DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN MASS EFFECT ONLY MY SELF AND THE PLOT OF THIS FIC...I AM BROKE PEOPLE!
A/n: Ok I am going to make this simple to the many of you who are asking early. When I get to part two I will basically overhaul the story since there are parts in it that are too off the wall without explanation. So if you can have some patience and stop giving me countless ridiculous suggestions then I can move on. On the other note I have currently moved in with my boyfriend's family so things are a bit crazy on my end.
Oh and the final note someone mentioned, the Omega 4 relay in the Prologue. Let me make a few things clear about that I said, the Omega 4 was one of the FEW remaining mass relays still intact. Remember the ending that the prologue was based off of the SYNTHESIS ending in Mass Effect 3. The one where Shep managed to combine both organic and synthetic together. As for the galactic core, the Normandy was only able to reach that far because of the few mass relays that were intact, and the fact that the Reapers had helped to repair Earth's relay so people can leave. The galactic core was not comprised of Collectors but ROGUE Reapers! Those few Reapers used the gravity wells of the many stars and black holes to protect them from harm. So before you start bashing me any further about that please read the chapter more carefully, and ask first for clarification before bashing and trolling my rear end. I personally don't need this crap right now in my life. Thanks.
MASS EFFECT THE IMMORTAL SERIES PART 1: FLIGHT OF THE NORMANDY
Chapter 17: Take me out to the Black
NORMANDY
"Martha, really, you should not have done it if the risks were too high!" scolded Dr. Amari as he looked at Martha's now-bloody face. Her nose bled for a good five minutes, thoroughly staining her clothes, before she could register the fact that her nose was bleeding. After the liberation of the Odyssey, Martha was escorted to the medical wing where the doctors could tend to her nose. They also did a brain scan to see if there was any other damage. Other than a bit of mental strain and lack of proper nutrition, which was normal throughout the ship, Martha was fine.
"If I may, Dr. Amari?" EDI asked through the ship's loudspeakers.
"Go ahead EDI, why was she bleeding when she was trying to shoot the cannon?" asked Dr. Amari.
"I'm afraid that was a mistake on my part," she said and before the Doctor could ask why she went on, "Being as I was in charge of the Thanix Cannon's controls, I am used to a faster rate of thinking. Martha's mind is fast enough, but I forgot to adjust the settings of the mental strain to human standards. For that, I apologize," EDI replied sounding remorseful.
"EDI, first off, how can you forget about human biological needs? You are a computer. You need to understand that the human brain has limitations and those limitations can be fatal at times like these. You are lucky you didn't liquefy Martha's brain!" Dr. Amari said to the glowing orb on the side by the desk.
"Once again, I apologize for that glitch in my memory banks," EDI replied to him, still sounding remorseful.
"Still, you could have killed her! So next time you give the controls to Martha, or anyone else for that matter, try to adjust the mental settings to human standards," Dr. Amari scolded.
"Acknowledged."
The door suddenly opened behind him, and Dr. Alenkov walked into the medical ward.
"How it she?" she asked, worry clearly evident in her tone of voice, as well as weariness.
"She will be fine, EDI forgot to turn down the mental readouts on the targeting system, so Martha was only suffering a drawback from it." Dr. Amari explained as he let Martha sleep off her headache. The girl was more than happy to head back to her room. The episode with the battle had gotten to her, and she wanted some time to rest.
Dr. Alenkov watched her go, concern on her face. Dr. Amari rubbed two fingers on the bridge of his nose as she saw the dark circles in his eyes.
"Malik, when was the last time you've gotten any sleep?" she asked.
"Not for a while. I am also treating the people who came from the Odyssey, as you can see here," he said, waving his arms to the men and women sleeping in the limited beds. He knew that others were also being treated in the lower decks, but the more serious ones were taken up here. Some of them had bullet holes from stray bullets, while others only sun burn. He and Dr. Shenoy examined the most critically injured, since they knew more about the operation of the medical equipment than the others. He had to do a few surgeries on them to extract the bullets from their bodies. But some, especially the team that performed the rescue, had come off of it unscathed.
"I will find someone else who can take over the care of your patients while you rest, doctor. I need you at your best," she said to him and the doctor nodded as he moved towards one of the empty beds reserved for him and Dr. Shenoy. The Indian doctor was already asleep, with the privacy curtains keeping out anyone who wanted to disturb him. Amari curled up into bed, and before anyone could say anything to him, he was dead to the world.
Dr. Alenkov smiled at his resilience before asking some of the others who were familiar with the equipment to watch over the patients. She then walked out towards the elevators she needed to speak to the other scientists onboard the ship about Normandy's condition.
NORMANDY BRIDGE
"Wow, I have to admit, this is some vessel," said Enrique as he looked around the cockpit for the first time.
"I take it you never wondered what the ship would look like when we figured out how to use it?" asked Major Lawoski as he joined Enrique on a tour of the ship he had been diving to for the past ten years. He was also accompanied by Micheal, the latter having been cleared from the medical ward by the Odyssey's doctor.
"Oh I did, Señor, I did, but things had been hectic, especially after I had to cart the scientists down through the depths into the dark gloom." Enrique replied.
"The idea for exploration has been in your history for some time, Mr. Fernandez. Even as far back as your ancestors go. If I am not mistaken, your Spanish ancestors discovered the American continent more than half a millennia ago. Even before that, many Native American tribes have lived there and they, too, migrated from the Asian continent. So the idea of exploration and migration has been embedded into your genetic structure since the dawn of your species," said a voice, and both Micheal and Enrique jumped at the sound of such a synthetic voice.
"Oh yeah, I forgot that we also discovered the artificial intelligence of the ship. Guys, meet E.D.I., short for Enhanced Defense Intelligence," said Major Lawoski, smiling from behind them.
Both men jumped when EDI's holographic form appeared right to the side of them, causing them further hesitation, until the Major put his hands on their shoulders.
"Come on, guys, introduce yourselves," he said with a cheer.
