Rookies return. Based on Once a Rookie, Always a Rookie by Twisted Fate MK 2.
While he didn't give me permission, all credit is given and I hope he enjoys this.
Also, this is my first one-shot, enjoy.
It's been eight years since the end of the Reaper war. Despite such a short amount of time, the Coalition has rebuilt much, thanks in large part to all the species it has under one government entity.
Despite this, it took some time for a few planets and peoples who had not been witnesses to the new government to acclimate. Earth especially which was one of the first worlds to be hit by the reapers, took a great deal of time. Finding out after the war was won that the Systems Alliance had been disbanded, as well as the Turian hierarchy, Quarian enclave, and others.
Many thought such a thing wasn't possible but with such examples as Admiral Shephard and Captain John Doe leading the way, things started running fluidly across all worlds in Coalition space.
Despite such vast improvements, Citidel races had to have a passport when entering Coalition space and planets as the Reaper war had created two major superpowers. The Citadel Council lead by the Asari and Salarians and whose subjects include the Hanar and Elcor and the Coalition which was founded by the military-centric Humans, Turans and Krogan but its council is made up of all member species within its jurisdiction.
Because of the success of the Coalition and its proper representation of member races, many distaste the Citadel council, and thus hate and distrust for the Asari and Salarians are common.
The only exception to this is the Coalition military which accepts recruits from all races regardless if they are part of the coalition or not, naturally, Salarians and Asari who join are treated with suspicion unless vouched for by those of sufficient reputation. To that end, the Coalition military is separated into a number of branches.
The Army is the primary ground assault unit and has become the primary force both on planets and on warships, supplanting marines.
The Navy is the largest branch and by far the most unique, while some Alliance and Turian ships remain in service, newer warships incorporate elements from all three founding races. The end result is starships that can accommodate the needs of their varied crew. Combined with design input from Captain Do and Coalition fleets have developed a reputation of being giant bricks with guns.
The ODST corp or Orbital Drop Shock Troopers is what replaced the human and Turan Marine corps. These units are highly trained and in fact, all ODSTs have an N designation and come in both enlisted and officers. The primary academy for training ODST officers is on Earth with combat training on Tuchanka. With the risk of burning up in the atmosphere or dying on impact, special zones are created to reduce impact force however trainees still die from time to time.
Cerberus, the former anti-alien human terrorist group. Is now the primary intelligence and research branch of the Coalition military, headed under Director Miranda Lawson, this organization has proven to be an effective counter to Salerian STG and uses N7 operators regularly but ODSTs are also often used as Cerberus is not allowed to have any combat units.
N7 operators, these units once comprised of humans now cover all who are able to reach said level. However, only the N7 designation was kept as the training has been altered in many areas to facilitate maximum adaptability. As such N7 truly represents the best of the best of Coalitions forces ranging from Humans to Quarians.
The largest change of all was the development and inclusion of AIs, overseen by Geth, new AIs, after gaining sapients are assigned to Coalition warships whereupon they develop personalities and gradually mature into full citizens of Coalition society. An example of this is Commander EDI Moreau, the first AI to both hold rank and get married to an organic, namely commander Jeff Moreau more commonly known as Joker. Using a body first developed by the Cerberus under the Illusive man EDI's body has become the basis for future AIs male or female who wishes to have a romantic relationship among other things given the advantages of the platform.
Since the end of the Reaper war, the Coalition has made it a point to gradually construct three hundred Orbital Defense Platforms across all major homeworlds and at least half as many on major colonies of importance, big or small, all colonies are required to have at least a dozen platforms in orbit in order to better defend against piracy and the small risk of war with the Citidel races however since the Coalition has the largest military force in the Galaxy the Citidel is more than happy with trade relations and the occasional covert skirmish between specters and N7s.
Tuchanka: Eight years post-reaper war, Does mechanics shop.
What started out as a small business quickly grew in size and number as the business decision to fix and supply arms on a restored Tuchank quickly became popular.
