Dimension Nu Epsilon:
Mass Effect – The Adventure Continues:
Episode One: Chapter One:
Friday, January 26, 2187 C.E.
Fleet Maintenance Facility – Cape Breton,
Alliance Forces Base Esquimalt,
Canada, Earth, Solar System
S.S.V. Normandy, SR-2, Normandy-class Stealth Frigate is docked in Dock 1513. Having finished its second round of refitting and modernizing, the ship is ready for its next mission. Captain Alan Shepard is standing watching the waves roll in, with Captain Arthur Wallace standing beside him, who says, "Captain Shepard."
"Captain Wallace…" voices Shepard, who knew the young Captain was in command of the S.S.V. Poseidon, lead ship of the Poseidon-class Destroyer. The new Poseidon-class, similar to the Normandy-class in its design, larger and more powerful than a standard Frigate, but smaller and less powerful than a Cruiser. "…did you also get the morning debriefing from Admiral Hackett?"
"Actually, no Shepard," answers Arthur, who serviced under Admiral Jonas Ingram Stryker in the Twelfth Fleet and as a member of Alliance Intelligence during the Reaper War, "As you know, I serviced in intelligence during the war and I have been overseeing the study of the destroyed Reaper vessels. It was during that time we learned something that I think you should know. If you would please come with me, the Admirals are waiting for you."
"What could be so important that they need to speak to me now?" asks Shepard, who only had met Arthur once before and what he knows about the Captain is that he doesn't get unnerves easily, "It can't be the Reapers since all of them were destroyed when…"
"Captain, please follow me," asks Arthur, turning to walk away, leaving Shepard to ponder what is going on. Shepard is supposed to be leaving on his mission for the Alliance, which had several aspects to it, including assisting in the ongoing rebuilding of several worlds after the Reaper Invasion. Building goodwill between the Alliance and those worlds, plus strengthening the ties between Humanity and the other species. Because of this the crew includes Asari, Turian, Krogan, Quarian, and Human.
Main Conference Room,
Drescher Naval Fleet Headquarters,
Alliance Forces Base Esquimalt
Arriving in the main conference room of the Admiral Kastanie Drescher Naval Fleet Headquarters, Shepard sees Admiral Stryker and Steven Hackett, Javik, and Doctor Liara T'Soni, taking a seat across from Arthur but beside Liara with Hackett ordering, "Wallace, you may start this debriefing, whenever you're ready."
"Thank you, Admiral," answers Arthur, standing up and walking to the center of the room, before he continues, "We have been studying the Reaper technologies since their destruction. Recently we discovered a Reaper Database including information on all of the species they have destroyed, the history of the galaxy over the last billion years along with other information the Reaper had gathered. During the research, Doctor T'Soni discovered several mentions of a species simply known to the Reapers as the Behemoths. She brought this to my attention and according to the database, the Behemoths are even older and more powerfully than the Leviathans. The few encounters between the Reapers and the Behemoths ended in completed destruction of the Reaper vessels…"
"Wait a God damn minute Captain!" orders Hackett, shouting more than he should, "You're telling me that there is an enemy in the galaxy that is older and even more powerful than the Reapers?"
"Not quite," explains Arthur, "There is an enemy that is older and even more powerful than the Reapers, but they are not in this galaxy. The Reapers only encountered them in intergalactic space, leaving the Reapers to conclude that the Behemoths exist in another galaxy or even another dimension. The reason the Reapers concluded that the Behemoths are not seen more often is because there is also another species mentioned in contact with the Behemoths, the Krakens, at least as powerful as the Behemoths but their ancient and bitter enemy. The Krakens seem to be what the Leviathans are, except they were not conquered by the Reapers. However, it also should be noted that according to the Reapers that the single weakness of the Behemoths seems to be Element Zero. The Krakens also seem to be totally immune to Element Zero. Shortly before the defeat of the Reapers, a single Behemoth vessel was detected scanning the Milky Way. The vessel was destroyed at the cost of several Reaper vessels. Now I will turn the debriefing over to T'Soni…"
Liara stand up, as Arthur and Shepard exchange glares, as Shepard didn't like Liara working on the same project as Wallace. Liara explains, "Thank you Captain Wallace. Admirals, with the available data, I don't believe the Behemoths are resided in the Local Group. If my theory is right they are from the Herschel-Dreyer Galaxy formerly known to humans as IC 1101."
