a story he created, but it honestly didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was that Miranda believed him.


    "So, given the state of the galaxy, the greatest minds that survived gathered and decided to try and fix things. Unlike the Protheans, however, they didn¡¯t have the necessary tools to survive for long, so it was a race against fate. After years of hiding and studying, they created something that allowed for time travel, but there was no way to test if it would work, and the ingredients needed were limited due to the galaxy being devastated at that point. They only had enough ingredients for one attempt."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Not only that, they also discovered a secret weapon left behind by the Protheans, capable of winning the war. But, again, they had no time, resources to build it, or reason to, as they had lost already. So they decided to focus on their initial plan."


    "They selected me as a test subject, the boy who rose to the top of the mercenary group, filling my mind with all sorts of information to prepare the galaxy for the Reapers. So, they used the device, and ... I woke up at my birth. The rest is history."


    Miranda stared at him. All that first story was about his life, "¡­ Do you expect me to believe that?"


    Samael smiled sadly. "Miranda Lawson, Cerberus Operative, right-hand woman of the Illusive Man. You were in the dark about Cerberus'' true face and left the organization after learning of it. You helped Shepard face the Reapers, married Jack, a.k.a. Subject Zero, and together you owned Grimlock Academy, but you died in the war."


    Miranda was slowly believing the story, as she knew if Samael had not intervened back then, she would have joined the organization. '''' Grissom Academy? Never heard of it.''''


    "You don¡¯t know yet, nor do you have any reason to know, as I have dealt with the troubles you would have faced to know it. You can hate me for changing your future, but believe me, you''re better off now."


    Miranda said nothing and urged him to continue.


    "Jack, a.k.a. Subject Zero. After being experimented on for many more years than in this timeline, she was freed after they needed her help for a suicide mission. She survived, and together with you, ruled over Grissom Academy. You both died in the war."


    He continued detailing every member of the crew, revealing personal information and intricate aspects of their lives, including hers.


    By now, Miranda was half convinced. The whole thing was absurd, but at the same time, it somehow made sense, so she was still listening.


    ''''So, everything you created was done together with the other brightest minds of the future?''''


    ''''Yes.'''' It was a lie, but it made sense, so he went with that. By now, the amount of lies he told was so big he lost track sometimes.


    ''''And you mentioned you have something that could win this war if it''s built in time?''''


    ''''Yup.''''


    ''''So, why haven¡¯t you built it yet?'''' That was the biggest question that came to her mind. The story was absurd, somehow making sense, but this last part was something she could not wrap her head around.


    Samael put on a serious face. ''''That was what I wondered too. I realized that my memories were affected, and I have been trying to see what more I might have missed... that¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you all this.''''


    Again, lies mixed with truth. He knew something was wrong with him, which allowed him to admit that something was indeed wrong.


    ''''How are your memories affected exactly?''''


    ''''My memories were fragmented, it wasn¡¯t an issue until it was. Now, I can¡¯t trust anyone, not even RR or myself.''''


    ''''Then why do you trust me?''''


    ''''Because you are my last hope.''''Samael handed physical files to Miranda. ''''I¡¯ll be going on a journey to try and fix my mind. I need you to build this for me.''''


    Miranda looked over the files, her face filled with shock as she read the contents. She was intelligent, and the scale of the project was immense. It also made sense, according to Samael, that this device could disable all technology in the galaxy.


    '''' This is something from my memories, but I have already sent a team to the location where it is originally. We will compare with what I gave you and see if there''s any difference.''''


    '''' And what if there''s one?''''


    '''' Then I really can''t be trusted.'''' Samael gave a sad smile, while continuing, ''''Use the Rachni and the others to build it. We will need all the help we can get to build it and the arcs. It¡¯s a race against time and we are losing.''''


    Miranda stared at him, '''' Why not give me more information and not just how to build the thing?''''


    '''' Because knowing much is not good... but, at the same time, knowing a few things doesn''t hurt.'''' Samael paused for a moment, '''' So, the timeline has already been fucked, no harm in fucking a little bit more... Do you have any questions for me, about the old timeline? I can answer some.''''


    While Samael had not said much about what exactly happened in his first cycle, he did go over the key details, adding a few lies on it,while leaving a lot unsaid. All for this moment, as it would allow Miranda to ask him a few things, making her trust him somehow.


    Miranda stared, trying to wrap her head around the whole situation. She was a logical person and smart too. So, hearing all that from Samael and seeing what he had created and what he had done, it made too much sense to disregard it as just talk. She also trusted Samael a lot, so his words carried significant weight.


    ''Still, time travel...?'' She could not believ-. ''No, we have Project Lazarus, which revives the dead... so time travel can happen.''


    As the CEO of LD and a member of Samael''s crew, she was aware of Project Lazarus. This knowledge helped her mind a lot, and she slowly began to believe in the history he presented.


    That realization opened up many other problems, but for now, she would focus on what she could do.


    "If you know the future, why haven''t you changed the tragic fate of some of us, like Jack, for example? She has been tortured since she was a child, losing precious time with her mom, among many other things."


    "Who said I haven''t changed her fate or the others?" Seeing Miranda''s gaze filled with curiosity, Samael continued, "Originally, she was supposed to be experimented on for much longer, escaping only years later. I saved her a lot sooner. Just like I did with Javik."


    He explained to Miranda that Javik was also meant to be rescued much later. By the end, Miranda had only one question: "Why not save Jack from the beginning?"


    Samael stood up from his chair and poured himself a drink. They had been talking for hours, and his throat was a little dry. As he drank, he thought of the times he saved Jack much sooner, ''... She dies every time I save her before she experiences all of that. Always.''


    So, he had no choice but to let her go through her personal hell, as it was the only way she would survive. While he allowed fate to take its course, he always ensured her rescue in the end. But he would not share that with Miranda.


    After finishing his drink, Samael gave a small smile to Miranda. "Think about it, Miranda. I time-traveled to when I was a baby, so when Jack was captured, I was still one. I literally could only help her once I had the powers to do so."


    Miranda slowly nodded at what he said. After a brief silence, she asked, "You said you changed other fates... besides Jack and Javik, who else?"


    "A lot of people, either directly or indirectly. The person who suffered the most from my actions was Jack Harper, the Illusive Man."


    Miranda recalled what Samael had said earlier about Shepard joining Cerberus and her being the right-hand woman of Cerberus. She realized something, "He wasn''t defeated this sooner in the original timeline, right?"


    Samael nodded in response to Miranda''s question. "He continued his reign of terror until the very end of the war. He was eventually indoctrinated and killed. I only sped along his ruin... and changed his fate."


    Jack Harper was now a secretary at LD, but Samael was sure that Jack and Miranda were finding ways to make his life hell. All deservedly so; he was a monster.


    Miranda chuckled lightly, thinking about what she and Jack were doing with the man. "Deserved... You also keep mentioning Shepard. Is she that important?"


    "Yes. While I worked in the shadows, gathering those who believed in me, she did so in the open, facing a lot of criticism and hate. She has the necessary skills to lead us this time too. Only, she is more prepared now."


    "... All that sponsorship, and the way her crew mixed with ours, is because of this?"


    "Yes."


    "Tell me more about it." Miranda sat down once more, knowing the conversation would continue for a little while longer.


    For the next hour or so, Samael told her about the fate of everyone she asked about, being sure to be honest. Of course, only he knew the fates from each cycle.


    After that, Miranda could only say, "Fascinating."


    She closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing all that she had learned that day. Her mind processed everything she had heard. By the time she opened them, she was beginning to believe Samael, not 100%, but it was a start. "I trust you and will follow your arrangements. Tell me if you need something more from me. I will cooperate to the best of my abilities."


    Samael smiled genuinely at her words. This wasn''t the first time he had told others that he was a time traveler (he was, in a sense), but the outcome was one of the best.


    Seeing that Miranda believed him, he passed her another file. "Thanks for believing me."


    Miranda grabbed the new files with a puzzled expression and rolled her eyes at Samael. "What will you show me this time?"


    "Part of my retirement plan; this one involves you and Cerberus."


    Miranda started to read the files and soon, she was shocked¡ªsomething that had happened many times that day. "This... why?"


    "LD has always been a means to an end. After the war, and if we survive, it will have served its purpose. Thanks to our Salarian friends, others will have their eyes on it, so this is a countermeasure."


    Miranda looked at the contents once more, ensuring she memorized everything. She then tore it up, making sure that no one would ever know what was on it. "Thank you for trusting me. I appreciate it. It takes a lot of courage to open up about such things, and I¡¯m grateful for the fighting chance you''ve given us."


    With the first file, they now had a legitimate good chance of winning the war. They just had to build it in time.


    "We will win this. I only ask you to keep what you learned today a secret."


    Miranda snorted at that. "Who would be crazier than me to believe it?"


    "Touche."


    With that, the conversation came to a close, and both left LD Headquarters together. Miranda was now aware of things even she wasn¡¯t privy to before. What changes that would bring, only time would tell.


    --


    NIGHT


    By the time the conversation ended, it was already night.


    After the talk with Miranda, Samael left the building feeling invigorated, while she went to rest. Oriana and Jack left with her, and Samael took a moment to look around.


    In past cycles, he had tried to explain that he was a returner, but the outcomes varied greatly. This time, it was a productive conversation, as Miranda, though still quite skeptical, believed him.


    While he wouldn''t say it out loud, it was nice to share his real story, even with some additions or subtractions to it.


    Still, trouble remained. "I''ll enjoy a few days of peace and then embark on a journey to the Leviathans... If they can''t fix my mind, I''m legitimately screwed."


    The Leviathans were his last choice and chance.


    With a lot on his mind, Samael made his way toward the location of the rest of the crew.

 113 – Plans (3)

    WITH MIRANDA


    Miranda, Jack, and Oriana arrive at their home a few moments after leaving the LD headquarters. Their home, thanks to their position at the company, was close to it.


    While Miranda and Samael had talked privately, Jack and Oriana went to stay with the crew to bond, the young Lawson having the most attention.


    She and Solana became close, and so did the rest of the crew. Oriana quickly became well-liked and even pouted a bit when Miranda and Samael emerged from their reunion.


    Although Jack and Oriana still had energy, the same could not be said for Miranda. She had just had a shocking conversation with Samael that changed her perspective on many things regarding him.


    Samael had altered the fates of the crew, whether for better or worse only he knew. He had created many good things, such as the Quarian Pill, the serum, and the cure for the Genophage.


    From another perspective, one could argue that he manipulated everyone, using the accomplishments of others for his own benefit. Despite this, Miranda trusted him, and sometimes that was enough.


    Noticing Miranda''s confused mood, Jack, being the considerate girlfriend she was, did her best to send Oriana to sleep. Although the young Lawson had plenty of energy, she knew how to read the room.


    So Jack suggested, "How about we eat something and then go to sleep?"


    Oriana was too young to fully understand the situation but old enough to recognize when to listen. She nodded and said, "I want pizza, though."


    Jack paused and stared at Oriana, who didn''t shy away from her gaze. In the end, Jack sighed in defeat and said, "Fine. But the flavor will be pineapple."


    Oriana shot daggers at Jack, believing pineapple on pizza to be blasphemous. Still, she knew she was on the losing side from the beginning, and in the end, a pizza was a pizza. "Fine! But I want half of it."


    "Deal."


    The duo shook hands. Twenty minutes later, the pizza arrived and Oriana grabbed her half and went to her room with a triumphant look. Whatever the others were discussing was none of her concern, her focus was solely on eating.


    While Oriana was enjoying her pizza, Jack approached Miranda, who was sitting in a chair with a non-alcoholic drink in her hands, deep in thought about life.


    "What''s on your mind?" Jack sat beside Miranda, focusing on helping her girlfriend with whatever was troubling her. She knew that whatever she and Samael had discussed seemed to have affected her deeply.


    Miranda looked at Jack with a smile. "Nothing much, just how lucky we are to have met each other." She knew they would have crossed paths in the future, and Samael had only sped up the process. Regardless, she was happy he did that.


    Jack gazed deeply at Miranda. "We were indeed lucky..."


    They sat in silence for a moment, and then Jack asked, "What did you and Samael talk about?"


    Miranda shook her head. "It''s a secret."


    "Not even I can know?" Jack was surprised, as Miranda and even the mysterious Samael had never gone to great lengths to hide things, so this was somewhat unexpected.


    "Yes. Hell, not even RR knows; that''s how secretive it is."


    "Wow." Jack found that shocking, as RR was basically an extension of Samael. For her to not know about it was really significant. "... Will you tell me eventually?"


    "It''s not my secret to share."


    Yes, Miranda was loyal to a fault¡ªsomething she suspected Samael took advantage of when he told her about time travel. Regardless, she would not say anything to anyone, and even if she did, she doubted anyone would believe his story.


    Instead of being upset, Jack lightly kissed Miranda, who looked confused. "What was that for?"


    "For being you."


    Miranda was taken aback but soon laughed. She then kissed Jack and said, " I will still not tell you.''''


    Jack tsked but soon laughed. That gesture was enough for Miranda to say, '''' I love you."


    "I love you too."


    They continued sitting together, watching the scenery outside. Miranda knew rough times were ahead, but with the plans Samael had, she would do her best to even the odds against the Reapers.


    After all, she had her girlfriend, sister, and future babies to protect.


    --


    WITH SAMAEL


    While those three were at home, Samael was on his way to his. Some members of the crew separated, with Samael, Liara, Grunt, RR, Samara, and Tali heading to Valery''s home, while the others went to drink and show Garrus and Solana a few sights of the city.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The group had to travel through the slums, with Grunt thinking that the place looked like Tuchanka but cleaner and more advanced if that made sense. He also noticed that whenever they passed by, everyone nodded at them, more specifically at Samael and RR.


    The Krogan remembered that this was literally where the human was born and where change occurred the most due to his influence, so it made sense for all that admiration. RR, too, even though a late addition to Samael''s story, was respected here in the slums.


    Samara noticed the gazes of the others but stayed quiet about it because there was no reason to discuss it. The only reason she came with this group was because of Grunt and to meet Valery, Samael''s mother. She had nothing but respect for that person.


    The group continued walking in peace through the area when suddenly, a group of people who looked like they had ill intentions appeared in front of them.


    Grunt thought this was an opportunity to fight, but his hopes were dashed when one of them suddenly stepped forward with a big smile on his face. "Samael! Good to see you."


    Samael clearly recognized the person and smiled back, going in for a hug. "Long time no see, Tarzan. How are you?"


    "Good, good. Thanks to your help and LD''s, the city is under my thumb. Of course, all our businesses are honest, so don''t worry about it." Tarzan broke the hug soon after.


    One of the conditions for Samael to give the unofficial title of "owner of San Francisco" to Tarzan was that they must go legitimate and at least attempt to avoid shady dealings. It was challenging, but the man knew he was only here today thanks to Samael, so he tried his best to comply.


    "And you, my boy, how are you holding up? Everyone else and I saw the news about the reunion... Is that serious?"


    "I''m good too, but..." Samael made a difficult face. "The content of the reunion is real. We have a war of a magnitude the galaxy has never seen, and we are preparing. Let''s just hope it''s enough."


    Tarzan sighed but soon showed his support. "It may not be much, but you can count on me and my boys. Just say the word, and we will help."


    Samael looked touched and nodded. "I''ll hold you to that. And expect good weapons and armor from LD soon. Can¡¯t leave you guys without the best stuff."


    "Thanks, thanks. Now, are you only going to visit Valery or something more?" Tarzan didn''t push and only wanted to know to not get in Samael''s way.


    "Just a visit and for less than a week. After that, I''ll go on a journey." It then hit Samael that this might be one of the last times he saw Tarzan. He felt a bit melancholic, remembering the time he built his fortune thanks to the man''s money. He appreciated the help a lot and would try to ensure the man survived.


    "Well then, we will leave you to it. See you around." Tarzan and his henchmen left.


    When Samael turned around to say they could continue on their way, the rest of the group looked shocked by what just happened. "What?"


    "You never told me you had the slum boss under your thumb." Tali tried to sound accusatory, but based on her slight smile, she didn¡¯t care one bit.


    While the rest didn¡¯t say anything, their faces showed the same surprise as Tali.


    "You never asked, and the subject never came up. Now, how about we continue?"


    Everyone nodded, and they carried on. Soon, they arrived at Valery''s home, and Samael smiled a little.


    Even though they had met not long ago, he always missed home and his mom. One of the biggest regrets he had in all the cycles he lived was not enjoying his mom''s company for longer.


    Sure, in this last cycle they had the serum, so they could live longer, but they still needed to win the war.


    Not wanting to dwell on his feelings for too long, Samael knocked on the door and looked at Grunt and Samara. "Just be yourselves and she will love you. No pressure."


    That intensified the pressure on the young Krogan, but Samara remained calm. They both nodded at Samael, and soon the door opened.


    What greeted everyone was a middle-aged woman, maybe in her 40s or 50s. She had a big smile on her face as she hugged and kissed Samael, Tali, and Liara. She was familiar with those two, hence the kisses.


