810 Hours, October 28th, 2182 (Unified Military Calendar)

Systems Alliance; Lancer - Star System; Tribute - Planet; Systems Alliance Tribute Training Facility 8M - The Sheep's Pen

"How much do you know this Shepard David?" said his friend and peer Commodore Fakhri Ahmad sitting across from him in the Tokyo's Kodiak dropship. "As Allah as my witness, this isn't one of your usual Shepard has buried more bodies than a Batarian mining operation if my source with SAIN is correct."

Anderson turned away from sweeping views of Tribute outside the Kodiak's window and leveled his eyes at his old friend, "Most of it's classified Fak even above your clearance level. But…" Anderson quickly activated several anti-eavesdropping runtime from his omnitool. "... What I say has to stay between you and me. If this gets out this would hurt Kahlee's chances of becoming administrator of the Grissom Academy, nevermind ruin my career and start a war with the Hanar. I've already fucked too much as it is with her. "

Fak's gaze shifted from Anderson to out the window, "You pulled my ass out of Shanxi back when it was invaded by the Turians and the Batarians David, and Allah willing I wouldn't betray you if for all Asari promises in the Galaxy." Fak said, leaning forward, elbows on his knees.

Anderson leaned back his memory drifting back to perhaps a happier time than this, "Oh where to begin. I guess the first place to start is have you heard of the Svetovid program?"

"Before a couple days ago no. And that's just the operation aspects of honestly since SAIN has about as many special programs as the Asari have shades of blue and are equally as secretive about it. Doesn't surprise me that I haven't heard of the program. Or ran across it in my career."

Anderson began, "Svetovids are based on a discovery the SA hid when we were still fighting the Exodus War against the Batarians. Considering the dozens of ruins found across Sol, be that Prothean research bases on Mars and Luna, Zeioph military foundry on Titan, Inusannon archive on Oberon or Krett biomedical ruin on Mercury, it shouldn't be a surprise that the SA missed one. Turns out there was a Prothean Archive of some sort on Venus that wasn't picked up in the Sol explorations of the 2060s-80s."

Anderson held his hand to forehead, remembering briefs about this information ages ago. "I don't know everything, but one of the items of interest found could be best described as a prothean designed human super soldier genetic template. Tens of thousands of them in some sort of time stasis chamber."

"At the time the templates were a curiosity relegated to xenobiologists and xeno-psychologists to ponder over. That changed around the 2120s when SAIN started experimenting with the concept. Can't rightly say what caused the change, at that time the SA were kicking the Batarians out of the Exodus Cluster and liberating slave camps across the Skyllian Verge. "

"The implications alone of what Protheans needed such templates for is extremely disquieting David. And what the SAIN are upto even more so. Especially since this violates Sudham-Wolcott Genetic Heritage Act, not to mention a dozen other similar SA laws " Fak blew air through his mouth, his fingers nervously tapping his chair's armrest. "I shouldn't be surprised that SA covered it up, though I am surprised the cover up stuck. I still remember my shock when it was revealed that cryogenically frozen neanderthals were discovered on Oberon in the 21st century."

Anderson nodded, "Considering that this is a SAIN program should tell you exactly how fast and loose they are playing with the law. Do I like it? Absolutely not. When I first heard about the program, my first reaction was to flee SA space with Shepard and Kahlee out in tow. Obviously that did not come to pass."

"By the god on earth and allah in space David, don't tell me you were involved in training these designer babies into supersoldiers." Anderson saw that Fak was halfway torn with fascination and queasiness.

"No, I wasn't involved nor do I know who was involved. But to bring a long story short, Kahlee after the Sidon incident was retasked by SAIN to be involved in the Svetovid program." Anderson replied.

Fak raised an eyebrow, "That doesn't make any sense. Kahlee is an artificial intelligence and quantum computer specialist, what would they need her input for?"

Anderson rested his head to the back of his seat's rest and closed his eyes."Honest Fak, I have no idea. My gut tells me that this was a kickback for keeping silent from a combined Citadel and Parliamentary investigation into the Sidon Incident, but that's just a guess. And Kahlee herself never told me, so take that as you will."

Fak fell silent at this so Anderson decided to finally answer his original question, "I met Shepard after deciding to visit Kahlee after my failed Spectre evaluations. My ex-wife was done with me and I honestly hoped to rekindle something I shared with Kahlee during the Sidon Incident. Shepard unlocked the door and showed me in when I arrived unannounced at Kahlee's house. Meeting her was... "

Anderson tried to grapple with the words in his head, a smiling child with hair of gold and eyes of supernatural orange but body twisted beyond any normal measure. "... unreal. She legitimately looked like a prepubescent body builder Fak. Already 1.55 meters tall and had more muscles than most SA marines by the age of 8. Didn't help that Shepard had visible bio augmentations and neural input ports across her entire body. And that was what I could see, according to Kahlee the augmentations and genetic editing went even deeper. Kahlee said she didn't think Shepard was even homo sapien anymore.."

