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ME2: Resurrection of the Lost Race
Chapter 25: The Rite of a Baby Krogan

My team walked down the dark corridor of the base of Clan Weyrloc, and I gave the sign to stop as I heard muffled sounds coming from a room next to us.

"Do you guys hear that?"

When the doors to the room opened, I saw a krogan sitting down. He was rocking back and forth mumbling to himself.

"Must do this for the clan."

"Hello?" I gently asked. "Do you require medical assistance?"

"Not Blood Pack, not member of Clan Weyrloc. Wrong clan markings." Mordin said.

"I'm an Urdnot scout. Weyrloc guards got me. Brought me here."

"Bartok told us to watch for you." I took a step closer to the krogan. "We've taken out the guards. You should be safe to get back to Urdnot's boarders."

"I can't." The krogan lowered his head. "Weyrloc did things to me. Drugs. Injections. Said I was sacrificing for the good of all krogan." He then looked up at me. "Experiments to cure the genophage. Everything's blurry. Hard to think. Have to stay."

"Mordin, can you get him back on his feet? Something to bolster his immune system?"

"You don't understand. I'm not sick to leave. I have to stay." The Krogan commented. "They're curing the genophage. They're going to make it all better. They have to keep doing the tests!"

Mordin sucked in a breath. "Caution, Shepard. Patient unstable, susceptible. Brainwashed." Mordin whispered to me.

"But if we can help him, he might help Urdnot with defeating Weyrloc for good." I took a step closer to the krogan. "Why are you volunteering to do these tests?"

"It's my fault. I got caught. Wasn't strong enough, not good enough. This is the best I can do. This is all I can do."

"What do you mean?" I asked, crouching so that I was eye to eye with the mopping krogan.

"I'm not big enough to have a real shot with the females. I'll never have kids on my own. But if I help undo the genophage, then I mattered!"

"You idiot!" I growled as I stood. "Millions of children will be born; Weyrloc children. They're going to destroy the other clans!"

"But... no!" The krogan shook his head. "No, they said I was helping Urdnot!"

"If you want to help Urdnot, you need to get back there. But it would take a real badass to make it back to camp while injured."

The krogan groaned as he tried to stand up. "I can do it!"

"You? I said a badass, not some scout whining like a quarian with a tummy-ache." I then turned to Garrus. "Don't tell Tali I said that."

"No, I can do it!" The krogan managed to get on his feet. "I'm up! And I'm going to the female camp!"

"Damn right you are! Get back there and show them that you matter!" I cheered.

"Rah!" The krogan shouted as he stormed out of the room.

"There's no pep talk like a military pep talk," Garrus said as we exited the room.

"Come on, let's find Maelon."

We walked down the corridor of the hospital and then stopped as sounds of growling vorcha could be heard up ahead.

"Here comes the welcome committee," Garrus said as he gripped his rifle.

"Shepard, in the room just ahead I am detecting crates that are holding unstable materials. A misplaced shot could cause a significant explosion. I advise caution." EDI's voice echoed.

"Or a well-placed shot. Explosives useful. Burn through krogan armor." Mordin suggested.

"Thanks for the warning, EDI," I said as the doors to the room opened, and four vorcha came rushing out.

It wasn't long before we took them out and went through the door. We were now in a large stairwell with dozens of levels below and above us.

"Shepard, on the left. Krogan incoming." Mordin said.

"I'll take him out." Garrus volunteered as he grabbed his assault rifle. Within seconds, a loud explosion shook the building. The charging krogan cried out in pain as he fell dead on the rubble floor.

"Excellent shot!" Mordin praised.

I peeked over the guard rail to see more krogan, vorcha, and varren from below.

"Looks like we've got more company on the way. Let's greet them."

My team went down the flight of stairs and rushed into cover.

"Trouble ahead," Mordin said as a member of Weyrloc appeared with two varren from an adjacent room.

"You will never make it out of here alive!" The krogan yelled.

As the krogan slowly made his way to us, I looked at Garrus, who knew what I was thinking, and he switched to his sniper rifle.

"Come on, ugly. Just a step closer." I heard Garrus whisper.

Garrus hit another explosive container causing the room to shake. The krogan screamed but didn't stop as he charged his way towards Garrus. That's when Mordin used his Cryo Blast, forcing the burning krogan to freeze in mid step as I finished him off with a few bullets from my pistol.

After spending five minutes making our way down two more flights of stairs, we came across three krogan who were just standing there waiting for us. The two outside krogan were holding onto rabid varren, as the middle krogan crossed his arms. The middle krogan was much taller than the other two and was dressed in full krogan warlord gear.

"I am Weyrloc Guld, Chief of Chiefs. Why are you here, offworlders?"

"We're here for Maelon. Let him go." I warned.

"Urdnot Wrex sent you, didn't he? It matters not," Guld said as he flung his hand. "Soon, the genophage will be cured, and he will be licking my boots like a newborn varren pup." He then pointed at me. "But first, I need to get rid of you! Blood Pack, attack!"

The two Blood Pack soldiers roared as they released the rabid varren.

"Take them out, quick!" I ordered as I shot my pistol.

"Mordin," Garrus called out. "Use your incinerate and I'll use my concussive shot."

"Right." The salarian shouted.

While Garrus and Mordin were busy on the varren and the two Blood Pack krogan, I made my way around the floor to pursue Guld. When I saw him shooting his shotgun at Garrus and Mordin, I couldn't help but smile. The dumbass krogan was standing next to an explosive container.

"I am the battlemaster!" Yelled Guld. "Weyrloc will avenge those who have fallen. You will all die!"

"Hey Guld," I shouted, causing the krogan to turn. "Weyrloc falls today!"

I aimed for the container and took my shot. The loud explosion caused me to take cover as debris of rock, cement, and dirt flew everywhere.

After the dust and debris settled, I could see Guld lying on the ground. His body was slowly shifting from right to left as he moaned.

"You... will not win. The genophage will be cured. My people... will be free." He said as I walked up to him.

"Perhaps, but not your way."

"Be afraid human," Guld growled. "We will... have... our... revenge."

As Guld took his last breath, I looked at Garrus. "If Guld was here, hopefully that means there's no more Blood Pack."

"Another flight of stairs," Mordin said as he pointed to the far side of the area. "May lead to Maelon."

"Professor, this may also lead us to something you don't want to see," Garrus said as we walked over to the stairs and looked down.

"Have to see. Have to know." Mordin took a deep breath. "Owe it to Maelon. For STG team."

"Then you lead the way, Mordin." I said.

Mordin nodded as he headed down the stairs. Just as I was about to follow, Garrus grabbed my arm. "I have a bad feeling about this."

"I know; me too. But he has to do this, and we will support him, no matter what we find."

Garrus nodded as we followed Mordin down the flight of stairs and into a small hallway. There was a door just to the left of us, which I had hoped would lead us to the answers Mordin was seeking.

"You ready?" I asked Mordin as I stood next to him.

He sucked in a breath. "Yes."

The room was a medical research lab filled with equipment, containers, and at least six medical beds which had a couple of krogan bodies on them. At the back end of the room, a salarian was running his hands across a large displayed console.

"Maelon." Mordin whispered. "Alive. Unharmed."

Mordin walked up to the salarian as Garrus, and I stood behind him.

"No signs of restraint. No evidence to torture." Mordin sucked in a breath. "Don't understand."

"For such a smart man, Professor, you always had trouble seeing evidence that disagreed with your preconceptions." The salarian said as he turned to face Mordin. "How long will it take you to admit that I'm here because I wish to be here?"

"Impossible." Mordin shook his head. "Blood Pack captured you."

"And where did you hear that, Professor? The media?"

"Maybe Weyrloc brainwashed or drugged him to keep him under control?" I suggested.

"Unlikely," Mordin said as he turned to me. "Pupils normal. Body language consistent with standard metabolic state."

"Please, Professor," Maelon said as he folded his arms. "You wrote a paper on this. Forced behavior modification always results in mental degradation. Whether from Reaper indoctrination or drugs, test subjects always lose higher cognitive function."

"Not brainwashed or conditioned. Need Maelon at peak capacity for work." Mordin said to me as I stood beside him. "Must be alternate source of coercion."

"My guess is that he wasn't kidnapped," Garrus said as he stood on the other side of Mordin. "He came here voluntarily to cure the genophage."

Maelon nodded, confirming Garrus's theory.

"Impossible! Whole team agreed! Project necessary!" Mordin shouted at Maelon.

"How was I supposed to disagree with the great Doctor Solus?" Maelon threw up his hands. "I was your student! I looked up to you!"

Mordin took a step forward. "Experiments performed here. Live subjects! Torture and executions!" He pointed a finger at Maelon. "Your doing?"

"We've already got the blood of millions on our hands, Professor. If it takes a bit more to put things right, I can deal with that."

"You honestly think the experiments you did here were justified?" I asked in a disgusted tone.

"We committed cultural genocide! Nothing I do will ever be justified! The experiments are monstrous... because I was taught to be a monster." Maelon shouted.

I looked at Mordin with a confused look. "I thought you told me you never did experiments like this."

Mordin shook his head. "No. Never taught you this, Maelon."

"So your hands are clean! What does it matter if the ground is stained with the blood of millions?" Maelon leaned toward Mordin. "You taught me that the end justified the means. I will undo what we did. The only way I know how!"

"What happens if the genophage is cured and the krogan expand again? I don't know if Wrex can stop them from going on a full revenge fest." I said.

"We justified the atrocity by saying the krogan would cause havoc and war if their population recovered. But look at the galaxy! Batarian attacks in the Traverse, geth attacks on the Citadel. Is this a more peaceful universe?" Maelon looked at me. "The assault on your Eden Prime might never have happened if we had let the krogan recover." He then shrugged. "We'll never know."

"How the hell would a krogan population explosion have done anything to stop Saren and the geth?" I growled.

"An increased krogan population would have forced the Council to take steps, likely involving colony rights in the Traverse. The turian fleets would be vigilant for any military activity in the area. They might have stopped the geth at Eden Prime."

"Supposition. Impossible for certain." Mordin said.

Maelon let out a sigh. "Don't you see? We tried to play god, and we failed. We only made things worse, and I'm going to fix it!"

"What I don't understand is why work with Clan Weyrloc? And how did you manage to access the genophage data?" I asked.

"The data was easy to obtain. We all still had clearance. We were heroes. All I had to do was ask. And as for Weyrloc, they were the only clan with both the resources and the commitment."

"Urdnot has a larger camp than Weyrloc. Why didn't you use them?"

"I never asked. Urdnot Wrex is too soft. He wouldn't have allowed me to do the experiments that I needed to do. Weyrloc will be the first to recover from the crime we committed."

I let out a sigh and turned to Mordin. "So what now? Maelon apparently doesn't need rescuing."

"Have to end this," Mordin said plainly.

Just then Maelon pulled out a gun and pointed it at me. "You can't face the truth, can you? Can't admit that your brilliant mind led you to commit an atrocity!"

Before Maelon could shoot, Mordin took a few steps and punched him right in the face, causing him to drop the pistol. Mordin quickly pulled out his pistol and aimed the gun at Maelon.

"Unacceptable experiments. Unacceptable goals. Won't change. No choice." Mordin paused. "Have to kill you."

Maelon's eyes widened with fear, and I quickly took action.

"Mordin, no! Please! You don't need to do this. You're not a murderer."

Mordin looked at Maelon for a moment and then took a step back. "No. Not a murderer." He sucked in a breath. "Thank you, Shepard." Mordin placed his pistol in his holster. "Finished, Maelon. Get out. No Weyrloc left. Project over."

"What if he talks to more krogan, tells the public about the modified genophage project?" Garrus asked.

"Not worried. Special Tasks Group good at covering tracks. No proof. Weyrloc willingness to work with salarian unusual. Other krogan will kill him."

"What about him starting up his research again?" I asked.

"STG can cut access to old data. Could start from scratch. Decades of work, though." Mordin then looked at Maelon. "Didn't teach you everything I knew."

"We're so close to a cure, Professor," Maelon said. "Come with me; help me find a way to help the krogan. They didn't deserve what we did to them. The genophage needs to end!"

"Perhaps, but not like this. Leave, Maelon." Mordin said.

"Where am I supposed to go?" Maelon cried out.

"Don't care," Mordin shrugged. "Try Omega. Can always use another clinic."

Maelon looked at Mordin for a moment before shaking his head and departing the room. Mordin let out a sigh as he leaned up against the medical console.

"Apologies, Shepard. Misunderstood mission parameters. No kidnapping. My mistake." He took a breath. "Thank you, both of you."

"Hey, don't worry about me." I placed my hand on his shoulder. "How are you doing?"

"Should have killed him. Wanted to. Easier than listening. Easier for him, too. Experiments indicate how far he's fallen. Expected it from krogan. Not one of mine." Mordin sighed. "So many variables. Stress responses. Impossible to truly predict. Something to think about." Mordin then looked up at the medical display. "Maelon's research. Only loose end. Could destroy it. Closure, security. Still valuable, though."

