Chapter 3
12 April 2183
The Normandy wasn't at all what Erik expected, Bioware was good but there are some details that they didn't give enough attention to. There were ladders everywhere, and service tunnels leading everywhere on the ship, in all sense of the word, it was perfect. Every bulkhead crafted to laser precision, every inch of space used, and every instrument with a purpose.
He was just getting settled in, being assigned to the Armory, his first job onboard was to take stock and get everything accounted for. What I'd do right now for an M4, Erik thought to himself. The homesickness hadn't really hit him until now. N7 training reminded him of SEAL training, which at least brought some familiarity back to Erik, but it didn't linger very long. The world he knew, HIS world, was gone forever and the things he knew about this new universe could get him locked up in an asylum for even hinting at such things.
30 Avengers, 10 Predator pistols, 10 Kessler pistols… the list went on and on, but all he really wanted as his weapon was the M1911 strapped to his leg. The 'old-world' weapons were an extension of him; he could touch anyone and everyone with his deadly efficiency. But now was a time for new weapons, and new tactics; no longer could he rely on his old knowledge to help him, he would be following the new strategies that had been drilled into him during N7 training. Unconsciously, he packed the starting weapons of each of the future crewmembers' into their specified locker. Wrex, Ash, Tali, Garrus, Liara... Wow, I played that game too much, Erik then thought after he realized what he had been doing.
"Lt Kyle to the XO's office, Kyle to XO" the intercom interrupted. Quickly, Erik Set down the Scimitar shotgun he was holding and moved to the elevator. So far, Anderson's office, the Bridge, the CIC, and the weapons area were the only places Erik had explored thus far, but he had already perfectly memorized the schematics to know that the XO's office was next to the CO's office. Erik walked out of the elevator and entered the office briskly, saluted Shepard. Shepard returned the salute and motioned for Erik to take a seat. Shepard had a calm, curious look about him, almost as if there was a joke about to be told.
"You called for me Sir?"
"Yes I did, in all honesty, I'm curious about something…"
"Sir?"
"I was reading your file, and I found out that something was obviously wrong, it says that you were born in 1987." Shepard said with a laughing tone.
"Yes Sir, do you have full access to my record?"
"Yes, I just stopped there to see if you would tell me about yourself, I hate paperwork, it's so impersonal, and people are always more interesting"
"What do you want to know Commander?" Erik said with a joking smile.
"Well first off, what was your previous job?"
"United States Navy SEAL" Erik replied casually.
"WHAT!? You can't be serious" Shepard said almost doing a spit-take with the water he had been drinking.
"I am… I was the squad leader of the first squad of team six. I had Chains, Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Hampton that is, as my second in command; we were a deadly pair, Michael and I, I just wish I could see him one last time." Erik stated a little saddened.
"Wait, hold on a sec" Shepard reached under his desk and pulled out a picture album, "you're talking about this guy right here?!" He pointed to a picture of Michael that was ripped down the center. Erik reached inside his multi-cam cargo pants and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He took the picture that was in Shepard's hand, set it down on his desk, unfolded the paper he was holding and set it down next to the picture.
"This was the other half of the picture, Chains ripped it in half and gave it to me as a joke. He always said that I lost myself, so this way I could always be found." Erik joked.
"Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Hampton was my Great great great Great Grandfather. You knew my Grandfather! Wow! Doesn't that just rock your world?" Shepard was stunned; he couldn't believe that the man in front of him was 196 years old.
"Well I'll be damned, he was a great guy, and you're luc…" Erik started to say but was cut off.
"The Turian just came aboard Shepard, just thought you'd like to know" Joker butted in.
"Erik, if you'll excuse me, I'm needed up on the bridge" Shepard excused himself.
"Of course Sir, I need to talk to Pressly as well" Erik replied.
Both of the men exited the office and made their way up to the bridge, as Joker's voice relayed what was going on.
