The Diomedian Chronicles: Mirror Image

< The Diomedian Chronicles

The Diomedian Chronicles: Mirror Image is a Novel/Transcript that bridges the gap between The Diomedian Chronicles: Vigor and The Diomedian Chronicles: Interitus.

The events take place during Prometheus Squad's military operation codenamed "Warlord", a few months after the Reaper Incursion.

Archaon is reunited with his estranged sister, Cindy, when she writes a new physics proof. With this proof, Archaon entends to recreate project Arctero.

Prologue
''[Earth. In the living room of a house, Cindy Thrax is playing with her four year old daughter, Madison. Cindy is kneeling beside a low table in the middle of the room while Madison stands on the other side. Various toys are on the table, including a circular track with a toy train on it.]''

Madison: The princess is going to play.

Cindy: Where’s the princess? Where’s the princess in the tower?

Madison: Right there.

Cindy: Which one?

[Madison points at a toy princess.]

Cindy: Oh!

Madison: Put this one... [she picks up a toy dog.]

Cindy: This is how they need to get around, right? [She starts to push a toy train around the track towards Madison, making the sound effects.] Chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga...

Madison: [putting the dog in the train.] Go inside the train... Toot-toot! [She takes the train and starts to push it around the track.] Chugga-chugga, toot-toot.

''[She and Cindy continue making the noises of the train until it reaches a toy bridge. As Madison pushes the train onto the bridge, Cindy trails off and watches the train, lost in thought. Madison pushes the train through the arches of the bridge. Cindy sinks back onto her heels, stares at the train and bridge for a moment, then stands up and goes over to an easel which has a large pad of white paper on it. She tears off the top sheet, which has a painting of a house which Madison obviously drew earlier. She picks up a pot of red paint, kneels down in front of the easel, dips her index finger into the paint and starts to write on the pad. Seeing her mom behave like this, it scares Madison a little, taking a few steps back to observe how her mom puts equations on the white piece of paper.]''

''[Time passes and Kurt, Cindy’s husband, comes home. He opens the front door and calls out a greeting.]''

Kurt: Hello!

''[Closing the front door, he puts his bag down on the floor and looks around for his family. He soon notices Madison kneeling on the floor of the living room, gazing at something.]''

Kurt: Madison?

''[Madison doesn’t react. Kurt walks into the room and squats down to her.]''

Kurt: Honey? You ok?

''[When Madison still doesn’t move or speak, he turns to look at what she’s gazing at. He stands up and stares at the sight that greets him. Sheets of paper are hung up all around the room -- some on the walls, some attached to shelves -- while others are spread out on the floor or on the table. All of them have complicated mathematical equations finger-painted on them in various different colors. Cindy is sitting on the floor painting calculations on another sheet with her finger.]''

Kurt: [calling out quietly.] Hello?

[Cindy looks up at him, startled.]

Cindy: Oh, hey.

Kurt: So... Been busy?

''[Cindy looks around the room, seemingly surprised at the amount of work she did. She turns round to look at Kurt again, smiling awkwardly. At night, in their bedroom, Kurt and Cindy are getting ready for bed.]''

Kurt: Send it to Jean-Pierre Genoux.

Cindy: Mister Genoux has better things to do than look over my nonsensical scribbling.

Kurt: Well, they didn’t look nonsensical to me. [Cindy looks at him.] OK, fine, they did. [They both laugh.] I’m an English teacher. What the hell do I know, right?! Send it. What have you got to lose?

[Cindy kisses him as she gets into bed.]

Cindy: Goodnight.

Kurt: Goodnight.

''[He reaches out and turns off the bedside lights as they settle down. Cindy gazes up at the ceiling thoughtfully. The next day, Cindy is transferring her finger paintings onto sheets of A4 paper, this time using a pen. Some days pass, Kurt picks up some glasses of drinks and takes them into the living room where Cindy and Madison are again playing with the toys on the table. There’s a knock at the front door.]''

Cindy: I’ll get it.

''[She goes to the door and opens it. A female Alliance officer, wearing dress blues and holding her beret in both hands, is standing outside and smiles at her.]''

Officer: Cindy Thrax?

Cindy: Uh, yes.

Officer: [extends a hand.] Hi. I’m Vice Admiral Lizbeth Rebane of the Alliance navy.

Cindy: [nervously shakes her hand.] OK...

Lizbeth: Misses Thrax, Did you recently send a math proof to Professor Jean-Pierre Genoux of the Vancouver Institute of Technology?

Cindy: [still nervous.] Was I not supposed to?

''[The Aegina. Gwen walks into the lab where Doctor Archaon Thrax and his science crew are sitting at a desk.]''

Gwendolyn: Sorry to interrupt, ducklings. [To Archaon.] But you need to pack your toothbrush, we’re heading back to Earth.

Archaon: We are? Why?

Gwendolyn: Admiral Hackett needs your help.

[Archaon smiles smugly.]

Archaon: With what?

Gwendolyn: Your sister.

[Archaon’s face falls as he looks at Gwen in shock.]

Chapter One
''[Earth. At an unknown military facility. Hackett walks onto, what appears to be, a shuttle pad, where a shuttle is landing. Archaon walks out and down the ramp to Hackett, rather hastily.]''

Hackett: Welcome back to Earth… --

Archaon: --Yes, yes. What has my sister done?

Hackett: Good to see you, too, Doctor Thrax.

Archaon: [impatiently.] Greetings, salutations, pleasantries. What’s she done?

''[Without waiting for an answer, he walks past Hackett -- turning briefly to look at his backside –- and steps into the elevator. Hackett turns, sighs briefly and follows him.]''

''[Later. Archaon is sitting at the desk in a lab. A half eaten sandwich and partly eaten tub of red jelly is on the table, but Archaon is more interested in the paper that he is reading. Hackett walks around the lab, clicking her fingers impatiently as he waits for him to finish reading. As Archaon gets near to the end of the document he walks over to stand beside him.]''

Hackett: I thought that...

''[Archaon holds up a finger and makes an inarticulate sound to stop him. He reads on for a moment.]''

Archaon: Huh. Well, it’s certainly some, uh, very interesting stuff, but it can’t be her work. I mean, she’s been out of the game for years.

[Hackett blinks.]

Hackett: “The game”?

Archaon: Mmm, yeah. She hasn’t published a single theoretical physics paper in, like, four years.

Hackett: Oh, that game!

Archaon: Mmm. She was on a fast track to some pretty exciting grants, doing some interesting work. I mean, she was no me, of course.

Hackett: [staring at him.] Uh-huh.

Archaon: [not noticing.] Mmm. Anyway, she got married with some English major and her priorities shifted overnight. I tried to talk some sense into her, but she’s a tad on the stubborn side. Still published an article here and there, but nothing major and for the last four years I haven’t seen anything from her since.

Hackett: When was the last time you spoke to her?

Archaon: Hmm, ten years, give-or-take.

Hackett: Ten years?!

Archaon: Not that I didn’t check to see if she’d published.

[Hackett sighs in disbelief, then looks down at the paper.]

Hackett: You do realize what this proof means, right?

Archaon: [condescendingly.] Of course I do… at least if her math checks out.

Hackett: I’ve had my top scientists running this over. It checks out, doctor.

Archaon: Ah, well, no offence to your research team, but I’d like a little more time with it myself.

Hackett: [firmly.] Doctor, It checks out.

Archaon: [disbelieving.] And she said it just came to her?

Hackett: Yeah. Apparently she was playing with her kid when she got a notion.

Archaon: [annoyed.] A notion. That is just beautiful. Oh, she’s gonna love this. [Suddenly he looks up at Hackett in a panic.] Oh, Lizbeth didn’t tell her I’d been trying to prove something like this myself, did she?

