Hello again, everyone, and welcome to the last chapter of my Escape from Tarkov/Mass Effect crossover.
Thank you all for sticking with me to the very end of this crossover. It's been a very wild ride, and though I'm sad that it's finally at the end, I'm happy to see that all of you are quite pleased with this crossover.
Now, with that in mind, I'll be starting up a new crossover a few days to a couple weeks from now. I've included a little teaser/omake at the very end to serve as an appetizer for that crossover.
Also, don't forget to vote on the poll that I have on my profile. A day before I start the new crossover, that poll will be closed and the results displayed. Vote while you still have a chance to do so.
As always, leave a review and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Escape from Tarkov or Mass Effect franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Electronic Arts, BioWare and Battlestate games. Any material original to the franchises belongs to it's original 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.
Citadel
Michelle's Clinic, Tayseri Ward
December 21st, 2183
"Oh, I feel like hammered shit," O'Connor groaned as Dr. Chakwas, and Dr. Michelle, looked him over. It had been some time since they'd arrived at Michelle's clinic, and she was quite busy, what with the casualties and all. Fortunately, they were just barely able to get in for medical treatment. "That damned Reaper tried to kill my ass when he leaped onto me. Good thing I showed it who the boss was."
"It wasn't just you," Shepard, who was lying on a cot similar to O'Connor's, added. "Sovereign tried to kill all of us, and we put him down." Frowning, he said, "I wish we could've saved Saren. He was so close to throwing Sovereign out of his head."
"I know what you mean," O'Connor nodded. "Now that I know he was just a puppet, I feel bad for him. Still, what makes me happy is that he found the strength to fight back just for one second, and allowed us to save the Citadel."
"I know, but it doesn't make me feel better. I just hope that, in the end, he found peace."
"Maybe, but if there is an afterlife, which I think there might be, he's probably doing a lot of penance right now. I know I would, if I were in his place. Still, I agree with you; he was just sad, deluded person in the end. Who wouldn't feel bad for him after all that's happened."
"Sit up," Chakwas asked. O'Connor complied, though he winced as he did so. "Your luck seems to be holding out quite nicely," Chakwas observed as she looked him over. "You've got some cracked ribs, a bruised lung, a bone bruise on your skull, a cracked tibia and some bruised organs, but nothing that time can't fix."
"Shepard took the worst of it," O'Connor nodded. "Saw the piece of debris coming and threw me out of the way just as it hit. I got clipped in the chest by it. Are his injuries bad?"
"Aside from a broken arm, a cracked tibia and fibia, along with a cracked humerus and cracked ribs, he'll be fine. I must admit, there are times where I wonder if you're intentionally getting hurt. Not you, O'Connor. You actually make it a good point to avoid unnecessary injuries."
"Comes with my profession."
"Indeed." A few more minutes later, she said, "Your bones will need some time to heal, but that treatment I mentioned seems to have worked wonders last time this happened, and you didn't show any negative short term effects. Another application and you'll be right as rain, provided that you take it easy for a week or two."
"I wouldn't dare cause more trouble for you two. In fact, tell the Council that we'll be resting up in here. Once we're fully healed up and ready to rock, then we'll talk with them."
"You took the words right out of my mouth. I'll see to it that they're informed."
While Chakwas left to go take care of that matter, O'Connor opened up his omni-tool. "Vorenus, you there?" he asked.
A moment later, the Turian in question appeared on the video screen. "O'Connor, you look like hammered shit," he remarked.
"Tell me something I don't know," O'Connor retorted, though the smile on his face showed that he was quite happy to be alive. "I heard your area got hit. How'd you survive?"
"Well, thanks to that warning you sent us, I had Voreg get the big guns out," Vorenus smiled, his mandibles twitching as he spoke. "I remember one of the weapons that a customer brought in. Massive thing, had six barrels, if you can believe it, and the electric motor was top notch. I couldn't figure out what it was, but I had Voreg make an improved version."
"Wait a minute. Describe the weapon to me again."
"It was a six barreled weapon system that fired 7.62mm rounds. Why do you ask?"
"You got yourself an M134 Minigun, Vorenus. They basically took the design that Mr. Gatling had for his Gatling gun, modernized it, changed the caliber, then slapped an electric motor onto the weapon for good measure. That thing can eat through four thousand rounds of ammo in a minute."
"Spirits, O'Connor! What spirit of air and darkness possessed you Humans to make a weapon like that?"
"I don't know. You'd have to ask General Electric. They made the damn design, but it works like a beaut."
"That it does. I have Voreg mount the improved version to protect the shop, that and he wanted to see how effective it was. I've got a video to share too. Take a look."
Moments later, O'Connor watched as a video of the event began to play. The recording was from a pair of security cameras, with one inside of the shop's lobby, and another from an adjacent store outside of the shop. Inside the store, he could see Voreg mounting the upgraded M134 on a hidden mount installed inside of the counter, along with an ammunition feed belt and a massive container of ammo.
