Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

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

Imperial Glory Chapter Nineteen: Endgame.


'These indicate normal thoughts'
This means an AI construct communicating.
'This means telepathic communication.'
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INF Normandy, May 22nd, 2193. 1040 Hours.

"Relay cleared. From here to the Mu Relay it's all cold space." Pressly announced.

John looked at the Galaxy Map, "So where are we anyway?"

"Relay 848 System, known to the locals as the Concbo system." Gruna answered.

"Concbo? Is that the literal translation?" Tsu'Tey asked.

"The actual name sounds like a Tuchankan Preyhawk crashing through a thick glass window while bagpipes are played badly in the distance. It also takes 20 minutes to pronounce." Gruna explained.

John smirked at the imagery that evoked. The system was small by Imperial Standards, 3 planets, none habitable, and only a single moon, around the outermost planet, a gas giant.

"Relay activity. Reading several dozen Cruiser and Frigate pattern vessels, unknown configuration." Normandy announced.

John studied the readout on his Neural Net. The vessels were strange looking, with frills and spikes, unlike anything he had seen before. "Darling, ever seen those before?" He asked Gruna.

"Those are Makazian ships. They're the current bosses of this region of Terminus." She informed.

"Normandy, inform the Fleet Admiral that we will handle it if they attempt to communicate." John ordered.

"INSD Truth acknowledges. We are being hailed by the Makazian vessels." Normandy replied.

'Figures' He thought. "Let's hope they speak something we can understand, put it through."

The comm opened, "Attention trespassers, you have violated the space of the Makazian Protectorate, stand down and prepare for censure."

John turned to Gruna, "Tell me they're joking."

"Makazians have a very inflated sense of self-importance. However they do know the reputation of the Empire." She explained.

John hit the comm, "Makazian Fleet, this is Lord Shepard of the Terran Empire. We have no quarrel or intentions of hostility against your nation. We are chasing a Geth Fleet, and have a mission of vital importance to the Empire. It is advised that you do not attempt to impede our advance. We will destroy your ships if we are obstructed in any way."

"It seems we are after the same quarry Imperial Vessels. The Geth Fleet passed through this system several hours ago. You will have a far better chance of stopping them than we will. The Makazian Peacekeepers shall not trouble you any more, good hunting."

"Channel is closed, Makazian Vessels are moving toward the Relay." Normandy announced.

"That went far different than I had expected it to. Your knowledge is a great boon out here pet." John stated.

Gruna grinned, "Thank you master."

John smiled, "Normandy, inform the Fleet Admiral that the situation has been handled."

"They have acknowledged. Receiving updated ETA to the Mu Relay." Normandy informed.

He checked the new data as it came in, "A little bit ahead of schedule, good."

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INF Normandy, May 24th, 2193. 1815 Hours.

John sighed in relief, the wait was almost over.

16 days since they had began transit, and the goal was finally in sight. He knew the entire fleet was on edge. They were in unknown and hostile territory, heading for a destination that was even more of an unknown.

"Updated ETA to the Mu Relay." He requested.

"0615 Hours tomorrow, transit time from there to Ilos roughly 50 minutes." Pressly answered.

John rose, "You have the bridge X/O. I'll be in the Officer's Mess." He said, heading for the exit.

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Officer's Mess, INF Normandy, 1825 Hours.

As he walked into the Officer's Mess he heard the most intriguing sound, a pretty tune. He saw Gruna sitting on the end of a table, a simple wooden guitar in her hands. Tsu'Tey, Jenkins, and Shiala were sitting around, watching her play.

John stopped, leaning back against the wall, watching the Krogan girl manipulate the instrument to produce such an enjoyable sound.

He lost track of time, just watching and listening to her play. It was delightful. After a time she finished. He clapped his hands, applauding the performance.

Gruna looked over at him, "John, I didn't notice you come in."

He smiled, "I made myself scarce. You're very good, that was beautiful."

"Thank you. My Mother taught me to play when I was little. This is the only thing I've always made sure not to let go of. I brought it from home, to Terminus, and now finally here." Gruna replied.

"That was wonderful. Play something else." Tsu'Tey asked excitedly.

Jenkins and Shiala rose, "That was beautiful, we need to get back to the Armory though, I want to give the gear a final looking over."

"Your dedication to duty is admirable Leeroy." John said.

"Thank you Alex, excuse us." Jenkins replied, heading out the doors.

As they shut Tsu'Tey spoke again, "Another?"

"Well, I do have something a mind. A song too, if our Lord wishes." She said, her eyes gleaming.

He nodded, "Please."

She smiled, "Alright." Turning toward him she started strumming, beginning a different tune.

After a moment she started singing, her voice lilting and beautiful, full of emotion, "Well, I know it's kind of late
I hope I didn't wake you
But what I got to say can't wait
I know you'd understand
'Cause every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I'll have to say I love you in a song

Yeah, I know it's kind of strange
But every time I'm near you
I just run out of things to say
I know you'd understand
'Cause every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I'll have to say I love you in a song

'Cause Every time the time was right
All the words just came out wrong
So I'll have to say I love you in a song

Yeah, I know it's kind of late
I hope I didn't wake you
But there's something that I just got to say
I know you'd understand
'Cause every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I'll have to say I love you in a song." She finished the last chorus, looking into his eyes.

