Prologue

"Well, what about Shepard? Earthborn…but no record of his family."

"Doesn't have one. He was raised on the streets. Learned to look out for himself."

"He saw his whole unit die on Akuze. He could have some serious emotional scars."

"Every soldier has scars. Shepard's a survivor."

"Is that the kind of person we want protecting the galaxy?"

"That's the only kind of person who can protect the galaxy."

"I'll make the call."

2188

The door to the office of the Human Councilor opened and a woman entered before stopping just past the door frame. Her eyes stopped on a man looking out a window in the office.

"Councilor Hackett?" she asked, "The ceremony will be beginning soon."

Hackett turned to face her, his face was stoic yet emotional at the same time, "Good, let's get this started…"

In the year 2148, explorers on Mars discovered the remains of an ancient spacefaring civilization. In the decades that followed, these mysterious artifacts revealed startling new technologies, enabling travel to the farthest stars. The basis for this incredible technology wasa force that controlled the very fabric of space and time.

They called it the greatest discovery in human history…

But in 2157, humanity discovered it was not alone in the universe.

Thirty years later, they had found themselves a peaceful place among dozens of galactic species. But this idyllic future for humanity and the galaxy's species was overshadowed by a dark past…

The Reapers…

A race of sentient machines that were responsible for cleansing the galaxy every 50,000 years of sentient life. But on the day the Reapers were expected to return, one man stood in their path. A human who would defy the horrific legend of the Reapers: Commander Shepard.

Shepard would fight for the next four years, dying and being revived to fight the Reapers, being aided by a crew of soldiers, scientists, engineers, and criminals, each coming from all walks of life. This crew followed him into the darkest depths of hell. And when the Reapers were destroyed for good, Shepard gave his life for it to happen. His death, and the end of the Reapers being marked as "N7 Day" by the galactic community.

However, Shepard's ascendance to a legend has sparked controversy in many. His actions, his choices have left the galaxy questioning his motives. Was he a hero? Or a tool used by humanity to climb the social class system? He cured the Genophage, rendering the Krogan able to reproduce, and brought peace to the Geth and Quarians. But when he destroyed the Reapers, he seemingly eliminated all synthetic life; Reapers, Geth, and virtual intelligence.

But most of all, it destroyed the technology that the galaxy lived upon. A technology that changed everyone's lives.

The civilizations of the galaxy have called it…

Mass Effect: Beyond

Chapter 1: N7 Day

From his time in the Alliance Navy to becoming Humanity's representative on the Citadel Council, Steven Hackett was no stranger when it came to ceremonies. Ceremonies that consisted of long speeches, the shaking of hands, handing out medals if need be, and an attempt for one to raise their status in society. He had come accustomed to many occasions since his appointment to councilor; whether it be charity events, awarding medals, or state dinners.

Quite frankly, he had grown tired of them. Tired to the point he would silently curse while at one. But today was a ceremony he had been looking forward to, one that he, and many others, bore a strong connection to.

Today was N7 Day. The day that the galaxy and all sentient life was spared a horrific fate.

Hackett walked silently through the halls of the embassy building before being joined by a young human male. He wore the standard human C-Sec BDU as he approached Hackett before walking alongside him.

"Councilor." he greet the elder

"Commander Bailey." Hackett replied cordially, "How's security coming along?"

"The Presidium is secure." Bailey stated as he handed Hackett a datapad, "Checkpoints are at various areas near the tower, the statue, and museum. We have backup on standby should things go south with the touch of a button."

Hackett nodded in approval, "Excellent. Any word about the press?"

Bailey shook his head as they passed by members of Citadel Security, "None so far. They're probably trying to get in right now. As I've said before; I don't being stuck between the paparazzi and the politicians."

"I agree with you." Hackett replied, "But hopefully today will be different."

The two then stopped at a window overlooking the entire Presidium. Massive fleets of ships ranging from the Turian Hierarchy, to the Systems Alliance were in orbit of the Citadel's wards. The Destiny Ascension was at the head of the ships. On the Presidium, banners were adoring buildings and streetlights. Each banner was black with a red stripe down the center, with a white circular disk in the middle with the initials 'N7' on it.

"N7 Day…" Bailey muttered, "I still can't believe it. Two years ago to this day I thought I was gonna die."

