Chapter 1
Hello everyone, as you might have guessed, I have recently fallen in love the Mass Effect series, and I really wish I had given it a chance much earlier. Anyway, I want to apologize to all of you who have been waiting for me to return to my prior stories, and I know I really should focus on them, but right now, I am in a bit of a Mass Effect Frenzy, and I feel more inspired and motivated to write M.E. material. Rest assured, I have not forgotten my previous stories, and I currently have many ideas for them. I want to thank you all for your continued support as well as Sakiko for her massive help and advice.
Moving forward, I, like many of you, hated the ending to the Mass Effect series. It was just a big slap to the face, IMO. SO, I decided to retell the story, in my own way, starting half-way through Mass Effect 2, and continuing on through Mass Effect 3 and even further than that. I am aware that others have done this before, but in their own ways. Like I said, this is my retelling. As you will no doubt find out, I have removed Jack from the story entirely. Sorry to any Jack fans, but I could not STAND her character, I felt she was way to over done and I could not find myself to feel any sympathy for her, hell, I actively tried to kill her in the suicide mission on my first play through, yet she survived. Boo. Anyway, I have opted to replace her with my OC, Wolf, a member of a new species I created, called the Ferals.
In conclusion, I Hope you enjoy, and I welcome all questions and suggestions.
It was chaotic, yet silent. Explosive, yet calm. He had only moments to grasp his bearings and look for a solution. Before he could think of anything, he found his breathing was becoming more and more difficult. He reached behind his helmet, realizing, to his horror, that one of the oxygen tubes had been severed.
He flailed his arms and legs, grasping at his breathing apparatus. Unbeknownst to him, he had begun moving, faster and faster. He realized only too late to see the planet behind him growing much larger.
As he drew his final breaths, it started to heat up.
Shepard gasped as he bolted upright from his bed. Another nightmare. He buried his face into his palms and sighed. It had been three months since he had awoken in that Cerberus base, but all he could dream about was the day the Collectors had attacked him and the Normandy.
It was one of the few times Shepard was truly terrified. The Collectors had been vicious and relentless. The once prized creation between human and Turian engineers had been reduced to nothing more than fractured metal and rubble within seconds, and it's commander reduced to nothing but charred flesh and armor.
It didn't help that he was almost killed while on board the Collector ship either.
"Shepard? Is everything all right?" spoke a feminine voice over the intercom, breaking him free from his thoughts.
"I'll be OK, EDI." Replied Shepard. "Thank you."
"Sensors indicate high stress levels and accelerated heart rate." Said EDI. "Are you sure you are OK?"
"I'm fine EDI. Just a nightmare."
"I will leave it be, then." Replied EDI. "We are also within range of the Cerberus research facility." Shepard nodded.
"Thank you EDI. I'll be down shortly. Tell Miranda and Garrus to gear up."
"As you wish."
Shepard rose from his bed and made his way to his armor locker. He would need to prepare for the task at hand. After he, Garrus, and Grunt barely escaped the Collector ship, Shepard had been contacted by the leader of Cerberus, The Illusive man.
The Illusive man was just that, Illusive. He was as mysterious as they come, and his origin was shrouded in cover ups and mystery. He had spent billions to bring Shepard back from the dead, and even rebuilt the Normandy, this time much better.
Shepard did not like the Illusive man, but he was the only one willing to combat the collectors, so he went along with it. He had supplied Shepard with his ship, his pilot, and a brand new crew. He had also provided several dossiers containing information on potential crew members.
There was Mordin, the Salarian scientist. Mordin was a good man, energetic and very talkative, yet still a good man. Shepard had earned his un-dying loyalty after he took time to help him find his former student last seen on Tuchanka. Once there, Shepard was pleasantly surprised to meet up with his old friend, Urdnot Wrex. After a happy friendly reunion between the two, Wrex pointed the team towards the clan's scout leader. The scout then informed the team where he believed the team could find Mordin's former student, Maelon. Maelon turned out to be a torturous and twisted young salarian who was attempting to cure the Krogan Genophage, a noble task, but his methods were monstrous.
