Disclaimer - I don't owe the Mass Effect universe, it belongs to Bioware. I am simply using it to set my own non-profit fan-fiction story.
Note - The story doesn't necessarily follow the plot of ME3, just the setting.
The Apex of Our Glory - Prologue
Spectre status recognized.
Identification scanning is in process, please stand still.
DNA scan complete, please enter primary and secondary passwords.
Passwords confirmed. Vocal traces are a match.
To finalize the entry, please present Spectre ID.
Serial number confirmed.
Welcome Spectre Pacis, it has been 6 hours, 4 minutes and 24 seconds since your last log in. It is currently 11:23 in the morning, by local earthen time. Your current location is Vancouver-
"Thank you, but I don't need to be reminded of where I am. It isn't as if I haven't heard it the first fifty times."
The VI ignored him, content to keeping its useless babble going. Pacis sighed, realizing that he should simply accept his undesirable fate.
Your order of ONE SPECTRE ISSUE SCORPION PISTOL has been delayed because of unprecedented communication malfunctions across the whole cluster. Nonetheless, the prototype Quantum Entanglement Communicator installed on this Omni tool is still in a perfectly working condition.
He wasn't going to get his long-awaited pistol any time soon, but at least he could still contact his superiors. About that.
"Connect me to General Corinthus, I have a report to deliver."
Just a moment.
The Omni tool flashed from its typical orange glow to a deep blue tone in an unsure manner. The early noon sun peeked through the hastily shut window, but the room remained dark, mostly illuminated by the indigo shine that blinked like a drowsy animal.
It was prototype technology, as he was reminded constantly. QECs were being installed on many cruisers and command posts, but the tech hasn't been quite adapted for Omni tools yet. Smoothness was a sacrifice that he was willing to take.
The shapeless figure slowly morphed into something more recognizable. Corinthus' features became easier to make out, though the blurriness stubbornly stayed, a thing that the Spectre was accustomed to by now. The general's green eyes trained on him expectantly.
After a crisp salute, Pacis started talking, "General, I've just returned from another discussion with the human defence comity. They have lost contact with their fleets and stations beyond Sol. Any attempt to raise anyone has failed, even the QECs seem to be offline."
The general mandibles narrowed in a frown, contemplating for a few moment. It gave the Spectre time to apprehend his appearance: the turian looked distracted and worried, despite trying to hide it. His white clan marking reflected a different light than usual, have he moved to another location?
"Is their military ready for action?" The turian asked.
"Most of their military force is orbiting Earth right now, but from what I heard, not all of the fleets are present. They are trying to avoid a drastic public reaction, but Special Operations and Emergency Units are on standby. If these Reapers are coming, they will be ready to act." Pacis reported, before hesitating.
The general caught the little halt.
"What is it Spectre Pacis?"
The turian considered his position for a moment, but decided that his question had to be asked.
"Permission to speak freely?" He tested the waters, making the general look at him in suspicion.
"Granted."
Despite being given permission, Pacis made sure to carefully phrase his thoughts out.
"What is the purpose of me being on Earth, sir? The Reapers are bound to attack very soon. Wouldn't my services be more of a use for the Turian Hierarchy?"
The general made a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat, though he did not look surprised at the question.
"You saw what happened to the Batarians, Spectre. The Hegemony was destroyed in a matter of days. I can't say that I'm sad to see them go, but considering the military finesse they had, we need to acknowledge the magnitude of the Reaper threat. The Spectres are... one of our best combat unit, being extremely effective despite operating alone. All evidence is pointing at the Human Alliance as being the next target of the Reapers, and we need to offer some support. If our calculations are correct, we will not be able to face this threat alone."
Pacis blinked in surprise, not expecting such a detailed reply. It made sense, but some questions still remained, causing him to insist: "But why a turian Spectre? Considering our history with the humans, wouldn't an asari be able to communicate much better with them?"
A scowl set on the usually unimpressionable general's face.
"The Asari have been... inflexible about the Reaper issue. It was not questioned three years ago, when we believed that Sovereign was nothing but an advanced Geth dreadnaught, but with the overwhelming evidence that has been presented ever since, there's no point in denying it. The barefaces can deny it as much as they want, but we have been busy doing our own researches and preparations."
With that, the Turian admitted, he could not argue. The Council has been adamant to hide from the truth for too long. It was up for the grunts to take the initiative.
