~N7*


Stanza 4 · Colony Approach


Armoured in black, gloved, booted, and armed

I report to the bay to the sound of alarms.

Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko – he from the bridge,

In quiet stone green armour

And eager Rich Jenkins – worked-up just a smidge,

Swinging a rifle on his shoulder,

Are ready; two sturdy, bold Marines.

We three make a standard Alliance recon-team.

Jenkins once lived here, some years before

And scarce seems to believe that below there is war.

He's anxious to get there and join in the fight

Yet he seems too buoyant, too sure its alright.

We're coming in close for the door opens in.

The captain raises his voice o'er the wind,

Tells us where to find the beacon dig-site

And tells to get there, go not left nor right.

'But what about survivors, Captain?'

Alenko's rough voice calls the question.

'That beacon is your top priority!

It must not fall to the hands of an enemy!

I've sent for help. It will here soon.

Get in. Stay low. And secure that beacon.

It's probably the target. Understood?'

'Yes, Sir!' I say.

I know full well that should

A foe be the one to gain the new knowledge

All of our colonies would lose an edge.

'Approaching the drop zone!' Joker tells us.

'Hey, Nihlus!' calls Jenkins 'You coming with us?'

Out of the shadows the Turian comes,

With a feline grace. He shoulders his gun.

'I move faster alone.' he says.

And is gone,

Empty and bare is the hatch he stood on.

The Normandy's slowed and swooped down low.

My squad leaps out to the ground below.