Mass Effect: Andromeda Wars

by Big Boss Pugh

After the death of the Archon, the kett leadership went to Primus. She has taken the kett and many species from the Milky Way for study. After three hundred years of waiting, the kett have returned and new heroes must face them. The new Mass Effect story begins in Andromeda with a hero that must unite two super powers to save them from the coming threat. Trust is the problem.

3. Chapter 3

Mass Effect: Andromeda Wars

Chapter 3: Forge a Destiny

Bynisa and Jacob escort the Path Enforcer to the landing zone. Of Jackson's new team, he has one member from the Syndicate and Nexus. In addition, he acquired the help of a former APEX. Jackson, Chris, Laura, and Covina take a shuttle train to the landing zone. As they travel, they all take a moment to get to know each other.

Convina sadly says, "I can't believe this is happening to me. I get recruited for APEX and blow it in less than a year. Now, I am stuck here with a nobody and his two associates."

Laura proudly replies, "Hey, this is a great opportunity for us. Two members from both sides are using resources to fund this project and allow us to investigate the kett sightings on various planets. You should be thankful for the fact that our leader is allowing you to join us."

Chris annoyingly says, "If you don't like this team, you can always leave and be a raider for the locals. I hear the perks are supplies, guns, ammo, food, and the best part is getting shot at all day. Since you don't want this, I advise you to get the hell off the shuttle and leave when we arrive at the landing zone."

A. Paragon Option: We are doing this as a team.

B. Neutral Option: We are here to help everyone.

C. Renegade Option: We do things my way.

Jackson says, "This isn't the time for us to be divided. We are here to do a job and none of you get to leave this team unless you don't want to do this."

Laura smiles happily at the respond. Chris nods his head with a pleased look. Covina didn't have much to say, but she is glad to be apart of the team.

Jacob says, "The ship has gone through tones of modification since it was in battle a long time ago. We believe it will suit your needs."

Bynisa adds, "If you know of the Tempest that the Ryder family used, we used its design for the new ship."

Once the shuttle arrives at the destination, they all exit to see a highly advanced ship sitting before their eyes. With the technology used from the every tech member, the ship is ready for flight. All eyes look upon the ship with great wonder. They call it the Hammer of Fate.

Covina says, "This ship is the largest I've seen. What is it made of?"

Bynisa answers, "The ship is combined with Rem-tect, our technology from the Milky Way, Angara tech, and even the quarians have used some of their ark pieces to add on to it. I can honestly tell you one thing. We put so much into this ship that the cost is well over what we have."

A. Paragon Option: This is incredible.

B. Neutral Option: It is O.K.

C. Renegade Option: So, trash with more trash on it.

Jackson says, "This is a great ship you made for us. We will use it wisely."

As they come to the ship, a new problem arises. They push through the APEX members to find the krogan Groxis. Several APEX keep their guns aimed at him. He turns to see Jackson and the others.

Groxis smiles, "Well, you're just the people I want to see. I am glad you are here too. I got a deal for you."

Jacob asks, "You all know this krogan?"

Laura replies, "Yeah, we ran into him and his team early. They had a falling out."

Groxis says, "I see you got a ship. So, take me with you. I can see you need an extra gun."

Covina says, "You've got to be kidding me? There is no way we are taking him with us."

Chris adds, "We can always use an extra gun on our side given what we are going to be dealing with."

A. Paragon Option: We can use a krogan.

B. Neutral Option: I'm not sure.

C. Renegade Option: No thanks.

Jackson says, "I think we can trust him to help us. You can join us."

Covina replies, "I can't believe you want to take him with us. He's going to be trouble."

Groxis chuckles and says, "You better watch yourself, turian. I am willing to not shoot you in the face. Don't make me change my mind."

As they all approach the ship, many other officals are loading supplies. To their surprise, they hear someone calling to them. Behind their back, Wagner and Zor come to them. It is unexpected to see them, but they welcome it.

Wagner says, "I see you are going on a mission. I ask that you take Zor with you. He is good with machines and can keep your ship running for you."

Jacob and Bynisa agree to let him go. They even provide more assistance to the crew with additional soldiers, tech experts, and staff. Once everything is ready to go, they all climb aboard the ship. Within the ship, Jackson gets to view everything. He starts at the bottom of the ship where they can deploy a new verison of the nomad. It has new armor and new weapon system for taking out any attackers. The system for the nomad has a built in targeting program when the passengers are fighting outside the vehcile; it can now assist the soldiers in combat.