"His work was sick, but if you think it could be useful, why not hang onto it?" I asked.

"Worked for years to create modified genophage. Should destroy this." Mordin said.

"Professor," Garrus said as he took a step forward. "What if one day, Wrex does become 'King of Tuchanka'? Wouldn't that data help him reunite the krogan people?"

"Maelon's work could cure genophage. Don't know. Effects on Krogan. Effects on galaxy. Too many variables. Too many variables!"

"I know that you regret what the krogan have become. You see the horror of what they did here, but you see the loss, too." I commented.

"Yes. Wasted potential."

"Save the data, Mordin."

Mordin sucked in a breath. "Very well. Capturing data, wiping local copy. Still years away from cure. But closer than starting from scratch." Mordin paused for a second. "There. Done."

I nodded as I patted Mordin on the back. Then I looked at Garrus, who was standing next to a medical bed with a dead female krogan on it.

"You alright?" I asked as I stood next to him.

"Yeah, this just brings back some awful memories."

"Which ones?" I asked.

"Dr. Saleon and all those people he killed." Garrus let out a sigh. "What is it with crazy ass salarians who think they are godly enough to play with-" Garrus shook his head. "Mordin doesn't need to hear me rant about this."

"Saleon. Knew him." Mordin sucked in a breath as he stood on the other side of Garrus. "Brilliant geneticist. Bad doctor."

"You knew Dr. Saleon?" Garrus turned to Mordin.

"Yes. STG candidate for genophage redesign." Mordin took in a breath. "Denied. Work too sloppy for STG. Good drinker though."

"Did you know he was running illegal operations on the Citadel?" Garrus asked.

"No." Mordin shook his head. "Too busy with genophage reconstruction."

Garrus took a step back. "Hopefully, Maelon won't follow down the path Saleon did."

Mordin looked at Garrus. "Maelon's ethics harsh. But wanted to help krogan."

"Mordin's right. Maelon wanted to cure the genophage. Saleon only wanted to help himself."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Garrus sighed. "Should we get the hell out of here?"

Mordin nodded. "Yes. Ready to go. Ready to be off Tuchanka. Anywhere else. Maybe somewhere sunny."

"Welcome back, Commander," Grayve said as I jumped out of the tomkah. "Glad to see you're in one piece. Did you find your salarian friend?"

"Let's just say it didn't turn out the way I hoped." I frowned. I didn't want Grayve to know about Maelon's dealings with Weyrloc. "However, Weyrloc Guld is dead. Not sure if that is good or bad for Urdnot."

"Guld is dead?" Grayve then laughed. "Best news I’ve heard all day."

"We also have a present for your mechanic," I smiled. "There is a manifold in the back of the truck. We came across one near the entrance to the hospital."

"Excellent. Volk will be happy to hear of this. Come, I am sure Wrex would like to hear your news."

"Anything interesting happen here while I was gone?" I asked as we walked out of the garage and up the ramp.

"Uvenk is still causing diplomatic issues. He's trying to convince the shaman that Grunt is not a krogan. Idiot. And, about thirty minutes ago, there was a troop of pyjack trying to steal the food source. Bortak is trying to deal with the problem."

"Pyjack infestation?"

"Yeah, they're a pain in the ass."

"Shepard!" Tali's voice echoed.

I looked up to see Tali sitting on Wrex's throne, waving at us. As we approached her, I couldn't help but tease her a little bit.

"Did Wrex promote you to 'Queen of Tuchanka,' Tali?"

Tali let out a small laugh as she rubbed her hands together. "Wrex told me to stay here while he greeted an ambassador from another clan. He said I would be safe here with these two guards."

Grayve looked at the two krogan who were standing on each side of the throne. "She wasn't bothered?"

"No, sir."

"Good."

"Shepard, you're back. Did you find your salarian friend?"

I turned to see Wrex and Grunt standing behind me. "Yes and no. But, I do bring some good news."

"Oh, do tell." Wrex folded his arms.

"Guld is dead."

Wrex laughed. "Of course he is; you're here."

"You know," I folded my arms. "I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment."

Wrex slapped me on the back, causing me to take a few steps forward. "Glad you took care of him. Saved me from having to kill him."

"Happy to help," I then looked at Grunt. "Did you find the information you were looking for about the Rite?"

"No," Grunt said in an annoyed voice. "The Shaman is the only person that can tell me about the Rite, and I haven't been able to see him."

"You will tonight, Runt," Wrex said. "Shepard, I would like for you and your company to sit at my table for dinner."

"I would be honored," I smiled.

"Good, I'm sure you're all hungry."

"What's for dinner?" Garrus asked as Wrex helped Tali from the throne. "Don't tell me. Cooked varren?"

"No, even better. Sautéed turian liver."

Garrus looked at Wrex with a displeased look. "Oh how I've missed you."

Wrex laughed. "I know."

Wrex escorted us down a long hallway and into a room with a large table. There were already a couple of krogan sitting at the table, along with Uvenk.

"This is unacceptable. How can you even consider it?" Uvenk asked as he slammed his fist on the table.

"You go beyond yourself, Gatatog Uvenk." The krogan sipped something from his cup. "The rites of Urdnot are dominated."

"How do we know it will challenge him? He's unnatural! The beasts of the Rite could ignore him like a lump of plastic!"

Beasts?

"They know the blood, no matter the womb."

"He's right, Uvenk," Wrex said. "Your barking does not help your case."

"I can speak for myself." Grunt said in a deeper voice than normal. "If you have something to say to my face, Uvenk, say it."

"Aw, this is the tank bred?" The shaman stood up from his chair and walked over to Grunt. "It's very lifelike." The shaman sniffed. "Smells correct as well." The shaman then turned to the annoyed Uvenk. "Your protests are hollow."

"If this must stand on ritual, then I invoke a denial! My krantt stands against him! He has no one!"

The shaman shook his head. "Perhaps, but this is not the time to-"

"He has us; you half quadded krogan!" Tali yelled at Uvenk as she stepped from behind Wrex.

The shaman looked at Tali for a moment, then at Grunt. "Is this true, Grunt? Is this quarian part of your krantt? Will she kill and die on your behalf?"

Before Grunt could respond, Tali took a step forward. "Yes!" She then looked at me. "Um, right Shepard?"

I nodded with a smile.

"Grunt also has me," Garrus said with a shrug. "Kind of fond of the little guy."

"Hey, who you calling little?" Grunt grumbled.

"Will also help Grunt," Mordin said with a nod. "Shipmates. Comrades."

The shaman looked at Wrex and then shrugged. "I grant you aliens your straightforward interpretation. You will be Grunt's krantt in his Rite of Passage."

"Unacceptable!" Uvenk pounded the table. "Aliens don't know strength! My followers are true krogan! Everything about Grunt is a lie!" Uvenk walked up to me. "You are a lie, and I will not-"

I let out a growl as I head-butted the krogan that stood in front of me. I had to admit, it hurt, but it was worth watching the smug krogan take a step back.

"You..." Uvenk growled as he rubbed his head. "You dare?"

"Bahahahaha!" The shaman laughed as he slapped Wrex on the back. "I like this human! She understands!"

"She's Shepard." Wrex simply said.

Just then a giant krogan came up from behind Uvenk.

"You are annoying me, Gatatog Uvenk."

Uvenk turned to the krogan that stood about a foot taller than him. He then let out a sigh and turned to the shaman. "I withdraw my denial. This will be decided elsewhere!"

Uvenk pushed me to the side as he walked out of the room.

The shaman let out a small laugh. "You have provoked him, Shepard. Reason enough to like you."

"Thanks, I think."

"Shepard, allow me to make a full introduction. As you probably already know, this is our shaman." Wrex said as he lifted his hand. "Then you have Ambassador Peveix from Clan Nakmor. The one sitting on the far side of the table is our weapon specialist, Ratch. Then, of course, you know Grayve and Bortak. Everyone, this is Commander Shepard, Tali'Zorah, Garrus 'Sewage Bird' Vakarian, Grunt, and...." Wrex looked at the salarian. "Who are you again?"

"Professor Mordin Solus."

"Yeah, him."

"A pleasure to meet you all," I said with a nod as we took our seats.

"Commander," Bortak said as I sat down. "Thank you for rescuing my scout."

"He made it back okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, we've got him in the medical tent. Doesn't remember much beyond getting tortured, but he remembers you. Said you yelled at him until he got his hump out of the base and back here."

"Well, there's no pep talk like a military pep talk," I smiled, stealing Garrus's line.

"The food smells great. What is it?" Tali asked as she sniffed her plate.

"Cooked pyjack with a side of... something. Grayve picked it up while he was on the Citadel three months ago." Wrex said.

"Mordin, do you think it's okay for us to eat this?" Garrus asked as he poked the meat with the fork.

"Meat not dextro friendly." Mordin scanned the meat with his omni-tool. "Suggest water. Water safe for all species."

Garrus looked at Wrex. "You're a great host, Wrex."

"Actually," Wrex lifted a finger. "I might have something for you after all. I'll be right back."

As Wrex left the room, I took a bite of the meat, which was a little tough, and looked at the shaman.

"I don't know much about krogan customs, but why do they always call you the shaman and not by your first name?"

"I gave up my name when I became the shaman," The krogan took a bite of his food. "I am a conduit for the rage and bloodlust of my people. It would be wrong to retain my old identity. My life belongs to the clan."

"Does every clan have a shaman?" Garrus asked.

"Yes," The shaman nodded. "There is one male and one female shaman in each clan."

"Where is Clan Urdnot's female shaman?" I asked.

"Clan Urdnot doesn't have one right now. We lost our last female shaman a few weeks ago." The shaman sighed. "Tragedy. She was pure of heart."

"What?" Tali gasped. "She's dead?"

"Yes, Little One. I am sorry. I know you, and her were close."

Tali placed her hands on her helmet as Mordin leaned in to comfort her.

"Will Urdnot get a new female shaman?" I asked.

"Yes, however, the females have different rites, and must prove themselves before taking the title of shaman."

"What other kind of rites do krogan have?" Garrus asked.

"You know of the Rite of Passage. Krogan suffers the Rite of Life at birth and the Rite of Honor when they wish to be considered for breeding. The Rite of Firsts is suffered before a krogan faces a new enemy. A clan leader also undergoes many rites in service to the clan."

"Interesting, and what rites did you go through to become shaman?"

The shaman sighed as he lifted his cup. "Becoming the shaman is excruciating. I passed through rites that made me wish to die. I carry the scars on my soul. I must perform rites each dawn and dusk to keep me bound into our krogan nature. Our spirit is one of violence and death. I must be attuned to that."

"Your job is awful." Grunt stated.

"Indeed." The shaman said as he took a sip.

Just then Wrex walked in with a large plate of food.

"Little Empress, I saved your rations when you left Tuchanka. Hopefully, they're not too stale for you and Sewage Bird to eat."

I saw Tali uncover her helmet with her hands. Then, she let out a gasp.

"Oh!" Tali jumped up and ran past Wrex. "Who is this?" I turned to see Tali bent down petting a varren. "He's so adorable." Her voice had a hint of a sniffle.

Wrex groaned. "That's Urz, one of the strongest varren here in Urdnot. And a pain in my ass." He then looked at me. "Is everything okay?"

I mouthed 'I'll tell you later' as Ratch got up from the table.

"Damn it, Urz. I told you to stay! Damn varren doesn't listen to me."

"Where is his owner?" Tali asked.

"He doesn't have one. The one that used to own him was banished when he tried to betray Urdnot to Weyrloc. I've been keeping an eye on him until we seek to find him a new owner. He is a puppy, and it's hard to keep a close watch on him while watching the camp." Ratch commented.

"Nobody wants him?" I asked.

"Oh, everyone wants him," Grayve replied. "The problem is… Urz doesn't want them. Varren chose their masters."

Tali giggled as the varren jumped on her, licking her helmet.

"It looks like Urz has chosen you. You're more than welcome to take him if you wish." Ratch offered.

"Really?" Tali gasped.

"No," I stated. "We're not having a varren running around on the ship."

"Oh come on, Shepard. Don't be such a grump." Wrex laughed. "Give Little Empress Urz. I'm sure she will take good care of him."

"Wrex, I swear to God, I'm going to kill you." I then looked at Tali, who was giving Urz a belly rub. "Tali," I said as I stood up from the table and walked over to her. "I don't think this is such a good idea."

"But Shepard, he needs a home."

"Agree with Shepard. Varren. Many diseases. Inadvisable to have on starship." Mordin pointed out.

"See Tali; even Mordin thinks it's a bad-"

"Although, varren excellent for experiments. Tests. Won't hurt it. But maybe useful for Collector data." Mordin added.

I glared at my salarian. "Thank-You-Mordin."

"Please, Shepard. Can we at least just try? We can keep him down on the lower deck with Jack. I'm sure she won't mind. And he'll be out of everyone's way. If it doesn't work out, we can bring him back. Besides, with the help of Donnelly and Daniels, we might be able to build a backpack weapon system for him. He could be an excellent asset to the team."