"Greetings, do you need your weapon appraised upgraded, and or replaced, we have developed a fine selection." Said a Quarien employee.
"I'm Dr. Arana Victus of the Coalition Cerberus division, I was wondering if your bosses are around?" The building was much larger than it was a few years ago and now had a vast array of weapons both old and new. But not what I'm here for.
The employee walks to the lower levels that held the workshops and offices.
"ma'am a Dr. Victus from Cerberus is here, she wants to talk with you, both of you."
"Thank you Kelly I'll be right out," Eclair stated, halting her work on a rifle she had been repairing again. Grabbing her com system she called her husband. "Honey, Doctor Victus wants to see us, get up here please."
"On my way"
Seeing the two covered in grease and whatnot came as no surprise as they arrived from the lower levels to great the Turian. "Thank you for coming, I'm sorry to say but I've been sent here to get you at the request of both Omega, and the Coalition council and to simplify things, Mrs. Doe you're being promoted to the rank of Commander. Now before you kill the messenger here is my verification that you can check yourself." The manner the doctor said it was formal and well within line of a spook.
John checked the credentials which were sadly legit. The message clearly stated he and his wife were being recalled to active duty by the authority of the Council and Admiral shepherd herself. Since they were in the reserves, the military had all the authorization it needed. Thankfully with how well their business had been going, they had managers and technicians more than capable of running the business in their absence.
Sigh. "Alright, let us get our affairs in order, should only take a few minutes then we can leave. Do we need to bring anything at all?" Rookie asked.
"No sir"
Within minutes the couple had their affairs in order and were already on their way to the space sport where they then boarded a Tempest class recon ship. Originally designed for use in the Andromeda initiative, the design was selected as the new stealth vessel for Cerberus operations. Unlike its Andromeda counterpart though, Cerberus versions carried anti-ship cannons and a MKII mako infantry fighting vehicle or IFV.
Of course, the vessel still sported many luxuries only found on civilian ships, even so, the trip only lasted a few hours
Exiting out of the sole relay and coming near Earth, the Does eyes widened. To Rookie, it almost seemed like going back to his universe as the similarities were a bit uncanny. In orbit stood dozens of massive orbital defense platforms. The designs were passed to him for his opinion and to his wife for her technical skills, with a few modifications the designs were settled but now. Each platform sported two massive cannons, one was a thanix while the other fired ten-ton projectiles at extreme velocity. Measuring the length of a battleship with a streamlined appearance it was clear just two or three of these weapons could destroy a sovereign class reaper with ease.
In this regard, the Rachni and Geth had proven to be invaluable members of the Coalition. Despite their odd appearance the Rachni's ability to construct the quality infrastructure at speed was something everyone was still amazed about. The Geth likewise had made systems software installation and integration a far faster affair with optimum run times to run efficiently.
Flying down to New Mombasa, a research base was situated next to exposed Forrunner architecture.
"Omega control this is Saber request permission to land at bay one, we have the VIPs."
"Copy Saber, you are cleared to land." Finally touching down the pad lowered into an underground hanger
"Follow me please, a lot has changed since you were last here and much has been gained but we don't know why Omega requested you. So as soon as we reach the checkpoint you're on your own." This irked Arana more than a little bit since it was the first time in years Omega didn't mention why.
Leading them down a series of corridors Rookie couldn't help but feel like a stranger. The last time he was here these tunnels were just rock but now everything had been covered with steel and bright lights, in truth it reminded him of a hospital.
"Ah greetings Reclaimer, I have excellent news with the recent information and your new mission, a new room that even I was not aware of has been unlocked. As to its purpose, I'm not certain only to bring the Reclaimer here as soon as possible." Omega then looks at Eclair "Ah you must be the Reclaimers mate, greetings you are also allowed as I know the Reclaimer here would surely object."
"That's Wife actually." Over the years Eclair had gradually stopped stuttering when talking to others, however, it was still a constant during her lovemaking with her husband. John said it turned him on and was always able to find spots on her body that would invoke those old habits.
