Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my MechWarrior/BattleTech - Mass Effect crossover. Thank you all for your wonderful support. I greatly appreciate it.

I've noticed that some of you are concerned that there won't be any major events in the next few chapters. Thanks to your feedback, I've decided to do a time skip to a future event. We're probably looking at a few years, to satisfy your curiosity there.

Either way, thank you for your wonderful support, and I hope to see you in future chapters.

As always, leave a review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the MechWarrior/BattleTech or Mass Effect franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Electronic Arts, BioWare, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, Piranha Games Inc., etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishes. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.

MDS Cavalier

Elidere IV

July 12th, 3020

The next four months were spent at the contested region where House Davion and House Kurita were fighting each other over possession of the various planets within that region. The merc company, while not absolutely wealthy, was doing quite well for itself, with contracts coming in and being completed. Every little bit helped, from improving the reputation of the company, to getting them the necessary C-Bills required to remain in operation.

Walking along the 'Mech Bay's upper catwalks, Shepard looked at his Marauder with something akin to pride on his face. The 'Mech was still in good nick, mostly due to a combination of Fahad's careful care, as well as Shepard's tactics. I know why some people get into melee combat with those things, he'd thought at one point, but I much prefer hitting them from range instead of getting my ass beat when they're too close. At least we haven't had to swap out the weapons… yet.

He was about to leave when he felt something tugging at his leg, along with a quiet, "Dada?" Turning around and looking down, Shepard found himself looking at Nihlus. Despite being only twenty six months old, Garrus and Nyreen's children were greatly improving when it came to their physical coordination. While their gaits were wider than normal still, they didn't stumble around any more when they walked.

Mordin would probably say that it has to due with their homeworld, Shepard thought as he looked at the little Turian toddler. "I'm not your dad, but I'll take you to him." Hefting the toddler onto his shoulders, he was surprised by Nihlus' weight. "Whoa! You're getting heavy, Nihlus."

Walking along into the crew quarters, he spotted Garrus and Nyreen talking with each other. Celicia was standing next to Nyreen, though she was holding onto her mother's leg in order to steady herself. Turian children grow up fast, Shepard noted as he walked over. "Here," he said to Nyreen as he handed Nihlus over. "Tugged on my pants and asked me if I was his dad. Is that normal?"

"Yes," Nyreen replied, purring as she took her son into her arms. "He was probably trying to say something else, though they don't know much English, or Palavanese yet." Looking at Garrus, she said, "You think it might be time to teach our children how to speak?"

"In a couple weeks, definitely," Garrus nodded. "We can get started right now if you want, though I'd wait until Mason tells us if he's got another mission ready for us. I have to admit, I thought I'd be bored with the life of a mercenary in the Inner Sphere. Good to see I was wrong."

"Don't forget where you came from," Shepard reminded him.

"I won't, Shepard. Whenever I look at Celicia and Nihlus, I'm reminded of how we ended up here, and why we have to succeed if we're going to get back home. Still, I'm puzzled as to how we'll do that."

"Like you said when we first got onto Mason's DropShip: I'll end up finding a way back, even if it's not intentional on my part." After a moment, he asked, "So, how are you liking your Rifleman?"

"It's the bomb," Garrus beamed. "The Autocannons are slick, the Large Lasers powerful, and I haven't gotten into any close range fights yet. Of course, I've got Wrex to back me up."

"True. Say, have they found a larger 'Mech for Wrex yet?"

"Nope. We're still fighting relatively lightweight 'Mechs compared to what we've got. Wrex is actually in that weight range with the Centurion he's been assigned to. I've heard rumors that, if we make enough money, Mason might buy another DropShip in order to expand the merc company even more. We might even set up a permanent base in the Federated Suns, and rinse and repeat for the Lyran Commonwealth and Free Worlds League."

"If those rumors are true, then that would be very nice. We'd be able to handle more than one contract at a time, though we'd have to find someone that could adequately lead a lance of mercenaries. Say, Shepard, you led us quite nicely. You think you could be a good merc commander?"

"I'm not sure, Garrus. Leading a group of mercenaries in BattleMechs is not the same as commanding a ground force of elite infantry personnel. There are more things to take into account, along with the unpredictable nature of war. I'm not sure if I'm up to cut for that."

"I guess we'll find out, if the rumors are true."

Garrus was about to continue when the intercom buzzed. "Commander Shepard, Garrus Vakarian, Urdnot Wrex, report to CIC immediately. Shepard, Garrus and Wrex, report to CIC immediately."

"Good thing we're already close by," Shepard shrugged. "We'll have to finish our talk at a later time. Right now, it's time for war."

