recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Zeguggisleggan electoral process

The **Zeguggisleggan electoral process** is the process by which the National Ruler of Zeguggisleggo is chosen.

## Occurrence

An election occurs whenever the current National Ruler dies.

## Process

When an election happens, a popular vote for which family to choose from is held and, in the words of former National Ruler Gt'takvje B'huemgyzyg', "taken into account" when a group of 10 randomly-chosen people from either family chooses the family from which to choose the new National Ruler. 5 randomly-chosen people from each family, and an additional randomly-chosen person from a random one of the families, become the choosers. 10 people from the chosen family are randomly chosen and become the candidates. The choosers then each choose a candidate. The candidate or candidates who received the least votes are eliminated. The choosers keep choosing and eliminating until there is only one candidate remaining, and that candidate becomes the new National Leader.
Upper Passuvrian Monckish

**Upper Passuvrian Monckish** (*Aspury Passiviy Monckenözy*) is a Tier 2 Passuvrian language, spoken by approximately 2.2 million people in Passuvria, approximately three thousand people in the Yamag Empire, and an estimated fifteen thousand people elsewhere.

It is the most widely spoken language of the Keljetic-Monckic family.
Nyrius Asteria

Amanuen Nyrius Asteria is the Primarch of Palaven's chief of staff. She stands just a few inches shorter than Garrus, with deep brown plates, vivid green markings, and orange eyes.

### Personality

Nyrius is extremely no-nonsense, but finds herself constantly trying to get the current Primarch of Palaven, Aelianus Vakarian to take care of himself. It was under her advice that Aelianus purchased his Renata hoverbike, as a "frivolous purchase" to keep him from becoming too serious.
Chapter 161: The Final Frontier

Shepard talks about the creation of her exploration fleet with Alliance higher-ups and then recruits Tali and the *Alarei* for the project mid-dress fitting. Tali also encourages Shepard to take some time and savor her upcoming nuptials. Garrus and T’Kerix come up with a plan to free the asari prisoners. Garrus attempts to negotiate with the vorcha Tosh by telling them that he was sent with a proposal from Commander Shepard. When Tosh goes to reject the offer one of the other vorcha kills him unceremoniously- because pissing off Commander Shepard means death (and Koshek wants to live). Garrus reports back to the Citadel Council that the vorcha were trying to take over the galaxy by forcing the asari to teach them biotics. The deal Garrus made was that the asari would be released and Koshek’s vorcha will contribute to the rebuilding of the galaxy by gathering resources in hazardous areas- and Koshek will be the new vorcha Councilor.

### Title Meaning

"Space. The Final Frontier . . ."- these words are the famous opening lines from both Star Trek and it's reborn series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Star Trek, among many other things, focuses on humanity exploring the galaxy for the sake of the discovery. While it's clear that much of the Alliance's drive comes from the pressure of needed more resources, Shepard seems to be embodying much of the focus and virtues of Star Fleet- including trying to not make first contact with sapients that have not discovered element zero and the resulting mass effect.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

Everyone flipping out about amazing cake; guessing istie's level of deviousness; grand conversations about turian cosmetics; so much more.
Chapter 171: Cockroaches and Tardigrades

### Summary

Shepard wakes in the middle of the night clutching Garrus. When he asks her what is wrong, she tells him she doesn’t know, but is filled with dread.

Jack and Miranda sneak across fields in France to meet with Zaeed and the Howling Commandos to discuss the logistics of acquiring a number of caches of ancient Prothean weapons- the upside of which is they currently don’t register on any scanners, nor do they use thermal clips. The downside? They currently have no way to recharge the batteries, so once they are out of power the guns will be useless.

Modahl Karina is doing her best to look after the people working in the Mars Prothean Archives, but her temper is being worn thin by Javik’s casual racism, the feeling of the Reaper war having never ended, and talk of the Seekers. Modahl is a skeptic of Shepard’s powers, but Javik isn’t so sure she hasn’t achieved godhood.

On November 18, Minos’ Lieutenant Sentzke executes Min Chu Lee for the purported crime of starting the Wedding Day Riot. Clara Goyle herself is uncomfortable with the whole thing, not trusting the evidence provided by Sentzek and her people. Clara is having a lot of second thoughts- unfortunately she has turned over control of the military operations to Sentzke due to their precarious control of the people of Earth and had lost the argument to avoid executing someone to make an example of them.

### Title Meaning

Both cockroaches and tardigrades are creatures noteworthy for their ability to survive extreme situations- much like the rebels, and hope they hold.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

The joys of homeownership, a surprisingly civil discussion about pineapple on pizza, and casting Animate Objects on Sour Patch Kids.
Chapter 84: A Victory Nonetheless

Mini-Arc: “Shepard on Trial” concludes.

Khalisah contacts Shepard regarding the PR fallout of her testimony, demanding to know if she is trying to kill her via stress. Khalisah’s advice? Run with the truth, stop hiding, and embrace her inner battle-angel. To that end, the 2188 Armax Battle Tour is created. After her communications with Khalisah, Shepard heads down to the Orizaba’s Observation Lounge, where her mother checks in with her. Shepard talks about sharing Solana and Evadne’s desire to “love truth as a deep well and fight injustice like a burning sword”, then she asks her mother if she still believed that she was her daughter after her testimony. Hannah tells her that she has always been driven to compassionate justice, and nothing can change that. Shortly afterward, they are called back planetside and hear the grand jury return a prefaced verdict of insufficient evidence to indict. Shepard gives a press conference immediately afterward where another Minos operative attempts to assassinate her. The would-be assassin falls to the ground dead within five heartbeats, shot by Shepard with Major Coat’s Javelin.
Chapter 98: Points for Style

### Summary

Garrus tells Khalisah that their itinerary is to be confirmed going forward. Khalisah is worried about the PR repercussions, but Garrus is unmoved. She also denies telling the techs to program destroyers,

Shepard wakes late in the day, momentarily confused about her location. Garrus expresses hurt and frustration in his subvocals, and accuses Shepard of having a death wish. Confused, Shepard says that she was only knocked out. Garrus corrects her: “You flatlined.”

