Author note: Human history in this story went essentially the same as in reality except with more deaths. Wars were bigger, diseases much deadlier. Unfortunately, I do not plan for lots of cool historical figures to be included because I don't trust myself to characterize them well enough.

The In-story explanation is that earth is a very deadly place and some disease, war, accident killed them off at one point or another. Disease was the deadliest killer until humans truly got a handle on it in the second half of the 21st century. The sharp reader will have noticed that's passed the current year. This conveniently allows me to not include any current real-life characters.

Arcturus Station

John Shepard stepped off the shuttle and onto Arcturus station. The Massive space station the served as the capital for the Systems Alliance. Here the parliament, prime minister and all the top brass of the military lived and worked. Shepard hoped and the brass was hard at work figuring out how to liberate Shanxi. Walking through one of the myriad of hallways wearing a simple uniform with the peaked cap of a second lieutenant, with an N7 emblem proudly displayed on shirt and cap.

Shepard was happy for the cap as it reduced the stares he normally got. Although some of the more observant passersby still noticed the close-cropped white hair at the temples and around the base of the cap, as well as the eyebrows. Fortunately, they noticed the hurry in his stride and didn't try to ask any questions. Shepard didn't mind getting into conversations with strangers but right now he was in a hurry.

The first question people asked was why someone with white hair would be serving as just a second lieutenant in the Alliance. The answer to that question was a simple one. The Alliance had a hard rule, no matter your previous history you started out at the bottom like everyone else. So, despite his millennia of experience in warfare Shepard theoretically started out with no advantage over the lad who just became old enough to enlist. Well no advantage other than the millennia of experience.

Nevertheless, this answer prompted more questions. How old was Shepard? What was his experience in warfare? How did he manage to survive so long? What's the biggest difference between the past and present? Was he in any of the famous wars? Was he really old enough to get white hair? And on and on it went. Usually Shepard didn't mind answering questions. After all what kind of self-respecting fossil didn't like to reminisce and have someone listen. Right now, however he was rushing to arrive to the briefing on time.

He could understand their surprise and curiosity. People Shepard's age were very, very, rare. Those that served in the military were even rarer. Shepard posited that he may be the oldest serving member in the alliance. If he wasn't it was close. The answer as to why he was only a second lieutenant was simple, he joined the alliance not that long ago. He inwardly smiled remembering the puzzlement on the face of the recruiter, or how they practically forced him into N school as soon as possible. Shepard was acutely aware of just how much of an oddity he was.

He finally made it into the lecture room, where the briefing would take place, and took a look around. It was a fairly large room filled with roughly 50 people, sitting and chatting. Like many other lecture halls, it had rows of seats cascading down. However, what struck him most was that everyone in the room had a N7 emblem displayed proudly. An important detail was that there were no N1-6s only N7s. His mind raced with the possible implications. N7s were the best of the best. They worked in small teams. So why was a platoon's worth of N7s crammed into one briefing room?

Most logical answer was that not all were going to be chosen for the task. However, if they wanted an elite team why not pick one of the already existing squads, or simply hand pick a couple? Why brief people who would not be going on the assignment? Again, one option seemed most likely: they were going to ask for volunteers. But why ask for volunteers? Only one option stood out to him. The mission is suicidal, most likely something to do with Shanxi.

There was another option. These N7s were going to be split into small groups and then take on individual but interconnected missions. Something that necessitated each team to know about the other teams. This would explain the massive briefing size. However, this seemed much less likely for several reasons.

First, he could not for the life of him think of anything the required a platoon of spec ops working together. He was also sure that whatever it was it had to do with Shanxi. Any covert action on Shanxi was suicidal by definition, since the aliens controlled the orbit. Any mission there would have a low chance of success and probably high casualty rate.

Danger and risk were part of the job of an N7 and that's why they worked in small teams. An N7 was also a scarce resource not to be used lightly. While he has been known to disagree with, the actions of the brass. He was certain that they weren't stupid enough to send a platoon's worth of their best operatives into the fucking meat grinder for what was likely to be little gain. A typical N7 mission was risky, but it wasn't suicidal otherwise there would not enough N7s to fill the room.

Spotting someone he knew he made his way towards the front of the room and to the man chatting amicably with a colleague.

"Lieutenant Anderson" Said Shepard while proffering his hand. Anderson was decently old, relative to most humans alive. However, he was much younger than Shepard, and still didn't have the trademark grey hair that came at around 500 years of age. Shepard own silver white hair came in around 1000.

"John Shepard" Answered Anderson taking the offered hand and smiling "It's a pleasure see you again. Meet First lieutenant Kirill Alekseenko" Gesturing to the man next to him. "He and I were just discussing what exactly is going on."

Shaking the other man's hand Shepard sat down next to them. "What have you got?"

"Well clearly something big is going on." Answered Anderson.

"If anyone here hasn't figured that out immediately after walking into the room then they don't deserve to be an N7." Replied shepherd gesturing to the many N7s in the room.

"True enough." said Anderson.

"We think they are looking for volunteers for some special mission." Interposed Alekseenko, who spoke with a slight Russian accent.