"Agreed," Garrus nodded. Before he left, Nyreen set her child down and held Garrus's waist with her hands. Moments later, her tongue wrapped around Garrus' as they kissed, the two moaning happily before they parted.

"Stay safe," she told him. "I love you."

"I will," Garrus replied. Kissing her one more time, he said, "And I love you too." With that, the two parted, with Nyreen staying to tend to her children, while Garrus went to the CIC.

. . .

As soon as they entered the CIC, Shepard found Mason and Ryana at the holo-table, the two of them talking in low voices. "Commander," Shepard asked, "is there something you need?"

"Yeah, I need all hands on deck," Mason replied. "We were about to head to the border between the Capellan Confederation and Federated Suns when we got this transmission. Apparently, we pissed someone of on our last mission."

It took a moment for Shepard's memory to figure out what Mason meant. "I remember," he replied. "We were tearing apart that one military base that the DCMS had set up on New Aberdeen. Correct?"

"Correct," Mason nodded. "The planet is still contested by the Draconis Combine, but that's where something came up. A few hours ago, Ryana got this transmission from somewhere on the planet." Moments later, he began the playback.

It wasn't long before a Japanese accented voice began speaking. "To the dishonorable mercenaries known as Mason's Cavaliers, I am Takushima Hironito of the Draconis Combined Mustered Soldiery. Your previous actions in destroying our military base at New Aberdeen was a highly dishonorable act, one that has not gone unnoticed by the Arm of the Dragon.

"Therefore, for your dishonor, I hereby challenge you to a duel on the very planet that you are orbiting right now. Face me and my fellow warriors in honorable combat. Should you run, I call you a coward, and I will pursue you and your band of mangy dogs to the ends of the Inner Sphere. Face me, and I will grant you a warrior's death. The choice is yours. Choose wisely." With that, the playback ended.

"Sounds like we ticked someone off," Garrus remarked. "Then again, when haven't we ticked someone off in the past."

"Good point," Shepard nodded. "This Takushima individual seemed quite angry, if the playback was anything to judge by."

"He does sound that way," Ryana agreed. "Still, if we've gotten someone this disgruntled at us, then it means that our reputation precedes us more than we anticipated. Still, I'm not certain if accepting is a good idea."

"I understand that," Shepard nodded. "I'm not one for duels of 'honor.' Typically, I'd just shoot the bastard and be done with it."

"My thoughts exactly," Mason nodded. Looking at the holographic projection of Elidere, he said, "We can't simply run, otherwise this guy will come after us all the same. If we take him head on, we risk falling into a trap. Any ideas?"

"I say we spring the trap," Wrex, who had arrived a few minutes ago, suggested. "We could have you meet him alone, but have us waiting in cover nearby so that, when he challenges you to a fight, we ambush him. It's the best plan we have for a success."

"Sounds like a plan," Garrus nodded, "but how are we certain that this Takushima isn't going to cheat? The guy didn't sound exactly stable when he issued this challenge."

"We're not," Wrex replied, "but it's a chance we have to take. I'd rather not have this little pyjack chase us all over the galaxy if I can help it. We fight him now, we get rid of him for good and he won't come and bother us anymore."

"Sounds like you've got experience with this sort of thing," Mason noted.

"I've been chased by more idiots than you can imagine," Wrex replied. "Besides, I have no enemies, mostly because they're all dead. This guy'll be just one more name to the list of kills that I've got. Besides, we're doing the Universe a favor by getting rid of this stupid asshole."

Mason couldn't help but chuckle at that. "That's a good way of putting it. Ryana, send a reply to Takushima and inform him that we accept. Shepard, Wrex, Garrus, you two should get your 'Mechs ready to rock for when the fight begins. It'll probably be a day or two from now, so we've got a little time to work with. Ryana, inform me if anything changes."

"You've got it, Commander," Ryana nodded.

"Good," Mason nodded. Keying the intercom, he asked, "Fahad, you there?"

"I'm here, Commander," Fahad replied, his voice emanating from speakers on the holo-table. "What do you need?"

"I need you to help Shepard, Wrex and Garrus make sure their 'Mechs are ready to rock. Turns out, some asshole from the DCMS decided to challenge us to a duel. We're going to show that prick how mercenaries answer challenges like that. We've got at least a day to get ready."

"No worries, sir. The 'Mechs are already fully repaired and ready to go. We'll do one more sweep, though, to make sure we didn't miss anything. Also, if Wrex is there, tell him not to abuse the SarLon MaxiCannon that we installed. I don't want to have to fix that thing all the time, although I will say he hasn't damaged it yet."