"Indeed, please, this way." Leading them through various corridors then taking an elevator down, Omega led them to a room it was not familiar with. On one side of the large room were various fabrication machines on the other were two beds and a series of what appeared to be lockers but in the center was something no one in the room could really describe as to purpose.
It looked like a large grey cylinder with yet another door leading into white nothing. All three tilted their heads as to what it was.
Then a console raised from the floor scanned both of them then proceeded to extend four palm scanners with an odd symbol on them.
"What are those symbols?" Question Eclair
"Those are the symbols for Reclaimer and it appears it wants to verify you two and before you ask it, no I don't know what will happen, protocol dictates that I don't intervene," Omega said just as confused as them.
"As the old saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gain." To John's surprise, Eclair put both palms on the scanners and waited, nothing happened.
Finally, John did the same on the other set of palm scanners. All four turned green followed by a green light leading toward the cylinder
"Curious, it wants you to go into the cylinder"
"Very astute, Omega" Eclair couldn't help but giggle at such use of sarcasm by John.
Slowly they made their way to the light holding hands in case this was going to lead them to their deaths or worse. Then after entering they vanished.
Fluttering their eyes from the disorientation hands still clasped, everything began to clear, and in front of them appeared to be another world. Forrunner technology existed everywhere and yet a lot of green as well. Below they could see they were flying or floating to be more precise.
"Hello Reclaimers" That voice was feminine and yet had a hint of sadness and age.
To their shock a new alien showed herself, no feet could be seen, no hair but a metal headpiece and what appeared to be a nose flush between the eyes.
"Wha, wha, what are you?" Eclair stammered
"I am the Librarian, I was activated upon the detection of the Mantles approach and its subsequent destruction. Furthermore, I know that your people now intend to explore the galaxy and so you must be prepared."
"Prepared how?" John asked
"First, knowledge which the monitor you call Omega wasn't privy to, this will be a bit difficult for you to understand but there was a time where your race came close to obtaining the mantle of responsibility but sadly the Didact would have none of it.
You see Reclaimer before the flood, the greatest threat to the forerunner was you" Images and video now showed a time like no other, ships and soldiers alike were firing advanced weaponry at forunner soldiers on a massive battlefield. "Over a hundred thousand years ago mankind waged a brutal war to destroy the parasite but without informing us, and so they set about sterilizing it across many infected worlds. It didn't matter what race or government, if the flood was present then all formalities were ignored, mankind had set aside their compassion in order to do what must be done for the greater good. Sadly we didn't know this until it was far too late.
As such millions died before the Didact intervened, such bloodshed lasted a thousand years but in the end, mankind lost and was reduced to a primitive state. The flood did the rest and secured our destruction which necessitated the firing of the Halo arrays. As you know I left little to chance and so far the two separate human populations are now thriving despite only just surviving a bloody conflict.
So now with the potential of new threats once more, you must be prepared, the gift I offer is one that will accelerate your evolution but your combat skin will be more akin to what your society can properly maintain, the choice is yours." Finished the Librarian
Well at least it isn't being put on ice for a thousand years, he looked at Eclair she was never one for combat but she would still follow him to hell and back.
"Do it" They replied in unison.
With just a blink, the two lost their handhold and were enveloped in a white field, the pain was beyond anything he had ever felt and before long fell into black oblivion.
a few hours later the couple woke up on the two beds inside the room.
"Oh not again", this time the pain was nothing more than a dull headache. Upon bringing his hand to his head it came a little too rapidly and hit harder than expected.
"Careful Reclaimer your mind is still catching up with the upgrades you received"
"What kind of upgrades?" Eclair asked from the adjacent bet.
"Bone density greatly increased, muscle strength, reflexes, and overall sized greatly increased. Please stand slowly" Requested Omega
Both did as requested but it was very weird. It was like they were in entirely new bodies and their minds were only now just catching up. Thankfully they were fast learners and so after stretching out and getting a feel for this they looked at each other and John's breath hitched.
