Hey everybody, sorry about the wait but I work at a grocery store and it is insane at Thanksgiving. Anyway A few things first.

Shashenka: Yes the chapters shall be longer but I won't have Kevin be a Spectre. Shepard is the first Human Spectre and I don't plan on changing that, also he will be CEO of Atlas so he wouldn't really be a candidate for it. He will have his fair share of fights but is more the man behind the battles meeting clients and other things like interviews.

Guest Q: you will find out in a few chapters and yes the Reapers are in for a fight.

Victor: Atlas will fight the Reapers but in a larger galactic sense. Atlas will have a few thousand men at least so will they will operate in more areas but Shepard will have support from them.

Also I am scooting the Torfan attack three years early.

Torfan Assualt

2175

2nd Lieutenant Sarah Shepard behind a Dragon's Tooth 500 feet from the slaver's position(these are square-pyramidal fortifications made of concrete used to stop tanks and mechanized infantry) as the slavers and pirates fired on the advancing Alliance Marines. The Makos and Grizzly's were stopped causing the marines to have to advance through a meat grinder while the tanks could only fire long range shots that missed more then hit. Thanks to the entrenched enemy forces to advance would cause huge losses and still probably fail.

"Command, this is 2nd Lieutenant Sarah Shepard we need support the enemy has stopped our armor from supporting us. Anything would help us."

"Lieutenant, This Captain Weaver of the ACV Atlas Rising. Support is on it's way."

"Captain Weaver, who the fucking hell are you the only Alliance ships here are the SSV Ain Jalut and SSV Hastings. I want to know who the hell your working for!"

Captain Weaver P.O.V

Will sighed as he listened to Shepard. "I work for Atlas Corporation and we were hired to find and rescue Inata Edonus as hired by her mother Naari Edonus. The intel her mother gained from a friend in the STG confirms her presence on Torfan. We have infantry and heavy armor enroute to your location."

Will turned and motioned for the comm. to shut off and headed back to his chair. "Send the 1st swarm to cover the landers. Send a message to Mr. Irons, tell him that we have arrive over Torfan and are landing troops on the planet using the new drop pod system the engineers designed and we have the 1st swarm covering them, end message."

Will looked towards the planet as he thought over the last three years since the starting of Atlas and the creation of the Atlas Rising, the first privately owned carrier in the galaxy. He had just finished his training for naval combat in a Citadel training school specializing in carrier combat which the rest of the galaxy was still learning from Humanity. Shortly after his graduation Kevin approached him offering him a job on the Atlas Rising for Atlas Corporations. He had jumped at the chance even before seeing the ship itself, which took half a year after his hiring to finish. The ship was 1.17km in length by 352 meters in width and 414 meters in height. The entire ship was based off an old video game warship called the Pillar of Autumn from Halo. The ship was built with the bare minimum of Ezzo tech except enough to use the Mass Relays and kinetic barriers. The carrier had 2 meters of titanium armor which was unusual for ships of any type and had a fusion drive.

The Atlas had four large hangars built into it to hold another difference between it and it's cousins in other fleets, this ship used drones as it's fighter and bomber compliment instead of human piloted ships. While not having a living being's ability to change on the fly they were smaller allowing more to be stored on the ship and less causalities in battle. There were 18 Guardian defense lasers and 22 50mm defense guns and 300 light missile pods as defense. The carrier also had two medium range ship to ship cannons which unknown to the larger galaxy actually were ACTUAL LASER CANNONS. Will couldn't wrap his head around that fact still. He even heard that infantry level laser guns were in the works but no actual truth was believed in those rumor.

Torfan's Surface

Sarah was wondering about the arrival of these mercs could she trust them, probably not since they only follow the paycheck. Looking up she saw large blocky pods fall from orbit with what appeared to be more normal drop ships and several strange black cloudy shapes. "Someone figure out what the hell those cloudy looking thins are now!" She turned headed back to the men at the lines still holding at the Dragon's Teeth. "Okay men, apparently some rich Asari hired some mercs to save her daughter and they are landing now so stay professional and lets show everyone why true militaries are still their best defense."

A private called out, "Who did they hire boss, Blue Suns, The Eclipse, Blood Pack or is it some rinky dink group no ones ever heard of?"

Shepard laughed, "Close, some group called Atlas Corporations. I personally never heard of them, has anybody?"

A figure leaned against a Tooth and nodded and spoke I a flanging voice, "Yeah I've heard of them. They are about three years old but what are composed of veterans and specially trained troopers. They also have some pretty advanced tech."

Sarah looked over and noticed the figure was a Turian who was looking at her. He was a dark grey with light green markings with a small red patch on his left cheek bone. "Caemus Agtius, Commanding Officer of the Atlas forces, pleasure to meet you."

Sarah nodded and asked, "How do you intend on getting inside? The Dragon's Teeth are keeping us from getting armor in to use as cover."