    When she saw Grunt and Samara, she didn¡¯t hesitate and hugged both of them, saying, "Welcome to our house. It might be small, but it fits everyone."


    Grunt was touched by that and said, "Thanks for having us." From whom he got all that education, no one knew.


    Samara also said, "Thanks for having me."


    Valery nodded. "Now, how about we enter? Dinner is already done and waiting for you."


    Soon, the entire group entered, and the night passed in a blur. When it was time to sleep, Grunt wanted to hear stories about Samael''s childhood, same as Samara.


    Perhaps driven by curiosity, Tali and Liara felt the same, and soon Valery started to share stories, gaining a few glares from Samael along the way.


    The night ended just like that, and soon everyone went to sleep.


    ---


    NEXT DAY


    Samael kissed Tali and Liara and got up. He had a long day ahead of him, after all.


    Breakfast was already prepared, with Valery sitting at the table, waiting for everyone else.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    ¡°Morning, son. How was your night?¡±


    ¡°Good, good.¡± Samael sat down and started to eat. ¡°How about you? Did Grunt cause you any trouble?¡±


    Samara and Grunt slept in the same room, but Samael could hear his snores even from his room.


    ¡°I slept like an angel and didn¡¯t hear a thing. And he¡¯s adorable.¡±


    ¡°That he is.¡±


    The duo ate in silence until Valery broke it. ¡°I just wanted you to know that I¡¯m always going to be on your side, regardless of what happens. Don¡¯t ever forget that.¡±


    She could ask about the Reunion, but she knew how her son must have already answered a lot of questions about it, so there was no reason to add one more. Besides, she trusted him.


    All she wished was for her son and the rest of the galaxy to create another miracle.


    "Thanks, Mom. And here." Samael passed her one of the pills that grants extended lifespan without the need for metamorphosis.


    "What is this?" Valery held the pill in her hands, looking at it with curiosity. She knew her son created a lot of strange things, and this must be one of them.


    "Something that gives you a longer lifespan¡ªat least 20 more years¡ªwhile maintaining your appearance. So please, just for me." Samael knew that his mom normally would not take it, based on what he knew about her, so he urged her, just a little.


    Valery wanted to decline at first, but after seeing Samael¡¯s expression, she sighed in defeat. "Any side effects?"


    "None."


    Valery looked at the pill once more and swallowed it. "Now what?"


    "Now you just need to wait a few days, and you¡¯ll be as good as new."


    "Huh¡­ you never fail to surprise me."


    The duo then ate in silence once more. Samael didn¡¯t press her about moving to another place because he knew she would not listen to him, and she said no the first time. Besides, he was planning to make Earth the last standing stronghold anyway, so almost all the forces would be concentrated on this planet.


    Sure, the other planets under his command were more secure since they were focused on hiding rather than fighting, but there was nothing he could do about his mom''s stubbornness.


    Soon after, everyone else got up and went to the table. Valery, knowing that everyone there had different diets, did her best to accommodate everyone.


    They ate, and after the Breakfast Samael went to LD with RR and he also called EDI and Legion. It was time to put one of his last plans into action: getting the Geth under his command.


    To do that, he would send RR, EDI, and Legion on a mission.

 114 – Plans (4)

    <div>


    Samael, being the owner of the building, also had an office at the LD headquarters. It wasn''t as large as Miranda''s office, as he felt there was no need for it to be that big, but it was his space nonetheless. He had a custom of maintaining a place in the locations he visited regularly, like this one here and the office in the slums compound, amoung many others places, like one in Omega and the Citadel.


    And, no matter what anyone says, having your own place to relax or do anything you want was amazing.


    Right now, in his office, there were three machines. Two of them were the most advanced machinery in the galaxy, excluding the Reapers of course, and the other was a Geth with the potential to lead his entire race. They were all seated, waiting for Samael to initiate the conversation.


    They had some ideas about what this meeting was about, but they were waiting for Samael¡¯s confirmation.


    Unlike his conversations with humans or other species, Samael was more direct with the machines, as they didn¡¯t waste too much time thinking. "There''s a reason I called all of you here. You guys are smart, so you probably already guessed what this is about," Samael said, specifically looking at Legion. "It''s time to bring the Geth to our side."


    Of course, many Geth were under the Reaper''s control, but many were not. So, when Samael referred to the Geth, he meant those not under the Reapers'' influence.


    Samael knew that he should have done this sooner. There was no excuse for not being prepared enough, and now he had to deal with the consequences of his actions¡ªor rather, his inaction. The Geth were not well-liked from the beginning, and their situation only worsened when some of them allied with the Reapers to attack Thessia.


    The situation, which wasn''t good from the start, became even worse for the Geth, and Samael was a bit frustrated because he could have intervened sooner to try and change fate.


    Of course, he had memories of past cycles where he tried that, and the end result didn¡¯t change much. Still, it was the lack of action that was bothering him.


    Legion''s eye expressed a form of joy¡ªor something resembling it that a machine could show. ¡°Finally.''''


    While Legion displayed this excitement, RR remained calm. ¡°What¡¯s the plan, and what do you need us to do?¡±


    Samael had already gathered the Geth under his wings in past cycles, and even though the situation in this last one was tricky, to say the least, the plan remained the same, ¡°Legion will talk with the Geth who weren¡¯t under the Reapers'' control, gather them, and put them in a safe place. From there, we will use them to help around the galaxy, changing the image of the Geth and maybe even bettering their reputation.¡±


    ¡°Then, after the war, if we win, they will have a place in the galaxy.¡±


    ¡°I could not ask for more.¡± Legion only entered in contact with LD to warn and help them about the attack on Thessia, and perhaps get some assistance. Now it seemed his decision was the right one, as LD would aid his cause.


    However, happiness doubled, as Samael continued, ¡°Also, as you know, the Quarians, perhaps thanks to the Pill, are more open to peace with the Geth as of now. It¡¯s not definitive, but it is a start.¡±


    Tali and her father, the now-Councilor Rael, helped a lot on that front, as they were the most vocal about it.


    Tali formed a bond with Legion, and from the beginning, she was more open than the rest of the Quarians. Thanks to that, and the influence she received from the crew, she was acting more straightforward with anything, something that was helping the Geth a lot.


    Raeel was the same, though he was interested in the Geth as a whole from the start, even using the machines for experiments, his actions now were bettering not only the Quarians¡¯ chances of retaking Rannoch without fighting but also helping the Geth. While nothing can excuse his past actions, he is making an effort to be better, something that many people across the galaxy have yet to do.


    ¡°... Thank you, Captain.¡± This was all Legion could muster after the initial shock. It seemed the machine was touched by the gesture, if that was possible.


    Samael nodded at Legion. ¡°Thank me after we win the war and the truce is made. Now, any questions about the mission?¡±


    EDI asked right away, ¡°Can we use lethal force?¡±


    She didn¡¯t ask about hostiles because she knew there would be some, but she wanted permission to kill if necessary.


    ¡°Yes, you can. But listen to Legion about which machines you can kill.¡±


    ¡°Timeline to complete the mission?¡± RR asked this time.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Samael thought for a moment. A month was too short, and a year was too long. They had no time to waste. ¡°Try to wrap things up in a month or two. If you can''t complete the mission within six months, cancel it and return to Earth. We don¡¯t know when the Reapers will attack, and you three are too valuable allies to lose for too long."


    Samael was sincere. Even he would have trouble dealing with RR and EDI, and while Legion wasn¡¯t on their level yet, he was trouble too.


    Although LD had already dispatched a team to deal with the Batarian Relay, the Reapers were still coming regardless, and Samael knew they would be arriving sooner rather than later.


    "I will also be going on a journey for a bit," Samael said while looking at the machines. "You will answer to Miranda while I¡¯m away."


    RR was taken aback, as she didn¡¯t know any of this, even though she was Samael''s closest confidant. "For how long?"


    Samael scratched his head. "I don¡¯t know, but it should last at least a month."


    "A month?" RR knew how important Samael was to the status quo of the galaxy. Even though he denies it, he was literally the glue holding everyone together¡ªOmega, Citadel, the Geth, you name it, he had connections with them. So, for him to go MIA at this juncture wasn¡¯t good news. "Is it necessary?"


    After a deliberation that happened in an instant, RR asked this. She knew Samael was stubborn and likely had his reasons for what he was doing, but she wanted confirmation.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Samael responded sincerely.


    RR had no choice but to be convinced, but she remembered something that happened yesterday. "You disconnected me from your Omni-tool without any warning yesterday... is it related to this?"


    Yes, RR was aware of everything that happened with Samael''s Omni-tool because she was literally connected to it. She had panicked a little when that happened, only relaxing when she realized Samael was still with Miranda.


    Still, she was annoyed, but now it seemed she had found the reason for her disconnection. Samael must have relayed some plans to Miranda that even she didn¡¯t know. Granted, it upset her even more, but she understood.


    Samael nodded slowly. "I had things to discuss with Miranda that no one else could hear¡ªnot even you or EDI. Sorry."


    By the way, EDI was okay with being disconnected from the Omni tool.


    Samael expected a bit more nagging, but RR only nodded.


    "Any more questions?"


    EDI and Legion asked a few more questions while RR listened. She had her mission, and honestly, the details didn''t really matter to her, as she would accomplish it anyway.


    After a few rounds of questions, EDI asked the last question, "Who will be the leader of this mission?"


    "As this mission is related to him and his people, Legion will be the leader." Samael responded immediately.


    RR and EDI did not object, and although Legion was a little taken aback, he accepted the arrangement with grace.


    Samael saw that the machines accepted the arrangement and decided to conclude the discussion. "Now you just need to think about the plan. Take your time and use all the resources LD has. Don''t be shy while doing so, LD was created for this, after all."


    Money was the biggest help against the Reapers, followed closely by people.


    Suddenly, RR asked, almost interrupting Samael, "When are you leaving?"


    "In a few days. We have the whole crew on Earth, and I plan to show them the planet for a bit."


    Samael knew how important it was for his family to bond, and he didn''t mind pushing things a little. This sudden travel around Earth was one of his ways to facilitate that. After all, Garrus and Solana, while acquaintances with everyone, still didn''t have the same bond as the others.


    "Then we will depart at the same time as you," RR said. She remembered something and looked at Legion, "I hope you don''t mind."


    "No problem with me," Legion replied.


    Samael nodded and thought for a moment, "Okay then. Legion, while you know the whole crew, use this trip to bond some more. You will join us on this sudden trip."


    Legion didn''t mind not being close to the others, but he appreciated the gesture. "Thanks, Captain."


    By the way, RR and EDI were going too.


    "Also, you can''t use the Phoenix for the mission, as I have plans for it while I''m away. You can use other ships LD." Samael added.


    To be honest, what made the Phoenix special was the modification Samael did to it. The model of the other ships LD has was 60% equal to it and that is something.


    The meeting ended, and the machines left first, leaving Samael alone in his office.


    He sighed and slumped in his chair the moment they did. While he trusted them, the mission was very difficult, and he could not help them more than this.


    This was their path, and he could only show them where it started. The rest was up to them.


    No matter what happened, he was prepared this time. He was ready for many things, but he hoped it was just a feeling that something was wrong.


    "Now, where to go..."


    Samael spent the next moments thinking about where to visit in the upcoming week and finally left the building to meet with the rest of his family.


    <div>

 115 – A Small Vacation

    NEXT DAY


    By now, two days had passed since the crew landed on Earth, and finally, Mordin arrived after staying behind on the Citadel to assist with Tevos'' and Samael''s plans.


    Luckily for the Salarian, the crew still hadn''t decided on an itinerary for their unexpected vacation on Earth, so he was able to join them.


    Mordin received hugs when he arrived at the LD headquarters, and Samael pulled him aside to talk. "How did the reunion go?"


    Mordin had stayed behind to serve as the LD representative, and he fulfilled that role in more ways than one. "It went as expected, with many people raising questions about how to be better prepared. I acted as you instructed and assured them that LD would support them all the way. I also introduced the Longevity Pill to some key individuals there. Safe to say, they were more willing to listen after that."


    The Longevity Pill is the same one that extends the lifespan for others without any side effects. Mordin may or may not have introduced it to some individuals who were previously opposed to LD in order to win them over.


    They didn¡¯t even know that the product would be made public in the future, but that was fine too. After all, regardless of what happened, they had gained a lot of time to live.


    "Good job. Any other news?"


    "None. Only, I¡¯m sorry about what the representative of my race did." Mordin spoke sincerely, even though he wasn''t responsible for those actions. He understood how short-sighted his species could be when facing trouble, and their actions affected LD and Samael, who were leading the galaxy. It wasn¡¯t a good move at all, as it accomplished nothing and put a target on LD.


    Sure, he won some people over to his side with the Pill, but at the end of the day, if push came to shove, they would betray LD in a heartbeat if they could.


    "You don¡¯t need to apologize, it wasn¡¯t your fault." Samael tapped Mordin on the shoulder, effectively ending the subject. Still, with his hands resting on Mordin''s shoulders, he asked, "Now, what do you prefer, a trip to Egypt or a trip to Hawaii?"


    One could see the question marks above Mordin¡¯s head, as he didn¡¯t understand what Samael was talking about. "Where?"


    Samael smiled mischievously, "Egypt it is!"


    Quickly grabbing Mordin, Samael announced to the rest of the crew who had gathered, "Let''s go!"


    Mordin was carried to the Phoenix, still unsure of what was happening. He watched as everyone in the crew entered the ship with bags and smiling. He was dragged by Wrex to the bar, and it was there that the Krogan explained the situation. "So, I arrived just as you guys were leaving?"


    "Yes, you lucky bastard. Now you will join us on this vacation." Wrex was already comfortable in the Phoenix bar, enjoying his drinks. "To be honest, I''m just as lost as you are since I don''t know much about Earth at all. Still, a vacation is a vacation."


    Mordin said nothing about the situation. He knew how to adapt to any situation and today was no different. After a brief silence, he asked those in the bar, "Do you guys know where Egypt is?"


    Javik, Samara, and Wrex shook their heads, with the Prothean adding, "No idea, but it should be a nice place since Samael suggested it."


    Wrex added with uncertainty in his voice, "I saw the faces of the other humans when he mentioned Egypt, and they didn¡¯t look good."


    Javik paused, "...I sometimes forget how cra-strange Samael is. This will be interesting, to say the least."


    "Cheers to that."


    While Wrex seemed more laid back, Mordin was worried. Regardless, he trusted Samael and didn''t even look at his omni-tool to check the place they were going.


    HOURS LATER


    Mordin and the others regretted trusting Samael. The heat in this place was something they hadn¡¯t anticipated. It was even worse for the Salarian, as his species didn¡¯t fare well in high temperatures.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Granted, he and the others had visited worse places, but this was supposed to be a vacation.


    Jack and Miranda stayed on the Phoenix, as they were pregnant and didn''t want to take any risks. Some other members tried to stay behind too, but Wrex, Grunt, and Samael dragged them along.


    Before they could say anything ''bad'' about the place, Samael showed them the pyramids. Many of the aliens were in awe as Samael explained how and when they were built.


    "So, are you certain it wasn''t another alien species that helped you guys?" Wrex asked, curiosity evident in his tone and expression. "I mean, even my species would have trouble¡ªno, scratch that."


    Samael chuckled slightly, "To be honest, no one knows. Sure, there are documents showing we built it, but seeing is believing. And unless someone is immortal or a time traveler, this will remain one of the biggest mysteries of Earth."


    The group then took pictures at the Pyramids¡ªSamael had rented the place for them, so they were alone there. Even Miranda and Jack joined just before they left, wanting to take a picture as well.


    Exactly five hours later, they returned to the Phoenix. Upon entering, Samael immediately said to Veronica, "Set course to Hawaii!"


    "What?"


    Everyone was surprised, but Samael explained, "This is a vacation, guys. Of course, we will be visiting all the best places on Earth."


    "H-Hold on!" Wrex asked, his voice trembling. It seemed he was having second thoughts about this sudden vacation. "How many places will we be visiting and for how long?"


    Samael said nothing but smiled, a grin that sent shivers down everyone''s spine. He simply repeated, "SET COURSE TO HAWAII!"


    The crew could only stare and pray they would have enough energy to walk after this.


    FIVE DAYS LATER


    The crew visited all the wonders of the world and their home country too. Brazil, China, Rome, etc. It was an amazing time, and the crew bonded through their suffering, just like Samael intended.


    It wasn''t all that bad, really. It¡¯s just that they didn¡¯t have time to rest as they traveled from one place to another in a matter of hours. The only time they had to sleep was when they were on the Phoenix, traveling to their next destination.


    By the end of it, although they were tired, they had taken amazing pictures and made even better memories.


    Grunt and Legion surprisingly entered into a deep friendship. While they had talked before¡ªprobably due to Legion being confined to one area of the Phoenix¡ªthey didn¡¯t have much time to get to know each other well.


    Now that they had, thanks to their contrasting personalities, they bonded quickly. Grunt was the jokester, while Legion was the serious one.


    Solana and Garrus also enjoyed the places they visited, which provided them with the opportunity to grow closer to others. Solana became close to Veronica because she admired her piloting skills and fighting style, while Garrus stayed close to his oldest friends, Javik and Wrex.


