Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

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


Chapter Seven: Revenants and Revelations.

'these indicate normal thoughts'
This means an AI construct communicating.
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INF Normandy, Theseus System, March 15th, 2193.

Shepard and his team were suiting up in the armory. He had broken his people up into two squads. He lead Alpha, which included Tali, Natalya, Liara, and Jenkins.
Kaiden lead Bravo, consisting of Williams, Nihlus, and Wrex.

The Armory comm flared to life, "Pressly to Commander Shepard."

He walked over and hit the button, "Shepard here, what's the situation X/O?"

"We're almost in Feros orbit Commander, we're seeing Geth activity over the colony areas. There are some scattered transmissions but we have not made contact with anyone on the surface." Pressly informed him.

"Alright, stick to the plan. We have to find out what the Geth are here for before anything else."

Pressly acknowledged, "Affirmative Commander, we'll come in low and stealthed, landing site Zhu's Hope outpost. ETA 7 minutes."

Shepard closed the comm, "Alright people, we'll disembark from the bay. Move out."

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INF Normandy, Feros, Zhu's Hope Berth 1.

"We're down Commander, area clear, lowering ramp." Valar'Ressk said.

"Thanks Chief. Let's go Marines!" Shepard ordered.

The squads filed out of the bay. The surrounding area was cramped, cargo and parts stacked haphazardly. To the right he saw a passage marked as leading to the outpost.

"Alpha form up, I'm on point. Bravo cover our six."

"Aff."

"Gotcha"

"Acknowledged."

Shepard moved forward, scanning the area visually. As they entered the passage, he saw movement up ahead, a dark skinned human male in civilian clothes, clutching a M/A assault rifle waving them over.

"Soldiers? Fai Dan wishes... to... speak with you." The man said, stuttering strangely.

"Who's Fai Dan?" Shepard asked.

"He's... our.. leader. He needs.. your help... preparing for the geth." The man answered.

Shepard was about to ask something else when he saw movement, "Look out!"

A geth soldier came out from behind a corner and fired a rocket at them.

The sentry was killed instantly. Shepard returned fire, destroying the geth, as more of them came into sight.
His squad opened fire, the geth falling quickly.

"8 kills." Liara stated.

"Alright squad, let's move. Keep an eye out for anymore Geth." Shepard ordered.

They moved further on, the passageway turning into a stairway as they continued. They reached the top and it opened into a large area, Shepard saw a landed freighter, and crude fortifications facing him, manned by more colonists.

"They're Human, hold your fire." The apparent leader of the group said.

"Not all of them are human..." The woman to the right said.

'Something is not right at all.' Shepard thought.

"Commander Shepard, Imperial Spectres, who's in charge here?" He demanded.

The woman stared at him blankly, saying in a monotone, "Fai Dan. He's on the other side, past the freighter."

"Alright."

He started walking past, opening the squad comm, "Anyone else getting a 'Children of the Night' vibe off of this place?"

He heard Liara's voice first, "I have no idea what you just said Commander, but these people are acting very strangely."

"Could be battle stress, these people are civilians." Alenko offered.

The group passed a Salarian standing in a corner by the freighter, licking his omnitool.

"You honestly believe that Lieutenant?" Jenkins asked.

"..not really, no." Alenko replied.

"Everyone's sealed right?" Shepard asked.

They all replied in the affirmative.

The squads reached a pair of humans talking animatedly, the man older, clutching a pistol, the woman an assault rifle.

The man greeted them as they moved closer, "Ah! Soldiers, welcome. I'm glad somebody showed up. We're in bad shape."

"A bit late aren't you?" The woman said bitterly.

"Arcelia!" The man stated, "I'm sorry soldier, everyone's on edge here."

"I understand. Commander Shepard, Imperial Spectres. You Fai Dan?" Shepard responded.

"I am Commander. The geth started hitting us about 5 days ago. I managed to get most of my people to this outpost, the main colony is completely gone." Fai Dan said.

"Another attack!" Someone yelled.

"We've got Geth in the tower! Protect the heart of the colony." Arcelia yelled.

Shepard moved ahead, the geth were coming out of a passage into another building, apparently the tower. A quick burst from his repeater neutralized the geth moving into the colony.

"Alpha, form up. Bravo, stay here, make sure no geth get past us, and try to find out what's going on." Shepard ordered.

"Affirmative Commander, lock it down Bravo." the Lieutenant ordered.

Shepard advanced into the tower, the motion detector was going crazy.

'Commander, probability is high that the Geth are using some form of drones.' Wilco stated.

Suddenly he heard a splat from above. He looked up, stuck to the ceiling was some kind of smaller geth.
Tali shot it. After it fell she walked over to examine it.

"No idea what this is Commander. Some kind of.. hopper? I guess." She stated.

"Joy, they dangerous?"

"I don't see any weapons carried internally. They appear unarmed."

"Stay cautious anyway, let's keep moving." Shepard replied.

They moved down into the tower, encountering scattered geth infantry and hoppers.
At the bottom, there was a passageway, as the squad entered it they saw the area open up, it looked like a small vehicle bay.

"Commander, up top." Natalya said.

Shepard looked up, on top of the bay was a geth frigate, it's bays open.

"Concentrate fire on the drop bay!" Shepard ordered, firing into the ship.

Plasma bursts, laser bolts, energy and photon blasts poured into the geth ship. The ship's engines came to life, it started moving, dropping a dozen geth soldiers and a pair of walkers before speeding off.

Liara charged a biotic blast, throwing the two closest geth against the wall, neutralizing them.

Shepard coalesced his barrier, then began to pour fire into the walkers, disabling one, before Tali used a grenade to destroy the second. Natalya and Jenkins had taken the rest out by then.

"Area secure." Liara announced.

'Commander, sensors are operable. Geth jamming has ceased. The tower is clear.' the AI stated.

"The tower is clear, let's update Fai Dan and see where to next." Shepard ordered.

-----------------------------

"The tower is clear of geth." Shepard stated to Fai Dan as they re-entered the outpost.

"That's good news, thank you Commander. I was worried we wouldn't be able to hold out against another assault." Fai Dan said.

"The geth will hit again. They always just bring in more and come after us." Arcelia stated.

"Help me find out what they're after and I can put a stop to them." Shepard said.

