Opening Notes; Archer83; Welcome to another exciting chapter of The Will to Survive! We hope killing off Shepard in the last chapter didn't upset anyone too badly.
Vergil1989; You really gotta rub salt into that wound don't you? :P
Archer83; Yes. I'm evil like that, like how we kill her kid in this one. :P
Vergil1989; Why don't you tell them the whole story while you're at it Archer lol. In all seriousness, we hope you enjoy this chapter.
Archer83; And to anyone who just took any this at face value, I say...read on dear readers, read on.
Vergil1989; We will never give you, our dear readers, a piss poor ending like Bioware did for ME lol. Joking aside, have fun!
Chapter 4; Brightest Day.
Eden Prime
Present day.
Erica stared coldly down at the Guardian before her, a familiar fire blazing in her emerald eyes. "Are you telling me she died because of this Krona bastard?! Erica quickly spun around and struck out at the blue glowing form behind her. Before he could react, Erica had slammed his back into the base of her father's statue. "Your people let her get killed?! Confused and alone, in a place she didn't understand?!"
Sayd had begun her story immediately after the first of the new Lanterns for this galaxy had arrived, but while she had expected shock, the Guardian hadn't expected the young asari to take her anger out on the Blue Lantern first. She had no doubt that Erica would turn on her next, and understandably so. Except she had an ace up her sleeve, and he hadn't gotten a chance to show what he was made of just yet. Sayd would have been more worried otherwise.
Before either Guardian or young Lantern could respond further, the young man the asari had tried to smash merely chuckled. "For a new Lantern, you have a mean right hook." Dusting himself off after standing to his feet again, the Blue Lantern finally let the light die from around himself. With pale skinned cheeks lined in black, and faintly glowing blue eyes, the young man before her definitely wasn't of a species she recognized. It was apparent that her attack had little effect on him, and the alien merely crossed his arms in annoyance. "If you would allow Sayd to finish her story, perhaps you'd learn how it ends before jumping to conclusions."
"Peace Razer, Erica." Reaching out towards the two in a calming gesture, Sayd felt the first few rain drops from the encroaching dark clouds above them land in her palm. "Perhaps this is a tale better told indoors?"
Erica glared at the two newcomers to the Milky Way, before finally growling out one word. "Fine." She gave Razer one last glare before turning to Joker, EDI, Grunt, and her mother. Joker looked torn between emotions, no doubt jealous that Shepard had gotten to fly literally free as a bird, and angry at how the story had apparently ended with her being turned into a bug on a cosmic windshield. Grunt had cocked his heavy shotgun, a gift from Shepard herself, torn between pointing it at the old crone or her lackey first for the inglorious ending his battlemaster had received. EDI kept her emotions behind a mask, but Erica could see that she couldn't, wouldn't believe, Shepard had fallen that easily.
"While her brave sacrifice saddens me greatly, I know she would do no less for others than she did for us." Only Liara seemed at peace with what she had been told thus far. To die in battle was the only way she could ever see her beloved going out. Defending others was only natural for Erica, the woman she had fallen for. The only reason she was taking it so well, was because Liara had shed her tears long ago.
"Perhaps we could all go for a late lunch? I can see quite a lovely little cafe just across the square." Sayd finally said, leading the way across the memorial plaza without a backward glance. The subtle smirk she threw towards Razer earned her a scoff of annoyance from the Blue Lantern as another of their allies landed on his right side.
"Razer, Sayd, Erica T'Soni, I believe I've found suitable locations for the Central Batteries. I am uploading the coordinates to your rings now." The green and white android that had landed amidst the small crowd had been listening in through the comms in their rings since arriving in their new reality. Turning to the group at hand, the android smiled and nodded her head towards them. "Greetings, I am Aya, you must be-"
One of the locations listed caught one person's eye immediately. "Wait, these coordinates." Erica looked at the map of the local galaxy, surprised by the android's choice. "Rannoch? I'm not against the idea, but why Rannoch?"
"It is the approximate center of this universe, which is rather fitting since Rannoch, according to your father, was the symbol of her greatest hope. Not only to see the species of this galaxy survive the Reapers, but to bring them together into one unified, peaceful society." The tone in Aya's voice was hard to miss, since it was heavy with respect and awe, for Erica Shepard. It seemed even the artificial intelligence had been swayed by her, and Liara at least found it fitting to see it for herself.
"It is rather fitting, but did you at least ask the geth and quarian people before dropping your batteries on their homeworld?" EDI asked, a note of sarcasm in her own that Joker had never grown bored in hearing.
"Only one Central Battery will be located on Rannoch. I am happy to report that the emissary sent to represent the Blue Lantern Corp was highly successful in her negotiations with the quarian and geth governments." Aya immediately replied, her eyes narrowing slightly at EDI's sarcastic tone. "And speaking as one AI to another, there is no need for you to be so rude."
"Never thought I'd see you get annoyed by another sexy robo babe EDI." Joker grinned, even as his wife glared at him next. Ignoring the cold look on her face, the old pilot turned to Aya with a question. "So, where's this fancy green glow block going?"
"What about the Citadel?" Erica asked, earning her a collection of stares. Even Grunt looked at her as if she had grown a second head as they made their way to the cafe. "What? It's easily defended, and we've gained complete control over the complex years ago."
"Dumb, kid. Dumb. Besides, I doubt it." Grunt grumbled, not about to trust anything the Reapers had touched. The only reason he still went to the Citadel was so he could restock on supplies and modifications for his weapons and armor. Otherwise, he avoided the place like it was the plague. While millions of people from every race still called it home, many more had left it for safer places across the galaxy.
"From what we've heard of this Citadel, that is the last place I'd put the Green Lantern Central Battery if it were up to me. And, hopefully, the Green Lantern sent to setup the GL Corp headquarters will put a bit more thought into it than you did, young one." Razer's smug voice was enough to make Erica grind her teeth in frustration. To think, Saint Walker had the same effect on me years ago. The memory brought a flicker of a smile to his face.
I wonder if it would start an inter-universal war if I pounded his smug face into the pavement. Just a little. If it wasn't for the android that flanked Razer, Erica would have tried it, but instead she followed behind the two with Sayd on her left side. "Is he always such a smug bastard?"
"No my dear. He is rather quite charming once you get to know him." Sayd chuckled, her old eyes alight with humor despite the tension between Erica and Razer. Ah, to be young and full of life. I almost envy you Erica. You are indeed your father's daughter.
"Bullshi- I mean, I highly doubt that ma'am." Erica hesitantly rubbed the back of her head for a moment as the Guardian raised a curious eyebrow. "So, if I'm going to be having them order me around, who is this Green Lantern, the one with more common sense than me apparently?" Ignoring the strange looks the small crowds around the plaza were giving them, Erica was right behind Razer as he held open the cafe door for Aya and Sayd.
"You'll find out when she gets here young lady. Grotz only knows how long that could take knowing her though, especially if she stops by Thessia or Ilium. Also, I have excellent hearing. I'm only smug when I have a reason to be." His blue eyes seemed to grow brighter for a moment, as he suppressed the chuckle that wanted to escape at Erica's annoyed glare.
