"John, I'd like you to meet one of our newest spartans." Halsey glanced up at the giant next to her, who was staring at Shepard curiously.

"Just hold on a minute- I never said I accepted your offer." Shepard spat back, instantly becoming defensive, yet non-aggressive. She didn't dare take on the soldier, he was taller than a Krogan and likely as strong as one. His features spoke of complete authority. Dark eyes set far back into a chissled face, precision cut hair shaping a skull that looked as if Thor himself had crafted it.

"I see no reason why you wouldn't." Halsey continued, turning before staring down the barrel of a microscope at a sample.

"Perhaps because its probably illegal, and considering I'm a Spectre, the Council would prohibit my participation?"

"You'd let those dogs control you? How disappointing. The council is lazy, and weak-minded, you know that. Besides, what we're doing here isnt illegal. Questionable yes, but hardly illegal. Besides, its really no different than your cybernetic modifications." Halsey could tell she'd won the battle, but not the war. The seed had been planted.

Shepard had no retaliation. For a brief time, she mulled the thought in her head. Finally she came to a conclusion. "I'll consider your proposal. But don't expect me to join your little team." With that, the Commander pivoted on her heels and stalked past Garrus and Liara. The trio exited the UNSC offices, and made their way back to the Normandy's docking bay.

Meanwhile, Halsey continued to examine a sample. She glanced up momentarily at John.

"Think she'll be back Ma'am?"

"Absolutely. She knows what she has to do. This will be her only way to do it." Halsey was calm and collected- exacting in her plan and executing it with lethal precision. She had managed to make Shepard's resolve waver and knew it would be a matter of time before the Spectre stood in her lab once more.


Shepard sat in her quarters, hunched over with her arms propped up onto her knees. Irritated, she rose, traversed the floor and threw herself onto the bed before rolling over onto her back. Seconds later, Liara and Garrus appeared at either side, taking seats.

"What do you plan to do Shepard?" Liara asked softly, a hand on her comrade's wrist.

"I don't know." Shepard responded, half dazed.

"That Halsey woman was right.. things are changing. I've wondered myself if we're ready for what's coming." Garrus said with some hesitation.

"It took the entire might of every ship to protect the Destiny Ascention, and bring down Sovereign. And we barely managed to bring down that human reaper." Shepard mused.

"Indeed, and it wasn't even finished it seemed." Liara continued, laying next to shepard, grasping her hand.

"I think I'm going to accept." Shepard whispered, both Liara and Garrus quickly looking at her.

"But you don't even know what it involves." Garrus retaliated, expressing as much suprise and disbelief as his ridged features could muster.

"I was able to conclude some things. Those holograms showed reinforced bones, enhanced mental and physical prowess- effectively its a Super Soldier program."

"I wonder why she said you'd make the perfect candidate.." Liara said softly, rolling to her side while idly playing with Shepard's fingers in her own.

"I suppose I'll have to ask her."

For a while the trio lazed in silence, Shepard grasping the hands of her team firmly. "Others might not agree with our relationship, but I honestly think I couldn't have formed a better team. Thank you guys, and no matter what happens-.." Shepard paused, taking a deep breath. "I'm going to fight until I die- to protect everything, to protect you." The other two stayed silent, only nodding in confirmation.


Night fell on Reach, peaceful and tranquil on a rich spring evening. In a way the world was not unlike earth, aside from its unusual satalite lighting the sky in eerie greens and yellows amidst the sea of violet and blue and black. From a distance, one could make out the aether green trails from the surface that ascended all the way to its outer atmosphere, like tendrils reaching out to space in an effort to hold on.

Sleep was difficult for Shepard, mind challenged with all the thoughts that swirled around- her Spectre Status, the Reapers, and her comrades. She was but one woman, and the galaxy had placed upon her more than any entire civilization could cary. They wanted a savior and they'd made Shepard their skapegoat. A day would come when she couldn't fight anymore- couldnt lift a gun to defend everything she loved and held dear.

Liara and Garrus had retired to their own quarters some time before, likely lulled into sleep by the hum of Normandy's engines as they sang their tunes. Shepards mind turned rapidly on the other hand. She had made up her mind but why did her stomach have a pit feeling? Finally the Spectre threw herself from the bed and climbed into her standard casual wear. Now was the best time to discuss the details further with Halsey, and see if this was really the best thing to do.

