A/N: Welcome to Tiberium Eclipse's second chapter. Firstly I would like to thank everyone who favorite, review, and read Tiberium Eclipse. This is going to be a bit of POV but the rest would be 3rd person so enjoy the show.
"Shepard" normal speech
'Shepard' thought speech
Tiberium Eclipse
Pressly's POV
I looked up from the EVA terminal I was reading and managed to remove the message while finishing my conversation with Adams in engineering. "I'm telling you he just marched by me like he was on a mission."
"He's a Spectre. They're always on a mission." Adams said.
"And we're getting dragged right along with him!" Pressly said.
"Relax, Pressly. You're going to get you're self an ulcer." said Adams in Engineering. I saw Shepard heading my way I gave him a nod.
"Congratulations, Sir. Transition looks good." I reported "Everything is running smoothly. IES and OSG (Optical Stealth Generator) stealth systems are both running green. Looks like it's going to be a smooth run. So, are you heading down to see the Captain?"
The OSG stealth system is designed by GDI R&D from designs of Nod's infamous stealth tanks from GDI archives and confiscated Nod stealth tanks from Third & Forth Tiberium War. The OSG's main weakness is that it produces heat equivalent to a cruiser than a standard frigate so makes it easier to spot by thermal detectors. The IES system was created to fix that problem by storing the heat produced by the ship in heat sinks making the ship invisible thermally, refrigeration of the outer hull to match the outside space also helps. This means that the Normandy is both invisible visually and thermally, which makes the GDS Normandy the perfect stealth and ambush frigate.
"Yeah, I also overheard you talking about our alien friend with Adams." he commented.
"Sorry sir, just having a chat with Adams in engineering, didn't mean to cause any trouble. But you have to admit something is so off the whole crew feels it." I said.
"You think the Captain is holding out on us?" said Shepard.
"If all we're supposed to do is test out the stealth systems, why is Captain Anderson in charge? And then there's Nihlus." I answered and glanced to the comm room where our alien friend is currently at and Shepard seemed to catch my glance to the comm room "Spectres are elite covert Citadel operatives. Why send a Spectre a Turian Spectre on a shakedown run? It doesn't make sense!" I continued.
"But one thing is pretty obvious, is that this shakedown run is just a cover." I said.
"For what?" Shepard asked.
"Hell if I know sir, we're out here on false pretenses and I'm not a fan of being left in the dark."
"You think maybe Nihlus knows what's going on?" Shepard asked.
"Possibly, Spectres don't come along just to observe shakedown runs. And Nihlus looked like he was expecting some heavy action which I don't like it." I answered. "I mean, I know the Council want someone to take care of their investment, but I don't think a trained Turian 5-O is needed to test high tech stealth systems when a few Salarian engineers or STG operatives could do a better job."
"And there's more," I said "We're just supposed to test the IES and the OSG so why is Captain Anderson on-board and in charge? He's not necessary for a shakedown run." I continued.
"I don't have a problem Captain Anderson is one of the most decorated GDI officers in the service. If he melted down all his medals, he could make a life size statue of himself." I defended. "GDI brass doesn't send soldiers like that on a do-nothing mission. And he's also treating this mission way too seriously, something big is going on." I continued. "Also, we are fully staffed and armed with Riflemen squads and Zone infantry, why would we need to spend the money and risk of security leaks to have them on board instead of just the engineers? We even have a Hunter-Killer fully armed and battle ready."
"Something is off, I know." He replied. "I'll talk with the Captain and maybe get an explanation, carry on."
I nodded and continued monitoring reports and double checking the ships trajectory while Shepard heads to the comm room.
No POV
Shepard walked into the communication room to find Nihlus watching a holopic of what seems to be a grass field with trees on the left and a field of emerald like crystals growing from the ground with a few GDI harvesters nearby a refinery lined with sonic fences on the right. Shepard knew that on the right was a hologram of a harvesting operation on Akuze, as a way of funding the construction of a new TCN network and the rebuilding of GDI bases and civilian cities, harvesting operations are on every Tiberium field. While on the right is the pristine field of Eden Prime.
"Ah, Shepard" turning his head to face him. "I was hoping you would get here first. I wanted a chance to talk."
"About?" Shepard asked
"This planet we're going to, Eden Prime," Nihlus mused. "I've heard a lot of stories about it, and how your people referred it as the promised land."
"I've visited once or twice." Shepard answered. "It's a paradise, compared to where we used live a century ago." Shepard said while pointing to the picture on the right.
"Yes…a paradise. Serene. Tranquil. Safe. Eden Prime has become something of a symbol for your people, hasn't it?" Nihlus said.
"Is this going somewhere?" Shepard asked. Commandos don't like dancing around a subject and would prefer a-straight-to-the-point answer which saves time on high risk missions.
