Author's notes: Thanks for your patience, people reading this story! I was busy working on a little bonus after that, so hopefully this should be approaching completion soon! Hope you enjoy the finale of the first game in the series!
Disclaimer: Mass Effect and its assorted spin-offs, products and material are the property of Bioware, now and forever.
Mass Effect: Shepherds
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Systems Alliance N7 Log
Username: Ares23
Password: *************
WELCOME, LT. RAMSHIEP
#SET PROGRAM FORWARD (contacts:: OnScreenMenu, talispin, vaGARian, liara_tsoni, skeletonking, will. , t_wrex, minerva_rs)
##SET CONDITION TRIGGER
###TRIGGER LINK BIOMETRICS
####INITIATE POSITIVE BIOLOCK
#####CONCLUSIVE NEGATIVE LIFE SIGNS WILL FORWARD MESSAGE. CONFIRM Y/N?
Y
Entry 15 (2183): If I don't make it through this, let this be what remains of me. All my affairs were set in order long ago at the Skyllian Blitz, but that was in a galaxy without the Normandy. Now, we face a greater threat than the batarians or the geth. We face a force that threatens all life itself.
I was just a soldier. I neither shamed nor distinguished myself, and thought the only differences I'd make in life were the small ones. Then Anderson put me on the Normandy, and Shepard gave me a voice. Serving on this ship has been the greatest experience in my career. I've learned so much, and seen even more. I've known a few guys who treated units like families, but none of them can hold a candle to the commander.
Shepard, it's been an honour. Thanks for taking me in, and believing in me. And, ah, for taking my advice on what not to destroy. Also for all the talks. I don't have many friends who can discuss Galaxy of Fantasy, Quasarcraft, or Guild of Greatness, believe it or not. You'll get most of my files, so mind you take care of them, alright?
Tali, take care. I hope your pilgrimage goes well, little sister. Can't imagine it being otherwise, you're a bright one and the fleet is lucky to have you. Whatever the case may be, I've made you a Flux mix, since you like them so much. Also added some human travel songs, just for some variety, and a couple of krogan country songs for a few laughs (look out for Krushing Like An Angry Female). I know life's hard, but keep your spirits up. There are people like us out there, too, to whom species doesn't mean shit, so don't give up. The galaxy needs more beings willing to make it a little better than it was before. Keelah se'lai.
Garrus, it's been a blast. Not gonna lie, life's a bitch. Can't really tell you whether you should work the system or remain a straight ferrous slug (FEEL THE WEIGHT). That's really more Shepard's domain, but know that you couldn't have a better teacher. You're a fighter, and one who fights for what's right. Just try not to do anything stupid, alright? I won't be there to be a shiny distraction. That's why I'm giving you some useful combat data for your hardsuit and visor. Just remember to enjoy some downtime, alright?
Liara, the galaxy's going to get darker for a number of reasons. I can't pretend to know what's going on, and I haven't really grasped our...situation...but know that I really am proud of you. Doesn't matter where the feeling comes from, it doesn't stop it from being true. Yours will be a long life, I hope. Perhaps a little human wisdom wouldn't hurt: Live one day at a time, doing what you love.
Joker, you're the man. Best damn pilot I've ever seen, even if your mouth's bigger than the drive core. Don't ever think of yourself as anything less than a good man, alright? Because seriously, that's what you are. I've sent you a few links and files. Think you might be a little interested in them.
Ash, you may be a hardass, but you're a fair one. Godspeed. Though we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we shall not fear. His rod and His staff, they comfort us.
Wrex.
Sis. I'm sending this to you because, whatever our differences, the fact that we love and respect each other is beyond doubt. If you're getting this, I've probably given my life in service to a greater cause, which is a strange thing to say for a slacker like myself. Hope I can say that at the end of the day I haven't wasted it. I certainly hope you don't think that. Tell mom and dad I love them too. There's a whole lifetime ahead without my charming personality, after all.
EDIT (2183): So, we made it after all. Well, I'll just keep that entry there. It's nice to have something inspirational written every once in awhile.
