I own nothing
July, 11, 2157.
Colony, Shanxi
I just arrived in Shanxi and currently going through the whole security bullshit. It was taking some people longer than others to get through for some dumb ass reason. Which is whatever at this point. I guess it will give me some time to process the recent shit that has been placed on my fucken lap. Before that, I just had a wave of nostalgia. The Elder Scroll games, primarily Morrowind and Skyrim specifically. In the beginning where you're a prisoner, as always, and you have to go through the "due process". This has a strong reflection on that. It just fucking occurred to me and it's kinda jarring. Weird.
Back to my point, if I'm going to be blunt about it. There is ALOT to unpack. I guess I could start with the fact that I was an ordinary nerd that somehow got shanghaied into a fictional universe. A video game no less. And no, this wasn't some sucked into a video game type shit. I was at a bar drinking to the point I was feeling, say quite intoxicated enough to back walk home. Then BAM, next I knew it I was on some unfamiliar farm in the middle of nowhere. Later I find out it was located in northern Texas. The reason I mention that is because I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Kind of an eye-opener in that department. So, no reincarnation type shit, which was a real downer. I could do a redo of some kind. How I deduced my situation, was the fact that one of the people that found me had an omi-tool glowing on his right arm. There was only ONE universe that had THAT. That was the Mass Effect Universe. Upon realizing this was shocking, exciting, and traumatizing, all at the same time. Shockingly, I arrived in the year 2152 which was 5 years before one of the most historic moments in human military history. "The First Contact War" to the humans or how the turians would refer to it as the "Relay 314 Incident" which I would agree with. That isn't a war, more of a skirmish. So slapping "war" on something that lasts three months max is a bit overkill and overdramatic in my opinion.
Now, there is still more to unpack. I had to move forward a step or two and doing so made me come back to the current day. Before I journey back down memory lane. I kinda want to refresh my memory on the colony for a spell. Ah, yes. Shanxi, A colony that has the same name as the planet, no joke. Planet Shanxi. Capital City, Shanxi. For fuck sake they have a road called Shanxi within the damn city. As stupid as that sounds, it's the truth. At first glance, I thought Shanxi was just the name of the colony that was attacked by turian forces. Nope, they went above and beyond in that fucking department of creativity, I'll tell you h'wut. I do mean that in my best Hank Hill impersonation. Anyway, The colony is rather a large city. Not a megacity like San Francisco, New York City, Albuquerque, or Houston that contains 10 plus million people. I'd say roughly 900,000? Which is about the same size as Freedom's Progress which hasn't even been established, yet. Then again, if I'm gonna be honest, I could be wrong since I didn't pay attention to the actual statistics of Shanxi, thus everything is a rough estimation at best. The colony is mostly a mining colony with a decent military presence, until recently which got massively reinforced. There are two companies and apparently, four more along the way. From what I hear, all arriving within the next forty-eight hours. Even more alarming there is going to be an N7 leading each company. I happen to be one of them. Let me pause there. A lot to unpack.
The landscape on the other hand is well...alien, naturally. Trees that are bare, terrain uneven, and rocky but that doesn't stop trees or life from "finding a way", either growing over, around or through the rocks and uneven landscape. Thusly there are average-sized forest regions. Strongly don't recommend "adventuring". Crawling with Varren or as bonehead marines like to call them. "Fishdogs" or something like that. Slightly green grass, rocky mountainous terrain, and many vast deserts. This place is an armor unit's worst nightmare and airstrikes as well. Landing shuttle parties is equally as frustrating since it requires shuttles to have their ass exposed when deploying troops.
Now, regarding the whole N7 leading a company, well this is completely bonkers since N7's typical to work with a small team handpicked by them. In and out jobs, whether it's clean and surgical or messy and bloody are entirely up to the N7. However, most higher-ups both military and political would rather it be clean as a whistle.
However, this mission... The vibration or feeling has a visceral feeling, like a dark cloud that covers the entire sky of any given planet. It's like dark times are upon us or some middle-age bullshit like that. To compare, there is no comparison. Now the reason why I say that is because I did ALOT of multitudes of work both inside and outside of the Alliance Military. I was a part of a cover band of Slipknot as one half of the lead vocalist focusing on the heavy vocals, military ops, military black ops, many, upon many, times breaking into the R&D lab and test firing experimental weapons when I have no "official" permit. That being said, I have done a lot involved in a lot of things that give off high levels of stress and anxiety. This "First Contact War" is the BIGGEST thing I've ever done, by far. Fucked up thing is that nothing has happened, yet. It's almost as if those things I mentioned, were going to be the good ol' days. But who knows 20 to 30 years is a long time until the REAL dark days are upon us. The Reaper Invasion. At the same time. I'm scared shitless because my actions could accelerate the invasion. Like I said...There is ALOT to unpack...and I'm not even done.
To layer this fucked up looking cake, I'm about to have an actual ARMED CONFLICT with ALIEN SPECIES. A KNOWN alien species yeah, but at least I'm not dealing with fucking xenomorphs. FUCK FACEHUGGERS! FUCK DEEPTHROATERS! No bullshit. Reapers sure, fuck it. I'll take on a tech apocalypse/war between man and machine over xenomorphs, any time. Zero hesitation. I digress, I remembered to what I said about nothing having yet to happen. That's the thing. We already activated the fucking relay and there is still zero arrival of the turian fleet that was supposed to attack it. If I recall my memory, the turians attack during the activation of the relay. So, what the fuck? How the fuck do they know to enforce Shanxi of ALL places? It feels like everything has changed from under my feet and there is no way to predict what is about to unfold. Maybe, an actual war is going to break out. If that's the case, then I will have to do what I must to survive. This is fucked because this could change events down the road or is it simply because I exist here...the whole damn thing is fucking frustrating to no end that's spiking my anxiety.
None of the things I've done in the past, combined for that matter, didn't have this level of... foreboding in future events? I guess in another way, the events in the last 5 years of my life living in my "Mass Effect Life" if you will. They didn't feel as impactful to what is on the horizon. At the same time, perhaps something I missed previously is going to come back and bite me in the ass. Doubtful, but won't deny the possibility. That's a different road altogether because all those events were 100% personal rather than "business". One could argue that, since it WAS personal then that would increase the chances of it coming back to bite me in the ass. Eh, I'll cross that bridge when it does I suppose.
My "Mass Effect Life" isn't as grand as some people would expect, especially from someone who is a certified N7 WITHOUT going through the training since I was the one who inspired the damn thing. That's fucking right, I'm the N7's daddy. I should remind myself to NEVER call myself that again. To the point, the past 5 damn years were nothing short of being stained in blood, hate, self-hate, regret, and lies. I had a series of insane shit jammed packed into those 5 years, just to be told. "Those are rookie numbers, gotta bump those numbers up."
