Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my BattleTech/Mass Effect crossover.
I apologize for not being able to update this story for some time. Life was busy, and my beta-reader had some things to take care of in his life. Thankfully, we're back now, so we'll be able to update this crossover some more.
Also, I wanted to inform you that I have two new crossovers on my profile. The first is Mass Effect: Ages of Myst, a Myst/Riven - Mass Effect crossover that I wrote some chapters for in my spare time. If you want to take a look, I highly recommend that you do so. The last one is a Warhammer/Mass Effect crossover known as Mass Effect: Hammer of War. I recommend you give that one a read too.
As always, leave a review and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Mass Effect or BattleTech franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of BioWare, Electronic Arts, FASA Interactive, FASA Corporation, WizKids, Catalyst Game Studios, 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 their respective composers and/or artists.
New Avalon
NAIS
September 10th, 3029
Standing at the campus for NAIS, Hanse looked around at the campus as personnel began to load up much of what they were studying into specially designed storage units. Each one, once closed up and locked, was capable of withstanding a full bombardment by artillery fire, more so since each one was underground. It was a recent addition to the campus, with the security measure being chosen in the event the campus was bombarded by DropShips from orbit.
Currently, the official story for what was going on was that they were conducting a drill for what might happen if the campus was attacked by pirates or a hostile Great House. Hanse, along with Quintus and anyone that worked closely with him, knew what the real reason for what they were doing was, though. Today, September the tenth, was the day that ComStar was going to attack the New Avalon Institute of Science.
Looking at his watch, he noted the time that was on it. 10:15 PM, he noted as he looked up, seeing the star speckled sky. In a few minutes, or at most an hour, ComStar's forces, disguised as Liao Death Commandos, will attack the facility in an attempt to destroy or capture all of our hard earned work. Once more, James Vega and Shepard, I am in your debt for warning me about his day.
He still had to admit, this was an audacious attack, even for ComStar, despite knowing the reasons why they were attacking. I wouldn't be surprised if this was the catalyst for the formation of the Word of Blake extremists, he noted wryly. Either way, I fully intend to make sure that they make off with not a single byte of data from this facility, even if they try to tear it out of my cold, dead hands.
He wasn't the only one that was participating in the defense of the facility, should ComStar's forces attack. In the woods near the campus, a whole lance of Heavy and Assault 'Mechs were standing by, ready to rain hell onto the attackers when their First Prince called for their aid. In addition, a whole wing of AeroSpace Fighters were on standby, along with a regiment of Combat Vehicles, all armed to the teeth and ready to make a mess out of the enemy.
Hearing footsteps approaching his position, he turned to see one of Shepard's crew coming towards him. Grunt looked even more intimidating than normal, wearing the custom neurohelmet and cooling vest that allowed him to pilot the Assault 'Mech that he'd come to love and appreciate: the Atlas. Hanse hadn't told him, but the 'Mech was the same one that the First Prince's brother had died in more than a decade ago - he knew his brother would want it to go to a worthy MechWarrior, and neither Hanse, nor his nephew Morgan could ride in it without being overwhelmed by the memories of that tragic day.
This had made Grunt the ideal MechWarrior for the Atlas. Not only did he like heavy firepower, a trait that all Krogan had, he was well trained by Hanse in 'Mech Combat, and he'd shown that he had the skill necessary to pilot the immense, robotic war machine. "You need something, Grunt?" Hanse asked.
"Coming to check on you," Grunt replied. "You taught me how to use one of those 'Mechs while Shepard was playing mercenary. Wish we had more of these back home; we'd crush the Reapers under the feet of our 'Mechs."
"I'm certain you would," Hanse agreed. "As for how I'm doing, I'm quite fine, really. Aside from that idiot Karl Greene being the pompous asshole that he usually is, life is doing quite well. The only thoughts I have right now are the defense of this facility, as well as my wife."
"I saw her on the broadcast of the wedding. I have to admit, for a Human, she was beautiful, but I've also heard that she has the mind of a true Krogan warrior. You were quite fortunate to have her as your wife."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"That I will. How's Shepard, by the way?"
