A/N: It's finally here. The conclusion to the first arc of the Crysis Effect storyline! And just to put many of your minds to rest, there will be a Crysis Effect 2 and 3 when this comes to a close. In fact I'm already working on the next arc so that I can keep this train going.
So when this part of the story ends, don't think for a damn minute that I'm leaving it unfinished. So let's put this part of the story to bed! (I own nothing)
Council Chambers - Citadel
August 23, 2183 - 03:08 hours
Fires continued to rage. The damage was exponential from the attack that had crippled a large portion of the Citadel. Wreckage from Sovereign laid scattered all over the place, the once powerful Reaper vanguard nothing more than piles of salvage scattered all across the station.
The Council chambers looked the worst, being so close to the Reaper when it exploded it took the most damage when the debris was scattered...there had been no word from Jane, Alex or the rest of their team since the end of the attack.
X
A chunk of debris was moved aside, a C-Sec officer shined his omni-tool's flashlight into the alcove that was exposed. "Captain Anderson! We've found them!" he shouted over his shoulder.
Several more C-Sec personnel and medical teams jogged over being lead by Anderson and Benezia who used her biotics to lift more of the wreckage out of the way.
Tali came stumbling out first, being helped to her feet by an EMT as a C-Sec officer helped pull Liara out next. "Little Wing..." Benezia whispered running forward and embracing her daughter.
A pile of debris a little ways away started to shift. Wrex rose from the damage, blood dripping down his chin as he tossed a metal beam to the side standing to his full height. He reached down and helped Garrus to his feet out of the pile, dragging the injured Turian along as two officers went over to give them a hand.
Anderson looked at all of them, but didn't see no sign of Shepard or Maverick. "Your all safe now." he said as the EMTs looked them over. "Where's the Commander? Where's Maverick?" he asked.
The grim looks on their faces gave everyone pause. Tali and Wrex both looked at the wreckage still covering most of the large room. Anderson followed their line of sight and felt dread fill his heart. The very thought of the woman he considered a daughter after all these years, and one of the bravest men he ever had the fortune of meeting being under all that made him feel sick.
Benezia had tears threatening to fall as she held Liara who was silently crying into her shoulder. The two Humans had given her, her life back. Given her purpose again. And above all, time with her only child once more.
Wrex didn't show it, but he felt as though he had lost a true brother and sister. Both Humans having proven to be his equals on the battlefield and deserving of that respect.
Garrus' eyes remained downcast as the medics help treat his injuries. He couldn't bring himself to think of his friends being under all that. Wounded...dead...he just couldn't. Alex practically survived everything that was thrown at him. And Jane was one of those people that wouldn't give up no matter what happened.
The medics helped Tali repair a few small tears in her suit and administering enough antibiotics to fight off the infections she knew she had gotten. Despite the slight fever that was already creeping up on her, she prayed to Keelah that the Commander and Alex would come out of this.
Liara held on to her mother. Ever since she had been saved on Therum she had been accepted by both Jane and Alex along with the rest of the crew. They treated her like a true friend, like family. Making her feel welcome and part of the team when they never had to in the first place. Alex had even given her mother back to her, something that she could never repay.
Everyone had one thought in common, 'They can't be dead...'
When most of the injuries were treated; everyone began heading toward the exit. When they suddenly they all heard a loud creak echo through the room.
Looking back, a large chunk of Sovereign the size of a skycar began to move at the back of the chamber. After a moment it began to lift into the air before being thrown to the other side of the room. Everyone stood in awe as Alex stood tall. His nano suit visibly damaged in various places, but was repairing itself right before their eyes.
He reached down where he was standing and scooped another person in his arms. Jane's armor was dented and she had a couple bruises on her face, but she was alive as the nano soldier carried her bridal style over the debris.
"You know I can walk, right?" she muttered even though her body ached.
"Oh I know, but how often will I get a chance like this?" Alex asked not bothering to filter his voice as they approached the large group. The medics moving in to check them over.
Anderson approached them, a look of relief on his face at seeing the two Spectres alive and well. "It's good to see you two again. Damn find work, both of you." he said with pride.
"Thank you, sir." said Jane when the medic applied medi-gel to her wounds.
"How's the fleet?" asked Alex switching the filter of his helmet on.
Anderson sighed heavily, "It's rough. We're still taking stock of the dead and several of our ships were destroyed by Sovereign. But we won."