Hackett: Not exactly, no.

Archaon: [relieved.] Oh, good, ‘cause she would just... Wait a minute. Why not?

Hackett: See, that’s part of the reason I asked you here. She’s been cleared by the pentagon, but she refuses to sign the confidentiality agreement. She says she wants nothing to do with us. To be honest, she’s been a bit of a pain in the ass.

Archaon: Ah. Well, forget her, then. I mean, she’s made her choice. We’ll just have to figure out how to implement it on our own. [He turns over some pages of the document and looks at them.] Let’s see... [He glances nervously at Hackett for a moment, then looks back at the document.] Now, upon first glance, there are certainly some missing pieces that aren’t exactly spelled out in the proof, but, um...

[Aware that Hackett is looking at him closely, he trails off and looks up without meeting the admiral’s eyes.]

Archaon: What?

Hackett: Doctor, you and I both know this would go a lot faster if your sister were on board.

Archaon: Well, what do you want me to do? She’s not gonna listen to me.

Hackett: You’re her brother!

Archaon: Yeah, exactly!

Chapter Two
''[Cindy’s house. Cindy goes to the door as someone knocks on it. She opens it and finds Archaon standing there holding a small bunch of flowers. He smiles at her.]''

Archaon: Hi.

Cindy: [shocked.] H-Hi.

Archaon: Long time no see.

Cindy: To say the least!

[There’s a long uncomfortable pause.]

Archaon: Aren’t you gonna invite me in?

Cindy: Why are you here?

Archaon: [stepping over the threshold.] What, I can’t just stop by, say hi to my little sister?

Cindy: Well, we haven’t spoken in ten years and you’ve never done anything like this, so... no, you can’t.

Archaon: Well, I’ve been kind of busy... with work, you know, doing a lot of inter-stellar travelling and such, and I was called back on business, so, um... I was in town, and I thought I’d, um, you know. [He holds out the bunch of flowers to her.]

Cindy: Wait a second.

Archaon: What?

Cindy: You’re not here because of the physics proof, are you?

Archaon: What? No! No, I mean, sure, that’s part of the reason I’m here, but, uh...

Cindy: I thought Cerberus disbanded!

Archaon: No, no, I mean, yes, but, uh...

Cindy: You know what? I don’t care. I already told that-that admiral person that I don’t want anything to do with it.

[Archaon looks annoyed.]

Archaon: Do you have any idea what you’ve written?

Cindy: A math proof. Some-some theoretical physics. I am willing to wager it has no practical application at all.

[Archaon brandishes the flowers at her.]

Archaon: [smiling.] I’ll take that wager.

Cindy: What does that mean?

Archaon: [annoyed.] Just sign the damn agreement!

Cindy: No! Getting all proprietary about our research and ideas is everything that’s wrong with science today.

Archaon: [rolling his eyes.] Ok, here we go.

Cindy: Did you know that one fifth of our genes, the very building blocks of our being, have been patented by major pharmaceutical corporations? One fifth! If there’s any benefit at all to what I’ve written, is that it’ll spark an idea in someone else. I am not gonna sign away my rights, least of all to the military.

Archaon: But it has sparked an idea in someone, a big one!

Cindy: Like what?

Archaon: Uh, No, can’t tell you. Not until you sign the agreement.

Cindy: I’m not signing the agreement ‘til you tell me.

Kurt: [coming into the hallway with Madison in his arms.] What’s with all this commotion?

[Cindy turns to him while gesturing towards Archaon.]

Cindy: Look who showed up.

[Archaon waves at him, smiling falsely.]

Archaon: Hey.

[Kurt looks at him, not sure who he is.]

Cindy: [whisperingly.] It’s-It’s my brother.

Kurt: Oh! Right. [He puts Madison down.] Hey.

''[Madison runs over to Archaon and wraps her arms around his legs. Archaon grimaces.]''

Madison: Hi! Are you my uncle?

[Archaon looks down at her.]

Archaon: Uh... hello, little one.

Madison: Did you bring me presents?

[Cindy and Kurt laugh.]

Cindy: Madison! [She pulls her daughter away from Archaon.]

Archaon: What? No. I didn’t know that was a rule.

Madison: It is!

Archaon: Well, I guess I broke that rule.

[Madison giggles.]

Kurt: Uh, I just made some dinner. Would you care to join us?

[Cindy turns and throws a look at Kurt.]

Archaon: Uh, well, that would be great, actually. I am starving. You have no idea what time zone I just came from.

Kurt: Well, I sure hope you like tofu chicken.

''[He takes Madison’s hand and leads her off into the kitchen. Archaon laughs nervously, hands the flowers to Cindy and walks into the house.]''

Archaon: I sure hope he’s kidding.

[Cindy sighs and closes the front door.]

Chapter Three
''[Cindy and Archaon have finished eating and are taking the dishes from the dining room into the kitchen. Cindy laughs.]''

Cindy: Not a fan of vegetarian cuisine, eh?

Archaon: Hmm. Yes, well, I suppose I was just in the mood for, um... well, food.

[Kurt walks in.]

Kurt: I’ll give Maddie her bath. You two catch up.

Cindy: OK, hon.

Kurt: [to Archaon.] Hey, pop your head in before you leave.

Archaon: [nervously.] What? Uh, why?

Kurt: Children like to say goodbye.

Archaon: [relieved.] Oh, the, uh... yeah, sure. Sure.

''[Kurt leaves the room. Archaon scrapes the plate he’s holding into the rubbish bin.]''

Archaon: Boy, Madison’s sure grown, huh?

Cindy: Since she was born? Yeah, yeah, she has!

[Archaon puts his plate down and speaks quietly, but firmly.]

Archaon: OK, look, I don’t want to waste any more of your time. You need to come with me right now. Your proof could lead to something groundbreaking.

[Cindy turns to him thoughtfully.]

Cindy: How long would I be gone?

Archaon: Uh, I -- Well, it’s like maybe -- a couple of months? tops.

Cindy: [laughing.] A couple of months? Are you joking? I... Madison has her first ballet recital next Tuesday.

Archaon: She’s four! How good could she possibly be?

Cindy: That’s not the point!

Archaon: Hey, she’s not gonna remember you not being there. Kids don't start developing episodic memories until they’re five.

Cindy: I’ll remember me not being there.

Archaon: This is bigger than your responsibilities.

Cindy: OK, we’ve had this conversation before. You belittle my choices, I get furious at you, and we don’t talk for another ten years. I’m not all that anxious to do that all over again.

Archaon: This is not what Dad would have wanted.

[Cindy turns to him, angry that he’s using the ‘Dad’ card.]

Archaon: No, he would have wanted us working together, side by side, toppling problems and sharing credit.

Cindy: Oh, you share credit now, do you?

Archaon: This is important, Cindy. I mean, it’s much more important than you could ever imagine.

Cindy: For you, I am sure it is. But this, me being here, me being a mother to my daughter, rebuilding my home, standing by my husband. This! This is important for me. Why can’t you just accept that?

Archaon: Cindy, your equation has real-world applications I’m certain you’ve never even considered. Look, the work we could do is important, Cindy, and not just to you or me...

''[Cindy turns her back at Archaon, staring out the window. A cyclist passes on the street.]''

Archaon:... but to every human being on Earth, and that includes Madison and, um...

[He grimaces as he realizes that he can’t remember the name of her husband.]

Cindy: Kurt.

Archaon: Kurt, yes.

[Archaon gives Cindy a moment while she thinks about it.]

Archaon: So what do you say, hmm?

Cindy: Look, it’s just a lot to take in right now, OK? Just give me a second, Arch.

[Behind her, Archaon smiles affectionately.]

Archaon: [leaving a card.] Here’s my personal phone number. Call me when you made up your mind.