Caemus laughed, "These won't stop the Titans and the ASTs will be able to maneuver between them." He turned and waved a hand to three tanks waiting, they started to shake as the treads shifted forward and pressed down to create legs and started to march over the Dragon's teeth as Atlas troopers filed through the Teeth covering each other and moving from Tooth to Tooth. Shepard looked closer and noticed that there were Humans, Turians, Asari, and even two Quarians and a Salarian. She as surprised as most merc groups only hired from two maybe three species only usually.

As they marched forward the tanks arrived on the far side and lowered allowing the men to use them as cover. Shepard motioned for her troops to stay in position and allow the troopers to advance. "Lets see how they do if they succeed we advance if they fail we find another way across." The Titans rolled forward firing their smoothbore cannons and heavy machine guns. The infantry stayed behind the tanks ducking out to fire in bursts as they advanced across the No-Mans-Land. With the Titans support the Slavers were quickly pushed back inside the base and Shepard's team advanced to the base's doors.

Caemus looked at her team in mild irritation and shook his head. "Our VIP is three floors down on the far side of the complex. Your people are on the second floor close to the elevator since they were to be shipped to the slave markets on Khar'shan in three days. My men are headed to three you are on your own once we hit the second floor. Unfortunately the elevator in the back of the first floor which is 65 feet across. My plan is throw some flash bangs in and swarm them quickly. " He turned to his men shouted orders, "Alright, Assault Exos I want Exo-Shields in front with the rest firing over their shoulders. I want the bombardiers to ready flash bangs in their Exo-Luanchers to fire on my command."

A new trooper ran up. "Caemus, Mr. Irons is on the comms, he wants to speak to you sir." Caemus grabbed the comms receiver and spoke, "Yes Mr. Irons?"

The Citadel

Presidium

Kevin's P.O.V

I spoke, "Caemus I have Mrs. Edonus here with me, how is the operation going?" Caemus spoke quickly, "The operation is going well. We are about to breech the main doors on the base now. We have confirmed the presence of Inata with the implanted tracker signal her mother supplied to us. If ther is nothing else sir, I think the slavers are getting antsy?" "Go ahead with the Op, Caemus."

As I spoke with Mrs. Edonus to keep her calm two Turian C-Sec officers came up to us. "You are Kevin Irons correct?" The lead officer asked bluntly. I nod, "I am, may ask what this is about?"

He shrugged, "I was given orders to bring you before the Council that's all I know sir, sorry." I nodded and turned to Naari and gave her Captain Weaver's contact information n the Atlas Rising. "Captain Weaver will contact you once we have your daughter aboard the Atlas Rising." I turned to the officers and nod, "I am ready when you are officers." They directed me to the nearest quick transport terminal and headed to the Council Chambers.

Ten minutes later I stood waiting for the Council to acknowledge my presence. I wish they would hurry up. Lazy slow annoyances. Finally I stood before them. They looked the exact same as in the game even down to the same clothing. I had a flah back to my first time seeing them in Mass Effect. They weren't really that awe inspiring though.

The Asari Councilor, Tevos, spoke first. "We have heard some strange reports from our STG teams that your company has built fielded your own Dreadnought. I am sorry but due to the Treaty of Farixen we will have to have I decommissioned and taken apart." I growl in irritation at the uselessness of this meeting. "The ACV Atlas Rising is a carrier not a dreadnought. It is not restricted by the Treaty and there are no restrictions on private companies preventing them from building and fielding dreadnoughts or carriers so I am afraid I see no reason for this meeting so if that is all I will take my leave I am sure you have other things to do." Out of the corner of my eye I see the Volus Ambassador lightly bouncing on his feet which makes me chuckle. Probably trying to get a Council seat. Again.

Quintus growled and spoke harshly, "No private company needs a carrier anyway. You will hand over the piece of junk or we will take it from you!" I sigh as I realize that this is caused by the fact not even the Blue Suns have anything above cruiser size in anything beyond the rare centuries old dreadnought that couldn't stand face to face with a tip-top cruiser. "I have every right to have the Atlas Rising there is no law or regulation stating I can't as my men built it and I paid for the materials. You just don't like the idea of a carrier being in the hands of a Private Military Company. Well, too bad. I am on the right side of the law on this and there is nothing you can do to change it. If you change the Treaty just to seize my ship everyone will see that your willing to twist the law to suit your own private needs."

The Council froze at that, after all they would lose standing in the eyes of the public and possibly impeached. Tevos nodded, "Yes you are correct but I wd likeyou to understand that having a carrier in the hands of a merc gro-" I interrupted her, "Atlas Corporations is a Private Military Company not a merc group. We do not do use illegal means to gain money like slave running or drug smuggling. Now I know what your going to say but I don't care. I am keeping the Atlas Rising and I have men in combat situations so I have more important matters to attend to. Have a nice day." With that I strode off as the Council was stunned by my remark.

