~ Planet Reach: Visegrad ~
(July 4th 2552)
"Noble Two, sit-rep."
"We're at the relay outpost Noble One. Door's locked. Mechanism has been flash-fused."
"… Can you beat it?"
"I dialed up my torch, cutting a way through. Going to take some time."
"Okay… we're en route to your location."
Noble Six felt a jolt as if he had been awoken by an eerily familiar voice, absorbing his surroundings, memories taking form of a thundering flashflood. The thoughts cleared like a slow uncovered curtain, those propellers from the Falcon cutting through the thick clouds of Reach and into his mind. Six began to remember, tightening his grip on the trigger. The Covenant were here.
Winter Contingency...
"… It was only a matter of time." Six heard Jorge mutter from the seat across, the titanic Spartan glowering out to the planet he called his home. The majestic sapphire hue of the sky, the way the starlight reflected off the mountains, Reach was stunning in every way – at the moment. Six didn't need to see Jorge's face to feel his anxiety.
"We'll fight for every inch..." Nobel Five promised heatedly, the angry vibes seeping through even his thick juggernaut armor.
… We're going to defend this place with everything we got Jorge.
"Don't worry big man." Emile's voice came through the intercom. "We're going to send these Covenant pussies back to where they come from."
"Just stay calm Noble. Save the emotion for later. Nothing's happened yet." Carter as always kept their focus as tight as can be. "… Noble Six, how you holding up Lieutenant?"
Noble Team going strong. Something's off. This has to be a…
"Lieutenant?"
"… All fine sir…" Noble Six broke his scrambled thoughts; contemplations like a shattered memory creeping back, scratching at his consciousness for acceptance. He was on still on Noble Team. He was still their newest replacement. He was still their highly lethal weapon.
Carter smirks. "No surprise there. The reports did say you were flexible."
"Hell, they didn't black ink that shit out too?" Emile cracked, leaning back all too relaxed.
Can't see past the black ink…
"You're certainly deadly Six." Jorge commented. "The way you sent those two Elites back there to their graves. I've never seen anything like that in all my years of duty."
Noble Six bowed his head in acknowledgment. Not exactly in a proud way. It's what I do guys…
It's all I do.
[A cold blooded killer.]
[That's all I am.]
"Noble Squad, we're approaching the Com Outpost."
"Drop us in the courtyard."
"But sir, the LZ is a bit hot."
"Put her down… Six, breaks over."
A couple of needle rifle spikes to the doorway and Six knew it was on. Elites vs. Spartans. As always team Noble found themselves in the hot zone of a brutal firefight. Leaping off the Falcons, Carter waved for the choppers to get the hell out. "How we doing Kat?" Noble One yelled out to the cyan Spartan, firing at will as a fleet of Elites made their way towards the group. Kat shook her head frustratingly.
"Taking a little bit longer than I expected Commander, I'm about half-way through."
Emile leapt into cover seeing several Spirit drop ships. "Contact!"
Carter, blue Mark V armor adorned, sprinted to the front. "Hold them off until Kat can hack the controls! Six, Five, prevent the flank. Three, Four, on me. Move out!"
Six leapt out to a 'friendly' gathering of high Elites, grenades and blades in hand, ready to take him out. He sprinted across the courtyard, unloading his clips, tearing down the Covenant lead formation. From behind he heard a loud battle roar, a chain gun ripping through Covenant shields and flesh. Six was part of quite the special group alright – the finely tuned machine known as Noble Team.
"You chose the wrong planet." The largest Spartan showed no mercy, his equally behemoth of a weapon making short work of these Covenant. Jorge-052 was the strength and brawn. He was their enforcer. He was their backbone.
"Fuck you, you four jawed freak!" The skull carved helm was the last thing an Elite saw, a knife going straight through its skull. Emile-A239 was the attitude and intensity. He was their drive. Their bladed weapon.
"Behind you!" A sniper bullet slices a Jackal through its elongated neck, sending it spluttering to the floor in a bloody mess. Jun-A266 was the dependability and precision. He was their sniper. He was their watchful eye.
"Almost there Noble, hang on!" The tech scrambled seeing a Brute come up from behind, she didn't even flinch, pistol coming out, popping it right between the eyes with her free bionic arm. Catherine-B320 was the brains. She was their calculating mind.
"Hold the line Noble! Don't give an inch!" Their leader knifed through two Elites, slamming one away his bare fist, knocking another out with his elbow, taking his battle rifle, sniping three more three hundred yards away. Carter-A59 was their leader. The heart and soul of Noble squad. He was their voice.
And what about me…?
I'm the most dangerous of the bunch.
No epic hero here.
Six was going ballistic. Instinct told him to dodge. Reaction told him to pull the trigger. Feeling told him to let a grenade loose. It was like a conveyor belt of death whenever Noble Six stepped on the battlefield and this was no different. A couple of roars later and four Elites fell to the ground at his feet, Noble Six slitting each of their throats in one brilliant knife flurry. He spun his blade ready to slash again, expecting to see more bloodthirsty Covenant fall.
