Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

I do not own Mass Effect or any properties thereof, I am not making money off of these writings.

Imperial Glory Chapter Fifteen: Technical Difficulties.


'these indicate normal thoughts'
This means an AI construct communicating.

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INF Normandy, Unknown System. May 1st, 1030 Hours.

Johnathan Alexander Shepard was not in a good mood.

The Normandy was several days behind schedule for returning to Imperial space. One of Engineer Adams' Techs had made a mistake in the recalibration of the Tantalus Core, which had caused an auto-shutdown and full stop in the middle of cold space. Adams was even angrier than John had been when he found out. John had been forced to physically restrain the Engineer from throwing the unlucky Tech out the airlock.

It had taken them four days to limp into this independent system. They didn't read a Relay, but they had detected a space station in orbit of one of the gas giants, a Terminus station. Hopefully they would find enough parts to get the drive pods running again, they had already attempted cannibalizing the spares, to no effect. The issue however was the small problem that Terminus had a very, very poor relationship with the Empire. John had a solution to that problem, if it worked anyway.

He activated the comm, "Adams, are you positive the stealth systems will work without the drive pods?"

"Mostly. It won't work against decent sensors, but the heat sinks should conceal us against anything Terminus uses." The Engineer replied.

"Alright then. Pressly, how long until we reach the station?" John asked.

"Half an hour, give or take Commander." Pressly answered.

"Wonderful." John stated dryly.

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"In range Commander." Pressly announced.

"Normandy, open a channel please." John asked.

"Channel open." Normandy informed.

'Here goes nothing.' John thought to himself, then, "Terminus station, this is Commander Shepard of the Imperial Frigate 'Normandy'. Requesting permission to dock with your station. We come to trade."

"This is Ragloo Station, to Imperial vessel, state your business." An angry voice demanded.

"I just did you moron. Now give me a vector and a berth." John threatened.

"Explain to me why I don't simply target your pitiful vessel and destroy it with the many weapons of this station?" The controller asked.

"Let's say for the sake of argument your pathetic weapons could damage my ship, exactly how long would your lifespan be when the Empire found out, seconds?" John replied.

"Transmitting docking procedure now. There will be a docking fee of 4000 Ichars or the equivalent value in cargo. Ragloo station out." He finished as the channel closed.

John rolled his eyes, "Take us in."

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Berth 4 Airlock, Ragloo Station.

John had decided to bring Tali, Natalya, and Jenkins along on the wonderful excursion.
As the airlock finished cycling he stepped into the station proper, immediately being hit by the stench.

"Iyegi." He snarled.

In the corridor was a short gray humanoid of indeterminate species, his elaborate manner of dress suggesting he was the Dockmaster, flanked by a pair of armored Krogan.

"I require your fee immediately." The Dockmaster demanded in a high-pitched voice.

John stepped forward, "Certainly." With a *shikt* he unsheathed his gauntlet blade, plunging it into the stomach of the now ex-dockmaster. The man dropped instantly.

The female of the pair of Krogan chuckled, "I was waiting for that pompous fool to get what was coming to him. I am Gruna, Lord Shepard. At your service." She finished, kneeling, followed by the other Krogan.

Gruna looked like the average Krogan female. John had always been intrigued that the males and females looked as different as they did. Standing on average a few inches shorter than the males, with a longer snout and tail, no crest or hump, and the same general coloration, dark green over cream. The females were called 'Gator girls' in the vernacular for good reason. Gruna had one distinguishing characteristic, striking blue eyes.

"Well, I certainly wasn't expecting anything friendly here. We need to find parts, anything really. Where should we look?" John asked.

"Either the bazaar or the Drive Core, the local warehouse. Either one is just as likely. We can show you there if you'd like." Gruna offered, rising.

"Lead on." John replied.

Gruna and the as yet unidentified male lead them out to the main areas. The teeming masses of xenos, both known and not made sure to steer a wide path away from the group. Though whether that was from the intimidating looks of the Krogan pair or the Humans John wasn't entirely sure. He caught sight of a decent number of Batarians mixed in with the crowd, miners, traders or raiders, occasionally all three. There were a surprising number of Krogan as well.

