Mass Effect: The Force Unleashed
Summary: Instead of dying when the first Normandy was destroyed Commander Shepard was saved by an unlikely being wondering the galaxy with his rebel pilot. How will the galaxy fair with Commander Shepard being trained in the ways of the force by the infamous Sith turned Jedi Starkiller? Parings Male Shep/Tali, Starkiller/Juno
Chapter III: Omega's One Rule
Mass Effect: The Force Unleashed
Along time ago in a galaxy far, far away…After discovering the truth on the colony disappearances; Command Shepard under the guidance of Jedi master Qui Gon Jin joins forces with the shady Cerberus Organization In order to defeat the collectors now Shepard is set to meet...the illusive man
Terminus system Cerberus shuttle
On board the Cerberus shuttle Miranda, Jacob and Shepard sat in awkward silence as the shuttle approached one of Cerberus's hidden orbital facility in order to contact the illusive man.
"Commander Shepard?" Miranda asked breaking the awkward silence "yes?" Shepard replied, "I would like to ask you some questions" "here we go" Jacob commented rolling his eyes knowing exactly where this was going.
"I'm curious on where you have been for the past two years and how you were able to perform those abilities that should not be possible even for a biotic like yourself"
Shepard thought it over not wanting to reveal too much information to an Organization like Cerberus...so he lied "over the past few years I had been...trained by people who saved my life two years ago they healed me and taught me all of my skills till they were killed by a pirate raid two months ago" Shepard said while faking some sad emotions to throw them off their trail.
Miranda looked doubtful but didn't press further "I'm sorry to hear that...I'm curious about those weapons you have on you belt though" she said while pointing to lightsabers attached to his belt "what are they?".
He knew there wouldn't be a point lying about the weapons or the powers but at least he could tweak the truth a little "it's called a lightsaber" he said while reaching for the handle holding it out in front of him activating it revealing a blue energy blade "it's a sword made of plasma that has the ability to cut through just about anything...but requires more skill to use then holding a gun".
"As for my powers" he let go of the lightsaber as it floated in the air; it twirled and spin in mid air as he demonstrated his power "It's called 'the force' it is more powerful then any biotic ability known to man...only select few can harness the power of the force and so far only I can".
Miranda stared transfixed at the weapon floating inches from her hand as she admired its beauty and power "its quite amazing I'm sure Cerberus would benefit greatly from a weapon like this" suddenly the weapon flew straight back to Shepard who was now glaring at her.
"If you think I'll ever let Cerberus of all people have a weapon like this then you are clearly deluded"
Miranda glared back looking disappointed at his answer but should have expected it from someone like Shepard who apposes everything Cerberus stands for "unfortunate...we should be arriving soon".
Orbiting a lone planet above was a secret Cerberus facility Orion a staging area for most operatives that are briefed before being deployed; it also functioned as one of their dry docks for ship construction far away from the council or the alliance. As the shuttle docked inside the facility the commander was starting to wonder if this was a good idea or not.
As they made their way down the hallway Shepard noticed multiple scientist walking in out of operating rooms some with blood covering their hands and some wheeling in what looked like surgical equipment into rooms with screaming patients.
They made it to the end of the hall opening up into what looked like a waiting room with a stair case that lead into a dark room "the illusive man will see you now" Miranda pointed to the stair case.
When Shepard reached the bottom of the stairs all he found was an empty room with a strange glowing circle...but no illusive man? "What the" as he stepped on the platform the circle glowed an orange light as a holographic cylinder rose from the floor.
He now found himself in a different room entirely that showed from the giant window a orange glowing sun with a man sitting in the centre smoking a cigarette and drinking whiskey. The man in question was Caucasian in appearance probably forty to fifty years old with slick back grey hair while showing few wrinkles on his face. His eyes however glowed a 'steely blue' shade which he assumed where prosthetics from an accident or intentional.
"Commander Shepard" he greeted while taking a puff out of his cigarette. "Illusive man I thought we'd be meeting face to face"
"A necessary precaution not unusual for people who know what you and I know" he stated while taking a sip out of his whiskey. "And what exactly do you and I know? Because so far I don't trust you one bit," Shepard replied crossing his arms looking annoyed. The Illusive man took another drag of his cigarette "you may not trust me Commander...but we both know who the real threat is...you faced one on the citadel two and a half years ago".