"The Lone Wolf should and will always be – alone." A hooded girl suddenly was in face, floating in front of him like a pale ghost. "You're no hero, like the rest of them."
What the fu-!
Noble Six growled, attempting to pull his assault rifle up to scope but he couldn't move a muscle. He was as frozen as cold steel, a numbing sensation shooting up from his feet and painfully up his spine.
"You really are amazing Noble Six." The Reaper child smiled mischievously. "You're real, not bravado like the rest of 'Noble' here." Six shook and struggled, trying to budge but his body was failing him. Purple energy gripped at his body like a vice.
"Noble! Back up!"
"You really think they're going to help you?" Raven hissed. "It's hopeless for you all. All you protect will become dust."
"My God," Jorge walked over horrified, putting aside his chain gun. "Noble Six what the hell have you done?"
… What have — I done?
Six stared at Jorge's disbelief confused, glancing down to a crimson pool now in silence. He couldn't believe it – the dead Elites he thought he killed were gone. There were now only dead UNSC soldiers, slit at the neck. … I did this?
"What the fuck man!" Emile growled, shotgun in hand. "Whose side are you on!"
Carter pulled his rifle up to aim. "Stand back Noble Team."
"It's better to be alone." The Noble Team obviously couldn't see the hooded demon, "You're hiding so much from them anyway. You think they'd understand? You're not NOBLE."
"You son of a bitch," Emile barked, checking on the dead UNSC bodies. "I knew we couldn't trust this guy and his bullshit secrets! What else do you have to hide?"
"I broke through Commander! Let's go!" Kat urged, disregarding their fallen comrade. "Just leave him behind!"
"Disappointing Six," Jun turned a cold shoulder as well, more Covenant arriving. "Commander we need to move now."
"Fall back to the bunker!" Carter directed with little hesitation, the team slowly walking away with disgust at their former sixth member. "Let the Covenant tear up this traitor."
… What… is going on? The entrance to the bunker closed shut. Noble Team had left him to fend for himself. The Lone Wolf was indeed alone yet again.
"After seeing the real you, you'd still think they'd accept you?" Raven mocked, her voice actually sounding like something deeper and demonic this time around. Like a machine. "You know what you've done. What you really are."
Noble Six tried to speak but nothing came out, his glare widened as atrocities grew upon his own Spartan armor. Metal veins began to rip out of his body, spikes forming, and unfathomable pain wrecking his mind. His gloved hands began to elongate, transforming into claws. His eyes felt like they were burning out of his sockets, being replaced by a roaring fire. A monster… a traitor…
My slave...
This isn't real. Noble Six's strong consciousness suddenly kicked in, fighting back.
Raven stroked his mutated helmet with cold fingers. "We'll see each other soon Noble Six. You want answers to your many questions. You'll know where to find us." The ghostly image vanished like mist, instantly a Sanghelli warrior was in Noble Six's sights, teeth gaping and saliva drenched. Not even a breath could be had before the beast drove an energy blade right through his MJONLIR helm.
His head split in half.
~ SSV Normandy: On Route to Citadel ~
(Noble Six's Sleeping Quarters)
"Agh!" Six's sweaty body shot up from the bed, gasping for air. Staring out to the darkness with a blank glare, a touch of his intact face later and the realization was instant. Like that little daemoness in the dream said, this Spartan was too good to be flustered for long. He calmed himself quickly. Of course it was just a… nightmare.
Six didn't even remember tapping out for the night. He wiped his sweaty face, turning over to his bedside table in a stretch, seeing a large glass of water, a variety of dehydrated space snacks, and some pills. Alongside that, he notices a little letter written to him on a datapad:
Hey Six,
We were a little worried but Chakwas said you'll be fine. Apparently Wrex and Garrus thought it'd be fun to have you drink something to honor the completion of your first mission. Sorry to say but they gave you a drink that the human nervous system doesn't like too much. They think they're so damn funny... dicks. Anyway, here's some water, take the pills when you wake up and snack away. You should be fine afterwards. You did really awesome and the Commander and the rest of us are glad you're with the team. You don't need to be so crazy though. We can handle ourselves.
Sincerely,
Lt. Ashley Williams
P.S. – You're not Superman ya know?
** Come on big bad Spartan, you can take on a Colossus but can't take a measly drink?**
**I don't trust you Wrex...**
**You might not be able to trust him, but you're tough. You can handle it. Trust me.**
"Fucking hell…" Six groaned, grabbing the pills, and downing the water with two big gulps.
Coming to a staggering stand, Six was trying to get back in the moment. The real moment. He glared out at the black of space from the window above his dorm, reminded of the isolation as a young child in the Spartan training camps on Onyx, laying out and looking to the stars. Even then he rarely had nightmares or dreams. This Spartan was too good at suppressing any sort of powerful emotions from seeping through his consciousness – even in his sleep.
Sleep is for pussies...