"So how did an Auxilia trained Krogan get this far out?" John asked.

"You have excellent eyes Commander. The story is a long one, that I'm not keen to share in a public setting. The warehouse is just ahead." Gruna replied.

They walked in to the warehouse. The place was large, shelves and bins and crates stacked and strewn haphazardly everywhere. It was almost deserted, except for a single short, squat yellow skinned creature, who walked up to them, chittering in some strange tongue.

"Err, Gruna, what is it saying?" John asked.

"Sorry sir, I forgot you wouldn't have Terminus translation data. It's just offering us a greeting and the general back and forth of assuring this is an honest establishment." Gruna explained.

"Ah, the usual lies." John pulled a datapad out of a pouch, "Can he read Batarian?"

Gruna nodded, "Yes, Batarian is the common trade language this close to the Imperial Border."

"Tell him we need anything listed on here, all that he has." John said, handing her the datapad.

"The Commander requires any and all of these you have in stock." Gruna said, handing the pad to the merchant.

The creature started chittering again, pumping a hand in the air and making other assorted gestures.

John leaned closer to Gruna, "What did he call my mother?"

The Krogan giggled, the merchant wasn't sure what to make of that, backing away slowly.

"He's saying that he has a great deal of most of these parts, and is willing to cut a deal." Gruna explained.

John nodded, "How much?"

Gruna and the merchant went back and forth for a few moments. "He wants 14,000 Ichars for all the parts." She stated.

"How much is that in real money?" John asked.

"20 Thalers." Natalya said quickly.

"That's it? You're telling me I killed that idiot dockmaster over 8 Thalers?" John replied incredulously.

"Yes." Gruna stated.

John opened one of the pouches on his belt, rifling through it for a moment, finally pulling a 50 Thaler coin out, the smallest denomination he had brought. Tossing it at the merchant, "Tell him to keep the excess, but if the parts aren't good I'll take it out of his flesh." He finished.

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INF Normandy. 1415 Hours.

"That's the last of the crates Commander." Valar'Ressk said as several more were offloaded from the cargo skid.

"Good." John said, turning to Adams, "When will we be running again?"

"Hard to say Commander. Within a day though, I guarantee." Adams replied.

"I'll hold you to that. Understood?" John asked.

Adams nodded, "Loud and clear Commander, we'll be at 100% by tomorrow."

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Ragloo Station, Main Promenade, 1500 Hours.

"Explain why we're going to this place?" Natalya asked.

"Because we have time to kill and I need a drink. And I'd rather take my frustration out on a seedy Terminus bar than the Normandy." John answered.

Not that that was the only reason however, just the only one he was going to articulate. He had the urge to get to the bottom of this enigma in front of him named Gruna.

"Just make sure not to kill any of them this time." Tali said.

John shook his head, "We've been over this a hundred times, that was not my fault."

"Interesting story there?" Jenkins asked.

"It was during the Lystheni purge. Me and a couple of other Black Squad were drinking in this dive on Goloa. Me and Lieutenant Gurok got into a row and the Salarian bouncer tried to break it up. You can guess what happened from there." John replied.

Gruna stopped, pointed at a doorway surrounded by still holos, "Here it is, the Sunburst. Don't let the name fool you, it's the only remotely close to a decent bar here on Ragloo, but that's not saying much."

"Not my kind of place, but it'll have to do." John stated, walking toward it.

The Krogan bouncer didn't bother to move as they approached, waving them inside.

The place was ramshackle. Booths and tables set up haphazardly, a couple of gambling machines in the back. A hush fell over the varied patrons as they walked in, all of them turning to look at the newcomers.

"Ah, Terrans come to grace my establishment, welcome. Ignore the gawkers, the Empire doesn't come out this far very often." The Batarian bartender greeted them.

"For good reason. What do you have?" John replied.

The bartender leaned down, pulling a large bottle of clear liquid out and began pouring a glass, "Nichlet."

John picked it up, "Batarian Vodka, that'll do. Set up a round and keep them coming."

He took a drink, 'Not bad', He thought. Turning around he leaned back against the bar, looking over the rest of the room.