=========================
On the forsaken Eden (the mythical one, not the planet named after the myth) that was Ilos, three warriors sat in that most infamous of vehicles, the Mako. Behind them was the path of destruction they had blazed, ahead was an entire array of geth armatures, ready to blast them to bits.
"So, uh, there's the Conduit."
"Yeah."
"And the geth."
"Yeah."
Ares inhaled deeply. They'd faced odds like this before, but all that heavy artillery was worth some worrying.
"Well, maybe we...maybe we could...go around or something. I've seen this thing scale mountains. Right, commander?"
He looked hopefully at Shepard, hoping that there was some plan. Some alternative. All he saw, however, was the same look that Wrex had plastered on his face: anticipation.
"Commander?"
That single word was almost a plea.
Wordlessly, Shepard cranked up the ship's audio, revved the engines, and put on a classic operatic theme from Earth: Ride of the Valkyries.
Wrex seemed almost happy. The battlemaster had never given him much more than a second look and never included him in his 'dream matches' between squadmates, but lately he seemed to follow Shepard's lead. Which is to say, jovially leading him into danger.
"Buckle up, kid. This is where the fun begins." Wrex said with more than a hint of bravado.
Ares complied hurriedly, but couldn't help complaining, if only so that what they were about to do wouldn't seem so utterly insane.
"Why is it that whenever someone says this is where the fun begins, it really just means that shit's about to hit the-"
Shepard put the Mako in drive.
"HOLY CRAAAAAAAAAAAP-"
What followed was a symphony so discordant it was almost harmonious. Shepard conducted in his seat, his feet on the controls. Wrex focused his gaze on the Conduit like a predator. The geth pounded on their shields and plating, rocking the vehicle as it shot forward at devastating speeds.
Ares cut his scream short after almost biting his tongue. His innards shook in ways he didn't think were possible, and in their mad charge, he reached an epiphany just before hitting the miniature relay. The power, the charge, the music...
The Mako's turned into another Shepard.
That was his last thought before going through the relay made him black out.
When he regained consciousness, what surprised him wasn't the mangled geth, the fire, the ruins, or even the fact that they had made it out alive and onto the Citadel. No, he pretty much expected all of that.
It was the fact that Wrex was so in his face that he could smell him. And it wasn't fragrant.
"Alright, on your feet," the mercenary gruffly mumbled as he pulled Ares from his seat. "We've crashed the Mako more times than we can count."
Ares stood up, and almost hurled. Fighting back a gag, he weakly staggered out and onto the Citadel's streets.
"Not...through a mass relay."
Ares slipped, but Shepard caught him in an instant. And somehow, the look of trust on his face restored some of his fortitude.
"Don't you quit on us yet, leftenant. One last stop."
For awhile, he thought things would be pretty normal. Blast some geth, ignore the horrifying picture before him, ride the elevator to the Council's tower...
...Oh. It was stuck.
Before he could even protest, Shepard had already turned on his suit's magnetic, and Ares hastily followed his leader. The elevator's doors crashed open, and the trio found their way on the side of the Citadel.
It was quite a view. It was chaos. It was amazing.
And it pretty much detached itself from Alan's thoughts, so he had to coolly reiterate to try and get a grip on the situation.
"So...we're going to fight our way along a vertical surface so that we can put a stop to Saren, destroy Sovereign and save the galaxy."
Shepard sniped a geth in the distance, as accurate as ever. Wrex prepped his shotgun and shrugged.
"Slow day, in other words."
That deserved a look. One which Wrex matched. They both seemed equally incredulous at the other's sentiment: Alan's surprise and Wrex's ambivalence.
"Oh, come on." Wrex stated with such calmness that he almost seemed reasonable. "Like getting mind raped by an asari while discovering the rachni wasn't any less shocking."
A bit of rage flushed on Ares's face, though his helmet masked it. He raised a hand. Paused. Tried to think of what to say. Then, deflated, lowered his hand.
"...It wasn't rape."
Wrex blasted a trooper that had got too close.
"So it was consensual."
