The Void Effect
ESKK: Well, they finally got me, Mass Effect has taken me. Damn, oh well let's roll with it and start this story.
"Talking."
'Thinking.'
(Scene Break)
-Music Insert/Lyrics-
"Man in the Wall/Eldritch Being."
Disclaimer: I do not own Warframe or Mass Effect, so let's get this started.
(Start Prologue)
In the year 2148, explorers on Mars discovered the remains of an ancient spacefaring civilization. In the decades that followed, these mysterious artifacts revealed startling new technologies, enabling travel to the furthest stars. The basis for this incredible technology was a force that controlled the very fabric of space and time.
They called it the greatest discovery in human history.
The civilizations of the galaxy call it... MASS EFFECT.
However,…
Another discovery was made a derelict station discovered just past the moon of Deimos. Within an incredible discovery was made. Humans changed by an ancient power were found within humans from an ancient stage of humanity. Survivors to many, saviors to some, warriors gods to few. The day of their discovery gave humanity a vanguard to stand behind.
These beings these warriors were known as… the Tenno.
(Start Meeting)
"If it comes down to Shepard and Ryder, my vote is for Ryder." Ambassador Udina said as he sat with two others. He was an old man but was clearly a politician in all regards. As he spoke with the group, he was accompanied by two others, two of which were military officers.
"Which Sheppard?" Admiral Hackett quipped smiling a bit causing the other two to roll their eyes.
"That's not going to happen." Anderson began as he spoke to his fellow Officer and the Ambassador. "The Council will never accept Ryder due to his stance on AI." Captain Anderson countered knowing exactly how that man tended to act.
"Well Sheppard is our only option then." Udina said but then another idea occurred, and it originated from the communication link.
"May I offer a second opinion." The voice of a woman came through before being followed by the holographic image of a woman in a mask that had a lotus Symbol on it.
"Lotus." Hackett said with a small growl showing his dislike for her. Lotus was aboard the derelict facility when it was discovered and had become the chief contact for the Tenno.
"From what I understand your deciding on which of your soldiers to send for Spectre statues correct?" Lotus asked as she looked to the group. "Perhaps we may be able to compromise." The Lotus said knowing that she had been in semi-regular contact with one of the Alliance Council Members.
"How so?" Udina asked wanting details of what the Lotus was thinking.
"Its no secrets that a majority of the Council has been viding to acquire the Tenno and we are in a peculiar position to grant them such as get a Spectre to boot." Lotus said as she considered the options for the three. "So here is my recommendation that one of my Tenno is made a Spectre." Lotus said much to the groups surprise.
"That's crazy why now? Why wait until now?" Anderson asked as he didn't want to risk the Tenno falling into the wrong hands. For him they were still just kids forced into one war after the other to the point its all they know anymore.
"Because the Galaxy is changing, and the Tenno need to change with it." Lotus said as she had been preparing her Tenno for a few years now for the changes. She needed to know they can handle whatever comes their way.
"Are you certain of this?" Udina asked as he gave the Lotus a calculating glare.
"Yes, its been a long time coming and my Tenno have been part of the greater galaxy for some time already." Lotus said giving data on her three top applicants. "Each of my applicants have attended N-School as per our agreement for any Tenno seeking to join your armed forces." The Lotus said as the human governments and the Tenno made several agreements on Tenno/Human interactions.
"My first applicant, Koyuki." She began showing images of a teenaged girl with Void scars from her chin to her bottom lip. She had a buzz comb cut with glasses over her eyes on some sort of implant on her forehead. Next came images of her Warframe Mag Prime, her frame of Choice. "Koyuki was on one of your deep space stations awaiting to join the Madrid as their Chief Engineer when the station was attacked by Terminus Pirates." Lotus began which Anderson cut in with some information there.
"Yes, I've heard of that, it was out of place for a Tenno to work as an engineer." Anderson said as the Tenno were normally saw as fighters.
"The pirates thought the same." Lotus said before showing the data on the battle in question. "The Pirates managed to storm the bridge quickly, but Koyuki was able to reroute all main controls through main engineering and lock out the bridge." Lotus said showing how Koyuki did it which showed her using the Parazon a weapon that is built into every Warframe. "By design the main engineering on every Alliance space station is only accessible through a single long corridor and contains a small arms locker inside." Lotus said and thus Anderson got the gist of it.
"That Tenno took all of the weapons from the small arms locker gave said weapons to the engineers, before she sealed the two stations engineers into main engineering and held the corridor alone for eighteen hours against numerous attacks until the Madrid arrived and drove off the Pirates." Anderson said as he recalled reading those reports.