Waait, WHAT! THAT was just the FUCKING PROLOGUE?! Lately, It's extremely hard for me to get through a simple day and it just keeps getting harder, than adding the inevitability of Reaper invasion 30 years from now. I don't know how I'm going to survive Shanxi let alone the fucking Reaper War. Besides, I'll be fucken in my mid to late 50s-ish by that time? Who knows if I'll make it that long! I might get shot in the back for shit that's gonna happen TOMORROW or because of my actions for the past 5 years!
Back in the real world, I remember sitting in my LS English class, and yes, learning support English class and realizing to myself, "how the fuck am I going to make it to 25"? Shit, I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't make it past 25 and here I sit, inside a fucking video game universe with no idea how I got here or why for that matter.
On a side note, do I consider myself "retarded"? Yes and no, I'm a fully functioning adult just a slow learning curve. Honestly, back in the real world, I just extremely lacked motivation...for anything really. Of course, I can build myself to become better. However, I just didn't. Truth be told, there was nothing I really wanted since everything I wanted to do was beyond our technological capabilities AND I was a highly, unmotivated motherfucker. I wanted to travel through space and interact with other worlds and possibly meet other species of aliens. "Go where no man has gone before" kinda stuff. Since that is extremely improbable to the point of impossible. I felt bored with life. There was nothing I wanted in that life. Still don't even if I went back?
Thusly, even if I had a way to go back, would I? Flat answer...Fuck no. I have two major reasons why I HAVE to stay in one, my duty. I'll get back to THAT. Secondly, I'm living my fucking dream even though most of this shit I already know. I mean go back to a mundane life working in some fucking soulless factory job or some office job, hoping I climb the ranks to the point that I have my supervisor's job? All while kissing people's fucking asses and bending over backward to get the job done by practically killing myself day in and day out? Or shooting for a sports job by grinding my body to become the most physically fit as I can be and HOPEFULLY with a teeny tiny microscopic chance of making the team for whatever sport I play? How about going to college, only drowning myself in fucking debt, all for a chance at a job that isn't even fucking guaranteed? Fuck all of that fucking shit.
The more I think about it, the more I realize that I feel blessed that I was "Isakaied into another world" which happens to be the Mass Effect universe. I mean if I ended up here then that would mean I could've ended up ANYWHERE. Yeah, some are worse than others, but I'll rather take a long road through hell than a fucking boring one. It wasn't like I was physically sucked into the game. So no health bars and shit like that. If THAT was the case, then maybe not as many people would've died. Maybe I could've done more for them... It wasn't even that thought that made me realize that these people in this universe are in fact, real people. Who feels, thinks, dreams, and fucks like any other person back "home". I realized this almost right away and realized to accept the "reality" in front of me instead of looking back. Keep moving forward. Just keep fucking moving.
As I said, there is no status bar, shield bar, heath bar, pause button, delay the game to pick my weapon or skill, and tactfully play out what to do so I DON'T die, do-overs, or weapons overheating display. The weapons display and all of that is all in a HUD system anyway, that's only "IF" you're wearing a helmet or some Sayian Scouter bullshit. Typically, I converted to masks rather than helmets, and yes, masks are an optional choice. It's not recommended since a helmet CAN protect against heavier rounds like sniper shots. That however is a matter of luck. With masks, there is no solid protection and often puts limits on some of your major combat senses. Unless you know a guy in the R&D department that can make you a specific mask for military combat. Which, I do. It can only protect against small arms fire. Assault rifle or higher than I'm dead meat.
Yes, there is a difference considering the micro-scaled mass accelerator all functions differently. The speed is all the same but the functions of the guns are the same as old. Power has a different ratio considering the size of the weapon. If a pistol would shoot as powerful as say a shotgun then because of the design, no human could hold on to it. Every human would break their risk trying to do so or firing one shot. So the power is scaled down to match the design. It helps a lot that I have a buddy in the R&D department. There are some weapons that use thermal clips but those are still in the experimental department. The bugs aren't fleshed out in all models, only a handful. Those are the prototypes, thus leaving us grunts stuck with the ol' "shoot til overheat". However, I know firsthand those things are pieces of shit. In intense combat situations, the gun would overheat so many times of overuse that it would melt the insides, possibly burning the user sometimes. Henceforth the strong desire to get off these designs. There are only a handful of models that could withstand the test of time because of how carefully they were made and with the right internal material being used. However, that cost a shit ton of money to do so. Since the Alliance prefers cheapness, those models were replaced with weapons with cheap ass internal material that melts after the 5th day of intense, no-stop combat. You will go through Avengers like their underwear.
As for the mask, I converted, not to hide my identity or anything like that, but rather, after doing so many shows in a Slipknot cover band which wasn't my idea, but very liberating I must say. For some strange reason, I just felt naked without it even when I did military ops. At first, I ended up wearing tactical half-masks. Until my buddy in R&D made what I think was called the Recon Hood or something like that. The whole thing stuck to me and it felt comfortable for me. I had a voice change to it to make me sound closer to Ghostface, Nightvision, Infrared vision, and other nifty visions. It was originally inspired by the movie Predator with Schwarzenegger. My buddy wanted me to grow my hair out and do what Corey Taylor did to his mask in Iowa and do the whole dreadlocks just for the Predator vibe. I declined. I just wanted my own thing.
Speaking of horror, When I left "reality" and came into this one. My newfound "reality" set in once I realized that I was living in a new alternate universe. Yeah, that's right, a completely alternate universe. Or, I think is an alternate universe. Meaning after doing some research on history. Some things didn't line up. Barack Obama was never president and no Vladimir Putin as the Russian president during MY era. This change made me look into my own family history, only to leave me completely stunned at the results.
I didn't exist. None of my family members either. My entire family tree ceased to exist with a snap of your fingers. I went wider and found that people I knew didn't exist either, my graduating class at my old high school was composed of completely different people. The only exception was most major historical events, movies, comics, music, anime, sports, novels, and video games just minus the Mass Effect video games, anything of any kind of artistic value, and worst of all, fucking celebrities. Anyone mundane was replaced with just a different person altogether. Shit, even one-hit wonders managed to survive this fucking purge AND spawned things I never heard before simply because they didn't exist in MY universe. Chain of reaction. It's insane to think about and try to wrap your mind around it. Even today, I'm still struggling to grasp it at times. So, to avoid any headaches, I just learned to accept this as my new reality and move on.
That is when I realized, it doesn't necessarily matter which universe I end up in. Whether it's an anime, movie, or so on. This will apply to ANYONE from my "reality" thusly making it possible that I and all the other mundane people I left behind, only exist in THAT particular universe. All the little cogs will have to fall into place for MY birth, or anyone else for that matter. It's kinda sad because I was hoping to see what an alternate version of me would be like if things played out differently. Instead, nope. Squat.
