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

Thank you all for the wonderful support I received last chapter. I deeply appreciate it.

This is probably going to be the last calm chapter in this particular story arc. After that, it's going to get really high octane in terms of action. Stay tuned to see some epic action, a few heartbreaking moments, as well as the bad guys getting their just desserts.

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 BioWare, Electronic Arts, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, WizKids, 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 - Mercenaries

Earth

London

October 10th, 2186

Wandering around the FOB, Shepard could clearly tell that the Alliance forces that had landed, along with the AFFC, were quickly making short work of getting the fortifications ready. Barricades were being set up, while IndustrialMechs modified for battlefield engineering were installing the last few ferrocrete walls that would provide an incredibly tough defense against even a Minotaur. Already, men and women were manning the weapons on the walls, as well as at the fortifications, in order to keep the Reaper's ground forces at bay.

Nearby, he watched as Anderson and another officer approached. "The AFFC has been quite kind with their use of MFB's," the officer explained to Anderson. "In addition, some of the DropShips have dropped off modified IndustrialMechs. As such, we've got our FOB, and there's a command building over there." He pointed at a few prefabricated structures the AFFC engineers had set up.

"Looks like we've still got groups coming in," Anderson observed, noting a line of Mako IFV's that were driving into the FOB.

"Yes, sir, but not as many as we hoped," the officer frowned. "AFFC recon elements are reporting heavy resistance along the routes we're using. They're sending in BattleMechs and Combat Vehicles to clear them out for us."

"Hhhmmm…" Anderson mused. Spotting Shepard, he said, "Come see me when you're ready, Shepard."

"Will do," Shepard nodded.

"He's right," Vega remarked as he came over. "I expected to see more of Hammer here by now."

"A lot of them won't be making it," Shepard frowned as he looked out over the blasted landscape. It was a sad fact of war that he knew all too well, but one that didn't make him shy away from his duty. "You two go on ahead. I'll catch up." Noting another person coming over, he asked, "Who are you?"

"Major Coats," the Alliance officer replied. "I've been with Anderson since this whole invasion's started. He's the only reason we've made it this long, despite his claims to the contrary." Looking out over the landscape, he added, "The fighting here's been some of the worst on the planet. It looks bad, but there's still hope. And you're here. It'll do good for the troops to see you. Bolster their resolve."

"I'm just a soldier like them."

"You might see yourself as that, but they don't. Like it or not, Commander, you're a hero to these men. Don't discount the effect that might have on them." After a moment of silence, he said, "I better go meet with my battalion. I'll see you at the Command Center."

With that, both men went their separate ways. Walking towards one of the perimeter walls, Shepard could hear the sounds of Support Machine Guns firing, along with the static-like whine of a Support PPC powering up before firing. Looking at the barricade, he watched as the soldiers dispatched a few Marauders and Cannibals that had gotten too close to the base. "Easy pickings," one of the soldiers remarked. "Just the way I like it."

Moving on from that, Shepard spotted Vega near some cargo crates, while a line of both Alliance and AFFC soldiers saluted him. Spotting Shepard, he turned and said, "Hey, Commander."

"What?" Shepard asked teasingly. "No 'Loco?'"

"Yeah, sorry," Vega replied quietly.

"You OK?"

Vega's shoulders slumped for a moment, then he said, "I don't know what I thought I'd feel coming back to Earth. I was ready to fight, ready to die if necessary, but seeing everything like this…"

Shepard knew exactly how Vega felt. It's how I felt when we were on the cusp of finding a way back home after the Battle of Pinnacle, he knew. Looking at the Citadel beam off in the distance, he said, "I know it's hard to see, but this is only temporary. First, however, we need to win this thing. Stay focused. Don't let them take your will to fight."

"You're right," Vega nodded. "So, I guess this is it, no? One more push… one last fight."

"Not necessarily our last," Shepard noted. "We still got the Clans to deal with once the truce is over, though that won't be for a long while."

"Agreed," Vega admitted. Saluting Shepard, he said, "It's been an honor serving with you, Shepard."