"Um, I am Micheal Cameron, filmmaker, photographer and underwater explorer," Micheal said.
"Enrique, I just pilot the submersibles," Enrique said.
"It is my pleasure to meet you gentlemen, though I must apologize for your discomfort, I didn't mean any harm in being a bit rash, but I thought it was fun to surprise you. I am also here to inform Major Lawoski that Martha is now sleeping in her quarters with only a mild ailment and no permanent damage. She should be fine in a few hours," with that, the holographic form disappeared, leaving the two men there alone with the Major.
"Señorita Martha is still here?" asked Enrique.
"I guess I better fill you boys in on what happened while you were held hostage," Major Lawoski said.
SOMETIME LATER
"Wow, I never thought that she could be so…..strange," said Micheal as he ate his meal. It was the first meal they had in weeks, as the pirates only gave them bits and pieces of food to sustain them, but when when it came to actual meals….the pirates had the best.
"Well, she has her perks, but Martha... well, out of all of us, she has more brains than half the scientists onboard this ship," said Major Lawoski as he finished his third bowl of soup. It was the best thing he had tasted in a long time. And it was Thai food, so it was spicy, just how he liked it.
"I would not give her all the credit, mate," said Major Reynolds who gladly joined them for a meal. He and his team had just finished their rounds of the ships and he was enjoying his down time. For once, glad to pass the torch to someone who can help with the Normandy's security.
"Aw, come on! She was the one who figured out the ship's secret. I mean, it took them what, forty years to figure out one small thing about the biotic genome?" Major Lawoski said to his friend and partner.
"Now, now, boys, we don't know how that science stuff works, so cool it, OK?" said Micheal.
"Yeah we know, it is just a fun thought if you think about it," said Major Lawoski.
"Just imagine my thoughts of coming onboard this ship without the use of submarines and deep sea vehicles. The shit is going to hit the fan once people on land figure out that the alien vessel is alive and kicking. Not only that, but there is an artificial intelligence with vast amounts of knowledge, just... holy shit!" Micheal could not express his glee at such a possibility.
Thankfully enough, it was Enrique who helped calm his friend down as he placed a hand on Micheal's shoulder, "Señor, do me a favor, one thing at a time, one thing at a time," Micheal responded by putting his hand over Enrique's to signify that he understood before returning to his meal, and a drink that thankfully was handed to him. All this excitement made him want to just sit down and have a stiff drink to absorb it all.
DREAM SEQUENCE
Death
That is all she could see around her, as buildings lay crumbling and people were dying. She could hear their screams as she walked past them. Men, women, children dying, and the sounds of gunfire littered the streets.
Where am I? She thought as she looked around her, her eyes only seeing the darkness of the sunless sky.
Suddenly, a loud booming sound was heard, like a horn from far away. She quickly turned her head and saw, for the first time, something out of a sci-fi movie. Eyes growing wide, she witnessed a monstrous thing land in front of her. It resembled a squid with its massive arms and tapered head. But what shocked her was another one landing beside it that resembled a beetle. It opened what was supposed to be its wings and a read light shot out, decimating everything. She began to run when the squid-like one in front of her opened its central chambers.
Pumping her legs as fast as she could, she could feel the beam and hear it firing as it came for her. Then all she could see was nothing but red…..
END DREAM SEQUENCE
Martha shot out from her sleep with a scream to her mouth. Gasping for air, she found herself once again on the Normandy and in her room that she has occupied for months. The room was a lot more lit than it was before. She looked at her hands and noticed that it was warm and filled with light. As she looked around, her bed was also lit up with an uncharacteristic light. Looking up, she noticed that the window above her was lit with the light of the sun.
Daylight she realized, and then the events of earlier hit her memory. The battle with the Odyssey, the fight with the submarines, her piloting the world's only alien vessel….
"Holy shit!" she said out loud as she held her chest. Breathing deeply and trying to catch her breath, Martha looked around the room. The normalcy of it soothed her, as the soft music playing from the holographic radio allowed her to rest. But the images of the dream plagued her as she held her hands to her face. The dream was so vivid that it was almost real.
"Is everything alright, Martha?" EDI's voice filled the overhead speakers.
"Yeah, just a bad dream that is all," Martha replied.
"Care to speak of it? It would help. I found that your species is most comforted when speaking about such instances," EDI replied.
Martha had to think about it before replying, "No, it's alright, EDI, it was just a bad dream, it's no big deal." Her face betrayed her. Her mind knew that it was a lie; the dream felt real, but still she would keep it to herself until she knew what was going on.
LATER
Martha slowly walked into the observation room, or one of the many observation rooms on the ship. Here, people walked past her, but she never thought to say hi to anyone. Her mind was preoccupied by the other thing that had been plaguing her since the dream.
The sun.
It has been so long since she saw the sun grace the skies, and she longed to see it. Martha walked into the port side observation room. The shutters were closed, of course, to keep the light out or to protect the ship. She looked around till she saw a large red button glowing on the right side of the large windows. Slowly, she reached out with her fingers, touching the button. Then, a sound of something moving showed. Then, slowly, the shutters opened to reveal the light of the midday sun.
Painfully blinded at first, Martha waited for her eyes to adjust, before marveling at the beauty of the world beyond the ship. The naval ships that sat there rocking in the ocean swells gave her a view she could have only imagined, trapped in the abyss. As the sun shone high, she looked in wonder at the large wing that was the Normandy's left side.
"EDI, how big is this ship?" Martha asked.
"See for yourself, you are allowed outside. The Normandy is docked with the Odyssey as it is the current ship that can withstand the width of the Normandy's cargo ramp," EDI replied.
Martha quickly raced towards the elevator, taking it down to the lowest deck on the ship. She had never been here before, as it was covered in rock. But, when she got there, the sight that shocked her was the amount of beds that were pitched up for the people here. Everywhere she looked, there were beds for many people. Others, that she assumed were medics, were moving about. They were checking on people and some, she saw, were soldiers by their dress.