"The Arcturus Prime Relay is in range, initiating transmission sequence. We are connected. Calculating transit mass and destination." Shepard moved past Pressly and further toward the cockpit, while Erik started to talk to the navigator. "The Relay is hot, acquiring approach vector, all stations prepare for transit" Shepard made it up to the pilots' chair and stood next to the Turian Spectre while Joker worked his magic. "Board is green, approach run has begun"
All crewmembers had taken to secure positions, except Erik. It was his first FTL jump on a ship, so he took one of the handholds on the console he was next to and held on while the energy from the Relay thrummed through the Normandy. "Hitting the Relay in 3…2…1" Joker counted down. The hull shook with excitement as blue light filled the cockpit and bridge. The feeling of going through the Relay was so much different than anything that Erik had ever felt before. It was like being stretched and compressed all at once while an extreme electrical current is pulsed through your veins. It was one of the best feelings in the world.
Erik looked up as the ship slowed down and saw Nihlus walking down the ramp away from the Commander. And so it begins… Erik thought grimly.
Erik waited patiently in his bunk for Shepard to return. I can't believe I'm hovering above Eden Prime, Erik thought in amazement, Maybe I can see Sovereign from here. Erik got up and moved towards the cockpit where Joker was waiting at the helm. He gave a nod towards the famous pilot and looked out the window down to Eden Prime. FLASH. A bright red beam ascended upwards from the surface to the upper atmosphere, leaving a distinctive mechanical roar as it soared at them to get to the Mass Relay at the edge of the system.
"All hands, brace for evasive maneuvers!" Joker screamed over the comms as his hands worked furiously at the console to move the stealth ship out of the Reaper's way. Erik sat down and worked on the console that Kaiden sat in just hours earlier. Good thing I didn't skip helmsman training, Erik chuckled to himself. He and Joker moved the Normandy out of the way just in time, one second too late and Sovereign would have taken the starboard engines off.
"Excuse you asshole" Joker mumbled to himself. Erik got up from the chair, and took two steps towards the Flight Lieutenant.
"I don't think we've properly met Lieutenant Moreau, I'm…"
"Erik Kyle, right? You've been the talk of the ship forever, I guess if I was frozen in eezo for 160 years, people would pay attention to me too. Call me-"
"Joker, got it. That was damn excellent flying Joker, no wonder you beat all your instructors in flight school"
"How do you know that?! I've barely told anybody that, looks like you don't get all the attention after all, who told you?"
"I have my sources, you want some chow? I'm headed down to the kitchen now"
"Sure, can you see if they have some chocolate milk? I'm addicted to that stuff" Joker exclaimed thirstily.
"Sure, I'd have never pegged you to like choco-"Erik started to say but was cut off. A bright green flash filled the windows of the Normandy.
"The Beacon!" Erik yelled, "Joker, move down to the starport, GO!" Erik commanded. He switched on the comm to the captain's quarters and the medbay. "Dr. Chakwas, prep the bay to receive any injured.". Erik dashed down the hallway to get down to the medbay. Leaving a sad, not-getting-his-chocolate-milk Joker behind.
Erik took down the stairs at a hasty speed about to run to the medical bay before he remembered that he had promised a certain helmsman a succulent chocolaty dairy drink. Quickly, he opened the fridge and raced up the stairs and back down again to the cockpit. The look on Joker's face as Erik put the chocolate milk into his hands: priceless.
15 hours later
Erik walked into the medbay, moving past Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams and giving an acknowledging nod to the doctor, ready to relieve the Chief of her watch over Shepard.
"Doctor? Doctor Chakwas? I think he's waking up" Ashley says with a little worry in her voice.
Chakwas moved around Erik and Ash until she stood directly in front of the Commander.
"You had us worried there Shepard. How are you feeling?" Chakwas asked nonchalantly.
"Minor throbbing, nothing serious. How long was I out?" Shepard asked with a groggy look. Erik answered before Chakwas could.
"Fifteen hours". Doctor Chakwas went on about unusually beta waves in his brain, and Ashley apologized for causing the beacon to go off. Shepard then told about his vision of the Prothean's destruction.
"Hmmm. I better add this to my report, it may—Oh, Captain Anderson." Chakwas stated.
"How's our XO holding up, Doctor?" Anderson asked wanting to get straight down to business.
"All the readings look normal. I'd say that the commander's going to be fine." Chakwas told the Skipper.
"Glad to hear it. Shepard, I need to speak with you—in private" The Captain said with a tone meaning "everyone get out".
"Aye, aye, Captain. I'll be in the mess if you need me" Ashley saluted and walked off, with the doctor following her.
