Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my BattleTech/Mass Effect crossover.

Thank you all once again for your feedback and support. I greatly appreciate it.

Now, we're at the end of the Tikonov story arc for this crossover. Coming up next is some exposition and world building, though I won't spoil the details. Stay tuned for some of the background events that are going to take place.

In addition, I have a poll going on my profile page. If you want to vote, please do so. I'm interested in hearing your feedback there.

As always, leave a review and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the BattleTech or Mass Effect franchises. They are the respective property and trademarks of BioWare, Electronic Arts, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, Piranha Games Inc., etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. 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.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries OST - Blood Pressure

MDS Cavalier II

Tikonov

October 8th, 3028

So far, so good, Shepard thought as he finished filling out a form that Fahad had given him. We're kicking the Capellans in the ass, and we're liberating people that were crushed under their iron heel for a long, long time. I never thought I'd be able to partake in a piece of history in a universe I thought was fictional. I'm glad to have been wrong.

There was one thing that did have Shepard a little confused though: why had Fahad given him a form to fill out? It seemed like a maintenance log for his Marauder, but there were a few things that were off to him. I wonder if Fahad is pulling a prank on me. If so, then it's probably going to be a good one. Everyone should be subject to some ridicule every now and then.

Finishing the form, he folded it and put it into one of his uniform's pockets before getting up from his cot. Looking around, he could tell that no one was inside, though he wasn't certain if that was because they were at work, or if something else was going on. Strange. It's usually not this quiet. I'd better go and see what's going on.

As he looked around the ship, he began to notice more oddities going on. For one, the TacOps Room was empty, save for the flight crew, who were busy doing what they usually did. The mess hall was also empty, along with the medical bay. That just leaves the 'Mech Bay then. Maybe everyone's there.

Heading down the steps, he found that the door to the 'Mech Bay was closed. That's odd, he noted. The door to the 'Mech Bay is usually kept open in case we have a damaged 'Mech coming in for repairs. I wonder why. With a shrug, he decided to open the door, only to see blackness on the other side. Wha…

As soon as the thought passed through his mind, the lights in the room suddenly flashed on, blinding him for a brief second. At the same time, he heard a tremendous shout of, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" As soon as his vision recovered, Shepard spotted the source of the shout.

It turned out, just about everyone was present in the 'Mech Bay. Looking around, he spotted Mason standing on a crate, clad in his formal uniform, while Garrus was standing next to Fahad, both men having a smile on their faces. Nyreen and her kids were also present, along with Wrex, who was holding the largest jug of Timbuktu Dark that Shepard had seen in his life. Ryana was also present, along with the 'Mech Bay personnel and the MechWarriors that were part of their retinue.

For a moment, Shepard felt only confusion, then the realization hit him like an Assault 'Mech. It's my birthday today, he realized, a big grin blossoming on his face. I didn't even realize it when I got up.

"Mason," Shepard beamed. "How'd you know it was my birthday today?"

"Garrus told me," Mason replied, a smile as he stepped off of his crate. "We figured we could do something special this time around, since this might be the only chance we'll ever have. So, here we are."

"You guys are the best," Shepard smiled. Walking to the team, he quickly grabbed the glass of Timbuktu Dark that was handed to him. "Thank you so much for surprising me."

"You're welcome," Mason beamed. Holding up his glass in the air, he said, "A toast to the first MechWarrior from another universe!"

"Cheers!" the others shouted, before imbibing the drink that was in their hands. Once they were done, Mason said, "And, of course, every birthday should have presents and a cake. Fahad, how about you show Shepard his first present of the day?"

"You got it, boss," Fahad smiled. Taking Shepard aside, he said, "Shepard, remember when we managed to get off of Doriya? Well, while we were there, we picked up a goodie that one of the Capellans managed to snag. I don't know how they managed it, but Wrex managed to get a cockpit kill on the 'Mech, so fixing it up wasn't that hard of a challenge, thanks to the spare parts we have on hand."

"What 'Mech is it?" Shepard asked.

"Oh, I think you're going to love it." As he said this, the doors to one of the 'Mech cubicles opened up, allowing Shepard to take a look inside.