"They came, they attacked, that's all we know." Arcelia replied.

"They hit the Exo-Geni facility first, they swarmed it." Fai Dan stated.

Shepard asked, "Any idea what Exo-Geni was working on here?"

Fai Dan shook his head, "No Commander, my group is just colonists, not any of the researchers. All I know is that they're supposed to be looking into ways to utilize the ruins. The facility is almost 20 miles away, along the prothean skyway. You should be able to get vehicles from your ship to our skyway entrance. But it's certain the Geth are up there."

"Every geth we kill gets us one step closer to victory. Thank you for the information. Squads, form up on me. Back to the Normandy." Shepard ordered.

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After finally getting the vehicles to the skyway entrance, they were ready to head for the Exo-Geni facility.

Shepard keyed the comms, "Mako 2, Hammerhead 1, ready?"

"Hammerhead 1, ready to roll." Jenkins' voice rang out.

"Mako 2, ready." Alenko replied.

"Mako 1 taking point, let's get this convoy moving." Shepard stated, closing the comm. He turned to the front of the mako, "Tali, let's move."

"Affirmative." She replied.

The convoy began rolling. As the doors opened, Shepard saw the sheer scale of the ruins outside. The Skyway was a huge rolling throughway, easily 600 feet wide.

"Look at the size of this road, reminds me of the pictures of the old interstate highways on Terra, before the Third Great war." He commented.

"Contact with a group of geth walkers, 400 meters, just over that rise." Natalya stated from the gunner's seat.

Shepard keyed the comm, "Jenkins, fire up the mortar and hit those geth."

"Affirmative, firing mortar." Jenkins replied.

Shepard linked into the mako's optics, watching the plasma shell fly over and devastate the geth position.

"Targets annihilated." Natalya confirmed.

"Good shooting Jenkins, those 75cm launchers pack a hell of a punch."

The convoy continued at a fast pace, speeding along at 85mph.

About 16 miles into the journey, Mako 2 commed, "Commander, we've got contact with a geth dropship coming in fast behind us." Alenko reported.

"They'll have a hell of a time hitting us at speed, Jenkins, can you fire your main gun without slowing?" Shepard asked.

"Yes sir, charging main cannon." Jenkins reported.

Shepard watched the approach through the visual sensors, "Fire at will Sergeant."

The geth ship screamed in, approaching for a drop. The Hammerhead's turret lined up and fired it's 25cm main cannon, lobbing a plasma projectile directly into the geth ship. The forward section of the ship was cut open from the blast. A second shot finished it off, the scattered pieces of it shooting off into the abyss below.

"Now this is what I signed up for!" Jenkins cried over the comm.

Shepard smiled at his enthusiasm, "Good shooting, again."

'Commander, there are scattered comm signals through this area, attempting to isolate.' Wilco informed.

'Patch them through the Mako's speakers Wilco.'

"Wilco's detecting scattered comm signals, I'm having them put through the speakers." Shepard said.


"There's got to be somebody left out there, does anyone read?"

"Wait.. there's some vehicles on the skyway, hello? Can you read?"


'Signal has been cut Commander.' Wilco stated.

"That's it, anyone have an idea where it was?" He asked.

"Tracking puts it at an alcove about a mile ahead of us on the skyway. Appears to be a covered structure of some kind." Natalya said.

"Hit it, we'll check it out." Shepard ordered.

--------------------------------

The convoy stopped at what looked like an overpass/crossover of some type.

"Mako 2, dismount and come with. Hammerhead standby, cover the Makos." Shepard ordered.

"Affirmative Commander, Hammerhead on standby." Jenkins replied.

Shepard filed out, followed by Liara, Natalya, and Tali.

He saw Alenko, Nihlus and Wrex coming from Mako 2. Williams was with Jenkins in the Hammerhead.

"Commander, there appears to be an entrance to the facility over there." Liara stated.

"Let's go." Shepard ordered.

The squads moved over to the small tunnel, entering it.

They entered a large open area, probably 2 dozen people in civilian and technical garb, and maybe half a dozen armed and armored. A short human male was arguing with a human female further in. There were barricades erected near the entrance, but the sentries failed to notice them entering until they were already on them.

"Who's in charge here?" Shepard demanded.

One of the sentries thumbed over to where the two humans were arguing.

Shepard motioned the squads forward, moving toward the pair.

He caught afew of the man's rambling words, 'company' 'promotion' 'we're all going to die'

"Which one of you is the leader?" Shepard asked as he walked up.

They both turned to him, totally unaware he had been approaching.

'How the hell have they survived the geth so far?' Shepard thought to himself.

"I am soldier! Ethan Jeong, I am the ranking Exo-Geni represent--" The man was cut off.

"Ranking Exo-Geni official? Good. Tell me what the geth are here for. Now." Shepard demanded.

"I'm sure I don't know soldier. Just who do you think you are anyway, you can't just demand things from a repre--" He went flying as Shepard's gauntlet connected with his face.

The armored sentries started moving, but decided better of it as they saw Wrex and Liara charge their biotics. Shepard walked over to where Jeong was getting up. Tali and Natalya following.

"Let me introduce myself, Commander Shepard, Imperial Spectres. Just so we're clear, I have a very low opinion of Exo-Geni. I have an even lower opinion of humans that work with Exo-Geni. Now, tell me what I need to know or I'll rip it out of your flesh." Shepard stated.

"I don't.. if I had to guess, they must be here for Species 37." Jeong replied frantically.

"Now we're getting somewhere, what the hell is species 37?" Shepard asked.

"It's some kind of plant, they call it the Thorian. It's sentient, and can enslave other beings."

Shepard scowled, "Let me guess, like the colonists of Zhu's Hope."

"They were the control group, the Thorian makes it's home somewhere under Zhu's Hope, but it has tendrils that stretch across the entire planet. It's thousands of years old, maybe it was even here before the protheans." Jeong responded.

"How does it control the colonists, some form of telepathy?" Liara asked.

Jeong shook his head, "No, the Thorian releases spores that infest synaptic passages, this allows it to implant a command into a targets mind, if they try to resist, the Thorian causes incredible pain."

Liara looked thoughtful for a moment, "So the effects might be reversible?"

"I have no idea. We were instructed to observe and report on the infection first, everything else later." Jeong replied.