"Tali, he won't be happy on Normandy," I said. "He would- Oh don't you dare give me that quarian cute-eye finger twisting thing.” I sighed. "Fine, we can keep him."

"Yay!" Tali squeed as she wrapped her arms around Urz. "You won't regret this, Shepard."

I sat down in my chair as Garrus leaned in and whispered. "Miranda is going to love this."

I let out another sigh. "I know."

After Tali and Garrus's food had been prepared for them, the shaman looked at me as he took a bite of his food.

"So Shepard, what tales of conquest do you have? Wrex told us many things, but would like to hear one from you."

"Well, I killed two Spectres. Saren Arterius, one of the top Spectres in Council space. But I'm sure you heard about that. Then I took down Tela Vasir. An asari Spectre who was working for the Shadow Broker."

"No small task! We have learned the strength of those who bear that title. You held it yourself if I am correct."

I nodded. "Still am, although the Council hasn't accepted the fact that I am working with Cerberus to fight the Collectors."

"Still, a title of great honor."

"Shepard," Wrex said as he leaned against the table. "Tell me about what happened on the Normandy. When I was at your funeral, I got Liara's side of the story. But, would like to hear yours."

I looked down at my plate for a moment, then shrugged. "Woke up with Normandy shaking like a tin can. Thought it were pirates at first, but when I ran out of my quarters, I knew something was terribly wrong. Sent a distress beacon and told Liara and Kaidan to get everyone to the escape pods. I would have gone with them, but Joker was being stubborn and was still in the cockpit. When I got to the CIC, my heart broke into a million pieces. The top part of Normandy's hull was gone. I saw lifeless faces intertwined with cables. Lexi was one of them." I let out a sigh. "The ship that had attacked Normandy was huge and nothing like I had ever seen before. I got Joker to the escape pod, but before I could get into the pod with him, an explosion occurred; causing me to get blown out into space. I honestly don't remember much after that. Although, I do remember that my last thoughts were of my family and friends."

"Damn, Shepard." Wrex shook his head.

"What happened next?" Grayve asked.

I shrugged. "Woke up on a Cerberus operating table. The facility was under attack. Come to find out, one of the operatives had gone rogue and wanted to kill me and destroy the whole facility."

"So why are your eyes so blue?" Wrex asked.

"Miranda told me that I had extra bits and pieces in me. I also have more biotics abilities than I did before. But to be honest, I haven't used much of them."

"Still prefer the crappy pistol, huh?" Wrex asked.

I gave the krogan king a glare. "There is nothing wrong with a pistol." I quickly turned to Garrus, who was about to say something. "You be quiet."

After talking a little bit more about my past experiences with Saren and the geth, I turned to the ambassador who was being extremely quiet.

"And what is your story, Ambassador? What is Nakmor and Urdnot's relationship?"

Ambassador Peveix stayed silent for a moment, glaring at me. "I might support Urdnot, but I don't have to talk to you, human. Don't think that carrying this whelp of a krogan makes you worth my time." As he pointed to Grunt.

I was confused. "I'm sorry, Ambassador. Have I done something to offend you?"

"You will have to excuse the ambassador, Shepard," Bortak said. "He is the type of krogan that has to see you are worthy to talk to."

"Worthy huh? Alright, Ambassador, you have to be aware that bad things happen to those who oppose me." I stood from my chair, placing my hands on the table as I looked across to the giant krogan. "A few hours ago, my krantt walked into Clan Weyrloc's base and killed Weyrloc Guld."

The ambassador looked at me for a moment. "You killed Weyrloc Guld?"

"Yep."

Ambassador Peveix leaned in his chair and smiled. "Then you are worthy of my time, human. If you must know, I am the ambassador to Urdnot from Clan Nakmor. We are based in the Kraddack Wastes just north of here."

"Is Nakmor a small clan?" I asked.

"We do not have the numbers that Urdnot have if that is what you mean."

"Then how do you keep the more powerful clans from destroying you?"

"We are the clan of the great warlord Nakmor Krall, who faced down platoons of turians and won. Most clans lend us the respect our ancestor is due."

"And what kind of business are you doing with Wrex?"

"Urdnot Wrex requested that I come. He and Clan Nakmor have been in talks about a more permanent alliance."

"With their help, Urdnot could rally others behind its banners and truly unite Tuchanka." Wrex chimed in.

"We would gain the chance to fight in larger battles with greater plunder."

"What made you want to become an ambassador?" Tali asked.

"A krogan diplomat has to represent the strength of his people or his clan appears ripe for conquest. I chose to become that diplomat because I am feared."

"Why are you feared?" Tali asked.

"Because he is one of the largest krogan in the galaxy. He's even taller than me, Little Empress." Wrex commented.

"Keelah."

"I slaughtered my way to the top of my clan, quarian. I speak with the authority of a warrior, of Clan Nakmor."

"Another rite a krogan must face, Shepard." The shaman said. "The Rite of Politics."

"Huh, I didn't know krogan much cared for politics," I said then nodded to the ambassador. "Thank you for telling me your tale, Ambassador. It was an honor."

"Hmph."

"So Wrex," I said trying to change the subject. "Everyone keeps telling me you have big changes for Tuchanka. Tell me about them."

"Not as big as I want them to be. We're making a neutral ground where all clans can share resources and fertile females. It's a new day for the krogan. We shall rise again."

"Here, here," Grayve said as he lifted his glass.

"Wait, you are sharing females? What do they say in all this?" Garrus asked.

"It was our female shaman’s idea before she was killed. The neutral area is safe, and it encourages more female clans to ally with us. Attacks on Urdnot now endanger all clans. Even clans that want to see me dead will defend Clan Urdnot."

"The shaman told me about your female clan leader. I'm sorry to hear about that, Wrex. What happened?"

"We don't know. A couple of weeks ago, she and a band of other fertile females went missing. We found one dead near Clan Kyvak's border a few days ago."

"Kidnapping?" Mordin asked with a lifted brow.

"We're unsure, but her body looked like it was chewed on. Maybe varren attacks." Bortak said. "Some of my scouts said they also found a thresher maw nest near the body. Maybe they accidently stumbled into it."

"Thresher Maw?" My body froze.

"Bad way to go." Grunt commented.

"Indeed," Bortak said.

"So how do you maintain security with so many different clans in one place?" Garrus asked as he grabbed my hand, rubbing it gently.

"Any clan willing to send in hostages can come in. No fighting inside the camp. Each clan punishes its own criminals. We stop conflicts before anyone dies. Then we present a simple choice. Pay a fine and deal with the problems or your clan is no longer welcome." Replied Wrex.

"Reasonable. By krogan standards." Mordin commented.

"Allies from other clans like what I'm doing. They help deal with skeptics. Many are eager for an outlet. Every time I've declared a clan unwelcome, my allies have destroyed them. Word gets around."

"But what is so important about maintaining individual clans?" I asked.

"May I answer Shepard’s question?” Tali asked Wrex.

Wrex chuckled as he nodded.

"Every clan has different customs. Rites of passage, rules of behavior, battle songs, they're all unique. That diversity makes Clan Urdnot great. No clan, not even Urdnot, was meant to survive on its own. When I was here on Tuchanka, I have seen so many different things in so many different clans. It's amazing, Shepard. Every clan has its unique assets. For example; the best tacticians are Urdnot. Jorgal has the longest breeding line. Gatatog holds the oldest settlement. Nakmor has the best warriors."

I had to admit; Tali impressed me.

"But Urdnot is the leading clan. Doesn't that make Urdnot's culture primary?" I asked.

"For now, but we keep going how we are, the clans will end up craters under nuclear haze. Even Urdnot. We need to rethink. Restart." Wrex commented.

I couldn't help but smile. "This sounds ambitious. How's it going so far?"

"Better than I'd feared, worse than I'd hoped."

"Some clans are turning their backs on us entirely, but we're hoping to change that soon. Especially since Clan Weyrloc is no longer a threat to us." Grayve replied.

"So what is Tuchanka really like?" I asked. "Mordin told me about Tuchanka's past, but I would like to hear it from a krogan's perspective."

"Tuchanka is a place of great gifts. It kills the weak, torments the slow, and destroys the stupid." The shaman said. "Survival is an honor, and here, krogan thrive."

"It's sad," Tali frowned. "This world is nearly destroyed."

"I know. We cover this planet with our civilization, only to burn it to the ground a dozen times over. Each time we grow stronger. When we are wise and powerful enough, we will tame this planet forever." The shaman promised.

"Huh, I don't think I ever heard anyone say that wiping out their own civilization was a good thing," I stated.

"The Krogan Empire and clans of the past were glorious, built in great battles and conquests. But their cores were weak." The shaman shrugged. "How else could they have fallen?"

"We believe in the new Tuchanka Wrex is building." The ambassador replied. "When krogan civilization achieves its apex, there will be no stopping it. No stopping us."

After spending another hour at the table, it was time to depart. I stood by the door so I could say goodbye to everyone.

"It was an honor to meet you, Ambassador. I wish you and Clan Nakmor the best of luck in all its future endeavors with Clan Urdnot."

"To you as well, human."

"Thanks again for saving my scout," Bortak said as he offered his hand. "Saves me from having to train another one."

"Anytime. Glad he got out safely."

After Bortak left the room, Ratch approached me and offered his hand.

"Commander, it's been an honor. Stop by my shop later; I will have some
pyjack meat and other essentials for Urz."

"I will, thank you."

"I will see you at sunrise." The shaman said as he walked passed Grunt.

"Do we need to bring any special equipment?" Garrus asked

"To begin the Rite, only the candidate and his krantt are required." The shaman replied.

"Can that stupid Uvenk interfere with the Rite?" Tali asked.

"He is forbidden to interfere. Will he?" The shaman shrugged. "During the Rite of Passage, you must be ready for anything. And from what you have shown me, Little One, you will not disappoint."

"So how is a candidate tested if he brings back up on his Rite of Passage?" I asked.

"Not every krogan can be the strongest warrior, but each must inspire his peers to battle at his side. If the ones who know you best can find nothing worthy of you, you should wander the wastes and die alone before you weaken my clan."

The shaman bowed his head gently to Wrex before leaving the room. Grayve then walked up to Wrex and folded his arms.

"Just dawned on me. What if Wreave interferes as well? I'm sure Uvenk has talked to him about Grunt." Grayve asked.

"Ugh, Wreave." Wrex sighed.

"Who's Wreave?" I asked.

"Wrex's brother," Tali answered in a disgusted tone. "He's not very nice."

"You have a brother?" I asked Wrex.

"Half brother and I wouldn't even call him that. He is more worthless than tits on a hog, and a pain in my backside." Wrex grumbled. "He thinks he can dethrone me and take over Clan Urdnot, which he can surely try. But if something happens to me, the rest of the clan knows that Grayve will take my place."

"And he has allied himself with Uvenk?" Grunt asked.

"Who knows, but I would still keep an eye out for trouble, Shepard. The shaman is right. It's forbidden to interfere, but that doesn't mean it can't happen."

"I'll watch my back, thanks."

"Anytime. You are all welcome to stay here for the night if you wish. We have extra cots."

"Is it safe for Mordin to stay?" I asked.

"Shepard, please," Mordin said as he lifted his hand. "STG, remember?" Mordin raised his pistol. "Never see me coming."

"Hah!" Wrex laughed. "I like this salarian." He then paused. "Can't believe I just said that." Wrex then shook his head. “Good night, everyone. Pleasant dreams.”

“You too, Wrex,” I smiled.

“Say,” Garrus said as he looked at Wrex. “Do you still dream of petting bunnies and monkeys?”

Wrex looked at Garrus for a moment. Then all of a sudden, Wrex grabbed me. I let out a gasp as the krogan warlord tilted me back and placed his large lips upon mine. A few seconds later, he pulled me up and put me on the ground.

“Damn it, Bridge Troll.” Garrus growled, his mandibles flicking. “That is your one and only freebie.”

Wrex just smirked. "Grayve will show you to your room. Good night, Shepard, Mordin, Little Empress... Sewage Bird." He then winked at me before leaving the room.

Grayve turned to Tali. "Would you like me to bring Urz to his kennel or do you wish for him to stay with you tonight?"

"If it's alright, I would like for him to stay," Tali said, patting the varren’s head.

"Very well, if you will follow me."

After Grayve had shown us our room, I turned to Grunt, who was sitting on his cot.

"You nervous?"

"No. Although my plates are itchy."

"Varren urine," Mordin stated. "Stops itching. Relieves pain."

"They're not THAT itchy." Grunt growled.

"You're going to do great," I said with encouragement. "You'll be a proud member of Clan Urdnot."

"Shepard," Tali called from her cot. "Will you come with me to see Ratch? I would like to get some of Urz's things for tonight."

"Of course," I looked at Garrus. "Want to come?"

"Sure, might as well see what the krogan has for sale."

"Mordin, Grunt, you want to join us?"

