Mass Effect Chronicles
By PurpleReignonHorses
So I've decided to cut Chapter IX into three separate parts
Please enjoy!
Story Legend:
Locations and Time Stamps- Bold
Characters' Thoughts- Italics
Actions- Normal Text
"Dialogue"- Normal text in parenthesis
Communications- Bold and Italicized
Chapter IX: A Moment of Reprieve Pt. I
Normandy SR1- Communications Room
2183.12.11- 06:00:00 GST
Alex and most of his crew were sitting in the comm room.
Joker's voice came over the intercom. I'd appreciate it if you would keep us from any more volcanic worlds or close calls Commander. They tend to fry our sensors and damage our hull. Just thought I'd let you know. The sarcasm in his tone was evident.
Alex, unarmored, let out a frustrated sigh and shook his head.
Liara spoke with an outraged tone, "We almost died out there and your pilot is making jokes?"
Alex crossed his arms and gave her a rueful sigh. "Humans have a tendency to make light of death-defying situations." "I promise you will get used to it."
Liara's eyes widened a bit, "I-I see." "I apologize Commander." "I don't have a lot of experiences with your species."
Alex then shook his head at her with a small smile. "Don't worry about it Liara!" "I felt the same way when I was studying on Thessia years ago." "You'll get used to being around humans." "Trust me."
Liara felt herself go red a bit. He is quite charming and handsome for a human. "R-Right."
Alex then spoke, "So I hear you've been studying the Protheans for fifty years." "Is there anything you can tell me?" "Do you know why Saren wants the Conduit?"
Liara get out a frustrated sigh, "I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore than you already know." "Finding evidence or artifacts of Prothean origin is difficult work." "I've found trinkets here and there, but I'm in the dark."
Alex let out a disappointed sigh, "I see." He continued, "Well at the very least, you are safe from Saren." "Consider yourself part of the crew from now on."
Liara gave him a nod. "Thank you again Commander!" "I don't know what I would have done if you and your team hadn't shown up to rescue me from those geth."
Alex gave her a nod. "Actually, I do have something you might find interesting." "On the mission in Eden Prime, my mind connected with a Prothean beacon." "It relayed the destruction of the Prothean empire to me."
Liara's eyes widened in surprise. Her face immediately lit up. "Are you serious?" "You actually connected your mind with a Prothean beacon?"
Alex gave her a serious nod and shrugged. "I've lost enough sleep to those visions already."
Liara's tone immediately changed to one of glee. She immediately cupped his face in her hands. "Commander, that is amazing!" "You must have quite the resilient mind." "Most organic beings aren't able to handle the strain of the transfer."
Alex felt his face grow red. Damn it! What is about the touch of an asari that gets me so flustered? He uneasily removed her hands from his. "R-Right." "I-I was hoping you would help me interpret it."
Liara then let out a startled gasp. She felt herself blush a bit. What am I doing? "O-Of course!"
Tali felt a pang of jealousy. Did she really have to hold his face like that? She then stared at her dextro-hands for a minute. I want to be the one to do that.
Liara and Alex then rested her heads against one another.
Liara spoke, "Close your eyes Shepard!" "Embrace eternity!"
Liara's eyes suddenly went black. The vision was being transferred in her mind. By the Goddess! This a real Prothean vision! Visons of death and destruction! This is fascinating! I can barely hold the connection! She then separated her head from Shepard's.
Both took a moment to catch their breath.
Alex let out a small, yet awkward chuckle. "So did you see anything I missed?"
Liara shook her head mournfully. "It's a jumbled-up puzzle of memories." "I'll need some time to sort it out."
Alex gave her a nod. "I understand."
Liara then suddenly felt a throbbing pain in her head. She grasped at it with a groan. "I'm sorry Shepard." "The joining can be..exhausting.
Alex crossed his arms at her and gave her an understanding nod. "You should go see Doctor Chakwas." "She's the Normandy's chief medical officer."
Liara gave him a confused look, "Where is she?"
Alex gave her a small smile. "She isn't far from the comm room." He then stood up to address everyone else. "You are all dismissed.
Kaidan then stood up. "Come with me Liara." "I'll show you to her."
Liara then gave the human biotic a grateful nod. "Thank you!"
The two then left the comm room.
Alex let out a sigh. "Garrus, Tali, and Wrex, I'll be calling you three in the captain's quarters soon to discuss your performance during the mission." "Be ready."
All three of them gave Shepard a nod.
Garrus and Tali both gave him a salute.
Wrex just grunted.
Then, everyone began filling out of the room.
Joker's voice came over the comm. Commander, the Council would like a word.
Alex let out a frustrated grunt. This will be fun. "Patch them through Joker."
Three holograms of the asari, turian and salarian councilors suddenly appeared.
Ambassador Sparatus gave the Commander a nod, "Commander, I take it the mission on Therium was a success?
Alex gave the turian ambassador a nod. "Yes, we've retrieved Dr. T'soni.
Ambassador Valern continued, "It has also come to my attention that you destroyed a Prothean ruin in the process." He narrowed his eyes at the human Spectre. "Was that necessary?"
