Hello again, everyone, and welcome to my MechWarrior/BattleTech - Mass Effect crossover.

My apologies for not updating my Escape from Tarkov/Mass Effect crossover recently. Life has been quite busy for me, and I simply haven't had the time to get to it. I will do the best I can to post an update soon, though I can't make any guarantees if my schedule can't allow for it. Still, I will do the best I can to get an update out.

Either way, thank you for your support, and I hope to continue to receive it as this crossover develops.

As always, leave a review and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the MechWarrior/BattleTech or Mass Effect franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Electronic Arts, BioWare, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, Piranha Games Inc., etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to it's respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries OST - Remembrance

MDS Cavalier II

Lyons System, Lyran Commonwealth

April 5th, 3026

Leaning on the railing for one of the 'Mech Bay catwalks, Shepard looked at the twelve BattleMechs that were safely stowed away inside of the cubicles inside of the Lower 'Mech Bay of the MDS Cavalier II. Six years, he thought to himself. It's been six years since our arrival here, and things have gotten quite busy. Who would've known we'd be inside of of these.

In the years following that one mission on Elidere IV, the merc company had exploded in terms of growth and reputation. After their mission had been completed there, they'd gotten contracts that had emerged in the Lyran Commonwealth. Mason, being one to follow the money, had decided to take the merc company there.

Over time, their successes had quickly built their reputation up, until they were one of the most reputable merc companies in the Inner Sphere. While they couldn't match the legendary reputation of the Kell Hounds or the Wolf Dragoons, they were legendary in their own right. As he thought about the memories, Shepard had one particular one come to the forefront of his mind.

. . .

Callisto V

Lyran Commonwealth

Five Years Earlier

"You sure you really want to do this?" Shepard asked Mason as they looked over a purchasing document. "Once we make this decision, we'll have to sell something to pay the cost. I hope it doesn't render us bankrupt in the process."

He said this as they were at one of the many DropShip Facilities that dotted the Inner Sphere's industrial centers, Callisto V being the one they were at. Part of the reason why they were here was because the company had become so successful that, due to the increasing numbers of skilled MechWarriors that were emerging, they had to expand the company. Part of this involved the DropShip they were piloting, which Mason felt had become too small.

Thus, he'd made the decision to upgrade to a more venerable DropShip: the Union-class. From what Shepard could recall, the Union DropShip was the yardstick by which all other DropShips were measured, and it was easy to see why. It was well designed, with plenty of armor plating, and a compliment of weapons that would make even a pair of AeroSpace Fighter pilots begin to sweat nervously. In addition, it had enough storage space to carry twelve 'Mechs at a time, which equated to three whole Lances of BattleMechs.

"I've got a plan for that," Mason reassured Shepard as he looked over the contract. "Besides, we're performing what's called a 'trade-in.' We trade in our Leopard for a Union, which will help cover the cost. Besides, we're swimming in C-Bills right now, and I've been eyeing the Union DropShips for a long time."

"I know what you mean. They're reliable, well armed and well armored. I'm just worried that we might not be able to break even on our bank."

"Don't worry, Shepard. I wouldn't consider trading in the Cavalier for a Union if I felt that we couldn't cover the cost. I've already gone over the math with Garrus on this. We'll be fine as long as we don't go overboard with what we're doing."

"I hope so," Shepard agreed. As he walked around the room they were in, he asked, "So… anything we need to worry about when it comes to these Unions?"

"Reliability wise, no," Fahad, who was also present with the duo, replied. "I've worked on a Union before. They're bloody reliable and they're built like a proper tank. The only thing we need to be careful about are the crew quarters and the air circulation system. The Union-class' air circulation system often lacks the power necessary to adequately ventilate the crew quarters, which are usually quite cramped."

"So, we'll have to check for that when we look at the DropShip that Daniel Wright wants to trade in for the Cavalier," Mason finished. After a moment, he asked, "You know of anyone that can improve the air circulation system?"

"Sure," Fahad nodded. "I know of a bloke that worked on a DropShip that I was on, Ricardo if I recall correctly. His ancestors helped design the Union DropShips, specifically the air circulation system. He's come up with an improved version that's more powerful, which is no mean feat given the three hundred years of tech regression that's going on."

