Arcturus station

The crowds of the Acturus station hanger were enormous and unusually busy today, I could barely see the chrome on the walls as I walked through, looking for my berth… The SSV Normandy, an unusual name but as good as any for a frigate.

"Shepard!"

My head turned straight away, there he was. I quickly began my march over to him, keeping my face as calm as possible as I approached Anderson.

"Lieutenant Commander Shepard reporting for duty sir."

We swapped salutes, he smiled.

"At ease."

"Good. Now any chance you can tell me what promotion you haven't been able to talk me out of?"

"What, were you getting comfy with border patrol?" Anderson smiled, it was one of his easier smiles.

"I was getting a good amount of writing done and enjoying the peace. I think all the pirates disappeared as soon as they heard I was aboard, something about leading incredibly successful boarding actions and only receiving one Purple Heart in my entire career."

And with that, his smile disappeared. "Careful Shepard, you know whenever you mention that things start getting messy-"

"Good, I like messy, it ends with me earning a new reward and put somewhere quiet for a while."

"Well the Alliance doesn't want messy with this. Come on, this way, I'll brief you once we're underway."

I reached out and grabbed his shoulder, I'm sure my face was showing all the confusion I felt.

"Wait… We? What exa- You're just going to tell me you're going to tell me when we're underway aren't you?"

"It would be easier, you'll be sitting down. I think. Besides, it's been strongly suggested that I keep you in the dark as long as possible, but you should have plenty of catch up time."

-XXXX-

'Master of marines. Great, when I find out who decided they needed me just to serve as master of marines on a god damn frigate I'm going to give them a years' worth of latrine duty.'

I'm not sure how well I was able to keep my thoughts off my face as I stowed my locker.

'But nooo, it's not even a frigate's full marine compliment. Instead of at least 10 marines, I have 4. Sure, one's a Muton but everyone except Jenkins is over-ranked, and it's a fucking shakedown cruise! Two years! Dishonerable discharge! No, I'm going to find the man, and get us over the boarder for regen mods, then torture him until he dies of starvation!'

I closed my locker's door with a slow sigh.

"Aleandrea, if you think any louder, we're going to determine who on the vessel is psionically sensitive."

I snapped my head to the Muton. Gor'ria Veross, my eyes narrowing.

"I wasn't aware there was another psychic aboard."

"There's not, but I'm fully augmented and you're a psionic. I can see it on your face and I'm very sensitive, if your thoughts were much louder I would have been hearing them."

"I've served alongside Mutons before… Just wanted to check that you hadn't started birthing psions and I hadn't noticed."

She shook her head slowly, eyes not leaving mine.

"Have you been informed as to the Spectre aboard?"

"… No. And I've a feeling you're more informed than me since I haven't been briefed."

"Hmmm, that is unusual. I would have thought you would have been briefed earlier since you weren't with us for the ship briefing and christening."

The Muton returned to it's work on the armoury bench, it looked like some sort of plasma combi-weapon… Great, the armoury tech is an alien, that's great for stopping the accusations I'm a xenophile.

"Lieutenant Shepard, please report to the brid- forward bridge." There was a quiet click as the comms went off and I made my way to the slower than molasses elevator, going over what I knew, and wondering what a Spectre and a Turian might be doing here.

Then the idea that the Spectre was the Turian clicked into place.

And then the short brief that made mention of a noteworthy archaeological find at a protheon dig site that was getting hushed up.

"I think I'll add an IV drip and force feeding to the regimen… Perhaps through a rough tube."

-XXXX-

I quickly realised why 'Forward Bridge' was specified having taken another look around the bridge, it was almost like it was split into two sections. Probably a Turian design element.

And then I saw the Turian, who was likely the Spectre, he turned as he heard my steps… I noticed his face was painted to a unusual degree, likely a rather proud member of his clan.

"Commander Shepard. It's good to finally meet you."

"You have me at a disadvantage, Spectre?"

"Nihlus Kyrik, and yes."

"Hitting mass relay in 10 seconds."

