Chapter 2

Author's Note: I'd like to start off by saying thank you to everyone who gave out a review and followed or favorited my story. It is very appreciated and I'm glad you're all enjoying this. I hope you share this with your friends or anyone who might be interested, and I look forward to hearing your opinions on this story as it progresses. Never be afraid to tell me your opinion, all thoughts, concerns and or suggestions are greatly appreciated. And here it is, enjoy chapter two!

Shepard and his crew made their way back to the Normandy by the shuttle, along with newly recruited Tali'Zorah Vas Neema. Everyone except Shepard and Tali sat in silence, Shepard asking her what she was doing here, what she'd been doing since his death and after the events on Horizon. Isaac didn't really listen in, even though he could probably learn a few things from their discussion. But he seemed distraught. That's twice he was out cold and he heard somebody calling his name. He wasn't slowly going crazy again, right? There were no Markers here, at least he didn't think so. No one ever said anything about them, no one knew who he was and they talked about Earth like it was no big deal to be there. Just a planet, no big issues or problems. Probably because in this 'world' after humans discovered all these alien races, they must've had some kind of help, but Isaac, for now, could only make assumptions and guesses on what happened. He had already came to the conclusion he's not where he used to be.

"Isaac." He heard Shepard call after him.

Isaac turned his head over to him.

"You all right?" Shepard asked him. He had applied Isaac Medi-Gel, but it was a severe wound. Chakwas would have to take a look at him; the Medi-Gel could only really stop some of the pain and keep Isaac on his feet.

"Yeah," He nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. I've taken worse hits before," He said, looking away again. He unfolded his helmet, letting it go back into his suit.

After those few words, everyone sat in silence again. At least until the shuttle finally made it onto the Normandy, where it stationed itself. It was pretty empty except a few Cerberus crewmates. Shepard's crew was elsewhere on the ship, probably doing their jobs.

Isaac stepped out, grunting again in pain, clutching his ribs, "I'm going to get up to Med-Bay," He said.

"Garrus, help him get up there. Make sure he doesn't pass out riding that slow ass elevator." Isaac commanded.

"You got it, commander. Let's go, Isaac," Garrus took hold of him, and helped him get across the room to the elevator. He pressed the button to go up, and they both got in.

"Thanks, Garrus." Isaac said, he had started panting now.

"Don't mention it. I owe you after you pretty much saved our lives. I'm thankful for that. You're a damn good… engineer." Garrus chuckled.

"Yeah, damn good, huh?" Isaac grinned and chuckled as well, "I don't really even get the Normandy's engineering station. Never seen anything like it." Isaac admitted to him. He hadn't really wanted to say anything before, as to not appear completely useless, "But wow, it's incredible. Some advanced shit, are all ships like that?" Isaac asked him.

"Actually, the Normandy was or maybe still is a unique Alliance prototype. It was going to serve as a mobile communications station, but it became a warship. And a damn good one, with the best pilot, and the best crew." Garrus told him, "Also, Tali, she's an engineer too. She'll probably be down there with you. She can help you out, she was just like you when she first got onto the ship. Confused but bewildered by its technology."

"The commander sure has an odd mix of squad mates, huh?" Isaac asked. So far he'd seen Garrus, a turian, Tali a Quarian, that monster in engineering, and a couple other humans who weren't a part of Shepard's squad, just the ship crew.

"He sure as hell finds the weird ones. And the good ones. Just look at me, a kick ass soldier. Got myself a little nickname down in Omega. They um," He cleared his throat, "Called me Archangel." He waited to see Isaac's reaction to that, but he only stared blankly.

"That's cool, I guess," Isaac said, trying to sound impressed.

"Right, I forgot you don't know anything about this place. Well you see, I single-handedly—" Before Garrus finished his sentence, the elevator doors opened to the deck where the Med-Bay was located.

"We'll exchange stories of badassdom later, first let's get you to Chakwas." Garrus took Isaac's arm again, helping him get over to the clinic room, opening up the door.

"Didn't think you'd be in here so quickly. You looked capable." Chakwas said, crossing her arms at the sight of Isaac walking into her medical room again.

"Uh, my armor doesn't have any shields and I took a blast to the ribs. Medi-Gel was applied, but I'm still hurting real bad. And uh, I'll probably die if this isn't patched up. My RIG has been stuck between yellow and green, so obviously I'm not really at full health yet." Isaac explained to Chakwas.

"RIG?" She asked, confused.

"The long light going down my back. It shows my current health status." He said.

"Very interesting." She put a hand up to her chin, rubbing it for a moment.

"I better let you get to work." Garrus put Isaac down on one of the beds, then exited the room.