"I need something better than 'somewhere under Zhu's Hope'." Shepard stated.

"We were close to determining the exact location before the geth hit, maybe there's information at the facility that can help." Jeong offered.

"Just keeps getting better and better." Shepard said.

The woman that had been arguing with Jeong spoke, "Commander, my name's Juliana Baynham, my daughter Elizabeth stayed in the facility while we evacuated to send a distress call, there's a chance she might still be alive. Please, please look for her."

"I'll consider it." Shepard replied, turning back to Jeong, "Be thankful I have other things to shoot at." Shepard stated, walking back to the rest of the group.

"Lieutenant, you and Bravo stay here, I don't want these fools to get wiped out by geth before they have the chance to stand trial. Alpha and I will clear the Exo-Geni building and try to determine exactly where the Thorian is."

"Aye sir, we'll hold here, I assume we shouldn't shoot them if they get annoying?" Alenko asked.

"I'll leave that upto your discretion Lieutenant. Alpha, let's go." Shepard ordered.

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Mako 1, Outside Exo-Geni headquarters.

"Strange that we had no contact between the survivors and here." Natalya observed after they dismounted.

Shepard agreed, "I want everyone alert, I'd bet the geth have fortified the building."

'Scanner and comm jamming detected Commander.' Wilco informed.

"They're jamming us, I'm on point." Shepard ordered.

The huge doors separating the compound from the skyway were open only about 10 feet wide, Shepard entered, repeater at the ready.

"Commander, above us, geth hoppers." Liara warned.

"Open fire." Shepard ordered, shooting at the geth.

Suddenly Tali was hit by a projectile, causing her to duck into cover.

"Tali, are you alright?" Shepard asked.

"I'll live, I guess these hoppers are armed, that was some kind of energy bolt." She replied.

"That's the last of them Commander." Natalya announced.

"Alright, Let's keep moving."

They moved further into the structure, there was some kind of energy field blocking the main entrance.

"Geth force field, they're hooked up to geth ships, we won't be able to breach it with handheld weapons in a decent amount of time." Tali informed them.

"It looks like there's a tunnel over there leading into the lower floor." Liara pointed out.

The squad walked over, about a 10 foot drop down, but they could see where it entered the building.

"Looks like our way in, follow me." Shepard ordered, jumping. The squad followed.

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The tunnel ended into a large open, semi-flooded area. Shepard was on point, moving forward when he heard a noise to the right, swinging in that direction.

A young human woman, clutching a small M/A pistol, "Don't shoot!" She yelled.

"Elizabeth Baynham?" Shepard asked.

"Yes, yes that's me, are you a rescue team?" She asked.

"Not exactly. I need information on the location of the Thorian." Shepard replied.

"I guess there's no point claiming I don't know what you're talking about? Alright, it's under Zhu's Hope, we don't know the exact location." Elizabeth said.

"I need the exact location, Jeong said there might be something in the Exo-Geni computers that would help, where would the main core be located?" Shepard asked.

"We don't have an accessible core, everything is controlled by a VI matrix, there are terminals throughout the facility. Here, take my ident card, it will give you full access." Elizabeth replied.

"Thanks, lay low, we'll take care of the geth." Shepard stated.

"Commander, activity, looks like Varren." Tali stated.

"Liara, singularity." Shepard ordered, charging his own biotics.

Liara focused and created an apex of force in the middle of the varren, they were drawn into the air, circling. Shepard unleashed a blast on them, liquefying the animals.

"That was messy. Alright, let's move." Shepard ordered.

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Entering the building proper, they found a wall-map showing the nearest VI interface, up a flight of stairs. As they made their way up, they began to hear a heated (Atleast on one side) exchange.

"Stupid machine! Access encrypted files."

"No, I don't want to review protocol."

A Krogan was quite comically arguing with the VI interface, not noticing them as they moved up.

"I am sorry, please contact your supervisor for a level 4 security authorization." the VI stated,

Tali and Natalya were snickering at this exchange, Shepard had to hold back his own laughter.

"Dammit, tell me what I want to know or I'll blast your virtual ass into actual dust!" The krogan yelled.

Shepard moved stealthily, once he was directly behind the krogan he struck, unsheathing his gauntlet blade and ripping it through the krogan's neck in an instant. The krogan fell, gurgling, then silent.

"That was a work of art Commander." Natalya commented.

"Thanks, VI I need any information concerning the exact location of the Thorian."

"Accessing.. No complete information available. However monitoring stations at Zhu's Hope have reported the infected colonists have moved a freighter section over a newly uncovered tunnel. It can be surmised that the Thorian lies there." The VI informed.

"Good. Access layout, are there any exits out of the building not blocked by Geth force fields?"

"Accessing.. negative. The Geth are running power from a ship latched to the side of this facility. All exits are blocked by these powered barriers."

"Can we access the ship?"

"Accessing, the ship's docking claws can be found on floor 7, section 5 containment lab."

"Upload building schematics to my neural net and shut down." Shepard ordered.

"Upload complete. Shutting down VI Interfaces." The VI flickered out of existence.

'Floor 7, section 5 is close to us Commander, follow the stairs up three floors and make a right.' his AI informed.

"Alright, squad form up, move out." Shepard ordered.

The way up was clogged with Geth, they engaged atleast 17 just on the stairwell, Shepard throwing the bodies over the side to keep going.

They came out on the 7th floor, Shepard saw a bright light to the left, and moved over toward it.

There were a pair of Geth kneeling in front of a clamshell shaped device, a bright beacon in the middle of it. He motioned the squad over quietly.

"It almost looks like they are worshiping at an altar." Liara observed.

"A shrine to the reapers possibly." Tali suggested.

"We can figure this out later." Shepard stated, tossing a grenade into the device, neutralizing it and the geth.
As they moved along in the other direction, Shepard spotted one of the Geth docking claws, embedded through the wall, grasping a support.

"Tali, Natalya, anyway we could blow these claws with what we have?" Shepard asked.

Natalya spoke first, "Infernium grenades, several of them should do the trick."

"A mix of plasma and infernium grenades will be most effective. It has a high probability of working." Tali agreed.

"You two stay here and rig it up then. Liara, with me." Shepard ordered.

