Mass Illumination - The Dragon in the Garden of Eden

Ashley fucking Williams.

"My head …" I moan … trying to hide my confusion. What the hell is going on? I wasn't that tired was I? Almost two days without sleep … but …

"Most of our squad has been cut off … I'm not sure if you recall, but Geth jumped you." She looked at me with … almost remorse. Her big … beautiful brown eyes twinkle with sadness. I just called a computer game character … beautiful?

"Chief! Lieutenant! Hanks needs support asap!" crackled a radio. I'm a Lieutenant? Nice.

"Tell him I'm coming, the Lieutenant got hit pretty bad …" She looks at me as she replied …

"I'll make it …" It hurt to talk but her squad needed the support, "Let me cover you with my last breath… I owe you that much." Shit. I almost convinced myself I was going to die.

"Sir …" She hesitated. She knows the needs of the many come before the needs of the few. Even I've been here five minutes, but I know what is going to happen. If I'm going to survive in this universe, and especially if I'm a bloody lieutenant, I need to take charge.

"That's an order chief." I say. I look her in the eye. I put my most determined face on. I'm not fucking dying here, oh don't you worry.

She nods as she stands, "Thank you sir. Cover me best you can. I hope you do shoot better than you play cards." She flashes a small smile at me as slides down the slight incline of the cliff face.

Oh right, I'm a sniper. I pull out my rifle and admire the beauty of it. Such a well crafted weapon. Even I can tell it's custom made, but I've never used a gun before … well … I used a paintball gun … but that hardly counts. That was more like shooting peas than bullets. If I recall my mass effect guns correctly … this is a Black Widow … but I thought only Legion had this? Or perhaps this sort of stuff was reserved for the special ops as it seems that's I do.

I roll onto my belly, trying to ignore the pain in my face. I was always good with pain, kind of had to be playing Rugby at school. The kids there were right little fuckers. I swear one kid tried to break my neck.

I look down the scope of the gorgeously crafted rifle, realising that my face wound is over my left eye, and thanking God I'm right-side-orientated.

Scanning around I see Ash sprinting towards the rest of her squad. Scanning around, I actually recognise the spot from in game! I see the spot where Shepard rescues Ash … the crazy doctor and his handler … can't renegade Shepard knock him out? That gets me thinking about Shepard … Male? Female? Will there even be a Shepard? Or have I taken his place …

As I scan, I realise how naturally this comes to me … as if I had been training for 10 years … shit. Wasn't the Mindoir colony attacked … 2170? And mass effect happens in the 80's … so I'm in a universe where I'm ten years older? Shit. I wanted to be a teacher. Or even a linguist. Not a soldier. However badass I feel being a Lieutenant in what appears to be a spec ops role.

I take a shot at a Geth trying to flank the Squad. My shot goes through his shields and hits his arm. I Disarmed him but he can still kill. I shoot him again, this time taking in account of the wind and distance.

BOOM HEADSHOT.

I should take this more seriously. I could die. This isn't a game anymore. To prove my point my shields flicker as a Geth sniper narrowly misses me.

Shit. No more … what ever that's from …

I go to grab the trigger on my rifle and a burning sensation rushes into my hand. I cry out in pain. Shit, they overheat fast, lesson learned. I hear the beep, signalling it's cooled, and scan for my sniper.

I find him pretty quickly. He must think he hit me because he's not in cover and running past where the crazy doctor is aiming at the squad. He lets a shot off as I hit him through his torch face. I need to get faster. I check the squad and see … fucking hell. A trooper, looks barely 18, missing half of his face … I see … what's left of his eye fall out of the soldier and I have to turn away. Knowing what I know doesn't change this. The heretic Geth are just plain bastards.

I line up another shot, this time against a rocket trooper. I take him just under the torch, through his neck … equivalent. I line up a few more … but after a few shots, I see that this wave is going to crush the squad. After about ten minutes of fierce fighting, the humans number 4, not including me, but the there is at least … two dozen Geth coming through. I aim for the rocket troopers and snipers, but the sheer number force the Squad to start retreating towards where Shepard should meet Ash.

