Mass Effect: Across The Stars
Commander Shepard is gone. Killed in a mysterious attack on the Normandy, or was he? Spartan B312, the second and only other Spartan to receive the rating of "Hyper-Lethal", has given his life to detonate a slipspace bomb and save reach. But is he truly gone? Somewhat AU. This is my first full fanfic so please do cut me a little slack for any bad writing or unforgiveable errors. Please point out any and let me know. Ohh and please leave it at only constructive criticism. Things like "This story sucks" or "Your an idiot and your writing sucks" do not help me improve. Thanks and enjoy =]
Chapter 1: Prelude
Arcturus Stream
Arcturus Station
April, 11 2183
Tali'Zorah vas Neema looked around the conference room they were all gathered in. The whole ground team, Joker, and Shepard's mother, Captain Hannah Shepard, were all there waiting work from Admiral Hackett. Garrus and Wrex were off in the corner talking about who knows what, probably weapons or armor or something. How a Turian and Krogan became friends was beyond her. Sitting around the table was Captain Shepard, Liara, Joker, and Kaiden talking about Shepard. Kaiden was telling them some story from when they were in the Sentinel Program together. Then here she was, playing a hand of solitaire on her omni-tool to keep her mind occupied. It had been several weeks since Hackett's ship, the SSV Kilimanjaro and a contingent of the 5th Fleet, had rescued them
"Keelah! this is taking too long. Why did Admiral Hackett call us here to wait?" She burst out, unable to bear the suspense anymore. Everyone turned her way with agreeing looks and Garrus spoke up.
"Yea, we've been here for fifteen minutes. Im beginning to wonder if Hackett is ever going to show up." He said, annoyance sounding in his flanged voice. Mid-sentence the door to the room opened and Admiral Hackett walked in. 'Actually trudged would better describe it' Tali thought to herself closing her game. Hackett looked across the group before him a grim expression breaking his usually stoic exterior.
"Im sorry for being late. I needed time to... prepare everything." He said frowning as his face continually became more grim by the second. "We have scoured the planet from the location of the Normandy all the way to the opposite hemisphere. There is no sign of Commander John Shepard. We... are officially changing his status from MIA to KIA. Captain Shepard, it is with a heavy heart that I present you with this flag and my deepest condolences. Your son was a hell of a soldier and he will be missed greatly."
The reaction from the group was as varied as their species. Garrus just fell back into a chair in disbelief, Joker let his face fall into his hand, Wrex slammed his fist on the table and let out an angry roar, Liara and Kaiden were sitting trying to fight back tears, Tali Just collapsed into the wall and sank to floor. She turned off the speakers on her helmet as she sobbed. In the middle of this hurricane of emotion and loss stood Hannah Shepard, blank expression and reaching toward the flag being offered her. She was living up to her son's name, being the most in control of the whole situation. After an audible gulp she answered.
" Thank you Admiral. He was a stubborn little shit as a kid and even more so as an adult. He was a great soldier and even better son. I swore that I'd never see this day. No parent should have to outlive their child. Even harder that today is his birthday. If I may, I shall take my leave now." She said voice beginning to crack toward the end and tears beginning to well up. Hackett noticeably winced at the oversight that today was Shepard's birthday.
"Of course Captain. You may have as much leave as is necessary." Admiral Hackett said with a sharp salute. Hannah returned one and made her way out of the room clutching the flag presented her. Hackett turned back to the rest of the group. Everyone had calmed from their initial reactions except for Tali, although no one could notice as she had turned off her helmets speakers and was careful as to make no indication as to how hard she was crying. 'He'll never know how I felt about him. I never.. I just never.." she thought to herself unable to form coherent thoughts.
"I am terribly sorry. I know he was a close friend to all of you. Flight Lieutenant Moreau and Staff Lieutenant Alenko you are to report to Rear Admiral Summers for debriefing and are then granted leave." Hackett said receiving and returning a salute from the two men as they exited. "As for the rest of your four it will be about a day before we can get a ship to return you to your respective peoples. Until then you are guests of the Human Systems Alliance and shall be given temporary quarters aboard the station. Feel free to enjoy the Rec areas."
The team sat in disbelief. They were being sent away after all they had done. After fighting back the geth, saving two colonies, destroying Saren's cloning facility on Virmire with Ashley's sacrificing herself, and saving the Citadel and the Counsel from Sovereign and the Reapers they were just going to be swept under the rug.
"Admiral, sir!" Garrus spoke up causing the admiral to turn around at the door. "Sir, after all we've done were just being sent home? What about the Geth? What about Sovereign and the Reapers?"
The Admiral gave an exasperated sigh, as if he expected this reaction, and scratched at his chin. The Garrus, Wrex, and Liara waited intently on his answer. Tali was still slumped against the wall with her faceplate buried in her knees and arms wrapped around her legs no longer caring what the admiral had to say. All that mattered to her was the fact that the man she had fallen secretly in love with was now gone and he never knew. 'He was always so kind to me. He saved me and the first thing he said was to ask if I was alright. Anyone else would have just called me a "suit rat" and demanded the data I had. He went out of his way and bought me a new shotgun and a top of the line omni-tool! No one else was ever so kind to me.' She thought as more tears came to her eyes.
"Im sorry but none of you are Alliance. And to add to that, the Council is denying the existence of the Reapers and saying it was combat fatigue causing Shepard to believe Saren's ravings about them. My hands are tied in this situation. The only advice I have to give is to return to your governments and try to prepare them as best as possible." Hackett apologized with a defeated look. Garrus gave a slight nod in agreement and saluted the Admiral. Hackett returned the Salute and exited the room.
"Alright guys let's get out of here." Garrus said taking lead. As they began to head out he noticed Tali still slumped against the wall. "C'mon Tali. Let's get going."
"He's gone.." Was all she could manage as he pulled her up.
"I know Tali. Spirits, I know."
Whoo! First Chapter down. Next chapter we move onto Shepard when he wakes up. Hope you guys enjoyed that. Again please point out any errors but mind you that this is a crossover and will be somewhat AU. Again also no comments like "you suck" or "you're terrible" These do not help me improve my writing and fix errors. Thanks for reading and on to Chapter 2! Comment and review!