"Will stay here," Mordin said as he lifted a pad. "Maelon's data on genophage. Like to look at it."

“I will stay here as well.” Grunt said as he looked up at me. "Have things to think about."

"Alright, then we will see you in a little bit." I nodded as I got up from my cot and walked out of the room with Tali, Garrus, and Normandy’s newest crewmember, following behind.

After informing Miranda of our overnight stay on Tuchanka, we made our way through Camp Urdnot to Ratch's shop.

"Commander, Tali, Garrus, welcome."

"Nice place you have here, Ratch." I said. "But I'm guessing you don't have a lot of business do you?"

"Heh, not really." The krogan shrugged. "A lot of krogan in Clan Urdnot doesn't care for aliens, but I don't have the luxury of turning away paying customers. I do enough business off-world to know that you aliens have more credits than people here do. But, it will get easier since I don't have to look after Urz anymore."

"What kind of stuff do you have for sale?" Garrus asked

"Most of it is food and drink that's toxic to humans. Ryncol is a local favorite. Don't try to act tough, it'll tear your insides apart." Ratch warned. "I've also got weapons, mods, scrap... and whatever else those damn pyjack vermin don't steal, which isn't much."

"How the hell did the pyjacks manage to get on Tuchanka? They're not native; are they?" I asked.

"No. They're from Eletania."

I let out a moan. "I've been to Eletania, before." I then looked at Garrus. "Remember, we had to find that damn data disc for Admiral Hackett and the monkeys had stolen it. Took forever and a day to find the damn thing."

"I remember." Garrus nodded. "If I recall, you ran over one with the mako."

I gave Garrus a dirty look. "That was an accident, and you know it." I turned to Ratch. "So how did the pyjack make their way to Tuchanka?"

"A trader landed here a few years back. He had goods he wanted to salvage. They swarmed off his ship and started stealing food and shitting everywhere. The trader claimed they were stowaways."

"What happened to the trader?" Tali asked.

"Yeah, I can't imagine you allowed him to walk away." I smirked.

"Not a chance." Ratch laughed. "One ball of pyjack dung nailed the leader of Clan Forsan across the forehead. That's apparently grounds for execution."

"Keelah!" Tali gasped.

Ratch grabbed a broom and swatted a lump of clothes, causing a pyjack to cry out and scurry away. "They're everywhere, and a pain in the ass. Bortak started using the mounted defense cannons to stop them. But as you can see, it's not actually working."

Garrus let out a chuckle and then turned to Ratch. "Surely you guys have something better than using all of your ammunition."

"Not really," Ratch shrugged.

"I'm a good shot, let me take some of those beasts down." Garrus offered.

"Feel free. Just go down to where Bortak is at. The gun controls are there. Hell, if you can make a small dent in the pyjack population, I'll give you a discount at the store."

Garrus ran his hand over his mandibles. "You're on."

"Really, Garrus?" I turned to him. "You're going to shoot monkeys?"

"For a discounted sniper mod? Yes." He then smirked. "Bet I can kill more than you can."

"Garrus, you're not a betting man, remember?"

"When it comes to shooting things, I am." Garrus voice went a decimal lower. "You know I am the better shot."

I glared at my turian. "Alright, Vakarian. You're on."

"I think I'll stay here and talk to Ratch about Urz," Tali said. "I'll meet you guys back in the room."

"I'll see you there," I said as Garrus grabbed my hand and headed for the perimeter of Clan Urdnot.

"At first, I thought it was a waste of ammunition, just to kill incoming vermin," Garrus said as he aimed the turret. "Now I think, if these Urdnot can pinpoint such small mammals with these guns, they'll make short work of an incoming invasion force." Garrus shot a pyjack and then laughed. "10-2, Shepard. I'm winning."

"Uh-huh," I said as I pushed Garrus to the side. "Let me show you how it's done, Vakarian."

"You said that about twenty minutes ago."

I gave my turian a death glare before I turned and aimed the turret at the pyjacks. It wasn't until my third miss that I felt him his arms wrap around me.

"Just as I taught you two years ago, Shepard." His tone of voice lowered. "You need to breathe. Aim for your target. Shoot."

"I can't concentrate when you're talking like that," I said as I tried to slap his hands away.

"Why?" His sub-harmonic voice purred in my ear. "Does it turn you on?"

He had no idea.

"Damn it, Vakarian," I growled.

"Commander," Bortak said as he looked at me. "You've missed over a dozen pyjack. Are you alright?"

"Hmm? Oh fine, fine." I then turned and looked at Garrus. "You're dead."

"Well the pyjacks sure aren't," he laughed loudly.

I growled as I grabbed my pistol and aimed for the pyjack that was running for his cubby hole. I shot him dead and then looked at Garrus, who had a smirk on his face.

"I'm guessing the little beast had it coming?" Garrus asked.

I looked at Garrus for a moment and then I busted out laughing. "Oh, Vakarian, you and I are going to battle it out... RIGHT NOW!"

Bortak looked at me. "You know, there is always the varren pits."

"Good idea," I said as I glared at my smug turian. "I'm going to throw you in the varren pit."

"I don't think that's what he meant about-" Garrus stopped dead sentence as I took a step closer to him.

His eyes widened as he quickly turned and ran.

"Have a good night, Bortak," I smirked as I chased after my turian.

"You too, Shepard." I heard the tall krogan say in the distance.

The ride to where the Rite was taking place was long and bumpy. I could see Tali was a little nervous, as she was messing with her settings on Chikktika. Grunt and Mordin were just lying back against the bulkhead of the tomkah with their eyes closed. Garrus was sitting next to me calibrating his assault rifle. I looked at him for a minute before placing my head on his shoulder.

"I love you," I said with a content sigh. "Even if you can be a pain in my ass."

Garrus chuckled as he placed his mouth on the side my head. "Mmm, I love you too."

"We are here." The shaman said as the tomkah came to a stop.

After we had exited the truck, the shaman turned to Grunt.

"This is Tuchanka's most recent scar," The shaman said as he led us up a small tunnel of tubing. "The last surface city to fall in the rebellions. The Keystone was at the heart. It has survived the wars and the passage for centuries. It endures... like the krogan."

Two krogan warriors pulled on a crank to open up a sliding door that was on top of the tunnel.

"Keelah!" Tali gasped as we stepped into the middle of the city.

I looked up to see a large structure standing in the midst of the city. I guessed it was this keystone the shaman had just talked about.

"Grunt, if you wish to join Clan Urdnot, you must contemplate the keystone and its trials."

"What will happen?" Grunt asked as the shaman escorted us up a flight of stairs and to where the keystone panel was located.

"Who knows? You must adapt. You must thrive, no matter the situation. Any true krogan will."

"Then let us begin."

"When you have finished the trial, hit the keystone twice to summon me." The shaman bowed his head and then made his way back into the tubing tunnel.

As the doors to the tunnel closed, I looked at Grunt. "You ready?"

"Let's get started! Hit the keystone!" Grunt said as he punched his fists together. "I'm ready!"

"Tali, Mordin, Garrus?"

"We're ready," Tali said as she brought out her drone.

I let out a breath as I hit the button that triggered the keystone. Just then a krogan voice echoed across the area.

"First the krogan conquered Tuchanka and mastered a natural world only we are fit to hold."

A shock wave rumbled the ground from under us.

"Get ready!" I ordered as I grabbed my pistol.

Just then a growling sound came from nearby buildings. I turned to see at least a dozen or more varren slowly making their way towards us.

"Bahahahah!" Grunt laughed as he went charging into the pack.

"I'm guessing this is going to be the easy part," I said as I took out a few varren who were attempting to circle from behind.

Grunt laughed as the keystone began to blink green. "This is way too easy."

"Don't get cocky, Grunt," Garrus warned. "It can get you killed on the battlefield."

"Bah, hit the keystone, Shepard." Grunt said as he reloaded his rifle. "Let's continue the Rite."

I looked at Garrus for a moment, then shrugged as I walked over and hit the button to the keystone.

"Then the krogan were lifted to the stars to destroy the fears of a galaxy, an enemy only we could chase to their lair."

"Are they talking about the rachni?" Tali asked as the ground shook from the keystone hitting the ground for the second time.

"Yes, which means we're probably going to see klixen." I guessed.

"What's a klixen?" Tali asked.

Just then an enormous scream echoed the sky as I looked up to see a large dragon-like creature land just a few meters away.

"What the-" Then about a half dozen klixen jumped from its back.

"That's a klixen, Tali," Garrus said. "Be careful. They explode when you kill them. Don't let them get too close."

"Weak to cold. Will use 'Cryo Blast'." Mordin said as he ran his hand over his OT.

Another dragon creature landed on the other side of the arena, releasing five more klixen.

"Crawlers! Come to your death!" Grunt yelled as he charged one of the klixen and smacked it with his gun.

"At least he's having fun," Garrus said as he aimed his rifle and shot.

"Shepard," Tali said as she pointed into the distance. "Look."

As Garrus and Mordin helped Grunt take out the klixen, I looked to see where Tali was pointing.

"A storm is coming," I growled.

"We need to hurry, or we're going to get caught up in it."

A gust of wind rushed by me as I cursed. "Damn, not sure if we can. Just stay focused on completing the rite."

"Right." Tali nodded as she cocked her shotgun and ran over to where Mordin was at.

"Bahahahaha!" Grunt laughed as the last klixen fell dead at his feet. "This is fun."

"This storm is getting bad!" Garrus yelled as sand and debris rushed past us.

"We just need to hold out long enough for Grunt to finish the Rite." I slammed my fist on the keystone button. "Stay sharp, everyone!"

"Now all krogan bear the genophage, our reward, our curse. It is a fight where the only goal is survival."

As the keystone dropped, I could feel the ground from underneath begin to shake.

"Feel that? Everything is... shaking." Grunt said.

Just then my body froze as a large creature came popping out from the ground.

"Thresher maw!" Garrus shouted. "Everyone take cover!"

Flashes of Akuze raced through my mind as I stood, not being able to move as I stared at the eight-eyed creature.

I heard a mumbling sound from behind me, but I couldn't make it out. Just then my face was planted in the dirt as acid spit from the thresher maw zipped passed me.

"Spirits," Garrus gasped as he turned me on my back. "Are you alright?"

I couldn't speak, so I just shook my head.

"You can do this; I know you can," Garrus said as he dragged me to cover.

"I- I can't," I managed to say. "Please, don't- don't make me face it."

Garrus ran his hand over my face and then called out for Mordin.

"Professor, keep an eye on her."

Mordin nodded as Garrus grabbed his rifle and headed to where Grunt and Tali were. Mordin cocked his head to the side.

"Shepard, you hurt?" I shook my head. Then Mordin nodded. "Ah, case of janciphobia. Fear of thresher maws." Mordin sucked in a breath. "Unexpected."

"I... I can't do this, Mordin."

"Course you can," Mordin said as he grabbed a med kit that was conveniently nearby. "Fear nothing but emotion. Must fight fear or fear wins."

I cringed as the maw screamed again. I felt like I was going to be sick.

"Thinking does not overcome fear. Action will. Nothing to fear but fear itself." Mordin said as he injected me with some medicine. "Boost your adrenaline. Will help with anxiety."

"Thanks." I swallowed.

Mordin and I ran over to where Tali had taken cover.

"Shepard, are you okay?" Tali asked as she placed her hand on my shoulder.

"No, not really." I gasped as the ground shook from underneath me. I peeked around some debris to see Garrus and Grunt taking shots at the thresher maw just a few meters away. "I'm going to see if they need help. You two stay here and use your tactics. Hopefully, we can drop this fucker quickly."

"Right." Tali nodded.

I bit my lip, closed my eyes for a second, and then ran to where Garrus and Grunt were bunkered down.

"Shepard," Garrus said as I ran over to him. "Are you alright?"

"No, let’s kill this ugly bastard. Any ideas?"

"Do you think your Arc Projector can put a dent in him?" Garrus asked.

"I don't know. I guess if it can work on the Shadow Broker it can work on this ugly."

"Couldn't hurt." Grunt stated.

I grabbed the AP and let out a sigh. "Alright, you keep this thing distracted. I'm going to circle to the left and see if I can hurt it."

"Right," Garrus said as Grunt let out a laugh.

Once the boys had the maw's attention, I made my way over to the left side of the area. I took aim and then pulled the trigger. The maw screamed, telling me that it wasn't happy with what I just did.

"Seems like it's working, Shepard." Garrus called over the comm. "Keep it up."

A few minutes later, the maw cried as it fell dead to the ground.

"Good job, Shepard. I knew you could do it." Garrus said. "I'm on my way to you."

I let out a sob as I fell to the rubble ground of the keystone city. Emotions rushed over me as I placed my hands on my face. My body shook as tears began to fall. I couldn’t believe it. I had just killed a thresher maw.

I then looked up to see a blue figure walk towards me. I tried to speak his name, but I couldn't. Just then the world began to spin. Pain ripped through my body as I tried to reach out to him.

"Gar- Garrus..."

Then everything faded to black.