Click click beep beep bzzzt

I turn to see two Geth sprinting up the ledge where Ash went down, shit. I take a pot shot at one and then fire again, without even aiming. My first shot is wide, but my no-scope takes down the one who looked like he had a shotgun. My luck is that he was also slightly ahead, tripping the second as he falls. My instinct is to grab the knife in attached to my ankle and lunge. Which is what I do. Glad of my prior N7 training. My knife enters his torch, killing him instantly. I slash at his … neck to ensure he won't get back up.

I mean … It's weird I have two instincts. Its almost as if they've intertwined. Perfectly. Like butter on toast … of ice in lemonade. My prior was a great soldier … now I am too. I'm perfectly fine with killing Geth, even though I have my outside gamer knowledge. Knowing that these Geth will kill … no, have killed innocents, simply makes it okay. I would have considered myself a pacifist … but the fact that I've killed around twelve conscious beings doesn't bother …that in itself bothers me.

I drop and look back at Ash and … I realise the squad is dead, with the exception of Ash. I shoot a Geth behind her to signal I'm still kicking and she replies with a salute. I look around me and see … what looks like a blue tooth ear phone on the floor and I assume that's mine. I hear Ash's voice asking if I'm still in pain over the crackling.

"Williams, retreat. I can cover you up until the tree line." I say calmly, whilst putting the ear phone into my ear.

"I'm not leaving you sir, were the only ones left." She says stubbornly. I see her kick a Geth back, but I have to shoot it, with I do.

"No point having us both die eh? You'll make a great officer one day." A memory takes me by surprise. My prior seemed to have the same idea as me … and well wanted her to become more… clear the family name. "If I don't make it, there's a recommendation in my desk for N7 training for you." I tell her. "Now fall back Williams or I will shove my recommendation up your …" I don't bother finishing because I see someone who took their sweet time.

Out of the tree line comes none other than Commander Shepard and Lieutenant Kaiden Alenko. Seems Jenkins didn't make it. Always thought that was a dick move by Bioware. Jenkins seemed great then he dies seconds into the game.

But Shepard is female! So she could romance Kaiden … or Liara … hoorah for xenolesbians!

Shepard and Kaiden take down the rest of Geth. Both of them using some sweet biotic powers. A lift here and a push there, Geth flying into each other. At one point, there is a shower of sparks as I hit one as they collide. I see Shepard approach Ash, and I know she's in good hands, so I can future fire fights. I see a few spikes and Geth using them, as well as a couple of husks wandering like zombies. Zombies, fun fact, always terrified me, ever since I played Resident Evil on my PlayStation one. I grew out of it, but I'm not looking forward to fighting them.

"Lieutenant Commander, are you okay?" I hear in my ear, I'd know that voice anywhere.

"Now you mention it, I can't open my left eye, but I'm still battle ready, can I ask who you are ma'am?" I ask, need to play the part of a spec ops badass, plus I shouldn't know who she is at this point in time.

Lieutenant Commander. What. I'm only a single rank below Shepard? Well I'll be a monkey's uncle.

"Commander Shepard, Alliance Navy. We're here for the Protheon Artefact. Can you give us any intel while you're up there?"She asks. I can see her from my cliff. She looks pretty awesome, she has an aura of authority.

"Up the hill in front of you, there is … spikes that have impaled colonists on them … about a dozen Geth and … some blue glowing zombie creatures…" I finish … it's pretty hard to explain when you know what they are. "The dig site isn't far, but it's just outside of my vision. I'll meet you there Commander." I add, just for good measure.

"Rodger that, do you mind been called 'Mack'? Williams said that's what you prefer." She's definitely paragon. A renegade wouldn't ask that.

"Aye aye Commander, or simply Lieutenant…"I decide to throw in a quip, simply for good measure, "or even 'sexy' if that's what suits your fancy. But we have colonists to save, over and out." I cut my comlink and smile, now she knows I'm jokey but serious. I hope. That's what I'm going for.

I crawl forward, hearing gunfire from the remaining Geth and Shepard's squad. Shit, you could hear them in Slipknot concert. Even if you were deaf. I can see why people are always ready in the games.

I get in view of the dig site, and I see where the beacon should be, I also see the reinforcement Geth.