Alex gave the salarian ambassador a nod with a stoic expression on his face. "It was unavoidable Ambassador." "Firing the mining laser was the only way to reach the doctor."
The salarian ambassador merely gave Alex a nod.
Ambassador Tevos then spoke next. Her tone was regal and cold. "We appreciate your time Commander." "We will contact you if we find anything that assists you in your search for Saren."
Alex gave her a nod. "Yes ambassador!"
The councilors then all signed off.
Alex let out a deep sigh. That went ok. He then walked to the captain's cabin.
Normandy SR-1- Captain's Cabin
2183.12.11- 07:10:00 GST
Alex was sitting in the captain's cabin enjoying a good read of Fahrenheit 451. He actually kept the book in its original physical form. Paperbacks were exceedingly rare these days. Everyone read off of their omni-tool. For the colonists on Midnoir, it was different. A lot of them were from places that kept the practice alive. So, it had been taught to Alex from a young age. He was currently reading Fahrenheit 451. It was a personal favorite of his.
During his days in Thessia, books were the only reminder of his life on Midnoir. Well, that and asari brandy. Sometimes familiarity helps. His omni-tool suddenly went off.
Alex looked at it and let out a small chuckle. "Never get a break." He then activated the message details. The sender and location were listed as unknown. The commlink was familiar to Alex though. Isn't that Tevos's personal code? Alex then activated the message.
A hologram of Ambassador Tevos then appeared in front of him. "Hello Alex!"
Alex then stood at attention. "Ambassador."
Tevos sent him a warm smile. "Come now Commander." "No need for formalities." "This is purely a social call."
Alex gave her a nod. "Right." "My apologies." "I'm not used to being so informal with asari." He then let out a dry chuckle.
Ambassador Tevos gave the human a small smile. "I understand."
Alex took in a deep breath. "Can I ask a question Tevos?
The elder asari gave him a smirk. "Ask away my dear human."
Alex felt himself blush a bit. He then cleared his throat. "Why the sudden interest in me and my history?" "It isn't that I'm not flattered by the attention." "I'm just confused about your intentions."
Ambassador Tevos giggled to herself. "I have been following your actions for some time Alex." "You may find this difficult to believe, but I was one of your professors during your studies on Thessia."
Alex suddenly went beet red. Now that she mentioned it, she looks remarkably familiar. "I-I remember you now." "I had you for the asari cultures course." "You used to always check up on me after class." "I-I apologize." "I've tried to forget a lot from that time in my life." "It brings up bad memories."
Ambassador Tevos smiled to herself. "I understand." "I'm pleased you remember me Alex." She then continued, "I took a special interest in you from the beginning." "I was curious about the reason a human would have to come to Thessia and learn the ways of my people." "You were different from most of your kind." "You were eager to learn and determined to take your studies seriously." "I used to think that humans were arrogant and self-centered creatures only interested in furthering the cause of their own people." "You changed that."
Ambassador Tevos then gave the Commander a sad nod. "It was bittersweet for me when I heard you had to return to Earth." "I've been following your career since." "When I heard you were selected to be the first human Spectre, I could barely hold in my excitement."
Alex gave the ambassador a nod. Well, this was a surprise! He then gave the ambassador a smile. "Thank you for all you've done for me ambassador!" "It is appreciated!"
Ambassador Tevos grinned at him. "Of course!" Her expression then softened, "Is there anything you need?" "I warn you now that any assistance I provide would be through secret channels and cannot be publicly acknowledged." "Is that understandable?"
Alex gave her an affirmative nod. "Of course!" He then spoke, "I need information on Matriarch Benezia and her abilities." "Do you think you can provide that?"
The asari ambassador smiled at him warmly. "Of course." "I'll have an aide send over any relevant information I have on the matriarch." "You should get it in your mailbox in a few galactic days." She hit a few buttons on her omni-tool.
Alex gave her a grateful nod. "Thank you, Ambassador!" He then asked the last question with a nervous tone, "So about the kiss then?" "I assumed you were interested in me." "Was I wrong?"
The asari councilor then started to laugh uncontrollably. His nervousness is quite adorable. Such a stark contrast to the strong front he presented at the Tower. If I were only years younger. She then gave Alex a warm smile. "I am not like other asari." "I show varying degrees of affection to those I call allies." There was a light blush on her face. "I often kiss those I feel a connection with."
Alex's eyes widened. She felt a connection with me?!
Tevos continued, "I feel connected to you somehow Alex Shepard." "You and I are both dedicated to closing the gap in between humanity and the asari." "Your dedication and devotion to understanding to my people was a touching gesture to me." "I know that many of my people looked upon you with scorn because of your race during your time on Thessia." "I remember the names you were called and the bullying you experienced." "Yet you persevered in your own way and didn't quit on the dream of peace between our races." "You stayed kind and compassionate through it all." "That is what drew me to you." She then put her hand to her heart and continued, "It is understandable if you don't feel the same." "I don't expect you to." "We can never be together." "My job as ambassador and yours as a Spectre bars that from consideration." "But I do want you to know that I will assist you in anyway I can Alex." "I'll always be a message away."