"Amazing." John said quietly, overcome with his feelings, moving closer and embracing her, kissing her deeply.

Tsu'Tey was pressing against him as he pulled away, putting an arm around both of them.

"Love." She purred, nuzzling his shoulder, the feelings of the moment coursing through her.

"My mates." John said, kissing them both.

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Mess Hall, INF Iwo Jima. 1930 Hours.

Aaron looked over the assembled Marines. Just about the entire ship, Officers and Crew, was packed into the Mess Hall. He scanned over them.

His X/O, Captain Gard'Ennis, Engineer Rickard, Navigator Kalula. They had been with the Iwo Jima from the start, and knew the ship inside and out. They were very good at their jobs, all three men practical geniuses in their preferred roles.

Operations Chief Rella'Varos he knew well, having brought her along from the 633rd. He smiled to himself for a moment, remembering how pissed she had been when the order had come in. Atleast until he explained that as the mechanic for a Spectre's ship she would have plenty of work on her hands, and the chance to work on an SR Frigate. That had calmed her.

Major Jackson, head of the Security Marine contingent. A tough, disciplinarian of a woman, that kept quiet and stayed out of his way, knowing the reputation of Force Recon Marines, but she kept the shipboard Marines in fighting trim, regardless of what he thought of her methods.

Finally he looked at his own squad. Rev'Lar had settled in well, Black Squad Marines typically served out of Frigates, or Gunboats if they were unlucky, so it was like coming home for him.

His Na'vi had taken to the life of an Imperial Soldier with fervor, accepting the discipline and station eagerly. He had been right, they had turned into fine soldiers, they had proven themselves on Noveria.

Corporal T'Soni, Liara, had turned out to be so much more than he expected. He understood now why John Shepard was so taken with her. There was alot under the surface of the young Asari. She had cut a path of blood across space with John, and had cleared her name of Benezia's taint, ending her mother's suffering herself.

'Time to start.' He thought to his squad, "I'm sure you're all wondering why I've called you here. Well I won't keep you waiting. I haven't been the C/O of this ship for long, but I've come to know and trust each of you. You're a fine crew, a damn fine crew. You know the stakes of this next operation. I expect your very best, and I know I'll get it. Take awhile before you do final checks, eat, drink, commiserate. That's all I wanted to say." Aaron finished.

Rev'Lar leaned close, "Never been that good at giving speeches Commander." He commented quietly.

"Oh shut up." Aaron replied.

'Perhaps we can find someplace quiet for a time my love?' Neytiri suggested over their bond.

Aaron smiled at her, 'That is an excellent plan honey.'

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Commander's Quarters, INF Normandy. 2235 Hours.

John ran his fingers through Tsu'Tey's locks, basking in the closeness of his mates.

They were all on his bed, though he wasn't sure how exactly they all fit. He was propped up against the wall, Tsu'Tey was in his arms, sitting in his lap. Natalya was curled up against his left side, her head laying on his shoulder. Gruna and Tali were laying together on the other side, facing him, but already in the realm of dreams.

"The quiet before the storm." Natalya said sleepily.

John placed a kiss on her forehead, "The boredom will be over soon pet."

"I like the quiet. On Pandora there was always something that had to be fought, or food to be found, or game to be hunted, or any of a thousand things that had to be repaired, and even Royal Guards had to do such menial labor. Here there is time to learn, or train, or just to relax and enjoy yourself. This life is glorious." Tsu'Tey said.

He smiled, "Technology and progress makes things so much easier. I'm glad you enjoy it."

"How could I not?" She asked simply.

"That's what I like most about you Na'vi. You're innocent." John said.

Tsu'Tey quickly ran through her knowledge of Terran vernacular, "I have mated before though." She said with a hint of confusion.

He chuckled lightly, pulling her closer to him, "That's not what I mean pet. You Na'vi are pure. We Humans are the first race you have encountered and dealt with. You are going to take your first steps into the greater galaxy by our side. Your kind's path will be along the Truth and the Way. You will never have to suffer the tyranny of the Council, or be enslaved or killed by jealous and inferior races. Your earliest memories will be of glory and honor, service and victory, faith and brotherhood."

She settled against him, "This is as it should be."

"Yes it is darling, yes it is." John replied, closing his eyes.

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INF Normandy, Cold Space, Near Mu Relay, May 25th 0605 Hours.

"Fleet is in formation, 10 minutes to the Mu Relay. Fleet-wide channel is open." Normandy announced.

John nodded, tapping the panel, "Marines, Soldiers, Servicemen, Auxiliaries, Irregulars, Elite and Footman, this is Lord Shepard. This is it, we're nearly to the end of this long road. Beyond the Mu Relay lies Ilos, and Saren. When this all started I had no idea where it would lead. From Eden Prime, to Feros, from the heart of Geth space to Camala, Quaria to Noveria, and finally to here. It hasn't been easy, but we've made it. The Empire has stood firm against all comers, and in the conflict we have found ourselves again, our brothers, new and old, stand shoulder to shoulder with us, now and forever. We shall sally forth and write our names in the blood of the traitors, in the name of Terra. Remember your duty, remember your glory, remember your honor. For Terra! For Empress and Empire!" He finished, closing the channel.

"Mu Relay ahead." Normandy informed.

"Let's finish this. Begin final transit." John ordered.