"You're a good man, and a terrific soldier," Shepard smiled.

"Thanks."

"Whatever happens out there today, I know you'll make me proud."

"That I will do," Vega smiled. "Good luck out there, Loco."

Shepard smiled, even as he proceeded onward. As he did so, he could hear the sound of Autocannons and PPC's firing, along with some missiles. Sounds like they got the static defenses up and running, he noted. That'll make it harder for the Reaper's ground forces to get close to the FOB.

As he walked along, he spotted Kaidan near some soldiers. Walking over, he said, "Hey, Kaidan."

"Commander," Kaidan nodded.

"You ready?"

"Absolutely," Kaidan nodded. "For anything. Bring it on."

"And Biotics Division? Your students?"

"More than ready. Eager. That's youth for you. Guess we're old soldiers, eh, Shepard?"

"Yeah," Shepard nodded, rubbing an armored glove over his graying hair. "I guess we are."

"We know the score," Kaidan agreed. "We know this is goodbye."

"We're going to win this thing," Shepard reassured him.

"Don't get me wrong!" Kaidan quickly added. "I'm gonna fight like hell to see you on the other side. But listen, there's… things I wanna say. Looking back, I have a few regrets, but not many. That's pretty damn amazing, right? Messed up kid I was, never would've dreamed of the life I've had, and I owe a lot of that to you, you know."

"It's been quite the roller coaster ride," Shepard agreed.

"It sure has," Kaidan admitted. "But how are you doing? Scared?"

Shepard had to admit, it was a good question, but one he could answer truthfully. "Damn straight, I'm scared," he admitted, "but that fear's gonna keep me alive long enough to strike these bastards right through the heart."

"Yeah," Kaidan nodded. "Exactly."

"So… take care, Major."

"You too, Shepard," Kaidan nodded.

With that, Shepard walked off, while continuing to examine the situation as it progressed. There was a QEC nearby, though Shepard knew he didn't need it. As they were coming down on the DropShip, he had spoken with the rest of his team. All of them were nervous, but they were more than willing to kick ass and take names. They'll give the Reapers hell, he smiled. We'll send the Reapers back to the pit from whence they came.

Entering one of the barracks in the base, he found a kaleidoscope of Alliance Marines, Turian Footmen, AFFC Infantrymen, and many other species inside of the place. Moving around, he was surprised to see a familiar face inside of the barracs. "Primarch Victus?" he asked. "I didn't realize you were here."

Victus, who was wearing what Shepard had determined was high quality AFFC body armor for Turians, turned around and nodded. "I wanted to return the favor in person," he explained. "Though, I'm sorry to see that your world looks as bad as ours."

"I'm surprised you're not back at Palaven."

"This war will be won or lost today, here – on Earth – not on Palaven. Everything comes down to this moment, and history will record that the Turian Hierarchy stood among the brave."

"So, how are things back on Palaven?"

"Excellent," Victus beamed, a pleased smile on his plated face. "When the AFFC arrived there, they took the Reapers by storm. Admiral Strauss von Osman was ruthless in his exploitation of that advantage. It's thanks to his tactics that Palaven was liberated fully from the Reapers. Given that he, and many other Admirals of his caliber are in orbit, I have reason to believe that, while we will lose some ships up there, the Reapers are going to have an incredibly hard time."

"I agree," Shepard nodded. "So, what will you do when the war's over?"

"A good question," Victus admitted, "but one who's answer I will share with you. When the war is over, I will make a formal alliance with the Federated Commonwealth as part of my gratitude towards them. They've earned our respect, and I intend to give it in full."

"Good," Shepard nodded. "The Federated Commonwealth will need the might of the Turians once the Clans decide to invade the Inner Sphere again. Plus, gaining access to their tech will help your people out greatly."

"It already has," Victus smiled. "Take care, Shepard."

"You too," Shepard nodded.

He was about to leave when a talon rested on his shoulder. Turning around, he found Garrus looking at him, while Nyreen and his kids were nearby. "Shepard," he began. "So… I guess this is…"

"Just like old times?" Shepard asked.