"And you're into mums." Shepard chimed in.
"That...I...but..."
"Good thing we didn't bring Liara along," the krogan noted.
Shepard nodded, adding "I know, around her, that joke would be way too soon."
That prompted Ares to reply even as he reactivated the last of the turrets and turned to suppress the last of the advancing hostiles with his assault rifle.
"That's my daughter you're talking about."
It was fortunate (though not for him) that there weren't any enemies around. It let Shepard and Wrex turn to him, and even through their helmets, he could tell they were waiting for him to follow up.
"Well, she...um...we didn't...it...Oh, what's the use."
"Well, you tie your tongue up like she does."
"Must run in the family."
I hope this whole imprint thing pays off, Benezia.
How should I know? I'm not even real, I'm just your subconscious role playing.
Heh. At least you're starting to sound like me, even if I've got your memories.
They finally made it to the tower. Finally, things were starting to look normal again. And for a change, the tower's abundance of stairs actually helped by providing cover. Against Shepard's tactical expertise and sheer firepower, the remainder of Saren's troops were destroyed and the team prepared their ascent.
Ares looked to his teammates and their not-so-grim determination. He wondered if he'd made a difference by being there, if he'd changed anything for the better. His thoughts raced through his life and the choices that brought him there.
But roads not taken were for poets, not soldiers, and right now he had to be one over the other.
As they approached the summit of the tower, where the galaxy's greatest decisions were made by less than great minds, the sentinel faced the battlemaster. Where he and Shepard shared certain qualities, Wrex seemed like a clear cut opposite of Ares: blunt, intimidating, unafraid of conflict, and, oh yes, huge.
"Wrex, in case we don't make it through-"
"Which we will."
"-I just want to say, it's been an honour serving with you."
Wrex didn't face him, though he did smile. He was doing that more lately, so it was easier for Ares to tell the smiles from the snarls.
"Hmph. You're still soft, kid." Wrex rumbled in that rough bass of his species. "But I guess even soft humans can fight to the end. Your species is alright."
"Why Urdnot Wrex, was that a compliment?"
His squadmate shot him a scowl which seemed to say "Spread that around and I will destroy you."
"Uh...thanks."
When they reached the top of the tower, what greeted them wasn't a villainous soliloquy or verbal threats. It was a grenade.
THEN came the villainous soliloquy.
"I should congratulate you, Shepard. Your words made my will waver, and Sovereign had to affirm my devotion. Now I am improved. The perfect being. The next step of evolution."
"Oh, great." Ares mumbled. "He's one of thosenut jobs now."
"What's a nut?" Wrex inquired.
"I expected more from you, however! To think you would come with only the battlemaster, when you have destroyed the salvation of his race. Typical human arrogance! You will need more than a single ally if you hope to succeed!" Saren declared from the top.
Ares fought the urge to yell that he was standing right there, despite his bruised ego.
"Alright," began Shepard, a sudden tone of disappointment in his voice. "Stay with me here. You were worried you were getting indoctrinated so you let the SENTIENT DEATH MACHINE bent on DESTROYING ALL ORGANICS implant you?"
"I... I, er... I mean-" stammered Saren, his still-Turian arm coming to his head as if he were in a haze. "I only, that is, you... You don't understand! What happened was-"
Ares had been clinging to the ex-Spectre's every word, and it took him a moment longer to realise the thundering 'koom' that punctuated the end of Saren's gibbering.
Heat vented from Shepard's Widow, and the Turian simply smiled, augmented eyes closing gently.
"Thank you, Shepard."
The look on his face seemed almost beatific as he fell to his doom, crashing through the glass.
Wrex shrugged as Shepard moved to the console, muttering "Well, that was simple."
Sure enough, Vigil's program worked and Shepard had access to the Citadel. While normally he might have relished the opportunity to do some good hacking, the situation warranted that he contact the Normandy at once.
Joker's smart voice came through the system, bearing none of its usual snark. Given that a sentient warship was engaging the might of the Council, it was understandable.
"Commander, I'm with the Fifth Fleet and they're ready to deploy! Just unlock the relays and give the word!"
