Exit, Pursued by a Bear
The sky was blue with wisps of overhanging clouds floating by in an endless stream of white. Beyond, the Serpent Nebula shone in its characteristic purple hue. Five arms stretched outward, reaching into space. The Citadel awed everyone who docked there for the first time in their lives. Some remained in awe and relived their wonder at such beauty every time they arrived.
He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but Nihlus Kryik was one of those people. Growing up in the outskirts of the Turian Hierarchy, he had never felt completely at home in turian society. Nor did he feel at ease. Most of his young life was spent trying to fit in.
A young turian looks at two of his classmates brawling. He is part of a crowd, but is not one of 'them'. He looks at his peers and tries to mimic their expressions. He clicks his mandibles when they do. He shouts when they do. His fringe bounces up when theirs do. He catches Tibelius' watchful eyes, measuring him with barely hidden contempt. They're standing directly across from one another. Tibelius widens his mandibles, baring his pointed teeth. He points at Nihlus and shoots him a knowing look, reminding him that whatever he does, he will never be like the rest of them.
His efforts were wasted on his peers and instructors. Whatever Nihlus did, he remained an "outpost-born". An outcast. A fatherless boy without any status in society. He had always had to fight for what he wanted, and fight the hard way. In a society that depended on the unconditional following of rules set by superiors, Nihlus stood out for his unconditional following of what he thought was right, even if that meant disobeying the rules. Most turians chalked this behavior up to the circumstances surrounding his birth and the absence of a father. It was…unnatural. And even though his mother had thought the turian military was the only way to give her son some sort of status in turian society, his perpetual incompetence to follow rules — in his instructor's eyes — often got him in trouble.
He's being pushed to his knees roughly. A tall turian towers over him, flanked by two others. They sent the general this time. The general is telling him he is disappointed in him. That he's incorrigible. He should've listened to the orders, not gone off to save some pole-dancing asari from her well-deserved fate. She was bait, nothing more. His troublesome behavior endangered the whole mission.
"Nihlus. You're a promising and strong soldier. Stop disappointing your fellows, your commander, me, and that poor father of yours who is looking down on you from his place among the Spirits and most definitely gritting his mandibles in mortification. You shame his memory."
Yet nobody could mistake Nihlus' keen eye for his enemy's weaknesses for incompetence. Nobody questioned his strategic judgement. Nobody dared challenge him to a fight, knowing full well they would lose. And nobody could ever catch Nihlus in the act of doing something unlawful. The turian military was split between wanting one of their top soldiers to remain within their ranks and punishing disobedience with demotion.
When their dilemma reached Saren Arterius' ears, he took Nihlus under his protection and groomed him into a SpecTRe. Nihlus had never forgotten — nor would he ever forget — the very first moment he laid eyes upon the magnificence that was the Citadel. Here, he wasn't treated like an outcast. Here, he was a member of one of the three Council races. A member of the elite SpecTRes. Nobody looked down on him. Within the span of a couple of years he had become one of the most decorated SpecTRes and when his former classmates reached out to him, sending him messages asking for a recommendation to their superiors, he laughed grimly and politely declined. Nihlus Kryik did not do what wasn't right.
Now, he was standing in front of a docked frigate; a sleek vessel with grey coating and black and red markings. Normandy was written on its hull. SR1 on its wings. He looked at the ship that would be his home for the next few weeks or months, depending on how long his assessment of the new candidate would take. Nihlus had no hard feelings toward humans. The similarity between his upbringing and humanity's current status in the galactic community even made him sympathize with them. This attitude had further estranged him from the larger part of turian society, and eventually from his closest friend and mentor, Saren.
When the Normandy's airlock opened and a tall human in dress blues Nihlus recognized as Captain David Anderson walked out, he clicked his mandibles and walked over, extending his right hand, talons pressed together to avoid doing harm, in imitation of the customary human greeting. Anderson grabbed on to it with his right hand and shook briefly.
"Nihlus, it's good to see you." Anderson's voice was strong and low, an authoritative rumble that many human women found comforting. According to certain popular news blogs, that is.
"It's a pleasure to see you too, Captain Anderson. Elli Zander was a horrible choice to act as this ship's CO to begin with, and I'm glad humanity sobered up and put you on the job. Is the candidate aboard? I'd like to meet her as soon as possible and begin assessment."
David Anderson offered a smile. Even though Elli Zander was highly regarded within the Alliance military, the turians had always disliked her. Apparently even Nihlus shared that opinion. Anderson shook his head.