Garrus smiled. "Might be the last time we get to say that."

"Think we're about to lose?"

"No, I think we're about to kick the Reapers back into whatever black hole they crawled out of. Then we're going to retire somewhere warm and tropical, and live off the royalties from the vids."

"I'll meet you there," Shepard agreed. "I think my days of saving the galaxy are over when this is done."

"Be sure to leave room for all the autographs," Garrus teased him.

"And be sure to leave room for all the kids we're going to have," Nyreen purred, licking Garrus on his neck. Garrus shivered, though his surprised expression became a warm one as he purred in return, while gently nipping Nyreen on her neck.

"Just need to beat the Reapers when we get there," Shepard added, smiling slightly at Garrus and Nyreen's show of affection for each other.

"James told me there's an old saying here on Earth," Garrus remarked. "'May you be in Heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.' Not sure if Turian heaven is the same as yours, but if this thing goes sideways and we both end up there… meet me at the bar. I'm buying."

"We're a team, Garrus," Shepard replied. "There's no Shepard without Vakarian, so you better remember to duck."

"Sorry," Garrus teased. "Turians don't know how to duck, but I'll improvise. And Shepard? Forgive the insubordination, but this old friend has an order for you…" Walking closer, he said, "Go out there and give them hell. You were born to do this."

Shepard smiled, gripping Garrus' talon and said, "Goodbye, Garrus. And if I'm up there in that bar and you're not, I'll be looking down. I'll always have your back. Plus, I'll always be there to smile at the kids."

Garrus and Nyreen smiled, before both purred loudly for a few moments. "The same to you," Garrus nodded. With that, they went their separate ways, while Shepard began heading for the command center.

Inside, technicians and officers were already at work coordinating strikes against the Reapers, while also bringing in more reinforcements. Nearby, Shepard spotted Admiral Anderson, as well as Major Victor Steiner-Davion and a few others. Walking over to Anderson, he asked, "What's up?"

"Just going over the final sitrep," Anderson replied.

"How's it look?"

In response, Anderson, using the nearby holo-table, said, "Barely 75% of Hammer is reporting in."

"Can we count on more making it?" Shepard asked.

"There's still some stragglers making their way in," Anderson nodded, "but the bulk of Hammer that's still intact has arrived."

"What about the AFFC?"

"We got the FOB up and running, and we've got hundreds of DropShips onto the ground," Victor replied. "A few didn't make it, but roughly 95% of the DropShips we launched made it to the surface. The ones we lost had some non-essential supplies, mostly construction material. It hurts to lose good people, but we'll avenge them by making the Reapers pay."

"Agreed," Shepard nodded. "So, when are we going to get going?"

"Around two hours from now," Anderson decided. Keying his comms, he said, "Battalion Leaders, report to HQ."

. . .

A few minutes later, all of the battalion leaders were gathered, including those from the AFFC and other military forces. Clearing his throat, Anderson made sure everyone was paying attention, then he said, "We fought hard to get here, but now the toughest part of our mission begins. We've got to drive right through the heart of Reaper controlled territory, break past their defenses, and get to that beam."

"What kind of defenses?" Shepard asked.

"The entire area is crawling with Reaper forces," Anderson explained, "but our biggest concern is the Reaper Destroyer protecting the beam itself." A moment later, the hologram of a Reaper Destroyer came into existence.

"Can we bring in air support to destroy it?" Major Coats asked.

"Negative," Anderson frowned. "Some kind of interference. We'll have to take it out from the ground."

"Which is where the AFFC comes in," Victor added. "The DropShips here were loaded with some Arrow IV Assault Vehicles that we developed for indirect-fire against the Clans. We've loaded them with standard warheads, as well as Davy-Crockett Casaba-Howitzers for use against the Reaper Destroyer. One vehicle will carry the standard warheads designed to take down the kinetic barriers, while the other will carry four Davy-Crockett missiles.

