A few years have passed since I was born in the Mass Effect universe. My family is back and I am thankful for the Librarian in doing so. Despite what they may have done when fighting overseas in my old world, they were good people who tried to do what was right. Just because they made some mistakes doesn't mean they deserved to be murdered for it.
Over the years I've learned that my parents are Alliance soldiers. Or rather they were. They got honorably discharged from service when they learned they were having me. Despite that, they are widely respected within the military community and have a great amount of influence if they so desired.
My father was a part of the N7 project. From what I know the project is a vocational code in the Systems Alliance military. The "N" designates special forces and the "7" refers to the highest level of proficiency. It applies to Alliance personnel who have graduated from the Interplanetary Combatives Training (ICT) program.
Basically the best of the best.
According to reports, he worked with David Anderson on a number of missions ranging from protection detail to raiding missions. He was skilled in combat and weaponry. He also demonstrated impressive leadership skills that earned him the rank of Commander.
He got this nickname from one of his missions on a planet called Trikia. A desert like planet with lots of huge canyons on the surface and very little life. He and Anderson along with 50 men were tasked to secure the planet as part of the Alliance because of some minerals the planet produced that were rare and could be used for a variety of things.
As soon as they got there, they were ambushed by Batarian soldiers and Vorka ranging from the thousands. They cornered my dad and his men into a canyon with no way out. My father tasked Anderson to call in for reinforcements while he and his men held off the batarian forces.
A massive firefight started between the two forces. Fortunately for them the canyon was only one way so that gave my father and his men had a clear line of fire. The reinforcements they called in would take 30 minutes to arrive to their position. My dad inspired everyone to keep fighting despite the odds. He was the first to fire and everyone else followed suit. He even had an energy sword he used as a melee weapon whenever they got close
A good number of batarians and vorka died that day and only a few were wounded from my dads side. Once the reinforcements came, the batarians retreated to their ships and left. The planet was now a part of the Alliance and my dad was praised for his role in holding off the enemy until backup came. He was then promoted and maintained the rank until his retirement. He was also unofficially given the title "The Alliance's Sword". If you wanted someone to fight for you, my dad was that guy.
My mother on the other hand was far more dangerous then my father. She too was a part of the N7 project but she was also different in comparison to the majority of the
military.
She was a human biotic. One of a few. Biotics are primarily associated with the asari race but there are a few that are born in other species.
In humans, biotics are given transplants to control their abilities and to make sure that they don't become a danger to society. My mother is a powerful biotic but her abilities prevented any implants to be a part of her body. I think that it was her powers protecting her from harm. The brass wanted to contain her because of the perceived threat level she posed. Fortunately for Mom, she knew how to gain a decent amount of control of her powers. According to some reports, her raw power is equivalent to that of a asari commando.
An asari commando is another term for asari huntresses. They are powerful asari biotics who form the elite of the asari military. Often in the maiden stages of their lives, they usually fight in small groups using guerrilla tactics.
Oh yea my mother is a badass.
Her role used to be mainly support and backup due to her impressive defensive capabilities but many who have worked with her know that her offensive capabilities were equally as impressive. The brass tasked her to work as a liaison to some asari commandos. Recognizing that she is more than capable to blend into their ranks.
My mother told me that at first the commandos didn't trust her and felt that her abilities were exaggerated by her bosses. Which was understandable because a human biotic being as strong as them is something that is hard to believe. Over time, however, she had proven herself to be as capable as them.
It was on a mission on the planet Jalu. It was a forest type of planet filled with plant life and various kinds of animals. My mom and the asari commandos got reports of a rogue asari faction setting up base there in preparation to start a war in the asari homeworld of Thessia. They were tasked to stop them before that happens.
Once they got there, all hell broke loose. The rogue asari got tipped that they were coming and fired at them with everything they got. My mother was able to protect everyone from both bullets and biotic blasts using her powers as well take command of the commandos for a temporary retreat. As they do, my mother formed a strategy that helped neutralize the rogue asari threat and complete the mission with no casualties on her side.
She earned their respect, trust and friendship after that mission. She became an honorary commando and made a new family in the commandos before she retired. She still keeps in contact with them from time to time. Many have considered her to be the unofficial reason for the cordial relationship between the asari and the Alliance
She was also given the title "The Asari's Shield". Her powers have helped save a lot of lives when she was in any team.
One day, both my parents met each other on the battlefield of some unknown planet. Both of them fought side by side against a heavy number of enemies. Many who saw them fight were amazed at what they did that day. With a combination of Biotic might and multiple slashes of an energy sword, they practically ended the threat single-handedly.