"Double that for me Sir. Commander, glad you're not dead" Erik stated while walking towards the door with the chief.
They both exited into the mess hall, heading to get some chow. After Erik filled his plate, he moved to the table Ashley was sitting at and took a seat opposite of her, facing the medbay. "I dont't think we've been properly introdced Chief, I'm Lieutenant Erik Kyle, one of the operators on the ground team, Its a pleasure to meet you" Erik said while sticking out his hand.
"Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams, I guess I'm considered unassigned for now", Ashley said back while accepting and shaking his hand. The two conversed for the duration of the meal before the Chief excused herself to catch some well-deserved sleep, leaving Erik to continue looking on at the medbay, already knowing what conversation was being held.
Playing the game, and living the game, are two totally separate experiences, Erik thought to himself. Bring it on.
13 April 2183
The Normandy shuttered as it docked into the Citadel, letting the shore party know that it was their time to shine. They arrived at Ambassador Udina's office just as he finished yelling at the Council. What a pompous ass, Erik thought.
"Captain Anderson. I see you brought half your crew with you." Udina said with a bite.
"Just the ground crew from Eden Prime, In case you had any questions." Anderson replied back in a cool tone.
"I have the mission reports. I assume they're accurate?"
"They are. It looks like you convinced the Council to give us an audience."
"They are not happy about it. Saren's their top agent. They don't like him being accused of treason." Udina snapped.
"Saren's a threat to every human colony out there. He needs to be stopped. The council has to listen to us!" Shepard said with a force in his tone.
"Sir, if you don't mind, I've got a few things to take care of. May I leave?" Erik whispered quietly to Anderson. Anderson gave a nod and Erik left the room. Well that is a shitstorm just waiting to happen. Glad I'm out of there, Erik chuckled to himself.
With the knowledge of the events that are going to unfold on the Citadel, Erik made his way to Dr. Michel's Med Clinic. He set up just outside the clinic and waited for the mercs that would be on their way to ensure the good Doctor's silence. Sure enough 1 hour later, 5 armored men walked into the clinic.
"Show time" Erik said giddily as Garrus walked up to the door.
"What the hell, who are you?" Garrus asked with a shock as Erik moved to the other side of the door with his M1911.
"Systems Alliance, I was here to talk with the good doctor when I saw some mercenaries enter, I'm here to help you Detective" Erik said with a smile.
"Alright then, let's make this fast" Garrus replied back. They both entered the clinic and made their way along the wall, listening as they went to the mercs threaten the poor Dr.
"Alright Garrus, you get the 2 on the left, I'll take the 2 on the right, take the one out that's threatening the doc first. On my mark, 3, 2, 1, MARK!" The soldiers thrust up out of cover, taking the mercs by surprise. Garrus put a bullet through the merc that was closest to the Dr., while Erik took down the two furthest away. Two more shots rang out as each one of them killed the remaining man. The door behind them burst open as Shepard came in with his gun raised.
"Freez- Erik! What are you doing here!?" Shepard demanded.
"I was in the neighborhood and thought that Detective Vakarian could use some assistance with these "fine gentlemen" that came into the Doc's clinic" Erik replied nonchalantly.
"That was amazing, I've been following those guys since I last saw the Commander up on the Presidium. I'm Garrus Vakarian, but it looks like you already know that, it seems that I'm at a disadvantage Mr.…" Garrus asked curiously extending his hand. Erik took his hand and gave him a firm handshake.
"Kyle, Lt Erik Kyle, a pleasure to meet you Garrus. Now, Doctor Michel, are you hurt?" Erik turned towards the doctor with a worried look.
"No, I'm fine thanks to both of you" Doctor Michel readily replied.
"Those men who just tried to hurt you, they were working for Fist, were they not? Trying to keep you from telling Garrus something?" Shepard said as he strode forward.
"Yes, they were. They were trying to stop me from telling you, Garrus, about the quarian" the doctor replied.
"What quarian?" Shepard inquired.
"A few days ago, a quarian came by my office. She'd been shot, but wouldn't tell me who did it. I could tell she was scared, probably on the run." Doctor Michel took a breath and continued, "She asked me about the Shadow Broker. She wanted to trade information in exchange for a place to hide."
"Where is she now?" Shepard questioned.
