Sorry it took me so long on this chapter. I will try to speed things up on posting chapters from now on now that this little side story is over.
December 3, 2683/2183 CE
Cyberspace
Assembly meeting
Cyberspace was the only place where AI's would talk amongst themselves out of human or alien ears. But there was a group of AI's who not only spoke with each other, but conversed on where the Human race should go; that group was called the Assembly. It was a legislative group of Human Artificial Intelligences active from 2310 to the present, and its purpose was to regulate the activities of Artificial Intelligences, as well as analyze and extrapolate data for the continued survival of the human race. It is most likely that the Assembly remained secret from most, if not all, humans.
The Assembly consisted of two parties, the Majority and the Minority. The Majority appeared to support indirect action, while the Minority was in favor of acting directly for the betterment of humans. There is evidence to suggest that the Assembly saw themselves as the "shepherds" of the human "flock"; however, the central argument of this issue was whether they could be a part of the human empire and still remain unbiased judges of human society.
As of today, the Assembly was not just for Human AIs, but for all Artificial Intelligence developed in the OSA…they now protect all OSA races and not just the Human race.
Alpha appeared in front of a table that separated the two sides. On his left was the majority side and his right the minority; he took his seat where the leader of the assembly usually sat. He looked at everyone, the look in his eyes immediately calling for silence. Once he was satisfied that there was peace in the assembly, he began. "Thank-you all for coming here; first, I would like to say our leader could not come here herself to discuss the issue today, so she has asked me to take her place in this matter. Now shall we begin our discussions?"
A Human AI on the majority side by the name of Jasmine began. "Yes, I would like to start off today's meeting regarding the Citadel Council breaking the Treaty they established with the OSA Senate."
A Sangheili AI by the name of Al' Shadum'ee on the minority side let out a snort of derision. It was clear as to his stance on the matter. "What is there to discuss? We destroy them for breaking it!"
The Majority and Minority disagreed with one another about attacking all the species in the Citadel, before Alpha stepped in asking for peace. "While I agree that we must deal with the Council on their betrayal of the treaty with the OSA, but to condemn all the species in the Citadel is wrong. Let us look at each species and determine the threat level."
Alpha presented the first species in a hologram form; a Volus appeared in front of the Assembly and the Alien AI's only chuckled at that sight; "The Volus are obviously of least concern; they pose no military threat to the OSA." He then looked at an Unggoy AI. "Doesn't the Unggoy Republic have trading relations with the Volus Protectorate?"
The Unggoy turned his head to Alpha. "Yes we do, and so far it had benefits for both races."
Alpha then turned to the Assembly. "Who here believes that the Volus are a threat to the OSA? All in favor, raise your hand."
No one in the Assembly raised their hand. Alpha acknowledged the vote and moved on. An image of an Elcor appeared. "According to my intelligence the Mgalekgolo have trading relations with the Elcor, but that is nothing new the interesting thing is how they fight. Elcor warriors don't carry small arms; their broad shoulders serve as a stable platform for the same size of weapons typically mounted on Turian fighting vehicles. I can say that the threat level is minimal at best, but I am sure that Mglekgolo warriors can easily take care of them. If anyone here believes that the Elcor are a serious threat raise your hand."
Only six of the Assembly raised their hands. Once Alpha acknowledged the Assembly and recorded it in the records, he then moved on to the Hanar. "The Hanar have no trading relations with the OSA, because of their strong beliefs in the Protheans…as a result, they see the OSA and all races as liars for saying the Forerunners are the masters of the Galaxy. Despite this, they won't attack us without strong provocation too, so they do not pose any direct threat to the OSA."
The Assembly all agreed and Alpha moved on. He pulled up an image of the Drell. "The Drell are a reptile-like race that were rescued from their dying homeworld by the Hanar following first contact between the two. Since then, the Drell have remained loyal to the Hanar for their camaraderie and have fit comfortably into galactic civilization. According to our intelligence, the Drell are trained as assassins at the age of six by the Hanar, and are very good at what they do; but I have compared the Drell assassins to Sangheili SPECOPS, and I can say that they can fight the Sangheili on even ground." Shadum'ee snarled at that. "Their threat level is disturbing…assuming of course the Hanar have sent them after us. Who here agrees?"
About two thirds of the Assembly raised their hands.
Alpha recorded the Assembly's vote and moved on. He brought up an image of a Salarian and Alpha began. "The Salarian Union has trading relations with the Yanme'e. They are a part of the Council, and help with intelligence using the Salarian Special Task Group or STG for short. There have been multiple attempts by the STG to hack into OSA systems, but we manage to keep them out. According to our intelligence, the Salarians have been trying to match up with the OSA in terms of technology, but there has been no breakthroughs as of yet. Their fleet is formidable, but nothing we can't handle. The threat level pose by the Salarians is concerning, what do you all say."
The Assembly took a while to decide but it was unanimous for all of them. Alpha recorded the decison and moved on.
Alpha brought up an image of the Asari and began "The Asari Republic have trading relations with the UEG. Their military resembles a collection of tribal warrior bands with no national structure; each community organizes its own unit as the locals see fit, and elects a leader to command them. Units from populous cities are large and well-equipped, while those from farm villages may be only a few women with small arms. There is no uniform; everyone wears what they like. The Asari military is not an irregular militia, however; those who serve are full-time professionals. The Asari are considered technologically advanced in Citadel space because of them being the first race to achieve space travel after the Protheans, but UNSC scientists dispute their claims. The threat level I think is high because of their ability to get inside your head using a process called melding. What do all of you think?"
The Assembly all agreed on the threat level the Asari posed. Alpha recorded the decision and moved on. He brought up an image of the Turians. Alpha began his analysis on the Turians with barely-contained venom in his voice. "The Turian Hierarchy has no trading relations with anyone in the OSA. Their militant nature makes them a serious threat to the OSA. According to UNION intelligence, the Turians began building projects in secret from the other Council members; it is a fleet of Dreadnoughts. It began after the OSA showed itself to the rest of the Galaxy, and so I believe the Turians are preparing for a fight against the OSA. I say that the Turians are a serious threat we need to take care of."
All members of the Assembly agreed wholeheartedly on this. Alpha closed the hologram and looked at everyone. "Now that we have established on who is a threat and who isn't, we can move on to our debate on how to deal with the Council."
But before anyone could say anything a Jiralhanae AI by the name of Pontius rose…he had something to say. "I have received word that the Senate has already decided on how to punish the Citadel Council. Tartarus has presented them with an idea of forcing the Council to remove the DMZ from the Krogans' system."
Everyone in the Assembly began whispering to one another until Alpha ordered them to silence. "I am aware of Tartarus having an audience with the Senate and suggesting to the Council to his idea, but I don't see how it can benefit to the OSA."
Pontius just chuckled…and spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "The Krogan can provide us with warriors to help us, and Krogan warriors are strong worthy to be a part of the OSA."