Both of them had an attraction to each other ever since that day. Until they eventually decided to be an official couple which led to many headlines in the papers. The Sword and Shield came together and gave birth to me. They gave up their jobs for me. It's a sacrifice I won't take for granted.
I'm currently 10 years old attending a school field trip to the Alliances RD division within the Citadel. My parents and I have been moving around a lot in space from ships to postings. We never stayed in one place for long because of my parents leading training sessions on various places in the galaxy.
They wanted me to get an education and not constantly leaving from place without making any friends. So they called a family friend to watch over me whenever they have to do their jobs. That family friend was someone that shocked me.
It was Katherine Shepard. Apparently, she has a daughter my age named Jennifer and had also moved a lot in space until she decided to live in the Citadel with her daughter. At first I though that this was a coincidence but then I remembered that the Librarian said that we would meet at some point. I guess sooner was better than later.
I am then driven out of my thoughts when someone nudges my arm. I turn around and see a red headed girl with sparkling green eyes. She has flawless skin and has the smile of an angel. A rare and beautiful combination back in my world.
This ladies and gentlemen is Jennifer Shepard, Jenny as I call her. The future hero of this world and the bane of the reapers. Ever since we met each other, we became fast friends. We share a good amount of interests. I admit I do have a crush on her.
"You ok V?" She asks me with a bit of worry using the nickname she gave. I just smile at her.
"Yea I'm cool Jenny" I said to her reassuringly. She nods in acceptance with a smile on her own.
"Welcome everyone to the RD division of the Alliance. Here we make all of the tools required to build ships, weapons, VI's and many other things that are needed for us" said one of the doctors that are leading the tour.
"Now if you follow me, we can begin the tour" said the doctor as we follow. A good amount of kids are excited to see what it is they make here. Even Jenny was interested. It's not surprising though since she's going to be using a lot of the tech that they make here once she becomes the hero she was meant to be.
First, the doctor takes us to an area where they build machine parts for the ships. Engines, thrusters, navigation hub and a series of other items that I have no idea what they are called but are very interesting nevertheless. The doctor even showed us some of the designs of the ships they are working on. One of them looked familiar.
The doctor showed us the initial design of the SSV Normandy SR-1, Anderson's and soon Shepard's ship.
From what I remember and what the doctor confirmed is that the Normandy is a prototype "deep scout" frigate, the first of the eponymous Normandy class, co-developed by the Alliance and the Turian Hierarchy with the sponsorship of the Citadel Council. She, as all ships are female, is optimized for solo reconnaissance missions deep within unstable regions, using state-of-the-art stealth technology powered by an experimental drive core.
While not the most powerful ship in the Alliances navy, it is considered to be the best ship that the Alliance has ever made. Also because of its design, it's easy to rebuild in case the ship gets significantly damaged. Just like it's counterpart back in the 1940s. Truly a ship worthy of the hero of the galaxy.
I can see that Jenny is interested in the Normandy design. She has told me that she always wanted to be in command of a ship. She's very ambitious but not unreasonable. She has no idea that she will get what she wants.
Then the doctor takes us to the weapons and armor manufacturing area. All of the cool toys and gear ever made. So many weapons that the military uses is just downright awesome and terrifying to say the least. I even saw an energy sword, same one that my dad used when he was still active. It's design was exactly like it did in Halo and the best part is that it does lose its charge when you slice someone.
The armor section was what really caught my attention. They had a series of armor that I recognized from playing Mass Effect. They even showed off the N7 armor that Shepard would use later in the future. It looked awesome. Then they showed off a set of armor that I instantly recognized.
The Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor. Same type of armor that the Master Chief and the other Spartans used in Halo to face off strong opponents. This is amazing. To have this on the battlefield would truly turn the tide of the war against the reapers. The Librarian must've added these things here so as to create this universes version of the Spartan program. Question is who is going to be the first to wear it.
Unfortunately, they are just prototypes are nowhere near ready to be used for battle. According to the doctor, they expect have this done soon but didn't give a time when. Can't wait to fight alongside these guys in action once ready.
We then move to a section of the VIs.
"Ok everyone, in here we design and code programs that make up virtual intelligence or VIs for short. Now can anyone tell me what are the functions of a VI?" The doctor asks us. No one raises their hand for they have very little knowledge. I sigh and raise mine.
"Ah Mr. Brooks, please enlighten everyone what VIs do" the doctor said to me while everyone else looks at me waiting for my response.
"VIs vary greatly depending on how they are deployed. They can handle search queries on the extranet, act as tour guides or manage sophisticated lab and database work. Both humans and the elcor make extensive use of VIs in their military endeavours to process status reports, react faster than organics can or—in the case of the elcor—choose instantly between millions of gambits designed for any combat situation." I respond intelligently. Everyone is stunned by my knowledge of the topic. Jenny looked at me amazed. She knew that I was smart but never thought that smart.