"Sounds like a talented guy," Shepard remarked.

"That he is," Fahad nodded. "You won't find another engineer like him. Fortunately, he started a small school in order to pass on his skills. If we give him a ring-up, I might use a favor to upgrade the air circulation system, if it's not adequate, of course."

"Of course," Mason nodded. Looking at the paper in his hands, he said, "Sounds like a good trade. We get a bigger DropShip and Daniel gets some much needed financial relief for his merc company. Fahad, you and your team know what to look for, so if anything comes up, feel free to give me a holler."

"You'll definitely hear from me, alright," Fahad nodded. "I always give a bloody loud shout if something's wrong." The men shared a laugh at that comment.

. . .

Present Day

Shepard smiled as the memory retreated to the depths of his mind once more. It turned out, they'd been right to bring Fahad and his crew, as they had been able to check over the Union that Daniel Wright was trading in for cash and a smaller DropShip, the MDS Marauder. It was in good nick, though the air circulation system was inadequate, something that Daniel had alerted them to before they discussed the idea of a trade-in.

Fortunately for them, Richardo, the engineer in question, had been in the system at the time, as he'd been setting up his school on the sole habitable planet in the star system. After hearing of what was going on, he'd been more than happy to help them out, especially since Fahad was around. The two, much to Shepard's surprise, were very tightly knit friends.

Certainly helped out, he thought as he rolled a shoulder and his head. When we tested that air circulation system, I thought I was going to suffocate for a moment. Once the refit was complete, the fresh air was like a drug in my system. Once Daniel had traded in the Marauder, Mason had renamed it the Cavalier II and had made the transaction. At least Daniel'll get a chance to keep his merc company afloat, Shepard thought. It was really struggling to stay in business. Hopefully, things will be much better for him now.

A moment later, he thought he heard someone coming towards him. He was about to turn when he heard a small, flanging voice, ask, "Uncle Shepard?" Turning around, Shepard looked at the source of the shout, a smile on his face.

The seven year old Turian was around half the height he would be once he was fully grown up. Most of his body plates were slowly beginning to fuse, though they wouldn't fully fuse together until he was around the age of eighteen, which was when he would fully mature. That, though, was a good eleven years off.

As such, most of his body plates were still segmented, which would give his body some much needed growing room. The only place where the body plates were more fused than the rest was his face, though this wasn't by much. Already, the young Turian was wearing the bright blue facial paint pattern that marked him as a member of the Vakarian clan, with the paint perfectly fitting with his vibrant blue eyes.

"Nihlus," Shepard beamed as he looked at the younger Turian. "Is there something you need?"

"Just looking for you," Nihlus replied. "Dad was wondering where you were at. I thought you were down here, looking at the 'Mechs."

"You guessed correctly," Shepard nodded. Walking over, he asked, "How are you and you dad doing?"

"Fine, I guess," Nihlus replied. While his facial expression betrayed no emotion, Shepard caught the slightly monotone reply. Uh oh, he thought. Something's up.

"Trouble between the two of you?" he asked.

"Yeah," Nihlus admitted. "He caught me wandering around the 'Mech bay by myself yesterday. Cuffed me on my fringe for that."

"I see. You know you're not allowed to go down there without someone with you. If I may ask, though, why were you down there alone?"

"I was just curious. I wanted to ask Fahad how the myomers on the 'Mechs worked, but he was too busy. I thought I could figure it out on my own. I didn't mean to make Dad upset with me, though." The young Turian's mandibles drooped in the Turian equivalent of a frown, while he hung his head in shame.

Putting a hand under Nihlus' chin, Shepard lifted the child's head up. "I understand fully," he replied. "You were genuinely curious and wanted to learn more. There's nothing wrong with that, Nihlus. Just make sure Fahad or Mason are with you. If they're not available, ask your dad if he can accompany you so that you don't get hurt. He was upset because he loves you and he doesn't want you to get hurt."

"I know," Nihlus replied, still frowning. "I just wish that he wouldn't be so… So…"

"Protective?" Shepard finished. When Nihlus nodded, he said, "I understand, but that's perfectly normal. He and I have a dangerous job; the last thing we want is a loved one to get hurt. It would tear him apart if something bad were to happen to you."

"You sure?"