What surprised him wasn't the fact that he spoke up immediately.
It was the fact that Shepard seemed to be hesitating.
"Shepard, we have to help the Council!"
"Why? Do they owe us money?"
The humans faced the krogan voice of dissent.
"They've done nothing for my people or yours. Why should we bleed for them?"
Shepard spoke, but not harshly. He chose his words carefully, as if he were preparing to disarm a bomb. Which was ironic, considering that his biotics could simply smother a bomb and that his methods were probably as destructive for anyone stupid enough to resist.
"They've been less than useful, leftenant. Any reason why we should care?"
He thought about everyone he knew, in all their strengths and weaknesses. Human, asari, quarian, turian, salarian...all of them different, none better than the rest.
...Well, he had a hard time seeing the hanar and volus as species to be taken seriously, but he was only human, after all. The elcor ambassador was alright in his books.
"This is bigger than all of us. It's not about the Council, it's about what they represent." Lieutenant Ramshiep stated through his helm in hushed tones. "If we can't stand united against even a single Reaper, what chance does the galaxy have when they really return?"
Wrex shook his head and retorted harshly. Blunt words, grimly spoken, but true.
"We'll stand even less of a chance if this single Reaper wipes out most of us. If you just charge in all at once, you're not getting through this without a lot of blood. Save your strength for Sovereign, the geth can wait."
Shepard looked at both of them. It seemed like it would be an eternity, but the urgency of the matter lead to a swift resolution as he turned to the console.
"Well...I do like the idea of making them owe me big time."
Ares smiled and sighed in relief, adding "And isn't that the harshest punishment of all?"
Wrex shrugged and simply said "Hope you know what you're doing, Shepard."
The lieutenant surmised that after Virmire, nothing short of an actual cure for the genophage would lead him to blows with Shepard.
Shepard gave the orders, and once they were cleared, he turned back to his cronies. Henchmen. Squadmates. Whatever.
"Now, time to stick a fork in this thing. Check if Saren's dead."
Wrex was quick to draw his weapon.
"That, I can do."
A short trek led them down to the fallen turian, and Ares realised that this was actually the first time he saw him up close. The gaping hole in his chest was a pretty good sign he was dead, as was the shard of glass which impaled him.
Not one to leave a job unfinished, however, Wrex promptly put a bullet in Saren's head just in case.
He felt a little sorry for him, used by the machines, with only empty bravado and ancient voices to lead him onwards, a shadow of his former strength.
Maybe that's because I sort of know what that's like. Right?
Well, sort of.
Ares hailed Shepard on the comms.
"He's dead, Shepard. For how long, I can't say."
Wrex turned sharply, his pistol holstered and his eyes questioning.
"What do you mean for how long?"
"We're fighting eldritch abominations from the depths of dark space. We've seen their cyber zombies. Until it's decisively finished, death is just a temporary setba-"
That was when the inhuman screech ripped through the air. The ground trembled, waves of force, sent them stumbling back, and like some horrible Frankenstein's monster (or a salarian experiment gone wrong), the turian seemed to rise.
"What the hell!"
They tried firing upon the husk, but a biotic field as red as human blood and as vicious as a supernova threw them onto their backs. As the two very different characters began to get back up, Ares directed a question at Wrex.
"You have centuries of experience and you're surprised?"
"I've killed more turians than I can count, fought skirmishes all over the galaxy, and joined Shepard on this insane mission, and nothing ever did THAT!"
And you! You worked for him and you didn't say anything?
I'm sorry, I was too busy being indoctrinated to notice.
...Touché.
Wrex put up a barrier and Ares activated his tech armour, both warriors glowing in preparation (which is a sentence which would make little sense anywhere else but this particular period of time and technology).
What was left of Saren was burning away, a mechanical skeleton left behind, nothing but a spine, a head and a few limbs. A powerful shot from the higher ground boomed through the air, ripping through the creature's skull, but it wasn't even staggered. It simply turned and fired what seemed to be a gigantic laser beam from its chest, demolishing the platform upon which Shepard stood.
