A/N: This chapter is the 'Introduction' to the story. Just like with each game in the Mass Effect Trilogy, I wanted this story to start off on a darker tone. Although short, this is still a very important chapter that will carry on to future chapters.

Thank you for taking the time to read my fan fiction. I hope you will enjoy reading this story. ^_^

-Eddy

Chapter 1: The Goliath

It's been over 300 years since the end of the war with the Reapers. The one who lead the mission, Commander Shepard, is still a highly respected war hero for giving her life to saving the galaxy by destroying the Reapers. Many have honored her by creating memorials in her name in the forms of statues, holidays, and a warship named after her. Some still remember her as a friend. However, all of her colleagues, comrades, and friends have either moved on or passed on by now. Her efforts at stopping the war will forever be the inspiration many people will need for working to solidify peace among the many species in the galaxy.

Since learning about her some odd years back, she's been a true inspiration for me. After hearing about the many things she accomplished in her life, I wanted to learn more about her. So, I searched the galaxy for answers. Regardless of how I was able to gather the information about her, I now know more about her than any history textbook ever could. She's one of many reasons I joined the Alliance.

Why did I join the Alliance, you ask? Well, that answer is complicated.

As the galaxy progresses, so does its oppositions. Some still believe that we could've somehow harnessed the power of the Reapers for our own development. So, these people let their opinions be known through the only way they know how—protesting with violence.

The krogan believe in what is now the rebellion—especially after the genophage had been cured centuries ago by a salarian scientist named Mordin Solus—will strengthen the krogan. The rebellion will "teach the galaxy a lesson of trust and perseverance," as the krogan pursuing the rebellion would claim. Because of this, and once they had let their opinions be known, they gained the allies of mercenary bands and rogue Alliance officers of many different ranks.

Even though many people truly believe that Commander Shepard brought peace to the galaxy, many other species still don't believe that she brought "true" peace. "Destroying the Reapers was a mistake," they would say, "The galaxy could have been stronger with them fighting at our side."

And that is why the Rebellion started.

With Urdnot Wrex still ruling over Tuchanka and regarded as a counselor to represent all krogan in the galaxy, he was faced with many oppositions within the krogan population and forced to choose a successor to take over as chief of clan Urdnot. Though he had many children, he knew that the position of clan chief had to be handed onto Urdnot Grunt. Grunt would keep the peace between the clans, as Wrex had taught him, and the krogan armies would be stronger.

Still, Wrex was left to decide the fate of the krogan in the rebellion. As time passed by, Wrex had to make the hardest decision he was ever faced with. He would have to pick a side. He had to decide if he would support the rebellion or the galaxy. Either way, he would have to divide his people. So, he had to carefully consider all of his options.

On one hand, Wrex could see the reasons behind the necessity of the rebellion, but he remembered his good friend, Commander Shepard, helped him to bring peace to the krogan by curing the genophage and uniting the krogan under his rule. More importantly, she gave her life to bring the galaxy peace. Even if that meant destroying the Reapers. He supported her then, why not now?

Wrex couldn't dishonor his friend by standing against her in her afterlife. After thinking it over, Wrex made his opinions known to the council that he would support the galaxy in the war against the krogan rebellion. As a result, the krogan became divided and new clans were made to represent their beliefs. Even the large clan Urdnot was divided.

The batarians, who managed to live through the war, made their own place in the galaxy. Either that be by becoming mercenaries, space rats, or free-lancers. Or more than that.

Just like with the krogan, the batarians sought their way into diplomacy. Even with the galaxy's opinion of the batarian species being too eccentric, harsh, and rude, the batarians had their own reasons for being represented in the galaxy. Like the turians, the batarians make good military leaders and they could put aside their differences if it meant they could live in peace among the other species of the galaxy. Something they've wanted for many centuries. They would also make an exceptional ally during the rebellion.