Goddess I hate him so much. "Thank you." Erica growled out, proud of the fact she managed not to body check the arrogant man as he bowed mockingly while continuing to hold the door for her.
"My pleasure. And just let me say how surprised I am that your father's ring chose you." Razor continued, quietly whispering under his breath. "Must be faulty programming or someth- UUFFF."
"That's it, let's go!" Having blasted Razer right out of the cafe's open door, Erica was right behind him,, her ring hand raised and in the process of charging up another blast. EDI had the good sense to pull Joker out of the line of fire. Liara could only shake her head at her daughter's actions while Grunt was laughing from deep from his belly. Erica wasted no time angrily stomping after the downed Blue Lantern, but by the time she reached him, her emerald eyes held more fear than rage.
Surprised at her own impulsive actions, Erica was beginning to worry that she might have overdone it, as she ran over and stared with concern at the now shaking man on the ground. She cocked her head to the side in utter confusion when she realized that he was shaking with uncontrollable laughter. "Just like Shepard, always eager to act first and ask questions later. Reminds me of that old law enforcement joke Jordan once told me." Razer stuck a finger up at the wary asari, who took a quick step back from him. "BANG! Stop or I'll shoot!" Razer said, unable to stop laughing as he jumped to his feet without a scratch on him. Her ego once again getting the better of her, Erica shot at him again. He easily evaded the attack, as well as a second, before closing the distance between them and forcing her hand to the side with his bare hands just as she fired a third and final time. He didn't need his ring to stop her. "That rage will be the death of you. Trust me, I speak from experience." He said, his wide grin gone as their eyes met. "I used to be a Red Lantern, and we channeled our rage much as Green Lanterns channel their wills to do what they must."
"What are you doing?! Kick his ass Erri, let the hate flow through you!" Joker shouted, earning him a groan of embarrassment from Liara and Grunt at the very old movie reference. "Hate, will, whatever. Punch Blue Boy's lights out. EDI, I need popcorn, stat! Oh shit..." The old pilot was the first to notice the several security officers running towards them, pistols drawn.
"You! Get your hands in the air now!" Erica did as she was asked, the proof of Razer's blunt advice staring her right in the face. The sound of a familiar shotgun being cocked behind her set the officers, two humans, a female turian, and a male quarian, on edge. Their aim wavered at the sight of the massive, and heavily armed krogan, lumbering towards them.
Grunt sounded downright bored as he stared down at the local law enforcement. "This is the part where you run away. Or find some petty thief to arrest, I really don't care. Urdnot Grunt, GA Spectre, and you're interfering in my little training exercise."
Each member of the legendary Normandy crewhad had their faces plastered on every newsreel and extranet site for years. There wasn't a sentient being alive that didn't know their names, and the officers in front of the giant krogan were no exception. Once they realized who they were talking to, their attitudes changed on a dime as they smartly saluted the cloned krogan supersoldier. The quarian, clearly the leader, managed an awed apologetic reply. "Sorry sir, it won't happen again!"
"Let's go Ash, I'd rather not find out if he actually flosses his teeth with turian talons." The turian woman said under her breath to the female human next to her, earning an embarrassed glare from the woman before their leader made a break for the relative safety of the nearby police precinct building.
"Thanks Grunt." Erica grumbled, her will to fight suddenly gone when she met her mother's disappointed gaze. The light from her ring died down moments before the young asari held up her hands to show she didn't intend to do anything more than she had already.
"Are you quite done making a fool of yourself Erica Benezia T'Soni? Sometimes I swear you still act like a sixty year old!" While she was glad things had settled down without anyone going home in a bodybag, Liara was a little miffed that Grunt had stepped up to defend her daughter. She had considered letting the authorities hauling Erica to a cell to cool her heels for the rest of the day, but that plan was now shot.
"And it was just starting to get interesting too." Grunt rumbled, having been enjoying the fight almost as much as Joker had been. To everyone's surprise, he turned towards the young asari with a disapproving glare. "But it was pretty obvious he could have defeated you with one arm behind his back T'Soni. Never rush into a battle without knowing your enemy."
"This from a shotgun wielding krogan teenager who ran into a horde of Reaper husks while shouting 'I am krogan!' at the top of his lungs?" Razer asked, his grin having returned when said krogan glared at him next. "I've heard alot about you, more than I really wanted to actually. Sayd isn't the only one that likes to spin stories."
"Uh huh. It was a phase. Just like your continued ability to breathe will be if you don't wipe that grin off your pale pyjack face." Grunt lovingly patted the ridiculously big shotgun in his arms for added emphasis. You might be a relic now Vera, but you're my relic.
"Enough, all of you!" Sayd shouted, drawing everyone's attention to her at once. When she was sure no one was going to start shooting each other, the Guardian let her stern glare soften somewhat before continuing. "That's better. Now please, can we enjoy a quiet meal without further shenanigans?"
"Shenanigans? What are you, our Grandmother or something? Ouch." Joker absently rubbed at the spot where Sayd had lightly whacked his arm. EDI smiled at the quaint scene rather than leaping to his defense.
"It is not surprising why the Commander spoke so highly of you all, despite your propensity to act like small children." Aya shook her head in amusement before following behind Razer and Sayd once more, hoping that this time they wouldn't be interrupted.
"Now, children, if their are no more egos to be soothed, or firefights in the middle of a memorial to be waged... shall I continue?" Before Joker, Razer, or anyone else for the matter, could say a word, Grunt pointed his huge armored mit at the group in general.
"Everybody shut up and sit down. I want to hear this. And you!" The unfortunate salarian waiter in Grunt's line of vision looked like a deer trapped in headlights. "Get me the biggest glass of ryncol you have."
"Sir, we don't have any ryn-" The grey skinned amphibian seemed to shrink under Grunt's smoldering gaze. "Err...Ryncol? Coming right up sir!" With that, the waiter practically shot out of the room, no doubt looking for the nearest bar and/or liquor store.
"Never argue with a krogan." Sayd muttered under her breath, counting her lucky stars that Shepard's ring hadn't found its way to the oversized lizard. Once I construct the first set of rings for this new Corp, that very well may happen. The Guardian tried her best not to outwardly shudder at the thought. Grunt was dangerous enough without adding the light of Will to his arsenal. On the other hand, he had shown surprising depth and restraint thus far, so maybe it wouldn't be as bad as she feared, if a ring chose him of course.
Just as Sayd was about to continue, the table's occupants were distracted by a news story that was being streamed live from Rannoch. His eyes widening, Grunt proceeded to flip the entire table when he bolted to his feet in shock. Razer simply shook his head in annoyance as Aya handed him a cloth napkin to wipe away the various table pastries now smeared over his suit.
Sayd looked down at the cup of tea she had managed to save from destruction. "Well, that was certainly rude... now, where was I?" Sayd's eyes wrinkled as she took in the astounded faces in front of her. "Ah yes, you wished to know what happened to your father after the battle. Well, I think this seems to have stolen my thunder, as it were."