"No promises," Wrex replied, "though I did say that it was a one-time thing."

"Bloody hell!" Fahad jumped, a little started. "Is the entire gang there?"

"Yep?" Shepard nodded, along with Garrus and Wrex.

"Fuck me running. I ain't gonna live that one down, am I?"

"Nope," Garrus grinned.

"Terrific…" With that, the intercom clicked off.

Ryana chuckled at that. "Sounds like you embarrassed Fahad, Wrex."

"Hey, I didn't intend for that to happen," Wrex replied.

"It's good for him, though," Garrus nodded. "Everyone needs some ridicule, every so often, to help them keep themselves grounded."

"True on that," Shepard nodded. "Either way, let's not stand around for much longer. There's work to be done." With that, everyone dispersed to make sure their equipment was ready to rock.

. . .

True enough, Takushima's reply came after a few hours, indicating that the DCMS forces had accepted their counter reply and were coming. That gave them a couple days to make sure their equipment was ready, before they landed on the surface of the planet. As such, when the day of the duel arrived, Shepard was inside his 'Mech, making sure everything was fully operational.

What a drab little world, he thought as he looked at a satellite photograph of Elidere IV. The planet had oceans, but much of the continents were a drab green mixed with dark browns, and the occasional bit of grey hued mountains. Beyond that, it was quite a boring little place, with not much industry, though large tracts of land were being cleared in preparation for farms, since the soil was quite fertile. That was also why it was a contested planet, with DCMS and AFFS forces fighting over the fertile soil that would, if all went well, feed millions of people.

As for the duel location, it was out in the open, in a rain forest that had trees tall enough that even the tallest of 'Mechs would be hidden by the growth. LoS targeting won't be good unless we're at close ranges, Shepard thought as he went through the reactor power-up sequence. We'll have to be ready to brawl with the enemy. Good thing the Marauder is designed for engaging enemies at various ranges.

He took a moment to look at Garrus' 'Mech and Wrex's 'Mech. Due to the close quarters that they would be fighting in, Garrus was going to have to rely on Wrex to keep him covered in case an enemy 'Mech got too close to him. Fortunately, Wrex's AC/10 allowed him to brawl effectively, along with the two Medium Lasers that he had.

A few seconds later, he finished going through the 'Mech power-up sequence. By now, getting his 'Mech online and ready was second nature to him, with the N7 Commander quickly getting his 'Mech online and ready for a fight. "I'm ready to go," he told the others.

"Good," Mason nodded. "Good thing we reconfigured my Archer with SRM's before we were challenged by Takushima. Garrus, I'll keep you covered, while Wrex keeps Shepard covered. Copy?"

"Copy," Garrus nodded. "Frankly, I'm frustrated with the close quarters fighting we'll be doing. Rifleman 'Mechs were not designed with this in mind."

"I understand, just do what you can to avoid being killed. I do not want to have to face an irate and grieving Nyreen. Wrex?"

"I'll keep Shepard covered," Wrex replied. "Hopefully my new Autocannon will do some damage this time around."

"So long as you don't break it."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it." With that, their 'Mechs were rotated around, allowing them to exit the now open 'Mech Bay and onto the planet.

Looking around, Shepard found that the rainforest was denser than he thought it would be. Trees towered over the area, with the DropShip having settled into a clearing that was just large and level enough. In addition, the rain forest area had large columns of rock sticking out of the ground like old bones in the ground. The sky was visible between breaks in the trees, though it was also starting to rain.

"I don't like this one bit," he told Mason. "It's too confined and we might be walking into an ambush."

"Agreed," Mason nodded. "I'm betting that Takushima is just gloating over the choice of location he picked out. Still, if we play our cards right, we can turn that around on him."

Looking at a satellite map of the area, he said, "OK, here's the plan. Shepard, you will move up on the left side, along that rocky ridge. Garrus and Wrex will take the right side, and I'll be in the middle. That way, we can cover everyone effectively. Understood?"

"Got it," Shepard nodded. With that, he moved towards the right, along a rocky ridge, while Garrus and Wrex moved through the forest as carefully as they could, while moving towards higher ground. Mason, on the other hand, continued moving forwards along the low ground, his 'Mech occasionally knocking down a tree or two.

It wasn't long before he spotted contacts on his sensor screen. "Contact," he told Shepard and the others. "I'm reading four 'Mechs up ahead. Looks like we're facing a Heavy 'Mech and a few Medium 'Mechs. Garrus, do you have anything?"

"I do," Garrus reported. "Looks like he brought no one else along. I'll keep an eye out in case that changes. Wrex?"

"Ready and waiting," Wrex replied. "I can't wait to squash those little pyjacks to dust."

