On the bridge of the MFV Endaara, Captain Rael’Zorah stood before the forward viewscreen, his hands clasped behind his back, as he marveled at the sight before him. Yes, at last, the rest of the fleet had arrived. And now, thousands of ships were jumping out of FTL, heading straight for New Rannoch.

A warm, euphoric sensation stirred in his chest, and he smiled. Yes, even now, he could hardly believe that the Long Exile was finally coming to an end. For so long, it had felt like a naive fantasy. And often, he had wondered if one day he’d just have to accept that his kind was doomed, and would spend the rest of their existence, aimlessly wandering the galaxy, slowly withering away, as the fleet’s many enemies chipped away at their spirit and numbers.

But no more.

Yes, now, the quarian people would rise again, mightier than ever before.

“Captain,” said his chief communications officer, “we are being hailed.”

He faced him.“By whom?”

His chief communications officer paused, then gasped. “Oh, Keelah…”

He narrowed his eyes. Why are you so surprised? Yes, who could possibly be hailing him. “Who is it?”

“Captain, it’s the MFV Az’khaelon. ”

His eyes went wide, and he gasped. Keelah, the Az’khaelon itself? “Captain Zhoru’Larrik’s ship?”

“The one and only, Captain.”

Briefly, he looked at the ground, then exhaled. Captain Zhoru’Larik…Keelah.

One of his childhood heroes.

Yes, Captain Zhoru’Larik was one of the greatest Malukors alive, a living legend and the last of his clan, descended from the founders of the Veil Republic, Tross and Qalani’Larik. Even now, everyone called him the Sword of the Anscestors. And Keelah, he could imagine why. Yes, like Admiral Koron, and what remained of the Malukor Corps, he had not only survived the Great Betrayal, but had saved thousands of innocents during his lone defense of Old Rannoch’s last remaining spaceport, allowing them all to escape to the evacuation ships. Ancestors, it must had been quite the ordeal. “Answer it and put him on the forward view screen.”

“Yes, Captain.”

The forward viewscreen blinked out with a sharp crack-schwoom , then came to life once more, displaying Captain Zhoru’Larik from shoulders and up. Like Admiral Koron, Zhoru was wearing an imposing battlesuit teeming with black fibro-muscles and interlocking armored plates as mirror-like as his visor. Behind it, Zhoru’s red eyes burned with unsettling intensity. “Captain Rael’Zorah…Greetings.”

“Greetings…” he said. If only all our marines could have armor like that. He shook his head. “Keelah, I must admit that I was not expecting someone like you to contact me. What does this concern?”

“Admiral Koron has ordered my crew and I to assist you with the coming evacuation however possible,” Zhoru said. “And from their briefings, I presume that we will be defending humans from the Silent Ones. Correct? All in the best interest of the quarian people?”

Indeed, seven centuries ago, Zhoru had fought in the first contact war against the Silent Ones. Undoubtedly, he understood them better than he ever could. “Correct.”

“Then let us meet aboard your ship to discuss the technicalities of how we will cooperate,” Zhoru said. “Expect a shuttle to arrive in your docking bay.”

He nodded. He gulped, and every second his pulse climbed. Ancestors, he was about to meet one of his childhood heroes, a Malukor other than Admiral Koron. Yes, amongst the fleet, most went their entire lives without ever meeting one. “Very well.”

Zhoru cut the feed. The forward viewscreen winked out. And in the ensuing silence, he sighed. Ancestors guide me. “Kharo.”

“Yes, Captain?”

“It seems I must meet our honored guest in the docking bay,” he said. “Until I return, the bridge is yours.”

“Understood.”

He left the bridge, then head towards the nearest elevator. Once he arrived there, he stepped within. And as it descended, he received an incoming comm-request from Maeru. He sighed. Yes, with the fleet now here, their impending separation cast a menacing shadow over him.