"Well, I'm ready, doc. Just don't try to harvest my brain and build a Marker." Isaac said in a low voice.

"What?"

"Nothing."

(Character Change.)

"So, Joker, what do you think about the people we've picked up so far?" Shepard asked his pilot.

"Well, about the ones you went out with last," Joker looked away to think for a second, "Looks like Garrus finally got that pole out of his ass, but now he's using it to beat people up with it. And uh, I don't know much about Isaac, really. He seems kind of like you, but… I don't know, man, not really someone I've spent time with. But you know, that's just my opinion, no reason to really go spreading it around." He sniffed.

"Just checking," Shepard told him, walking away from him.

"See you, Commander."

Shepard was making his way back over to the galaxy map. He thought maybe he could bring Isaac to the Citadel, get him proper armor and show him around. Get used to this new place he was in. See the different cultures and alien races. It would probably really interest him. He thought back to Isaac's 'kinesis' and 'stasis' module. Both those objects worked a lot like biotic powers. But they didn't seem to be installed into Isaac, they were like picking up a remote control and turning on a television. So it can be attached and detached from Isaac's body. Maybe he'd also introduce biotics to him, which could be something new for him.

Shepard made a plan. While Isaac's getting medical care for Chakwas, he'll ask Isaac for his kinesis and stasis module, then bring it up to Mordin to look at. While Mordin studies it, he'll take Isaac down to the Citadel and have him buy new armor and take a quick look around. They had a few more pick-ups, but the other recruits could wait. "Joker, set a course for the Citadel." Shepard announced.

"You got it, commander." Joker's voice sounded from the intercom. Shepard walked away from the intercom, Yeomen Chamber grabbing his arm.

"Commander, do you have a moment?" She asked him.

Shepard turned around, "What's up, Kelly?" He asked her, arms crossing.

"I'd like some time with Isaac after his examination with Chakwas. I want to study him, see what he's like."

"Well, you tell me his mental condition when you're done. He seems to think he's in another universe, or maybe he's got amnesia or maybe," Isaac threw his hands up, "I don't know. Just see what you can find out. Record the session, I think Miranda and I will probably want to take a look at it." He said.

"Yes, commander." She turned back around.

Shepard went over to the elevator, entering it and going down a few decks down.

(Character Change.)

"Agh!" Isaac winced, restraints keeping him down. He wasn't wearing his engineering suit, and Chakwas had removed his shirt and jacket to take a better look at his wound.

"Thought you said you'd been through worse," She said.

"Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt, doc," he winced again, looking down at what she was doing.

So far it was good work. The wound was cleaned, and being sewn up by a strange device. After a couple minutes, she started wrapping a bandage around his lower abdomen, "Can't thank you enough, doc," He said.

"Just doing my job, Mister Clarke." She walked from him, washing her hands.

Shepard walked into the room, "Isaac." He said.

"Shepard," Isaac looked over to him as he stood up and put on his shirt and jacket.

"About your kinesis and stasis module." He pointed at the two objects on a table next to Isaac.

"Don't forget about his RIG." Chakwas interjected.

"Yes, and your RIG. I'd like to bring it up to Mordin, the professor to figure out how it works and what it does. It's useful technology." He told him.

"Sure, but I might have trouble in battle without them." Isaac said.

"Don't worry, we're not going to battle at our next destination. Where we're going will give Mordin plenty of time to look over the technology and you time to learn a few things."

"Well, sounds all right." Isaac handed Shepard his technology over, "Make sure I'll still be able to use them afterwards." He said.

"You got it," Shepard took hold of his things and left the room.

After Isaac was done there, he left the room, still wearing his regular clothing. It felt strange to walk around without the RIG attached to his clothes. He made his way over to the elevator and down to engineering.

When he got there, he started heading to the main room, but heard screaming and yelling come from underneath the stairs, "What the fuck?" He started running down there, coming across what looked like a stowaway psychopath.

"What the hell are you looking at?" The woman looked over at him, her face screaming pure rage.

Isaac was about to say, 'nothing' and back out like last time. But was that how all encounters with the extra 'tough' guys were going to go? Making him look like some kind of coward? This woman was nothing compared to the shit he's faced, "A loud bitch, distracting people from their work. You should keep quiet." Isaac walked right up to her, his face right in front of hers, showing the same kind of anger.

"Who the fuck do you think you are!?" She pushed him away with a strong biotic force, he fell back and landed hard on the ground.

Isaac pulled a pistol that he'd tucked away in his pants, aiming it at her while on the ground, "Isaac Clarke. A guy who doesn't like being pushed around. One more time and I swear to God I'll shoot you dead." He said, anger being amplified in his voice.