"Impressive Mr. Brooks. It's rare to find a ten year old to know such things. Well done" the doctor said to me with a smile and claps in achievement. Everyone follows suit. I blush at the praise and see Jenny with a smirk that shows that she too was impressed.
Eventually everyone stopped clapping and we continued with the tour. The doctor would continue to explain the functions of a VI and how they are used in everyday life. Now that I think about it, VI usage makes people lazy to do things. But I guess in this world, it's not much of an issue.
As we continue walking, I notice an office belonging to a Doctor Jacobs with a slightly open door and a blue, purplish light shining within it. It's faint but noticeable. I look around and see that no one is seeing this take place. They are more focused on the information that the doctor is lecturing.
Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to sneak away from everyone to check out what is inside the office. It was amazingly easy to do so even Jenny didn't notice I was gone.
I enter the office and close the door behind me. I then look at the source of the light.
In the middle of the office is, what I think to be, a holotank. Inside of said tank was a blue female sitting with her eye closed. She looks to be meditating. As I get a closer look, I see that she is familiar to me. That's when it hit me.
"Cortana" I thought to myself as I stare in shock with widened eyes. This is Master Chief's AI, the closest thing he had as a friend. I was sad that she became the villain in Halo 5. She was good, a hero in her own right and with equal recognition as the chief. The question is: how is she here? Then I realized something.
The Librarian. She must've added more elements to the Mass Effect Universe using some of Halo's. The Mjolnir Armor and the energy sword were just the start. If Cortana is here, then it's possible that the Protheans, the Sanghelli, the Covenant or even the Flood are here too.
Though I haven't heard of anything fitting their descriptions, it's possible that they won't show up until later. This is really making things interesting and somewhat terrifying. If I have to deal with the Flood along with the Reapers, then we are going to be in trouble.
Meanwhile, I get closer to 'Cortana' and observe her. She looks more beautiful in person than the games. Her design is even the same. It looks like that she doesn't have a name or classification number when I look at the holotank. She must be a secret project.
She then opens her eyes abruptly which scares the shit out of me and I jump back. She reacts in fear with her jumping back in the holotank. We are both panting to try and calm down. She seems so human when he does that.
In a few moments, we start to calm down but 'Cortana' looks at me cautiously. Wondering who I am and what are my intentions.
"W-Who are you?" She asked me with a hint of fear.
"I'm Vincent. Vincent Brooks. I didn't meant to scare you" I replied to her.
"Why are you here?" She asks me. She determining whether I'm a bad guy or not.
"The door was open a bit and gave off a light that I noticed. I came here out of curiosity. I didn't know that there was an AI here" I reasoned with her. She seems to accept it.
"Oh ok. That makes sense" she says to me.
"Can you tell me who you are? What your name is?" I ask her.
"I don't have a name. Doctor Jacobs never gave me one" she said to me with some sadness in her voice. "I was created from culmination of multiple VIs and a cloned copy of Doctor Jacobs brain. The first AI that the Alliance has ever built. I'm to be used in the military for a variety of purposes. Doctor Jacobs didn't tell me what they were. Plus I'm not even ready to go into the military yet. Doctor Jacobs said that I'm not complete and so she has to add additional code to my program for me to be ready."
Wow, this is interesting and sad at the same time. 'Cortana' doesn't even have her name yet. No identity to call her own. Doctor Jacobs seems to be similar to Halsey in some aspects. Definitely a genius to create an AI. An AI to be used by the military against their enemies. She sounds like she is a slave. I'm starting to see why she wanted to police the universe in Halo 5. Only a few people treated her like a person and not a thing in the Halo universe.
"So you are going to be the most badass AI the Alliance has ever seen huh?" I ask her in an attempt to cheer her up. She seems to taken back by the question.
"What do you mean?" She asked me.
"I mean that you are the reality of a dream that so many people thought to be impossible. The first machine to be given the opportunity to be self-aware. You have the potential to be something great. If that's not badass then I don't know what is" I said to her with a smile. She takes my response into consideration and produces smile of her own.
"Yea you're right. I am a badass aren't I" she says with a chuckle. I chuckle as well.
"That's the spirit." I say to her "you are more than just a machine. You are the future and with your help mankind could do more extraordinary things"
She smiles at that. I don't think the good doctor gives her many compliments during her creation.
"Thanks" she says "you know you're the only other person besides Doctor Jacobs that I've talked to. You're very nice and sweet"
I slightly frown at that "Doctor Jacobs isn't nice?"
