Chapter 18 - No Rest for the Wicked
Eternity's Struggle
Eternity's Struggle, the sequel to A Glimpse of Eternity, is a complication of short stories, letters and life-snapshots that are sprinkled throughout the events of Mass Effect 2 following both Commander Kiara Shepard and Kaidan Alenko. While they're in chronological order, its not the complete storyline of the whole of Shepard's missions as she prepares, then faces, the Collectors. There will be SPOILERS. Please read the Eternity Series - Disclaimer for more general information.
Disclaimer: I own only the parts of the individual personality of Commander Kiara Shepard I have developed inspired by the Commander Shepard in the gameplay. I do not own, nor hold any rights, to any of the characters, dialogue, storylines or any part in or of the "Mass Effect" game series. I want to thank Drew Karpyshyn and his staff of amazing writers, animators and voice actors. These are for fan enjoyment only and no money had been made on these stories.
Sure enough, shore leave was cancelled. At least for Shepard it was. As a personal favor to Admiral Hackett, another old friend of her father's, she'd received a new mission. A friend and undercover operative of the Admiral's was being held in a batarian secret prison on false terrorism charges and Hackett wanted Shepard to rescue her.
For Shepard, it was the fact the scientist Dr. Amanda Kenson had found evidence of an imminent Reaper invasion that got her attention. She knew they were coming but she'd expected them to be a ways off. Years, if they were lucky but at least a considerable number of months at the worst. Apparently, the doctor had found a Reaper device out in batarian space. Her own personal friendship with the Admiral aside, it was worth checking out on that merit alone.
As soon as the rest of her crew departed for shore leave, Kiara asked Joker to drop her off in a shuttle near the planet. He asked questions, Joker always did, but respected her silence when she gave it to him. This was a solo mission. One person. Covert in and out grab.
She hated she was going to miss the retirement ceremony for her father but she was managing to get off a message to her mom before she left.
Subject: Still Alive
From: Kiara Shepard
To: Hannah Shepard
Ignore the last message I sent, or at least the part where I said it was a one-way trip. Thanks to the crew of the Normandy, we made it out of there with no casualties and the mission a success. You always said I was stubborn. Seems I attract just as stubborn of people to my teams.
I was going to surprise you and dad by heading back to Earth for his retirement ceremony but I won't be able to make it. I've sent one of my crew, Yeoman Kelly Chambers, ahead with a bottle of dad's favorite whiskey. Tell him he better wait to crack it open until I get there, and I will be there, as soon as I can. This new mission should be quick, I hope, and once its done, I plan on taking a nice long bought of shore leave right there in Seattle with you guys.
I could use the R&R.
I've got to go. I love you mom and give my love to dad. I'm alive and well. If Saren, Sovereign and the Collector's couldn't do me in, this little jaunt won't touch me. Take care and I'll write when its over.
Love,
Kiara
Sending the message from her console in the shuttle, she departed the Normandy and set off for the batarian prison armed to the teeth. This was going to be a tricky one but whatever information Dr. Kenson had, they needed it. Especially if her message had been right and the Reapers were on the galaxy's doorstep.