''[Archaon leaves. Cindy snorts her nose and wipes away a tear. She reaches for her wallet and pulls out a small photo. On it are Cindy and Archaon while they were very young. Behind the young siblings there is a couple. Judging from the face of the man, it's safe to say it’s their parents, since his face is the spitting image of Archaon's. A memento of happier times.]''

''[Later that Night. Kurt wakes up and sees Cindy sitting on the side of the bed and gazing up into the night sky through the window. He sits up in bed and sighs ruefully.]''

Kurt: You have to go.

[Cindy sighs and nods, fidgeting with the card Archaon left behind.]

Cindy: I know...

Chapter Four
''[Earth. The Aegina is ready to break orbit. Inside the ship, Archaon and Cindy walk along a corridor. They pass a Turian, which prompts Cindy to stare as she walks past it. Clearly, she hasn’t seen many Turians.]''

Archaon: What did you tell Kurt?

Cindy: Uh, the truth.

Archaon: What?! Do you have any idea what “non-disclosure” means?!

Cindy: Just because we don’t keep secrets from each other doesn’t mean we’re incapable of it.

Archaon: What did he say?

Cindy: Um, he’s concerned that me telling him will get him assassinated or something. [She laughs for a moment, then looks at Archaon, her face serious.] That-that won’t happen, right?

Archaon: uhm, No comment.

''[They go into a lab where Archaon’s science team is already busy at work. Gwen is standing beside the lab table.]''

Archaon: [confused.] Gwen, what are you doing here?

Gwendolyn: Well, I thought I could at least help get Cindy up to speed before you guys begin.

''[Archaon and Cindy both nod. The science team stops what they are doing and join the table.]''

Gwendolyn: About a year ago, your brother came across an abandoned alien experiment called Project Arctero.

[Gwen nods at Archaon, he calls up the information on a screen as Gwen continues talking.]

Gwendolyn: It was an attempt to generate mass effect energy from our own space-time.

Cindy: That would be virtually limitless power. What happened?

Archaon: A slight problem. It was the creation of exotic particles in the containment field.

Gwendolyn: He destroyed a solar system.

Cindy: Arch! [She smacks his arm.]

Archaon: It was uninhabited!

Chester: Your brother, along with us… [gestures to his colleges.] have been trying to figure out a way to draw this endless energy from a parallel space-time.

Archaon: Which would get us around the whole problem of the creation of dangerous exotic particles in our own space-time.

Cindy: And my theory is about bridging universes.

Allyson: Exactly. Yes, we’re hoping to use your proof as the theoretical basis for building a bridge from a parallel space-time to ours.

Cindy: The energy you’d need would be enormous to the point of absurd.

Archaon: Absurd we can do. I have designed an engine that creates energy from the sun -- extract energy from stellar material.

Cindy: You mean like… solar panels?

Archaon: No, I mean like actually diving through the photosphere of the sun. Our shield blocks off the radiation while ram scoops underneath the wings absorb the stellar material. This theoretically gives us near limitless amount of power, since power is replenished almost as quickly as it can be expended. Once the Arctero generator is up and running, the ship would be self-sustainable.

Cindy: [nervously.] Oh. [Then she forgets her nerves as she thinks more about the problem.] Aren’t you worried about the exotic particles crossing back over my bridge?

Allyson: Well, that’s the beauty of your theory. It should not only allow us to build a bridge, it should also allow us to manage the flow rate of energy.

Cindy: Like a faucet.

[Archaon laughs condescendingly.]

Archaon: Well, something like that.

Allyson: Actually, doctor, it’s exactly like that.

[Archaon’s smile fades.]

Cindy: What about the parallel universe? Aren’t you just shifting the exotic particle problem to their side?

Daniel: Potentially. But when you consider that the number of possible parallel universes that we could access borders on the infinite, the odds of us choosing at random one that’s inhabited are astronomically slim.

Cindy: Waw.

Gwendolyn: I know, it’s an awful lot to take in at once.

[Cindy turns to Archaon, looking smug.]

Cindy: hah, I solved your problem in my spare time... with finger paint.

Archaon: [annoyed.] Here we go…

Cindy: I just can’t imagine how you’re surviving the humiliation.

Archaon: Look, if it wasn’t for my work, your little theory would be useless...

Gwendolyn: Whoa, whoa! Siblings, please!

Archaon and Cindy: [simultaneously.] Sorry.

[Gwen ducks her head, unsuccessfully trying to hide a smile.]

Archaon: What?

Gwendolyn: Well, it’s just that you both said “sorry” in unison, it was kinda cute and I... [She trails off as Archaon and Cindy exchange a look.] Sorry. Anyway I’ll leave you to it. [She smiles at them.] Good luck.

''[Gwen leaves the room. Cindy looks at Archaon uncomfortably.]''

Cindy: I hope you have a good reason for even trying to attempt what you’re doing.

Archaon: Now, I don’t want to scare you, but you need to know the stakes. We’re on the verge of war.

[Cindy looks at him suspiciously.]

Cindy: Did you start it?

Archaon: [indignantly.] What? No! Oh, come on!

Chapter Five
''[Archaon and Cindy are in the lab. Archaon is sitting down looking at his sister’s calculations.]''

Archaon: OK, you’ve got a nota bene by the cosmological constant. Why is that?

[He looks up to see Cindy standing at the window watching ambient dust rush by.]

Archaon: Cindy?

''[She doesn’t reply. He sighs, stands up and walks over to her.]''

Archaon: Hey. ''[He snaps his fingers in front of her face. Finally she notices him.]'' Yeah. [He points back to the desk.] Why you’re here, remember?

Cindy: [turning and walking back to the desk.] Yeah.

Archaon: Thank you.

[Time lapse, Archaon and Cindy come out of an elevator, looking at some calculations on their omni-tools.]

Archaon: So there’s your problem right there.

Cindy: [pointing at the screen of her omni-tool.] What are you talking about? It’s here, and you made a mistake.

Archaon: No I didn’t! Look, I’ll prove it.

[They enter the docking bay area where a Quarian is tinkering with small machines, Archaon walks up and shows the omni-tool screen to her.]

Archaon: OK, so, we need a "yay" or "nay" on these equations.

''[Overwhelmed by his inquiry, the Quarian nervously looks at the screen. After analyzing all the data she inclines her head and with an almost terrified voice, she whispers.]''

Seta’Rann: Yay…

''[Time lapse, in engineering, Radovan walks across to a console screen as it beeps. A message comes up saying “Transmission from Research -- Dr Thrax.” A “Loading” line runs across the screen, then blueprints appear.]''

Archaon: [voiceover.] We already have a containment chamber we can use. The old hydroponics lab. I’ll forward the necessary modifications to Radovan. Now, if he doesn’t mess it up, he can make the chamber while we worry about the theoretical stuff.

''[Radovan stares at the complicated design, then switches to the next page, then the next. The finished product is a huge circular device.]''

''[Time lapse, the doors of the containment chamber open to reveal the finished circular power generator. It’s about the same size as an engine. Radovan and various scientists and engineers, dressed in white decontamination suits and hoods, are busy working in the lab. Radovan walks over to the control console and looks at Allyson who’s sitting there.]''

Bernn: Ready?

''[She nods. Archaon, omni-tool activated, walks over to Radovan to show him more blueprints.]''

Archaon: Now, we’ve been through these calculations a number of times, and I think we’ve settled on a containment field setup that should work for us. [He points at the screen.] I just wanna show you these... --

''[Time Lapse, In the Aegina’s containment chamber lab, Radovan looks a little worried as he goes over to a screen and watches as a green oscillating wave runs across it. The top of the screen shows the message “In progress.” Shortly afterwards, the message changes to “Successful.”.]''