All eyes in the cafe turned to the large vid screen displaying something incredible, as an excited reporter did his best to narrate this historic moment. "As you can see, a large blue glowing object is descending towards us. It looks like some kind of power generator. Wait...is that a human woman flying?!" The camera operator quickly focused in on the similarly glowing woman. There was no way that was possible, yet it didn't change the fact it was happening anyway. There was no visible safety harness, no thruster pack, and biotics couldn't do more than levitate an individual at best. Reginald Wong did his best to quickly recompose himself as the crowd around him stared opened mouthed into the sky. "Aahhh... While residents in this famous capital city are no doubt alarmed, the planetary government has told us there is no cause for concern. Retired Admiral Tali Zorah Vas Rannoch, formerly Vas Normandy, and Legion Vas Rannoch, the public face of the geth government, have sent the message personally. Oh, here he is now! Legion, if I could get a moment of your time please?"
"Mr. Wong." The camera panned again, focusing on the first geth to achieve true sentience. Holding out his hand to the young human, Legion nodded his head to the man in respect before turning to the camera. "I suspect the various species of this galaxy wish to know more about our latest acquisition, and the sudden return of Shepard, Commander."
"Wait what?! You mean…?!" Looking at the figure in the sky again, Wong was sure the woman saluted him before flying into the upper atmosphere, leaving a streak of blue light behind her. Adding that to his growing list of impossibilities, Wong soon turned back to the synthetic. "To put it bluntly, yes, I believe everyone at home would like to know about these events." Wong replied, earning a nod from the legendary geth platform.
"While I am glad to have seen my old friend alive and well, Shepard, Commander could not stay, having urgent business to attend to on Eden Prime. She should be there shortly. If I may, I would like to address a certain Galactic Alliance Captain and Lieutenant?" Wong rapidly nodded his head at the polite geth. "Captain T'soni, I believe the Commander does not know of your offspring. Please break it to her gently. You will meet your father soon Erica, and I am happy for you have this opportunity."
A familiar accented voice could be heard yelling at the geth from off screen. "LEGION! I told you to comm Liara and warn her! Not tell the entire galaxy you colossal bosh'tet!"
"Apologies Creator Zorah. This seemed the most efficient-" A flap over Legion's 'eye' rose in curiosity as dual toned laughter could be heard in the background, followed by a distinct 'OW!'. "Creator-bond-mate Vakarian, do you require medical assistance?"
"Some things never change. And no Legion, unless Tali decides to shoot me next." Garrus said, rubbing at his tender shoulder where Tali had whacked him with her cane, which was visible to the rest of the galaxy when the camera panned to them next.
Back to leaning heavily on her cane as she was, it didn't make Tali's next threat any less intimidating. "Don't tempt me. I can always go get my shotgun."
"I love it when you talk dirty..." The camera suddenly panned back to the now slack jawed news reporter.
"Um..." Making a mental note to never ask a geth for an interview on a whim again, Wong recovered quickly as he directed the topic to the battery once more. "Thank you for sharing that heartfelt statement with us Legion, but is there anything you can tell us about the object she left behind?"
"Of course Mr. Wong. According to Shepard Commander, she has been a part of a new reality for the past several years. Current biological age suggests temporal displacement, we have yet to reach a consensus on this. During her time there, she became a part of a group that call themselves the Green Lantern Corp. While she didn't go into great detail, they were responsible for defending and protecting their universe from numerous dangers. The generator, as you called it, is a power battery for the tools of their trade. Every Lantern, regardless of the Corp they belong to, must have a Central Power Battery. She is apparently part of the Blue faction now. I have no information on why, or what she is capable of now, I only know that I am glad she is back." Wong had no ready reply to that, since it was pretty clear that Legion's sentiment was shared by Garrus and Tali. Judging by the expressions on their faces, they were just as excited and happy about their Commander's return as the rest of the galaxy. More so, since they had known her personally and had been in the thick of it all from the very beginning.
Erica managed to pull her astounded gaze away from the vid screen. "I still can't believe all this is really happening."
"Believe it kid. Your mother's a big damn hero in two galaxies from the sounds of it." Jeff replied, not all that surprised she had carried on her old habits. Damn good to hear too. Wouldn't be Shepard if nothing got blown up anyway.
"Perhaps you would care to hear more of your father's exploits while we wait? Starting with her, by now rather obvious, escape from the literal clutches of Krona?" When she was met with a few eager nods and patient stares, she began regaling them with that particular story once again. As the group focused on Sayd's continuing tale, none of them noticed a pair of blue eyes silently watching them from a corner table nearby.
"Can I get a coffee, black? Had a bit of a long flight here. Ship lag. This last trip has been murder." The asari waitress chuckled and nodded, understanding completely as she went behind the counter to fetch the gentleman's order. Despite the historic day, business was still going, and another face in the crowd would go unnoticed as it always did. It was what he was counting on. "Thank you ma'am." The man said, nodding his head in appreciation for the speedy service. The coffee was exactly what he needed as he stifled a yawn behind his hand.
Oan Star System
The battle against Krona rages on.
(For added effect play, Mass Effect 3 Citadel Soundtrack - The End of an Era [Extended])
Guess I'll be finding peace in the embrace of the goddess a little sooner than I thought, Liara. You better not keep me waiting for long. Wait...what the hell is-
Ring charge nearing 0%, you must evacuate immediately! Incoming...
Several things happened at once in that fateful moment. Shepard's ring died, and a heartbeat later, the Barrier shattered into a thousand emerald shards which quickly disappeared. Krona's hands pressed together with the force of a million old fashioned car compactors, as a speeding flash of emerald light Erica had seen racing towards her, lost in the thousands of shards around it, slipped in and out of his fingers before he could bring them together completely.
Erica stared in awe at the young blonde stern faced elfin girl next to her. Wonderment was quickly replaced by utter relief, and then simmering anger, at the thought of Arisia nearly losing her life just to save hers. "Are you completely insane?!"
"I promised I'd stay by your side ma'am!" Arisia immediately replied, her ring having generated an air bubble for her friend who was completely without power. "Besides, you said it yourself, we don't leave people behind."
Shepard could only blink a couple of times in shock as Arisia did her best to evade the shadow demons still chasing them, while keeping her out of harm's way. Damn reckless kid... She's got me there. "Did the others get away?" Shepard finally asked, wishing she had a means to help Arisia out as they continued to run to the nearest Lanterns they could find.
"Most of them did, and they're still fighting. But it looks like Krona is going to push them back to Oa no matter what. How can we possibly stop all of these anti-matt-" Arisia's words instantly paused, and Erica knew she had come up with something as she immediately took off at top speed, needing to find Hal and anyone else that would listen. Finding him in the middle of a heated fight with Ardakian, Kilowog, Laira, and several other Lanterns, Arisia stopped short as another series of explosions went up in front of them before taking the demons with them.
Pure rage oozed from Hal as he yelled at the top of his lungs at the small group around him. "How could you let her out of your sight?! She was a ROOKIE! Those jackasses got her and a few of our best killed for NOTHING!"