"We all thought we were gonna die." Hackett corrected him, thought it was more of friendly banter than a scold

"I managed to get out of the Presidium before the battle." Bailey continued as they entered an elevator, "Got stuck on Zakara Ward in the chaos. I had to calm everyone down, saying 'it was gonna be alright' to a lot of people. Honestly, I didn't know if we were gonna make it."

"No one knew if they were gonna survive." Hackett said as the elevator descended, "Those who didn't will be remembered, and we'll live on in our hearts."

"And those who survived?" Bailey questioned, "Many still bear scars from the Reapers, many still blame him for the trouble in the aftermath."

Hackett frowned, but in anger but in understanding, "We wouldn't be here because of him…"

The two then exited the elevator, greeted by C-Sec officers keeping the press off of the path cleared for the two.

"Come now Commander." Hackett smiled, "Enjoy it while you can."

The two then made their way down the path cleared by C-Sec towards the ceremony, all while ignoring the press pounding them with either kind or obnoxious questions and accusations. Jumbotrons and loudspeakers were playing the daily news report.

"This is Citadel News, I'm Emily Wong with a special news report. Today marks the second anniversary of N7 Day. Two years ago, the galaxy faced the very threat of extinction at the hands of a sentient machine known only as the Reapers. Earth, Palavin, Thessia, and many homeworlds were overwhelmed by the unstoppable force. However, several brave men and women took up arms to rally the galaxy and put an end to the Reapers once and for all. In the end, it was the actions of one Commander Shepard, Council Spectre and Hero of the Citadel that helped the galaxy prevail…"

"...Shepard was reported killed in action during the assault on Earth, where the commander activated a weapon known to many as the Crucible. Shepard died saving trillions of lives, and will never be forgotten. And now today, two years later, N7 Day. We announce the opening of the Shepard Memorial here on the Presidium, to honor not only Shepard but also those who lost their lives fighting the Reapers. Along with the grand opening of the new Normandy Museum. The ceremony will be presented by human councilor Steven Hackett…"

Within one of the Wards, a figure clad in a brown cloak that obscured their face looked at the news report silently before making their way towards the Presidium, presumably to watch the ceremony in person.

"...Despite Shepard's actions, his name and effect on the galaxy has sparked controversy and condemnation from many. Most notably the Salarian Union, where several including the dalatrass herself, criticized the commander for curing the Genophage on Tuchanka. Many Quarians also criticized Shepard for the outcome of the Geth. While Shepard successfully brokered a peace between the two races, his activation of the Crucible resulted in purging of all synthetic life in the galaxy, the Geth included…"

Somewhere in the lower parts of the Wards, several people ranging from Batarians, Humans, Salarians, and Turians were seemingly arming themselves as they listened to the broadcast.

"...The Remnants of the Batarian Hegemony have also blamed Shepard for the devastation of their homeworld and the destruction of the Alpha Relay. However this has been a hollow statement as Human-Batarian relations have not always been the most positive. The biggest issue regarding Shepard was the destruction of the Mass Relays upon the Crucible's activation. While the relays remained intact and several were repaired, it has led to mass protests against Shepard's actions. The Hanar have made Shepard their 'devil' of their religion for destroying the relays. Standing: 'the destruction of the Enkindlers' creations will not go unpunished'. Many within the Asari Republics have condemned Shepard, with some suggesting his Spectre status be removed and him being labelled a terrorist. However this has been hollow, as controversy surrounding the Asari's hidden research of Prothean technology and history. Which ironically, was recovered by Shepard during the Fall of Thessia..."

Several glared at the screen before one aimed his pistol and shot the TV screen.

"...Yet despite the controversy surrounding Shepard. Many are hoping for a brighter future for all. Councilor Hackett has stated that the treat of the Reapers have brought the species of the galaxy closer together than ever before. As for the ceremony for the Normandy Museum, there have been rumors of the former crew members making an appearance later today…"

A turian clad in blue and gray armor stood looking over the Presidium from a window in C-Sec. His eyes carried emotion as he looked at the crowds gathering around the new memorial. The right side of his face bore scars, signs of pain but also experience. He remained silent, except for his quiet breathing as he listened to the new report.

