a/n: This is the second part of Raegan Shepard's saga. I recommend reading Genesis first, but it's not required. Still in the search for a beta reader. Still going to try to update daily. Currently replaying ME as a refresher. I'm sticking to the main story with a few side missions. Is there any particular mission you guys want to see? If so leave a review.
On another note, I had this done early then my computer froze. I hadn't saved so most of the chapter was gone. It made me sad and furious. I cut a few scenes, mostly Joker and Jenkins's scene, because I was too annoyed to rewrite it.
-brittsis
The three men examined the data pads, looking for potential candidates. A Turian had contacted the Ambassador with the idea of sponsoring a human in the Spectre program and Udina had flown with it. They just needed someone that would show humanity's strength. Several candidates had been brought forward by each of the men, all being thrown out for one reason or another. The day wore on and quickly turned into night. Frustration and exhaustion pulled at each of them.
Udina lifted another data pad and read it's contents. "Well what about Shepard?" He asked cautiously, "She grew up in the colonies."
Anderson looked up from his data pads, nodding. "She knows how tough life can be out there. Her family was killed when slavers attacked Mindoir."
"She proved herself during the blitz." Hackett replied, hand rising up parallel to his mouth in thought. "Held of enemy forces on the ground until reinforcements arrived."
"She's the only reason Elysium is still standing." Anderson pointed out, tossing the data pad on the table.
"We can't question her bravery." Udina scrolled down her file a frowned. "But this matter with Torfan."
Hackett nodded, "Yes, she got most of her unit killed."
Anderson waved his hand, growling slightly. "She got the job done and will continue to, no matter the cost."
"Is that the kind of person we want protecting the galaxy?" Udina asked, brow lifting as he looked at the Captain.
"That's the only kind of person that can protect the galaxy." Anderson argued and stood from his chair. His hands pressed against the table as he glared at the Ambassador. Silence pulsed through the room as Udina stared back at him. Hackett rose as well, ready to intervene. He stepped forward when Udina waved him off.
"I'll make the call." Udina stood from his chair and nodded at each of the men before leaving the room.
The Turian Spectre, Nihlus, was everywhere. Every time she turned around he was there, watching her. Sure the Normandy was a small ship and you expected to run into people often. His appearances were a little too often to be coincidence though and Rae made a mental note to question him at first chance.
The jump through the relay had been successful, even if it did spark some interesting conversation. Joker was just as suspicious of Nihlus as she was. In fact, more than half the crew was suspicious of the Turian and the true purpose of this mission. Rae had talked with a few of the members, assuring them that she would get answers, before reporting to the comm room.
"Commander Shepard," Nihlus called out as Rae entered the room, turning to face her. "I was hoping you'd get her first. It will give us a chance to talk."
"Where's the Captain?" Rae narrowed her eyes, noticing that the man in question wasn't in sight.
"He had to step out a moment." Nihlus answered then waved the question away. "I'm interested in this world we're going to.. Eden Prime. I've heard it's quite beautiful."
She shrugged, "Wouldn't know. What's your point?"
"Well it's become a symbol for humanity has it not? Proof that not only can humanity colonize on the fringes of the galaxy but that they can protect them. But how safe is it really?"
Rae frowned, her fist tightening. "Is that a threat?"
"Just wondering aloud Commander." Nihlus looked down at her first then back at her face, his fringe moving. "The galaxy can be a very dangerous place. Is the Alliance truly ready for this?"
Rae growled and stepped forward to show him just how ready they were when Anderson interrupted. "I think it's about time we told the Commander what's really going on."
Nihlus nodded, "This mission is far more than a simple shakedown run."
"No shit Sherlock." Rae spat. "I don't like being kept in the dark Captain. Bad things happen when intel doesn't get passed along."
"This comes from the top, strictly need to know basis." Anderson answered, causing Rae to frown.
"Sir allow me to say fuck that." Rae cursed. "It's mine and my crew's life on the line. I'd say I need to know."
Nihlus chuckled behind her, drawing Rae's fury to him. "Got something to add Spectre?"