Description
ME2: Resurrection of the Lost Race
Chapter 25: The Rite of a Baby Krogan

My team walked down the dark corridor of the base of Clan Weyrloc, and I gave the sign to stop as I heard muffled sounds coming from a room next to us.

"Do you guys hear that?"

When the doors to the room opened, I saw a krogan sitting down. He was rocking back and forth mumbling to himself.

"Must do this for the clan."

"Hello?" I gently asked. "Do you require medical assistance?"

"Not Blood Pack, not member of Clan Weyrloc. Wrong clan markings." Mordin said.

"I'm an Urdnot scout. Weyrloc guards got me. Brought me here."

"Bartok told us to watch for you." I took a step closer to the krogan. "We've taken out the guards. You should be safe to get back to Urdnot's boarders."

"I can't." The krogan lowered his head. "Weyrloc did things to me. Drugs. Injections. Said I was sacrificing for the good of all krogan." He then looked up at me. "Experiments to cure the genophage. Everything's blurry. Hard to think. Have to stay."

"Mordin, can you get him back on his feet? Something to bolster his immune system?"

"You don't understand. I'm not sick to leave. I have to stay." The Krogan commented. "They're curing the genophage. They're going to make it all better. They have to keep doing the tests!"

Mordin sucked in a breath. "Caution, Shepard. Patient unstable, susceptible. Brainwashed." Mordin whispered to me.

"But if we can help him, he might help Urdnot with defeating Weyrloc for good." I took a step closer to the krogan. "Why are you volunteering to do these tests?"

"It's my fault. I got caught. Wasn't strong enough, not good enough. This is the best I can do. This is all I can do."

"What do you mean?" I asked, crouching so that I was eye to eye with the mopping krogan.

"I'm not big enough to have a real shot with the females. I'll never have kids on my own. But if I help undo the genophage, then I mattered!"

"You idiot!" I growled as I stood. "Millions of children will be born; Weyrloc children. They're going to destroy the other clans!"

"But... no!" The krogan shook his head. "No, they said I was helping Urdnot!"

"If you want to help Urdnot, you need to get back there. But it would take a real badass to make it back to camp while injured."

The krogan groaned as he tried to stand up. "I can do it!"

"You? I said a badass, not some scout whining like a quarian with a tummy-ache." I then turned to Garrus. "Don't tell Tali I said that."

"No, I can do it!" The krogan managed to get on his feet. "I'm up! And I'm going to the female camp!"

"Damn right you are! Get back there and show them that you matter!" I cheered.

"Rah!" The krogan shouted as he stormed out of the room.

"There's no pep talk like a military pep talk," Garrus said as we exited the room.

"Come on, let's find Maelon."

We walked down the corridor of the hospital and then stopped as sounds of growling vorcha could be heard up ahead.

"Here comes the welcome committee," Garrus said as he gripped his rifle.

"Shepard, in the room just ahead I am detecting crates that are holding unstable materials. A misplaced shot could cause a significant explosion. I advise caution." EDI's voice echoed.

"Or a well-placed shot. Explosives useful. Burn through krogan armor." Mordin suggested.

"Thanks for the warning, EDI," I said as the doors to the room opened, and four vorcha came rushing out.

It wasn't long before we took them out and went through the door. We were now in a large stairwell with dozens of levels below and above us.

"Shepard, on the left. Krogan incoming." Mordin said.

"I'll take him out." Garrus volunteered as he grabbed his assault rifle. Within seconds, a loud explosion shook the building. The charging krogan cried out in pain as he fell dead on the rubble floor.

"Excellent shot!" Mordin praised.

I peeked over the guard rail to see more krogan, vorcha, and varren from below.

"Looks like we've got more company on the way. Let's greet them."

My team went down the flight of stairs and rushed into cover.

"Trouble ahead," Mordin said as a member of Weyrloc appeared with two varren from an adjacent room.

"You will never make it out of here alive!" The krogan yelled.

As the krogan slowly made his way to us, I looked at Garrus, who knew what I was thinking, and he switched to his sniper rifle.

"Come on, ugly. Just a step closer." I heard Garrus whisper.

Garrus hit another explosive container causing the room to shake. The krogan screamed but didn't stop as he charged his way towards Garrus. That's when Mordin used his Cryo Blast, forcing the burning krogan to freeze in mid step as I finished him off with a few bullets from my pistol.

After spending five minutes making our way down two more flights of stairs, we came across three krogan who were just standing there waiting for us. The two outside krogan were holding onto rabid varren, as the middle krogan crossed his arms. The middle krogan was much taller than the other two and was dressed in full krogan warlord gear.

"I am Weyrloc Guld, Chief of Chiefs. Why are you here, offworlders?"

"We're here for Maelon. Let him go." I warned.

"Urdnot Wrex sent you, didn't he? It matters not," Guld said as he flung his hand. "Soon, the genophage will be cured, and he will be licking my boots like a newborn varren pup." He then pointed at me. "But first, I need to get rid of you! Blood Pack, attack!"

The two Blood Pack soldiers roared as they released the rabid varren.

"Take them out, quick!" I ordered as I shot my pistol.

"Mordin," Garrus called out. "Use your incinerate and I'll use my concussive shot."

"Right." The salarian shouted.

While Garrus and Mordin were busy on the varren and the two Blood Pack krogan, I made my way around the floor to pursue Guld. When I saw him shooting his shotgun at Garrus and Mordin, I couldn't help but smile. The dumbass krogan was standing next to an explosive container.

"I am the battlemaster!" Yelled Guld. "Weyrloc will avenge those who have fallen. You will all die!"

"Hey Guld," I shouted, causing the krogan to turn. "Weyrloc falls today!"

I aimed for the container and took my shot. The loud explosion caused me to take cover as debris of rock, cement, and dirt flew everywhere.

After the dust and debris settled, I could see Guld lying on the ground. His body was slowly shifting from right to left as he moaned.

"You... will not win. The genophage will be cured. My people... will be free." He said as I walked up to him.

"Perhaps, but not your way."

"Be afraid human," Guld growled. "We will... have... our... revenge."

As Guld took his last breath, I looked at Garrus. "If Guld was here, hopefully that means there's no more Blood Pack."

"Another flight of stairs," Mordin said as he pointed to the far side of the area. "May lead to Maelon."

"Professor, this may also lead us to something you don't want to see," Garrus said as we walked over to the stairs and looked down.

"Have to see. Have to know." Mordin took a deep breath. "Owe it to Maelon. For STG team."

"Then you lead the way, Mordin." I said.

Mordin nodded as he headed down the stairs. Just as I was about to follow, Garrus grabbed my arm. "I have a bad feeling about this."

"I know; me too. But he has to do this, and we will support him, no matter what we find."

Garrus nodded as we followed Mordin down the flight of stairs and into a small hallway. There was a door just to the left of us, which I had hoped would lead us to the answers Mordin was seeking.

"You ready?" I asked Mordin as I stood next to him.

He sucked in a breath. "Yes."

The room was a medical research lab filled with equipment, containers, and at least six medical beds which had a couple of krogan bodies on them. At the back end of the room, a salarian was running his hands across a large displayed console.

"Maelon." Mordin whispered. "Alive. Unharmed."

Mordin walked up to the salarian as Garrus, and I stood behind him.

"No signs of restraint. No evidence to torture." Mordin sucked in a breath. "Don't understand."

"For such a smart man, Professor, you always had trouble seeing evidence that disagreed with your preconceptions." The salarian said as he turned to face Mordin. "How long will it take you to admit that I'm here because I wish to be here?"

"Impossible." Mordin shook his head. "Blood Pack captured you."

"And where did you hear that, Professor? The media?"

"Maybe Weyrloc brainwashed or drugged him to keep him under control?" I suggested.

"Unlikely," Mordin said as he turned to me. "Pupils normal. Body language consistent with standard metabolic state."

"Please, Professor," Maelon said as he folded his arms. "You wrote a paper on this. Forced behavior modification always results in mental degradation. Whether from Reaper indoctrination or drugs, test subjects always lose higher cognitive function."

"Not brainwashed or conditioned. Need Maelon at peak capacity for work." Mordin said to me as I stood beside him. "Must be alternate source of coercion."

"My guess is that he wasn't kidnapped," Garrus said as he stood on the other side of Mordin. "He came here voluntarily to cure the genophage."

Maelon nodded, confirming Garrus's theory.

"Impossible! Whole team agreed! Project necessary!" Mordin shouted at Maelon.

"How was I supposed to disagree with the great Doctor Solus?" Maelon threw up his hands. "I was your student! I looked up to you!"

Mordin took a step forward. "Experiments performed here. Live subjects! Torture and executions!" He pointed a finger at Maelon. "Your doing?"

"We've already got the blood of millions on our hands, Professor. If it takes a bit more to put things right, I can deal with that."

"You honestly think the experiments you did here were justified?" I asked in a disgusted tone.

"We committed cultural genocide! Nothing I do will ever be justified! The experiments are monstrous... because I was taught to be a monster." Maelon shouted.

I looked at Mordin with a confused look. "I thought you told me you never did experiments like this."

Mordin shook his head. "No. Never taught you this, Maelon."

"So your hands are clean! What does it matter if the ground is stained with the blood of millions?" Maelon leaned toward Mordin. "You taught me that the end justified the means. I will undo what we did. The only way I know how!"

"What happens if the genophage is cured and the krogan expand again? I don't know if Wrex can stop them from going on a full revenge fest." I said.

"We justified the atrocity by saying the krogan would cause havoc and war if their population recovered. But look at the galaxy! Batarian attacks in the Traverse, geth attacks on the Citadel. Is this a more peaceful universe?" Maelon looked at me. "The assault on your Eden Prime might never have happened if we had let the krogan recover." He then shrugged. "We'll never know."

"How the hell would a krogan population explosion have done anything to stop Saren and the geth?" I growled.

"An increased krogan population would have forced the Council to take steps, likely involving colony rights in the Traverse. The turian fleets would be vigilant for any military activity in the area. They might have stopped the geth at Eden Prime."

"Supposition. Impossible for certain." Mordin said.

Maelon let out a sigh. "Don't you see? We tried to play god, and we failed. We only made things worse, and I'm going to fix it!"

"What I don't understand is why work with Clan Weyrloc? And how did you manage to access the genophage data?" I asked.

"The data was easy to obtain. We all still had clearance. We were heroes. All I had to do was ask. And as for Weyrloc, they were the only clan with both the resources and the commitment."

"Urdnot has a larger camp than Weyrloc. Why didn't you use them?"

"I never asked. Urdnot Wrex is too soft. He wouldn't have allowed me to do the experiments that I needed to do. Weyrloc will be the first to recover from the crime we committed."

I let out a sigh and turned to Mordin. "So what now? Maelon apparently doesn't need rescuing."

"Have to end this," Mordin said plainly.

Just then Maelon pulled out a gun and pointed it at me. "You can't face the truth, can you? Can't admit that your brilliant mind led you to commit an atrocity!"

Before Maelon could shoot, Mordin took a few steps and punched him right in the face, causing him to drop the pistol. Mordin quickly pulled out his pistol and aimed the gun at Maelon.

"Unacceptable experiments. Unacceptable goals. Won't change. No choice." Mordin paused. "Have to kill you."

Maelon's eyes widened with fear, and I quickly took action.

"Mordin, no! Please! You don't need to do this. You're not a murderer."

Mordin looked at Maelon for a moment and then took a step back. "No. Not a murderer." He sucked in a breath. "Thank you, Shepard." Mordin placed his pistol in his holster. "Finished, Maelon. Get out. No Weyrloc left. Project over."

"What if he talks to more krogan, tells the public about the modified genophage project?" Garrus asked.

"Not worried. Special Tasks Group good at covering tracks. No proof. Weyrloc willingness to work with salarian unusual. Other krogan will kill him."

"What about him starting up his research again?" I asked.

"STG can cut access to old data. Could start from scratch. Decades of work, though." Mordin then looked at Maelon. "Didn't teach you everything I knew."

"We're so close to a cure, Professor," Maelon said. "Come with me; help me find a way to help the krogan. They didn't deserve what we did to them. The genophage needs to end!"

"Perhaps, but not like this. Leave, Maelon." Mordin said.

"Where am I supposed to go?" Maelon cried out.

"Don't care," Mordin shrugged. "Try Omega. Can always use another clinic."

Maelon looked at Mordin for a moment before shaking his head and departing the room. Mordin let out a sigh as he leaned up against the medical console.

"Apologies, Shepard. Misunderstood mission parameters. No kidnapping. My mistake." He took a breath. "Thank you, both of you."

"Hey, don't worry about me." I placed my hand on his shoulder. "How are you doing?"

"Should have killed him. Wanted to. Easier than listening. Easier for him, too. Experiments indicate how far he's fallen. Expected it from krogan. Not one of mine." Mordin sighed. "So many variables. Stress responses. Impossible to truly predict. Something to think about." Mordin then looked up at the medical display. "Maelon's research. Only loose end. Could destroy it. Closure, security. Still valuable, though."