"Commander, the Artefact has been moved. Geth reinforcements are converging on the dig site too. The extra Geth have come from the science camp, so if you can clear the dig site, you'll have some breathing room." I say. I need to play the part of a good recon guy. Which is the safest job, as opposed to charging in blind like in the games.

"Copy that, any idea where it could have been moved to?" is the reply. Use your brain Shepard! Or tell her Ash.

"If you wanted to steal it, then the Spaceport seems logical I suppose." I try to act intelligent. I've played all 3 games so I know what happens … kind of … I never got round to saving earth … probably going to pose a problem … if I get that far.

"Good thinking, Nihlus is headed there anyway, I want you to get a vantage point over the area then okay? We'll meet you there. Shepard out." Always the professional.

Shit, I might be able to save Nihlus … but that might ruin the story … should I keep my knowledge secret? No one will exactly believe me anyway. I might be able to get evidence of Saren though …

I silently run along the cliff, keeping low, keeping a head count of as many hostiles as possible. There are so much more than in game. Like … almost three times as many … Shepard is going to be busy.

I reach a good spot, good enough to see where the farmers are hiding, where Nihlus dies and where that smuggler hides. The lack of my left eye hasn't been bothering me … and I am confused. I thought loosing sight in one eye would be a handicap … but if anything my other senses are heightened. It must be my prior's skills. I don't anyone who could get shot in the face and survive … let alone continue fighting afterwards. Okay, Zaeed, but he is an absolute beast.

About ten minutes of waiting, I see … Saren. I grip my rifle in anger … but I force myself to be calm. I have to play to the story. So I'll inform Shepard.

"Commander. I'm in position. But there has been a … development. There's a Turian, he seems calm, he's radioing someone, but I can't hear any chatter on your end. Just checking if this guy is yours?" Now wait …

"I don't know why any other Turian would be here, white face paint? Red and black armour? Shotgun?" She seems pretty sure …

"Negative on that commander. He has silver plates, black and silver armour and … I don't see a shotgun at all."

I can tell by the silence that she is confused. This is weird, a Turian on an obscure world on the edge of the Terminus Systems. Why on Earth would he be here?

"Is there any sign of Nihlus? Are you sure you can see everything …?" I can now hear the confusion. She's totally baffled.

I leave her hanging momentarily … I see Nihlus … sneaking to his death by his mentor and friend …

"I … I have a visual on Nihlus." Just like the cut scene in the first Mass Effect, Nihlus lowers his guard, but I have to play the part … "Nihlus looks like he knows this Turian … lowered his gun … huh that's …" The gunshot echoes throughout the valley …

"What? What happened Mack?" I hear the urgency … I could have saved him …

"The … other Turian… fuck … Nihlus turned around … and the other one … just shot him …" I could have saved him … "I could have saved him …"

"You had no way of knowing … keep your eye on him … he's our lead." She replied … calm … come Mack! I need to be calm too … I need to Nihlus' job.

"Aye aye Commander, there's around thirty hostiles on the way to the spaceport, I'll follow this bastard." My anger projecting my Scottish accent, I could have saved him … wouldn't my testimony count for something to the council? I'm not a traumatised dock worker … well I am a sniper who's been shot in the face.

Back into my silent run across the cliffs, I follow him while he takes the train, but I loose sight after he gets off. Shit. I need to get closer. If Shepard gets here soon, I'll join up with her. I need to let Saren escape … he needs to survive … until the Citadel of course … but shit …

That's when I notice the Reaper. Huge isn't the word. Godly seems pretty close. Of all of my prior's memories … I've never seen anything this … this size … on a planet! The Element Zero … it must be consuming it as fast as humans consumed oil …

Like in the game the ship makes a huge … sound … like a WW2 air raid siren … ungodly … designed to make people know that shit is going down. As it takes off, I'm close enough to feel the shockwaves … no atmosphere should take this sort of punishment.

"Mack, we're nearing the spaceport, where's the Turian?" Crackled Shepard.

"I've lost sight, it's a one way on the train, I'll meet you at the spaceport commander." I reply. Shit … I'll have to walk past his body …

As I get back to my spot where I saw Nihlus die, I see Shepard talking to the farmers, will she figure out that they were helping the smugglers? I see the man hand over a gun, so I assume she did. Kudos.

