Author's Note: This story came to me a few days ago and would not leave my mind. Now that I am free for the summer, I should be able to focus a good portion of my attention on this story. I apologize in advance for any discrepancies against Canon Information. I have done the best research (Thank you Mass Effect Wiki) possible, but it is possible I might have made some mistakes. If you would be so kind to point those out I would be grateful.
Summary: The coupling of an Ardat-Yakshi and an incredibly strong willed human leads to the pinnacle of humanity's evolution. Jaidan Harper struggles against his heritage as he stands with the one man who will save the galaxy...
Pairings: Tali/OC…Shepard/? Will accept suggestions
Shepard: Spacer/War Hero/Paragade/Soldier/Default Appearance
Warnings: Character Death, Gore, and possible lemons…
Chapter 1
I was twenty-four years of age when I first met my father. Sometimes I wish I never had. For the first fifteen years of my life I was given everything by this mysterious beneficiary. I received the most luxurious accommodations, the best education, taught to control my biotics by an Asari, and even hand to hand combat by a Drell Assassin. I received everything from this obscure man I had never met. Everything changed on my fifteenth birthday. An event that would set me on the path towards a confrontation with the greatest threat ever faced by the galaxy – Lieutenant Commander Jaidan Harper
Captain David Anderson looked over the files of his two ranking officers with interest. The first file was of a man he considered a son. Commander John Shepard had been born and raised on star ships with his mother Hannah Shepard. Anderson smiled as he thought of the fiery woman who had raised the Hero of Humanity. The Captain shook his head as he remembered the annoyance with which Shepard treated the title. Ever since winning the Star of Terra for his actions during the Skyllian Blitz, Shepard had been treated as something of a symbol for Humanity. The man had held the line when all others around him died horrific deaths at the hands of the Batarians. The legendary Captain shook his head once again; Shepard was now an N7 Operative with many battles behind him. Anderson briefly murmured a prayer to whatever gods were listening that Shepard's training and experience would strengthen the Commander for the trials that would be coming for the potential Spectre.
The battle-hardened Captain turned his attention to the next file on his desk. Lieutenant Commander Jaidan Harper was also an N7 graduate with a specialization in Biotics, but in terms of experience this twenty-three year old marine was the polar opposite of Shepard. The young man had never seen live combat as he had gone straight from the Marine Academy to the N7 Program. Harper would be third in command aboard the Normandy, yet Anderson felt uneasy with allowing such an inexperienced officer such responsibility. However the upper brass had made the decision despite his protests. It was not that he had anything against the young soldier, rather it was a decision based upon logic. Harper could not possibly have the experience necessary to lead effectively. Anderson would have preferred Alenko or Pressley to have taken the position of command, but quickly decided that he would place Harper with Shepard on most missions. Hopefully the kid would have the humility to learn from an experienced soldier.
Deciding to do a little research, Anderson pulled up a more in-depth file on Harper reserved for those with high-level clearance. He was surprised by the file. Apparently the kid was something of a genius as he had received a doctorate in physics, masters in engineering, and a bachelor's degree in genetics by his seventeenth birthday. The kid was also apparently one of the strongest biotics ever recorded by human monitors. According to the file, Harper had been capable of mid-level biotics even before receiving a prototype L4 Implant. Anderson nodded slightly; exceptional skills were to be expected if Harper had completed the N7 program at such an early age. Turning to Harper's psychological profile, Anderson really began to get interested,
"Subject displays a mix of naivety and maturity not typically seen in humans his age. The subject has an almost idealistic view on love and relationships, yet also a ruthless view on how to dispose of enemies. The subject also displays symptoms of slight depression caused by circumstances in some of his earlier life. This is a deduction based upon the medical records that show no chemical imbalances in the brain. The subject displays some tendencies of young Asari. This is entirely reasonable considering…ERROR: ALPHA SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR THIS INFORMATION!
Anderson's eyes widened slightly at the red error screen that flashed. Now this was interesting….
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jaidan Harper smiled slightly as he continued to run calculations on his omni-tool. The young man was wearing a casual t-shirt and pants as he moved smoothly between the equipment scattered about the laboratory of his spacious apartment. To the casual observer, the room was a mess with blinking systems haphazardly strewn about. To a more analytical eye, there was a method to the madness. Systems were placed together in an organized chaos that would optimize efficiency. Suddenly every system in the laboratory began to blink and beep with green lights.