"His work was sick, but if you think it could be useful, why not hang onto it?" I asked.

"Worked for years to create modified genophage. Should destroy this." Mordin said.

"Professor," Garrus said as he took a step forward. "What if one day, Wrex does become 'King of Tuchanka'? Wouldn't that data help him reunite the krogan people?"

"Maelon's work could cure genophage. Don't know. Effects on Krogan. Effects on galaxy. Too many variables. Too many variables!"

"I know that you regret what the krogan have become. You see the horror of what they did here, but you see the loss, too." I commented.

"Yes. Wasted potential."

"Save the data, Mordin."

Mordin sucked in a breath. "Very well. Capturing data, wiping local copy. Still years away from cure. But closer than starting from scratch." Mordin paused for a second. "There. Done."

I nodded as I patted Mordin on the back. Then I looked at Garrus, who was standing next to a medical bed with a dead female krogan on it.

"You alright?" I asked as I stood next to him.

"Yeah, this just brings back some awful memories."

"Which ones?" I asked.

"Dr. Saleon and all those people he killed." Garrus let out a sigh. "What is it with crazy ass salarians who think they are godly enough to play with-" Garrus shook his head. "Mordin doesn't need to hear me rant about this."

"Saleon. Knew him." Mordin sucked in a breath as he stood on the other side of Garrus. "Brilliant geneticist. Bad doctor."

"You knew Dr. Saleon?" Garrus turned to Mordin.

"Yes. STG candidate for genophage redesign." Mordin took in a breath. "Denied. Work too sloppy for STG. Good drinker though."

"Did you know he was running illegal operations on the Citadel?" Garrus asked.

"No." Mordin shook his head. "Too busy with genophage reconstruction."

Garrus took a step back. "Hopefully, Maelon won't follow down the path Saleon did."

Mordin looked at Garrus. "Maelon's ethics harsh. But wanted to help krogan."

"Mordin's right. Maelon wanted to cure the genophage. Saleon only wanted to help himself."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Garrus sighed. "Should we get the hell out of here?"

Mordin nodded. "Yes. Ready to go. Ready to be off Tuchanka. Anywhere else. Maybe somewhere sunny."

"Welcome back, Commander," Grayve said as I jumped out of the tomkah. "Glad to see you're in one piece. Did you find your salarian friend?"

"Let's just say it didn't turn out the way I hoped." I frowned. I didn't want Grayve to know about Maelon's dealings with Weyrloc. "However, Weyrloc Guld is dead. Not sure if that is good or bad for Urdnot."

"Guld is dead?" Grayve then laughed. "Best news I’ve heard all day."

"We also have a present for your mechanic," I smiled. "There is a manifold in the back of the truck. We came across one near the entrance to the hospital."

"Excellent. Volk will be happy to hear of this. Come, I am sure Wrex would like to hear your news."

"Anything interesting happen here while I was gone?" I asked as we walked out of the garage and up the ramp.

"Uvenk is still causing diplomatic issues. He's trying to convince the shaman that Grunt is not a krogan. Idiot. And, about thirty minutes ago, there was a troop of pyjack trying to steal the food source. Bortak is trying to deal with the problem."

"Pyjack infestation?"

"Yeah, they're a pain in the ass."

"Shepard!" Tali's voice echoed.

I looked up to see Tali sitting on Wrex's throne, waving at us. As we approached her, I couldn't help but tease her a little bit.

"Did Wrex promote you to 'Queen of Tuchanka,' Tali?"

Tali let out a small laugh as she rubbed her hands together. "Wrex told me to stay here while he greeted an ambassador from another clan. He said I would be safe here with these two guards."

Grayve looked at the two krogan who were standing on each side of the throne. "She wasn't bothered?"

"No, sir."

"Good."

"Shepard, you're back. Did you find your salarian friend?"

I turned to see Wrex and Grunt standing behind me. "Yes and no. But, I do bring some good news."

"Oh, do tell." Wrex folded his arms.

"Guld is dead."

Wrex laughed. "Of course he is; you're here."

"You know," I folded my arms. "I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment."

Wrex slapped me on the back, causing me to take a few steps forward. "Glad you took care of him. Saved me from having to kill him."

"Happy to help," I then looked at Grunt. "Did you find the information you were looking for about the Rite?"

"No," Grunt said in an annoyed voice. "The Shaman is the only person that can tell me about the Rite, and I haven't been able to see him."

"You will tonight, Runt," Wrex said. "Shepard, I would like for you and your company to sit at my table for dinner."

"I would be honored," I smiled.

"Good, I'm sure you're all hungry."

"What's for dinner?" Garrus asked as Wrex helped Tali from the throne. "Don't tell me. Cooked varren?"

"No, even better. Sautéed turian liver."

Garrus looked at Wrex with a displeased look. "Oh how I've missed you."

Wrex laughed. "I know."

Wrex escorted us down a long hallway and into a room with a large table. There were already a couple of krogan sitting at the table, along with Uvenk.

"This is unacceptable. How can you even consider it?" Uvenk asked as he slammed his fist on the table.

"You go beyond yourself, Gatatog Uvenk." The krogan sipped something from his cup. "The rites of Urdnot are dominated."

"How do we know it will challenge him? He's unnatural! The beasts of the Rite could ignore him like a lump of plastic!"

Beasts?

"They know the blood, no matter the womb."

"He's right, Uvenk," Wrex said. "Your barking does not help your case."

"I can speak for myself." Grunt said in a deeper voice than normal. "If you have something to say to my face, Uvenk, say it."

"Aw, this is the tank bred?" The shaman stood up from his chair and walked over to Grunt. "It's very lifelike." The shaman sniffed. "Smells correct as well." The shaman then turned to the annoyed Uvenk. "Your protests are hollow."

"If this must stand on ritual, then I invoke a denial! My krantt stands against him! He has no one!"

The shaman shook his head. "Perhaps, but this is not the time to-"

"He has us; you half quadded krogan!" Tali yelled at Uvenk as she stepped from behind Wrex.

The shaman looked at Tali for a moment, then at Grunt. "Is this true, Grunt? Is this quarian part of your krantt? Will she kill and die on your behalf?"

Before Grunt could respond, Tali took a step forward. "Yes!" She then looked at me. "Um, right Shepard?"

I nodded with a smile.

"Grunt also has me," Garrus said with a shrug. "Kind of fond of the little guy."

"Hey, who you calling little?" Grunt grumbled.

"Will also help Grunt," Mordin said with a nod. "Shipmates. Comrades."

The shaman looked at Wrex and then shrugged. "I grant you aliens your straightforward interpretation. You will be Grunt's krantt in his Rite of Passage."

"Unacceptable!" Uvenk pounded the table. "Aliens don't know strength! My followers are true krogan! Everything about Grunt is a lie!" Uvenk walked up to me. "You are a lie, and I will not-"

I let out a growl as I head-butted the krogan that stood in front of me. I had to admit, it hurt, but it was worth watching the smug krogan take a step back.

"You..." Uvenk growled as he rubbed his head. "You dare?"

"Bahahahaha!" The shaman laughed as he slapped Wrex on the back. "I like this human! She understands!"

"She's Shepard." Wrex simply said.

Just then a giant krogan came up from behind Uvenk.

"You are annoying me, Gatatog Uvenk."

Uvenk turned to the krogan that stood about a foot taller than him. He then let out a sigh and turned to the shaman. "I withdraw my denial. This will be decided elsewhere!"

Uvenk pushed me to the side as he walked out of the room.

The shaman let out a small laugh. "You have provoked him, Shepard. Reason enough to like you."

"Thanks, I think."

"Shepard, allow me to make a full introduction. As you probably already know, this is our shaman." Wrex said as he lifted his hand. "Then you have Ambassador Peveix from Clan Nakmor. The one sitting on the far side of the table is our weapon specialist, Ratch. Then, of course, you know Grayve and Bortak. Everyone, this is Commander Shepard, Tali'Zorah, Garrus 'Sewage Bird' Vakarian, Grunt, and...." Wrex looked at the salarian. "Who are you again?"

"Professor Mordin Solus."

"Yeah, him."

"A pleasure to meet you all," I said with a nod as we took our seats.

"Commander," Bortak said as I sat down. "Thank you for rescuing my scout."

"He made it back okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, we've got him in the medical tent. Doesn't remember much beyond getting tortured, but he remembers you. Said you yelled at him until he got his hump out of the base and back here."

"Well, there's no pep talk like a military pep talk," I smiled, stealing Garrus's line.

"The food smells great. What is it?" Tali asked as she sniffed her plate.

"Cooked pyjack with a side of... something. Grayve picked it up while he was on the Citadel three months ago." Wrex said.

"Mordin, do you think it's okay for us to eat this?" Garrus asked as he poked the meat with the fork.

"Meat not dextro friendly." Mordin scanned the meat with his omni-tool. "Suggest water. Water safe for all species."

Garrus looked at Wrex. "You're a great host, Wrex."

"Actually," Wrex lifted a finger. "I might have something for you after all. I'll be right back."

As Wrex left the room, I took a bite of the meat, which was a little tough, and looked at the shaman.

"I don't know much about krogan customs, but why do they always call you the shaman and not by your first name?"

"I gave up my name when I became the shaman," The krogan took a bite of his food. "I am a conduit for the rage and bloodlust of my people. It would be wrong to retain my old identity. My life belongs to the clan."

"Does every clan have a shaman?" Garrus asked.

"Yes," The shaman nodded. "There is one male and one female shaman in each clan."

"Where is Clan Urdnot's female shaman?" I asked.

"Clan Urdnot doesn't have one right now. We lost our last female shaman a few weeks ago." The shaman sighed. "Tragedy. She was pure of heart."

"What?" Tali gasped. "She's dead?"

"Yes, Little One. I am sorry. I know you, and her were close."

Tali placed her hands on her helmet as Mordin leaned in to comfort her.

"Will Urdnot get a new female shaman?" I asked.

"Yes, however, the females have different rites, and must prove themselves before taking the title of shaman."

"What other kind of rites do krogan have?" Garrus asked.

"You know of the Rite of Passage. Krogan suffers the Rite of Life at birth and the Rite of Honor when they wish to be considered for breeding. The Rite of Firsts is suffered before a krogan faces a new enemy. A clan leader also undergoes many rites in service to the clan."

"Interesting, and what rites did you go through to become shaman?"

The shaman sighed as he lifted his cup. "Becoming the shaman is excruciating. I passed through rites that made me wish to die. I carry the scars on my soul. I must perform rites each dawn and dusk to keep me bound into our krogan nature. Our spirit is one of violence and death. I must be attuned to that."

"Your job is awful." Grunt stated.

"Indeed." The shaman said as he took a sip.

Just then Wrex walked in with a large plate of food.

"Little Empress, I saved your rations when you left Tuchanka. Hopefully, they're not too stale for you and Sewage Bird to eat."

I saw Tali uncover her helmet with her hands. Then, she let out a gasp.

"Oh!" Tali jumped up and ran past Wrex. "Who is this?" I turned to see Tali bent down petting a varren. "He's so adorable." Her voice had a hint of a sniffle.

Wrex groaned. "That's Urz, one of the strongest varren here in Urdnot. And a pain in my ass." He then looked at me. "Is everything okay?"

I mouthed 'I'll tell you later' as Ratch got up from the table.

"Damn it, Urz. I told you to stay! Damn varren doesn't listen to me."

"Where is his owner?" Tali asked.

"He doesn't have one. The one that used to own him was banished when he tried to betray Urdnot to Weyrloc. I've been keeping an eye on him until we seek to find him a new owner. He is a puppy, and it's hard to keep a close watch on him while watching the camp." Ratch commented.

"Nobody wants him?" I asked.

"Oh, everyone wants him," Grayve replied. "The problem is… Urz doesn't want them. Varren chose their masters."

Tali giggled as the varren jumped on her, licking her helmet.

"It looks like Urz has chosen you. You're more than welcome to take him if you wish." Ratch offered.

"Really?" Tali gasped.

"No," I stated. "We're not having a varren running around on the ship."

"Oh come on, Shepard. Don't be such a grump." Wrex laughed. "Give Little Empress Urz. I'm sure she will take good care of him."

"Wrex, I swear to God, I'm going to kill you." I then looked at Tali, who was giving Urz a belly rub. "Tali," I said as I stood up from the table and walked over to her. "I don't think this is such a good idea."

"But Shepard, he needs a home."

"Agree with Shepard. Varren. Many diseases. Inadvisable to have on starship." Mordin pointed out.

"See Tali; even Mordin thinks it's a bad-"

"Although, varren excellent for experiments. Tests. Won't hurt it. But maybe useful for Collector data." Mordin added.

I glared at my salarian. "Thank-You-Mordin."

"Please, Shepard. Can we at least just try? We can keep him down on the lower deck with Jack. I'm sure she won't mind. And he'll be out of everyone's way. If it doesn't work out, we can bring him back. Besides, with the help of Donnelly and Daniels, we might be able to build a backpack weapon system for him. He could be an excellent asset to the team."