"This one has what do you humans call it?" Nihlus glanced at Anderson over her shoulder before turning his attention back to her. "Spunk."
"I'll show you spunk." Rae growled, taking a step toward him.
"Stand down Commander." Anderson ordered, waiting for her to back off. "We're making a covert pick up on Eden Prime. That's why we needed the stealth systems online."
"What's the pay load?" Rae asked.
"A research team on Eden Prime unearthed some kind of beacon during an excavation." Anderson explained while he moved to stand besides Nihlus. "It was Prothean. This is big Shepard. The last time humanity made a discovery like this we jump started technology by two hundred years. But Eden Prime doesn't have the facilities to handle something this big. We need to bring the beacon back to the Citadel for further study."
"Obviously this goes beyond mere human interests Commander." Nihlus spoke up. "The discovery could affect every species in Citadel Space."
Rae raised a brow. "Are we expecting trouble?"
Nihlus stepped forward, his fringe moving in a Turian equivalent of a grin. "I'm always expecting trouble"
"There's more Shepard." Anderson spoke up as the Turian circled around here. "Nihlus isn't just here for the beacon. He's also here to evaluate you."
"Guess that explains why I bump into him every time I turn around." Rae sighed. "But what for?"
"The Alliance has been pushing for this a long time." Anderson explained. "Humanity wants a bigger role in shaping interstellar policy. We want more say with the Citadel Council. The Spectre's represent the Council's power and authority. If they accept a human into their ranks, it shows how far the Alliance has come."
"Not many could have done what you did on Elysium or Torfan." Nihlus spoke up, causing Rae to turn to look at him. "You showed remarkable abilities and skill, talents that are useful. That's why I put your name forward as a candidate for the Spectres."
Rae thought about it, sparing a glance at Anderson who nodded. It could give her another leg up, a chance to do some good in the galaxy. "Just tell me what I have to do."
Nihlus nodded. "I need to see you for myself Commander. Eden Prime will be the first of several missions together."
"You'll be in charge of the ground team. Secure the beacon and get it onto the ship ASAP." Anderson ordered, his hands going behind his back. "Nihlus will accompany you to observe the mission."
Rae nodded, "Just give the word Captain."
"We should be getting close to Eden Pr…."
Anderson was interrupted by Joker. "Captain! We got a problem."
"What's wrong Joker?"
"Transmission for Eden Prime Sir. You've got to see this." Joker answered him before the screen lit up. "Patching it through."
Gun fire filled the room as the transmission played. Rae's first thought was the Batarians and that they pirates had finally recovered after Torfan and Theshara. She frowned as the camera jumbled and the voice called for help. The transmission ended and turned to head for the shuttle, ready to render aid. Anderson stopped her with a hand on her arm and instructed Joker to rewind the video. The screen showed a ship Rae had never seen before, throwing her Batarian theory out the window.
"Status report!" Anderson called out.
"Seventeen minutes out, no other Alliance ships in the area."
Anderson sighed, "Take us in Joker. Fast and quiet." He turned to Rae, "This mission just got a lot more complicated."
"That seems to happen around me a lot Captain." Rae looked up at the screen then turned back to Anderson. "Orders sir?"
"A small strike team could move quickly without drawing attention." Nihlus was the one that answered. "It's our best chance to secure the beacon."
"What about the civilians or the Marines down there?" Rae asked.
"Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to complete the mission." Nihlus answered, turning and heading for the door. "You're work on Torfan had taught you that."
"Grab Alenko and Jenkins and suit up Commander." Anderson ordered when Nihlus left. "You're going in."
Boots hit the dirt and Rae pulled out her assault rifle. She checked the sights as Alenko and Jenkins landed besides her. They could hear fighting in the distance, hinting that there were survivors still out there. "Move out." Rae ordered and started moving forward. When they came upon the first charred body she stopped to examine it.
"What could have caused that Commander?" Jenkins asked, fear in his voice.
Rae looked up at him, noting that he fidgeted nervously. "Burns of some kind Corporal. Stay alert."