To him, it resembled a Marauder, only if someone had given it growth hormones and steroids. As he looked at it, it dawned on him as to what it might be. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Yep," Fahad beamed. "The one and only Marauder II! I still don't know how the Capellans managed to get their hands on one, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth. We got her fixed up yesterday and Mason wanted to do something special for your birthday, so here it is.

"She's got an LB 10-X from Blankenberg Technologies installed, along with a pair of Defiance 1001 ER PPC's that came pre-installed on the 'Mech. To provide close range fire, she's got a pair of Ceres Arms W Medium Pulse Lasers we managed to salvage from our previous mission. Say what you will about the Grenadiers, but they had some top notch merchandise. I take it you filled out the form?"

"Yes," Shepard nodded, handing the paper over to Fahad.

"Then she's all yours," Fahad beamed. "Enjoy your birthday." With that, the two went back to the others.

. . .

As far as birthdays went, that was one of the better ones in Shepard's opinion. The cake had been baked very well, and the drinks were good. The best part, though, were the members of the team and the things going on with them.

Garrus had announced that, once the war was over, he and Nyreen were thinking of having one last child, while Nihlus, once he was of age, would begin his training as a soldier, since he'd shown interest in BattleMechs. Celicia had told the others that she planned on becoming a foot soldier, citing that she felt the need to follow in her mother's footsteps. Wrex was also quite happy, often sharing stories of his exploits with the others.

Then there were the presents. The presents ranged from simple trinkets to things that would prove highly useful if things went a certain way. One particular present was a Laser Pistol that Mason had bought for him. "You'll need a way to defend yourself if you're caught with your pants down," was Mason's justification. "This is probably the top-tier means of doing so, since 'Mechs are too cramped to have rifles. Keep it on you for luck, and for defense, at all times. It'll serve you well."

The next day, Shepard was taking a few pills to help alleviate the minor hangover that he'd gotten as a result of the drink. Good thing I moderated my consumption, he thought as he noticed Wrex, who looked positively miserable. Wrex drank a little too much in my opinion, though he's a Krogan so he'll live. Still, that was a wonderful birthday to have.

He was just entering the TOR when he spotted Ryana and Mason inside already. "Glad you're here, Commander Shepard," Mason nodded. "We just got a transmission from Marshal Davion. Ryana?"

"Beginning playback now," Ryana replied.

Moments later, Marshal Davion's voice came in over the speakers. The moment Shepard heard the man's tone of voice, he knew something was up. "Kestrel Lancers, I have an important announcement.

"Last night, we received word that Pavel Ridzik has abandoned Tikonov. The Sixth, Seventh and Eight Crucis Lancers attempted to capture him, but bad weather prevented the aerospace wings from being able to pursue Ridzik's DropShip as he fled the system. Across Tikonov, coordinated resistance to our invasion is beginning to break apart. Remaining CCAF are fleeing into the wilderness, unable to get to their DropShips now that we firm control over all of Tikonov's spaceports.

"The capitol city, Tikograd, is in talks with AFFS Command to negotiate terms of surrender for the city and many of the major civilian population centers on Tikonov. We are hoping that they will help us broker a surrender from the remaining CCAF forces now trapped on Tikonov. But until that time, the trapped CCAF forces remain a threat. While our blitzkrieg worked at disrupting their defenses and taking firm control of the system's spaceports, it also allowed for large numbers of the Confederation Forces to withdraw into the wilderness, where they will undoubtedly regroup en mass.

"Thanks to the efforts of the Seventh Crucis Lancers, and their liberation of the head EarthWerks Limited in Tikograd, we were able to identify a hidden EarthWerks 'Mech production facility deep in the Kazan Mountain Range less than six hundred klicks south of our current location. Our liaison with the Ministry of Information, Intelligence and Operations believes that this will be where the CCAF guerrillas will make an attempt to regroup their forces.

"We're the closest unit stationed near this hidden facility. Command wants the Kestrel Lancers to move against this location and capture it before the CCAF are allowed to fortify their position and resupply. Taking this facility should sweep the legs out from under the remaining Confederation forces in-system, so be sure to bring the biggest 'Mechs you can field in time for this fight. We will be moving against this facility shortly. Finish the fight strong, Lancers!"

As soon as the transmission ended, Shepard said, "Looks like we're approaching the end of our siege of Tikonov. Still, I'm going to bet that this will be the last, and most difficult, hurdle facing us yet."

