Okay, chapter 3! Again, this is the furthest I've ever come on a fanfic, and I also think I've got the story worked out so far. There wont be too many chapters though, as I have other things I need to focus on right now, and I don't want this hanging over my head.

Enjoy!

Chapter 3

The creaking of the bulkhead was the only thing heard in the Starboard Cargo of the Normandy-SR2, as Commander Shepard studied the mysterious piece of… equipment, acquired from the Cerberus research facility. EDI had found a data algorithm in the tank's memory core that allowed the tank's liquid to clear. After decrypting the data stream and plugging it in, all in a matter of a few split seconds, the tank "water" had cleared, and Shepard could finally get a good look at what exactly he had brought onto his ship.

The human was male, clad in plain, white scrubs, and beneath them were very well shaped muscles. His head and face were completely shaved, though tiny strands of black could be seen on both of them. The face itself was in one way very beautiful, and in another, very disturbing; not the slightest blemish or beauty mark was seen. The skin was smoother than steel, very pale, and the lines of the face looked as if sculpted by artisans of the finest quality.

Shepard found the whole thing highly unsettling. Conspiracy theories of every kind spun around in his head, and he felt his positive attitude slipping more and more.

His thoughts were abruptly cut off by Mordin's voice on the comm. Shepard had forwarded the tank's biological results and data for him to analyze, while Tali studied the remaining files.

"Shepard. Think you should hurry up to the lab. Will want to see this."

Shepard delayed his response a little longer than intended, cutting of Mordin's repetition of his words as he said:

"Thanks, Mordin. I'll be right up."

He took a final glance at the tank, then started moving towards the elevator.

Mordin's fingers dashed across holo-displays as Shepard entered the lab. The hyperactive Salarian looked up and waved him over, impatient.

"Come, Shepard. Still analyzing, though initial findings remarkable."

"What've found?"

Shepard braced himself, knowing that you spoke those words at your own risk to Dr. Mordin Solus.

"First assumption would seem correct. Subject is tank-born, very similar to Grunt in many ways. Was bred from various, high-quality sources. Though only superficially from humans."

Shepard's eyes widened with concern, and a hint of fear.

"What are you saying?"

"Though human on the outside, the subject possess the life-span and biotic power of an Asari, the brain-power and the metabolic speed of a Salarian, the radiation-resistant skin and speed of a Turian, the durable, and secondary organs of a Krogan, and a dozen other various traits from species around the galaxy, some unknown. Though, found something… more disturbing."

Mordin went quiet, and Shepard's concerns rose drastically. When Mordin Solus finds something that makes him hesitate before saying it, you can be sure it's bad.

"I found a minuscule trace of an ancient piece of DNA: Prothean."

Shepard paced back and forth in his quarters, going over what he had just found out about his newest passenger.

A human, with the best genetic traits of every species in the galaxy. And of the Protheans. Cerberus was well funded, and well informed, but this? Judging from the other facilities they'd found on the planet, they were training this… this thing. For what? Violent take-over? Was the Illusive Man truly capable of something like that?

Shepard quickly discarded those thoughts. The Illusive Man may want power, but not at the cost of human lives. Whatever the explanation was, it was probably much more complex.

Just as that thought slipped through his mind, his private terminal beeped. He looked up and strode over to it's orange display.

1 new message. He clicked it with an uncomfortable feeling in his gut.

Shepard.

From what my sources tell me, you've gotten a hold of our… my… little experiment.

I suppose all kinds of scenarios are running through your mind right about now, Shepard, so let me lay them to rest: Yes, the purpose of that specimen was to replace you, should you fail to return from the suicide mission. As I'm sure you've come to know by know, I always have a plan B. Unfortunately, this one went very bad, very fast.

I suppose you remember your mission to the derelict Reaper, to acquire the IFF, how the science team had been indoctrinated? Well, it would seem, not all of them threw themselves on husks in worship to the Reapers. We don't know how, but they summoned up a large enough force to steal the specimen from us and relocate it, out of our grasp.

I sent ships as soon as I got the message, the same one that led you there, but it seems they just missed their mark. They apparently even got a glimpse of your taillights.

Just so you know, Shepard, you've probably got one of the most dangerous things in the galaxy on your ship right now. I would tell you to hand it over to us, but I doubt you'd even consider it. But I will tell you this; if you want to find a silver lining in this, find out what they were plotting. I doubt they wanted the specimen for the sole purpose of study.

This goes beyond personal vendettas, Shepard. I just hope you won't be blinded by out current… predicament.

You won't be hearing from me again.

Illusive Man

Shepard glared at the message for a while, then hit delete. To his great personal discomfort, the Illusive Man had a point. Whatever they were planning, the rouge Cerberus team had to be found, if there were more out there.

Real sorry for the short length... and the crappy story. I was a bit tired and just wanted to get something up here. Review please!