The volus, even though an ally to the council races before the war, eventually gained their own seat within the council to represent the volus' place in the galaxy. While diplomatic at heart, the volus took a more passive role in the galaxy. Their primary focus being the negotiator. With their expertise in negotiating, and relaying information to each representative in the council, they make a valuable ally. They are able to settle disputes among the smaller factions of the galaxy. And, in doing so, keeping the peace. Or, trying to at least.

Even after this progress in the galactic community, the rebellion split up many of these species. Half fighting in favor of the war, and the other fighting against it.

The galaxy, after many years, was once again divided.

To me, other people's opinions of the war don't matter. I believe that Commander Shepard did what she could for the galaxy with every ounce of her being. The Reapers needed to be destroyed to stop the war for good. Commander Shepard made her decision with the determination and heroism I wish I had. That is a reason why I'm here today as an Alliance navy soldier.

It's not just the Alliance as a whole that have fought against the rebellion, I've had personal experience with fighting against the rebellion. Even though I've been through a lot already—with the infighting among the different races, Alliance Navy training, and my own inner-personal conflicts. According to many people I encounter, I happen to be what is known as a "space rat". I grew up homeless, but roamed the galaxy with my own comrades for most of my adolescence—illegally.

While finding trouble around every corner, getting into dangerous situations, and doing what I could in order to survive, I discovered my own reason to become a better person. Commander Shepard helped me, perhaps only as just my imagination, to discover that what I was doing at the time was not for the greater good of the galaxy—or anyone for that matter. Soon after learning about the commander, I would see the lives I was ruining and become saddened by, well, everything I did. It eventually took its toll on me and I started looking for a purpose—my purpose. So, I went to school, ditched my comrades, and became an Alliance Navy soldier.

When I ended my training as an Alliance soldier, it had been four years since I started, and two years before I would be a part of an Alliance crew.

For five years, I was stationed on an Alliance ship nicknamed the "Goliath". It was a massive ship with enough space inside for two complete crews. It was deemed to be the largest space frigate since the Normandy SR-2, which measures to only about a quarter less than the size of the Goliath.

My job has been, and always will be, strategy. As a tactician and soldier, I guide other soldiers during combat—while simultaneously being there with them. However, I'm not a commander. I just make suggestions on what to do next, and I like it that way. It makes me feel like I can make a difference in a positive way. And sometimes, I don't even have to lift a finger.

With all of my responsibilities as the tactician for the Goliath, I also have the privilege of getting to know the crew. Over half of Goliath's crew are asari or turian. The rest are human, like me. However, it seems that no one actually respects me as a person. They respect me because I can guide them through tough missions safely, but they dislike me because of who I was to them before—a criminal, a thief, and a liar. Not everyone trusts me to be with them in close quarters. So, I usually spend my time alone looking out of the ship's windows at the stars—isolated from everyone until I'm needed. For a long time, this has been enough for me. It isn't comfortable, but it gives me a sense of peace.

However, that little bit of peace I had would soon be shattered.

On a tragic and unsettling day, the Goliath was targeted by a rogue krogan frigate.

Once a proud nation of strong allies, is now a divided nation of supporters of the war and ones that are against the war—the rebellion's origins. The krogan who pilot these ships are the ones who are against the outcome of the war. They saw the death of the Reapers as a lost chance of strength gain, and a loss for the greater good of the galaxy. They want justice for that loss of power.

While the Goliath was being targeted by the krogan frigate, as the tactician, it was my responsibility to make sure the crew was able to evacuate safely. Through any means necessary. However, at the sight of the krogan, the crew was in a panic—and so was I.

The Goliath's soldiers fought back sporadically, disorganized, and fell quickly. My words could not reach them. No matter what I said, what course I set, or what actions I took to gain their support, the krogan infiltrated the ship and eventually killed every crew member on board—except me.

It wasn't obvious why they spared me. Out of every other living soul on board, I was the only one to survive. They shot me, and I was critically wounded, but they left me—still alive. Maybe I looked dead to them? Or, maybe, they showed me some twisted sense of mercy? Or, maybe they wanted me to experience a slow painful death? Their reasons for sparing me over anyone else on board the Goliath is still a mystery to me.