Instead of sinking into the abyss of depression and my own mind raging war against itself. I asked the person who found me to make me fake documents of my existence while keeping my own original name. By doing so, we ended up getting caught hacking into the mainframe and were arrested. We were given a choice. Face jail time or served in the System Alliance military for a minimum of 5 years. They mentioned it could be extended if WE wished. They kept the minimum short on purpose since reenlistment was 90% for criminals. Most people don't want to fall back into their old traps, so they stay, feeling safe and secure with military life.
Regarding the Reaper Invasion. Honestly, it's all self-explanatory, thus no need for me to explain what would be common knowledge since the Reapers were the main antagonist of the video game, which is now my "reality". Regardless, I remember key events but...I forget a good chunk of it because it's been a while since I played the third game. I never touched the DLC for 2 or 3. I crossed over when I was 21 in 2013, so I'm running on vague memories and information. It's both exciting and haunting at the same time. Yeah, I get to experience it first hand but at the same time...I'm experiencing it first hand. A double edge sword, so to speak. I'm lore junky, everything will click once a get a small sample. I'm pretty sure it's going to hit me when I needed it. I have this gift or curse, depending on how you look at it, of when I watch a movie or play a video game I've beaten or seen before, whatever the case. When I hear the music or see the main menu, bam, all information floods out of my brain and then I sit there like "well, don't need to play or watch this anymore."
Finally, I come to the beginning of my "Mass Effect Life", 5 years ago than what happened prior. Too much pain there. As of right now, this is where all the uncertainty really sets it. The "Butterfly Effect" is a bitch and my mere presence in this universe changes everything, especially since I arrived extremely early in the timeline. To the point, I don't know how this will affect the main story or the characters involved later. I'm pretty sure cannon is officially gone and fucked off because of the big "oops" I made. Come to think of it, the suicide mission that will happen will completely change as well, so fun for future me! Who knows how that will play out!
I know, I shouldn't say "oops", it's more of an "oof", but it's kinda the fucken truth. How I fucked up was...well...with the hero... I am HER father. Now I feel like Vader in Empire, great. Her name is Seras Victora Shepard. Yes, named after Seras Victora from Hellsing Ultmate. I don't remember meeting Seras's Mother...Hanna Shepard since I was at a bar and was drinking out of rage. Got backed out drunk that night, went to her place, drunkenly showed her Hellsing Ultimate, one thing lead to another, yadda, yadda, yadda. I guess she liked the name as much as I did because even if I did have a little girl I would name her that.
Before I talk about the many possible outcomes that may come my way or any further in the past. I'd rather explain the reason why I was having a wrathful bender. Deep in the early morning of that eventful day was when I found out that my entire marriage was a lie from start to finish. I came home early from the military and well found my "wife" in bed with another man. That previous night or that morning, depending on which timezone you're from. I found out that she was being paid to "act" as my wife by some unknown benefactor in the Alliance. Whether it's an officer or politician still remains to be discovered. This unknown backer, which is my guess a politician rather than a military officer. The whole point was to keep me "happy" and have "something worth defending" and keep me within the System Alliance military.
I felt sick, exhausted, angry, and disappointed, then decided "fuck it" and I hopped off the wagon and started boozing again. Currently, I am a recovered alcoholic, yet again. At the time, I just didn't give a fuck anymore. I was tired of walking on eggshells, every-fucken-day. Acting dumb about the System Alliance, the tech, the people, companies, weaponry, and ships when I knew about them all. Well, mostly all of it. Worst of all, I know what fucking coming. It's like looking at a Christmas or birthday present but you know what's inside. The suspense is gone. Learning wasn't a hard bit, going through the surgery to get all the bits and bobs put in me so I can work omi-tools and shit wasn't hard either, but having to act dumb about everything is exhausting. It's going to get worse too. When or "IF" I meet the council and non-council races?...fuck me... Basically, I needed to vent and ended up changing EVERYTHING, all because I'm a fucking dumbass. After hearing I am Commander Shepard's father. It felt like I can't win, at all. No matter what I said or did, some spooky invisible hand keeps me on the front lines of the story or whatever is going on with the universe.
I'm a glorified fanboy and things are going to get harder for me because even if I don't want to. I might have to kill one of the alien races of the Mass Effect universe out of self-defense or whatever fucking means float my way. Shit, I don't even like killing, at all, and the true horror is that I'm pretty fucking good at it. At the same time, "it is what it is", as my grandmother would always say. I can't help that people make choices that will force my hand to defend myself or someone else for that matter. Funny, how shit changes yet remains the same. The galaxy is filled with technology and whatnot, yet it's like a giant wild west/the frontier type shit you see in cowboy movies.
Over time things got easier in small ways, but things got increasingly worse on a personal level. Something always leads me to the desire to start boozing again. But this was the straw that broke the camel's back. I can pinpoint my alcoholism exactly. My alcoholism started kinda early in this world. I would like to say not even a year in this world and I was already dancing with the devil. I mean that both literally and metaphorically. I was trained as a soldier privately before I even went to boot camp and after all my "enchantment" surgery. How could I forget my 6 months in hell of "personal training". The person who trained me was one of the best soldiers the System Alliance ever had, period.
Here is the alarming thing about THIS guy. I wouldn't be surprised if he had more medals than Anderson, Shepard, Grissom, or even Hackett. That had me thinking for a while now...where the fuck did this dude come from? His name was Sugimoto Takahashi. I never heard of this man until I start living HERE. Probably, much like myself, he's not from here. You can fucken tell by looking at him, talking to him, and watching him fight at all. If your eyes can keep up with him that is. It seems like he comes from a fucken anime universe just by his mannerisms and his ability to do shit, which humans SHOULD NOT be able to do. He sometimes can cut or block bullets with his katana. Not the shotgun, an actual fucking katana. As for his katana that damn thing NEVER breaks or cracks. Something is UP with that dude, and sword for that matter, and it bothers the fuck out of me since I can't pinpoint it at all. His mysterious background was like an itch that I couldn't scratch because everything seemed familiar but I couldn't place it.
Still, he is an old, serious, grumpy, old fuck. His expressions remind me of Tommy Lee Jones. But shit, he still to this day is the most intimidating man I ever faced. There was something about him, it felt like you were staring into the eyes of Death, the grim reaper himself. His aura is fucking haunting to be around. Worse yet, he's so fucking quiet. He doesn't say a word most of the time. And, how he knows how to slide around a room without being seen. Despite all that, I faced him in training and I still felt the intention to kill, at all times. We had a tit-for-tat relationship that became a full-blown, hateful relationship in the end. It spiraled out of control...
In the beginning, I tried doing everything how he wanted and I failed time and time again. I'm his 1,001st student and his last because of his grandson, who is my best friend. Originally, his grandson was supposed to be his last student, but like a dick head that HE is. He managed to pawn it on to me. Fucker, and I mean that in a friendly way.