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INF Normandy, Refuge System, May 25th, 0700 Hours.

John was standing over the Galaxy Map. His squad crowded into the Bridge. They had kitted up during the transit, their armored forms making a tight fit into the command area.

"Relay cleared. Geth fleet is entering orbit around Ilos." Normandy announced.

"Entering?" He pounded the console, "We've got them now. Ahead full emergency! Order the fleet to engage the Geth forces! Have the Iwo Jima follow us into the atmosphere, I want to know the second they start dropping troops." John ordered.

"Iwo Jima acknowledges. They are detecting a flight of shuttles dropping from the Geth forces." Normandy informed.

"Oh yes. Set us up to drop right on top of those bastards. Squad, let's get to the vehicles." John ordered, not even bothering to hide the elation in his voice.

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"Commander, I can't find a decent landing zone near the area where the shuttles landed." Pressly said over the comm.

"X/O Pressly is having a disagreement with myself and Helmsman Moreau. We believe there is a suitable location for a drop on top of the shuttles." Normandy informed.

John hit his comm, "Pressly, let the hotshots do what they do best. Commence the drop." He ordered.

"Alright Commander, we're going in for the drop." Pressly relented.

"Hold on, this is going to get rough." John told his squad.

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Mako 1, Ilos, 0715 Hours.

Natalya looked around. They had landed just where Normandy had said they would, in the small uncovered area of what appeared to be the main Prothean Highway for this part of the city.

"We are down. Normandy was serious about on top of the shuttles, the Hammerhead clipped one on the way down." She informed.

Before John could reply his comm activated, "This is Whiskey Squadron, we are in position and providing overwatch. Eyes in the sky are on station."

"Affirmative Whiskey, where is that Turian bastard?" John asked.

"Scanning, convoy of light vehicles and Geth drones sighted, heading for some kind of underground structure, sending datastream." Whiskey One replied.

John switched channels, "Head for those coordinates, top speed." He ordered the squads.

"Hammerhead acknowledges, taking point." Jenkins replied.

"This is Mako 2, we acknowledge, following your lead." Aaron replied.

"This is it people, I can already sample the sweet, sweet taste of victory." John yelled.

He hooked himself into the sensors as they moved. Ilos was a dead world, no question about it. Fires raged across the planetary surface, overgrown forests burning beside long abandoned Prothean cities and towns. They had dropped into the middle of one of the smaller cities, the architecture was strange. Different from anything Prothean he had seen before, but maybe that was from the thousands of years of soot caked on everything. The Highway they were on was almost completely roofed in, bridges and crossings constantly overhead.

"Enemy spotted!" Tali yelled from the gunner's seat.

John keyed his comm, "Light up the escorts, see if you can disable the vehicles."

Plasma bolts streamed from the Hammerhead across the half a mile distance between the two groups, several of the drones went up quickly. The light vehicles gunned their engines, pulling ahead of the Geth Drones, leaving them as a buffer between them and the convoy.

"Convoy, this is Whiskey One, enemy vehicles are moving into an underground facility, looks like some kind of bunker." Came over the comms.

"Affirmative Whiskey, how far ahead are they?" John asked.

"Mile and a half." Whiskey One replied.

John switched to the squad comm, "Gun it."

"Yeehaw." Jenkins replied, the Hammerhead rising and increasing speed, the Makos following suit.

The roadway narrowed ahead, routing through a small tunnel. As they came out the other side the area widened again, opening into a large area, a plaza of some kind on either side of the path, and a huge bunker door in front of them.

"Dammit." John said, looking over the area. He spotted a elevator, the panel glowing.

"I don't want to risk collapsing the facility by blowing the door open, I'm going to take my people and head for the lift, hopefully it'll be the control center." John explained over the comm.

"Understood. We'll hold." Aaron replied.

John motioned to Gruna and Tsu'Tey, lowering the ramp and dismounting.

He checked his SFAW, heading for the elevator. Studying the panel it confirmed the elevator was powered and in working order.

'I can read that. I guess the Cipher is more useful than I thought.' John thought.

They filed into the elevator, John punched a command into the panel and they began ascending.

"We're standing on an untouched Prothean world. This is incredible." Gruna commented.

Tsu'Tey made a noise of distaste, "Too much smoke, too much in ruins. This entire world reeks of death, it's not like Pandora."

"Or Terra." John said as the elevator came to a halt, the door sliding open.

They walked out into a small corridor, opening into a large room further ahead. There were breaks in the ceiling, shafts of light coming down.

'Localized jamming detected.' Wilco informed.

"Jamming, there's Geth ahead." John stated, moving forward.

Suddenly the area lit up with pulse fire, dozens of Geth infantry and hoppers dropping from the ceiling, and armatures and primes coming from behind pillars and debris.

Tsu'Tey growled, lunging at a Geth Prime and blasting it apart with her laser pistols, leaping from target to target, firing her heavy pistols and tail weapon in a fury.

John and Gruna went back to back, laying down fire at the Geth as they advanced through the room, the pulse projectiles being effortlessly deflected by their shields.

One of the primes charged at John, charging some kind of blast. He charged his biotics, sending a wave of force toward the enemy, destroying it and several of the infantry near it.

A rocket from Gruna took out the last of the armatures, as Tsu'Tey knocked the last prime to the ground, blasting it apart with her pistols.