With a thought, he accepted his lifemate’s comm request. “ Maeru? ”

“ Rael? ” she asked. “ Can we talk? ”

Undoubtedly, they needed one last moment together before he departed. “ I’m about to meet with Captain Zhoru’Larik, but– ”

“ Keelah, Captain Zhoru’Larik?! ” she asked. “ The Sword of the Anscestors? ”

He laughed. “ The very one. ”

She laughed. “ You’re about to meet your childhood hero. Oh, I have to see this. So Keelah, tell me…where are you meeting him? ”

“ Come to the docking bay, ” he said, smiling. Even during such tense and stressful times, she still managed to make him smile and laugh. Oh, what a blessing she was. “ This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So do not be long. ”

“Oh, I definitely will not,” she said. She giggled. “See you there, saera. ”

“See you there,” he said. “Bye.”

“Bye.”

Maeru ended the call. Finally, the elevator finally stopped, and the doors opened, revealing the vast docking bay, filled with countless shuttles and drones, all bathed in the ghostly blue light of the integrity field. Soon, he received a notification on his omni-tool from Kharo, informing him that Captain Zhoru’s shuttle was about to arrive. And eventually, a sleek, black shuttle, bearing the bold insignia of the Malukor Corps, passed through the shimmering integrity field. With a low hum, it descended until it was hovering just inches above the docking bay’s metallic floor.

Finally, its side door opened with a hiss and out stepped Captain Zhoru, flanked by two other Malukors. Together, they approached him, moving with synchronous grace he found equally captivating and terrifying,

“Keelah…” he muttered under his breath. Briefly, he looked at the floor and pursed his lips.

In their presence, he couldn’t help but feel like an awestruck child. Yes, Zhoru was a titan, his armor gleaming under the artificial lights of the bay. And his two companions were no less impressive, towering over him at two heads taller than the average quarian. One of them, a woman, radiated an aura of unshakable confidence and determination. And the other, a man, had a stern gaze that could make a krogan flinch. Together, they exuded quite strength and deadly competence, with their eyes carrying the weight of centuries of combat experience, of witnessing and enduring the worst horrors the galaxy had to offer.

“Greetings,” he said, meeting Zhoru’s gaze. He gave him a respectful nod. “It is an honor to have all of you aboard.”

Zhoru nodded. “The honor is mutual, Captain Rael’Zorah. Thanks to you, the Long Exile will be over soon.”

Briefly, he broke eye contact and a surge of exhilaration surged through his veins, electrifying every fiber of his being. Ancestors, did Zhoru just praise him? He smiled. “Why thank you. You are too kind.” He cleared his throat. Better change the subject. “Anyways, I see you’ve brought two of your companions.”

“Yes,” Zhoru said, gesturing with his armored hand at his companions. “Meet Khaen and Shaani of Clan Vael.”

“From what I understand, the Silent Ones are preparing to strike at Mindoir,” Shaani said, her voice a perfect blend of soft-spoken tranquility and firm authority, “and that we will have some human allies joining us, correct?”

“Yes,” he said. “One of them will be the governor of the human colony on our new home, and the rest will be human soldiers accompanying her for protection and for support with the evacuation.”

“Are you and the humans fully prepared for whatever is to come?” Khaen asked, his voice a deep, resonating baritone that echoed in the docking bay.

“ We are,” he said. “But the humans…” He paused, his gaze drifting to the floor. Keelah, they’ve never faced anything like them. He looked back at Zhoru. “This will be the first time in their history facing an existential, alien threat.”

“Then it seems I am definitely needed,” Zhoru said. “No doubt, human refugees would find great solace if their own kind were aiding in the evacuation. So my crew and I would be more than happy to train them however we can, and to help you and your subordinates be better prepared for whatever is to come.”

“Tell me,” Shaani said, her gaze sharp and assessing. “Have you and your officers already drafted plans for the battles and chaos to come?”

He stiffened. Under her gaze, he couldn’t help but feel like her prey. “We have. But perhaps you could all review them, and we could discuss any necessary revisions over strategy meetings?”

“We would be honored to,” Zhoru said.

Just then, he received a notification on his omni-tool. Briefly checking it, he saw it was from Maeru.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Finally, she had arrived.

He turned and spotted her, holding Tali in her E-ball, walking towards him. Soon, she would be heading down to the surface to live amongst the humans, working closely with Zaal to strengthen relations between them and the quarian people.

“I presume that is your lifemate?” Zhoru asked.