Ever since he was young he always had that bit of insomnia. Killing Brute's and Elite's were easy. It was the down time that Noble Six had trouble with. Six crossed his arms, analyzing his nightmare like a mission outline. Dreams of his Noble team abandoning him. Had he really become that attached? Noble Six couldn't remember the last time he's dreamed about anything or anyone. He knew in dreams there was a common feeling of detachment from reality. This one was unmistakably different. It felt too real. Six wasn't a believer in prophetic dreams or Darwinian analysis but it was impossible to ignore.
The image of him becoming some sort of blood thirsty mechanical monster, losing Noble team's trust, and that creepy girl that made Freddie Krueger look like a nice uncle... I need to clear my head. The Spartan had enough, shrugging off his thoughts annoyed, realizing how badly he wanted to get back 'home'. Shepard and company have been nothing but great to him but-
There's unfinished business.
Noble Six suited up in the usual, the new Mark V Armor still feeling a little alien to him. Leaving his dorm assigned to him by Shepard, he made his way down the technological suite known as the Normandy. Passing the hallways a few crew members did their second takes at the taller super soldier, saluting him, still amazed to disbelief at their newest recruit's skills.
At ease soldiers.
It was sleep time for most of Normandy crew, so the work-force was working about half-capacity. Passing by Presley's office, Six walked into a corridor that hugged the side of the ship almost hidden. Here lies the place that peaked Six's interest the minute Shepard showed him it.
~ The Normandy Targeting Practice Room ~
/Targeting Program Initiated/
/Geth Level 10/
/Previous High Score: Commander Shepard 20,000/
The room darkened, Six grabbing the assault rifle that matched the feel of the ones Alliance soldier's would use on the field. Holographic images of Geth begin to rise rapidly.
/Start Firing/
It was relaxing, just glancing, reacting and shooting. This is a Spartan in his element... Just cross hairs in front of them… pressing the trigger with no remorse. With each virtual Geth that bit the dust the score kept racking up, limbs are half points, torsos are one point, and head shots counting as double points. He ran through it with a breeze, a final Geth unit exploding in a virtual mess after the five minute mark.
/New Record: Noble Six/
"How did I know you were gonna kill that score?." A familiar voice rang. Six smirked, putting down his rifle.
"Just a lucky shot I guess."
"Lucky my ass." From behind was an early rise and shined Ashley Williams, her facial expression one of relief. "... Looks like the sleep and pills did the trick didn't they?"
"Yeah," Noble nodded, inside visualizing punching Garrus and Wrex through a Normandy wall. "Those two..."
"They're an interesting pair for sure… not bad… for aliens."
"They're no Elites that's for sure..."
"Those weird jawed creatures right? Elites?"
"Exactly..."
Ash thought about those Elites... and the battles that must have took place between them and the Spartans. She then looked at the armor they took in to battle... at the mystery that was a Spartan in her world. What they went through... what they fought. She was just so intrigued... it's not every day a super soldier from another dimension drops in your lap.
"Thanks for what you did yesterday…" Ashley admitted. "The team is really impressed… and I know I was worried but-"
"It was reckless… bad habits die hard Lieutenant." Six bowed his head.
Ash could only think about the selfless... insane display he put on. "You get the job done… and unlike everyone else here you don't say much."
"We shut our mouths and work… kind of the UNSC way really."
Again with the UNSC... of course Ashley had been told that it was his "Alliance". The lieutenant assumed there were similarities. Both just entities in a big galaxy trying to push forward humankind. The results of the UNSC effort was clear as day. She glanced at the MJOLNIR armored soldier the UNSC created. That iconic armor that meant the world over where Six came from. It was… impressive. That's all she could think about.
"I've never seen anything like you Noble Six." Ashley meant it. "... What you did back in the last mission... I don't know... it was like... um..."
"Like what?"
"I don't want to sound like a blood thirsty Krogan or anything... but it was like beautiful... destruction." Ash tried the best she should to explain what she saw. Six paused a bit, only staring. "Shit, I'm not weirding you out am I?"
"Heh... no... us soldiers get it totally." Six thought a bit about what Ash said. "I used to get the same feeling... watching another Spartan in action. He was insane... beautiful destruction is a perfect way to describe him. No wasted movement... so perfect so precise..."
Ashley's eyes grew a bit. "Wait... there's someone better than you?"
"A lot better..." Noble Six finished.
Master Chief...
Ashley was in a place of wonder. If Six wasn't the best Spartan... who was this other like?
"Your family... military?" Six shot his first question, breaking her Spartan day dreaming.
"Y-yes... Shepard told you?" Ash blinked.
"Actually, the way you walk... talk... your actions on the battlefield... I had a feeling you breathe these things. A passion for service." Six crossed his arms. "Shepard trusts you more than any of the others on the ship."
"Grandfather... father... both enlisted." Ash confirmed. "Yeah... I guess I'm a chip off the old block... I hope that's why Shepard trusts me..."
"I like how your team is open... free flowing. You seem to be part of the glue that holds it together." Noble Six pondered, thinking of his last team. "I preface this with i'm not much of a team member. I wish I had more experience with this."
"Yeah apparently... you were more of a-"
Lone wolf...
"Lone wolf... yeah." Noble regretted even bringing it up... turning a bit to the stars. That nightmare had him still reeling a bit. It was too weird to talk about. Too... much black ink to erase.
