Author's Note
This will be the final part of the prologue for my story.
I decided to include Jenkins in this chapter to give him some more screen time than he gets in the game.
Well I hope you enjoy. Any feedback is gratefully appreciated.
Captain David Anderson immediately disliked the place. A downtrodden, foul-smelling pit filled with the most rancid of people. The smell of urine and other odors smacked him, even from outside.
He looked at the two doormen, the pair paused in their heated discussion to look at him. They were clearly not traditional security, each of them had various scars adoring their faces and arms. One of them spat, at Anderson's feet and flashed an almost toothless grin. His red, cybernetic eyes sparkled dangerously.
Anderson ignored them and quickly headed past them, further into the bar.
There were people who drank in this place daily, the woes of life too much for them to handle. Filled to the brim with pathetic people, criminals and the like. If he ever labelled a place as hell, this would be near the first on his list. He occasionally enjoyed bars and a casual drink. Places like this should of been destroyed when the alliance formed. The fact that nearly every person in the place was a useless spot on the underside of society, didn't help improve his first impression.
If he ever had the choice, he would burn this place, this bar, to the ground.
It didn't take Anderson long to spot the person he was looking for. The familiar soldier sitting at the bar. Standing out among the crowd like a blinding light.
His jet black hair was long and unkempt, tied in a weak knot, hung loosely between his shoulder blades. His face covered in a patch of unruly facial hair, as dark as the hair on his head.
Long gone was the days when he took even the slightest pride in his appearance. Even his clothes were old and dirty. Anderson deduced that Shepard wasn't stupid enough to come to this place brandishing his alliance colours.
Shepard sat at the bar alone. His posture one of casualness, almost a relaxed state. He did feel relaxed in places like these. Places where he could get away from it all. He could drown his pain in the strongest of alcohols, dance with and attract the easiest of girls. There were no restrictions, regulations or protocol. This place, this bar, was free of all that.
There was no need for the leader, the fearless and remorseless war hero. Just a man having a causal drink, albeit a very dangerous man.
Anderson continued to study Shepard. He looked relaxed, but Anderson could tell that the spark was still there. Always ready to ignite. It made the man dangerous and unpredictable, his violent temper always a shade from coming to the fore. A misplaced word or unwanted action could set it off. Most people tended to tread very lightly when speaking to Commander Shepard, his reputation for anger unmatched in the alliance.
Anderson knew Shepard could befriend anyone he chose, like some sort of social chameleon. That explained why no one in the place was even paying him the slightest bit of attention. To them he was just another patron, another sad face in the day.
Shepard spotted Anderson out of the corner of his eye, slightly surprised that he would even consider walking in to a dive like this.
The annoyance began to manifest itself, knowing full well that his relaxed state would soon be disturbed.
Anderson and Shepard were friends, not close by any means, but friends. Shepard respected the man for helping him, looking after him and vouching for him.
If Shepard were a more trusting person, he could probably see Anderson as an almost father-like figure to him. No one ever got that close however, something that Shepard valued beyond anything else.
Like the famous saying. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. Shepard had far more enemies than friends.
Anderson approached the bar and grabbed a stool next to Shepard.
"Whiskey please," Anderson said, a gruff looking bartender filled a dirty glass with the dark liquid.
Shepard carried on looking ahead, his hands laid flat on the bar either side of his beer. "Wouldn't expect you to come to a place like this Captain."
"I normally wouldn't. Thank you," Anderson replied, taking a sip of his whiskey. Whatever it was, it was not a vintage label. "I needed to speak with you about an...important matter."
Shepard took a long swig of his beer, it tasted like what could only be described as sewage water, but it didn't bother him. "Important...I've heard that before Captain."
Shepard turned towards Anderson, an impassive expression on his face. "So what's so important that you came all the way down to this rat infested shit hole to tell me?" he asked, knowing full well that this wasn't a friendly meeting.
Anderson saw the annoyance flash through Shepard's eyes before it again faded. "I want you as my XO," he stated, his voice level.
Shepard almost spat his drink over himself. "XO. You want me as your executive officer," Shepard said before downing the rest of his beer. "Why?"
