Dimension Nu Epsilon:

Mass Effect – The Adventure Continues:

Episode Four:

Friday, February 16, 2187 C.E. – Chapter 1:

Labyrinth,

Kadara Valley,

Kadara, Govorkam System

Alan is spending another day at the Labyrinth before returning to the Citadel on the Sacred Spoils sometime tomorrow afternoon.

"Captain," voices Ice Blonde, who along with Miranda was rescued by Major 'Vadam's men, "The acolytes are here as you requested."

"Thank you," replies Alan, knowing Miranda is in the sickbay, recovering from her injured ankle. Then the four female Orion acolytes, Hagaa, Dagar, Dahnu, and Sarra come slowly walking into the room, as Alan leans back in the office chair. Alan had never met an Orion before, but he can see the similarities between the two species, Orion and Asari. As the four acolytes stand quietly before Shepard, Alan explains, "I was asked by Sha'ira to rescue the four of you, but before I contact her, I wanted to speak to the four of you, first regarding what, if anything you can tell me about why Reyes would have kidnapped female Orions?"

"He kidnapped us, because some scientist, Lartol Walorn is working on a way of enhancing individual biotics or giving biotics to an individual without them. His research started with drugs, but moved into gene modification," explains Hagaa, as Shepard looks over the Orion, and noticed that Hagaa is very similar to the other three, all three have long black hair, a green-tinted skin color, and very ample breasts. Shepard looks at Ice Blonde and asks, "Do you know where I can find this Walorn?"

"I overheard Reyes mentioning Miranda," voices Sarra, wondering about her sister, Vagaa but Vagaa has red hair instead of black.

"Miranda?" asks Shepard, knowing there are several locations named Miranda within the Galaxy. There is the moon of Uranus in the Solar System and the terraformed world of Miranda, settled in 2160, shortly after the System Alliance acquired a large section of uninhabited worlds to colonize. This was one of the initial steps down the path that lead to conflict between the Batarian and humans, "You mean the moon of the Alliance colony?"

"That I don't know," replies Sarra, "Reyes only said 'Miranda.'"

"Hmm," mumbles Shepard, before standing up from his chair, "Alright, I will contact Sha'ira here shortly, and tomorrow morning we'll be traveling back to the Citadel. Now, unless there's anything else you would like to add regarding this incident, would you please excuse me. I need to go speak with the doctor. Thel, have them escorted back to their rooms and you are in charge until I'm done. Wrex, you are coming with me…"

Alan and Wrex start walking toward where the doctor, Fyodor Malikov, is being held. Wrex starts by asking in his gruff, old Krogan tone, "Shepard, you seem to trust the Sangheili Major?"

"Major 'Vadam?" asks Alan, a surprise since he didn't realize Wrex knew the Sangheili name. Wrex nods his head yes before commenting, "Why have you placed him in a position of authority?"

"Oh, I guess I do trust him. Not more than you. You have been loyal to me since Virmire, but Thel is highly respected amongst his people. He served under Supreme Commander Fal 'Chavam," explains Shepard, who already met with Thel 'Vadam regarding his request for an audience, "Sangheili is a highly militaristic culture, even more than the Turian, led by the Supreme Commander, and assisted by his SSMC cabinet of High Councilors."

"SSMC?" asks Wrex, who only learned of the existence of the Sangheili early this year. The Council had been aware of them longer. As the two friends continue walking toward the doctor, Alan explains, "SSMC stands for Sangheili Senior Military Council, also known as the High Control and is the governing body for the Sangheili species. Finally, I want a report about the mission, whenever we get back to the Normandy."

"Sure, Shepard, but where is Grunt?" asks Wrex, who had formed a father-son relationship with the tank-bred Krogan. Alan paused for a moment before saying, "He is on a very important mission."

"What type of mission?" asks Wrex, but Alan just shakes his head no, before voicing, "It deals with the Krogan's people, but I will explain the rest to you later. Right now, I want to speak with the doctor, regarding his illegal experiments…"

Malikov's Private Room,

Labyrinth, Kadara Valley,

Kadara, Govorkam System

Doctor Fyodor Malikov is sitting in his room when Shepard comes walking in, while Wrex stands near the door. Despite liking the Salarian Mordin, Wrex still has a distrust of doctors and scientists.