"Yes. I had to experience something very similar." He couldn't bring himself to discuss what happened that day on Virmire. The memories are still too painful, even to this day, he thought as he spoke some morel. "If something were to happen to a child I had, it wouldn't sit well with me at all. I'd be blaming myself for what happened."

Understanding dawned on Nihlus' face as he realized why his father had been so upset. After a moment, he asked, "Is there anything I can do to help him understand that?"

"You can tell him what you told me," Shepard replied. "You were just curious and you didn't mean to upset him. Honesty is the best policy, Nihlus, as long as you don't hurt someone's feelings."

"OK," Nihlus replied, his expression still somewhat downcast, though there was something akin to determination in it. "Thanks, Uncle."

"No problem," Shepard beamed. "It was the least I could do. Say, where's your sister?"

"She's with Mom right now." Suddenly, concern blossomed on Nihlus' face as he realized what that meant. "Oh no! She's probably doing a class! I've gotta go!"

"Well, don't let me keep you," Shepard replied. "Go ahead. You don't want to be late. We can talk later."

"Sure," Nihlus nodded as he scampered off, his digitigrade legs carrying him as fast as they could go.

Shepard smiled at the younger Turian. Like father, like son, he thought to himself. That's the thing with kids: they act just like us, even though we don't want them to. Probably someone's idea of a joke. He chuckled at the thought, only to stop chuckling when he realized what that would mean for his kids, if he had any, that is.

On cue, he subconsciously pulled out a photograph of himself and Liara. It was one of the recent ones that he had taken, as they'd visited New Avalon two years ago to check in on how things were going. It was a group photograph of everyone on the Normandy, with him and Liara in the front, while the others were gathered around.

There was one person missing from the photo, though. Mordin, he thought, his smile fading away as the name passed through his mind. I hope that prototype Stasis Tube continues to hold out. If it fails, we'll lose one of the brightest minds on the crew. Again, another memory crossed his mind.

. . .

New Avalon

Federated Suns

Two Years Earlier

"You're taking a major risk, Mordin," Shepard frowned as he looked at the large medical device that had recently been constructed. "Are you sure you want to follow through with this?"

Mordin turned to look at Shepard, his large eyes gazing directly at him. Even after all this time, the Salarian had retained the power to unnerve even Shepard with his professional glare. "Yes," he said to Shepard. "Have made extensive studies, minimized risk wherever possible. Am certain this will work?"

"How certain?"

"Completely. Always some risk, but nothing worthwhile is completely risk free."

Part of the reason why they were talking was due to an inevitability concerning Mordin: he was getting old. Salarians, from what Shepard could recall, had rapid metabolisms, which had given the species as a whole an incredible amount of energy and intelligence. The downside, though, was that they didn't live as long as the other races; most would be lucky if they exceeded the equivalent of 40 years for a Human.

In this case, Mordin was pushing the envelope, as he was now forty one years of age, practically ancient by Salarian standards. Medical tests that Chakwas had run indicated his body was still functioning smoothly, though his organs would soon begin to fail. Cloning organs would increase his lifespan, but the Federated Suns didn't have the medical technology required, and neither did the Normandy.

This had led to one last option, and it was a risky one. Thanks to the recovery of the Graus and New Dallas Memory Cores, NAIS had discovered the blueprints for an advanced Star League medical technology known as a 'Stasis Tube.' When used properly, a Stasis Tube would slow a person's aging down to a fraction of it's normal rate, making it to where the patient would age only a day per year.

While the technology had become LosTech, the Memory Cores had specified the schematics for a working prototype that could be manufactured with the tech they currently had. There were some potential problems, though, and not all of them could be corrected by Chief Engineer Adams, EDI and a few others. Mordin, though, had willingly volunteered to be the test subject for the prototype, something that had everyone caught off-guard.

Pacing back and forth in front of the Stasis Tube, Shepard said, "I know that you're aware of the risks, but we're talking about putting you into cryonic stasis. No one knows exactly what'll happen to you if you go under. For all we know, you might die a horrible death."

"Fully aware of that, Shepard," Mordin replied patiently. "Came up with back-up plan in case something happens."

"How so?"

"Taught a few geneticists at NAIS how I do things. Was tough for them to follow, though they caught on fast. Dr. Ashcroft succeeded with highest marks. Will take over in event of unfortunate death."