"I've been assigned to a new ship. Not just any ship...the SSV Normandy. A marvel in engineering. Built in a joint venture by both humans and turians." Anderson took another sip of his whiskey, having gained Shepard's full attention. "The ship is the most advanced ship in not just the alliance. But the entire galaxy. A specifically designed stealth frigate."
Anderson paused as a fight broke out behind him. He focused his attention back to Shepard. "Operated by a small crew. That's the simple version anyway. I want you as my XO, Commander."
Shepard pondered to himself momentarily. What wasn't Anderson telling him.
Anderson heard Shepard let out a low grumble from the back of his throat. "Okay, that's great and all but why me? Surely you could find someone more suited to a scout frigate," Shepard said, trying to not seem obvious about his inquiry.
"Shepard, you are perfectly capable of serving on any ship. You have the most distinguished and impressive record of any alliance operative. You're an N7 level operative. So I know you're trained in every act of combat, whether it be stealth or anything else. Your tactics are unmatched. You've also survived near impossible odds countless times. The crew will respect you...hell Shepard every alliance operative respects you. You're the best...and I need the best."
Shepard stayed silent for a moment, thinking to himself. "Alright Anderson." Shepard stopped Anderson as he stood up. "But I may change my mind when I found out what you're not telling me."
"With that I have no doubt Commander." Anderson left Shepard to his thoughts.
"Great...now I have to follow fucking orders again," Shepard quietly berated his choice. He soon ordered a stronger drink.
"Nice isn't she," Anderson said.
Anderson noticed Shepard hadn't even bothered to improve his appearance from when he met him in the bar. He still looked scruffy and unprofessional. At least he adorned his alliance regulars. A short sleeve shirt and cargo pants, with black boots to match. The clothes made him look somewhat more professional at least.
The two were in what marines called, the lounge area. It was just a completely transparent tube made of glass. Used to ferry soldiers to the ships airlock. Many soldiers liked to sit in these places, looking at the stars. Officers referred it to the lounge area when they caught their troops lying around in the glass tunnel.
The pair slowly approached the airlock of the Normandy. The ship was certainly impressive. Shepard had seen many state of the art ships in his alliance tenure, but this ship actually appeared state of the art. He immediately deduced that the mass effect drive that Anderson described would be far too big for a usual scout frigate. Impressive engineering indeed.
"Yes it's certainly a marvel," Shepard answered from Anderson's side.
He stopped to look out at the vast plains of space. "Seems like I haven't been up here in a long time," Shepard said in a distant voice.
"Well you are now Commander." Anderson watched Shepard put a hand on the glass pane in front of him. "What happened on Akuze...on Torfan, Commander...you did all you could. You shouldn't let it haunt you."
Shepard released a low, distant laugh. "I've served on countless missions since then. Hundreds. I've seen countless marines die. I've had to tell them that it will be fine...that they'll live. I know it's bullshit but I have to say it to ease their passing." Shepard laughed bitterly and looked at the Normandy. "Why the fuck is it that only those two operations enter my nightmares every night."
Shepard looked at his hands, the blood may not have been visible, but it was still there. "Maybe it's because I've become immune to the scream...the endless fucking screams." He rested his head against the cold glass.
Anderson remained quiet beside Shepard.
Shepard was the only man Anderson had ever known to survive a mess like Torfan, then carry on serving the next day, not missing a beat. The man was a phenomenon. He learned from his mistakes and used those lessons to better himself as a leader, never as a person. He was fearless, persistent and ruthless. The last person any self-respecting criminal or enemy would want chasing them across the galaxy.
Shepard turned back towards Anderson, who gave an understanding nod. The pair headed toward the airlock.
"Firstly...I'll introduce you to the crew. Some you know already." Anderson opened the outer airlock door and headed inside, Shepard just behind him.
"Alenko is aboard isn't he?" Shepard asked.
"Yes the Lieutenant was one of the first who I recruited for the ship," Anderson said.
The decontamination system turned on, scanning the pair for any dangerous or unknown pathogens.
