Author's Note: This is a Mass Effect 3 fanfiction told in the viewpoint of John Shepard like it was DLC content. There is also a larger story, with the main focus on the OCs that will be presented later in this specific story, that I will post later, granted enough people want to read. I also wanted to note that there will be some storyline discontinuities between the two fanfictions, but I hope that you will enjoy anyway!
Shanxi Military Academy for Exemplary Students
"Commander, there's an urgent message from Admiral Hackett," Samantha Traynor told John Shepard as he walked by. Shepard nodded in acknowledgment.
"Forward it to the comm room," Shepard ordered before jogging towards the war room.
"Yes, Commander."
N7 Log: Communication Room
"Commander, we just received a distress signal the Council's military academy. It's bad," Admiral Hackett said gravely.
"What's the situation?" Shepard asked.
"Here, I'll relay the signal," said Hackett, pressing several unseen buttons. A salarian's voice soon came through the transmitter, but it was difficult to understand; the connection was bad.
Mayday, mayday! This is Capta—esh Wens at Shanxi Military Academy, requesting assistance! Cerberus—attacking the aca—argeting our students! They've killed two Board members—umerous students alre—lease, if there's anyone out there, we need—wait, stop! No! Please—
A few gunshots were heard before the signal was filled with static. Shepard's brows furrowed. Cerberus had targeted Grissom Academy for their powerful biotic students and even went great lengths to get the students to surrender peacefully. At this particular academy, it sounded more like Cerberus was gunning down staff and students alike.
"Do we know what Cerberus is after?" Shepard asked.
"Negative, but it's imperative that those students be evacuated. They're the best and brightest the Council worlds have to offer," Hackett said urgently. "Losing them would not only take a huge toll on the galaxy's militaries, but also on morale."
"I'll make sure we get it done, sir," Shepard said, saluting.
"Good. I'll be expecting a report when it's over. Hackett out."
N7 Log: War Room
Shepard left the comm room and found Liara waiting for him in the war room.
"Shepard," Liara asked worriedly, "what's going on?"
"Cerberus is attacking an academy on Shanxi and Hackett ordered us to go evacuate any survivors," Shepard answered, "and by the sound of things, if we don't act fast, the students are done for."
"I've heard of that academy," Liara said in realization. "If Cerberus has been there long, they'll have most likely built fortifications, to ensure that no one can come in or out. The academy does not release many records for the public, but if I search my databases I'm certain I could find some schematics."
"Do it. I need every edge we can get," Shepard ordered. "Afterwards, grab Garrus and meet in the armory. We need to rescue these students."
"Right away."