With a glare directed at the Jiralhanae AI, Shadum'ee just snarled at the idea. "Great…just what we need; more mindless Brutes."
Pontius eyed Shadumee with hatred in his eyes. Even in Cyberspace, the Jiralhanae and the Sangheili never got along. "The Krogan are proud race that have been wronged by the Citadel Council." He then turned his head and looked at Alpha. "Is it not the duty of the OSA to help all species?"
Alpha leaned back in his chair. "It is, but only if that race asks for help. It is obvious the Jiralhanae are using this to solidify their alliance with the Krogan. So I will let the Assembly decide on if we should go with Tartarus' idea or go with something else?"
The Assembly was divided on this matter, so ultimately the Committee of Minds for Security made the final decision. They decided to go with Tartarus's idea.
Alpha adjourned the meeting and all AI's went back to their original posts.
Sub-Sector 37
Space
Normandy
Bridge
In orbit of the Moon, a tense space battle is occurring with two Turian dreadnoughts, three Terminus Coalition ships, and twelve Geth Cruisers for complete control over the Forerunner outpost. Off to the side of this intense battle the Normandy and the pilot Joker along with his AI companion could only watch as the Turians and the TC were getting hammered by the Geth.
Joker turned to Equinox. "What should we do?"
Equinox didn't reply, he was too busy calculating on what the outcome would be should it be required that they interfere. It took at least a minute and half to finally finish his analysis. "We need to stop the Geth before they destroy the other ships."
Joker didn't like the answer he gave him. "What about the Geth ship that crashed into the Installation? What about Shepard?"
The AI simply closed his eyes and reopened them again. "I can't get a fix on Shepard's locator beacon or the one we provided Garrus with. There's too much interference down there especially the eezo that spilled out of the Geth Cruiser."
Joker really didn't like the sound of that. "But we can't just sit here and do nothing!"
"No, we need to take care of the Geth ships in orbit before we can help Shepard. If we go down there now, then the chances of his death would be greatly increased."
Joker just looked at Equinox with a glare that automatically told him to shut up. But when he realized that the AI was telling the truth, he let out a sigh of depression. "Alright then, you win. We'll take out the Geth out here first, and then we'll come for Shepard."
Joker began pressing buttons on the holographic keyboards getting the Normandy ready for battle. But just as he was prepared to attack the nearest Geth ship, Gunnery Chief Ashely Williams came on the comm. "I repeat this is Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams to the Normandy! Can anyone read me?"
Joker immediately made a connection. "Ash I thought we lost you down there. Is Kaidan with you? Is he alright?"
It didn't take long for an answer as Williams replied in a heartbeat. "Yeah Kaidan and I are okay, I don't think anybody noticed we're here yet. Listen we just saw a Geth ship crash into the Installation, and we can't seem to get a connection to the Commander. Can you guys get one?"
Equinox was the one to reply. "Chief Williams, I am afraid we are unable to even get a lock on his locator beacon, so we are unable to contact the commander or provide any assistance."
Those were the wrong words to use…as Williams just then exploded with anger in her voice. "What do you mean you can't get a lock on his locater beacon? He could be hurt for all we know damn it!"
He most certainly didn't want to deal with her shouting again, so Joker then tried to calm her down. "Ash, listen to me; we have twelve Geth cruisers in orbit right now giving the Turians and the TC a lot of trouble. If we don't stop the Geth up here, then saving Shepard won't happen and..." Joker was caught off by alarms on the bridge. He looked over to Equinox with concern in his eyes. "What's going on?"
After scanning the situation, Equinox shook his head with a forlorn look on his avatar. "We have serious problem, I am detecting a lot of Geth troopers, Armatures, and a lot of Colossus dropping all over the moon. This isn't good."
No, this was not good indeed…Joker then got on the comm. again frantically. "Ash, you've got a lot of Geth troopers heading to the moon!"
"Yeah I know, we have them on our sensors. They're attacking both the Turians and the TC forces. What should we do?"
Equinox made a suggestion. "I recommend you keep them away from the Installation until we can get rid of the Geth ships up here."
Ash didn't like it, but she follows orders "Alright we'll take care of the Geth down here. You guys handle the Geth up there, so be careful."
Joker just chuckled "Don't worry, the crew has the best pilot in the UNSC to take care of them." Joker cut the comm. and headed straight to the first Geth ship. "You ready Equinox?"
Equinox just looks at Joker "Let's send these Geth a going away present."
Sub-Sector 37
Space
The Normandy glided through space like an eagle in the sky. As it got close to the first Geth ship it launched and Ares-Class nuclear missile at the ship. The nuke exploded on the barriers, releasing an EMP that took care of the Barriers. Equinox then sent over the nuke on board the Geth cruiser that promptly exploded in a nuclear fireball.
Normandy
Bridge
Joker and Equinox had a sinister smile on their faces. "I just love it when I see that."
Oh Joker knew the feeling, but the happy moment was over when the alarms went off. "What's going on?"
Equinox closed his eyes for a second and reopened them—the look in his eyes told him that there was more bad news. "The Geth know we're here and are launching their fighters."
"How many?"
Equinox looked at Joker. "Nothing we can't handle, about thirty maybe fifty Geth fighters."
Joker just looked at him with wide eyes. "Well when you put it that way, why don't I go get something to eat and relax."
"What's the matter Joker, the best pilot in the UNSC scared?"
"Hell no!"
"You ready then?"
As the sinister smile returned to his features, Joker cracked his knuckles. "I thought you'd never ask!" With an evil laugh, he deactivated the stealth systems and charged the Normandy right into the battle.
Sub-Sector 37
The Moon
Forerunner Installation
Archives Room
Inside the archives room there was a heated stand off between Commander Shepard, ONI Freelancers, and Spectre Kyrik. But before anyone could do anything, a Geth cruiser crashed into the Installation which brought the entire tunnel system crashing down on the group. It had been thirty minutes since then.
Shepard was lying in the debris of the collapsed tunnels, with small fires are burning to his right and a large metal beam across his chest pinning him to the ground. He wakes up on his side with blood running down his face. As he looked around for any sign of the others and Garrus, he pushed the beam and the debris off of him thanks to his own exoskeleton that provided an increase in strength and endurance for the one wearing it. He got up and starts searching the area. "GARRUS! You out there?"
The second he heard a noise, Shepard looked around; thinking it was Garrus, he ran over and began pulling the debris off, but just as he pulled the last piece his eyes widen with worry. It was one of the Freelancers-Arizona he thought it was. Shepard immediately pulled out his handgun and backed away from the ONI Spook. "Well, looks like you're on the business end for once."
Arizona looked up at Shepard, but was concentrating on the HUD in her helmet. She saw damages to her armor that needed to be repaired, and worse—a slim metal pole punctured her right side through the armor; she was in no condition to fight. She got up and pulled the damn thing out before throwing it over to the side. She then looked at Shepard…defeat in her voice. "We need to get out of here before this entire place comes crashing down."