"Good choice. He's a good soldier." Shepard wiped his hands on his trousers, the de-con making him sweat slightly.
The decontamination ended, not fast enough for Shepard's liking, allowing them entry into the ship. Shepard let out a low whistle as he walked on the deck for the first time.
The inside certainly was impressive. Rows of computers, communication officers working hard in their respective seats, aligned the deck which led to the bridge.
Shepard could hear the noise stop as he stood on the deck. The communications operatives all stopping to look at him.
"Welcome to the CIC Commander." Anderson nodded to the left, he entered the bridge. "This is Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau."
The chair swung around as the pilot greeted Shepard with a neutral expression. "Pleased to meet you Commander," he said and gave a firm salute.
"You're meant to stand to attention when addressing a superior, Lieutenant Moreau." Shepard's cold demeanor immediately made Jeff feel uncomfortable.
"Lieutenant Moreau suffers from Vrolik Syndrome. He has trouble walking or standing for extended periods of time," said Anderson.
"The pilot of the most advanced frigate in the galaxy suffers from brittle bone disease." Shepard laughed, the scowl on Jeff's face amusing him.
"So if we make a sharp turn you'll break an arm?" Shepard asked, sarcastically.
Jeff stood up from his chair, visibly struggling. After a few moments he stood at attention. "I can assure you sir, that I'm the best man to be in that seat," he said, pointing to the pilot chair. "You won't find a better pilot in the entire navy. My condition stops me from being fully mobile, but it does not affect me as a pilot sir." Joker found it difficult to keep eye-contact with the man in front of him.
Shepard kept his expression neutral. "Fair enough Mr. Moreau," Shepard said, satisfied by the pilots pride in his abilities.
"Joker sir. Most people just call me Joker." Shepard smiled at the man. He had spirit.
"Fine..." Shepard stated. He turned around before stopping, then looked back at Joker. "And Joker...you don't need to address me as sir every time we speak. Understand?"
Joker nodded, receiving a friendly smile from Shepard in return. He let out a thankful sigh as Anderson led Shepard off to view the rest of the ship.
"Well that didn't go so bad," he thought to himself, sitting back down.
"Anderson I don't feel comfortable serving with him, he's too..." Helen Chakwas paused as Anderson's brows creased. "He's too unpredictable."
As the ships assigned medical specialist, Chakwas had a say in nearly every decision that involved the lives of the crew aboard. If she had known that Shepard was the chosen XO, she would have happily declined the position offered to her by the alliance.
"I can assure you that Shepard is perfectly fine Helen." Chakwas spotted the familiar long-haired man walk past the window of the med-bay.
"He could endanger this entire crew. I will not have their lives put in jeopardy because of one man's uncontrollable temper." Chakwas kept her tone firm, not backing down from her belief.
Anderson smiled and stood up. "And that is the reason I chose you Helen. You're a brilliant doctor but you are also a great judge of character." Anderson smiled at Helen's unsure glance. "I can assure you that Shepard is fine and perfectly capable."
Helen smiled, still unsure whether she should stay aboard. She looked through the data pad Anderson gave her again.
Her brows creased as she read Shepard's file again. He was clearly a brilliant soldier, excelling in all fields. His charisma and tactical prowess unmatched. Chakwas was one for noticing the finer details in the print. Shepard had a past that he clearly did not want to share. There were allusions to it in his file, but no concrete information. His temper scared her the most. Volatile and reckless when he lost it.
There were several charges of misconduct towards fellow marines. Chakwas picked one of the files and started skimming through it.
One Lance Corporal Jake Brown, a very able technician, is hospitalized after a disagreement concerning one of his squad mates. The squad leader, Sergeant Chase Shepard, is reported to have assaulted the private after a hostile argument. The argument, caused by a disagreement in tactics, led to Pvt. Brown suffering from a pair of broken ribs, one broken nose and a closed eye. Sgt. Chase Shepard reported that the Private annoyed him with a lack of discipline that the Private showed during a reconnaissance mission. It is unknown whether Pvt. Brown wishes to take this matter further.