"So, what are you two suggesting?" asks Admiral Hackett, after having calmed down, "Because, right now, neither the Alliance nor any of the other species are ready for another conflict. We are still rebuilding and recovering from the war and it took everything the galaxy could muster to defeat the Reaper threat."
"Admiral, we are not really suggesting anything," voices Arthur, as he sees the look on Alan's face, it is one of not this again.
"Perhaps…" responses Stryker, speaking for the first time, "…we could dispatch the Normandy to investigate the situation. Since Shepard does have the most experiences with things of this type."
"Hmm," mumbles Hackett thinking over several of his options before asking, "Shepard, do you have an opinion on this mission?"
"Admiral Hackett," voices Shepard, standing up and walking over to the window that look across the horizon, "If this information turns out to be fact we will need to prepare. Given the condition of most of the worlds, still rebuilding from the Reaper Invasion. Maybe you should send Captain Wallace instead. While the Normandy proceeds on its current goodwill mission. If Wallace reports back and the rumors are true, then the Normandy can use the goodwill of the other species to start preparing for the coming conflict. He seems to be more knowledgeable about the Behemoths anyway and he will not need any time to be caught up. However, T'Soni will need to be replaced aboard the Normandy, sir."
"That will not be necessary," voices Liara, "I had already named my replacement and Captain Wallace had accepted my recommendation."
"Very well," replies Hackett, who know there is some tension between Wallace and Shepard over T'Soni. Javik, who had been listening, finally asks, "Admiral Hackett, why was I requested?"
"I can answer that," commenting Liara, "During the investigating of the Reaper database, we found something. We believe that at least a handful of Protheans planets survived being harvested. According to the Reapers, Protheans colonies in several systems were unaccounted for at the end of the cycle. We also know that at least some of the Leviathans survived the harvest. Unfortunately, the Reapers' database doesn't mention where the systems are, but I have narrowed down the list to few places, like the Venus or Montana Nebulas."
Javik is speechless but recovers quickly and asks, "If some of my peoples survived, then why did they not rebuild the Empire?"
"Given the destruction and the devastation of your cycles, it would take quite a bit of time to rebuild just a single world. Then more time to rebuild both the civilian and military infrastructures to support the Empire. Maybe they are still in hiding? Or maybe they haven't been reawakened from their cryogenic stasis. You said your plan was to stay in stasis with a million Protheans until the Reaper retreated to Dark Space before being awoken to rebuild the Protheans Empire. Maybe they had more success, or their mission was to find a way to defeat the Reaper first," answers Arthur, having already discussed this with Liara, "The other possibility is that while they could have survived the cycle, maybe there weren't enough left to rebuild the Empire. We know there were only a handful of survivors on Ilos…"
"Shepard, if any of this have a chance of being true we must investigate," comments Javik. He wouldn't be deceived into the hope that some of his peoples survived the war with the Reapers.
"I agree," answers Shepard, who had become good friends with Javik since the defeat of the Reapers. It was Javik and Garrus who accompanied Alan on the final assault on the Citadel, to capture it back from the Reapers before initiating the Crucible and destroying the Reapers once and for all, "However, the Council is concerns with having so many Spectres aboard the Normandy. Since Garrus, Javik, and Miranda have all joined the Spectres, plus Ashley, there are several Spectres aboard my ship."
"I thought Garrus, Javik, and Miranda joined to replace the losses suffered during the Reaper Invasion?" asks Stryker, knowing that Shepard personally recommended each one of them to join the Spectres but his recommendation of Grunt was denied and Shepard didn't feel Jacob should have been recommended, something Jacob didn't take as well as Shepard would have hoped.
"Correct Admiral Stryker however, that still doesn't address the Council concerns with having so many in one place," answers Shepard, "Before the Reaper Invasion there were 100 Spectres. At the end of the Reaper Invasion that number was down to only t30. Ten of those had already resigned or retired. So right now, there are only 40 Spectres active and according to Councilor Tevos, she will need the rest of this year to get the number of Spectres back to around 50. Tevos has no timetable on how long it will take to get the Spectres back to their full complement."
"Then why did they deny Grunt?" asks Arthur, wondering if he should put his name forward as a possible fourth human candidate.
"Because Councilor Valern voted no and the decision must be unanimous," answers Shepard, who didn't tell Grunt he had put forward his name. He thought there was a very good chance that Valern would vote no. Besides, he barely got Miranda through.