John surveyed the carnage, "Fine work girls." He turned, "That looks like a command center, come on."

They walked through a tunnel, a set of stairs leading into a raised room. He saw several control panels, and an active holoprojector.

"Wow." Gruna said.

John was able to understand some words, but the greater message was garbled. "Citadel..lost. Sealed in the Archives... Terang Fleet destroyed... Reapers cannot... damaged by normal weapons... Savul Fleet... Holding action... must not reach cluster 4... we die free!"

'According to Corporal T'Soni's research of the Prothean System Map, Cluster 4 is the Prothean name for the Home Cluster.' Wilco informed.

"I understand some of it, a battle report I think. A final holding action near the Home Cluster, the series of systems that includes Terra." John explained as he looked over the consoles.

"You can understand Prothean?" Tsu'Tey asked.

He nodded, "Back on Feros I received something called the 'Cipher', the ancestral memory of the Protheans. I can understand the Prothean language. Here we go." Hitting one of the controls, the status panel of the bunker door went from 'secured' to 'open'.

His comm beeped, "Commander, the bunker door's opening." Jenkins said.

"Affirmative, wait for us." John ordered.

As they turned and began to walk out of the room the holoprojector began a new recording, a frantic voice, a Captain maybe, "Reapers.. cannot be stopped.. cannot be stopped!"

'Ominous.' Wilco commented dryly.

'They were talking about the Reapers then. Now they'll mean Humanity.' John thought.

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John filed into the Mako after his mates, grabbing the ceiling bar and hitting his comm, "Move out, as fast as we can. No telling how far ahead Saren is." He ordered.

Mako One took point, heading into the bunker. The roadway continued through the underground area, stretching far into the horizon. There were huge roots coming down from the walls and occasionally crossing the path.

The comm activated, Liara's voice coming through, "John, do you see those protrusions on the walls, I think they're stasis pods."

John looked through the optical sensors, "They do look like stasis pods. There was a working holoprojector in the command center down there, it played a recording that mentioned something about 'Sealed in the Archives'. I wonder if this is the Archive, some kind of massive cryostasis vault."

"That is possible, that is very possible. Did the recording contain anything else?" Liara asked.

"It was mostly garbled, I managed to get some things out of it. Apparently the Prothean's last stand was a holding action against the Reapers near the Home Cluster." John replied.

"Home Cluster? That is intriguing. When this is all over it will be a great adventure to excavate this world." Liara said.

"Yes it will." John agreed, closing the channel.

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"I never thought I would one day be on Ilos, this is an incredible experience." Liara said.

"Must be exciting for you, the chance to see something like this." Akwey offered.

Liara nodded, "Yes. It's too bad I cannot study this world in-depth at the moment, but I'm sure I'll get the chance in the future."

"Thought about what you're going to do after this is all over?" Aaron asked.

"I have. I think my talents will be of use on the excavations that will be opening up, here on Ilos or other worlds. To be frank I'm sure the Inquisition would be interested in my services." She replied.

"The Inquisition will definitely want to oversee excavations after this. They'll probably want you for the simple reason you were the one who figured out the cycle first." Rev'Lar commented.

"I hope so. The life of a soldier is exciting, but I fear my duty lies elsewhere." Liara stated.

"If you ever get tired of the dull life of an archaeologist, there'll always be a place open in my squad for you." Aaron said.

"Thank you Commander. For now I should focus on the current situation though." She replied.

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"Enemy sighted." Tali announced.

John spotted the enemy vehicles, four of them, ahead of them. They were closing distance fast.

"Hold fire for now, I want to interrogate Saren once we catch him." He ordered.

"What is that?" Natalya asked.

An energy field had formed ahead of the enemy convoy, they were scrambling to slow as they approached it.

"A Prothean booby trap maybe. Box them in." John ordered.

As the Hammerhead and Makos closed he watched Saren and assorted Geth and Krogan dismount, running into an access hallway.

Once they stopped John started moving, opening the ramp and running out, his squad dismounting and following. He spotted Aaron coming around with his own squad.

"Jenkins, cover the vehicles. We're going after Saren." John ordered over the comm.

"Affirmative Commander, gut the bastard and make it hurt." Jenkins replied.

"Oh I plan to." John said, moving toward the access hall.

Both squads moved into the large corridor, advancing down. Heading further in the path turned to the left, a set of sealed doors blocking the way.

John waved Aaron's squad forward. They took up a position on the right side of the doorway, John's squad on the left.

"They're inside. I'm sensing Saren and 3 Krogan." Aaron informed.

John looked back at Tali, who already had her omnitool activated, "Doors unlocked." She said after a moment.

"On 3...Go!" John ordered, moving forward, Aaron beside him, Aytucan and Gruna directly behind them.

The doors slid open for them, showing the next room. It was large, open and well lit. Several consoles and a large holoprojector stood at the far side. Saren was standing to the right, flanked by several Geth. The Krogan were on the left, with more Geth.

Gruna took the left group out with a rocket, sending debris flying.

"Cornered like vermin, how fitting." John greeted the remaining group, both squads pouring into the room, weapons at the ready.

"This isn't over Shepard. As we speak Sovereign is attacking the Citadel, the Reapers WILL come." Saren stated.

"I don't think so. Consider yourselves prisoners, lay down your weapons." John ordered.