Bernn: Yes, we have it, people! Good work! [The other scientists and engineers in the room applaud.] Good work, everybody.

[He looks at his watch and shrugs.]

Bernn: Just in time.

Chapter Six
''[Aegina’s Control Room. Scott is walking with Gwen to the stairs down into the Mess Hall.]''

Gwendolyn: Has he ever talked about his sister with you?

Greer: Once or twice in passing. Usually like, “Come on, even my sister can do it!” You know, that type of thing.

[Gwen laughs, then turns to Radovan as he comes up the stairs to meet them.]

Gwendolyn: How’s it coming, Radovan?

Bernn: The simulations are all in the green. We’re ready to try power-up.

Gwendolyn: Just in time.

Bernn: That’s actually what I just said.

''[He laughs nervously. The three of them walk down into the Mess Hall and stop as they meet Archaon and Cindy sitting near a table, eating, discussing and pointing at their omni-tools.]''

Gwendolyn: Ah, here they are.

[Both Archaon and Cindy stop eating and turn to face Gwen.]

Gwendolyn: I just wanted you to meet Sergeant Scott Greer. He’ll be the security officer for the project. Sorry I can’t assign more security personnel, we’re a bit understaffed right now.

Cindy: That’s kinda weird, I thought the Alliance military was more popular than ever.

Gwendolyn: Well, we have vacancies soldiers in the alliance can opt for, but the chances of them joining are slim. We aren’t an ordinary military frigate, we are a Special Operations/reconnaissance vessel, our strength lies in stealth, assassination and diplomacy. We need specialized people, people who excel at their job or stand out from others. Most of the applicants are just not qualified for this line of work.

Greer: Not to mention you only get 2 weeks of shore leave each year. The rest of the time, you’re here. Doesn’t leave much room for family.

Cindy: I see…

Greer: Sorry, where are my manner? ''[He offers his hand to her as she turns around to face him. They shake hands as he smiles at her.]'' Scott Greer, at your service.

Archaon: Yeah. She’s married and she’s my sister.

Greer: [frowns.] I’m just saying hi.

Archaon: Yeah. No, I know exactly what you’re doing. I’ve seen that look before... Captain Kirk.

[Scott frowns at him as Gwen smiles at Cindy.]

Gwendolyn: Don’t worry, they’re like that all the time.

[Cindy turns her attention back at Scott, smiling.]

Cindy: Arch’s told me so much about you.

Greer: Ah good, I hope … -- Did you just call him “Ark”?

Archaon: [quickly, before Cindy can say anything.] It’s a pet name. [To Radovan.] Where are we?

Bernn: Simulations are all in the green. We’re ready to try a power-up.

Cindy: Really? So soon? That’s amazing. Excellent work, Radovan.

Bernn: [surprised.] Thank you!

Archaon: Yes, we try not to encourage him. He’s got a bit of an ego.

Bernn: [chuckles.] Wha- Me?

Chapter Seven
''[Containment Lab. Inside the chamber, lights are running around the inside of the generator. Cindy looks through the glass door at it, checks her omni-tool and then walks over to a console to join Radovan. Nearby, Archaon is checking the readings on another console as Gwen stands beside him.]''

Archaon: In-chamber conditions are green. Containment field is in the green. Monitors are green.

Cindy: Everything’s green.

[Archaon throws Cindy a mean look.]

Bernn: [quietly to Cindy.] He likes to do the checklist.

Archaon: Power levels are well into the green. And back-up terminals are... green. [He straightens up and turns to Gwen.] We’re ready to initiate power-up.

Gwendolyn: [cautiously.] Alright, proceed.

Archaon: [rubbing his hands together.] Right. Here we go.

[Cindy hurries over to him, Radovan following her.]

Cindy: Want to turn it on together?

Archaon: Why would we do that?

Cindy: Because it’s both of our work. [She smiles at him.]

Archaon: Yeah, well, there’s only room on the button for one finger, so...

Cindy: Well, then, can I do it?

Archaon: [pointing down to his finger already on the keyboard.] Yeah, but I’m-I’m right here, so...

Bernn: [to Cindy.] He likes to push buttons.

Cindy: [disappointed and slightly annoyed.] Fine. Go.

Archaon: Powering up to five percent.

''[He pushes the button dramatically as Cindy walks away in a huff. Energy runs around the generator and a small yellow glow appears in the middle, then gets larger.]''

Archaon: Containment field is holding. Power generation is steady. [He smiles smugly at Gwen.]

Cindy: What about exotic particles?

Archaon: Cindy, please, I’m on it. We are holding at five percent. [He smiles again.]

Gwendolyn: Good. So, now what?

[Before Archaon can answer her, Cindy speaks.]

Cindy: The safest thing to do is hold at five percent for the next while.

Archaon: [points at Cindy.] Ok, she wasn’t talking to you!

[Cindy and Radovan, who had been looking at the other console, look up at him.]

Gwendolyn: Actually, it was an open question to the floor.

Cindy: “Shared credit”, huh? “We’ll do this together”? -- “Dad’ll be so proud.”

Archaon: This is not the time nor the place.

Cindy: Fine. I’m going to my quarters. [She storms out.]

Archaon: [irritated.] Yes, well, good night. Thank you.

[He looks part annoyed and part embarrassed as Gwen turns to him.]

Gwendolyn: So?

Archaon: Well, obviously we... hold at five percent for the next while and, um, see if any problems turn up.

Gwendolyn: Right…

Archaon: I should probably try to get some rest myself. [He clicks his fingers in the other scientists’ direction.] Could you... ?

[He walks away as Allyson takes over his console.]

Chapter Eight
''[The Aegina. Judging from the dim lighting in the room, it’s night time. Four or so people – scientists and engineers --, including Radovan, are sitting in the lab keeping watch over the generator as it continues to cycle. From their bored faces and slumped sitting positions, they’ve been there for some hours. Suddenly the yellow glow in the centre of the generator becomes much larger and brighter and the green lights around the outside of the device turn orange.]''

Allyson: What the...? [She points to another scientist.] Shut it down.

[As the generator powers down, Radovan runs to a console where a message appears on her screen: “Foreign object in containment chamber.”.]

Bernn: “Foreign object”? That can’t be good... Someone get Commander Diomedes!

[Another scientist runs from the room.]

''[The red light above the doors of the containment chamber turns to green and the doors open. The light inside the generator is no longer yellow, but glowing a purple-ish green. It fades and reveals a man crouched down inside the generator. He looks up and pulls the helmet off his Kestrel armor suit. It’s Archaon -- but he doesn’t quite look the same. His hair, with half a bottle of hairgel, is straight and black instead of messy and dark brown. ALT-Archaon also has a black goatee. He lifts his head and looks out the door to see Radovan and several other scientists staring in disbelief. ALT-Archaon grins.]''

ALT-Archaon: It worked.

[He jumps down out of the generator.]

Bernn: [thinking that somehow this must be our Archaon.] Archaon, What are you doing?

ALT-Archaon: [grinning at him.] Radovan!

Bernn: Yes?

ALT-Archaon: [points behind him.] I need to speak to whoever’s in charge of this project.

[Radovan, confused, looks round briefly at the other scientists before turning back to Alt-Archaon.]

Bernn: But... that’s you.

[Alt-Archaon smiles and puts his hands on his hips.]

ALT-Archaon: Well, then... I guess I need to speak to me.

Chapter Nine
''[Mess Hall. Archaon (our Archaon) walks in and hears the sound of people laughing hysterically. He goes to investigate and finds Cindy sitting with Scott, Sindri, Merrick and Ellen, all of them in fits of laughter. He walks over to their table as they continue to giggle. Cindy waves at him.]''

Archaon: What is this?

Kayris: Hey, Ark!

Archaon: Oh, wonderful!