    Overall, the crew grew closer. Unfortunately, everything must come to an end, and their good times were no exception.


    After they returned to San Francisco and before they disembarked the Phoenix, Samael gathered everyone. He was about to tell them he would leave, a fact known only to Miranda, RR, EDI, and Legion.


    So it came as a total surprise when he said to everyone, "I''ll be leaving Earth today and will be gone for at least a month. I said goodbye to my mom a week ago, and I''ll be leaving now."


    Tali and Liara didn¡¯t look too surprised, as they had been with him since they arrived on Earth and noticed his actions beforehand.


    The others, particularly Grunt and Wrex, looked distraught, as they had relied on Samael for many things. Before they could say anything, Samael continued, "You don''t have to worry about preparations for the Reapers. Miranda is up to speed with everything, so you can go to her in my absence."


    Grunt swallowed his other question and asked, "Why are you going now, and where?"


    Samael couldn¡¯t tell the truth, so he omitted it. "I can¡¯t say where I¡¯m going, but I can tell you why. I need help with something, and only the place I¡¯ll be going can assist me."


    Nobody could argue with that, and after passing around some instructions, Samael left the Phoenix with Veronica. "Keep it safe."


    "Leave it to me," Veronica replied, then kissed Samael. "See you later."


    Everyone then came up and hugged Samael, wishing him good luck and hoping he would return soon. Lastly, Tali and Liara approached him.


    Samael looked quite guilty, as he hadn¡¯t said anything about it beforehand. "I¡¯m so¡ª"


    Tali interrupted him. "You don¡¯t need to apologize. We all have our own circumstances, and we regret that we can''t help with yours as you helped with ours."


    Yes, that was the only thing bothering them. Samael had helped them many times, and now, in the only situation where they could help him, it seemed they had no way to do so.


    Samael chuckled a bit at that. "Your presence is already a blessing... I¡¯ll miss you, and trust me when I say I didn¡¯t want to go either. It¡¯s just that I have no choice."


    "We know," Liara said as she hugged Samael. "Come back soon, okay?"


    "I¡¯ll do my best."


    Liara kissed him, then broke the hug, and Tali repeated the process. After that, everyone left the Phoenix, and Samael walked toward Mordin.


    "I need something from you."


    "Say it." Mordin knew it must be important if he was the last one Samael talked to.


    "I want you to focus on the anti-PEM device. While you¡¯re working on the other projects, prioritize that one. It¡¯s very important."


    Samael understood that if they used the Crucible, all machines would die, including his allies. He wanted to ensure they had something to counter that, and the device Mordin was working on would be crucial.


    "...I¡¯ll do that." Mordin wanted to ask more but knew when to listen.


    "Thanks. And see you soon."


    Samael then went to one of the LD hangars, entered a standard ship, and set off on a journey to the Leviathan, seeking to heal his mind.

 116 – Preparations for War (1)

    WITH MIRANDA


    Miranda watched as Samael and his ship disappeared from the atmosphere, heading towards an unknown location, as he never said where he went. She had a lot on her mind, especially after their conversation a few days ago, and even more plans to set in motion.


    The things Samael said to her were astonishing, and surprisingly, he had some circumstantial proof to back up his claims. She had no choice but to believe him and move forward with the plans he proposed.


    One of those plans was set into motion the day their conversation ended: removing Samael and RR from the LD power structure.


    Samael had asked for this safeguard, just in case things went wrong, but Miranda hoped nothing like that would happen.


    There was also his retirement plan, but that was a matter for another time. Today, she would play her role in Samael''s absence: taking care of everyone on the crew.


    With Samael gone, everyone felt a little lost, except for a few like Wrex and Javik, who had specific roles to fulfill in preparation for war.


    Miranda was determined to position everyone where they would be most effective and grow. After all, she was in charge of LD in Samael''s absence.


    Before she could say anything, RR addressed the crew, "EDI, Legion, and I will be departing soon."


    Everyone on the crew was a bit taken aback, but Miranda picked up on something, "Samael''s order?"


    RR nodded, "It''s a secret mission. We will be back in six months at the latest."


    "¡­That long?" Javik knew how vital RR was to the LD''s routine, so her six-month absence would be challenging for the company in more than one way.


    "Don''t worry too much, Miranda has everything under control," RR said with conviction, and the crew had no choice but to accept how things were. "So, see you all soon."


    RR, EDI, and Legion exchanged their goodbyes, carrying a load of supplies with them, and boarded the ship they had prepared beforehand. Soon, it took flight towards the Perseus Veil to ally with the Geth.


    Miranda watched the ship disappear into the distance for a brief moment before shifting into full work mode. She had a lot to do afterward.


    First things first, she went to talk with Javik and Wrex, as they were the ones who would leave first due to their duties in war preparations.


    "So, what''s your plan?" Miranda asked Wrex as soon as she approached. Fortunately, the Krogan and the Prothean always walked together, making it easy for her to find them.


    Wrex immediately understood what she was asking. "To be honest, not much is different from what we are already doing. Sure, we will broaden our training scope, but at the end of the day, it really doesn''t matter against the Reapers. It''s more about morale and increasing their survival skills than anything else."


    That was true. Having faced a Reaper and its ground troops, Wrex knew that unless they defeated the major one, the smaller troops would keep coming. His training would focus more on survival than anything else, as he would not be training just Krogans, but any species that wanted to join.


    It was a big responsibility, but the Krogan Emperor was glad to take it on. After all, he was old, and things could get boring quickly, so this was a nice change of pace.


    "Is there anything I can do to help? I know Samael must have already made some preparations with you, but it doesn¡¯t hurt to ask." Miranda offered. Though she now had full control over the situation, it hadn¡¯t been that way just a few days ago. Samael had helped his friend many times.


    Wrex shook his head. "As you said, Samael has already prepared a lot for me and my people. The rest of it¡ªthose who want to train¡ªcan take care of it themselves... But if you want, you could lend me a few million credits."


    Miranda rolled her eyes at Wrex. "If we win the war, I can give you a billion credits."


    Wrex laughed loudly. "Samael said the same thing! It seems I¡¯ll be a billionaire!"


    Realizing her conversation with the Krogan was coming to a close, Miranda turned to Javik. "And what about you? Do you need any help with anything?"


    "No, Samael has already helped more than enough. I have enough weapons to overtake a planet and even more credits. If I need anything, I''ll let you know."


    Miranda nodded and, for a brief moment, allowed her true feelings to show as she addressed both of them. "Even though our time together was short, I consider you both¡ªand the entire crew¡ªto be family. So, please, do your best to survive."


    Wrex looked touched, while Javik appeared troubled. Neither delved into their feelings, but they both knew Miranda was sincere. Just like her, they considered the Phoenix and Normandy crew, family.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll train the green recruits so they can survive too," Wrex said slowly. "Don''t be shy about calling us sometimes. We will be busy for a while, after all. We don''t know when the Reapers are going to attack."


    "What he said," Javik added. "Call us if you need any help; we will do our best."


    "Thanks," Miranda replied, then shifted the topic to the arrangements for other crew members. "Grunt will stay with Samara here on Earth. I don''t know if they''re training or doing something else, but I assume you both are okay with that."


    "The kid has been alive for less than five months and has already experienced too much war, even for a Krogan. So, even though we have another one coming, let him enjoy life for a bit." Wrex said this, though he really wanted the kid to come with him. However, Javik, Samael, and Samara had convinced him otherwise.


    "Samara is a great teacher in more ways than one, so he''s in good hands," Javik remarked, clearly impressed with the Asari¡¯s prowess and knowledge. He was okay with leaving Grunt with her.


    "By the way, what about Garrus and Solana?" Wrex asked, curious about the situation. He had a rough idea of where the rest of the crew would stay and what they would do until the Reapers attacked, but he wasn¡¯t clear on the two newcomers.


    "I''ll use Garrus for LD business, as he is the former C-Sec director and has experience in that area, and Solana will spend most of her training focused not just on combat, but on other skills as well."


    While Garrus is already a good soldier, thanks to his LD training and the ones he received on Palaven as a child/young adult, the same cannot be said for Solana. Sure, she underwent the same training on Palaven, but to be honest, she wasn''t on Garrus''s level yet. Therefore, Samael asked Miranda to train her using LD resources, not only in combat but everything else.


    The war was fast approaching, and Samael was trying to strengthen everyone he knew.


    "Good, good." Wrex still had a face that revealed his curiosity was not yet satisfied, something Miranda noticed.


    Before he could ask any further questions, she said, "It seems you want to know more, and I''ll help you with that. First things first, Samael will be away for some time¡ªhow long, no one but him knows. Jack and I will be out of training and combat until we give birth. Samara and Grunt will stay together here on Earth, but this could change if she sees fit."


    Samara was in charge of Grunt, as mentioned before, and Samael didn''t exactly restrict her to Earth. Sure, he planned on making the planet the center of the war by building the Crucible here, but he also didn''t restrict others.


    "Veronica, Tali, and Liara are free to do whatever they want, but Samael asked them to stay close to Earth. Mordin will be working on projects to improve our chances in the war. Okker, as you already know, is still on Tuchanka but should be returning any time now."


    Miranda gave a rundown of what everyone in the crew would be doing in the meantime. Wrex and Javik appreciated the information.


    "If he hasn''t returned by the time I arrive on the planet, I¡¯ll send him back by force." Wrex added.


    "Thanks for that. We will need a lot of brains to complete all the projects Samael has in mind."


    As a perk or privilege, Samael had given Miranda full access to his private research team, so she knew what they were working on. Safe to say, she was amazed by their ideas and progress, as most projects were 50% done.


    Only time would tell if they would be ready before the war starts.


    "What about Project Andromeda?" Javik asked something he had been wanting to know for some time. While he and the rest of the crew knew about it, they didn''t know its progress.


    Miranda didn¡¯t hesitate to share, "LD has received a lot of funds since the reunion in the Citadel ended, but we still lack manpower. The Rachni Queen still hasn¡¯t hatched many troops, so their help will be delayed."


    Wrex''s expression changed slightly when he heard this, "I always forget how quickly they reproduce..."


    It had been less than a month since the Queen was rescued, but she had already given birth to many in the meantime. The numbers were significant, yes, but not enough for what they needed right now. That would change in the near future, but that was their reality for now.


    Additionally, the Queen had an LD team near her that served as a bridge for communication between her and LD. Initially, only Samael had that channel, but he passed it to Miranda as well, so she received reports periodically.


    Miranda nodded at Wrex''s statement but didn¡¯t comment further, "Anyway, the funds have been secured from the beginning thanks to Samael, and even though we don''t have enough manpower, I¡¯m proud to say that one of the arcs has been completed."


    This was an impressive feat, considering it had been less than a year since Samael had assigned the project to Alec.


    Wrex and Javik were surprised, and the Prothean asked, "What about the remaining arcs?"


    "Well, some of them are 20% ready, while others are at 30%. We estimated that they would be ready in three years, but with the Rachni''s help, that timeframe could be shortened significantly."


    "Can we finish before the war?"


    Miranda sighed, "Only time will tell. By the way, Javik, what about our Thorian friend? Any good news on that front?"


    From Javik''s complicated expression, the news wasn''t good. "Well, it isn¡¯t indoctrinated any longer, but it also doesn¡¯t remember anything. So, basically, we saved it, but for now, it¡¯s useless in combat or in giving intel."


    Samael had absorbed the Thorian''s memories and put them into something that would allow the creature to remember who it was itself if used correctly. However, from the way things were going, the Thorian wasn¡¯t following through for some reason.


    Miranda recalled the process that all LD members had to go through: logging their memories and personality into a video every few months. This was to combat the indoctrination, but it seemed the Thorian was slow on the recovering part.


    By the way, now that she received all of Samael''s intel, she was aware of the undoindoctrination process too.


    "A shame, it would have been good to know things from past cycles... Now, gentlemen, I will let you go. Again, don¡¯t be shy¡ªask if you need anything. LD has a lot of resources."


    "We will remember that. See you later."


    Wrex and Javik gave Miranda a quick hug before they went to say goodbye to the others. Both found Jack coming toward Miranda and hugged her as well.


    Jack was neither coy nor shy in reciprocating, and she said goodbye to them. After that, she approached Miranda, who was looking at the sky. "What''s on your mind, honey?"


    Miranda looked at her loved one and gave her a quick kiss. " That we have a lot of work to do."


    "Good thing I''m here to help you," Jack replied.


    Miranda rolled her eyes at Jack. "Oriana helps more than you do."


    Jack didn''t look offended. "I know. My role is to be the eye candy for the CEO, and I''m filling that role quite well."


    Miranda couldn''t say anything more; it was true. After one more quick kiss, they left the place and headed to work.

 117– Preparations for War (2)

    WITH MIRANDA


    It had been three days since Samael departed, and while Miranda hoped things would calm down, the situation became worse.


    It seemed that the imminent end of the universe was enough to make people want to take action. That was good and all, but it also meant a lot more work, especially now that RR wasn¡¯t on the company network.


    The AI had managed many areas in the company, and with her absence, Miranda''s workload nearly tripled. She hurriedly tried to find help but soon realized that while her colleagues were intelligent, they weren¡¯t on her level.


    The Phoenix crew stepped in to assist, with Tali and Liara coming to the LD headquarters to help alleviate some of the workload. However, there was only so much they could do, given their limited expertise in certain areas. Garrus also pitched in where he could, but it still felt overwhelming.


    Miranda attempted to call upon Mordin for help, but the Salarian was too busy with various projects, especially the one Samael had asked him to focus on. Almost all his attention was directed there, and it seemed he was getting closer to a breakthrough.


    Surprisingly, but not too much, the person helping Miranda the most was Oriana. The young girl was incredibly bright, on par with Miranda, and she absorbed knowledge just as quickly.


    After a day of assessing Oriana with the company workload, Miranda decided to trust her with a few tasks here and there. These weren¡¯t crucial or highly relevant assignments, as Oriana was still just a kid, but they were enough to significantly reduce Miranda¡¯s workload.


    So, the company continued to operate without RR and Samael, albeit with some issues here and there.


    One such issue involved Aria T''Loak, the owner of Omega, who was calling in a favor. ¡°I need credits, weapons, and armor. With all this talk of the end of the world, people are growing bolder and attacking my men and wanting my power.¡±


    Aria was the ''lord'' of Omega, a place where all things illegal were legal. As a result, the area was filled with a rough crowd that somehow stayed in line due to Aria''s control over the space station.However, with the end of the universe getting closer, things began to spiral out of control, and she had to ask for assistance.


    She was a little surprised when Samael said he was going to stay off the grid for a while, and she was shocked when, not even two days later, she was attacked. Of course, she could handle the situation, but she saw no reason not to ask for help.


    Miranda sighed. She knew Samael had connections with Omega but never realized the depth of those connections, especially with Aria asking for help so blatantly. Nevertheless, she had her orders. ¡°What and how much do you need?¡±


    ¡°Five million credits, and as many weapons and armor as you can send.¡±


    '''' Consider it done.'''' Miranda suddenly remembered something: Grunt and Samara.


    The duo had been training nonstop, but there was a limit to what they could accomplish here. Maybe sending them to Omega would be a good idea. The situation seemed like it was going to be resolved soon, so it would be a valuable experience for everyone involved.


    "How about I send you a Krogan and an Asari for help? They¡¯re available right now and are LD personnel, so they were trustworthy.'''' Miranda suggested.


    "Hmmm, what¡¯s the name of the Asari?" Aria asked. She didn¡¯t care much about the Krogan, as they were all similar in her eyes, but she knew a few Asari who had made names for themselves, so she wanted to be sure she wasn''t enemies with the one LD was going to send.


    "Samara."


    There was silence on the other end of the call.


    Miranda quickly realized something, "Do you know her?"


    Aria replied slowly, "You could say that... I¡¯ll accept the help."


    "Good. Please resolve the situation quickly, as I want both of them back sooner rather than later." Miranda urged.


    Aria smiled sadistically. "Don''t worry, I''ll handle all pests in less than a week... I¡¯ll remember this favor."


    The call ended, and Miranda slumped back in her chair. Jack, noticing her demeanor, came over with a juice. "Thanks."


    "Don¡¯t mention it." Jack then glanced at Oriana, who was studying a blueprint with a puzzled expression. "What is that?"


    Miranda gulped down the juice in one go and looked at the blueprint. "The thing that will end the war with the Reapers."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Jack was taken aback, as there was no sign of deceit in Miranda''s tone. "...Really?"


    Miranda nodded slowly. "But, just like her, I can¡¯t make heads or tails of what it really is and how it works." She had sent the blueprint to Mordin and the research team, who were currently studying it, but it seemed everyone had no idea what it was. She decided to let Oriana take a look, but the young girl was treating it as a challenge to figure it all out, and she was struggling.


    This revelation shocked Jack, as Miranda was one of the most intelligent people she knew. The fact that she had no idea how it worked was unexpected.


    "And it seems Oriana''s the same." Miranda commented.


    Jack returned to normal after hearing that and looked over at Oriana, who was nearly pulling her hair out.