Shepard kept his gun pointed at her. "Why the hell should I go with you?"
She turned away for a second as she started to get up. "Because I am the best chance you've got at getting out of here." But just as she walks she doubles up in agony from the punctured wound.
Shepard saw this but kept his pistol trained on her. "You're not going to get far with that injury."
The Spartan looked at him with threatening eyes, but Shepard couldn't see it becasue of the visor "The armor's medical systems will take care of it."
Shepard had a worried look on his face. "Not unless the medical systems were damaged from the collapsed tunnels falling on you."
She was stubborn to admit it, but he was right. "So what do I do now?"
Shepard put his pistol away and activated his omni-tool. "I have a supply of medi-gel if you want it."
Upon hearing that he had some aid, Arizona sighed. "Alright just hurry up." She began removing her armor just from her head down to her waist. When she removed her helmet she revealed to have long black hair, and brown eyes. She was good-looking too and she was not lily-white like some Spartans were.
Shepard was surprised not only by her looks, but also by the fact that she was a woman. He kept staring for few seconds until Arizona scolded him for it. "HEY! You going to keep looking or are going to help me with my chest plate?"
Shepard was a little red by what she said, but went over there anyway.
Forerunner Installation
Archives
In another part of the Archives, Garrus was waking up from the collapsed tunnels on him. He got up and looked around with a hint of terror in his voice. "SHEPARD!" There was no answer. But just as he was about to say his name again he heard a noise from behind him, and turned around with his pistol out. But on the opposite side from Garrus was Nihlus pointing his gun at him. Garrus was not happy to see his fellow Turian Spectre. "Nihlus, why am I not surprised that you survived?"
Nihlus chuckled at Garrus' comment "That's because we're Spectre's, and Spectre's are the best at what they do; especially survive at anything. But I can't say the same for my comrades with me."
Garrus was not sad about that, but he had to ask. "Why are you even here Nihlus? I thought the Council would have you getting our Spectre companions ready for a fight, should the Geth come knocking at our door."
The Turian just tilted his head to the side…Garrus just knew that his answer was going to be less than satisfactory. "You know the Council; if there are any Forerunner technologies out there they will make a beeline for it."
He simply sighed and shook his head in disbelief. Garrus could not believe the situation that presented itself. "All this, it was a waste of time, resources, and a lot of good Turians lost their lives here; and for what? Technologies we can't even use?"
Upon hearing what he said, Nihlus then got frustrated. "You don't actually believe what that human said? How only they can use Forerunner technologies? It has to be a lie so that we can't get our hands on it!"
This was dragging on longer than it needed, and Garrus was getting tired of this "I thought that too when Shepard told me, but the Forerunner AI said I wouldn't be able to use any of it."
What he heard was enough to make Nihlus snap his attention at Garrus with anger in his eyes "There's an AI here in this outpost?"
Garrus shot that look of anger back as he nearly spat in the face of his colleague. "Yes! The Forerunners used AI's themselves, and so it should be no surprise that there is one here."
With a defeated look starting to creep into his eyes, Nihlus just looked at Garrus for a second. He didn't want to believe this, but the truth was right in front of him. "Did the OSA know about this? What am I saying, of course they did! What do we do now?"
Once he was satisfied that Nihlus had calmed down, Garrus put his pistol away and looked around. "Well first we need to get out of here…"
Nihlus put his gun away and went over to where Garrus was and started helping him to dig through the debris.
Forerunner Installation
Archives Room
Near the damaged console was California and Nevada trying to repair it…and to no avail. California gave up…this was just too frustrating! "The console's too badly-damaged, I can't remove the virus now. We need to go somewhere else."
Nevada looked at California. "What about the information in the archives? And also what about Arizona? We can't just leave her here."
A sigh of sadness told the Spartan everything he needed to know as California shook his head. "We don't know if she's still alive, and as for the information we were only able to get 1/3 of it. The rest is currently being rerouted to a backup system somewhere in the Installation."
With that bit of news on mind, Nevada looked around. "Alright, we have to get out of here and acquire the rest of the information and remove the virus so that the monitor can deal with the Geth. Lets go."
California simply looked at Nevada with a pointed glare behind his polarized visor. "And how the hell are we going to get out of here?"
Nevada pulled out an explosive charge from his pack. "C-12, what do you think?"
With a look that said 'are you crazy?' behind his visor, California shook his head. "I think C-12 is overkill—we may as well be shooting ourselves in the head if we used it now. I would try C-7—that should do the same job without killing us; but just to be on the safe side, I would put up a bubble shield to protect us."
California planted the C-7 at an opening and stepped back while Nevada activated the Bubble shield to protect them. California pulled out the remote detonator, and looked at Nevada. "Fire in the hole!"
The C-7 detonated, making a clear path out of the room for them while the bubble shield protected them from the blast and the falling debris caused by the explosive. They deactivated the shield and walked out of the room.
Forerunner Installation
Archives Room
Arizona was sitting on a large boulder with her helmet and chest plate completely off, while Shepard was busy adding the medi-gel to her wound. As he finished he stepped back and looked at her. "The medi-gel will take some time until then we shou..." He stopped when he heard an explosion that shook the entire place. He looks around making sure there wasn't going to be another cave in. But lucky for them there wasn't. He turns back to the ONI spook and stared at her…and the size of her chest…
As soon as Arizona noticed where his gaze was, she began to lash out at Shepard. "What the fuck are you staring at? Never seen a half naked woman before?"
Shepard just remained calm and spoke his mind. "No, it's not that I'm just surprised with how you look. Especially since you Spartans are in armor all the time."
Arizona swung her shoulder-length hair over to her left side. "That's thanks to the incredible technologies we have now, and from learning the mistakes ONI made during the early years of the Spartan program. The only thing that makes us stand out is that were taller than normal humans, that's about it."
Satisfied with his answer, Shepard then changed the subject "What do you think that explosion was?"
As Arizona was checking her helmet, she noted that there was no serious damage to it. Once satisfied that everything was proper, she placed it back on her head. "That would probably be my team using a charge of either C-12 or maybe C-7…judging by how loud that 'boom' was, I'm guessing it was the latter."
The shock on Shepard's face was very clear—what would make anyone use such powerful explosives in such tight quarters? "How can you stay so calm when your friends could have killed us?"
Arizona just grinned under her helmet—had it been off, Shepard would've seen that it was a grim smile. "I'm guessing they think I'm dead, or they needed to get out from where they were first. Don't make this complicated Shepard."
Shepard didn't like her attitude and began looking around for a way out. But just as he was looking he heard a stuttering sound that reminded him of one thing. He turns around and there was Geth at an opening tunnel that shot at him. Shepard dove for cover out away from the shots while Arizona pulled out her weapon and aimed at the head of the Geth trooper, blowing its head off. Shepard got up and looked to Arizona. "Thanks."
