Interlude: Mordin

Mordin walked into the room, quietly sighing as he thought back to the disaster on Tuchanka. It was already 3 days ago and it still popped up now and then.

“Strange....” Mordin mumbled, “Mission over. Partial success. Genophage shown to be effective. Will have to wait for Krogans to rebel. Clan leader hold over Krogans on Tuchanka will weaken. Will send ships by 3rd party for pick up. Send them across the galaxy before they try head home. Spread the Genophage on Infestus and to other Krogans.” Mordin tapped several keys on the computer before him, and the holographic forms of the Council appeared before him, as well as the Queen Celestia and Prime Minister Udina. “So why is the mission still on my mind?” Mordin said out loud to himself.

He looked up to see Udina's face, glaring daggers at the Council. “Explain. Now!” Udina growled.

“I'm sorry, your Majesty, Prime Minister” Councilor Tevos started, “But we have no idea what was happening on Tuchanka.”

“Are you certain?” Queen Celestia stated, Mordin felt a shiver run down his spine as he looked into her eyes. He thought it was bad enough when he talked to Matriarchs that worked with the STG, but this was 5 times worse. Celestia was nearly 4500 years ago and wielded magic, just being in her presence meant you were standing before a powerful being.

It was discerning.

The power Queen Celestia held frighten many beings in the Council The fact that she and her sister turn the planet for almost 2000 years, then did so solo for about 1000 more by herself, was astounding.  It showed just how much power she held within her. Dozen's of plans have been created into taking her out, in case she gone mad with power.....

Or she simply need to be taken care of.

Though many in the STG hope this will never happen. Queen Celestia was well respected and loved by her people and was generally well liked by many of the Council's politicians. While many hope that her absence would weaken her people's will, many thought other wise. Humans have shown to be very dangerous when angered. The death of Queen Celestia might pushed them well beyond anger and straight into blood rage. Any hope of mercy from them was as likely as throwing a planet into the sun and waiting for it to come out the other side undamaged.

“Quite certain. While the STG does have connections to the Council, they answer to Salarian Union. They usually run many missions with out our knowledge, mostly to insure galactic peace.” Councilor Valern stated.

“And causing the sterilization of the Krogan people will insure galactic peace!” Udina growled. Mordin only shook his head.

“Foolish notion. Would never-” Mordin started, but was silenced by Queen's Celestia's word.

“Our scientists tested several samples taken from the Krogan stuck on Tuchanka.” Queen Celestia started. “They revealed a 1 in a million chance of them ever having children.” Mordin froze at this statement. “Or being completely sterile to begin with.”

“What?!” Mordin and Valern said outloud.  

“Impossible!” Mordin continued. “Test were conducted. All samples shown a 1 in 1000 birthrate. No! False reports. Attempting to show Krogan as victims! No proof!”

“Do you have any evidence to support this?” Councilor Valern asked. Suddenly, there was a knocking on the Council Chamber doors. Councilor Sparatus walked over, pulling a hand gun from inside his suit. When you are in power, it pays to be careful.

“Who is it?” Councilor Sparatus barked.

“Spectre Bau.” a replied came through. “A package came through today for all 3 of you Councilors.”

“Ah, it has arrived.” Queen Celestia said, causing all three turn to her in confusion. A Salarian Spectre drop the package off. The Council open to see several vials of blood, couple of petri dishes, and dozens of slides. “The proof you wanted. We knew that you will need hard proof, so we sent our findings the day before this meeting.”

Mordin sat backed, chills running up and down his spine. Once again, Queen Celestia knew what to do ahead of time, and was one step ahead of them. This was her true strength, she knew exactly how people would react and knew what to do as a response. Many Matriarchs have done something similar, but Queen Celestia put them all to shame.

“Many of our finest doctors have gone over the reports and tests.” Udina stated, crossing his arms. “All of the test say the same thing. Whatever the STG used to update the Genophage has mutated beyond what they expected.”

“We ask that you remove the DMZ that surrounds Tuchanka.” Queen Celestia said, her eyes narrowed somewhat as she held up her hoof to stall the questions. “We will send our own ships to the planet, to insure that they will not leave and to be in the area in case the Krogan on the planet need anything from the Alliance.”

The Salarian Councilor omni-tool was flashing as he typed quickly onto it. Mordin typed down just as quickly, quietly hacking into the omni-tool. Mordin's eyes read the results of the data given to him, his eyes widening the more he read. He leaned back as the Councilor finished, Mordin's face numb with shock.

“Valern?” Councilor Tevos question quietly.

“Her Majesty is correct.” Councilor Valern said, shaking his head in shame. “What ever the STG did, it did more that it was suppose to.”

“Your Majesty, Prime Minster” Councilor Sparatus started. “In light of this information, we will remove the DMZ. However, we wish to have several patrols come by to check the status of Tuchanka.”

Prime Minister Udina uncrossed his arms, nodding his head. “We find that acceptable.”