"Yes." Lotus confirmed as she showed the images of Koyuki taking out the pirates. "though by the time Madrid arrived the battle was more or less won." The Lotus said as it was a surprise the Tenno weren't deployed more until you recall that they were still children in the eyes of many and that they aren't large enough to distribute to the entire military.
"My second applicant, Tai." Lotus began as he was second place for her applicants. An image of a young man with his hair shaved military style stood there as he was seen in armor from his image. He had a metal object over his right eye and Void scarring around the patch. "Tell me do any of you know of Yamakaze?" Lotus asked as she waited for the men.
"It's a death world." Udina said as he heard of that planet. "Total ban on any Alliance vessel from ever approaching the planet." Udina explained from the information he knew of it. "The entire survey team was killed within hours." He added but then the Lotus chuckled.
"No." Anderson gasped as he knew where this was going.
What followed was images of Tai and his Volt Prime Warframe on the death planet. "Yes, Tai was on a shuttle that crashed on Yamakaze after a mission." Lotus began as she recalled that incident. "Everyone else was killed in the crash and yet Tai survived." Lotus said recalling the smug feeling she got when word of Tai's return came up.
"How was he recovered then?" Udina inquired curious to hear how Tai pulled it off.
"One of the Krogan Clan, Nakmor, use Yamakaze as the final trail for anyone who wants to earn the rank of Battlemaster." Lotus began as she explained the story. "The prospective Battlemaster must survive three weeks on Yamakaze." Lotus said before she got to the good part. "They found Tai there on a dead beast of that planet a month after the crash when a prospective Battlemaster was being dropped off and according to his report he just asked them, 'what took you guys so long,' right in their faces." Lotus explained with a smile.
"Sounds like he has a mouth." Hackett said surprised that Tai pulled it off.
"Yes, but as it stands Tai is technically recognized as a Battlemaster of Clan Nakmor." Lotus said which meant Tai had Krogan allies he can call in should he need them.
"Damn." Anderson said in shock before focusing on the current situation. "And what of the third applicant." Anderson said before Lotus showed the images of one if not the best of the Tenno.
"This is Rayden and his Warframe of choice Excalibur Umbra." Lotus said showing the images of said Tenno. Rayden was a young man with Void Scarrng on the left side of his face not enough to look unsightly but just enough to make him look like a soldier.
"I've heard of him." Hackett said as he recalled reading such reports. "A legion of Turian soldiers went after him, off the books from what I heard." Hackett said recalling the incident. "That Tenno was the only one to walk out of that battle alive." He added which Lotus nodded.
"Yes, the Turian call him the Phantom of the Void in their language." Lotus said which meant that Rayden was a top Tenno. "And if you need more of his information, he was the one who was responsible for many of our victories before the blank." The Lotus said as she mentioned that bit.
The Blank was an area in the Tenno's memories between their last missions and being put into hibernation. They had no idea what had happened except that when they woke up the Universe, they knew had undergone great changes.
"So, you want us to choose between these three Tenno?" Anderson asked which Lotus nodded to him.
"Yes, but whoever you choose will be the leader the other two will no doubt follow one way or another." The Lotus said as she showed how they worked as a unified unit.
"So, a three for one." Anderson said which meant that regardless of who is chosen all three of them will be going as one team.
(Scene Break Alliance Docking Bay Arcturus Station)
In the docking bay of an Alliance controlled station Rayden and Tai were seen as Tai was holding a handheld that had a game playing on it. He was simply passing the time as he sat by his duffle bag that carried his belongings and gear. Next to him on another chair was Rayden who had his head resting on his interlocked hands with his eyes closed. The pair were dressed in their personalized N7 Armor that doubled as their Transference Suits for their Warframes. Their old Transference Suits were not in the best of conditions after they had awoken from, they're long sleep so they had to make do.
Rayden then opened and eye and saw a familiar figure approaching them. "Ordis turn off Tai's game." Rayden said and thus Ordis did so.
"At Once Operator." Ordis said and in turn Rayden's game was turned off.
"Hey, I was playing that!" Tai snapped while glaring at Rayden.
But the Tenno simply gestured to the new arrival revealing it to be Koyuki in her own N7 Transference suit. Rayden then got up to speak with his fellow Tenno on what she found out.
"Do we have the official postings for the deployment yet?" Rayden asked while looking to Koyuki. One can note that all three had the N7 logo on their chest and the Lotus symbol on their left shoulder plates.
