A/N: What's this? A chapter only 6 days after the last one?
I know, and I'm sorry the other chapters have been slow moving.
So, this chapter wraps up Mass Effect 1 and starts building the bridge to Mass effect 2. It only took me 6 months, but I am finally done with ME1.
I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas when that times comes around. I probably won't update this story until after Christmas.
KanusRussell
9/5 2183
A couple of hours after the fall of Sovereign.
Captain Anderson came rushing through the burning building. He was followed closely by two alliance soldiers. They were looking for a particular crew, who had just saved the galaxy.
The council chambers were in ruins, debris from Sovereign had left a path of destruction in its wake. The scene would have made most people hopeless about the odds for the crew that went looking for Saren, but Anderson kept on to a beacon of hope. Mads had yet to die from so many other incidents, he just had to survive this one as well!
"Let's split up, see what we can find" Anderson ordered.
"Yes sir!" They both replied and began searching the massive room.
Anderson was unsure where to begin. They could be anywhere; they could be crushed underneath some debris. But Anderson did not want to think those thoughts; he was there to find the heroes of the hour.
One of the alliance soldiers began searching the center of the chambers, the place where the council would normally hold their meetings. A ring of debris had formed in the center, and so he began trying to pry some metal off to make a path into the heart of the chamber.
The metal seemed to be determined to stay where it was. He began to grow angry and put all his force into moving it aside. Finally it began to give way for his force. When the metal was finally removed completely, he had a clean path in. He turned on his flashlight on his omni-tool and began shining it to see where he was going.
He was happily surprised to see the confused face of a familiar Turian staring back at him.
"Anderson! I found them, they are in here!" He yelled.
Anderson ran as quickly as he could to the soldier's location. He entered through the small hole the soldier had created and scanned the area. He was glad Mads' band of mischiefs hold up safe and sound. All five of them seemed to be in good condition.
"Relax, you are safe now." Anderson proclaimed. They all looked at him.
"Where is the commander?" Anderson asked. They all remained silent. Anderson could hear the Quarian in the crew begin to sob quietly, as to try and not alarm anyone.
A sudden realization hit the captain, one he had hoped to avoid. Anderson refused to believe it, the man he had come to know and love, was dead? No, it was not possible!
15 minutes before.
Mads was awoken by his own coughing. Most likely from all the smoke in the room, if he had been out for a while longer, he would have possible been killed by the smoke, since breathing wasn't easy.
Mads then began laughing, it started as a small chuckle, but it soon turning into full-blown laughter. He laughed because he had survived and had taken down the Turian bastard and his reaper friend, that he had been hunting for a while now. He must have laughed for at least a couple of minutes. He was still looking up at the celling and just enjoying the moment of victory.
Mads then tried to move, only to feel a sharp pain in his right thigh. He wondered what it could be, and so he looked up from his position and down to his legs. The sight didn't calm he what so ever.
A small metal spike had impaled his right thigh. Mads let out a loud sigh.
"Fuck me" He muttered to himself.
Some debris from Sovereign must have gotten him while he was out. Mads' hand moved to the small spike and tried to pull it out. It hurt like hell; it had been long since he had such a serious injury.
Mads opened his omni-tool and was horrified to see he didn't have any medi-gel left. He sighed again; maybe this wasn't such a victory after all.
Mads began looking around the area he was in. Smoke was everywhere and debris had fallen all around him. Luckily the spike hadn't been stuck to the floor, so Mads began sliding across the ground. He finally found what he was looking for. It was a piece of cloth, most likely from a dress that had been ripped during the initial attack.
Mads took it and ripped it into two pieces. He knew this was going to hurt, so he took out his 44. Magnum and opened the chamber. He removed a single bullet and put the revolver back into his holster. Mads took his knife and removed the lead and gunpowder that was inside the bullet.
Mads placed the bullet casting between his teeth and began tying the first piece around his leg, a little over the wound. His hopes would be that it would stop the bleeding when he pulled out the spike. It hurt when he tighten the piece of cloth, he would have let out a scream if it wasn't for the bullet in his mouth.
When the piece of cloth was tight enough, he took a moment to breathe. He inspected the bullet, only to find a huge bite mark in it. The next step would be even worse.
Why did I have to run out of medi-gel now!? He thought to himself as he placed the bullet between his teeth once again.
He began pulling the spike out of his thigh. He started slowly and it was hurting bad. The bullet between his teeth was on the verge of snapping in half.