"You got that right," Mason nodded. "The worst kind of enemy to fight is one that's desperate and has nothing left to lose. Make sure your team's ready to go, Shepard. Time to see if that Marauder II is up to snuff."

. . .

A little under two weeks later, Shepard and his lance were moving towards the EarthWerks Limited facility that had been found out by the Crucis Lancers. Looking around the interior of his 'Mech's cockpit, he could see the familiar controls that would allow him to expertly pilot this titanic war machine. Nearby, he could see the others in their Heavy 'Mechs, all of which were ready to wage war against the Capellans.

As for the terrain, Shepard could only describe it with one word: hostile. The facility had been built in a part of the mountain range that had seen a considerable amount of volcanic activity in the past. Towerinng columns of rock were present, with some being randomly shaped aggregations of rock, while others were hexagonal and geometric in shape. Either way, no grass or trees were present here, and it was obvious that there were rich deposits of minerals here.

As they moved along, Marshal Davion came in over the comm. "The Capitol of Tikograd has surrendered! Strategic Director Pavel Ridzik has fled the system, and the primary EarthWerks Manufacturing facilities in Tikograd have fallen under our control.

"However, the fight is not over. Davion intelligence has tracked the remaining Liao forces to a hidden EarthWerks 'Mech Assembly plant and storage facility close to our forward operating base. Our mission is to finish the fight. Eliminate all Liao defenders and secure the EarthWerks production site. Kestrel Lancers, advance!"

"Here we go," Shepard told the others. "Once we're in there, make sure you watch your fire. We don't want to wreck the facility if we can help it."

"Those Capellans will bet on us doing so," Vega agreed. "It'll be nice to disappoint them for once."

"Let them come," Wrex defiantly growled. "My 'Mech is thirsting for Capellan blood!"

"Then let's go," Shepard nodded. Switching comm frequencies, he asked, "Mason, you there?"

"Affirmative," Mason replied, though static made it difficult to hear his words. "We're barely getting your signal. The minerals here are disrupting communications. We're moving in from the northwest towards the facility. See you on the inside."

"Roger that," Shepard nodded. With that, they continued on, weapons ready as their 'Mechs advanced.

"Commanders," Ryana informed them. "The entire Second Crucics Lancers is on-deck for this mission. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Support our allies and clear the field. There's no telling what we'll encounter once we reach the target facility."

"Copy that," Shepard nodded.

As they advanced, Garrus spotted contacts on his 'Mech's sensor readout. "Uh, oh! Incoming hostiles!"

"We're ready for 'em," Wrex replied. "Time to teach these Capellans a lesson they won't forget anytime soon!"

"Stay focused," Shepard admonished the others. With that, they rounded the corner, coming to a clearing that was just ahead of their position. Inside of said clearing, he spotted a few Scorpions, a pair of Harassers, and a pair of VTOL's that were flying in the air. "Wrex, take out the ground vehicles. Garrus, you've got the VTOL's."

"On it," Garrus replied. Moments later, twin AC/5 shells streaked through the air, smashing into the VTOL's and sending them to a fiery grave on the ground below.

Taking that as his cue to advance, Wrex moved ahead, his Orion's LB 10-X firing at a pair of Scorpion's. Both enemy vehicles exploded as HEAP-FS shells smashed into them, tearing apart what little armor they had left. Shepard, spotting an opportunity, fired his ER PPC's at the other vehicles, cutting them apart in short order.

So far, this 'Mech's really turning out well, he thought. Who would've thought that upgrading the Marauder into an Assault 'Mech would work out so well. He had to hand it to the Wolf Dragoons and Blackwell Industries: they knew their stuff when it came to making 'Mechs.

Eventually, as they moved along large piles of scrap, as well as a number of rock formations, Shepard thought he spotted something off in the distance. The moment he saw the gates, as well as the ramp leading to said gates, he knew they had arrived. "We're here!" he announced.

At the same time, another comm call came in. "Marshal Davion, we've made contact with the Liao defenders. Engaging now. We made it to the outer perimeter. Encountering large amounts of static defenses."

"I've identified the turret's control center," Marshal Davion reported. "Marking it for friendly forces now. If there's anyone with jump capabilities, we may be able to silence those guns all at once."