"Agreed" said Shepard but as he looked around, he noticed something he didn't on the first sweep. Of the faces he recognized none were 'mere' N7s. All of those he recognized were had something setting them apart from the others. Anderson was in the first class of N7s and set many records that held until Shepard broke them. Alekseenko was famous for several very dangerous and very successful raids on pirates. Others present had their own reasons to stand out of the pack.

"Well whatever it is, it's about to start." Said Anderson as a staff commander walked into the room. Everyone immediately stood at attention for the officer.

"At ease, take your seats" he said, and everyone sat back down.

Walking up to the front the staff commander wasted no time getting started. "As you all know Shanxi has been attacked by aliens. Unfortunately, of garrison commander has surrendered." All of this was common knowledge so far.

"In the coming days every single one of you will have a part to play in this struggle." Huh thought Shepard maybe it's the second option after all. "You all have proven yourselves to be the best we have, and humanity will need those abilities going forward. While all of you will have a job to do this briefing is to get volunteers." Ah there it is, thought Shepard.

People started getting up to volunteer themselves, but the staff commander said "Sit back down, wait till I finish to volunteer." Squeaking chairs signified everyone getting back into their seats. "This will be a mission with much lower odds of success then even the most dangerous ones we sent you on before." The commanders voice rose slightly as if to emphasize this point.

"A normal insertion in a shuttle will be shot down as the aliens control orbit. So, you will be parachuting at the edge of space. Of course, you still might be shot down. Then trekking across enemy occupied territory. Finally attacking a fortified base. The aliens will try to orbitally bomb you. Make no mistake while this is not a kamikaze run, the odd of survival are very slim. Having said all that who still wants to volunteer."

Shepard got up immediately as did Anderson and Alekseenko, looking around so did everyone else. The staff commander looked flabbergasted at that. Shepard found that funny, they took the best Humanity has to offer, told them aliens are attacking and that they need them, and yet are surprised that people are willing to join. Hell, after most of the people stepped up the others would do so simply to not be seen as that couple of cowards who refused humanities call.

Overcoming his apparent shock, the staff commander stammered out "Well we certainly didn't expect this response, while not everyone will be needed on the suicide mission, everyone will have their own missions to do in the coming days. They are very important and crucial. You will receive further orders in a few hours and will be debriefed on what exactly is your task. You are free for now go get some rest and food, dismissed."

The N7s started talking and slowly spilling out of the room. Shepard turned to his compatriots and said, "Well that was interesting, good luck to the both of you I'm off to get some decent food. It's been a pleasure to meet you Lieutenant." The last part he said to Alekseenko

"Actually, we were about to do the same, would you like to join us?" Asked Alekseenko looking slightly hopeful.

"Sure" said Shepard "I know just the place."

One of the benefits of Arcturus Station was that is was one relay jump from earth and with it being the center of power in the alliance you could get good, fresh food. Shepard led the group to a small but upscale café with a with a large window for a wall allowing for a spectacular view of interstellar space. The place he always goes to if he ends up at Arcturus. After they were seated, and the menus brought Shepard noticed the scandalized look on Alekseenko's face.

"Don't worry about it lieutenant, I'm paying."

"You sure?" was his curt reply.

"Of course, I've had a thousand years to accumulate wealth, and I'm not enough of a scrooge to refuse to pay for the meal of a decent young man, especially when I dragged him somewhere he wouldn't normally be at. Oh, and the only rule is that you're not allowed to pick the cheapest thing on the menu. Get yourself what you want not how you think it'll affect me."

"Listen to him Alekseenko, trust me his wallet will not notice the difference." Added Anderson.

After the orders were placed Alekseenko asked, "How can you two be so calm in such a moment?"

To this Anderson replied "Experience, once you live long enough you learn to enjoy what you can. Yes, we are under threat but there is no reason to assume preparations aren't being made and yelling at the brass isn't going to change anything. It's not like we're going to charter a ship and go win the war singlehandedly. When our time comes, we'll do our bit to the best of our ability. If you do everything you can there is no harm in enjoying yourself."

Shepard raised his glass, "hear, all ye good people, hear what this brilliant and eloquent speaker has to say!"

Alekseenko's eyebrows raised at that "What?"

"Oh, it's the full saying of 'hear hear' it signifies agreement to what was said."

Alekseenko paused for a bit considering what Anderson said. "It's just hard, you know. There's a war on and I'm just sitting here eating. A real war not some pirates being a nuisance, with orbital bombardments and space battles. How can I enjoy myself when others are dying?"

"I know it's hard and trust us the last thing we want is to turn you into a guy living in an ivory tower uncaring to the woes of the world. As with all things it's a balancing act, worry too much and you end up an uncaring jaded bastard who can't enjoy anything, worry too little and you become an aloof bastard who only cares for himself." Shepard added his own musings to the conversation.

"You're young kid, you'll learn eventually. Hell, even jaded and aloof people can change. Just look at this guy he was the most jaded person I ever met when I met him." Said Anderson while gesturing towards Shepard.

"Really?"