There was a large mixture of species represented. Some were known, others weren't. The Empire had a strict hands-off policy concerning Terminus, many of the races that actually lived in the large expanse of wild space were unknown. The Batarians had certain trade connections with some factions, as they were the closest to the Terminus border, but they usually didn't bother with anything but raids for cargo and slaves.

It was extremely profitable for all involved, the raiders paid for their letters of Marque, then paid a percentage of cargo seized to the Empire, and another percentage to the Batarian Authority. On top of that there were always bounties to be claimed, Military, Inquisition, House, Corporate, there was always someone trying to disappear into Terminus, and they very rarely succeeded.

John slapped the glass back onto the bar, and it was quickly refilled. Turning back around he spotted a group of patrons huddling together, talking excitedly and staring at the bar.

He saw the rest of his group had spotted them as well, "Looks like the fun might be starting." He said. Reaching into a pouch he pulled out a coin, sliding it toward the bartender, "That should cover the drinks and anything else that happens."

The bartender nodded, pocketing the Imperial gold and finding something to do on the other side of the bar.

One of the group finally broke apart, starting to walk toward the bar. It was an unknown xeno, short, but not quite as short as the merchant they had encountered earlier. About a head less than an Iyegi, roughly 3 feet tall, completely covered in a black enviro-suit and rebreather helmet.

The figure walked up to them, then in a rasping, processed voice asked, "You are Imperials?"

John finished off his next glass of the Nichlet, grabbing the bottle and pouring another, "I'm gonna tell you like a friend. Whatever you think you're about to prove just is not worth it. You open that mouth.. or whatever you have, and you're gonna get snapped like a twig. It won't be any fun with something your size either. Just turn around and head back to your buddies."

"I feel that your advice is worthwhile. I will not trouble you again." The xeno said, scampering away.

"You handled that strangely." Tali commented.

"You asked me not to kill anyone." John quipped.

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A while later saw them sequestered in a corner of the bar. Jenkins and Natalya had struck up a card game with a pair of Krogan at another table, and by the looks were winning handily. Tali had decided to wander the promenade and the bazaar, the male Krogan, Ferir, had gone with her. Which left John and Gruna sitting in a booth alone.

"So Gruna, tell me your story." John asked.

"I thought I stated I did not wish to share it." She replied, irritated.

"I don't care, tell me." John demanded.

The Krogan sighed in resignation, "Very well my Lord. My name is Gruna Colova Warren, formerly of the 7th Krogan Auxiliary Fleet."

"Why formerly?" John asked.

"Do you know who your parents are?" She asked in turn.

John cocked his head at the strange question, "Of course I do, I'm a Noble."

"Well I did not. I was taken in by Humans when I was very young, veterans of the Unification of Tuchanka that settled there after the war. They are my family, but I've always wanted to know who I was spawned from. I always knew my calling and duty, I served. But the call of my blood grew.. too strong. I spent a year tracking down anyone near the area that I was found, searching for any possible leads. I neglected my duty, that is my greatest regret. I found that a pair of strangers had passed through the valley before I was found, with a child, then left without one. I tracked them from there to another village, then a city, then a colony, then another system, and another, and another..." Gruna trailed off.

"And eventually your search led you here?" John asked.

"Yes. I've been here for 7 years now, I know my father is here. I'm close, I know that too. I have to do this. I've failed my family, I've failed my superiors and brothers. I've failed the Empire. This is all I have left." She said.

John processed her words,"I'm going to help you." He said after a moment.

"What? Why would you possibly want to help a deserter?" Gruna said in shock.

"Because I'm here, and no one else is going to." John said.

She was silent for a time, "Commander, I.. I swear I will follow you for the rest of my days if you will have me, no matter what, for this."

John finished his drink, "So where do we start?"

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Level 4, Ragloo Station.

'The things I do sometimes.' John thought to himself.

After telling Natalya what he was doing Gruna had led him to one of the main elevators, and they had ascended to this level. Level 4 was apparently a habitat section, filled with tenements and apartments. It was just as clean as the rest of the station, which is to say, not very.

"So you heard of a sighting in this section two days ago?" John asked.