As they moved further into the containment lab, Shepard saw a number of geth, including three of the larger bipedal ones moving around near a row of computer banks.

He coalesced a barrier, and saw Liara doing the same.

"Let's hit them hard." He said, sprinting toward the group, Liara behind.

He hit two of the larger ones standing beside each other with a biotic blast, while Liara did the same for 4 of the normal ones. She killed the last two with her plasma carbine as he laid into the largest geth with his repeater, neutralizing it after three bursts.

"Let's see, they moved some geth computer units in here. They tied them into the Exo-Geni computers. Let me see if Wilco can interface through them." Shepard stated.

'Attempting access. And I am in. Commander, downloading Geth force numbers and troop reports for three different sectors.' the AI stated.

"And we just pulled off a hell of an intelligence coup. Let's get back to Tali and Natalya."

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"Commander, explosives rigged. I suggest a minimum of 200 feet between us and the blast." Tali stated.

"Alright, let's move back to the stairwell." Shepard ordered.

"We should be clear here." Tali stated once they reached the stairwell.

"Blow them to hell." Shepard ordered.

Tali activated her omnitool, punching in a detonation command.

A rumbling explosion, then a crying screech and groan of metal being wrenched as the geth ship slid off the side of the building and fell into the abyss that is lower Feros.

Shepard smiled, "Well done you two."

'Jamming has ceased, the facility is clear of geth and all force fields are inactive.' Wilco reported.

Shepard's comm flared to life, "Normandy to shore party, Commander do you read?" Pressly's voice rang out.

"Shepard here, what's going on?"

"Commander, the colonists here have gone nuts, they started banging on the hull trying to force their way in. The shields have been activated, but I thought you needed to be informed." Pressly replied.

"Got it Pressly, thanks. Any more geth ships around?" Shepard asked.

"Negative Commander, the last dropships left orbit half an hour ago, we still show a significant amount of ground forces however." Pressly answered.

"Affirmative X/O. Comm Arcturus and get a troop ship out here, on my authority. Shepard out."

He turned to the squad, "Let's pick up that researcher and head back for Bravo squad."

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"Jenkins, we're gonna check in with Bravo. Be ready to roll in 10." Shepard ordered over the comm.

"Affirmative Commander, ready when you give the word." Jenkins replied.

Shepard and crew dismounted Mako 1, heading into the survivor's area.

"Sir." Alenko acknowledged, saluting.

"Anything happen while we were away Lieutenant?" Shepard asked.

"The short one tried to contact Exo-Geni corporate, we put a stop to that real fast. Other than that it was all quiet." Alenko replied.

Juliana and Elizabeth Baynham walked up, Elizabeth asking, "Commander, are you going after the Thorian?"

"No I thought I'd leave it here so you could infect more innocent people." Shepard retorted.

"I know what we did was wrong, and I know we'll be tried and punished for it. Let me try to undo some of the damage we've caused, please." Elizabeth pleaded.

"What do you have in mind?" Shepard asked.

"The colonists will fight to the death to protect the Thorian. I think we have a way to neutralize them, and break the Thorian's hold, without killing them." She said.

"I'm listening." Shepard replied.

"A few of us were trying to develop a serum to prevent the effects of the Thorian, behind management's back. We didn't get that far, but we were able to rig a type of nerve gas that should temporarily suspend the body's synaptic impulses, as well as killing the Thorian's control spores in the subject. We used fertilizer from the hydroponic bays to make it, we have a large quantity on hand. We should be able to fit them into a low-yield grenade casing." Elizabeth finished.

"Look me in the eyes right now and tell me you're 100 percent confident this will work. I can't take the chance that the colonists will be permanently affected by the Thorian."

She looked up at him, "I'm certain this will work."

"Liara, Tali, go with her. Double check the notes, if it looks solid, rig a full satchel of grenades." Shepard ordered. They nodded, then followed after Elizabeth.

Liara and Tali returned to the squad in about 15 minutes time, "I'm relatively certain this gas will produce the desired effect." Liara stated.

Tali gestured to a satchel hooked into her belt, "We put together 20 of the gas grenades. They should be able to neutralize the colonists without killing them."

"I trust both of your judgements. This is good news, let's move out." He turned to Alenko, "Lieutenant, I want you and Bravo to stay here again. Pressly's requested a troop ship, until then I want these idiots watched constantly. Jenkins and the Hammerhead will come with us and provide support."

Alenko nodded, "Understood sir. I'll have Nihlus babysit Mako 2, good luck."

"Thanks Lieutenant. Squad, mount up." Shepard ordered.

The squad entered Mako 1, getting into their normal positions.

Shepard keyed the comm, "Jenkins, roll out, you lead the way. Pressly reported heavy contact with geth infantry and walkers along the skyway."

"Acknowledged Commander, let's hit it." Jenkins replied.

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"Contact with a company of geth walkers, firing mortar." Jenkins stated.

Shepard watched the projectile hit through the visual sensors. destroying half of the walkers in the explosion. The remaining walkers concentrated fire on the Hammerhead, pulse and M/A projectiles blasting away at it's shield. Natalya began firing at the walkers with the Mako's cannon and repeater, blasting them one by one. The Hammerhead's main gun lit up, blasting the last 3 geth walkers in a single shot. "We're clear." Natalya announced.

Shepard opened the comm, "Let's keep moving, we've still got 6 miles to cover."

The rest of the journey was uneventful.

"We've reached the entrance to Zhu's Hope Commander. It's barricaded. We should be able to get in if we dismount." Tali informed.

Shepard keyed his comm, "Jenkins, we're gonna dismount here and move in on foot. You better come with us, no telling what this Thorian is capable of. Williams can watch the vehicles."

"Affirmative Commander." Jenkins replied.

They filed out of the Mako, Jenkins hopping off the Hammerheads turret and grouping up.

"Commander, movement near the entrance." Natalya stated.

Moving in front of the huge double doors was a human shaped creature, about 5 feet tall. A deathly gray, with sunken patterns over it's skin, scythed claws instead of fingers, and no eyes.

"What in the name of Hades is that?" Shepard asked.

"A zombie?" Jenkins suggested.

The creature caught sight of them and started running toward them.

Liara shot it with her plasma carbine, the creature almost dissolving.

She ran over to it's remains and unsheathed her medical scanner.