She stood, lifted her rifle, and continued on. When they reached an open area, Rae knelt down and signaled for the men to wait. Her eyes scanned the area, searching for any threat. Something in her gut telling her to be careful. They were in unknown territory fighting an unknown enemy. Rae hated it when intel wasn't up to par. She lowered her first, turning to discuss the issue with her men when Jenkins rushed forward. Two flying mechs came in, firing upon the Marine. Rae cursed, jumping from cover. Her biotics flared, sending on of the machines flying while Alenko fired on the other. When the coast was clear, she rushed to Jenkins.
Rae brought up his Omni tool and cursed when it showed no life signs. Alenko knelt besides her and closed Jenkins's eyes. "They tore right through his shields, he never had a chance."
Rae stood slowly, eyes closing for a brief second. "We'll come back for him Lieutenant." She lifted her rifle. "We have a mission to complete."
"Yes Ma'am." Kaidan nodded and followed behind her.
The two of them fought a few more of the machines before reaching the top of a hill. Rae looked down to see a Marine running, getting hit, and ducking behind cover. Rae yelled out and advanced down, rifle firing upon the enemy. Fury consumed her as she glowed blue and warped one of the robots. Kaidan followed behind her, hand lashing out and shorting another with an overload. Rae turned to the last and filled its body with bullets, gun overheating in her hand.
"Thanks for your help Commander." The other woman called out and saluted her. "Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams of the two-twelve. You the one in charge here ma'am?"
"You okay soldier?" Rae asked, walking over to her and shipping her weapon.
Ashley nodded, "Just a few scrapes and burns, nothing major. The others we're so lucky." She shook her head and took a couple deep breaths. "We were patrolling the perimeter when the attack hit. We tried to get off a distress call, but they cut off our communications. I've been fighting for my life ever since."
"What are we fighting?" Rae asked.
"I think it's Geth ma'am."
"Geth?" Kaidan asked besides her. "They haven't been seen outside the veil in nearly two hundred years. What are they doing here?"
Ashley shrugged. "They must've come for the beacon. The dig site is close, just over that ridge."
"You're coming with us Chief." Rae ordered and pulled her weapon out again. "Move out."
They hadn't been quick enough. First the beacon had been moved and now Nihlus was dead. The dock worker had shed some light on what happened but Rae was still confused. How did the other Turian find out about the Beacon? Why were the Geth helping him? And just who was Saren? So many questions and not enough answers made Rae very grumpy. She threw he biotics at the next Geth while Kaidan worked behind her. "Faster Lieutenant." She growled at him.
"I'm working as fast as I can." Kaidan cursed and removed a panel to reveal the wiring. Rae didn't know the first thing about electronics and had almost hit the bombs timing with the butt of her rifle. Kaidan had stopped her though and got to work. Sensors should that he was working on the last one now, but it seemed he was taken his sweet time.
Ashley pulled out her sniper rifle and began to drop Geth before they got close. Rae pulled out her shot gun and unloaded it on the ones she missed. Her barrier flickered as she stood from cover and ignored the incoming fire. Rushing in, she rammed her gun into the chassis and pulled the trigger. The Geth was dead but remained impaled on her gun. Grinning she used it as cover as she cleared out the last of the enemy.
"Got it!" Kaidan called out and pulled a chip out, the timer stopping with a few seconds to spare.
"Move out." Rae ordered, stopping only long enough to remove the dead AI from her gun. Ashley blinked at her but followed orders despite her surprise. They moved down into the port and found the beacon as well as the remainder of Geth. It didn't take them long to clear the platform.
"Shepard to Normandy. The beacon is secure, I repeat the beacon is secure." Rae called out through her comms.
"Good job Shepard." Anderson answered her. "Evac is in route."
"Shepard out." Rae turned to Ashley, waving her over. "You did well soldier."
"Thank you Ma'am." Ashley grinned. "Though watching you…"
Rae stopped her as the beacon flared. She pushed past the woman and rushed in, grabbing Alenko around the middle. She grunted against the pull and threw Alenko out of the beacon's power but didn't get out in time. She heard her name being called as she was lifted from her feet and assaulted with images. Pain wracked her body as tears coated her cheeks. Her last memory was being thrown across the platform and hitting the ground hard before everything went black.