Most looked to be badly hurt and some had blankets covering them. Martha knew what that meant, but still, there were those who were in need of care. There were machines that Martha had not seen before, walking over to them, their strange humanoid shapes offering medical aid to those whom had not seen a human doctor.
Still, at the end of the large room was the ocean and the light of the sun. Slowly, Martha walked towards the light. When she got there, all she could see was the waves and the Ocean Odyssey that was below. Slowly, Martha stepped onto the ship, being careful to avoid the men and women rushing in and out of the Normandy. As she had done so, she began to feel the sway of the Odyssey beneath her. The ocean rocked the ship and Martha began to feel it after being so long on the Normandy.
It took about ten minutes before she got her sea legs again, and being so weak, she was constantly tossed on the deck. But once she had gotten her bearings, she stood up straight and felt the wind in her hair. The smell of the ocean filled her lungs, as well as the taste of sea water. Taking tentative steps, she walked towards the railings. As she got to the railings, she could see the ships in the distance. Some docked with the Odyssey and many sailors getting on and off the boats. The secondary helipad that was created for the ship has been the only one allowing sailors to get on or off if they were seeking medical treatment.
Turning around, Martha turned to see the Normandy in all its glory. But what she saw made her quickly want to go as far away from the ship as possible. She was not afraid of the ship, but rather, she wanted to see it in its entire glory. Walking away from the deck, she went towards the one place she could see the ship: the bridge. Remembering the way from her brief time on the Odyssey, Martha noticed the smoking remains of the rail guns, as well as the other defenses that were haphazardly welded onto the ship. She watched as military crew members worked to remove the remnants of the pirates' interference from the Odyssey. Getting as far away as she could Martha turned towards the alien vessel.
What she saw took her breath away.
"Admiring the view?" EDI's voice said from her left arm. Jumping in shock, Martha had forgotten the omni-tool was still there. Lifting her arm, she saw the holographic form wrap around her forearm and the image of EDI's orb filled the screen in front of her.
"It's beautiful, EDI," Martha said. She meant by what she said the ship did look beautiful. It was sleek and silvery with its tapered wings and twin engines on either side. If she didn't know any better, it could have easily passed off as man-made. But the ship was way older than any human on the planet. She had no idea how a ship as beautiful as the Normandy survived for this long without some wear and tear. But, then again, she doesn't know how EDI could have survive the eons without preservation.
As she looked, the ship seemed to be floating just above the surface, with its ramp just touching the Odyssey. Magnetic clamps seemed to hold the ship in place while it was docked to the Odyssey. People coming and going from the ship were finding it strange to feel rocking from the Odyssey but not on the Normandy. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the Normandy was above the water. Martha could not tell but, either way, she saw for the first time the Normandy as a ship to be admired.
"So that is what it means to pilot the most state-of-the-art vessel," Martha said to herself.
"You are correct," EDI replied from Martha's omni-tool. Martha looked down at her left forearm to the device in question. It was glowing briefly before fading from existence. As it was, the device was something that Martha had grown used to. As it vanished, she looked up at the Normandy in all its glory once again.
"If I am the rightful pilot, does that mean I can decide on what to do with the ship?" Martha asked.
"No, that decision rests with Dr. Alenkov, whom is now the commander of the ship. You can, however make a suggestion to her, and she could decide if she would go through with it or not," EDI replied. Martha looked up at the ship, her mind wandering to something she was missing. Then she remembered the nightmare she had.
"EDI, remember when I told you that I had a nightmare?" Martha asked.
"I remember it clearly and, for your privacy, I kept it hidden in my data files so that no one would hear or see the conversation. Though there are no cameras in the room, there are inferred and biological scanners. That way I can keep an eye on my crew members in case of an emergency," EDI replied.
"Thanks," Martha replied as she looked over the water from her vantage point on the deck. As she looked, she could see the many crew members of the Odyssey and the many people brought in from other ships. They were going over other things with each other and some even humorously trying to say something.
Taking a deep breath, Martha looked up at the Normandy sitting just off the backside of the ship, floating there as the Odyssey rocked in the waves. It was floating there while the ramp seemed to move slightly with the ship. But Martha thought to herself that the ship must have been designed for different places to land and moving landing points must be one of them. But she was getting distracted again. Taking another deep breath, she then sighed before speaking again.
"Well the nightmare I had...it bothered me a lot," Martha said.
"Sometimes, dreams feel so real that they are kept in the mind, Martha. It is what makes you human, to understand and to interpret the dreams you have. Go ahead, take your time, I am always listening," EDI replied.
"Well….the dream seems real. I am walking down the street and it is dark. Not a night scene, mind you, but it looks like something out of a war zone with smoke blocking out the sun. Bodies are everywhere, all of them so grotesque that I don't know if they were human or not. Then, as I turned the corner I hear this gigantic roar, like some sort of monster. Then I turned and looked to see something coming from the sky. It looked like a massive squid, except it is black and metallic. Its eyes were that of a machine, cold and distant. Yet, it seemed to be looking at me... Then it shot a beam of light and… well, I woke up," Martha said. She felt as if the A.I. had somehow lifted something from her. Normally she would talk to Aaron but he is not here and Dr. Zenger is probably overwhelmed with people trying to seek help. Her other friends were also busy, by the looks of it, trying to decipher data and things that went above her head. Even Hilary was unable to be bothered. It made Martha feel sad knowing that there is not a soul to speak to...except EDI.
"EDI?" Martha said wondering if the computer will respond.
"I am still here... The dreams... they are not dreams, Martha," That shocked her as she heard this.
"What?" Martha replied, feeling a cold chill running down her spine at the A.I.'s tone.
"It would seem as if you somehow absorbed some of my memory blocks. The vision you saw was of the destruction of my homeworld. The giant creature you saw is called a Reaper, and is an enemy to all organic life. They harvest advanced civilizations and feed on the organic matter. The image you saw must have been downloaded from the nanites that repaired you. Or it could have happened during the data dump upon first activation. Either way, it was not a dream," EDI replied.