So Mads made a rush decision, he pulled it out quickly. It felt like he was stabbed 20 times over and the so spike didn't seem that small after all. After a few seconds of pulling hard, it came out and with it did the blood as well. It began oozing out at a rapid rate, yet the cloth did seem to have some effect on the rate it was pumping out.
Mads took his second piece of cloth and tied it around the wound and he made sure it was tight. Mads spit out the bullet he had been biting, it was completely ruined. He took a few minutes to breathe, and just think about what to do next.
Mads began observing his surroundings more thoroughly, he spotted what most been a small passage out of this place.
Mads slowly stood up, he made sure to place all his weight on his left leg. Mads slowly limped to the place he had spotted. He crawled down to get through and he was treated with a larger view of the council chambers. He looked around for his teammates, hoping they too had survived.
A smile grew upon his face when he saw them sitting down in the middle of the chamber, and speaking with them was Captain Anderson. Mads began limping down the stairs towards them.
They didn't notice him right away. But all of a sudden Mads accidentally kicked some debris on the floor that made a loud enough noise to get their attention.
They all turned their eyes and looked upon the man that had saved the galaxy. For a moment or two things remained quiet. They believed just a second ago that he was dead, now he was standing right in front of them.
Tali made the first move. She sprinted to the commander and hugged him tightly. Still sobbing a bit.
"We thought you were dead!" She cried into his arms.
"It will take more than that to kill me" Mads laughed.
They all gathered around him. Tali continued holding him tight for a moment or two. Anderson approached from the side, and so Tali finally let him go.
"You're a goddamn hero, commander!" Anderson said as he gave Mads a hug too.
"Thanks Anderson, I try" Mads replied.
"Oh goddess, what did you do to your leg!" Liara asked in fear as she spotted his bloody leg with makeshift bandages on it.
"Some debris must have hit me while I was out, had to pull a spike out of my leg. I wouldn't mind a medic right about now." Mads explained.
"Soldier! Get the hero a medic now!" Anderson ordered.
"Yes sir!" The soldier replied and ran out looking for a medic.
The team then talked about what just happened. Mads choice to sit down, since his leg wasn't doing him any favors at the moment.
A medic came rushing through the debris after a few more minutes. He ran straight up to Mads and looked at his leg. The medic took off the makeshift bandage and took a look at the wound. Mads winched in pain as the medic inspected the wound.
It took a few moments for the medic to asset the situation but he finally spoke up.
"Looks like you lucked out, commander. No sign of an infection, you stopped the bleeding correctly and it didn't touch your bone. It should be as simple as applying some medi-gel. Though I would discourage you from any combat for the next couple of week." The medic explained and demanded.
"I think I earned a week's rest. Wouldn't you say, captain?" Mads asked.
"Indeed. But the council has already set up a meeting in 4 days, they want you there. The alliance also wishes to speak with you." Anderson replied.
"Well damn, looks like I will be a busy man." Mads commented.
"Please take it easy, commander. Allow the wound to heal." The medic remarked as he applied some medi-gel to the wound. It worked quickly and began healing at a rapid rate.
"God save medi-gel" Mads muttered as his wound was healing.
"I'll escort you to your hotel, commander." Anderson said as he helped Mads get up.
"Thanks, I'll see you guys later" Mads said as he limped away with Anderson.
They all waved him goodbye.
11/5 2183
Mads was lying on his bed in the hotel room by the presidium. He had a nice view of the stream going by the council chambers. He was watching the news, which had been filled with the new breaking story of the attack on the citadel.
Doctors' orders were to stay in bed as long as possible, but staying idle was proving to be very boring. Mads heard a knock on the door.
"Come in" He said.
The door opened to reveal Wrex. Mads hadn't expected Wrex to come knocking.
"Hey Wrex, how are you?" Mads asked.
"I'm fine. What a sorry state you are in though" Wrex answered.
"Yeah, it's killing me slowly. How can I help you?" Mads asked further.
"I just wanted to say that, I'm leaving the citadel in the morning" Wrex replied.
"Really? Why?" Mads asked confused.
"Saren is gone, along with Sovereign. I think I may have a clear path now. After Virmire, I started thinking about what you said, and I want to give the Krogan another shot." Wrex explained as he looked out the window.
"That is a noble goal. Just let me pay you" Mads made a move for his omni-tool, but Wrex stopped him.
"No need, Romanov. I learned a lot traveling with you. You are a hell of a human, never thought I would see such a strong fighter from the humans. I got enough credits to go from here." Wrex said.
"Well, good luck out there. I hope we will see each other again." Mads said as he offered a handshake.