"All I'm saying is that you're people are like the Krogan. Both come from a dying world but still fought tooth and nail to survive, which is something I can respect. Most Turians still despise humans because of what happened decades ago on Shanxi and Syglar, but I don't. I just don't want any bad blood from getting in the way of the mission, so truce?" Nihlus said while extending his right hand. Shepard looked at his hand and accepted it by shaking it.
"All right, I think it's time to tell Shepard what's really going on." Anderson said as he entered the comm room.
"3 days ago archaeologist on Eden Prime discovered a Protean beacon." Anderson said. "We needed a way to safely transport it without someone else noticing it, and the Normandy is the perfect solution."
"Our real mission was to pick up the artifact and deliver it to the Citadel for analysis and Protean expertise as agreed upon by your Board of Directors." said Nihlus. "Our main concern is some Terminus mercenaries or Batarians attack the planet to steal it."
"But attacking a GDI world would get you death by Ion cannon blasting, would they really do it?" asked Shepard.
"Who know for some, it might just be worth It." answered Anderson.
"3/4 of our interstellar technology was based on Protean design without it we'd still be having difficulty getting to Pluto. We also have to keep this from falling into the wrong hands." said Anderson.
"Exactly, that is why we need the stealth systems on-line we don't want a Batarian raid to steal that beacon." Nihlus said and continued. "I'm also here to evaluate you as a possible Spectre candidate."
"GDI has been pushing for this for a long time." Anderson began. "Humanity wants a larger role in shaping interstellar policy. The Spectres represent the Council's power and authority." he paused again. "If they accept a Human into their ranks, it shows how far the Humans have come."
"Me? why me?" Shepard said confused and shocked.
"You lead survived for 2 months on a toxic world filled with hostile forces and managed to hamper their progress and create an opening in their defenses to allow GDI forces to create a foothold on Akuze, hold off hordes of Batarian pirates and slavers long enough for reinforcements to arrive, lead successful rescue missions deep in Batarian territory that only a few Spectre would even try to do what you do, and several hush-hush missions that the STG might have trouble finding out if GDI have any involvement. In short, you have the skill, experience, and perseverance to be a Spectre and my job is to see if that is true." Nihlus answered.
"Not all Turians resent Humans. Some of us see the potential of your species. We see what you have to offer to the rest of the galaxy, and to the Spectres. I don't care that you're Human, I only care that you can do the job." Nihlus finished.
"But before any decisions can be made, I need to see your skills for myself." Nihlus added. "Eden Prime will be the first of several missions together."
"Wonderful." Shepard sarcastically commented.
"Captain, we have a problem." Joker said through the intercom.
"What is it Joker?" Anderson asked
"We just received an emergency transmission from Eden Prime, and you have to see this." Joker answered.
All three people have surprised looks on their faces until Anderson said "Patch it thorough."
The holopics is replaced with a holovid of red skies filled with smoke and lightning. The camera moved to see a few Riflemen with a couple of Zone Raiders shooting at something of screen. Then a female voice speaks into the microphones of the camera saying. " This .. ...gent Davis, unk... ..stiles att..ing; ..e d.g site .s .ompromi... I re... Di. ..te is com...ised, civi...ns .s b..ng e...cuated ...ough the ..bway s..tem, Ion Ca...n ar..ys are down, we need-"the message was cut momentarily when an explosion off screen occurred and the camera was static for 2 seconds and was a bit dirty then the camera is aimed at the Riflemen who seem to stare into the sky. The camera moved to watch what it is they are seeing when a black squid with 5 tentacles of black metal with red lightning dancing around it, then one of the tentacle fired a large red laser that destroyed 3 city blocks that is not different than a Nod Obelisk laser. Then the person holding the camera is pushed down by the Zone raider who fired at an opponent outside of the camera angle before she spoke "Situ...on is c...ical, tro..s are pi..ed al. .ver th. .lace an. are tr..ng t. reach t.e .ubwa.-"
She stops when sounds of a hundred razor blades are heard by the microphone. The camera man turned just in time to see a Rifleman got shredded by hundreds of blades and his screams are heard by the camera's microphone then those razorblades scream in agony when a sonic wave was fired at it from that same Zone Raider. "C..e on!" she said to the camera man while running up a hill. "We ..ll tr. .o g. .o t.. .ig sit. ..d provi.. ..pport ..ainst hos..les-" the camera man stopped when they reached the top of the hill and saw Eden Prime's Capital which was named Eden Prime or what was left of it which is hundreds of buildings burning or turned to ruble. To the left there was the dig site which is currently repelling groups of what looks like cybernetic zombies. And to the right was that giant squid destroying the capital. Then the squid turned to face us then it uncurled one of it tentacle and fired a red laser heading to them, the Raider and most of them has jump jet on instinct but the cameraman a few were paralyzed by fear, then static.
"Cut's off after that. What do you want us to do sir?" Joker reported.
Anderson was the first to snap out of his shocked expression and ordered "Joker playback video to 31;4." Joker plays it back to where the giant squid destroyed 3 city blocks in one shot. "Fast forward the transmission to 39;2." Then the screen turns to where the marine was sliced and diced apart by hundreds of razor blades. Shepard shuddered slightly as he knew from firsthand experience what those things can do.