Ash felt the discomfort instantly... backing away in her mind. It was like trying to navigate a mind field with this Noble Six. So mysterious... and that mask... it was so hard to get a read. But Ash just had that feminine instinct...
"By the way, don't you ever get tired of wearing that armor? " She asked with a bit of spice, to break the darker mood. "I think you have your mask on more than you actually have it off."
"The mask is my face… at least it feels that way."
"Man you're really tough to get to relax... heavy answer there."
"Hah... just straight shooting Lieutenant... it's the truth."
Six conceded that he felt more right with the armor on rather than off. Six drenched himself in the idea of a Spartan, to rid oneself of any sense of remnants of a normal life. There was no more 'normal' name. For a long time he was just Spartan-B312. The MJOLNIR suit was his identity now, not even his own face. He was a Spartan and nothing else. Ash just couldn't get the bad that came with being a Spartan.
"Alright fair enough. Now give me the gun… and let me have a crack at this score." Ash extended a hand.
"It's all yours... " Six dropped it in her grasp.
Ashley got into a firing stance, pausing. It was a strange feeling. Back before Eden Prime, with unit 212 she remembered being hit on by every soldier and Sargent she knew. Since joining Shepard it had been so professional... and besides Kaiden who was more like a brother... she hadn't been feeling anything on a personal level. She was usually the one who got flirted with... but... with this Spartan. His actions on the battlefield... it was such an attractive trait.
It was a bit scary inside. Catholic girl Ashley couldn't help herself.
"... Should I be nervous shooting in front of a soldier of your stature?"
Six barely heard the question, watching Williams in attack stance, the young male eyeing the posture for any deficiencies. From a view from behind, there were none… her body was perfect. Oh, and it was a flawless firing stance as well. Ashley knew... she was a woman. It doesn't matter if you're a Spartan or not...
Being basically a secret weapon that was unleashed when necessary. Six hadn't been around many females he'd take a fancy to... and between Shepard, Liara, and Ashley?
"You looking at something?"
"Oh, um," Six popped up from gazing. "Just... checking technique." He saved himself.
"Yeah... technique..." Ash's heart clipped a bit inside… she got the Spartan actually on his back feet reeling. It was a strange feeling of empowerment. "You may be some awesome super soldier… but still just a dude that gazes." Ashley was… flirting almost… now popping the virtual Geth herself.
"… I… ugh… guilty as charged." He could only admit.
"Finally some fun out of you." Ashley laughed to herself as Six followed suit. Ashley felt a bit more comfortable with that moment, actually taking the reigns of this conversation. She was racking up points quite well and was feeling a repore being built. Six was impressed... the girl can shoot... and she was kind of a fun time.
"Say... what's it like… becoming a Spartan… like you?"
Of course the joking and fun didn't last long. It never did talking to a Spartan. Noble couldn't even begin to fathom explaining what the Spartan project was and what soldiers like him had to go through to become what they are. All that blood. All that sweat. All that pain. All before even teenage years.
"It's a long… story…"
"I've got the time." Ashley looked over her shoulder with a curious stare. "It's a long way to the Citadel."
"And to the Mu Relay as well I guess." Noble added, glaring again at the pretty soldier that saved his dead carcass from the crumbling Phantom. Like Shepard, Ashley just had one of those beautiful flawless faces not associated with a soldier..
Pretty faces don't need to hear my horror stories...
"… Well?"
"Well I guess you did save me from that ship." Noble tried to reason a compromise. "And then now from Wrex and Garrus' little gag. I guess I owe you a story."
A censored one anyway.
"You owe me nothing." Ashley shook her head. "You tell me if you want to tell me… deal?"
Six appreciated her ability to respect while at the same time pry. He also appreciated how such a strong woman could be so empathetic.
"Okay." Noble Six nodded. "Respected Lieutenant."
There was silence. Too much silence for Ashley.
"Look, it's not every day a super-soldier appears from thin-air." Ashley put down her gun, looking over with apologetic eyes. "Sorry if I am a little too curious. I'm not one to let people know much about me. Kind of hypocrisy I guess."
"Understood," The Spartan sat back. "I am not used to doing this too. I never really talk about myself." He paused, only to smirk. "Tell you what, you crack half my score... I'll give you some story."
"Hah making a girl earn it?"
"You look like a soldier who wants to earn everything she gets... am I right?"
"You're on." Ash agreed... and was quite content. She was doing something not many have had the chance to do.
Cracking Noble Six.
She scored half quite easy...
~ Citadel: Council Tower ~
(Minutes after Normandy Arrival)
Any first time visitor to the epic space colony known as the Citadel always has that dumb glazed look on their faces. Noble Six's mask hid his of course but the Normandy Crew couldn't help but smirk to themselves as his visor was moving non-stop. Nothing, not even New Alexandria's skyline could match this impeccable space station.
"This is unreal." Six watched them shoot into the air, the long trip on the Citadel Tower elevator showing off the always magnificent sky view of the station below.
"This was cool the first time." Shepard thought aloud. "Now the annoying music on this damn elevator just gets to me."