"I understand you know the new human Councilor… Captain Shepard?" asks Arthur knowing the new human Councilor is Charles Saracino.
"I met him once aboard the Citadel when he was campaigning for the Terra Firma party," answers Shepard, wondering how Saracino got the Councilor seat, "He asked me for an endorsement. I said no."
"Given the Councilor's concerns, Shepard I suggest you start by taking the Normandy to the Citadel and meeting with the Council," orders Hackett, who had made his decision, "We may not like Saracino or agreed with all of his ideas or beliefs but for the time being he is our Councilor. Wallace, I'm sending to investigate the Behemoths, while the Normandy is on its goodwill-mission. Shepard, I also authorize you to search for any surviving Protheans, we owe Javik least that much but remember your primary mission is to support the rebuilding efforts, protect civilians, and strengthen the ties between the humanity and the other species. I don't want you to mention anything about the Behemoths or Krakens till we know for sure. The galaxy is still in a fragile state and we don't need to panic anybody."
Shepard stands up since he is ready to get back to his ship, says, "I will have the Normandy depart immediately for Citadel space."
Then everyone exits the room with Javik and Liara following Shepard back to the Normandy. Admiral Hackett walks back to his office while Stryker and Wallace walk back to the Poseidon.
S.S.V. Normandy,
Dock 1513,
Alliance Forces Base Esquimalt
With Shepard, Javik, Liara back on board, Shepard orders his pilot Lieutenant David Crooks, to lift off and just for a moment his thought drift to Lieutenant Jeff 'Joker' Moreau, who was killed when the Collector destroyed the Normandy, SR-1. Shepard wasn't able to save Joker, and almost died trying to save him. Sitting beside Crooks is E.D.I., who had taken the name Natasi. Shepard orders, "Natasi, have the squad meet me in the conference room."
"Do you also require my presence, Shepard?" asks Natasi, turning to face Alan, who responds, "You're after all part of my crew."
Natasi made the announcement over the ship intercom. Natasi had grown accustomed to the way the crew treated her, like just another member of the Normandy's crew, despite being an A.I.
Conference Room,
Deck 2,
S.S.V. Normandy, Sol System
Racing toward the Sol System mass relay, Shepard is meeting with his squad mates. Several of them had been with Shepard through his entire journey. In the conference room with Shepard are Ashley, Tali, Liara, Miranda, Jack, Kasumi, Samara, Natasi, Garrus, Wrex, Grunt, and Javik. However, Javik's mind is somewhere else, as Shepard continues, "…so that is the situation. We will be docking with the Citadel later today and be there for a least a day, maybe two. Ashley, you and Garrus will be accompanying me to meet with the Council. It is Councilor Tevos who is concerned with having five Spectres aboard the Normandy. Meanwhile Miranda, I want you, Tali, and Natasi to continue working on our secret project. Acquire whatever resources you need and store them in compartment 4-A. Wrex and Grunt, I want you two to go down to the Markets and acquire any additional weapons you think we may need and store them in the Armory on Deck 8. Please Grunt, don't get into too much trouble this time. Samara, I want you to stay with the ship, you're in charge until I get back. Jack and Kasumi, while we are dock with the Citadel, I want you to go meet with Zaeed and Jacob. Kasumi, Jacob is still upset that I didn't recommend him for the Spectres and he hasn't been responding to any of my messages. Jack, Zaeed asked for you, something about needing some assistance. Please keep the carnage to a minimum. I will swing by later to speak with everyone before we depart for Omega. Everyone is dismissed, but Samara would you please stay."
After everyone has left the conference room, Shepard asks, "Samara how are you handling everything? I mean your daughters?"
"I'm very grateful that Mordin found a cure to the Ardat-Yakshi before his death and to you for letting me bring my daughters aboard," answers Samara, staring through Shepard and into space, "But the Justicars are gone. I'm the only one left…"
"Is the Asari Republics still insisting that you not attempt to rebuild the Order?" asks Shepard, who know that Samara had been free from the Justicar Code, with the destruction of the Order.
"Yes, and without the Order, I can't legally enforce the Code," voices Samara, tears running down her face, "Half of me is glad because I can spend time with my daughters, but half of me feels lost. For the first time in hundreds of years I need a purpose."