"Doctor Malikov, let's talk for a moment," says Alan, while the doctor seems nervous around the Krogan. Fyodor asks, "Are you going to kill me? I thought the great Commander-"

"I'm a Captain, now," replies Alan, interrupting the doctor, as he shows frustration that he's still being referred to as Commander Shepard when he took the rank of Captain in 2183. "I want to talk about your experiments and what the hell you have being doing on this planet for the last several months."

"Oh, my work! It's quite brilliant if I do say so myself but ask whatever you want. I will answer any questions you may have," voices Fyodor, as Shepard tries to hold his frustration inside, "Doc, just start at the beginning with the experiments."

"It goes back to the Reapers. I saw their power firsthand. I also saw how outclassed our technologies were. So, I decided that the only way to beat the Reapers was by creating new stronger species or subspecies, who're immune to the indoctrination that so many organics fell to during their invasion," explains Fyodor, seeing the surprised look on Shepard's face, as Shepard responds, "The Reapers was defeated."

"We got lucky and you know it! The crucible will not work again. We must evolve to survive," replies Fyodor, but Wrex comments, "The Reapers are gone! They were all destroyed by the Crucible."

"You're crazy if you believe that! Do you have any evidence? We know the Reapers survived in dark space, more could still be out there," says Fyodor, while Alan thinks Fyodor's insane, but the doctor looks away from Wrex and says, "Alan thinks so too."

"Shepard, you think the Reapers weren't all destroyed?" asks Wrex, almost yelling at his friend, but Alan calmly replies, "It's a possibility that I had thought about and discussed with Natasi. She calculated a 92% chance that all of the Reapers were destroyed by the Crucible but also figured if any of the Reapers did survive the Crucible, they would retreat and wait, since time's meaningless to them. Harbinger is billions of years old…"

"Why didn't you say something?" asks Wrex, not yelling at his friend, but Alan still calmly replies, "What good would it have done? Natasi also calculated a high probability that most people wouldn't believe that some Reapers could have survived the Crucible and worse still a 78% chance of those who would believe me, would think a second firing of the Crucible would destroy any remaining Reapers. Besides, I was labeled as 'insane' by some commentators for believing in the Reapers to begin with. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I'm not interested in going down that same road ever again."

Wrex looks like he wants to argue, but Alan looks back at the doctor and asks, "Tell me everything about these races you have created? The 'New Gods' species I have heard about before?"

"I didn't create the so-called 'New Gods,' they're the supreme deity that some Asaris worshipped, though a very small number of Asaris. A smaller number of non-Asari had ever heard of them. They're 12 species, with my thirteenth species not being finished yet. They're six hybrid species, three subspecies, and three other species," explains Fyodor, as he can clearly see the tension between Shepard and the Krogan, which wasn't there just a moment ago. Alan takes a seat across from the doctor, and asks, "Wait a moment, I thought there were thirteen species?"

"There're twelve, the thirteenth species isn't mature yet! I just mentioned that!" explains Fyodor, "The one known as 'Tiger Man' are the species who hasn't yet matured, but they will in time. As for the other 12 species – the Delvian are an Asari-subspecies with modified genes from humans. While both the Sebacean and Jovian are human-subspecies. The Jovian are genetically modified to be able to resist the Reaper's indoctrination. The Sebacean are humans modified to breed to be better warriors by reducing human weakness like mental fatigue…"

All Shepard can respond with is, "Please continue," as he is both shocked and fascinated by what the doctor is saying. Fyodor continues, "…then there're the six-hybrid species. The Hausmaaran are a Human-Asari Hybrid. The Thaumaran and Tasamaran are a hybrid created from Human and Asari combined with an orange-skin humanoid genetic code I found during the Reaper Invasion. The Thaumaran are orange, just like the alien species, while the Tasamaran is blue, it would seem just like the Asari. Then you have the Kalish, a Human-Krogan Hybrid but interesting, very few of the males matured and those that did didn't survive. Making the Kalish female-only but they're only sexual compatible with a human. Then there are the Nebari, a human hybrid-species who I created from Doctor T'Soni's database of alien species destroyed by the Reapers. I don't remember the name of the aliens, but they seem to possess genetic memory, impressive technological skills, and other desirable traits. They helped me greatly creating the final hybrid, the 'Exo' is a species of sentient humanoid war-machine. Then finally you have the three other species I mentioned before. The Eliksni, an insectoid-flying species that I had to rebreed after they were destroyed by the Reapers hundred thousand of years ago. The 'Hive' is an insectoid species similar to the Rachni, minus the Queen, they're ruled by an elected constitutional monarchy. I called them the Hive, since I don't have another name for them…"

"You're missing one," says Alan, trying to keep all of the new species straight in his head. There's also a more important question on his mind but he's going to wait until Fyodor finishes.