Scanning the area, making sure the area is clear, I proceed to slide down the, rather steep cliff face. My prior's prowess is something to behold, I'm extremely skilled, I have the instincts of a veteran and I'm pretty fit. Fitter than I was anyway, I couldn't have run as much as I did today, before at all.

Shepard, Kaiden and Ash are just finishing their meeting with the smuggler as I get there, he gives them the grenades and as he walks away, I approach the commander and salute, "Commander Shepard."

She jumps as she sees me, "Shit Mack … your …"

"Face? I'll live. Are we ready to go?" I smile at her concern, but I really feel fine, my adrenaline is numbing the pain, and as I walk towards the counter where the smuggler was hiding, I notice a bottle of whisky. Jack fucking Daniels. I pick it up and open it. I smell it, yeah, smells good. I get a mouthful … oh yeah … the burning sensation as my throat struggles to accept this poison.

"Sir? Are you sure you're okay?" That's Ash. I turn to see my three companions staring at me …

"I'm fine chief, just something to numb the pain, let's go get this Turian eh?" I smile at the concern.

Shepard is the first to recover their composure, "Ash take point, Kaiden and I will provide biotic support and Mack, you stay back." She looks at me with concern, and all I can do is smile.

"Sniper support ma'am."

"You shouldn't be working with a wound like that Mack …" She really does sound worried … I sigh.

"I'll stay here and keep a eye on the survivors then, okay ma'am?" I smile, she really is paragon Shepard.

"Fine, but you will keep com's open at all times." She says, calm, collected, a great leader.

"Aye Aye Commander!" I pull my smartest salute, and they turn to find the beacon. Have fun Shep. Have fun.

It takes about twenty minutes. Twenty minutes later I get the call that Shepard activated the beacon. By that time, the smugglers/farmers have fussed over my eye, I asked what was so bad and they gave me a mirror. I mean … I look like me… my chin strap & neck beard combo, medium length hair … enough so I can have a quiff but short enough so I don't have to watch it everyday. The most … disconcernable feature is the left side of my face. The bullet had gone into my cheek, but I was shot at a close enough range that the bullet hadn't got enough momentum to shatter … only chip. But the Geth's foot had shattered my left cheek bone and punctured my eye but a stray bit of bone. Luckily, by armour is as custom as my rifle, as I'm told by one of the farmers, and had regenerating nanobot technology been automatically applied when I was hit. Saved my life this experimental tech, but I can understand why Shepard was apprehensive about me still fighting.

"Mack, the Commander activated the beacon, she's unconscious, and we need evac, we'll pick you up on the way to the Normandy, okay … sir?" That was Ash, she sounded worried, as she was in game, well, a male Sheppard could capitalise on that. But I don't plan to, as I'm basically male Shepard …

"I'm right where you left me. The commander will be fine Ash, she's a tough cookie." I try and sound upbeat. God knows, I know she'll be fine. I think she's out for a few hours but … she's fine … shaken … but alive.

I'm picked up by the shuttle, an unconscious Shepard on the shoulder of one Lt Alenko. She seems fine … so does Ash and Kaiden, well, Ash has a few scratches on her armour, but no blood.

"Do we know where the Turian is?" I ask, I still need to play the unbeknownst sniper.

"He's called Saren, and we have no idea. We can only hope the council can do something." Kaiden replied.

"Yeah …" Is all I could say … Shit, are they in for a surprise.

I look out the window as we approach the Normandy, a beautiful shit. I'm speechless… a work of a beauty. As opposed to the clunky shuttles we had back in the 21st century. It's just so … sleek and …awesome.

As we board, Captain Anderson greets us, he greets me personally, but is up shit creek with everything that happened … he told us to get reports done by the time we get to the Citadel. But luckily, Dr Chakwas ordered me to the medbay to get my face checked out.

I wonder how things will go now … have I screwed up missions by been here … theres only one way to find out … and that's to survive, well, these drugs are gonna knock me out any time … now …shi …

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This one is much longer than my intro, as it's well an entire mission ... I won't split missions up if I can help it.

But thanks for reading, and once again, I wrote this chapter in one sitting, so it may not be perfect. Tell me how I can improve!

Rock on folks. \m/ (-_-)

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