Chapter 2

ANNNNND I'm back. Figured I would post another chapter for ya'll today. And guys, if I may make a request, if you take the time to read, drop a review for me. It helps me know what I am doing right and what I am doing wrong. I also enjoy hearing any suggestions you guys may have for me, so feel free to do so! I would really like to give another shout out to Sakiko for her help in editing this chapter and giving me sound advice once again! Thanks Steeeephy!


The bright lights of the CIC welcomed Shepard as he exited the elevator, the Galaxy Map shining brightly as Shepard stepped onto the podium, planning the crews next destination.

"Um, Commander," spoke a red haired woman at a terminal next to the Galaxy Map, "May I have a word?"

"Yes, Ms. Chambers?" asked Shepard, stepping down from the podium.

Kelly Chambers was the ship's Yeoman, as well as its current psychologist.

"I have some questions and thoughts about our newest recruit. the Feral, Wolf?" Replied Kelly.

"What's your take on him?"

"Well, he seems like a loner," Began Kelly, "He didn't want much to do with anyone once he came aboard. I feel that may be a future issue due to the value of teamwork for this mission. I remember reading your report, and you mentioned that he was close to the head researcher, Dr. Drovin. He could possibly be choosing isolation as a coping method. I believe this could possibly Jeopardize the mission."

Shepard nodded in understanding.

"I was planning on speaking with him, maybe I'll go do that now."

"Be careful, Shepard," said Kelly nervously, "He may not be in the 'sharing' mood at the moment."

"Noted."


Shepard exited the elevator into the engineering deck and made his way into the hold. As he made his way down the stairs, he could hear a faint rustling. Drawing nearer, he could see Wolf appearing to be setting up a hammock.

"Making yourself at home?" asked Shepard.

Wolf turned to look at Shepard.

"Oh, hey Shepard." Replied Wolf nonchalantly, "Yeah, I'm just setting up my sleeping station. Back on the research station, I had a hard time sleeping on a flat surface. For some reason, sleeping in an elevated position like in a hammock just works better."

"I see," Said Shepard as he glanced around the hold, taking notice of Wolf's pistols on a small table,"So where did you learn to shoot?"

Wolf turned back towards Shepard.

"What?"

"Your heavy pistols," Shepard said, motioning to the table.

"Oh yeah, that," Replied Wolf off-handedly. "Well, as small as it was, the station did have some very well trained security personnel. I got along with them fairly well, especially their captain, Rhodes. Rhodes was a tough son of a bitch. I remember one day, I stumbled upon him and the team during target practice. He caught me staring at an M-6 Carnifex. He asked me if I liked that gun, I told him I did, and he offered to let me shoot it."

"How did that go?" asked Shepard, leaning against a wall.

"Well, I was seven. The kickback was strong enough to send the butt of the gun into my face," Replied Wolf, "I ended up with a busted nose and a swollen eye. Rhodes found it funny as hell. He asked me if I ever wanted to see a gun again."

"What'd you say?" asked Shepard, some amusement in his voice as Wolf smirked.

"Hell yes. From that day on, I spent at least an hour every day learning how to shoot a gun, unload and reload it, take it apart, clean it, and put it back together. By the time I was twelve, I could shoot better than most of security."

"Rhodes seems like one helluva teacher," quipped Shepard, "Taking you from a busted nose, to a precision marksman."

"He was," answered Wolf as he sat upon a stool, "But a good deal of it was me. I can adapt and learn almost anything rapidly. It's not instant, but I can learn things quicker than most. It's pretty strange for Ferals."

"You mean your whole species can't do that?"

"Well yes and no," Replied Wolf. "From what the researchers told me, my kind isn't too smart. More brain than brawn. It's highly possible they can adapt and learn, but not nearly as fast as I can. In truth, I'm kind of a freak of nature Shepard. Even though Dr. Drovin never referred to me as such."

"I get the feeling you two were close?" asked Shepard as he leaned slightly closer.

"Yeah," Sighed Wolf, "I wasn't born on that station, but most of my memories are of that station, it's med lab, recreation and fitness center, target range, hell, even the close quarters combat training center. But, my most prominent memories are the ones with Dr. Drovin. I can't remember a time where he wasn't looking out for me. He spent a lot of time running tests on me, but when he wasn't, he was teaching me the history of the galaxy, as well as what he knew of my people. He practically raised me. He wasn't a big fan of me learning how to use a gun or fight."

"He sounds like a good man."

"He was," Sighed Wolf, "While I was in solitary, I remember hearing Rhodes entering the room. He was angry. He said mercs had taken over the station and were killing the researchers. He was the one to tell me that Jonah killed Drovin."

"That must have been hard." Wolf nodded.

"It was. Then he went and got himself killed. He was trying to help get me out of that cell. Mercs killed him and his team, then tossed them and the researchers into the waste disposal. "

"I'm sorry to hear that, Wolf," said Shepard solemnly.

"Yeah, well I doubt you came down here for a heart-to-heart." Said Wolf, changing the subject. "Anything else you need?"

"You mentioned that Dr. Drovin told you about your species," spoke Shepard. "Can you tell me anything about the Ferals?"

"Well," began Wolf. "Drovin didn't know much about them, other than what he learned from studying me, which was purely physiology. Other than that, all I can tell you is that my species is relatively young compared to other species. We aren't very technological. Our tech is similar to what the Mayan and Incan people had during their time periods on your planet. Advanced for the time, but still low tech. We have basic things, like wheels, pulleys, ramps, and so on."

"What about an acting government?"

"We have that." Replied Wolf. "But not like you'd expect. See, Ferals are divided into tribes or packs. There is the main tribe, a few dozen smaller tribes, then thousands of tiny tribes that are basically nomadic. Most nomadic tribes basically consist of exiled members from larger tribes, or younger Ferals who want to make a name for themselves. They're scattered throughout the planet of Razesh. Most tribes try to claim land and improve it, but due to the fact that they are constantly fighting off other tribes, they often don't succeed."

"What about the larger tribes?" asked Shepard.

"Well, there are dozens of larger tribes, but only one rules them all," Replied Wolf. "The tribe in charge is Karuq. They are led by the High Alphas. They make the laws and could have possibly millions of members within their tribe. I imagine I'm from that tribe."

"What makes you say that?" Shepard asked quizzically. Wolf laughed.

"Shepard, look at me. I'm the very definition of an alpha male, and only the strongest and fiercest Ferals are a part of Karuq."

"Careful Wolf," joked Shepard, "You might come off as humble."

Wolf waved his hand dismissively, "Anyway, the Karuq are basically the top dogs on Razesh." Shepard smirked.

"Did you just make a pun, Wolf?"

Wolf placed his face into his palm.

"I did, and now I regret it."

Shepard shook his head.

"Well I'll leave you to it. See you around Wolf."

"Shepard," Said Wolf with a nod.


Shepard stepped onto the podium, activating the Galaxy map. Several blips appeared on the holograph. Shepard eyed each once, before selecting one.

"Set a course for Halestrom."


And there you guys have it! Another installment. As always, lemme know how I am doing, and feel free to leave some suggestions.

Cheers, Chayse-man