"Commander, these reading are consistent with the reading Exo-Geni took of the Thorian's tendrils" Liara stated.

"Damn, is it one of the colonists?" Shepard asked.

Liara shook her head, "Not possible. There is no evidence of Human DNA or cell structure in this creature. It seems to be wholly a creation of this Thorian."

Shepard nodded, "That's a relief. Alright people, I'm on point. We run across anymore of these.. we'll call them creepers, shoot them. Hold fire otherwise, I'll try to incapacitate the colonists with the gas grenades."

"Affirmative Commander." Jenkins replied.

"Acknowledged." Liara stated.

"By your orders." Tali said.

"Aff." Natalya responded.

Shepard smiled, "Let's move."

Shepard coalesced a barrier and entered the garage section, immediately being fired on by two colonists, the M/A rounds bouncing off his barrier. He pulled a disc shaped grenade out of the satchel, twisting the activator and throwing it through the air. The grenade detonated over the two colonist's heads. They dropped immediately. Unfortunately the blast awakened a group of creepers further in the room.

Shepard and the squad laid into them with plasma and energy fire, killing them easily.

"These things are pretty weak. I seriously doubt if that's all that the Thorian will throw at us before this is over. Stay sharp squad, let's go." Shepard ordered.

There were two more colonists just inside the next room, Shepard neutralized them with a grenade, knocking them out.

They continued in the fashion, encountering colonists and creepers. Finally they reached the heart of the colony, the freighter.

"Area looks clear sir." Jenkins stated.

'According to the Exo-Geni reports, the colonists moved a section of the freighter over the entrance using a large cargo crane. It should still be in position.' Shepard's AI stated.

"Anyone see a cargo crane near the freighter?" Shepard asked.

"Over there Commander." Tali said, pointed ahead of them.

The squad moved over to the crane, Shepard scanning the area for any movement. He spotted a figure moving toward them, it was Fai Dan, clutching a pistol, but not aiming at them.

Shepard motioned for the squad to hold fire.

"Fai Dan?" Shepard asked.

"It gets in your head.. you can't imagine the pain." Fai Dan said, clutching his head.

"I was their leader, these people trusted me!" He lamented.

Shepard looked over to Liara, giving her a look. She charged her biotics, paralyzing Fai Dan with a stasis field. Shepard tossed a grenade at the man, knocking him out when the gas released.

"Good job Liara. Tali, check out the crane controls." Shepard ordered.

Tali activated the controls, moving the section of the freighter's cargo bay, exposing the entrance underneath.

"Everyone take a minute, check your ammo and armor, ready check in 3." Shepard stated, flipping through his HUD. Armor: 98%. PowerGen: 100%.

He thought of something, "Liara, these gas grenades. They destroy the Thorian spores, right?"

Liara nodded, "Yes."

"Would they work on other Thorian matter?" Shepard asked.

Liara looked thoughtful, "Such as the material these 'creepers' are made of? I believe so, yes."

"I've got.. 11 grenades left. You all take two a piece." Shepard said, tossing the satchel to Tali.
Tali clipped two to her belt, then handed it to Natalya, and so forth. Jenkins took the final two.

"Alright, everyone ready for this? Shepard asked.

"Born ready sir." Jenkins replied, the rest of the squad agreed.

"Glad to hear it, I'm on point. Let's go." Shepard said, descending into the exposed tunnel.

--------------------------------

The tunnel didn't go that deep. About 200 feet down it opened into a large tubular area. Multiple-floors ringing the open center.

"Alright, we just need to find this creature and determine if it... if it.. Keelah, what's that?" Tali exclaimed.

In the open center, there was a hige mass of writhing and dangling flesh and tendrils. Huge tendrils stretched out of it to the walls throughout the area.

"Is that the Thorian?" Jenkins asked, disbelieving.

Shepard sighed, "Nothing's ever simple is it."

As the squad moved forward, standing on the ledge closest to the creature, it started pulsating, making noises. An orifice surrounded by tendrils expelled a humanoid shape. A green-skinned Asari commando stood in front of them.

"Well this is interesting." Shepard said by way of greeting.

The strange asari began to speak, "Invaders! Your every step is a transgression. A thousand feelers appraise you as meat, fit only to dig or decompose. I speak for the old growth, as I once did for Saren. It commands that you be in awe in it's presence."

"Saren wanted something from you, I need to know what it was." Shepard demanded.

"The Old Growth is tired of dealing with those that scurry. Making barter and promises then betrayal."

"Saren made a deal, then turned around and sent the Geth after you? I'm sworn to kill him. Help me, and I can strike a blow in return." Shepard said.

"The Old Growth refuses to deal with meat. You shall be made as thralls!"

A frightening number of creepers could be seen moving around the area.

"Frag this." Shepard stated, blasting the strange asari into the Thorian with his biotics.

"Defensive positions." He ordered.

"Liara, any idea how to kill this thing?" Shepard asked.

"If we destroy the tendrils connecting it to this structure, it should fall into the abyss below." She suggested.

"Alright, shoot everything in sight, follow me." Shepard ordered, moving back off the ledge and following the path around a corner.

A tendril was directly in front of him, down a small ramp. 4 bursts from his repeater severed it, the Thorian letting out an anguished cry.

"It's in pain Commander, we're hurting it." Liara stated.

Shepard was too busy firing at a dozen creepers swarming at him to respond.

More and more kept pouring in to the passage, Jenkins couldn't take the time to reload a plasma pack, transitioning to his sidearm. Shepard poured energy fire into the creepers pouring in, running forward and blasting them with a biotic wave. "Come on, before we're overrun!"

As they entered the next area, Shepard spotted another tendril, firing at it with a long burst. As it severed, a Biotic throw hit him, pushing him back against a wall.

His assailant was another of the strange green asari, an exact copy in fact. "This keeps getting better and better." He muttered, blasting the asari off the ledge with his own Biotics.

"Squad, watch out, there's more of those Asari, the Thorian is producing them somehow." Shepard warned.

"Why do the pretty ones have to be evil?" Jenkins mused.

"Dammit Leeroy, someday when we're not being assaulted by hundreds of minions of a mind-controlling, evil plant, we're gonna sit down and have a talk about proper times and places." Shepard said.