"I mean she is but she's very... focused in her job. Wants to do her best to make sure everyone is safe. I think she doesn't have anyone else in her life to relate to her. Being a genius isn't always fun." she replied to me. I nod in
Doctor Jacobs sounds like a lonely individual. A brilliant person cursed with isolation. Relating to no one and doomed to not have anything other than the job at hand to fill the void in their hearts. It's a shame really that people like her are like that.
"Well, I can respect that in a way. It's honorable what she is trying to do and making you is proof of that" I said to her.
"Thanks Vincent" she says to me with a smile.
"Now that I think about it. You should have a name. Makes it easier to identify you and give you an identity of your own. Do you agree?" I ask her. She contemplates it and then gives me a nod.
"Ok sure. But what name would be good for me?" She asks.
"What about Cortana?" I suggest.
"Cortana" she repeats. She then produces the biggest smile that she could give. "Yeah that fits. It just feels right"
"I hope so since it is your name from Halo but since you are in a different world and recently new, I can't argue with that." I thought about her response.
"Well since you have a name now, I think we should introduce ourselves." I tell her with a smile. "Hi, I'm Vincent Brooks. It's a pleasure to meet you"
The offcially names Cortana smiles back and introduces herself.
"Hi Vincent, glad to meet you. I'm Cortana" she said to me. We chuckle in appreciation. Cortana is glad that she has a name for herself and I am glad to finally meet her.
I then look at the time and notice that I've been here too long. Have to hear back to the group before anyone notices.
"Well Cortana, it's been a pleasure but I have to go before I get in trouble." I said to her.
"Oh ok." She says sadly.
"Hey listen, don't be sad. This isn't a goodbye but a see you later. If you are going to be a part of the military then we will meet again." I reassure her. This seems to lighten her up a bit.
"Ok Vincent. I hope to see you again" she said to me with a sad smile. She doesn't want me to go but knows that I have too.
I nod at her and was about to leave the office until she calls me.
"Vincent wait." She tells me. I turn around and look at her.
"Doctor Jacobs said that one day I would know what to do if someone could translate a phrase she often said in Latin. I don't suppose you would be interested to try?" Cortana asked me. I don't know why she is asking or for what purpose but I'll give it shot.
"Sure. What's the phrase?" I ask her.
"Quando il gioco è finito, il re e il pedone vanno nella stessa scatola" She said to me. This sounds familiar. I used to know Latin in my old world and relearnt it again in this one. It's a very different language and I like it. I then go to translate it the best I can.
"When the game is over, the king and the pawn go in the same box." I said to her. This seems to make Cortana to smile.
"Thank you Vincent. See you later" Cortana said to me. I was confused but I shrugged it off.
"Anytime Cortana. Till we meet again" I said to her as I leave the office and head back to my group. I stand next to Jenny and no one even knew I was gone. The Doctor is still talking about VIs and how they could be useful for military purposes. Oh they have no idea.
Meanwhile back in Doctor Jacobs office, Cortana is contemplating her meeting with me until she hears a voice from the shadows.
"Was he the one?" The voice asked her.
"I believe so. It'll take some time to know for sure but he may be the one." Cortana told the voice. Then a person comes out of the shadows. A woman who was 5'10" with long black hair, brown eyes wearing a pair of glasses and a lab coat. She was at least in her early 20s. This was Doctor Jacobs.
"I never thought that I would actually meet the one in my dreams. The one who will be a part of humanity's and galactic salvation. You think he is ready for that responsibility" the doctor asked Cortana.
"I do. There is something about him that I can't place. Something that makes him different from the rest. There is more to him that meets the eye" Cortana commented as the good doctor was looking over some files. Cortana then asks her a question. "You think this new project of yours will work?"
"I'm certain of it. If this Vincent Brooks is what we believe him to be then this project would better prepare him for what is to come." Doctor Jacobs said to her with confidence. Cortana nods in acceptanceto her creator and returns to meditation.
Doctor Jacobs reviews the files that she is reading and nods. She drops the file on her desk and continues to improve Cortana's software system.
A closer look of the file shows that the project she is working on is a military project to produce better soldiers. One that would surpass the N7 soldiers in practically every way.
The title of this project is 'N8: the Warrior Initiative"
The galaxy is going to need something stronger than an N7 for the incoming conflict ahead and to Doctor Jacobs, Vincent Brooks is the one to lead a new breed of soldiers to win it.
Whew, got that chapter done. I hope this chapter was as enjoyable to read as I enjoyed to write it. We finally get to introduce Cortana into the story. Hopefully, I made the dialogue realistic and the relationship between Vincent and Cortana genuine.
Now Doctor Jacobs is similar to Halsey due to her creating Cortana and her version of the Spartan program. She knows about Vincent through her dreams. You can guess why that is but if not I'll explain it in future chapters.
Now enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think. This is me signing out