We flashback to the moment after Shepard fired the Blackstar and Garrus’ view of the aftermath. He is momentarily blind with rage and anguish before he is forced to take command of the situation. Underneath all of it is a deep guilt- he knew how Shepard fought and he had demanded they face Reaper troops due to his pride. After getting her to Chakwas and trying to decontaminate, Garrus hears her heart on the monitor stop.

Garrus explains that while Chakwas got her heart restarted and Shepard is alive, her nanotech is badly damaged and her recovery is going to be slow. Shepard protests that the Blackstar had never done that before, and that it shouldn’t have done that now. Garrus asks Shepard why she keeps sacrificing herself and she replies that she doesn’t know, it’s just always what she has done. Garrus tells her that she doesn’t have to anymore- that there is more to their lives now.

The next morning Shepard reads about “Aqilis and Adrasteia” and turian nicknames. Dr. Chawas comes in and tells her about the game plan she and Dr. Ivanova created for replacing her nanobots. Afterwards, Shepard feeds Viatrix while she and Garrus talk. Garrus is afraid of losing her, and Shepard says that while the reality of their lives means danger, she can’t have a death wish anymore because Viatrix needs them,

That afternoon, the doctors use a repurposed dialysis to remove the damaged nanobots and replace them. The process makes Shepard feel lightheaded and a little like she is floating. The process reminds her of something familiar, though a presence is missing. She wanders deep into her subconscious into something else until the presence returns. Then the coms quiet, the static clears, the lights tops flickering, and the Austerlitz’s drive core smooths out. CORI sends the recording of the phenomena to Dr. Bryson.

On board Pinnacle Station both captains of the *Normandy* introduce the crew to the mission simulations, based on missions completed by the crews of both *Normandys*. Five days later Shepard notes that she feels more like herself again, and while the crew loves her, Garrus has come into his own as a leader. So screw you, former Shadow Broker.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Server Highlights

Turian-human bilingualism and developmental milestones, theorizing with wine, and the remote possibility of a spinoff featuring Aelianus and Evadne.
G.I. Joe

Under the Motor Pool

Chaplain's Assistant School

Fort Wadsworth

Staten Island, NY

Secondary:

Boulder Hill

Boulder Hill Gas Station

Sonoran Desert, AZ

### Current Members

Ace, Agent Face, Airborne, Airtight, Airwave, Alpine, Altitude, Ambush, Armadillo, Aura, Backblast, Back-Stop, Banzai, Barbecue, Barrel Roll, Barricade, Bazooka, Beach Head, Big Ben, Big Brawler, Big Lob, Blast-Off, Blizzard, Blowtorch, Breaker, Budo, Bullet-Proof, Bullhorn, Bushido, Captain Grid-Iron, Charbroil, Chief, Chopper, Chuckles, Claymore, Clean-Sweep, Cloudburst, Clutch, Cold Front, Countdown, Cover Girl, Crankcase, Crazylegs, Cross-Country, Cutter, Czar, Daemon, Dart, Deep Six, Depth Charge, Dial Tone, Doc, Dogfight, Dojo, Double Blast, Downtown, Drop Zone, Duke, Dusty, Effects, Fast Draw, Firewall, Flash, Flint, Footloose, Freefall, Fridge, Frostbite, Ghostrider, Grand Slam, Grunt, Gung-Ho, Hardball, Hard Drive, Hardtop, Hawk, Heavy Duty, Heavy Metal, Hi-Tech, Hit & Run, Hollow Point, Hot Seat, Iceberg, Hunter, Jinx, Keel-Haul, Lady Jaye, Law & Order, Leatherneck, Lifeline, Lift-Ticket, Lightfoot, Lightning, Long Range, Low-Light, Lt. Falcon, Mace, Magic, Mainframe, Major Altitude, Major Barrage, Major Storm, Megabyte, Mercer, MD, Mirage, Muskrat, Mutt, Nunchuck, Outback, Ozone, Pathfinder, Payload, Powderkeg, Psyche-Out, Quick Kick, Rampage, Rampart, Rapid Fire, Recoil, Recondo, Red Dog, Red Zone, Repeater, Ripcord, Roadblock, Rock 'n Roll, Rumbler, Salvo, Scanner, Scarlett, Sci-Fi, Scoop, Sgt. Hacker, Sgt. Slaughter, Sgt. Stone, Shipwreck, Shockwave, Short-Fuze, Sideswipe, Sidetrack, Skidmark, Skydive, Skymate, Skystriker, Slip Stream, Snake Eyes, Sneak Peek, Snow Job, Snow Storm, Space Job, Sparks, Spearhead, Spirit, Stalker, Starduster, Static Line, Steam-Roller, Steeler, Stonewall, Stretcher, Striker, Sub-Zero, Super Trooper, Switch Gears, Taurus, T'Gin-Zu, T'Jbang, Thunder, Tiger Claw, Tollbooth, Topside, Torpedo, Tracker, Trailblazer, Tripwire, Tunnel Rat, Updraft, Wet Suit, Whiteout, Wild Bill, Wildcard, Windchill, Windmill, Zap

