Operation Atlantis

Chapter I : Hermes

The door to the Normandy's elevator slid open and Commander Shepard took several steps out when Specialist Traynor walked over to greet him.

''Shepard, we've improved the Normandy's thrust capacity by 4.28% and you've got a message flagged urgent on your private terminal.''

''Great work Traynor, it's great to see you and EDI working well together after… you know… the party." Shepard slowed to an awkward stop.

''Thanks Shepard, you know how to make things really awkward.'' Traynor laughed awkwardly.

''Specialist Traynor has been showing higher signs of discomfort. She needn't be awkward around me, I find her attraction… flattering.'' EDI spoke over the comms.

''Yes… thank you EDI.'' Traynor replied, blushing. ''I'll just be… over here…''

Shepard approached his private terminal and read the urgent message.

Shepard I have an important issue to talk to you about. Could I see you in your cabin? EDI.

Shepard looked around the CIC, confused as to why EDI had sent him the message rather than asked. He headed for the elevator and took it up to his cabin. After almost 2 minutes in the elevator the doors slid open and he proceeded to walk to his cabin. The cabin door slid open and he was greeted by EDI.

''Hello, Shepard. I'm glad you came.'' EDI smiled.

''You had something you wanted to talk to me about?''

''Yes,'' EDI seemed to hesitate, ''I found this bug under your desk when I scanned your cabin.''

''A bug?'' Shepard was confused as EDI passed him a small circular device.

''I believe one of the crew are working against us, against you.'' EDI announced, holding her head higher as she held her hands behind her back.

''What? How do you know?'' Shepard's jaw dropped.

''I intercepted an encrypted message that was sent to an omni tool aboard the Normandy. I, however, cannot use the message to track the receiver.''

''What did the message say?'' Shepard walked over to his sofa and sat down, still holding the bug. EDI followed the Commander and also sat down.

''Commander Shepard is rallying the other races, the time to act is now. Begin Operation Atlantis and remove him.''

A few moments passed in silence as the news sank in.

''What do I do EDI? Who can I trust?'' Shepard placed the bug on the table and held his head in his hands.

''The bug was placed recently, so you can rule out Joker, I've been with him constantly, the retrofitting crew and anyone that hasn't been to the Normandy.'' EDI paused and stared at Shepard. ''I'm sorry Shepard… this must be difficult.''

''Thanks EDI,'' He looked at her. ''Who sent the message?''

''I had to use my most advanced techniques to decrypt the message, techniques I learned through the Reaper Code.'' EDI paused once again. ''I believe it was the Reapers, for them to send a message… you must be a significant concern for them.''

''The Reapers… someone aboard the ship is indoctrinated…'' Shepard stood up and paced. ''Well we can rule out any alien race right? Atlantis is a Greek human myth.''

''You are correct, but the name of an operation doesn't rule out any race.'' EDI replied.

''We need to dock at the Citadel, I need to speak to someone.'' Shepard announced, grabbing the bug and leaving the room.

...

Shepard walked up towards the bridge to see Joker, EDI followed quickly behind.

''Joker'' Shepard spoke, ''set a course for the Citadel, I have to talk to someone.''

''Aye aye, Commander… I'm guessing EDI told you?'' Joker tapped several areas on the screen and turned the pilot seat around.

''Yes, it's nice to know there is someone on my ship I can completely trust… but this can't be happening.'' Shepard frowned as he shook his head.

''Nothing has happened yet Shepard, it's just a message.'' Joker held up his hands to try and calm the Commander.

''Still… someone on this ship has betrayed the Galaxy, they've betrayed Earth…'' Shepard inhaled sharply, ''they've betrayed me… I don't think I can take much more of this Joker… this war.''

''I know Shepard, get some rest. We'll be at the Citadel soon enough.'' Joker span his chair back around and EDI sat beside him. Shepard turned around and walked away. Shepard was walking through the CIC, when Kaidan called him over.

''Not tonight Kaidan, I need to think something through, you and Garrus have a good time without me.'' Shepard waved him off, not even allowing him to talk; Shepard stalked to the elevator and rode it up to his cabin.

Kaidan glared after the Commander for a while until Garrus came over to interrupt him.

''What was that about?'' Garrus asked. Kaidan waited a moment before responding.

''Something's riled him.''