"Well that was why I asked to speak with you," voices Shepard, "I had spoken with Councilor Tevos on this and since you don't want to join the Spectres but you're aboard the Normandy, the Councilor had agreed to let several Commandos accompany me with my mission. They will be assigned to the Normandy and under my authority. I would like to give you command of the Commando if…"
"It would be an honor to command them for you Alan," responds Samara, who figure since Shepard saved Thessia this is the least the Asari can do for him, "How many Commando are coming aboard?"
"Twenty, I had already invited Shiala to come along now that she is totally free from the indoctrinated of the Thorian, but I will leave it up to you if she is included in with the Commandos because I'm unsure if she even wants to be," explains Shepard, "But now you have a purpose again since I can't think of anyone else better suited to command the Commandos than you."
"Thank you, Captain," replies Samara, "Do you think it going to be a problem, also having Aralakh Company aboard? I mean Grunt…"
"I trust Grunt to keep his peoples from destroying the ship," voices Shepard, though more hopefully than fact, "The Citadel is another story but later when I speak with him I will make sure he can keep the Krogans in line. Wrex has never been a problem."
"If you say so Shepard," responses Samara, "I will be in my quarters, if you need to speak to me about anything else."
Samara's quarters are the Starboard Observation on Deck 4 along with her daughters Falere, Rila and Morinth who Shepard brought aboard to cure their Ardat-Yakshi's condition. With Samara exiting the Conference Room, Shepard is left alone with his thought, till a voice interrupts him, "Captain, we are docking…"
"Be right their Crooks," answers Shepard, thinking about the crew he had lost. There is Corporal Richard Jenkins, Lieutenant Charles Pressly, Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko, Lieutenant Steve Cortez, Lieutenant Jeff Moreau, and then there are 20 more he lost when the Normandy, SR-1 was destroyed. Shepard was also missing his normal pilots Lieutenant Shane 'Ace of Diamonds' Vansen and Carol 'Foe Hammer' Rawley but they would be back aboard the Normandy before it left the Citadel. Then for a second Alan wonders if it is unlucky to be a Lieutenant aboard his vessel?
Council Offices,
Citadel Tower,
Citadel
Shepard, Ashley, and Garrus are sitting in Councilor Tevos's Office, with Councilor Sparatus, Valern and Charles Saracino, who had been speaking, "…I agreed with Captain Shepard. I see nothing wrong with having so many Spectres aboard the Normandy."
"We have too few Spectres left to have so many aboard one ship," voices Tevos, who knew Sparatus and Saracino are on Shepard's side, but she only needed Valern and there is already bad blood between the Salarian and Shepard over him curing the genophage. Valern was the only one to oppose the transferred of several worlds back to the Krogans for their effect against the Reapers.
"Councilor Tevos," voices Shepard, "I understand your concerns but I'm going to need all the help I can get to keep the peace, and help the rebuilding effects. The Normandy now has additional shuttles giving Ashley, Garrus, Miranda, or Javik the options to get back and forth, between the Normandy and their destinations…"
"There is another option, we can add additional ships to join the Normandy mission," voices Saracino, who would rather focus on rebuilding the human colonies first, "I would suggest Shepard pick between either a Charon-class or Stalwart-class Light Frigate and a Paris-class Heavy Frigate. However, we could also give Williams command of the Normandy's sister ship, Coral Sea."
Each Councilor thinks over the idea for several minutes before Councilor Sparatus says, "I think those are reasonable ideas."
"I agree Councilor," responses Tevos, "Captain Shepard choose whatever two ships you desire, and they will be reassigned to assist the Normandy. Councilor Valern, is there something else?"
"Yes, there is Councilor Tevos," replies the Salarian Councilor, "Captain Shepard, I understand that you had requested Asari Commandos to come aboard the Normandy in addition to the company of Krogans you already had aboard. Shepard, it sounds like you're expecting trouble, or not telling the Council everything?"
"Councilor Valern, as you're aware, the galaxy is in a fragile state right now," answers Shepard, "There are also rumors of two new previously unknown species, the Dilgar and Drakh. Then there are reports of some of the less powerfully species planning to use the Reaper crisis to increases their territories, the Brakiri and Drazi. Then you have the tension in the Krogan clans, which could lead to a civil war. There are also two new other species, the Tyraans, Saygans, and then there are the Goliaths."