A look of realisation crossed the commanders face as he knew who he was talking about "the reapers" the very name sent chills up his spine. "Yes...glad to see you still remember...I believe you have an idea on who has been targeting the colonies right Shepard?".
"A species called the collectors. From what I gathered they are an advanced race that sell tech for specimens...but you knew...didn't you?" he questioned having a strange feeling that he already knew the answer.
"I had my suspicions but no actual evidence but with the data you were able to acquire from your former crew mate Tali Zorah it confirmed my suspicions. I was rather surprised that a quarian would actually give Intel just like that instead of selling it to the Shadow Broker"
"It goes to show how good making friends can be maybe you should try it"
"You have your methods Shepard...and I have mine" speaking with a dark ominous tone "I have compiled a list of individuals that would be essential in defeating the collectors. Soldiers, mercenary, scientist and assassins you'll need the best at your side"
Shepard looked offended "keep your list I already have a team people I trust, and they are the best" waving off the list.
"Shepard you have been gone for a long time a lot has happened in the past two years your team has scattered Garrus has gone off the grid and we cant find him, Wrex is currently on tuchanka and hasn't left since, Liara is now an information broker trying to find the shadow broker, Kaiden is on a classified alliance mission that I can't access the specs and as for Tali she was unexpected I need more data before I commit to her"
"All right I get it they're not available" sounding disappointed to say the least.
"Your a leader Shepard you'll get who you need. Before you go two things first head to omega and find Mordin Solus a brilliant salarian scientist, Intel suggest he may know how to counteract the paralysing seeker swarms"
"Sounds helpful anything else?"
"I found a pilot I think you might like, I hear he's one of the best someone you can trust"
As the communication cut off felt a familiar presence coming from behind him a feeling he has not felt since "hey commander" he turned around to face an old friend of his first flight lieutenant Jeff 'joker' Moreau " just like old times huh?".
"Joker? I can't believe it's you" genuinely surprised to see another old friend "what are doing working for Cerberus?" Joker looked down as he and Shepard walked down the hall "after you were announced KIA the council just wanted everything gone the team broke up, records sealed and I was grounded...so when Cerberus offered me the chance to join up and give me flying rights again I took the offer...I'm sorry"
"Don't be joker I would have done the same thing in your place...you don't trust the illusive man do you?"
Joker snorted at that remark "I don't trust anyone who make more money then me plus they aren't all bad they let me fly again and they gave us this" he said as they stopped at a window in a darkened hangar "they only just told me last night".
The lights turned on as a ship was revealed but not just any ship it was the Normandy one of the best ships in any fleet but Shepard noticed some differences like it was bigger then the first model and the wing pattern had changed but it still made Shepard feel happy to see the old girl.
"I guess we should give her a name huh?"
Three hours later Cerberus Dry Dock
Like a phoenix rising from the ash's so too did the Normandy as it pulled out of the dry dock showing off its new paint job saying Normandy SR-2ready in its new mission to defeat the collectors. Meanwhile the commander was on the bridge with Jacob Taylor and his new self proclaimed XO Miranda Lawson discussing their next course of action.
"Commander I think it would be best if we head to omega immediately if we want any chance of fighting the collectors"
"Agreed without that countermeasure we won't stand a chance against the collectors"
"Acquiring Doctor Solus would be the most logical place to start" a synthetic voice startled Shepard as he looked up to the ceiling.
"Who are you?" before a holographic image of a pawn chess piece with a halo orbiting its mid section revealed it's self to Shepard.
"I' am the Normandy's onboard Artificial Intelligence; the crew like to refer to me as 'EDI' I will be assisting you on this mission"
"Helmsmen don't like it when someone takes the Helm from them...especially joker" Shepard chuckled a little at the last phrase.
"I do not 'helm' the ship as I am limited by hardware blocks, during combat I operate the cyber warfare and electronic interfaces, Mr Moreau's services will not be wasted" the AI informed Shepard not realizing the joke.
"Well anyway I'm happy to have you on board" Shepard smiled at the Ai as it disappeared into the monitor to be replaced with a holographic image of the Normandy. "Well is there anyone else I should know about?" turning his attention back to the Cerberus agents.
"There are others that you can meet the Normandy is fully crewed awaiting at their stations you can meet them if you want but I suggest we get to Omega as soon as possible" with that she strolled out and proceeded to the elevator "sorry about Miranda she can be a little bossy...see ya Shepard".