"Calm yourself Jordan, look!" Laira shouted back, the first to see Arisia's arrival with Shepard in tow in her bubble. Swinging her curved blades through several more demons, the warrior nodded her head to the brave woman that had nearly sacrificed her life for several of their fellow Lanterns. "It's good to see you're alive Erica Shepard." Roaring her defiance, Laira drew back her hand just as an emerald bow appeared in them, unleashing several arrows into the closest enemies around them.
Before Hal could even begin to wonder how Shepard had survived, Arisia went into her plan. Since matter and antimatter annihilated one another, they could use a vastly more massive source of matter to destroy Krona. And they happened to have one nearby. When she was done, Hal just smirked and spread the word to every Lantern. "Kid, you just earned your stripes. Everyone, back to Oa, now! We have one chance, and one chance only!"
"Kid, you really are crazy. My kind of crazy." Erica had to grin at the audacious, yet simple, plan. "If Krona wants Oa so badly, give it to him." Dammit. Really wish I hadn't blown my ring charge now. I hate being useless in the middle of a fight. "Good luck, to all of you." Erica snapped off her best salute, even as Arisia began to drag her further away from the assembled Lanterns.
Arisia cast one last glance over her shoulder as they darted off. "Get him for us Hal. As much as I'd like to help you, I have to get Erica to safety."
"See ya on the other side ladies." Hal smirked before nodding solemnly to Arisia and Erica. Joining the countless green dots in the void behind Oa, Hal took his spot with his fellow Lanterns before thrusting his ring hand forward, fist closed tightly. "Push with everything you have!"
Kick his ass for me guys. Too bad they have to waste a perfectly good plan- oh crap. The stations are gone, and they don't seem to use ships. "Arisia? How far is the nearest-"
"Don't worry, I'll find something close enough." Arisia replied, honestly hoping she did because this sector of space wasn't anywhere near her homeworld, making it almost completely unknown to her. Just have to pretend I know what I'm doing. No need to worry her.
"You don't have to lie to me Arisia." Erica said, having a gut feeling the girl was completely lost. She was too though, having never seen any part of the galaxy she was a part of now. If she was afraid of wandering until the girl's power ring gave out, she didn't show it. "If our luck holds out, maybe we'll get lucky and find a planet or even a ship that'll take us in for a while?" And maybe space monkeys will fly out of my ass? Space was, in a word, huge, and the chances of finding a friendly vessel were just as bad as finding water in Hell. The chances of finding a habitable planet were better, but finding one within range of Arisia's current ring charge? That was the question.
"I hope we do." Arisia's eyes widened slightly as she instantly corrected herself. "I mean, I know we will. Just try to relax and...3%?! Umm, nevermind that, I just blurt out random numbers sometimes. Ah...47. See?" Looking over her shoulder, Arisia's smile fell flat at the dubious look on Erica's face.
"Arisia, it's ok." Knowing what she had to do to ensure Arisia made it out of this, Shepard looked at the young girl intently, making her stop in mid flight. "I need you to leave me and go on. Being spaced was at least….quick. I'll just...fall asleep." It was one of the few lies she had ever told most of the people in her life. It was a slow and painful death she was willing to go through again, so long as Arisia could make it back alive. Erica wasn't about to let someone else die needlessly for her, not if she had anything to say about it.
Shaking her head rapidly from side to side, Arisia tried to talk Erica out of her madness. "No, you can't ask me that Erica. Just save your air and I'm sure I'll find some-"
Despite facing imminent death, Shepard was unusually calm and collected about the consequences of her choice. "Arisia. We both can't make it out of this, and you know it. Now please, drop the bubble and go back. The others will be able to save you. You're a student right, going for a degree in physics? You tell me Arisia, what's the logical thing to do?"
"You think I'd be here if I relied solely on logic Erica?! We're in the middle of a giant space battle for the known universe! Screw logic!" Arisia raced onward, to Shepard's desperate frustration, as the marine pounded her hands on the emerald bubble around her.
"You listen to me you little brat! You are not dying here because of me! Now act like an adult instead of a whimpering scared little child, and shut off this fu-" The rest of Erica's deliberately harsh words were cut off as Arisia deactivated her comm link. Less than a minute of desperate shouting later, Shepard fumed for a moment, realizing what the girl had done before she finally slumped in the middle of the green sphere of energy. Dammit kid, if that's the last thing you heard me say to you, I hope you know I didn't mean it.
Ring charge, nearing 0%. God be with you Arisia Rrab. You deserved more. Ignoring her ring's final farewell, Arisia closed her eyes and hung her head in defeat. This was it. She didn't even know if her plan had worked, and she was about to die in the middle of nowhere, and she was taking Erica with her. Maybe she should have cut and ran when she had the chance? It didn't take her long at all to shake that thought from her mind, not after everything she had seen from the Corp already, and Erica's life as well. No, I promised Erica I wouldn't leave her. I know she would do the same for me, or anyone else.
Just as the bubble and her shield started to crack and flicker out of existence, a gigantic emerald beam of light enveloped them both moments before a planet moved up behind them with a familiar symbol displayed at its equator. "Oh my god." Arisa and Erica said at the same time, as the living planet gently pulled them in. "Did you know about this GL?" Erica finally asked after picking her jaw back up.
"Um, other than the fact that he doesn't socialize, not much." Arisia managed to reply, just as astonished as the marine was that they were still alive at all.
"Okay then, thanks for saving our asses, ah... good planet?" Shepard cringed at her words, not being able to think of anything better to say. The fact I'm talking to a planet isn't helping. I've seen some very strange things, but this is just pushing it.
"I am Mogo, you are most welcome sisters of the Green Lantern Corp." The emerald symbol flashed in time with the planet's booming yet gentle voice. "I must aid our fellow Lanterns in battle, you will be safe inside me. I only ask that you stay clear of the ship graveyard and any of those who worship evil that I hold on my surface. You shall be placed as far from them as possible."
"I like this guy already." Erica made a mental note not to get on Mogo's bad hemisphere as their controlled descent was soon completed, with them softly 'landing' on a cliff overlooking one of no doubt dozens of forested regions on his surface. "Never thought I'd be saved by a living world."
"I 'like' you as well sister Lantern Shepard." The booming voice over the picturesque valley almost seemed to have a slightly amused tone.
"Um, thanks?" So he has great timing, and he's a big softy. I could get used to having allies like this. Ah crap... It wasn't until that moment that she realized she was still in her original clothing. Which was to say, the ugly lime green hospital gown she had woken up in since her 'armor' had disappeared when she had blown her ring charge. Erica just shrugged, not even bothering to feel embarrassed at the thought of Hal and the others seeing her less than dignified attire. On the other hand, she was on a sentient planet, which was heading towards Oa with the intention of blasting Krona into oblivion. Strange had taken a backseat to complete insanity.
"I wasn't going to say anything since you seemed more fixated on the battle and saving my life than well..." Arisia gestured to Shepard's open backed gown.