### Former Members

Action Man, Codex, Frag, Gangrene, Knuck, Norris, Pyro, Quick Snipe, Twister, Witch Doctor

## **Overview**

G.I. is a top secret highly skilled, on-demand, international special missions force of men and women from around the globe, selected for their elite abilities in their chosen discipline. Officially G.I. Joe does not exist, and very few know the truth; these heroes fight a secret war, as the first and last line of defense against forces that seek to plunge the world into chaos. When all else fails...they don't!
Chapter 124: Up with the Static and the Radio

### Summary

Following up on the theory of Earth's star rapidly aging and destabilizing, the crew of the Alarei venture to the Sol System to gather data. While the quarian crew tries to make their presence as invisible as possible, the crew finds themselves forced to dock at Terra One for helium-3, and to attempt to find additional data on the radiation spike history for the star. While the human workers there spare as many resources as they can, Petty Officer Modahl Karina warns the visiting quarians that people planetside are starving and desperate, and have allowed Minos to gain control of the vast majority of the population centers. As they are leaving Minos invades the station, forcing the quarians to escape the station using subterfuge and Karina’s help.

After escaping Terra One, Tali, Veetor, Kenn, and Verner go over the data they managed to recover. Tali is horrified to discover one of the satellites was likely cooked due to the radiation and flares Sol is throwing out. Going over the Terra One logs, Verner confirms three large radiation waves: a smaller one two years prior, and two larger ones roughly eighteen and six months ago. The results are conclusive: the reason that no crops are growing on Earth is due to her star dying.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

istie being a troll, istie's preferred accessory (lampshades), and the number of ways istie can be called out.
Chapter 21: Duct Tape Logistics

Hackett receives notice of the activation of the Charon relay and the return of the *Normandy*. Joker plots a careful course through the Sol system and explains to EDI that the crew are subdued because they are suddenly faced with the harsh reality of how devastating the war was instead of focusing on a goal. Hackett begins the process of sorting out the *Normandy* crew, telling them that Staff Commander Shepard’s condition is classified. He confirms to Kaidan and Garrus that she is alive, and directs Garrus to speak with his father.

### Title Meaning

The *Normandy*- and truthfully all the survivors of the Reaper War, are in pretty rough shape. When Major Kaidan Alenko responds to Admiral Hackett's hail, Hackett first enquires after the health of the crew, then presumes the *Normandy* will need some work. Kaidan's reply? "She’s holding together by the grace of God and a whole lot of duct tape.”
Chapter 68: I’d Tell You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You

Liara, Garrus, and Aria get together to plot about the Marquis and then head to Illium for Garrus to run recon and for the two asari to continue their work in conquering the planet. Garrus starts his detective work at Har’stein Weiak’s mansion, recreating the attack. While looking for clues, he discovers an eye witness living among the dust and dried blood.
Chapter 29: Beggars Who Ride

Shepard attempts to heal and rest while battling the reemergence of her PTSD. She has vague inklings of her time in the coma and dreams of darkness pricked by pins of light. She is faced with limited options to try to treat her psyche, or even get sleep due to her metabolism, but she has made it back regardless. Garrus comes to her later to tell her about a planned assassination and kidnapping attempt on her and the baby, then takes the momentary privacy to propose to Shepard...

And then something explodes.

### Title Meaning

The chapter appears to take it's name from the idiom "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride"; likely referring to despite the poor state of everyone and everything, Garrus and Shepard have revived two miracles- surviving the war and their impossible daughter.
Chapter 62: Near-Death Equanimity

Captain “Commander” Shepard

Dr. Karin Chakwas

Anderson, Garrus, and Shepard all come to the conclusion that they need to let the galaxy know that she’s alive but not to allow anyone to know how close the assassin came to killing her. Over Dr. Chakwas’ protests, Shepard gives a stimmed and prepared speech for the cameras, then collapses. She is out for three and a half days, and when she awakes she discovers that she is covered with capacitor nodes, and accidentally forms something that closely resembles tech armor.
Chapter 111: Keelah Si’yah, Keelah Se’lai

### Summary

Batarian Councilor Ka'hairal Balak is extremely frustrated with the enormity of the work facing him, and how power grubbing the other batarian politicians are acting. In private, he and Khonine discuss their options on how to save their people, and what their civilization’s history actually was. When Balak tells Khonine that he doesn’t deserve her, Khonine says that she doesn’t care.

On board the *Alarei*, Tali and Shepard discuss Garrus’ mental state and how the turian Hierarchy is going to frame his father’s injuries. Tali asks Shepard what she thinks of Damien Arterius. Shepard thinks back to meeting him and tells Tali that his commonality with Saren ends with his looks. Tali comments on nature versus nurture and Shepard agrees and reflects on how delighted Damien was when he got to meet and hold Viatrix, and how all of them must choose to break generational trauma.

Tali and Shepard turn their minds back to the problem of Hastrom and dying stars. The data she and her crew have gathered suggest several spikes in Dholen’s radiation in quick succession: 2183, 2185, two in 2186, and two more close together in 2187 and 2188. Tali is confused by why it is happening- dark energy does not do this on its own. After some thought, Shepard suggests that Tali speak to Conrad Verner.