Taking a huge sigh in relief he decided to head to omega "Joker set a course for Omega I'm going to speak with the crew" "aye aye Commander" as the ship took off towards Omega he took the chance to meet the crew. He found an interesting friendship in engineers Ken and Gabby both of them being former alliance. He learned that they joined Cerberus because they felt that the alliance wasn't doing enough for the galaxy but didn't trust Cerberus that much either something he was grateful for. He learned that if he wanted the ship to be safer he would need to purchase a new T-6 FBA couplings to reduce damage taken under fire and the only place you could find one was on Omega from a second hand dealer 'guess Cerberus doesn't care about it's workers huh?' Afterwards he meet the Normandy's esteemed chef who was in the middle of make food for the crew he learned that Gardner needed some high end provisions that could easily acquired on the citadel when they had the chance. He thought Gardner was a nice with a good head on his shoulders the only shocking thing he found out was the man that made the food... also cleaned the toilets.
'I just hopes he washes his hands before he serves the food' he mentally shuddered as he finished up his talk with Gardener "Commander we have arrived at Omega" Joker informed over the comm.
Omega
The boarding team consisted of Shepard, Miranda and Jacob being as they where the only crewmembers trained for ground operations. Shepard pulled his hood over his head as the team made their way down the hallway but were stopped by a salarian "Hey your new here welcome to omega if you need-" he was cut off when he noticed a batarian walking up behind him. "Oh Garm I didn't see you there I wasn't trying to impose on Aria I swear" he desperately pleaded trying to justify his actions "get out of here...damn parasite".
He turned and faced Shepard "welcome to Omega Shepard go see Aria she's in afterlife she'll be expecting you"
"I'm surprised you know who I' am?" he generally was surprised not expecting anyone to recognise him right away especially in omega of all places.
"Please we had you tagged the moment you entered the terminus system your not as subtle as you think you are...stuff blows up around which makes Aria want to keep a close eye on you after life now"
Shepard nodded as he and his team moved along the hall way stopping to see a human beating the crap out of a batarian "Shepard that's one of our contacts Zaeed Massani a human mercenary he's one of the best" Jacob informed as they got closer to Zaeed.
After a lengthy conversation in which ensured Zaeed's cooperation and a side mission that could be done on a later day the team made their way to Afterlife, a club centred in the heart of Omega the sounds of music could be heard even from outside. On their way in a group of batarians one of whom had only one arm stopped them "you looking at something human" but as soon as he saw Shepard's face he panicked "OH SHIT IT'S YOU" before running off and out into the streets screaming something about mad man with a sword? Shepard received some questioning looks from the other two who replied with a shrug "old friend".
The club lights blared and the music boomed as the team made their way to the staircase that lead up to a small balcony that overlooked the rest of omega's most infamous night club under the eyes of an Asari who was probably in her matriarch years or just about.
"Aria T'loak?"
Without turning around she raised her hand as her armed guards aimed at Shepard and his squad "hold still" her first lieutenant raised his Omni-tool and started scanning Shepard for anything dangerous.
"If your trying to find weapons your not doing a good job" Shepard said as he pointed to the visible guns on his team mates belts the batarian looked at scowled before looking Shepard straight in the eye "yeah well I wouldn't be so smug if I were you carrying nothing to defend yourself with...human!" adding disdain and venom to the word human as he glared at Shepard.
In the blink of an eye Shepard reached for his light sabres aiming one at the rude batarian and the other pointed at the other occupants in the room, all except aria aimed their guns at Shepard expecting the commander to start shooting up the joint.
Shepard remained calm as he eyed the ten or so guns that were now pointed at his head alone "so that's what happened to his arm" everyone now looked at Aria who despite everything was eerily calm about the man with the glowing swords "uh miss?" Varn her second in command asked "the batarian who came in before with one arm I see it was you who did that correct Shepard?" she turned to Shepard with a 'I know you did it' sort of grin on her face as she eyed the man before her. "Lower your weapons he's alright" the guards instantly but cautiously lowered the guns as Shepard sheathed his as well now facing Aria directly "a lot of security for someone who run's Omega" Aria chuckled as she turned towards the florescent lights of the club "I Am Omega and I had to be sure it was you…you don't know who could be wearing your face"
"Fair enough" she pointed to the vacant spot on the couch as she sat back down and ordered a drink from one of the staff.