"No, she isn't. Rachel Vytes, her former N7 instructor, is on her way to tell her about her assignment to the Normandy as we speak. I expect she'll be here shortly. In the meantime, why don't I show you to your quarters?"
David extended an arm in the direction of the frigate, inviting Nihlus to board first. The turian nodded agreement.
The Normandy had put in a requisition order for dextro meals two hours ago. Just two hours, yet everything had changed. Suddenly there was a turian on board. A goddamn turian! Unbelievable! The fact that the SA had let itself in with the Turian Hierarchy to build this ship was near blasphemy, but subsequently letting one of them on board to spy on human crew was unforgivable. Had they completely forgotten about the First Contact War?
They had left him no choice. He had to do something. The Normandy's mechanical engineer plugged his omnitool into the system and opened his omni's messaging system. He would have to act quickly. The Normandy's VI was temporarily taken offline to perform some last minute tweaks before leaving the Citadel, and so his message could be sent unnoticed. He could not risk being discovered. Humanity needed him and the SA would probably not understand.
He used an address he had gotten from someone he met at the Citadel a couple of weeks ago. He didn't know the person but — from the way he was approached with a certain air of determination — he sensed he had been targeted specifically. Initial doubts and a wavering loyalty to the Systems Alliance had kept him passive, until now. His message was short, but clear. As instructed.
"TCfo04 wishes to join the cause. Stationed with CDA. Newly graduated N7O AS being recruited. Member of TH and CS ranks on board. Concern evident. Awaiting orders."
He pressed the send button and heaved a sigh.
Dad, brother, this is for you.
"Mother, I don't know yet, okay?" Alyssa Shepard let out an exasperated sigh while looking around uncomfortably. They were sitting in a small restaurant on the Presidium, amidst the hustle and bustle of diplomats, shoppers, tourists, business people, and many others making their way through the eternally busy headquarters of galactic government. Alyssa both liked and disliked being at the Citadel. Having spent her childhood on ships, going from posting to posting, she was accustomed to small and cramped spaces and couldn't seem to get used to the Citadel's seeming vastness. There was something about the way it could suddenly crowd that made her uncomfortable as well. She liked the familiar confines of Alliance ships and couldn't for a second imagine working on this large space station, much less living on it.
"Alright, I'm just trying to suggest to you that it may be a good idea to have an apartment here to come home to when you're off-duty. You need to have a life outside work, too, you know. Especially now that you're done with your N7 training." Alyssa's mother, Hannah Shepard, looked so much like her daughter that many mistook them for sisters. They were both pale-skinned with freckles on their cheeks and noses, had blue eyes the color of a deep sea, and flowing black hair. It was just the nose that was decidedly different. Alyssa's was a little longer and thinner, much like her father's had been. It certainly wasn't the part of her body she was most proud of.
She tried not to roll her eyes as she regarded her mother, who eyed her with feigned patience. "I know, mom. I just don't like the Citadel very much. Chalk it up to a ghost from my childhood." She picked at her noodles indifferently.
It was Hannah's turn to make an effort not to roll her eyes. "I see you haven't lost your penchant for drama in the N7s. Well, do whatever you want. I've learned by now that I can't make you do anything you don't want to do." Hannah Shepard delivered the last sentence with resignation, though she smiled a slightly proud smile. Her daughter's character was so much like her father's had been. Alyssa grinned widely.
"Shepard!" sounded a voice from behind. Alyssa recognized the voice immediately and paled. She hadn't prepared for that. Shit. She wasn't supposed to meet my mother just yet. Not before I've collected enough courage to tell her I have a crush on her…
She turned around and flashed her former N7-instructor a smile. "Hi, Major Vytes. I hadn't expected to see you here." Alyssa cursed herself for her sheepish delivery. Rachel Vytes didn't seem to notice. She walked over to the table where the two Shepard women were having their noodle lunch and extended a hand in Hannah's direction.
"Major Rachel Vytes. I presume you are Shepard's mother? Nice to finally meet you."
Hannah smiled and introduced herself in turn. They chatted briefly but amicably, Major Vytes telling Hannah about how good a marine Alyssa was and how she must've gotten her skills from her mother. Hannah, for her part, mentioned how highly Alyssa had always spoken of the Major, not knowing that most of that praise was due to Alyssa's infatuation with her instructor. Meanwhile, Alyssa was clasping her hands together nervously and hoping to suddenly catch fire and die. Since that probably wouldn't happen anytime soon, she settled for a diversion.
"What brings you to the Citadel, Major? Business?"
Rachel's green eyes settled on Alyssa, who shivered involuntarily. Those eyes always got to her.