The conversation stalled somewhat as we awaited the slight shift of Mass Relay transition, and we continued to quietly wait during the transition… I took to wondering why one of my marines was co-piloting, but given his rank as Staff Lieutenant, I could easily see him being authorised for it.

I just hoped we had a spare pilot that wasn't one that could be getting shot.

"Thrusters… Check. Navigation… Check. All systems online. Drift… Just under 1500 K."

"1500 is good. Your captain will be pleased." And with that, the Turian turned and walked off.

"I hate that guy."

"Nihlus gave you a compliment… So you hate him?"

"You remember to zip up your jumpsuit on the way out of the Bathroom? That's good. I just jumped us halfway across the galaxy and hit a target the size of a pinhead. So that's incredible!"

"Pilot, you find me a novelty pin with a head 1500 K across, and I'll call that incredible."

"Oh, funny, I'll get right on it. Anyway, Spectres are trouble, I don't like having him on board. Call me paranoid."

"You're paranoid. The Council helped fund this project. They have a right to send someone to keep an eye on their investment."

"Yeah, that is the official story. But only an idiot believes the official-."

"Pilot, I may not be a commissar but you may not wish to finish that sentence. Now, any chance it was Nihlus that requested I come up here?"

"Nope, Anderson. Probably wanted to surprise you with him."

I sighed. If he turned out to be the one I was thinking of I'd be handing in my resignation.

The comm clicked, "Joker! Status Report."

"Just cleared the mass relay captain. Everything looks solid, one more relay and we'll be approaching Eden Prime, are you sure you want me going slow?"

"So that's where we're going."

"Commander Shepard. Good. Meet me in the comm room for your full briefing, yes Joker, keep things slow."

"On my way captain."

I quickly made my way out of the bridge… the fore bridge… Damn that'd be an annoying correction to be making.

-XXXX-

"Commander Shepard, I was hoping you would get here first. Give us a chance to chat."

My eyes narrowed slightly as I saw Nihlus standing by the comm room's central screen, not even bothering to turn to face me as he continued with whatever he was doing, the suddenly a picture of a planet came up… Eden prime based off the label that came up shortly before he turned the screen off.

"It's always a pleasure to work with the Citadel's finest."

There was a slight shift in his posture before he turned, probably stifling a laugh.

"Yes, I hear that a lot within Council space. And like always when coming from someone with political training, it means 'Yes, I'll do what you ask, now please go away.'"

He phrased it as a statement, so I remained quiet, and held my face as still as possible, Turian eyesight was good, but not quite that good.

He waited a moment.

"Asari assistance with Turian finances."

I twitched, he noticed it.

"There we go. Anything you want to say on the matter?"

"The Alliance should be looking to provide the loans, as it'd further strengthen our economy in the long run."

He studied my face carefully.

"Well the forwarded dossiers were right, you can control yourself around us. Do you think it's likely I've bugged the ship."

"No, you can access all the ships recording devices and security features by use of your authority, you don't need to bug the ship."

"Smart enough to think on your feet instead of answering as you'd like. Good, you're a credit to House Shepard, regardless of the media's claims."

The door behind me hissed open, likely Anderson walking through now, and likely he had been listening in on the exchange.

"And there he is. I'll let you have you're briefing, I've been informed that you have lots of catch up to do, the Alliance can occasionally handle information up rather badly."

I twitched again as he walked past, trying not to think of what I so desperately wanted to do to him as the door hissed shut.

"Shepard, there's only one recording device for this room and it's mine. I give you permission to curse now."

"… No. I have been informed I'm to be on my best behaviour. However you seem to be getting a grasp for military politics. I presume you've left me in the dark so my perceptions couldn't be covered by research, and I'd be rather busy for a while."

"Shepard-" Anderson began slowly, in his best 'I fucked up and need to tell someone important.' voice, one that he'd likely had much practice with.

"Anderson, this is a Spectre evaluation isn't it?"

"… Yes."

"For the best of humanity?"

"… Yes."

"Then why am I here, what about Steel Wall? Or the Shield of Haven? Elysium's Lion? Or-"

"Alex is a naval commander with limited ground experience. Borris is a Muton, and Sara despite how well she's performed is a criminal. Everyone else was evaluated and was found to be a worse option."