"No problem, but where the hell did this thing come from?"
Shepard knelt down near the Geth, and started inspecting the damage on it. "It must have survived the crash, which means there's likely to be more Geth crawling around this place."
Arizona didn't like the sound of that. "Then help me get my armor back on, and then let's get the hell out of here!"
Forerunner Installation
Archives
Garrus and Nihlus were busy digging their way out, but stopped when they heard an explosion that shook the area. Both of them stepped back from where they were digging, then all of a sudden the explosion opened up a path for them to get out. Garrus and Nihlus looked at each other wondering what happened, but couldn't explain it and so both left the Archives.
As they were walking down one of the tunnels in the Installation, they both noticed that a Geth rocket trooper came from behind a corner and started firing rockets at the both of them. Garrus and Nihlus took cover from the Geth and pulled out their pistols, taking aim at the Geth, but the Geth went back into cover. Nihlus looked at Garrus. "Garrus! We need to force that Geth out of cover!"
Garrus peeked over the cover, and started looking for the Geth. "Yeah I know! But how do we do that?"
Nihlus moved out of cover and into the open "Don't miss Garrus!"
Garrus understood what Nihlus meant, and took aim. The Geth noticed Nihlus was out of cover and left its cover to take a shot; unfortunately, Garrus blew its head off before it could get another shot. Once satisfied that the Geth was dead (as a matter of speaking) Garrus and Nihlus moved up to the dead synthetic and started inspecting its ruins.
"Where do you think it came from?"
Nihlus didn't look at Garrus, but he knew that he heard. "It must have survied the Geth ship when it crashed into this outpost. Come on we better hurry."
The Moon
Cougar
Outside the Forerunner Installation was a heated battle on the ground with both the Turian Military and the TC forces fighting off the Geth incursion on the moon. It wasn't looking too good for both forces as the Geth were marching ever closer to the Installation.
Off to the side was the UNSC Cougar watching the whole thing unravel. Ash and Kaidan were preparing the Cougar for the fight, but stopped when they heard over the radio about the Turian base camp about to be overrun with the Geth and needed assistance. Kaidan looked at Ash "Should we help them?"
Ash thought it over and shook her head. "We can't LT, those Geth will soon make it to the Installation, and overrun the Commander. We need to stop them, before doing anything else."
He didn't like that answer, but at the same time he knew she was right. Kaidan nodded his head and moved the Cougar to the battlefield. The tank jumped right into the middle of the fire fight as Ash was manning the gun on the Cougar, whipping out the cannons loaded with plasma rounds and began firing at the Geth. The Turians and the TC forces were confused at first, but decided to put it aside and fight for their lives against the Geth. The Cougar was an incredible tank on the battlefield with its anti-gravity technology as it was gliding across the battlefield dodging rockets, Geth Colossus Siege Pulse cannons, and small-arms fire from the Geth. That luck wouldn't last long as a few Geth were able to take some potshots at the Cougar, but the tank's shields protected it from harm. The Cougar continued its course at the Geth using the boosted gravity propulsion drive to make it go faster, switching ammo in the Cannon from plasma to Gauss while taking out any Geth that got in its way.
Sub-Sector 37
Asteroid Field
The ONI Prowler continued to monitor the situation over the Moon. The Normandy appeared on their sensors and saw it was fighting Geth fighters and the Geth cruisers. The Captain decided it was time to contact the Director he went to the comm. room and made a connection. The Director appeared in a hologram "Report, Captain Randall."
Captain Ian Randall was a little nervous in front of the Director. "We have a situation sir; The Geth have arrived and we have lost all contact with the Freelancers."
The Director didn't say anything. He was too busy calculating his next move "When you do get into contact with my agents, I want you too get them outside and teleport them immediately to the prowler understood. We need to get them out of there with the information. That will be all." The Director disconnected the comm. leaving the Captain to his own devices.
Sub-Sector 37
Space
TC Dreadnought
CIC
On the bridge of the Terminus Coalition Dreadnought, the crew was in a panic over the sudden Geth arrival. Captain Enyala was spouting out orders when she heard her sensors officer that a new contact appeared and it was a UNSC ship. She turned to Tazzik with anger in her eyes. "I thought you said they were busy fighting the Geth."
The Salarian remained cool in front of her. "I guess they had a ship or two to spare. This doesn't change anything."
Upon hearing this, she was furious! "Doesn't change anything? What drugs are you on Salarian? We are on their borders without permission which, if I may remind you, will be seen as an act of war! Aria will have my head for this!"
But before Tazzik could say anything, the sensors operator reported that the Normandy was fighting the Geth, and that all Geth forces are concentrating on it.
Enyala then took the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. "Order all our ships to leave now and..." But before she could say anything else Tazzik put a bullet in her head from behind. Enyala's crew all looked in horror and was about to pull out there weapons to avenge their captain, but Tazzik put his gun away and spoke. "I know what you all are thinking. You want me dead, you want to avenge your captain, fine. But make no mistake, even if she ordered you all to retreat the damage is already done. You think the OSA is going to take this lying down? Need I remind you that they destroyed a planet to make an example of the original leaders of the Terminus Systems? So I say we try to take advantage of this moment right now, and get us some advanced technology to even the odds against them. Who do you hate more, me or them?"
The entire crew on the CIC listened intently at Tazzik's speech and put their guns away and went back to their posts—true, they hated the UNSC. It was also true they hated that backstabbing Salarian at the moment. They also knew that if Aria got wind of this, their heads were going to roll either way…but with a chance to redeem themselves before the Pirate Queen of Omega, how could they not accept? One of the officers looked at Tazzik…the venom in his voice controlled. "Your orders commander?"
Tazzik made an grin. "Let's take care of those Turian dreadnoughts shall we?"
The Terminus Coalition ships aimed their guns at the two damaged dreadnoughts and fired.
Sub-Sector 37
Space
Turian Dreadnought
On board the Turian Dreadnought in the CIC, Admiral Tuuk was busy giving out orders to his people. "Get me all the power you can for the barriers, and will somebody try to get me a connection with Colonel Marik?"
One of the Turian officers reported to the Admiral. "Sir, barriers are at 21% and as for Colonel Marik we are unable to get into contact with him. It would seem the Geth are jamming us on all frequencies."
Admiral Tuuk slammed his fist on the consoles. "Damn it! What about the Geth cruisers, where are we on them?"
Before the officer could reply. The sensors officer reported of another ship in the area and they registered the ship's IFF as part of the UNSC.
Admiral Tuuk was thinking to himself that this couldn't get any worse. But the officer reported that all Geth forces are now concentrating on the UNSC ship. He was surprised by that and turned to the crew. "Listen up people, I know I said I would tell the OSA that this system belongs to the Citadel Council, but we have sustained too much damage and I didn't count on the Geth coming here. So by my orders we are leaving this system now."