"What are those things?" asked Nihlus.
"Buzzers, hundreds of razor blades that goes inside gaps, holes, or joints into you're suit then it sliced, diced, and mince the person inside." Shepard answered.
Nihlus looked at me that said how do you know? "I read up on the Scrin from GDI records from the Third Tiberium War and from personal experience." answered Shepard.
"Fast forward to 42; 6." ordered Anderson, in the video was the dig site being invaded by cybernetic zombies that come from those spikes protruding from the ground. "What is that?" Nihlus asked he turned to Shepard and he said "Beats me." But he was sure of one thing the Scrin is on Eden Prime.
"Gear up, and brief the troops on what is really going on in the cargo hold. I'll give Nihlus access to our information database on the Scrin." Anderson ordered Shepard. Shepard replied with a salute and went to the cargo bay.
"Joker, get every Riflemen, Zone trooper & Raider to the cargo bay for a mission briefing." Shepard ordered Joker.
"Roger, Commander." replied Joker. Right now Shepard has a gut feeling that some of the faces on this ship won't be seen here again.
EVA Files: Hunter Killer IFV
After the the Second Contact War GDI generals want a vehicle that is fast, powerful, have AA capabilities, and can find ambusher before they attack so the Hunter-Killer was born. With the frame of a Forth Tib War Hunter GDI engineers added the Pitbull's missile launchers beside the railgun turret with GDI's most accurate and reliable sensor arrays integrated with to its frame. The Hunter-Killer also have a small mass effect core that creates a shield and makes it lighter, there are also jump jets that can help the Hunter Killer navigate rough terrain and cushion the fall of being dropped at altitude. The Hunter-Killer is significantly larger than its predecessor and has enough space for a four man squad of Riflemen but still fits inside an average GDI frigate. The Hunter-Killers is now used for base patrols, active combat, troop transport, and is stationed on every ship for use on the ground at an invasion or drop.
EVA Files: GDI Navy
After the discovery of the Charon Relay, GDI issues an challenge to every company to design a ship that is powerful enough to take on a Scrin vessels in space, use current and upgradeable GDI weaponry, is reliable and tough enough to take a lot of punishment and can get out. Most companies drop-out but Otani-Lincoln Laboratories have created designs for a fleet and a new GDI Philadelphia station with a Twin Firestorm barrier that can stop 20 Ion-Cannon fire and have an FTL drive for quick escape. The fleet is designated to 5 classes; the small and fast Frigate which is named after famous battles on Earth, the Cruiser named after great cities on Earth, the Dreadnought is named after mountains on Earth, the Carrier is named after Famous people born on Earth, and the Destroyer named after famous vessels on Earth. The Frigate is designed for close and fast combat, the Cruiser is for mid-range combat, the Dreadnought is designed for mid-long range battle, the Carriers are support vessels hat release fighters and bombers to fight enemy ships and the Destroyer is designed for close-range missile support.
The Frigates is equipped with an Ion-cannon made for rapid and strong hits and Railguns for attacking fighters. The Cruisers are fitted with 2 Ion-Cannons, Railgun batteries, and contain hidden defenses should un-authorized entry is detected. The Dreadnought is fitted 2 Direct Ion-cannon, 1 Saturation Ion-Cannon, Railgun batteries, and several Sonic barriers to protect key areas of the ship. Carriers are equipped with Railgun Batteries, and an enlarged hangar for increased amounts of fighters and bombers. Destroyers are Frigate-sized vessels equipped with missile bays that can launch a variety of missiles for both offense and defense against larger opponents and is protected by Railguns Batteries.
A/N: How was that chapter was it good, was it bad, then review, if it's anonymous I won't reply to your question/statement/idea privately so I'll put it in next chapter's author's notes. Now Destroyers are a new class I'm putting for originality and I got the idea from the movie Battleship, I like the ship-ship combat. For people who haven't seen Hawaii 5-O it is a task-force with full immunity and means kind of like Spectres. For readers who want to know what was said on the transmission, 1 '.' is the same as a letter so try to figure it out. I had to rush Shepard talking to Nihlus in the comm room because it's hard to find any playthrough where the 'investigate' is used while everything else was finished by Thursday. I will always post my chapters on weekends, if I finished a chapter before the weekends I will try to improve it as much as I can before the deadline, If I'm late I would do a rush job so it won't be as good as previous chapters so I'll try to be on time. As you read Shepard is now a Commander because in the wiki it said he was promoted to Commander after saving Elysium. So from now on Shepard is referred to Commander in rank, maybe other Commandos would be called Operative. After this chapter is the battle of Eden Prime and the GDI in action I'll try to make the best firefight scene I could. If you remember the last chapter this includes the plot from Tiberium Twilight so Earth is cleanish and Akuze now have Tiberium so that is why the picture Nihlus was seeing said Akuze and not Earth.