I

I thought boot camp in the Alliance was rough, biotics or not, but now that I'm pinned to the floor by an Asari Commando I think I'm starting to miss it.

"You humans, for all your boasting you're softer than the Salarians."

"Aw c'mon blue, you're gonna make me cry," I joke, even though she can probably snap my neck at the remark. She twists my arm a little tighter instead, thankfully, "Ah-ah! Alright, I get it."

"Maybe if you say my name right, I'll consider letting you back up."

I let out a sigh, even with my biotics all I can do is keep my arm from breaking, "Fine, Bevele, I'm sorry for calling you that."

"Better," she twists my arm again for good luck before shoving me back down into the mat. She takes a few steps away and charges her biotics, "On your feet, human, and try to focus this time."

Tenth time's the charm I guess. I used to be some dumb grunt without much biotic talent, always preferred a rifle and a handful of grenades to crashing mid fire fight, but that was back when the Alliance was trying to stand on its own. Back when they didn't have the resources to spare trying to boost a failed Biotic's power. It's been a couple years since the Geth Invasion; Commander Shepard saved our asses and put us on the map in a big way. Then they go and die, killed by some unknown ship while most of the Normandy crew managed to escape, hell of a way to go. Still, Shepard did a lot for humanity, improved our relations with the elite of the galaxy saving the Council and all, and even earned us a spot on the Council itself. Heard there was a rumor Shepard was still alive, and investigating missing human colonists. Just rumors for all I know, I'm just a soldier and I don't ask questions about N7 operatives, especially the brand that become a Spectre and supposedly come back to life. During those two years or so Shepard spent "dead" humanity started becoming more and more active in galactic politics, that includes improving our military relations.

We're not combining our fleets or anything outside the Citadel Fleet, but the Alliance "requested" certain Biotics "volunteer" to be trained by Asari Commandos. I heard BAaT didn't end well for some of those aliens, but in case you've never been guilt-tripped by Alliance brass into "doing your part for humanity," it's not a pleasant experience. If anything, our "weaker" Biotics learn a thing or two and the Asari, seeing our potential lack of skill, stop feeling threatened we're growing too fast in power. Like I said; I've never had much talent with my biotics, though I was lucky to get upgraded to the L5x implants before they shipped me here. High risk surgery, not as much as the L2's had it for L3 implants, but any time they have to operate on your brain I'd say that's risky enough. Alliance took care of the bill and procedure, I guess sort of as a thank you.

Fast forward through six months of surviving Asari training and my biotics have never been stronger. That's still not saying much compared to Bevele here, she comes at me with intent to kill but I know she holds back just enough. She could probably crush me into a pile of meat without blinking.

I feign a little laughter as my biotics flare up, "Alright, blue, I'll give it a shot."

She scowls at me but I see a ghost of a smirk forming before she sends a wave of force at me. I know she doesn't think much of humans, hell maybe she hates us, but if I didn't know any better I'd say I was growing on her. I throw a biotic wall up to counter the wave, to my surprise it doesn't shatter this time.

"Hah, check that out!"

My victory is short lived as Bevele charges right through the barrier with a war cry, and follows up with a biotic fist thrown right to my face. I just managed to catch with an open palm, swear I can feel my bones bending through my barrier.

She growls through her teeth, "How many times do I have to tell you?"

I feel a mix of intense pain, the wind being knocked out of me, and a biotically charged knee driving into my gut. Can barely move, double over on my knees, if this was a real fight I'd be dead.

"Don't just block, counter!"

She sighs, and lets her biotics cool off. As she walks away she makes sure to shove my shoulder, knocking me over like some piece of trash in her way.

"Take a break, human." She scoffs, "Maybe you'll fight a little better after a nap."

My biotics flare, and I'm not sure how but I manage to get back up.

"I have a name, asari. And I'm not finished yet."

Bevele turns around, smirking deviously, "Is that so, Marco?"

She powers up, ready to hand me my ass again. But hey, maybe the eleventh time's the charm…right?

A/N: I've been working on this since a few months after ME3 came out. Most of the characters are inspired by my ME3 Multiplayer loadouts, I felt like giving them some background. Hope you enjoyed! More to come, feedback welcome.