That evening Shepard notices how enamored quarians seem to be of Viatrix, and Tali tells her that Vi is something of a symbol of the renewal of the quarian’s future- as a result she has quite the quarian fanclub. Shepard also notices the undercurrent of sexual tension between Tali and Kal’Reegar, which leads to good natured-ribbing. Shepard quiets down reluctantly only when Admiral Zaal’Koris starts the ceremony to name the quarian settlement  on Rannoch: Nar’Zorah, so named in honor of Tali and her father Rael.

### Title Meaning

'*Keelah Se'lai*' is khelish for "by the homeworld I hope to see one day," and '*Keelah Si'yah*' is khelish for "by the homeworld I hope to find one day". The quarians have done both, having retaken Rannoch and are now rebuilding their civilization there. The title likely refers to the newly named settlement of Nar'Zorah.

### Easter Eggs

*Keelah Si'yah* is the name of one of the ships taking part in the Andromeda Initiative.

#### Discord Highlights

Art!, istie being sus, and how many "chuggas" you're supposed to say before "choo choo".
Chapter 34: We Are Not So Easily Beaten

Garrus, Shepard, and Aelianus talk strategy and the need for point people in the various governments; Shepard sets up a meeting of the minds with the high-ranking people in-system. As Shepard prepares to give one of her famous speeches to the invited delegates she is interrupted by a standing ovation. After expressing her gratitude, she rallies the people before her to set aside their differences and, together, seize their future.

### Title Meaning

This chapter takes it's title from part of Shepard's speech:

> *“This won’t be easy: not today, not any day.  Each of us has lost something: for some of us, all we have is in this room, and it is ourselves.  We have next to no resources.  Until recently, we couldn’t even leave this system.  So: we have to turn to our neighbour and ask, ‘What do you need?’  We must turn to our ancient enemies and ask, ‘How can I help you?’ Because that’s how we’re going put our civilizations back together, brick by brick.  Because this is the way that we will not only regain what was lost, but we will gain even greater things.  Because this is how we show the dead hulks of the Reapers that we are not so easily beaten!”*
>
>
>
Bergen

**Bergen** is a municipality in Vestland county on the west coast of Norway on the peninsula of Bergenshalvøyen. Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway. The city centre and northern neighbourhoods are on Byfjorden, 'the city fjord', surrounded by mountains.

## City

Bergen is known as the "city of seven mountains". Many of the extra-municipal suburbs are on islands. Bergen is the administrative centre of Vestland county. The city consists of eight boroughs: Arna, Bergenhus, Fana, Fyllingsdalen, Laksevåg, Ytrebygda, Årstad, and Åsane.

* Wikipedia:Bergen
Chapter 156: To See a Candle’s Light

Shepard and Reflections-in-Deep-Waters start their relationship over due to Shepard no longer experiencing pain from rachni communication- to which the queen apologizes for adding to her pain, even if unintentional. Shepard thanks Reflections-in-Deep-Waters for taking the initiative in assisting with protecting human refugees escaping Earth. The young queen then puts Shepard into contact with Free-Flickering-Flame, who wishes to help her with the emotional load Shepard has been carrying.

Later that same day, Garrus and Shepard have their first couples counseling session with Sha’ira. Reluctantly, the two of them admit to the fight and resulting physical altercation and mind-control. Shepard tells Garrus that she’s not safe- and that he should take Vi and leave her. Garrus reaffirms that he doesn’t want to leave Shepard, or have her leave him. He asks her if he had accidentally triggered her by pinning her to the floor. Becoming more hysterical, Shepard confirms it, but while her ability to communicate was short circuiting, she knew Garrus wasn’t the Marquis. Shepard cries that she has tried to be something other than “Isabel” but has failed and begins to slide backwards into memory, first into her talk with Free-Flickering Flame in the web. The queen asks Shepard what might happen if “Isabel” was released, and is told that she (Isabel) doesn’t have to protect them anymore; was there someone else she might protect? Then she falls back to her recovery days back after her return from Illium in 2178, where her mother rocks and sings her a lullaby after a nightmare. Then, caught deeply in the *iborihe* Shepard remembers her daughter. She promises herself that until she can allow herself to fight her demons for herself, she will fight them for her daughter, because there is nothing she would not do for Viatrix.

As she pulls herself out of the *iborihe*, Shepard apologizes for her actions against Garrus’ free will and breaking his trust. Garrus points out that he broke her trust also, and his actions weren’t any less inexcusable. The two recommit to each other, despite the knowledge that they will fight again in their relationship.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

Fucks and double fucks (no, it's not what you think), "we saw that coming, istie", and suffering because of love— surprisingly not in the context of shipping.
Chapter 167: Silly Love Songs

### Summary

All over the galaxy, eyes are glued to their screens watching the Shepard-Vakarian wedding. On Earth, the wedding is being broadcast via a rachni ship signal. In London, many, many people celebrate the wedding with chants and a song- until the riots began.

Shepard and Garrus with the ceremony over, travel to their reception dinner- full of creative seating arrangements to keep the diplomatic incidents down. After the State Dinner, the core entourage travels to the Silver Coast Casino for toasts, roasts, and speeches.