Jackson goes to the back portion of the ship to view its drive core. The lights on it flashes and flickers. It can take the ship from one section of the galaxy to another in mere seconds. Though Andromeda has not mass effect relays, the galaxy is easy to travel now with the scourge no longer threatening any ships. Jackson goes to the escape pods. They can carry up to eight people inside. He moves forward to the ramp and goes into the hallway. Many soldiers and staff members go about their tasks. They secure weapons, supplies, ammo, and catalog the equipment they will be using. Jacob and Bynisa spare no expense to make sure the Hammer of Fate is ready for anything.

After he climbs up some stairs, Jackson finds the crew settling in nicely. He sees Laura over looking the issues that come up between members of the Nexus and Syndicate. Not too far from her, Chris is being hard on a few others. Groxis is keeping to himself and Covina is checking over her gun. The staff and soldier area looks great from the table to the rooms. Everything is set for both male and female quarters. Jackson takes the last set of stairs up to the main level. He sees the command deck, the pilot chairs, and system analyst computers checking various parts of the ship. Jackson didn't know what to say but he admires the ship. As he comes to the main area of the helm, he sees her wearing the clothes of an interesting style. It has colors of the Syndicate and Nexus mixed together. Though she is an asari, she checks over everything the ship shows her and smiles at the results. She turns to see Jackson.

She says, "Hello Path Enforcer Jackson, I am Dali Hari. I am your pilot for the Hammer of Fate. I am one of the best fighters they managed to train for the last one and ten hundred years for this. I didn't get much on my omni-tool about this. Care to fill in the blanks on why we are here?"

A. Paragon Option: It is an honor to meet you.

B. Neutral Option: Good to meet you.

C. Renegade Option: Hi and that's classified.

Jackson shakes her hand, "It is great that you are here. With everything that has been happening, we can use a great pilot for the missions we have to deal with."

Dali replies, "Well, I do like danger and if it is a mission, then all the more reason to be apart of it. I'll be flying you guys around. So, if you need to talk, give me a holler. For now, let's get this show on the road."

As the ship preps to take off, Jackson is being called by the Nexus and Syndicate once more. He takes the call at the main holo station to see what they want. It is Jacob and Bynisa with more news.

Jacob says, "Before you start going to the planets for your mission, we need you to head to VOX-21 to handle a dispute there. It seems a few Syndicate and Nexus officals are having some issues. We need the matter brought to an end first."

Bynisa adds, "The matter needs to be handled with care before you resort to any use of force. We expect a report from you asap. And remember, you are representing both the Nexus and Syndicate on this matter. Your words carry weight."

A. Paragon Option: Understood.

B. Neutral Option: I got it.

C. Renegade Option: Whatever.

Jackson answers, "I'll be sure to make sure this situation gets handled carefully."

The holo communication goes off and it is time to take to the stars. Dali calls up to Jackson and asks if he wants to give a speech or message to everyone. Jackson does more than give everyone words.

He says, "This is Path Enforcer Jackson of the Hammer of Fate. We've been given an assignment from the leaders of the Nexus and Syndicate. We are going into the sectors of the galaxy to find evidence of any kett activity. The leaders are counting on us to continue making sure the peace remains between the Syndicate and Nexus. Every planet we visit is under full inspection; we will search every corner. I understand that this is a lot to take in, but we got this. I know we can do this. So, let's go and find some kett to eliminate. The time is now for us to shine and stand together."

With some much going on, Jackson feels overwhelm by the pressure placed on him. He takes a moment to get to know everyone aboard his ship. The first trip starts with Chris to hear how he views everything going on. He finds him standing against the wall next to the mess hall.

Chris says, "So, what do you want? Are you here to listen about how great the powerful Syndicate is, or is this personal?"

Jackson replies, "I'm just catching up with my crew and learning about them."

Chris smirks and asks, "Well, what do you want to know about me?"

Jackson says, "What was your life like before you joined the Syndicate?"

Chris answers, "Ah yes. The beginning of Chris Hartway. Well, where can I start at? I suppose you will need to hear about my parents. I was apart of a good family until they sold me to the Syndicate to pay off their debts. They were literaly in the hole for about a good fifty grand for credits. After I joined the Syndicate, I had to work off most of the debt to keep them out of trouble. Ever since then, I've been rolling in credits for every job the Syndicate leaders sent me on. So, what else you want to know?"