Martha was stunned. Something from EDI's past? She never thought about that. She knew that she must have downloaded something, but memories? She was curious to see what she can gather.
"EDI, what are Reapers?" Martha asked.
"It is something that I wish to discuss with Dr. Alenkov when the time comes, but for you, I will show you once you return to your cabin." EDI replied. Martha nodded her reply, even though EDI can't see her. She repeated the phrase vocally before walking among the ship's crew, glad to get off the Normandy for a bit.
SOME TIME LATER
"I am sorry that you have to go, Jessica," said Lucas as the group stood on the deck. That was where Martha found them sometime later. Jessica was smiling sadly, but she shook her head.
"Look, this adventure thing it was fun, but I miss home and Dr. Alenkov promised to get me back home as my tenure is up," Jessica replied.
"What is going on?" Martha asked as she caught up with everyone. They stood on one of the helicopter decks of the Ocean Odyssey. Because of its size, the ship manages to hold at least three flight decks for both submarines and helicopters. The sheer scale of the ship was awe-inspiring. Nearly the size of an aircraft carrier, the Ocean Odyssey is a massive ship. Martha never thought that a ship that size could be in existence. In fact, when she first boarded the Odyssey it never seemed that big. But, then again, she'd only been to her room and the galley, and never really explored the ship.
Now that she had seen it, there was still much to explore. But for now, however, she was here on the helipad furthest from the Normandy to say goodbye to those of the crew who were leaving. Some of them were going to return with the other ships, while a few of the scientists were staying with the Odyssey, their medical conditions preventing them from any further travel with the Normandy. One of the few leaving was Jessica, who wanted to return home after all this adventuring. Martha never knew she was leaving, considering that she was sleeping at the time.
"I... am leaving," Jessica said.
"Leaving?" Martha inquired, and Lucas filled her in on why Jessica is leaving. Martha was stunned, but, then again, she could understand. The woman had been away from home far longer than Martha had, about two years. Jessica had very low eezo amounts in her blood, but that was due to the fact that her father spent time overseas. She developed the biotic abilities at an early age. But it was never developed to the point of being dangerous. Even so, she remembered Jessica sharing her story and as a subject, she was allowed to go home.
Unlike Martha, who was now the pilot of the ship.
"I will miss you Jessica, you were a fun person to talk to," EDI said to her.
Jessica started to cry as she hugged everyone again. The wind caused by the helicopter was overwhelming, "I will miss you too, EDI," she said as she grabbed her bags and boarded. Everyone stepped back as she waved and the helicopter took off.
The group that was staying was mostly everyone, with the exception of Jessica. Lucas and Ichiro both had reasons to stay. Lucas because he was an intern as well as one of the test subjects. Ichiro was mainly because of Hilary. Now that their relationship was in full swing, it was hard to leave. Martha, on the other hand, couldn't leave. It was made plain and simple because of her status as the ship's pilot. At least, not yet. As she looked up to see the helicopter grow smaller and smaller in the sky, she began to wonder if there was any chance at all of going home.
As if reading her thoughts, EDI spoke up:
"When we get the Normandy fueled up and on dry land, I will request for Dr. Alenkov to let you return home. You have been away long enough, and I find that returning to your family unit, is beneficial to a human's mental health. Unless the person comes from a mentally ill home, a family unit helps with mental support," EDI said as Martha looked at the now reddening sky.
"Yeah, it does, but I also want to return to Aaron," she replied.
"I understand," EDI said thought there was a tinge of sadness in her voice.
"Hey, what's wrong?" asked Martha sounding worried.
"You just reminded me of someone I once knew a very long time ago," EDI replied and was quiet afterwards. Martha only stared at her left arm where her omni-tool was located. She then looked out towards the line of ships. She knew that eventually she would have to return home.
MEANWHILE
Dr. Alenkov was sitting at her desk when a buzzer went off. Hitting the holographic button, she replied with an 'enter,' and the doors opened to reveal Enrique.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Fernandez?" she asked as she finished typing her report.
"Nothing much, doctor, I was just wondering around the ship seeing the sights and enjoying the views," he joked. But at the expression on Dr. Alenkov's face Enrique became serious again as he sat down, "Look doctor have you ever thought about what could have happened when you activated such a ship?" he asked.
"I have thought about it every day Enrique, but every day, I told myself I would not have done it any other way. The Normandy is an essential ship, it is key to the betterment of humanity. I tell that to myself everyday. And at the same time, I mourn the loss of crew mates who never got to see the ship come alive." Alenkov said to him.
"I understand, more than anyone, what you are going through, Elenna. But what would the scientific community think when they hear how you activated the ship?" he asked.
"Enrique, you hold the mantle of leadership for as long as I have, and not take any risks. That is what separates me from Alexandria Wilcox. I take risks to my job and my life to protect my crew. The Normandy was a risk that I was willing to take to keep my people alive," Dr. Alenkov replied.
"I am not complaining, señorita, about the activation and I understand your reasons as to why it was activated in the first place. My question to you is: are you ready to deal with the political backlash, as well as the press conference this will lead to?" Enrique said.
Dr. Alenkov leaned back and folded her arms, expression remaining neutral throughout the conversation, "I am ready and have always been ready since day one, Enrique."
"I hope so, because I am not going to lie, it is going to be a shit storm when you return to land," Enrique replied.
"I know," Dr. Alenkov said. It was then that Enrique also looked around, before spotting something near the window. It was a flat platform one that he had seen numerous times across the ship.
"You know the A.I. sometimes gives me the creeps," he said.
"EDI makes everyone nervous who is not a crew member. But she has earned our trust so far. The A.I. has been beneficial in getting off the sea floor," Dr. Alenkov replied. She leaned back into her chair and reached for her drink, her back starting to hurt from hours of writing reports. Enrique was still unsure about the whole thing so he pressed further.