"Focus," Mason ordered. "No heroics, gentlemen. I want all of us to come back home safe and sound. Understood?"

"You got it."

A few seconds later, Mason heard another voice speaking over the comm. "Commander Mason," Takushima, as it sounded exactly like him, sneered. "You have arrived. At least you are not completely devoid of a sense of honor. I will make the Dragon proud by killing you and your mercenary friends."

"We'll see about that," Mason remarked. Looking at the screens, he said, "So, three Shadow Hawks and an Orion. Isn't that a little heavy for dealing with a measly little Archer like mine?"

One of the DCMS MechWarriors was about to protest when Takushima said, "Your reputation preceeds you, Commander Mason. I would not be surprised if you played some foul trick on me and my fellow ronin. After all, never underestimate your enemy." A moment later, he said, "Leave him to me. I will have the honor of silencing this dishonorable mercenary filth."

"Then that pleasure will be mine," Mason nodded, before clicking his communicator button twice. "Of course, you won't be seeing anything soon, because you'll be quite dead."

"ENOUGH!" one of the DCMS MechWarriors shouted, firing his weapons at Mason. While they missed, it immediately showed where they were at.

That single error was enough to enrage Takushima, now that his own ambush had been ruined. "You fool!" he roared at the MechWarrior in question. "You have dishonored the Dragon through your impulsiveness! You will rectify your mistake by killing Mason here and now!"

At that moment, all hell broke loose. "SURPRISE!" Garrus shouted as he fired his AC/5's, while Wrex, who'd snuck closer to the mercs, burst out into the open, smashing a hand actuator into one of the Shadow Hawk's while firing his new AC/10. At the same time, Shepard fired both PPC's, blasting off the right center torso off of one of the enemy 'Mechs.

While Takushima was taken off guard, he didn't lose his wits for a second. "Spread out!" he ordered. "Force them from their hiding holes. Commander Mason is mine!" With that, his Orion smashed through some trees, where he could clearly see Mason.

At that moment, Mason fired the two SRM-6's in his 'Mech, sending them careening through the air and into the Orion. Armor was peeled off as explosive warheads smashed into the enemy 'Mech, while shrapnel bounced around underneath the hardened outer layers. The impacts also forced the Orion backwards somewhat, with Takushima having to wait until his Gyro had compensated.

Taking advantage of this, Mason closed the distance and fired all four Medium Lasers. Armor plating melted and vaporized as high energy photons heated them up, leaving unsightly scars along the center torso region on the Orion. Once close enough, Mason began using the hand actuators to smash even more armor.

"Wrex, I could use a hand!" Garrus shouted as he began fending off an enemy Shadow Hawk. While the Rifleman's front was well armored, Garrus was sweating buckets as he fought to keep his enemy facing the front of the 'Mech. If the Shadow Hawk's weapons began attacking the comparatively thin rear armor, then he would be in trouble.

"I'm coming!" Wrex shouted. Just as the enemy Shadow Hawk would've begun firing on the rear armor, Wrex smashed a hand actuator into the enemy 'Mech, forcing the enemy MechWarrior to disengage and fight him.

"Thanks!" Garrus shouted. "I thought I was a goner there!"

"You're welcome!" Wrex shouted. "Get your ass further back, and hit them from a distance!"

"Working on it!" Garrus shouted.

In the meanwhile, Shepard was also dealing with an enemy 'Mech, the one who's right-center torso he'd blasted off with a lucky hit. Swinging one of the arm pods out, he smashed the right arm pod into the cockpit. While it wasn't as well armored, the cockpit had just enough to withstand the blow. Damnit, he thought. I can't get a killing blow in at this distance!

That left him with two options: he could continue fighting with the arm pods, or he could attempt to use the Medium Lasers he had. Taking the second option, he fired both Medium Lasers, forcing the enemy MechWarrior to back up. As soon as he crossed the 90 meter distance, Shepard fired both PPC's.

Twin beams of energy shot out of the arm pods and smashed into the enemy Shadow Hawk, blasting off the last of the enemy target's center torso armor and leaving the substructure exposed. At the same time, the HUD on Shepard's helmet flickered and distorted as the electronics fought to remain operational despite the feedback loop that had briefly formed. Guessing, he fired the AC/5.

He scored a lucky hit, with the enemy 'Mech's center torso blowing apart. "GET BACK!" he heard Wrex shout. "It's going to blow!"

True to form, Shepard watched as explosions ripped out of where the ammo for the enemy 'Mech's AC/5 was at, while a bright blue-white glow began to form. Staggering the 'Mech back, he fought to increase the distance between himself and the enemy 'Mech. He was just in time.