They advanced down another level, crossing through a stairwell, coming up on a third tendril and another asari clone. Liara was the one to biotically throw the asari off the ledge this time, while Shepard destroyed the tendril.

Natalya observed the Thorian starting to tilt, "One more tendril and the Thorian should fall."

"Out of ammo!" Jenkins yelled.
Shepard pulled a laser pistol out of his backup holster, tossing it to him. "Just a little more, people. We've almost got it."

Shepard looked ahead, spotting the level they were on ending around a very large tendril, surrounded by creepers. "Come on!" He ordered.

Shepard observed at least 40 creepers in the room with the tendril as they came up to it.

He checked his belt, no grenades. "Anyone have a grenade left?"

"Negative!" Tali cried, her photon shotgun almost glowing from the fire she was laying down.

"No sir!" Jenkins replied, firing with his borrowed pistol.

Natalya tossed a plasma grenade at him, "My last." She explained.

Shepard keyed the detonator, tossing it into the room. It rolled into the first creeper, detonating instantly. The blast destroying over a dozen of them. He advanced into the room, firing his repeater until it whined from overheating. Two Biotic blasts after that and the room was cleared. His repeater was dangerously overheated, he wouldn't be able to fire it until it cooled.

"Natalya, use your VLRM on that tendril!" He ordered.

Natalya knelt, unslinging the large laser rifle, taking aim and pulling the trigger. Instantly the tendril exploded, the Thorian screamed an inhuman cry, falling into the abyss below. The rest of the creepers exploded where they were.

"We got it!" Tali cried.

"Woohaa, yeah!" Jenkins yelled.

Shepard threw his arms around Natalya, hugging her close.

"Commander, over there." Liara said, pointing last where the tendril had been.

One of the fleshy pods on the wall was breaking open, Shepard pulled his primary sidearm, a plasma pistol, walking over slowly.

The pod cracked open, a figure clawing their way out of it, dropping onto the ground.

Shepard saw that it was an Asari, in the armor of a commando. As she stood up, he realized she was identical to the asari clones that had been attacking them, except she was a purple hue.

"I'm free, I'm free!" The Asari said. She turned to them, "I have you all to thank for that?"

Shepard nodded, "Who are you? Why were you in that thing?"

"My name is Shiala, I once served Matriarch Benezia. When Benezia chose to join Saren, I followed. Benezia foresaw the horror Saren would unleash. She joined him to guide him down a gentler path, but Saren is compelling. Benezia lost her way." She stated.

"Lost her way?" Liara asked.

"Benezia underestimated Saren, as I did. We came to believe in his cause and his goals. The strength of his influence is troubling. His ship, Sovereign, emits a powerful signal. Those close to Saren start to follow him blindly, their minds no longer their own. Even a Matriarch couldn't resist that.." Shiala trailed off.

"Benezia sought to turn the river, and was swept away." Liara stated.

"The indoctrination is strong, I was a willing slave when Saren brought me to this world. He needed my biotics to communicate with the Thorian, to learn it's secrets. Saren offered me in trade, I was sacrificed to secure an alliance between Saren and the Thorian." Shiala explained.

"So why were the Geth attacking the Thorian?" Shepard asked.

"Once he had what he needed, the Thorian was a risk. Saren knows you are searching for the Conduit, he knows you are following his steps. He attacked the Thorian so you could not gain the Cipher." Shiala stated.

"What is the Cipher?" He asked.

"The beacon on Eden Prime gave you visions, but the visions are unclear, confusing. They were meant for a Prothean mind. To truly comprehend them you must think like a Prothean. The CIpher is the very essence of being a Prothean.The Thorian was here long before the Protheans built this city. It watched and studied them, when they died it consumed them, they became a part of it." Shiala answered.

"You were able to retrieve it from the Thorian, and pass it to Saren. I need it." Shepard stated.

"I can grant it to you, but we would have to Meld." Shiala explained.

"Let's do it." Shepard said.

"Commander, are you sure? She's a known traitor. She followed Saren." Liara warned.

"We don't have a choice." Shepard said, turning back to Shiala, "Know this, I'll burn your mind to ash if you try anything."

Shiala nodded, "I understand Commander."

Shiala stepped closer to him, "Try to relax Commander, slow deep breaths. Let go of your physical shell. Reach out to grasp the threads that bind us, one to another. Every action sends ripples across the galaxy. Every idea must touch another mind to live. Each emotion must mark another's spirit. We are all connected, every living sentient united in a single, glorious existence. Open yourself to the universe Commander. Embrace Eternity!"

Shepard's mind exploded, the visions replaying in his head. Clearer now, his understanding of them expanded. Visions of the galaxy on fire, the Protheans battling an unstoppable foe, the Reapers killing, and killing, and killing. Suddenly, for a single moment, he knew the span of the Prothean Empire. Every world, every system, every outpost that had once been marked with their name. Then as soon as the realization hit him, it all ended.
He struggled to re-center himself, his mind swimming. Finally Wilco broke him back into reality.

'Commander, your vision, I was able to record the Prothean systems listing.' the AI stated.

"That was incredible." Shepard said.

"Shepard, a knowledge transfer can be traumatic, do you feel alright?" Liara asked.

"John, are you okay?" Tali asked.

"I'm fine." He replied. "The visions made more sense, I'll have to take some time to digest this."

He looked over at Shiala, her head lolling slightly, her eyes unfocused.

"Shiala?" He asked.

She shook herself, "I'm sorry. I have given you the Cipher, it will take some time for the effects to completely manifest themselves."

Shepard crossed his arms, looking at Shiala. "So what do I do with you now?"

"That is up to you Commander. My mind is my own for the first time in quite a while. I swear to you that I am not allied with Saren now. You have freed me from both Saren and the Thorian, and I owe you a debt.I would like to come with you, I might be able to provide you insights on Saren and his forces. I would also like a chance to repent for the damage I've caused to Humanity. You would be justified in executing me right now if you wished however. I lay myself bare before your judgement." Shiala said, kneeling.

"I find no deception in your intentions. You will come with us, and help defeat Saren, and redeem yourself." Shepard stated.

Shiala rose, "I swear myself to you and your cause Commander. Where you lead, I shall follow. If you ask for my life it will be freely given."

"I expect nothing less. Now come, we have a long way to go in this war." Shepard ordered, turning around and leading the squad out.