Anywho, the old man punished me to the point it was borderline torture. Then the day, he had enough...pulled out his infamous katana and said "Grab a sword. Fight, or die". That was that. He came at me with the pure intention of killing me. Nicked, cut, and scarred my entire upper body. Mostly my arms more than anything else. A cut on both of my thighs. It got bad to the point I had to be taken to the ER after extremely brutal bouts. Then as soon as I got out of the hospital, the training resumed. Got greeted with a roundhouse kick. However, I got him back by supergluing his ass to the toilet seat. That was fucking priceless. There was no hate...at first...This all happened a few months after the surgery, which HE paid for. I learned from the man who basically molded the "Infiltrator" class, the game talks about. Funny thing was, the old man wasn't as tech-savvy as I was. The old man hated tech. He mumbled about something and never really opened up about it. Whatever his "past life" was...it was long gone and I had that connection with him.
One day, poof he was gone. No word, no note. Not to even his own grandson, the only family member that he has left. Well technically, I was "adopted" into the family. Henceforth my name became Michael J. Schmitt-Takahashi. It was an only formality and the grandson always wanted a brother and dibbed me the "older" brother. I've been around that dude for a long time and in this past handful of years. He does feel like a brother to me. Then he dragged me into the Slipknot cover band, mostly because he liked the sound of the heavy vocals I can do since really no one can do it anymore. Metal is all but dead. He liked the sound AND he just likes setting me on fire during certain songs, thusly I just started going even harder. Within and outside of the Alliance were considered "rock stars" and "bastards". There is a fairly large group of people who enjoy the dying aged music and a slightly larger group that despise us. We only concern ourselves with the ones that love us and the music.
The hate for the "old man", which is what I call the grandfather, set in during the "Amazon Massacre". The name alone is enough to have an idea of what happened but the truth is far more horrifying. After the whole, 6 months in hell, my nightmare was only getting warmed up. I never complained about the 6 months in hell since it was nothing, but a boon. Think about it. The inevitable arrival of the fucking REAPERS? I had no choice in this situation. If I wanted to learn how to survive in extreme situations such as THAT! I have to start somewhere. I need the training. But, this wasn't fucking training...this was the real river of shit...I'm talking drowning in it. How it all started was right after Bootcamp, which was cake compared to what I went through. This was literally my "first mission", that whole fucking cliche. Except I'm the only one out of a whole platoon to make it out alive. 999 people, all gone from 1 mission. My first suicide mission...if you wish to call it that.
What I didn't know, was that the "Old man" got in contact with his old ex-military buddies without notifying anyone. Hell, we all thought he was retired and done. It turns out that not only did the "old man" rejoined in total secrecy...he fucking created CERBERUS Black Ops. Which in turn, will create the Cerberus Organization. What a joyful beginning this turned out! The first operation he was assigned to, was to train the next generation. I was pulled into that. His methods lead to what would be known as the "Amazon Massacre". I was the sole reminder of that big ass blunder and became a target of many assassination attempts during missions so that blemish could be completely eradicated and by, you guessed it. Cerberus. They made this personal and thus I have a personal hatred for them. I mean I hated them in the game, but this was a whole new level of hate. It could boil blood level of hatred. Although, I couldn't do shit. So a personal good friend of mine, Alec Ryder spent his entire career trying to secretly expose them for what they really were. Only he, I, and the grandson I mentioned earlier were aware of what really happened during that Massacre. That's it. The rest was covered up, to the point that Mr. Clean would smile and wink at the job, and called an "unfortunate training accident."
A training mission went horribly wrong by its very fucked up design. He forced us into the Amazon for "field training" with full combat gear, which escalated to combat training like no other. It wasn't training, that part was cut out and became simply combat. "If you die? Then, oh well..." was the old man's belief. Hell, no one saw it coming until there was only a handful of us left. I spotted the "old man" on the battlefield at the end of one of our many retreating skirmishes. After that, I knew we were fucked. But as fucked up as it was, our numbers dwindled one by one. The odds of anyone making it out alive were slim to none. We had to survive three waves of people trained to hunt us and kill us without remorse or pity. I couldn't tell you how many of them there were but fuck it lasted for a whole week!
Shit, we were left completely in the dark, as were the squad leaders and so on. The first wave was by FAR the most fucked up. They threw child soldiers that acted to be innocent. They lured us in, acting innocent and hungry but MANY of us had one major question...where are the adults? Everyone was questioning it and didn't like it. It felt like being around the children of the corn or some shit. It was fucking weird in every way possible to the point, you're fucking shaking in your boots because you know something is terribly wrong with these kids.
Oh boy, when they pull the trigger... nobody saw it coming since the kids attacked simultaneously. Targeting at the highest rank first rather than attacking wildly, pulling out homemade shanks, stealing side arms, and using them at point-blank range so our shields couldn't protect us. These kids weren't you're run of the mill child soldiers...they were heavily trained killers that KNEW who to target and how. They knew our ranks, our insignias, they knew everything. The soldiers with longer communication abilities and yada, yada.
Don't get me started on HOW they did it. Going for the knees, ankles, or for soldier's dicks for fuck sake, just to get at our throats. I saw a guy get stabbed right in the family jewels, but that was not the worst of that day. The worst was when I was retreating, or running for my fucking life, and during that retreat, I saw a kid shove a knife up a woman's...yeah, he sheathed the knife a few times if you get my drift. THAT was by far the most fucked up thing I saw that day and I'll never be the fucking same again because of it. I saw people fall in pit traps and shit that would make Korean guerrilla fighters grin in evil delight.
The first wave killed most of our leaders until there was no real leader anymore. The second waves were highly trained mercs who killed both us and the children since they went stab happy, even going after the mercs. It was pure fucking carnage. The rest were slaughtered trying to take revenge or trying to find out who these guys were. I protested to leave and head to the evac the area. Not one person agreed with me. I tried to explain that I knew who was leading them and told them about our connection which backfired completely. This is when they all turned on me, they claimed that I am in on it and everyone believed it. My own squad tried to kill me. I escaped and then watched them fools launch a counteroffensive that ended in pure tragedy. I managed to use the carnage in my favor. I hid among the dead bodies and collected dog tags as I managed to sneak past them. There was no way I would've survived against the last remaining enemy forces by myself. Lastly to face off with the crazy bastard himself. I was the last man standing and I managed to kill the old man by taking away his own damn sword and using it against him. I was unarmed because while running away from my squadmates, I lost my weapons when I got swept away into a river current that set me back, big time. Most of the fucking guns melted to the point they were unusable anyway. Fucking overheating pieces of shit. The old man thought it was the funniest thing on earth that somehow I was the last one standing. He thought I died during the first wave...
