Author's notes : I would just like to start off with how much I love Mass Effect! My favorite game, without a doubt ! Anyway, after beating it for the third time the other day, I decided I'm going to write a fan fiction about it. I got a sudden idea. Though I've not thought up the entire story, I'm sure I'll be able to handle it. This isn't going to be my first fan fiction, but my first for this game. Hope you enjoy it !

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Chapter One

The Beginning of the End.

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It has been three months since the attack on the Citadel and the defeat of Saren and Sovereign. Humanity has taken their rightful place in the council. Shepard chose Captain Anderson to be the representative for humanity.

The council was, and still is, extremely grateful to the commander. The commander issued the order to save the ascension. Doing so, there were many human casualties. A small price to pay for the greater good of the galaxy. Shepard knew that this was bigger than humanity, bigger than their own issues.

Since then, the council, now including Anderson, have been discussing political issues and how they cold possibly defend themselves against the invasion of the Reapers. Of course, they can't exactly decide anything just yet until they learn more about the Reapers and what exactly is going to happen.

The first place they started to look for answers was Ilos. Liara T'Soni was head of the researchers investigating Ilos for any clues and evidence on the Reapers and how they could possibly survive. So, for now, Liara was absent from the crew.

Garrus is in the running to becoming a Spectre. The council said it will be made official when everything is in running order. As of now, there isn't much time to preform a proper induction. Until then, he is helping out C-sec improve their security and informing them in more detail of the Reapers and they know so far. Executor Pallin wasn't too happy about Garrus taking over C-Sec but there was nothing he could do.

Tali was asked to help improve the citadel defense systems. Being a genius with technology Tali was the perfect person for the job and as such, couldn't pass up the opportunity. Working on the Citadel, she is still in close range to Shepard, as is Garrus.

Wrex spends most of his time trying to convince the Krogans that they're going to have to work together, for free, in order to save the galaxy. Of course, the Krogans are a stubborn bunch and they hate doing things for free and are always looking for money and a good fight. However, since the recent attack Wrex is having an easier time than expected getting through to them. He too is stationed on the Citadel and communicates with his home world via video communication.

As for the Citadel is has been undergoing construction to get everything up and working again and back to the way it was. It is a long and slow process considering there aren't many tools and materials to find at the moment, and that there are other things to attend to. However, all of the races are working together and they're getting the job done.

As for Shepard, she's been staying in the Normandy which is docked in it's usual spot. Everyday she is searching to find any shred of information about the Reapers or the Citadel as a relay. Although deep down she knows it's nearly impossible to find anything, because of her sheer determination, she will not stop.

Kaiden has remained on the ship with the commander as well as Joker and some of the crew. Kaiden has been helping reconstruct the Citadel during the day and trying to take care of the Commander and spend as much time with her as possible, during the night. It is obvious that they developed a relationship. To much surprise there are many who are unaware of it. With the exceptions of Joker and Liara.

They are good at being private with it and they don't usually do anything wile on duty. They're lucky that none of the higher ups are aware of their relationship or else they would be in trouble. However, considering they saved the galaxy, Kaiden doubted that they would be in much trouble, but he respected the Commanders loyalty to rules and regulations. Whenever she did that is.

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Staring blankly at the screen in front of her Shepard sat in her quarters and searched vigorously all day for information on the Reapers. Tired eyes stared at a repeating screen that always said " No data available." This was becoming more than annoying to her. She needed to find something on them, anything, she needed to find a way to stop them.

The sound of the automatic doors opening and the presence in her room didn't even phase her. Continuing to type away she didn't stop until she heard a voice. " Commander." the very familiar voice came. Stopping she turned and looked at the man standing in her quarters. "What are you doing? You've been in here all day. The crew has been awaiting orders." the man spoke approaching the Commander and stopping a few feet away.

Shepard sighed and turned back to the screen. " I'm trying to see if there's anything about the Reapers or the Citadel as a relay and how we can-" Shepard stopped as soon as she felt his hand on hers. Looking up at him she didn't have time to speak, as he already opened his mouth to.

"Commander, you've been searching for hours. There's nothing on them. Come on," he said pulling her up. " You need to get some rest, and then give your men some orders." he spoke as he held her hand and looked into her bright green eyes. "We just saved the galaxy. Take a day off, you deserve that much." he spoke softly.

Shepard shook her head." No, we haven't saved the galaxy not yet. Not until we find a way to stop the Reapers!" she said determination running thick through her blood and burning in her eyes. " I need to-"

"Rest" he cut her off. Pulling her close he wrapped his arms around her. " You're no good to the crew when you can't even stand on two feet. Your body needs rest, as does your mind. Sleep for a couple of hours. Then we can discuss our next move and if there is any new information." he said rubbing her back softly.

Shepard let out a defeated sigh. " I-I guess you're right." she said as she rested her head against his chest. Closing her eyes she listened to the soft beating of his heart. She loved that sound. She loved the feeling of being around him. The feeling of his warmth on her body.

Shepard was soon lifted off of her feet and brought to her bed. Pulling the blankets over her he turned and began walking away. "Kaiden." came her voice and he stopping turning to face her. "Thank you." she said sleepily. Kaiden smirked and nodded his head, soon he stood in front of the automatic doors and they slid open, stepping through it they slid close behind him and Shepard caught the last glimpse of his back as he began to walk away.

Yawning she stared up at the ceiling for a few moments. She was undoubtedly tired, that was for sure. But she couldn't seem to sleep because her mind was filled with the thought of the Reapers and how to stop them. Soon, sleep overtook her and she succumbed to the darkness and sweet release of sleep. Drifting off she would deal with the problems when she awoke.

Shepard had no idea what was in store for her. As of now things were okay. Though while she slept she continued to have nightmares about the visions from the beacons, and the visions of what was yet to come. Whether she was sleeping or awake she could never get her mind off of the Reapers.

It is true that she had just saved the galaxy. They were safe for now. However, Sovereign wasn't the only Reaper, there were much,much more. They had only but stalled the Reapers. They had bought themselves some time. As far as she was concerned, this was only the Beginning of the End.

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Author's notes: There you go. I know it's not the greatest and it's extremely short, but it will get better I promise you ! This was only the intro. A small chapter to update you on what has happened and is happening at the moment. Kinda boring I know, but I can't exactly start the story without some background information on the whole situation. Please don't let this chapter scare you off, it will get better ! Stick around! Annnd review, let me know what you think about that quick info chapter!