"It feels like a small victory, after everything we've lost." said Jane looking at all the devastation solemnly.
Alex put an arm around her shoulders, "It would have been much worse if Sovereign succeeded. At least we stopped the rest of the Reapers from pouring through...for now anyway." He knew damn well that the war had just begun. And looking down at Jane he knew that she knew as well.
The worst was yet to come.
X
Alexander 'Maverick' Drake
Presidium - Citadel
August 23, 2183 - 05:08 hours
After having the team checked over by medical personnel, Alex and Jane stood in the Presidium commons with Anderson after making sure the rest of the crew was okay.
Ashley had nearly tackled Garrus, holo-cast and all after seeing that he was okay. Everyone was just happy to be alive after everything that had happened.
The three of them had been contacted by the Councilors personally and were asked to meet them in the commons to discuss everything that had occurred during thw war against Sovereign. However, they weren't the only ones to be asked to be there.
"Do you two have any idea how much trouble you have caused." They all looked to see Udina stomping toward them. "Stealing Alliance property. Disobeying orders. Assaulting a government official. You three are lucky I don't have you court martialed!" he exclaimed.
"Shut your goddamn mouth Udina!" Alex roared making the Ambassador stumble back. "Incase you missed the shitstorm that went down here, what we did was save the whole fucking galaxy while you sat on your ass thinking you were king shit of Humanity."
The nano soldier got in the man's face, "So I'd take a step back before I knock you off your high-horse so hard you won't know your head from your ass."
A shuttle came down from the air above and landed on the small port not too far away from them. The doors opened and a squad of heavily armed guards, Human, Asari and Turian all stepped off first followed by the three Councilors.
The large group walked across the grounds and approached the four Humans who all stood at attention. Alex bit his lip to avoid saying something that he probable wouldn't regret after everything they put him and Jane through.
"Ambassador, Captain, Maverick, Commander Shepard." said Tevos as they stood before them. "We have gathered here to recognize the enormous contributions of the Alliance forces in the war against Sovereign and the Geth."
"Many Humans lost their live in the battle to save the Citadel, brave and courageous soldiers who willingly gave their lives so that we, the Council, might live." added Valern.
"There is no greater sacrifice, and we share your grief over the tragic loss of so many noble men and women." said Sparatus.
"The Council also owes you both a great debt." Tevos said to Jane and Alex with complete honesty. "One we can never repay. You saved not just our lives, but the lives of billions from Sovereign and the Reapers."
"It wasn't an easy feat Councilors." said Alex. "Had you heeded our words and our evidence, more lives could have been spared."
"Indeed. And we will shoulder the blame for our inactions." said Valern with a slow nod, "The heroic and selfless actions you both have shown serve as a symbol of everything Humanity and the Alliance stand for."
"And even though we cannot bring back those valiant soldiers who gave their lives to save ours, we can honor their memories through our actions as of now." said Sparatus.
"Humanity has shown that it is ready to stand as a defender and protector of the galaxy. You have proved you are worthy to join our ranks and serve beside us on the Citadel Council." said Tevos.
Udina's ego looked to be glowing, "Councilor, on behalf of Humanity and the Alliance, we thank you for this prestigious honor and humbly accept."
Alex tilted his head in Jane's direction, she rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"We will need a list of potential candidates to fill Humanity's seat on the Council." said Valern.
"And given all that has happened, I am sure recommendations from both of you will carry a great deal of weight." Tevos said to the two Spectres. "Do you support an particular candidates?"
"Honestly...I'm all done with politics." said Alex crossing his arms over his chest. He looked at Jane. "What about you Jane? You got any ideas?"
The Commander thought it over in her head before nodding. "Humanity needs someone who will look out for its best interests at heart. But at the same time they need to have the courage to stand up for what they believe in."
She looked at Anderson and smiled, "Someone like you sir. I nominate Captain Anderson."
The Council looked a little shocked, and Udina looked like the wind had been ripped right out of his sails. "Him? You must be joking." said the Ambassador condescendingly. "Anderson prefers to let his fists do the talking."
"Only with you Ambassador, only with you." said Anderson trying to hide his grin.
"While we're on that subject Udina." Alex held up his fist. "Mine's got a few words to say to you after what you were spouting off when you grounded us before. Perhaps you two should have a conversation..." he let the threat hang in the air.
"But I do agree with Jane's choice. We have too many politicians on the Council. We need someone who can put defense ahead of politics. I think the Captain would be perfect for the job...if he accepts." the nano soldier added.