"Actually, yes. The business even involves you, Shepard."
Alyssa arched an eyebrow, ignoring the slightly disturbed glance her mother shot her.
"I know you wanted to be assigned to the SSV Shanghai, but there's been a change of plans. Captain Anderson has requested you to act as his XO. As of today, you'll be serving on the SSV Normandy. I've come to escort you in person because there is something I want to tell you before you report in." Major Vytes paused to measure Alyssa's response.
Alyssa's eyes had widened in surprise at the mention of Anderson's name, and had almost bulged out of their sockets at the mention of her immediately becoming an XO. Hannah Shepard was watching her daughter and beaming with pride. It was she who spoke up first.
"It took me much longer than it took you, Lissie. Good job, I'm proud of you." She smiled at her daughter, who was still at a loss for words.
There's something I want to tell you.
Alyssa forced herself to smile at the two women who in their own way were the most important people in her life.
"I see the cat's got your tongue, Shepard," the Major teased, "but that's alright. Happens to the best of us. Unfortunately Captain Anderson has requested your prompt presence, so I must ask you to take leave of your mother and come with me. I've had your gear transferred to the Normandy already, so you're set to go. I'll give you a couple of minutes to say goodbye." She shook Hannah's hand again — who replied with a polite 'thank you, Major' — and backed away a few steps to give the Shepards some privacy.
Hannah Shepard got up and pulled her startled daughter up and into a hug.
"You go, honey. I'll be fine. Just remember to keep in touch with your old mother every once in a while, okay?" The last sentence was accompanied by a wink.
Alyssa finally snapped out of her confusion. She eyed her mother and nodded. "I will, mom. I don't know what's going on, but I'll tell you as soon as I know more. Oh, and, thanks for the noodles." She grinned.
Hannah chuckled and shook her head. "You stay out of trouble. Now, go. Duty calls."
Alyssa nodded again and walked over to the Major, who gave Hannah a curt wave and then led Alyssa off to the docking bays.
"So you're telling me I'm going to serve on a ship alongside a SpecTRe?" Alyssa's voice was filled with disbelief. This can't be happening. I just graduated!
They had exited the elevator seconds ago and were now walking in the docking bay. The Normandy loomed in the distance, its engines already fired up and waiting for take-off. A lone figure stood guard in front of the airlock. Spotting the two approaching women, the guard touched his earpiece and spoke a few words. Major Vytes placed her hand on Alyssa's elbow and motioned her to stop walking.
She sighed before nodding. "Yes, Shepard, and I can't say I like it very much. Don't get me wrong; of all the students I've taught, you are the one who has shown most promise. I wouldn't be surprised if you'd become the Fleet Master one day. But Captain Anderson specifically requesting you as his XO, and a SpecTRe subsequently emerging from nowhere to accompany your ship on its supposed shakedown run is too big a coincidence to actually be a coincidence."
While Alyssa felt a surge of pride at being called Rachel's best student, the dominating feelings flowing through her right now were awe at serving with a SpecTRe right off the bat and nervous curiosity at hearing that Rachel was concerned about her. Realizing that the Major was probably waiting for some sort of response, she collected herself and locked eyes with Rachel's.
"What do you think it means, Major?" she made herself ask. Yes, she was concerned, but a part of her also just wanted to drown in those eyes.
Major Vytes frowned while she tried to formulate an answer in her head. "To be honest, I don't know. Maybe that's what concerns me the most; the fact that I can't make any sense of it. Captain Anderson would never do anything to intentionally harm you, but that SpecTRe unnerves me. Just be on your guard, Shepard." She seemed as if she wanted to say more, but apparently thought the better of it and glanced at the Normandy. Two figures were exiting the airlock. One of them was definitely not human. "It's a beautiful, powerful new ship. It's an honour to serve on it, especially in a commanding role. Yet I want to ask you to keep in touch with me and tell me what that SpecTRe is up to. Will you do that, Shepard?"
Alyssa mouthed an affirmative. She wanted to know what the Major had wanted to say before she changed her mind. If she feels uneasy, then maybe I should trust her instincts.
Should I tell her I'll keep in touch if only because I have a crush on her?
Before Alyssa could make up her mind, a deep voice called out to them. "Major Vytes! Commander Shepard! Good of you to come here on such short notice."
David Anderson came walking up to them with a tall turian on his heels. The turian's faceplates were dark with elaborate white markings. Alyssa could see his red-lined black armor was top-notch. Definitely not standard issue. An upgraded M8 Avenger hung carelessly at his side, a constant reminder of the turian's deadliness with even the simplest of weapons.