When the Geth arrived, he could see what had happened. Thanks to the tapes having audio, O'Connor could hear the BRRRRTTTTZZZZZZ of the minigun firing once the firing studs had been depressed. Instead of a high pitched noise, or a mechanical clanging sound, the sound of the weapon firing was a deep, throaty, bass roar that drowned out all other sounds.
The Geth, though, had gotten the short stick. From the videos alone, he could see the machines being ripped apart by a veritable stream of 7.62mm NATO rounds. One Geth had been 'sawed' in half by the projectiles being spewed out of the weapon system. A moment later, the video ended, and Vorenus' face returned to the screen.
"See what I mean?" he asked.
"Damn," O'Connor whistled. "I wish we had one of those mounted in one of those Kodiaks. No one would want to mess with it after that. They'd get mulched for their troubles. I take it Voreg had fun?"
Vorenus laughed, a pleasant sound despite the flanging in his voice. "He was like a kid in a candy store. He kept on cackling ever time he found Geth to mulch. If I didn't know better, I'd have sworn he was going crazy from seeing the firepower on display."
"I can see that," O'Connor nodded. "Did everyone make it out?"
"Yep. Everyone made it out alive and well. Just wish I could say the same for the rest of the Citadel."
"You and me both. Listen, I've got to go now, but I'm really happy to see that you're alive and well. Take care of yourself."
"You too," Vorenus nodded. "Bye." With that, the line cut out.
. . .
It took around two weeks of work before the Presidium was in good enough shape to be usable again. If it wasn't for the Keepers, the repairs would've taken months, if not years, to get done. Gotta hand it to them, O'Connor had noted. They might've been created by genocidal robots that want to harvest us all, but at least the Keepers know when to get to work.
That wasn't the only major headache that they were having to deal with as well. Udina had been very riled up when he learned that it was O'Connor that had shattered his jaw like it was made out of glass. Sparatus, however, had covered for the merc, and had explained why he had done what he'd done to the others.
"At least it meant that someone could come and help restore order," Tevos had noted. "I still do not approve of what you did, Sparatus, but given the circumstances, as well as the fact that your efforts allowed Shepard to save us, we'll let the matter go. Just don't do it again."
Those words were going through O'Connor's mind as he and Shepard gathered before the Councilors once their injuries had fully healed up. "Commander Shepard, William O'Connor," Tevos began. "We have gathered here to recognize the enormous contributions of the Alliance forces in the war against the Geth."
"Many Human beings lost their lives in the battle to save the Citadel," Valern added. "Brave and courageous soldiers who willingly gave their lives so that we – the Council – could live."
"There is no greater sacrifice," Sparatus added, "and we share your grief over the tragic loss of so many men and women." While he spoke with conviction, it was clear that he was not only deeply thankful for those people, but also felt grief for them. They had died to save him and the others, and it was something that would remain with him forever.
Tevos continued from where Sparatus left off. "The Council also owes you a debt of gratitude, one that we can never repay. You saved not just our lives, but the lives of billions from Sovereign and the Reapers."
"Commander Shepard, William O'Connor," Valern spoke up. "Your heroic and selfless actions serve as a symbol of everything that Humanity and the Systems Alliance stands for."
"And though we cannot bring back those valiant soldiers who gave their lives to save ours, we can honor their memories through our actions," Sparatus finished.
"Humanity has shown that it is ready to stand as a defender and protector of the galaxy," Tevos announced. "You have proven you are worthy to join our ranks and serve beside us on the Council."
"Councilor," Udina replied, "on behalf of Humanity and the Systems Alliance, we thank you for this prestigious honor, and humbly accept."
"We will need a list of potential candidates to fill Humanity's seat on the Council," Valern observed. "Given all that has happened, I am sure the recommendation that you two give will carry a great deal of weight. Do you two support any particular candidate?"
Looking at the Councilors, Shepard then shared a glance with O'Connor. Both men knew that Udina and Anderson were excellent candidates. Udina was experienced with politics and the minefield that was tending to the matters that could affect the entire galaxy.
Anderson has more integrity, however, O'Connor decided, though he knew that Shepard had the same thoughts. The man rejects the power, not the responsibility, which is a good indication that he'll be a good leader. I think we both know who will be the best choice.
Clearing this throat, he said, "Well, Councilors, I believe that we need someone that is willing to do what's right, even if it's inconvenient. We also need someone that has moral integrity, and rejects power in favor of responsibility." Looking to his left, he said, "Someone like Captain David Anderson."
"I agree," Shepard nodded. "We need someone with integrity, someone like Captain Anderson."
That caught both men off guard. Anderson's eyebrows went up, and he appeared genuinely surprised. A moment later, he seemed to accept the decision with equanimity.
Udina, however, was more vocal. "Him?!" he spluttered. "You must be joking, O'Connor! Anderson prefers to let his fists do the talking."