"He's doing quite well, Grunt. His team's doing nicely, and two of his friends, Garrus and Nyreen, have four kids now, and are working on a fifth. In addition, Mason and his Cavaliers are doing supremely well. They've had a lucky streak for quite some time, though I know from experience that will come to an end at some point."
"It always does. I remember from the memories that Okeer imprinted into my head. No Krogan Chieftain lasts forever, but the smart ones ensure that their legacy will live on in the lives of their heirs and fellow clansmen. Speaking of which, what about the Clans? Do we have a plan for dealing with them when the time comes?"
"We do," Hanse nodded, remembering the recording of the meeting that his wife had with Jamie Wolf. "I must admit, the stunned silence that came from the head of the Wolf Dragoons was nothing short of entertaining. They have, however, sent us a considerable amount of information on the Clans, especially Jade Falcon and Wolf. They were also kindly enough to share some of their weapons tech with us."
"Good. I can't wait to show those trashborn what a pure Krogan can do."
"I'm certain you'll get the chance at some point," Hanse nodded. Looking at the time again, he said, "You might want to report back to your Lance Commander, Grunt. I have a feeling that ComStar will be attacking soon."
"Yes, sir." With that, Grunt left. Hanse would've remained where he was, except for the fact that his memory jolted a moment later.
Reaching for his communicator, he said, "Engineer Adams, do you read me?"
"Loud and clear," came the reply. "What do you need?"
"Has Mordin been moved to the chamber we designed specifically for him?"
"Affirmative," Adams replied. "We've locked his Stasis Tube into the chamber, along with that chamber's power supply."
"Good. What's his condition."
"Stable and healthy. We've also made some improvements to the Stasis Tube he's in, which is good news too. It's not nearly as temperamental as before, and it's not requiring as much power to do what it has to do. Beyond that, he's aging very slowly. I estimate that by the time the Clans come to try and invade, he'll have only aged a month or so."
"Good. Has everything been moved inside of the secure bunkers?"
"Affirmative. All data's been backed up and moved to a secure location offsite. We're as ready for an attack as we can be."
"Good. Once the alarms sound, remain in the bunkers with your coworkers until the all-clear is sounded. Over and out." With that, he closed the comm channel.
For the next few minutes, there was nothing but silence as the defenders near the facility waited for the inevitable. Then, just as Hanse had climbed back into his 'Mech and made sure everything was alright, he spotted it. A faint shimmer of light that was moving towards them, with the shimmer slowly growing brighter.
A moment later, he heard the STC near the facility contacting the DropShip. "DropShip MSV Icarus, this is Albion STC. You are on a vector towards NAIS. State your intentions immediately."
A reply came back moments later. "Albion STC, this is the MSV Icarus. We are currently carrying a bulk cargo of LosTech for NAIS. Requesting a landing vector."
"That's a bluff," Hanse frowned. "If Vega's right, then that DropShip's chock full of ComStar agents disguised as Death Commandos."
"I'm not worried," Grunt beamed. "Either way, we know the truth. They won't fool us."
Fortunately, Quintus had informed Albion STC that a potential terrorist attack was set to happen on this day. As such, the STC controller that was talking to the DropShip did as Quintus had instructed him to do. "MSV Icarus, request denied. We are currently experiencing maintenance and technical issues, and are currently handling a chemical spill in our labs. I can divert you to -" He never got the chance to finish.
Moments later, Hanse watched as the DropShip, an Overlord-class, fired a PPC directly at the tower, slagging the booth where the Space Traffic Controllers were at. When he saw that, he knew that this was it. Keying his comms, he said, "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, this is it. ComStar's coming to attack NAIS in order to prevent the Inner Sphere from rising out of the current dark age it is in. We will engage them here and now. AeroSpace Wing Lima, do you read me?"
"Copy, sir," came the reply. "We are moving to intercept the enemy DropShip now. Permission to engage?"
"Granted," Hanse replied, his voice cold and devoid of emotion.
"Affirmative. Target locked! Missiles away!"