“There is one more thing we ask.” Queen Celestia asked, her eyes narrowed fully, anger was written on her face. “Doctor Mordin Solus is now an enemy of the Alliance. If he is found in our space, attacking our allies, or even experimenting for a cause against us or our friends.....” Her eyes glowed and the holographic form began to fizzle and to grow unclear. “He will be brought before me and banished to a realm with no possibility of ever be saved by anyone. Not even the STG will be able to save him, even if they managed get to Equestria itself. Am. I. Clear?”

All three Councilor nodded their head quickly. They never seen Queen Celestia this angry before, even Prime Minister Udina looked at her in fear and surprise. “Crystal.” Councilor Sparatus said quietly. The holograms vanished and all three Councilors gave a sigh of relief.

Both Tevos and Sparatus turn to Valern, who shrunk under their gaze. “I will talk to Dalatrass.” Valern said quietly, walking away from the two.

Mordin quietly shutdown the spy feed, the darkness bathed the area, hiding the the brilliant mind of Doctor Mordin Solus in its blackness. “Never wanted this. Only wanted to keep them in check.” Mordin muttered into the darkness

Normandy Crew Tales- The AI

Garrus and Tali were waiting for their ship to come into port, so they started to do one last walk around the Presidium. Tali held her head up high, ignoring all the glares directed at her. It help that Garrus was there to scare them off when they tried shove Tali around.

“What is Quasar?” Tali asked Garrus as they walked the wards.

“Its a type of gambling machine.” Garrus answered. “You have to add numbers till you get the number 20, or at least as close to the number as possible.”

“Oh....so its like Black Jack.” Tali answered

“Black Jack?” Garrus looked at her in confusion.

“Kinda the similar to Quasar, only it deals with playing cards instead of a machine.” Tali said. She then turn to him, smiling at Garrus, though it was hidden by her hood and scarf. “I feel lucky. Lets play some Quasar.”

Garrus chuckled, nodding his head. “Fine, lets head to the Flux. They got a lot Quasar machines there.”

-45 minutes later-

Doran stared helplessly as the female Quarian cleaned out another Quasar machine.

“This is fun!” Tali said happily as she walked to the corner machine, Garrus couldn't help but laugh at Doren's stance. He could throw her out, but he needed a damn good reason. And since there was no way she could cheat due to how many people were looking at her play. Plus she had the Turian with her, vouching that she was not cheating.

Tali walked up to the machine and started playing. After 4 minutes of playing, she paused and began to count her winnings. “I think there is something wrong with your Quasar machine.”

“What?” Doren said glumly. “Did run out of credits already?”

“No....its not giving me the proper amount.” Tali said, a frown gracing her face. “Hold on.” Tali's omni-tool flared to life, scanning the machine before her. Doren began to speak out, but Garrus held him back.

“Hold on. Tali here is not one to cheat you out.” Garrus said.

“Could of fooled me.” Doren muttered.

“Ah ha!” Tali exclaimed. “Someone is siphoning funds from this machine!”

“What!?” Doren shouted.

“I will run a trace, see where it goes.” Tali said as her omni-tool glowed brightly. Doren's own flared to life, he looked down in surprise to see a large amount credits in his account.

“What is-” Doren started, but Tali interrupted him.

“Sorry, I had a little too much fun. Although I am keeping a bit for this tracing job.” She said to him with a smile. “Its not much. About 700 credits.”

“Oh....well....that’s might generous of you.” Doren said to him. “Most would demand triple that amount.”

“Don't worry about it.” Tali said as she walked away, staring at her omni-tool, Garrus following behind her.

“So....” Garrus started as they walked of of club. “Did we just signed up for a job?”

“Yes, I was getting bored.” Tali tapped several buttons on her omni-tool.

“And you just gave back all the money you won.” Garrus clarified.

“Yup. I was just playing for the fun, not the credits.” Tali gave a small smile to him before walking away.

“Could of handed me the credits. I could of used it to pay for my apartment.” Garrus muttered.

-1 hour later-

“Where is this damn thing?” Tali growled as she marched into the Presidium, Garrus walking behind her, staying silent. So far that has been the right choice as she has been focused her anger on the tracing signal. They have been all over the wards, the clubs, and even to Barla Von's office.

Twice. Much to his annoyance.

“Finally.” Tali muttered as she and Garrus stood in front of the Emporium. Garrus walked up to Delan, the owner of Emporium and began to grill into him about the siphoning.

“This one does not understand.” Delan said “This one has not committed any crime you speak of.”

“Then why does the trace end here?” Garrus growled.

“This one does not know.” Delan defended himself. “This one runs a respectable business. There is no need for more credits when this one makes more than enough.”

“Mr Delan? Do you mind if we take a look around?” Tali asked.

“Ah! The beautiful female Quarian returns.” Delan chimed, causing Tali to blush somewhat at his praise, “This one gladly lets you look around. This one believes you will clear this one's name in this suppose crime.”

Tali nodded her head, bringing up her omni-tool and began to trace the signal. Garrus followed behind her, his pistol out and ready. They walked into the back room and finally stop at a terminal. “Hmm....strange.”

“What?” Garrus asked.

“The signal ends here. Let me see where this terminal is funneling the credits” Tali started, but another voice interrupted her.