"Believe me Arisia, if I could get through N-series training without blushing, having the Corp seeing my ass hanging out isn't going to kill me. Carrying a pack, barefoot, on a twenty kilometer hike, was definitely worse."
"Just what kind of training did you go through?" Arisia asked, having a hard time imagining anyone going through such a thing willingly, let alone on purpose.
"The best of the best." Erica replied, sitting down with her back to the tree, having every intention to watch the fireworks show with Arisia. There was also something she needed to clear up before it had time to sit in the young girl's mind for too long. "What I said earlier Arisia….I've lost people before, and it never gets easier. I didn't want you to end up dying."
Sitting beside her, the young girl nodded her head and did her best to relax. "I knew you were just trying to upset me, to get me to do what you wanted me to." A slight grin pulled at the corners at Arisia's mouth. "Watching you pound on the bubble and yell at me in complete silence was sort of funny, now that we both aren't about to suffocate."
"Laugh it up wiseass." Erica grinned, glad that she hadn't ruined their friendship with the harsh words she had said at what she thought was to be, hopefully, her end and Arisia's continued survival.
"You were calm about it, too much so Erica. How did you... no, maybe I don't want to know." The young girl looked away for a moment, focusing on the valley in front of them rather than how terrified she had been.
"When you've stared into the abyss as many times as I have, you find death doesn't scare you anymore." Looking at the approaching planet in the sky above, Erica shook her head at the line she had given the kid. She needs to know the truth, not some military slogan. "No, you know what, that sounds like something my Gunny in Basic would say, or Ash, my Gunnery Chief on the Normandy. The truth is, the possibly of dying is always a grim prospect. I've just managed to learn how to control my fear of it enough to get the job done. Even if that means not coming back."
"I wish I knew how to do that...how to not be afraid of dying." It wasn't hard for Erica to hear the shame in the elfin girl's voice, and she would not let that stand.
"Arisia, look at me. No, you really don't. The years of war I've seen have all but hollowed me out." The nightmares were just the tip of the iceberg of baggage she knew she'd have to deal with sooner or later. Lost friends, lost family, hell those batarian bastards even took my goddamn dog from me. I'm just a walking tragedy who got lucky her whole life, instead of getting killed a hundred times over. While everyone else around me paid the price. I'm just a broken weapon at best. The pointed glare Erica threw at her own left hand wasn't lost on the young girl beside her. "Sometimes….a lot of the time, I barely feel human anymore, and it's not just the synthetic parts I have in my body that I'm talking about either." The young Lantern beside her nodded in understanding, a flash of emotion, perhaps pity, filled her large blue eyes for just a moment.
After several minutes of silent thought, Arisia met Erica's haunted gaze. "You say you don't feel human, yet you seem pretty human to me Erica. You did so much, asked for so little in return, and made everyone around you better for having you in their lives. Today, you saved dozens of lives in one moment without any concern for your own. And yet, you still find the time to help a kid still in school find her own way."
Erica sighed at the all too familiar look of adoration in the alien girl's eyes. And now begins 'the cult of Shepard'. Despite the self deprecating thought, Erica couldn't keep her smile, small as it was, hidden, as she looked at the girl beside her once more. "Arisia, do me a favor. Stay just the way you are. Believe me, I'm not the best role model at the end of the day. Hell, I never wanted to be their poster grunt back home."
Erica felt her resolve faltering at the beaming smile Arisia sent her way. "Being humble yet brave, that seems like setting a pretty good example to me."
"You're not going to let this one go are you?" Erica asked with a shake of her head, unable to help but smile a little wider herself at Arisia's exuberant nature. Why does she remind me of Tali anytime I see that smile on her face? I could never argue against her either.
"Nope." Shepard had to laugh as the blonde did her best impression of Erica's 'Commander face'.
Not bad. It doesn't quite have that 'makes your enemy piss their pants' quality though. Erica Shepard decided then and there that she had something other than duty to keep her going. Her parents must be damn impressed, and somebody needs to make sure they get to see her again. "That's cheating. You'll have to come up with your own icy, blood chilling glare."
"Yours is so good though Erica. Can I at least borrow it?" Arisia couldn't help pouting slightly, as Erica laughed even louder before shaking her head.
"Nope. The 'pout of despair' ain't cutting it either. Feel free to try again though." Arisia actually managed to look mildly annoyed as Erica laughed in her face.
"If I might interrupt sisters. We are engaging Krona. It will get rough for a few seconds." Mogo said, moments before the Green Lantern emblem appeared in the sky above them. Oa had since filled the entire sky, but it was blocked by the gathering emerald energy from Mogo's core.
"Define rough." Shepard gave Arisia a worried glance as the ground started to subtly shake under their feet.
Mogo paused for moment as the planetoid thought it over. "Please back away from the cliff edge and seek shelter in the nearest cave?"
Don't need to tell me twice. "Thanks for the heads up, Arisia, stick by me, I suggest we take Modo's advice." Erica had already grabbed Arisia's arm, pulled her away from the edge, and quickly took in their surroundings.
"I'm not about to argue. Oh, and it's Mogo, with a G." The playful gleam in her blue eyes didn't go unnoticed as the two women ran, following a helpful emerald beam of light provided by the planet itself.
"Did I ever tell you what I like to do with wiseass crewmembers?" Arisia's eyes gleamed as she shook her head. "No? I give them a choice between being keel hauled or scrubbing an entire deck with a toothbrush."
"Starships don't have keels to haul people on." Arisia's grin widened even as she ducked Shepard's playful swing at her head.
Erica tapped a finger to her lip, pretending to think it over as they came upon the small cave Mogo had led them to. "If I ever get a chance to show you the Normandy, the crew deck is going to be sparkling when you get done. I can give you the tour before or after, your choice. That's a promise, on both counts."
"After, if you don't mind. I can talk with your crew as they pass by that way." Arisia said, just as they ducked into the cave about the same time Mogo opened fire on the shadow demons that had been about to swarm their fellow Lanterns. A single wave of emerald energy washed over everything in front of the planet, and Krona's army was obliterated. Krona was next as Mogo added his power to the Green Lanterns' beams that were already pushing the planet forward, forcing Oa into the anti-matter being far faster than before.
Erica leaned against her arm by the entrance, while she growled under her breath at the dieing titan. "All you can eat buffet asshole, hope you enjoy it."
"Hope you choke on it! Acchaul? Did I get that right?" The questioning look in Arisia's eyes was adorable to Erica to say the least, as they watched Krona's downfall.
"Close enough, but don't let Hal or your folks hear you talking like that. I'm brave, but I'm not that brave." Less than one day around her and I'm already ruining her innocence. How Liara ever thought I'd make a good parent for our little blue children, I'll never know. The smirk on Erica's face faded at her own reminder of a future she might possibly never have now. Cheating on Liara wasn't a choice for Shepard, even if she never did get back home. That was one thing she'd never do, no matter how lonely her days got from here on out.