"Yes. The man I am looking for is very distinctive, a blue crest, and an 'O' shaped scar on his head." Gruna replied.

John looked around, "And this is the person you think is your father?"

"Yes. The villagers described the male of the travelers thusly." Gruna answered.

"Alright, what now?" John asked.

Gruna pulled her M/A shotgun from it's holster, "Now we get down to business."

She moved forward, stopping in front of one of the apartments.

'Sensors active. Reporting 7 targets inside the apartment.' Wilco informed.

John stepped forward, "We're going in there?"

Gruna nodded, "It's a drug den. The urchins usually stay throughout this section, if anyone saw him, it will be one of them."

Gruna quickly keyed in something on the door panel, and it slid open, letting her rush in, shotgun at the ready.

John walked in behind her, Biotics charged. The residents were already up and scrambling, yelling and chittering in strange languages.

"Apparently 'raid' is a universal term." John said, amused.

"Alright, I don't care about your activities, I need some information. I'm looking for a Krogan with a blue crest, and a round scar on his head. He was seen in this sector 2 days ago, I know one of you saw him." Gruna announced.

John saw a lowborn step forward, the only other Human he had seen on the station so far, "His name's Regar, he's a hired gun for 'Lopo."

"Who's Lopo?" John asked.

"Aalopo, he's the resident Red Sand dealer.", Gruna explained, then addressing the lowborn, "Thanks for the information, it makes it much easier when I don't have to resort to violence."

"Where does Aalopo do business?" John asked.

"Everyone knows where Aalopo does business, why the hell are you asking me?" The man replied.

John's lunge was impeded by Gruna, "He's not worth it my Lord."

"Fine. Let's go meet this Aalopo." John said.

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The Sunburst, Ragloo Station.

Jenkins was having a blast. The pair of Krogan he and Natalya were playing with had plenty of coin, real money too, and very little sense at cards. He had already accrued a nice stack of Thalers, not quite as large as Natalya's though.

He polished off his drink, signaling for another. "So where did Alex get off to anyway?"

"John is off doing what he does best, solving problems. Why do you call him Alex?" Natalya replied.

"It's not appropriate to use a first name for a friend if they are also a superior officer, so you use their middle name. Unless your sleeping with them of course, so you're safe." Jenkins explained as the barmaid brought another round.

Natalya nodded, "I see. So if you start calling him John I need to worry?"

It seemed to take him a moment to process what she had said, then he spit his drink out, "Sweet Valhalla, warn me when you're going to say something like that!" He exclaimed as Natalya laughed.

Korlin, one of the Krogan they were playing with, grumbled, "I want my Thalers back."

"My winnings, fair and square. You want them, you win them back." Natalya replied.

Korlin growled, moving his hand quickly. Jenkins and Natalya reacted in synchronicity, kicking the table into the Krogans with great force, throwing them across the floor. They were up in an instant, holding their weapons.

Jenkins and Natalya had already drawn their sidearms, pointing them at the pair of Krogan.

"Your move." Jenkins said.

The patrons of the bar were stirring, not wishing to miss an opportunity to spill blood. "It appears we are surrounded." Natalya observed.

"The poor bastards have us cornered. Almost makes you feel sorry for em'." Jenkins quipped.

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Ragloo Station, Main Promenade.

As they were walking John observed the crowds on the promenade.

"Gruna, one thing I want to know. Why are there so many Krogan here?" He asked.

"Most here are Krogan that never came back to Imperial space after the First Contact War. Instead of returning to join in the reforged Krogan state they stayed out here in Terminus, preferring a pointless life of banditry and thuggery to the glory of serving the Empire. Needless to say the population here in Terminus is looked at as little more than cowards, if not open traitors by the rest of the Krogan race. They'll die out quickly enough though." Gruna explained.

"Of course, they still have the Genophage. And I doubt they could find any willing Noble Humans to get around that particular affliction." John said.

"Exactly. There's Aalopo's hole, the 'Scarlet Den'." Gruna informed, pointing out a recessed doorway, with a pair of guards in front.

John sighed, "Lovely. Can we do this civilly or..."