Wrex accepted and shook Mads' hand.
"Rest well, Mads. You will be needed soon again." Wrex said as he left the room.
Just as Wrex left the room, Captain Anderson and Admiral Hackett entered. Mads stood up, realizing pretty quickly that his leg still hurt a bit. Mads saluted his senior officers.
"At ease, commander." Hackett said.
Mads relaxed in his body and sat down on the bed.
"We wanted to congratulate you on your victory. You saved not just humanity, but perhaps the entire galaxy." Hackett explained.
"Saren and Sovereign was just plan A. The rest of the reapers will find another way to get here soon enough." Mads said.
"We know, and you will stop them" Anderson replied.
"There is another matter." Hackett said.
Mads looked at the admiral in confusion.
"It is hereby the decision of the alliance to promote you to the rank of Captain. Congratulations Romanov." Hackett stated.
"Thank you, I'm quite honored" Mads said as he saluted again.
"You should rest now. You'll need a clear head for the council meeting in 2 days. See you later, captain" Anderson suggested.
Mads smiled at the use of his new title.
"Thanks, I'll be seeing you" Mads replied.
Hackett and Anderson left the room. Mads went back on the bed with a smile on his face. Captain Romanov, it even sounded right.
13/5 2183
Mads' leg still wasn't fully healed, but it was close. Medi-gel really was a life saver. Mads limped to the meeting place where the meeting would take place. The council chambers were in ruin after the battle, so it couldn't be held there. They had chosen a nice place on the presidium, not far from where they had landed with the Mako during the attack. Anderson and Udina were already there.
Mads limped in front of them and saw the three councilors he had saved. He couldn't really explain their facial expressions, it was a cross between gratefulness that they were saved, and a face that was displeased that it was Mads who saved them.
Either way, they seemed quite grateful for the alliance. They talked their usual diplomatic talk, it wasn't even worth listing to, at least not until they said something about a council seat.
"Humanity was proven that is willing to stand up to matters of galactic safety. It is hereby the decision of the council to grant humanity a seat on the council." Councilor Tevos stated.
"We're humbled by your choice, and on behalf of the alliance I accept" Udina replied, already trying the crown on for size.
"Hold your horses, Udina" Mads said.
"We will need a list of possible candidates to fill the position. But we are all eager to hear your input, Captain." Tevos said.
Mads forgot for a moment that she was in fact referring to him, he still wasn't used to being called captain.
"My input? But why?" Mads asked confused.
"You saved not just this council, but the entire citadel. Your opinion will hold a great deal of weight." Tevos explained.
Mads took a moment to think. Udina or Anderson? The answer seemed obvious.
"I would pick Captain Anderson for the role of human councilor. He is both honorable and fair." Mads said.
"Anderson? You must be joking! He prefers to let his fist do the talking!" Udina said.
"Only with you, Udina. Only with you" Anderson replied.
"Are you sure?" Tevos asked.
"Anderson is a soldier who knows what it is like out there. He will be perfect for the job." Mads answered.
"Now that this matter is dealt with, we should talk about your next mission, captain. We want you to root out the remaining Geth holdouts in the Terminus systems. The alliance agrees. Your mission begins in a week." Tevos said.
"Shouldn't we focus on the real threat here? The reapers aren't just going to lie down and die, they will find another way!" Mads asked.
"We still can be sure if they even exist. We will have to analyze the debris from Sovereign. Until then, you have your mission." Tevos explained.
"I'm out of here" Mads remarked as a final note and began limping away.
Udina and Anderson continued the talk with the councilors while Mads disappeared in the background.
Mads was headed back for his hotel room, and he was rather frustrated by their claims that the reapers didn't exist.
He walked for a little while, down by the river on the presidium. He was rather focused on his objective of getting back to his hotel, but suddenly he heard something.
"Mads? Hey wait up." A voice yelled.
Mads turned around to face whoever yelling at him and was pleasantly surprised.
"Harold?" Mads asked.
"That's right" He said as he drew closer. They shared a hug.
"What brings you to the citadel?" Mads asked.
"I came to get some documents for the program. But I soon found myself in the middle of the attack." Harold said.
"Did you get hurt?" Mads said as he inspected Harold quickly for injuries.
"No, I got out all right. You seem worst for wear though." Harold said, referring to Mads' limping leg.
"Yeah, Bastard reaper got me in the end." Mads replied.
"Where is Joe?" Mads asked looking around for the kid he had come to accept as his nephew.
"Not here, he is back on earth. All safe and sound." Harold assured.