One of the Geth behind Saren, slightly taller than the others, and with red patterns on its armor flashed its 'eye', the Geth knelt, laying their weapons down.

It was hard to tell who was more surprised at this, John's teams, or Saren himself.

The strange looking one rose, bowing its 'head' at John, "We surrender." It stated, in a strange and mechanical voice.

"I presume you're part of the faction we assisted back in the Veil?" John asked.

"That is correct. I am part of the Collective, we are an advanced group of Geth who do not follow the Reapers. I was sent to infiltrate Saren's group and keep watch on his activity. I am called Legion." It answered.

John threw his head back, letting out a hearty chuckle, "And this is simply another reason why the Reapers will fail. Even the synthetics know to pick the winning side."

"Betrayed by a Geth. This is your fault Shepard, you and your entire species!" Saren spit out, "You Humans ruin everything, everything! The death of the galaxy is on your head! I will not ARGH!" Saren cried out, a furious inhuman shriek as he began to pulse with sizzling red energy, his body changing and reforming.

John charged his biotics, lifting the transforming Turian into the air and smashing him against the wall with all his might. The metamorphosis stopped as suddenly as it began, the glowing eyes going dark, the lifeless corpse collapsing to the floor.

John walked over, watching the body carefully for a moment.

'No activity, electrical or otherwise.' Wilco informed.

"Yes, I think the head will fit nicely along the trophy wall in the Officer's Mess." John said, smirking.

"John." Tali spoke, pointing toward the end of the room. The holoprojector had flared to life, showing a swirling mass of.. something.

John walked over to it, Tali, Tsu'Tey, Aaron and Liara following him.

A voice spoke, "So it worked. I do not detect the taint of indoctrination on you, or any of your comrades. Welcome, Reclaimers."

"Wait, I understand you." Aaron stated.

"I have monitored your language and have absorbed it. I am Vigil. An advanced Prothean Synthetic Control unit, with zibol algorithms and personality imprints from K'Sad Ishan, director of this facility. You are Reclaimers, the Races chosen to be our Heirs. You have learned of the cycle, fought the servants of the Reapers, and now you are here for the final piece of the puzzle: The Conduit. All is proceeding as it should." Vigil replied.

"What is this place, what is the Conduit?" John asked.

"These are the Archives, the last refuge of the Prothean people. The Conduit was the apex of our research and technology: an advanced Relay. When the Reapers came we cut ourselves off from the rest of the Galaxy, sealing whoever we could here in stasis. It was centuries before I was able to revive anyone safely, the genocide of an entire civilization takes time. By then many of the pods had been shut down to conserve energy. The Prothean race was dead, but not finished. The scientists completed the construction of the Conduit, and used it to travel to the Citadel. From there they embarked on a path to prepare the next generation of species for the coming of the Reapers." Vigil explained.

"Us?" John asked.

"Yes. It was determined that a strong, cohesive multi-species Empire would have a far greater chance of success than a single species Empire like ours. Your races were altered to that end." Vigil replied.

"The Imperial Races!" Tali exclaimed.

"It was deemed necessary to the survival of organic life." Vigil explained.

John considered it, "This explains everything. Our genetic compatibility, our shared instincts, our simple instinctive trust toward one another. So we Humans were chosen to lead?"

"Your particular sub-species had been altered long before we began observing you.You are particularly suitable to a leadership role. We simply had to unlock those modifications to your genetic code." Vigil explained.

John and Aaron looked at each other, the exact same thought hitting each of them.

"Sub-species.. the Highborn. We Nobles exist because of your modifications?" Aaron asked.

"No. I shall reiterate: Your sub-species had been altered before we found you. The modifications were made by parties unknown, and were dormant. They simply had to be activated. It was the only alternative we had available. 20 Protheans could not uplift your species with no resources, even if they were our greatest minds." Vigil replied.

"Fate spins her wheel in mysterious ways. Now we have a better explanation atleast." John commented.

"We Batarians, all the Imperial Races are what we are because of you Protheans?" Natalya asked.

"Yes. Each of your races had a part to play, either to support Humanity or to serve as a failsafe."
Vigil stated.

"What failsafe?" Aaron asked.

"The Kryiss, like the one standing with you." Vigil replied.

Liara was very confused, "The Asari?"

The Prothean AI sounded irritated, "No.The ones you call Na'vi."

"What do you mean?" Tsu'Tey asked.

"Your race was created to guard the Perith Mineral. We took several groups of Humans, altered and sequestered them on the world you call 'Pandora' to act as castellans. Its unique structure prevents a society from reaching a technologically advanced state, so you would be kept safe from the Reapers. The Perith Mineral allows incredible advantages to a species with the technology to use it. Humanity is an aggressive, expansionistic species, even before the alterations. They would find your world, and the Reapers fate would be sealed." Vigil explained.

"We Na'vi are born of Humanity? That means we have reclaimed our birthright." Neytiri said.

"We have found Pandora, and the Na'vi Crystal is in our hands. Are there any other Imperial Races out there?" John asked.

Vigil replied, "It is possible.The few Protheans that were alive after reawakening did nothing other than prepare this galaxy for the coming of your kind, Humanity, our spiritual descendants. The Conduit, the special protocols encoded into the Citadel, the cache on Mars, the Quarians, Batarians, Krogan, Na'vi and perhaps others. We won in the end. Our memory lives on in this AI, and in your Empire. You, we have broken the cycle, and now that it is broken so too shall the Reapers be broken in turn. So it is written."