"Amen." Ashley agreed.
"So they really are going to send an entire fleet after Saren and the Geth huh?" Garrus contemplated.
Shepard sighed. "That's what Joker told me."
"I call bullshit." Ashley was just as pessimistic. "Why the change of heart all of the sudden from the Council?"
Shepard really didn't have an answer. The trust factor between her and the Council was like handing a thief the keys to your car. She knew something was going to go wrong in this meeting. She just hoped there was enough good news to give them a fighting chance against Saren.
Liara curled her nose. "The idea of the fate of all our lives being based on political non-sense is a scary thought."
"Counting on these idiots is about as dumb as asking a Tresher Maw on a date." Wrex threw in his two cents.
"I've seen your old girlfriends Wrex. A Thresher Maw would be an improvement." Six threw in his.
"Hah, that was pretty funny Spartan." The Urdnot bellowed, scratching his huge chin. "And probably true.
Shepard laughed and the team followed suit. They all needed the laughs.
Six chuckled as well… it was strange. He felt like part of a team… even more so than Noble Team?
Down the long walkway from the elevators – diplomats, C-Sec officers, and council members all took unashamed gazes at Shepard and her crew. Most eyes of course went to their strange armored Spartan, the chatter and rumors already abundant in the media of their newest recruit. Passing a few Keepers and e-kiosks, the crew made their ascent to the Council Chambers.
"Six they're probably going to be interested in you like we said so our preperation-" Shepard turned to a stop.
"I hear you loud and clear Commander." Noble relaxed her.
Shepard nodded in reassurance as they approached the heart of the Citadel.
"So I see not all is lost." Udina muttered to himself
"What did you say?" Shepard skewed.
The Ambassador shook off the thought. "N-nothing Shepard…"
From across them stood the three representatives of Shepard's much maligned council. There was an Asari, a Turian, and a Salarian, nameless head figures to the ones who made all the decisions around these systems.
The Asari Councilor glanced at Noble six with interest. "Is that a new member on your team Commander? The one that took out the Prothean Sky Bridge?"
Shepard nodded. "Yes. We found him on a shipwreck in the Titan Nebula. He agreed to help us stop Saren and the Reapers without any compensation. He's been a great asset to the team and saved us on Feros."
"Another destructive way to go about your business Shepard." The Turian rep was always the harshest. "I thought that type of noise was only capable from you. Now another human with a hot head is on your squad."
"Sometimes you just got to blow things up to get your point across - 'sir'" Six answered with a bit of fire.
The Turian scowled quite surprised. "… I beg your pardon?"
"Soldier, what is your name?" The Salarian asked before an argument ensued.
"Noble Six." The Spartan said. "I'm a bounty hunter from the planet Ilium, I was attacked by the Geth and my ship was a wreck. I narrowly made it out alive with the help of the SSV Normandy and Commander Shepard."
"I… see… and-"
"I am also an expert rifleman that left the Alliance fleet due to monetary issues."
The Turian Councilor gasped. "Monetary… issues?"
"I also enjoy dancing with Asari, arm wrestling Krogan, and getting into staring matches with those Keepers."
The Asari Councilor rolled her eyes at the mockery "… Anything else?"
Six scratched his helmet. "Oh and those pyjaks freak me out." He crossed his arms. "Any other questions?"
"Are you mocking us mercenary?" The Turian accused.
"I wouldn't dare it. Just trying to be thorough – 'sir'."
The Council let out a mutual huff. Ashley and Shepard meanwhile glanced at each other trying to suppress their laughter with bitten lips, clenching their fists tight to their sides. Their rehearsals with Noble Six to troll the council was just… too good.
Udina and the Councilor members, and anyone else that was around were flat out flabbergasted at the Spartan's nonchalant attitude.
The Asari Councilor looked to the other Councilors, "Um, no Noble Six…" she glanced at Shepard, "As a Spectre we trust your judgment on your party members Commander. It is your call."
"I'm sure." Shepard replied to their sincerity.
"Either way Shepard," Udina was quite in a hurry to change the subject. "Thanks to you, the Council's finally taking real action against Saren."
"The Ambassador is correct." said the Asari, "If Saren is foolish enough to attack the Citadel… as you believe… we'll be ready for him."
The Turian added. "Patrols are stationed at every mass relay linking Citadel space to the Terminus Systems."
Shepard couldn't believe her ears. "What? You think a blockade is going to stop Saren? He's on Ilos looking for the Conduit right now."
"Ilos is only accessible through the Mu Relay, deep inside the Terminus Systems." The Salarian warned. "If we send a fleet in there, the only possible outcome is full-scale war."
"Now is the time for discretion Commander." Udina barked into Shepard's ear. "Saren's greatest weapon was secrecy. Exposed he is no longer a threat."
Something about this group sent a surge of anger through a Spartan's mind. Something snapped.
"I can't believe this crap." Noble Six had it. "Shepard's been busting her ass trying to save you all and this is the support she gets?" Noble Six couldn't believe his ears. The UNSC would never leave a Spartan hanging like this, let alone a savior like Shepard.
