A/N: From the reviews I've gotten, you guys are expecting one hell of a knockdown dragout fight that will desimate the Cerberus fleet attacking the Quarians. I'm here to tell you that Cerberus is gonna regret attacking the Migrant fleet.
I don't own Mass Effect
Explosions went off in several directions. Shadow fleet was literally laying waste to the Cerberus fleet. Ten of the ships had broken off to get the damaged Quarian vessels back to Shadow nebula for repairs. The wounded and the survivors were also transported to ensure their safety.
The Shadowed Light weaved around several pieces of wreckage before firing a barrage of missiles that ripped a carrier in half. "That's another one down!" said Joker pumping his fist. Eric surveyed the fight, more than half of the Cerberus fleet had been either distroyed or disabled. A few had tried to fall back, but were destroyed by a few well placed shots.
The remaining Quarian ships that were able to fight had accepted the added firepower without complaint as the combined forces obliterated the terrorist organization.
"Cat, broadcast me to the remaining Cerberus vessels." said Eric. Cat hit a few keys and gave him a nod. "This is High Commander Lachance, leader of Shadow Army. I give you one chance to surrender yourselves. If you decline...well...you've seen what we've done to your comrads."
There were only 11 Cerberus ships left. Four of which had taken heavy damage and looked to be struggling to stay afloat. The ones that were still battle ready charged their weapons for one final assault.
Eric sighed, "fools." He got on the comms, "All ships, take them out." Shadow fleet charged their weapons, as did the Migrant fleet. Lasers and missiles arched through space, hitting their intended targets. The Cerberus carriers and frigates were torn to pieces. Their kinetic barriers no where near strong enough to hold off such a large barrage.
The Shadowed Light flew in with the rest of the ships. It's thanix cannons tearing through ship after ship reletlessly. Two ships attempted to flee, but were targeted and destroyed before they could get very far.
Fighters were launched from the Shadow fleet, dropping payloads of explosives across the hulls of the ships they passed over. The Cerberus ships tried to fight back, but the heavy damage they were taking was crippling the ships' engines, life support and weapons systems.
Eric watched as what was left of the Cerberus fleet was consumed in a halestrom of fire. When the smoke cleared, all that remained was debris. "I want all ships to search for escape pods, take them in alive for interrogation. Shepard, Tali, Nara and Kevin, meet me at the airlock."
He looked at the two pilots, "Hail the Rayya and let them know we're coming aboard. Let them know our ship isn't clean and that we'll wait for the go ahead to board." Recieving a nod from both, the High Commander left to prepare.
X
It took roughly two hours before they could board the Quarian capital ship. And when they did they couldn't help but look sorrowfully at the damage. Over a dozen bodies lined the walls by the airlock covered in white sheets as they were greeted by a squad of marines.
"High Commander Lachance?" asked the one in the lead. "Yes." said Eric calmly. "The Admrials would like to speak with you. Follow us." They were lead through the ship. The sights of more deceased and damaged greeted them. In several medical bays, doctors worked hard trying to heal the wounded and seal their damaged suits to avoid further infection.
Tali and Nara were both shuddering, sorrow dripped off of them in waves at the sights of what had happened to their people. Shepard and Kevin consoled them as best they could. But both had felt hatred and fury build up in them for what Cerberus had done.
They entered a large atrium, dozens of Quarians sat around the large podium as the team entered. From the podium, two Quarians stepped down toward them. "Father! Auntie Raan!" screamed Tali as she ran to them and wrapped them in a hug.
"Tali, it's good to see you in good health." said Rael'Zorah hugging his daughter. He looked from Tali to Eric, "High Commander Lachance, we cannot thank you enough for coming to our aid. Your exploits in helping our people are held in high regard." Eric nodded, his face covered by the ARS suit's faceplate.
"It was a pleasure to help you. But your not out of the woods yet. a good portion of your fleet needs repairs. And your people need medical treatment." "What are you suggesting High Commander." asked Shala'Raan. "I have an entire nebula where my fleet and army is stationed. I'm more than willing to give your people salvation."
All conversation stopped in the atrium. Tali and Nara were both looking at Eric wide eyed. Rael and Shala were the same. "You'd...You'd give us a home?" asked Shala. Eric nodded, "The colony world I have under my protection is twice the size of Rannoch, your people will have plenty of space and freedom."
Both Admirals looked at each other, "Are there other colonists?" asked Rael. "Yes. Roughly 700,000 so far. More are arriving each day. A large combination of Humans, Turians, Quarians, Asari, and even a few Batarians, Krogan and Drell." Eric said running off the list. "Quarians?" asked Shala. "Several lost on their pilgramage, I offered them work so that they could achieve their right of passage. Others, were saved from slavery or just needed a place to go. No innocent life is turned away." said Eric honestly.
The two Admirals thought to themselves. "We will need time to discuss this with the other remaining Admirals before we reach such a large decision." said Rael. Eric nodded, "I have had some of my ships escort your civilian and damaged ships ahead to get repairs. Your more than welcome to follow us back and recieve supplies and repairs for the rest of your fleet."
"We will not dishonor your generosity. Our people are indebted to you." said Shala. Eric shook his head, "No. I just did what the rest of this galaxy should have done long ago." he gazed at all the Quarians around them, "Your people have suffered far too much injustice and hate since you lost your home to the Geth. It's about time someone lended a hand."