Garrus Vakarian reminisced about his time on the Normandy. Before then he was a C-Sec officer trying to expose a rogue Spectre named Saren. For some odd reason, that turian just gave off a bad vibe. Yet his investigation turned up nothing, but who does he run into in the process? A human soldier named Shepard who believed him, and next thing he knew, he was off on an adventure with a squad of people from all walks of life. Then he finds out that there's a reoccurring genocide every 50,000 years that Saren was apparently trying to start up, which made his mind boggle. Next thing he knows he indirectly worked for Cerberus, went on a suicide mission, became an advisor, and then… it was all over. The Reapers were destroyed, and Shepard was gone.

Now here he was again, back as square one: a turian in C-Sec. Don't get him wrong, he hated the red tape and regulations of C-Sec before. But now he had a higher position, it was simple, but boring. But it felt like an old friend.

"Garrus."

He was pulled from his thoughts and the Presidium as he turned around. Standing in front of him was an asari. She wore a green formal dress, which was rather nice on her. She smiled at him as he looked at her in surprise.

"Liara T'Soni…" he muttered before walking up and embracing her in a hug, which she happily accepted. The two then broke apart and began walking.

"Its been too long…" he said to her, make her raise an eyebrow

"Garrus, we saw each other yesterday. We're practically colleagues at this point" she chuckled, "You're acting you haven't seen me in forever."

Garrus scratched the back of his head, "Maybe its the just the feeling of today. You know…with everything."

"You're right." Liara agreed with him, "We should get going though, don't want to be late."

Like Garrus, Liara too served on the Normandy. Garrus and Shepard found her on Feros stuck in a Prothean security shield. Back then, she was young. Hell, she still is by asari standards being around the age of 111. But still looked no older than a female human in their mid-20s. She was an archeologist studying the Protheans when Shepard found her, interested in learning more about other species. Then she became an information broker and matured quite a lot, then with Shepard's help, found the location of the Shadow Broker before becoming it herself, and turned the job from a shadowy business to a force for good, by working directly with the Council, preferably Steven Hackett. She and Garrus had been basically colleagues for the past two years.

They both missed their days on the Normandy very much, along with its crew. But life went on and times had changed. But hopefully they'd reunite with old friends. Speaking of which…

"Garrus! Liara!"

The two looked to see a human female in a blue Alliance uniform. Her dark brown hair was flowing behind her as she ran up to them. Both were instantly happy to see who it was.

"Ashley!" they shouted in unison as Ashley Williams embraced them both. Which would have been odd four years ago. Ashley came from a large military family, with her father even serving in the First Contact War against the Turian Hierarchy. The conflict would influence her greatly, painting aliens in a negative light. But not full on racism, Ashley wasn't like that, it was more of a wary approach when it came to other species and their place in the galaxy.

But this changed when Shepard found her on Eden Prime in the wake of the Geth attack. An attack that would start a three year-long period of stopping the Reapers. Now she's a Spectre, the second human to achieve the rank.

"It's great to see you both." Ashley said to them, "How's the Citadel been treating you?"

"About as well as a krogan drunk on a bottle of ryncol." Garrus answered, "How long has it been since you've been here?"

"Months at most." Ashley sighed with a chuckle as they continued walking, "A year perhaps. Hell, Hackett contacted me about the ceremony, offered me a seat. I have a week-long shore leave afterwards."

"That's great to hear." Liara replied, "How have things been with you? Being a Spectre and all."

Ashley thought for a moment before speaking, "Busy at most, helping colonies in Alliance space and the Traverse. Vega and I have been working together on the job mostly."

"And how's Vega been treating you?" Garrus asked but it sounded like a bit of teasing. Which made Ashley roll her eyes

"We're making it work." she continued, "But he couldn't make it to the ceremony. He's off in the Terminus Systems helping out other colonies. Says hi though."

"Well, maybe I should pay him a visit when this is over." Garrus muttered

The three made their way into an elevator before the doors closed and started taking them down towards the main level of the Presidium. A window allowed them to see the crowds and banners set up for the occasion. The lanes meant for sky cars were like a ghost town, not a single vehicle in sight.

"So how do you two feel about the Normandy Museum?" Garrus asked both women, "Aside from the fact that we better get free unlimited passes."

"I think it's a nice idea, it represents history of course." Liara answered before looking out the window and gave a questioning look, "Though I must admit, they could've built it rather than renovate it.