"I put her in contact with Fist. He's an agent for the Shadow Broker"
"Not any more" Garrus butted in, "Now he works for Saren, and the Shadow Broker isn't too happy about it. That quarian must have something Saren wants. Something worth crossing the Shadow Broker to get"
"She must have something that proves he's a traitor. Did the quarian mention anything about Saren? Or the geth?" Shepard asked.
"She did! The information she was going to trade. She said it had something to do with the geth" Doctor Michel replied astonished.
"Alright then, it looks like our next move is going to interrogate Fist and see what he knows, sound like a plan Sir?" Erik said to Shepard as he exited the clinic.
"Lets pay this guy a visit, Lieutenant, shall we?" Shepard replied back.
1 hour later
Erik rushed with the rest of the team into the alley Fist had described, awaiting the arrival of the quarian that they were talking about with Doctor Michel. It was a little mind-boggling knowing most of what was going to happen in the time to come. All of my playing the game is really paying off right now, it just sucks that I can't tell the entire story. But, I guess with the possibility of altering the entire universe by opening my mouth on the line, I can hold it, Erik contemplated to himself. Taking point, he saw movement from the small dark corner of the back alley where he was currently in. Checking his weapon one more time, he readied his Avenger assault rifle and put an incendiary rounds mod on. He moved closer to hear what was being said.
"Did you bring it?" the turian asked, moving closer to the quarian.
"Where's the Shadow Broker? Where's Fist?" the quarian asked with a worried confidence.
"They'll be here. Where's the evidence?" The turian asked once more, this time running his talons over the quarian's head cloth.
"No way. The deal's off" the quarian said sternly, slapping the turian's hand away. The turian backed up and nodded to his two salarian associates, giving them the signal. The quarian jerked back just in time, for the two salarian's drew their weapons ready to kill. As quickly as they drew their weapons, the salarians were surprised as their shields took hits and their armor was being left pocket with rounds as they dove into cover while Erik opened fire with his assault rifle. The turian stumbled back but drew his predator pistol and aimed it towards Erik, firing off three hasty shots all high and to the left. As Erik went back into cover, he heard the heart-stopping sound of his rifle overheating due to his rampage on the salarians and quickly called for the rest of the team to move in. Thinking quickly, Erik leapt out of cover, drawing the turians attention away from the quarian, and raced towards his shooter. At 10 meters distance, Erik threw his rifle full force at the turian, stunning him momentarily, giving Erik enough time for Erik to pack his fist with all the power he had. Erik hit the assassin like a freight train, making the turian spin around and clatter to the ground, scrambling to get into cover. Erik shook his hand off from the blow, and quickly got into cover as the salarians stood up to return fire. Erik turned around to see Shepard race forward to the cover Erik was previously at and open fire on the leftmost assassin. Erik drew his M1911 and started firing at the turian nit too far away. With sustained fire from Wrex's shotgun, and both Shepard and Garrus' rifles, the salarians quickly fell.
"Clear! Don't think they're getting up anytime soon Commander"Erik said as he got out of cover and recovered his assault rifle. Erik stepped forward towards the clearly frightened Quarian. She had picked up one of the guns the assassins had drop and now aimed it squarely in the middle of Erik's face.
"Are you working for Fist?!" She screamed obviously scared beyond reason. Erik slowly raised his hands and holstered his weapon.
"No, I came here to save your life and by the looks of it, we did a damn good job" Erik said with a winning smile. The quarian lowered the gun and Erik extended his hand, "My name is Erik, I'm here with Commander Shepard trying to find evidence on Saren's guilt."
"I'm Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, thank you for saving my life, but we need to get somewhere safe before we more of those mercenaries come back." Tali said nervously.
"Miss nar Rayya. I'm John Shepard, Commander in the Systems Alliance, I'm the one mounting the case against Saren, and I've heard that you can help. But, first things first, lets get you to the Human Embassy, it will be much safer there."
At the Presidium, Tali's evidence is being reviewed
"Eden Prime was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit"
"And one step closer to the return of the Reapers" the recording finished leaving everyone shocked.
"You wanted proof. There it is" Udina said in a snarky triumph.
The turian councilor responded still shocked by the recording, "This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes"
"I recognize the other voice, the one speaking with Saren, Matriarch Benezia" Councilor Tevos answered.