    "WHAT IS THIS!?" Oriana exclaimed.


    By the way, this blueprint and the ones the researchers were studying were recovered from the facility on Mars just a day ago. Miranda checked the blueprints against the ones Samael had given her, and they were almost identical, with only a few differences here and there. She didn¡¯t know what those differences meant, but she planned to report her findings to Samael when he returned.


    Miranda and Jack chuckled at the scene. Jack then asked after a moment, "What¡¯s next on the schedule?"


    "Well, we should be free for a bit¡ª"


    Just then, Miranda¡¯s omnitool chimed, and she looked at who was calling. It was Admiral Hackett.


    He had been calling to discuss Earth¡¯s defense for some time now, and they had been maintaining steady contact for a day or two. LD was the one that was financing almost the whole war effort and the Alliance too. So, contact was considered normal.


    Miranda glanced at Jack. "Sorry, love. It seems our free time will have to wait."


    "Don¡¯t worry about it. See you later."


    Jack left the room, leaving Oriana, who was still losing her mind over the Crucible blueprint, and Miranda behind.


    Miranda answered the call right away, "Admiral, what can I do for you?"


    While the call was happening, one particular Salarian was having some troubles.


    WITH MORDIN


    Things have been chaotic these past few days. Ever since Samael left, he has focused all his energy on the anti-PEM project, which is very important to the human. The only time he wasn¡¯t concentrating on this was when Miranda introduced the Crucible project.


    He and his fellow researchers studied all night long but to no avail. They had no idea what it did, but they knew they could build it. So, for better or worse, those researchers had a new focus. They could not build it yet, but they could study it.


    Fortunately, almost all projects under their supervision were nearly complete, with a completion rate of 50%. However, that didn¡¯t mean they would stop; they knew how important these projects were. It¡¯s just that the Crucible had piqued their interest, prompting them to act on it.


    Mordin, on the other hand, was primarily focused on the anti-PEM device that covers an entire planet. Just thinking about this made the Salarian sigh. Sure, they had managed to create one that covered 2 KM, which was already impressive, but covering the whole planet felt impossible.


    Yet this was his job: to create the impossible. Still, it was tough, and the Salarian was not getting much sleep.


    The other researchers chimed in to help but to be honest, they weren¡¯t focused on the project, so it didn¡¯t help much.


    Just as Mordin was about to try brainstorming more ideas, he heard a voice he recognized, ¡°It seems you need some help.¡±


    Mordin turned around quickly and faced Okker, his fellow researcher. Okeer was a bit eccentric but very smart. ¡°The last time I saw you, you were on Tuchanka. How come you¡¯re here now?¡±


    Okeer sat beside Mordin and looked over at what he was doing before responding, ¡°I left the kids with their mother and came to help. Now is not the time to play family, I can do that after we win the war... By the way, what you¡¯re trying to do is impossible.¡±


    Mordin didn¡¯t mind the bluntness. ¡°My job is to make the impossible possible. Will you help?¡±


    Before meeting Mordin, Okeer had already glanced at the Crucible project but decided to check on his friend first. Now, it seemed he was going to be stuck with Mordin, as the project he was working on appeared important. ¡°Who assigned you this?¡±


    ¡°Samael. He said it¡¯s the key to ensuring a gentle post-war situation.¡±


    Okeer respected Samael a lot; not only had he created Grunt, but he had also helped with the Genophage cure. He nodded, ¡°It seems I have the opportunity to repay him. Move aside, lizard, let¡¯s create the impossible.¡±


    Mordin said nothing more and just handed over the notes he had about the project.


    The duo continued to work, hoping for a miracle.


    ---


    WITH TALI


    Ever since Samael left, Tali, Liara, and Veronica have made sure to spend as much time as possible with Valery. Their future mother-in-law didn¡¯t mind the company, so all was good. When they weren¡¯t with her, they spent their time training or helping around the area.


    Still, the atmosphere of the upcoming war loomed over everyone, not just in San Francisco or Earth, but throughout the entire galaxy. People were preparing, some crying and ¡®accepting¡¯ the end.


    While they were in a safe area, it couldn¡¯t be said for the rest of the galaxy. Riots and protests were commonplace.


    Even then, some people embodied the saying: hope shines the brightest when evil is close. Many were joining the Alliance or their respective species'' forces to fight. They knew winning this war would be difficult¡ªalmost impossible¡ªbut they chose to believe.


    The actions of these people inspired many more, creating a cycle of hope. It was still too early to say whether it was helping, but a lot of people chose to fight rather than cower in fear.


    Valery finally turned off the TV after watching some news covering this topic. She sighed, feeling she could do more.


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, mother-in-law?¡± a voice called from her side.


    Valery looked over at Tali, who was with her today. '''' That I could be doing more than just staying at home.''''


    She had contributed when the Reunion transmitted. It was limited, yes, but she helped. Now, she felt stuck.


    "How about helping LD with a few things?" Another voice, belonging to Liara, chimed in. "Samael never said you could not help; he just wants you to be safe. And San Francisco is most likely the safest place on the planet."


    "Hmmm... but where could I help?"


    Another voice came from the kitchen. "How about going to the compound and looking after the children there? While Jaret isn¡¯t around, the place is still crowded with people."


    Valery thought it over for a second and decided to go. Before doing that, she looked over at the three women. "My son is lucky to have you all in his life."


    Before the trio could respond, Valery got up. "Come on, let¡¯s go help."


    With that, they left the house to lend a hand in their own way.

 118 – Leviathans (1)

    WITH THE SHADOW BROKER


    The Shadow Broker, the individual who has nearly all the data about anyone in the galaxy, felt a bit overwhelmed right now due to some recent events.


    Numerous indoctrinated people were suddenly discovered thanks to the program Vigil provided to Samael, who then shared it with the rest of the galaxy. Almost all clusters and planets have issued alerts.


    It happened all of a sudden, the huge influx, that is. Of course, some of them appeared here and there in the past few months, but the number right now was astronomically higher than the average.


    Considering that the Shadow Broker had connections with LD, it was doing what it could to help remedy the situation. After all, if the galaxy fell into chaos, he too would face the consequences. Alongside LD''s CEO, Miranda Lawson, he was sending groups of Ardat-Yakshi to carry out the unindoctrination process.


    It was a hectic process, but it was something he had to endure in order to maintain his life. After all, LD had him under their thumb. Initially, he really didn''t like it, but he had come to accept it as normal. After all, it wasn''t like he had any other choice.


    He tried to look for a way out, but his men were all under LD''s control, so he couldn''t even begin the process of escaping. Instead, he adapted to the situation. Now, he could live with it.


    Today started like any other busy day, but something caught his eye. It was information that one of his many agents had brought regarding the Reapers.


    The Shadow Broker reviewed the report with tension. It indicated that something was happening in the Perseus Veil, with the Geth showing strange movements. Additionally, there were sightings of the Collectors, who everyone now recognized as a true menace to the galaxy.


    Samael had informed him about Legion''s mission, so he was aware that the Geth might start moving, but the appearance of the Collectors was an unwelcome surprise. If they were appearing, the Reapers might not be far behind.


    ¡®... The timing is not good for us. The Rachni Queen has only just sent the necessary troops to help build the arcs and other projects, so we are behind schedule. Still, we can do nothing but prepare for the inevitable, whenever that may be.¡¯


    Like Samael, he knew that the rough timeline for the Reapers to appear was about a year, but honestly, he didn¡¯t have a good feeling about that. He could only hope that the arcs and the secret weapon Samael mentioned in their last conversation would be completed in time.


    ¡®Well, I will continue my work.¡¯


    He passed the report to Miranda and continued his job of managing the information he received from the galaxy.


    ---


    WITH MIRANDA


    Just like the Shadow Broker, she was feeling overwhelmed right now, which wasn¡¯t good for her pregnancy. Regardless, she had her role, and she would play it to the end.


    Still, the indoctrination sent a chill down her spine, especially now that the numbers were rising at an astonishing pace. Even on Earth, some were starting to appear, and LD personnel were affected. Fortunately, thanks to the quick actions of those prepared, they were dealing with the situation safely. Thanks to Samael''s processes, they had a way to restore those affected to who they were before all of this.


    ¡®Thank God Vigil had that device, otherwise, I fear we all would have been lost already.¡¯


    Just imagining the damage an indoctrinated LD could inflict on the galaxy was enough to make Miranda break into a cold sweat.


    Regardless, she set that aside and called someone essential to all of this: The Headmaster, the one who had the Ardat-Yakshi under control.


    For the past few days, they had been busier than ever, each working on their respective tasks to ensure everything was okay. The duo had been in daily discussions about the places they needed to go and the things they needed to do, and today was no different.


    Soon after the call was made, the Headmaster picked up. "Miranda, why do I owe you the honor of this call?"This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "I just called to check with you about the situation of your girls," Miranda replied. She understood that while they had their own planet and amazing facilities, what they were doing was something no one could replicate, so their well-being was essential.


    By the way, the planet Samael and its facilities had been ready for some time. After all, with the current technology, construction is something considered easy. Thessia is a good example: its capital was obliterated less than two months ago, and now it is almost back to its former state.


    Sure, there were monuments around the place to honor those who had fallen that day, but in terms of infrastructure, it was as if the attack had never happened.


    Additionally, Jason helped build all the accommodations the Ardat-Yakshi needed on their new planet. The work was completed quickly, but it was well done. He lived up to his reputation as the best builder on Earth.


    However, his mental health took a downturn after LD acquired his company. He faced Thresher Maws almost daily while building things for Javik in his planet, and now he confronted countless Ardat-Yakshi, some of whom were very straightforward about their expectations. It got to the point where he and his team almost lost control of their urges.


    The only reason they managed to restrain themselves was the fear of dying if they had sex with the Ardat-Yakshi. Just recalling that time filled Jason and his crew with dread.


    The worst part was that as soon as the job was finished, Miranda called him to inform him about another assignment, which was the most important one of his career.


    What it was Jason didn''t know, but he was determined to do his job regardless. Whether his sanity would hold up, no one could predict.


    Shaking thoughts about Jason away, Miranda continued the conversation, "Do you guys need anything?"


    "The girls are doing fine, they''re free to explore the galaxy for the first time in a while," the Headmaster said. He understood how difficult it was for them to remain in control, so for them to have the chance to walk freely and let go of their constraints was something hard to come by. They were enjoying it to the fullest. "And no, we don''t need anything at the moment."


    Miranda wanted to do more to help them, but it seemed she had no way to. So she switched to work mode. "I received the data about the places you all visited. Is there anything you want to add now?"


    The Ardat-Yakshi, as a whole, was traveling non-stop across the galaxy to help those who had been indoctrinated. Things had worsened in the last few days, but Miranda asked just in case the Headmaster wanted to say something that hadn¡¯t been included in the report.


    Sure enough, the Headmaster''s troubled expression appeared on the call. "I fear we have a big problem on our hands. It''s not just the Reapers attacking, that is something we will have to face eventually. It''s something more..."


    Miranda''s face grew heavy as the Headmaster continued her line of thought.


    "The people we helped had jobs in various industries, and their positions in their respective companies were significant... My fear isn''t just for those we found, but for those we missed who are still missing."


    By now, everyone in the galaxy knew that a single piece of a Reaper was enough to indoctrinate someone. Just imagine the damage if multiple pieces of Reapers were left in the companies of those who had been indoctrinated. After all, while they were quick to help, they could not go to the location immediately, so there could be more indoctrinated individuals appearing soon.


    And while the Ardat-Yakshi was helping, their numbers weren''t that large. If things continued like this, they would soon be overwhelmed.


    The only way to ensure that nothing like that would happen was to completely secure and then destroy the places where those indoctrinated individuals had passed by, but that was something they could not do at the moment.


    Miranda sighed. She had taken that into consideration, but just like the Headmaster, she didn''t have a solution for that problem. They could only pray they could keep up with the rate of indoctrination; if they didn¡¯t, the Reapers might win the war before they even arrived.


    And that didn¡¯t take into account the fact that the Ardat-Yakshi individuals might get indoctrinated too.


    Miranda held her head and said, ¡°Let¡¯s do this: I¡¯ll send more ships to you guys, just in case you need them, along with some personnel. If you find anything weird among the girls, act on it immediately.¡±


    It seemed the Headmaster had the same train of thought, as she simply nodded and replied, ¡°Thanks... I¡¯ll keep you updated.¡±


    '''' See you later.''''


    After ending the call with the Headmaster of the Ardat-Yakshi, Miranda sighed. She was in contact with her almost daily now, and the Ardat-Yakshi were finally being recognized, thanks to their help. Sure, they essentially ''killed'' others, but at the same time, saved them and the others around them.


    Also, everything related to the indoctrinated individuals began as soon as Samael, RR, EDI, and Legion left. The correlation of them appearing right now, alongside the other''s departure shouldn¡¯t exist in any shape or form, but the coincidence was too significant to dismiss entirely. This made things even more complicated, as it was something Samael had brought up in their last conversation.


    She hoped it was just his fear, but now...


    ¡°Now, we can only hope everything goes according to what he said... If not, I fear our chances will...''


    The thought of Samael crossed her mind, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder about his whereabouts. After all, it had been a week since he left, and not a single message had come from him¡ªnot even to his mother or the other crew members.


    ¡°Samael, where are you...?¡±


    ---


    WITH SAMAEL


    Samael was deep in the underwater planet 2181 Despoina. He lay in what resembled a coffin, designed to withstand the immense water pressure. It looked like he was sleeping, but the reality was far grimmer than it appeared.


    To explain all of this, we must go back one week to reveal what led to this situation.

 119 – Leviathans (2)

    A WEEK EARLIER


    Samael was in his ship, one of LD Standard, which he had modified. They weren''t as extreme as the ones on the Phoenix, but they were enough to ensure his safety in any situation.


    In this ship, he had many things: weapons, an M.E.C.H that allowed him to reach where the Leviathans were located, and various other equipment. He had gathered everything that might help heal his mind.


    His mind had been bothering him for a long time, and after experiencing many events that solidified something was wrong with him, he was forced to confront the issue head-on.


    Despite all of this, he still needed to make some calls to ensure that things would run smoothly during his absence. Even though he would never admit it, he knew that his presence was a boost to the morale of certain individuals, who just happened to be in positions of power across the galaxy. Therefore, he was making arrangements for things to continue running smoothly in his absence, no matter how long it lasted.


    He contacted the Shadow Broker and relayed some information ahead of time. He spoke to Tevos regarding Shepard and various other matters, and talked with Councilor Anderson and Castis, Aria, and so on.


    It was a lot of people to reach out to, and by the time he finished, a whole day had already passed since he left Earth. He was only hours away from reaching 2181 Despoina, the Leviathans¡¯ lair.


    To say he didn¡¯t want to go there would be an understatement, as the Leviathans were hardly trustworthy. But as had been mentioned many times before, he had no choice. They were his last hope.


    He decided to take a nap after the calls. Honestly, it was tiring, managing all that took a mental toll few could handle with just sleep. Luck for Samael, he was one of those few.


    HOURS LATER


    Samael found himself in a strange place. It was all white, yet for some reason, he recognized it. But from where, he couldn''t tell.


    He stood in that place for a few minutes until he decided to walk around. As he did, he was suddenly confronted by an indoctrinated Yagh. For some inexplicable reason, instead of attacking, the Yagh walked to his side and joined him.


    "What is happening?"


    At this point, Samael realized that this must be a dream because nothing made sense. Before he could contemplate further, an indoctrinated Salarian joined them, forming a trio.


    Less than four seconds later, another indoctrinated person joined the throng, quickly followed by more and more. Within a minute, millions of indoctrinated individuals were gathered behind or beside Samael, following his every move.


    This bizarre walk continued until their numbers swelled to billions. Suddenly, there was a shift in the atmosphere, and they all focused their gaze on Samael, who had moved to a distance, staring back at them.


    Before he could say anything, the billions began to attack.


    Samael wasn¡¯t caught off guard by this, as he had expected it from the beginning. However, the sheer number of attackers was overwhelming, and he had no weapons, only his fists.


    The first Yagh to join him was the first to strike, but he was also the first to fall. He attempted to leap onto Samael, who dodged backward, making him fall to the ground. Samael seized the opportunity to stomp on the Yagh''s head, killing it.


    ¡°OOFF!¡±


    But that was enough for a Salarian to catch up to Samael and tackle him to the ground. Samael effortlessly escaped, gripping the Salarian''s neck, breaking it, and throwing the corpse away. He faced the billion-strong horde of indoctrinated individuals with no fear in his eyes, "Come!"


    With that, the indoctrinated charged at him. To his credit, he took many of them down, but eventually, he was overwhelmed by their numbers.


    There were many of them¡ªhumans, asari, turians, and even Leviathans.


    Instead of attacking him directly, they circled around him slowly, preparing to kill him. Just as they were about to strike, Samael woke up. He was sweating and panting, clearly affected by the nightmare.


    Samael got up from the bed and headed to the bathroom. He stared at his reflection with a thoughtful gaze, using his remaining eye. Nightmares were normal for him, but this one felt unusually real.