"What? The fact she's technically criminal due to her designation put her below the walking PR disaster?"

Anderson was quiet, as if considering his answer.

"Did you even put her forward?"

And there was the answer, in the gritted teeth, the silence for him to think politically in, and the slight tension in his arms.

"Ok. Why didn't you put her forward?"

"She's getting a little worse mentally, and you know she wants to martyr herself. It would be bad for the Alliance if we got a spectre only for her to get killed within a week, and despite her talents becoming a spectre would open up a new class of enemy she may not be properly prepared for."

"Bullshit, you know she's due to go through Anhern soon just have her review be delayed somewhat, you know what Anhern makes of soldiers like her. Fuck, I take it I'm not going to be able to get my crack at him am I?"

"… It's likely to be delayed for some time beyond your expected timeslot." Anderson spoke softly, quickly realising his place in the conversation.

"Right, so again, I don't have the chance to use a secured Gollop AND I'm not getting a training period with Anhern, because you're coddling her again!"

"I am not! Coddling! Her!"

"You are! You imply she'd get her martyrdom chance but she's all but fucking invincible without trying! I should know, she was in my N training and despite her wishes I do keep track of her for in case she ever needs me."

"Shepard, we could only put forth for one Spectre, we all believed you were the best available."

"No Anderson, we know that's a load of horseshit! If you brought Sera up she would be here right now, or as soon as she had been through Anhern! Do you know how she'll take it when she finds out you betrayed her like this!"

"She won't."

The room became quiet enough we could hear the slight hum of the engine core.

"Mhmm. Well then you shouldn't have told me, now please tell me you had the presence of mind to put your planned briefing on an OSD?"

"Alea-"

"No, just answer the question."

Anderson took an OSD out of his breast pocket and passed it to me.

"Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to lock myself in a pod and scream myself hoarse. Tell Gor'ria she should stay out of engineering, she saw fit to tell me she was sensitive to psionics which for a Muton means she's overly so…"

I glared at him, trying to think of anything else to say before I left, choosing instead to leave him with that… I needed to vent, and unfortunately this was the sort of venting I had to do in a sound proofed room… At least the sleeping pods were.

I swear, my luck was about as good as 'Black Flag's', except without the lone survivor tag being applied to everything. Get one lucky break, miss two things that should have been done already because of it….

I mentioned I only had one purple heart before coming aboard didn't I?

Fuck… I'd have to do my reading in my armour… Well I could put the helmet on and seal it, that'd be soundproof.

-XXXX-

Priority Communication: Aleandrea ShepardSera Ying Leah

Yes, I'm abusing tags. Sorry but please read this, you need to.

Sera, make the best of your time with Anhern and do everything you can to make sure he considers you a friend, if you can 'loose' and Odin to him in a bet, that would be wonderful. I've talked to him, trust me, it's worth it.

Anderson's coddling you. I thought I'd get it out right away, he just passed you up for the opportunity of a lifetime [See attached recording. I know you think me constantly recording everything is stupid but it is useful. I'd give you a mind-tap version but I've not the time right now]. Anhern's not the sort of person to coddle, and assuming I succeed in this, being a currently classifie this, and if you'll let me, I'll make sure you don't get passed over again.

I know you hate me for working with Batarians, but hey, I didn't disown you for being friendly with Turians... Please, don't tell me to go fuck myself.

Priority Communication: Sera Ying LeahDavid Anderson

I know what you did.

-XXXX-

"Counciler Tevos. I didn't think I'd get you on the first try."

"You got lucky with your timing. What's your first thoughts on your newest assignment."

"There are Turian spectres who hate Humans more, and she can control herself. Pressing those buttons you informed me of just caused some facial twitches, as well as some tone changes anyone not a Turian would have trouble picking up."

"Understood. Well it looks like Tela's going to get someone to shadow as well."

"The Batarians haven't given slavery up yet, and you're going to give one of them the chance to become a Spectre?"