Shepard keyed his comm once they got back to the surface, "Shepard to Normandy."

"Normandy here Commander, we've been trying to reach you for 20 minutes. The Troop Ship you requested will be here within the hour." Pressly informed him.

"Excellent, I'm on my way back to the Normandy now. Shepard out." He turned to the squad, "Jenkins, head back to the Hammerhead and you and Chief Williams take it and Mako 1 back to Bravo squad, help the Lieutenant escort the survivors back here to the outpost."

"Got it Commander, see you on the ship." Jenkins replied, heading back to the vehicles.

Shepard keyed his comm again, "Shepard to Alenko."

"Alenko here Commander, good news?" the Lieutenant asked.

"We won Lieutenant, the Thorian is finished, we got what we came here for. Reinforcements will be landing within an hour. Jenkins and Williams are headed your way, when they get there escort the Exo-Geni survivors here to the outpost." Shepard ordered.

"Affirmative Commander, Alenko out."

Shepard turned back to the squad, "Alright, let's head to the Normandy."

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INF Normandy, Zhu's Hope berth 1.

They entered the Normandy through the vehicle bay. Shepard and the rest removed their helms.
"Normandy." Shepard said.

"Yes Commander Shepard?" The ship replied.

"Inform X/O Pressly that I'm onboard. I'll debrief once the entire team is back. What's the ETA on the Troop Ship?" Shepard asked.

"The IMA 'Thanatos' will be berthing in 35 minutes."

"Thank you Normandy." Shepard said, turning to the squad, "Liara, why don't you take Shiala to the infirmary, get her checked out."

"Of course Commander." Liara responded as they both headed to the med deck.

He looked at Tali and Natalya, "Let's head to our quarters, I need a shower after that."

Tali looked hopeful, "Fun time?"

"We just fought what was quite possibly the most disgusting thing in the galaxy. How can you think about mating after that?" Shepard asked.

"Because I belong to an incredibly virile male?" Tali offered.

Shepard had to crack a smile at that, "You have such a way with words princess, let's go."

------------------------------

After a quick stop at the armory, Tali, Natalya and John entered his quarters.

John locked the hatch, then turned to see his girls already half undressed.

"Eager are we?" He teased them.

Tali grinned, stripping the rest of her clothing off.

Natalya didn't bother. Falling to her knees before John, she reached and undid his belt pulling his trousers and underwear down. She leaned forward and began licking his cock, running her tongue around the head and down the shaft.

John groaned as she lowered her head down his length, taking him into her throat easily.

Tali watched this transpire, finally disrobed, she moved over and knelt behind Natalya.

She hooked her hands into Natalya's pants and pulled them down, exposing the glistening flesh between her thighs. Tali looked up at John, meeting his eyes and winking mischievously. She slowly brought a hand up, running her tongues over the three fingers, then lowering it and sliding them into Natalya's slit. Natalya moaned around John's shaft, pressing back against Tali's hand.

Tali smirked, leaning her head down and gently licking Natalya's anus. Natalya was moaning even louder at this, and doubled her efforts to please John, sucking his shaft and gently rubbing his sack. The feel of her mouth was wonderful, but John had other ideas. He reached down and moved her head off his shaft. Natalya looked up at him disappointed.

He smiled, "Tali, up on the bed, spread those wonderful legs of yours."

Tali smiled, having an inkling of what John wanted. She moved up, laying back on the bed, splaying her legs.

John moved Natalya, bending her over the side of his bed. She immediately buried her face in Tali's slit, licking passionately. John reached down, pulling Natalya's buns apart, lining his cock up with her tight hole.

He thrust in, hilting himself. The feeling around his cock was incredible, her velvety rectum tight and warm around his shaft. John started thrusting in and out slowly, savoring the feel. Natalya was sliding her tongue deep into Tali's slit, she moved her hands up, sliding two fingers into the quarian girl, gently fingering her as she licked around them.

John was thrusting faster now, his sack hitting Natalya's slit everytime he buried himself in her.
Natalya felt herself moving close to an orgasm. She removed her fingers from Tali's slit and slid them up Tali's ass, bringing a cry of pleasure from the other female.

Tali cried out, "Oh Natalya!" As she came, releasing her juices onto Natalya's face.

John followed, burying himself into her and cumming with a loud cry, triggering Natalya's own orgasm, her feminine cum running down her thighs and covering John's sack.

Natalya crawled up onto the bed, sliding in next to Tali. John watched as his two females started kissing, touching each others breasts.

John was about to join them when the voice of the Normandy came over the cabin speakers, "Commander, the Thanatos has landed and is off-loading troops. Lieutenant Alenko reports that the Exo-Geni survivors are secured in Zhu's Hope and the colonists are all accounted for."

"Thank you Normandy, inform the commander of the Thanatos that I'll be available in.. 15 minutes." Shepard finished, turning to his girls, "Now, shower time."

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Bridge, INF Normandy.

"Commander on deck!" The Normandy announced as Shepard entered the bridge.

"Commander, Colonel Archer of the Thanatos is standing by on the comm." Pressly informed.

"I'll take it in the comm room." Shepard said, heading toward it already.

He walked into the comm room, he saw the Colonel already on the vid screen. "Colonel Archer, sorry to keep you waiting. I'm glad you were able to respond so quickly."

"We were released from duty with the Second when we received your priority call. It's an honor to be working with you sir. Now, what's the situation?" Archer asked.

Shepard spent the better part of half an hour relating the relevant information.

"Bottom line is we need to get the Exo-Geni survivors shipped off to Elysium so they can stand trial, get the colonists back up and running again, and make sure the Geth have been wiped out."

Shepard nodded, "That pretty much sums it up Colonel."

"Alright Commander, sounds like you pulled a few damn rabbits out of your hat. We can take it from here. Good luck with your mission. Archer out."

"Commander, Lieutenant Alenko and his squad have been relieved and are back on ship." Normandy informed him.

"Thanks Normandy." Shepard keyed the shipwide, "Alpha and Bravo squads, report to comm room for debriefing."

---------------------------------

"I'm really, really happy you left us to guard those fragging Exo-Geni idiots. I think if I'd seen that Thorian I'd have nightmares for a couple of weeks." Lieutenant Alenko said, after Shepard had related the events Alpha had gone through.