Moments later, Hanse watched as a swarm of LRM's flew towards the DropShip, which had now detected the incoming enemy fire. AMS (Anti-Missile System) projectiles flew outward from the DropShip as the systems onboard fought to prevent the missiles from reaching the DropShip. Most of the missiles were destroyed, as a result.
A few, though, managed to dodge the incoming hail of bullets, and slammed directly into the hull of the DropShip. Most didn't cause much damage, but a few managed to hit the relatively lightly armored engine nozzles at the rear of the DropShip. While not enough to destroy them, it was enough to force them to land, which was what the team wanted.
Once more, Hanse knew that his talent for battle was required to win the day. Come at us, ComStar, he snarled internally as he began to accelerate towards the landing DropShip. You can cause communication blackouts, you can manipulate Great Houses, but you can't stop progress. No one can.
. . .
Nearby, in his Atlas, Grunt was eagerly awaiting his chance to hammer ComStar's forces into nothing but a smear on his 'Mech's leg actuators. You ComStar soldiers are soft and squishy, he thought as he watched Hanse's 'Mech advance towards the DropShip, which was marked red on the sensor readouts. I will show you what a pure Krogan can do!
Apparently, the shock of being attacked before they made it to their destination had some effect, as the DropShip doors didn't immediately open. Still, it was clear that the ComStar acolytes hadn't let this affect their wits, as the DropShip opened fire with whatever weapons were mounted on it's hull. Seconds later, the 'Mech Bay doors fully opened, allowing several ComStar 'Mechs to burst out into the open.
Spotting a Marauder moving towards Hanse's Battlemaster, Grunt got ready for when Hanse needed him. He go it a moment later, as his communicator crackled to life. "Grunt, have at them!" he heard Hanse shout.
In reply, Grunt let out a long, deep throated, bellowing roar, which he intentionally broadcasted to all 'Mechs in range. Charging at the enemy Marauder, he roared, "I. AM. KROGAN!" Firing his LRM-20, he watched with satisfaction as the missiles slammed into the back of the enemy 'Mech, forcing the pilot to turn around and engage him.
This opened up the enemy pilot to an assault from both Hanse and Grunt. In response to the 'Mech turning to engage him, Grunt fired the Defiance 'Mech Hunter AC/20 mounted in the Atlas' right torso. At the same time, Hanse fired off the PPC on his 'Mech.
The enemy Marauder, while well armored and piloted by a well trained MechWarrior, quickly began to crumple like a soda can under the immense assault. The AC/20's HEAP shell smashed into the enemy 'Mech's left center torso, pealing off almost all of the armor on there, before a follow up from the Atlas' Medium Lasers stripped off the armor plating and tore apart the ammo bay for the 'Mech's AC/5, causing an explosion to tear off the left arm.
At the same time, the PPC bolt from Hanse's BattleMaster smashed into the thinner armor plating on the back. On a stroke of luck, the PPC bolt tore into the Fusion Engine, causing air to rush into the main chamber. "Get back!" Hanse shouted. "That's 'Mech's going supercritical!" Grunt, hearing this, quickly backed up.
He was about to turn around when the DIC informed him of an attack on his back. Turning around as the enemy Marauder exploded, he spotted the source of the attack: a Commando that was trying to run circles around him. He was about to attack when another MechWarrior shouted, "I've got him, Grunt! He's toast!"
Seconds later, another Commando rushed out into the open, before firing on the ComStar Commando. "I'll keep his ass tied up! You focus on the heavies trying to get at NAIS!"
"Got it," Grunt replied. "Get that squishly little pyjack! I'll crush these so-called 'acolytes' into dust!"
As he turned to engage the incoming Griffin, he spotted something in the corner of his vision. Looking in that direction, Grunt spotted what he realized was an APC, with the vehicle gunning for the campus. "Got a runner here!" he shouted. "Can't engage 'im though!"
"We'll have to leave that one for the NAISCIT," Hanse replied. "Since we warned them about the incoming attack, they'll be able to hold off the soldiers ComStar sent. Right now, focus on the 'Mechs! They can cause the most damage if they get too close to the campus!"
"On it," Grunt replied as he continued to fight on.