"Tell your team member to stand down Shepard or he will be thrown out!" Udina yelled.
"I got this Six, but thanks." Shepard winked and Six gave a nod for support. She turned to the Council with urging eyes. "One ship going into the Terminus Systems won't start a war. I can be discreet."
The Turian laughed. "You detonated a nuclear device on Virmire and imploded a bridge on Feros older than any of us. I wouldn't call that discreet."
"Your style served you well in the Traverse, Commander." The Asari tried to calm the situation down. "We recognize that. But Ilos requires a deft touch. We have the situation under control."
"The Conduit is not in your control..." Shepard growled.
"Saren is a master manipulator." The Salarian shrugged. "The Conduit is just a distraction from his real plan to attack the Citadel."
"And the Reapers?"
"Only you have seen the Reapers, and then only in visions." They brushed the Commander off like a bad habit. "We won't invade the Terminus Systems because of a dream."
Shepard wanted to pull her hair out in frustration. "If Saren finds the Conduit, we're finished..."
"There are serious political implications here, Shepard." Udina sighed. "Humanity's made great gains thanks to you. But now you're becoming more trouble than you're worth."
"You bastard!" Ashley growled. "You're selling us out!"
Ambassador Udina took a step forward. "Commander. You've done your job, now let me do mine. We've locked out all the Normandy's primary systems. Until further notice you're grounded."
"You're a coward Udina." Shepard's stack was officially blown. "A two faced coward."
"I think it's time for you and your team to leave." Udina mostly had his back turned to them. "This no longer concerns you. The Council can handle this with my help… of course."
"You're not much help." Shepard snarled. The crew began their furious walk down the steps, leaving behind an on edge Council.
"Shepard." Six glared back behind his Mark V visor.
"What?" Shepard was in deep thought. She had to think of something fast. The whole galaxy was in peril because of some yellow bellied cowards.
"You know you work for a bunch of douchebags right?"
Shepard balled up her gloved fist. "You have no idea…"
~ Citadel Ward: Flux ~
It didn't take long for a disappointed and dejected Normandy Team to get some hope. Joker had informed them that Captain Anderson wanted to speak with the Commander, hopefully to hatch a plan to get them into the air again. They would meet at the highly upscale Flux Dance Club, where all those "cool" people hung out.
"I hope this works out Shepard." Ashley took a survey around the room, the snob 'scene' crowd undressing the crew with those peeping eyes. The crew walked up to the huge Krogan Bouncer.
"I hope so too." Shepard was let in instantly from recognition. "Because if this doesn't work, I'm getting drunk because I'm all out of ideas."
"I can't remember the last time I was in one of these dancing clubs." Liara thought of her lonely excavations. The kind of lifestyle she preferred.
"Then let me show you around..." Shepard took her soft hand, walking along the railing of lights and glamour as they got into the heart of the dance floor. The trance beat was intoxicating, aliens of all kinds tribally dancing to the pulsing rhythms.
"But Shepard, shouldn't we-" Liara waned shyly, being pulled out. The Commander suavely took her into a close waltz, hands around her smooth waist, bringing them cheek to cheek. Shepard whispered close to her ear.
(We need to find Captain Anderson without causing any suspicion.)
"Oh, so this is part of the 'mission' then." Liara laughed not so innocently, blushing, moving closer to her romantic interest. The Commander grinned.
(Just keep an eye out for me, because I really can't peel my eyes off you.)
"Commander… (o_o)"
From across Wrex hit the bar, all smaller beings clearing way for the big lug. Garrus stayed outside with Tali keeping her company, the Quarian cringing at the thought of anymore night clubs ever since her little run-in with Fist. That of course left Noble Six and Ashley glaring stupidly at the dance floor watching Liara and Shepard.
"Well, I guess we should look inconspicuous." Noble blinked. "I'm already getting stares."
Ashley turned with a wired look. "Yeah, you and your armor certainly don't scream for attention. We're not dancing."
"Commander's orders Lieutenant." Six shrugged.
"You go dance." Ashley crossed her arms. "I'm no club bimbo. Show me a Spartan shuffle or something."
"Hah... funny." Six was about to give up until two darker Asari girls dressed skimpily pushed into him quite timely.
"Oh my God," The shorter Asari's eyes lit up at the sight of Noble Six. "You're that new guy we saw on TV helping Commander Shepard!"
"Wow you're right." The sassy pair, cuddled up next to his armor. Fingers exploring his chest plate, Six literally was frozen dumb in place looking down at two really (really) friendly Asaris. "Hey why don't you give us a dance soldier? We'll be really good to you... hero."
"Um, uh-" Six was suddenly pushed off, a steaming Ashley Williams stepping in their violet faces.
"Why don't you two little skanks back off," Ashley drew her possessive line. "We're here on official Alliance business."
The two Asaris just wheezed at her defensive stance, "Whoa, I guess the new one's got a girlfriend already. Too bad. We love men in armored uniform." The violet pair winked at Noble Six and giggled at the same time. They walked off with attitude and an ass sway that made Ashley fume.