Ashley and Garrus looked at what docked in an open hangar bay overlooking the Presidium Commons. It was none other than the Normandy-SR2, polished and returned to its former glory. Initially starting out as a Cerberus vessel then retrofitted by the Alliance and repainted to fly its colors. It was heavily damaged after the assault on Earth, which resulted in the ship and crew crashing on a remote planet. Afterwards, the crew handed the ship back over to the Alliance, who then opted to retire it ship they served on, lived on, and bonded on, now turned into a bloody tourist trap. Only one could imagine what they did to the interior.

"Damn, how has it been since we've seen the girl?" Garrus muttered

"Feels like a lifetime." said Ashley as her eyes soon gazed on the crowds, "Just look at them all. It's like they view him as if he were a god."

"Except for the hanar, most of them treat him like the Judas of their beliefs." Garrus added, a hint of disdain in the tone of his voice that quickly spread to the two women

"How could it have come to this?" Liara asked out loud, "Shepard saved the entire galaxy, and gave his life for it to happen. He went out of his way to make sure the right thing was done. Just how ungrateful can people be?"

"Not everyone can move on quickly." Ashley sighed, "Some just hold on to the past. It's not a bad thing though."

"Indeed." Liara agreed with the human spectre, "But I just hate that there are people who don't care about the good that has transpired these last two years. Instead they opt to look at the bad, and just that."

"If there's one thing certain, it's that we can get through this." Garrus declared

Ashley snorted a bit, "You're starting to sound like Shepard."

"Yeah, I guess he kinda rubbed off on me. All of us." the turian chuckled lightly

Liara then spoke once more, "This is actually nice. When Hackett told me he wanted the Normandy crew at the ceremony, I was overjoyed. But ceremony or not, this is all I need."

"Preach, sister." Ashley added, "I wonder who else will be waiting for us."

"You can bet that Hackett and the Councilors will be there." Garrus replied, "As for crew members, I got a call from Wrex, he'll be there."

"Can't say if Traynor and Cortez are gonna be here." Ashley added, "Vega and I haven't heard from them in awhile. Last I heard they were asked to work on a big Alliance project."

"What kind of project?"

"Don't know, don't have the clearance." she answered, "So there's two we won't be seeing."

"There's a third we probably won't be seeing." Garrus muttered

Liara frowned, a sad look on her face, "Right…"

"Ashley, you're a Spectre. You haven't happened to-"

"No, I'm sorry Garrus." Ashley replied glumly, "No one can find her. It's like she's dropped off the grid completely."

"I pray for Tali." Liara added as the elevator opened and the three stepped out, "Wherever she is, I hope she is doing ok."

The trio made their way through the Presidium Commons without being interrupted. People, various species talking about random things; from N7 Day to everyday life. You'd think that these people would recognize the three former crewmates. They did, but didn't bother to speak with them; they had a ceremony to get to, and one of them was a Spectre.

Soon the people around them were replaced with that of officers from C-Sec, eventually entering a secure building that led up to where the ceremony was to take place. Unaware that a hooded figure was watching them from afar. Whoever they were, they simply walked away and headed towards the massive crowds gathering around the new Shepard Memorial. Soon they arrived at the backstage of where the Council was. In the center of the Presidium was a large object covered by a tarp. Hackett and Bailey were waiting for them, along with yet another familiar face.

"Wrex!" Garrus stated getting the krogan's attention

"Fellas!" Urdnot Wrex shouted as he shook hands with the turian before hugging both Liara and Ashley. Wrex was initially the 'muscle' of the Normandy crew. When Shepard first recruited him, he was a mercenary hired to hunt down a Fist, a Shadow Broker operative. Next thing he knows, he returned to his homeworld of Tuchanka to lead his clan in uniting all krogan. Then with Shepard's help, the Genopahge, the bio weapon created by the salarians to sterilize the krogan, was cured for good. On the outside was a seasoned krogan warrier, but on the inside, he was practically a big softy. And everybody knew it.

"It's good to see you again Wrex." Liara said to him, "How's Tuchanka?"

"Getting better by a month." Wrex replied, "I've been speaking with the Council on hopefully opening a position on the Council for us."

"You have humanity's support, Wrex." Hackett stated, "We'll need the krogan in the future."

"Hey, guess who's also here?" Wrex then asked as he turned back to the three, "Joker."