Cindy: Scott here was kind enough to show me around, offer me a warm meal, and introduce me to some of your friends.

Archaon: What have you told them?

Greer: [his face straight.] We weren’t talking about you.

Archaon: [hopeful.] Oh, you weren’t?

Ellen: [smiling.] Uh, no. We were discussing a lot of things.

Merrick: Now, when the issue of bedwetting happened to come up, she may have mentioned something about your childhood.

Archaon: That is not true!

Kayris: Relax. We all have embarrassing childhood stories.

Merrick: Of course we do.

Kayris: There was one time the school bullies made me eat lunch with my underwear on my head.

Archaon: Oh!

Kayris: Oh, no, wait, that was you.

[The four of them crack up laughing.]

Archaon: Oh, hardy har-har. And this is revenge for what, exactly?

Cindy: You don’t even know, do you?

Gwendolyn: [over the intercom.] Doctors Thrax to the Isolation Room immediately. Doctors Thrax.

Archaon: Isolation Room? [He gestures to Cindy.] Come on.

''[Medical bay. The ALT-Archaon can be seen on the video feed as he strolls casually around the Isolation Room. He has been giving new clothes to wear, he is now sporting jeans and a leather jacket. Gwendolyn is watching the screen, but turns as Cindy and our Archaon come in. They stare at the screen in surprise.]''

Archaon: What in the world?

Cindy: [points at the screen.] That’s you.

Gwendolyn: No, that is a live closed-circuit feed of a man we have in the Isolation Room.

''[She leads them to the door of the isolation chamber, in the door is a small window and they all stare into it. ALT-Archaon, noticing them, stops his strolling and looks up at them smiling, raising a hand in a gesture of greeting.]''

Cindy: [looking at her brother briefly before staring into the room again.] What?!

Gwendolyn: He appeared in the containment chamber in some sort of forcefield.

Archaon: What do you mean, he appeared?

Gwendolyn: Out of thin air. I have Radovan working on it. Obviously we shut down the project.

Archaon: Well, how’d he get in there?

Gwendolyn: He claims to be from a parallel universe.

[Cindy rolls her eyes and turns to Archaon.]

Cindy: You said the odds against this were astronomical.

Archaon: You saw the math!

Cindy: Well, we got it wrong.

Archaon: Yeah, well, he’s here now, so the question is, what does he want?

Gwendolyn: He asked if he could talk to you.

[Archaon grimaces for a moment, then turns to Cindy.]

Archaon: Alright, you want shared credit? [Cindy shakes her head softly.] You’re coming in with me.

Cindy: Wait...

''[Archaon has already opened the door and is entering the isolation chamber. Cindy sighs and follows him. Alt-Archaon turns as the door opens and our Archaon and Cindy walk in.]''

ALT-Archaon: Waw. Now, I figured you’d be here, but, uh, Cindy? I always hoped we’d work together.

Cindy: [staring back and forth between the two men.] Huh. This is a first.

Archaon and ALT-Archaon: [simultaneously.] For me too.

[Alt-Archaon gestures to a couple of chairs in the room.]

ALT-Archaon: Have a seat. [He turns to our Archaon.] Now, I presume you go by...

Archaon: Archaon.

ALT-Archaon: Ah. “Arch” myself.

[Archaon turns to Cindy.]

Archaon: Why would I want anyone to call me that?

[Cindy shrugs.]

[From now on, I’ll refer to Alt-Archaon as “Arch”.]

''[Arch sits down on one chair while Archaon takes the one opposite. Cindy stands beside him.]''

Arch: OK, I’m gonna make some assumptions based on what I’ve seen here and from readings we’ve taken in my own space time. Please stop me if I’m wrong. One: I presume you’re running some sort of experiment that’s designed to bridge between parallel universes. And two: it has something to do with power generation. Warm? Cold?

Cindy: Uh, hot. [She laughs.]

Arch: Well, I’m sure the experiment’s been a success on this side, but it’s having some rather serious repercussions in my universe.

[Cindy smacks Archaon’s arm.]

Cindy: I told you.

Archaon: Not now!

Cindy: [to Arch.] Dangerous exotic particles that don’t belong in either of our universes are being created on your side of the bridge.

''[Archaon turns and throws her a dark look. Arch leans forward to him.]''

Arch: Oh, so you knew this could happen?

Archaon: [nervously.] Uh, there was a slight risk, yes.

[In the medical bay, Gwen is watching the conversation with narrowed eyes.]

Gwendolyn: This is weird…

[Back in the isolation chamber.]

Arch: Well, you’re quite correct, Cindy, and because these particles don’t behave according to any of the laws of physics in our space time, they’re creating a tear in the fabric of our universe.

Cindy: Huh! [She looks down at Archaon.] First a solar system, now a universe.

Archaon: [impatiently.] Yes. [To Arch.] How exactly did you get here?

Arch: Ah. Well, we detected the anomaly about twenty hours ago in space above a planet we were surveying. We maneuvered one of our shuttles in close and tried to broadcast a signal to whoever was on the other side.

Archaon: Yes, but of course we would be unable to detect that signal from within the containment chamber.

Arch: [nodding.] So Gwen and I came up with a plan whereby a person outfitted with an L5n implant would biotically charge into the anomaly. They would be protected by the biotic barrier created when charging.

Cindy: [to Arch.] Still, it was an incredible risk.

[Arch laughs.]

Arch: Well, it was Gwen’s idea.

Archaon: Wait! You’re an L5n?

Arch: Of course, aren’t you?

Archaon: Well, no. I’m, uh… I only have an amplifier.

Arch: [recognizes the change in the timeline] Ah, my parents… well, our parents in my universe opted not to go for the in-utero eezo treatment. But that’s beside the point, back to why I’m here.

[In the medical bay, Lorelei joins Gwen.]

Lorelei: I’ve finished my hair and blood sample analyses.

Gwendolyn: And?

Lorelei: Perfect match. It’s Archaon alright.

[Back in the isolation chamber.]

Arch: We decided it might allow one of us to cross the bridge you’d created and bring the problem to your attention. There was very little time, and, well, there seemed to be no other way.

Archaon: [smiles.] They wanted to get rid of you.

Arch: I volunteered! [Archaon stares at him.] What, the prospect of saving an entire universe? No-brainer.

Archaon: [unconvincingly.] Oh, sure.

[Cindy laughs, mostly in amazement at how much cooler her alt-brother is, then looks at him apologetically.]

Cindy: I can’t begin to say how sorry we are.

Arch: Yes, well, you could start by shutting down the experiment?

Archaon: Done! And after hearing what you’ve told me, I see no reason why we’d start it back up again.

Arch: Great. Then my work here is done. [He gives a thumbs up.] Mission accomplished.

''[He chuckles happily. Cindy smiles with him. Archaon looks awkward, then realizes something.]''

Archaon: Uh, well, yes, but how did you plan on getting, you know, back -- I mean, to your own universe?

Arch: The matter bridge you created is unidirectional.

Cindy: But that means...

Arch: Yes. Yes, it does...

Chapter Ten
[Arch has been brought to the lounge and he and Cindy are making a bed while Kayris and Archaon talk outside.]

Arch: So, Cindy, do you have three kids in this universe?

Cindy: [chuckles.] No. Just one.

Arch: Huh. Well, I’m sure you’re as great a mother in this space time as you are in mine. Oh! This’ll blow your mind. [He rummages in his jacket pocket and takes out his wallet.] I have photographs of your alternate life. Wanna see pictures of the kids you haven’t had?

Cindy: Absolutely! [She takes the photos and starts to look through them.] Oh, look at Maddie! [She looks at another picture.] Who’s that?

Arch: That’s Bradley and Robbie.

[Outside the room, Kayris and Archaon walk away.]