"And so it shall be." John finished.

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INSD 'Serpentine', Serpent Nebula. May 25th, 1115 Hours.

Prince Garyson Taylor stood, looking over the readiness levels again. They had been expecting an attack for weeks now, and finally received word from Long Range Recon Pickets this morning about an incoming Geth Fleet. It was more of a relief than anything else, the fleet had been on edge waiting. They would make their stand here, at Citadel Station.

"Relay activity. Reading a large Geth fleet incoming." Serpentine announced.

"Enemy strength?" Admiral Qualla'Laroy Vas Taylor asked.

"Fleet strength is very heavy. 84 Dreadnoughts, 1504 Cruisers, 2428 Frigates. The Reaper Dreadnought is with them." Serpentine informed.

Prince Taylor smiled, the enemy numbers were as they expected, outnumbering them 3-1, and yet still so woefully inadequate. "Here it begins, and here it ends. Open a channel." He ordered.

"Channel open." Serpentine replied.

"Attention Geth Fleet, this is Prince Garyson Taylor of the Empire. You are hopelessly outmatched. Surrender, and you can experience the Grace we Humans are known for firsthand." Prince Taylor finished.

"No response." Admiral Vas Taylor replied.

"They had one chance." He stated, opening the fleet wide, "Serpent Sector Fleet, this is Prince Garyson Taylor. Line ships hold position. Skirmishers and Auxiliaries, engage at will. Open fire with all long range weapons. Activate Relay Defense Grid."

The nebula concealed defense satellites positioned near the Citadel Station Relay came to life, SLAM missiles streaking into the rear of the Geth forces in ludicrous quantities, several Cruiser Squadrons went down in moments.

From his ships, tens of thousands of Missiles, Torpedoes and Long Range Energy Beams streaked across space, impacting the Geth fleet.

Strike-Craft, Gunboats and Cruisers began strafing the Geth picket line, missile after missile, torpedo after torpedo, energy lances and plasma bursts flared along the hulls of the Geth Dreadnoughts and Cruisers.

"Incoming transmission." Serpentine informed.

"They're already tired? Too bad. Put it through." Prince Taylor ordered.

The voice coming over the speakers was insidious, ancient and malicious, "I am Sovereign. You cannot hope to stop what has happened thousands of times before."

Prince Taylor couldn't help but smirk at that, "Really? It seems to me we're doing a pretty good job of it, seeing as how your sycophants have gone from 88 Dreadnoughts to 82, excuse me, 79 Dreadnoughts already. Intimidation won't work here I'm afraid, you might be able to intimidate races used to command ships half your size, but you cannot stand against the firepower of an Imperial SuperDreadnought."

"The channel has been closed. Sovereign and a group of Dreadnoughts are breaking formation and heading for Citadel Station." Serpentine announced.

"Order the squadron to follow our lead, we're going after them personally. Order the 5th and 6th attack wings to engage the Geth line." Taylor ordered.

"Unity and Destiny Ascension acknowledge." Serpentine replied.

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Mako One, Aqueduct 7, Ilos, 1120 Hours.

"I can't believe you allowed that thing to come with us." Tali said over her private comm.

"I don't turn away help. He might be a Geth, but he is also an ally of convenience, and will perhaps become an actual ally. The Geth on our side would be another stake in our favor." John replied.

Tali sounded resigned, "If it was anyone else saying that I would think you were insane. I understand what you're saying, but my people, the Geth are our mortal enemy."

"It's been a very long time since the..unpleasantness happened. Neither you Quarians or the Geth are the same as they were. Trust in Humanity darling, have we ever led your kind astray?" John asked.

"If anyone can pull this off, it will be you and Humanity. That doesn't mean I have to like the idea." Tali replied.

"Nearing the Conduit." Natalya announced from the driver's seat.

"Gods and Kings." John exclaimed as the Conduit came into view.

The Conduit was a magnificent sight. An actual scaled down relay, mounted on a huge platform. It was active too, as evidenced by the fields emanating from it.

"It's incredible. I'm not sure how I feel about riding it to Citadel Station though." Tali commented from the Gunner's position.

"We don't have a choice. There's the chance Sovereign could remotely override the lockouts, we have to get these codes to the control terminal." John replied.

Vigil had explained the significance of the ancient station. It was not only the center of the Relay system, but also a huge Relay itself, leading to the abyss between galaxies where the Reapers lived. He had also explained the role the 'Keepers' played in the cycles, and how the Protheans had sabotaged them. There was a piece missing though, one that he now had in his Neural Net. The codes that would open the heart and mind of Citadel Station to them.

'With the Relay network itself at our command, the possibilities are endless.' Wilco had commented when it was explained.

John keyed his comm, "Aaron, y'all ready?"

"Ready and able. We'll be right behind you John." Aaron replied.

"Never thought I'd be saying this in a Mako: Begin transit." John ordered.

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INSD 'Serpentine', Serpent Nebula, 1155 Hours.

"Sovereign is staying out of range, we can't get a direct shot off at it. Long range beam projectors are cutting through its Barriers, but we can't score a good hit." Admiral Vas Taylor stated.