"Wanna continue this conversation over a drink?" Mads proposed.
"Are there even any ones open?" Harold asked.
"I think the bar at the hotel I'm staying at is open." Mads commented.
"Sure, why not?" Harold said.
"It is right this way" Mads said as he began limping forwards.
They talked all the way to the hotel, which was just a short walk. They entered the lobby and went straight for the bar. Planting themselves at a table in the corner. It didn't take more than a few seconds before a waiter was there to take their orders. It was an Asari, most likely a maiden.
"Good afternoon gentlemen, can I bring you anything?" She asked with a smile.
"Two beers please, gorgeous." Mads said also with a smile. The Asari chuckled.
"Right away, sir" She said as she disappeared from their view.
"So... the Andromeda thing is still a go?" Mads asked.
"It still happening. It pretty funny though. A few weeks ago, I was called to a meeting with the leaders, you know, Jien Garson, Alec Ryder and a few others. Apparently we were running out of funding. Jien was taking loans just to keep the Initiative afloat. Then two days ago, we began receiving enormous amounts of funding from an anonymous client. Things are now speeding up. Many people are also beginning to join up, especially after the whole Reaper thing." Harold explained.
The Asari returned with their beers and placed them on the table. Mads smiled.
"How much will it be?" Mads asked as he fired up his omni-tool and was ready to send the money.
"It's on the house, captain. It's the least we can do for you saving us." She replied.
Mads chuckled a bit.
"Thanks, sweetie. Here, have a tip. By the way, am I allowed to smoke in here?" Mads said as he transferred some credits to her account.
"You are the hero of the citadel, I think management can overlook you smoking, captain. Thank you for the tip." She said. She then disappeared again.
"Sounds like you ran into some trouble then." Mads said as he took a sip of the beer.
"I know how you feel about Initiative, Mads. But are you sure you won't come?" Harold asked.
"I'm dead certain, and I think it is a mistake that you two are running off to an unknown galaxy." Mads replied. Harold remained quiet for a little while.
"Look, I can see why you are leaving. The reapers are coming and will most likely destroy a lot in their path. But I must remain and fight, for both my home and the lives of this galaxy." Mads said with a calmer voice. He lit up a cigarette and took a drag of it.
"What have they ever given you?" Harold asked.
"Absolutely nothing, but I never asked for anything either. Have you not given any thought to the throne? What if I die, then no one will be around to claim it." Mads asked back.
"There are other people out there of the family tree." Harold said.
"Their blood is so thin it can barely be traced back. Hell, we are the only ones who still use 'Romanov' as our last name!" Mads replied.
"Look... leave if you must. But know it will not be with my approval. It's just that, you are all I have left to think of as family." Mads said.
"I know, but Joe and I both agree on this. I know you will protect this galaxy with all your heart and soul." Harold said with a smile.
"Thank you. When will you be leaving?" Mads asked as he wiped a tear from his eye.
"Within the next two years, if all goes to plan." Harold answered as he took a sip of his beer.
"So, what is your orders from here on out?" Harold asked.
"Wipe out the remaining Geth strongholds. But I think it is a waste of time. I should be out there looking for a way to stop the Reapers" Mads preached.
"What you need, is rest. Your leg isn't fully healed yet, no need to make it worse." Harold replied.
"Yeah, I know. But I suppose I have a moral obligation to everyone, even the council." Mads said.
"I heard you saved them, I don't see why you did it. They never did you any favors." Harold said.
"Call it naïve hope, that they might see reason. But I'm already starting to doubt that." Mads replied.
They both finished their beers and continued talking for a little over two hours.
"Well, I have to get going now. Will I see you later?" Harold asked.
"I hope so. I'm leaving the station in a week. But I think I will take some real time off soon." Mads replied.
"Well, you deserved it. I have to fetch some more documents for the Initiative." Harold said.
Mads rose from his seat and gave Harold a goodbye hug.
"Stay safe out there." Mads said.
"You too" Harold replied as he left the hotel lobby.
Mads watched as he left. Thinking about the long talk they had. Perhaps he had misjudged the Initiative. No need for those thoughts now, they had both made their choices.
10/6 2183
The Normandy entered Amada system of Omega Nebula. Several ships had disappeared in the system for a while now. There were several theories on what had caused it, one of them was that Geth was behind it. The last month had been nonstop Geth hunting, search and destroy missions. They had taken down a few targets, but it had mostly been against pirates and slavers.
In the cockpit was Joker, Pressley and a few other crewmen, all with their own theories on what they would encounter.