    ¡®I must be doing something right if my mind is sending me this now¡­¡¯


    Shaking those thoughts away, Samael washed his face and stepped out of the bathroom. What greeted him was a planet.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡®Finally.¡¯


    He had arrived at the Leviathans'' home. After taking a nap, he woke up right above the aquatic planet. It wasn''t big, but the thing that caught anyone''s attention was the fact that the planet was almost entirely water, with very few landing spots.


    Since this was so early in the timeline of the games, there was no outpost for him to land at, so he decided to jump into the water. With the right equipment, of course. Even he would not be able to reach their home without the M.E.C.H.


    After gazing at the planet for a few minutes, he went to the cockpit of the ship and dove into the atmosphere. It didn¡¯t take long for him to exit it, and now he just needed to head toward the creature¡¯s location.


    He didn''t want to waste more time, so that¡¯s exactly what he did.


    ---


    WITH THE LEVIATHANS


    A ship was seen floating above the Leviathans'' lair. They were aware that someone had entered the planet, but have been hiding from the Reapers for so long, they didn''t see the need to reveal themselves.


    After all, it wasn''t like the planet never got any visitors. They were usually from an inferior species, so they ultimately just ignored them. If necessary, however, they sometimes scrambled the minds of those unfortunate souls to avoid risking their location being discovered by the Reapers, or just kill them.


    The creatures thought today would be just like any other time a visitor came, but it wasn''t. The ship was literally floating above where they lived, which attracted the attention of many, leading to a few discussions about it.


    "Should we deal with the inferior species now or wait a little longer?"


    The Leviathans viewed themselves as the apex of the galaxy, considering all other species inferior. They referred to everyone other than themselves as such.


    "I say let them be. We have no idea what they want, and honestly, we can deal with them whenever we want."


    Some of them agreed while others didn''t. While they were discussing this, one of them noticed the ship above them open its hangar, bringing it to the others¡¯ attention. "Look, the ship opened... and it seems someone is going to jump."


    A flash of realization crossed their eyes. "Could it be they found our location?"


    "I doubt it."


    "Then how can you explain this situation?" one of them asked as the person above plummeted into the ocean, dropping at a high speed toward their location.


    "...Maybe I''m wrong. How do we deal with this? The standard?"


    The standard was mentioned before: kill to avoid any unnecessary surprises in the future or mess with the inferior species'' minds until they go crazy, and then let them go.


    Before they could reach a consensus, the M.E.C.H. arrived at their doorstep. Their location was still hidden, but from the expression on the human in front of them, they knew he was aware of their presence.


    The Leviathans were roughly aware of the state of the galaxy, so they understood the species that inhabited it during this cycle. They had gathered this information from the unfortunate souls who visited their planets. They possessed an ability that allowed them to control the minds of those with weaker wills, almost like indoctrination.


    Ultimately, they were curious to hear what the human wanted to say, as their last information about the galaxy was from a year ago. They needed to know what was happening.


    Soon, the "door" to their hideout¡ªa massive boulder¡ªwas moved, granting access to the human in front of them.


    The M.E.C.H. moved closer, clearly displaying no fear or hesitation. This alone piqued their curiosity, so they initiated the conversation by directly projecting their voice into the human''s mind.


    ¡°Human, what do you want from us, and how do you know of this place?¡±


    They started small, just talking, and didn''t directly probe the human mind. They could do that later, so for now, they wanted to satisfy their curiosity about the human in front of them. However, their communication could only occur through a form of telepathy, as they were literally at the bottom of the 2181 Despoina ocean.


    ¡°I came here to ask for help,¡± Samael stated plainly. ¡°You are the only ones who can provide it.¡±


    ¡°With what?¡± The Leviathans decided to ignore the fact that Samael had not answered all of the question.


    ¡°With my mind. I fear someone under the Reapers'' control may have done something to it.¡±


    When Samael mentioned the Reapers, a commotion ran through the Leviathans, with one of them asking urgently, ¡°How do you know about the Reapers?!¡±


    Usually, the residents of the galaxy only learn the machine''s existence too late, so they figure that since the human in front of them mentioned the machines meant only one thing: the Reapers had already started the ''cleaning''.


    This was dangerous for the Leviathans, as the Reapers sought to eliminate every last one of them, regardless of the cycle. That was why they, considered the apex species, had to hide for more than a million years.


    Samael decided to be honest. ¡°The Reapers have attacked the galaxy. We killed one of them, but he promised to bring more.¡±


    Upon hearing that, the Leviathans made the decision to kill the human in front of them, fearing he might reveal their existence. They also planned to relocate their lair just in case.


    However, before they could act on their plan, the human continued, ¡° So, I came here to-''''


    "We will not join the battle against them."


    The Leviathans never joined the fight in any other cycle. They claimed it was because they knew the galaxy would lose, so there was no reason to engage. In summary, they were cowards.


    One vein in Samael''s temple popped, clearly indicating his frustration with them, but he did his best not to show it as he said, "I only want you guys to heal my mind. I can handle the Reapers."


    The Leviathans found the situation amusing. An inferior species declaring that they could take on the Reapers, their creation, was laughable. "And how do you plan on doing that?" one of them asked.


    Samael dropped some of his pretenses. " I need you to check my mind first. When you were doing that, you''ll find out."


    He lowered a few of his defensive mechanisms so the Leviathans could access his mind. "But be warned: Don''t look too deeply. I have no idea what might happen to you."


    Samael was being honest. The help he needed didn''t require them to delve deep into his mind, so they would be safe. But if they were curious, they would have to enter a part of his mind that even he didn¡¯t want to explore. After all, it had already killed many intruders in past cycles, mostly Asari and a few other species that could enter a mind.


    They tried to attack Samael''s mind, but ultimately failed and ended up dying a meaningless death.


    The Leviathans laughed at him, and one of them volunteered to enter Samael''s memories. "We will see about that."


    Without any warning, it entered Samael''s mind, searching for information. In the meantime, it might even take a look deep into the inferior species to see what Samael knew.

 120 – Leviathans (3)

    The Leviathan that entered Samael''s mind didn''t expect much beyond the standard of an inferior species. It was supposed to be all rudimentary and easy to manipulate. But today, it faced a problem.


    ''What is this...?''


    Its species was advanced, far beyond the Asari, the so-called leader of this cycle, or any other species currently living in the galaxy. Its specialty was the mind, so imagine the creature''s surprise when it examined Samael''s mind.


    It was witnessing more than what the Headmaster saw, and remember that the Asari was shocked to her core by the little she could uncover. The Leviathan reaction to the raw state of Samael''s mind was one of utter disbelief.


    The mind was a chaotic mess, with parts that seemed almost ''sewn'' together forcefully to ensure it appeared ''normal.'' It was the first time the Leviathan had ever encountered such a phenomenon.


    Even with its shock, the Leviathan decided to delve into the human''s memories to see if the inferior species was telling the truth about the Reapers arriving. However, the situation became even stranger because, while it could clearly see the memories of the human floating around, it could not access them directly.


    It was as if there was a barrier surrounding them.


    "Now, are you curious?" A voice came from behind the Leviathan''s consciousness, and the creature slowly turned to face it.


    Sure enough, Samael piqued the creature''s interest. "Why is your mind like this?... What are you?"


    From the little fragments the creature managed to see, the Leviathan saw Samael creating and taking the Serum, so it was not surprising that the human could access the mental realm. However, it was intrigued by why Samael would go to such lengths. From what it gathered, the Serum granted a lifespan and strength far superior to that of a normal human, but the pain endured during the process... few would choose it willingly.


    "Well, this is why I came here to ask for your help.'''' Samael said while pointing around his mind. The place was a mess, and even without the Leviathan''s innate mental ability, meaning he could not really see the state of his mind, he knew something was wrong. It always has been, ''''There''s something wrong with my mind. The last time I came here, inside my mind, there was another version of me, one that I wasn''t aware of."


    "It disappeared after our first meeting, and I moved on with my life. But I knew it was trouble, and while I pushed it back as best as I could, it was now time to face it. I can only do that with your help."


    "And I''m just a normal human." Samael smiled at what he said. Both he and the creature knew it was far from the truth.


    The Leviathan said nothing more and looked around Samael''s mind once again. The situation was too intriguing to ignore: He could not access the full memories, the mind was sewn together, and there was another ''him'' inside his mind.


    It couldn¡¯t simply let it go. However, the creature still had his mission: to determine if the Reapers really had returned. To do that, he needed to access the full memories. Sure, he could forcefully watch them, but the result would likely drive the human insane or worse, and he didn''t want that after what he saw. So, he could only say, "Show me when the Reapers appeared, and then we can consider fixing your mind."


    While saying this, he had no idea how he would actually fix it.


    Samael didn''t hesitate and showed the memory to the Leviathan. He displayed Sovereign attacking Thessia and then the Reaper''s assault on Illos, culminating in its death at the hands of Samara.


    Sure enough, the Leviathan confirmed the truth. The Reapers were coming. It recognized that Sovereign was the vanguard, paving the way for the larger army. Its appearance meant that machines were approaching.


    Another surprising aspect was the fact they had managed to kill the machine. It wasn¡¯t as if other cycles hadn¡¯t succeeded in doing so, but it was a rare occurrence.


    The Leviathan paused, considering the whole situation. Although it was the only one who entered the human''s mind, its voice carried weight around the other Leviathans. If it conveyed to the other Leviathans that they should help the human, they likely would.


    However, it knew that some would not agree to help based on this alone. They needed more from the human, and something was telling the Leviathan that there was definitely more to uncover.


    "I need to access more of your memories so that I can convince the others to help you."


    Samael paused, aware of what the creature was attempting to do. "Are you sure?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. He could undo the barriers around the memories, but he doubted the creature would be satisfied. The next step would involve going further into his mind, which was something Samael didn¡¯t want it to do, for the creature''s safety.


    It could die. While he didn''t like the Leviathans, he needed their help. So, one of them dying because of him wasn''t good.


    The Leviathan, however, was arrogant and ignored the worried tone in Samael''s voice. "Yes. Undo the barriers."


    The creature didn''t bother to ask about the mental barriers because it saw them on the Asari they captured over the years. It could break it, but again, the human would suffer mental damage, and its fun would be ruined.


    With a sigh, Samael complied. He intentionally hid the memories that mentioned time loops or anything else of great importance. He wasn¡¯t that reckless.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Of course, in order for him to gain the creature''s interest, he had to ''show'' a few things that happened to him, such as one of the cycles he lived and being ''born'' in this one. So, the creature would have no choice but to listen to what he said.


    If you think about it, the galaxy has many strange things: The Asari had the meld, the Leviathans could brainwash people, etc. So, time travel wasn''t that far-fetched.


    The Leviathan was pleased and slowly began to sift through Samael''s memories, searching for something more significant. It discarded the memories from his childhood and chose to focus on those from his adult life.


    It should be mentioned that time in the mind realm was different from reality, allowing it to move slowly and carefully.


    After some time and sure enough, more facts caught its attention. The creature was watching the end of the galaxy.


    '''' What''s the meaning of this...?''''


    The Leviathan questioned Samael and himself. The memories began to grow more and more bloody. They revealed how the galaxy united against the Reapers and attempted to build something that would have ended the machines once and for all, only for the indoctrinated to foil that plan.


    After confirming that their plan had succeeded, the Reapers launched a full-scale attack on the galaxy, devastating everything in their path. The Leviathan watched as the Asari fell, alongside their homeworld. Next came the Turians and Palaven, followed by the Krogans and Tuchanka.


    The galaxy tried to resist, but the machine''s power was too strong. Nothing managed to stop their momentum.


    Eventually, the last stronghold, Earth, fell, marking the end of the galaxy. Sure, there were stragglers here and there, but their numbers meant nothing to the Reapers.


    For some reason, the Reapers were mercilessly tracking the survivors down. Time passed slowly, and the survivors lost more and more of their numbers.


    Finally, only a handful of them were left, hiding on an unknown planet and doing their best to survive. Unfortunately, the Reapers found them not long after, and the last battle began.


    Well, "battle" is a nice way to describe what turned into a massacre. The remaining inhabitants of the galaxy fell one by one until the Leviathan saw Samael in the memory make a choice.


    He took one of the ships that was still functional and charged at the Reapers. The memory then ended as the ship collided with one of them.


    The Leviathan slowly looked at Samael. The content of the memory was too shocking, and it knew it was impossible to change it. Even its species could not alter memories, meaning it was all legitimate.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re a time traveler, huh?¡± The Leviathan theorized that it was possible, but at the end of the day, it remained just a theory. So, seeing someone who actually did it was strange, to say the least.


    ¡°Yes. As you saw, I lived my life normally, and when I died, I returned to when I was a baby. I used my knowledge to better prepare the galaxy for the upcoming war, but after doing my best, I realized something was wrong with my mind and came here seeking help.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm... and how did you know our location?¡± That was something puzzling to the creature.


    Samael smiled. ¡°You didn¡¯t check all my memories, right? You jumped to the end and missed key details.¡±


    Hearing that, the Leviathan looked at Samael''s earlier memories and, sure enough, found him learning about their location before he died at the hands of the Reaper.


    Still, noting that he missed something so crucial, the Leviathan meticulously examined Samael''s memories from the beginning to the end.


    It saw Samael being born, growing up, and finally reached the point where it discovered everything it wanted to know. Safe to say, it now knew a lot more about the human.


    And the creature was impressed. Its species had watched the galaxy fight the Reapers, but this was the first time the galaxy had a chance to win before too many casualties occurred.


    By the way, the time it took to check all the memories wasn¡¯t long, only a few hours. It had checked all of Samael''s memories, so by now 19 years or so of life in only a few hours.


    And it discovered something intriguing in Samael''s past life: The Crucible. From what it could gather, it was constructed by the leader of the last cycle, the Protheans, as a means to stop the Reapers.


    Unfortunately, just as it had happened with the human''s past life, the indoctrinated acted in a way that made it impossible to use, causing the galaxy to lose the war.


    Still, it saw the blueprints, and in more than one way, it appeared that the Protheans had help from them, even if they didn¡¯t realize it. The project was remarkable in many respects, and the best part: it should work.


    That alone made the Leviathan grow bolder, and it had already started to make plans to escape this prison once and for all. To achieve that, it would have to assist the human before it, but that would not prevent it from thinking of ways to come out on top.


    It also made sense, as its species was the apex of the galaxy. If the Reapers were gone for good, they would reclaim that position. For now, though, it would help the human, although it was uncertain how.


    ¡°So, are you satisfied?¡± Samael asked the creature after some time had passed. He could almost hear the creature¡¯s thoughts but did not let on that he knew their true nature and had plans regarding their behavior.


    Just like the Batarians, only a fool would believe the Leviathans. He was here only because he had no other options.


    The Leviathan regarded Samael with a different gaze than before. The arrogance and annoyance were still present, but now it acknowledged the human who challenged the rules of time. ¡°Yes. I saw your history, your past, and I must say I¡¯m impressed¡ªnot only with you but with the galaxy as a whole.¡±


    It was referring to both the past timeline and this one. This cycle had been¡­ entertaining to watch. It was a shame they had almost no visitors, otherwise, they would have learned more about the overall situation of the galaxy by now.


    ¡°But I have no idea how to help your mind.¡± The creature was honest about that. ¡°I can talk to the others about joining the war effort; considering that the galaxy has a real chance with the Crucible, but that¡¯s it.¡±


    Samael knew how cowardly those powerful beings were, so for them to mention joining the war effort meant they were somehow confident. Still, he said nothing about that and replied, ¡°I don¡¯t need much. I only need your help to find this other me. To fix my mind, I must deal with him first.¡±


    Samael would not say it was just a hunch because the other party didn¡¯t need to know that.


    The Leviathan looked at Samael with a strange expression. ¡°Only that?¡±


    Samael nodded. ¡°This other me¡­ has a peculiar presence. I fear he is related to the Reapers.¡±


    At that last part, the Leviathan grew concerned. However, it still believed that the others would help. As soon as Samael mentioned that, it attempted to find this ¡°other him,¡± but to no avail. It could only uncover a few pathways deep within the human mind, which had been forged and then closed.


    It was unusual but effective in hiding. Therefore, it would need the others¡¯ help; by showing them what it had found, it should be easy to gather their attention.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to the others about you and your situation. I don¡¯t know how they will respond, though.¡±


    Samael understood that it was his best shot, so he nodded. ¡°Please do so.¡±


    The Leviathan then unilaterally ended the mental connection, and both he and Samael returned to the real world.


    Samael looked at the clock and noticed that exactly three hours had passed since then. ¡° Not too bad.''''


    The Leviathan that had entered his mind joined the others of his species, and they began discussing something.


    Samael knew they would help in the end, he just didn¡¯t know how long it would take for them to reach that consensus.


    Regardless, the tools he needed to ensure his survival in this place were all on his ship, which was floating on the water. For now, all he could do was wait.

 121 – Leviathans (4)

    The Leviathans gathered around the one that entered Samael''s mind to hear what he had discovered.


    "So, it''s true that the Reapers have already appeared?" one of them asked.