Quietly she made her way towards the door to the elevator, climbed in and emerged on the Information deck. Kelly had retired for the evening, her terminal quiet and empty. In fact, the entire bridge was empty. Even Joker had retired, the pilot's chair turned toward her as she approached the airlock.

"Shepard-" a voice called, soft and concerned.

"Liara?" Shepard turned to face her. She could see that Liara had been upset by something.

"You're going to talk to her, aren't you?" Liara took a step closer, and another until she was within an arm's length of her commander.

"I've already died once.. If this kills me, whose to say they can't bring me back again?" Shepard mustered a tiny smile.

"There's no gaurentee it'll work again.." Liara grabbed Shepards hand and squeezed. Shepard pulled her into a small embrace.

"Its fine Liara. Besides.. Dr. Halsey is right.. am I really enough to fight the Reapers? or could I be something more?"

"You're right. My apologies. I just.. know its been tough for you, for all of us." Liara held on, refusing to let Shepard go.

"I'll be alright."

"Oh.. Shepard," Liara pulled back and sniffled, "I got a call, from Feron."

"Broker business?" Shepard knew well what a call from Feron meant.

"Yes. I must return within the next day. These last few days have been wonderful but I cannot forget my duties." She folded her hands into themselves and bowed her head. Shepard placed a hand on her cheek and leaned in. Their lips clashed, as if to say farewell for now.

"Let me talk to Dr. Halsey. In the meantime, wake everyone. We leave in three hours." With that, Shepard gave her comrade a final hug goodbye and exited through the airlock. Liara was still standing there when the doors closed, looking more lost than ever..


A knock echoed at the door.

"Come in." An impatient voice shouted. The door opened and in stepped Shepard. Immediatly the woman took a deep breath, exhaling then making her way towards the back of the office space.

"The receptionist told me I could find you-"

"Hmm. Only nine hours annnd... twelve minutes.. I would have thought you would put more thought into this." Dr Halsey sat behind her desk, pouring over notes as she flipped papers around and attampted to make heads or tails of files. Shepard caught a glimpse of a journal mixed into it all, upon which a coffee cup sat. A dark ring had formed around it.

"I've put enough into it. I had some questions however." Shepard invited herself to take a seat infront of the desk. Halsey looked annoyed, as if waiting for her to continue. "What does becoming a SPARTAN involve?"

"Quite simply, the SPARTAN project is mankind's endevour, or more specifically- my endevour to create a soldier unlike anything the galaxy has seen before. There is no volenteering to be a SPARTAN, no specialised training to join their ranks. Instead each is hand picked and conscripted."

Shepard didn't like the way she used that word. Conscripted. Volentereed by a higher power. People were forcibly enrolled into this project, so why had she been given a choice in the matter?

"We then enhance the individuals already extrodinary traits. Combine that with a set of specially crafted powered assault armor and you've got yourself something even a Krogan would fear." Halsey seemed proud of herself, shifting to grab at her coffee cup. The paper stuck to the bottom momentarily before releasing its hold. She stared pitifully into the bottom of the cup then stood and stalked towards a brewing machiene in a far dark corner. "Coffee?"

"Oh, sure." Shepard watched as Halsey prepared another cup. "No sugar or cream." Halsey came back with two cups, handing Shepard the second. "Another question. Why do you consider me a perfect candidate?"

"Shepard, you're an Icon. The galaxy might question the morals behind the SPARTAN project, but they won't care once they see what you'll really be able to do after augmentation. Besides, I feel this is no more comprimising morally than the Genophage. How can anyone weigh my actions against the systematic selective sterilization of an entire species?"

"Augmentation?" Shepard backtracked, although her questions hardly had to be voiced. It was obvious she was clueless.

"Take your cybernetic implants for example. They've made you faster and stronger, correct?" Shepard nodded. Halsey grinned. "What if I told you I could take all that and excell it by three-hundred times your current capacity? Reaction times as fast as forty-seven miliseconds, the ability to lift several hundred pounds with ease." Halsey paused for dramatic effect. It worked. Shepard was quite dialed in. Finally Halsey stood, approaching an island in the center of the floor. She touched its milky surface and holograms began to appear.

Shepard followed, watching the motes of light dance and form shapes. "I'd say it was a pipe dream."