Red tape could only cover up reality to an extent. Many Spectres have questioned the events that occurred in the past few years. When their superiors refused to provide satisfying answers, some of them decided to find out by themselves.
Unbeknown to the Council, many preparations and investigations were put on course. They were silently supported by STG and branches from the turian army, joined by the human Alliance with new information about the Collectors.
"I don't think we can really count on them helping against the Reapers, it seems like they have their own agenda. To be honest with you, I have a feeling the Salarians won't stay around for long either. You can guess who's left to stand against the Reapers." The general said with a grim smile.
The Spectre could share the sentiment with an ironic smile of his own. It was fitting in a twisted way; the two races that were divided by war will have to reunite to hope for a victory in just another war. Violence conducted and connected the galaxy, just like the Mass Relays, from alliances to extinction. No memorable event in history has transpired without having violence as its catalyst.
"What about Shepard? Isn't she on Earth?" Pacis asked. The human Spectre gained quite the reputation since her recruitment, despite her shady dealings.
"They put her on detention for blowing up the Alpha Relay. She delayed their arrival, but the humans can't really ignore the deaths of all these Batarians. Not that it matters anymore." The general muttered.
A sudden pulse of static went through the image, distorting it for a moment. The Turian could've sworn he felt the ground tremble under him. The other member of the call didn't seem to notice, continuing to talk.
"We are obviously the next target, but we need to make sure that the humans keep fighting. That's your mission, Spectre." His voice slipped back into the official tone, but that wasn't the thing that distracted the Turian.
An overwhelming mechanic screech hit against the drums of his ears, drawing a pained wince from him.
"Do...n't...et Ea...h fall, at...ny ...ost."
That was the only thing the Spectre could make out from the abrupt deformation of the general's voice.
He was halfway to the door by the time the blazing red lights and wailing alarms kicked in.
Being a Spectre allowed him to be prepared for situations like this, being a turian allowed him to stay completely calm. Unlike the squishy humans that he was supposed to be saving.
Retreat. Regroup. Retaliate.
There was a reason why Pacis insisted on getting a sleeping space on ground level, but he was politely refused at the time. Now, he had to worry about getting out of a forty storey high building.
A human soldier ran by him, in a complete panic. The Spectre grabbed him by the shoulder, forcing the youngling to make eye contact.
"Calm down! There are people relying on you right now. Who's your commanding officer ?" Pacis demanded. Admiral Anderson should be around somewhere, but meeting up with the man was currently impossible. He needed someone who could control the troops.
Taking a shallow breath, the soldier tried to compose himself before answering, "Lieutenant Commander Durand is the unit's officer, she should be on the ground floor, by the HQ." To further prove his guess, a female's voice rang out in the hallway through the announcement box, commanding every person to evacuate the building and stick to an armed soldier. At least someone was keeping cool.
On the way down, the turian encountered a few more panicking soldiers, and despite getting odd looks, he went through the same procedure with each one of them. Keep the morale up, there was much more to come.
Once he stepped into the entrance hallway that was full to the brim with terrified civilians and nervous soldiers, it was simple enough to locate the lady in command. The officer was wearing a full armour suit, talking to five other high rankers. Her stance was rigid yet steady.
With purposeful strides, the turian reached her in no time. His unique appearance drew her attention quickly; seeing a fully tailored turian(in Spectre level armour nonetheless) on Earth mustn't be a common sight. Thankfully, the human barely even blinked, obviously informed of his presence.
"Spectre Pacis, I was hoping you'll join us." She greeted him, ignoring the looks her companions gave her. He nodded at her before snapping a salute. Even though she could be considered a lower rank than his, it was necessary that the human soldier was seen in charge. The Lieutenant Commander realized that as well, and her silent thanks was sent to him.
"Wouldn't miss the greeting party for anything in the world. I need to get to one of the Admirals." He told her, running a quick look around the room. No, she was the highest ranking personnel here.
She frowned in thought.
"Most of the Admirals should've been orbiting earth on the fleets, but since these... Reapers are here, I'm guessing it didn't go too well. I do know that Admiral Anderson is here, somewhere. We need to escort the civilians to a safe zone, you can contact him from there." The Commander informed him, letting him know what he already suspected.
"Of course Commander, I'll make sure to offer my help in any way I can." He replied. It was inevitable of course; right now securing citizens was the number one priority.
Retreat. Regroup. Retaliate. If he had a mantra, these three words would feature constantly in it.