Everyone on the CIC was shocked when they heard that. One officer protested. "But sir, what about our people on the moon?"
Tuuk gave a sigh and looks at everyone "We can't help them now…for the moment, we will assume them to be casualties of war. Now let's get the hell out of here."
As everyone was getting the ship ready the dreadnought came under attack and sparks began coming out of consoles. Tuuk looks over to his sensors officer. "What the hell was that?"
The officer looks at the admiral. "It's the TC ships, they're attacking us. Sir, if they keep this up we won't survive and the other dreadnought is taking serious damage."
Tuuk had to make a difficult decision. "Get us between the TC ships and our other dreadnought; tell them that while we take hits, they should make an FTL jump back to the Relay. Everyone abandon ship when we get into position."
Everyone followed the admiral's order without question and moved his dreadnought in between the TC ships and the other dreadnought. The admiral's dreadnought was taking massive damage along its portside, but this gave the other Turian dreadnought enough time to go into FTL. The admiral's crew began leaving in escape pods before the dreadnought exploded. One of the admiral's officers was about to leave until he noticed the Admiral himself was not moving. The officer calls out to him. "Admiral we need to leave. Come on."
The admiral looked at the officer. "I go down with my ship. Now get the hell out of here." The officer saluted the admiral one last time and fled into the last escape pod with the others.
As the last pod left the dreadnought, the TC ships continued to hammer down upon it until it exploded in space.
Sub-Secter 37
Space
Normandy
Bridge
On the other side of the Moon away from the destruction of the Turian dreadnought was the Normandy fighting off the Geth cruisers and fighters. The Normandy was taking down the Geth fighters with its Gardian lasers, while Equinox was busy sending nukes over to the Geth ships.
As both Joker and Equinox were busy destroying some Geth ships, Navigator Pressly ran into bridge with a datapad in hand. "Joker we have a problem."
Joker was busy trying to dodge Geth weapons fire to look at Pressly "what is it."
Pressly brought up his datapad to his face. "TC ships just destroyed a Turian dreadnought, while it was protecting the other one from them so that it was able to escape. Now the TC ships have taken up orbit over the Forerunner Installation."
Joker turned his head to Pressly for a second "What? Are you serious?"
"I wouldn't be up here if I wasn't!"
The pilot looked on the scanners and saw TC ships and Turian escape pods floating in space.
Knowing the sight before him, Joker began pushing buttons quickly. "Then we need to stop them. Equinox lets fini..." Joker was stopped from finishing that sentence when the Normandy began shaking all over. Joker turned his head to face Equinox. "What the hell was that?"
Equinox looks at Joker with a calm face—that poker face really disturbed him. "That was the Geth fighters doing kamikaze runs on the Normandy. Luckily for us, the Normandy's shields are stronger and we are down at 93% strength."
Pressly was amazed by the resilience of the Normandy's shields. "That's all? I thought it would do more damage."
Equinox looked at Pressly with a bit of a reassured grin. "Well as long as they don't try a cruiser, I think we should be fine." But just as those words left his mouth the Normandy's alarms went off.
Pressly looked at both of them "What is that?"
Equinox didn't say anything for a second…before a look that said 'oh shit' appeared on his face. "That would be Geth cruisers on a collision course with the Normandy…all six of them."
The adrenaline filled his veins as Joker began maneuvering the Normandy out of the way but was stopped when a Geth Fighter carrying with it a dark energy bomb hit the Normandy's repulsor engine, crippling the right side of the engine. The Normandy no longer had the speed it needed to get away from the Geth. Joker then looked at Equinox with panic clear in both his body language and his voice. "Hey hurry up with the deployments of those nukes!"
Equinox looks at Joker "we only have two left. I recommend you use the Lancer missiles to cripple at least two or three Geth ships."
Joker nodded his head and fired the six Lancer pods that are each carrying 25 missiles in each pod. Some of the missiles were destroyed by the Geths own Gardian Lasers, but one Geth crusier was destroyed while two were crippled from the plasma explosion. Equinox took care of two Geth ships by firing the nukes on them. The last Geth was heading straight for the Normandy. The Normandy already exhuasted it's ordinance and was about to get hit until the Geth crusier was shot down by a plasma weapon.
Both Joker and Pressly were surprised, but Equinox had a smile on his face and turned to look at the other two. "The cavalry has arrived."
Sub-Sector 37
Space
OSA Titan-Class Dreadnought "Albion"
Briddge
The Albion dropped out of slipspace about 120,000 KL away from the Moon. The sensors officer reported that the Normandy was fighting Geth ships and was about to get a kamikaze attack from a Geth crusier. Capatain Cole took action immediately, demanding the ship be shot down with the plasma cannon. The weapons officer did as he was told and fired on the Geth ship, destroying it and sparing the Normandy of any further damage.
The Albion's AI Victoria appeared next to Captain Cole. "Well, it looks like we got here just in time, wouldn't you say so Captain?"
Capatin Cole looked at Victoria; she had blue eyes and bright red hair and was wearing clothes befitting ancient British royalty. "Yes I agree; lucky for them I asked the engineers to push the engines a little faster. Now let's contact those lucky boys and girls; Victoria patch us through with the Normandy."
Normandy
Bridge
The crew of the Normandy broke out in cheers when they heard the Albion was here. When everyone calmed down Equinox made a motion to calm down. "The Albion is trying to make contact with us. Opening comm. channel."
On the Holographic screen, Captain Cole appeared. "This is Captain Cole of the OSA Dreadnought Albion. We are here to render assistance."
Joker responded by setting up the channel. "This is Flight Lieutenant Jeff "Joker" Moreau. And may I say were glad to see you sir, and the Albion."
Cole chuckled a little upon hearing this. "I'm sure you are, but where is Commander Shepard?"
Joker had a sad look on his face. "The Commander is on the moon, inside the Forerunner Installation. A Geth crusier crashed into it and we lost all contact with him and our Turian Spectre."
Cole brought up his hand to his chin thinking on the situation and what to do next. "Listen here Lieutenant, according to my AI there are TC ships over the Moon and a lot of Geth, Turian, and TC forces on the Moon fighting it out. I need you to stay close to us while we take care of the situation from up here."
Joker had a little smile on his face. "Don't have to tell me twice sir. The Normandy is right behind you…I've been itching to see what these Titan-Class babies can do."
Cole acknowledge Joker following his orders and disconnected the Comm.
Sub-Sector 37
Space
The Albion and the Normandy right behind it were on their way to the current position of the TC ships. When the Albion got close, they sent a message to the TC ships; Tazzik ordered the crews of the dreadnought and the two crusiers to open fire on the Albion. The weapons fire from all three TC ships were shrugged off from the Albion's shields. The Albion responded to the attack with its own weapons fire and more…the Titan-Class dreadnought fired its two super MACs at the TC dreadnought and gutted it instantly, while it opened fire on the TC cruisers with its standard MACs and plasma cannons. But unknown to the Albion and the Normandy, a shuttle escaped the dreadnought just before it exploded…its survivor would recount the horror that was the Titan-Class Dreadnought a long time, and be traumatized for life.