Then there was Archangel, or as Shepard knew him, Garrus Vakarian, a Turian marksman. Shepard had first met Garrus during his investigation of Saren. Garrus was an experienced C-Sec officer then, but ever since had taken to the streets of Omega to help clear out criminals. In Garrus' words, all he had to do was "point his gun and shoot." Shepard had Garrus' loyalty after he helped track down an old acquaintance, Sidonis, one who had sold his team out on Omega. Garrus wanted to kill the young turian, but Shepard convinced him otherwise, and Garrus was happier that way, he believed Sidonis still had good in his heart. Garrus was a good friend, and Shepard was happy to have him by his side.
Then there was the Krogan, Grunt. Shepard had originally intended to recruit the Krogan Warlord, Okeer, however, Okeer had created Grunt, who was intended to be the "Perfect Krogan". When Jedore, a merc, attempted to poison Shepard and his team, Okeer volunteered to stay behind to ensure the safety of his creation. Shepard and his team had managed to kill Jedore and the rest of her forces, including a group of rejected tank-bred Krogan, only to find Okeer dead. Fortunately, Okeer had time to record a vid thanking Shepard for providing him with time to save his creation, before dying. Shepard had brought the tank-bred upon his ship, and released him. To Shepard's surprise, the Krogan than proceeded to attack him. Thankfully, Shepard had managed to talk the Krogan down without shooting him with his pistol, which was aimed directly at Grunt's midsection. Grunt had become loyal to Shepard after he had taken Grunt to the Krogan homeworld of Tuchanka, where Shepard once again met up with Wrex. After Wrex and Shepard greeted one another as friends, Wrex informed Shepard that Grunt was just going through puberty, and would have to go through the rite to become a member of Clan Urdnot, to which Grunt agreed to. Together, Grunt, Shepard, and Garrus had managed to survive multiple waves of Tuchanka wildlife, even slaying the thresher maw. Afterwards, the team were attacked by a rival clan, and easily defeated them. Once returned to Wrex, Grunt was granted a member of clan Urdnot.
Kasumi Goto was next on the list. Kasumi was the galaxy's greatest thief, without the fame. Shepard had met her while on board the Citadel, and was able to attain her loyalty after helping retrieve a grey box from her deceased partner, and lover, Keiji. Retrieving the box was no simple task, as the duo had to infiltrate a secure compound owned by a criminal known as Donovan Hock. None the less, Shepard and Kasumi retrieved the grey box and managed to kill Donovan Hock.
Then there was Zaeed Messani, the galaxy's greatest bounty hunter. Zaeed was a former Blue Suns merc, who had been betrayed by Vido Santiago, whom of which he was tracking down. Shepard agreed to help, and along with Garrus, they located Vido, who unfortunately escaped, due to Shepard's refusal to leave any hostages behind to die. Zaeed was at first, furious, but after Shepard claimed the mission to stop the collectors was more important, he agreed to continue working with the team, becoming loyal to Shepard.
Then there were the two Cerberus operatives assigned to Shepard. Jacob Taylor and Miranda Lawson. Both were highly trained operatives, and powerful biotics. Miranda was a genetically perfect woman whose beauty matched her brains. She was in charge of Project Lazarus, the project to revive Shepard. While at first cold towards Shepard, she became very loyal to him once he helped save her younger sister from her father's operatives. Jacob, was a physically perfect man, who was kind-hearted and strong willed. While once a member of the Alliance, he turned to Cerberus after he felt they were doing a much better job of protecting humanity. Jacob had helped Shepard once he woke in the Cerberus lab. However, he became loyal to Shepard after he had helped track down and arrest Jacob's father, a man who had been aboard an Allianice frigate that had crashed upon an alien world, who then proceeded to abuse his power by enslaving the female survivors and exiling those who opposed him.
Shepard's team was strong, yet hardly complete. He still had four more dossiers, The Justicar, The Assassin, The Mechanist, and The Feral. The Justicar was an Asari warrior who that many knew of, and feared. Her name was Samara, and like the Assassin, she was located on the planet Illium. The Assassin, named Thane Krios, had very little information on him. He was illusive, and skilled. The mechanist, was another of Shepard's former Teammates, Tali'Zorah. After Saren, she had returned to the Migrant fleet, with the information on Geth that Shepard had provided her, she completed her pilgrimage, and had become an expert on the Geth. Shepard had met her while investigating the human colony, Freedoms Progress, where she had been sent to retrieve a fellow Quarian named Veetor. She had a team with her, but they were killed by re-programmed mechs. Shepard and his team had managed to find Veetor, who then proceeded to inform them of what had happened on the colony. Miranda was in favor of taking the Quarian with them for questioning, but Shepard refused. He instead took the nervous Quarian's Omni-tool data, and allowed Tali to take him home.
