Mass Effect: Two Against the Galaxy

by Elysium94

Benjamin and Samuel Shepard are humanity's best. They think they've seen everything the galaxy can throw at them. But they're wrong. In this retelling of Mass Effect, witness the beginning of a galaxy-wide war through the eyes of a celebrated hero and a scarred survivor, as Ben Shepard fights to protect not just his brother but all life. Warning: Bloody violence, language and smut.

1. Prologue

"Well, what about the Shepards?" Captain David Anderson looked up from the list of potential recruits. Across the table Udina was holding an image of Benjamin Shepard, the young human soldier who had led the fight against the Skyllian Blitz. "Earthborn… but no record of their family." Anderson was familiar with the Shepards already. Both of them. "They don't have one. They were raised on the streets. Learned to look out for themselves." Admiral Steven Hackett, who had been waiting for Anderson and Udina to bring up any candidates, finally entered the conversation.

"Benjamin proved himself during the Blitz. He held off enemy forces on the ground until reinforcements arrived." Udina pulled up a new page and grimaced. "Huh. Samuel is a different story. He saw his whole unit wiped out on Akuze. Do you think it is wise to bring along someone with such serious scars?" Anderson leapt to Sam's defense. "Every solder has scars, Udina. Sam is a survivor." Udina did not seem entirely convinced. "Well, as from the looks of things he's been doing his best to change that. Bar fights, joining the most dangerous missions, no regard for his own safety.

We'll have station him with his older brother; Ben is the only one who can keep him in check, but he's only been able to visit Sam a few times." Hackett nodded. "Agreed. We should focus on Ben as a candidate for now." Both he and Udina waited for Anderson's reply. The old soldier weighed his options. If Ben and Sam were put on the same ship, it would benefit them both. They would be able to determine if Ben was worthy of the position of Spectre, and Sam might quickly follow. Anderson had grown to care for the younger Shepard in the six years they had served together. Any chance to help Sam was too good to pass up.

"We'll need to request Ben's commanding officer for a transfer." Udina smiled. "I'll make the call."

Author's Note: And we're off! This is the brief prologue of my retelling of Mass Effect. This story will be showing different segments of the game told from the perspective of both Shepards, but will branch off in it's own direction here and there. But hey, that's what Fanfiction is for!

Benjamin and Samuel Shepard are about to take on a galaxy full of cybernetic horrors, annoying journalists, and politics all-too similar to today's world. Can they handle it? Let's find out together!

P.S. If you're confused about the background of this story, see my other story 'Mass Effect: Promise'.