"Now before we begin let me tell you the one rule on Omega…Don't Fuck With Aria"
"Sounds simple enough…I'm trying to find two people Dr Modin Solus and Archangel know where they are?"
"Mordin solus the doctors in the wards he's trying to cure a recent out break that doesn't effect humans he is efficient, brilliant and productive just don't get him talking he wont shut up for hours, as for Archangel according to my Intel is fighting for his life against all three of Omega's mercs the recruiting station is down stairs if you want to get close to him; as for who he is, he's what Omega calls a vigilante shooting up any mercenary that commits serious crimes he is not my concern unless he tries me next…anything else Shepard"
"Nothing else but if I need anything else I'll let you know"
As they departed he didn't notice Aria taking one last glance at Shepard before turning back to her drink.
"Ok from what we can tell we have two options; one go for Archangel and grab the doc later or we go for the doc and hope Archangel holds out" Jacob listed off the options available "its you call Shepard" Miranda spoke.
Shepard closed his eyes and started thinking on the situation at hand; first the doctor was in a infected zone with a virus that seemed to ignore humans and Vorcha he thought about going for him first but realised that as a doctor he would be prepared for any outbreak and have the proper procedure to counteract them if what his dossier said rings any truth. Next he thought about Archangel who was in a fire-fight for his life against three of the galaxies toughest Mercenaries with no idea how long he could hold out on his own.
"We go for Archangel if he is in danger we should go to him, the doctor can wait a bullet kills a lot faster then a virus can"
"Understood" the both replied.
As they entered the recruiting station he noticed that the one recruiting them was part of the Blue Suns one of the most deadly mercs to ever hit the galaxy.
"You in for the bounty the pay is 5000 credits and no its not for each, no it does not mean you are in the blue suns you are freelanced and you teammates can not claim your pay if you die and bring your own gear you look like you might need a gun though" thinking on his feet Shepard let his body glow with the familiar shade of Blue that comes with being a Biotic "Biotic alright then meet our man at the shuttle bay he'll take you there" as they exited a young man walked "hey is this the place to take down Archangel?" Shepard stopped as he realised it was a kid "aren't you a little young to be in this line of work?"
The kid started to panic a little as the guard looked at him "I'm old enough plus I just bought this gun I just dying to use it" he pulled out what looked like a SMG though a little banged up and would explode as soon as he used it.
Shepard walked up to the kid and waved his hand across the kids face "this is not the place your looking for" "this is not the place I'm looking for" the kid repeated as the other in Shepard's group looked confused at what was going on "your going to go home and think about your life" "im going to go home and think about my life" he dropped his gun and proceeded to walk out of the club like h was in a trance.
The two Cerberus Agents looked bewildered as the kid did exactly what Shepard told him to and began to wonder what else he was capable of. As for Shepard he had this strange felling that he'd be meeting an old friend very soon and that something 'bad' would happen to him ' I don't like this feeling nothing good ever come from it' he just hoped that the force was with him.
Cerberus Main Headquarters
The illusive man was going over the latest reach data that mirror image had sent over turns out that the specimen was mentally unstable and was experiencing memory trouble and would not be fit for duty at all and had to be stored in cryogenic-sleep. "This is not promising if Shepard catches wind of this it could ruin any chance of him joining us we need to dispose of the evidence" he turned to the female operative standing in front of him "dispose of the specimen at Tartarus station leave no evidence that he was made Agent lilium" the officer in question saluted as she was given her orders "yes sir" before departing.
As she made her way down the corridor she stopped at a door marked Mirror Image in side were multiple lab equipments, heart monitors, brain charts, blood samples and in the centre was a single rectangular chamber with a small window frosted over with ice.
She smirked as she prepped the container to be moved before looking directly at the box "don't worry my little friend I'm not going to kill you, in fact you're my little ace in the hole and with you by my side humanity will be safe". She gazed lovingly at the person inside the box who was revealed to be a clone but not just any clone he was none other then…Commander Shepard's clone.
Author note: Sorry for the long wait been doing a lot of assignments if I want to get into uni thank you for the wait please leave a comment in the comment box and if you have any ideas or feedback please tell me I want to make this story enjoyable for everyone pleas and thank you.