"Hell yes!" Jaidan abruptly shouted as he examined the systems ecstatically, "Take that you damn Citadel Scholars!"
The young man quickly began to download all the information from the systems onto his omni-tool. This was the breakthrough humanity needed! A way to prove to the Citadel that humans were not just second rate! This discovery could change the very basis of space travel if he could learn to harness this knowledge!
The young man's musings were cut short as the virtual intelligence installed in his apartment suddenly blared to life,
"Lieutenant Commander Harper, there are two guests by the front door. They appear to be Alliance Military."
Jaidan nodded despite being momentarily startled and pulled his Edge VII pistol from the holster strapped to his thigh. Quickly checking the ammo, Jaidan moved towards the door to his apartment. One could never be too careful when developing new technology. There were always ruthless groups out there that might want to kill him and steal the knowledge. Looking at the terminal located next to the door, Jaidan was surprised to see the profile of his two guests. "What in a Krogan's four balls are Captain David Anderson and Commander John Shepard doing outside my door?" Jaidan thought in confusion, "Please whatever gods might be listening don't let them be here to kill me! I might be able to take the Captain out, but the Hero of Humanity? Yeah right…"
The young Lieutenant Commander sighed as he holstered his pistol and opened the door. If he was dead then he was dead…
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Commander John Shepard had been surprised that morning when Captain David Anderson had shown up at his door. The two men had served together several times, but John always felt a sense of nervousness around the man. Considering the death of John's father when he was just five years old, Anderson was the closest thing to a father figure he had in his life and the twenty-nine year old soldier wanted to make the Legendary Captain proud.
When Anderson had mentioned him serving as the Executive Officer aboard an experimental frigate, John had been quite pleased. Looking over the files of the men and women he would be serving with as they took a taxi to Jaidan Harper's apartment, Shepard recognized some of the best and brightest humanity had to offer.
As he looked over the file of Jaidan Harper, Shepard was surprised to see that the young man had also graduated from the N7 program. It was rare for joint operations among humanity's special operatives. Typically they worked alone or with crews of regular marines. That two of them would be working together along with David Anderson was odd to say the least.
"What's going on here, Captain? I understand this being a new frigate, but why us? I can understand you and me working together, but adding another N7 Operative? Something does not add up."
"I wish I could tell you Shepard, but suffice to say it is classified. You will be debriefed once the Normandy has launched I promise you."
"Understood, sir."
The two men exited the cab and Shepard gave an appraising glance as they walked through the building. This building was a Special Operative's paradise with plenty of areas to take cover. Then there was the Asari maid he saw exiting one of the rooms. "Lucky guy," Shepard thought briefly.
The two soldiers soon reached the door to Harper's apartment. Shepard was about to press the doorbell before Anderson stopped him,
"There are a few things you need to know about Harper, Shepard."
"Yes, sir?"
"First of all as I am sure you saw from his file, the kid is as green as a Batarian's shit. I want you to take him under your wing. He could learn a lot from you."
Shepard nodded and continued listening,
"Secondly, what I am about to tell you is highly classified. I had to break out some favors to find this information. This is strictly off the books."
"Understood, Captain."
"Harper's father is unknown; however his mother was an Asari."
John's eyes widened briefly in confusion. According to his knowledge, the uni-gendered Asari only gave birth to another of their race despite whoever they mated with. Anderson must have noticed his confusion as he began to explain,
"It is the Alliance's belief that Harper's father was so strong-willed that his genetics overrode the genetics in the Asari's body. This likely means he will live longer than most humans as well as having access to an Asari's mind-melding abilities. Some of our scientists have also speculated that if he mated with another species, that species would give birth to a human."
"Damn."
"Agreed."
The two men's conversation was cut short as the door in front of them hissed open to a reveal the lithe muscular form of Jaidan Harper. Shepard quickly took in the young man's odd red hair color and spiky crew cut as well as the expensive pistol strapped to his thigh. Shepard immediately noticed the tenseness with which Harper held himself. The young man was obviously expecting an attack for some reason.
"Hello, so what brings two of Humanity's legends to my humble apartment?"
"We are here to give you your next orders," Anderson spoke in a solid tone, "You are being give a position on the experimental frigate SSV Normandy. You will be third in the chain of command behind Commander Shepard and ultimately me."
