Me: Here's chapter 10 for all of you.
Trin: Well…time for Helix's tribunal.
Helix: I hate you both.
Trin: Why me? He's the one that made you do that.
Me: Love you to sis. On with-…
Random Reaper: On with-…+Alliance THOR Mekkusūtsu cuts Reaper in half with blade+
Me: On with the story!
"Talking."
"Thinking."
"[Electronic communication.]"
{AI intercommunication}
Trials and Errors
[Nova Galaxy, Systems Alliance HQ in London, Military Tribunal Court:]
Helix looked around, cuffs on her hands and shackles around her legs.
To her left and right were black armored S-IVs. Behind her was the exit, guarded by another pair of S-IVs. Though that pair had two N7 Paladins with them. A pair of N7 Shadows had come into the room with her, but she had lost track of them. She had also lost count of the total number of guards. All around her were military leaders of the Reclaimer Alliance and several civilian leaders as well. The other GHOSTs and Director Halsey were mixed with the crowds.
Kim looked back forward to see several Admirals enter the room. Two of them she recognized as Admiral Anderson and Admiral Hackett. The others were random Admirals from every species that was part of the Reclaimer Alliance. They took their seats as the guards removed her restraints.
"Colonel Kim Dawson, ONI Spec Ops Team Gamma-1, codename Helix. Do you know why you are here?" the Batarian asked, rage visible in his voice and body language.
"For doing my job," Kim said as she stared him in the face. "Had I not destroyed the Relay at that moment, the Reapers would have gotten through and the colonists would have all died either way."
"How do you know that-…"
"Do you have evidence of this claim?" The Quarian Admiral said.
"Yes, my team and personal AI all-…"
"How do we know your AI wasn't hacked by these terrorist at the Relay station?"
"Diana is a Precursor AI. Her being hacked is as possible as the Flood sitting down and having tea with anything that isn't Precursor," Helix said.
"Do you have anything else to say Colonel?" Hackett asked.
"These isn't anything that I should have to say. And last I checked, the Alliance didn't have jurisdiction over ONI."
"True, but we looked up your squad, they don't exist. ONI can't help you."
"…"
"Look up ONI files labeled GHOSTs. Passcode A-7-X," Halsey said from where she sat.
"It appears the Director of ONI herself has decided to…grace us with her presence," the Batarian Admiral said.
Only he had not realized what she just said truly meant. Everyone in the room began to say different things, some of the guards even backed away from her by a small amount.
"GHOSTs…but I thought they were a myth," Anderson said, both surprised and impressed.
"We're real," Helix said.
"This is obviously a ploy to allow this soldier to live," the Batarian Admiral said.
"Then you shouldn't have any problems with looking up the data now will you?" Helix asked.
The Batarian growled before looking up the data. The first thing that popped up on the screen for the Admirals were three data files. One was labeled 'Personnel,' the second was 'Equipment,' and the last was labeled 'Combat Records.' The Batarian Admiral opened the first file and saw headshot pictures of each of the GHOSTs. The first one on the list was Kim. The Batarian opened it and read it out loud.
"Alright, 'GHOST CO: Colonel Kim Dawson. Codename Helix. Former ODST. Personal Notes: Operative Helix possesses a brain deformity that allows her to see the world as an AI does. She is the only GHOST that doesn't use their weapons, and the only one that uses a code name. Personality could be problematic for Black Ops missions, keep an eye on her for now. Additional note: Operative Helix no longer requires surveillance on how she will affect Black Ops missions. Operative Helix is also extremely loyal to her fellow soldiers and would sacrifice herself if it meant they would live. Should operative Helix go turncoat, we would lose the other GHOSTs within hours, if not minutes. Additional note: Operative Helix seems to be figuring out and mastering everything that the suits can do at a much quicker rate than any of the other GHOSTs.' And how do we know this wasn't fabricated?"
"The Combat Records? If you don't think any of that is real there are only a few other ways I can prove it is."
"Unfortunately, these seem to have a higher classification level, you'll have to find some other way to prove your claims."
