So... I fell in love with the Mass Effect characters, plot, and storyline. The game itself is one of the best I've ever played (well, both of them are) and is very riveting. I then wanted to write a story detailing how I would do the third installment of the series. Hopefully you will all go easy on me, I still need to study all the info about the Mass Effect universe thoroughly but I could not help but begin writing already.
Please, try and be kind. I'm not too experienced a writer, but I think I write well in any case. Also, I will assume you are reading this because you have already played the games and so know about the characters already. I will not go through the trouble of fully reintroducing them to you. Also, I left out Zaeed from this story. I felt like there were too many characters already and I never actually downloaded him. Also, this will turn out to be an eventual Shepard/Tali but for the beginning of this they are not yet together.
On another note, this chapter picks up from the end of the 2nd game - so you'll recognize the dialogue with TIM, but other than that its my story.
Thanks.
kaji21
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or the amazing universe Bioware has created for us, I am merely playing around with what they have already done and making some story out of it. :)
So It Begins
It was done. The Collector base was destroyed and Commander Shepard and his elite team were heading back through the Omega-4 Relay. They had sustained some injuries, but everyone survived. They were returning from what was supposed to be a suicide mission, and it was but the beginning of the next and final chapter of the Reaper threat.
"Holy shit Commander, we did it! We blew the Collectors out of the water!... err.. galaxy, actually if you want to be technical." Joke smiled, swiveling in his chair with his hands up in the air. "And we made it without losing my baby. For a moment there I thought we might lose her... again. I'd rather not go through that experience again."
Shepard shook his head and, grinning, he replied, "Glad to see you were worried about us too, Joker."
"Well of course, Commander. I'm just saying, it would have sucked to lose the Normandy a second time... or you... or well, you get my drift."
Shepard waved him off as he turned and walked away, still grinning.
"So does this mean we can finally get some good shore leave?" called the pilot.
"Commander, the Illusive Man wants to speak with you," EDI, the ship's AI, spoke.
"Oh, does he now?" he headed for the Communications Room.
As the doors slid open, he stopped for a moment as he realized the entire team was there. The entire room was silent, he guessed they were all feeling some shock and maybe some relief... or disbelief. Or both. He grinned again. "Best damn team in the galaxy..." he whispered to himself, and at that he saw Thane look at him and nod.
"So everyone's here to watch me, huh?" he said as he strode towards the table in the center of the room. The hologram of the Normandy that floated over the table disappeared as the table itself slowly lowered itself to the floor. He stepped onto the table and in a few seconds he was in front of the Illusive man in his large office, at least holographically.
"Shepard. You're making a habit of costing me more than time and money," the Illusive Man said, tapping his cigarette on the ashtray in his armrest.
"Sorry, I'm having trouble hearing you. I'm getting a lot of bullshit on this line," Shepard growled back.
"Don't try my patience," TIM retorted, "The technology from that base could have secured human dominance in the galaxy. Against the Reapers and beyond."
"Human dominance or just Cerberus?" Shepard pointed at him, his eyes alight and his tone hard.
The Illusive Man stood up and walked over to Shepard's hologram, "Strength for Cerberus is strength for humanity. Cerberus is humanity." He pointed back at Shepard, cigarette between his fingers, "I should've known you'd choke on the hard decisions. Too idealistic from the start."
"I'm not looking for your approval. Harbinger is coming and he won't be alone. Humanity needs a leader who's looking out for them," he told the Illusive Man, "From now on I'm doing things my way, whether you agree or not." He made a slicing motion with his hand as he finished, his jaw firm.
TIM stepped even closer, taking a short pull from his cigarette. Smoke exhaling from his mouth, he spat, "Don't turn your back on me, Shepard! I made you. I brought you back from the dead."
"Joker, lose this channel," Shepard said as he turned around and walked off the table.
"Well done, Shepard," Garrus said, the Turian clicking his mandibles in approval.
Shepard smirked at that.
"So," said Miranda, his XO, "What now, Commander?"
He turned around and faced his team. "It's not over yet. What we did, what we accomplished, was phenomenal. We did the impossible, and I'm damn proud of you all for what you've done." He looked at each of them, his gaze sweeping the room, "But it only gets harder from here. We'll be docking at the Citadel soon, and if you wish to part ways with me you can do so then. I will not hold you here unless you want to continue on with me, but I will not rest until the Reapers are defeated. If you decide to leave I-"
"Do you really expect any of us to leave? After all we've been through and with the entire galaxy at stake?" Jacob interrupted him.
"Yes. Too much at stake. You are only one who seems to get things done. Will stay until end," Mordin agreed.
"Well, I've come this far. Besides, I don't think the Illusive Man would be too happy with me right now," Miranda said with a smirk.
"This platform has been integrated onto the ship, and the Geth stand ready to assist you," Legion said, his head flaps moving to mimic talking movements.
"I will stay with you," Samara stated plainly, her eyes glowing blue.
Tali nodded at him, "I am with you, Shepard."
Jack rolled her eyes and then smiled, "I'm having fun here. Besides, all the action happens around you anyway and I wouldn't want to miss out on that."
"Hmm.. stay with you, or return to C-Sec. Tough choice, Shepard.." Garrus joked as he too nodded, "I'm in."
Shepard looked at Thane, who seemed lost in his memories, gazing at something on the floor. "Shepard," he started, almost unsure of himself, "You know of my condition. I do not expect myself to live for too much longer, and... I would like to spend my final moments with my son. I am sorry. Besides, I am a hazard to the mission and the team if I remain in your service for at any moment I can collapse due to the severity of my illness."
Shepard nodded, "I understand."
Kasumi nodded, "I can fill in for Thane's role on the team, though I'm not as good a shot," she grinned slightly at him.
Grunt chuckled and slammed his right fist into his open left palm, making a loud smacking noise. He nodded at Shepard and grinned, saying nothing.
Shepard smiled, "Alright then, return to your stations. We'll have some shore leave when we get back to the Citadel before we get started again. Besides, I'm sure I have much to discuss with our galactic leaders. Dismissed."
Shepard laid back in his bed, staring at the ceiling of his room, arms folded behind his head. Even after all he... no, they had done it was still not over. In fact, it had barely just begun. What they've gone through seemed like only the tip of the iceberg. He felt a little overwhelmed. While there were clear, direct, and immediate goals he had little time to contemplate the gravity of the whole situation, of how much was riding on him. Now, he had the time, and he did think about it.
The fate of the entire galaxy rested on his shoulders, and of course on his team. It was a heavy burden, and one that he was still unsure he could hold. But he was damned sure to try his best do so. Defeating an entire armada of Reapers seemed truly impossible, but he wouldn't shy away from the challenge. If he did, they would all be doomed. Besides, he'd been making a habit of doing the impossible anyhow.
"Commander, ETA to the Citadel is five minutes." Joker spoke through the comm.
Shepard sighed, closed his eyes for a full minute, then got out of bed. It was time to do work. He suited up.
AN: hope you liked it!