"We might have to shoot our way in." Gruna replied.

"The simplest solution is often the best." John said, walking over.

The Krogan guard sized him up quickly, "You're not a user, you don't have any reason to go in there."

"I'm here to see Aalopo." John stated.

"Aalopo doesn't just see people from off the street." The Krogan replied.

"I usually don't see hopped up lowlifes either, we're both going to have to compromise." John replied.

The Krogan cocked his head, "You gonna kill him?"

"If it becomes necessary." John said.

The guard looked over at his companion, "We're going to take a little walk. The door's open."

"Glad we could handle this in a civilized manner." John said as they left.

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Trade Bazaar, Ragloo Station.

"It's amazing how effective our technology controls are. I haven't seen a single piece of Imperial Tech here." Tali observed as they walked through the parts area.

"The only time I've ever seen an Imperial weapon for sale was in a shop on Omega. It was a plasma pistol, and both the buyer and shop proprietor disappeared shortly afterwards." Ferir, her escort, replied.

"I wonder how that happened." Tali said, smirking.

Ferir stopped for a moment, "May I ask you something?"

"You just did, and feel free." Tali replied.

He was confused for a moment, obviously unused to Imperial humor, but shook it off, "What is it like in the Empire?"

"It is glorious. Think of the feeling you get when standing over a vanquished enemy. The feeling of victory and elation. You know, and they know, that you are in complete and total power at that moment. Now imagine feeling that every day." Tali explained.

"That seems.. impossible." Ferir replied.

"Everything is possible in the arms of Humanity. It was said to be impossible to challenge the Council, Humanity did and won. It was supposed to be impossible to cure the Genophage, or revitalize my people's immune systems, or gain the unconditional loyalty of the Batarians, but Humanity did. Some species wonder how Humanity gained such devotion from us, the races they call their Brothers. When miracles are performed it inspires such a feeling." She stated.

Ferir struggled to process that, "How do they do it?"

Tali shrugged, "They say it's because of their faith, the Gods they worship, and we do in turn. Who is to say that is not the truth? Humans came out of nowhere, took Citadel space, and a good portion of the wild space surrounding it, under them, and made it their own, totally and unequivocally. They have a divine right to rule."

"I've never been to Imperial space. Hell, I'd never met a Human or Quarian before this morning. I was born out here in Terminus, one of the few that survive to term. Gruna sometimes tells me stories though, about Tuchanka, and serving in the Imperial Forces. She's probably the only friend I have. She's very different from most Krogan out here, they usually shun me. I'm not as much of a fighter as most I guess, not aggressive enough." Ferir stated.

Tali filed this information away for future use, "I see. There's a Batarian making his way toward us." She said.

Ferir turned, pulling his shotgun as he spotted the Batarian, "What do you want?"

"You're Ferir right? Ligo, the bartender at the Sunburst sent me. A big fight sprang up over there, he says the Quarian's friends might need some help." The man explained.

"Thanks for the info. Let's go see what's going on." Tali said.

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The Scarlet Den, Ragloo Station.

John and Gruna were being escorted into the rear of the Scarlet Den by a pair of Iyegi. They had gained a meeting with Aalopo, surprisingly without bloodshed. Gruna had a convincing manner and silver tongue that would be the envy of a Batarian trader.

The taller of the Iyegi stopped in front of a door, painted elaborately, in multiple shades of red, "Is here. Go in."

John snarled at them one last time, finding pleasure in the shiver of fear that went through the smaller creature.

Gruna pushed the door open, and John followed her inside. The room was bright, much brighter than the rest of the station, let alone the rest of the 'Den'. There were red cushions strewn all around the room, a computer terminal in the rear right corner, and floating in the middle of it all was a Hanar. There was an impressive array of small defense turrets in the room.

"Well, that's it. When I get back to Terra I can honestly tell my family that I have seen everything." John quipped.

"This one greets it's two guests, and asks why they are here." Aalopo greeted, in the same sickeningly polite tone as any other Hanar.

Gruna looked at him. John started, "We're looking for a Krogan in your employ, named Regar."

Aalopo strobed, "This one is curious why you are interested in the one called Regar."

