Thanks to a carefully crafted argument but mostly an effective emotionnal blackmail, the Commander managed to convince Dumbledore to grant her a chance to explore Muggle London. To ensure a low profile, only Hermione was to go with her, acting as her guide. Shepard couldn't help but wonder if Dumbledore's decision was too hasty, questioning what his true intentions might be.
As they each received an return Portkey, Shepard's mind raced with thoughts of the tactical possibilities of instant teleportation. While Apparition was useful, it required physical contact and accompanying the target. In the midst of the Reaper War, a functional Portkey would have been a game-changer, allowing the efficient transfer of targets for interrogation or swiftly removing hostiles from the battlefield. The idea of teleporting Banshees into a volcano brought a sense of joy, imagining how it could have turned the tide in her favor.
Shepard quickly chastised herself, recognizing the dangerous path of turning everything into a weapon fit for war. The war was over ! Her part in it was, at least.
Since Hermione wasn't old enough to apparate, they first travelled by Floo power to the Leaky Cauldron before venturing to the Muggle side of London.
Shepard's first look on the english city stirred a mix of feelings in her. The cars, the smell of burning petroleum, the different clothing styles, and the architectures were alien to her, yet she also found it far more familiar than the odd wizarding world.
Seeing Big Ben still standing was a powerful moment. It reminded her of the resilience and bravery of Major Coats. He had taken a stand against the Reapers perched atop the clock tower with his sniper rifle. His relentless picking off Reaper forces had inflicted such significant damage upon the enemy ranks, the Reapers had retaliated by sending a destroyer topple the entire building. Major Coats had managed to escape the towering inferno and had helped Anderson rallying the Resistance forces and leading them in daring counteroffensives. As Shepard stood there, gazing at the iconic monument, she couldn't help but silently pray for Major Coats' survival.
Suddenly, a screeching sound of tires so similar to the haunting battlecry of the dreaded Banshees, jolted the Commander back to the harrowing days of the Reaper War. In an instant, the battlefield instincts kicked in, compelling her to reach for her M-12 Locust while her biotics crackled with raw energy, ready to unleash their devastating power.
Her heart pounded in her chest, and a surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins as she tried to pull herself together. She knew the war had ended. She wasn't even in the same damned universe ! Nonetheless, her brain kept telling her to take cover.
Watch out for the Marauders snipers ! Beware of this corner, Cannibals loved to hide in them to attack just when you pass before ! Careful with this avenue, Brutes were often stationned in such places where their sheer carrure blocked the space. Their charge then crushed everything on their way. So many soldier died in such fashion. London had been a death trap. One that was concluded by a desperate run against the main gun of Harbinger.
Shepard was frozen on the spot, as her mind grappled with the present reality clashing against the haunting echoes of her past. She heard EDI trying to help her get through her panic attack but her voice were scrambled by Reaper jamming.
She battled against her very brain. She knew she was in Muggle London, surrounded by people going about their daily lives. Yet, her senses betrayed her. Just like a kid frightened of the monster under his bed, her mind was convinced that she was still engulfed in the hellish mission of taking Earth back.
She was surrounded ! The calibration of the missiles was underway but she had to defend it. A new wave of Reapers was incoming ! They were too many...
Amidst the chaos, a gentle touch on her shoulder broke through the tumult, anchoring her to the present. Hermione's voice, a beacon of calm amidst the storm, called out to her, bridging the gap between the haunting past and the present.
"Shepard?" The soft timbre of Hermione's voice carried a genuine concern. "Are you alright?"
The voice, one that had never been touched by the horrors of war, offered a lifeline back to reality. One that Shepard held onto tightly to try to pull her from the abyss.
"Shepard? Can you hear me?" Hermione persisted, the genuine care in her voice stirring something within Shepard's core.
The tendrils of panic and adrenaline began to loosen their grip, their power waning as Shepard fought to reclaim control.
"It's okay, Hermione," Shepard managed to murmur, her voice shaky but resolute.
As the fear began to recede, it left behind traces of its presence, lurking in the shadows of her mind. It was a constant reminder that the scars of war ran deep, that the horrors she had witnessed would never truly fade away.
"Shepard ? Are you sure you are alright ? Here, take some water."
"Thank you." After a few mouthful of water, the Commander gave back the canteen with a trembling hand and gestured Hermione to lead the way. "Alright, let's go."
Hermione wasn't deceived. As she walked beside Commander Shepard, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in the Commander's demeanor. Back in the Headquarters, Shepard exuded an air of confidence and composure. Here, she was constantly on the edge, moving as she was expecting danger at every turn. Her right hand remained fixed near her thigh, instinctively hovering over where a gun would be holstered. Alastor Moody had the same kind of behavior.