She stood there, lowering her guard, "Whatever," She turned away from him and sat down on a hard bed.

Isaac got up after a few moments, and walked over to her, putting the gun away, "I didn't want to have to threaten you. As I said, I'm Isaac." He held his hand out to her.

"I'm Jack. And I'm a girl who doesn't like people." She said, looking away from him completely.

Isaac kept his hand held out but eventually gave up and turned away, "Nice to meet you, Jack," He said to her before walking away and back up the stairs, being met by Donelly and Gabby.

"I thought you were dead!" Donelly said in complete surprise.

"I'm not scared so easily by a few tough words." Isaac said, walking past them.

"You should be, Mister Clarke. Jack can be more than words if you're not careful." She tried telling him, but Isaac wasn't going to listen to them. He walked into engineering, seeing Tali at a post, he walked over to her.

"Excuse me, Tali," He said, standing behind her.

She stopped working and turned around, "Oh, Isaac. What can I do for you?" She asked him.

"Well, I don't know if Shepard told you, but uh, I'm an engineer too, though I've never seen anything like the Normandy and I'm not entirely sure what do down here. Garrus said you could show me the ropes, since you were new to this at one point as well." He explained.

"That's right. Hmm…" She took a quick look around, "Well, every spot seems to be taken up so far. I'm not entirely sure where you could be put, Isaac. Maybe I can just teach you what I do here, in case Shepard takes me on any missions and you can take my place for me, and keep up work."

"Sounds like a plan."

Tali and Isaac spent the next couple of hours together there, she showed him what it was he was supposed to do on the screen, to keep the Normandy running perfectly well. Everyone did their part around the ship to keep it at its perfect efficiency, and Isaac was going to be a part of it down here in the meantime. She also told him he could work on Normandy and shuttle repairs.

When the Normandy finally arrived on the Citadel, just about everyone aboard the ship dispersed and went around to find things. Shepard, Garrus and Isaac were in a small group together.

"There's a nearby store with the best armor, Armax Arsenal, you can't go wrong there… then again most places have pretty good armor too, so it doesn't really matter all that much." Garrus told Isaac, both leading him around the Citadel, but Isaac hadn't heard a word, he was too busy admiring the beautiful scenery and the kinds of people that walked around.

"My god," He gasped, standing right in the middle of everything, "it's like right out of a science fiction movie. This is amazing. I mean, back where I had we had space colonies and cities but nothing like this. It's crazy. There are floating jellyfish, blue people, more of those turians and those crazy looking big guys. God, this place is absolutely amazing." He almost laughed.

"Wait until you get to the bar," Shepard told him, both he and Garrus chuckling together.

They lead Isaac around, bringing him to a few places where he'd picked up several pieces of armor, enough to replace his old engineering suit, which he'd only use it when on engineering jobs for the Normandy. And finally, to the number one place they wanted to take him to. A small little bar and club around the corner, bringing him inside. The music vibrated and pumped through his ears and into his head, the people out on the dance floor enjoying themselves to the music.

"I say we get a few drinks then hit the dance floor. And also…" Garrus messed on his Omni-Tool for a second, "Just invited a couple squad mates over."

"Let's do this," Isaac walked up to the bartender, a turian. "Give me a drink, whatever you got." He leaned against the counter. The bartender served him up a purple drink, Isaac grabbing it and looking at for a second, then back over to Garrus and Shepard. They nodded at him. "Here goes nothing," Isaac downed it in one go, coughing for a second before putting the glass down, "Holy shit that's strong," He coughed again, "Man, that hits quick. Fuck," He wiped his eyes, watering up a little.

Shepard and Garrus laughed, "This is how a real man takes it," He says, ordering up the same drink, and downing it with zero reaction.

"Not fair, you're used to it." Isaac grinned and laughed. The bartender got them each one more glass, each of them downing it at the same time.

"Not as bad the second time but holy hell does it hit fast," Isaac beat his fist against his chest real quick, "Guys, my insides are on fire."

"Calm down, Isaac, it's not so bad." Garrus told him.

"My insides are on fire."

Shepard laughed, "One more round, then we hit that floor!" He ordered up three different drinks for each of them, the strongest stuff they had.

They each took hold of the glasses and stood next to each other, "On three…" Garrus said, "One, two… three." He drank his.

Shepard doing the same, and Isaac too, wincing and coughing again, "What the fuck was that shit?" He held his stomach for a few moments, "No wait, it's… it's settling…" He started stepping from side to side, almost losing balance, "All right, all right, let's get out there." They all barely walked over to the dance floor, dancing like idiots in the middle of the crowd. Isaac couldn't even raise his arms at this point, he looked like a person paralyzed from the waist up trying to jump.