Shepard watched in interest as the young man relaxed his stance and his eyes widened in surprise. The words that came from Harper's mouth were both surprisingly young and intelligent,
"I would be honored to accept this post, but surely there are others far more experienced and better trained than I?"
"You were handpicked for this mission, Lieutenant Commander," Anderson replied in a reassuring voice, "After looking at your profile, I have faith you will perform admirably. You are to report to Arcturus Station within forty-eight hundred hours."
"Understood, sir, but surely you did not travel all the way to my apartment here on Earth just to tell me to report somewhere?"
"You are correct, Lieutenant Commander. I typically prefer to familiarize myself with the officer's under me so as to foster friendship. So I was wondering if you would care to join the Commander and I for a few rounds of drinks?
"Absolutely, Captain!" Jaidan responded ecstatically, "Give me just a minute to download some of my calculations onto my omni-tool. I was working on a theory that might change the very nature of space travel and I just recently had a break-through."
John Shepard felt himself grow intrigued by the young man's enthusiasm so he asked,
"What is your theory?"
"Well it is all long and technical, but essentially it postulates that there is a region known as subspace through which a ship might possibly enter and exit. It would allow a ship to jump from spot in the galaxy to another without using a Mass Relay! I have the calculations that prove the theory, now I just need to find an engineer savvy enough to help me build the ship required!"
"So why are you an N7 Operative as opposed to a Scientist again?"
"Well you see it started with a bastard of a Turian named Sadori….
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jaidan Harper smiled slightly as he stared out the window near the cockpit. The metallic sheen of his N1 Commando Armor gave of an aura of regality as he observed Jeff "Joker" Moreau's deft navigation of the Normandy. The young N7 Operative was currently the ranking officer on deck and he was going to make certain that he made Shepard and Anderson proud. The two heroes had quickly grown on the young man. Shepard carried himself with a cold intelligence yet also a charismatic personality while Anderson gave off the aura of a wise but powerful warrior.
"The Arcturus Prime Relay is in range. Initiating transmission sequence," the voice of Joker droned as his hands ran over the controls before him, "We are connected. Calculating transit mass and destination."
Jaidan briefly ran the calculations in his head and smiled when he saw his answer match that of the Normandy's. It was an old habit, trying to beat computers in calculating speed. Stupid things. Never trust a machine with something a human could do. Jaidan smirked slightly as he thought of the vintage Terminator movies. The instant any VI was named Skynet was the day he quit the Alliance. The biotic's thoughts were interrupted as Joker continued his status updates,
"The Relay is hot. Acquiring approach vector. All stations secure for transit."
Jaidan's concentration was briefly broken as both the Turian Spectre Nihlus and Commander Shepard walked up behind him. Jaidan nodded towards the two males and turned his attention back to Joker. "Here it comes," Jaidan thought in anticipation. He always loved the feeling of traveling through a Mass Relay.
"The board is green. Approach run has begun. Hitting the relay in three…two…one…"
Jaidan held his breath and the Normandy shot forward.
Xxxxxxxxx
Joker was irritated. It happened every now and then of course, but he was irritated. First the Captain responds in a pissed off voice and then the great Commander Shepard tells him and Alenko to shape up and act like soldiers. "Please, with those two hard-asses we will never get any fun."
"Don't worry, Joker. They are just tense. The mission is getting to them."
The pilot sighed as he heard the voice of Lieutenant Commander Harper. Harper had been a good friend over the past few years. Despite serving in different sections of the Alliance military, the two men had met in of all places the library at Arcturus station several years ago. The two men had quickly hit it off despite their differences. Harper was never condescending despite knowing about his Volik's Syndrome. It was refreshing to have a friend that did not treat him like an invalid.
"The Lieutenant Commander is right," a new voice spoke up, "Normally the Commander and the Captain are usual in a good mood."
"Well aren't you a ray of sunshine, Alenko!" Joker responded in a sarcastic voice, "Your optimism makes me shout for joy."
The pilot smirked as he heard Jaidan let out a short bark of laughter. Hopefully the Lieutenant Commander would be able to get the stick out of Anderson's and Shepard's asses.
Suddenly the SSV Normandy began to receive a transmission.