“She is,” he said. “I…I can not risk exposing her to what we’re about to face.”

“A wise decision,” Khaen said, his gaze softening.

Briefly, Shaani glanced at Khaen, her hand brushing against his. Khaen gave it a gentle, momentary squeeze. “We must all protect what we cherish the most,” she said, her voice carrying a note of somber understanding.

Finally, Maeru reached him. “Keelah, there you are.”

“Ah, come here.” He pulled her in close, then pressed his visor against hers. Maeru giggled.

“Do you require privacy?” Zhoru asked.

Flustered, he pulled away, his cheeks flushed. Ancestors help me. In front of them of all people? He cleared his throat. “If you wouldn’t mind. In the meantime, feel free to wait in the conference room on deck three. Knowing the Admirals, they will definitely want to discuss one last review of our plans before we depart.”

“Very well,” Zhoru said.

The Malukors nodded and walked away, disappearing behind the large shuttles parked nearby. Then finally, he and Maeru were alone.

“Keelah, they’re like walking legends,” Maeru said, her voice filled with awe. “Just being near them feels like being a part of history.” She let out a weak laugh. “To think that millions of them used to defend the Veil Republic…it’s…it’s sad honestly. Now, they are so rare. I never thought I’d ever meet or even see one in person.”

“I know…” he said. Yes, during the Great Betrayal, the geth had destroyed the facilities and resources needed to make more of them. And now, the Malukor Corps was but an ember of its former self.

Until now. Indeed, with a new world to call home, they would rise again, stronger and more numerous than ever.

Briefly, he looked into Tali’s eyes, and his heart swelled with a warm, euphoric sensation that made his eyes water. I will come back to you. No matter what happens…I swear! Yes, he would live to see her grow up. He gulped. “But anyways…”

An awkward silence ensued.

Briefly, Maeru looked at the ground. “Yes, anyways…”

He looked into her eyes, and the shared understanding that passed between them felt as clear as the brightest star.

His heart throbbed. “Do you want me to come with you down to the surface?”

“Yes,” Maeru said, her hand reaching for his. Her fingers intertwined with his in a silent plea for reassurance. Looking deeply into his eyes, she let out a weak laugh, then sniffled. “I would love that more than anything.”

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

Just outside the entrance to the colony shuttle port, Mark Shepard stepped out of his sleek, chrome ground shuttle, along with his wife and boys. For a moment, he drank in the sight of the shuttle port, teeming with crowds and other ground shuttles parked all around. Ceaselessly, the chatter of countless conversations hummed through the air, and the port was bustling with the families of countless colonial militia soldiers mingling under the weight of so many impending goodbyes.

Just how many will make it back? Undoubtedly, some would not return. But…

He sighed. But that was just the reality of war.

“Come on,” he said, shaking off his thoughts, “this way.” He led his family through the throng.

Along the way, the air reeked of ozone and engine oils. Countless automated vendors hawked their wares with obnoxious holo-ads. And the crowds seemed only to get denser and denser, their energy palpable.

Soon, he spotted Anderson, amidst a group of other militiamen. Their eyes met across the teeming crowd, and they approached each other. “Anderson. Good to see you.”

They clasped forearms, then pulled each other into a brief, brotherly hug. Anderson laughed. “Ah, likewise, Mark. Likewise.”

Hannah cleared her throat.

Briefly, he glanced at her, and she nodded. “Come on, boys,” she said, holding each of their hands. “Let’s get you two some ice cream.”

He sighed, watching them from the corner of his eye. Yes, undoubtedly, she was trying to give them as many happy memories as possible, in case…He shook his head. No, focus. He looked back at Anderson. “So…How are you holding up? How are you and the other militiamen handling all of this?”

Anderson took a deep breath, his gaze distant. “I won’t lie, Mark. It doesn’t feel good. History is about to change forever. And from what I’m hearing, so many are feeling…tense and nervous, so uncertain about the quarians, about what we’re going to face on Mindoir, and others…” He smiled. “Well, others are just disappointed that you’re not coming.”

He rubbed his chin, then exhaled. Before he met Hannah, and before the Io Station Massacre, he had indeed earned his reputation as the commander of the legendary Onyx Squad.