With that, Shepard said, "If that's how you think it'll go…" He trailed off before saying, "I'm going to miss you, Mordin."

"No need to be sorry," Mordin replied. "Had to be me. Someone else might've gotten it wrong." As he left for the medical lab, he said, "Would've loved to run tests on the plants here. Nothing I can do now, though."

. . .

Present Day

Shaking away the memory, Shepard put the photograph back into his uniform's pocket. From what he could recall last, Mordin's condition was stable, with the Salarian aging quite slowly thanks to his cryonics induced slumber, though they did have a few near-accidents a couple times. Still, all was well, and it was projected that they would have the equipment needed to manufacture a proper Stasis Tube by the year 3033. Pushing himself off the rail, Shepard walked along the catwalk and towards the stairwell entrance that would allow him to get to the crew quarters.

Once he arrived, he was about to open the door when he heard Nihlus and Garrus talking. Opening it a crack, he listened in. "Dad," he heard Nihlus say, "I wanted to say that… I'm sorry."

"For what?" he heard Garrus ask.

"For making you upset yesterday. I didn't mean to make you upset, Dad. I was just curious about how the myomers on the 'Mechs worked. If I'd realized how upset you'd be, I would've asked you or Mom to be with me. I didn't want what happened yesterday to happen." There was a moment of silence, likely Nihlus bracing for some harsh words.

Those words didn't come. Peering through the crack in the door, Shepard watched as Garrus picked Nihlus up and gently hugged him. "It's alright," Garrus said to his son. "I forgave you well before I went to bed yesterday. Just remember to ask an adult to come with you, OK?"

"OK."

"Good. I just don't want you to get hurt, and that is a real possibility around the 'Mechs we use." After a moment he asked, "Did you have your school lesson for today yet?"

"I asked Mom if I missed anything. She said I didn't. According to her, I advanced a little too far ahead."

"In that case, how about we go look at the 'Mechs fifteen minutes from now. I'll even show you my Rifleman."

"Really? Cool!"

Shepard smiled, choosing that moment to walk through the door. At about the same moment, Nyreen walked inside. His eyebrows perked up when he spotted a slight bulge in Nyreen's belly, one that he hadn't noticed before. OK… that… certainly explains the passionate moaning I heard a couple months back, he noted, his cheeks turning red slightly.

"Shepard," Garrus beamed. "I was wondering where you were at. Nyreen and I have something to tell you."

"Let me guess," Shepard remarked. "You're expecting more kids?"

Garrus, caught off guard, reared his head back in surprise. "How'd you know?" he asked. Instead of a reply, Shepard pointed at Nyreen's belly. "Oh, I get it," Garrus nodded. "You saw that, didn't you?"

"Pretty much," Shepard nodded. "Nothing wrong with it, though. It just means you love each other very much."

"That we do," Nyreen purred as she came over and licked the left side of Garrus' neck, causing the latter to shiver slightly before purring. "I told Nihlus and Celicia a couple days ago that they were going to have more siblings. Nihlus had this shocked look, while Celicia was bouncing off the walls with excitement.'

"I'm happy for you two," Shepard beamed. "You're going to have more kids."

"Spirits willing," Garrus agreed. "Fortunately, the Medical Bay onboard has the necessary equipment, and Dr. Chakwas came along with us."

"Yep," Shepard, remembering when they picked up the good doctor, nodded. "Last time I heard, she was fussing over a bone bruise that Fahad picked up during a 'Mech refit. He certainly met his match that day."

"Yeah," Garrus nodded. "Rumors have it that the two are… well… getting together."

"Don't believe everything you hear, love," Nyreen reminded her husband. "Chakwas is probably well past her menopause. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if that happened; the two form an odd, but strangely fitting, pair."

Shepard was about to continue speaking when the intercom chimmed. "Commander Shepard, report to the CIC immediately. Repeat: Commander Shepard, report to CIC immediately."

"And there goes the mood," Garrus frowned. "Catch you later, Shepard?"

"Sure," Shepard nodded. With that, they parted ways, with Garrus and Nyreen heading to their bunks, while Shepard proceeded towards the stairwell again. Eventually, coming to another door, he walked into the CIC of the Cavalier II.