Erik spaced out waiting until Shepard asks to be sent after Saren, and sure enough, through countless Council rambling, Shepard speaks up.
"I can take Saren down" Shepard said smacking his fist into his other hand for emphasis.
"The Commander's right. There is a way to stop Saren that doesn't require fleets or armies." Tevos agreed.
"No! It's too soon. Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres." The turian councilor snapped back.
"You don't have to send a fleet into the Traverse, and the Ambassador gets his human Spectre. Everybody's happy." Shepard explained. The councilors all looked at one another, each exchanging questioning glances until finally they all looked at Shepard once more. Simultaneously, they pressed a button on their consoles. Erik stepped forward and leaned on the railing he was on. The asari councilor finally spoke.
"Commander Shepard- step forward" Shepard turned to look at Captain Anderson, who smiled at him and gave a nod. Shepard stepped forward as Udina moved out of his way. Crowds gathered on the balconies and watched in amazement as history was being made.
"It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel." The Asari councilor said.
"Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the line of service and battle, those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file." The Salarian councilor followed.
"Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will" The Asari councilor continued.
"Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold" The Turian councilor added.
"You are the first human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species." The Asari councilor finished.
"I'm honored, Councilor" Shepard gratefully replied with a slight bow.
"We're sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He's a fugitive from justice, so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him." The Salarian councilor added.
"Any idea where to find him?" Shepard inquired.
"We will forward any relevant files to Ambassador Udina" The Turian said.
"This meeting of the Council is adjourned" The Asari councilor said signaling the end of the proceedings.
Shepard was surrounded by the Ambassador, Capt Anderson, and his squad so Erik decided to wait to congratulate the Commander. Everyone eventually cleared out and Erik stepped towards the newly appointed Spectre.
"Congratulations Sir, it was truly amazing to see history happen right before our eyes. I'll be waiting on the Normandy for when you decide to leave. Again Congratulations" Erik said with a meaningful look. Shepard thanked him and Erik made his way back to the Normandy.
3 Hours Later On the Normandy
Erik was sitting on his rack, listening to all the old music he had listened to back in the U.S. Navy. He missed the old days, everything was just a lot simpler and he actually knew people back then. He contemplated all the holidays coming up and was left with a sour though and feeling that everyone had someone to celebrate them with but him. He was totally alone, and there was nothing he could do to get back to the way things were. As Erik was drifting off to sleep, the engines finally revved up and he felt the ship detach from the clamps. Moments later, his omni tool went off as Shepard requested to see him ASAP.
Erik rolled out of bed and made his way to the Captain's quarters. As the door opened, he walked inside, snapped to attention and said, "Good evening Sir, Lieutenant Kyle reporting as requested Sir"
"At ease, Lieutenant, have a seat" Shepard said with a soft voice.
"Is something wrong Sir?" Erik probed.
"No, I called you in here for two things really. First, I wanted to see how you are holding up, I know with your situation it can't be easy around here for you." Shepard asked genuinely.
"Permission to speak freely Sir?"
"Of course"
"It's tough here Sir. I've just waken up to an entirely new galaxy and I know absolutely no one, I guess it's just a lonely feeling. But I wouldn't worry about it Sir, I'm always going to give 200% when I'm on the job. What is the second thing Sir?"
"Ahh yes, well I wanted your advice on what our next move should be. Should we go to Feros, Noveria or go to the Artemis Tau cluster first?"
"Sir, we should definitely go in search of Dr. T'soni first, she'll be a very valuable asset to the team." Erik said confidently.
"Do you think she'll be on our side though? I mean she is the daughter of this Benezia. But if you say that T'soni is the way to go, then let's get to it", Shepard keyed his comm, "Joker, set a course for the Artemis Tau Cluster"
"Will that be all Sir?" Erik asked a little drowsy.
"Yes, please go get some rest, it will be some time before we arrive." Shepard said with a smile.
"Aye aye, goodnight Sir"
"Goodnight"
And with that, Erik turned and exited the Captain's quarters, and still unable to shake this feeling of loneliness, went to his bunk and drifted off into a sweet sleep, his mind filled with memories of his old friends, a single tear slid down his cheek, one tear shed for his old life and ready to embrace his new one.