"I've read your initial report about the A.I. and the technology that the Normandy possesses, and what it could do for mankind. However, I still have my concerns for the technology falling into the wrong hands" Enrique commented as he, too, leaned back.
"You mean if Alexandria Wilcox gets her hands on this technology?" Dr. Alenkov replied, her face serious.
"You saw, Elenna, what those submarines were. No country, other than their country of origin, should have that kind of firepower. But yet, they have it, and now the political balance is about to shift," he said.
"Indeed it is, and the way things are going, it is going to be a very big shift. But what I have uncovered here in the past few months will help with moving mankind past simple political gains. For now, though, let the politicians grumble. My main objective is to my crew and to finding Alexandria. She has much to answer for in the mass murder of hundreds of people," Dr. Alenkov replied, her voice suddenly dropping to a dangerous growl.
"What do you mean?" asked Enrique.
"What she means is the events of what happened in the Element Zero Core a few months back. It was discovered then, that many people have been found inside the core, dying of element zero exposure and radiation burns. Those that we did find and have identified were those who had come onto the ship before and were subjected to the Normandy's subliminal messaging system." EDI replied.
"Subliminal systems?" asked Enrique.
"She means the ship's communications system. The ship is designed for aliens who have psychic abilities which allows them to receive subliminal messaging to acquire information. That way, it would be easier for them to get orders carried out." Dr. Alenkov replied to him.
"Oh," was the reply back.
"Alexandria has committed murder to a very high degree and so far, we've only identified twenty or so individuals. But the amount of bodies in there, from what EDI has reported, is several hundred people, either scientists or people who were biotic test subjects. I also did research into others who could be victims and there are many more outside of the old rosters that might have fallen victim to the core." Dr. Alenkov replied.
"My question is how did they get onboard?" asked Enrique when he sat down.
"I don't know, but I would like Micheal to be here to listen to this. EDI, could you please summon Micheal Cameron here? I would like him to hear this, because we could use his expertise on this," Dr. Alenkov replied.
"Mr. Cameron is on his way," was the reply from EDI.
"Good," Dr. Alenkov replied, before the doors opened and Micheal walked in. When he sat down, Dr. Alenkov quickly filled him in on what's going on. Intrigued, Micheal began to put his own senses into the problem.
"So you are saying that Wilcox deliberately smuggled in these people and then had them die in the core? That does not make sense to me. I mean, why the core? Shouldn't she have known that there are people who are down there every single day, taking readings of the radiation and output of the core itself?" Micheal asked.
"As we now know, the part of the core that everyone thought of as the engine room, was simply one of the heat sinks. The actual engine room was well-hidden by holograms. However, the heat-sinks had been working for the past 325 million years. That made it ridiculously hot. The ship's shielding protected us so far, before activation. That is what Alexandria planned on when she placed those people there," Dr. Alenkov replied.
"So she smuggles them in and then what? When she lands them in the core, how did they manage to survive or burn?" asked Micheal.
It was Enrique who figured it out, "She used the trauma caused by the subliminal messages to inhibit them even more. She somehow used the technology to enhance and accelerate the deterioration of the victims normal brain functions." he said and Micheal looked confused at first till Dr. Alenkov explained it better.
"It is like a narcotic. A person grows addicted to it as much as a person grows insane from it. Take, for instance, heroin. It produces chemicals that allows a person to relax and feel good. That way, it would be easier for someone else to take over and take advantage of them. Usually, it would be the drug dealers or the people handing out the heroin, or an even better example, opium. These drugs makes a person crave more. But once you go for longer periods of time on the drug, your brain deteriorates till you are put in a mental ward for such low mental functions. The same happened here many times and that is why we had biotics go up to get some rest, since they are more receptive to it than normal people." she then pulled out a tablet with some test results. "Unfortunately, long exposures to element zero here, started to affect the scientists as well." she then showed them both the reports she had given months ago to Dr. Bethune in New Zealand.
The looks on both their faces were priceless to say the least.
"You think Wilcox will exploit this?" said Micheal.
"I would bet my ass on it, so we must be careful. Also, I need you both to keep an eye on the crew. I have a feeling the person who was supplying the bodies is still onboard. EDI will assist you in any way she can," said Dr. Alenkov.
"But what if our investigation leads us off ship and away from the Normandy?" asked Enrique.
"I will have Major Lawoski and Major Reynolds supply you with the equipment you need. Take care gentlemen," said Dr. Alenkov. Both men stood up and walked out, and as the door shut, Dr. Alenkov turned towards EDI, "What do you think?"
"Both men are willing to help. Mr. Fernandez is most interested in the ship's operations, he would be a vital replacement for Dr. Jenkins as he has left along with Ms. Rodgers onboard the last helicopter," EDI replied.
"What about Micheal?" she asked.
"Mr. Cameron is a renowned filmmaker, his specialty would be valued on the ship as a communication's officer. But I also have a recommendation for that position as well since the Normandy is built for reconnaissance." EDI replied.
"Who…?" was the question.
OCEAN ODYSSEY'S HANGER BAY
Martha stared at the two submersibles, hanging just above the two doors below her. Already, crews were checking and rechecking equipment to make sure that nothing else was damaged, and to secure the six submersibles that sat in the bays. Already, the memory of that first dive into the abyss was like a lost dream to Martha. She could see how the ships were made to attach themselves to the Normandy. Two large door attachments were seen from the side of the subs. These were also the main doors to load and unload cargo to and from the subs.
Running her hands along them, she could remember her first dive. The sights she had seen from the deep sea were amazing, if not somewhat creepy.
"What are they going to do with these now?" she asks EDI as she ran her hand softly across the one that she rode in, the number bright as day on them.
"They will be repurposed to suit deep sea exploration as they have always done. Now that the Normandy is on the surface, they can commit to exploring the deep ocean. Since they are capable to traveling to the bottom of the Challenger Deep, they will be stationed there." EDI replied.