As I headed for the Cab Terminal a Human woman came up to me, "Mr. Irons, Khalisah al-Jilani Westerlund News, may I have a few minutes of your time?" I turn towards her for a second and nod, "I have time for three questions no more. I have men in the field and things to do."

She nods and speaks quickly, "The Council was trying to take possession of the Atlas Rising correct? Possibly to keep Humanity below everybody else, how do you feel about the anti-humanism actions of the Council."

I shake my head, "The Council isn't targeting the Alliance but Atlas due to the fact we have to allegiance to them and a carrier or even a dreadnought in prime condition would scare anybody. Next question."

She nods, "Your company is relatively young compared to the merc gangs in the Terminus, how do you intend to compete as a Private Military Group?" I nod, "Yes but where they accept anyone within the species they recruit from and just give them basic training and armaments, we at Atlas hire mainly veterans and trained personnel but when we do hire green men we ensure they are trained to be the best we can make them. We also equip them with the best gear we have which is extensive like our Exo-suits which can enhance the wearer's speed and strength to near Krogan levels."

She seems surprised, "There have been rumors of your troopers have exotic weapons and gear but no confirmed sightings or reports. What kind of tech do your men use Mr. Irons?" I grin, "I could tell you or your Network can come to Atlas Headquarters for a full interview in say two weeks I will have my people contact your managers Ms. al-Jilani." I nod to her and enter my cab.

Torfan

Same Time

Caemus hung up and turned to the troopers, "Alright the Boss says to get your lazy asses in gear and lets get this done. Get it done in an hour and first rounds are on me tonight." The nine troopers grin at him. Faen'Naedor nar Neema grinned, "We are holding you to that boss." He readied his Exo-Launcher to fire a flash bang. Caemus chuckled and they stacked up at the door. Caemus threw the door open and two flash bangs were launched in after three seconds an explosion of light went of and a loud bang the ten marines rushed in and quickly swept the room firing on the six pirates inside. entering the elevator with the Alliance troops and Shepard watched as Caemus pulled a roll of strange fabric an planted it on one side of the door and rolled it out across to the other side as three men kneeled behind it. When the door opened dozens of pirates and slavers fired upon the opening.

Shepard was surprised as the fabric held up against the mass accelerator fire as the Atlas troops fired back but to her surprise instead of over heating like most weapons they had magazines instead of vents. As she waited for her assault rifle to cool he yelled at Caemus, "What kind of guns are you using? I didn't think anybody still used mag loaders anymore."

Caemus grins, "Our rifles use old Human bullets but have mass accelerator in the barrel to enhance the bullet speed and force. Guns hit harder and faster with bigger bullet holes in return. My rifle is an ARX-160 with an integrated red dot sight and a fore grip." He leans out and fires a three round burst hitting a Batarian in the chest and ripping his chest to shreds.

Shepard had to admit the weapons were more effective at putting holes in people. As the Alliance troops advanced under covering fire from the Atlas men she noticed that only a few cages were occupied. The rest were empty after twelve minutes of frenzied combat the room was secured and Caemus had two men go and get an AST whatever that was. She walked over to him. "Is your VIP here?" He shook his head. "No her tracking beacon is down lower in the next floor."

The elevator returned and Shepard got her first look at an AST. The mech was HUGE and it was a solid black. Looking closer Shepard realized it was being piloted by a Quarian. The left arm had a large machine gun hooked into it and a light cannon on his right arm and what appeared to be a missile launcher on it's back.

Piling into the elevator she couldn't help but be nervous at standing next to it, the doors opened and the AST stepped forward and raised it's machine gun and opened fire, the amount of bullets it pumped out was insane. Not even thirty seconds of fire and a pile of brass was sitting at it's feet. The Quarian was walking forward yelling at the top of his lungs, "Keelah se'lai Mother Fuckers!" Which was surprising due to the more Human parts of the saying.

The Slavers and Pirates weren't equipped to handle the overwhelming firepower of the AST and quickly started to fold to the Atlas forces. Then the AST used the launcher on it's back to fire a dozen mini guided missiles into the remaining pirates. The room went silent after that. Camus yelled out, "Clear the room make sure that's all of them. Faen find me Ms. Edonus please." Quickly he found her in one of the far cells. "Found her boss! We are going to need medical once we get her on board the Atlas."

Caemus nodded and turned to Shepard, "Well Shepard it was nice working with you. I will leave the base to you and pull my men out."

Citadel

Caemus called Kevin and reported the mission's success to the joy of Mrs. Edonus. Kevin grinned an told Caemus to get their boys home safely. As Kevin left the area heading to his personal ship a shadowed figure watched him leave, "The target is leaving sir," it listened for a moment and nodded and walked away.

Well everybody that is the end of chapter two. please read and review and let me now what you think. Next chapter: The Interview at Atlas' colony headquarters.