"Looking very smooth," Tali's voice came from in front of him.

Isaac looked up, "Tali! Tali'Zor.. Tali'Zorh.. Tali'zor Vos Numa Numa!" He walked in front of her, "Come on, lets do the thing people do when they're on the thing, with stuff," he started dancing again.

She started laughing, "I'm guessing you mean dance?" She started dancing in front of him, properly and not drunkenly. Isaac taking note of her body movements and figure.

"Damn, who knew Quarians could dance so well. I didn't. Fuck, I didn't even know what a Quarian was since like, yesterday," He told her, slurring over his words.

After that, everything blurred out, and Isaac woke up on the floor of the Normandy's crew deck, others just looking around at him. He groaned, "God, I feel like total shit…" He sat up, Shepard and Garrus in front of him, both holding their stomachs and heads.

"Welcome back, Isaac," Garrus said, holding his hand out to him, Isaac took it and got up with his help.

"I'm going to be feeling this for day…" Isaac groaned, leaning on a nearby table, "What the hell happened?"

"I don't know." Garrus shrugged.

"I cant really remember all that well." Shepard said.

"You all ran out singing and dancing and then passed out in a fountain. We managed to get you all out before C-Sec arrived." Tali spoke about, arms crossed.

"Real smooth, commander," Jacob joked, smiling.

"You guys were there, right? I know Garrus invited a couple people. And listen, not many of you know this yet but, this is Isaac Clarke. He's the straggler we picked up drifting in space. I told Isaac that after we got Tali, we'd let him off and he could go back to Earth. Well, we're at the Citadel, you can catch a ride there. I got you armor, a weapon and your stuff back." Shepard announced.

Isaac looked confused for a moment then remembered. That's right… this wasn't a permanent thing, "Right," He cleared his throat, "Thanks for everything, commander. And nice to meet you, Garrus and the rest of you all." He said, a look of a kind of sadness on his face.

"But," Shepard said suddenly, "You proved yourself to me as a capable soldier, a hero, a loyal friend and a warrior. I offer you a position as another squad mate on the Normandy. If you accept." Shepard held his hand out, waiting for Isaac to shake it to make this all official.

"I'm honored, commander," Isaac smiled, taking Shepard's hand and giving it a firm shake.

The other squad mates clapped for him, and shook the hand of their new ally. All except Miranda, who only scowled from the entrance of her office.

After everyone began dispersing, Isaac caught a moment with Tali, "Well, I guess you and me will be spending a lot of time together now," He smiled, "I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too, Isaac." She responded with a happy tone, Isaac assumed she was smiling behind that mask.

"And hey, it'd be nice if we could catch up later, when we're not working. I'd love to know more about your people. All I know is they wear those fancy suits." Isaac pointed at her attire.

"Oh, this? It isn't anything fancy. It's to keep me alive. It's an enviorosuit. You see," She started walking with him to the elevator, "Quarians have very weak immune systems, and these suits help us with our condition. For example, the common cold to us could be very fatal."

"Sounds like a tough life," Isaac admitted.

"It can be, but we've grown used to it. I just wish one day I could actually… Not have to worry about it, you know?" The elevator door opened, both stepping inside.

"Yeah, I guess I do, Tali. I never really went through anything or go through anything like that. I can't relate, but I know how horrible it feels to step anywhere and think you might die. I don't really want to talk about it right now, we uh, should probably stay on the bright side, don't you think?"

"Good idea, Isaac." The doors closed, and the elevator slowly began moving down.

After they finally arrived, Isaac and Tali made their way over to the main room, "I guess I still need practice. Let me take the first shift." Isaac offered, standing in front of the screen.

"Suit yourself, Isaac. I could use the break I guess. I'll watch over and make sure you're doing it right."

"That reminds me, I do remember one thing from my drunker raid earlier today. Your dancing sure was something," he smiled.

"Don't talk about that, Isaac!" She giggled, "Dancing is dancing, I'm nothing special." She seemed to look away shyly.

"It sure was special to me… Your dancing, I meant your dancing. Not you, I mean, not that you aren't—"

"Get to work, Isaac." She teased.

"Yup," He turned away from her, back to the screen, a small blush and smile still on his face. But then a grim look, and tremendous guilt overcame him. Isaac spent so long worrying about Ellie, thinking about her and about how much he loved her and how furious he was when he discovered she was with Robert after moving on from Isaac so quickly, and now Isaac is doing it to her? Moving on, flirting with an alien girl he had just met? When he was sure death was right around the corner, all he thought about was Ellie, and kissed her for the last time before being thrown off. Did it all mean nothing now? Did he just up and abandon that romance and love he had for her? No, no, he didn't. One day he'd see her again. From that point, Isaac vowed he'd never flirt or anything with another girl. He still had Ellie to worry about as he had always done.