"In addition to this, the Reapers have cut a swath of ground, a 'no-man's land' through the city. We'll have to cross it first. UAV scans indicate that there's limited shelter on the other side, but they also detected a lot of Reaper forces in the area."

"I don't suppose you have a solution for that," Major Coats asked Victor.

"As a matter of fact, we do," Victor nodded. "I'm pleased to say that the Fortress-class DropShip that's landed at our base, the Fidelity, is equipped with a Long Tom Artillery Piece, so it can provide fire support for no-man's land. In addition, that DropShip has also deployed five Mobile Long Toms, which are getting set up as we speak."

"With that in mind, this is the strategy we've set up," Anderson continued. "First, we'll have the DropShip and the Mobile Long Toms shell the area with Copperhead shells to neutralize as many Reaper forces in the area as possible. While the shelling is going on, we'll have the vehicles and infantry mass near the edge of no-man's land in preparation for the shelling to stop.

"Once it does, they'll initiate the assault, and provide cover for the AAV's to move into position and fire their missiles. This is where you come in, Shepard. Due to the heavy interference, we'll need your 'Mech to mark the Reaper Destroyer with TAG so that the missiles can resist the interference and destroy the Reaper. We've only got one shot at doing that."

"How much of a shot?" Coats asked.

"They know we're coming," Anderson frowned. "This will be a long way trip for many of us. But there can be no retreat, no turning back. We move forward at all costs! Understood?"

"Yes, sir," the others replied.

"Good. We move out in two hours. Johnson, Coats, you two will help the AFFC Artillery Commanders coordinate the artillery assault." As the two left, he looked at Shepard and said, "Shepard, I'm sending you right up the gut where the resistance is heaviest. Support the tanks and AAV's as best as you can, but stay alive. I need you for the final push to the beam."

"Understood," Shepard nodded. "I'll do what I can."

"That's all that I ask of you," Anderson nodded.

. . .

Around an hour and fifty minutes later, Shepard was in one of the Mobile BattleMech Repair Bays that had been brought to the FOB. Inside, he could see the final repairs being done to his 'Mech, while Garrus' 'Mech was fully repaired and ready to go. Spotting Fahad, he said, "I didn't know you were here, Fahad. What's up?"

"Came over once our DropShip made the atmospheric jump to the FOB," Fahad replied. His smile turned into a frown as he said, "Shepard, I know this is a small comfort but… you have my condolences. The Reapers arse-fucked your world into a shithole, and it's only now that I realize how bad the situation is. For what it's worth, you have my sympathies."

Shepard, nodding, patted Fahad on the shoulder and said, "I understand fully, Fahad. For what it's worth, I understand how you feel as well. Just remember, though, that what the Reapers have done to Earth is temporary. When they are gone, we will rebuild better and stronger than before, though we will not forget the sacrifices we made to get to that point. We'll have another golden age, just like the one Federated Commonwealth is having right now."

"That I can get behind," Fahad nodded. "We'll give those bloody Reaper bogans a real good drubbing, even if I have to pull that stick out of Garrus' arse and drub them to death with it." The two men shared a good long laugh at the half-joke. As the laughter faded, he added, "All jokes aside, we'll show those Reapers what-for. I might even get to take a shit on one when this is all over; yeah, I think I'll do that."

"Seriously?" Shepard asked. "You really want to do that?"

"Ever since I heard about the Reapers, I've always wanted to do that," Fahad shrugged. "Just to show my contempt for them. Might even piss on them too for good measure."

Shepard chuckled. "Well, you might get your wish after today. So, pull out all the stops for this?"

"Yep," Fahad nodded. "All of the 'Mechs here are ready to rock, and your Marauder II is getting the finishing touches done. I have to say, Garrus got incredibly lucky with his Rifleman II. The entire pod was sheared cleanly off by that thing he said was present. Did you really have to fight a pair of Minotaur's that, somehow, combined to form a bigger one?"

"Yep," Shepard nodded. "That's all true."