Chakwas put the data-pad back on the desk. A man who attacks a comrade and friend is not someone who she had any intention of knowing.
Chakwas sighed in defeat. Her respect for Captain Anderson and his achievements outweighed her dislike towards the Commander. She had a duty to take care of the marines who were serving on this ship.
She turned the pad off, having made her decision. She would stay.
"Alenko," Shepard said, seeing the familiar marine in the mess hall.
Kaiden turned and faced him, a friendly smile plastered on his face.
"Sir." Kaiden saluted Shepard. "It's an honour to serve with you again Commander."
Shepard nodded."I thought I told you that you earned the right to call me Shepard, Alenko." He held his hand out in front of him.
Kaiden smiled and shook Shepard's hand firmly. "Thank you Shepard." He laughed at his professionalism, he never did know when to relax.
Shepard released Kaiden's hand. "Old habits and all that," Kaiden said. He let out another laugh.
"Well they do die-hard," Shepard said. Shepard gestured to a free table in the mess hall. They took seats opposite one another.
The last time Kaiden had seen Commander Shepard, had to be close to two or three years ago. They had been part of an excavation team. Scientists had unearthed an old relic off a relatively uncharted planet. The artifact was a rare find, worth its weight in gold. Which was a big amount due to the bloody thing being huge.
Kaiden and Shepard led a squad of rookies. Six of them in total. The artifact required constant surveillance, the scientists protected. There was a high chance of batarian raiders coming to ruin the party.
Like the alliance predicted, a drop ship of batarian pirates landed near the dig site. The fight, the slaughter, that followed was almost like a training drill. The batarians had no clue what was going on as they were quickly surrounded from all sides.
Kaiden always believed that batarians were idiots for never surrendering to humans. The leader of the pirates tried to rally his men to fight. Shepard didn't hesitate. After possibly the shortest fire exchange in galactic history, eight batarians lay dead on the floor. The squad suffered no casualties, hell there were no injuries. The artifact extracted without damage.
Kaiden watched Shepard's tactics in full effect. He had developed a huge level of respect for the Commander ever since that operation.
"So what's this little op where being forced to complete?" Shepard asked, his tone even.
"A quick snatch and grab. A human marine...POW I think. We need to get him back. A merc group has him holed up in a little mountain side facility. We go in, deal with the mercs and grab him." Kaiden saw Anderson step out of the med-bay behind Shepard.
"Sounds simple. I'm guessing lethal force," Shepard said, giving a dark grin.
"Yes." Shepard's twisted grin made Kaiden feel slightly at unease. "Lethal force."
Shepard laughed at Kaiden's almost shocked expression. "I good do with some target practice."
Kaiden let out an almost shy laugh. "Nice speaking with you Alenko."
Shepard got up and left Kaiden alone in the mess hall. He let out a growl as a young marine bumped into him as he rounded the corner toward the CIC. "Fuck...watch where you're going."
The female marine jumped back, startled by the way he towered over her. "Sorry," she said meekly, his tone frightening her.
Shepard softened his expression, noticing how frightened the woman was. "Sorry. It was my fault." He gave her a smile and walked past her.
Once he had disappeared from view, heading up to the CIC, the young woman relaxed her composure.
Bumping into the great Commander Shepard, not many people do that.
His tone and appearance scared her at first sight. He didn't look anything like she expected. He was certainly handsome, even under the gruff, scrubby beard and long hair. If he groomed himself, she was sure that he would be a very attractive looking man who could knock any woman off their feet.
Commander Shepard certainly did not give her the first impression she expected. Instead of being in awe, she had to admit she still was, he near frightened her to death. He looked so menacing, standing over her. Those dark eyes, unreadable. She struggled to keep eye-contact with him throughout their brief exchange.
A call from the ship cook brought her back to reality. She headed back to her station, flustered and blushing.
"So what's the plan?" Shepard asked, standing over a desk in the communications bay with Anderson, Kaiden and another younger marine by the name of Jenkins.
His first week on the ship had been pretty run of the mill. Constant medical checks from the resident medical officer. For some reason, he noted her less friendly attitude towards him. His reputation likely speaking for him again.