Oddly, Shepard could not stop thinking about the female Quarian. It was because of her evidence that Shepard was able to hunt down Saren. Tali was a truly remarkable individual. She was smart, quirky, friendly, resourceful. Shepard both admired and respected her skillset. In many ways, she played a key role in Shepard's investigation of Saren. She was an intriguing individual, and Shepard was very happy to see her again, even if it was during an investigation of a ghost colony.
"Shepard." Said EDI. "We are nearing the facility."
"Thank you EDI." Replied Shepard. "I will be at the air lock in five.
Shepard picked up the final Dossier, The Feral. Ferals were a young species, who had been on probation for the last four hundred years, due to attacking a council scouting party. They would've been quarantined, had it not been for the testimony from the Feral High Alpha Male. Not much was known of the Ferals, save for their appearances and physical and mental attributes.
Appearance wise, Ferals resembled wolf-human hybrids, with some feline qualities. They were bi-pedal, had pointed ears, humanoid faces, elongated canine teeth, retractable claws, and were covered in light fur and feline-like eyes. Fur and eye color was various. Ferals typically stood between six to seven feet tall.
Physically, Ferals were very impressive. Their reinforced bone and muscle structures made them very strong, and their powerful respiratory system gave them higher stamina then most species. An average Feral could casually lift five times it's bodyweight and sprint at high speeds for hours. Even more impressive was the fact that Ferals seemed to run on unlimited natural adrenaline.
Though they were impressive physically, their mental capacity was limited. Their mental capacity was equivalent to an average human, but compared to other races, they were very lacking.
However, one universal fact about the Ferals that was very evident, was their aggression and violent tendencies. Ferals seemed to run on extra adrenaline, and even wounded, were a force to be reckoned with. Shepard had voiced his immense displeasure with having a Feral on board his ship, even claiming he would rather have to deal with Grunt while he was in a Blood Rage. The Illusive Man assured Shepard that this Feral was different, and would be a valuable asset to his team. Shepard agreed to allow the Feral a chance, but if things went sour and his team was threatened, he wouldn't hesitate to put it down.
The Feral in question had been discovered by Cerberus twenty years ago while the organization illegally sent a research team to Razesh. Details were scare after that. The facility the team was headed to was a secret research facility, where the Feral had been raised and studied. However, three days ago, the facility went dark, and no reports were sent in. The Illusive Man was suspicious of the event, but wouldn't blame the Feral. He asked Shepard to retrieve and recruit the Feral as well as investigate the facility.
Shepard sighed as he adjusted his shoulder pads, tossing the dossier upon his desk, and then departed for the air lock.
Garrus and Miranda were waiting as Shepard entered the air lock.
"Shepard." Began Garrus. "Do we really want a Feral on board? I don't mean to seem unruly, but I would much rather face an enraged Krogan with arm tied behind my back."
"The Feral has lived on this facility it's whole life." Answered Miranda. "If there haven't been any incidences yet, I doubt they would be now. Ferals may not be the smartest species, but this Feral has to be aware an escape attempt would be a foolish mistake."
"Whatever the case," began Shepard, "I want you both to be prepared. There's no telling what we will find in this facility. So be on your guard."
"Understood." Replied Garrus and Miranda.
Shepard, Garrus, and Miranda made their way through the research facility. They had come aboard expecting someone to be present, or even a body. Unfortunately, they had found nothing. The power had still been on, so the possibility of a power failure was out of the question.
"This place is like a ghost town." Murmured Garrus.
"Where is everyone?" asked Miranda quietly.
"I don't know." Replied Shepard. "But keep your eyes open." The trio continued their way through the bright hallways, until they reached a security center.
"There might be some surveillance vids in the system." Said Garrus, lowering his gun. "Might show what happened here." The trio were surprised to see a researcher pop out from under the security console.