After that, it was a mix of being in a metal band to vent my frustrations, and being drunk just so I could feel numb and forget about what happened. Those were some dark days. I quit boozing halfway though but still rocked out since it was one of my only vices. That and weed. It got so bad being in the System Alliance that I ended up being blackmailed into assassinations. The blackmail was the same as the accusation of being IN on the massacre, then later it became a popular belief among some of my fellow peers. Few Guys like Anderson and Hackett had my back, long side Ryder and my adopted brother. Truth was that they had no real proof, yet the blackmail was enough for me to comply. I had no choice since they would make my life a living hell or worse. They'd make the others' lives worse. I couldn't have that on my already guilty conscience. They could very easily turn around and create this fake story and narrative, and people would believe it. Only a handful believe I was innocent, while others were doubtful. They were Hatsu Takahashi (adopted brother), Alec Ryder, Anderson, Hackett, and yes I met them, but after the massacre, and Derek Williams, yes Ashley Williams's father, but NOT the grandfather. He hated my guts.
My survival inspired the N7 program and I was dubbed the father of the N7 program by the first graduation members. Few hated it naturally, but I became the ONLY N7 to achieve the rank without passing the full training. This is only theory, but I think they did it to make sure I'm tied to the hip. Recently, I was forced to become sober again, and lucky for me, it stopped before it got worse than before.
On a side note, never would have dreamed that I would become a Commander before 30. I have been assigned my own entire company and sent to Shanxi, who got here before me. That's the short, and sweet story because...there is a lot of fucked up shit that I saw over the years. Some left me dumbfounded, quizzically nauseated, horrified into silence for which I had no words to describe what the fuck I just witnessed.
There was a lot of depression that filled the gap. Still, I am haunted by everything because once one memory triggers they all begin to trigger, hence my downward spiral to wanting to forget. I was always assigned to "Suicide missions" and became an expert at them. It felt like the System Alliance was trying to get me killed so they can bury the real history and origin of the N7 program. I'm just one big nasty ass scar that no one wants to look at. There is the side that sees me as a hero or brave for facing such hell and never wavering. Truth was...I just didn't hesitate to do what I must to survive. That's it. I had this conversation with Ryder and Anderson who at the time had never seen real combat yet. It's not about wavering against a foe or winning the battle or war. It's just surviving to see tomorrow because today, might have a bullet, grenade, shrapnel, laser, knife, or missile with your name on it. They seen the "wisdom" I shared with them and I don't know if they took it to heart or what. They stayed silent about it.
It's all been chipping away at me as time went by. Someone was trying to keep me happy so I wouldn't leave the military which I plan to once my contract expires. My best friend is also in the System Alliance. He plans on staying for a career and is the only one that knows the shit I've been through. The others don't have as much insider knowledge since it's better left they didn't know.
Hatsu Takahashi is the "old man's grandson" and is the head mind of the System Alliance's R&D department. It's all classified and whatnot. That's fine. I don't see him very often, but reportedly he's here on Shanxi. I don't even have the faintest clue why though. In fact, it worries me. That dude is known to get into trouble. Shit, 90% of the time I'm sitting in the fucking brig, right next to him, or bailing him out by coming up with some bullshit excuse.
On the plus side, because I'm from "reality", I realized that I'm on a different wave-length of thinking-wise and creativity. Not only that, it seems like I have sharper reflexes and realizations than the average person in this universe. Ya know, that thing old people say. "I don't know, there is something special about him, you can tell just by looking at him". One of those things. In my belief. It doesn't matter WHO ends up here from "reality". They're just more gifted in almost every way. I came into this universe, weighing around 135 pounds and standing about 6'ft even. Now, because of personal training I've received and military Bootcamp. I gained weight. I'm only 160 pounds, but I'll take what I can get.
The sound of someone screaming "NEXT!" snapped me into reality. I realized I was standing in a daze. All I had was the clothing on my back and my rucksack slung over my right shoulder. I wore black jeans, dark brown steel-toe boots, black socks, and a plain black t-shirt. My style is what made me stick out like a sore thumb and at this point, I was used to it. Not many people dress this way anymore and I was fine with that. I'm kinda an old man by nature.
I realized rather quickly, that there was still quite a bit of a line in front of me. So I thought about what I know of Shanxi. Shanxi is mostly controlled and inhabited by The Chinese People's Federation, CPF for short. They held 65% of the population, followed by people from the European Union at 25%, the other two 5% were from either the United North American States (UNAS) or the Union of Incorporated Nations (UNIN). The System Alliance was the only military presence in Shanxi. Local law enforcement and laws were handled by the CPF, naturally.
It just occurred to me that this entire fucking process felt like the start of a video game from elder scrolls or some other RPG bullshit. I've done this fifty if not a hundred times now. Oh, well. I am living in the confines of a universe from a video game, so I shouldn't be surprised if something like this happens day-to-day or if this could be the starting point for what's about to unfold. I'm not looking forward to that.
It took about thirty minutes until it finally got to be "my turn". The desk jockey was a Chinese man who wore an Alliance uniform. He had a buzzcut that was black with brown eyes. I didn't notice his nametag which was a "my bad" move on my part, but he looked up at me as if he expected I was another fresh grunt. "Please put your hand on the scanner for proper identification." He sounded unenthusiastic, yet polite at the same time. Like he did this a million times and he just wants his day to end already. Can't say that I blame him. I bet hard-earned cash that he gets asked stupid questions constantly and I don't plan on adding to that. This dude has enough to deal with on a day-to-day basis.
I did as he asked. "Ok, Commander Schmitt…" He said at first in the same tone until it finally processed what he said out loud. His eyes bugged out and jumped into a snapping salute. "Sorry sir, I didn't expect to find an officer among freshies." He snapped which caused me to snicker at his reaction. Not only that I'm only 26 and already a Commander. It's extremely rare for someone my age at this rank. I took the time to look at the soldier's name tag that said "Lin". I also noticed his rank and he was a Corporal.
"Relax corporal, no need to be formal with me. I'm off duty, technically." I said simply as I moved on through the metal detector and had zero issues with that. I wasn't in my uniform, but rather in my civilian clothing since this transfer was sprung on me at the last second. "As you can tell, this was a last-minute thing, so I don't blame you for not knowing." I continued causing Corporal Lin to relax and gave a light courteous nod.
"Please proceed, sir." The corporal politely nodded again as I continued through the rest of the building. As I exited the small building, Shanxi was a fucken shithole mining colony. I do mean shithole. It is stinky and dusty, and if you look in an alley hard enough you might find a body or a homeless person. Rumors of nasty critters out there in the wild so not many people venture outside the colony. I didn't take as so much as a step and I immediately noticed a familiar face with a shit-eating grin from ear to ear.
It was none other than Lieutenant Hatsu Takahashi, who was technically my adopted brother and grandson to my former sensei, Sugimoto Takahashi. The old man was a sore and touchy subject for the both of us, but it is what it is…We learned to bury it and leave the dead where they're buried. No need to dig up old graves.