"…the last species is the Iluneran, they're two subspecies breeds to be sexually compatible with each other. Luxan, are the males, while the females are known as Interion. Both species were genetically engineered by the race who built the Labyrinth. I think they're the same species who created the Architect, but that is just a guess. The Luxan are tall, warrior-like, similar to the Sangheili, but more humanoid in appearance. Whereas the Interion are very similar to Human or Asari female. I also have two more hybrid species that I hope you will let me finish my work on," explains Fyodor, turning to look directly at Shepard. Alan just stands up before voicing, "I don't think so."

"What?" voices Malikov, "You can't be serious! You must let me…"

"I'm shutting you down. You're to cease all of your experiments," answers Alan, before turning to leave but Alan stops and turns back to the doctor, he asks, "I'm curious, what the hell were you planning to do with the Sebacean and Exo?"

"I wasn't planning anything. They're here to give you a choice," explains Fyodor, seeing the confused look on Shepard's face, as the doctor continues, "You see, I personally don't like you. However, you were right about the Reapers and I respect that. Wrex, you and I know that a war between Shepard and the Council is coming. The Exo are loyal to Shepard, while the Sebacean will be your army. Despite the fact I don't like you, it's my belief that you're the best option to lead the galaxy. Just look at the evidence. Now, back to the choice. Here's how I see it, you can turn me over to the Council. Let me finish my work and accept my species as loyalists. You can kill me and destroyed my species, who are innocent of any crime. You haven't destroyed the Rachni Queen on Noveria for the crimes of her race. Will you destroy these races for the crime of an old man?"

"Are you trying to piss me off?" asks Alan, wondering what the hell he is going to do. He can't destroy this species, it's not their fault. He can't turn them over to the Council, because he doesn't know how the Council will react and it will appear to the galactic community that Shepard is 'creating' allies. 'Shit' thinks Alan, trying to think of options, he could just kill the doctor and allow the new species to create their own destiny. Finally, he could kill the doctor and accept the species as loyalists. This would allow Alan to place the new species under his protection. But what is the right decision?

"Shepard, what're you going to do?" asks Wrex, in his deep Krogan voice. Wrex disagreed with Shepard sparing the Rachni Queen, he is, after all, a Krogan. Shepard uses one of his hands to cover his mouth and rub his chin. Alan actually doesn't know what to do, so he decides to ask, "You said the new Tiger Man species are not yet mature. How much more time do you need?"

"A week to ten days," answers Fyodor, not seeing any point in lying. Alan looks over to Wrex, whose expression is one of worry and disagreement. His body language says, 'Don't do this Shepard.' Alan looks back at the doctor, then around the doctor's quarters, back to Wrex, Alan asks, "Wrex, I know you're opposed to this because of the Krogan history with the genophage, but the doctor is right about…"

"Shepard, you must punish this pyjaks for his crimes. He's no better than those who created this genophage and led to the near-extinction of the Krogan people," voices Wrex, but Alan isn't so sure. While Alan has seen Wrex upset like this before, something is bugging him, Alan says, "Alright. Doctor Malikov, you're to finish the maturation of the 'Tiger Man' and for the love of god find a proper name for them other than 'Tiger Man!' Second, you're not to start work on any more species. If you do and I find out, I will personally put a bullet in your head. Third, I'm hereby placing you under arrest to stand trial for your crimes. Finally, you're right about this species being not at fault for your crimes. So, despite what I may think of you and your insane experiments, I'm not going to be their tyrant. I will let them choose their own path. If they follow me that will be their decision. As for you, you're to stay under guard, either here in your quarters or in your lab, until you are finished with the Tiger Man. Do you understand?"