(Character Change.)

Shepard walked over to Mordin, "So, what did you learn about Isaac's stuff?" He asked him, leaning on a nearby countertop.

"Kinesis module, works like biotic powers such as push and pull, or throw, like a force, except it doesn't require a recharge. Can be used limitlessly, no cool down, no charge. As well as stasis, except it runs out 'till filled up again, recharges on its own overtime as well," Mordin took a deep breath, "RIG can tell vital signs of the user, as well as can work as a radio, communication through voice or video feed, works like an Omni-Tool as well, lots of interesting things about it, was fun studying it." He smiled, "I enjoyed it."

"Interesting… Get me Samara, and bring her down to the shuttle bay, I'll get Isaac, I'd like him to see biotics in the works. I think he'd be very interested." Shepard turned and left the room.

(Character Change.)

Isaac made his way down to the shuttle bay. Apparently he hadn't been the only one called down, was this another mission? He was still recovering from all the heavy drinking he had done only earlier that day. Isaac walked into the shuttle bay, but he didn't see Shepard standing next to a whole arsenal of weapons and Isaac's new armor. But he did see a very beautiful Asari standing in the middle of the large room next to Shepard. Isaac had seen her back up in the mess hall, after having woken up. He walked over, "What's going on?"

"First," Shepard tossed Isaac his kinesis and stasis module, as well as helping Isaac attach his RIG on the back of his jacket, "I'll give you these."

Isaac put them all on, "All right, second?" Isaac looked pretty confused, why had Isaac called him down here just to give him his stuff back, and why was Samara here?

A dummy was placed about thirty feet away from them.

"Samara," Shepard nodded in her direction.

"Yes, commander." Her body started to glow, and with a wave of her arm, she flung the dummy across the air.

"Holy hell," Isaac looked at it go, "I didn't know magic existed." He chuckled.

"It's not magic, Isaac Clarke," Samara turned to look at him, her usual calm expression on her face, "Biotics. Tech implants to give one an edge in battle. Kind of like your stasis and kinesis." She tried explaining.

"These only became for battle when I ran into the problems I ran in. They're just tools, like my plasma cutter. They're not meant to be used in fights. I wouldn't be able to pick up anybody with my kinesis module unless they were dead." Isaac told them both, "My stasis can be used but my kinesis is pretty weak compared to… That."

"Isaac, the reason I called you down here was so you could witness the power of biotics. It works almost exactly like your kinesis, except it's more than levitating and pushing and pulling. I'll have Samara here, one of the most powerful biotics I know, show you a few things. If you like what you see, we could get our hands on a couple of implants for you." Shepard explained his plan to Isaac.

Isaac thought about it for a second, "Well, let's see what you can do, Samara." He stood back.

"Wise choice to stand back, Isaac," She smiled, the dummy being placed back in its position. Samara charged up an attack, and let Isaac witness the devastating blow she dealt over to the dummy.

As he watched her have a go at it again and again, demonstrating new powers, his eyes only got wider and wider. This place was way more advanced than wherever he was from. He had to get his hands on tech like that, who knew what he could to do tweak up the implants and make them even better. Maybe he could find a way to mix an implant and his kinesis module together to double its strength and power, to have unlimited push, pull and levitate, and stronger than Samara. The idea excited him, "I think I'm going to have to get some of those implants," He looked over at Shepard.

Shepard grinned, Samara smiling, "Glad you liked what you saw, Isaac," She bowed, "A justicar is a powerful and greatly skilled warrior, a master in biotics. Don't expect it to be so easy. I'll be happy to teach you." She placed her arms behind her back.

"Thanks, Samara. Hopefully that time together will also help me learn more about the asari and biotics and whatever a justicar is supposed to be."

Samara nodded with a friendly smile before walking forward and out of the shuttle bay, leaving Shepard and Isaac alone.

"Shepard, I can't thank you enough for letting me become a part of all this. So far everything's been, just amazing. I'm… this is awesome. Cant wait to see whats in store in the future." Isaac smiled.

Shepard placed a hand on his back roughly, "Don't mention it. Back to your job, Isaac."

"Yes, commander." Isaac walked away from Shepard. It felt strange to be a part of something military. Usually they were all trying to kill him and build markers using his brain, but now he was accepted and a part of them. He smiled to himself, going up the elevator, and back to engineering.

Author's Note: Remember to leave a review and follow this if you haven't. again, I'd appreciate all comments.