The young witch couldn't help but feel a surge of empathy towards Shepard. The panic attack she had witnessed earlier was a blatant manifestation of the psychological toll of a war. It was example of what Harry could mentally experiment. Despite Harry's constant attempts to downplay his own struggles, Hermione could see how deeply the resurrection of Voldemort had affected him.
Unfortunetely, in the wizarding world, mental health was not a topic that received the attention it deserved. Despite being able to manipulate memories and feelings with spells and potions, the wizards and witches seemed completly oblivious to mental well-being. Love potions and Dementors were mere examples of the casual approach wizards took towards it.
Hermione's heart ached with the desire to help Harry. It looked like Shepard may also use some help. She knew she had limited resources to offer, but she was determined to do her best. The young witch had already made up her mind to gather a few books on PTSD and psychological traumas, hoping that they could offer some guidance. While she wasn't a certified therapist, she believed that even small gestures could help.
After a long walk, Hermione and Shepard finally arrived at the majestic British Museum. They didn't took a taxi or the tube at Shepard's insistence on exploring the city on foot. It was also Shepard herself who had proposed visiting the museum, seeing it as an opportunity for learning and understanding the new world she found herself in.
As they stepped inside, the vastness of the museum greeted them, filled with relics and artifacts from various eras and cultures. Different parts of the museum piqued the interest of the two women. They agreed to explore on their own for two hours before regrouping.
Shepard was engrossed in the history of the Industrial Revolution when she was accosted by a unassuming man.
"Fascinating, isn't it ?" The man's words were innocent enough, but they ignited a spark of suspicion within Shepard. It had been a long time since someone approached her so casually without ulterior motive.
"I have developped quite an interest for Muggles lately. They are so inventive despite being constrained by the laws of the universe. We should take a page from their book."
Shepard's guard went up immediately. She never saw him at Grimmault Square which probably mean that he didn't belong to the Order of the Phoenix. His knowledge of her identity as a no-Muggle only added to her wariness. This encounter was far from coincidental.
"Don't worry, I don't wish to inflinct harm upon you. I merely wished to meet you." The suspicion of the Commander has obviously transpired since the man attempted to reassure her. "Also, I took care of giving us some privacy from the little invisible friend on your tail."
She knew it. Dumbledore caved in far too easily.
"Why did you want to meet me ?" Shepard asked nonchalantly, all the while scanning her surroundings for any signs of hostile intent.
"When I heard Dumbledore had summoned a new general for his little band, I couldn't help but to be curious."
Shepard scolded. Was Dumbledore really that careless in keeping his strategies secret ?
"So, tell me, Commander Shepard of the Alliance Navy, what do you intent to do ? Will you heed the call of Dumbledore, the leader of the Light, and fight the evil Dark Lord ?"
As Shepard listened to the man's question, a message from EDI appeared in the lower left corner of her vision, informing her that there were no signs of other enemies around. Even is EDI only had access to Shepard's sensors, she could still detect visual incoming threats. It could only be the calm before the storm but it was enough for the soldier to decide to extend the conversation in order to get informations.
"Consider me a neutral party unless you intend to antagonize me." The curtly answer from the soldier seemed to amused the man.
"Far from me to do that ! We still have to deal with Dumbledore, we don't intent to make more ennemies. Especially if there is a hope for cooperation..."
Shepard frowned at the veiled proposition. While she would have preferred to reject it outright, she acknowledged that her situation in this unfamiliar world required a more diplomatic approach than usual. Her Spectre authority, weapons, and armor were not assets she could readily rely on here.
"I'm only interested in going back to my own universe. Cooperation requires common goals. I'm not sure that's the case here."
"What do you think my goals are ?" The man asked, genuingly curious.
His question only confirmed what Shepard suspected. He wasn't some envoy or lowly grunt. He was none other than Voldemort himself, disguised as an ordinary visitor to the museum.
The commander pondered over killing him on the spot. He was standing right next to her. A simple strike in the throat would crush his windpipe. With her enhanced muscles, Shepard could probably flatten his ribcage with a single blow.
Even at top speed, he couldn't hope to get his wand out and cast a spell. Even if he managed some kind of counter, Shepard could still flash forged an Omni Blade and skewered him on the spot. Such military grade blades managed to break through most armor platings and biotic barriers. None of the defenses wiped up by a wizard in hurry would withstand such strike.