"Don't shoot!" He pleaded. "I'm unarmed."
"Imagine that." Whispered Garrus.
"What happened here?" asked Shepard. "Who are you and where's the Feral?"
"My name is Richards. I'm sorry, did you say the Feral?" Asked Richards.
"Yes," began Miranda. "The Feral that Cerberus has been studying here."
"Why do you want to see the Feral?"
"We are on a very dangerous mission," began Shepard. "And we require his skill set."
"Well that's the first time I think I have ever heard anyone say that."
"Where is he?" asked Miranda impatiently.
"He's in Solitary."
"Why?" asked Shepard confused.
"He struck one of our senior researchers."
"No incidents, hmm?" asked Garrus sarcastically, casting his glance at Miranda, who rolled her eyes.
"Though we probably should've listened to him." Spoke the Richards.
"What do you mean?"
"Three days ago, we were attacked by Eclipse mercs. They stormed in, killed most of the staff, and took over the facility."
"This facility may be small, bit it is well secured, Shepard." Miranda said with concern. "For mercs to just take the facility over, it'd have to be an inside job." The researcher nodded.
"The Feral attacked who he believed to be their inside man. He was right. After the attack, we saw him joking with the Eclipse leader. His name is Jonah Briggs. He was just some new guy who transferred in a few months ago. Or that's what we thought. No one could've guess he'd do this. I saw him kill the head researcher, Dr. Drovin."
"Do you have any idea why Eclipse would be interested in this place?" asked Garrus, stepping forward.
"No. We're just some small research facility. All we do hear is study unknown species."
"Really? No weapons testing? I find that difficult believe about a Cerberus facility." Quipped Garrus sarcastically.
"Not every facility is meant to study new forms of weaponry, Garrus." Snapped Miranda.
"Enough, both of you." Ordered Shepard, who then turned his attention back on Richards. "Do you know were we can find the Feral?"
"I can give you the l"ocation, but the way there is filled with mercs. I heard them talking about selling the Feral to a man called the 'Organizer'. I have no idea who that is, but he can't be good news." Shepard's Omni-tool beeped as he received directions to solitary.
"Do you have anywhere to go or hide?" asked Shepard.
"I can stay here and provide you with any assistance. This is really the only place that is secure on this facility." Shepard Nodded. "Before we go, is there anything you can tell us about the Feral?"
"I wish I could." Replied Richards. "But I rarely had any interaction with it. If Dr. Drovin were alive, he could tell you more. From what I hear, he and the Feral were really close." Shepard nodded.
"Let's move."
Shepard and Co. made their way through the hallways, dropping merc after merc. Finally, they reached their destination. Shepard motioned for Garrus and Miranda to take cover as he opened the door. Once the door opened fully, Shepard could spot several Eclipse mercs, one facing a bright lit room with his helmet off and smoking a cigar.
"Look at this poor pup." He joked. "All locked up and can't play. The Organizer will pay highly for you." Shepard and Co. quickly ducked behind cover. Shepard readied his M-15 Vindicator Assault Rifle, and nodded to his team. All three leapt from cover, firing upon the mercs, who scrambled to defend themselves.
One merc charged Garrus, who dodged the merc's punch, delivering a knee to his abdomen, then smashing his elbow into the back of his skull. The merc dropped down dead.
A blue aura enveloped Miranda as she raised her hand upwards, using her biotics to lift a merc off the ground, before smashing him into the ground.
Shepard dropped three mercs with his assault rifle, but had to duck as the final merc attacked him with a knife. The merc swung again, but Shepard swiped his hand away, then delivered a powerful kick to the merc's abdomen, then snapped the merc's neck.
"Everyone all right?" asked Shepard, turning back to his crew, who nodded. Shepard then stepped forward, into the light of the solitary cell.
Inside, was the Feral. He was an impressive sight. He stood only a few inches taller than Shepard, and had a muscular physique. His body was covered in grey fur, but he had long black hair. His eyes were a fierce yellow. He wore nothing upon his torso, but he wore orange cargo pants, but no shoes. Though he was pacing, he eyed the commander suspiciously.