As Shepard fell, his squad tried to suppress the monstrosity. It moved like lightning, leaping about like some horrific science fiction monster (like those aliens from...that...movie...with the aliens). It weaved past shotgun pellets and assault rifle slugs alike, and before they knew it, Saren's husk was upon them.
Ares continued to fire, but suddenly found himself lifted up. Pressure was on his suit, claws tore at the ceramic plating, and its filters caught the barest scent of dead flesh, ionising air, and metal. A surge of lightning shot through the cyber beast's arm, and the scrambling of Ares's HUD was only a mild reflection of the agony shooting through his nervous system.
A being charged with the force of a frigate, crashing into the literal remains of Saren and causing it to drop Ares. The tangle of wiry steel and condensed flesh and scales rampaged through the grounds of the tower, biotics and weaponry flaring. Wrex finally got the upper claw, and a vicious, biotically charged elbow forced the skeleton to the ground. As he began peppering it with shotgun blasts and Ares rushed to provide cover, however, a forceful sweep swatted Wrex like a mere pyjak, into a wall with enough force to stagger him.
The machine shrieked, and Ares had to repress the primal sense of fear. Shepard was just getting out of the rubble, but the machine was charging up its cannon again, particles coalescing like a signal of death.
"WREX!"
Can't stagger Saren. Can't end him. Shepard's not up yet. Only thing to hope for is a defence. But I can't-
We can.
Suddenly, he felt calmer. Calm enough to remember his training, from both aspects in his mind. He imagined a wall, strong and resolute. He pictured the weapon, drawing on images from the imprint of the matriarch.
Particle beam: sustained fire, variable force, high energy output.
Don't use a static layer. Use a shifting one, cycling through...like a river, or a whirlpool. Imagine water. Imagine water.
With that singular thought, Ares threw up the barrier, a wall of shimmering force standing between the battlemaster and the beam.
And it held.
Benezia didn't mention the strain, though. Saren howled, continuing his assault, but Ares was starting to feel the toll. He inherited memories and training, but not conditioning. His head felt like it was about to explode, his spine tingled like nobody's business, and the rippling barrier was taking a beating even he could feel. That and, to his great annoyance, his nose was bleeding.
And still he held on, because none of that mattered. This was the battle which would determine if the galaxy lives to see another day.
Besides, he could always complain later.
Despite that extensive prose, however, the entire event took place over the span of a few intense seconds that felt more like a star's life expectancy. And like a star, he was starting to feel like collapsing. The barrier wavered, and he dropped to his knees, trying to fight the headache.
Those seconds were all the others needed, though. Wrex was up and fully charged, running to get to the flank. Saren (or Saveren) turned to target the krogan...
...only for another shot from the infamous anti-materiel rifle to crash through its hips.
The husk lost its support and began to stumble. Even then, it pivoted, sheer biotic force levitating it to face Shepard...
...who had tossed aside his rifle and thrust a biotic fist through its core and spine, the sheer raw power turning it into something with the force and protection of a Mako at full speed.
Ares acted before Saren could. With the last vestiges of his focus, he honed in on the synthetic's weaponry. A warp sphere, swirling with deadly vortices, mutilated the rocket chambers within its area of effect, and an explosion rocked the shoulders of the turian skeleton as the projectiles failed to exit.
Shepard stared defiantly, even as Sovereign had his puppet raise a spindly talon arm to rip the commander to shreds. Another biotic sphere ripped through the arm at its joint, forcing it back with all the force of a point blank shotgun blast...which was precisely what tore it off immediately after.
One more scraping, metallic howl escaped the husk before Shepard charged his free fist with another macrobiotic envelop, reared back, and delivered one hell of an uppercut.
The howling stopped. The skeleton fell apart and began to disintegrate. The combatants dropped down in fatigue...even Wrex, who was starting to heal through the burns and slashes he suffered.
And yet, even with his bloody nose and migraine, Ares was the first to get up (shakily) and pump a fist, exclaiming "YES! WE DID IT!"