"Shepard," Vega informed the Commander, "the Marauder II has jump capability. Fahad, does Shepard have Jump Jets on his 'Mech?"

"Affirmative," Fahad replied.

"Good thinking, Vega," Shepard beamed. "Wrex, Vega, keep me covered while I make a break for the turret control system!" With that, he threw the throttle lever to the highest speed for the 'Mech, while Wrex and Vega began distracting the defenses.

Around thirty seconds later, Shepard managed to reach the facility with the others. Hitting a control and a pedal, he heard a rumbling roar as the Jump Jets fully activated, drawing energy from the Fusion Engine to send the 'Mech flying through the air. Reaching the control center, he turned off the Jump Jets, using the 'Mech like a giant hammer and the ground as an anvil.

There was an awful and loud CRUNCH, like someone was crushing a soda can with a foot. The turret control center crumpled, the delicate components inside being crushed into so much scrap metal. At the same time the turrets, deprived of their I/FF system, shut down, silencing them.

"Nice work!" Lt. Jeffery Collins, the man in charge of the local Davion forces, shouted. "That'll make our lives much easier!"

"You're welcome!" Shepard nodded.

"Marshal Davion, we have breached the facility's perimeter! I/FF readings indicate hostile forces both inside and outside of the facility!"

"Commanders Shepard and Mason, you will secure the interior," Marshal Davion ordered. "Do your best to preserve as much of the facility as possible. A working 'Mech production facility is much too valuable to destroy. All remaining Lancers, fan out and secure the exterior of this facility. Make sure no Liao forces escape!"

"Copy that," Shepard replied. "We're moving inside now." Reaching the gates, he fired the LB 10-X and the ER PPC's, blasting the gate apart. "Bravo Lance, follow my lead! We're moving in!"

With that, they advanced inside as quickly as they could. Spotting a Firestarter coming at him, Shepard fired off both Pulse Lasers and the LB 10-X. Emerald beams of light winked in and out of existence, while the HEAP-FS slug smashed into the center torso of the enemy 'Mech. In just two seconds flat, the 'Mech was destroyed, the machine slumping over to the ground.

As they moved through the facility to clear out the hostiles, Shepard advanced into one of the massive rooms in the facility. To his surprise, he could see 'Mechs in various hangars, almost as though they were like clothes in a wardrobe. Scanning one, he heard the DIC report, "Target Designation: Cataphract."

Apparently, Fahad had been listening in, as he said, "Blimey, those are Cataphracts! One of the first new BattleMech designs in centuries!"

"Yes," Marshal Davion replied. "Between the Raven and the Cataphract, House Liao has been the only Great House, other than House Steiner, to produce brand new 'Mech designs since the start of the Succession Wars. Even with it being mostly cobbled together by recycling parts from other 'Mechs, it is still an impressive BattleMech, which is why it is imperative that we minimize the damage to this facility."

As the two talked, Shepard and the others exited the massive storage building and into the open once again. "Got a Spider incoming!" Wrex shouted. "I've got him!" There was a loud KRA-THOOM, then, "Enemy 'Mech down!"

"Looks like there's a ramp that leads to the rest of the facility over there!" Vega reported

"I see it," Shepard nodded. "Keeo moving. Any hostiles get in your way, tear them apart!"

As they moved in, resistance continued to build, though the team kept on fighting as hard as they possibly could. Blasting apart a Trebuchet, Shepard watched with satisfaction as the 'Mech's Fusion Engine went supercritical, with the 'Mech being far away enough to prevent damage to the facility.

As they continued to move through the facility, more hostiles kept on coming. They were all either Combat Vehicles, or Light to Medium 'Mechs, but there were quite a few of them. While skilled, they were no match for Shepard and his Lance as they advanced onward through the facility.

As they advanced through the facility, an unfamiliar voice came in over the comm channel. "Federated Suns forces. You are trespassing on EarthWerks Limited property. Withdraw from this facility immediately, or face the consequences."

Marshal Davion came in seconds later. "This is Marshal Jackson Davion of the Second Crucis Lancers. In the name of First Prince Hanse Davion and the Federated Suns, we are here to commandeer this facility. Stand down and surrender, and no more harm will come to you or your people."