The CIC of the Union-class DropShip, otherwise known as the Tactical Operations Room (TOR), was very different from the one the Leopard-class of DropShips used. The room was akin to a ring in shape, with a large column that occupied the center of what would otherwise be a large, circular room. Along each side of the room were computer terminals that were occupied by the flight crew. Currently, they were on Lyons II, the sole habitable planet in the system.

As such, the room was empty, save for three people that were in the room. Commander Mason, spotting Shepard, beamed and said, "Shepard, glad you could swing by. We've got something going on."

"What is it?" Shepard asked. "Please don't tell me it's another duel. I remember the last one we dealt with. We nearly lost Wrex on that one."

"I know what you mean," Fahad nodded. "Had to pry Wrex out of the bloody cockpit of his Orion. From what I hear, he's good to go once more, though he wants revenge on the arsehole that tried to kill him."

"They did kinda chicken out and leave," Shepard nodded.

"I know what you mean," Mason nodded. "Fortunately, it's anything but a duel. We got this message about two hours ago. You know a certain 'Ardan Sortek?'"

Shepard's face lit up as soon as he heard that name. "I do," he nodded. "He was the first human being we encountered after our inter-universal shenanigans deposited us here. Why do you ask?"

"Well, because he's extended an invitation to us," Mason nodded. "Take a listen to this." A moment later, he began the playback.

Within milliseconds, Ardan Sortek's voice came through loud and clear on the speakers. "Greetings, Commander Mason, I am Colonel Ardan Sortek of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns. I am reaching out on behalf of First Prince Hanse Davion with a lucrative offer for you and your mercenary company.

"As I am sure you've already heard, The Federated Suns has joined an alliance with the Lyran Commonwealth that will, hopefully, merge us into a single nation, the Federated Commonwealth. The potential unification of two very different Great Houses has come with it's fair share of skepticism and issues to work through. Especially when it comes to the military, were the AFFS and LCAF have, for centuries, had two very different ways of waging war.

"First Prince Hanse Davion strongly believes that it is in our best interest to work out as many of these issues as possible prior to this unification, if it happens that is. To address this, we will be hosting a series of wargames across multiple Davion worlds in what will be called 'Operation: GALAHAD.'

"The Federated Suns would like to contract you and your mercenary company later this year to participate in these wargames. We are offering generous compensation, along with the possibilities of future, long-term contracts should your performance meet our expectations. Please let us know soon if you would like to accept our offer. Thank you for your consideration." With that, the playback stopped.

"Wow," Shepard remarked. "Sounds like he really wants us to come along."

"That he does," Mason nodded.

"Bloody hell," Fahad beamed. "If we go along, we'll probably get paid the biggest paycheck we've seen so far. Plus, they might be nice enough to cover any damages that are incurred during the wargames."

"I believe it is in our best interests to accept," Ryana suggested. "Nikolai, while he was still alive, was involved in the attack on Halstead Station, where he worked alongside Hanse Davion. They might've reached out to us due to our common history."

"Sounds like it," Shepard nodded. Looking at Mason, he said, "It's your decision, Commander. Sounds like an easy job to me."

"That it does," Mason nodded. After a half-minute of consideration, he said, "Very well. What's our destination?"

"Avigait," Ryana replied. "It shouldn't take too long to get there. Probably around three months of travel time to get there."

"Then let's get to it," Mason nodded. "Shepard, have your team ready to go for when we get there. Once the flight crew comes back, we'll brief them on our next destination. Ryana, inform Ardan Sortek that we've accepted the contract and that we're moving out to Avigait now."

"Affirmative, Commander," Ryana nodded.

"Oh, this'll be a real bloody rootin'," Fahad beamed. "Can't wait to show them House armies what mercenaries can do."

"Let's not get too excited," Shepard cautioned Fahad. "We're facing highly professional military soldiers here. I know the LCAF isn't the most competent, but even they get things right from time to time."

"Wise words," Mason nodded. With that, everyone left the CIC to take care of business.

As he walked away, Shepard remembered what Vega had said about Operation: GALAHAD. It's not just a wargame, he thought. It's Hanse Davion preparing to initiate the Fourth Succession War. We're about to become a major part of history.