Anderson closed his eyes in deep thought. Alex and Jane watched him out of the corner of their eyes, both wondering what the Captain's choice will be.
After a few moments he opened his eyes again, taking a step forward he put his hands behind his back. "I would be honored to be Humanity's representative on the Council. And do everything in my power to help rebuild."
The Councilors looked to one another before going back to the Captain. "We trust in the words of both the Commander and Maverick and will accept you with open arms, Captain Anderson."
"Sovereign's defeat marks the beginning of a new era for both Humanity and the Council." said Sparatus.
Jane shook her head, "Sovereign was just a vanguard. The Reaper fleet is still coming. Hundreds of ships, perhaps more. This is far from over."
Alex nodded, "She's right Councilors. Just because we sealed the front door doesn't mean they might not have a backup plan to get out of dark space. The Reapers won't stop just because Sovereign is dead. And we're going to do everything in our power to stop them."
The two Spectres nodded to Anderson before walking over the bridge that had been behind them. "You realize that they might try to brush all this aside, right?" asked Jane as they got out of earshot.
"They can try. I had Prophet compile all the evidence we collected in our mission and stored away it just incase we might need it." replied the Post-Human.
The couple stopped by a railing and overlooked the lakes surrounding the Presidium. The debris from the battle along with the remains of the fleets that fought against Sovereign were scattered everywhere. The clean up process already begun, but it would be a long time before the Citadel was back to normal.
"I still can't believe all of this." said Jane leaning against the railing. "Everything we've been through. What we faced. What's coming at us next...it's just all hard to swallow." she admitted.
Alex removed his helmet and set it on the ground, no one was around for nearly a mile and wouldn't see his face. He reached out and held the Commander's hand, interlacing his fingers with hers as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Whatever is coming, we'll face it together. We started this, and I know we can finish it."
Jane smiled, "Still the optimistic one? And here I thought that was my job."
"We can switch roles. God knows that we'll be going back and forth when things get rough." said Alex. "But that doesn't change the fact that you're the diplomat in the relationship. I'll stick to being the muscle."
Jane lifted her head and raised an eyebrow, "Relationship huh?" she smirked, "I can get used to hearing that."
Alex smirked back, "Well get used to it darlin. Cuz your going to be hearing it a lot." he said wrapping his arms around her waist.
The Commander tilted her head, "Why do you call me 'darlin'? Not that I mind, it's just that I haven't heard that kind of accent before." she asked curious.
"I grew up in the south in the United States back where I'm from. Born and raised in North Carolina, that's were my accent comes from. I can suppress it pretty well, but it slips out every once in a while." explained the nano soldier. "As for calling you darlin? It just seemed to fit."
Jane smiled, "I like it. You should let your accent out more often."
Alex smirked, "What ever you want, darlin." he said letting his southern drawl out thickly. His smirk widened when he watched a small blush come to the red-head's cheeks as she smiled back.
"Flatterer." said Jane wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his.
Breaking apart, the two soldiers pressed their foreheads together and smiled. "Don't forget, you owe me a date Alex." Jane said grinning.
"Oh I didn't forget." replied the nano soldier before scratching the back of his head. "We just have to find some place that wasn't destroyed in the attack." Jane laughed as they got comfortable together by the railing again.
Nothing in the verse but the two of them at that moment.
X
Flux Bar & Club - Upper Wards
August 25, 2183 - 18:01 hours
The sound of multiple glasses clinking together could be heard through the nearly empty club. Flux has suffered a little bit of damage but was still functioning normally. It was the perfect place for the Normandy's crew to get together and celebrate their victory.
"To the death of Sovereign and ensuring galactic safety." said Alex raising his glass. Everyone else toasted as well and clinking their glasses together.
"Heard it got rough up in the tower." said Ashley taking a sip from her glass.
"It was, that damn Husk nearby tore us apart. Thankfully we went at it as a team." said Garrus from the spot next to her.
"With Shepard firing the last shot before Alex finished it off." said Liara remembering the last part of the fight vividly.
"That may be. But we all did our part; as a team. It took all of us to bring that thing down and complete the mission, it wasn't just one or two of us." said Jane seriously from her spot next to Alex.
The nano soldier raised his glass again, "And let's not forget the baddest pilot in the Traverse, who took down that freak of nature with one final shot."
Joker raised his arms, "Thank you, thank you. I'd like to thank the academy, my mom, and everyone who believed in me."