"Yes." Koyuki said before she displayed the information to her teammates. "The Normandy is a new Stealth Cruiser, combined Alliance Turian design." Koyuki said displaying what she found on the Normandy. "It has also been modified to accommodate us." She added before going over their assignments. "I will be assigned as Chief Engineer alongside the current Chief Adams." She began displaying the information to her two teammates.
"Sweet, tell me I got the big guns." Tai said as he just loved firing off those cruiser class guns.
"Wait." Rayden said elbowing his friend to get him to stay focused on their mission.
"Yes well, Tai you've been assigned as part of the ground team, and Rayden you've been assigned as the Executive Officer." Koyuki said as she listed off who is going where on this new ship. "But unofficially we will all have some of the responsibilities of the XO and part of the ground team." Koyuki added and thus Tai smirked to this.
"Well, this should be fun." Tai said with a smirk on his face.
"There's more going on here." Rayden said as he looked to his team. "The Normandy has Stealth capabilities if rumors are to be believed." Rayden began as he recounted the information they currently had. "The one who requested us is a Captain Anderson." Rayden said listing off what he knows.
"Brother don't ruin it." Tai said but then Koyuki had more to add.
"It might be Spectre selection." Koyuki said as Tai had to object to this.
"Um if it was the Lotus would have told us." Tai said knowing that the Lotus would not withhold something like that.
"Unless she wanted it to be a surprise." Rayden said and thus Tai rolled his eyes to this.
"More then that I had heard that the Captain was a potential candidate several years ago." Koyuki said getting the groups attention. "He has been pushing for a Spectre selection for years now." Koyuki added which began to put the pieces together for them.
Just then the PA system activated which got their attention. "SSV Normandy will be docking at bay seven in five minutes." The PA announced to all personnel in the docking station. "All personnel assigned to the SSV Normandy please proceed to bay seven." The PA announced which meant it was time to go.
The trio picked up their gear bags and got ready to move. "Well, that's us." Tai said ready to go before noticing something. "By the way where is Umbra, he was with us when we got on board." Tai said looking for their fourth only to cry out in shock when he saw Umbra suddenly appear behind him after turning. "Jesus fuck man stop that." Tai said as he glared at Umbra. "You're going to give me a heart attack me day." He said but with a chuckle Rayden cut in.
"Come on you big baby we got places to be." Rayden said before the trio now quartet made their way towards the airlock of the docking bay and their next assignment.
(Later at the Airlocks)
The three Tenno and one Warframe were at the airlocks as they seemed annoyed. "I swear every time we go through security with Umbra, we get flagged every single time." Koyuki mumbled as Tai sighed.
"Just be glad they didn't give us the rubber glove treatment." Tai said as they had to get through security and explained the situation with Umbra… for the 100th time. Standing there for a moment they got ready for the ship when suddenly a new voice cut in.
"Are you kids lost or something?" A man asked when he noticed the four at the station.
"Here we go again." Koyuki said with an annoyed sigh.
"We're not lost we're actually assigned to the Normandy." Rayden said presenting his transfer data for the Normandy.
"Wait you too?" He asked and thus it was clear they were all boarding the same ship.
"Well, what a small galaxy." Tai said with a grin on his face.
"Aren't you three a bit young to be in the military?" He asked causing the trio to look but Rayden sighed here.
"We're not exactly young." Tai said before showing his shoulder guard. "We're Tenno." He said and thus the man had heard about them as part of the military.
"Oh, your those guys." He said and thus Koyuki added her own two cents.
"And just because we look young doesn't mean we can't kick your ass five ways across the Milky way." Koyuki said making her displeasure known.
"So did you also get assigned to the Normandy?" Taiga asked curious as to why this man was here.
"Yeah." The man responded which meant they were going to be part of the same crew.
"Well since we're probably going to be on the same crew, I'm Rayden this here is Koyuki, and Tai." Rayden said introducing his squad to the man.
"John Sheppard." John said introducing himself back to the Tenno.
Just then they heard the sound of boosters resonating and looking to the source they saw a ship coming in, to dock. A big black ship with the word Normandy printed in white on the side.
"I guess that's us." Tai said and thus they got ready to board the vessel.