"Alright you make your point, Captain!" responses Valern, who like the rest of the Councilor thought things would get easier now that the Reapers are destroyed but there are always newer problems, "You also had the Jormangunds and then the Poleepkwa refugees. Last is the tension between the Butariens and Batarians. That is going to start a bloody war any day, unless the Council agrees to assist in finding a peaceful solution."
"I'm sorry Councilor Valern, I'm unfamiliar with the Butariens," comments Shepard, who already had a lot on his plate and beside he didn't mention the Zeltrons, Orions, and Klingons who culture, society, and name bear a striking resemblance to the Krogans, it almost like someone based the Krogans on the Klingons, "Can you please update me on the current situations?"
"The Butariens are an offshoot of the Batarian species and for centuries the Butariens had been enslaved by the Batarians. However, with the near complete destruction of the Batarian Hegemony and the Batarian Defense Forces crippled it is the best chance the Butariens had to achieve their freedom," explains Valern, "But we can't let this war erupt. Atrocities will be committed across several systems. Now, with the destruction of the Batarian Central Government, the new civilian leaderships seem more willing to work with the Council. We don't have the resources to stop the fighting once it starts and, what is that human saying? Spread like wildfire. Then there is also the Raloi and Delgashi, who both retreated back to their homeworlds in the hope of avoiding Reaper invasion. Successfully as it was, it now leaves then open to enemies like the Dilgars and Drakhs."
"Sounds like we are going to have our hand full for the next years," voices Ashley liking the idea of getting her own vessel.
"Plus, there is the aftermath of the war to think about," comments Saracino, "You have the Geth petition to join the Citadel while most are staying in Perseus Veil. There is a group led by a Geth VI that desires their own homeworld. Then there are the Krogans, plus the Vorcha had a new leader named Kesh, who is leading pirate raids throughout several systems. Shepard have you decided on the vessels that will be accompanying you?"
"Yes, Councilor Saracino, I would request the S.S.V. Achilles, Paris-class Heavy Frigate, and the S.S.V. Proteus, Charon-class Light Frigate to accompany the Normandy," answers Shepard, knowing that both Frigates lack the Normandy's stealth systems, but there is only one other Normandy-class in service, the S.S.V. Casablanca since the S.S.V. Coral Sea is scheduled for its commissioning later this year. The S.S.V. Ain Jalut, SV-1, Normandy-class, was destroyed during the Reaper War, when the ship's stealth systems failed. Plus, it is highly unlike that the Alliance would assigns both Normandy-class ships to one mission.
"I will speak with Admiral Hackett about the situation," voices Saracino, "But if there nothing else, I think we are done here."
"The meeting is adjourned," announces Councilor Tevos, thinking things are getting too human-focus, which had been happening since Saracino took the human seat on the council. Shepard, Ashley, and Garrus walk out of the office, with Shepard asking, "Garrus you didn't say anything? Did you all of sudden forget English?"
"No, Shepard," replies Garrus, "I was just wondering why we met in the Councilor Tevos' Office, instead of the Council Chambers?"
"Because the Chambers were badly damaged during the assault on the Citadel and the Council is planning on reopening them in some grand ceremony," explains Ashley, knowing it was the third time in only four years that the Citadel Tower had been heavily damage, the first was the Battle of the Citadel in 2183, the second was the Reapers' attack on the Citadel in 2186 and then six months later was the Alliance assault on the Citadel. The latter was where Shepard, Garrus, and Javik led a strike team to retake the Citadel before initiating the Crucible and destroying the entirety of the Reapers, "It has only been six months since the assault on the Citadel. I'm actually quite surprised at the amount of damage that has been repaired in that short amount of a time."
"Well, I'm going to go look for Executor Pallin. See if he has any useful information that would be helpful in dealing with everything," explains Shepard, who with the help of Pallin, Chellick, and Commander Bailey was able to evacuate larger number of Citadel civilians and personnel before the Reapers attacked and took control of the Citadel. It was the second time that Shepard had saved the Council's collective asses from destruction, the first time was during the Battle of the Citadel in 2183, "But I will catch up with you two later back aboard the Normandy, right now I need to go speak with a friend."