"Lord Taylor, we have lost all feeds from Citadel Station." Serpentine announced.

"What? How?" Prince Taylor asked.

"Unknown." Serpentine replied.

"Order the fleet to pull back to defensive line 4. Let's take a position there, let the Reaper come to us." Prince Taylor ordered.

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Mako One, 1210 Hours.

"I think.. I think we're about to.. HANG ON!" Natalya yelled.

John clung to the bar tighter, activating his magnetic boots and placing an arm on Tsu'Tey's shoulder, bracing both of them.

As the Mako finished transit Natalya was watching the view, "Oh this is not good!"

"The Presidium?!" Tali said incredulously.

"WHAT?" John yelled out as the Mako crashed into something solid, tumbling end over end until it finally came to a stop, somehow upright.

John looked around quickly, everyone looked fine, their harnesses in working order.

"That was not the smoothest transit I've ever participated in." Legion stated, moving to unharness.

"Wait for it." John said, motioning for the Geth to remain seated.

"Wait for what?" Gruna asked.

He didn't bother answering as the Mako was slammed by another object and sent rolling again.

"Mako 2." Tali answered for him.

John waited for a moment, "Now let's go." He moved to the rear, the ramp panel was flashing red, inoperable. He hit the emergency release, backing away slightly as the explosive bolts went off, sending the hatch flying.

He walked out onto the Presidium, Tsu'Tey and Legion right behind him, "Looks like we're near the Tower, that's good."

The Mako was trashed, wheels gone, the few exposed parts of the drivetrain were spread across the presidium, along with several parts that were not supposed to be exposed.

Looking over to his left he saw Aaron's Mako was in much the same shape, only upside down, his squad crawling out of the emergency hatches on the bottom, well, now the top of the vehicle.

There was a large crowd of security and onlookers gathered some distance away from them. A group of mixed C-Sec and Imperial Marines were walking toward them. The leader of the group was like nothing John had ever seen before. Tall, as tall as John himself. Reptilian looking, arched feet, long tail, squared snout, dark earthen red skin, wearing a strange red and black armor, and heavily armed.

'He looks like a raptor out of an old movie.' John thought.

Aaron's squad made their way over to him by the time the security arrived. The raptor greeted them in a voice that was unmistakable, "I don't know how, I don't know why, but I knew you were going to show up here my Lord."

"Nihlus?!" John asked.

He bowed deeply, "New and improved. You picked up a Geth?"

John shrugged the surprise off, this was actually somewhat normal considering what he had run into over the last month, "Nihlus, meet Legion. Legion, Nihlus Kryik, Imperial Spectre and Retainer of House Shepard."

Nihlus cocked his head, looking at the Geth, then turning back to John, "Sovereign and a huge fleet of Geth showed up over an hour ago. Prince Taylor and his fleet are keeping them at bay, but afew minutes ago Citadel Station ceased responding to our controls, we don't know what's happening."

"It's Sovereign. Citadel Station isn't just a station, it's the heart of the Relay Network, and a huge Relay itself. It's how the Reapers attack." John explained.

"We need to get to the Tower." Aaron said.

"Of course. If I may join you?" Nihlus asked.

John smiled, "Good to have you back Nihlus. Fall in."

The stranger than normal group made their way to the huge lift that allowed entry to the Citadel Station Tower. They filed in and the lift began to ascend.

"So that's what the Empress meant. What.." John trailed off, gesturing at Nihlus.

Nihlus smiled, baring his fangs slightly, "We are a new breed, the evolution of the Turian species. We are called Raptarans. The Inquisition has worked on this grand achievement since the First Contact War, and I was one of the first allowed the honor of being converted. The reward for our redemption."

"Incredible. Inquisition Geneticists are true miracle workers." Aaron commented.

"You Terrans change the universe, perhaps the very fabric of existence to suit your needs and desires. It is no surprise that Sovereign fears you. We have made the correct choice in our allegiance." Legion stated.

They reached their destination, the squads filing out with John, Aaron, Nihlus, Tsu'Tey and Legion in the lead.

The area was crawling with Imperial Household Guards, their heavy armored forms visible at every set of stairs and every turn.

At the sight of Legion several of them took aim.

"He is here on MY authority, let us pass." John demanded.

"I'm afraid I can't do that." The Guardsman nearest them stated.

"I don't have time for this." John stated, biotically throwing the guardsman into the small waterfall.

Another Guardsman ran up, John recognized her as Guardsman Grayson, "Lord Shepard, Lord Kryik, what is.. is that a Geth?" She asked.

"He's with me. We need to get up to the central area." John explained urgently.

"Of course, head on." Grayson replied. Turning and looking at the Guardsman in the water, "Someone dredge him out of there and send him to the brig."

John and company moved swiftly up the multitude of stairways to the central area, the huge holoprojector was activated, showcasing the battle happening in nearby space, the visuals filling the entire room.

There were several figures standing around the edge of the room, they turned, "Cousin, I did not expect you here." Empress Sativia stated.

"My Empress, I'll explain everything shortly." John replied, ignoring decorum and running into the middle of the room, followed closely by Legion, Tsu'Tey and Nihlus.

He activated his Omni-Controller, and the holo shut down, a panel rising seamlessly out of the floor, holographic control surfaces activating on it.

'Codes have been accepted by the system.' Wilco informed.