While I notice that I'm critically wounded, I hear an alarm ringing through the cold silence. The sound is loud and makes my ears ring. I need to turn it off. There is no longer a need for a distress call or alarm. I don't want the Alliance to know that I failed. So, if I die, at least I died amongst other people. But, to do that, I need to turn off the alarm.

As I slowly stand up, I hold onto the wall. The pain of the gunshot wounds ring throughout my body and, as I see my own clothes drenched in blood, I start shaking. I'm going to die. Standing like this reminds me how fragile life is—how fragile all life is.

As I stand up straight, the pain of my wounds hits me, sending shockwaves of pain throughout my body. Still, I have to keep moving through the pain. This will all be over soon.

While I continue to walk towards the alarm, I see bodies lying at my feet—it's shocking to me, but I can't allow myself to feel sorrow. It won't be long until I join them.

The sound of the emergency alarm shifts into an emergency call alert to the pilot. As I guide myself to the pilot's chair, I see the people I've worked with for the past ten years of my service. My comrades, colleagues, and other soldiers are all dead. We were never friends, but it is still heartbreaking to see so many people dead. "Goliath! This is Admiral Coen! Come in!" A voice shouts into the com channel, but I can only hear it faintly. It's a man. "I heard oppositions! Is anyone there?" The voice calls as I slowly enter the room. "Hello?" They continue and I hesitate to place my hand over the answer button.

"This is…tactician Jordan Knight." I say as I'm out of breath. It's hard to breathe.

"Tactician? Where are your superiors?" The Admiral asks as I feel myself tear up.

"The Goliath…we were…just taken by a krogan infiltration team, Admiral." I say and bow my head in shame. "I'm the only one left, sir."

"A rescue team is on the way, Miss Knight." The Admiral says, trying to reassure me. "We'll get you out of there soon." He says as I start contemplating on the fight. There were so many Krogan, slaughtering the crew—while I hid in a vent. "Are you wounded?" He asks and I look at my body. Three bullet holes surrounded by blood.

"Yes." I hear myself say as I try holding back my tears.

"The rescue team has a doctor on board that will patch you up." The Admiral says, reassuring me. "You're going to be all right."

"Thank you, Admiral, but…" I say and lean against the wall behind me. I feel like my body is getting lighter. "I don't think I have much time left." I say as feel cold from the wetness of my blood covering my clothes.

"They will get to you in time. I promise." He says, calmly and confidently.

After several minutes pass, with the Admiral talking me through the wait for the rescue team, I slide down the wall to sit. I'm getting tired. "Miss Knight?" He asks but I don't respond. His breath quickens with panic. "Stay with me!" The Admiral shouts. Even though I want to tell him "don't worry about me," but I can't get the words out. "The rescue team is just outside."

"I'm…sorry, sir." I hear myself whisper as I hear the loading door open. Three soldiers walk in. When they see me, they quickly rush up to me. I feel them walking to me, which comforts me, but my eyes close on their own. This is a bitter-sweet moment.

"There she is!" A soldier, a man, shouts as I feel someone quickly bend down to me.

"Admiral! She's lost a lot of blood!" One of the soldiers, a woman, shouts. She sounds scared and anxious. "I can't believe she survived…look at all of those bodies!"

"Focus, Kiera!" A man, older than the first, shouts. "What should we do, Admiral?"

"Get her onto the Normandy! Quickly!" The Admiral shouts and I feel one of them pick me up, cradling me like a child. "No need to look for survivors. Just get her to safety! Coen out."

"You heard the man!" The older man shouts and I hear the sound of feet shuffling. "Now, go!"

"She's so…light…" The one holding me, a man, says. "Thankfully, our doctor is prepared for something like this…" I hear him say, faintly. Then, I can't hear anything at all. Just the silence in the darkness.

What did the Admiral say?

He told them to get me "onto the Normandy"? That name sounds so familiar…

Where have I heard that name before?