### Title Meaning

This is the first of two chapters that take their titles from the ***Moulin Rouge!*** jukebox musical song "Elephant Love Medley" which grabs a number of song lyrics, including "Silly Love Songs" by Wings. The original song was written as a rebuttal to musical critics deriding Paul McCartney for writing what they considered "lightweight" love songs.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights:

Tenderizing turian carapaces, more puppy pics than you can shake a stick at (see what I did there?), and istie sitting on panels with Jennifer Hale. (Actually happened. Probably gonna happen again. No word of a lie.)
Chapter 85: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

Shepard broods over her latest assisnation attempt over breakfast, then turns her mind toward the upcoming announcement of the Armax matches and decides ‘forget this depressing exhaustion shit, I am going to have fun with these’. The following day, she has her security briefing for the upcoming gala mid-dress fitting and accidently calls Aeran’Celet “Caere”. Shepard doesn’t notice the quarian dressmaker’s reaction, but Garrus does. The next day, Garrus and Shepard compete the first of their matches; the two of them versus Cerberus troops weighted in their enemy's favor but ending in victory for the two of them. The betting pools start up in earnest shortly thereafter. That evening, while Garrus is marveling at his daughter and unwinding for sleep with an old chronicle he receives a direct threat against Viatrix from Minos.
Chapter 50: Just Love Her

Shepard makes a run up to the *Normandy* for supplies to stay planetside. Traynor gives Shepard a datapad to help her learn her phrases. Tali comes down with Shepard to support Garrus and builds a cozy space for the family to be together comfortably. Viatrix wakes Shepard up in the morning by successfully breastfeeding and Garrus discovers Shepard's subvocal hearing mod. Evadne spends time with her family one on one. When Evadne speaks to Shepard about motherhood and family. Evadne asks Shepard to make sure that Garrus and his father don’t become estranged again and to help Garrus to not hold on to burdens that aren’t his. Shepard speaks to Evadne in turian using the lines she’s memorized with a little extra that she has picked up.
Chapter 51: Mother

### Major Characters

Aelianus Vakarian Evadne Vakarian Garrus Vakarian Solana Vakarian Viatrix Ismena Vakarain Commander Shepard Tali’Zora vas Normandy

## Chapters

### Next Chapter

Chapter 52: The Road Goes Ever On and On

The Vakarian family prepares Evadne for her final journey using face paint and speak words of love and gratitude to her. They hold vigil until Evadne dies in the early hours of the morning.
Chapter 94: Suffer the Little Children

### Summary

Bakara escorts Shepard deep into a krogan pyramid to show her a huge mural of a green Tuchanka. Bakara admits that the krogan squandered their home- but she will “personally cave in the hump of any pyjak-brained imbecile that tries to do it again.”

Mordin’s nephew Laelar is among the small contingent of aliens who have come to witness the activation of the terraforming capsule, along with the Citadel Council delegation, a turian Hierarchy delegation, Shepard, her family, and their security team. Also present are representatives from every krogan clan.

Back on board the Auserlitz, a group of salarians plot.

Late that night, Bakara receives a pre-recorded message from Mordin Solus in the event of his death: Fourteen lullabies from a mix of different cultures, sung by Mordin himself.

### Title Meaning

"Suffer the Little Children" is a reference to an old translation of the Gospel of Mathew 19:14, "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

### Easter Eggs

Mordin's Lullabye "The Shores of Sur'Kesh"

#### Discord Highlights

Shepard gets a pet spider, turian idioms, and emotional support Garruses.
Chapter 20: A Spare "Hail Mary"

### Summary

Hannah Shepard and Garrus talk about parallel family idiosyncrasies and Garrus tips his hand a bit regarding his close relationship to Commander Shepard. Joker offers a spare “Hail Mary” as Tali tries to activate the Arcturus relay, fearing they could permanently disable it instead. When the dust settles, Joker welcomes the crew of the *Normandy* “home” to the Local Cluster.

### Title Meaning

The Hail Mary is a traditional Christian prayer, often requesting intercession on a problem. Collouially, a "Hail Mary" is a long shot, or desperate effort; throwing something against the wall and hoping luck, fate, or a Higher Power will assist in success. Aware that all of the rest of the crew is hoping for Tali's code to successfully power up the Relay, Joker offers his own "spare" prayer, despite not knowing the whole thing.
Chapter 117: To Be Left Alone

### Summary

Shepard continues to feel unwell, and realizes that her symptoms could possibly be traced back to a pregnancy. After doing some math Shepard realizes their tie-breaker round would line up perfectly with the timeline, and that they had failed to use protection. In the meantime, Viatrix is teething and crying constantly because of the pain. Shepard continues to work as Councilor while dealing with a very fussy Viatrix (using frozen popsicles to soothe sore gums). Needing a doctor she can trust, and with Chakwas on the Normandy, Shepard reaches out to Dr. Chloe Michel to test her for pregnancy. Dr. Michel offers to talk with Shepard about her conflicted emotions, but Shepard demurs. For council business, the elcor are recovering well, Shepard is trying to find a suitable candidate as a new homeworld for the batarians, as well as disguising the aid for coming from the raloi and how to get them to accept it.

Both Councilor Bekkam and Councilor Ari’ka separately ask Shepard if she is feeling alright, if she is doing well with Viatrix, and to offer her help if she needs any. Shepard denies needing help in both cases, explaining that Viatrix’s crying has caused her to lose some sleep, but she is good enough to handle everything.