All that was pushed out of her mind at the image of Krona's ugly face peeking over the top of Oa before his entire form seemed to be sucked into the very planet he had sworn to destroy. Just as he dissolved most of the way, Mogo stopped firing his giant beam of energy at the planet, and everyone watched as Oa was consumed in its star. "Maybe Abin Sur was right? Oa really was consumed in flame." Erica said, remembering Sinestro's quote from the Book of Oa.
Arisia hung her head in shame, clearly blaming herself for the destruction of the eons old homeworld. "Thanks to me..."
"Hey! You are not allowed to blame yourself. Are we clear? That bastard won't be hurting anyone else because of your quick thinking." Erica felt a swell of pride at the determined nod Arisia gave her. Honestly, if I hadn't been slightly more worried about getting her killed, smashing the Alpha Relay with that asteroid probably would have come to mind sooner. Not that there's any way in hell I'm telling her that now. She looked guilty enough as it was.
"To be honest, I was inspired by the way you destroyed that...what are they called again? You smashed the asteroid base into it." Arisia made an almost comical display of smashing one fist into the other and then splaying her fingers apart in an imitation of a large explosion.
I'll be damned. First my 'look', now my experiences. Huh. Maybe I'm better around this kid than I thought. "Remind me to have a long talk with you about stealing someone else's ideas." Erica smirked despite herself, unable to stay even mildly frustrated with Arisia as the sun exploded again, this time becoming enveloped in emerald light from Oa's impact. "But, for the record, this was your idea, and your idea alone. Got it? Oh, and they're called relays. The Alpha Relay was the one I smashed with that asteroid you mentioned, although, that wasn't my plan, a woman by the name of Dr. Amanda Kenson came up with it."
"Yes ma'am!" Arisia paused as a thought suddenly occurred to her. "Wait...so you stole someone's idea too?"
"Ah Hell, you caught me. Would it help if I said that the good Doctor was indoctrinated and had no intention to use her own idea?" Erica leaned closer to the girl, implying that the answer should be obvious.
"Nope." Arisia couldn't hold back another radiant smile as she rapidly shook her head.
"Well shit. I mean, darn." Shepard sighed at the quiet laughter coming from next to her. "Do not talk like me, stay sweet and innocent for as long as possible, that's an order."
"I promise I'll try Erica." Arisia replied, all trace of humor gone in a split second as she met the Commander's gaze. "The moment we put on these rings, I heard someone say the life we have isn't our own anymore. I think it was Sergeant Kilowog that said it actually."
"It fits. Just like the Alliance Marines back home, now that I think about it. But, being part of something greater than yourself will only change you as much as you let it. Never forget that." Shepard made a point of gently tapping Arisia in the chest over where her heart would be, if she were human anyway.
Arisia gave Erica a solemn nod "I think I understand, and I won't." She promised, just as the light around the sun started to return to normal. "Looks like the battle's over."
"Think they forgot about us? I can certainly think of worse places to get stranded. Like Tuchanka. The food sucks." Good thing Wrex isn't in this universe to hear me say that. He'd never let me hear the end of it. Raw varren on a stick is not a delicacy in my book.
"Sorry to disappoint you Commander Shepard, but your little vacation's over." Sinestro stated, his smirk fully entrenched on his face as he landed on the planet's surface alongside every surviving Lantern. "Thank you for lighting the way Mogo."
Mogo gave a soft hum in reply before falling silent, a quick crackle of green lighting up the sky as Erica and Arisia exited the cave, right about the time Hal rushed to the front of the gathering crowd. "You two about gave me a damn heart attack!" When both women gave the man a confused look, he pointed to his ring. "You might want to check who's linked into your comm the next time you debate who gets to live and who gets to try and breath vacuum."
"Ah hell, you heard all that?" Erica remembered Sinestro's words about hiding under a rock, and wondered if that would have been an option when she met Hal and Kilowog's gazes.
"'Whimpering little child?' Geez Shepard, and I thought I was tough on rookies. And when you started begging...damn that broke my heart. This 'Jessie' that you lost... Did you really mean it when-" Kilowog's quiet, somber words stopped cold when he met Shepard's intense cold emerald glare.
Oh Christ, when Arisia turned off her comm, she must have only cut the link directly between us. They heard everything. "You say another word and they're going to need a new drill instructor around here."
"I'm sorry about your sister Shepard. She did what she thought was right." Hal gestured to the now uncomfortable looking young woman next to Erica. "Just like Arisia did for you."
"Can everyone not bring up those bad memories at every chance?" The mere mention of Mindoir was enough to make Shepard retreat into her usual 'Commander' veneer, as a familiar stern expression came over her face. Arisia looked as if she wanted to say something, anything, but couldn't find the right words.
Landing beside the small group, Laira Omoto put a hand on the test pilot's shoulder before turning her head to the two women. "Hal Jordan means well, but I understand your need for privacy Erica Shepard. Know that it was only in our desire for the well being of yourself and Arisia Rrab that the comm line was kept open. It allowed us to track you, along with Mogo's assistance. On my honor, we did not mean to betray any trust you may have in us." Laira bowed slightly toward the obviously shaken woman.
Rubbing the back of her neck, Shepard sighed and relaxed slightly at the warrior woman's words. Samara would definitely get along with her. "Thanks Laira, and I know it wasn't intentional, I'd just prefer it wasn't aired out all day is all."
"No one shall speak of it again, in your presence or otherwise, without your permission." Laira immediately replied, before turning her own gaze to everyone nearby who suddenly looked very uncomfortable.
I'd laugh in her face if I didn't think she meant every damn word. Shepard got the distinct impression that Laira could enforce her promise if the need arose. Even Sinestro looked uneasy for a moment, but it could have been her imagination at work since the look disappeared just as quickly. "Thank you Laira Omoto." Shepard felt the need to return the small bow after having been given a promise that meant as much to her as that one did.
A small smile graced the purple skinned woman's face before she turned to Arisia next. "And to you Arisia Rrab, you have done more than 'earn your stripes' today. You have earned the respect of the Jade Dragon, as well as my own." Arisia blushed and looked uncomfortable for a whole other reason as Laira bowed deeply at the waist, her arms crossed over her chest before she stood straight once more.
At a gentle nudge from Erica, Arisia found her voice. "I ah, am deeply...honored?" A nervous Arisia barely managed not to rub the back of her head, mainly because Erica swatted her hand down when she noticed the all too familiar gesture in herself. Next, Shepard subtly tapped the small of Arisia's back, as the young girl turned to see 'the look' before Erica's hint finally dawned on her, giving her fellow Lantern an exaggerated bow. Laira didn't seem to mind all this as her smile widened a fraction of an inch before walking away.
"Never thought I'd see her smile so easily. You really did do good kid." Before Hal could say another word though, a familiar green glow interrupted him, as did the presence of several Guardians around the Central Battery that they had brought with them, as well as the Book of Oa which was on the right side of the battery. "By the way, nice outfit Shep, but isn't it a little breezy?" He grinned, having picked his moment well as Ganthet started speaking before Erica could come up with a counter.