"I take it, you're the Feral." Spoke Shepard. The Feral said nothing and continued to pace. "I am Commander Shepard." Again, the Feral said nothing.
"Not very Talkative, is he?" Questioned Garrus.
"Can you understand me?" asked Shepard, taking a step forward. The Feral stopped. "Can you speak my language?" Suddenly, without warning, the Feral launched himself at the glass, smashing his palms against it. Shepard, startled, stepped back. The Feral's lip curled upwards, revealing his teeth.
"I can understand you fine." He Growled. "Now, if you're done with the damn questions, either let me the fuck out, or take a picture and keep walking." Shepard was shocked by the Feral's vulgarity, maintained his composure.
"That's not a good start to a relationship. If you want out, you'll have to play ball."
"That some kind of dog joke?" Snapped the Feral.
"No..." Replied a confused Shepard. "I'm just saying, hostility won't get you anywhere."
"So in other words," Miranda said smugly, "Sit, and be a good boy. We might just let you out of that kennel." The Feral growled.
"What do you want, Commander?"
"I came here to ask you to join us."
"For what?"
"I'm on a mission to stop the Collectors." The Feral stepped back, and smiled.
"The Collectors. Heh. I've heard about what they're doing. Kidnapping entire human colonies, for some grand unknown purpose. I hear millions have disappeared."
"That's right." Replied Shepard. "I could use your help stopping them."
"Why do you need me?" asked the Feral as he began to pace again. "What makes me so special that the great Commander Shepard, freshly risen from the dead, would make such an effort to recruit me?"
"To tell you the truth," began Shepard, "The Illusive Man is quite confident in your skill set."
"I see." Replied the Feral. "If I agree, you will release me?" Shepard nodded. "Hmm...alrite...under one condition."
"And that is?" Questioned Shepard.
"There is a man named Jonah Briggs on this station. I can still smell his betrayal."
"That researcher, Richards, mentioned him earlier." Said Garrus.
"Richards survived? That's good. Good man. A little jumpy from what I knew of him. Didn't always talk with him, but it's good hear he is OK." A look of relief seemed to fall over the Feral. "Anyway, I knew from the moment Jonah showed up here something was off. I just couldn't place it. Then, one night, I was returning from an examination, I heard someone talking, and I investigated. Turns out, Jonah was contacting a group of Eclipse mercs. I confronted him, and he hit me. So I struck back. He called the guards, they believed his story, and they tossed me in here. A lot of people died because of him. People I knew. People I was close to, including Dr. Drovin. Let me have him, and I am yours to command."
"What will you do when you find him?" asked Miranda. The Feral glared towards her.
"Tear his fucking head off." Shepard stared at the Feral, he obviously couldn't just let him kill the man without interrogating him first. But he did need him.
"All right." Said Shepard as he pressed a few buttons on the side of the cell. "I will let you out, but I want to talk to this Jonah first. Then we'll decide." The cell door rose, and the Feral stepped out.
"I can work with that." He said as he rolled his shoulders.
"Good." Spoke Shepard as he approached the Feral. "Now that that is out of the way, what do I call you?" The Feral eyed the Commander.
"Dr. Drovin use to have a nickname for me." Replied the Feral. "He use to call me...Wolf." Before Shepard could speak, the door behind them opened, and several mercs poured their way in. Shepard went to raise his rifle, but Wolf stopped him.
"I got this." Wolf then sprinted towards the mercs with alarming speed, disarming the first two mercs. Wolf then delivered an elbow to the merc on his left, then pulled the merc on his right close, using him as a human shield as the remaining mercs opened fire. Wolf then tossed his deceased shield towards the remaining mercs, distracting them. He then turned his attention to the merc on his left. He sent his fist crashing into the merc's helmet, causing him to turn around, his back to Wolf then kicked the back of the merc's knee, causing him to drop to one knee. Wolf then casually snapped the merc's neck.
"Holy shit!" Yelled one of the remaining mercs in fear. "Retreat, retreat!" The two remaining mercs then fled the room, with Wolf prepared to follow.
"Jonah is in the communications center, I'll meet you there, I have some things to attend to." He yelled as he began to run.
"Wolf!" Shepard yelled after him.
"Go!" Replied Wolf as the door closed behind him.