He should have known that would jinx it, because an explosion prompted them to look up.
"Oh, fudge."
Before they could react, Shepard had already forced BOTH of them to who knows where with a double biotic push. THEN he shouted "Get to cover!"
Ares didn't know what happened. He saw barriers, explosions, and muscle memory somehow caused him to raise his own cocoon of biotics. A good chunk of the Citadel and Sovereign came crashing down like thunder from the apocalypse, and after the first pounds to his already taxed head through the barrier, he finally blacked out.
Did we do it?
I believe so. You picked up my techniques admirably. Though I must admit, I never thought to warp the weapon chambers.
Guess you could call it human ingenuity. We'll try anything in a pinch.
Yes. Your species always held great potential, for both violence and courage. No amount of study can prepare anyone for that...and perhaps that's what the galaxy needs against the coming storm.
With Shepard leading the charge.
And his friends beside him, you among them.
That's right. No man is an island. Even if they've got the personality to match.
He'll need help. Everyone does. Even Saren, however futile it was.
Working to make the galaxy a better place is never futile.
Ha. You're sentimental like a maiden. But somehow, you seem wiser than most would suspect. Why is that?
Simple. Like you, I see the galaxy for what it is and work to make it what it can be.
I wish you well. You probably won't need me any longer. But do take care of our daughter, won't you?
Well, that depends.
On what?
On whether I'm still alive. Because this seems suspiciously like one of those 'before the end' conversations.
You spend too much time on the extranet.
As the echo of one voice faded, another took its place.
"Lieutenant!"
Ares groaned, finding his other boss and a medic standing over him. At the other end of the chamber, Wrex was being helped up and tended to, despite his belligerence towards the aid.
"Anderson...am I glad to see you. Hope my medical care covers falling sentient warships."
"Hang on, kid, you'll be alright."
Suddenly, he remembered and got up. All the aches, bruises, wounds and burns came back at once, but he managed to cry out "Shepard! Where's-"
BOOM.
A thundering biotic charge blew apart some rubble, and out of the dust, a figure rose like a phoenix. An eccentric, violent, but firmly moral phoenix.
"Gentlemen. Wrex."
"Shepard."
The two humans, arguably the sanest Shepard knew, looked at him and allowed a short moment of silence.
"So." Anderson began. "Did you have any idea that he'd be so...?"
"No. Did you?"
"No."
Ares smiled. Despite the pain throughout his body, that action seemed effortless.
"Cool."
Victory was an easy matter, once they had been treated and rested. Now that Shepard made humanity the saviours of the Council, everyone was dying to kiss his ass (thankfully, not literally on both counts). The Council accepted the humans as its newest member, and the look on Udina's face was priceless when Shepard suggested that Anderson become the human Councillor.
With Sovereign destroyed, the crew prepared to go their separate ways, though with the promise that if Shepard ever needed them, they'd be there at his side. Wrex had a renewed purpose and would go to his people, just like Tali. Garrus would reapply for C-Sec and look into Spectre candidacy, and Ares worried about the possibility that the galaxy would have yet another Commander Shepard on its hands.
Ashley was on the track to a promotion, though Ares's name didn't come up. Anderson asked if he'd like him to do something about it, but all Ares needed was a continued posting on the Normandy. Liara had a similar thought, and decided to remain with them.
A small laugh escaped his lips as he made the rounds with Garrus and Liara. Shepard was off with Tali, Ashley and Wrex, so it was up to him to accompany their turian badass and their asari doctor.
"What's up, Ares?"
"Nothing. Just thinking, about all the first meetings. Remember ours?"
"You mean when Shepard sent you out shining, distracting those thugs long enough for both of us to get a headshot each?" Garrus recalled good naturedly. "I'll never forget it."
"Is it a military thing, the way you can fondly recall violence?" Liara asked.
"Well, it's not strictly military." Ares countered. "Think about it. Haven't you ever had a particularly funny biotic attack, something that made your enemies look ridiculous?"
Judging by her blush and silence, there was a time or two she could recall.
"Relax, Liara." Garrus offered. "Laughing at the expense of others seems to be one of those things we share."