"Guilty as charged. Let's just say experience isn't a cure all. There are always new experiences or old ones in new coats." Said Shepard while remembering the jaded jackass he was and, in some ways, still is. "Let's move the conversation to a more pleasant topic. What's the point of extolling the virtues of enjoying ourselves if we talk ourselves into being miserable?" And with that said the rest of the conversation was spend in pleasant but idle talk.

Eventually the received the new orders and luckily, they were all ordered to the same place, so they went as a group.

They made it back to the same room they started from only this time a lot less people showed up, only 15 total N7s. The staff commander was back, and he activated a holographic map that was labeled Shanxi city and started the briefing. "Anderson, Shepard, Alekseenko, Hao, and Anand will be in infiltration team undertaking the suicide mission. Anderson as the longest serving N7 you will be team leader. Your objective is this anti orbital battery." He pushed a button the mapped zoomed in on a small base with a few anti orbit guns.

"This base was captured by the aliens and is still functional, high command would rather not have our own guns shoot at as. The plan like many plans is simple on paper. Drop out of FTL at edge of space. Parachute down to the LZ, the shuttle will be programmed to crash far away. Make your way through he woods and into position." He gave them a stern look and Shepard knew he was trying to impart the danger of such a drop.

"At 0500 the few remaining resistance assets will stage diversionary attacks on targets on the other side of the city. The aliens will defeat these quickly with heavy use of orbital bombardment so act fast. Attack the base and if things go perfectly you will take control and open fire on the enemy ships in orbit. This will provide cover as our own system appear in system and attack at 0530." With that said he paused to let the implication sink in. The results of this mission may very well determine the battle in space.

"Needless to say, this is extremely dangerous as the enemy may simply orbitally bomb the base. While we prefer the base be used against the enemy if you can't fully capture it or there is a risk of the base being recaptured sabotage the base and try to retreat into the woods. As long as the base does not shoot at us the mission is a success."

"The rest of you will be dropped as soon as the orbital battle is finished. Smith will be in charge. Your job will be to offer support to the infiltration team. Drop in and hold the line until regular marines can arrive and if you're at risk of being overrun evacuate with the infiltration team."

"If for any reason it is unnecessary to evacuate the infiltration team." Leaving unsaid the obvious and most likely reason of why evac would be unnecessary. "Your target will be this open-air prison the aliens set up for our captured soldier and resistance fighters." Another button press, and the map shifted toward a camp. "You will be offering support to another team already assigned the task. We don't know how the aliens will react to losing Shanxi so we would rather not have our men and woman be subject to their whims."

Shepard wondered where the rest on the N7s would be. After all there was 50 total in the previous briefing, and it was said everyone will have a job to do. Even If 10 N7s are sent to the prison initially that leave 25 not accounted for. Where were they? One option would be that they would be on Shanxi doing other things. However, if that was the case why was he or anyone else in this briefing not told. If other N7s are operating in the area it would be good to know because it allows better coordination. Knowing that friendly are on the other side of the hill is better than wondering if that's an enemy or not.

Could it be something classified that necessitated secrecy? Possibly but Shanxi was a small and new colony so that seemed rather unlikely. Another thought crept into his mind. Could they be somewhere else. Was another colony captured? He quickly dismissed that idea, if that were the case there would at least be reports of a colony going dark and he hadn't heard anything like that. What if they were not on a human colony? That was possible but he had nothing but speculation to support the idea. Shepard stopped his train of thought. Speculation would not help him stay alive or complete his mission. The others would be somewhere doing their bit and he was fine knowing just that.

The staff commander finished his briefing with "Familiarize yourselves with the layout the of city. The systems in the anti-orbit base so you can turn it on and start firing. Learn everything there is to know about your missions, a data packet has been sent to all of you with everything you need to know. Enemy trop estimates, their barracks locations everything we have. You will depart this station in three days. Good luck and dismissed."

The N7s left in two group the infiltration team and the support team. They went to do what could be described as group study sessions. After all, going in blind would be even more suicidal than the actual plan.

Authors note: When I said Shepard with the life experience of Wrex I meant it. This guy is old. Still very physically capably like I mentioned negligible senescence. Kind of like lobsters who don't actually "grow old" old lobsters are if anything stronger and healthier than young ones. However, that doesn't mean nothing changes as humans age in this story. As mentioned, hair color changes and human females still loose fertility long before natural life cycle is over. Also, very, very few humans are as old as Shepard since the would have to be born in medieval times which was not a time conducive to longevity.

I remember reading that the average life expectancy of a medieval person was 30 years. Humans can live a lot longer than 30 years. My train of thought is that in my story nothing really changed, people can live a lot, lot longer than 30 they just didn't since disease, war, famine, or some disaster killed them off eventually.

PS I am aware that the biggest danger in medieval world was being a child and that if you survived to like 20 you would probably live to 50 but with my world being more dangerous than actual earth I think the logic still holds.

I'm sorry if I let you down with not planning to include major historical figures. Like I said I don't think I'm a good enough writer to convincingly write a story about how Washington or Suvorov opens a can of whoop ass on the turians (as awesome as such a story would be). Also, this is Shepard's story and I don't want it to just end up being a series of cameos were one cool dude after another from human history is showcased.

I will however endeavor to make references to human history especially since Shepard has seen and been in tons of it.