Jackson asks, "Tell me about your training?"

Chris flexes his arms, "The training was the hard part. I had to endure some wildlife training that had me and several others trying to survive against a fiend in a cave. I and two others managed to get out before the fiend got real hungry. After that, we learned how to fire assault rifles. Every time we missed a shot, it was a slap across the back. I made sure every shot I fired hit the face, head, or chest. The best part was after all the training, the leaders treated us to a battle and we only celebrated if we completed the job. My first job was to make sure some people paid their debts, protection fees, or continue supplying the outposts."

Jackson says, "What are other jobs you did?"

Chris leans against the wall and says, "I don't have anything else to tell you. We will talk again another time."

Jackson goes to the observation room next to the tech support area. He finds Laura giving out the last few orders to the staff. She turns to her desk and lays her hands on the top. The sound of her sighing reveals her fustration.

Laura turns to Jackson, "I didn't thnk we would go this far with our incident from TOS-51. We went from low class training to galaxy explorers. Sorry, I'm not focused. Is there something you need?"

Jackson asks, "How are you doing with everything going on?"

Laura replies, "With everything that is going on and being asked of us, I'm glad to be here. Personally, I am scared of what will happen. I mean, the leaders of the Nexus and Syndicate have asked us to fight against the kett and find out where they are coming from. All we got is a busted kett map that is missing pieces. How do we do this?"

Jackson proudly says, "I don't know how this will go, but we will figure it out."

Laura smiles, "I wish I had your confidence. You got the most on your shoulders to deal with. You report to Jacob and Bynisa with every mission you do. I wouldn't be shocked if the other leaders got invovled with this too."

Jackson says, "Tell me about yourself."

Laura giggles and answers, "I am just like any other soldier of the Nexus militia. I was from a poor family, but I wanted to have more. So, I joined the Nexus and made my folks proud. Since then, each time anyone asks me why did I join, I tell them why they shold join. The APEX strike team will make sure we achieve everlasting peace. As long as their are corrupt leaders of the Syndicate around, peace will be hard to obtain."

Jackson asks, "What was your training like?"

Laura proudly says, "The training for anyone who wants to be a member of the Nexus team is intense. They start everyone off with the standard pistol. After that, you can use either a shotgun, sniper, or rifle. I was proud to use the shotgun, but I changed up at the last minute. Now, I favor long range of anything. No one can out do me with a sniper. I impressed my commanding officers so much that they made me a member of APEX; however, they said it would be a while before I can join."

Jackson asks, "What do you think of the mission?"

Laura replies, "The mission is simple. We find signs of the kett still here and go from there. Anything from the kett to their operations must be destroyed. I just hope the leaders of both the Nexus and Syndicate realize that there is more at stake here."

Jackson takes his leave of Laura. He admires his associates and they way they carry themselves. He didn't expect both of them to be willing to help him find the kett. With the human assocaites known to him, he goes to the non-human companions. The most interesting one has been Groxis. The krogan made one hell of an entrance in the beginning and later on before he joined the team. It is time he got to know him. Jackson finds the krogan crashes his head into the wall. He seems on edge. Groxis turns to Jackson with his hands ready to crush someone.

Groxis says, "What the hell do you want, squishy human?"

Jackson says, "I see you made yourself at home. An unusual spot you picked near the male sleeping quarters. Why are you did headbutt the wall?"

Groxis growls, "I have no one right now to kill and can't kill any of the staff here unless I want to be shot up. So, we better be going to a place where I can find a lot of enemies to kill."

A. Paragon Option: Keep your urge under control.

B. Neutral Option: Save that rage for the next planet.

C. Renegade Option: Knock that shit off.

Jackson calmy says, "We are going to a planet that may need some krogan head butts to keep them in line. I hope you are ready for it when we arrive."

He greatly smacks his hands together and says, "That's what I want to hear. I am anxious to smack anyone who is acting up. For now, I'll wait. Is there something else?"

Jackson asks, "What made you decide to join us?"

Groxis replies, "I joined up because it looks fun. The raiders I was with didn't provide me anything worth fighting for or challenging. I figure since you guys took out a good number of them that you know where the best fights are. For now, you seem capable to handle a fight."

Jackson asks, "Tell me about yourself."

The krogan roars at him and says, "What else is there to tell? I am a krogan that you should be honored to have. I take down monsters that are bigger than me. I was with the raiders for a time since they did have a good time fighting a bunch of monsters. They only got boring when they wanted to raid Nexus or Syndicate supply routes. The leader was a fool and wasted more time than doing anything useful."