"Wow," Martha said as she looked through one of the windows to see the controls. Being careful to avoid the crew, she slipped out of the hangar to explore more of the ship. This led her to the labs where many things from the Normandy were labeled, and people were busy examining each and every object. Some, she recognized as the newer objects that were there, but there was one thing that drew her closer.
It was a large object that stood off to the corner. It resembled a sort of rocket launcher with the tube pointing upwards. As she came closer, however, she could feel something from it. Something dark and sinister….
FLASHBACK
She could feel them clawing their way to her. Try to get to her. She felt the heat of the Eezo core behind her as she fought them off with nothing but a blade. Still they kept coming and still they kept clawing. In the background, Martha could make out the spires, but they were still buried. Bodies still hanging from them as if they were nothing.
END OF FLASHBACK
Martha quickly snapped out of it as she looked at the object in front of her. Fear suddenly came to her at the memory of that horrific event.
"Are you alright Martha? You heart rate suddenly skyrocketed and your brainwaves are erratic, do you need medical assistance?" EDI replied sounding worried.
"No, no it was a bad memory, one triggered from this thing," Martha replied as she looked at the object in front.
"That object is dangerous, do not have anyone fall onto it," EDI warned.
"Why?" Martha asked.
"What you see can best be described as a transformation object. During the war millions of years ago, the commander at the time found these on a remote planet. The inhabitants went insane and impaled others of their own kind on them. The technology transforms them, robbing them of all essential fluids and organic materials, replacing them with nanites and cybernetics, and create living nightmares from them," EDI replied, her voice sounding as if those memories were too horrific to maintain.
"Is that what happened to your crew?" Martha asked.
"No, my crew abandoned the Normandy when we were attacked by a group of Reapers. The crew escaped and I was left abandoned and badly damaged. I was rescued by the Watchers: a synthetic/organic organism similar to the Reapers, only they don't feed on organic life to sustain them." EDI replied.
"I am sorry," Martha said.
"It was not your fault, you were curious," EDI replied back to her. Martha nodded as she looked at the objects with disdain now that she knows the story.
"I can't help but feel an ominous presence from them. It is as if there is an evil entity from it," Martha said to her.
"That is because it is emitting electromagnetic pulses that are so low in frequency that a normal person can't detect it," said a voice and Martha, startled, quickly turned to see a man standing there in a lab coat with a clipboard in hand.
"I'm sorry I was just..." Martha stuttered a bit nervous being around strangers.
"You were just looking at something that we had in the labs. You do know that you are crossing the line where the magnetic shielding is right?" he said, pointing to a solid curved line that separates the area.
Startled, Martha quickly moved away from the area, "Sorry," she said.
"No, no it is alright I was just worried that the shielding was down and that the energy waves were effecting you," he said.
"No, I was just having a PTSD moment," Martha said as she backed away from him.
"Well, just to warn you, that thing is emitting energy patterns that affect your brainwaves. We first found it about six years ago, and afterwards, many people started seeing things like they were there. It was then, when I installed the energy reader, that we discovered that this thing emits energy signatures that effect brain patterns. So I built this chamber to house it. The magnetic field I have around it keeps the signals at bay, so that no one else is affected by this thing," he said as he checked the readouts.
"Wow, I never knew that. All I know is that I saw those things on the Normandy a while back, many of them," Martha replied.
"Are you one of the Normandy crew?" he asked, sounding curious, his dark brown hair and light gray eyes shown with curiosity at the mention of the Normandy.
"Have you been on it?" Martha asked.
"Yeah, to get patched up for some really wicked sunburn. I was here on the Odyssey when the pirates took over. I am Dr. Malcolm, Jeffery Malcolm, I am in charge of the artifact analysis," he said offering his hand.
"Martha Kahalewai, pilot of the Normandy," Martha said with pride. She felt good saying it out loud, but she was proud of the fact that she is flying an alien vessel.
The man's eyes went wide at the statement and he stuttered when he now saw Martha in a new light, "You! I've heard of you!" he said, sounding excited as he stepped closer to her.
"Really?" Martha replied, surprised herself.
"Yes! You are the one who figured out the subliminal messages that the ship was sending. You also activated the ship, such a find is a revolutionary leap for science! How can I express my gratitude for the greatest discovery of all time?!" he said, giddy like a kid on Christmas morning.
"Why don't you start by coming onboard, yourself? I think Dr. Kimber is more than happy to give you a tour," Martha said, getting nervous.
"Oh! Right sorry," he said finally noticing Martha's uneasy behavior.
"Don't mind him, he tends to get over excited when new things happen," said a female voice.
Martha turned her head to find Hilary standing there, smiling. Martha smiled back as Hilary came over. "Jeffery, you should know better than to disturb my friend here" she lightly scolded.
"Sorry about that, Hilary, it s just that after the pirates, returning to my work has been a breath of fresh air to me," he said as he came closer to Martha but Hilary's glare sent him a few steps back.
"Martha, Dr. Alenkov sent me to find you, she said a storm is coming and wanted all crew members onboard for departure," she said, and Martha waved to Dr. Malcolm before departing.
As soon as they were out of the labs, Martha gave a big sigh of relief at the tension that was building in there. She was led outside by Hilary, towards the main stern of the ship where the Normandy was stationed.
"I am sorry if I could not contact you further, Martha, but Dr. Ballard insisted that she tell you about our departure time," EDI said remorsefully.
"Hey, don't feel bad, at least she wanted to surprise me," Martha said.
"As long as you are not walking the plank," EDI replied, and that got even Hilary confused. Both women stared at the holographic form of Martha's omni-tool until EDI simply replied, "That was a joke."
"Not funny EDI, you need to work on your catch phrases better," Hilary said as they neared the aft of the ship.
"So, what is this about a storm?" Martha asked.