Archaon: Alright, what’s the game plan here?

Kayris: Gwendolyn wants the set the lounge up as guest quarters until we can find something more permanent.

Archaon: Something more permanent?! Well, we’re not keeping him!

Kayris: He can’t exactly go back, you know.

Archaon: That doesn’t just mean he has to stay here.

Kayris: He said he’d rather be on the Aegina than on Earth.

Archaon: Oh, I see. So he gets his way and I don’t.

Kayris: How can you not wanna be with him? He’s you!

Archaon: He’s not me! I’m me, the real me.

Kayris: I suppose it’s all relative. To Arch, his reality is every bit as valid as ours. To him, we’re the impostors.

Archaon: [sighs.] What does Hackett have to say about all this?

Kayris: Two Archaons are better than one.

Archaon: [annoyed.] There are not two Archaons! There’s one Archaon – and then there’s… him.

[Kayris gets into the elevator.]

Kayris: Whatever you say... Ark.

[He punches the back screen and smiles sarcastically, as far as Turians can smile sarcastically, at Archaon as the doors close.]

Chapter Eleven
''[Space, millions upon millions of stars cover the background as several hundred yards away we can see the back of the Aegina. There’s a metallic clunking sound and a small white ball soars out from the ship and passes our view. Inside, Arch has a golf club over his shoulder, having just hit the ball out into space. He turns and grins at Gwen, who is slumped down on her golf club.]''

Gwendolyn: I’m bored…

''[Arch chuckles happily. Gwen walks onto a small piece of Astro-turf, takes a ball from a bucket of balls and puts it onto a tee.]''

Arch: This is great. You know, where I come from, we’ve actually attached some buoy markers to the ship, this way we can more accurately predict how fast the ball was moving.

[Gwen swings her club and sends the ball skyrocketing through the shield that’s holding the atmosphere in the shuttle bay.]

Arch: Besides, you’d need to take a cattle prod to the Gwen I know to get her up this early.

[Gwen laughs.]

Gwendolyn: Late nights partying?

Arch: [chuckles] If you could call it that. No, she’s very active with the Mensa club in our universe, has holo-meetings every 2 days.

[Gwen frowns.]

Gwendolyn: Well, you can’t blame a girl for her intelligence.

Arch: No, but I can blame her for reminding us all the time.

Gwendolyn: [amazed.] She doesn’t!

Arch: Mmm, trust me. My Gwen makes your Archaon look... modest?... in comparison. [Gwen looks a little disturbed by this.] She also serves a lot of functions on the ship.

Gwendolyn: mh, not much difference from here, I guess.

Arch: To be honest, you’re a lot different than our Gwen.

Gwendolyn: Well, I’ve gotta admit -- between you and me -- you’re a lot different than our Archaon too.

Arch: How so?

Gwendolyn: It’s the little things. you say “please” and “thank you”; you’re, um... what’s the opposite of condescending?

''[Arch chuckles. Gwen tees up another ball and whacks it as hard as she can out through the shield. Arch watches it go and whistles appreciatively.]''

Arch: Now, I could help you with that hook.

Chapter Twelve
''[Aegina Mess Hall. Archaon walks in and hears the sound of people laughing hysterically. Rolling his eyes, he walks over to a table where Arch, Kayris, Cindy, Lorelei and Scott are in fits of laughter. People on other tables have obviously been listening to their conversation and are smiling.]''

Archaon: What the hell is this?

Kayris: Hey, Ark!

Archaon: [grumpily.] Yeah. Hi.

Arch: [still laughing.] I had a breakfast date with Cindy. I guess it kind of ballooned into a group affair. Look, sit down. We’re tracing back our lives, trying to find the little differences between our timelines.

Lorelei: Arch is an honorary member of the Citadel Council.

Cindy: And is godfather to his niece and nephews.

Archaon: [sarcastically.] Yes, well, how wonderful for him.

Arch: Well, it’s easier for us. Our universe still has mass relays, so it makes the back and forth a lot easier.

Bernn’s Voice: [over the comlink.] Doctors Thrax, please report to the containment chamber. Doctors Thrax.

Archaon and Arch: [simultaneously.] Excuse me.

[Arch and Cindy get up from the table.]

Greer: Hey, Arch, are we still on to spar later?

Arch: Absolutely.

''[They knock fists together and make explosion sounds. Chuckling, Arch heads off after Archaon. Cindy, grinning, follows him, full of admiration for her ALT-brother.]''

Cindy: [to herself.] Woaw!

Chapter Thirteen
''[Aegina’s containment chamber. The power generator is back online. Archaon has been brought up to speed and is furiously walking about the place.]''

Archaon: What do you mean you started it up again?!

Bernn: Shutting the experiment down only made things worse for us, not better. The matter bridge is still active, but we are not drawing any power, creating pressure like a dam. If we didn’t turn it on again, it could have resulted in a catastrophic overload.

[Unlike Archaon, Arch is remaining calm.]

Arch: Oh. We should have thought of that.

Archaon: [looking accusingly at Cindy.] Yeah, you should’ve!

Cindy: Don’t look at me.

Archaon: Oh, so you’re willing to take all the credit, but none of the blame, huh?

Cindy: I never wanted all the credit!

Arch: No-one is blaming you, cindy.

Cindy: [glancing towards Archaon.] Oh, really?

Arch: Look, this is just a temporary solution. The Radovan in my space time estimates that there is at least a week and a half before the tear inside the bridge expands as far as the universe... my universe.

Cindy: What’ll happen when it does?

Arch: Well, imagine what would happen if you just threw all the laws of physics out the window.

Cindy: Entropy, chaos!

Arch: Mmm. Worst-case scenario, the entropy expands as far as the subspace layers underneath our space time.

Archaon: It could travel almost instantaneously. I mean, your entire universe could just... [he clicks his finger.]... flash out of existence.

Arch: We need to mend that tear before it becomes irreparable. Now, I have some thoughts. Is there a place we can go to work?

Archaon: Uh, yes, of course. Follow me.

''[He turns to leave the room. Arch puts his hand on Cindy’s shoulder.]''

Arch: Oh, Cindy, we could use your help.

Cindy: [smiles fondly] Thank you!

Chapter Fourteen
''[Aegina’s laboratory. Arch hands a P.D.A. to Archaon.]''

Arch: D’you mind running up these power requirements?

Archaon: [grumpily.] Done. [He walks towards Cindy, throwing a suspicious look back at Arch as he goes, then turns to his sister and speaks to her quietly.] What were you doing having breakfast with him?

Cindy: [sarcastically] I don’t often meet people from parallel universes. I found myself curiously intrigued.

Archaon: Yeah, well, I don’t want you hanging around with him anymore.

Cindy: What?!

Archaon: Look, I am your real brother.

Cindy: In what sense?

Archaon: Oh, what is that supposed to mean?

Cindy: You haven’t been a brother to me since I quit school.

Archaon: You were making an incredible mistake. I was just trying to...--

Cindy: You were trying to control my life, Arch. I disagreed with you. I still do. And what, because of that, you stop being my brother?

Archaon: [indignantly.] I never stopped being your brother!

Cindy: [tearfully.] We haven’t talked in ten years. I had no way of contacting you when dad died, when Madison was born. And even after you knew, you still didn’t care! You weren’t there when the Reapers attacked. You were never there to protect me, like a big brother should.

Archaon: Don’t put this all on me.

Cindy: It is all on you. I had no way of getting in touch with you.

Archaon: I was doing top-secret research on the other side of the galaxy!

''[Realizing that their voices have been getting louder, he glances round at Arch. Arch, working on a laptop, shifts uncomfortably -- it’s obvious he can hear what they’re saying, but he tactfully keeps his eyes on his work.]''

