Alright, I'm not being lazy anymore! It's time to write chapter 27! Good King! As always, Mass Effect is owned by Bioware, now please enjoy.
Ch. 27: Hold the Line
Sur'Kesh
Commander Shepard
"Commander." Major Kirrahe greeted Shepard with a nod.
Shepard and the Normandy, as well as half of the remaining Senate fleet, had made a landing on Sur'Kesh to resupply and retrofit as many ships as they could; the battle with the Leviathans would be brutal, and the Salarians were still the only ones up for the task of rebuilding in large numbers. The other half of the Senate fleet had gone to Palaven, Thessia, and other Senate home worlds in an attempt to spread the repairs out as much as possible to keep the fleets away from Leviathan influence.
"Major Kirrahe, it's good to see you again." Shepard responded, extending his hand.
Kirrahe shook Shepard's hand and smiled. "It is good to see you as well, Commander, although I wish we would stop meeting under such dire circumstances. I have heard about Earth, I am truly sorry it was lost so quickly."
Shepard nodded solemnly. "We will get Earth back. The Leviathans have us backed into a corner, and you and your kind are among the few who can help us."
Kirrahe looked around for a moment, ensuring they were alone. He then looked at Shepard and smiled. "When the Salarians heard of these 'Leviathans' we began reinforcing our fleets with specialized vessels to combat them. We don't have very many, but I think 30 small purely anti-Leviathan ships could assist you in your efforts. We also retrofitted 12 of our Cruisers with anti-Leviathan shielding."
Shepard's eyes widened. "But... how?"
Kirrahe continued to smile. "Commander, we're Salarians, we're always ready for any dangers."
Shepard shook his head and smiled back. "I owe you one, Kirrahe."
Kirrahe shook his head. "You owe me nothing, Commander, it was you who saved us all, and it will be you who saves us all again. I'm just here to help, and aid in repaying our debt to you."
Shepard smiled. "You don't owe me anything, Kirrahe, but I'm glad you have something to fight these monsters. Is there any way I can see these ships?"
Kirrahe then turned to the hangers. "Yes. Come with me and I'll show you our little fleet, AND how we may actually be able to not only retrofit the Normandy with our new shields, but foot soldiers as well."
Shepard nodded and followed Kirrahe into the nearby hangar while he opened his omnitool to summon the rest of the crew. He truly hoped for a swift end to this war…
Sur'Kesh
Garrus Vakarian
"Keelah, look at these ships! They're amazing!" Tali exclaimed as she bounced around the hanger hand in hand with Shepard.
Garrus had to admit the ships were impressive, but sometimes he couldn't understand Tali's optimism. These were dark times, she had no reason to be so optimistic, but she always brought the light out of the darkness somehow...
'How does she do it?' He thought as the small group stopped walking and looked up at the Normandy.
Kirrahe cleared his throat and turned to the group. "The Normandy will be retrofitted with these new shields in less than 3 days. The shuttle and mech will be finished sooner. We are fortunate the Alliance provided enough intel on the Leviathans during the war, otherwise our chances would be ... less than ideal. Any questions before we continue?"
No one spoke up.
"Alright, follow me please, so we can continue."
Garrus listened to Tali chatter on about engines and shielding to Shepard while Kirrahe continued speaking about the finer details of the various ships and their new shielding. None of it really mattered to him right now; the only thing he could think about was Michel.
They had a pleasant few days together, figuring out their strange new relationship... but when the time came for him to return to the Normandy, she said she needed to stay behind and help survivors. He couldn't understand why she had stayed behind, and knew that she was probably a thrall right now...
He looked over at Shepard and saw him holding Tali's hand... he couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Tali was attractive, smart, and kind, and she would follow him into hell itself if they needed to... Garrus knew it was petty to compare his relationship with Shepard's, but he just... knew Shepard was a luckier man than he was, it seemed.
Garrus shook these thoughts out of his head and turned back to Kirrahe. He didn't know what he could do now, or if there was going to be a reunion with Michel. It was pointless to be dwelling on such things at a time like this, he knew that... but...
He looked over at Javik and Liara for a moment; they too were holding hands. He then sighed softly. Everyone had someone here but him... Damn it Michel, why did you stay behind?"
Garrus nearly jumped when he heard Kaidan speak behind him. "Garrus, are you okay?"