"Tali, he won't be happy on Normandy," I said. "He would- Oh don't you dare give me that quarian cute-eye finger twisting thing.” I sighed. "Fine, we can keep him."

"Yay!" Tali squeed as she wrapped her arms around Urz. "You won't regret this, Shepard."

I sat down in my chair as Garrus leaned in and whispered. "Miranda is going to love this."

I let out another sigh. "I know."

After Tali and Garrus's food had been prepared for them, the shaman looked at me as he took a bite of his food.

"So Shepard, what tales of conquest do you have? Wrex told us many things, but would like to hear one from you."

"Well, I killed two Spectres. Saren Arterius, one of the top Spectres in Council space. But I'm sure you heard about that. Then I took down Tela Vasir. An asari Spectre who was working for the Shadow Broker."

"No small task! We have learned the strength of those who bear that title. You held it yourself if I am correct."

I nodded. "Still am, although the Council hasn't accepted the fact that I am working with Cerberus to fight the Collectors."

"Still, a title of great honor."

"Shepard," Wrex said as he leaned against the table. "Tell me about what happened on the Normandy. When I was at your funeral, I got Liara's side of the story. But, would like to hear yours."

I looked down at my plate for a moment, then shrugged. "Woke up with Normandy shaking like a tin can. Thought it were pirates at first, but when I ran out of my quarters, I knew something was terribly wrong. Sent a distress beacon and told Liara and Kaidan to get everyone to the escape pods. I would have gone with them, but Joker was being stubborn and was still in the cockpit. When I got to the CIC, my heart broke into a million pieces. The top part of Normandy's hull was gone. I saw lifeless faces intertwined with cables. Lexi was one of them." I let out a sigh. "The ship that had attacked Normandy was huge and nothing like I had ever seen before. I got Joker to the escape pod, but before I could get into the pod with him, an explosion occurred; causing me to get blown out into space. I honestly don't remember much after that. Although, I do remember that my last thoughts were of my family and friends."

"Damn, Shepard." Wrex shook his head.

"What happened next?" Grayve asked.

I shrugged. "Woke up on a Cerberus operating table. The facility was under attack. Come to find out, one of the operatives had gone rogue and wanted to kill me and destroy the whole facility."

"So why are your eyes so blue?" Wrex asked.

"Miranda told me that I had extra bits and pieces in me. I also have more biotics abilities than I did before. But to be honest, I haven't used much of them."

"Still prefer the crappy pistol, huh?" Wrex asked.

I gave the krogan king a glare. "There is nothing wrong with a pistol." I quickly turned to Garrus, who was about to say something. "You be quiet."

After talking a little bit more about my past experiences with Saren and the geth, I turned to the ambassador who was being extremely quiet.

"And what is your story, Ambassador? What is Nakmor and Urdnot's relationship?"

Ambassador Peveix stayed silent for a moment, glaring at me. "I might support Urdnot, but I don't have to talk to you, human. Don't think that carrying this whelp of a krogan makes you worth my time." As he pointed to Grunt.

I was confused. "I'm sorry, Ambassador. Have I done something to offend you?"

"You will have to excuse the ambassador, Shepard," Bortak said. "He is the type of krogan that has to see you are worthy to talk to."

"Worthy huh? Alright, Ambassador, you have to be aware that bad things happen to those who oppose me." I stood from my chair, placing my hands on the table as I looked across to the giant krogan. "A few hours ago, my krantt walked into Clan Weyrloc's base and killed Weyrloc Guld."

The ambassador looked at me for a moment. "You killed Weyrloc Guld?"

"Yep."

Ambassador Peveix leaned in his chair and smiled. "Then you are worthy of my time, human. If you must know, I am the ambassador to Urdnot from Clan Nakmor. We are based in the Kraddack Wastes just north of here."

"Is Nakmor a small clan?" I asked.

"We do not have the numbers that Urdnot have if that is what you mean."

"Then how do you keep the more powerful clans from destroying you?"

"We are the clan of the great warlord Nakmor Krall, who faced down platoons of turians and won. Most clans lend us the respect our ancestor is due."

"And what kind of business are you doing with Wrex?"

"Urdnot Wrex requested that I come. He and Clan Nakmor have been in talks about a more permanent alliance."

"With their help, Urdnot could rally others behind its banners and truly unite Tuchanka." Wrex chimed in.

"We would gain the chance to fight in larger battles with greater plunder."

"What made you want to become an ambassador?" Tali asked.

"A krogan diplomat has to represent the strength of his people or his clan appears ripe for conquest. I chose to become that diplomat because I am feared."

"Why are you feared?" Tali asked.

"Because he is one of the largest krogan in the galaxy. He's even taller than me, Little Empress." Wrex commented.

"Keelah."

"I slaughtered my way to the top of my clan, quarian. I speak with the authority of a warrior, of Clan Nakmor."

"Another rite a krogan must face, Shepard." The shaman said. "The Rite of Politics."

"Huh, I didn't know krogan much cared for politics," I said then nodded to the ambassador. "Thank you for telling me your tale, Ambassador. It was an honor."

"Hmph."

"So Wrex," I said trying to change the subject. "Everyone keeps telling me you have big changes for Tuchanka. Tell me about them."

"Not as big as I want them to be. We're making a neutral ground where all clans can share resources and fertile females. It's a new day for the krogan. We shall rise again."

"Here, here," Grayve said as he lifted his glass.

"Wait, you are sharing females? What do they say in all this?" Garrus asked.

"It was our female shaman’s idea before she was killed. The neutral area is safe, and it encourages more female clans to ally with us. Attacks on Urdnot now endanger all clans. Even clans that want to see me dead will defend Clan Urdnot."

"The shaman told me about your female clan leader. I'm sorry to hear about that, Wrex. What happened?"

"We don't know. A couple of weeks ago, she and a band of other fertile females went missing. We found one dead near Clan Kyvak's border a few days ago."

"Kidnapping?" Mordin asked with a lifted brow.

"We're unsure, but her body looked like it was chewed on. Maybe varren attacks." Bortak said. "Some of my scouts said they also found a thresher maw nest near the body. Maybe they accidently stumbled into it."

"Thresher Maw?" My body froze.

"Bad way to go." Grunt commented.

"Indeed," Bortak said.

"So how do you maintain security with so many different clans in one place?" Garrus asked as he grabbed my hand, rubbing it gently.

"Any clan willing to send in hostages can come in. No fighting inside the camp. Each clan punishes its own criminals. We stop conflicts before anyone dies. Then we present a simple choice. Pay a fine and deal with the problems or your clan is no longer welcome." Replied Wrex.

"Reasonable. By krogan standards." Mordin commented.

"Allies from other clans like what I'm doing. They help deal with skeptics. Many are eager for an outlet. Every time I've declared a clan unwelcome, my allies have destroyed them. Word gets around."

"But what is so important about maintaining individual clans?" I asked.

"May I answer Shepard’s question?” Tali asked Wrex.

Wrex chuckled as he nodded.

"Every clan has different customs. Rites of passage, rules of behavior, battle songs, they're all unique. That diversity makes Clan Urdnot great. No clan, not even Urdnot, was meant to survive on its own. When I was here on Tuchanka, I have seen so many different things in so many different clans. It's amazing, Shepard. Every clan has its unique assets. For example; the best tacticians are Urdnot. Jorgal has the longest breeding line. Gatatog holds the oldest settlement. Nakmor has the best warriors."

I had to admit; Tali impressed me.

"But Urdnot is the leading clan. Doesn't that make Urdnot's culture primary?" I asked.

"For now, but we keep going how we are, the clans will end up craters under nuclear haze. Even Urdnot. We need to rethink. Restart." Wrex commented.

I couldn't help but smile. "This sounds ambitious. How's it going so far?"

"Better than I'd feared, worse than I'd hoped."

"Some clans are turning their backs on us entirely, but we're hoping to change that soon. Especially since Clan Weyrloc is no longer a threat to us." Grayve replied.

"So what is Tuchanka really like?" I asked. "Mordin told me about Tuchanka's past, but I would like to hear it from a krogan's perspective."

"Tuchanka is a place of great gifts. It kills the weak, torments the slow, and destroys the stupid." The shaman said. "Survival is an honor, and here, krogan thrive."

"It's sad," Tali frowned. "This world is nearly destroyed."

"I know. We cover this planet with our civilization, only to burn it to the ground a dozen times over. Each time we grow stronger. When we are wise and powerful enough, we will tame this planet forever." The shaman promised.

"Huh, I don't think I ever heard anyone say that wiping out their own civilization was a good thing," I stated.

"The Krogan Empire and clans of the past were glorious, built in great battles and conquests. But their cores were weak." The shaman shrugged. "How else could they have fallen?"

"We believe in the new Tuchanka Wrex is building." The ambassador replied. "When krogan civilization achieves its apex, there will be no stopping it. No stopping us."

After spending another hour at the table, it was time to depart. I stood by the door so I could say goodbye to everyone.

"It was an honor to meet you, Ambassador. I wish you and Clan Nakmor the best of luck in all its future endeavors with Clan Urdnot."

"To you as well, human."

"Thanks again for saving my scout," Bortak said as he offered his hand. "Saves me from having to train another one."

"Anytime. Glad he got out safely."

After Bortak left the room, Ratch approached me and offered his hand.

"Commander, it's been an honor. Stop by my shop later; I will have some
pyjack meat and other essentials for Urz."

"I will, thank you."

"I will see you at sunrise." The shaman said as he walked passed Grunt.

"Do we need to bring any special equipment?" Garrus asked

"To begin the Rite, only the candidate and his krantt are required." The shaman replied.

"Can that stupid Uvenk interfere with the Rite?" Tali asked.

"He is forbidden to interfere. Will he?" The shaman shrugged. "During the Rite of Passage, you must be ready for anything. And from what you have shown me, Little One, you will not disappoint."

"So how is a candidate tested if he brings back up on his Rite of Passage?" I asked.

"Not every krogan can be the strongest warrior, but each must inspire his peers to battle at his side. If the ones who know you best can find nothing worthy of you, you should wander the wastes and die alone before you weaken my clan."

The shaman bowed his head gently to Wrex before leaving the room. Grayve then walked up to Wrex and folded his arms.

"Just dawned on me. What if Wreave interferes as well? I'm sure Uvenk has talked to him about Grunt." Grayve asked.

"Ugh, Wreave." Wrex sighed.

"Who's Wreave?" I asked.

"Wrex's brother," Tali answered in a disgusted tone. "He's not very nice."

"You have a brother?" I asked Wrex.

"Half brother and I wouldn't even call him that. He is more worthless than tits on a hog, and a pain in my backside." Wrex grumbled. "He thinks he can dethrone me and take over Clan Urdnot, which he can surely try. But if something happens to me, the rest of the clan knows that Grayve will take my place."

"And he has allied himself with Uvenk?" Grunt asked.

"Who knows, but I would still keep an eye out for trouble, Shepard. The shaman is right. It's forbidden to interfere, but that doesn't mean it can't happen."

"I'll watch my back, thanks."

"Anytime. You are all welcome to stay here for the night if you wish. We have extra cots."

"Is it safe for Mordin to stay?" I asked.

"Shepard, please," Mordin said as he lifted his hand. "STG, remember?" Mordin raised his pistol. "Never see me coming."

"Hah!" Wrex laughed. "I like this salarian." He then paused. "Can't believe I just said that." Wrex then shook his head. “Good night, everyone. Pleasant dreams.”

“You too, Wrex,” I smiled.

“Say,” Garrus said as he looked at Wrex. “Do you still dream of petting bunnies and monkeys?”

Wrex looked at Garrus for a moment. Then all of a sudden, Wrex grabbed me. I let out a gasp as the krogan warlord tilted me back and placed his large lips upon mine. A few seconds later, he pulled me up and put me on the ground.

“Damn it, Bridge Troll.” Garrus growled, his mandibles flicking. “That is your one and only freebie.”

Wrex just smirked. "Grayve will show you to your room. Good night, Shepard, Mordin, Little Empress... Sewage Bird." He then winked at me before leaving the room.

Grayve turned to Tali. "Would you like me to bring Urz to his kennel or do you wish for him to stay with you tonight?"

"If it's alright, I would like for him to stay," Tali said, patting the varren’s head.

"Very well, if you will follow me."

After Grayve had shown us our room, I turned to Grunt, who was sitting on his cot.

"You nervous?"

"No. Although my plates are itchy."

"Varren urine," Mordin stated. "Stops itching. Relieves pain."

"They're not THAT itchy." Grunt growled.

"You're going to do great," I said with encouragement. "You'll be a proud member of Clan Urdnot."

"Shepard," Tali called from her cot. "Will you come with me to see Ratch? I would like to get some of Urz's things for tonight."

"Of course," I looked at Garrus. "Want to come?"

"Sure, might as well see what the krogan has for sale."

"Mordin, Grunt, you want to join us?"