Cindy: [tearfully.] You could’ve sent me a message. You know, call me on my birthday, at Christmas. Once a year... that’s all I would have needed. Just a “Hi. Hello. How are you? Are you happy? Are you OK?” That would have been enough, but you didn’t even do that. No, no, I was wrong and you were right, so, what, I was not worth your attention?

Archaon: That wasn’t it at all.

Cindy: You don’t like me talking to Arch because it makes you realize how bad a brother you’ve really been.

[Arch turns from his console and calls out to them.]

arch: Hey, you guys got something over there?

Cindy: No. [She looks at Archaon significantly.] We don’t.

''[She turns away from him and gets on with her work. Archaon stares off into the distance, upset and lost in thought.]''

Chapter Fifteen
''[Aegina, Gwen’s Quarters. Gwen is sitting on her bed cleaning a dismantled M-13 Raptor with a cleaning kit. She’s almost finished as Archaon paces around the room.]''

Archaon: He’s slowing me down.

Gwendolyn: Really? I thought the two of you would’ve sped things up.

Archaon: Yeah, he’s not me.

Gwendolyn: I know he’s not the same person. Trust me. I’m just saying, he’s a genius too, isn’t he?

Archaon: Hmm. Unless he’s lying.

Gwendolyn: About what?

Archaon: What if the people on his Aegina were sick of him messing up all the time, huh? So when it came time to send some stooge on a one-way ticket to another universe, there was only one guy they could do without.

Gwendolyn: Say what you want. I know what this is about.

Archaon: Oh, really, Misses Mensa in a parallel universe? What is this all about?

[finished cleaning her gun and starts assembling it back together.]

Gwendolyn: You think Cindy likes him more than you.

Archaon: What?! That’s crazy. That’s... that’s... [he stops pacing and turns to Gwen.]... that’s possibly true.

Gwendolyn: [putting the silencer piece on it.] Mmm.

Archaon: [starts pacing again.] Cindy and I drifted apart. I mean, that happens. It wasn’t done maliciously. Do I have regrets? Yes, of course I do, but who doesn’t? I mean, you know, I’m not very good at saying I’m sorry or that I’m wrong -- possibly because it happens so rarely.

Gwendolyn: [Looks through the scope.] Mmm-hmm.

Archaon: So I didn’t call or write, and when I realized that ten years has gone by, it was just a... [He stops and pauses for a long time.] You’re right. Of course, you’re right. I mean, she has every reason to hate me.

Gwendolyn: [putting down her polished gun.] I didn’t say she hated you.

Archaon: Well, she should.

[Gwen takes her M-358 Talon and starts dismantling it.]

Gwendolyn: Well, if you insist.

Archaon: I do.

Gwendolyn: [opens her cleaning kit.] Well, then, fair enough.

Bernn’s Voice: [over the comlink.] Doctor Thrax to the containment chamber. Doctor Thrax.

Archaon: [while leaving.] Good talk. Thanks.

''[Aegina’s containment chamber. Arch is following Radovan across the room to a console that Cindy is working on as Archaon comes in.]''

Arch: Great. He’s here.

Archaon: What’s going on?

Bernn: Well, I set up a way to pick up transmissions inside the containment chamber should Arch’s universe try to contact us. We, of course, still have no way of communicating with them, but...

Archaon: [guesses.]They sent us a message.

Cindy: Yeah. Apparently their exotic particle problem is spinning out of control much faster than they’d anticipated.

Archaon: Oh, boy.

Arch: But they have a solution.

Archaon: They do? That’s great.

Arch: Well, not really. Their solution will not only destroy the Aegina, but tear a hole in the fabric of this universe.

Archaon: Oh, boy...

Chapter Sixteen
''[Aegina’s conference room. Archaon, Arch and Cindy are reporting to Gwen and Scott.]''

Arch: Now, I’m not saying that their attempt would be successful, but if it was, it would flood the exotic particles that have been created on their side into this space time all at once.

Greer: And that would, uh...

Cindy:... bad.

Greer: Right. I got that, but, uh...

Gwendolyn:... how bad?

Archaon: Well, to be honest, the science gets extremely complicated, but simply put, the tear will eventually swallow up the entire galaxy, possibly the universe.

Greer: So... very bad.

Archaon: [annoyed] Well, I think we can all agree that that would be bad, yes.

Arch: Their plan will take six hours to implement.

Gwendolyn: I suggest we do something before that.

Arch: Well, we have an idea.

Archaon: Actually, Cindy has an idea.

[Cindy looks surprised but pleased that her brother is giving her credit for once.]

Cindy: I, uh, think we can collapse the bridge with a massive burst of energy from this side.

Arch: And stop the creation of exotic particles on the other side by doing so.

Gwendolyn: How massive a burst are we talking?

Archaon: Everything we’ve got. I mean, enough to severely deplete our energy reserves.

[Gwen sighs.]

Gwendolyn: So instead of creating a new powerful energy source, we’ll be sacrificing the energy we already have.

Archaon: Yes. We’ll have to plot a course to the nearest star, of course -- and let’s just say I wouldn’t wanna be around here if any enemies show up.

Arch: [grimacing.] Hmm.

Greer: I don’t see that we have a choice.

Gwendolyn: [reluctantly.] Alright. Do it.

Chapter Seventeen
''[Aegina’s containment chamber. Radovan stares in disbelief at what Cindy is typing on a console. He turns and walks over to Archaon.]''

Bernn: And Commander Diomedes gave the OK for this?

Archaon: You’d rather the universe was destroyed?

Bernn: Not really.

''[Arch walks in the room wearing the Kestrel armor he had on when entering our universe. He taps Archaon’s shoulder.]''

Arch: Archaon, talk to you for a second?

''[The two of them walk away from the others. Archaon notices the armor.]''

Arch: Look, we’ll be sending a burst of energy my universe’s way. I thought... --

Archaon: -- I know what you’re gonna say.

Arch: If I can charge into the energy stream protected by my personal biotic field... --

Archaon: -- you’d be transported back to your universe, I know. I didn’t bring it up before because if it doesn’t work... --

Arch: -- I’m willing to take that risk. That is, if you’re willing to let me.

Archaon: Everyone loves you here.

[Arch laughs.]

Arch: Yeah, but it’s not home. Look, what, my Gwen is a know-it-all, my Lorelei is anti-social, and my Radovan… well, actually those two are pretty similar.

[Archaon laughs.]

Arch: I guess what I’m trying to say is - for all their flaws - they’re my team, my family. My place is with them. Besides... [he pats Archaon’s arm.]... they’re not looking for another Archaon around here. They already have one.

Archaon: It’s just a lesser model, hmm?

[Arch smiles.]

Arch: I envy you, brother. You say exactly what’s on your mind no matter how it makes you look. I can only imagine the kind freedom you must have, not caring if people like you or not.

Archaon: People don’t like me?

Arch: Trust me -- you’ve got it made here. [looks in Lorelei’s direction.] And I’m even picking up a subtle vibe someone here like you very much so.

[Archaon looks in Lorelei’s direction as well, then back to Arch.]

Arch: Now, I’ve made some calculations. When the readings reach the levels I’ve indicated, you’ll know whether or not I made it home.

Archaon: [smiling a little.] So... I guess you just need to click your heels together, huh?

''[Arch offers him his hand. Archaon takes it and they shake. Arch turns it into a street shake.]''

Arch: Good luck, Archaon.

Archaon: You too, Arch.

[Arch goes over to Radovan and clasps his shoulder.]

Arch: [in Czech.] Radovan -- Měj se.

''[Cindy walks towards him, her face full of concern. He turns to her.]''

Arch: Cindy.

''[They hug for a long moment. Pulling back a little, he holds her at arm’s length for a second or two, then lets her go and walks over to a console. Cindy hurries over to Archaon.]''