Shepard leaves, with Ashley going to find a communication console to call her sister, Sarah, who is again living on Earth. Garrus meanwhile is heading to visit an old C-Sec friend, another Turian named Termius Camsis. The last time, Garrus encountered Termius was in 2185 aboard the space station Omega, where Termius was operating under the code name of Archangel. Shepard, Garrus, and Wrex helped Termius get away from Omega. Termius had left C-Sec feeling the same disillusion about the bureaucratic red tapes that Garrus did. However, Termius and a squad of twelve members: a Salarian explosives expert, Azotah Koleon; a Batarian tech expert, Sazis Sapkevran; two former C-Sec agents, both Turians, Thazix Hastrius and Ohazix Arasca; two security consultants, the Turian named Lantar Sidonis and a Human named, Gerard Butler and six former mercenaries, the Krogans, Ravanor Bronus, Khel Krantt, Raik Garent; the Human Andrin Hutchcraft; the Drell Tore Zharas, and Quarian Razl'Sinara nar Pegasus, was betrayed by one of his team, originally thought to be the Turian, Lantar Sidonis, but in reality it was the human Andrin Hutchcraft, a Cerberus operative whose mission it was to infiltrate Omega and disrupt the three main mercenary groups on Omega, the Blue Suns, the Blood Pack and the Eclipse. Hutchcraft's betrayal led to the death of Koleon, Sapkevran, Butler, Bronus, Krantt, Garent, Zharas, and Razl'Sinara with only Hastrius, Arasca, and Sidonis escaped with their life. Garrus later tracked down Sidonis and would have killed him if not for Shepard stepping in the way and convincing him otherwise. Garrus looked forward to meeting up with his old C-Sec friend and drinking buddy, since Terminus was badly injured during the escape from Omega now almost three years ago.
Ward's Office,
Alliance Tower,
Presidium
Admiral Henry Thomas Ward is sitting in his office, when Shepard walks in and salutes. Admiral Ward, commanding officer of the newly created Alliance Eighteenth Fleet, known as the Alliance Citadel Fleet, returns the salute, as Shepard says, "Admiral Ward I'm sorry for busting in like this but I need to talk with you…"
"It is alright, Captain," answers Ward, motioning for his secretary to close the door, "Please, have a seat and explain the situation. What does the first human Spectre need with me?"
"I don't know if you're aware yet. Councilor Saracino is speaking with Admiral Hackett about reassigning the S.S.V. Achilles and S.S.V. Proteus to assist the Normandy and while I appreciate the help. I don't want to blindside you since both of those vessels are part of your Fleet. The Normandy is departing tomorrow," explains Shepard, as they hear a knock at the door. Shepard turned to see his mother, Rear Admiral Hannah Shepard stand there in full dress uniform. Admiral Ward stands up and says, "Captain Shepard, I already figured something like this would happen and requested an additional Frigate to be assigned to the Citadel Fleet. As you're aware the Fleet is short-handed right now, but Admiral Hackett assured me that the new S.S.V. London will be assigned to Alliance Citadel Fleet to fill in the gap. The London is one of the new Dublin-class Cruisers and I'm also getting the S.S.V. Adventurous, one of the new Stalwart-class Light Frigates, so while I will be short-handed temporarily I wasn't blindsided. However, there is something I need to talk about with you but if you would rather wait till after you speak with your mother well I think you have earned that privilege, Captain."
"Thank you, Admiral Ward," responds Shepard, who haven't seen his mother since before he left for the Normandy commissioning in early 2183. Shepard and his mother exchange hugs as Admiral Ward quietly steps out of his office to let the mother and son catch up after four very difficult years for everyone involved.
"How are you John?" asks Hannah, referring to Shepard's first name. Hannah was the only one to call her son John, since his legal name was John Alan Shepard, but since he joined the Alliance he had always gone by Alan Shepard to distinguish himself from his well-respected and highly decorated father Captain John Shepard, who had been the commanding officer of Arcturus Station since 2178. In 2186, when the Reapers attacked Arcturus Station, Captain John Shepard successfully evacuation Prime Minister Amul Shastri and 87.5% of the Alliance Parliament, along with 338,226 of the 450,000 population of Arcturus Station before the station was destroyed during the Fall of Arcturus Station. Leading to what is now known as the 'Miracle of Arcturus.' A third Arcturus station, known officially as Arcturus-3 is currently under construction and expected to be completed by the end of 2187. Meanwhile Alliance Command and the Parliament use the original Arcturus-1 station.
"I'm doing well mom," answers Shepard, who always had a strain relationship with his parents because of the time they were always on active duty. Alan was closer to his mom than he is to his father, "So how is dad doing and what are you doing here?"