Everyone rolled their eyes, "You had to give him a compliment, didn't you." Jane said to Alex who just shrugged.
When everything calmed down Jane spoke again, "I got a transmission from Arcturus station, from Kaidan." The team all sat up straighter, "He's awake, and healing just fine. He should be starting rehab in about two months. Says he wishes he was there to help us take down Sovereign."
"Good to know that he's okay now." said Ashley. "What's everyone got planned now?"
"Going back to Tuchunka." said Wrex downing his ryncol. "Gonna try and unite the Krogan under one banner. I think it's time my race stop being used as hired guns."
"Can't think of anyone else better qualified to lead them." said Garrus with a nod.
"What about you Garrus, what are your plans now that the mission's over?" asked Jane.
"Go back to C-Sec I guess. Won't be as much fun with all the red tape and what not. But it's what I'm good at." replied the Turian.
"Better be more careful now Garrus. Especially with an Alliance girlfriend on your arm." said Alex smirking.
Ashley flipped him off before leaning into the Turian's side. "How did you two settle everything between yourselves?" asked Jane a little curious about the relationship between her Gunnery Chief and the C-Sec detective.
"We...decided to take things slow." said Garrus a little uncomfortable with all the attention.
"Y-Yeah." said Ashley a little embarrassed herself. "I still have a lot of issues to work out with how I feel about other species. But I'm hoping Garrus here will help me with that." she said holding his hand on top of the table.
"More power to the both of you." said Alex with a nod.
"This a private party or can others join?" The team looked up as a familiar Turian-Quarian couple and Krogan shopkeeper approached their table.
"Reena? Chellick? Zen? What are you guys doing here?" asked Alex a little shocked seeing them.
"Well, after fighting Geth for the last day and a half while helping C-Sec secure various sectors. We thought we'd track down our good friend and check to see if he was still alive." said Chellick as they all pulled up chairs.
"Damn machines attacked the shop." grunted Zen grabbing a bottle of ryncol from another table and chugging half of it. "Blasted the fuckers to salvage whenever they came into range."
Wrex narrowed his eyes at the other Krogan, "Zen...been a while." he growled over his glass.
Zen narrowed his lone eye back, "Wrex. Haven't seen you since you killed your father...nice execution by the way."
The red armored Krogan chuckled, Zen's own rumbling laugh soon joining as they knocked back more ryncol. After watching the odd exchange everyone went back to their conversation.
"It's been a long time for us as well Reena. It's good to see you again." said Tali to her old friend.
"You as well Tali. And it's good timing because Chellick and I are getting married soon. I'd like for you to be there." said Reena happy to be speaking to her friend and fleet-sister again.
Tali was a little shocked but nodded. "O-Of course! I'm so happy for you." she said hugging Reena.
"We'll, I already got a date for the wedding." said Alex wrapping an arm around Jane. "But I think Tali's going to need one now." he swung his head around and looked pointedly at Joker who choked on his drink.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" asked the pilot as his face started to change colors. Tali began rubbing her hands together as everyone started snickering.
Alex looked around at everyone gathered around. All of his friends and comrades having a good time together and basking in their victory over the Reapers.
But deep down he knew that it wouldn't last. The Reapers were still coming, and if events played out the way he knew they might things were only going to get a lot worse before they even got remotely better.
As the night went on, the nano soldier kept thinking about the future and how much things were going to change with the plans he was hoping to execute. Part of him even wondering if anything would change at all or if things would stay the same.
Would it even matter if he tried?
Jane curled into his side as she laughed at something Ashley was saying. The nano soldier couldn't help but feel that in her presence that things would work out. She had that power about her that made you believe that anything was possible no matter how hopeless it seemed. And to him, he was that one lining of hope that would help him through the horrors that were to come.
And it was because of her, that he would do whatever it took to make sure that they won the coming war. And how far he was willing to go to make sure that they didn't fail.
But most of all...we was not going to lose Jane Shepard from his life. Even if it cost him everything...
TO BE CONTINUED...
A/N: And that's the end of Arc 1. Crysis Effect 2 is already in the works and will be posted within the next few days or so. However, I am leaving this story open for the time being for one simple reason.
There will be a preview of Crysis Effect 2 before I post it. Just so you guys can see what is coming next and to get you ready for it. That will be posted much sooner, so be ready for it when it comes guys.
Thanks for reading guys! Till next time this is DemonFireX signing off!