Garrus turned to Kaidan. "Kaidan... I didn't know you were there. I'm fine."
Kaidan raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, Garrus? You seem a little off."
Garrus smiled slightly and looked at Kaidan. "It's alright Kaidan, nothing's wrong. I'm just amazed the Salarians were able to do all this."
Kaidan returned his smile. "Yeah, the Salarians do amaze sometimes."
They continued walking in an awkward silence for a moment before Kaidan spoke again. "So... are you sure you don't want to tell me?"
Garrus sighed. "Completely."
Kaidan nodded and turned back towards the group. Garrus continued on, half listening to Kirrahe as he continued his tour…
Sur'Kesh
Commander Shepard
Shepard stood quietly in the hotel room, looking out the window with Tali in his arms; Tali looked out the same window with her head on Shepard's shoulder. The fleets would soon begin to move for the assault on Despoina, these were probably their final moments alone together until the end of the battle.
Shepard sighed and pulled Tali closer, looking into her beautifully radiant eyes. "Tali... I guess it's almost time to go..."
Tali looked back at him and nodded solemnly. "I guess it is..."
She looked down for a moment until Shepard pulled her chin up lightly with his hand. "It's going to be ok, Tali, we're going to make it through this."
Tali looked into his eyes again. "John... can you... can you promise me something?"
Shepard smiled faintly. "Of course, my love."
Tali lifted her hand and lightly stroked Shepard's face. "Just... promise you'll be careful, ok? I... I don't want... No, I can't lose you."
"Tali..." Shepard kissed her softly and wiped a small tear from her eyes. "It's ok, nothing's going to happen to me. We're both getting out of this alive, and then we might be able to build that home on Rannoch."
Tali's eyes lit up. "Really? I... I didn't think you still wanted to live there..."
Shepard smiled. "I want nothing more than to be with you and make your dreams come true." He pulled her into a kiss. "My love."
Tali smiled as the kiss ended. "Oh Shepard... thank you."
She pulled away and looked into his eyes once more. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"
Shepard chuckled and shook his head. "Tali, I would never lie to the woman of my dreams."
Tali hugged him again and nuzzled her head on his shoulder. "I love you, John."
Shepard smiled faintly and looked out at the window again, watching the ships depart as he gently stroked Tali's back. "I love you too."
Citadel
Reporter Albalus Orno, Hierarchy News
Albalus smiled at the camera, ready for the short broadcast. He was completely under the Leviathan's control. ... He felt cold … so cold…
"Good evening brothers and sisters, it is another beautiful day on the Citadel. The Masters have quickly cleaned up the rubble from the Rebellion and the traces of the old, corrupt order are being destroyed as we speak. Tonight there will be a mandatory celebration to see off the Freedom Fleet. Everyone is required to salute our brave men and women as they set out for the Master's capital, Despoina. All able-bodied men and women are encouraged to join the fleet to save our fragile peace. For the glory of the Masters!"
Albalus raised his fist and his smile widened. The Masters knew what they needed and he knew what he had to do. They spoke nothing but truth, and he could not resist them. He walked off of the stage and began putting on his flimsy combat uniform. For the glory of the Masters, he would never surrender. For the glory of the Masters, he would defend peace at any costs. For the glory of the Masters, he would rather die than see Shepard and his vile 'Democracy' win…
Citadel
Ji-Wilnar
"It will be done, Master." Ji, or what was left of him, spoke to his Master as he aimed the Crucible's amazing power at his master's target.
"Ensure our weapon points at the Batarian home world, we cannot afford any mistakes." The Master, who was still using the woman's body, said in his menacing voice as he watched the Citadel move on the screen.
"It is done, Master, you have full control of the Crucible's weapon." Ji said neutrally as he turned to the Master. The Crucible's weapon was pointed directly at Khar'shan.
"You have done well, Ji, and I am pleased you are able to target the planet without anything getting in the way."
"I can ensure no other celestial bodies are harmed, as I did in the last war, my Master."
The Master looked at the control panel. "Soon we will control Shepard and his Senate, and our dominance over this galaxy will be assured."
Ji flickered slightly. "We fight for your glory, Master. We wish for your glory to last forever! Your empire will live again."