When not stuck under medical examinations, he undertook numerous lectures about the ships mechanics, weapons and its unique mass effect drive. The thing was a marvel, twice the size of others he had seen on less advanced ships.
He had to admit, the ship was a genuine technological masterpiece.
After a while, the science and equations began to get tiring, especially for a marine who never understood any of it. The ship is advanced and works, that's all he needed to know for the time being.
The sitting and waiting was making him agitated. Every soldier craves one thing, combat. The problem of not having field action for a few months meant that he spent most of his time in the ships training facilities. The gym and combat range had become a second home to him.
Shepard's aim was rusty at first, missing shots that he used to hit while blindfolded. But soon muscle memory kicked in and he was hitting targets from the furthest range possible on the ship.
His reactions and reflex speed were still second to none. Noticing danger and targets in a split second in the VI training programs.
Shepard spent time adjusting and fine-tuning his given weapons. He rarely slept on the ship. It was far too quiet for his liking. During those brief hours, he would detach and clean his weapons. A marine could never prepare himself enough. He had never let his guard down and didn't plan on starting now.
Every marine needs the real thing after a while. No amount of training or practice can even begin to amount to the real thing. Shepard felt himself craving a fire fight.
Even so, tactics were always the first order of business when completing an operation.
Anderson pointed to the landing zone of the small facility. "You land with the shuttle here, that's your best bet."
Shepard looked at the facility, memorising it's simple layout. One level. Linear and near symmetrical. One entry way, no way out.
A really shitty place to hold a POW and form a mercenary group headquarters. They must really be getting stupid.
"We can use the shuttle's shields for any incoming fire." Shepard stated, getting a satisfied nod from Anderson. "I'm guessing firing the cannon is out of the question?" Shepard smiled at Anderson's disapproving look.
"Completely out of the question Commander. This is a rescue mission, not a slaughter," Anderson said, his brows creasing.
"Yes, yes. Kaiden," Lieutenant Alenko looked at Shepard. "There's a small staircase that leads to a supply room." Kaiden nodded, seeing the clear jump-up that Shepard was looking at.
"That vantage point could be used for a flank. Utilise your biotics and throw them out of cover," Shepard continued, Kaiden nodded in agreement.
"Jenkins." The nervous private stood next to Kaiden, quietly watching the Commander display his tactical prowess.
"Sir," Jenkins answered.
"When Lieutenant Alenko hits them with his biotics, we begin a simple pick and shoot system. You following me?" Shepard stared at the greenhorn.
"Sir yes sir," Jenkins said, his voice not quivering.
"Enough of the sir shit Jenkins," Shepard said, raising an eye from the other three. "Do you understand?" he asked again.
"Yes si...Commander," Jenkins corrected himself quickly. "Pick a target, three round bursts, once target down...acquire new target. Follow until area clear."
Shepard nodded, Jenkins clearly hadn't been in a live combat scenario before. "Good, once all are KIA. We move in and sweep the area. I'll be on point, Kaiden you're at the back, Jenkins in the middle."
"Got it Shepard," Kaiden firmly stated.
"Understood Commander," Jenkins said, trying to hide his nervousness from the three vastly more experienced soldiers around him.
"And watch your fucking fire. We're here to get someone out. No heroics or bullshit agendas. Got it?" The pair gave an affirmative.
Anderson stood next to Shepard, impressed by the speed in which he saw tactical advantages. Unfortunately, beyond the landing area, there was little use for pre-prepared tactics in the facility. The three would have to rely on quick thinking, awareness and reflexes. Luckily both Shepard and Alenko were vastly experienced in operations like this. To the pair of them, this was a very simple operation.
Anderson eyed Jenkins, seemingly studying the hologram to double-check he understood everything. The private was clearly nervous about the mission. The first time was always daunting.
Both Kaiden and Shepard left the pair alone in the comm room.
Anderson approached Jenkins. He startled the marine, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We all get nervous on the first time Jenkins. You'll be fine, just follow your orders and listen to Shepard, he'll get you through."