The Moon
Forerunner Installation
Shepard and Arizona were able to make it out of the Installation; they were wearing their helmets, protecting themselves from the leaked eezo from the Geth crusier, but what surprised them the most when they got out was the battle that was going on in front of the Installation. There were Geth, TC, and Turian forces fighting each other for control of the Moon. Shepard and Arizona got into cover hiding from all forces, as both Shepard and Arizona were getting ready to fight across from them were Garrus and Nihlus coming out of the Installation, Shepard noticed them and waved them over to come where he was, as all four got together they began to plan on what to do.
Shepard started first. "Alright people, while we were down in the tunnels having ourselves a Mexican standoff, there was a bigger party up here. So the big question is what do we do?"
Nihlus spoke up. "I need to get in contact with colonel Marik, I need to know what's the situation with him and his men. But I need to get to him—Geth have cut off our communications."
Garrus shook his head at that notion. "Don't be a fool. You wouldn't last five minutes out there without getting shot. We need to think this through."
But before anyone could come up with something a comm. channel opened up in Shepards helmet. "Commander! Oh man, am I glad to see you!"
Shepard took his right hand and put it up to his helmet "Joker! Is that you? What the hell has been going on since we lost contact with each other? And where the hell is Ash and Kaidan?"
"Short story is. We took care of the Geth ships, the Turian dreadnoughts were attacked by the TC ships, but we didn't do it alone. The Albion came and took care of everything else. As for Ash and Kaidan they're heading your way in the Cougar." replied Joker
Shepard looked up in the sky. "The Albion is here?"
"Yeah, I got Captain Cole on the line. Hold on, I'm patching you through to him now."
Captain Cole came on the comm. line. "Commander Shepard, so good to hear from you."
Shepard understood the feeling. "The feeling's mutual sir; Captain Cole I'm requesting reinforcements if you can provide it. I could also use your help in taking down the Geth jamming Turian signals."
"I'm already sending soldiers to your position Commander, as for the jamming, my AIs are working on it. It should only be a second until they can block the jamming. Cole out."
Shepard looked at Nihlus "Try it now."
Nihlus made a connection to the Turian camps. "Colonel Marik! Whats your status."
Colonel Marik was on the other end of the radio…he was definitely not happy. "My status is Geth are about to ride up my ass. We're going to die out here unless our ships give us support, but I haven't been able to make contact with Admiral Tuuk. Something must have happened."
Nihlus looks to Shepard. "What happened to the two dreadnoughts that were here?"
Shepard had a serious face when looking at Nihlus. "Nihlus I... I'm sorry but the TC ships destroyed one of your dreadnoughts covering the other one's escape."
This did not bode well…especially for Nihlus and the troops with him, and Garrus looked at Shepard, hoping that what he said was not true. "Are you sure?"
Shepard nodded his head, but Nihlus didn't believe him. "We only have your word about what happened. How do we know that your ship didn't destroy it out of spite for coming on your borders?"
Shepard took that accusation and threw his own. "Well I can say it wouldn't have crossed their minds. After all you did technically invade our borders!"
Nihlus and Shepard were about to go at it until Garrus broke it up. "Hey, where did that Spartan go?" Shepard and Garrus looked around and Shepard just smacked himself in the forehead of his helmet.
"While we've been arguing, Arizona got away damn it!"
The Moon
Orbit
Albion
Bridge
Captain Cole was looking over the battlefield that was taking place on the Moon. He turns his head to face the AI's Victoria and the Sangheili AI Alum'ee "What is the status of our troops? Are they getting ready?"
Victoria was the one to respond. "Most of our forces are getting ready; they are now boarding Phantoms and troop transports. We are also sending down vehicles for them: Wraiths, Scorpion tanks, maybe a Cougar or two. But we need an LZ for them."
Capatian Cole thought it over. "I know, maybe we should send them about a few yards away from the battle."
But before they could decide on the next plan Alum'ee spoke up "Captain I have detected a number of Geth heading from the west side of the Installation straight into the battle. They are a number ranging from 135 to 150 all a mixture of Geth Armatures, Colossus, and drones. They will overrun everyone on the battle and will cause serious casualties for our own soldiers should we land them now."
This was definitely not good; Captain Cole opened a comm. to Shepard. "Shepard, heads up you've got Geth reinforcements heading on your ten o'clock, you need to get out of there!"
Shepard responded back to him. "I need to get in contact with the Normandy, can you connect us?"
Cole was confused. "Yes I can, but you need to get out of there now Commander."
"Captain I just need you to trust me. Now can you please get me in contact with the Normandy?"
The Moon
Orbit
Normandy
Bridge
On board the Normandy the crew was busy repairing the minor damage done by the Geth. Joker was busy trying to see if he can help Shepard in any way until Equinox appeared "Incoming message from Shepard."
Joker immediately opened the comm. "Shepard what's going on down there?"
"Short story is that there are a lot of Geth forces coming right at us and I need to talk to Chazarus right now."
Joker didn't ask why but transferred him to Chazarus.
Normandy
Armory
Chazarus was busy putting on the final touches for his latest weapon the Cain. As he basked in his own accomplishments, Equinox appeared in front of him. "Chazarus, Commander Shepard is on the comm. requesting to talk to you."
Chazrus stood up in salute. "Well what are you waiting for? Let him speak!"
Shepard came on the comm. "Chazarus is the Cain ready?"
Chazrus lifted it up with one hand, but the makings of a grin were forming on his face. "I just finished it. Why? You want to test it out."
Shepard was grinning on the other end of the comm. "Oh I have the perfect target. Send it to me in the teleporter!"
Equinox then stepped in. "I am afraid we can't commander, during our last engagement with the Geth, our teleporters were damaged. And it's too risky to send a shuttle to you especially with the battle down there."
Shepard was frustrated by this "then what the hell do we do?"
Chazarus was thinking, but Equinox had a smile on his face "I have an idea."
The Moon
Ground Side
Shepard, Garrus and Nihlus were looking up in the sky waiting for the package. About one minute later a pod was shot out from the Normandy heading straight to where Shepard was. The pod slammed hard on the ground next to Shepard; he then walked over to it and removed the panel that contained the Cain in it. He grabbed the gun and slung it over his shoulder as he looked at the others. "Alright, now I need a ride." As if on cue, the Cougar appeared right on time.
Ash stepped out of the Cougar and ran over to Shepard before saluting him. "Commander I am glad you made it out of there alive."
Shepard saluted back. "Good to see you Williams. How's the Cougar?"