""Really?" Ashley muttered, surprised, "Where is he?"

"Already sitting down I'm afraid." the krogan shrugged, "Didn't want to break a femur."

"Figures." Garrus muttered, "And how's he been doing?"

"Why don't you ask him instead of me." Wrex laughed, "I'm just a krogan! Come on, the ceremony is about to start."

Bailey then turned to Hackett, "This is my leave Councilor, I'll be coordinating security."

Bailey then turned to leave while the others made their way to the stage. The asari, turian, and salarian councilors were already waiting. Each turned to them and nodded firmly in respect before looking back. Sitting nearby was a man clad in an Alliance uniform. It took Garrus and his friends to recognize it was.

"Joker?" he muttered getting the man's attention

"Hey, Garrus." he said to him quietly, "How's C-Sec been treating you?"

"Not a lot of red tape as before, but I make it work." Garrus answered, "What about you?"

Joker simply shrugged in his seat, "Trying to do better."

"Quiet!" Ashley whispered loudly, "They're staring!"

The Councilors stepped forward as they addressed the massive crowds of the Presidium. Their appearance and gaze quickly silenced everyone. From in-person to jumbotron, from TV screen to omni-tool. Everyone was tuning in to listen.

"Thank you all for coming!" Asari Councilor Tevos announced, "Today marks a special moment for all species of the galaxy! In honor of this momentous occasion, Councilor Steven Hackett will have the honors."

Tevos stepped back as Hackett walked up. He cleared his throat before speaking, "On this day two years ago, the galaxy was faced with the threat of extinction. A force of indescribable odds swept through the stars, attempting to harvest our worlds and powers. We were put into a corner, lives were lost, our homes destroyed. But in our darkest hour, heroes rose to stand up against these aggressors, united us to destroy the threat of the Reapers. But in our victory, we lost many lives, loved ones, and symbols. On this N7 Day, we dedicate this memorial in honor of the man who rallied us all to fight the Reapers…"

As if on cue, several people pulled the tarp off the object, revealing a bronze statue of Commander Shepard. He wore his standard N7 armor while his left arm had an omni blade. Inscribed on the bottom of the state were the words:

'Commander Shepard. The First Human Spectre. Hero of the Citadel. Savior of the Galaxy. In Memory of the Heroes and those Now Far Beyond.'

The crowds began to clap and cheer as the statue was revealed. The former crew members couldn't help but smile at the statue as well. Commander Shepard, their leader, their friend, being honored. But Garrus noticed something off, part of the crowd that was clapping wasn't at all.

"Commander Shepard." Hackett continued, "Your actions are indescribable, but you will never be forgotten. For you have passed the torch onto us, and we will guide the galaxy to a better tomorrow."

The rest of the Council now joined Hackett, with turian councilor Sparatus speaking up, "In honor of Commander Shepard's actions and that of his crew. The Council has announced the opening of the new Normandy Museum. The Normandy was operated by Shepard through his fight against the Reapers. And what better way than to announce its grand opening than to members of his former crew."

Once more the crowds applauded in cheers as the Council turned to clap as well. But this was put to a sudden halt.

"LIES!"

The ceremony and cheers were abruptly silenced as part of the crowd turned into an absolute riot. Humans, salarians, asari, hanar, even a few turians began sneering and throwing insults. Eventually, a salarian stood up, and using his omni-tool, hacked the speakers.

"How could you honor a man who caused more trouble for us!?" he shouted

Hackett and the Councilors glared at the man, as did the Normandy crew. All while C-Sec was mobilizing small squads to peacefully remove the protestors.

Valern, the salarian councilor, then spoke up, "Now sir, listen-"

"Commander Shepard is a terrorist!" the salarian protestor cut him as he continued his rant. He turned to face the crowd of fellow protestors, "He ended the Genophage! A necessary decision to solve the issue of the krogan! He set back years of peace for what!? For a few savages to have children!?"

Wrex growled at that last remark. He was tempted to beat the crack out of that little pyjak, but Garrus stopped him.

"Easy Wrex." Garrus said to him, "You'll get your chance."

A hanar then spoke up, "This one sees Shepard as the destroyer of the Enkindlers! This one believes Shepard must be tried for his crimes!"