Groxis continues, "That was when I stayed with the raiders. Before hand, I was with my clan. We did usual stuff a krogan would do, but the only problem was I wanted more out of life than staying with my own kind. I wanted adventure and tough opponents to fight. So, I left the Thax clan to find better opportunites. As a raider, I found my calling."

Jackson says, "Tell me about the clan you were with."

He grumbles and replies, "Clan Thax were more of a business group. We fight like any other krogan would, but we prefer doing business more than the others. From setting up supply shops to weapons and guns, clan Thax loves earning more business before we get anxious for a fight. I was suppose to be a promising future for the clan, but I went and became a raider instead. It surprised a few of them. As for anything else, you should know the obvious stuff. From the krogan stopping the rachni to the rebellion, we did it enough for the galaxy if you ask me. Now, go and bug someone else for now. I'm going to wait until we land on the next world to head butt someone."

Jackson leaves the muscle brute to his own thoughts. He goes to engineering and finds the quarian tech expert going through the schematics and design of the ship. He looks through the holo projective of what the ship looks like before hearing some footsteps. Zor turns to greet the Path Enforcer.

Zor says, "Ah, Path Enforcer Jackson. What can I do for you?"

Jackson asks, "Tell me about yourself."

Zor replies, "I can't really say much. But, I am on my pilgrimage to bring back something worthy for my people to study. I am still surprised we manage to find a world that allows us to be without our suits on. It was a hectic time getting out here."

Jackson says, "What can you tell me about your journey here to Andromeda?"

Zor sadly yet proudly says, "The Keelah Si'yah carried the remaining half of what remained in the Milky Way. We left around 2186 just as the Reapers came into our old galaxy. I don't recall how much of the passengers where left, but based on our records left, there was a lot. We had Quarian, Drell, Elcor, Hanar, Volus, and Batarian for the long journey. Along the way, something happen to where a few pods where ejected from the ship. Then, the ship spent a few more years lost in dark space. By the time we arrived here, our home world was kept secret from everyone; we assure others that we are not a threat, but we didn't want anyone to come and look for us until we felt safe."

Jackson asks, "Why did the quarians not tell the Nexus or Syndicate where their ship land at?"

Zor cautiously says, "We keep our home world a secret for various reason. The most common one is how we were treated back in the Milky way by so many other species. Everyone looked down on us and didn't give us any respect. I don't blame them either since my people were the ones who gave life to the Geth. Based on the old history of the Milky Way, only one quarian stood above all of us and she later became an admiral for my people when it was time to take the home world. I wish I was there to see Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya stand side by side with Commander Shepard."

Jackson asks, "It sounds like your people went through a lot to get away from the milky way like us."

Zor chuckles, "Yes, we did. And since we don't know if the milky way is the same like it was before we left, it is safe to say that everyone may be dead. I'm just glad to be here with in a new galaxy to discover its wonders. I hope to find something useful for my people to use that will benfit us."

Jackson says, "I'm glad you are aboard the ship with us. Our mission may be hectic but we are ready for it."

Zor proudly smiles and says, "I hope to get into the field with your team. I may be a tech expert on machines, but I can handle a gun. I didn't come out here to just sit around and wait until interesting things happen. So, if you go landside, please take me with you. I want to see and touch as much as I can. The more I find, the better I'll be able to bring something back to my people."

Jackson takes his leave of Zor to find his last new addition to the team. He didn't at time find her interesting, but he did wonder what kind of female turian he has within the ship. He looks near the nomad, but she is not there. He goes back to the mess hall, yet there is no sign of her. Lastly, he recalls hearing about her movement from the crew quarters to the holo communications. Jackson pops up top to see Covina leaning against the wall with her arms across her chest. She didn't look happy at all. Jackson comes over to talk.

Covina says, "I am not here to make friends with you. You screwed up big time."

A. Paragon Option: What seems to be the problem?

B. Neutral Option: What is bothering you?

C. Renegade Option: What the hell is wrong now?

Jackson asks, "I did something wrong to make you upset? What did I do?"

Covina replies, "I can't believe you took on that krogan. He is wanted by the APEX for numerous raids and murders. We should've turned him in, but here he is. Why did you bring him here?"

Jackson answers, "If we are going after the kett, I need as much help as I can. Even krogan like him can give the kett a reason to watch their step."