Cindy: You’re letting him do this?

Archaon: I tried to talk him out of it, but you know… Arch.

''[Arch bends through his knees, taking a sprinter’s position. A blue hue fills the air around him, slivering across his body like blue smoke.]''

Arch: [looking around at everyone one last time.] well, I guess there’s nothing left to say but, [looks at the circular power generator.] “There’s no place… like home.”

''[Arch whisks away, leaving a distorted, blue trail behind him that rapidly dissipates. Archaon and Cindy go over to Radovan’s console.]''

Bernn: Alright, all in the green. Ready for forced power output.

Archaon: Right. And... [He stops and turns to Cindy.] Uh... you wanna press the button?

Cindy: [looking at him in surprise and pleasure.] Yeah, yeah. [She laughs and turns to the console.] Sure.

''[She pushes the button and the generator begins to cycle up, the yellow light glowing in its centre. She and Archaon hurry over to two different consoles.]''

Bernn: Power is at full.

[Cindy reports as her screen shows energy moving into the bridge.]

Cindy: It’s working! The bridge is already beginning to destabilize.

Bernn: It’s not yet enough.

Archaon:Energy reserves at fifty percent.

Bernn: It’s still not enough, Archaon!

Cindy: We have to max it out.

Archaon: Thirty percent!

''[Cindy’s screen shows the energy burst retreating back towards our end. She smiles in delight.]''

Cindy: The bridge is collapsing. We’ve done it!

Bernn: OK, we can shut it down now.

Archaon: Not yet!

Bernn: [high-pitched.] What?!

Archaon: According to these readings, if we shut it down now, he won’t make it!

[Behind him, a wallscreen shows that the Energy reserves are at seventeen percent.]

Cindy: Give it a few more seconds.

Bernn: [after a moment.] Energy readings at five percent.

Archaon: [as the screen behind him drops to three percent.] Almost there... cut power now!

''[Radovan punches the button. As the generator powers down, he hurries around to look at the wallscreen.]''

Bernn: How much power did we drain from the… reserves?

''[He trails off as he sees the screen. Cindy looks at the screen and stares in shock. Its message reads, “energy reserves depleted. (0%).”.]''

Archaon: [appalled.] All of it. [He groans.] I drained all of it.

Cindy: You did the right thing.

Archaon: Hmm. Well, I suppose I would’ve done the same thing for, uhm... well, me.

''[All the screens go off, then all the lights go out and the room is plunged into darkness. A moment later, red lights come back on again as the ship switches to emergency generators.]''

Archaon: well… let’s find ourselves a star…

Chapter Eighteen
''[Aegina. according to the lighting, it’s night time. A video recording of Archaon is playing on a laptop. The video displays an animated Cerberus logo on the bottom right.]''

Archaon: [onscreen.] Cindy. It’s me, your brother, Archaon. I wanna say, um... family is… Very important. I’ve come to realize that because a girl here has become a uh… sort of a... kind of a surrogate sister to me. [He smiles.] Now, I know what you’re thinking, I’ve never really been the poster child for that kind of sentiment but, uh, when... when one’s contemplating one’s own demise, one tends to see things more clearly. I really do wish you the best, you know, and I’m sorry we weren’t closer. Perhaps, um... if by chance I make it out of this, perhaps one day we can be, and I would like that. [He gazes up the camera for a moment, then pulls himself together.] Now – Gwen, if there’s time I’d like to...--

''[The recording is switched off and Cindy is watching it in her quarters. Gwen is sitting nearby.]''

Cindy: When did he record this?

Gwendolyn: Couple of years back when we defected from Cerberus.

[Cindy looks lost in thought for a moment, then turns and smiles at Gwen.]

Cindy: Now I’ve seen three sides of my brother!

Gwendolyn: Yeah.

[Archaon walks in and looks at them suspiciously.]

Archaon: What are you two up to?

[Cindy closes the lid of the laptop and hands it back to Gwen.]

Gwendolyn: Nothing. Just, uh... swapping old stories about you. You know, trying to help her fall sleep.

Archaon: [sarcastically.] Ah-ha-ha.

Gwendolyn: It was nothing bad, I promise. I’ll leave you guys alone.

''[She stands up and leaves the room. Archaon watches her go, then turns to Cindy and raises a hand to her, smiling awkwardly.]''

Archaon: Hey.

Cindy: Hey.

Archaon: Hey, shouldn't you be packing? We’ll be back at Earth again tomorrow.

[Cindy picks up a bag from the floor and puts it on the bed.]

Cindy: I’m done. How’d it go with Admiral Hackett?

Archaon: Oh, um, well, he wasn’t too happy that we failed the experiment again, but, you know, in the grand scheme of things, I did prevent the destruction of the universe, so, you know, [points to himself.] not fired.

Cindy: That’s good.

Archaon: Yeah.

[There’s an awkward pause.]

Archaon: Ooh, right, uh... I got this for Madison.

[He holds out a small turret drone to her.]

Cindy: [unenthusiastically.] Oh.

Archaon: Yeah. I, uh... I snagged it from Seta’Rann, the Quarian living in our shuttle bay. It’s not like there’s a toy store nearby, so, uh...

Cindy: Well, it’s the thought that counts, I guess. [She puts the drone into her bag.] Well, I’d say “see you around,” but...

Archaon: Yes. About that... [He gazes at her for a moment.] ...which is to say, um... look... what I... I wanted to...

[Cindy smiles at him, unable to bear his embarrassment any longer.]

Cindy: Thank you for trying.

''[She looks down at her bag again as she fastens it. Archaon looks at her a little longer, then walks over to her and wraps his arms around her. For a moment, Cindy is too surprised to react, then she smiles and puts her arms around him.]''

Archaon: [tearfully.] How are you? Are you happy? Are you OK?

Cindy: [her eyes equally tearful.] Yeah, Arch. I am fine. I really am. I’ve got my brother back.

[They hug for a moment longer, then step back a little.]

Archaon: I’ll make sure it won’t be ten years next time?

[Cindy smiles.]

Cindy: Does this mean I’ll see you at Christmas?

Archaon: If you can convince Kurt not to make tofu turkey.

[Cindy laughs and points at him.]

Cindy: No promises!

[Archaon grins at her, then turns and leaves the room, smiling happily.]

Epilogue
''[Aegina’s Mess Hall. Archaon walks in and hears the sound of people laughing hysterically. He looks over to a table where Scott, Sindri, Merrick and Ellen are in fits of laughter. Slowly, and very annoyed, he walks over to them.]''

Archaon: Am I just not getting the team memo’s anymore?

Greer: Take it easy. We’re just talking about Arch.

Archaon: Oh, yes. Well, of course you are.

Ellen: Do you think he made it back to his universe?

Archaon: Well, it’s hard to say, really, but I doubt he’ll be back, though.

Kayris: That’s good. We found him a little, uh, creepy.

Archaon: What?

Kayris: Yeah, I can’t stand people who are nice all the time. Makes me feel like they’re trying to hide something.

Archaon: Really?

Ellen: He kept trying to correct me on my psychiatric practice. It grew tiresome very quickly.

Archaon: [unconvincingly.] Well, he wasn’t all that bad.

Merrick: Yeah, let’s be honest. Arch was annoying.

Archaon: Well, I’ll be honest with you. That’s kind of nice to hear. ''[He turns to get a chair to bring to the table. As he does, the rest of the team smile knowingly at each other.]'' Now... what else has been happening?

Greer: Well, I’m not gonna say who, but apparently, Lorelei’s got the hots for someone onboard the ship.

Ellen: [gasps in surprise.] Really? Who?

Kayris: [jokingly.] It's me, of course! I’m irresistible to the ladies!