Alex had a shocked look on his face. That was unexpected. He then collected himself, "I'm flattered." "I admit I feel a connection to you as well, but it isn't romantic." He then hung his head low. "I'm sorry I cannot return your feelings."
Ambassador Tevos smiled at him. "That is all right." "I'm not the jealous type Alex." "I'm content enough to be considered a friend." "Is that alright with you?"
Alex gave her a nod. "Of course." "You can never have too many friends Ambassador." Ambassador Tevos smiled at him. She then clapsed her hands together and smiled warmly at him. "I must go for now." "Be safe out there Alex." "I'll be watching with great interest."
Ambassador Tevos's hologram then disappeared. Alex let out a deep breath. He laid back against his desk and let out the sigh he was holding in. Well, that was unexpected!
Normandy SR-1- Captain's Cabin
2183.12.11- 07:15:00 GST
Alex was sitting in his desk.
Garrus, Tali and Wrex all stood before him.
Alex spoke in a gentle tone, "So I wanted to first say that I was impressed with all three of your performances on the mission." "You all performed admirably and followed orders."
Tali responded quickly, "Thank you Commander!" She felt herself grow red under the helmet.
Garrus then saluted the Commander. "Thank you sir!" "It's an honor to serve!"
Wrex let out a guffawed laugh. "That was a lot of fun Shepard!" He then turned his gaze to Garrus with a glare. "I still don't know what to make of the turian." "But he can fight!"
Garrus then narrowed his eyes at the krogan. "Is there something you want to say Wrex?"
Wrex gave the turian soldier a wide grin. "Oh trust me turian!" "There is a lot I want to say to you and your kind!" "You turians did deploy the genophage after all."
The two sized each other up.
Tali let out a frustrated grunt. Wonderful. Now we are going to have another fight on the ship.
Alex let out a frustrated sigh. "Alright you two!" "Settle down!" "I won't have a firefight in my quarters!" "Is that clear?"
Garrus turned back to the Commander. "Y-Yes sir!" "I apologize for getting out of line."
Wrex just turned to Alex and grunted.
Tali breathed out a sigh in relief. I'm glad Shepard is the one giving orders.
Alex then cleared his throat. "So how are you all finding accommodations on the Normandy?" Are the dextro rations to your liking?"
Tali spoke up in a chirpy tone, "Your ship is amazing Shepard! "I've never seen such a large drive core fit into such a small ship!" Her voice faltered a bit. "The dextro rations are good." "There just isn't much variety." She raised her dextro-arms in defense. "N-Not that you should be considering that an issue Shepard!" "You probably have bigger concerns."
Alex let out a small chuckle. "Relax Tali." "I'm actually having Joker take us to the Citadel." "I'm going to see what I can do.
Garrus's mandibles twitched in appreciation. "Nicia and I would appreciate that Shepard." "We didn't really bring the good stuff with us when we boarded."
Alex then gave them all a nod. "You all are dismissed."
Garrus then turned to leave. "I'm going to head back to the engine room." "Let me know if you need anything Commander."
Wrex then moved to leave. "I'll be in the Armory." The krogan walked off without a word.
This left Tali alone with Shepard.
The quarian woman was fiddling with her hands nervously.
Alex raised an eyebrow at her and crossed her arms. "Something wrong Tali?"
Tali spoke in a nervous tone, "T-There is a special shop in the Citadel that sells quarian envirosuits and enviro-suit upgrades." "It even has clean rooms where we can change."
Alex nodded at her. "And you need a suit upgrade?"
The quarian briskly nodded at him "Yes." "I'd buy them myself, but I'm practically dirt poor right now." "Not to mention most people on the Citadel aren't fond of quarians." "I-I was afraid to ask at first because I didn't want to bother you with my issues."
The quarian then gave Alex a downcast look. "I've had to make do with what little tech I've come across in my travels."
Alex stood up from his desk and walked over to her. He put his hands in hers. "Consider it done Tali." "I'll even come with so nobody will give you trouble."
Tali was widely grinning from behind her helmet.
She enveloped Shepard a tight hug. "Thank you, Shepard!" "You have no idea what this means to me!"
Alex let out a small chuckle and returned the gesture. "Probably don't." "I bet I could take a good guess though."
Tali let out a small laugh. It's nice to have moments like this! I'm really lucky he found me in the Wards!
Both were blushing furiously.
Tali then broke the hug. She fiddled with her dextro-hands. "I-I should probably get back to the engine room."
Alex gave her a nod. "I need to radio Joker and tell him to take us to the Citadel." "But please feel free to come into my cabin anytime."
Tali felt herself start to blush again. "O-Of course." She then turned on her heel and walked out of the captain's quarters.
Alex shook his head at her smiling. She is an interesting one. I'm starting to really like her. He then walked over to his desk and activated the comm. Navigator Carlisle, set a course for the Citadel immediately. We have some things to take care of. Tell Joker to let me know when we are close.
A female voice came over the comms. Yes sir! Alex turned off the comm. He then headed towards the medical bay.
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