She gets up in Jackson's face. Though taller than him, Covina stares into his eyes.

Convina says, "That is not a good enough reason. I don't care if we fight the kett, raiders, outlaws, or gang members. You should've done the right thing. He should be in a jail cell right now."

A. Paragon Interrupt: Enough of your stubbornness.

B. Neutral Interrupt: Stow it, and remember who is in charge.

C. Renegade Interrupt: Shut your mouth, you former APEX turian.

Jackson firmly says, "I don't want to hear any more of that from you. He is on our team just like you are. If you don't like it, you can catch a ride back to Eos."

Covina realizes she over step her boundaries, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so pushy. I just don't like the idea of having a raider on our team."

With no thought behind his next move, Jackson grasps her hands and says, "I understand what you mean, but right now, we need all the help we can get."

Jackson and Covina realize how much they are holding hands. They quickly let go and back off from each other.

Covina says, "Don't worry about it. I was just upset. Is there anything you want to ask me?"

Jackson asks, "Tell me about yourself."

Covina sighs and says, "Well, I was suppose to be in the APEX strike force, but I blew that down the drain thanks to my stubborn attitude. I told my officers that we need more patrol teams out in the land to keep the supply ships safe. They didn't want to listen to me or take my advice in consideration. So, I took matters into my own hands. Because of what I did, I was kicked out of the team."

Jackson says, "What did you do that got you kicked out?"

Covina annoyingly answers, "I found out a tip from the other APEX members that a ship was going to be possibly in the afternoon. So, I took it upon myself to investigate the tip and found out about the mess. It lead me to you, but the first part of the tip didn't mention anything about the supply ships carrying both the raiders and people from Eos. I was pinned down by gun fire before they left somewhere else to go and raid more people. Because of my foolish bravado, it landed me in some trouble with my superiors. In the end, they took away from APEX status and kicked me off the team."

Jacksons adds, "And then you decided to steal a weapon from their armory and go out into the land to kill some raiders."

She smiles a little, "Yeah, I was hoping to bring back something or someone who was a big shot with the raiders. Instead, I run into you and Groxis. So, kind of a twist of fate. But, here I am now. I'm apart of a joint team effort to find any details on kett attacks in the galaxy. But now that I am not with APEX, maybe I can get things done the way I need them to get done."

Jackson quickly reminds her, "We do things for both the Syndicate and Nexus. We are not going to do anything half ass or under handed."

Covina straighten ups her attitude and replies, "Sorry about that. I'll make sure we won't make any mistakes. You can count on me. Honestly, I do hope the mission will ead us somewhere."

Jackson says, "How long were you with APEX?"

Covina answers, "I was with them for about a two years. They do have some nice weapons, but I've seen stuff the Enforcer use. They have the firepower to hit the Nexus hard. Lucky for you, I have good understanding of weapons training that I can teach everyone if you need me to do so."

Jackson laughs and says, "I'm sure you will have plenty of time to show off what you know. I'll be assigning everyone a job on the ship. For now, we are going to VOX-21 to check out the issue there. So, be ready when I need you."

She proudly saltues Jackson; however, he reminds her that the formality is not needed for the journey. After talking with everyone aboard the ship, Jackson keeps in touch the the new faces he wil be seeing. He tries to remember and recall everyone he sees aboard the ship. The journey to VOX-21 has everyone excited and ready to see what is awaiting for them. They didn't know what kind of trouble to expect when they land, but they are ready for come to see Dali and ask her about who she is, but Dali keep the chat short.

She says, "Ok, we have arrived at VOX-21. I'll contact their communcations tower to see where we can land at."

Dali radios the tower only to hear some distubring news come through.

The tower says, "We are under attack by kett forces. Send back up for us now. Is there anyone receiving this message?"

Jackson replies, "This is the Path Enforcer for the Syndicate and Nexus. We hear your message. Stand-by for support to come in to you guys."

Dali hit the emergency alarm for everyone to prep for battle. Jackson, Chris, Laura, Covina, Groxis, Zor, and all soldiers ready themselves for combat. The ship breaks through orbit to see and hear a lot over the radio. Rather than risk landing the ship near the battle, Dali takes the ship the outer edges of the landing zone. Everyone is ready for battle, but they didn't know how their leader would proceed.

(I'll be giving the kett an slight edge over the heroes, but they will still emergy victorious against them on VOX-21. For now, the name and sentences will be changing over time and updated. and yes, many character introductions will be included and yes, there is a romance.)