But that was not who he was anymore.

Yes, now, he was a father and a husband, somebody who lead soldiers from the rear, not the front. And no matter what, he would not end up like his own father and die in the line of duty, abandoning his family. “I see…It’s definitely a tough situation for everyone. But I guess hope is all we have right now. That and the belief in what you all are going to do.”

Anderson laughed. “You can say that again.” He cleared his throat. “Well, anyways, enough about us. What about you?” Briefly, Anderson glanced at Hannah, who was now laughing at something the boys did. “This whole situation must be taking quite a toll on you and your boys.”

He took a deep breath, his heart heavy. “Oh, where do I fucking begin?” He ran a hand through his hair. “I know that Hannah has to do this. I know can’t just stay back and let the Silent Ones carry out their fucked up plans. But deep down…” Briefly, he looked at the ground and gulped. “I’m terrified.”

“I can imagine,” Anderson said. Anderson put one hand on his shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. “But I know how much she means to you, and you can be damn sure I’ll always have her back, that she’ll come back here, safe and sound.”

He smiled. What would I ever do without you, brother? Yes, through it all, Anderson had always been by his side. He couldn’t have asked for a better friend. “Thank you. This…this means a lot.”

“Anytime, old friend,” Anderson said. “Anytime.”

Just then, he spotted his boys talking to little Jeff, right next Rick and Sadie. Behind him, somebody cleared their throat. Glancing behind him, he spotted his wife, then turned to face her. Meeting her gaze, he instantly read the silent message in her eyes. Yes, she wanted to talk to him, away from all the commotion.

“Talk to you later, Mark,” Anderson said.

Momentarily, he glanced behind him and nodded. “Yeah, talk to you later.”

He looked back at his wife, then followed her somewhere less noisy.

“Just got a call from Rael,” she said. She took a deep breath, then gulped, looking at him with such apprehension. “They’re coming.”

He nodded. He gulped, then pursed his lips, his pulse climbing. He looked deeply into her eyes and his heart ached. He nodded. We’ll get through this. We’ll get through this. “Gotcha.” Gently, he held her hand, then gave it a light squeeze. “Come. Let’s give Rael a warm welcome.”

Smiling, she let out a weak laugh. “Yeah.”

Soon, the massive bay doors opened, and in the distance, he spotted several quarian shuttles approaching. Soon, each of them slowed and began to land in the designated areas, while everyone watched with a mix of awe and apprehension. The whole time, he held on to his wife’s hand, their fingers intertwined tightly.

Eventually, the side door of one of them opened, and Rael and Maeru stepped outside, along with several other quarians. Cradling a glossy, egg-shaped capsule in her arms, Maeru exchanged a few words with Rael in whatever had to be the quarian language before approaching them.

“ Khanah, Mark,” Rael said. “It is a pleasure to see you again.” Briefly, Rael swept his gaze at the scores of nearby militiamen, boarding many of the shuttles. “And I see you brought many volunteers to help.

“Of course,” Hannah said. “This is a cause bigger than all of us. And besides…you pretty much saved our colony. It’s the least we could do.”

He pursed his lips. Damn it, he couldn’t help but agree. But if she didn’t return…

1. Stop it! Yes, now was not the time to dwell on things outside his control.

Just be there for the boys. During such times, they would need him more than ever.

“Then know that we are profundfully grateful,” Rael said, “and will not forget your selflessness. I have no doubt the future generations on Mindoir will remember you as heroes.”

“Thank you, Rael,” Hannah said. “Thank you.” Briefly, Hannah glanced at Maeru and the quarian infant she was cradling in some kind of protective capsule. “And Maeru, is that your little one?”

Maeru laughed. “She is.” Maeru walked over to Hannah and gave her a closer look at the baby, safe and secure within the capsule.

Hannah leaned in to have a closer look at the infant, then laughed. “She’s so cute. What’s her name?”

“Tali,” Rael said. “Tali’Zorah nar Khin’Saa.”

Looking at Tali, he smiled. They’re so much like us. Yes, the longer he spent time around quarians, the more he realized just how much they had in common with humanity. Should we even call each other aliens?