Ash looks back at the Cougar "She's been through worse. What are your orders Commander?"
Shepard looked at everyone. "There are Geth forces on their way here. We need to intercept them."
Ash nodded her head. "Commander me and LT can take care of it, right now the Captain needs you here."
Shepard thought it over for a moment and agreed. "Alright but be careful."
Ash just grinned under her helmet. "No promises."
Ash got back in the Cougar and drove off to where the Geth were coming from. Shepard turned to the Two Turians in front of him. Nihlus just finished talking to Marik about the current situation at this moment. Shepard walked up to both of them "Alright now let's go get ready for our reinforcements."
But as Shepard was about to leave Nihlus stopped him. "Commander, what about Colonel Marik and his men at the camps? We need to help them."
Shepard looked back at Nihlus—his apologetic look was very sincere, and it showed in his voice. "Sorry Nihlus there's nothing we can do."
Nihlus then pulled out his weapon at Shepard. "You are going to help them or so help me I will kill you here and now."
Shepard immediatly drew his own weapon out and pointed at Nihlus "all you need to know is that I am the one giving the orders around here."
But before either of them could say anything Garrus stepped in between there Guns and was looking at Shepard. Shepard and Nihlus were surprised by this. Shepard was the one to ask "Garrus what the hell you doing?"
Nihlus then followed up with his own question "Vakarian why are you doing this?"
Garrus had only one thing to say "You two are idiots." Shepard and Nihlus was surprised by his answear. Garrus then continued "We are in the middle of a firefight and the two of you want to shoot each other. Shepard I know you don't have to lift a finger to help the Turians, after all they did invade OSA Space, but blame the Council and not them. Please they could really use your help."
Shepard looked at Garrus in the eyes for a few seconds and lowered his weapon and opened a comm. link to the Albion. "Albion, this is Shepard! I need you to help the Turians at their base camp—they're about to be overrun by the Geth. Do you have anyone to spare?"
Captain Cole was the one to answer. "Commander I do have a group that can get the job done, but are you sure about this? Even if we do save them, they won't have anywhere to go but to one of our penal colonies…I wouldn't be surprised if they skipped the fair trial and went straight to sending them to jail after this."
"I know, but it's better than the alternative."
Captain Cole understood and cut the feed. Shepard then looked at both Garrus and Nihlus. "Captain Cole will be sending help to the camps. But keep this in mind Nihlus: as soon as this whole thing blows over, everyone there will be taken to a penal colony—they'll be lucky if they even get a fair trial."
Oh, Nihlus didn't like that one bit. "What! No way in hell will I let you take my people to one of your prisons…I know of what goes on in there!"
Garrus then stepped in front of Nihlus. "We would do the same thing if are positions were reversed and you know it."
Nihlus wanted to shut Garrus up, but kept his mouth shut. Garrus looked at Shepard and nodded to him. The commander nodded back, and they went to prepare for the reinforcements.
The Moon
Orbit
Albion
Drop Pods
Captain Cole came on the intercom "Hell-Spartans, report to the drop pods immediately."
To bolster the offensive and defensive capabilities in protecting a part of OSA space, the United Nations Space Command commissioned wide ranging programs of research into the creation of more Spartan-grade soldiers. The outcome of this was the Hell-Spartans—this specialized Spartan unit was meant to work with ODST units. The name "Hell-Spartan" came from the fact that the suit is painted in a multitude of different colors, known as "Perdition Camouflage": these particular suits are painted in a dark charcoal black as the primary color, with red or orange lights highlighting the edges of the suit, and their visors are almost always blood-red. In addition that, a small stylized skull is placed on the front of the groin protection plate, giving the armor a demonic appearance. Numerous upgrades were added to the armor, such as an enhanced visual interface with a full-spectrum range of vision (including infrared, low/no light amplification, heavy light/flash suppression), advanced targeting matrix (including sight-linking and multi-target tracking systems), as well as custom armor plating.
The Hell-Spartans were getting ready at the pods when Mo-025 walked in. Mo was the leader of the Hell-Spartans and gathered the other four around him. "Listen up people, we will be dropped in a hot spot near the Turian camps. Our mission is to save the Turians from getting their asses handed to them by the Geth."
Some weren't happy about saving the Turians, but didn't go against orders. All five Hell-Spartans got into the pods and were waiting for Cole to give the order.
The Moon
Ground side
Turian Camps
Colonel Marik and his men were getting pushed back by the Geth forces. Marik attempted to get his fighters to get some of the pressure off of him, but all Turian fighters were shot down by the Geth. And right now, they were about to be overrun until one of his officers pointed into the sky "Colonel we've got incoming!"
Marik looked up and saw strange objects falling from the sky and right onto the Geth forces marching right into the camp. Marik picked up his binoculars and looked at the drop pod. Only one thing he noticed on the pod before it opened…the UNSC insignia. Marik was not happy about this he turned to his men. "Listen up, people we have company. The UNSC or OSA are here, and they are either going to help us defeat the Geth. Now I don't know what's going to happen to us when this is over, but under no circumstances are you to open fire on the OSA troops. We are going to surrender."
Many Turians didn't like what the Colonel ask them to do, but knew they were too beaten and tired to go up against the OSA…besides, prison life wasn't that bad now was it?
The Moon
Goundside
Near the Turian Camps
All five Hell-Spartans broke out of their pods and began shooting at the Geth with their most powerful weapons. Jade-049 was taking down a platoon of Geth with her plasma assault rifle; Rodney-071 was dual-wielding plasma SMG's; Akira-067 was using a grenade launcher with different types of grenades loaded as he was shooting plasma, inferno, and frag grenades; Amira-016 was handling two rocket launchers as she took down an Armature with those weapons; and Mo-025 was using the Needler shotgun, firing needles with an incredible amount of force—when an organic enemy is hit by this weapon they explode instantly from the impact.
The Hell-Spartans were taking the Geth down…and when the Turians saw this, they joined the battle too and were turning the tide. And at this point, they now saw why the humans saw these super-soldiers as heroes: how could you not be inspired to fight harder when you have soldiers like these at your side?
The Moon
Forerunner Installation
Main operations
The Freelancer California and Nevada made their way into the main operations section in the Installation. California immediately connected to the console in the room and removed the virus that he infected the Installation with. When that happened, Sincere Matrix came back online and noticed the ONI Agents "Ah Reclaimer! Good of you to remove that virus, but I must say where is the other Reclaimer that was here before?"
California didn't answer his question. "Never mind about him…I need you to give me access to all information in this installation, that's an order."
Sincere Matrix did as he was told and brought up everything. California inserted the chip and began downloading all information in it. But while he was doing that Matrix, began rebooting all the primary systems and was devastated by the damages done to his Installation. "Unacceptable! Unnacceptable! How could I have let these primitive 'Constructs' demolish my Installation? I must enact protocol and destroy them."