Hatsu was a handsome Japanese man with a buzzcut, typically if he grew out his hair then it would make him stand out as if were an anime main character. He was three years younger than I. Well, significantly younger if you count the time jump. Anyway, he was dressed in the usual Alliance uniform except he had on that stupid black cowboy hat. He refuses to it take off for any reason other than when he HAS to. He claims that he will die wearing that fucking hat. Even in combat situations, which is extraordinarily rare in his case. That hat will be somewhere hanging off his armor by its string or wearing it instead of a helmet. He doesn't wear a cowboy hat because it's cool however, turns out that he is extremely crazy about anything wild west, cowboys, and country stuff. He is one of the fastest gunslingers I've ever seen even using modern weaponry at that. He showed me and taught me some tricks that improved my own drawl time. In fact, it saved my life a few times.
"Hey there, big bro." He said warmly as his presence already had me for a loss. Hatsu had a sorta thick Texan drawl tone. He was born in Japan but raised the majority of his life in northern Texas. His tone didn't match his appearance, yet it did at the same time. Then I heard an oh-so-familiar cling-ing noise which made me look down. This jackass put spurs on his fucken boots. WHY? He tipped his hat in a friendly way and spat a super thick stream of chew tobacco. He had a big fat bulge in his mouth. Oh yeah, he dips. "Oh, you like 'em. Just came in today." Hatsu said giddily as a schoolgirl while showing off the spurs on his military boots. I bet this fucker got some put on his armor boots as well...
My eyes shifted to his spit. He's chewing again. I bet his husband is really happy about that. In that vein I lifted my head and inched him closer and he followed suit. "That's a really nasty habit you got there." I said mimicking the line from Predator. Hatsu smiled. "This stuff will make you a goddamn sexual tyrannosaurus, just like me." He gave a devilish smile which got me. I couldn't help but smile stupidly at the guy. Ok, he wins this round. We do that, do movie lines and see who continues the scene word for word the best we can.
"Does Mark know about you chewing again?" I had to ask which Su which he let out another stream of slip fly. "No, and he doesn't need to know I reckon." He countered which made me shake my head. "When he does, he's going to chew yours AND my ass out." I retaliated showing I want nothing to do with his bitching.
"He knows not to threaten me with a good time." He said with a goofy smile almost showing the dip in his mouth. I sighed.
Also, Su is known for having a chewing tobacco problem. Leaving spit bottles or cans around his labs was a normal thing for him. Last I heard, he was back on earth a part of the R&D team. The leading the R&D team no less. The man was considered a genius. Earning the nickname the "King of R&D". Hatsu was charming, handsome, a prankster, eccentric, and just as anti-social as I am. He had jet black hair, dark-colored eyes, and was as tall as I was. He was bulkier than me which was amusing considering he's Asian. Hatsu is gay and happily married, but even before that, it was never an issue between us since he saw me like family.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" I finally asked as we ended up laughing together after the brief exchange. Since I heard the rumor, I was really bothered why Su is even on Shanxi. He shouldn't be here since his worth to the alliance is way too high. I know this since he requested transfers all the time and is constantly denied. Why now?
"I'm here to give you the tour!" He grinned before spitting another mouth full of chew spit. Which made me wince at the trouble he is going to cause me rather than his spitting. He was infamous for getting in hot water with the higher-ups and when I'm around him, things tend to get way worse. Especially, when we both have too much booze. That's when you hunker down and wait for the storm to pass. "Besides, I know your off duty anyway. You don't have to report to your post until tomorrow anyway. So, let's hit the town!" He said walking over and putting an arm around me and dragging my smaller body around laughing.
I recollected myself picking up my rucksack and walking with him feeling annoyed in a friendly manner. "You're such a pain in the ass, you know that?" I commented which had him laughing even harder. "You know it!"
Since Shanxi was more of a Chinese city than anything else its customs and environment were the same. The market was the hottest place to be with plenty of things to buy, food stalls, and all that typical bullshit. The market was filled with more independent salesmen than anything company-related. Shanxi wasn't really that type of colony. They had their place and buildings of course. The civilians didn't take too kindly to high-profile companies imposing on their turf. The CPF isn't really big on Captalizim so big companies tend to stay away from certain controlled colonies.
Believe me or not but there is also the Chinese mafia to watch out for. They control the markets and the underground markets where the grey and black markets take place. Who knows where that is. Not even the System Alliance has the balls to even engage the mafias because of how much pull they have in politics these days. Hell, just about every branch of crime syndicates has political pull these days and it's more legal crime than anything else. It's crime that knows how to completely blend in the confines of the law unless they're caught red-handed which is rare these days. It's to help with the illusion that the crime level practically doesn't exist.
We went to a quiet bar during midday. It was quiet because either everyone was at work or on duty. "So, tell me what's really going on? What's with the sudden reinforcement on Shanxi of all fucken places." I had to ask since Su was always the guy who always got dirt on what was secretly going on all around the Alliance. He collects all the whispers and gossip, while typically, I would be the one to put it all together for us to pinpoint the best estimation of what's going down.
Hatsu paused and looked at me in pure confusion. "Haven't ya heard?" He asked and I gave him a blank look which made him sigh at my reaction. "Man, you really need to pay attention to recent events. It's been all over the news that we found another Relay just on the edge of this system. We just activated it a week ago and are preparing to send a scouting team through that relay tomorrow. So, things are going to get busy." He told me which made me wince at the news. The turians attacked DURING the activation of the relay...The fuck? They activated the relay a week ago? This isn't adding up... Canon has really fucked off at this point. This is going to be fucken hell… I can tell already...SHIT! This could spark into a full-fledge war... NO, NO...The Asari and Salarians couldn't afford for things to spiral out of control. Still...This is going to be BIGGER with a much bigger body count than what was stated in canon. What a thousand deaths on each side with the turians a little bit more within three months or so? I don't know, the way things are going...the body count is going to be MUCH higher since there has been an overwhelming number of reinforcements heading here. What six total companies? A company can hold up to 60-200 troops. That is a damn near an entire battalion here on Shaxi as is.
"Well, that explains everything…" I muttered feeling annoyed more toward myself than anything else. Why didn't I notice this sooner…? Shit… "Why are they sending only six companies coming here?"
"What's where you're wrong, bud. It's much bigger than that." Hatsu frowned and looked at me. "It isn't just 6 companies. Companies hold sixty to two hundred soldiers. A lot more showed up." Hatsu paused for dermatic effect, or because he had to spit in an empty plastic cup with paper towels packed at the bottom. "It's six entire regiments, each led by an N7." Hatsu corrected which made me go pale as a ghost. "They don't wanna stir up commotion and kept the number small on paper, but I don't know how the fuck you're supposed to keep that many people quiet." That's when Hatsu realized how pale I was and stopped what he was saying. "What's wrong bud? You're looking more down than usual. Is it because you found out you have a baby mama?" Hatsu had to point out teasing me and poking fun at the same time showing his concern. I had to give him an annoyed leer which had him giggling at the sight of my discomfort.