    The urgent tone in its voice was not unique to that Leviathan. All of them were terrified of the Reapers and hoped it was merely a figment of human imagination.


    Unfortunately for them, the Leviathan that entered Samael''s mind confirmed, "It''s true. They have already appeared."


    After a long period of reasonable peace, during which they managed to stay hidden, many of the Leviathans felt fear once again. They hoped that by hiding for millions of years and going through countless cleaning cycles, they would have lost some of that fear. However, it seemed that their fear of the machines only grew as time passed.


    "But don''t worry too much, only the vanguard, or a Sovereign, has appeared. From what I could gather from the human''s mind, a full-scale attack will happen in about a year or so." the Leviathan explained.


    Some of the Leviathans were relieved, while others were a bit angry at the one who entered Samael''s mind. "Why didn''t you start with that?"


    "Because that''s not the most surprising and shocking thing I found in that human''s mind," the Leviathan replied.


    From its tone, all those around could sense that the creature was genuinely shocked, which in turn heightened their curiosity. "What is it?" they asked eagerly.


    They all waited for the response. If it were more shocking than the appearance of the Reapers, it must be truly important.


    The Leviathan that entered Samael''s mind looked at them and said in a mysterious tone, "Our friend there has time-traveled."


    Silence fell. A few of them thought they might have heard it wrong and asked, "¡­ What did you say?"


    "You heard me. He has time-traveled. I have verified it," the Leviathan stated definitively, leaving the others in shock.


    Some of them wanted to ask if it was sure, but they could tell from its tone that it was certain. So, they could only inquire, "How and what happened?"


    The Leviathan was as clueless as the rest of them. "I have no idea how or why, but I have seen his life from beginning to end, as well as his past. He used his knowledge to try and prepare the galaxy for the Reapers'' arrival, but a few things changed since he interfered in the timeline, leading the Reapers to attack earlier," it explained.


    It then relayed everything it had seen in the human''s mind, and it was safe to say that they were amazed by what they heard. Not only was time travel real, but they were in the presence of someone who had done it.


    Of course, the human was still inferior compared to them, but even they had to admit that it was somewhat of an amazing feat, even though it seemed he had no control over it.


    After the Leviathan finished recounting all it had witnessed, all the others shared the same thought, "I want to see it."


    Hearing about it was one thing; seeing the memories was another. For the moment, their curiosity overwhelmed even their deep-seated fear of the Reapers.


    One of them finally spoke after a brief silence, "I want to see those memories."


    Like a cascade, all the others echoed the same sentiment, "Me too."


    "It''s a unique opportunity¡­"


    More and more chimed in, and finally, the one who entered Samael''s mind said, "Well, that''s another part of what I was going to say."


    Without waiting for the others to ask what it was talking about, the creature continued, "Remember that the human came here asking for help."


    The others recalled the scene; it was true. He had come seeking assistance, but the question still remained, "With what?"


    "Well, our time traveler thinks that the wrong things within his mind originated from the Reapers, and that only we could help him," the Leviathan explained.


    Silence filled the air once more. It was as if someone had reminded them of the seriousness of the situation they were in. "What do you think? Could it be true?" one finally asked.


    The Leviathan replied, "Yes. But I also could not help him, as the problem is too hidden, deep inside his mind. That''s where the win-win situation comes into play."


    A few of the Leviathans caught the subtle meaning, "So, we all enter his mind, see his memories, and then help him find his counterpart?"


    It made a lot of sense, and the Leviathan replied, "Yes."


    "Will his mind be able to handle all of us at once?"


    Remembering the pain the human went through and the benefits he gained from the experiment, the Leviathan said, "I told you what happ - wait a minute... You will understand what I¡¯m talking about when you see his mind, but yes, he can handle it."


    After all, the was more like a Chimera than a normal human. It was not as if their species had never tried something like that, it was just that the results were far from satisfactory.


    The Leviathans looked at each other and could see their desire to witness the memories for themselves. If they had to help an inferior being, so be it.


    "We will help with his mind."


    "Good. Also, you will see when you examine his memories, but this time, this cycle has a chance to win against the Reapers once and for all."


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "How?"


    "Again, you will see after you explore his memories, but I recommend we enter the war."


    Silence ensued. For now, they were afraid to answer, so it was clear they would respond after they viewed the human''s memories.


    Seeing this, the Leviathan that entered Samael''s mind said, "Let''s not waste any more time."


    The whole conversation took about ten minutes, and by the time they returned to where Samael was, they were taken aback by what they saw.


    In their lair, there was now a mini space filled with a coffin-like structure. From its size, it was clearly meant for the human.


    Still, for it to be there meant the human knew they would accept his proposition, and some of them actually found a nick of respect for his attitude.


    When Samael saw the Leviathans, some of whom easily dwarfed Sovereign, he smiled at them. "I hope we have reached an agreement?"


    The Leviathan snickered a bit and said, "Yes. But all of us will enter your mind, see your memories once more, and then help you... and what is all this?"


    "I see no problem with that.'''' Samael pointed at the coffin. ''''This is the place where I¡¯ll be sleeping.'''' He paused for a bit before saying, "I don¡¯t know how long it will take to deal with the other me, so this is a precaution... and I have another favor to ask."


    With a hint of displeasure in its tone, the Leviathan asked, '''' What is it?''''


    "While I¡¯m gone, can you take care of my ship?"


    He didn''t know how long he would be gone, so he asked that just in case. He still needed something to leave the planet when he was done.


    The Leviathans didn''t delve into this too much and simply said, "Sure. Now, let''s begin."


    Samael nodded and started preparing for the procedure. First, he placed a significant amount of compressed food into the coffin. He set it to release every few days to ensure he would not die of hunger. Next, he added other essential things to ensure his survival for quite some time.


    The Leviathans were a little taken aback by all this but said nothing. All they wanted was to see the mind of the so-called time traveler. What happened before or afterward wasn''t their concern.


    After a few minutes, Samael was all done. He took a deep breath and did something very few would dare to do: he stepped out of his MECH into the cold water of the deep ocean.


    Immediately, his bones¡ªdenser than those of humans and akin to Krogans¡ªstarted to crack. He quickly jumped into the coffin-like structure to mitigate the damage.


    Once inside the coffin, he closed it, and soon, through the mechanics of the device, the water was sent back to the ocean, leaving the interior clean and ready to sustain Samael for some time.


    After all that, he was finally ready to deal with his mind. Sure, he would first have to ''deal'' with the Leviathans who wanted to see his memories, but that wouldn¡¯t take long.


    Samael took a deep breath and gave the okay. All the Leviathans in the area¡ªnumbering only around twenty or thirty, thanks to the Reapers'' relentless pursuit¡ªgathered. Honestly, it was a miracle so many of them had survived for so long.


    Soon, the twenty or so Leviathans all entered Samael''s mind.


    --


    INSIDE SAMAEL''S MIND


    ''''Fascinating...'''' Just like the first Leviathan that ventured here, they were shocked by the state of the human mind and simultaneously captivated by it.


    Never in their long existence had they witnessed anything like this. It was as if something had completely destroyed the mind, reshaped it piece by piece, and then left the rest to destiny.


    And that wasn¡¯t even the most surprising part. They observed the memories and, just like the first Leviathan, confirmed that Samael was indeed a time traveler.


    It was shocking, yes, but in the grand scheme of things, his return seemed... trivial. He changed almost nothing and even worse, it appeared his actions had anticipated the Reapers'' arrival. Sure, he supposedly possessed a device that could destroy the Machines once and for all, but they did not see it being used in his memories, so all of that remained speculation.


    Still, the Leviathans gathered all available data about this device and memorized it. They were now armed with that knowledge and could potentially act on it. After all, it seemed this cycle had a genuine chance of winning, and when everything was said and done, the galaxy would need a new ruler.


    And they had more qualifications than any other inferior species in the galaxy at this moment.


    After observing Samael''s ''first life,'' they continued into his next memories and saw the pain he endured to gain strength. They discovered the Chimera Serum and the effects it had on him.


    ''''So that¡¯s how he can handle all of us at once. His mind is fortified...'''' The Leviathans distinctly remembered how it went when they attempted to enter the minds of other inferior species. They would often go catatonic or crazy soon after.


    That was when only one of them entered a mind, and with all of them combined, the strain was even greater. But from what they were witnessing, nothing had changed in Samael''s mind.


    He was still sane and normal. The human was even following them around in his mind realm, something very few species could do. Sure, he had the Chimera Serum, which gave him Asari mental capabilities, but having it and using it like this was a different story.


    Soon, after seeing everything they wanted to see, the Leviathans begrudgingly decided to honor their words. They were satisfied with what they saw and had gained a new weapon, all in exchange for empty promises they didn¡¯t know if they could deliver.


    All twenty or so Leviathans looked at Samael, and their representative said, ¡°Now, what exactly do we do?¡±


    Samael smiled at what he heard. He now had the chance to see things through to the end. ¡°I just need you to find the hidden realm inside my mind. It should be easy, because one Asari managed to find it, only for the other part to hide it more deeply.¡±


    The Leviathans knew that Samael intentionally riled them up by mentioning that one Asari managed to do it. Even though they recognized this, they were still a little angry and began searching frantically.


    Sure enough, after giving Samael many headaches due to all they were doing in his mind, they finally found it. Just as Samael said, it was deeply hidden.


    ¡°It was hidden inside your past memories. How, I don¡¯t know, but I must say that it''s an amazing move.¡±


    Very few individuals had the power to hide things in memories, and Samael was the only one with a past life, making it even trickier. It took the Leviathans a long time to uncover it.


    After seeing the entrance to the hidden realm inside his mind, Samael felt calm. He would finish this once and for all. But first, he had to shoo the Leviathans away.


    He looked at all of them and said, ¡°Thanks for that. And please, keep your word regarding my ship and my well-being.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. See you later, mortal.¡±


    With that, they left Samael¡¯s mind, and after checking one more time to ensure they really had done so, he jumped straight into the hidden realm.


    OUTSIDE WORLD


    The Leviathans all stared at Samael, who was deeply ensconced inside his coffin-like structure. They never imagined today¡¯s events would happen, but here they were.


    Now, they faced a dilemma: should they risk revealing their existence by constructing this machine, or should they wait?


    While contemplating this, one of the Leviathans asked the others, "What do we do about him?"


    "Him" referred to Samael, the one who had given them this opportunity.


    One of them looked at Samael and said coldly, "We have already done our part with his mind. I say we let him be. We won¡¯t attack him, even though he¡¯s dangerous, but we also won¡¯t aid him."


    It was a reasonable compromise. They would not like to admit it, but though trivial, a person had time traveled was dangerous in more ways than one. They were wary of him, just as they were wary of the Reapers.


    The only difference was that they could kill the human right now. Still, they felt bound, even if just a little, to Samael. They had promised to keep his ship safe.


    The first Leviathan who had entered Samael¡¯s mind said, "Let¡¯s keep an eye on him while we construct the device. After that, we will see how it goes."


    In that single sentence, he articulated their next steps: risk it to construct the device and watch over Samael for the time being.


    After that, things would be left to fate.


    "Let¡¯s begin!"


    The Leviathans immediately began to spread their tentacles across the galaxy, both metaphorically and physically.


    With that, another variable in Samael''s plan appeared, all while he was battling his own mind.

 122 – Samael vs Samael (1)

    When Samael entered the hidden realm within his mind, he blanked out.


    After an unknown period of time, he "woke" up slightly disoriented. He got up from the ground and looked around, his vision still blurry. He attempted to understand his surroundings, but to no avail. It made sense, as it was a hidden realm where he had seen nothing before, so it was all unknown.


    After his vision returned to normal, initially, all he could see was white. The place around him was all white, until a few more seconds, when the place started to change right in front of his eyes. By the time the change ended, while there were still some white places here and there,the hidden realm now had a rudimentary structure and he was face-to-face with someone.


    It was himself. He was looking at an alternate version¡ªthe same one he had seen on Thessia some time ago. This time, however, it seemed to have stopped bothering to hide its true nature, as it was part machine, part human.


    "Hello there." The other him was calm, smiling at him.


    "... Fuck." Samael immediately realized something wasn''t right. His plan was to deal with his mind, but the appearance of the other him right away threw him off.


    He believed he would have the element of surprise, or at least catch the other party off guard by arriving here, in its realm. However, it seems his plan was flawed from the beginning.


    His counterpart chuckled a bit. "On the contrary, my friend. The plan went exactly how I wanted it to."


    Samael stared, as he didn''t even say anything but the other he responded.


    "I''m not reading your mind, I can''t do that, I just know you well enough to know what you''re thinking... after all, I''m you¡ªjust different." The machine version snapped its fingers, and a table appeared with a few drinks. "Care for a drink?"


    Samael knew he was in trouble. But, something he had learned from his past cycles was that sometimes you have no other choice but to go with the flow. So he said, "Sure."


    After Samael sat down, he grabbed a drink and chugged it down. Once he finished, he asked, "Can you explain what is all of this?"


    Samael wasn''t dumb, he had already suspected he was in trouble when his other self appeared in his mind on Thessia. Coupled with his fragmented memories, he reached the conclusion that someone had manipulated his mind. Previously, this had all been speculation, but now that he was face to face with himself, he wanted to hear an explanation.


    It was honestly a very confusing thing for Samael.


    His counterpart smiled sadistically. "Well, I''m you from one of your past cycles. One part you thought had gone away, but in fact, I was waiting for the exact moment to act.''''


    With his not-so-reliable memories, Samael began to remember his past cycles. It took him a moment until he realized something. In the cycle where he was indoctrinated, he returned when he hit 28, but he never went through the process of Unoindoctrination.


    This means that for all intents and purposes, he had an indoctrinated part in his mind. He simply died, believing that was the end of everything. It appears the other part acted on this and went unnoticed until now.


    This realization sent a chill down Samael''s spine, as he had spent many more cycles after that, which implies the other part was aware of all his plans while he remained in the dark from the very beginning.


    "Yes, I''m that part." Shedding the human aspect completely, the Samael before him transformed into a full machine, its appearance resembles RR quite a bit. "I''ll admit, your mind is stronger than anything I have ever seen. So much so, you endured the convergence of minds in a past cycle, managing to make me so weak that I could only hide for a long time, waiting for a chance."


    "Oh, if you''re wondering what the convergence of mind is, it''s when you choose the blue ending."


    Samael made a horrified face, as the machine in front of him knew his most guarded secret¡ªthat the universe he was in was a video game and he came from another dimension.


    "Why the face? I''m you. While I can''t read your mind, I can access your memories." The machine continued, "Anyway, when you choose the blue ending, your mind enters the mind frame of the Reapers. Not just one, but all of them. Can you imagine what would happen to a human mind if it came in contact with that?"


    Basically, Samael had touched the Reaper''s mind with a human one. The consequences were too numerous to begin speaking, but it would explain a lot of what was wrong with him.


    "You lost part of yourself. You were lucky to have the time loop. But even then, you were profoundly affected."


    Samael sighed. "How so?" He was realizing he knew a lot less about himself than he expected.


    "You turned into a vegetable for a few cycles. Your body was there, but your mind...'''' The counterpart then added with surprising sincerity, ''''Valery is really an angel, by the way, considering everything. She cared for you even through all that. Not many have that kind of strength.''''


    Samael ignored what it said about his mom and asked with trepidation in his voice, "How many cycles?"


    "You really want to know?" The machine was enjoying Samael''s suffering quite a lot. It had been trapped in here for a long time and had plotted its revenge for some time too.


    Although he asked, it wasn''t out of concern or any kind of good emotion. He wanted to see the human suffer more.


    "Yes." Samael said, but anyone could see he wasn''t enjoying the conversation. Still, he went through great lengths to arrive here, so he would ask everything he wanted to ask before dealing with his counterpart.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Thirteen full cycles." The counterpart said that with venom and glee in its voice.


    Samael trembled slightly as he realized the number of cycles was more than he remembered living. ''I was supposed to have lived only 9 cycles... How many memories am I missing?''


    While still recovering from the shock of that realization, Samael asked the one million credits question, "...And how many cycles have I lived?"


    "Ninety-nine. This is the 100th and the last. And yes, it''s really the last."


    '''' How do you even know its the last?''''


    The machine counterpart said with a smile, '''' Well, for you it is the last, as after today, you will cease to exist. If the time loop still continues, you won''t be here to know.''''


    "Besides, your entire argument about this being the last cycle is based on a feeling you''ve never experienced before. How do you know it¡¯s not me causing that feeling?"


    The machine slowly picked up a cup of water that it had materialized and drank from it. It didn¡¯t need to do this, but it knew it was irritating Samael, so it went ahead anyway.


    By the way, the machine didn¡¯t care about being stuck in a time loop, as all it needed to do was clear a path for the rest of the Reaper fleet, no matter how many times it had to do it. In fact, it even found a bit of enjoyment in the process. If the time loop continued after taking over Samael''s body, it would be useful for developing better strategies against the galaxy.


    At this point, the real Samael was doing his best to suppress a scream of rage, but he was failing. Feelings of helplessness, thoughts of giving up, and the urge to eliminate everything in sight consumed him, while his machine counterpart was enjoying his misery.