"None of your concern." John stated.

The Hanar strobed again, "This one is willing to transfer Regar's note to you, for the right price."

"Note? He's a debt-slave?!" Gruna asked, shocked.

"That is an accurate description. The one named Regar is presently working off his debt of Sand. This one is willing to transfer ownership of the debt for the sum of 100 Imperial Thalers." Aalopo replied.

John cocked his head, "There's no way he owes you that high a debt, even with interest. 20 Thalers."

"This one is willing to accept 80 Thalers." Aalopo countered.

John crossed his arms, "50, and I don't take down your operation the hard way."

Aalopo strobed, "This one believes that is a fair deal." The Hanar floated over to the terminal, picking up a small datapad, then floated back over to John, "This is the contract of debt."

John pulled a 50 Thaler coin out of a pouch, sliding it into one of the Hanar's grasping appendages and taking the datapad, "Pleasure doing business."

"The Iyegi will show you to Regar." Aalopo said.

John turned and walked out, followed by Gruna. The pair of Iyegi were waiting outside the door, "Take us to Regar." He ordered.

The Iyegi began moving down the corridor.

About 20 feet down the corridor Gruna grabbed John, pushing him into the wall, "What the hell did you think you were doing?"

John growled, grabbing her arms and twirling both of them around, smashing her throat against the same wall, "I was trying to get this done." He tightened his grip, "Unless you're trying to kill me or looking to mate, do not ever try to attack me again. Do you understand?"

He felt her shiver, "I'm sorry my Lord. I just.. you were bartering over the life of my father." She said.

"No, I was bargaining over the life of the Krogan male that spawned you." He released her, and she turned back to him. He continued, "I'm helping you with this, because I think you need closure. The only thing I ask in return is that you think about what you really are, what you want to be. When you were young, who was there, was it a Krogan, or was it a Terran, raising you, guiding you along the proper path to reach your full potential, listening to your worries, holding you when you felt down, tending to you when you were injured, calling you daughter and loved one? All I ask is that you think about that. Now come on, let's meet this Regar."

He turned and began walking after the Iyegi again, hearing her fall into step behind him.

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The Sunburst, Ragloo Station.

"Behind you!" Jenkins yelled to Natalya as he sent another Iyegi flying through the air.

Natalya turned, catching sight of the rushing..whatever it was, some strange kind of humanoid, large black eyes, pale face, were those gills? She derailed that train of thought as the thing closed, grabbing a chair and smashing it aside the creature's head with a sound *kthunk*. The humanoid fell down, out cold.

An Iyegi was running toward her, she threw the chair into it's path, the small humanoid tripped, sliding across the floor and slamming headfirst into the bar.

She looked over, Jenkins was grappling with a Krogan, there were several others crowded around the pair, waiting to see how the fight progressed. A group of Iyegi suddenly darted toward her, and she immediately dropped into a combat stance, ready for them to come.

Suddenly she heard something flying through the air with a low whistle, recognizing the sound she hit the floor, closing her eyes and covering her ears.

Jenkins was not so lucky, his world exploded in a wave of pain as the flash grenade went off, flooding the bar with intense light and sound.

Tali and Ferir stepped into the bar, looking around. Natalya rose after a moment, "You have exceptional timing dear one."

"I try." Tali replied.

"Agh." Jenkins groaned as he got up. The Krogan he had been grappling with was sprawled out in front of him. He kicked him in the snout just for good measure, then walked over to Tali and Natalya.

"You could warn someone when you're about to set off a stun charge." He said.

"Walk it off. Where's John?" Tali asked.

"He took off with Gruna awhile ago, they're looking for someone." Natalya replied.

Tali shook her head, "So we came here so John could start a bar fight, and instead he's off somewhere and you two started one instead?"

"Hey hey, we didn't start a damn thing. The fragging Krogan couldn't stand losing at cards, not our fault." Jenkins said in protest.

"So what should we do now, I doubt we want to stick around for them to get up." Natalya observed.

"I don't know, I wouldn't mind another crack at that idiot Korlin." Jenkins stated.

Tali rolled her eyes, "Maybe some other time. Let's go check out the promenade, maybe we'll find someone who's seen John."