This must be the SpecTRe.
Alyssa saluted the two men, and the Major did the same. Anderson saluted them back but the turian simply gave them a stiff nod. Alyssa supposed SpecTRes were always on official business, probably growing impatient at the multitude of salutes, handshakes, and bows they must constantly receive. And with every race having its own way of greeting others, adhering to the right procedures every single time must get tiresome. She couldn't help but notice the turian's keen attention for her. He barely even glanced at the Major.
Weird.
"Thank you, Captain," Rachel replied politely. She turned toward the turian. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Kryik. If I may call you that." She gave him a tight smile. The turian simply nodded again. The frown returned on Rachel's face. She was not pleased.
"Thank you for requesting me as your XO, Captain," Alyssa interjected before the Major could express her displeasure. "And it's an honour to meet a SpecTRe, Mr. Kryik." She regarded the turian and was met with an appraising stare.
"The Systems Alliance High Military Command has high hopes for you, Shepard. I am curious to see their prodigy in action." Nihlus' harmonics were carefully trained and he could attune them precisely to please the human ear. To Alyssa he sounded friendly, while other turians would most likely have found his tone condescending. Even so, Alyssa didn't relax.
Major Vytes picked up on the oddity of his words as well. "See our prodigy in action? I thought Mr. Kryik was accompanying the Normandy on her shakedown run rather than assessing Shepard?"
Anderson looked slightly uncomfortable for a brief moment. He recollected himself quickly. "Yes, Nihlus is primarily here for the Normandy's shakedown run. However, young talent such as Shepard rarely goes unnoticed and it will be good for her further career to be assessed by a SpecTRe. His recommendation could bear great value in the long run." Nihlus clicked his mandibles but said nothing.
Rachel fixed Anderson with a stare and maintained a brief, calculating silence before speaking. "You could make a good politician one day, Captain Anderson." She was rewarded with a glare.
Alyssa Shepard regarded the exchange with stunned reticence. The turian SpecTRe seemed friendly to her but she couldn't quite shake the Major's words and her request that Alyssa be cautious. Moreover, the mistrust was blatantly visible on Rachel's face. As one of the leading instructors in the N7 training program, Major Vytes had spent plenty of time with her students and Alyssa knew that she wasn't good at hiding her emotions. It was the main reason she had remained an instructor, rather than climbing higher in the SA specialist military segment. Alyssa concluded it would be wise to diffuse the situation before they would prove the dominating belief that humanity had an extremely short fuse in front of one of the most prominent SpecTRes.
"I'll do my best to live up to expectations, Captain Anderson. Mr. Kryik, you will be impressed." She delivered the last line with confidence and looked at the turian, who had narrowed his eyes and continued his study of Shepard's demeanor.
Anderson nodded and extended his arm toward the Normandy, indicating it was time to leave. "Thank you for bringing Shepard here, Major. I will take care of her from here." He hoped Rachel would pick up on the promise the way he intended it. She seemed to understand and humored him with a smile.
"Yes, take good care of my best student." Warmth returned to her face when she shook Alyssa's hand and told her again to be careful. The concern was still audible in her voice. Then she turned and walked away.
Alyssa watched her go with mounting sadness. She wondered if she would ever see Rachel again. A part of her felt something ominous was about to happen, and her assignment to the Normandy was only the beginning of it. The start of something big. Reluctantly she turned toward the ship and followed the human and turian inside.
Somewhere in a distant nebula, a vast space station hovered in the emptiness lit by the slowly faltering rays of a dying star. A handsome, greying man sat by a large port window, looking out at the bright light. Tendrils of smoke rose from his right hand and moved upward to be inhaled by the room's ventilation system.
A beep at his terminal moved his attention away from his ruminations. He dipped the tip of his cigarette into a small, elegant ashtray and opened the message. He read it with growing interest. Having reached the final line, his lips formed a smug smile.
Yes, he could use his brand-new field operative after all. He knew exactly how.
A/N: I am not dead! I did take a long time outlining this new story. And, well, life got in the way of things too.
This is the first of three prologues to my new story. I am using prologues to set the scene, so they may be slightly heavy on character background. Hopefully you will forgive me. As you may have read in the summary, this story is my AU version of ME1. I don't want to say too much about the plot changes, but suffice it to say that Cerberus will play a bigger role in this version than in the original game. You'll just have to wait and see what happens ;-)
My thanks go out to Logical Premise and ShadowBlazer for very helpful initial comments and discussions. And thanks to you, readers, for taking the time to read all the way to the bottom.