On the 21st, as Shepard debates if her symptoms are pregnancy or stress she drifts off, feeling homesick for her beloved ship, crew, and mate. Fifteen minutes later she jolts awake- feeling Garrus’ scream all the way from Omega

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

Stabby the crabby, istie's nerdy music hour, and our favourite candle scents.
Chapter 162: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

Garrus and Shepard separately attend fittings for their wedding attire and talk to their attending parent about their nervousness on their upcoming nuptials. Garrus worries that the anti-human turians in his family will cause issues and receives support from his father. Shepard and her mother go looking for her “something new” for her wedding and Hannah springs a surprise bridal shower on Shepard along with Shepard’s paternal grandmother, *Babi* Emilia Minkowski. The extranet ships “the Shakarians”, the Alliance declares Robert Minkowski KIA, and Shepard searches the *iborihe* for her father.

### Title Meaning

An 19th century Lancashire Old English rhyme reads:

> *"Something old,*
>
>
> *something new,*
>
>
> *something borrowed,*
>
>
> *something blue,*
>
>
>
> *and a [silver] sixpence in her shoe."*
>
>

These items are meant to bring a bride good luck, and are usually cobbled together from her friends and family.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

Nobody finding the eggs reference, after-work parties complete with booze and Garrus, and finally making a go on building the Wiki!
Chapter 26: Bite Your Tongue

### Summary

After listening to the Admiralty Board argue about how best to use Tali’s relay-activation system to benefit the quarians, Tali herself (channeling Commander Shepard) points out that everyone needs to get home because everyone is about to starve. The board changes gears immediately, and starts the process of looking for candidate ships for the install. Aelianus scolds Garrus about not formalizing his relationship with Commander Shepard and Garrus pushes back with Aelianus’ own bias. Aelianus apologizes for his assholery both now and in the past and Garrus wishes the universe at large would quit changing all the rules.
Cipritine

## Description

Located on the largest continent of Acaste, Cipritine is the captial city of Palaven.

### Notable Locations

#### Eastern Cipritine

The most notable location in Eastern Cipritine is the Palavenian Comitium- a compound of ancient governmental buildings that were still in use up to the Reaper invasion.

Lata, Avenue- a wide, pedestrian-only street that created the border between the Comitium and Cipiritne's business district.

Liviana is a neighborhood almost as old as the Comitium, and home to the Vakarian clan holdings in the city.

### Nearby Features

#### Silvošus Plains

Located northwest of Cipritine, the Silvošus Plains were once farmland, but during the Reaper War no personnel could be spared to fight the fires spreading throughout the planet, leaving the fertile fields charred.
Chapter 119: Routine Procedures

### Summary

Aelianus arrives at the *Normandy* to see Garrus after hearing that his son was badly injured. After a brief discussion with Dr. Chakwas, he persuades her to wake Garrus up just enough to communicate details on what happened with the Marquis through subvocals.

Shepard sits in her apartment with Vi, feeling drowned by a metaphorical mountain of to-do tasks and unable to complete any of them. As she turns her feelings over in her mind, she is surprised by how much not being pregnant hurts- even though she is already overwhelmed with her current responsibilities and with Viatrix. She reaches out to Bakara, who immediately invites her and Viatrix over, and promises to feed her- no arguing.

When Shepard arrives, Wrex is there to greet her while being used as a jungle-gym by his twin boys. He comments that every time he sees her, she looks like shit and asks who he needs to pummel. He relieves her of Vi and her accouterments and sends Shepard in to talk to Bakara.

Shepard awkwardly talks to Bakara about the children, and Shepard’s own mixed feelings towards her disappointment in not being pregnant. Bakara talks about some of her own disappointment and losses, and reassures Shepard that her feelings are nothing to be ashamed of. Their conversation is interrupted by a priority message: Garrus flatlined in surgery and he is being rushed to Huerta Memorial.

Shepard rushes to Huerta, demanding to be let in to see Garrus. Her eyes glow black, and her voice echoes in bystander’s heads as it flanges and splits painfully. Fortunately, Tali arrives and helps Shepard calm down enough to stop with the spooky space magic.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

A TVTropes page for EOTA, so many memes, and you being valid no matter what. Yes, you.
Chapter 47: The Towers of Illium

Solana, Garrus, Liara and Tali talk about Garrus’ data hoarding habits saving his life, and when asked Liara says that she knew to come upstairs because certain key-words were tripped. Solana and Tali comment that Garrus wears command well. Shepard asks Garrus to send an Eyes Only message to Hackett: “The towers of Illium have fallen."
Chapter 6: Renovations

Warning! **Here there be spoilers**

### Summary

The *Normandy* heads toward Eden Prime. Tali opens a wall in the conference room and begins building herself a make-shift workstation, while she and Garrus attempt to puzzle out what happened during the explosion they outran.

### Title Meaning

The "Renovations" being made are the ones by Tali, who is ripping open the *Normandy's* walls to try to problem solve their dilemma.
Chapter 100: Reach and Flexibility

### Summary

Traps, misdirection, and mind-games- everything is on the table as Shepard and Garrus play a game of high-tech cat and mouse to answer the question of who wins when it’s Archangel versus Commander Shepard.

The fight brings down the ceiling and ends with two guns pointed at two heads- a mutual draw.

### Title Meaning

When Garrus told Shepard during their preparation for the assault on the Collector base that he wasn't sure how to handle preparing for such a high risk mission on a human ship, he mentioned the story of him and a recon scout settling their differences in the ring. It was brutal because, in his words, "I had reach, but she had flexibility."