"EVAC! WE NEED EVAC! THEY CAME OUT OF NOWHERE!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jaidan grimaced as he fell in behind Shepard, Alenko, and Jenkins. The young N7 Operative relaxed as the weight of his Edge VII pistol rested in his right hand while his Storm shotgun rested on the back of his waist. He had managed to buy some modifications for the weapons before he left Earth. The weapons and his considerable biotic power would hopefully be enough to take out any hostiles he engaged on this damnable planet.
The young biotic had always preferred assassination or infiltration simulations back in N7 training, but he still had the skills necessary to engage in open combat. Jaidan prayed that it would be enough.
Jaidan stopped as he saw Shepard hold up a hand signaling them to hold position. The Commander looked around briefly before signaling again to move forward. Jaidan watched in horror as the over-eager Jenkins moved out of formation and was suddenly gunned down by two drones.
Training taking over, the young soldier dropped and rolled to his left where he took cover behind a ruined pillar. Jaidan watched as Shepard quickly downed the first drone and felt anger enter his heart. Damn these machines for taking Jenkin's life. The guy was younger than he was!
Deciding to not let the soldier's death be in vain, Jaidan leaned out of cover and expertly let out a series of shots that quickly downed the drone. It was over.
The remaining three men moved over to Jenkin's body and Jaidan felt bile rise in his throat at the horrified expression frozen on Jenkin's dead face. Kaidan Alenko bent down and closed the man's eyes while saying,
"Ripped right through his shields. He never had a chance."
"We will make sure he receives a proper burial later, but I need you two to stay focused," Shepard spoke softly before turning his gaze to Jaidan, "By the way Jaidan, good work taking out that second drone. Now move out!"
Jaidan nodded at Commander Shepard's words and once again fell in behind the Hero of Humanity. The young man was slightly shaken, but knew he would have time to recover later. Now it was time to kill these damn machines.
The three soldiers quickly moved through the planet, efficiently taking down what machines they came into contact with. Soon they reached a hill. Jaidan quickly made out the form of an Alliance Marine running from two of the machines. The young warrior quickly activated his biotics and decapitated the machine with a blade of biotic energy. Unlike most biotics, Jaidan was not limited to telekinesis or barriers. The young man could form solid constructs of biotic energy as well as use his biotics to enhance his physical abilities.
Jaidan moved to take out the other machine, but stopped when he realized Shepard had already riddled the construct with bullets. "Damn!" Jaidan thought with an impressed look, "I see why Shepard survived Elysium. He's fast and efficient." The biotic's thoughts were interrupted as the female Marine they had saved spoke to Shepard,
"Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams of the two-twelve; are you in charge here, sir?"
Shepard nodded and quickly spoke,
"I'm Commander John Shepard. This is Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko and Lieutenant Commander Jaidan Harper. I need a status report, Williams."
"My squad was ambushed. I am the only one who made it out alive. These machines started attacking shortly after the archaeologists uncovered that beacon. They came out of nowhere."
"What type of enemy are we facing?" Alenko spoke up.
"I think they are Geth, sir."
"The Geth have not been seen outside the Perseus Veil in over three hundred years," Jaidan said deep in thought, "They must be after the Prothean beacon."
"Those are my thoughts as well, LC."
"Are you fit for duty, Williams?" Shepard asked.
"Ready and able, sir. It is time for payback."
"Then move out!"
The four soldiers quickly fell into a basic formation with Shepard taking point and Jaidan bringing up the rear. The young soldier stole a brief glance at the Gunnery Chief's ass before shaking his head. "Keep your mind on the task at hand, Harper!" Jaidan berated himself, "You have only got yourself to blame for still being a virgin. Should have taken that Asari up on her offer three years ago. Dammit!"
The young biotic rolled to the side as bullets peppered the area where he had been standing. Jaidan did not have much trust in shields. Sure, they were useful, but depending on them was like depending on a Batarian. It got you killed.
Jaidan gave an appreciative glance at the way Ashley expertly gunned down a Geth and nodded before lifting up one of the Geth and slamming the body into the ground. The biotic smirked as readings blurred across the HUD of his Kuwashi Visor. That Geth had slammed into the ground with a force of fourteen hundred Newtons. One of the most powerful slams he had ever produced.
"Damn, Lieutenant Commander. That was impressive," Alenko let out a slow whistle as he quickly gunned down another Geth.
"Thanks, LT!" Jaidan yelled as he ducked into cover. Several Geth drones had appeared and were riddling the area with bullets. Jaidan watched in awe as Commander Shepard suddenly leaned out of cover and gunned down four of the Geth in five seconds.