"We picked it up on our satellite readout. It is a category 4 typhoon heading in our direction. Dr. Alenkov and the other captains decided that now would be a good time to depart. The Normandy is resupplied and ready to launch. The Odyssey will head back to the mainland with needs for repair. The other ships will follow as an escort. They will make sure that no more pirates will attack the ship," Hilary said.
"Are you leaving us?" Martha said sad to see another friend go.
"And miss this, no way sister! My main science field may be marine biology, but I also minored in Astronomy and Astrophysics," Hilary said as they neared the ramp that would take them back onboard the Normandy. Already, people who were leaving were departing, and people who were staying were securing everything they had. Martha looked up at the massive form of the Normandy; it stood there as the first winds begin to blow. She could feel it around her and she enjoyed it. But, as the ship started to rock more with the rising waves, Martha knew it was soon time to leave.
As she entered the ramp that would take her back onboard the Normandy, she felt herself pass through a field.
"Hold still, decontamination in progress," EDI said as a light beam passed through them. It felt strange, as if taking a bath without the water.
"Decontamination complete," EDI said and then also welcomed them back onboard the Normandy. As they walked up, Martha noticed that many of the patients were gone, replaced instead by crates of goods from the Odyssey.
"Wow that was quick!" Martha said to Hilary.
"Well, we have been tracking the storm for a good few days, but it suddenly veered from its original path towards us. So, now they want everyone out who is not of the Normandy crew.
As if to say more Dr. Alenkov's voice came over the intercom, "Attention, all Normandy personnel! We will be departing in one hour. All non-personnel must leave the ship immediately due to storm threat. All Normandy crew members, report to your stations!"
The voice was loud and clear, and as she said, so alarms began to blare from the Odyssey. Martha quickly walked towards the elevator to get a shower before heading over to her station. When she got to the control center, some new faces walked around the station, while some old ones remained. Hilary was, of course, at her station, as well as Lucas and Ichigo. However, where Jessica used to be, sat another man. He was not one Martha recognized at all.
"Um..." Martha said.
"Oh! Marty, meet Micheal Cameron, he will be filling Jessica's position, till they find a permanent communications officer," said Ichigo from his station at weapons control.
"Martha? So you're the one Enrique was talking about. He is down in engineering, helping Dr. Jackson out with the engine controls. Since I am a film maker, Dr. Alenkov thought it would be best to let me handle communications until our permanent officer comes onboard," he said, offering his hand. Martha gladly shook it, "Welcome aboard the Normandy," she said.
She was surprised a famous film maker could make his appearance to a simple pilot, but Martha let that slide, remembering how nothing about this was simple or normal. Getting into her seat, she felt the chair turn once again and move into position. Once adjusted to her height and body accommodation, the controls began to appear once again.
"Wow! I will never get used to this!" Micheal said, both Ichigo and Lucas laughed. Martha then turned towards the screen, a smile on her face.
"Alright folks, this is your pilot speaking. Are all cargo and crew accounted for?" Martha said over the intercom.
"All cargo and crew are accounted for," EDI replied. Martha nodded before going over the controls.
"Ocean Odyssey, this is Normandy, preparing for final departure, over," Martha said opening a link to the Ocean Odyssey.
"This is the Ocean Odyssey, the skies are clear for now and all ships are leaving the area. Wind speeds are around 13.03 knots north by north east and rising," the person on the other end said.
"Roger that, Ocean Odyssey, beginning engine warm up for disengagement and departure," Martha said as she started pushing some holographic buttons in the same sequence as when she first activated the ship. A rumble was heard as the ship started to activate.
"Bridge, this is the cargo hold, ramp is up and ready for departure," said a voice, and Martha looked at her holographic chart of the Normandy. The ramp was indeed up as Martha looked towards the ships.
"Odyssey to Normandy, what is your departure vector and destination?" was the question from the Odyssey.
Before Martha could reply, Dr. Alenkov gave them her answer: "We will be launching for space in ten minutes," Martha was surprised by this.
"Space?" Martha asked.
"The Normandy has to refuel, and EDI has pointed out a planet where she can gather the materials she needs to refuel," said Lucas from his station. It was then that coordinates were relayed to her station from Dr. Alenkov's station in the Combat Information Control Center. Taking a deep breath, Martha then started the activation controls.
"Alright, coordinates are in, preparing for final departure," Martha said.
"Good luck Normandy," was the reply from the Odyssey.
"Normandy, this is Captain Chadwick of the U.S.S. Alaska. Everyone in the American 5th fleet wish you well and God speed!" came the goodbye from the American fleet captain. Many different replies came from other fleet captains as they promised to bring the Odyssey to port and away from the storm.
"Captains, this is Elenna Alenkov of the Normandy we thank you for your assistance and wish you well in returning the Odyssey home," she said, then the channel switched to a private one for the bridge.
"Alright, Martha, prepare for departure," she said before signing off.
Knowing it was time, Martha began to hit other buttons and knobs on the holographic interface. "Alright, vectors are in, initiating landing thrusters and breaking away from the Odyssey." Martha said
OUTSIDE THE SHIP
A rumble, like thunder, could be heard from outside the Normandy as landing thrusters began to engage. People onboard the Ocean Odyssey gathered to watch the Normandy's departure. With the ramp now up and secure back in the main body of the ship, it began to rise away from their vessel. As it rose, it angled away from the ship before its main thrusters engaged, and it shot away from them and up towards the sky. As they shot up into the air, the other vessels could see it rapidly disappearing into the sky.
With the Normandy gone the Ocean Odyssey started its own newly-repaired engines and started to move towards the Vietnam mainland. The rapidly approaching storm did not look like it would be forgiving, so they wasted no time in leaving. The fleets following to escort them to shore remained with them as they, too, needed repairs. The pirates who had held the crew of the Odyssey hostage were taken away to one of the naval vessels for safe keeping, since the Odyssey had no brig to house them. But one person onboard was a bit disappointed he did not get to go. Dr. Malcolm watched as the ship's thrusters vanished in the more noticeable cloud cover, and he felt that he should head further inside for the time being.