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

Awesome Mass Effect fanart, istie's pipe dreams, and murder boards.
Chapter 19: Highly Classified Everything

### Summary

Miranda Lawson plots. Sparatus and Aelianus discuss access to resources over rylke for the classified pregnancy, Anderson debriefs Private Einarson over his vision and consults with Dr. Fallujah, Tali rips her proverbial hair out over trying to get the Arcturus relay to activate using her experimental technology. Garrus, having finally gotten some sleep, tells her it needs some calibrations.

### Title Meaning

Much of what is discussed in this chapter is Classified; when Douglas Einarson asks for Shepard's status, Anderson tells the private that her condition is "Classified", Aelianus impresses onto Sparatus the need for secrecy regarding his need of resources for his granddaughter, indeed even Miranda's operations around this time are a mystery.
Chapter 130: Trust Goes Both Ways

### Summary

Distrust, and misplaced trust are the theme running through the Citadel on this day.

Khonine and Balak discuss the funding acquired to rebuild the batarian people. Khonine tells Balak that she trusts him and his judgment, despite her discomfort with the arrangement of having their benefactor remain anonymous.

Garrus broods over Shepard’s withdrawal from him- her lack of entanglement (which she blames on headaches), her lack of passionate kissing, and her failing health that she blames on stress. When she moved away from his touch that morning, he finds himself wondering if he could still trust her.

Dr. Chakwas and Admiral Hackett discuss Shepard’s new abilities. Chakwas reluctantly tells Hackett that she has a hunch that Shepard fudged her medical tests for being taken off medical leave. They decide on asking Verity to keep an extra eye on Shepard and report back to them.

Addled and stressed though she may be, Shepard’s infiltrator skills are still top notch. She has become keenly aware of how completely and thoroughly the people around her are observing her. She comes to the conclusion that they don’t trust her- and she cannot trust anyone.

### Easter Eggs

#### Discord Highlights

The unavoidable antics of Sparatus babysitting toddler!Vi, regulations requiring dramatic exits, and reports of mass luting.
Chapter 57.5: The Icing on the Cake

### Major Characters

Commander ShepardGarrus VakarianSolana VakarianCouncilor SparatusDr. Liara T'soni

## Chapters

### Next Chapter

Chapter 58: New Lights in the Sky

NSFW Warning

Shepard discovers through an overheard phone call that today is Garrus' birthday. After consulting with Sparatus on the proper protocols for turian birthdays, Shepard conspires with Liara to get Garrus out of the house. When Garrus returns, icing-related sexy-times are enjoyed, along with some good natured humor.

### Title Meaning

Shepard bought the icing, but she is the cake.

### Easter Eggs

This story was written as a birthday gift for booksomewench, and takes place between chapters 57 and 58.

It contains a reference to another one of istie's short stories: In Beta.
Chapter 76: Home is Where the Heat Sinks Are

Shepard and Garrus enjoy their combat sim date and their enjoyment extends to their return home. Khalisah sends a message that she has a list of approved clothing designers for the gala, but they are going to need to work on their own to procure a ship. Garrus asks Joker about flying a different ship, and he tells them about a classified one he’d love to take for a spin. Shepard asks Hackett about borrowing said spook interceptor prototype (the Austerlitz) for their press tour using cloaking technology to hide what she actually looks like. Shepard selects and meets designer duo Sasha Thomson and Aeran’Celet. While working on the Normandy refit, Glyph sends Garrus a clip that contains a momentary picture of a certain turian that Garrus is on the hunt for.

### Title Meaning

"Home is Where the Heat Sinks Are" is a play on the saying "Home is Where the Heart is"; a reminder that a home is more than just a place. For Shepard and Garrus any home they have will have plenty of heat sinks.
Chapter 141: Nothing Changes That

### Summary

Shepard awakens at home, though she believes she is either dreaming or hallucinating. She feels Viatrix on her chest, and the little one’s subvocals put Shepard back to sleep.

Nimue Wynn has reservations on commanding the *Normandy* in Garrus’ absence. She and Kaidan talk about why he split commanding officer duties after the *Normandy* was downed on 1002315 WIlliams. Kaidan’s advice to Wynn: “Talk it to death and shoot it if it gets back up.” . . . “then go back to the Citadel.”

Shepard continues to worsen, spending most of her time dissociating or unconscious altogether. Garrus assures her that they are going to figure out what is wrong and he is not going anywhere. When she awakens later, she asks Garrus for his visor though their connection- talking is becoming impossible,

As one of the Minos-controlled ships chases a ship of human refugees attempting to escape, a rachni ship intercepts them and orders them to break pursuit. The captain of the TCSV *Sparta* appears to not be willing to withdraw under any circumstances, despite *Complex Melody in Rushing Wind* and the rest of the rachni blockade bombarding their shields. The first officer decides she wants to live though, and puts a bullet in his head before ordering evacuation of their mortally wounded ship.

Solana is close on the Marquis’ heels- but the *Normandy* is three hours away from support. Reluctantly she sends a message for Garrus- she needs his help to act as backup.

Shepard’s eyesight and hearing start to weaken late in the evening. When Chakwas relays Solana’s request for assistance. Garrus knows that his sister would only ask for help if the need was dire and no one else could make it. He reluctantly leaves, promising to be back and hoping he is not making a massive mistake.

### Title Meaning

When Garrus asks Shepard if she wants to move up the wedding, Shepard tells him through their connection: *"It's up to you. Ring or no ring, markings or no markings, I’ve been yours for years, Garrus. There’s no Shepard without Vakarian… nothing changes that."*

### Easter Eggs

The song lyrics in the chapter opening are a slightly revised version of the song "Turning" from Act Two of the musical *Les Miserables*.