Systems were normal, stealth drive was on and operations were looking optimal. No cause for alarm anywhere. That was until something happened.
A cruiser appeared, only it wasn't of any known species design.
"Wait, something is wrong." The female co-pilot said as she typed away at her screen.
"What is it?" Joker asked.
"It's changing course, it's now on intercept course." She noted.
"But how? We have stealth drive on!" Joker asked.
Then out of nowhere, the ship fired. It must have been some sort of lazer weapon. Joker was fast and tried some maneuvers to escape the fire. Even for all his fine piloting skills, this enemy seemed hell-bent on ending the Normandy.
Then the first attack hit the Normandy. Cutting in its armor like it was butter. It killed both Pressley and the female co-pilot. Leaving Joker alone in the cockpit.
The ship rocked as flames raged through the lower portions of the ship. Mads had been sitting at his desk, writing reports about the last few weeks activity. Mads fell from his chair as the first lazer beam hit the Normandy. Luckily he was already in his armor, in case of a need for fast deployment. Mads only had the time to take his 44. Magnum. His other weapons were locked tight in his weapons locker and he didn't have the time to open it.
Mads hit the red bottom for evacuating ship. Red lights appeared and a siren began playing all across the ship. Mads grabbed his helmet as a second beam hit the Normandy. There was a high chance some of the Normandy was exposed to space now.
As Mads ran out of his quarters, he saw the fire at the sleeping pods. Mads quickly grabbed a firehose as began putting out the fire.
Then Liara came running.
"Romanov! Joker refuses to abandoned ship!" Liara said desperately.
"God damn it!" Mads yelled.
"Alright, you get the rest of the crew on the escape pods. I'll handle Joker." Mads ordered. Liara just looked in the ground.
"Hey Liara. Look at me." Mads took her by her shoulder and placed a hand under her chin to raise her eyes to his.
"You can do this." Mads assured her.
"Yes sir!" She said as she ran off to help the remaining crew members.
Mads began to make his way up the stairs to the CIC. His theory was right; there was a giant hole that was sucking all of the air out. He was right to bring his helmet. Mads began to slowly make his way across the CIC to the cockpit. The lack of gravity only allowed for slow movement.
Mads finally reached the cockpit and found Joker trying endlessly to save the Normandy. He had put on an oxygen mask to compensate for the lack of air inside the cockpit.
"Joker! We have to get out of here!" Mads yelled as he came up by his side.
"I can still save her!" Joker yelled back stubbornly.
"The Normandy is far gone. you and I have to get out of here!" Mads said.
Joker took a few moments to think. Mads would have preferred he did not.
"Alright, help me up." Joker said.
Mads did just that, he carried Joker all the way to the escape pod right by the cockpit. Just as Mads placed Joker in the escape pod and was getting ready to enter as well, disaster struck. The enemy came around for round 2. They cut the Normandy in half and it caused Mads to fall back a bit.
Mads was now right by the control to the escape pod. He made a quick decision.
"CAPTAIN!" Joker yelled.
Mads typed in the commands for the launch of the escape pod. Joker was banging on the door, demanding that Mads came back.
Mads was now isolated and alone. Another attack on the Normandy sent him flying into space. He could see the Normandy was in flames and it was quickly submitting to the will of the enemy's cannons.
The ship he had come to know and love was being raped right in front of him. With one final blow, the enemy quickly left the system and the Normandy began to fall towards orbit of the nearest planet.
Mads noticed just how quiet space was. He had never really thought about it before. Mads opened his omni-tool to check his oxygen level.
The suit wasn't built to be exposed to space for a long period. The oxygen in it was very limited. He looked down on the estimated time left.
25 minutes.
That was his sentence. 25 minutes in space before he would suffocate. The last sound he would ever hear would be his own body grasping for air.
Mads hovered around. He couldn't see the Normandy anymore, the flames had been put out by the lack of oxygen in space and the Normandy was now buried on an unknown planet. Mads would most likely suffer a familiar fate.
In some twisted way, it was all beautiful. When he was a kid, he had expected to die on his front porch in a rockin' chair. As he joined the army, he expected to die on the battlefield. Never did he expect to die in space.
Mads began feeling himself grasping for air. His 25 minutes of living was up. He could feel himself fading away. His body trying desperately to stay alive. His eyes began to slowly close and he wondered as a last thought.
What could I have done differently?
Then it all went black, a color he was most familiar with. But then something else happened. A light, a small light, like at the end of a tunnel. It was approaching fast and suddenly it took up his entire vison.