"Fine," Helix said as her tattoo started glowing.
She breathed in once before breaking off the shackles and cuffs. Several guards instantly pointed their weapons at her as the two Shadows brought their blades to her throat. Helix raised her hands before smiling. Kim looked at the two N7s as they lowered their blades slightly.
"Spartans are also able to break free of those," the Quarian said. "You will have to prove it some other way.
"My file says I don't have biotics, GHOSTs are able to give themselves biotics…temporarily at least," Helix said.
{Helix you really don't want to do that. It damages your body,} Diana told her.
"Can I heal from it with the suit?" Kim asked.
{Well…yes…even with this much of it, but-…}
"Then I'm doing it."
Helix concentrated as her tattoo began to glow purple instead of its usual orange. Blood began to drip from her nose as she raised her arm, now covered in a biotic aura, and threw a warp at an empty wall. Helix smiled before collapsing onto the floor. The Shadows began to check on her as the light from her tattoo changed from purple to green. A few seconds later, Helix was slowly rising from the ground. One of the S-IV guards kept her steady as she sent a smile at the Admirals.
"How…was…that?" Kim said, her nose still bleeding.
"I think you nearly killed yourself proving what you were…are," the Turian Admiral said.
"Thank…you…sir."
One of the N7s brought a chair to her as she sat down, completely exhausted. She brought one of her hands to her nose to wipe away the blood.
{You're lucky that didn't do anything more than exhaust you…though I can't say I was expecting the bleeding. No other damage to your body if you're wondering,} Diana said.
"Well…I hate to admit it…but that does seem like something the UNSC's ONI would do," the Batarian Admiral said, anger still on his face.
"Unfortunately for you, ONI can't help you much with the destruction of an entire solar system," Hackett said.
"Taking your mission accomplishments into account, your punishments will be lessened," Anderson said.
The Admirals looked at the data on their personal screens as Helix sat there waiting for their verdict. Anderson sighed as Hackett nodded his head, regret on his face. The Batarian smiled and the Turian sighed, seemingly not sure whether what they had decided was good or not. The Quarian's helmet hid her expression.
"This court has come to a decision. ONI Operative Kim 'Helix' Dawson, you are here-by relieved of duty, your troops will be put under the command of your XO, Captain Victor Garret. An investigation will be made to see if no alternative was usable when you destroyed the Relay. Should it be discovered that you had no other choice; you will be reinstated, though on a probation period. You will also be under the command of you former subordinates. Upon completion of this probation period, a tribunal will be held to determine whether or not you will be given your former rank. This decision is final. Court adjourned," the Quarian Admiral said.
Helix was led to the door, where the other GHOSTs stood waiting for her. Her guards removed what was left of her restraints before leaving. Helix looked at the others and smiled.
"I'll keep everything running like a well-oiled machine Colonel," Garret said, as they went to a tram center.
"I'm not even military right now Victor, but thanks," Kim said.
"Hey don't worry Helix, they can't keep you out of ONI," Halsey said as she walked up to them.
"Doc?"
"The UEG President doesn't even have control of ONI."
"Meaning what Ma'am?"
"Operative Kim 'Helix' Dawson, welcome to ONI GHOST squad," Halsey said.
"Thank you ma'am," Helix said as she shook Halsey's prosthetic hand.
"Welcome back ma'am," Garret said.
"Shortest fucking duty relieve ever," Dalton said as he handed Izzy 50 creds.
"I'm still not military. I'm basically counted a liaison until I get my official rank back," Helix said as she took the ONI Operative rank symbol from Halsey.
Halsey nodded her head before walking over to a group of S-IIs in black armor. Kim noticed a blue Forerunner 'Reclaimer' symbol on the right shoulder of each of them. Helix smiled as she turned and got on the tram with the other GHOSTs.
"Garret, remind me to get Halsey a be-…wait…no, remind me to buy her some coffee," Helix said with a laugh.
"You got it, Operator Dawson," Garret said.
"Don't push it."
"Yes ma'am."