"You have all fought valiantly this day, brave Lanterns! Once again, the diversity of the Corp has proven to be our greatest strength. But there is one among you, a newcomer to our prestigious Corp whose quick thinking and tremendous bravery under relentless enemy attack, has saved not just her fellow Lanterns, but, dare I say, the universe as we know it. Please, join me in thanking Green Lantern Arisia Rrab for her distinguished service this day!" At the thunderous applause and cheers, Erica grinned and shoved the young student forward, much to her eternal embarrassment. When the noise started to die down, Ganthet waved his hand and the golden book that was far bigger than he was, opened itself, revealing two blank pages that soon filled themselves with a picture of the young girl, as well as the events that she had set into motion. "It was her ingenuity that saw to Krona's downfall by using our planet of Oa, as a weapon against one of our greatest enemies. And it was her courage that allowed her to save Green Lantern Erica Shepard, whose own selfless deed spared dozens of her fellow Lanterns from Krona's wrath."
"Looks like you have your own story now." Hal whispered into Arisia's ear, immeasurably proud of his students.
It was Erica's turn to blush, slightly, as Kilowog happily shoved her forward to another round of thunderous applause and cheers. Regaining her balance before she face planted into the dirt, Shepard looked down at a smiling Ganthet who beckoned her closer. As she leaned towards the Guardian, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, green light flowing over her as she quickly found her 'armor' restored to her. Only there was a noticeable difference now. Two new symbols now adorned the sides of her shoulders where the Guardian had placed his hands. As well as the distinct glowing white N7 on her chest, now resided the Green Lantern's Honor Guard variation on the same shoulder, and much to her private joy, the Spectre symbol of authority from her own universe had been restored to her. "Honor Guard Lantern Erica Shepard, Spectre and N7 marine from your own reality, stand tall and wear all of those symbols with pride."
How does this guy know me so well? Only reason why I didn't wear the wings of Spectre authority is because I thought it wasn't earned. It was given to me out of necessity. Whatever the case might have been, Shepard couldn't keep the smile off of her face as she met Ganthet's gaze. "I will sir." Erica replied, saluting the Guardian with all the respect she could muster as she stood to her full height once more. Ganthet's beaming smile was the only reward she truly needed from anyone. Walking back to her friends, she held her head high even as several aliens slapped her on the back on her way as everyone else cheered wildly once more.
"Anymore patches and she might start running out of room!" Kilowog yelled, much to the amusement of his fellow Lanterns, as he managed to get another blush out of the hard as nails marine. "And as for you young lady!" Kilowog stuck his meaty finger out at Arisia "I think this calls for a petty crime on my part, I'm buying you a drink kid. Jordan, make sure you charge me later."
"Will do buddy." Hal agreed all too easily.
"If I knew of any asari 'entertainers' in this reality, I'd make it a whole damn party for her." Erica grinned as she leaned to whisper in the young girl's ear. "They have a saying where I come from, once you go blue, you don't come back." Erica let out an honest-to-god cackle of laughter at the beet red blush on Arisia's cheeks. "Don't worry, maybe I can find a good substitute here. Hey, Jordan, the hot girl with the red skin, black hair, and that sexy tattoo, what species is she?"
"Soranik Natu, she's a Korugaran, Commander Shepard." Sinestro offered, chuckling despite his better judgment as he walked away to catch up with his fellow Lanterns.
"Maybe in a couple years ma'am." Arisia finally managed to say, earning a grin from Hal and Shepard as well as another laugh from Kilowog.
"Great answer kid." Erica replied, glad to see Arisia was taking her earlier advice to heart about staying sweet and innocent for as long as she could.
"Arisia Rrab, would you kindly step forward my dear?" Ganthet asked, and the crowd fell silent since they knew what was coming. "I think it appropriate that you lead us in the oath, on this momentous day." While it was another way to honor the young student and her accomplishments, there was a practical reason as well. It was no secret that everyone was near empty on their ring charge if they hadn't crossed that threshold, as Erica had.
"Really? Um...al-alright." Nervously walking over to the Central Battery, Arisia raised her ring and tried not to let her voice shake as she spoke. No one would have cared if they could have heard her as they joined right behind her, all but drowning her out anyway.
"In brightest day, in blackest night,
no evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil's might,
beware my power, Green Lantern's Light!"
The blinding flash of emerald energy that followed was rarely seen since the Corp was hardly ever together as they were now. It cascaded over the assembled Lanterns in a vast wave of onrushing energy, charging their rings in record time. It was more than that though, much more. Dusk had given way to dawn, and they were still there. They had bested Krona, united in common cause, and the oath only reaffirmed their strength through their diversity. "I have to ask, but why can't that happen all the time?" Of course, Shepard ruined the occasion with an obvious question.
"Shepard, shut up and enjoy the moment. Ma'am." Kilowog proudly saluted the newly christened Honor Guard member. His mood changed on a dime when he started to flare his nostrils at the pair. "Just because you're HG now, doesn't mean you get to skip boot camp. You too poozer." He grumbled at Arisia, who was just about to ask that very question. Pointing to Erica first, then Arisia, he loudly chastised them. "You let your ring go dry rookie, that's the worst mistake you can make! Not to mention the deadliest! And you, you go flying off with another Lantern in tow without checking your ring first! You think I'm gonna let you two poozer knuckle heads making me look bad?! Not happening."
"Yes Drill Sergeant!" Erica grinned, even as her ears continued to ring from Kilowog's shouted chastisement. Whatever came next, Erica knew one irrefutable truth. She didn't know how the war had ended in her reality, but she believed wholeheartedly, that it had been won, somehow. If countless species could work together in this reality and overcome impossible odds, then a few Reapers would be nothing against an united galaxy back home. The species in her galaxy she might have united in common cause, but they had continued to work together even after she had moved onto the next fight. She had provided the kick to the ass, nothing more. They had done the rest.
And now, she was part of an universe wide peacekeeping force. All of the hardships, the sacrifices, the friends lost and the enemies defeated might have taken a strange turn in her life, but Erica Shepard couldn't have been happier. The only downside was that she would never see her friends again, unless Ganthet and the other Guardians managed to somehow pull off what she knew was a longshot at best, and reopen a rift to her galaxy. I wish you were able to see this Liara. This is the galaxy we fought so hard for, this is the reality I might have seen if I had been allowed to stay with you. Still, as long as I'm breathing, I will find a way back to you, I promise. With that thought in mind, Erica silently followed her new friends into space, that familiar feeling of excitement at the prospect of discovering so many strange and exotic things returning. Maybe I can finally be just as much of an explorer as a soldier.
As if sensing her mood, a familiar sarcastic voice sprung up next to her, jolting Erica from her thoughts. "You do know what an Honor Guard does, right Shep?" Ardakian asked, the smirk on her face giving Shepard a feeling she wasn't going to like the answer. The fact the alien had interrupted her happy moment wasn't lost on her friends either.
Shepard sighed, knowing that she was more likely to be settling trade disputes and negotiating cease fires, if not outright enforcing them, in her near future. "Let me guess...they're the equivalent of my reality's Spectres? The ultimate troubleshooter, only with a fancy ring."