"God dammit!" Snapped Shepard as he and his team took off in the direction Wolf had ran. "Let's go!"
Shepard and his crew had finally managed to fight their way through Eclipse forces on their way to the Communications center. However, to their surprise, Wolf was nowhere to be seen.
"Where the hell is he?" Growled Shepard. Before a reply could be made, several Eclipse mercs were seen retreating through a door down the hallway, making their way towards Shepard and Co. However, they seemed more focused on what was chasing them. The team could not make out their aggressor, as the hallway was filled with smoke, but they could hear heavy gunfire. Soon, two Eclipse mercs were seen stumbling out of the smoke, but both were immediately dropped with precision shots. Within moments, Wolf stepped out of the smoke, two M-6 Carnifex pistols in his hands, and a scimitar shotgun on his lower back.
He was dressed differently, this time wearing black cargo pants, and a grey combat vest.
"Told you I'd meet you here." He said as he holstered his pistols.
"You shouldn't have run off on your own like that, Wolf." Chastised Shepard. "You could have gotten yourself killed."
"I can handle myself, Shepard." Replied Wolf with a roll of his eyes. "Jonah's scent is strong. He's definitely behind this door."
"If he is," Spoke Garrus, "He probably has some other mercs in there with him."
"I don't think so." Began Wolf. "Chances are, he didn't plan for your arrival, so the mercs we saw on our ways here, were probably the last ones. He is most likely trying for reinforcements, so we had better get in there and end this, quick." Shepard nodded, and opened the door.
Inside, a tall, and thin with short man with short brown hair, wearing a typical lab uniform was seen furiously typing away, before an image of an Eclipse merc popped up on the screen.
"Briggs? Why are you contacting us?"
"Listen," began Briggs, "Shepard and his crew have-" He was cut off as the monitor exploded into a hail of glass and sparks. Wolf stood next to Shepard, his M-6 raised.
"Hello Jonah." He said coldly. Jonah Briggs whipped around, a look of fear plastered upon his face.
"Y-you..." He stuttered.
"Yeah, me." Growled Wolf as he rushed forward, grabbing Jonah by his throat and hoisting him into the air. "You didn't think that cell could hold me, did you? No. No cell can. Now, I'm gonna kill you. The only thing is, I don't know if I want to take it slow, or end it quick. Considering what you did to Dr. Drovin, I think the first option suits you."
"Wolf, this wasn't the deal." Said Shepard sternly. Wolf ignored him.
"That man raised me like his own son. He saw me as much more than a damn lab experiment." Snarled Wolf. "He taught me everything. He gave me a chance. And you just ended him without a second thought. I think I have made my choice. I am so gonna enjoy this."
"Sh-sh-shepard!" Screeched Jonah. "Don't let him do this! This isn't your style."
"Wolf!" Shouted Shepard. Wolf glanced back at him. "This wasn't our deal. Put him down."
"No, Shepard!" Growled Wolf. "He deserves to die!"
"He deserves to be on trial." Retorted Shepard. "He killed good people today, and he should stand trial and be judged."
"He's already been judged." Snapped Wolf. With a snarl, Wolf slammed Jonah on the ground, and raised his hand, claws extending. But, instead of tearing Jonah apart, Wolf hesitated. Then, with a sigh, he released the sniveling man.
"A deal is a deal, Shepard." Sighed Wolf as he made his way out of the comms room. "Let Cerberus, or whoever the hell else have him." Jonah propped himself up on his elbow, rubbing his neck, a scowl on his face.
"Filthy damned animal!" He snapped as he pulled out a pistol from within his coat. Shepard rose his rifle, but as he did, Wolf whipped around, tossing a blade with precision accuracy, catching Jonah in the throat. Wolf scoffed.
"Fuckin' figures." Shepard watched as Wolf departed, then placed his finger to his ear.
"Joker."
"Yes, commander?" was the reply.
"Ready the ship, we're on our way."
"Yes, sir."
Well there ya have it! How did I do? Lemme know! This has been the first of (hopefully) many installments to this series. Though be warned, I am a college student now, and I will often be bogged down with homework and projects galore, so please continue to be patient with me like you have, and I promise to post and update whenever I can!
Cheers, Chayse-man.