Helix sat down as the tram came to a stop. The GHOSTs got out and saw the SR2 docked in front of them, being repainted again. She looked to her left to see Angel Shepard standing in front of Moreau with her hands up, and her older brother being held back by two ODSTs, his body glowing with biotic energy. Helix took a step forward and almost lost her head to a warp. She turned right to see Luna running and laughing as Jane chased her, blinking to catch up to the S-III at times. She spotted Marissa, Chakwas, and some Japanese teenage girl tending to Wrex and Garrus, both of having several new scars.
"How about we avoid that and just get onto the Normandy?" Garret asked.
"Agreed, try not to get hit," Helix said as her tattoo glowed orange.
She ran forward, her speed increased, and made it onto the SR2 within a second. She turned to see the other GHOSTs catch up to her after another second. Helix opened the airlock and stepped inside.
"Hey, didn't you say once that we could use the armor to teleport?" Helix asked Diana.
{You need all of the armor for that…give me a second,} Diana replied to her.
After ten seconds, an ODST came out of the elevator, carrying Helix's armor.
"I can't believe the GHOSTs are real," he said as he set Helix's armor on the floor in front of her. "First the Spartans now you guys, the hell did I even join the 105th for?"
"To do what needed to be done and kick Covie ass," Helix said as she picked up the armor.
"True…holy shit," the trooper said as Helix's armor reformed around her.
"Precursor tech," Helix said as her helmet folded back.
She smiled at her team before disappearing in a flash of light and reappearing in the SR2's mess area. She walked over to the small kitchen and began making something to eat.
{You know, we still won't be going anywhere until the SR2 is finished with its upgrades and repaint, and the SR3 is finished with its repairs,} Diana said.
"I know," Kim said as one of the Alliance marines there with her just stared at her in shock.
[Three weeks later]
"Repairs to the SR3 have been completed. The SR2 is now as stealthy, if not stealthier than ONI Prowlers, faster than the new ONI Slopes to," Dave said as he led Jane through the SR3's hanger, which held the SR2. "The SR2 now has point defense guns that can be controlled manually be soldiers inside the ship, or by the AI in the ship. Still can't believe that this is your personal ship."
"You mean the SR2 right?" Jane asked. "Otherwise, I didn't know about it being my personal ship."
"I mean the SR2. That pilot of yours though, I only knew one UNSC pilot that was as good as him, and she's dead."
"Damn, would've wanted to meet her," John said as he walked up to them.
"Anyway, we're ready to launch whenever. The full crew for both ships are already aboard and waiting for launch orders," Dave said as he double checked his data pad.
"Including the GHOSTs?" Jane asked.
"Hold on…all but one. ONI Operator Kim…wait, her full name's Kimberly? Uh, anyway, Operator Dawson is the only GHOST not currently aboard the SR3."
"I'll get her," Angel called from the SR2's airlock.
She ran over to a shuttle before having the pilot fly her to Dawson's location.
"Isn't Kimberly going into a se-…"
"She'll kill you for calling her that just so you know," someone said from behind them.
The three soldiers turned to see Captain Victor Garret, temporary CO of the GHOSTs, standing there.
"Last guy that called her that literally lost his head, I'm being literal when I say she'll kill you. Not like how Jane just wanted to beat the living hell out of Luna when said S-III repainted the Normandy."
"She tore off the guy's head!?" Jane asked, utterly shocked.
"Yep, luckily it was an Innie so she didn't get arrested for it."
"Yeah well-…," John was interrupted by an explosion that shook the SR3.
"[Attention all hands, we are taking off immediately!]" The pilot shouted as the SR3 launched.
"Wait, what about Angel and Helix?" Jane asked.
"Shit, Joker, you in the SR2?" John asked.
"[Yeah, why?]" the pilot replied.
"You're launching for a quick rescue."
Me: Well that's it for the last chapter of Mass Effect: GHOSTs.
Trin: So you'll be picking up right where this left off right?
Helix: Stupid question.
Me: Anyway, Reapers are finally here. Also, UNSC will not be engaging them very often. Never reveal your trump card till the end. VR Commando ATA out.