MASS EFFECT: PROMISE
MARCH 16, 2177 CE
A small shuttle landed at the front of the Purgatory Bar in the late afternoon. Various patrons shared curious glances before a turian Spectre dressed in black and red stepped out. Casually making his way through the crowd he entered Purgatory. The usual blaring music barely distracted the turian as looked around for his target.
It took a minute of wandering and scanning the area but he finally spotted who he was looking for. A human male of about 23 years of age was sitting at the bar and chatting it up with the bartender. A small group of Alliance Marines was also gathered around, listening to him. "-so I threw the Avenger away, it was shot. I picked up the nearest Lancer and nailed an ugly batarian right between the eyes before regrouping with the squad." The bartender, ironically a batarian replied sarcastically, "Which pair?"
The group laughed and the human raised his glass to the bartender. "Good one. Sorry if I was a little insensitive there." Taking the man's glass, the batarian replied, "It's alright. Just remember not all batarians are a fan of the Hegemony. If you ask me, they're a bunch of self-serving assholes." A resounding 'here, here' answered him. The turian smiled, relieved to see at least some peace in the Galaxy. He chose this moment to approach the human. "Commander Shepard?"
Benjamin Shepard turned around to face him. The human was of a fairly impressive height and a tanned complexion. Shepard's features were broad, his hair was brown and brushed back, and slight stubble covered his face. Shepard's eyes were a deep green and had a focused look to them. "Something I can help you with?" The Spectre extended his hand to Shepard. "I'm Nihlus Kryik, a Council Spectre. I'd like a word with you..." Nihlus looked at the Marines. "In private."
Shepard nodded and said to the other marines. "I'll catch up with you guys later." As the group dispersed, Nihlus led him to a quieter corner of the bar. "I've heard good things about you, Shepard. Your actions on Elysium have gotten you quite a reputation." Shepard shrugged. "Yeah, it makes for good stories. But I'm just a soldier doing my job." He gestured to Nihlus and followed up with, "What does a Spectre want with me, though?" Reminded of why he was here Nihlus pulled out a datapad and handed it to Shepard. "You're aware that your Alliance has established a colony on Akuze, I take it." Shepard nodded. "Yeah. But they're still in development aren't they?"
"Indeed. I'm here because contact was lost with the colony 36 hours ago. I want you to accompany me to Akuze to aid the unit of Alliance Marines sent to investigate what happened." Shepard handed the datapad back to Nihlus. "I'll have to ask my superiors, Nihlus. I'm assigned to pursue an offensive against the criminals who attacked Elysium. The Alliance thinks that batarian leaders funded the attack." Nihlus already knew this and had taken care of it.
"I already talked with your CO, and he granted me permission to take you to Akuze." The pair emerged from Afterlife and Nihlus went back to his shuttle. "I will be expecting you at the docks within the next hour." The doors opened, but before the Spectre went inside he turned back to Shepard one last time. "You should know, Shepard: I had another reason to bring you along." Shepard folded his arms and replied quizzically, "What reason is that?" Nihlus tossed the datapad back to Shepard. "Your brother, Samuel Shepard. He's one of the marines investigating the colony, so I want to review the two of you in action together."
With that, Nihlus boarded his shuttle and left Shepard behind to consider his offer.
Authors Note: Yes indeed, readers. Our Commander Shepard has a younger brother, and he's on Akuze. Any of you who are familiar with Mass Effect lore know this won't end well. Let me know what you think of the first chapter, then proceed onward!