Seconds later, there was a loud BOOM as the Fusion Engine inside of the enemy 'Mech went critical. A large mushroom cloud, akin to one created by an atomic bomb, blasted into the air, while a dazzlingly bright light blinded Shepard. While the explosion wasn't large by any means, it had just enough force to unbalance his 'Mech. Fighting to keep control, he shouted as the cockpit tilted backwards all of a sudden.

While inconvenient, it did something he didn't expect: it distracted Takushima. While they'd been fighting, Mason and Takushima had been duking it out with each other. "You will fall by my hand today, Mason!" the irate MechWarrior shouted. "Your friends are good, but I will silence you, then I will kill them!"

Come on, Mason thought with frustration as he fired the SRM's again, blasting off more armor. What is this bastard using for armor plating?! It's holding up against my missiles! Looking at his own armor, he could tell that it wouldn't be long before his armor plating would fail, and the SRM's suffer catastrophic damage.

Just then, Mason winced as a loud BOOM assailed his ears. At the same time, he watched, much to his shock, as Shepard's Marauder fell ass over teakettle, with the enemy 'Mech smashing into Takushima's Orion before landing on it's back with a loud CLANG! At the same time, Takushima's 'Mech stumbled, the Gyro fighting hard to keep the 'Mech upright.

Capitalizing on this, Mason fired both SRM-6's again, before firing the Medium Lasers at the same time. Finally, the armor plating on the Orion failed, with the enemy 'Mech sustaining critical damage. "MERCENARY SCUM!" Takushima roared with fury as Mason fired all of his weapons at the cockpit.

Metal screeched as it crumpled, before failing and permitting the SRM's and laser beams from Mason's Archer inside the cockpit. Takushima had no time to say anything, before his body was ripped apart by explosive warheads and high energy photons. In that instant, the DCMS MechWarrior that had challenged them to a fight, was dead.

"Finally, the motherfucker's dead," Mason sighed. "After what one of his men tried to do to me, he got his just desserts." Turning towards Shepard, he asked, "Shepard?! Are you alright?! SHEPARD?!"

For a moment, there was silence, then Mason heard some coughing. "I-I'm here," Shepard replied, his voice strained as he coughed for a few seconds. "I'm OK. Just got my ass knocked over. Damn Shadow Hawk went critical on me."

"Are you injured?"

"Other than a nasty cut on my arm, I'm fine," Shepard replied. "Just got it bandaged up with some gauze and bandages from the medical kit in here. Those things work wonders."

"Can you get your 'Mech up?" In response, Mason watched as Shepard, using the arm pods, forced his 'Mech onto it's front, before using enough force to stand the 'Mech up. Once it was upright, the Gyro took over and rebalanced the 'Mech.

"I'm good," Shepard nodded. "Armor got a little shaken up, but I'm still combat able."

"Good," Mason sighed, relieved that, aside from a minor injury, Shepard was alright. "Don't scare me like that, though. You nearly gave me a heart attack." Remembering the hostiles from earlier, he asked, "Garrus, Wrex?"

"Just got rid of the last of those pyjacks," Wrex replied. "Garrus nearly got into trouble, but I got him out in time. Also, I did not damage any of my guns."

"Good to hear," Mason nodded. "You OK, Garrus?"

"I'm fine," Garrus replied. "We really need to make a brawling version of this Rifleman. That Shadow Hawk nearly fired on my rear armor plating. It's only because of Wrex that my guns are intact, along with my ammo."

"Good to hear," Mason beamed. Changing the frequency, he said, "Ryana, this is Commander Mason. We're good here. Takushima is dead, and we've got some salvage here."

"Copy that," Ryana replied. "No one else is coming, so I can say that we've got as much time as we need to get all the salvage we want."

"Good. Also, have Fahad take a look at the armor plating on the Orion. It was much tougher than I thought it would've been. I can already tell that it's got some kind of LosTech on it, though I'm not sure what it is?"

"Might be Ferro-Fibrous Armor, if what you're saying is true," Fahad cut in. "That stuff's much tougher than your standard kind of armor, though bulkier. A lad at NAIS told me about it before we picked up Shepard and his crew. If we can find the DCMS DropShip in question, then we could recover more of the stuff."

"Agreed," Ryana nodded. "Salvage team is on the way. We've got around eight hours to salvage the equipment here."

"Agreed," Mason nodded. "Shepard, you think you can guard the area with the others?"

"Sure," Shepard nodded. "My arm cut's not bleeding too badly, though I'll have the corpsman onboard take a look at it when we're back home. Used some coagulating agents I found to help with that."

"Agreed."