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Gruna's Apartment, Level 3, Ragloo Station.

John was sitting on a chair watching over Regar while Gruna was searching through her medical supplies. Medigel was not common out here.

He was unconscious. Something had gotten a hold of him and tore him up pretty badly. John and Gruna had decided to carry him back to her apartment to wake him up.

Regar looked.. weak isn't the proper term but, sickly, especially for a Krogan. He was severely underweight and malnourished. John had never seen the effects of Red Sand up close, it was forbidden in Imperial space. 'Why would someone subject themselves to this?' He thought.

'Red Sand is a powerfully addictive drug, especially for Biotics. It hits Krogan harder than most other races, making subtle but permanent changes to their internal systems.' Wilco explained.

"I think I've found something to wake him." Gruna said, walking into the small sitting room.

"You sure that's a good idea?" John asked.

"He doesn't have any Sand in his system, we'll be able to handle him." Gruna replied.

"That's what I'm afraid of. Withdrawal is not pretty for anyone involved." John stated.

Gruna knelt down beside the couch that Regar was sprawled on, "I need to do this."

John stood, "I know. Go ahead, I'll be ready to stasis him if necessary."

Gruna looked up at him, "Thank you, for everything."

"We're not done yet. But you're welcome." John said.

She popped the top off a small bottle, opening Regar's mouth slightly and pouring it into his gullet. He started moving almost instantly, Gruna rising and stepping back just a tad.

"Regar?" John said.

The Krogan opened his mouth, starting a coughing fit. Once he recovered he looked back and forth between Gruna and John, "Who the hell are you?" He asked in a gruff voice.

"I'm Gruna. I, we.." She struggled for a moment.

"You aren't indebted to Aalopo anymore." John said.

Regar's eyes narrowed, "So you two are my new masters now?"

John snorted, "Not hardly Krogan, as soon as Gruna's business with you is concluded I'm ripping this contract up."

"Fine with me. So what do you want with me then.. do I know you?" Regar asked Gruna.

"Better than you think." Gruna replied.

"Should I step out?" John asked.

Gruna shook her head, "No, please stay." She looked at Regar, "I.. I'm your daughter."

Regar's reaction was immediate, he jumped up, standing, "No. No no no no.. DAMMIT."

John tensed, but didn't stasis the man yet.

"What's wrong?" Gruna asked.

"This was never supposed to happen. I never wanted you to know me." Regar said angrily.

Gruna's emotions were going haywire, but she simply asked. "Why?"

"Why? Why?!" Regar exclaimed, continuing, "Look at me. I'm a fool who never succeeded at anything in my life. I was a piss-poor mercenary before the War of Reprisal. When the Humans came I was given the same glorious opportunity as any other Krogan, and I failed, I was kicked out of the Auxilia. Then the Sand came..." He trailed off for a moment, then looked at John, "Tell me Human, would you want your progeny to know you if you were in such a state?"

"I wouldn't be in this situation. I would have pulled myself up and made something out of my name." John replied.

Regar sighed, "Don't you think I tried? I came this way signed on with a Privateer, hoping to make a fortune, or at least enough to prove myself worthy of breeding." He hung his head, "I failed at that too. They ended up dropping me off here, that was.. 20 years ago, I think."

John watched the two. Regar was unfocused, he should be raging, but the weight of life and his own decisions kept him low. Gruna was lost in thought, you could almost see the emotions making waves under her skin.

He sensed he had done all he could for them. He sat the datapad down on a table, looking at Gruna, "I'll be outside." Then walked out the door.

Gruna looked up, watching as he walked out. She knew she had a choice to make, here and now. Regar, the target she had pursued with everything she was for years was in front of her, passed out again, but in front of her.

If she stayed here, she could get to know him, have the relationship she had dreamed about, maybe even save him from himself. Out that door though, out that door was the promise of redemption for her own self.

She opened her eyes, looking down at her hands. An entire swath of her life was spent on this chase, and now that it was in her grasp it was not victory she was tasting.

'Stay and make a new life, or return and reclaim my old?' She thought to herself.