"... Can I pop them both… non lethal shots to the leg?" Ash begged. "Shepard wouldn't even know…"
"Uh, Lieutenant we're supposed to be inconspicuous." Noble Six said dry.
They got serious real quick. When a Captain like Anderson come over your shoulder? Yo would too. Six and Ash only saluted, their behavior not fitting being in the presence of a Captain.
"You must be the survivor." Anderson smiled. "… Get Shepard. We need to talk."
~ Moments Later ~
A trio of Noble Six, Anderson, and Shepard sat at the round table in a spirited discussion. A mention of what transpired earlier in the week that was kept secret from the Commander didn't sit well with her.
"They lost the Dead Drop ship?" Shepard gasped. "Why didn't they tell us Saren-"
"Calm down Shepard." Anderson sighed. "We knew that it was a risk keeping this a secret. With Saren still loose we could not jeopardize any more tension with the Council. If they ever find out what happened."
Six had bad thoughts in the back of his mind. He knew about the Reapers but he didn't know the extent of their abilities. "… What the hell would Saren and the Reapers want a Covenant ship for?"
"Covenant?" Anderson asked.
"The Covenant are a force of destruction from where I come from." Six was getting angrier at the thought. "Their goal is eradication of the human race. They destroyed our strongest fleet in mere weeks."
"There were dead Covenant soldiers on that ship." Shepard looked down. "What are they planning?" Six and Shepard could only imagine a group of Covenant Husks... or some freak of nature Sovereign could unleash upon this world. Maybe... they just wanted the Phantom.
"We have two witnesses to what happened." Anderson motioned the two over from the other side of the room. Six and Shepard's eyes met clueless as they saw two Alliance soldiers, a female and an all too giddy male.
"Oh my god," Yosuke Hanamura was shivering, looking at Shepard. "Commander Shepard of the SSV Normandy."
"Oh brother…" Chie sighed.
"I'm a big fan ma'am." Yosuke was stammering like a buffoon. "I even have your poster on my bedroom wall."
"Gee - thanks." Shepard shrugged off the creepiness, and turned to Chie. "Soldier tell me what happened."
"We were attacked by Geth ships ma'am." Chie answered. "We were overwhelmed in numbers alone and they struck fast. The ones who took the ship were hooded and had technology and biotic powers beyond anything I've ever seen."
"And they let you live?"
"A young gray skinned girl, with biotic implants and cybernetic implants told us to send our superiors a message… this ship belongs to the Reapers."
Six had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. A gray skinned girl with cybernetic implants? This doesn't feel right…
"They let you go to warn us?" Shepard was confused. "They want us to send an army to Ilos?"
~ Outside Club ~
The entrance to Flux was beginning to empty as the final few guests were arriving. The Krogan Bouncer just let a Salarian and Volus in, now noticing three hooded beings walking right towards him. Another bunch of too late losers as far as he was concerned.
"Hey the club is at its limits. Come back later." The hooded troika did not even care to listen. They didn't slow down at all. The Bouncer was in disbelief as he was ignored, the three of them walking right by him.
"Hey! You hear me you stupid humans?" The Bouncer growled, grabbing the taller hooded male by his hood. "You only get in if I let you… um… in."
The Bouncer had seen a lot as his days as a guardsman. Nothing came close to this. A Krogan is rarely fearful but his guy was scared stiff. He saw a disfigured face of machine and human flesh. Eyes as dead as night. Cold metallic skin with not a hint of emotion. A disrobing of her hood, Raven's red eyes gleaned over to the Bouncer, making his blood freeze.
"Oh I apologize Krogan trash. Please, let us in."
~ Inside Club ~
"So that's the plan." Anderson nodded. "Hanamura, Satonaka and I will deal with clearance and Udina. You all need to get back to the Normandy and prepare for takeoff."
"Got it Captain." Shepard smiled. "We have some hope after all."
BOOOM! A Krogan body went soaring across the room, slamming into the middle of the dance floor in a death roll. The club goers that did not get crushed by the dead Bouncer's body let out frightening screams as they scrambled. It took seconds to turn a dancing party into pure mayhem as the crowded club became a stampede of desperate survivors.
"What the hell is going on!" Ashley fought to get to Shepard, having Liara by the hand, helping the Asari as well.
"Trouble," Shepard pushed Anderson down underneath the table. "Stay here till it's clear. We're going to get to the bottom of this. You see an opening take it and run."
"Careful Shepard!" Anderson pleaded.
The Commander turned to Hanamura and Satonaka. "You two protect this man with your life soldiers."
"Affirmative Commander!" Chie saluted.
"Kick Reaper ass Shepard!" Yosuke encouraged her. "We're counting on you!"
A couple of C-Sec Officers cried out in pain as they were impaled through their sternums. Wrex stepped up, shotgun in hand finishing his drink before staring down the three responsible for his premature drink stoppage. "You three have a little explaining to do."
Garrus and Tali ran in from behind, blocking off the opening, pulling out their firearms. "You're surrounded, surrender now!" the Turian commanded.
Tali felt the bad vibes. "… I don't like the look of this."