. . .
At the campus, Liara watched as soldiers clad in military grade body armor manned their positions at various locations in the campus grounds. Most were staying away from the large rectangle of grass that was near the dormitories, and those that were near it were quickly moving away. Everywhere else, including the entrances to each building, had been fortified with barricades and machine gun nests.
She was also clad in armor as well, though it was light enough that she could use her biotics without being encumbered. She subconsciously patted the laser pistol that was resting in it's holster near her thigh. While she'd trained in using those weapons, she knew that today was the day that her skills would be put to the test.
All of Liara's thoughts, though, were with the guest house that was located at Hanse's palace at Mount Davion. She could still remember the times when Shepard and she would get busy with each other, and the life that they had brought into the new world. My children are only a year old, she thought, but when Shepard returns, I will be more than happy to share them with him.
Looking towards where she heard the sounds of Autocannons being fired, she prepared her biotics. Once more, I'm needed to fight against those that would take us hostage for their own benefit. However, I am more than ready to fight in the defense of my children and this place.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a soldier came towards her, auto rifle in hand. "Ma'am, the enemy's about to arrive," he informed her. "ComStar's ACP got through, and we're expecting Death Commandos to be knocking on the doors at any moment. You ready?"
"I am," Liara replied. "I'll teach them to mind their own business." With that, she moved behind the barricade for the entrance to the administrative level for the campus.
It wasn't long before they had unwanted visitors coming towards them. Listening careful, she heard the loud RAT-TAT of machine guns firing, as well as a loud KRA-THOOM as someone fired a recoilless rifle. She heard the sound of a vehicle coming to a stop, before more gunfire rang out seconds later.
A moment later, she watched as the door to the administrative building was blasted down by a breaching charge. Seconds later, a man clad in plasteel armor plating, with the armor painted in black's, browns and greens, charged inside, laser rifle in hand. It was the last mistake he'd ever made.
Liara, summoning her biotics, hurled the man outside with the force of twenty Krogan, the ComStar Acolyte's body enveloped in a blue glow. Glass shattered as he was hurled out the window, before smashing into the APC with a sickening CRACK! He slumped down moments later, a smeared trail of blood following his dying body.
More Acolytes charged inside, weapons blazing as they fought with the security team. Bullets and lasers cut through the air with lethal intent, with some bouncing off of the armor plating that was present on the barricades. The NAIS Crisis Intervention Team personnel inside also fired back, their own weapons barking as they fought to drive off the invaders.
As the minutes ticked down, the two sides fought to gain supremacy over the others. It would've been easier for the Acolytes, were it not for Liara constantly using her biotics to dash them against the walls, tear their rifles out of their arms, or send them flying back out the door like someone had kicked them with an enormous boot. A group of Acolytes had even been hoisted into the air by a biotic singularity, before they were cut to ribbons by Liara and the security team.
Eventually, the fighting began to die down as the Acolytes, realizing that they were outmatched, began to retreat. "We've got 'em on the run!" one of the CIT members shouted. "Keep the pressure on! MOVE!"
With that, the defenders moved towards the door, though they were always careful to keep out of the APC's firing arc, or risk being cut down by the bullets like a scythe cutting down stalks of wheat. "We need a Missile Launcher!" one of the members shouted. "I'd take a Recoilless Rifle any day right now!"
"I've got it!" Liara shouted. Looking at the APC turret, she hurled a biotic attack towards it. Once it struck, the structural integrity of the turret began to weaken, as the oscillating dark energy fields began to tear it apart at a subatomic level. "Fire now!" she shouted.
As one, the soldiers opened fire on the weakened turret. After three seconds of frantic firing, the Machinegun turret for the APC shut down, a laser having fried the internal components. Liara, spotting her chance, moved forwards to engage. She never got the chance.
Suddenly, there was a loud explosion as something hit close to her feet. Flying through the air, she landed hard on her chest. Ears ringing, she was about to get up when a boot smashed into her back, forcing her down on the ground. "Got one of 'em!" she heard a voice shout.