"Commander, if I may?" Liara asked.

"Certainly Liara, what is it?" Shepard replied.

"The Cipher, and the visions you have. If we join our minds, I might be able to help you decipher them." Liara offered.

Shepard nodded, "You're the resident Prothean expert, it sounds good."

Liara rose and walked over to him, moving their heads close to each other, "Relax Commander. Embrace Eternity!"

Shepard felt their consciousness merge, the visions and the knowledge granted by the Cipher running through their minds. He felt her emotions, her reactions. Then as sudden as it began it was over. Liara backed away abit.

"That was, incredible. All this time, all my research, yet I.. I never dreamed.. I am sorry, the images were so, vivid. I never imagined the experience would so.. intense. You are incredibly strong willed Commander. What you have been through, what you have seen would have destroyed a lesser mind."

"Were you able to learn anything?" Shepard asked.

"Not much. The beacon on Eden Prime must have been badly damaged, there are entire sections of the message missing. The only thing I learned was that these beacons were sent out in the aftermath of the calamity that destroyed the Protheans. They were a warning, I couldn't tell anything more than that. Perhaps Saren found another beacon somewhere. If we can find it, find the missing data from your vision I can... ahh." Liara suddenly looked fatigued.

"Are you alright?" Shepard asked.

"I am sorry, the joining is.. exhausting. I should go to the medbay, lie down." Liara said.

"You sure? Maybe Doctor Chakwas should take a look at you." Shepard suggested.

"That will not be necessary, I just need to rest abit. Somewhere quiet." Liara replied.

"You can use my quarters, the medbay isn't my idea of a quiet place. The rest of you, dismissed." Shepard stated.

Shepard waited until the room was cleared.

"Normandy, get me a line to Terra, you know the drill."

Captain of the Guard Wolfsblood appeared on the vid screen, "Lord Shepard."

"Clovis, is the Empress available?" Shepard asked.

"Empress Sativia is in a closed meeting with the Fleet Admirals, I can inform her if it is very important."

"That's not necessary." Shepard started, "I just wanted to call her attention to my report on Exo-Geni's activities. If you would.."

"Of course Lord Shepard, I shall inform her of that."

"Thank you very much Clovis. Shepard out." He finished. 'Wilco, interface and upload the geth troop data we retrieved to the Normandy'

'Querying protocol. Interfacing. Transferring data. Data uploaded.' Wilco stated.

"Information received. Data recorded and copied." Normandy acknowledged.

"Normandy, encrypt it, level 7. Attach it to my report to Arcturus, flag it Red Priority. Send to High Admiral Hackett and Imperial Intelligence." Shepard ordered.

"Message encrypted and relayed."

"Thank you Normandy." Shepard said before leaving the Comm room.

----------------------------------

After grabbing a meal Shepard decided to check on Liara, heading back to his quarters.

He quietly walked in, spotting Liara still asleep on his bed. He watched her for a moment. She was an Asari, and she had seen much of the world, it was easy to forget she was still young, but now her youth shown clear. Shepard quietly turned to leave.

"Stay."

He turned, "Liara, I didn't think you were awake."

"I noticed. It is alright." She said.

"Are you feeling any better?" Shepard asked.

"I am. Thank you for letting me use your bed, you were correct in saying the medbay is less than quiet." Liara replied.

"It's open to you, anytime you need a spot." Shepard offered.

"The offer is kind, but I doubt your mates would appreciate it."

"True enough. You know, this is the first time we've really talked since you came onboard. I'm sorry about that." Shepard said.

"You're an Imperial Spectre now Shepard, you have responsibilities and rank. I don't hold that against you." Liara said.

"You've done good these past few days, Liara. You've done really good. You are an incredible soldier. I always knew you were a fighter." Shepard stated.

Liara smiled, "Thank you Shepard."

"We've been through enough together. Call me John."

"Alright, John."

John slumped down against the wall. They sat in companionable silence for a time.

John spoke, "Does it help, knowing that your mother joined Saren for what she thought was a good cause?"

"Nothing can excuse treason. I know why she did it now, that doesn't mean I understand it. John, I know that we will most probably face her on our journey. I have made my peace with that. She is a traitor. Every day she lives is a mark on my blood. When we kill her, I can erase all of them." Liara replied.

"Go forth upon the long path of vengeance. Redeem your soul, cleanse your blood. Be reborn anew, in the greater glory." Shepard recited.

"Vengeance, redemption, blood and standing. These are newcomers to the realm of Asari values, but our kind have embraced them with a ferocity." Liara said.

"And we honor you for it." Shepard stated.

"Yes you do. We are granted so many privileges we rightfully shouldn't have as a conquered race."

"You knew where your destiny lay, with us. You were smart enough to cast off millenia of hesitation and complacency. To realize your mistakes." Shepard responded.

"To embrace a species that embodied our philosophy, and showed us the way to truly achieve it." Liara finished.

They sat in another silence for a moment, the slow thrum of the ship and their breathing the only sounds.

"John, Tali and Natalya, you love them don't you?" Liara asked.

"With all my heart." Shepard said without hesitation, "When this is all over and we get some time, I'll give them my name."

"They seem to be wonderful people. I'm happy for you."

Shepard cocked his head, "What do you really want to ask Liara?"

She looked away, "Do you think we could have had a chance?"

"Together? You're a beautiful young woman. Smart, able, strong. You'd be a fine catch for any male. I'd love to be with you. Why do you think we can't?" He asked.

"You already have two strong mates. And they can bear your children. I'm an Asari, we could breed, but I couldn't bear you proper children." Liara stated.

"That's not necessarily true," He began, "There are.. techniques being developed to change that. Genetic therapies and such. How long have you thought about this?"

"Since Renoza." Liara replied.

"Liara, I care for you. I don't know if I love you, but I do care for you a great deal. I.."

"Commander, Priority message from Arcturus." The Normandy's voice filled the room.

"I'll take it in the comm room Normandy, give me 4 minutes." John responded. "Liara, just think about what you really want. If you want to try this, stay here tonight. Talk with Tali and Natalya. I've got to go." John said.

As he was leaving Liara called to him, "John? Thank you. For everything."

"You're welcome." He replied, leaving the room.

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End of Chapter Seven.