Eclare was cute before but now in some form of black undergarments she looked like a full-blown goddess, her blond hair had somehow grown longer, her bust size was still the same C cup only now it was somehow perkier, her feminine curves were toned with hardened muscle and between her legs, she was clearly wet. He then looked up and saw the same level of appreciation in her eyes, and noted he too was now at full mast.
"impressive, but I wouldn't recommend copulating right now since it clearly didn't occur to either of you of the height increase" Omega informed
That broke the mood like ice water, "how much of a difference?" Eclair asked
"Your height was increased to 205 centimeters or 6.9 feet. John's height is 6.11 feet." Omega Stated.
That caused their mouths to drop like a drunk bear. Both of them had grown nearly a full head taller than they use to be and as such this was going to take some getting used to.
"This facility is ill-equipped for your needs in regards to training and therapy as such it would be wise to put on the armor and carefully relocate to the research base. It will have the facilities needed for your continued therapy." Omega stated, gesturing for the new pieces of armor. recently created.
The armor looked like something the Spartans would wear, head to toe various plates and the black ballistic gell layer was visible. The most surprising thing though was the helmet. Aside from a few armor add-ons, it was an exact copy of his ODST helmet a design that was now mass-produced for all Coalition ODSTs. well, humans and Quarians. Turian, Asari, Salarian, and Krogan ODSTs had to have a different shaped helmet but still.
Eclair's armor likewise was identical just smaller and clearly designed for a female body.
The armors separated and without much thinking, they both slowly walked forward at least it would be slow had they not tripped every few feet making it more of a crawl.
Finally upon stepping onto a platform that just showed up out of now where. Mechanical arms appeared and grabbed their limbs suspending them.
The black bodysuit and gel layers were quickly added. The armor itself began to slowly be added starting with the feet, then legs. Each segment was attached with precision, after the body armor was attached the helmet slowly came down upon his head and sealed with a distinct hiss. Motion tracker, shields, health status, and various other sensors came online in the hud.
Testing his fingers, reactions speeds had greatly increased yet again, this time the onboard systems were compensating for his lack of response. It was known the Spartan's armor greatly enhanced their already advanced physical abilities, but it was one thing to hear about it let alone actually experience it.
"The armor weighs in at half a ton, is rated for orbital insertion without an OEV, has the need memory space for a fully sentient AI which may come in handy during missions. Right now the armor is acting like a crutch slowing down your reflexes until your muscle memory can catch up. As you get used to your changes, the armors sensitivity and speed will gradually increase until you've reached full-ready status. Given your learning curve, I calculate it will take you seven days to reach that level with your mate taking fourteen." This time Omega said that deliberately and she wasn't disappointed.
"Why you over glorified light bulb! Come closer, I want to see what makes you tick." Eclair knew it was a jab but still.
"I've been called many names and judging by your lack of movement my calculations are correct. Now then all available data for building, maintaining, and customizing your armor has been sent to the research base and now it is time for you to go there as well."
"Now wait for a mi". Before Eclair could finish, they were beamed from the installation and into the gym of the Omega research base.
"Huh, Rookie?"
In a mear, hundredth of a second John turned to the noise and brought a crisp salute to his long-time friend, Admiral Shephard. A loud thunk was heard as Eclair tried to do the same causing the floor to rattle with the impact of her falling flat.
"Well, it's about time you finally got some upgrades, maybe now you won't be breaking bones like twigs. I'd hug you but judging by the way Eclair moved I don't want to die from a bear hug just yet.
Now then as to why you are here after your therapy is completed you'll be taking command of the largest starship ever built. Using Reaper, forerunner, Andromeda initiative technology, as well as new technology that isn't mass effect based. The ship is a culmination of all things we've learned in the last eight years.
Your mission will be to explore the galaxy. As for its name, well, I'm going to keep that a secret, after all the kinks are still being worked out but should be done within a month giving you two plenty of time to explore your new bodies together" Shephard had a broad smile and twitch her eyebrows suggestively. Eclair was blushing up a storm and for once was grateful for the helmet.