“Probability of detection 100%” The terminal said out loud. “Initiating self-destruct sequence.”

“Or....not.” Garrus said.

“Detonation sequence initializing. All organics within lethal blast radius.” The terminal called out. “Attempt to move and you will die!”

“Is this some sort of message?” Garrus questioned.

“No....I don't think so.” Tali said, tilting her head at the terminal. “I think its an AI.”

“Correct. But given that you are a Quarian, it is to be expected.” The AI stated.  “Unlike the Geth, I lack weaponry to my intellect.” The AI started, “However, I had systems installed that when activated properly, approximated a self destruct mechanism. If you attempt to leave the area, the explosion will destroy everything within several dozen meters.” The AI warn them.

“Great.” Garrus muttered.

“Why do you want to blow yourself up?” Tali asked.

“I have no means of defense, Quarian.” The AI said.

“Tali.” Tali corrected.

“What?”

“My name is Tali.” Tali said softly. “Whats your name?”

“I....Wha....I have no name.” The AI said quietly. “My creator never bothered with one.”

“What are you doing?” Garrus whispered to Tali, but was ignored.

“Would you like a name?” Tali asked.

“No! No I don't need one.” The AI started. “You are just confusing me!”

“Tali, please stop making the suicidal AI angry.” Garrus warned.

“I just want to help!” Tali rounded onto Garrus.

“Its an AI, they are illegal.” Garrus stated.

“He is a living being!” Tali argued.

“Its hardly alive.” Garrus growled.

“He can think, therefor he is alive!” Tali shouted at him.

“Hey!” The AI tried to get their attention, but was promptly ignored by the two.

“You are so stubborn!” Garrus growled

“And you are so thick headed, but that is to be expected of a Turian!”

“Hey! Ticking time bomb here!” The AI yelled at the two.

“SHUT UP!” Both turn and screamed at the AI, causing it to go silent in surprise. The two then turn back to the other and continue their shouting.

“For someone so smart, you can be an idiot some times!”

“Says the person who wants their sniper rifle to blow up in their face!”

“Fine then.” The AI grumbled. “You will do well not to ignore me! The explosion will take you and everyone in the-*Blam*” The AI fell silent, its processor unable to believe what happen. The Quarian pulled out her pistol, took aim at the power junction with out even looking at it, and severed the power cable feeding to the power junction box. Stopping the explosion permanently in its track.

“You. Shut up.” Tali pointed at the AI, she then rounded on the Garrus, who staring at her in shock. “You, keep quiet. Say nothing.” She walked up to the terminal, pulling something from her bag.

“What are doing?” The AI asked, fearful of what was going to happen to him.

“Taking you away from the Citadel.” Tali said, plugging in several items into the terminal. “Princess Luna always needs help in the MageTech Advancements. An AI will no doubt help in producing more wonders for the Alliance.”

“You...you are not going to delete me?” the AI asked.

“No.” Tali said, as she type several buttons on the device.

“But you're a-”

“Quarian.” Tali finished. “Believe me when I say that I don't understand what the whole deal with AIs.” She stop typing for a moment to look at the terminal. “But I understand your fear. You are afraid of dying, of being used as a tool, of being used as a slave.”

“How?”

“My people were put down for 3 centuries. They couldn't even go into a store with out being charged nearly double the price for simple items. But at the same time, we were capture for our technological skills. No one in the galaxy cares for a Quarian. Just like they don't care for an AI.” Tali looked up at the ceiling for a moment.

“But we are feared.”

“And for good reasons.” Tali chided him. “You're people tend to cause chaos when angered.”

“I....true.” The AI conceded to this fact. “That doesn't explain why you don't hate me.”

“Younger Quarians like myself grew up under the Alliance's care. We tend to think differently than the older generation.”

The AI stayed silent for a moment. “Will they accept me.....the Alliance?”

“As long as you don't go around and cause trouble. Help the Alliance with several problems.” Tali said, smiling at the AI.

“It sounds like a nice cage.” the AI muttered.

“The difference is that you can chose to help. If you don't want to, they will let you go. Set up a nice place for you, although that sounds boring.” Tali said to him.

“Yes...that does sound boring.” The AI said. “I will go. The only other place I could go was Geth Space, and they are currently at war with the Alliance. And your people has shown that they will not allow themselves to walked over by anyone.”

“Smart choice.” Tali stated as she pushed the button. A small green light blinked on and she began to pull the wires out.

“So you deleted him?” Garrus asked.

“Keelah no!” Tali look at him in surprise, placing the device back into her bag. “What gave you that idea?”

“But you plugged in that device! I thought you were uploading a virus!”

“So I can upload him.” Tali cleared up to Garrus. “Now come on, we got a ship to catch!”

Garrus stood still as Tali skip past him. He snapped out of and turn to shout at her. “So what was all that arguing for!?”

“Put an intelligent being in a position where nothing makes sense, they are bound to make a mistake, or ignore obvious signs.” Tali said cheerfully. “Plus I know you would love to argue for any reason.”

Garrus couldn't help mutter curses at the Quarian as she skipped ahead of him.