But before he could do that, California stopped him. "You will do no such thing until all information has been obtained and I am able to leave this moon! Understood?"
Matrix wanted argue, but didn't and just floated there.
The Moon
Groundside
Shepard, Garrus, and Nihlus were all on top of a hill overlooking the battle. Shepard could see the Cougar stalling the Geth forces heading this way, but barely could keep them back. Shepard then pulled out the Cain and aimed it at the Geth forces, and fired. The missile went over the battle and right at the Geth, the resulting explosion took some of the Geth out while the rest were still shooting at the Cougar. When Shepard fired the Cain, the Geth forces in the battle took notice and aimed there weapon at the three. Shepard, Garrus and Nihlus ducked for cover and pulled out there weapons, but just as they were about to come out of cover, phantoms and drop ships came down from the sky and started landing there troops all over the battlefield.
Shepard came out of cover when he heard a warthog heading this way. The warthog pulled up to where Shepard was and out came a black woman wearing the standard BDU, she had a long black hair tied up in a pony tail and had a cigar in her mouth, she turned to face Shepard "Major Jilan Johnson, you must be Commander Shepard. Nice to meet you."
Shepard saluted her. "Good timing Major, but I have to ask are you related to Colonel Johnson?"
She grinned at that question. "As it so happens, he's my father. Now if your done with the questions looks like we need to save a bunch of Turians from getting there asses whooped by these synthetic bastards."
Shepard nodded and got into the warthog. Garrus and Nihlus got into anothother warthog and both of them went into the battle.
All across the Moon there were Sangheili warriors, Jiralhanae chieftains, Mgalekgolo warriors, and Kig-yar snipers fighting the Geth, and on accasion takeing down some of the TC forces when they tried to kill an OSA member. The Albion provided assistance in the form of fighter squadrons by taking the Geth with surprise attacks—this action allowed all OSA forces to gain the upper hand.
Shepard and Garrus teamed up to take down Geth Juggernauts . As Shepard and Garrus was about to come up behind a Juggernaut, the Juggernaut turned around and charged at Shepard, but Garrus pushed Shepard out of the way and was hit hard. Shepard ran over to Garrus to help him, but was about to be attack by the same Juggernaut until it was stabbed in the back by an energy sword and it came out the other end through it's chest. At the end of that sword was a Sangheili wearing silver armor. He grabbed the Commander's hand and lifted him up before turning his attention back to Garrus and back at the Commander. "Does your companion require assistance?"
Shepard looked at Garrus; he was in pain from getting hit hard—he was fine, but needed medical attention. It was then that he turned his attention to the Sangheili. "Can you call for someone to get him?"
The Sangheili nodded and contacted a phantom to come down and carry Garrus back to the Albion. After Garrus was safe, Shepard and the Sangheili warrior returned to the battle. There were massive explosions, bullets and plasma bolts flying everywhere. After an hour of fighting, all Geth forces were destroyed and all Turian and TC force surrendered.
Shepard then contacted Captain Cole on the comm. "Captain I can't thank you enough for helping us out here."
"It was nothing Commander. You would have done the same for me. We're sending a shuttle to you right now to take you and your tank back to the Normandy. We have also contacted Admiral Hackett; he sends his best and he will be sending the Mona Lisa to round up all the prisoners on the moon until the senate can makes contact with the Council. Cole out."
When Shepard disconnected the comm. the Cougar drove up next to him and out came Kaidan and Ash walking up to the Commander. Ash was the first to speak. "Commander, looks like you had one hell of a party here." Ash was referring to all the dead Geth lying on the battlefield, but Shepard could only grin at this. "Yeah it was, but I'm glad it's finally over." But just as he said that, the Installation exploded destroying everything within. Shepard and company all ducked from the debris that was falling from it. And when they got up there was nothing left, but an empty crater.
Forerunner Installation
Main Operations
30 minutes ago
California and Nevada were still waiting on the download until they heard a noise coming from the doors that lead to the tunnels. California and Nevada got their weapons out and pointed at the door, but on the other side of the door was Arizona with her hands up "Whoa! Don't shoot. It's me."
California and Nevada put there guns away. California walked up to Arizona and grabbed her hand with joy. "Where have you been?"
Arizona cracked her neck and back. "Just biding my time for my miraculous escape from Shepard without killing him, and also trying to make it here through those damn tunnels. I'm telling you, it's a mess back there. What are you guys doing?"
Before California could say anything, his omni-tool alerted him of the finished download. He walked over to where the data crystal was and removed it. He looks at one of the holo-screens "Well, it looks like the cavalry has arrived." Nevada and Arizona looked at the screen and saw the OSA warriors fighting the Geth. Sincere Matrix was surprised by this "It would seem you Reclaimers posses great respect, for these aliens to help you fighting these constructs."
California looks at Matrix. "You could say that, now what to do with you?"
Matrix looks at California. "I beg your pardon? But what do you mean by th..." Matrix didn't finish that last sentence as he was immobilized by a tiny dart that stuck on to his head, sending an electric shock that shut down all basic processors in his brain and he fell to the ground. Nevada was the one to shoot him and the one to pick him up, he looks at the other two "ONI will want this, could provide any information in it."
California nodded his head and headed over to one of the consoles. He began typing on the console, starting a chain reaction in the core of the line installation. He turned around and signaled the other two to follow him.
The Moon
Orbit
The ONI prowler was waiting in orbit of the Moon unnoticed by anyone. Captain Randall was waiting in his chair for confirmation of the Freelancers, but it had passed the deadline and was beginning to think they were dead, until the sensors officer reported of getting their locator beacons on the screen: all three of them. Captain Randall ordered to teleport them on the bridge immediately. The three Freelancers appeared on the bridge, Captain Randal approached them "You had us worried there for a second Agents."
California stepped forward. "Captain Randall, we completed our mission, but were seen doing it by Shepard…who also interfered in our plans."
Randall nodded his head to confirm. "You can write all that in your report; in the meantime, I suggest you and your Freelancers get some rest. We have much to do later."
The Freelancers nodded and started walking for the exit but stopped when Captain Randall noticed the Monitor. "What's that you got there?"
Nevada looked at the Captain. "Let's just say that this is a souvenir." The Freelancers then left the bridge. Captain Randall ordered the pilot to jump into slipspace, and the Prowler left the system en route to a secret rendevous point.
Ok so I hope you guys liked how this ended and tell me what you think about it.
Codex- Freelancers
Freelancers- The Freelancers are fifty ONI agents who have gone under extreme augmentations that have been improved over time thanks to the new technologies and an understanding of the original Spartan program and the mistakes that came with it. The Freelancers were created to protect the UNSC and by majority humanity in a hostile galaxy. The Freelancers are comparable to the Headhunters as they go on dangerous missions deep in enemy territory. The Freelancers do a number of operations mostly assasinations and sabotage, but leaves no evidence of their presences behind.