Fak shook his head let loose of a string of Arabic-Zurdish curses. "Fuuuuck, and here I thought Empyrean Gen 3 augmentations were extreme. What's the Hypostatic Union even thinking about allowing this? Forget what those inSAIN Circle members are planning, having Shepard this close to the Citadel might bring sanctions down on us if the Council discovered it. "

Anderson threw up his hands, "I doubt we have much choice in the matter Fak. With the Premier and the Prime Minister approving it with support from CENTCOM it's out of our hands. So it's our job at this point to make sure the Citadel Council doesn't find out."

Anderson sighed, before looking out the window again. "Suffice to say, I lived with Shepard and Kahlee for upwards of a year. Shepard latched onto me and I to her. I don't know if she saw me as a substitute father figure, but for a short time she became the daughter I never had. She was smart, mischievous, a troll with a heart of gold, and curious about the world around her. Always full of energy too, gave me and Kahlee run for our money as she could outrun our cars, literally."

Anderson ruefully chuckled at the memories filling him; of lazy days as he switched careers from the Special Operations to Space Forces command training. Kahlee worked days at the Svetovid camp on some project and brought Shepard in the afternoons, where he taught her all it meant to be a child. How to play, how to cook, how to build model spacecraft, how to garden, how to fish, how to throw a ball, how to be a girl, and not be a Svetovid.

Anderson sighed at such memories before he finished his tale, "When they came to collect her, me and Kahlee almost killed them then and there. But it was Shepard that stopped us, said this was her path. She chose this for herself. And she was proud to serve, so other children didn't have to make the ultimate sacrifice like she did. She did not want us injured and cast out in our zeal."

Anderson thumped the armrest, "It's why after they took her, me and Kahlee drifted away. So much of our magic was tied to Shepard that I don't think I can do anything to repair that rift. It's probably why in retrospect I went so hard into space command training and later took so many tours. I was running away and trying to mindwipe myself of Shepard probably led me to hole that you lifted me out of."

Fak pushed himself out his chair to stand over Anderson, before putting his hand on Anderson's shoulder. "David, don't be hard on yourself over this. Shepard seemed like more prepared for this than anyone should be, and truth be told I bet she'll be looking forward to seeing you again."

Anderson rolled his shoulders, "Thanks Fak. I've told you my story, fill me into what Shepard has been doing since then."

Fak grimaced, "You've seen most of Shepard's record. It's more of a black sheet of paper than a service record with all it's redactions. But the gist I was able to evince from my source is that since becoming Svetovid she's become the personal grim reaper of one Colonel Nishikawa Mayumi. Dispatched to eliminate biotic terror networks, Cerberus survivalist cells, Tuonetar Nation cyberzombies, wildcat empyrean security forces, independents and rebels of every stripe, and Batarian criminal/hegemonic troops by the thousands. From what my source says she was Nightmare of Prorok's Fist, single handedly eliminating Prorok's governor-general and his garrison over 9 days of battle and skirmishes. A feat that a year earlier the council couldn't do with 5 Spectres, 3 Turian Legions and a Hierarchy battle swarm."

Before Anderson could respond to this new information, the panel behind his head was pounded several times causing Anderson to quickly turn off his anti-eavesdropping program. An unfortunate side effect of the program meant that all incoming communications are also blocked. A comm tab pinged and opened, revealing his pilot Warrant Officer Boghos Sarkissian.

"Captain Anderson sir, we are a minute out from Tribute 8M Training Center. Thought I'd let you know. I didn't want your private conversation being interrupted by the inSAIN."

Anderson nodded, "Thank you Warrant Officer, we'll be ready." Anderson turned off the comm, before turning back to Fak. "We'll discuss this more later. I assume you'll be joining us for the Normandy's shakedown flight?"

"Wouldn't miss it."

The base was unlike in Anderson's view the typical brutalist and industrial architecture SAIN employed in its bases. Instead of a singular monolithic building, with extensive semi underground structures connecting and surrounding it. SAIN 8M Training Center appeared composed of a mixture of orbital drop down civilian prefabs and polycrete domes surrounded by a concrete moat and watch towers. In Anderson's opinion it looked more like an orbital dropdown FOB than a training center.

The Kodiak touched down unloading Anderson and Fak onto the training center's airfield, with rows of older Wasp gunships and Mosquito dropships surrounding them. Waiting to meet them on the runway were a pair of soldiers equipped in white and red hardsuits, the colours of the System Alliance Unified Army, carrying what looked like heavily modded mattocks. Both soldiers saluted, and the right one said. "Captain Anderson and Commodore Ahmad welcome to the Systems Alliance Intelligence Network 8M Training Center, or as we around here call it The Sheep's Pen. Colonel Nishikawa is waiting for you at the main command center. This way if you would follow us."

Anderson saluted back. "Of course, lead the way troopers."

The rest of the journey was made in silence. When they arrived at the dome, the soldiers saluted. "Sirs, Colonel Nishikaw is inside. I hope you enjoy your stay." The soldiers took both sides of the door.