John himself rolled his eyes at her antics. " I see you haven't changed at all in the last eight years ma'am. Perhaps it's time you find someone to settle down with, maybe have a kid or two."
Shephard grinned, while Rookie had changed a lot, he still left himself open to trolling. "Okay take that armor off and mount me like a lion, breed me with lots of children"
Like a bulldozer, Rookie backpedaled and slammed hard into the wall denting it, Eclair likewise had gone from blushing to seething with awkward rage.
"Still got it, nice seeing you Doe's, try not to have too much fun!" Shepard said will leaving.
"I'll never get her," Eclair said with an eyebrow raised finally calming down after an emotional rollercoaster.
"uh, be thankful you don't have her memories inside your head on top of a Prothean. Shephard is best described as a wolverine that pretends to be a mama bear". John noted out load.
Over the next few weeks, therapy and familiarization occurred, and much to Eclair's dismay, Omega was spot on in her assessment. Still being larger had some issues, namely the fact everyone sans Krogan had to look up at them. The material of the armor was not made of unique materials, and the maintenance of it was surprisingly easy. Being mostly composed of Titanium, tungsten alloy, the only thing of note was the fact no normal human could survive wearing it.
This said a lot given the genetic augmentations soldiers get. Thankfully the armor could be removed without too much trouble and the Does dedicated a great deal of time learning about it as they did their new bodies.
Sadly Cerberus had eyes and ears all over their instillations and so whenever John had some alone time with Eclair, their love-making would break beds. Cerberus recorded their lovemaking and discovered some interesting data. Aside from the force of John's thrusts, the speed was more akin to a rabbit with the stamina of a Camel.
In fact, the local scientists had joked that it was the Doe's second honeymoon. Still finally after two months of constant tests, they were deemed ready. Actually, it was the ship that was deemed ready as getting the kinks worked out was taking longer than anticipated even with Geth platforms and Rachni workers doing the heavy lifting. Then there was the supplying and crewing part.
Heading for the Saber, Director Lawson herself was welcoming the back the couple." long time no see, Rookie, this will be an exterior inspection of your ship at which point the Saber here will dock while I take a shuttle back to Earth. This will be different than your other commands as you and Eclair here will be in charge of around twenty thousand crew. I trust you know the name of the ship now?" Miranda question.
"No, Director," The couple said in unison.
" Okay, then." A rumble is heard as the ship starts its ascent into orbit then toward the moon. " Originally it was going to be named Eternity or Infinity but that heralded back to the days of Titanic so a different route was chosen. Naming it after a famous person or great leader perhaps but even that failed to get anywhere. In the end, two names were selected to be voted upon the first was Phoenix" Miranda paused and then gestured to the front viewport which gave a fantastic view of a now colossal ship entering visual.
John had seen some large ships in his days from Reapers to Covenant capital ships but this monstrosity was something to behold. In large white lettering on the side of the hull read United Coalition Ship Prometheus.
"Prior to you, Omega and the Reapers, building such a massive ship was deemed too costly to even fathom and thus impractical. That has since, changed. the ship is nearly five miles long, one mile at its widest point and just as high. After years of discussion, Omega gave us the blueprints for advanced fusion reactors and a primitive slipspace drive. The ship boasts a massive arsenal with four series six mass accelerator cannons on its bow. Those guns can fire a thirty-ton shell every five seconds. Hundreds of thanix, PDCs, and missiles dot the rest of the vessel. Her shielding is also unique being the first to protect against both projectile and energy-based weapons.
Thanks to technology for the Andromeda initiative she is capable of going for centuries without needing to exit FTL, and for that, you have two drives as the slipspace one is not as fast but will work as a backup.
Inside are ten light cruisers, these will allow additional firepower and allow you to survey multiple systems at once if needed. On top of a number of Tempest two recon corvettes. Finally, the armor is nothing to scoff at as it is eighteen feet thick of spaced alloys which will help should the shields fail.