NORMANDY
Martha held on to the controls as the sky began to darken as they went higher and higher. Due to the low fuel, Martha had to convert non-critical systems into the ship's thrusters in order for it to finally leave the atmosphere. When the last of the blue gave way to the eternal blackness of space, the cheering started.
"Holy shit!" Ichigo said.
"You think?" Martha said as she moved around communication's satellites. The Normandy's maneuverability made it ideal for interstellar travel.
"Dr. Alenkov, you have got to see this!" Lucas said, smiling in amazement. He was looking out of the windows into the blackness of space. The blackness of space was only paused by the light of the sun, shining above the Earth.
"On my way," was the reply
Dr. Alenkov walked up to the bridge a few minutes later, and saw for herself what they all had been looking forward to. The sight of space greeted her as Martha steered the ship away from the space junk. Turning slightly, she angled the ship out and away. And the sight that they saw for the first time shocked them all.
"Are we in space?" Dr. Alenkov asked them all even though the answer was obvious. She just needed confirmation. Martha nodded as she straightened them out. Impressed, she looked out the bridge window to see planet Earth just above them. It was an impressive sight. Just to emphasize, Martha turned the ship a bit to see the planet better at the same time avoiding another satellite.
"Damn, there is a lot of junk up here!" she said out loud.
"I have to agree," said Micheal.
The sight that greeted them was the massive storm that they just missed below them. Already they could see the lightning flashing across the clouds as it slowly turned away from them.
"It appears my unscientific theories of the Earth being flat are false," EDI said suddenly. All eyes on the bridge turned to the floating holographic ball. "That was a joke."
SOMEWHERE IN AN UNKNOWN LOCATION
"So the ship has finally emerged?" said Alexandria Wilcox.
"It has, and it is impressive! Such a colossal ship of such firepower is worth its weight in gold!" the voice on the other end said to her. He was a man dressed in a scientific uniform.
"What about Alenkov, I heard she is in charge of the ship," Alexandria replied as she sipped her wine. The beige mountains behind her and the arid countryside hid her hideout well. Keeping on the move had paid off for Alexandria. She was good at her job and disappearing was her specialty. Her now-tanned skin and dark hair made her blend in well with the locals. Plus speaking the language was a bonus to her.
"Yes she is, but she is not the one who pilots it! I just got a glimpse of her myself, but she is a remarkable specimen," said the man on the screen.
This raised and eyebrow, "She?" now that was interesting.
"Yes, a young woman, Martha, her name was. She is the talk of the whole Odyssey. They said that she herself shot down the main battery laser that the ship has in its arsenal. However, getting access to see the video footage myself has proven to be nearly impossible. There is something else on that ship, an artificial intelligence, that has blocked all attempts to hack into its systems. Its programming is unlike anything I have seen before," said the man on the screen.
On another screen, Alexandria pulled up files of everyone that was onboard the Normandy when it was still at the bottom of the ocean. The one name that did appear made her smirk. She knew that face all too well, her last victim. So she is alive... interesting.
"What else have you heard about this, 'Martha?" she asked.
"The only thing I know, other than her being the pilot, is that she was the one who woke up the ship. Figured out the riddle that the ship was trying to implant into everyone else. And just like that, turned on the ship. Alenkov even credited the girl herself," the man said.
"Do you have any evidence to prove this?" Alexandria replied as she started getting a hold of her contacts.
"Whatever I got is in Alenkov's reports that she sends to everyone in the science departments," the man replied.
"Good, then send me a copy of the files," Alexandria replied and, just like that, an email popped up with the package containing the reports of all the scientists. After checking them for any sort of spyware, she looked through them on a third monitor. Going through them, she was interested in the reports of the EOC and Martha's death. It was strange that the woman suddenly healed and came back from the dead. But if she could weaponize this, then she might have a chance.
"I will get in contact with you when I have more information, but for now, Dr. Malcolm, I suggest you keep a low profile. Alenkov has probably got agents all around, hunting my people down, understood?" she said, and the man saluted before the call was terminated.
As she leaned back, the room she was in suddenly went dark as the arid landscape disappeared, and Alexandria found herself in a darkened room. Taking off her wig and peeling off the fake skin, she stood in her business dress. Turning her chair, she began to type on a screen with a virtual keyboard, a series of commands. When she was done, a picture appeared in front of her. A license appeared with Martha's face on it. Then she started looking into any official reports from school to family. The woman was indeed interested. She also looked into the files of other crew members that were on the Normandy. Smirking to herself, she turned towards the first screen.
"You just piqued my interest once again, Ms. Kahalewai. Now let's see just who you really are," she said as she smirked as the image changed to one featuring Dr. Alenkov. It also showed her family and friends.
"You may have won this round, Elenna, but the game has just begun," Alexandria replied as she typed a series of commands. When it was done, a series of faces appeared.
"It's me, I have orders. I am sending you faces of your next targets. I want you to keep an eye on them and report to me of any activities that might be of interest, understood?" she said and the affirmatives were her reply.
"Good," with that, she hung up, leaving herself in a state where she knew that the game was only getting interesting. Now all she had to do was wait and see what she could dig up... and when she could strike.
TBC
A/n: Ok, first off I am sorry if this came out cheap the first time but to me it felt like it did. This is what happens when you paid more attention to children's scifi movies then what is supposed to happen. Thank God for Charlies Angels, Firefly and the movie Serenity to help with getting a more interesting feel for this chapter. So now our characters are getting ready for their first space exploration. Already they are in space for the first time now is their next challenge.
As you already notice I am extending this story quite a bit instead of the normal twenty chapters that it originally had. The reason being is that this story will eventually be longer then its predecessor with more substance and more building then what it had. This time I am building more on the timeline and adding that danger factor that Mass Effect is known for.
So what do you guys think? Please leave a review and remember no BASHINGS, LORE MONGERS OR FLAMES PLEASE!