Colonel Nishikawa was black haired japanese woman that looked like she was in her late 20s, more likely in 40s Anderson thought, leaning forward above a holographic simulator. She was dressed in the typical dark grey and orange service uniform of SAIN; a dark grey paneled jacket and grey cargo pants with asymmetrical orange highlighting. Aides were buzzing around her like bees, popping in and out of the rooms around the CIC.

Colonel Nishikawa straightened up, and turned to face Anderson. Anderson noticed at once that half of her face was covered in an elaborate dragon tattoo; Draconis. "Captain Anderson, Commodore Ahmad welcome to the Sheep's Pen for the time being. Well until Shepard arrives in a few minutes anyway. Then I'll be in charge of just another IntelNet mothball. "She said a bitter mocking voice, as if he was the cause of this.

Anderson saluted her "Colonel Nishikawa I've only been recently briefed about this myself, in addition to my new assignment as the Normandy's CO. I assume Shepard has been informed and squared away?"

Colonel Nishikawa gaffed softly, "Informed yes, though squared away... far from it. As you'll soon discover she is unlike your typical troopers or marines, for better or worse. "

Anderson narrowed his eyes, "Meaning ma'am?"

Colonel Nishikawa rolled her eyes at this, "As I said Captain, you'll learn soon enough. You've already been informed of her operational details and a portion of her service record. That said, most of her equipment is being left behind here for the time being. The IntelNet Committee on Xenotechnological Acquisition and Sharing was less than pleased with potentially exposing Citadel treaty forces to Svetovid Tlahuiztli armor systems or Aldrien Labs N7 experimental weapon systems. So you'll need to equip her on your budget."

Fak decided to interject, "Colonel Nishikawa I was informed by FLEETCOM she would be bringing her equipment and maintenance personnel along with her. And I'm not sure we have hardsuits or armor systems that would fit her."

Colonel Nishikawa turned her back to them, "Not my problem Commodore. I've received my orders from the High Circle, if you are and your superiors have issues with that you can take it up with them."

Fak, angrily blew air through his mouth, "Fine Colonel, though I'll be lodging a complaint with my superiors about this."

Colonel Nishikawa grumbled, "You do that."

Anderson turned toward Fak, "Shouldn't be an issue Sir, I've already requisitioned several suits of Onyx N Mark V series for Shepard. Considering how tall she was the last I saw her, I've adjusted the suit's proportions according to the projections. "

Colonel Nishikawa turned back to stare at Anderson and deadpanned "What." Before narrowing her eyes "I've been Shepard's commanding officer since the day she graduated into being a Svetovid Captain, and as far as I'm aware you've never been involved in any operation that she either conducted or been involved in. So why don't we drop the crap, since High Circle isn't telling me anything besides Shepard being reclassified and requisitioned by the Systems Alliance Space Sec."

Anderson shrugged, "It's classified ma'am, if you don't know, inquire with your own superiors about it. What I can tell you ma'am is that Shepard is being reclassified as a N7 Shock Trooper with the provisional rank of Commander in view of her experience conducting and leading multiple Svetovid operations across the traverse. In addition, a backstory is currently being cooked up by the Ministry of Galactic Affairs to fit herself in the current role that's been assigned to her."

Colonel Nishikawa growled, "Don't give me the standard bullshit line Captain, I've been party to enough suicide ops to know this smells more rancor than a Batarian slave brothel. If not for…"

"It's fine Mayumi" a voice called out from the shadows.

Standing easily over 2 meters tall and built like a drell warrior-monk; Shepard slunk out of the shadows into the command center, eyeing them like a tigress scrutinizing prey. She wore dark black cargo pants with built in knee pads, with a green camo jacket and was carrying a dark duffel bag on her shoulder.

Shepard wasn't what he was expecting. What exactly he was expecting he didn't know. She obviously had changed. Grown from a muscled youth into a splendid looking woman in his judgement. Her ruddy tan of youth had peeled away into oblivion as if she hadn't been exposed to sunlight in years. Her hair had gone from spun gold to a light electrum, cut strangely. Two thirds side of her hair overflowing down past her ears and her left side burns shaven clean. She had a few scars that pockmarked her face, but nothing that detracted from her pseudo-caucasian facial features. Her eyes, though, had remained the same as a supernatural Halloween orange that seemed to glow in the dim light of the command center. She still remained human, at least in his eyes.

Colonel Nishikawa stopped herself, before casting an evil eye over to Shepard, "Commander Shepard you are to address me by my military title and family name, your continued insubordination is not going to fly in your new role."

Shepard ignored her, before examining Anderson in depth, "Anderson; you look old."

Anderson in that moment, chuckled more than he should have. "And you're a bit taller than I expected Shepard. Things change after a decade or two."

Shepard nodded and looked back to Colonel Nishikawa, "Are we done here?"

Colonel Nishikawa gave an exasperated sigh, "Yes, I can't hold you any longer. Enjoy your new command Commander."

Shepard turned back to Anderson, "Excellent. We should go."