"Will stay here," Mordin said as he lifted a pad. "Maelon's data on genophage. Like to look at it."

“I will stay here as well.” Grunt said as he looked up at me. "Have things to think about."

"Alright, then we will see you in a little bit." I nodded as I got up from my cot and walked out of the room with Tali, Garrus, and Normandy’s newest crewmember, following behind.

After informing Miranda of our overnight stay on Tuchanka, we made our way through Camp Urdnot to Ratch's shop.

"Commander, Tali, Garrus, welcome."

"Nice place you have here, Ratch." I said. "But I'm guessing you don't have a lot of business do you?"

"Heh, not really." The krogan shrugged. "A lot of krogan in Clan Urdnot doesn't care for aliens, but I don't have the luxury of turning away paying customers. I do enough business off-world to know that you aliens have more credits than people here do. But, it will get easier since I don't have to look after Urz anymore."

"What kind of stuff do you have for sale?" Garrus asked

"Most of it is food and drink that's toxic to humans. Ryncol is a local favorite. Don't try to act tough, it'll tear your insides apart." Ratch warned. "I've also got weapons, mods, scrap... and whatever else those damn pyjack vermin don't steal, which isn't much."

"How the hell did the pyjacks manage to get on Tuchanka? They're not native; are they?" I asked.

"No. They're from Eletania."

I let out a moan. "I've been to Eletania, before." I then looked at Garrus. "Remember, we had to find that damn data disc for Admiral Hackett and the monkeys had stolen it. Took forever and a day to find the damn thing."

"I remember." Garrus nodded. "If I recall, you ran over one with the mako."

I gave Garrus a dirty look. "That was an accident, and you know it." I turned to Ratch. "So how did the pyjack make their way to Tuchanka?"

"A trader landed here a few years back. He had goods he wanted to salvage. They swarmed off his ship and started stealing food and shitting everywhere. The trader claimed they were stowaways."

"What happened to the trader?" Tali asked.

"Yeah, I can't imagine you allowed him to walk away." I smirked.

"Not a chance." Ratch laughed. "One ball of pyjack dung nailed the leader of Clan Forsan across the forehead. That's apparently grounds for execution."

"Keelah!" Tali gasped.

Ratch grabbed a broom and swatted a lump of clothes, causing a pyjack to cry out and scurry away. "They're everywhere, and a pain in the ass. Bortak started using the mounted defense cannons to stop them. But as you can see, it's not actually working."

Garrus let out a chuckle and then turned to Ratch. "Surely you guys have something better than using all of your ammunition."

"Not really," Ratch shrugged.

"I'm a good shot, let me take some of those beasts down." Garrus offered.

"Feel free. Just go down to where Bortak is at. The gun controls are there. Hell, if you can make a small dent in the pyjack population, I'll give you a discount at the store."

Garrus ran his hand over his mandibles. "You're on."

"Really, Garrus?" I turned to him. "You're going to shoot monkeys?"

"For a discounted sniper mod? Yes." He then smirked. "Bet I can kill more than you can."

"Garrus, you're not a betting man, remember?"

"When it comes to shooting things, I am." Garrus voice went a decimal lower. "You know I am the better shot."

I glared at my turian. "Alright, Vakarian. You're on."

"I think I'll stay here and talk to Ratch about Urz," Tali said. "I'll meet you guys back in the room."

"I'll see you there," I said as Garrus grabbed my hand and headed for the perimeter of Clan Urdnot.

"At first, I thought it was a waste of ammunition, just to kill incoming vermin," Garrus said as he aimed the turret. "Now I think, if these Urdnot can pinpoint such small mammals with these guns, they'll make short work of an incoming invasion force." Garrus shot a pyjack and then laughed. "10-2, Shepard. I'm winning."

"Uh-huh," I said as I pushed Garrus to the side. "Let me show you how it's done, Vakarian."

"You said that about twenty minutes ago."

I gave my turian a death glare before I turned and aimed the turret at the pyjacks. It wasn't until my third miss that I felt him his arms wrap around me.

"Just as I taught you two years ago, Shepard." His tone of voice lowered. "You need to breathe. Aim for your target. Shoot."

"I can't concentrate when you're talking like that," I said as I tried to slap his hands away.

"Why?" His sub-harmonic voice purred in my ear. "Does it turn you on?"

He had no idea.

"Damn it, Vakarian," I growled.

"Commander," Bortak said as he looked at me. "You've missed over a dozen pyjack. Are you alright?"

"Hmm? Oh fine, fine." I then turned and looked at Garrus. "You're dead."

"Well the pyjacks sure aren't," he laughed loudly.

I growled as I grabbed my pistol and aimed for the pyjack that was running for his cubby hole. I shot him dead and then looked at Garrus, who had a smirk on his face.

"I'm guessing the little beast had it coming?" Garrus asked.

I looked at Garrus for a moment and then I busted out laughing. "Oh, Vakarian, you and I are going to battle it out... RIGHT NOW!"

Bortak looked at me. "You know, there is always the varren pits."

"Good idea," I said as I glared at my smug turian. "I'm going to throw you in the varren pit."

"I don't think that's what he meant about-" Garrus stopped dead sentence as I took a step closer to him.

His eyes widened as he quickly turned and ran.

"Have a good night, Bortak," I smirked as I chased after my turian.

"You too, Shepard." I heard the tall krogan say in the distance.

The ride to where the Rite was taking place was long and bumpy. I could see Tali was a little nervous, as she was messing with her settings on Chikktika. Grunt and Mordin were just lying back against the bulkhead of the tomkah with their eyes closed. Garrus was sitting next to me calibrating his assault rifle. I looked at him for a minute before placing my head on his shoulder.

"I love you," I said with a content sigh. "Even if you can be a pain in my ass."

Garrus chuckled as he placed his mouth on the side my head. "Mmm, I love you too."

"We are here." The shaman said as the tomkah came to a stop.

After we had exited the truck, the shaman turned to Grunt.

"This is Tuchanka's most recent scar," The shaman said as he led us up a small tunnel of tubing. "The last surface city to fall in the rebellions. The Keystone was at the heart. It has survived the wars and the passage for centuries. It endures... like the krogan."

Two krogan warriors pulled on a crank to open up a sliding door that was on top of the tunnel.

"Keelah!" Tali gasped as we stepped into the middle of the city.

I looked up to see a large structure standing in the midst of the city. I guessed it was this keystone the shaman had just talked about.

"Grunt, if you wish to join Clan Urdnot, you must contemplate the keystone and its trials."

"What will happen?" Grunt asked as the shaman escorted us up a flight of stairs and to where the keystone panel was located.

"Who knows? You must adapt. You must thrive, no matter the situation. Any true krogan will."

"Then let us begin."

"When you have finished the trial, hit the keystone twice to summon me." The shaman bowed his head and then made his way back into the tubing tunnel.

As the doors to the tunnel closed, I looked at Grunt. "You ready?"

"Let's get started! Hit the keystone!" Grunt said as he punched his fists together. "I'm ready!"

"Tali, Mordin, Garrus?"

"We're ready," Tali said as she brought out her drone.

I let out a breath as I hit the button that triggered the keystone. Just then a krogan voice echoed across the area.

"First the krogan conquered Tuchanka and mastered a natural world only we are fit to hold."

A shock wave rumbled the ground from under us.

"Get ready!" I ordered as I grabbed my pistol.

Just then a growling sound came from nearby buildings. I turned to see at least a dozen or more varren slowly making their way towards us.

"Bahahahah!" Grunt laughed as he went charging into the pack.

"I'm guessing this is going to be the easy part," I said as I took out a few varren who were attempting to circle from behind.

Grunt laughed as the keystone began to blink green. "This is way too easy."

"Don't get cocky, Grunt," Garrus warned. "It can get you killed on the battlefield."

"Bah, hit the keystone, Shepard." Grunt said as he reloaded his rifle. "Let's continue the Rite."

I looked at Garrus for a moment, then shrugged as I walked over and hit the button to the keystone.

"Then the krogan were lifted to the stars to destroy the fears of a galaxy, an enemy only we could chase to their lair."

"Are they talking about the rachni?" Tali asked as the ground shook from the keystone hitting the ground for the second time.

"Yes, which means we're probably going to see klixen." I guessed.

"What's a klixen?" Tali asked.

Just then an enormous scream echoed the sky as I looked up to see a large dragon-like creature land just a few meters away.

"What the-" Then about a half dozen klixen jumped from its back.

"That's a klixen, Tali," Garrus said. "Be careful. They explode when you kill them. Don't let them get too close."

"Weak to cold. Will use 'Cryo Blast'." Mordin said as he ran his hand over his OT.

Another dragon creature landed on the other side of the arena, releasing five more klixen.

"Crawlers! Come to your death!" Grunt yelled as he charged one of the klixen and smacked it with his gun.

"At least he's having fun," Garrus said as he aimed his rifle and shot.

"Shepard," Tali said as she pointed into the distance. "Look."

As Garrus and Mordin helped Grunt take out the klixen, I looked to see where Tali was pointing.

"A storm is coming," I growled.

"We need to hurry, or we're going to get caught up in it."

A gust of wind rushed by me as I cursed. "Damn, not sure if we can. Just stay focused on completing the rite."

"Right." Tali nodded as she cocked her shotgun and ran over to where Mordin was at.

"Bahahahaha!" Grunt laughed as the last klixen fell dead at his feet. "This is fun."

"This storm is getting bad!" Garrus yelled as sand and debris rushed past us.

"We just need to hold out long enough for Grunt to finish the Rite." I slammed my fist on the keystone button. "Stay sharp, everyone!"

"Now all krogan bear the genophage, our reward, our curse. It is a fight where the only goal is survival."

As the keystone dropped, I could feel the ground from underneath begin to shake.

"Feel that? Everything is... shaking." Grunt said.

Just then my body froze as a large creature came popping out from the ground.

"Thresher maw!" Garrus shouted. "Everyone take cover!"

Flashes of Akuze raced through my mind as I stood, not being able to move as I stared at the eight-eyed creature.

I heard a mumbling sound from behind me, but I couldn't make it out. Just then my face was planted in the dirt as acid spit from the thresher maw zipped passed me.

"Spirits," Garrus gasped as he turned me on my back. "Are you alright?"

I couldn't speak, so I just shook my head.

"You can do this; I know you can," Garrus said as he dragged me to cover.

"I- I can't," I managed to say. "Please, don't- don't make me face it."

Garrus ran his hand over my face and then called out for Mordin.

"Professor, keep an eye on her."

Mordin nodded as Garrus grabbed his rifle and headed to where Grunt and Tali were. Mordin cocked his head to the side.

"Shepard, you hurt?" I shook my head. Then Mordin nodded. "Ah, case of janciphobia. Fear of thresher maws." Mordin sucked in a breath. "Unexpected."

"I... I can't do this, Mordin."

"Course you can," Mordin said as he grabbed a med kit that was conveniently nearby. "Fear nothing but emotion. Must fight fear or fear wins."

I cringed as the maw screamed again. I felt like I was going to be sick.

"Thinking does not overcome fear. Action will. Nothing to fear but fear itself." Mordin said as he injected me with some medicine. "Boost your adrenaline. Will help with anxiety."

"Thanks." I swallowed.

Mordin and I ran over to where Tali had taken cover.

"Shepard, are you okay?" Tali asked as she placed her hand on my shoulder.

"No, not really." I gasped as the ground shook from underneath me. I peeked around some debris to see Garrus and Grunt taking shots at the thresher maw just a few meters away. "I'm going to see if they need help. You two stay here and use your tactics. Hopefully, we can drop this fucker quickly."

"Right." Tali nodded.

I bit my lip, closed my eyes for a second, and then ran to where Garrus and Grunt were bunkered down.

"Shepard," Garrus said as I ran over to him. "Are you alright?"

"No, let’s kill this ugly bastard. Any ideas?"

"Do you think your Arc Projector can put a dent in him?" Garrus asked.

"I don't know. I guess if it can work on the Shadow Broker it can work on this ugly."

"Couldn't hurt." Grunt stated.

I grabbed the AP and let out a sigh. "Alright, you keep this thing distracted. I'm going to circle to the left and see if I can hurt it."

"Right," Garrus said as Grunt let out a laugh.

Once the boys had the maw's attention, I made my way over to the left side of the area. I took aim and then pulled the trigger. The maw screamed, telling me that it wasn't happy with what I just did.

"Seems like it's working, Shepard." Garrus called over the comm. "Keep it up."

A few minutes later, the maw cried as it fell dead to the ground.

"Good job, Shepard. I knew you could do it." Garrus said. "I'm on my way to you."

I let out a sob as I fell to the rubble ground of the keystone city. Emotions rushed over me as I placed my hands on my face. My body shook as tears began to fall. I couldn’t believe it. I had just killed a thresher maw.

I then looked up to see a blue figure walk towards me. I tried to speak his name, but I couldn't. Just then the world began to spin. Pain ripped through my body as I tried to reach out to him.

"Gar- Garrus..."

Then everything faded to black.