She was just turned 3 years old and was named Seras Victoria Shepard. I didn't know about her being born until a month ago. Hanna Shepard, the mother never listed me as the father since she didn't know my name during Sera's birth. We met during a drunken night, thusly, it was one of those one-night stands. She didn't find out who the father was until she ran into Hatsu a month back. Hatsu gave her my information before descending to Shanxi. It took a while for her to get the courage to contact me.
We did have a small conversation. She admitted that she is trying to add me as the father, but that is currently being postponed due to recent operations. Which explains a lot since she is posted on a frigate above Shanxi which now has me worried about future events. Seras is back on earth in the hospital that she was born in until she is old enough for space life. It's rare for children to be living on military vessels, but it does happen. They typically wait until the child is six before allowing them to be on ships of any kind. Not only that but Hanna wanted to wait until she can walk on her own and potty trained before allowing her into space. Hanna admitted that she had no living relatives and was happy that I wanted to be a part of Sera's life since she never knew her father. We both agreed to remain "friends" since Hanna is planning to go career within the Alliance.
I sighed and broke my thoughts. I had to look at my glass of rum and coke taking in a big gulp. "Easy-, Easy now. We can't afford you back off the fucking wagon again." Hatsu warned but realized something was bothering me. The taste of something stiff really hit the spot and the desire for it grew slightly. I could hold it down, but no more from here. For some reason, it had really brought me back to earth, so to speak. "No, it's not that…It's…I have a bad feeling about his whole damn thing." I had to admit which hid the fact that I knew what was coming at this fucken point. Except it's going to be much bloodier than expected.
Hatsu went quiet and turned forward to the TV that was broadcasting the excitement about the new relay they just found. "When you have those feelings…people end up dropping dead." Hatsu pointed out dryly then spat in the plastic cup as the paper towel at the bottom started to soak up the chew spit. I guess the bartender must have overheard us and stopped cleaning a mug glancing over at us.
"No one ever expects the Spanish Inquisition…." I muttered which caused Su to look at me with a serious expression since he understood the reference. Hatsu is a huge Monty Python fan. The shift in the atmosphere went from friendly to deadly serious in a heartbeat. Even the Chinese bartender noticed the sudden change as he glanced between us. Hatsu knew when I had bad feelings that were the moment to get serious. He didn't say or comment anything and let me continue.
"When we make that jump though that Relay…I have a feeling something is going to be waiting on the other side. How I see it…We got lucky that we have yet to come across any aliens, so far. At this point…It's a matter of time. Worse yet, wasn't there a rumor that we're sending a military scouting party though which could spark a conflict. I mean, how would you feel if an alien race showed up in your backyard with a shotgun in hand." I added tilting from side to side. At this point, the bartender placed down the glass he was cleaning and listened as well.
"Well…Fuck. When you put it like that. It's hard not to think about the worst-case scenario." Hatsu sighed before finishing his drink in the same manner I did. "No one ever expects the Spanish Inquisition, huh? Fuck. I bet dimes and dollar that you're right." Hatsu repeated which at this point he is seeing things from my perspective. That very moment we both had an unspoken agreement to expect the worst. Shit, I think the bartender even was in on this.
I paid for my drink and turned to Hatsu before heading to my post early. "Just do me a favor, little brother. Don't do anything fucking stupid that will get yourself killed."
Hatsu started laughing as he paid for his own drink as well. "Do you know who the fuck I am? I love being knee-deep in shit, simply because I love the smell."
I chuckled rolling my eyes. "I'm getting the feeling that this will be neck-deep…"
"Even better!" Hatsu said walking away giving a simple wave of goodbye leaving the bar, never turning around in the process…perhaps for the last time. He was already preparing for the worst and so was I. We aren't in the same unit, nor even in the same platoon. As he walked away, I couldn't help but to wish him luck as he did with me in that unspoken manner. We didn't have to say anything further because we knew what each other was thinking. We both had our own jobs to do and people to keep alive if that situation does arrive. We both know in combat nothing is guaranteed and we might just end up staring death in the face if the worst-case scenario should come to pass. Which...it will.
I looked up at the alien sky seeing the sun beginning to set and how quickly it got cold. I couldn't help but think. "At least I got to have one more drink with Hatsu before shit hits the fan." My expression went blank as I stared at my drink realizing there is going to be blood on my hands again, this time it was just going to be a different color.
Picking up my rucksack and started headed toward my posting which was in the opposite direction of Hatsu. From what I know. Hatsu was posted in the south end of Shanxi, and I was posted at the northern end. I doubt we'll cross paths again, but who knows where the wind will blow.
It took me about an hour, hour and a half to find my posting. I'll admit I got lost. I was posted with the 501st. I am leading a full platoon, mostly fresh transferees. I had never led this many men and women before since I typically worked alone or with nothing more than a squad. Fucken Ryder…I hate putting lives in my hands…then again…I'm not the only one.
Realistically, a chain of command would be normal and N7 would be used for special operations, but this is completely different. Typically, I will be assigned to top-secret missions or some shit on my own. General Willams is in charge and Dave's old man and Ashley's grandfather. Dave and I got along, but me and the general? As if.
Supposedly there are going to be 6 other N7s in ONE area which is even more alarming. The Alliance NEVER puts all their eggs in one basket like this. Something is up, or else...they know as well? No...Can't be? If that was the case, this wasn't like how we did things the last time, we jumped through a recently activated relay. It didn't have near as many troops just sitting at the closest military base. How do I know? I was there. I've been living on the frontier for the past several years now. I haven't been on earth in what? 2 years now. When it comes to this life, travel light and be prepared to be thrown in every direction.
I arrived at the barracks of the 501st, where everyone was looking at me already muttering "who is the new guy?". I ignored them and went straight into the Lieutenant's office. Call me cold since I didn't even look anyone in the eye and ghosted past all of them. This already had everyone confused since I'm a lightweight guy. Every dude and chick was a typical marine. Jacked, bored, and itching for some real live target practice. I don't even remotely look like a Commander. Before entering I sighed seeing the lieutenant that looked like he was fresh from officer's school and honestly, I feel jet-lagged as is, but fuck it, might as well rip the bandaid sooner than later.
I entered his office which was a typical office, not closing the door behind me, the first thing I saw was how nicely detailed it was and everything had its place. Ah, this guy more and likely has an OCD problem. The Lieutenant who had "Burrow" on his name crooked nametag looked at me with pure confusion. He looks young, super fucking young. He was handsome and charming, yet seemed like a rich kid. Not going to lie, this dude seems more like a politician than a soldier. I hate him already. Short, dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. I bet this guy scores all the ladies. Until I realized in the background he has a wife and a newborn kid in a family photo. His wife was gorgeous and the baby was cute? Honestly, not counting my daughter. I hate kids. Seras is the only exception to that rule. I don't plan on having any more.