"Of course you will support a human!" a batarian sneered, "Where were you when Shepard destroyed the Alpha Relay! An entire batarian colony gone! Hell, I had friends and family living there!"

Then of all people, a quarian took to the stage, "Even when Shepard seemingly destroyed the Reapers, it destroyed the relays and the Geth! Even after he brokered a peace between them and my people! His actions have set back years of peace!"

More and more people from the protesting crowd began shouting their complaints. Wrex and Ahsley couldn't help but fume in anger at their disrespect. They understood their hardships, but it would all be for nothing if the Reapers were still around. But it was ultimately Garrus who stood in defense.

"Enough!" the turian shouted as he stepped forward, glaring at the protestors. His sudden burst of anger caught the quarian's attention.

"Garrus Vakarian…" the salarian said rather smugly, "Shepard's lapdog, trying to stand up for a terrorist!?"

"Shepard was never a terrorist!" Garrus shot back, wishing he had his sniper rifle with him, "I was with him! We all were! What are you trying to prove!?"

"...Nothing, I'm just here to remove his followers…"

Then, the quarian activated his omni-tool and several unmarked shuttles arrived and deployed the same criminals from the wards from before. They opened fire on the crowds while the salarian and quarian ran off amidst the chaos.

Both Garrus and Ashley quickly sprung into action to protect the Councilors as they ran offstage to avoid any gunfire. Liara and Wrex ran over to help Joker up.

"Hey! Be careful!" he warned as they ran backstage. Bailey and several C-Sec officers were waiting for them.

"We got this!" Bailey shouted to Garrus, "Go find those two who orchestrated this!"

"Williams, go with him! Bailey's got us covered!" Hackett ordered Ashley as Wrex pulled out his shotgun

"Finally! We get to fight!" he shouted with glee. Garrus then readied his sniper rifle, while Ashley and Liara loaded their assault rifle and pistol respectively.

"Just like old times?" Wrex asked them

"Definitely."

The salarian made his way through the alleyways of the Presidium. The little 'disruption' of the N7 Day ceremony was good as it could get in his opinion.

"Snipers, move into position." Salarian ordered via comms but got no answer, "Snipers! Do you copy!?"

Within an isolated area overlooking the Presidium, one of the snipers fell to the ground as the cloaked figure from before retracted an omni-blade. They looked out to where the sniper was intended to position themself and noticed Garrus and party before fleeing the scene.

"Snipers!" the salarian repeated before he saw a bullet fly past him. He looked up to see Liara in front of him aiming her pistol at him. He tossed a grenade at her, to which she jumped out of the way. The salarian then withdrew his own SMG to return fire.

"Come here ya little pyjak!" Wrex growled as he charged at the salarian who was knocked back by the krogan. Wrex then fired a round that deflected off the salarians personal shield before the latter proceeded to run off as Garrus and the rest of the squad showed up.

"Come on, he's getting away!" Ashley cried

The salarain then arrived at a skycar lot that was nearby, where he hoped to find a ride. But as he approached a vehicle a cloaked figure dropped down onto the roof of the skycar, stopping him.

"Who the hell are you!?" he sneered before he was met with the figure foot in his face. He tumbled back and fell onto the ground before pinned him and held his omni-blade to his throat. The salarian began to squirm in fear.

"No-Wait! Please!" he cried out as Garrus and company arrived, each aiming their weapon at the figure.

"Hold it right there!" Ashley barked as the fire pucked up the salarian and tossed him over to Wrex who cuffed him.

"Who are you?" Garrus asked, still aiming his sniper rifle at the figure as they removed their hood. Each of them went wide-eyed at who it was. It was a female quarian with a beautifully-detailed light purple vein over her purple visor that only showed her glowing eyes.

"Garrus…Liara…" she muttered

Each of them lowered their weapons upon recognizing her.

"Tali…?" Garrus muttered as Bailey and two officers arrived at the scene.

"Garrus, are you alright?" he asked, "We heard you were last seen…here…" he trailed off as he noticed the figure standing before them, "...We'll just take the salarian for now…"

Wrex then handed him over to Bailey. The salarian squirmed furiously as he was dragged away.

"You people are the real terrorists!" he shouted, "Shepard is a monster!"

The squad then turned back to face Tali. An awkward silence fell amongst them…until Wrex broke it.

"Can I buy you a drink?"