"You be careful, bud. Things get a little rough without a tank."
"A...tank?"
Ares flushed.
"It's...a gaming term. The guy who soaks up damage. Forget about it."
"Riiiight."
"Not our fault your three fingers weren't primed for our Guild of Greatness games. If you could have joined in, you'd have learned those terms."
Liara piped up, saying "Actually, it is. Shepard holds the credits, remember? Don't they have turian-specific tools for that?"
"Oh right."
"Besides, I prefer my conflict a little less virtual. GG, scrub."
The human's eyes widened in surprise, and the turian smirked noticeably.
They shared a chuckle immediately after, clasping hands.
"Gonna miss you, Garrus."
"Well, it's not forever; we'll still see each other, I'm sure. Shepard will make sure of it; I've never seen a man more devoted to his crew."
"His family, you mean." Ares corrected. A sad thought crossed his mind and he voiced it, adding "But if you love something, you'll set it free. That's why he's letting you go your own ways instead of turning you into his own private army."
"Well, nothing that says we can't be both."
"Ahhh, check your C-Sec manual, I'm sure there's a subsection about privatised militia."
Garrus shrugged.
"Maaaaybe I can get away with abiding by the spirit of the law, not the letter."
"Well, you ever need someone to BS the boys upstairs, give me a call. First time's free, but after that, I'll be charging you."
Garrus barked a throaty laugh.
"Like a human, eh?"
"No sense just giving away perfectly good writing."
Finally, they reached their destination. A familiar club with a familiar beat, where just outside, Commander Shepard waved to them.
"What I'm wondering is why don't we just go to Chora's Den?"
"Well, it kind of...broke. In the attack."
Shepard welcomed them in. A large table with refreshments for everyone was prepared, and according to him, a third of it was on the house, a third of it was compliments of the patrons, and the remainder was paid for by Shepard.
Tali, Ashley and Wrex were already in the middle of a drinking contest, to show there were no hard feelings whatsoever. Which is to say Tali watched meekly while Ashley and Wrex ingested alcohol and expelled profanities.
After getting everyone seated and served, Shepard looked over the entire table with pride. Ares felt a twinge of poignancy; most times, they were split up into squads on missions planetside. This might be the last time they were all gathered for awhile.
"I'm glad you all made it."
"We wouldn't miss this for the universe, Shepard."
Standing up to his full, intimidating height, the scruffy haired commander raised his glass. The substance in it was...green.
"You all know me better than anyone else, and I'm glad that you were my team. It was a strange trip, but we had a bunch of laughs besides the danger. That wouldn't have been possible if not for all of you. I know I'm not the easiest commander to work for, but frankly, none of you had a choice in the matter."
That prompted a few laughs from the table, Ares included.
"But seriously," Shepard continued, "whatever anyone might say, this wasn't just my victory. It belongs to all of us. We've shown that badassery, grit and valour can come from any species. I've seen some of the best and some of the worst that each of our races has to offer, and I'm proud to say that I've had the brightest on my side.
"We've all got long roads ahead of us. When the Reapers come, it's going to be hell all across the galaxy. But remember, we're a team, and we can count on each other. Those cuttlefish try anything stupid, we'll blow them back to hell and dark space. So make your toasts, because the real work is on its way."
Ashley toasted the fallen. Wrex and Tali gave tribute to people and homeworld respectively. Garrus made a funny one about politicians, and Liara mentioned the future.
Ares went last, being the one with the quietest presence. When prompted, he got up and raised his own glass, smiling. He knew what to say.
"Here's to the crazy bastard leading us."
Approval sounded all across the table as Shepard looked on, his eyes full of laughter.
Wrex got up to slap Ares on the back, sending a painful reminder of the past battles through the human.
"I'll drink to that."
With laughter and camaraderie around him, Lieutenant Alan 'Ares' Ramshiep collapsed into his chair with a wry smile.
This was what he was meant for.
Author's notes: And so ends the first game! BUT WAIT! There's more? And something else after that? Stay tuned to find out!