"Alenko! Do a technical scan of the area," Shepard barked out the order and Kaidan quickly complied.
"We've got a pocket of energy readings about a mile due north of here, Commander. Looks like they are heading towards Nihlus's location."
"Fuck!" Shepard cursed, "Let's double time it people. I don't want the death of a Spectre on my hands!"
"Spectre?" Williams suddenly asked in confusion.
"Debrief her as we run, Harper. Now move!" Shepard barked.
"Yes, sir."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Shepard grimaced as he observed the dead body of Nihlus. This was not good at all. Two men dead already. No, this was not good at all. Shepard turned his attention back to his squad. They were performing admirably. Alenko's technical and biotic skills were a valuable asset and had allowed the team to avoid areas of heavy resistance. Williams' skills as a marine was also impressive. Shepard had not expected a grunt marine to possess the skills of a highly trained operative. And then there was Harper.
Despite this being his first live combat experience, the young biotic had performed with all the skill of an N7 Operative. He had made next to no mistakes and his biotics were incredibly impressive; allowing him to take down multiple hostiles in seconds. The young man meshed perfectly with the squad's fighting style. Shepard had not expected to be impressed by the overeager and scholarly man, but the redheaded biotic had performed above admirably. Shepard's thoughts were interrupted as a couple of boxes shifted to his right,
"Come out! Now!"
The four soldiers quickly pointed their weapons towards the dock-worker who appeared. The man appeared incredibly nervous and quickly began to speak,
"Alliance soldiers! Thank God!"
"What were you doing back there," Shepard let out a harsh growl.
"Um…well…I was napping…and then when the machines came I hid. I watched as that other Turian killed his friend…"
"Other Turian?" Alenko spoke in confusion.
"Yeah, that dead Turian called him Saren."
Shepard was suddenly surprised when Harper let out an angry growl and lunged at the dock-worker. Holding his pistol against the dock-worker's head, Harper harshly asked,
"Which way did Saren go?"
"He said he was heading towards the cargo area! Please…please don't kill me!"
"Harper!" Shepard yelled in a voice that brooked no argument, "Stand down."
Harper looked at Shepard in an irritated glance but let go of the dock-worker,
"Sorry, Commander. Saren and I have a history."
"Understood, but do not let it affect the mission," Shepard nodded and motioned for them to move out. He would have to ask Harper what he meant later. Shepard turned to the dock-worker and said, "Get to someplace safe. We will take your testimony later."
The four soldiers quickly made their way towards the cargo area, gunning down the Geth that stood between them and their objective. Soon they had reached the beacon.
"Wow," Ashley let out as she observed the glowing lights coming from the beacon, "It was not doing anything like that when they dug it up…"
"Saren must have done something to it," Harper growled, "He always does something."
"What's the deal with you and Saren?" Alenko spoke up as Shepard began to call for a pickup.
"Aside from the fact that he has tried to kill me no less than seven times? Well…there are a lot of reasons…"
Harper's voice trailed off as Ashley, who had been moving towards the beacon, was suddenly caught in an almost tractor beam. Of the three men, only Shepard was quick enough to react.
Running quickly, the man grabbed the Gunnery Chief and threw her to side as he was captured in the tractor beam. Visions danced before Shepard's eyes as he was raised into the air. And then the beacon exploded, sending Shepard hurtling towards the ground.
"Normandy, this is Harper. We need a medic ASAP!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Look at the size of that thing!" Williams let out in an excited voice as she saw the Destiny Ascension for the first time.
"Well size isn't everything; you need firepower too."
"Why so touchy Joker?" Williams laughed.
"Joker has always had to overcompensate for his small genitals," a new voice broke in.
"And you know this how, LC?"
"…."
"Jaidan, you just got burned…badly."
Williams, Joker, and Alenko let out a laugh at the look on their Lieutenant Commander's face.
"Whatever…"
Their revelry was broken as Commander Shepard walked up behind the laughing soldiers,
"Williams! Alenko! Harper! Suit up! The Captain wants the ground team to meet with Ambassador Udina."
"Aye aye!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Author's Note: Well I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! Depending on the reviews I will decide whether or not I want to continue this. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for Shepard's pairing I would be grateful. PLEASE REVIEW!