"I had never been to the Citadel before," answers Hannah, "So I thought I would see it before heading onto my new assignment with the Sixteenth Fleet. I report to Admiral Kahoku in three days and as for your father, well he is still steaming mad that the Reapers destroyed his station and he lost so many people. However, he did say that Arcturus is coming along quite nicely."
"Well that is good," voices Shepard, who doesn't understand why his parents are still married when they spend so little time together, "Do you want me to give you a tour of the station?"
"We could get a bite to eat and talk first," responds Hannah, who had been married since 2154, the same year her son was born.
Alan also had a half-sister named Jennifer Shepard, from a relationship John had with a girl back on Earth. Unlike Alan who grew up knowing his parents, Jennifer never knew her parents and was a child of the street. She learned to live by her wits and guts, surviving in the hidden underbelly of the megalopolis of San Antonio, Texas. Jennifer was eager to find a better life and escaped the street and poverty, so she fled to the fringe colony of Mindoir in 2168 at the age of fourteen. In 2170 Jennifer was living a quiet but happy life on Mindoir when the first wave of Batarian slavers raided the colony. Jennifer rallied her friends, adopted family, and civilian inhabitants, leading them in their desperate fight to repel the raiders. When the raiders broke through the colony's defenses, she single-handedly held them off before receiving reinforcement from the passing Alliance Cruiser S.S.V. Hyderabad, Geneva-class and the Alliance Carrier S.S.V. Einstein, Newton-class. Jennifer actions saved Mindoir and the colonists celebrated her as a true hero. In 2172, Jennifer joined the Alliance Navy, where she learned of her biological father, Commander John Shepard, who was totally unaware of her existence. John didn't even know who her mother could be. While Alan and Jennifer's careers started off in the same place, both graduated in 2176 C.E. Jennifer career had somewhat stall at Lieutenant Commander holding that rank and serving aboard the S.S.V. Roosevelt, a Kennedy-class Carrier. Jennifer had spent her career aboard Carriers, from the S.S.V. Lincoln to S.S.V. Nimitz to S.S.V. Kennedy to now the Roosevelt.
"Alright, mom what exactly do you want?" asks Alan, as seen the tactic before, it was either about his dad, his love life or something else, "The last time you wanted to get a bite to eat and talk I ended up on the blind date from Hell. So skip the phony shows and just tell me what is going on? Is it about dad?"
"John, I want you to request that your half-sister be transferred from the Roosevelt to the Normandy. I know Admiral Hackett had requested you add another command-level officer. Jennifer is the necessary rank and is qualified to fly fighters, which also according to Hackett the Normandy is now equipped with two SX3 Fighters," explains Hannah, who had grown close to Jennifer and her adopted family unlike John or Alan. Alan because he didn't really have the time and John while he loved his children he was first and foremost an Alliance Naval Officer.
"Mom, you know that there are regulations against family servicing aboard the same warship," comments Alan, realizing what his mother is really asking him, and he isn't happy with her, as he continues, "You're asking me to use my authority to get Hackett to wave the regulation! Is that what you're asking?"
"Yes," answers Hannah, "If the Normandy was a normal Alliance vessel this wouldn't be possible, but the Normandy is unique. You have a mixed crew, plus the only three human Spectres. John, this is where I and your father differ. He is Alliance first, parent second. I had always done my best to be a mother first, and an Officer second. Please, John, Jennifer needs this. She is being overshadowed originally by your father success and now your success. She e-mailed me saying how disappointed her crew members were to learn that she is not that Shepard. How many people, having a brother who saved the galaxy twice from the Reapers? Let's see here, Hero of the Blitz, Savior of the Council, the First Human Spectre and from what I hear, quite the ladies man."
Shepard just shakes his head at how his mother can still reduce him to a five-year-old little boy. After a few moments Alan asks, "Mom, you didn't speak with an Admiral about this did you?"
"I did. Steven had been a friend since 2158, when him and your father were both Lieutenants and I was just an Ensign," explains Hannah thinking back to all of those years ago, almost 30 years.
Hannah sees her son's resistance fading and gives him a big hug. She leans her head back and asks, "Now, what is this I've been hearing about all of the women just throwing themselves at you?"
"MOM!" voices Alan turning red as an angry charging Grunt.