"Yes. Thank you sir," Jenkins said, feeling some of his nerves fading.
Anderson had a way of calming people. Jenkins always liked him.
Shepard made him feel nervous. He was intense, anyone would tell you that. His presence was consuming, perhaps even overpowering at times.
"You better go get ready, Private," Anderson stated. Jenkins quickly left the comm room, heading off to the crew quarters.
"Just don't get in his way kid," Anderson spoke, quietly to himself.
The Normandy hovered in orbit as the shuttle left the hangar. Luckily for the team, there were no artillery defenses on the base.
The shuttle made a rapid descent towards the mountain base, located against the Cliff face.
The crew readied their weapons. Each carrying a Lancer assault rifle and Razer pistol. Anderson refused the three to carry grenades or any toxic nerve agents, much to Shepard's chagrin. Safety of the POW was paramount.
The shuttle landed on the landing area smoothly. Almost as soon as it had made contact, a mass of hostile fire began hitting its shields.
The mercenaries were well fortified behind ammo and weapon crates. Just giving themselves room to lean over and down any insurgents. Luckily for the shuttle, they hadn't shown to have anything beyond assault rifles and shotguns for the time being. If they brandished a launcher, then the crew would be in deep trouble.
Shepard listened to the onslaught of fire directly hitting the shuttle. Waiting for the opportune moment.
He heard a slight pause in fire.
As soon as he heard the merc group stopped their fire, the shuttle door swung open revealing the three. Shepard and Jenkins sprang for the nearest cover, standing behind a bunch of stacked cargo boxes on the landing zone.
Kaiden broke into a sprint toward the lower staircase. The mercs sent a barrage of fire toward him, barely scratching his shields as he reached the lower walkway. He headed toward the jump-up and lit his biotics.
There were seven mercs all lined up on the upper catwalk. Clearly unaware of the vantage point Kaiden now possessed.
"Kaiden you ready?" Shepard shouted into his communicator.
"Ready," Kaiden responded.
"Hit the fuckers." Shepard heard a faint scream and then the sound of a biotic blast as Kaiden hit them, sending them sprawling across the catwalk.
Shepard leaned round the cover, brandishing his lancer. He spotted a target and hit it with three consecutive bursts from his lancer. He spotted another and repeated. Another. The feeling came back to him, the adrenaline began coursing through his veins. His shot was impossibly accurate.
Jenkins soon picked off targets of his own, Kaiden still hitting them with biotic blasts mixed with his own gunfire from the side.
Soon the last merc had fallen.
Shepard held a hand to his ear. "Kaiden, report."
"Seven down Commander. All clear for now," Kaiden said, his breathing quick.
"Copy that...Jenkins move up to the catwalk." Jenkins gave an affirmative and began inching his way toward the upper catwalk.
He slowly ascended the stairs, remembering his training. Slow, deliberate movements. Watch your corners, trust your team. He reached the top and took cover behind an ammo crate, taking aim at the door.
Shepard tapped Jenkins on the shoulder. "Hold position Private," Shepard stated, he gave Kaiden a nod.
The Lieutenant abandoned his vantage point and quickly followed the stairs to the upper catwalk.
Shepard headed toward the door slowly, his pace careful. His gun was ready. If anyone opened the door they would be dead before they could blink. Kaiden took his place in the middle of the group, he looked back and gave Jenkins a nod. Jenkins took his place at the back.
Shepard stopped, leaning against the door. The three reached him and took up positions. Kaiden in the middle, Jenkins to the right.
"Kaiden, stick at the back. Jenkins in the middle." Shepard checked his weapons, the others copying his action. "We hit them hard. Kaiden use your biotics...bring them out of cover, we'll do the rest. Jenkins find a position and secure it, lay down covering fire. No fucking heroics, the pair of you I fucking mean it."
They both nodded an affirmative. "Commander what will you do?" Jenkins asked.
Shepard gave a menacing grin. "What I do best Private."
He opened the door and the three got into their formation. Shepard spotted the mercs, waiting in ambush around the central room. Good news, there were less than they thought.