"I'm afraid both you and I know that is not possible, Marshal. If you will not withdraw, then it is my duty to ensure that his facility will become your tomb!"

"Commanders Shepard and Mason, clear out the remaining hostile forces as fast as you can. They will most likely attempt to sabotage the facility, rather than see it fall into our hands."

"On it," Shepard replied. "You hear that, guys? Advance and destroy the enemy as quickly as possible without wrecking the place!"

"Easier said than done!" Wrex shouted as he took on a Trebuchet. "Vega, go with Shepard! I'll take care of any stragglers here!"

"On it," Vega nodded. With that, both he and Shepard continued to advance, weapons blazing as they destroyed 'Mech after 'Mech that the enemy sent at them. HEAP shells whizzed through the air, laser beams cut armor apart, and missiles began tearing up the area.

As they moved on through, Shepard and Vega managed to reach another area, when Ryana came in over the comm. "Commander Shepard, I'm detecting multiple reactor power-ups in the area. Watch yourself!"

"Thanks for the heads up," Shepard nodded. "Where's Commander Mason?"

"We're almost to your area," Mason replied. "We ran into a shit ton of Medium and Heavy 'Mechs here." A moment later, he added somberly, "I lost a MechWarrior in the process. Damn bastards shot him in the back!"

"We can get revenge by taking his facility," Shepard replied. "We'll avenge his loss, and do him proud! Vega, with me!"

As soon as they were close enough, someone contacted them over the comm. "You should have left when you had the chance, FedRat! Tikonov may yet fall, but you will not live to see it!"

"Not if I have a say in the matter," Shepard growled. Just as he said that, several 'Mechs came into view, including a Cataphract. "I'll take the Cataphract," he told Vega. "You handle the other 'Mechs."

"Copy that," Vega nodded. With that, Shepard and Vega split up to engage their contacts.

Come here, you sick bastard, Shepard growled as the Cataphract fired on him. Firing his LB 10-X, he blasted off the armor on the enemy 'Mech's right arm, exposing it's internal structure to his Medium Pulse Lasers. A quick application of that sent the 'Mech's right arm falling to the ground, rendering it useless to the enemy.

The two continued to exchange blows, but in the end, Shepard was victorious. The LB 10-X fired again, stripping the armor off of the center torso. A second later, Shepard fired both ER PPC's, his crosshairs set dead on the enemy 'Mech's Fusion Engine.

"DAMN YOU, FEDRAT!" the enemy MechWarrior shouted, just as the twin bolts smacked into the hostile. As the 'Mech began to go supercritical, the MechWarrior shouted, "Long live Chancellor Liao! Long live the Capella- AAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!" With that, the enemy 'Mech exploded, killing the MechWarrior inside in an instant.

Just as that happened, Mason and the others arrived. The defenders, despite knowing they were outnumbered, continued to bitterly fight on. After blasting apart a Phoenix Hawk, Mason said, "Sorry we're late, Shepard."

"That's fine," Shepard replied. "Wrex, Vega, you there?"

"I'm fine, Shepard," Vega replied. "Wrex just arrived to help me out."

Apparently, realizing that his men were defeated, the EarthWerks facility manager came in over the comm. "Marshal Davion, my security forces are depleted. On behalf of EarthWerks Limited, I formally surrender myself and my staff into your custody. All EarthWerks forces, I order you to stand down. Your lives are not worth this fight."

"On behalf of the Federated Suns, I accept your surrender," Marshal Davion replied. "All Crucis Lancers, stand down. Mission accomplished. Tikonov is ours!"

As soon as he said this, Shepard heard the sounds of men cheering their victory over the comms. While he was happy that they'd won, he felt sad at the loss of one of the men he'd worked with since he joined up with Mason's Cavaliers. At least he can rest easy, knowing that we avenged his death.

Mason, hearing that, said, "Ryana, bring in a salvage team. Prioritize the Kintaro we lost first. The pilot in there deserves a proper burial. He gave his life to ensure that we could win; it's only fitting that he receive a hero's burial."

"Affirmative," Ryana nodded. "Salvage teams on the way. Estimated salvage recovery time, twelve hours."

"Affirmative. Shepard, good work out there. You deserve a break after all of this."

"That I do," Shepard agreed.