“Can I see her, May-roo ?” John asked.

Maeru laughed. “Oh, of course, little one.” She went down on one knee to give John a closer look.

John’s eyes went wide, his gaze full of wonder. Gently, John ran one hand across the capsule’s surface, staring deeply into little Tali’s amethyst eyes. Tali reached out for John with one hand, and John smiled. “Wow…”

He let out a weak laugh, his heart melting. Tali had his boy enraptured.

“She’s so cute, May-roo ,” John said. “Maybe one day…when she’s big, we can play together.”

Maeru chuckled, then pinched John’s cheek. “Oh, you are such a little bosh’tet, aren’t you?” She stood up. “But we’ll see, little one. We’ll see.”

“So Rael…ugh…” he said. “Why is your…” He scratched his beard. Damn it, what did quarians call their spouses again?

“Why is my lifemate here?”

He nodded. “Yeah. Figured she'd stay wherever your people are going to settle.”

Briefly, Rael cleared his throat. “Maeru?”

“Ah, yes,” Maeru said. “If you’d be so kind Khanah, I’d like to live amongst your people, whilst Rael is away, and work closely with Zaal’Korris to foster mutual trust, respect, and cooperation between our species.”

“We would be honored to have you here,” Hannah said. Briefly, she glanced at him, then nodded. “And my husband would be thrilled to show you around, to make sure you feel at home.”

“You are most kind Khanah ,” Maeru said. “You are most kind.”

Rael cleared his throat. “Well, before we depart, Khanah , do you want to bid those you love farewell?”

A heavy silence fell over them. And the reality of the situation, of his wife’s departure, set in, and his boys looked at the ground, their eyes welling with tears.

Hannah looked at John and Luke, then gave them a soft smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. For a moment, she just looked at them, silent, until she knelt to their level. “While I’m gone…” she gulped and briefly broke eye contact with them. “While I’m gone, I want you two to always listen to your daddy, okay?”

“Ok, Mommy,” John said, his voice cracking, his cheeks wet with tears.

“Ok…” Luke said. Luke sobbed.

Without hesitation, Hannah pulled them in for a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you two.”

“Please come back safely, Mommy,” John said.

Luke sobbed. “Yes, please…please don’t die.”

“Sssh…” Hannah said, holding them a little tighter and stroking Luke’s hair. “It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m not going to die. I promise that you will both see me again.”

Gently, Hannah pulled away, then wiped away their tears. She kissed John and Luke’s forehead. “So until then…” She put one hand on John’s shoulder, and the other on Luke’s. “be strong boys. Be strong.”

John sniffled. “Okay.”

Smiling, Hannah stood up, then met his gaze. And instantly his heart pounded. The world around him seemed to fade into the background, and he could hardly breathe. Soon, he approached her, and neither he nor his wife hesitated.

He pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss.

And she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into it.

Closing his eyes, he lost himself in the moment, drinking in the sensation of her warm, soft lips against his. The kiss was one full of promises, a kiss that said ‘I’ll be back’. A part of him wanted it to last forever.

But eventually, it ended and their lips parted.

With one hand, he held her close. And with the other, he stroked her cheek with his thumb, losing himself in her stunning, green eyes. “Make. Us. Proud.”

She laughed, wiping away a tear. “You got it, baby.”

He let out a weak laugh. Such an incredible woman.

Meanwhile, he watched as others shared their own goodbyes, as countless militiamen boarded the shuttles, with so many families hugging tightly. It was a scene of such love, bravery, and sacrifice, and if everything turned out fine, he had no doubt that historians would immortalize this moment in the colony’s history.

Reluctantly, Hannah pulled away from him. “Take care of the boys, Mark,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I love you.”

His eyes welled with tears. “I love you.”

Finally, she followed Rael into the shuttle, along with Anderson, Zaeed, Shun, and those under their command. And as she sat down in her designated seat, he and his wife shared one final, lingering gaze, until the shuttle’s side door slid shut.

As the shuttle rose into the air, time seemed to slow. Neither he nor his boys could look away, until eventually…

The shuttle zoomed off into the star-studded sky, leaving them alone amidst a sudden, overwhelming silence.