"Fuck me," Fahad frowned. "Well, I heard that the Federated Commonwealth was producing a class of so-called 'Superheavy BattleMechs' for use against those things. They're just rumors, but if those rumors are true, then we'll have a toy to defeat the larger Reaper Minotaurs."

"Definitely," Shepard agreed. "I wouldn't be too surprised if Hanse had them developed during the aftermath of the Clan Invasion. It would definitely be fitting, given that his new nickname is the 'Grey Fox.'"

"Right on," Fahad nodded. "Still, once these 'Mechs are ready to go, we'll be able to go and arse-fuck those Reapers into the next millennium. I might even get into a 'Mech and beat the stuffing out of them."

That had Shepard surprised. "You were a MechWarrior once?" he asked.

"Yeah," Fahad nodded. "It's not too surprising. I had to leave, though, because of some brain damage that I suffered during my career as an LCAF MechWarrior. I found out that I had a knack for engineering, and that's how I became a Chief 'Mech Bay Technician. Given the new treatments for brain damage, though, I was able to get that fixed up. Why else was I not present while you were at New Avalon during your last visit?"

"Fair point," Shepard admitted. "Did you train up a successor in case you were killed?"

"Yeah," Fahad nodded. "Remember Leon Freeman, that one rookie MechWarrior we recruited before we met you guys? I gave him the best education I could give, and then I sent him to an academy to get his skills sharpened even more. If I end up pushing up the daisies out there, he'll take over my position. He's a bright lad, and he deserves it."

"That he does," Shepard agreed. Just as he said this, he noted that he no longer heard the sound of welding. Looking towards his 'Mech, he watched as a robotic arm with a fluid gun sprayed a fresh coat of fast-drying paint onto the 'Mech. "Looks like it's ready to go again," he noted. "See you when this war is over."

"You too, Shepard," Fahad nodded. "Give those Reaper bastards hell for me."

"That I will." With that, Fahad walked away, while Shepard clambered up the ladder and towards the cockpit of his 'Mech. Once inside, he began powering up the systems, while he observed Garrus, Kaidan and Vega entering the hangar.

As they did so, the PA crackled, before Anderson's voice came in. "This is Admiral Anderson speaking," he began. "We are about to commence Operation RISING FREEDOM, which is our operation to defeat the Reapers once and for all.

"I won't lie to any of you. There is a chance that many of us, if not all of us, will not come back alive from this operation. Many of us will fall against the Reapers, but what matters is that we ensure that enough of us survive the trials that are coming against us. We are the spearhead in the war against the Reapers, and we have brought the battle to them at last. As such, my final words are the words of a man that once was in our very situation. A man who rallied his nation to fight against an evil tyrant that sought to control the world for himself.

"The whole fury and might of the enemy has been turned at us. Harbinger, and all of the Reapers, know that if they are to win, they must break both our galaxy and the Inner Sphere, or lose the very war. If we stand up to them as one, and if we defeat them, then the galaxy will be freed, and everyone in it will be able to enter a bright future. If not, then the Reapers will win, and all of our achievements, including those of the Inner Sphere, will be forever forgotten to time, and the Cycle will continue to bring unimaginable death and destruction to all.

"Therefore, let us brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the Systems Alliance, Turian Hierarchy, Salarian Union, Asari Republics, Volus Protectorate, Hanar Ascendancy, Federated Commonwealth, Taurian Concordat, Magistracy of Canopus, Outworlds Alliance, Free Worlds League, and the Council that we shall form last a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'" With that, the PA clicked off.

This is it, Shepard thought as he fully powered up his 'Mech. This is the last mile, the home run, the final hurdle in our war against the Reapers. It is time to rise up and fight for a future where Turian, Human, Salarian, Asari and Krogan children can play in the sunlight together, without the fear of the Reapers looming over them. It is time to rise up, and become legend.

(Author's Q&A)

SulliMike23: I might do those three options, but I'll make some major changes. I won't spoil what they are, though, so stay tuned!

edboy4926: Thank you.

.nimrod: I didn't know that. Thank you for that info.