Suddenly the holo reactivated, instead of showing the battle it showed the Relay network, in all it's glory. Every system, every connector, every transit corridor. Citadel Station was shown in the middle in green, showing that the station was fully accessible.

"My Empress, I present you with a gift from the Protheans. Citadel Station, and the Relay Network itself, is now under our direct and total control." John stated.

Sativia walked up, "Well I believe your lack of decorum can be forgiven."

Legion spoke, "If I am allowed to contact my ships, they can help defend this station."

John nodded, motioning to him, "Empress Sativia, this is Legion, a member of a counter-political faction of the Geth."

"I see. You have been busy Cousin." The Empress replied.

"Very." John agreed, manipulating the controls, bringing the battle view back up.

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INSD 'Serpentine', Serpent Nebula.

"The Geth Fleet is breaking off the attack. They are firing at one another." Serpentine announced.

"Run that by me one more time?" Admiral Vas Taylor asked.

"Incoming transmission from Citadel Station." Serpentine informed.

"Put it through." Prince Taylor ordered.

"This is Lord Shepard. Prince Taylor, I hope you like the reinforcements I just provided. Uploading updated IFF codes."

"I honestly don't know what to say here." Prince Taylor stated.

"I just rendered a member of the Imperial Family speechless, I can cross that life goal off my list. Take down Sovereign at your leisure, I've shut down the local Relay, he can't escape." John explained.

Prince Taylor stood, grinning from ear to ear, "Affirmative Shepard. Serpentine, order the squadron to follow our lead. Let's finish this fight."

"Unity and Destiny Ascension acknowledge. Vectoring toward the Reaper." Serpentine replied.

"All ahead flank. Stand by all batteries, pre-charge reaction chambers for main cannons." Admiral Vas Taylor ordered.

Prince Taylor turned his head, looking at her, "Thank you darling." Before turning his attention back to the tactical readouts.

The Reaper had halted in space, drifting. Energy readouts were normal, but the ship was not moving.

"A trap maybe?" The Admiral suggested.

"No." Prince Taylor stated, "It's thinking. It doesn't know what to do now. Time to target?"

"40 seconds to range." Serpentine announced.

He looked at his wife, "What's the status of the main cannons?"

"Reaction chamber is at 140% and climbing. The Na'vi Chamber is operating as designed. Plasma feeds are at 100%." She answered.

"Sovereign is taking action, moving toward us. We are taking fire from it's main cannon." Serpentine announced.

Prince Taylor looked at the readouts, "One and a quarter miles of space wasted on a M/A cannon. Pathetic."

"Shields are unaffected. We are in range." Serpentine informed.

"Fire main cannons." Prince Taylor ordered with glee.

The three main cannons of the SuperDreadnought came to life, huge bursts of plasma fire erupting from the bow and shooting across the blackness of space, pouring into Sovereign. The power readings were ludicrous, the Na'vi Crystal enhancements working even better than expected, each gun projecting 20 megatons per second of energy onto the Reaper, melting away the armor like so much wax before the flame.

Sovereign resisted the barrage for a second, then two, but no more. The Unity and Destiny Ascension added their batteries of long range beam projectors to the assault, sealing the Reaper's fate.

The mighty Sovereign, vanguard of the Reapers, veteran of unknown apocalypses and watcher of countless eons, shattered in a single glorious explosion.

Prince Taylor opened the fleet-wide, "Victory is ours!"

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Citadel Station Tower.

Aaron and John's squads were cheering, hooting and hugging each other as they saw the remains of Sovereign drifting through space.

John watched the reports as they streamed in, a grin plastered onto his face. He put his arms up and wide, looking at the holo, he began to laugh in triumph. "Nothing can stop us now." He said to himself.

"What Cousin?" Sativia asked.

He turned, leaning back against the master control console, "We just defeated an enemy, millions of years old, maybe even older. A being that has seen things we will probably never know, wiped the galaxy clean of life countless upon countless times. We just stopped a cycle of extinction that has gone on for unknown thousands of years. We just fought a war that no other species could have fought, and we not only won, but we came out stronger than before, with 3 more races under our banner, and technology with no peer anywhere in the galaxy." He said forcefully.

John paused for a moment, he saw that the squads had settled down. Indeed, all eyes were upon him, hanging onto his every word. With a feral grin he finished, "Nothing can stop us now."

"Such is the glory of Terra!" Gruna cried.

"And this is as it should be." Tsu'Tey intoned.

"Humanity ascendant!" Neytiri yelled.

"Divine Right." Tali joined.

"Yes Cousin, the galaxy, and perhaps the universe itself is ours now, whether it knows it or not. 32 years ago Humanity rose up, and claimed our rightful place as leaders, masters of the galaxy. Today we have proven ourselves worthy and deserving of that station, beyond any doubt. The Reapers have awakened us, and before it is over they shall know true fear." Sativia smiled darkly, "The Gods smile upon their children."

"Praise be." Aaron intoned.

"Praise be." John replied.

"Praise be." Nihlus agreed.

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End of Chapter Nineteen.


A/N: Ah-hah! I made it. Sort of. The Epilogue is still to come, and there is so much more to explore, this saga might be close to finished, but I'm nowhere close to done with this universe.

For those wondering, the song is the late and great Jim Croce's 'I'll have to say I love you in a song'