"Pretty much. Have fun." Moving to speed off, and thereby get the last word in, Trawl yelped slightly as someone had the audacity to yank on her tail.
A sly grin crossed Erica's face as she playfully tugged again. "Not so fast Hoppy. Maybe I can ask Ganthet for a couple volunteers. Interested? Because you just signed up."
Yanking her tail out of Erica's surprisingly strong grasp, Trawl glared coldly at the newest Honor Guard. "Sorry Shep, doesn't work that way, and more's the pity." Trawl grinned then, not envying the Corp's newest 'Spectre'. "Look on the bright side, you get to explore our entire universe, not just one sector."
"Being Honor Guard does carry a lot of weight to it Shep, but I think you'll do fine." Hal said, far more concerned for anyone stupid enough to make the mistake of crossing the marine than Shepard herself. "Just glad you didn't pick-" Jordan's face fell, knowing he had just doomed himself, as he saw that same mischievous light in Erica's eyes when she looked at him next.
Oan Star System, Mogo's surface. (Temporary Green Lantern Headquarters)
Two weeks later.
After yet another supply run from a nearby colony that, like countless others, owed the Green Lanterns a debt of gratitude, Shepard and her allies were being given a day to recuperate. The rings made heavy lifting a breeze, but the constant flying from one end of the galaxy to the other as construction began in earnest on 'New Oa', was taxing. On top of that, Kilowog had kept his word and had been putting them through boot camp in their spare time. Needless to say, Shepard's hectic schedule didn't allow her much in the way of down time. There was one good thing at least, she went to bed so exhausted every night that she hadn't had a bad dream in a while. Yet another change she was quickly getting used to.
When Ganthet summoned her to the council chamber on her return, she already had a good idea of what it was going to be about. How in the hell did I get myself into the middle of a bar fight in the first place? Oh right, the arrogant jackass with wings. The Thanagar that had started it had to be shipped out on a gurney the size of a small truck. Apparently, Erica responded just as badly to someone mocking Green Lantern sacrifices as she did with Al-Jilani belittling Alliance ones. Slamming her glass into the bar, she had turned only to come face to helmeted 'beak' with a giant of an armored man with bird like wings. Most people would have slowly backed away, but Erica wasn't most people.
"I said, you Green lightning bugs should have been squashed long time ago." Glaring down at Shepard, the Thanagar crossed his arms over his massive chest, leaned closer, and grinned. "What do you have to say about that, bug?"
Erica radiated utter calm as she stared at the pompous man for a moment. "You really shouldn't have gotten down to my level." Slamming her fist into the bird man's jaw, everyone stopped and stared as the behemoth staggered back before falling to his ass in a heap. His fall was enough to shake a few nearby glasses off of nearby tables, but no one noticed as a platinum blonde stood over her foe. "And I didn't even need my ring." It was only when everyone else glared at her that Erica started to worry. "Crap." Reminds me of that old sci fi vid series Joker loved. Just like one episode where the heroes were in a bar fight. Wasn't it called Serenifly or something? The funny things that pop up in your mind when facing insurmountable odds. Oh well, time to get to work.
She remembered the incident quite clearly, because she had been one of the few people to walk out of the bar by the time it was over. The best part, to her anyway, was the fact she hadn't needed to use her ring to clear a path to the door. The pile of unconscious bodies on the floor around her had ensured her current predicament with the Guardians.
And now I'm gonna get my ass chewed out. Worth it, totally worth it. One look at Ganthet's serious expression had her starting to think otherwise. Or not. "Hi Ganthet. How's Guardian...stuff? Alright, I screwed up royally, I admit it. How was I supposed to know that was a pirate bar?"
"You what? Pirates?" Ganthet's confused expression told Shepard that she had clearly said too much, too soon, as he shook his head. "Whatever incident you are referring to, that is not why I have asked you here."
"Oh." That's a first. I expected to be given the third degree for disgracing the uniform. "Nevermind, it's nothing important anyway. What would you like to speak with me about?" Smooth, Erica, real smooth.
Recovering quickly, Ganthet beckoned Shepard over to a nearby computer terminal as its three dimensional holographic display sprang to life. The image displayed was a very familiar one to Shepard. The Milky Way galaxy. "It seems some of our more reputable scientists have been able to partially reconstruct the experiment their less patient, and far more reckless, colleague started. I have compiled this for you from their limited success."
"Wait...are you telling me-" Erica was silenced by a kind grin from the Guardian, as with a wave of his small hand, the image transitioned to a view of Earth. The first thing she noticed was that the Citadel was gone from the planet's orbit. Not only that, but she could see the fleet had obviously long since departed, leaving dozens of Reapers dead in the void. Since it had been only a little over two weeks, it made sense that they wouldn't have had time to clear the debris completely. As if to confirm that line of thought, she saw several ships milling about the dead Reapers, blasting them into oblivion while the rest searched for survivors. "Ganthet...thank you." Erica could barely resist the urge to grab Ganthet in a hug, and squeeze the life out of the small being. "I can never repay you for this."
"You owe nothing to me Erica Shepard. If anything, I feel I have fully repaid your service to the Corp thus far." Ganthet frowned at the data before him, wishing that more had been recovered to show her. "I feel I must apologize for the limited information though. The rift could only be opened in the exact same location, and even then, only for a fraction of a second at a vastly reduced size."
"Don't apologize. Just knowing we won is enough for me Ganthet. It's a lot more than I had hoped for." Getting to see that my friends are alright would have been nice, but this is enough to let me sleep at night at least.
"Then I am glad their efforts were not in vain. Oh, and one other thing Commander. I have suggested your request to several of my fellow council members. The answer is a grudging, yes. Feel free to 'pick your crew', as you'd say." Ganthet gave Erica a wink, his face uplifted into a small grin.
"You really know how to make a girl happy Ganthet, I could kiss you." Without the threat of galactic extinction hanging over her head, in any universe, Shepard realized that for the first time since that 'shake down run' to Eden Prime, she could truly let her guard down and take a moment to relax. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders for the first time in years, as she smiled at a very rare sight not seen in millenia. That of a blushing Guardian.
As Erica confidently walked out of the large chamber, a grin appeared on Ganthet's wizened face as he shook his head. "Who would have thought a thanagarian could be knocked unconscious with but one punch. A woman of many talents indeed. I would almost feel sorry for any poor soul that makes the mistake of crossing her." With a final chuckle, Ganthet floated away, feeling quite hopeful for the future for the first time in centuries.
Archer83; Wait. We didn't actually kill her? Or Erica? When was I going to be told this?!
Vergil1989; Next time, don't try to spoil the whole damn story, and I won't have to scare everyone Archer lol.
Archer83; We both hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and will try not to give you a heart attack next time. (Evil laughter)
Vergil1989; As always, feedback is most appreciated. PMs, reviews, faves, follows, whatever you got for us. :D Until next time, keep the light burning strong ladies and gentlemen.