"Take her with us!" the other man shouted. "Retreat! Fall back!" Liara was about to get up when the stock of a rifle smashed into her face. Then she knew nothing but blackness.
. . .
Nearby, Hanse and the others were still smashing apart the 'Mechs that were causing them trouble. As they did so, he spotted the APC coming back. "Grunt, take it out!" he ordered.
Just as Grunt would've done so, a frantic voice came in over the comm channel. "This is NAISCIT leader Edward McHonnally, don't fire on the APC! I repeat, don't fire on the APC! The bastards have Liara and a crew member of the Normandy!"
What, Hanse thought, caught off guard by the report. "Are you sure?!" he shouted.
"Yes!" came the reply. "They caught them when they blasted us with some grenades. I've got five KIA and twenty more wounded over here!"
The joy that came with the imminent defeat of ComStar's forces quickly turned into dread. "DAMNIT!" he roared, hitting a fist against his chair. "Those fucking bastards!" Turning to Grunt, he said, "Belay that order, Grunt! They've got Liara and one of Shepard's crew!"
"I heard already!" Grunt replied. Charging at the DropShip as the APC boarded, he shouted, "Get back here, you bastards!" Just as he was about to get close to the DropShip, multiple PPC shots hit the 'Mech.
While not enough to damage the internal structure of the 'Mech, the resulting electrical overload did something else: it overloaded the 'Mech's internal systems. "WARNING: Electrical Overload Detected", the 'Mech's DIC informed Grunt. "Shutting Down Non-Essential Systems." Moments later, the 'Mech slumped over, far away enough from the DropShip to not get melted, but close enough for Grunt to see his quarry leaving. "NO!" he roared over the comms.
Nearby, Hanse sighed as he looked at what had happened. This is not good at all, he frowned. Two of Shepard's crew were abducted, and we've got no way to find out what they plan to do with them. Damnit!
As he thought what had happened over, he realized that there was still a chance. Keying his comms as the DropShip left atmosphere, he asked, "Quintus, can we track that DropShip?"
"AeroSpace Fighters are already moving to intercept," Quintus replied. "We'll know in a few hours if they were successful." Nodding at that, Hanse waited anxiously for the news, while dreading it at the same time.
That latter feeling was correct, as Quintus said, "Sir, I must apologize for failing you. The DropShip ComStar sent used a Pirate Jump Point to escape the AeroSpace Fighters, while destroying them at the same time. My guess is that they outfitted the JumpShip that the DropShip was docked to with Lithium Fusion Batteries, another piece of LosTech we're currently trying to bring back. I... I'm sorry, Hanse."
Hanse frowned, a sigh of frustration escaping his lungs. He was angry, but he knew it wasn't Quintus' fault that they couldn't save Liara and the others. "We did all we could to save them," he replied. "It's possible to get everything right, and still lose, Quintus. I learned that the hard way a Halstead Station. Do you have any ideas on where we could find them?"
"I have a few," Quintus replied. "I believe they might take Liara and that member of the Normandy's crew to one of their holding locations near Terra, likely at New Dallas, since there are ComStar facilities there. There are dozens of those places, though, but we do have a lucky break. We managed to capture a ComStar Acolyte and prevented him from committing suicide. If we interrogate him, we might be able to find out exactly where they're taking Liara and that other crew member."
"Do it," Hanse nodded. "Squeeze the bastard dry of all of his secrets. I don't care what it takes, Quintus; make him scream if you have to. If we do find where she's being held at, do we have any options?"
"Yes, sir. The Normandy is the only way to rescue her. We might also rescue any scientists and political figures that ComStar has captured, if we're lucky. Should I inform Shepard?"
"Do so. We need him on station immediately. It's the only way we'll be able to save Liara." Closing that comm link, he said to Grunt, "Are you OK?"
"Fine," Grunt replied, though it was clear he was barely able to restrain the rage he was feeling. "Got my 'Mech turned back on again. We have to go after ComStar; if they break Liara, they can use her to force Shepard to surrender."
"I know, Grunt. That's why we're going to interrogate an Acolyte that we captured. If we find out where Liara's being held, you'll be on the team to rescue her. Count on that."