Shepard gave a hand signal. Kaiden broke for the nearest cover to his right. Jenkins found a metal wall that he could use for cover to the left. Shepard took cover behind a group of ammo crates directly in front of him.
"Surrender and we won't hurt you," said a female voice across the other side of the room.
Shepard laughed bitterly. "Too late for that bitch," he said quietly. "Kaiden, now," he shouted.
Kaiden immediately began glowing. He sent out a biotic lift, sending three mercs flying into the air. The sound of Shepard and Jenkins lancers echoed throughout the room, hitting the unsuspecting mercenaries.
Shepard saw a merc drop dead to the left. He looked over at Jenkins, who had a satisfied smile plastered across his face. Shepard gave him an appreciative nod.
It was a damn good shot.
"There's three of you left. Drop your weapons and we'll let you live," Shepard shouted, the mercs were silent, clearly confused on how they had been so easily beaten.
"Never." An asari commando jumped over the cover she rested behind, brandishing a shotgun. "You will die," she said, her biotics glowing violently.
"Silly mistake," Shepard said. He appeared from his cover. The commando got off one shot, barely damaging his shields. Shepard unloaded his weapon into her. She dropped to the floor, a mess, bloody and mangled.
Kaiden threw out another lift, hitting the last two mercenaries. Shepard and Jenkins quickly dispatched them, the pair dropping to the floor.
For the first time since they landed, the facility was quiet. Shepard stepped out into the centre of the room slowly, checking for any signs of life. Once satisfied the area was clear, he turned and gave a signal to the other two.
"All clear...good work." Shepard put his lancer on his back. He pulled out his pistol. "Keep your guard up. Can never be too careful...nice shot Jenkins."
Jenkins smiled widely. He just got praise from the Commander Shepard, holy shit.
Shepard made his around the scattered bodies and found the backroom. He followed the dimly lit corridor that followed, stopping outside the final door in the facility.
He quickly hacked it with his omni-tool, unlocking it. He took a deep breath and opened it.
Fuck.
The marine was dead. Laying naked on the floor, a hole in his head.
"Damn it." Shepard heard Kaiden kick the wall behind him. "Damn animals."
"They are." Shepard leant over the marines lifeless body. "Sorry kid," he said quietly, ripping his tags from around his neck.
"Why would they kill him?" Kaiden asked hotly.
"Because they had no more use for him," Shepard replied, keeping his tone calm. He was angry. But there was a time and a place to use it.
"That's bullshit Commander, he was a boy...should have been home with his family." Kaiden kicked the filing cabinet in front of him.
"Yes it's bullshit Alenko. That's the way of the world..." Shepard put a hand on Kaiden's a shoulder. "Get used to it." Shepard left the room, satisfied that there was no more that could be done.
Kaiden continued to look at the young man for several more moments. He let out a sigh and headed after the Commander.
"What happened down there Commander?" Anderson asked evenly.
The pair again stood in the comm room. Their moods far worse than when they were last here.
"We landed in the shuttle. We took hostile fire from all sides when we landed. After a brief pause, we took our opportunity and followed the set plan. Lieutenant Alenko utilised the vantage point and we systematically eliminated the hostiles. We pushed further into the base, eliminating hostiles as we moved. I entered the cell alone. The captured marine was KIA. Shot in the head," he said, doing his best to reign in his anger.
"Damn," Anderson said quietly, almost like a whisper. "You did good Shepard. All you could."
"Yeah, fucking brilliant. We failed the objective...not exactly successful Captain," Shepard stated evenly.
"Yes, you're right," Anderson said, conceding Shepard's words. "How did Private Jenkins perform?" he asked.
"He did well. Hit a few targets. Kept up and followed orders. The basics. He'll be a good soldier in time."
"Good," Anderson said. He rested his hand against his forehead. "Dismissed Commander. I'll contact alliance HQ, have them tell the marines family of his passing."
Shepard nodded. "So is this the only operation I'll be undertaking as your XO, Captain?" he asked in an amused tone of voice.
"No. There will be many more to come Commander."
Shepard clicked his fingers.
"Well I can't fucking wait Anderson."