    The machine knew it had won, so it didn''t mind talking some more, '''' Your subconscious managed to make me weaker, but I did have some power over you, and taking advantage of the fact you were out of commission for a long time, I was a little mischievous."


    "What did you do to me?" Samael was growing fed up with the entity in front of him.


    "I didn''t have much power, but I had enough to manipulate your mind. I made you forget about me and those past cycles, resetting your memories after a few cycles, messing with the Serum formula, RR, among other things."


    Hearing the last part made Samael pause. '' It seems my fears were proven right.''


    "RR is the mole, right?" This was something Samael had discovered some time ago, that LD had a mole in a high position, but he had no way to prove it. That¡¯s why he asked EDI to keep an eye on RR when they went to seek help from the Geth with Legion, and why he revoked RR''s access from LD.


    Still, it seemed his countermeasures had worked, but RR was still a threat no one could face alone.


    '' I will have to deal with her...''


    The machine nodded. '''' She is part Reaper. Do you really think that something you made using us will be loyal to you? Of course, I did mess with your mind regarding that, but it''s still funny.''''


    Samael once more ignored the machine''s taunt, ''''And LD was created in more than one cycle, right?"


    The machine nodded once again.


    "This is also not the first time we¡¯ve had this conversation."


    "Nope." The machine, once more, was surprised by Samael''s train of thought.


    '' He is shocked but is asking the right things at the right time. I lived within him for a long time, but I can''t help but be impressed.''


    Still, the machine already won and it made sure that Samael realized that, ''''You really are intelligent, aren''t you? Well, it doesn''t matter, you still were manipulated and lost anyway. I won."


    Samael prepared himself to fight, even though he didn¡¯t know how in this space. "How so?"


    "For all that intelligence, you still didn''t realize?"


    Samael said nothing and waited for the machine to reveal all he didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Again, I was weak, but I managed to manipulate you to some degree. I made you create a company so grand that it now encompasses the entire galaxy¡ªall so the Reapers could enter easily.¡±


    Samael paused. Memories of how powerful LD was flooded his mind, ¡°All that, in what I thought was preparation to fight the Reapers, was actually to help them?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Again, since I didn¡¯t have much power over you, I could do nothing but let fate take its course. I couldn¡¯t communicate with them, but I could manipulate you to manipulate RR so that she would contact them. By the way, even she doesn''t know she is the mole, thanks to me.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, it was a pain in the ass, but I managed it. I planned and waited to act when the correct time arrived. And that time is now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take over your body, act like you, and then prepare the terrain for my species. Thanks for your support, by the way, but it¡¯s time for you to leave.¡±


    Samael got up from the chair, ¡°If you think you can win that easily, you¡¯re wrong.¡±


    The machine smiled at that gesture. With a wave of its hand, Samael was sent flying away. A portal opened just as he was about to land on the ground, and he disappeared into it.


    ¡°Now, I just have to wait for his mind to weaken enough so I can take control of his body.¡±


    By the way, during Samael''s weakest state, when he was in a coma for several cycles, the machine was also too weak to act. If it had possessed the strength it has today, it would have already taken over his body at that time.


    The machine sat down in the chair again and waited peacefully. The plan it had crafted long ago was finally coming to fruition.


    By the way, during Samael''s weakest state, when he was in a coma for several cycles, the machine was also too weak to act. If it had possessed the strength it has today, it would have already taken over his body at that time.


    Instead, it had to hide like a rat and manipulate the human to have any chance.


    But now that it had its opportunity, it would not miss it.


    ¡°All for the greater good of the Reapers.¡±

 123 – Samael vs Samael (2)

    ''''Samael, wake up!''''


    Samael heard someone shouting his name, but since it didn¡¯t sound like a call for danger, he didn¡¯t react right away and decided to keep resting.


    It seemed the person who shouted didn¡¯t like that, as it began shaking him quite hard.


    With a hint of annoyance, Samael woke up and was about to curse the person, but what he wanted to say and what came out of his mouth were two different things.


    ''''Good morning to you too, Tali.''''


    That made him pause, and slowly the situation he found himself in returned to him. He looked around and immediately recognized his room in the Normandy.


    The problem was that, in this cycle, he rarely visited the ship¡ªif at all¡ªso there was no reason for it to have a room for him.


    ''That''s right... I was facing the other me, then he snapped his fingers and now I''m in this situation.''


    While the whole experience was shocking¡ªhaving a Reaper counterpart inside his mind¡ªat least he now had answers to what was wrong with him.


    Still, he didn¡¯t like the fact that he had been manipulated for so long and played right into the enemy''s hands. Now, all he wanted to do was defeat the other him and correct what he had done wrong.


    But how he would accomplish that was the problem. Take this situation, for example: he was in a place that was supposed to be impossible, all while unable to express what he wanted to say or do anything at all.


    To further complicate matters, the situation started to get even weirder.


    Tali, the person who woke him up, still had her suit on. That immediately set alarms on Samael''s. He slowly deduced, based on everything that had happened to him, that he was inside one of his memory. Which, he didn''t know yet.


    He didn''t know how the other part managed to do that, but he was powerless to change anything about it. So, he had no choice but to go with the flow while trying to figure out what exactly this situation was and how to escape it.


    Anyway, the bizarre situation continued, and Samael, who had no control over his body¡ªit was as if he were a passenger, a movie watcher¡ªwent on with his day.


    He met with the whole crew, which was clearly different from what he knew. As mentioned before, Tali still had to wear her suit, Jack wasn¡¯t with Miranda and hadn¡¯t grown her hair out, and Zaeed Massani was also present¡ªsomeone he hadn¡¯t included in his crew in this last cycle. Zaeed wasn''t a bad man, but he was far from good. He was, for better or for worse, the kind of person you want close in tough times but far away when things are normal.


    He was a complicated man with an explosive personality.


    Although he didn¡¯t interact with the mercenary during this last cycle, he ensured he was on the LD ranks, receiving a lot of money and protection. After all, the man had helped a lot in many cycles, so this was the least he could do.


    Shepard was more battle-hardened, Garrus was quite shy, and the strangest thing was that he wasn¡¯t an LD owner.


    From what he could gather in this brief but extended period, LD didn¡¯t even exist. This meant that this was a memory from a past cycle when he was still a rookie.


    As time passed, he interacted with everyone in the crew. By the end of the day, he came to a startling realization: he was, remarkably, watching his first cycle.


    It was hard to admit, but back then, he was indeed a newbie. He tried hard to get close to the crew¡ªsomething some didn¡¯t appreciate¡ªbut at that point in time, Samael didn¡¯t care. He just wanted to bond with them, as they were dear to him.


    Even worse was his combat performance. He wasn¡¯t the worst, but he clearly wasn¡¯t the best. He lost to random crewmates, not to mention his family.


    To make matters worse, the day ended, and the situation didn¡¯t improve. He was trapped inside his body with no control over it, only able to watch as he relived his life.


    A day turned into two, then a week, a month, and a year, then many more. Stuck inside his body, Samael couldn¡¯t even sleep. He was ''awake'' all the time and used that time to think about what he could do next. But nothing came to mind, and time continued to pass, leaving his mind tired.


    This was to be expected, as no one is meant to be awake for so long. Samael was getting by only through sheer will and meditation to keep himself distracted.


    Finally, the day Samael dreaded arrived: the day he turned 28. As the years passed, he was both curious and anxious to see what would happen to him when that moment arrived.


    This cycle unfolded just as he remembered: they won using the Red Ending, effectively killing all machines¡ªboth ally and foe¡ªand now they would rebuild what was left. Definitely a far cry from the ending he wanted, but it was the best outcome with the things they had at that moment.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    With trepidation, the clock struck midnight, and darkness enveloped both versions of Samael''s vision. When the light returned, Samael quickly looked around to see what had changed.


    To his shock, he found himself still in the same place, but it was the others him that had changed.


    Samael found the situation bizarre. He doubted this was his machine counterpart''s plan, as it didn¡¯t make sense at all. "If he wanted to take over my body, he just has to kill me... unless he can''t for some reason."


    "But what is that reason...?"


    Again, Samael could only watch as his past self lived his life. Still a newbie, but stronger and smarter than before. This version of Samael was smooth in his approach, well-liked by everyone, and used what he learned in his first cycle to get rich.


    Time passed, and the year he turned 28 arrived once more. The memories of his second cycle matched his own to a T. His naive self heavily nudged Shepard towards the blue ending, where she joined the Reapers'' mind frame and controlled them. He originally wanted to be the one to do that, but she beat him to it.


    The Reapers retreated, and time passed once more. When he hit 28, darkness enveloped him once again. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in his third cycle.


    By now, Samael knew something had gone wrong with the machine''s plan, and he was doing his best to catch any clues that might be relevant. His will was still strong, and he pushed through the years of solitude.


    The third cycle came and went, as did the fourth, and fifth, each time with his memories aligning perfectly, until finally, something the machine mentioned happened.


    This time, Samael, almost driven mad by the cycles, decided to be the one to choose the blue ending. Only, this wasn¡¯t supposed to happen now; it was meant to occur in a later cycle.


    ''So this is the beginning...''


    The machine had mentioned that after Samael chose this ''route,'' he went mad and entered a catatonic state for various cycles. Now, Samael was going to witness that unfold right before his eyes.


    Time passed, and soon after, Samael from the sixth cycle chose the blue ending, hoping to break the time loop he was in. Only, it backfired horribly, and this decision would have consequences that would alter many cycles to come.


    Still, choosing the blue ending also granted Samael some insights. He didn''t exactly die in the sixth cycle; he only joined the Reapers'' consciousness. This meant that the other Samael was still there in a sense, allowing his mind to observe how the Reapers operated as a whole.


    "This is an opportunity that I assume no other person has had."


    Samael knew it was a chance¡ªeven though he could do nothing¡ªto learn and try to devise a plan of sorts.


    But soon, reality proved harsh for him.


    "While I''m one of the smartest minds in the galaxy, this is above my pay grade... Hell, I still have no idea how the Leviathans built the Reapers."


    The opportunity was missed because the gap was too vast. He was watching in real-time but could not make sense of it. He could only try his best to remember everything he was seeing, hoping it might help in the future.


    As time passed, Samael watched as the Reapers continued with their lives. They had no other goal besides cleansing the galaxy, a goal all of them considered noble, and they spent most of their time doing nothing.


    When Samael of that cycle reached 28 years old, time looped once more. Accustomed to that already, Samael simply waited for the darkness to fade. He was anxious to see if what the machine said was true¡ªthat he had spent a significant amount of time in a catatonic state.


    Dreading what he would see, Samael opened his eyes as he noticed the light.


    "...Sigh."


    He hoped it was a lie, but no. The machine was telling the truth. He was watching himself from the seventh cycle lying in a bed, entirely motionless.


    This was mentally challenging for Samael as well. He had managed to keep his sanity by watching his past self engage in various activities. Now, he could only spend his days staring at the ceiling of the room he was in.


    That thought led him to consider something: "Maybe the machine¡¯s counterpart can''t kill me because he needs me to willingly give up my body... So he''s putting me through all of this in hopes I yield."


    That was the most logical thought he could muster after so many years.


    "But isn¡¯t there a better way? The machine is just showing me my past... why not create mental strain by showing the worst cycles?"


    Samael had done many bad things in past cycles, as he genuinely went crazy for a while. Watching those scenes would be damaging, even for his strong mind.


    "Anyway, I will make sure nothing goes according to its plans."


    With nothing to do, Samael sat down and waited for the cycle to end so he could witness more. "He said I lived for 99 cycles, so there''s still 93 to go."


    As time passed, Samael watched Valery, even though she was still poor and living in the slums, caring for his past self.


    "Mom..."


    That alone showed her strength and love for him. He vowed that after he escaped this situation, he would spend more time with her.


    "She has already taken the serum, so we have time to do that."


    The seventh cycle ended, and then the eighth began, but he was still out of commission. The ninth and tenth cycles passed, and finally, after 13 full cycles, things changed.


    When he woke up in the 14th cycle, he was no longer like his past self. Just as the machine had said, it had manipulated his mind to believe it was still on an earlier cycle.


    Samael could only watch as this version of himself committed error after error¡ªmistakes he had made before and should have avoided now.


    At this point, even Samael''s will was growing weary, but he persevered. For how long he would be able to do that, only time would tell.


    --


    AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME LATER


    "How many cycles have I watched?"


    At first, Samael was able to keep count, but as time passed, he lost track of which cycle he was in. His mind was growing weary of the situation, and to make things worse, these cycles were essentially a repetition of one another, with a few changes here and there.


    Of course, he was learning a lot, but his suffering continued.


    Right now, it was the end of one cycle. As was normal in this situation, darkness overcame his vision. When Samael opened his eyes, he paused.


    "It has come... the time I feared. I don''t know if I can handle this."


    He was being honest. Samael immediately recognized which cycle he was in.The moment arrived for Samael to relive one of the worst experiences/cycles he had ever endured.


    Even before entering the memories, he remembered every detail of what had happened in this cycle¡ªthe one where he chose to be indoctrinated.


    He had done many terrible things during this cycle, and now he was forced to watch it unfold right before his eyes, unable to do anything.


    '' God, give me strength.''


    Samael''s nigthmare had just began.

 124 – Samael vs Samael (3)

    WITH SAMAEL


    Samael was back on the Normandy. He could do nothing but watch as his body moved around the ship while he attempted, without success, to reclaim his mind from the machine.


    The problem was that he was weak in that regard, as the machine had prepared thoroughly for countless years, while he had no preparations for this. All his mental barriers were for nothing.


    He was in a losing fight, and he knew it. All he could do was try not to watch the massacre that was about to begin. But even that was impossible, as he could not even close his eyes.


    Based on what he was seeing in this memory, they were reunited in the Normandy right after the Reaper attack on Rannoch. Many of the crew members were injured as a result.


    He still had no control over his body, and that made him fear what was coming next. He tried desperately to somehow regain control - something he had failed to do for many times now - but to no avail.


    Samael hoped things would just stay like that but-


    It didn''t take long for things to take a dark turn, as Samael suddenly saw his body grab a gun from the Normandy Arsenal and started making his way to the ship.


    '''' Stop...!'''' Trought gritted teeth, Samael tried to communicate with his past self, '''' Don''t do it.''''


    But to no avail. Samael had to watch hopelessly as his body started to kill the crew in the Normandy. As this was their ship, their resting place, they didn''t have their armor on, nor weapons to fight. And even if they had, the best they could do was put up a fight, as it was he who was going against them.


    It was a massacre.


    The first person Samael killed was Joker. He entered the cockpit and the pilot tried to joke around but when he noticed the situation was somewhat weird, it was too late.


    BANG


    Brain matter scattered across the cockpit and then it was EDI''s turn. In this ''nightmare'', the AI core was in the cockpit, beside her lover. But, as her body wasn''t there, it was an easy target.


    BANG


    After Samael killed the AI by destroying her core, he made his way to other parts of the ship. Of course, the sound of gunshots alerted everyone, but it was already too late.


    By this point in the myriad of cycles, Samael was a veteran, and the crew was no match for him.


    Before leaving the cockpit, he put it on autopilot and flew straight into a nearby planet at full speed, so people, even him, had difficulty moving around.


    But, despite that, Samael continued ahead. His next stop was the infirmary, where a confused Dr. Chawkas thought Samael came to protect her and the patients, only to be met with a pistol to her face.


    BANG


    After killing Karin, Samael went around and systematically killed all the people there. Ash, who was injured, Garrus, James Vega, and even Wrex. The Krogan tried to fight back but he was already injured before that so it was easy to kill him.


    Before dying, he said to Samael, '''' Traitor!''''


    BANG


    After making sure everyone in the infirmary was dead, Samael started to make his way to the personal quarters of a particular Asari.


    Seeing that, Samael tried his best, desperately trying to stop his body from doing that. He really didn''t want to see what he was about to see, as he had already experienced that before.


    His mind was already on the verge of breaking, and this... was too much, even for him.


    '''' STOP! PLEASE STOP!''''


    But, no one heard him. And if they did, they decided to ignore him, as the memory continued.


    Entering the place, Liara immediately launched a biotic attack, as she knew he was evil, thanks to the cameras across the ship. Regardless, it wasn''t enough, as she didn''t attack to kill, only incapacitate.


    After all, they were lovers in this cycle too.


    It was a mistake on her part, as Samael was sent flying out of the room, but he managed to send a grenade inside the room before that. He watched Liara''s face morph into despair before the room exploded, killing her. Even her biotic barrier wasn''t enough to protect her.


    '''' FUCK YOU!'''' Samael screamed at the top of his lungs, at the machine or even at him who did those acts. He was indoctrinated, yes, but even then, this was too much.


    To his horror, the massacre continued and Samael made his way toward Tali.


    Not waiting to see this, Samael even tried to gouge his eyes, but as this was a mental realm, it meant nothing. He really didn''t want to watch the scene in front of him.


    As the machine was part of Samael, it knew his feelings, so it knew Tali was the one he loved the most. So, it seemed it somehow made the scene move slower, but that also could be just Samael''s imagination.