"Hardly. John is just one testiment to the overwhelming success of the SPARTAN program. However his circumstances are vastly different from your own. Unlike you he was just a small boy when he joined this project." Halsey spoke with a sense of pride, despite the implications.

"Wait. You're saying you experimented on a child?" Shepard barked, immediatly going on the defense.

"A nessecary evil. But he's stronger for it. They're soldiers, forged from the beggining."

Her resolve wavered once more. Shepard staggered back, feeling afronted by the latest realisation. Her throat felt dry, and suddenly the lingering taste of coffee was bitter.

"In the past, we've tried adults but its never worked. They never survive the augmentation. Those that do are permanently disabled."

"Then why ask me?" Shepard wanted right then and there to knock Halsey for a loop. This was absurd.

"Because unlike other fully mature humans, your body's been vastly modified and put through a high degree of stress. Your implants alone will already have extended your life span by a good fifty years or so. I believe you'll not just survive the augmentations, but you will thrive..."

Shepard felt her spine tingle. This woman's actions were morally grey at best. Legality was also a concern, and as an agent for the Council, she would have to report this.

"I also ask you keep these discussions between you and I." Halsey practically read Shepard like a book. "So. What'll it be. Are you in?"

She didn't know how long she'd been standing there, blank and horrified. A minute, five, ten? Eventually Halsey turned to go refill her cup, again. Shepard came to and stopped her, "I'll do it."

"Good. Meet me at these coordinates three days from now. I'd like to test you right away. I want to see what you're already capable of." Halsey raised her left arm, an orange transparent overlay appearing. Shepards own tool signalled incoming data, which she didn't bother checking. "And let your superiors know you'll be incommunicado. UNSC Authority."

Shepard had heard that name before. United Nations Space Command. A human initiative not unlike Cerberus to further mankind's developement and ultimately the main governing body for all of the human race. But unlike Cerberus, the UNSC didn't make themselves a giant target for all the galaxy's hatred. The Council would not be pleased, but in the end they had little power over Shepard's decision. It would also be a massive hit to their public standings to revoke her Spectre status in an attempt to sway her otherwise.

She began feeling confident in her choice. In the back of her mind she had actually begun to look foward to Halsey's science experiments. That said, she exchanged a handshake with the good doctor and saw herself out. Upon returning to the Normandy, she found that the crew was wide awake and waiting at their posts for her return.

"Joker, take us out of here and plot a beeline course for Hagalaz." Shepard ordered the moment she stepped aboard the Normandy.

"Aye-aye captain. All crew brace for departure. Normandy away." Joker replied over the com. Quietly everyone clung to their seats until the Normandy breached Reach' atmosphere. It truly was a beautiful planet, with a most peculiar atmosphere.

The Normandy dove through space, zigzagging through the various relays, hoping to scramble any wouldbe followers. Shepard was deeply concerned for Liara's safety, considering she had inherited perhaps the second most dangerous job in the galaxy-second only to her own.

Liara departed with a heavy sigh, but Feron was pleased to greet the away team. Shepard took a moment to share a final goodbye with Liara before reboarding their transport and returning to the Normandy.

"Joker, I'm forwarding you some coordinates." There was silence as Shepard transmitted the data to EDI.

"Um.. Commander, hate to burst your bubble but computer says there's nothing of importance there. Just the..Zeta Doradus system. All class 0 plants, uninhabitable."

"Trust me."

"If you say so. Plotting course. We'll hit the relay in a matter of hours."


A/N: 'Second' Chapter. Rectified alot of concerns. no worries, i didnt forget alot of what you guys asked about, eg Liara being the Shadow broker and everything.

and while the 'first contact war' between human and covenant hasn't 'technically' happened, it will happen differently to match the combined canons. some things may happen faster too such as pivotal events and production of the various phases of MJLONIR.

I have chapter 3 written but I'm not sure im /happy/ with it. Im also not sure im happy with this chapter but im just gunna go with it. wanna work s'more on homefront, and another nifty crossover i've got in the works :D

either way, Thanks for reading. I hate to sound pathetic but reviews would be GREAT. doesn't have to be anything spectacular, just would appreciate knowing whether not peopla re actually /reading/ this. xD'

Oh, I apologise for the typos, and I'm SURE there are alot. I proofread, but there's alot I miss completely.