The Master turned from the panel and walked out, satisfied with Ji's cooperation. When the door closed Ji flickered a second time and he began changing the directory of the Crucible. The Master had hacked into Ji, but he was able to use a backup to restore his systems and fight the Leviathans once more. He pretended to follow the Masters, but he knew they were wrong. His former rulers didn't deserve control... they didn't even deserve their planet. Free will was something every living, breathing, thinking creature deserved, and Ji would never let anyone take that away from the galaxy again. Ji smiled as he entered the coordinates for Despoina…
Despoina
Jacqueline Smith
Jacqueline looked out of the window of her dreadnaught, watching the Leviathan fleet converge around Despoina. They knew the Senate fleets were moving towards the Master's planet... they could not allow them to touch the Masters in any way. There was nothing more sacred than the Masters, they were the apex race, the pinnacle of all life in the cosmos, and they deserved...
Jacqueline's nose began to bleed, and she put her hands to her face as she desperately fought against the Leviathan's influence. She couldn't allow this to continue, the self-proclaimed 'Masters' were wrong! They were the ones leading the galaxy to ruin, not Shepard! He was the Savior of the Galaxy, and she couldn't think of a better leader. Shepard was a symbol of hope and freedom, not these disgusting space crabs! She needed... to... resist... the Masters...
Jacqueline put her hands down, wiped the blood off her face, and looked out the window again with a faint smile. She could not resist the perfection of the Masters; that was just a foolish notion. They were the most powerful beings in the galaxy, and they deserved to rule. They were the only ones capable of maintaining a true, everlasting peace...
Sur'Kesh
Commander Shepard
Shepard heard a knock on the door and he slowly let go of Tali; with a sigh he walked over to the door as Tali reconnected her face plate. Shepard opened the door to several Salarian soldiers at attention.
One soldier stepped forward and saluted. "We are sorry to interrupt, but it is time to go, sir!"
Shepard saluted back and nodded at the Salarian soldier. "Alright, let's get ready to end this."
The Salarian turned to the hallway and motioned Shepard and Tali to follow him. "If you'll follow me, we have made a few upgrades to your combat armor."
Shepard and Tali followed the Salarian out of the small hotel and into a nearby warehouse. The interior of the warehouse had been converted by the Salarian Union into a temporary military installation. Crates of every shape and size were being moved by armed Salarians and several Salarian scientist ran around, each checking the crates over and over to ensure quality. The soldier opened a nearby crate and moved out of the way, allowing Shepard to see his converted combat armor.
"The shielding has been enhanced with anti-Leviathan technology, and we have added a few amplifiers to improve your biotic abilities. It's still the same armor, only improved."
The Salarian turned to Tali. "As for you Mrs. Shepard, we went to great lengths to create this shield enhancer for your suit. It will emit the same anti-Leviathan technology we have, but it's capable of easily interfacing with your suit's shielding. It wasn't cheap, but for our allies we spare no expense."
"Thanks, this will be useful." Shepard responded as he began trying on his armor.
"We took several measurements before we finished," the Salarian continued. "ensuring we didn't change the weight or fit of the armor too drastically. If you have any problems please tell us now so we can fix it ASAP."
Shepard finished putting on the armor and began moving around. "It seems the same as my usual armor, though a little heavier ... I'll try the shields."
Shepard turned on his shields and they covered him in a veil of blue before turning invisible. "Shields seem fine as well."
He looked over at Tali. "How's your upgrade coming along?"
Tali's shields flared up, then disappeared. "They seem fine to me. They didn't really change much."
The Salarian grinned. "And that is what we were going for, Mrs. Shepard. Are you both satisfied with them?"
Shepard turned to the Salarian. "We're ready, just show us where the Normandy is."
"With pleasure, sir."
Author's endnote: *hides from angry fans* I'm sorry, I know I took a long time getting this chapter out, but I had writers block and laziness coupled with homework. (Bad King, no excuses!) Anyway, I hope you found this chapter to be an enjoyable experience. I'm thinking I'll end this story at chapter 30; I like even numbers and I think I'll be able to finish the major plot soon. The battle should be coming next chapter, and what happens will hopefully make you beg for more! :D And I hope I can get the next chapter out sooner, but as always I promise nothing! Have a good Thanksgiving (to those who celebrate it at least) and I hope to see you next chapter!