"Shepard," Liara's heart felt like it was slowing down, eyes wide open. "I sense great energy in this human girl. I've never felt anything like this before."
Human?
"Finally in the presence of the great Commander Shepard," Raven laughed as she nudged the few dead bodies on the floor. "You've certainly been a thorn in Father's side."
Father? Shepard listened.
"But my business does not concern you right now." The Reaper child chillingly stared down the crew. "One of you have seen me before haven't you?" she turned towards the Spartan, eyes meeting yet again.
"Y-you," Noble Six stared into those crimson eyes, clenching his fist in disbelief. S-she's real…?
"That's the girl!" Chie warned. "Commander she's extremely dangerous!"
"Dangerous?" Raven smirked, energy beginning to shake the entire club itself. "You've seen nothing yet human." She turned to her partners. "Leave Noble Six to me. Take care of the others."
Without warning the two male Reaper servants glowed biotic power, dashing out to the side at inhuman speeds. Shepard and company drew their weapons hurriedly, opening up a perimeter. Garrus and Tali ran to cover behind the entryway, Wrex backing up as shotgun shells went off at an alarming rate. Shepard, Liara, and Ashley kick down a few tables for cover, grabbing their guns and firing.
Raven cackled, staring down the Spartan from across. "What's wrong Noble Six? Seen a ghost?"
"I don't know what the hell is going on." Noble Six pulled his rifle to his firing stance. "But you're going to tell me everything you know about how and why I'm here."
"Wow, so demanding." The girl began walking towards the exit. "You're in no position to demand anything."
Noble Six leapt over cover and bodies, chasing after Raven. "You're not leaving until you tell me-AH!" With no effort, the Spartan was lifted into the air, violet energy grasping at him again, slamming him into a wall so hard it indented him into it. Raven had her hand up, biotics holding Noble Six there like a bullseye target.
"Everything is a little fuzzy isn't it?" Raven walked up to him, only to slowly levitate, gliding up so her Reaper injected face met with that Mark V helmet.
"How did you get in my head!?" Six growled. "How do you know who I am?"
Raven was only charmed by his helplessness. "There's a lot humans and sentient beings can do that you can't even imagine. Take you for example."
"… What the hell are you?"
"I'm the next step in life's evolution." Raven hissed evilly as her biotic energy flared. "Just like you."
"You're talking non-sense." Noble wasn't amused.
"Am I?" Raven craned. "As if I did not see you join your Noble Team to fight impossible odds? As if I did not see you give humanity one last hope against those Covenant? As if I didn't see what you were before you did all that – death dealer?"
Death dealer...
"… If you still don't have a clue Spartan," Raven's mouth was right on his visor, her cold sterile breath could freeze hearts. "… Father wants you."
"T-this isn't some kind of dream little girl." Six began to shake, Raven's eyes expanding. "I'm not helpless here. So if you don't start talking?" Suddenly the biotic barrier shattered, Noble Six's hand shooting and grabbing the young girl's throat. Raven was instantly turning a pale blue, gasping out, being pushed up against the wall now. Noble Six has had enough. "Talk now or your neck snaps like a twig."
"Nnng…" Raven struggled, grasping at his hands. "F-father… c-can… bring… you back… to what you created…"
"Bring me back to what I created?" Noble Six pulled her up angrily. "Stop with the cryptic bullshit and just tell me!"
"… W-why… don't I… just… nngh… s-show… you…?" Raven's eyes turned pitch black, like an Asari would, Six quickly feeling negative energy engulf his very being. Flashes go across Noble Six's mind, images being seared into it like a prod to an animal. He heard a voice… a woman's voice that sounded so familiar.
** "They let me pick… did I ever tell you that?**
(Six saw a place, some sort of large structure of destructive magnitude. A large… halo, trapped in space like a dead ghost station. It flashed to Earth, the home of humans, a war that Six feared to death was brewing. The Covenant had invaded. UNSC soldiers were being torn left and right.)
**Choose whichever Spartan I wanted. You know me. I did my research. Watched as you became the soldier we needed you to be.**
(Deep down in the pits there was a soldier – no – a Spartan that defied the odds, taking on Covenant like there was no tomorrow. A dark green and amber-visor Spartan that was leading the charge, this man being the only hope left for an entire human race. Noble Six recognized him instantly. He was a legend amongst the best of the Spartans.)
**Like the others, you were strong and swift and brave. A natural leader. But you had something they didn't. Something no one saw... but me. Can you guess?**
"John." Six stared, seeing static images of an A.I. that he recognized at Oni Base. The last package he delivered. The last hope was what I gave you?
**Luck Chief... was I wrong?**
"… Father can bring you back." Raven looked down at him with eyes glowing, feeling the grip loosening. Six dropped the girl letting her land harshly on the floor. He turned to look at Shepard and her teammates holding their own against the two Reaper warriors, fighting for their lives. He looked to the ground, grimacing in the depths of his consciousness at the choice he had to make.
"… You can get me back there?"
"Yes… yes we can."
This world deserves to live just as mine does.
… A Spartan can't stop fighting if he can continue to finish the fight.
Everyone has a choice to make…