    After Samael entered Tali''s room, the quarian was ready to fight. But, to no avail.


    A struggle later, Samael was strangling his love, and watched as her life went out of her body.


    Safe to say, Samael''s mind was on the verge of another breakdown.At this point, he just looked ahead with empty eyes.


    After killing Tali, Samael went after Shepard.


    ''''....''''


    After entering Shepard''s quarters, he did the same treatment as Liara. This time, with 4 grenades.


    BOOMMMM


    Part of the ship was damaged, and Shepard died.


    '''' DONE!'''' The body then finally said something and went to the cockpit once more. Everyone in the crew was dead at this point, only Samael remaining.


    So, he simply went to the cockpit and waited for his death. The Normandy continued its path straight into the nearby planet.


    BOOOM


    And that was the end of another cycle. Once more, darkness overcame Samael''s vision and he went on to watch another cycle.


    But he was deeply affected by the last cycle he watched, and a thought struck him: "This should be the after the 15th cycle, meaning there''s still a lot more for me to see, and even more that I don''t remember."


    Samael initially kept track of which cycle he was in, but over time, he lost count. To be honest, he wasn''t even sure if it was following a chronological order.


    "What if there''s some cycles where I did something worse than this?"


    Samael wasn''t a saint, but watching himself kill his loved ones suffer but was too much.


    Unfortunately, there wasn''t much he could do to change it, as he was powerless to escape the situation.


    Still, a fire started to burn within Samael. He would make sure to stop the machine, no matter the cost.


    "If there isn''t a way to win against it, I just need to make sure we lose together."


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    With that, he watched another cycle. Again, he had lost count of which one he was observing, but one thing was certain: he was learning.


    It might be small things here and there, but accumulating knowledge over many cycles turned those small things into big insights.


    Just like watching himself live with the Asari in a cycle he didn¡¯t remember. There, he learned things he hadn¡¯t during the cycles he recalled, allowing him to grow stronger.


    It came with a price¡ªsome cycles didn¡¯t end well¡ª and he had to watch his past self commit many sins, but he still persevered.


    It seems that his past self might have sensed something was wrong, or perhaps his subconscious played a role because after repeating some of his actions in certain cycles, he chose a completely different direction in others, which allowed him to learn and grow more with each experience.


    As the cycles continued, his memories became complete. Now, after watching god knows how many cycles, he was confident that if he ever escaped this place, he could face multiple RR and win.


    Still, even after all that, the memories didn''t stop. Samael thought he was in the 80th cycle, but he had no idea.


    Then, a cycle passed, then another, then another, then another, then another, then another....


    AN UNKNOWN PERIOD OF TIME LATER


    Samael emerged from a portal back to the hidden realm within his mind¡ªa place he had long forgotten, as it had been a long time since he was last there. Immediately, he knelt down, panting, his eyes unfocused. Whatever happened to him caused some damage.


    If anyone saw him like this, they would know the situation was dire.


    For the first time in a long while, Samael''s machine counterpart appeared. He was honestly surprised. "What did you do?"


    Just as Samael suspected, what happened to him wasn''t part of the machine''s plan. It had gone into a frenzy trying to locate Samael, but to no avail. After all, while the machine had powers, it did not control Samael''s mind fully.


    After some time, the machine discovered what had happened and decided to do nothing, merely observing. After all, Samael was suffering a lot watching the memories and his plan wasn''t exactly off track.


    To take over Samael''s body, the machine needed his permission. Its plan was to make Samael relive a fabricated memory it created - a bad one, where he would have to watch himself kill his friend over and over again for a long time - , then take over after he lost his mind, but everything went awry from the beginning.


    Even so, seeing Samael in this state, despite the plan not unfolding as expected, pleased the machine. Now, it just needed a little push to take over.


    Still, the machine had to admit: Samael was incredible. Not many would have endured what he had.


    But everything must come to an end, and it was time to finish its plans. The machine knew Samael was at his weakest, and now it was time to act and seize control of his body.


    "You¡¯re one of a kind, but unfortunately, it¡¯s time for me to take over. I¡¯ll be sad, really, as watching you was fun. But now, it¡¯s my time, let me take over."


    The machine believed it had won since Samael seemed to be out of touch with reality. However, it was suddenly startled by a small laugh coming from the human. Samael looked at the machine with a smile.


    The machine was taken aback and halted in its tracks. It didn¡¯t make any sense. Samael should have lost his sense of self after having his mind broken and the takeover should''ve been smooth.


    Even though he was in pain, Samael appeared relaxed. With a voice filled with resignation, he said slowly, "Do you know why you lost?"


    The machine became alert, as this outcome wasn¡¯t supposed to happen. Samael¡¯s mind was broken, so forming a coherent phrase should have been too much for him. This filled the machine with paranoia, and it tried to retreat, but it was a step too late.


    The machine tried to open a portal to escape, but for some reason, it could not. Its powers weren¡¯t working. "WHAT DID YOU DO?!


    Still kneeling, Samael continued, "You didn¡¯t take into account the indomitable human spirit¡ªthe very things that make us feared across the galaxy, even though we are considered newcomers."


    Slowly, almost stumbling, he got to his feet. "Throughout all those memories of those cycles, I learned a lot from other species, especially the Asari and the Leviathans. I then realized something. This is my mind. You might have control over it, but it¡¯s still MINE."


    "Responding to your question, I simply took control, or better, I revoked your access to my mind. It was tricky, seeing as you were deeply rooted within me, but I managed to do it. Unfortunately, at least for now, I don''t have any idea how to get rid of you completely. You will always be part of me, and that is something I can''t allow in the galaxy.''''


    Samael moved closer. "You see, through all those countless memories you put me through, I suffered, but I learned one or two things."


    "One of those things was to close my mind for good, not allowing you to leave this place. One last-ditch effort."


    Samael stood face-to-face with his machine counterpart. "If I leave this place, you might try to take over my mind again, and I don''t know if I would be able to endure this once more.''''


    It was true. He only managed to endure all that because his mind was strong and he had motivation.


    '''' You would cause great havoc, possibly winning the war or causing another. But if I trap you here, in my mind, you will be useless."


    The machine realized what Samael was about to do. "ARE YOU CRAZY? IF YOU DO THAT, YOU CAN''T ESCAPE! YOU WILL BE FOREVER TRAPPED HERE! YOUR BODY WILL BE WITHOUT A MIND! YOU WILL BE A VEGETABLE!"


    Samael smiled, fully aware of the consequences. This was his answer: "I know, but it¡¯s that or risk losing all my loved ones."


    The machine couldn''t respond as it watched Samael grip its hand. "They will be fine without me. I prepared them well enough. Now, it¡¯s time for us to go."


    Samael had mentioned several things to Miranda, in preparation for the scenario where he might not return in time, particularly the possibility that RR might have been compromised, which ultimately turned out to be true, among many other things. The galaxy would be safe without him, as they had Shepard and the rest of his crew on their side.


    The machine realized it was over. If Samael trapped them in his mind, it would be game over. It struggled, but Samael''s grip was too strong. "STOP!"


    Samael closed his eyes for the last time, countless memories of countless cycles flashing through his mind. Some of them were good, some bad, but he lived long enough. Truth be told, he was tired of all that, all he wanted now was to rest.


    He smiled, satisfied with what he had accomplished. It was sad he didn''t get his happy ending, but it was what it was.


    "Goodbye."


    He said this to his loved ones, even though they could not hear him.


    With that, Samael sealed his mind and his machine counterpart in this hidden realm for good, effectively ending the threat. He paid the ultimate price, but he stopped the greatest danger the galaxy would face: himself.


    ??????


    GROAN


    Samael groaned and slowly opened his eyes, bewildered by what had just happened. ¡°What...?¡±


    He looked around, realizing he was in his ¡®coffin¡¯ inside the lair of the Leviathans, which meant he had succeeded in getting rid of the machine counterpart in his mind. The problem was, that wasn¡¯t what had happened.


    ¡°I trapped myself inside my mind, together with the machine, so what is this?¡±


    As Samael was taken aback by the situation, he noticed some movement outside the coffin. He stopped worrying about his circumstances and looked outside.


    Some Leviathans were approaching him at high speed.


    Samael was about to ask what was going on when one of them spoke up. ¡°Human, we won thanks to you!¡±


    Samael paused, thinking he must have heard wrong. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°The device we saw in your memory¡ªwe replicated it and used it on the Reapers. It worked!¡±


    ¡°...How long was I out?¡±


    ¡°Two years.¡±


    ¡°And the galaxy won?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Hearing the Leviathan''s happy voice, Samael could only respond with disbelief, ¡°What the fuck...?¡±

 125 – Confusing Situation (1)

    The still confused Samael tried to think rationally, but the Leviathans around him didn''t let his mind rest for a minute.


    They began to explain what exactly had happened. "The Crucible worked flawlessly. It not only killed all the Reapers, but we also found a way to preserve most of the technology around the galaxy, so the Relays still function."


    As mentioned before, the only reason the Crucible is viewed as a last resort but a sure way to kill the Reapers is because the device annihilates all technology across the galaxy, leaving nothing behind¡ªneither Geths, Relays, nor even VIs.


    Using it would send the entire galaxy at least 300 years into the past in terms of technology. Sure, they could rebuild everything in a few years, but trouble doesn¡¯t wait for one to recover and they would be tied down in a lot of areas.


    Samael was surprised to hear this, as even after his 99 cycles of research, he had never found a way around that¡ªonly a shield-like structure that protected the tech around it for a few kilometers. It was the same device he asked Mordin to research before he left.


    Curiously, he asked, "How?"


    The Leviathans went on to explain how they did it. "It''s simple, we altered the device to focus on the Reaper''s signature. We had to capture one of them, kill it, and dismantle it, but we succeeded."


    After a brief pause to digest everything he had heard, Samael asked, "If you managed to focus only on them, does that mean the other synthetic species are safe?"


    He was asking on behalf of the Geth, EDI, RR, and the others. Of course, he knew that by now he could change nothing about their outcome, but he hoped their fate was a good one.


    Sure enough, the Leviathans sounded proud. "They are safe too."


    Samael sighed in relief. This was one of the points he worried about the most, as a lot of synthetics were like family to him. Sure, he would have to deal with RR and the fact that she had been working¡ªwithout knowing it¡ªfor the Reapers.


    Still, for now, he was happy. Suspicious about his situation, but happy. Samael had gathered some clues about what this situation could be, but without further proof, he could only wait and gather more intel. He relaxed a bit and asked for a favor, "Can you please guide me to my ship?"


    If he got out of his coffin-like home, he would be dead in minutes. After all, very few species would survive at this depth.


    "Of course." The Leviathans knew that Samael had finished everything he needed to do here, and they had also completed their part. They didn¡¯t mind helping the human one more time.


    On the way to the surface and towards his ship, Samael asked, "What are you going to do now? I mean, the Reapers are gone for good, and you are free."


    After that question, Samael''s eyes shone with a strange light as he waited for their response.


    The Leviathans answered matter-of-factly, "We will leave this planet and then guide the rest of the galaxy."


    "Just that?" Samael asked to confirm.


    "Just that."


    "...I see." Samael''s expression fell, but before he could say anything more, they arrived at his ship.


    The Leviathans looked at Samael, who slowly got out of his coffin-like home and said, "And this concludes our path together. After this, don¡¯t come looking for us for help, as we won''t do it."


    Samael nodded and added, "If you need help, contact Earth or the Citadel and tell them you are looking for me."


    He didn¡¯t know what had happened to LD or the Citadel, but two years wasn¡¯t enough for his reputation or prestige to fade, so his words should still carry some weight.


    "We will remember that."


    With that, the Leviathans returned to the bottom of the ocean, and their fate was changed. Only time would tell if something good for the galaxy would come out of it.


    Samael watched them leave and stayed afloat on top of his coffin-like home for a few minutes before gritting his teeth and starting to swim toward his ship.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The hangar door opened and he carried his ''home'' with him. It weighed a lot, but nothing Samael couldn¡¯t handle. He dropped it close to the door that led to inside the ship and entered it.


    The ship looked clean for something that hadn¡¯t had anyone inside for two years. Samael checked a few things and confirmed that nothing had been tampered with.


    This only made the situation more confusing, and after ensuring everything was in order with the ship¡ªfuel, energy, and other things- Samael left the planet.


    As soon as he confirmed he was out of it, he headed straight for the place where he spent the most time thinking: the bathroom.


    Upon entering, the reflection in the mirror staring back at him was the face of someone now two years older. Thanks to the serum, he would age slower and maintain his appearance, but he still felt he changed a bit.


    His left eye was still gone, but he hadn¡¯t cared about that from the beginning.


    Slowly, he tried to move his body around. First, he jumped as high as he could and touched the ceiling. Nodding to himself, he did a few more jumps, a few acrobatics then he punched the wall, leaving a dent on it.


    He confirmed he was in charge of his body. But, the situation still remained strange. By now, thanks to the clues left by his conversation with the Leviathans and their overall attitude, Samael had a few guesses about what this situation might be, but all of them were either bad or troubling.


    Still, even though he knew the situation might not be good, the temptation to check how his family and the galaxy had been doing over the last two years was too strong for him to ignore.


    The Leviathans had only told him that the galaxy won, but they never mentioned what they lost in the process.


    Shaking those thoughts away, Samael decided to focus on the present. He was smiling a bit, as even though the coffin-like home had a refresher inside and a way to bathe him, the last time a real shower was 2 years ago.


    Samael entered the bath as his ship made its way towards Earth.


    ---


    DAYS LATER


    Samael and his ship finally arrived at Earth. On the way to his home, he passed through many clusters and planets, and the overall atmosphere was a hopeful one all around the galaxy.


    From what he heard in the news as he traveled through those populated places, things were looking good.


    The Reapers had launched their full-scale attack not long after he entered the Leviathan''s lair, and the galaxy engaged with the machines multiple times. The war, at least in the beginning, reached a stalemate until something changed.


    The Reapers, perhaps fearing something, started to grow aggressive, and their offensive gained momentum.


    They destroyed Thessia once more, Tuchanka fell, and many more planets were devastated.


    However, the morale of the galaxy did not falter, and the inhabitants fought back. All those from the devastated planets were relocated to safe spots. Many, however, decided to join the war effort.


    The training sessions with the Krogan and the Turians, though brief, proved significant. Even the Volus, who many didn¡¯t consider a threat due to their physical limitations, fought bravely against the machines. Additionally, the Hanar, Elcor, and even some of the Yagh joined the war effort.


    However, this type of conflict couldn¡¯t be won in a single day and the war continued to rage across the galaxy,


    After a year and a few months of war, the Reaper offensive reached Earth. Before they could destroy it, the galaxy decided to finally use the Crucible.


    Samael didn¡¯t know if it was because they hadn¡¯t built it yet or something else, but the wait was over at that time.


    Still, before they could use the device, it was destroyed. From what he gathered, no one knew exactly what had happened, as the Reapers didn¡¯t attack it, yet it was destroyed. But he had a few hunches.


    "It could have been RR... no, I''m sure it was RR."


    Putting those thoughts aside, Samael continued to remember.


    After that incident, the galaxy''s morale hit an all-time low, and hope seemed lost. All arcs of the Andromeda Project were launched, ensuring that at least the galaxy would have a few remnants of its legacy.


    However, before the Reapers could completely destroy Earth, a miracle occurred. One by one, reports started flooding into the Alliance and the rest of the galaxy.


    "The Reapers were falling one by one!"


    No one knew what had happened, but the Reapers were defeated in less than an hour. They fell in droves, literally everywhere across the galaxy.


    The war was over just like that. The galaxy had lost many in the process, but they had won the war.


    The puzzling things to all was that no one knew what exalcty had happned. They had just lost their trump card and were sure of their defeat when suddely they won.


    Of course, Samael knew it was the Crucible that the Leviathans built, but the rest of the galaxy was in the dark about it.


    Samael stopped reminiscing and looked at Earth with complicated emotions. From what he could gather, Earth was safe, and the majority of its inhabitants were too, so his family should be all right.


    But that wasn¡¯t exactly his worry. Still, he continued on his path toward San Francisco.


    As soon as he turned off the stealth system on his ship, he was overwhelmed by the numerous calls from his crew.


    He answered all of them with, "I''m home and going to LD headquarters. Meet me there." He then ended the call soon after.


    Arriving at the LD headquarters¡ªor at least what was left of it¡ªmade Samael sigh with emotion. From what he could see at a distance, the grand majority was there, meaning the chances of a lot of them being dead were minimal.


    '' That''s good....''


    After the ship landed and the hangar was opened, and before Samael could even leave the cockpit, a lot of people entered the ship in a hurry.


    At the forefront were Tali and Liara. They barged into the ship and jumped onto Samael as soon as they saw him, tears in their eyes and raining kisses upon him.


    "We thought we had lost you."


    Tali was ugly crying, while Liara remained somewhat composed, but anyone with eyes could see the turmoil behind the Asari''s gaze.


    With complicated emotions, all Samael could say was, "I''m home."