"Yes, but just the chance, as always, until one is in they can hold no real expectations. Though Nihlus, you need to remember the current state of the galaxy, if-"

"If we hadn't attacked the Humans in the way we did, things would be peaceful, but as such they've begun stepping up to the plate, so instead of slowly pushing them down and playing the Humans and Batarians against each other, yes yes I know, you told me. I'm not sure why you felt the need to tell me but you did. How are you coping?"

"… With large quantities of tea to deal with the fact I shouldn't be touching wine just now. One of my attendants has suggested a Human tea called 'Irish Tea', I'll be finding out if it's any good tonight, I've got too much to work on to go to bed at a reasonable hour, which will be annoying since I need to be up early."

"Understood. Do you have any additional orders for me?"

"… Just test Aleandrea's limits, as normal."

"Ok… Oh, Aleandrea seems to think someone other than her should be being tested for the position, any chance you can look into the name Sara, cross referencing with Elysium's Lion, The Shield of Haven, and Wall. I'd do it myself but if Aleandrea gets through whoever Sara is may be the next person the Alliance puts forward, so I think you'd like to have the information on hand as well."

"I'll add it to the list."

"That's all that's needed. Nihlus out."

-XXXX-

"Arriving in system in 3, 2, 1."

Unlike entering Mass Relay transit, leaving wasn't supposed to be detectable.

Which is why the sudden shift in gravity was of immediate alarm, as Jokey just pulled a fast manoeuvre that wasn't covered by the inertial dampeners…

"Joker! Sitrep!"

"Hostile blockade! Stealth's active! We're clear… Why the fuck is there a blockade!?"

"No clue. Send a message through the hyper wave buoys, whose' ships are they?"

"Working on it captain! Database is saying that the ships are similar to Quarian design but unknown."

"What? The Migrant Fleet is in Salarian space right now… And they haven't. Joker, alert the Alliance we have a Geth sighting. Figure out how to drop a comm buoy so we can resolve things without getting shot at, then head to Eden Prime top speed!"

"Yes Captain! I don't think that's going to be too possible, I'm getting a distress signal, bouncing it down now."

The silence of frantic piloting held for a moment.

"Belay that beacon drop just get us to Eden prime! Captain to ground crews! Suit up for hot drop!"

-XXXX-

"Do you normally read in your armour commander?"

I sighed, activating my comms to the outsider world.

"Only when I feel the need to scream and want somewhere where I can go hoarse."

"Hmmm. A useful idea, however I can't see what would be in the briefing to cause such. Did you like your old position that much?"

"No, I merely detest my new one, and it probably too classified to tell you what it is just yet, I haven't read through enough of this to tell you."

"There's a Spectre on the ship, and most of the ground crew is over ranked. I presume we are under review, possibly for Spectre status."

"I didn't say the reason wasn't obvious, but at the moment I can neither confirm or deny that statement."

"… I expected you wouldn't have relaxed around me so soon, based on your dossier."

"You're a Muton."

"It's silly to hold assumptions, even if based on xenopsychology training."

"I've also read your dossier. Congratulations on your N3 status."

"Thank you, though currently progression is on indefinite hold, likely not wanting a Muton in the ranks of the N6 and N7 yet… You do realise you don't need full armour to sound proof your head?"

"I mentioned that I only had one Purple Heart so far."

"… It always surprises me that Humans are so superstitious despite hav-"

"Captain to ground crews! Suit up for hot drop!"

I turned off my pad and put the OSD in one of my hard pockets.

"Would you like a hand getting suited up?"

"… I think I will add your superstition to mine."

AN:

In the case it was simply missed before and someone wants to bring up lore on me, Humanity restored Muton reproductive systems as part of their reward for loyal service, and that's why they haven't died out, unlike say the Zudjuri.

Some readers will have seen Sera Ying and think Sera Ying Shepard. Well, one door opens, another closes. In this case, my one became Shepard, the original became someone similar but different, who will affect the plot later.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed. Remember, reviews make days, even if they're questioning stuff I've written.

Edit: Fucking Homophones... That is all.