Beyond that, the vessel has comfortable living quarters, entertainment, research labs, depots, hydroponics, armories, ground vehicles, a small factory to reproduce everything you need, and prefab bases for when you want to set up outposts. Any questions?" Miranda had the biggest smile on her face the couple's reaction.
"Why us?" John asked.
"The Council wanted someone to better represent the unity of multispecies corroboration. Shephard was their first choice but she turned it down and so it was unanimous to select you based on her and Omega recommendation, and a couple of hundred others. Your crew is made up of the best there is and child accommodations are there in case you and Mrs. Doe here decide to get a little more frisky than usual." Miranda heavily intoned.
" O, o, OH for the love of some deity, does everyone in the galaxy know about our sex life?"
Miranda smiled at this and brought up a datapad that had the names of everyone who knew.
"You should be honored Mrs. Doe, I even have a long list of females who'd love to have your husband's babies."
Eclair's eyes twitched at this and in the heat of the moment went over to the ship's coms and routed them into every communications system she could think of. "Now listen here everyone within this coms reach! This is Eclair Doe Yes, I'm shy but if I hear or so much as see anyone flirting or wanting babies with my husband again! I will personally force my hand up your nether region, rip out your uterus, then feed you to my pet Varen, you got that!"
Miranda very quickly put the datapad away and everyone in the room made themselves scarce.
John by contrast took his helmet off walked up to his wife turning her around and gave her the most passionate kiss of his life
After a mind-blowing Kiss, Eclair had to ask" Wh what was that for"
John nuzzled her nose and whispered," For being the sexiest wife in two universes." Giving her another chaste kiss, John replaced his helmet as the ship landed inside one of the large hangers.
"Captain on deck!" As if time stood still, all crew in the hanger stopped and saluted their CO's
Raising their own salutes the Doe's were lead to the bridge, a tour of the ship would take time but apparently, the mission parameters said differently
The bridge had a large window and QEDs in the center a large table sat in the rear allowing various tasks to be overwatch. Then an AI popped up from it.
"Greetings Captain and Commander, I'm Pheonix Moreau, AI daughter of Jeff and EDI. I've been assigned as this ship's AI, would you like to say a word to the crew Captain before we get underway.
Eclare stood back having already told the galaxy what she thinks.
"Very well"
"Attention all hands, this is Pheonix, Captain John Rookie Doe will now address us."
"Ten years ago, when I came here, I thought I would die in yet another war to stave off extinction. In fact, I'd never thought I would ever be promoted to an officer or even find love.
Yet I found a new family, not just one to die for but something to live for. So while I haven't met you all yet, I still see family, courage, and a thousand lives willing to go through hell before they ever turn and run from a challenge. For the off chance we do run, then we simply come back for more, never deterred.
For centuries fear has plagued our races from the unknown but now we take a journey through the final frontier to go boldly where no one has fought before. Who knows perhaps we'll find a society not determined to kill us." The crew laughed at this.
"For now, though we've received our orders. All hands, proceed to stations and be ready to leave the Relay network. Pheonix, play Magic carpet ride as soon as we enter FTL, this is your Captain, let's rock and roll" Rookie finishes his speech with round applause. "Secure all stations, helm lay in a course to exit Coalition space"
"Aye sir," said a Turian helmsman. Bringing the massive engines online, all doors close as the massive ship then makes its way to the edge of the solar system
"This Councilor Hacket, God speed Prometheus" The other councilors watching the launch of the newest Coalition flagship saluted.
Space, the final frontier... These are the voyages of the starship Prometheus, its five-year mission, to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go into battle where no one has gone before.
Que Magic Carpet ride as the ship enters FTL.
Yes I based it on the UNSC Infinity only a little bit bigger
Yes, this is a fanfic of a fanfic. I hope the author doesn't mind, Title of his story is at the top
Yes, the speech sucked but still.
Finally, I hope I did that fic justice
Thank you all