X
The numbers weren't completely compiled until after all of the ships made it back to the nebula. Eric had ordered that all Quarian vessels dock with the Anchor and recieve repairs. All the wounded were transported to the large medical facility on Haven for treatment. As painful as it was to admit, the Quarians had lost five ships. And with it, a fifth of their population.
In addition, Shadow fleet had gathered up over two dozen Cerberus personel from the wreckages of their fleet. All of which were being interrogated for any useful information at a prison outpost Eric had stationed out in the Terminus systems.
Eric sat behind the large wall of terminals, he had been scouring over every and all pieces of data they had on Cerberus. Their facility locations, spy locations, anything that could prove to be effective. Liara had gone to bed long ago, and her large office proved to be a perfect place to find what he was looking for.
"Eric?" asked Liara coming into the room and wrapping a wool robe around her swollen belly. Eric was resting his head on the desk top, all of the terminals before him had dozens of different displays of data on Cerberus.
Liara walked over and shook his shoulder, "Eric?" Eric sturred and slowly raised his head. "How long have you been here?" she asked. Eric brought up his omni-tool, "About...7 hours." The young Asari grabbed his hand hand helped him up, "You need sleep. You've been working yourself ragged since we got back."
Eric staggered but managed to stay upright. "It wasn't suppose to happen like that. The Quarians didn't diserve what happened to them." he muttered tiredly. "I know, but there was nothing more you could do. And we managed to save nearly all of them." said Liara. Eric lowered his head, "I just wish there was more we could have done."
They entered their home and walked up the stairs to bed. Liara laid Eric back and curled up into him. "You have done more for them than anyone else in the Traverse. You've given them hope, and a place where they can be safe." She smiled, "And I think that the Admiral board would find it a little disconcerning if you were to show up tomorow looking as worn out as you do."
The young Commander turned his glowing eyes to his bondmate and smiled, "What did I do to diserve such a great woman?" Liara smiled, "Obviously the Goddess didn't want you to go through all of this alone." Eric chuckled, "I gotta send her a thank you card for sending me an angel." The couple laughed together before slipping into a blissful sleep.
X
Eric stood in casual clothes in the large board room that was on the Anchor. Seated in the room with him was Commander Shepard, Captain Winters, Tali, Rael, Shala, and four other Admirals of the Migrant fleet.
The High Commander turned to them, "Have you had time to think about my offer?" Rael looked to the others before standing up, "We have. We have been adrift for centuries. The only home our ancestors had ever know was taken from us." He looked into Eric's eyes from across the room. "You have given us something no other species has given us. You gave us a home. We accept your offer."
Eric grinned from ear to ear, "Thats great. I have had my men plot out a nice sized piece of land on Haven for your people to set up. And the other colonists have volunteered to help them get comfortable in any way."
"Will there be opprotunities for us to learn from one another?" asked one of the other Admrials. "Yes. If anyone wants a job in a specific field all they have to do is ask. And we will share whatever knowledge that we can with you." replied Eric.
"And our fleet?" asked Shala. "You are your own fleet's leaders. You decide what they do, not me. But any supplies that you may require will be given to you without any trouble." said Eric. The Admirals all looked to each other before looking back at Eric, Rael extended his hand and Eric shook it. "It's good to have your alliance High Commander Lachance." said Rael.
"I'd prefer to call it a friendship with business connections. And you can call me Eric, much shorter for conversation." said Eric. Rael nodded before looking at Tali and Shepard. "I find this as good a time as any to get to know my daughter's hesh'la. Tali went ridgid and Shepard looked a little embarrised himself, knowing what exactly that meant. "Yes indeed." said Shala looking over at the couple.
Shepard looked to Eric for support, but the younger leader mearly shook his head. "Sorry Shepard, your on your own for this one." he said leaving with Winters and the Admirals leaving the four to their own devices.
"What's our next step?" asked Winters. "Not sure yet. I got some data about the location of a derelect Reaper, and with it the possibility of a Reaper IFF that can help us get through the Omega-4 relay." said Eric. Winters nodded as they stepped onto the bridge. "The technicians have reported that the Normandy's upgrades are complete and is ready to go." Eric nodded, "Good, I think Joker would like to be back behind the wheel of his own ship."
The door to the bridge opened and Miranda came running in, "Eric! I have something you might want!" she said handing him an OSD drive. "What is it?" asked Eric. "Evidentally, the dreadnaut ship in the Cerberus fleet was from the Illusive Man's private fleet. The OSD drive was recovered from what was left of the bridge."
Eric regarded the ex-cerberus operative, "Meaning?" Miranda smirked, "Meaning that that OSD drive contains the exact location of Cerberus HQ." Everyone on the bridge froze and looked their way. Eric was grinning like crazy.
"I think it's time we began plotting Cerberus' downfall." "You realize this could be a trap to lure you out right?" said Winters. "Of course, I think the Illusive Man would be too smart to let such vital data to just fall into our laps." said Eric.
"Then why are you planning an assault?" asked the old Alliance soldier. "Because I have a trick or two up my sleeve as well. The Illusive Man isn't the only one with connections." Eric looked at one of the technicians, "I want the Citadel council and the Alliance brass on the horn. Let them know that it's time to go after Cerberus."
A/N: Cerberus will burn! With Eric deciding to go after the terrorist group before the Collectors, you know that the Illusive Man has a lot of hell coming his way. The battle will take several chapters, so you guys are in for a long fight. Review!