"Only with you, Ambassador," Anderson smiled. "Only with you."
"I must object, O'Connor. Anderson's a soldier. He's not a politician."
"That's the point," O'Connor replied. "We need someone that's willing to get shit done and get dirty. Besides, we've got too many politicians and not enough doers. My judgment stands."
"Do you accept this nomination?" Tevos asked Anderson.
Anderson shrugged. "I don't think I'm ready," he said, "but if I am required to take up a position of power, then I will do my best to represent Humanity."
"Then we shall accept," Tevos nodded.
"Sovereign's defeat marks the beginning of a new era for both Humanity and the Council," Valern proudly declared.
Shepard, though, had a different opinion. "Sovereign was just a vanguard," he countered. "The Reaper fleet is still coming. Hundreds of ships, maybe even thousands, but I'm going to find a way to stop them!" Turning around, he began to head back towards the docks.
"I agree," O'Connor nodded. "We've only just hit the tip of the iceberg. Sovereign's assault was just a prelude to another bloody era."
"Shepard and O'Connor are right," Anderson nodded. "Humanity is ready to do it's part. United with the rest of the Council, we have the strength to overcome any challenge! When the Reapers come, we must stand side by side. We must fight as one. Only together will we drive them back into dark space!"
As the group dispersed, O'Connor traveled to the Wards, where he looked out towards the stars. Somewhere, there is an armada that is more than willing to come and attempt to destroy us all, he thought. Those stars hide a menace that has plagued this galaxy for a long time.
Reaching into one of his armored pockets, he pulled out a piece of cloth. The cloth was shaped in the form of an eagle, with it's talons clutching an M16. Emblazoned on the cloth were the letters U.S.E.C, with the eagle and letters in white threading.
This is how it's been, he thought. Who would've thought that a simple mercenary like me would become one of the most pivotal players in a war that will decide the fate of the galaxy? Putting the USEC emblem away, he began to think. Standard armies won't be able to fight this war alone. They will need men and women who have outside experience, and I know just the kind of people that have that experience.
As he walked away, he looked towards the sky once again. I don't know how long we have, but I know one thing: the Reapers will deeply regret ever trying to harvest us. They will soon learn that the patient eagle is the most dangerous of all. Send whatever you have at us, Reapers. We will destroy them all.
As for you Shepard, the man that inspired me to get to work again, there's one thing I have to say. Semper Fi.
(A/N: Thank you all for this wonderful experience. I have greatly enjoyed writing this crossover. For those of you wondering what the next crossover is, enjoy this Teaser/Omake that I've written for you. Enjoy!)
Thel 'Vadam, otherwise known as the Arbiter and the Bane of the Prophets, approached the forge that was responsible for forging the new Energy Sword that he had commissioned for. His gold colored armor glinted in the light of Sangheilios' suns. Underneath, his powerful, muscular frame rippled under his scaly flesh as he moved with the fluid grace of a warrior-king.
Walking into the forge, he was hit with a wave of heat, courtesy of the forge itself. Moving past the various materials that were being used, he advanced to where he was told the final product of the artisan-forgers was at. Reaching to the table, he picked up the weapon and held it in his hands.
To most, the hilt of the Energy Sword was the work of a master. The burnished gold surfaces were linned with a white, enamel-like material that gave it an air of elegance. The curved and organically shaped surfaces gave the Energy Sword the appearance that it had been grown, rather than manufactured in a forge. Activating the Energy Sword, he noted that the blade was a bright, emerald green, while the tips and blade edges were an orange color, a color scheme that reminded him of an old friend.
Looking towards a holographic screen, he could see various news reports about the disappearance of one of Humanity's greatest soldiers. A moment later, he watched as a man wearing a white naval uniform walked onto the stage. While he seemed to have a sprightly step, the weathered face and the sad, but wise, eyes told the story of a man that had seen it all.
Thel recognized him in an instant. That was one Admiral Terrence Hood, one of the most influential and powerful men in the entire UNSC. Under his command, Humanity had not only been able to protect Earth, but had been able to fight off the Covenant. All of that, however, was due to a man that Thel had one called an enemy.
Just as he was about to think of that man, Admiral Hood began to speak. While Thel wasn't interested in the words, he did catch snippets of words here and there. Eventually, he thought he heard something. Listening in closely, he heard Hood say, "It is with great sadness, and great regret, that I must announce that the Master Chief… is dead."
The crowd on the screen went silent. Some, from the looks of it, thought that it was a joke, and that Hood would say something else. Others, though, realized that this was no joke, with some beginning to cry, while others went silent in anger.
Thel, however, knew that this wasn't true. Deep down inside of his mind, he knew that Sierra-117, the Master Chief, wasn't dead. Looking at the energy sword in his hands, he simply said, "Were it so easy," before walking out.
Thel didn't know it, but those words of his were true. The Master Chief wasn't dead. He had simply been pulled into another adventure, and to another mission.