Oh fucking great, just keep shoveling this down my fucking throat. They look like high school sweethearts since another photo of them being prom king and queen and another with them as the football QB and she, which I would guess is the head cheerleader. Oh, this dude is good as fucken dead. Then again anything could happen. He looks like in the two hundred pound area and is about 5'9 in height. If he played football then he might be tougher so I can't judge entirely. I'd bet he is from LA if I had to pick a major city. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Burrow asked confused in a southern voice. Thicker than Hatsu. Not Texan, though. His voice threw me for a loop because he sounds southern as fuck. Alabama, no. Georga? Hmm...maybe? Immediately, I realized that he didn't recognize me, which was fine since this was a spur-of-the-moment transfer. Probably just got the memo today if anything. Maybe he hasn't received it yet?
I smiled and looked down at my casual wear and turned around seeing I was the center of attention. The others were kinda gathered around the door and against the glass trying to peek in. I could see that they were trying to be sutled about it too. That's when I just smiled and turned back to the lieutenant. "Yes, it would be nice for a lieutenant to show his CO around. Or didn't you get that memo yet…" I teased humorously.
Right away, just like the desk jockey from before he sprang from behind his desk and saluted. "Sorry sir, Commander Schmitt sir, I didn't expect your arrival until tomorrow, sir!" He apologized very quickly and like a true marine. Ah, this kid isn't too bad.
I smiled and kind of rolled my eyes especially when I saw and heard the scuffling of the other soldiers in the barracks scuffle to their spots standing in full attention.
"At ease, all of you." I said loudly at first which made everyone relax, only slightly. "Back to your duties." I said looking out at the other before closing the office door and sitting across from the lieutenant. Burrow anxiously sat down in a quick motion. I could tell he was nervous. "Just relax. I'm here to chat and get some shit out of the way. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Yes, sir." He retorted quickly.
I stared directly into the kid's eyes to make sure I had his attention, and he was listening. I spoke loud and clear. "Now, I'm not going to butt in, tell you on how you run things here or tell you how to lead your men. There are some things I wish to discuss if the worst-case scenario should come to pass." I started then looked to the ground.
"Sir?" Burrow questioned as if he didn't follow.
"As you noticed the recent heavy reinforcement of military personnel on Shanxi. There is something clearly big going on. From what I hear there leading a scouting party through the recently newly found relay. This has my attention because humanity has covered a vast amount of territory when it comes to space travel. At this point, contact with alien species might be inevitable at this point. If shit hits the fan and they come at us as hostiles, then I shouldn't have to tell you about your fucking job." I started out which made the young man nod at the end. "Y-Yes, sir. Protect the colony and its civilians at all costs." He answered and I gave an approving nod that he has at least that down.
"Now, this a mighty BIG IF, but IF we would enter a conflict with whatever alien race is out there, then we treat this no differently than any conflict in human history. We analyze our opponents and handle them accordingly. Because…" I said then trailed off at the end thinking of good examples to think of.
I continued playing at the mere thought and playing with imagination of this young man. Get him to think of all possibilities and plan for them. Ah... "There is an endless of possibilities of what we may face. Say, what we face is a hive mind race of bugs or critters like that. Then fuck'em all, kill them all. I'd say." I said at first which humored the young officer as I noticed he cracked a smile at the playful thought.
"Say, we encounter creatures that are self-aware, sapient aliens, no different than us, humans. They just look different, think differently, and act differently. That would mean they would have families no different from the boys and girls out there. They might have brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, uncles, and aunts. I could go on." I said with sincereness which caused the young man's smile to disappear and see the weight of what I'm trying to get at. "If this possibility becomes reality. Then I have some ground rules. We treat them no differently than human raiders or pirates. I don't care how trivial, if the boys decided to get a little "funny". They will ANSWER. TO. ME. That shit doesn't fly with me. And, I don't want to see anyone saluting anyone because that leaves my ass and yours, a prime target for snipers. You know this and they SHOULD know this." I said knowing that this little talk should be common knowledge but I'm saying it to remind him regardless. A strong reminder to act like a soldier.
"Acting a little "funny", sir?" Burrow questioned which made me raise my eyebrows. "You know, rape, executions, pillaging, and all that colorful shit. I'm not imposing, simply saying we are professional soldiers. That's all." I said and Burrow agreed with me and then I spotted something around his neck, it was a silver rosary. I shouldn't have to worry too much but still...
I cleared my throat and continued. "If shit hits the fan and trust me when I say this. My gut is never wrong and it's telling me it's going to hit, hard and fast. I want these guys and gals ready for damn near anything. I want them to expect the unexpected because IF shit hits the fan, all we going to have, is each other. Were in deep space and supply lines can be cut, like that." I added and at the end, I snapped my fingers together. "That's all I have to say. We all have our missions, and I can't promise you that I'll be there to guide you through hell. In combat, one thing is guaranteed. Nothing is guaranteed."
'Y-yes, sir." Burrow said meekly. He understood the gravity of the situation if it came to that, and any man could see the fear in his eyes. He's young and inexperienced. However, I could tell that this kid had what it took to survive.
"But one thing is clear. Remain calm. At all times, even if they start dropping like flies." I said slightly pointing to his troops outside of his office. He looked out and looked at just about every one of them. I started to speak again which caused the young man to slightly back to me. "This is coming from experience. It doesn't matter if you go left, it doesn't matter if you go right. Soldiers will always die and that includes you and me. I'm prepared for that and so should you. Have the guy below you and the next guy below him or her be prepared to take the chain of command. This is nothing more but a friendly reminder and I wish you to spread it to the other companies that are under my command since each N7 is getting its own Regiment. I have zero clue why for that matter. But we know our jobs. All I been briefed to name a First LT as Regiment Leader if I would be called for a special assignment while you guys have you're own, but you're still my responsibility at the same time. So guess what kid. You're it despite you're not a First LT. Congrats you're it. The difference between me and you. I'm going out swinging because I have a daughter back on earth, whom I never held, and I will do everything in my power to get that opportunity, even if I have to kill every motherfucker who stands in my way. I'm sure you understand that." I exclaimed with more seriousness than before. I meant every fucking word of it too and the young man could see that. "That is all." I said as I stared at him almost as if the "old man" would have done the same for me. After a silent, nervous, nod of confirmation. I rose out of the chair and went to reach for the door handle.
"Sir?" He asked as he stood as well. We shook hands and I just exhaled walking toward the door.
I turned around meeting his eyes wondering what type of questions he had for me. "I just wanted to ask... What's your daughter's name?" I stopped where I stood. Why is that important? Out of everything...A cold chill ran down my spine as if someone walked over my grave.
I smiled hiding this terrible feeling deep down. "Seras…Seras Victoria Shepard…." I answered almost wishing I hadn't for some reason. Although, I have to stay on my toes...I have a bad feeling about this...all of this...