But she held back, reminding herself of the bigger picture. Killing Voldemort would deprive her of a potential future asset. Besides, she was a bit curious to see where this conversation would lead.
"Domination over the wizarding world and Muggles. Extermination of those who dare to oppose you and the Muggleborn. Maybe even the Muggles after that."
The smile of the man after this answer was deeply unsettling.
"You would be right. About thirteen years ago," Voldemort began, his tone carrying a hint of reflection. "However, I just spent these past years as a mere shadow, a ghost without body. The wizarding world was too dangerous for me since it would have been so easy to capture me with the right ritual. Therefore, I took refuge in the Muggle world. Those I hated more than anything. And... Well, only a fool never changes his mind."
Shepard couldn't help to let escape a laugh. She wasn't familiar with Voldemort himself but from what she could gather, he was very much like the Illusive Man. Same silver tongue, same thirst for power. But at the same time, it was clear that Voldemort had experienced a transformation, and she couldn't help but wonder what might have caused such a shift in his perspective.
"Alright, try me. You're saying you've had a change of heart?" Shepard probed, her voice steady but cautious. "Forgive me if I find it hard to believe. What are your new plans ?"
"Using the strenghts of both Muggles and wizards. Imagine how the world could be changed for the better if Muggles and wizards cooperate. We have power, they have the drive for innovation. They invented the telephone almost a century ago and we are still stuck using owls !"
Voldemort's vision of combining Muggle innovation with wizarding power struck a chord with Shepard. Her own universe had demonstrated the potential of Muggle ingenuity, and she couldn't deny the allure of blending magic and science for a better future. Mixing magic with science would probably have the same effect than the discovery of Protean technology, bolstering the human civilization far quicker than normal.
"Yes, I can quite imagine what Muggles can do. I also agree that with the right guidance, both world could do amazing things." The tone of the Commander turned cold. "However, this would be very hard to manage and I hardly believe you to be the best suited for the job considering your track record."
The provocation was a little test from Shepard. Voldemort had apparently a short fused temper and a good leader couldn't afford to snap at any contrariety.
"Indeed, you're right to question, Commander," The Dark Lord admitted, his expression remaining inscrutable. "However, as I mentioned before, circumstances have altered my perspective. Our goals may aligned more than you think. Summoning someone is far easier than sending him back. The new world I invisionned could be the only way to get enough knowledge and power to do so."
He seemed earnest in his response, but Shepard knew better than to take anything at face value, especially from a master manipulator like Voldemort.
"Actions speak louder than words," she replied firmly, her eyes never leaving his. "I always judge people on their actions. That why I have a hard time dealing with politicians and their honeyed words. If you truly want cooperation, prove it with something else than empty promises."
A flicker of irritation passed across Voldemort's features, but he quickly masked it with a composed facade. "You are wise to be cautious, Commander Shepard. Rest assured, I have plans in motion that will demonstrate my sincerity."
Shepard nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I'll be watching," she said, her voice a quiet warning. "If you prove to be a threat to my return, you'll find me standing firmly against you."
For a moment, they locked eyes in an unspoken battle of wills, each sizing up the other. The tension in the air was palpable, but neither of them backed down.
Finally, Voldemort gave a slight nod, acknowledging her stance. "Very well, Commander Shepard. We shall see how this plays out. Until then, my followers won't harm you in any way. But know that the offer of cooperation still stands."
With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd of museum visitors. Shepard watched him go, her mind racing with thoughts and questions. The man she had just conversed with was the embodiment of evil in the wizarding world. And yet, there was more to him than met the eye. Shepard knew she had to tread carefully, for the web of allegiances and hidden motives in this unfamiliar universe was intricate and treacherous. Only time would tell if the Dark Lord's words held any truth or if he was merely a skilled manipulator. However, the fourth objective on her list could move upward if Voldemort was honnest.
-MExHP-
Hello everyone,
A big chapter today, almost double than the other. I pondered about breaking it into two parts or even shortening it. But I wanted to both adress in details the trauma of Shepard and the moral dilemna she will face with Voldemort.
For me, the best vilains are the one with goals you can actually agree on. I want to do that with Voldemort.
I also want to give you a voice about who Shepard will side with in this story. I originally intent her to shape the Order of the Phoenix into an actual force to be reckonned with but when writting the conversation with Voldemort, I think writting a Deatheater Shepard could be interesting. Shepard would never adhere to blood supremacy propaganda but she could use Deatheaters the same way she used Cerberus in Mass Effect 2. Tell me what you would prefer.
These first chapters were merely the introduction to set the playing field. The war will soon break out.
Have a nice day,
Alykto