#### Discord Highlights

Nostalgia for old recording technology, Tea Discourse™, and nicknaming rachni after Russian space stations.
List of Foods in EOTA

## Asari Foods/Beverages

*Ateri’ya:* Amall legume typically dried for storage, then boiled into soup; some people love it, some people hate it, but everybody agrees that the colour leaves a lot to be desired.

## Krogan Foods/Beverages

*Sintalaki:* A very high-calorie fruit native to Tuchanka

## Turian Foods/Beverages

*Amilu*: A starchy root vegetable, most often used to make flour

*Apribel*: A ight green fruit which is often made into very sweet jellies and syrups

*Ažentem*: Light purple root vegetable, very crunchy, often eaten raw

*Conditum:* An extremely expensive alcoholic drink, aged at least 25 years (though over 50 years is preferable) using rare spices. Comparable to a cross between a mulled wine and top-shelf whisky.

*Kefił:* A spice, like a cross between cayenne and cinnamon

*łaukan*: A dark green vegetable, grows in the ground, disliked by many a turian child

*Louza:* Poultry; a staple protein on Palaven

*Lythe* Milk: Milk derived from a goat-like creature native to Palavan, which is somewhat bitter and often used in *rylke*. Highly perishable.

*Mallanin*: A rice-like grain, most similar to wild rice

*Nižot:* A hearty one-dish casserole, similar to chicken thighs baked in rice and broth

*Perðisi*: Bright yellow fruit that grows on trees, very sweet

*Popula*: A ight blue berry that tastes somewhat like an apple

*Riera*: Soft dark green fruit, grows in bunches on trees, somewhat sweet and good for baking

*Rylke:* The Turian equivalent of coffee, this drink is made by crushing grains together, adding enough water to make a paste, warming the paste, adding more water and stirring before warming it up again. Traditionally, *lythe* milk is added. Turians add salt to their rylke instead of sugar. There are official (and ancient) tools used by some for the purpose of making the drink; Councilor Sparatus is one such individual who keeps them with him.

*Ruida*: A small dark blue berry similar in look to a raspberry, somewhat sweet with a bit of cinnamon.

*Siligo:* A grain used in breakfasts and baked goods. Essentially the turian equivalent of oatmeal; smells unpleasant when reconstituted.

*Xemna*: A herd animal, similar to a cow.
Chapter 54: Between the Solar Flare and the Ocean

### Locations

SSV Normandy SR-2 (Geosynchronous orbit over Rannadril)Shepard-Vakarian Apartment, Citadel Consort’s Chamber’s, Citadel

### Major Characters

Commander Shepard Garrus Vakarian Sha’ira

## Chapters

### Previous Chapter

Chapter 53: There’s No Frigate Called the Normandy

### Next Chapter

Chapter 55: Don’t Let Them Win

When Shepard comes out of her flashback, they both avoid talking about it. Garrus reluctantly asks Shepard if she can be humanity’s representation on the Council, noting they had already asked her mother (who apparently laughed in Hackett’s face in response). When asked, Garrus confirms there is no one else available to do so. They set a number of conditions for her to accept the position, not the least of which is a number of contingency plans for when her mental health makes things go wrong. The two of them set up a home base back on the apartment Anderson had gifted her before the end of the war, which remarkably was untouched by the devastation. Shepard begins therapy with Sha'ira. Afterwards, she and Garrus agree the best and safest route to keep themselves and Vi safe is to keep their engagement and Vi under wraps for the moment. After having dinner with Liara, Shepard and Garrus make love with the subvocal mod on. In the middle of that heightened embrace, Shepard sends words to Garrus without speaking.
Illium Nights

First mentioned in Chapter 163, *Illium Nights* is a famous 22nd century Broadway Show.

### Plot

Taking inspiration from such movies as *Bonnie and Clyde*, *Thelma and Louise*, and the musical *Chicago,* the main character Iris moves to Illium to try to make it in the cut-throat corporate world, and she narrowly avoids indentured servitude when her venture goes under. Enter Antony, a petty criminal who's trying to find the straight and narrow: the two fall in love and, Iris turning out to be a horribly bad influence on Antony, they spiral into a glorious crime spree. The musical climaxes with Iris stabbing her former business partner in the back literally and metaphorically as she stages a boardroom takeover of her new company, only to have Antony betray her by bringing in the NAPD to catch her red-handed. The story ends with a beautiful duet through prison bars as Iris and Antony vow to stay together forever.

### Song

We only see one song from the musical, sung by a very drunk Shepard towards the end of her bachelorette party. The lyrics we know are:

*Nos Astra skies shimmer twilight and silver, baby:*

*What’s a girl like me doin’ in a place like this? Well, wouldn’t you like to know…*

*Only waitin’ for the dawn, waitin’ for the news to break that he’s dead — he’s dead and gone…*

*and you’ll never find me here, you’ll never find the gun, you’ll never see me shed a tear for that piece of work I called my own!*

*Oh baby, sweetie, darlin’, honey, let me tell you just one thing that you really oughta know:*

*they can push me around, they can pull me to the ground, they can break my back and steal my shoes and bleed my pockets dry—*

*“They can fool me once, they can fool me twice, but in the end the joke’s on them, for there’s one thing the world can never do, one thing that’ll never fly!*

*“Kiss me, kill me, hold me, thrill me, do with me what you will but I’ll never frown – no, they’ll never take my crown because they can’t hold me down!*