"I understand Captain Shepard, there's one last thing. There's a man named David Xanatos of Xanatos Enterprises, he's a multi-trillionaire and a member of the pro-Shepard supporters back on Earth. He is from Manhattan. I think you should look him up," explains Fyodor, as Shepard is turning out to be the leader that the doctor believes the galaxy needs. Fyodor takes a step near his pillow before he continues speaking, "Oh, by the way, I told you just one lie. The 'Tiger Man' race are fully mature. So, would you please watch after the races and tell them I'm sorry…"

Then Fyodor pulls out an old–Earth handgun and puts it to his temple. He pulls the trigger before Wrex can even move or Shepard can stop him. The bullet rips through Fyodor's skull sending blood and brain tissues flying onto the wall behind him.

'What the fuck?' thinks Alan, as the guards outside bust the door with their guns ready but seeing that the doctor and not Shepard is the one dead, they lower their weapons. The two Sangheili look unsure of what to make of the scene, but it is Wrex who breaks the awkward silence by asking, "Why is it that people seem to shoot themselves around you, Shepard? First Saren? The Illusive Man? Now this pyjaks Doctor!"

"I guess I just have that effect on some individuals," answers Alan, rubbing his eyes in tiredness. Alan starts walking out of the quarters before stopping and saying, "Wrex, follow me."

The two walk the short distance to the underground hangar bays.

Hangar Bays,

Labyrinth,

Kadara

Shepard and Wrex are standing looking over the massive underground hangar bays, which are big enough to dock at least a Frigate-sized vessel. Alan turns to his friend and asks, "Wrex is there something the matter? You look lost."

"While in the Nemean Abyss I heard that the Leviathans are on the move," answers Wrex, breathing heavy and after letting out a huge sigh, "Now, I get back and find one of your people playing God. What possessed these scientists to meddle with things they shouldn't? Their playing God makes them no better than the Reapers!"

"Interesting, but I'm not surprise. Given the Leviathan's history it was just a matter of time before they begun to reassert themselves back into a position of power and authority," replies Shepard, who thought the Leviathan's picking a planet in the Siguard's Cradle was a brilliant location, but it is also in the center of the Terminus Systems, the weaker, less unified, and most vulnerable region of the galaxy to reestablish the Leviathan Empire. Well this'll make things even more complicated!"

"That's the Shepard I know and had come to respect but what're you going to do with this new species? Didn't that crazy human doctor said they were bred to be loyal to you?" asks Wrex, who had along with his older half-brother blood-brother Trenok had declared the Krogan race as supporters of Shepard, though this declaration wasn't in public. This gave Shepard the Quarian, the Geth, the Krogan, and the Rachni on his side, collectively known as Shepard's Loyalists. Alan stands back up, from where he had been leaning over, and says, "I'm going to do the only thing I can. I will give them a choice. They don't have to follow me, but I will not let the Council destroy them. Funny choice's such a simple word but it's the only thing in the galaxy that matters. I choose Miranda, or I choose Jack. Our choices that come in the moments between the tick and tock of our daily life…"

"There's one other thing, Shepard. I spoke with Wres while traveling back from the Nemean Abyss. You were right to be worried about Warlord Skarr," replies Wrex, in his deep Krogan voice. Alan with worry on his face, and concern in his eyes, he swallows hard, before he asks, "Wrex, what did you find out?"

"Skarr isn't just planning a war of revenge against the Salarian," answers Wrex, which Alan figures must be the good news, but now for the not-so-good news, "He is first planning to take power from Trenok and then he's planning not only to defeat the Salarian. He's planning their annihilation, and his crimes will mark every Krogan, including our children for generations."

"Are you saying that Skarr is planning the genocide of the Salarian race?" asks Shepard, as this is much, much worse than he thought possible. Wrex takes a moment of silence, thinking about all he has achieved with Shepard before answering, "Not just the Salarian, but also the Turian, and probably the Asari."

"You know what this means?" asks Alan, placing his fingers on each side of his nose, and using them to rub his eyes, "This means civil war between the Krogans, and losing them as ally."

"Then I suggest we find a way to prevent that, Shepard," answers Wrex, who doesn't want to have to kill any more of his own race, but this is no better than what the Salarian did to the Krogans during the Krogan Rebellions. Alan grins at his old friend, as everyone else had changed so much, but not Wrex, he's still the same as he was back in 2183, "Let's go get a drink…"