Her mind cleared and she stood, shaking away the thoughts of foolishness. Walking over to the table, she picked up the datapad. Smiling upon seeing that Shepard had left the contract unlocked, she pressed the button, clearing it.

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John leaned back against the wall of the corridor, wondering if he had made the right decision.

'I believe the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.' Wilco commented.

'So I just wasted half a day trying to help a wayward girl and I accomplished nothing out of it?' John thought.

'I believe the other saying is, 'Doing the right thing is it's own reward'.' Wilco replied.

John snorted, 'Nobility is as much a burden as a blessing at times.'

"Lord Shepard?" Gruna greeted as she left the apartment.

John turned, she was carrying a large military duffel, slung over a shoulder, "Gruna, how's your father?"

"If you'd allow me on your ship I'd be able to find out." She replied.

"Of course, you need medigel for Regar?" John asked.

"My Father is David Joseph Warren, and I have not talked to him in many years." Gruna stated firmly.

John smiled widely at that, "I see. Let's pick up the rest of my people and head back to the Normandy."

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Ragloo Station, Main Promenade. 2115 Hours.

As John and Gruna exited the elevator they spotted the rest of his squads standing near the hub.

"Tali, Natalya, I figured y'all would be in the bar still. Let's head back to the Normandy." He greeted.

"That sounds wonderful, I've had as much of this place as I can stand." Natalya stated.

"Another tag-along?" Tali asked, nodding at Gruna.

"Just a wayward soul that we're helping home. Come on." John explained.

As they walked toward the airlock Jenkins asked, "So Commander, do anything exciting?"

"Raided a narcotics den, then freed a slave from a Hanar drug dealer. You?" John responded.

"Got into a bar fight, then got stunned by a flash grenade." Jenkins replied.

"I hate Terminus." Natalya stated.

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Commander's Quarters, INF Normandy, Ragloo Station Dock.

As Tali walked into their quarters, she saw John laying on the bed, he nodded at her.

"I just finished going over the work Adams has done. The repairs will be complete by morning." She said, sliding her uniform jacket off.

"Good." John replied.

Tali sat down on the bed, "Where's Natalya?"

John nodded back towards the head.

"Ah. What's the story with Gruna?" Tali asked.

John reached over, pulling Tali down to him, kissing her. After a moment they broke apart, "Sorry I forgot to do that earlier. What was the question?" John said, smiling.

Tali pressed herself against him, "What are your intentions with our new guest?"

"Just returning one of the faithful back to the proper path." John replied.

Tali cocked her head, "No lustful thoughts directed her way?"

"No more than anything else. Why, you're that eager to see what a Krogan female tastes like?" John asked.

"Maybe." Tali said teasingly, laying her head on his shoulder, "I'd like it if she stayed. It felt wrong not having a Krogan with us."

"I know what you mean pet. We'll see what happens once we get back to Imperial space." John stated.

"Good." Tali said, snuggling closer.

John turned to her, "Darling, one thing I want to know. Why you've been pushing me to take another female. First Liara, now Gruna. I'm not complaining at all, just curious. Most race's females aren't as accepting of that particular Noble custom."

"Like I told you in the beginning, I knew what I was getting into. You forget what I am too, I'm Imperial, not just Quarian. I was raised in Noble splendor, and had Terran tutors. I understand that the more virile a Human male, the more mates he will take. It reflects well on us." She replied.

"There's something else." John said.

"Well, you might think it's silly. Before we met again, I had a fantasy of you having a mate from each of the Imperial Races, and I was the Quarian." Tali explained.

John smiled,"Interesting idea. If I did take another they would have to be a consort, since we are married and bonded now, and both you and Natalya would have to accept them. We'll see what happens pet. For now, I need sleep." He finished.

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INF Normandy, Unknown System, May 2nd, 2193. 0715 Hours.

"Drive pods check Commander, engines and core at 100% output." Adams informed over the comm.

"Transit time to Imperial Space?" John asked.

"A day to the nearest Relay, then 2 more days to Imperial Space." Pressly stated.

John sighed, "We're finally getting on our way atleast. Take her out."

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End of Chapter Fifteen.