(Scene Break later in the Normandy)
In the captains quarters Captain David Anderson looked over the three standing in front of him at a relaxed stance as he pretended to review their files. He recognized the calm confidence of N7 operatives, he was one of the first graduates from the N7 program himself, but there was more to it than that. These three were Tenno and if what he heard was right, the fourth with them was the only self-aware Warframe in the entire galaxy. Rayden was standing in front of his two comrades Tai and Koyuki as he and Umbra were basically the face of the Tenno. Koyuki was the brains she was calm and methodical in how she does things and was the tactician of the group. Finally, was Tai the maverick and the loose cannon has a history of going big when he goes on missions probably why the Korgan respect him.
"Tenno, welcome aboard the Normandy." Captain Anderson said greeting the Tenno.
"Thank you, sir." Rayden responded as he was ready for any possible actions.
"Now down to business." Anderson began as he spoke to the Tenno. "I am aware of you N School training file and I have also been fully briefed on your abilities and skillsets." Anderson said making it clear where this was going. I am both a former graduate of N School, one of the first actually, and trained some of their current instructors." He said making it clear that he knew they had suspicions about the shake down they were doing.
"Fair enough." Rayden said cutting to the truth. "What's the real reason that we're here?" Rayden said as he wanted to know what the Lotus won't tell them.
"Officially, you are assigned to Normand for the shakedown cruise of the new stealth drive and, if all goes well, permanently thereafter." Anderson explained but Koyuki saw right through it.
"And unofficially?" Koyuki asked and thus Anderson figured that they saw through him. "It is unlikely that the Alliance would assign a Tenno and a war hero to even as advanced a ship as the Normandy on a permanent basis without something more behind it." Koyuki said and thus Tai looked confused.
"War hero?" Tai asked and thus Koyuki sighed to this.
"Sheppard, we met him before take-off." Koyuki said showing she did some reading during the trip on their new friend.
"All will be made clear soon enough." Anderson said as he rather keep it hush-hush for a bit longer. "All that I can say is that in a few days, once you are all settled, a shuttle will be docking with the Normandy to deliver a single passenger." Anderson said and thus they listened to him. "That passenger is a Turian Spectre called Nihlus." Anderson said which meant they were going to have to wait for this new passenger to arrive.
"I see then if that is all is my team dismissed? I'd like to be able to set up for our stay here." Rayden said as he knew his team would need to get comfortable for the coming mission.
"Of course." Anderson said and thus doing a customary Tenno salute the three departed with Excalibur Umbra following after them.
(Scene Break a few days later)
Arcturus had been one of the better-known stars in the sky even in antiquity, so it was still a tremendous surprise for human beings to have found not just habitable planets, but inhabited planets there. The creatures that had been found scraping nutrients out of the frozen oceans of Arcturus' many ice dwarfs weren't sophisticated enough to have technology or language, but they'd shown those first human explorers what to expect, that they were on the right track, that they were moving into a galaxy teeming with life, and that each new sun and each new world held wonders they could only begin to imagine.
But Arcturus wasn't most notable for its life or its natural resources, abundant as they both were. On the contrary, the system was much better known for the ring of giant space stations that had been discovered in the system's Kuiper belt by the first expedition to the system. Each of these installations "pointed" in a different direction, and each pulsed with more power per second than all the spacefaring races of the galaxy had generated in ten thousand years.
One of those installations was directly in their path now, still far enough away that it was just one bright star among many, but even from this distance its power core was bright enough that it out-shone all of the stars around it.
"Arcturus Prime Relay is in range... initiating transmission sequence." Flight Lieutenant Jeff 'Joker' Moreau was counting down on the ship's intercom as he made his maneuvers. This would be only the third time in its existence the Normandy would have to endure a mass relay transit, and the first time it had done so beyond the Sol/Arcturus test flight.
Koyuki saw this and sighed before monitoring the gauges of the ship. Its been a few days and they had already picked up their Spectre passenger. Despite this she had already gotten her workstation set up with an active foundry and Sentinel station. The Normandy had a no pets allowed rule going on, so the Tenno cant use attack dogs in combat missions so bummer. In fact, a lot of the Tenno had to adjust their tactics here and there but nothing they could not figure out. The language barrier was an absolute bitch at the time, but they figured it out eventually.
"We are connected. Calculating transit mass and destination." Joker announced and thus they all got ready. When Koyuki heard this, she focused on her own station with her coworkers down in engineering.
(On the maid deck)
Normandy's engines were still active - the ship was decelerating to hit the relay at a safe approach speed - but the mass effect engines acted on the entire ship at once, so even when the ship was accelerating, the crew was still moving around safely in the artificial gravity of the ship.
Shepard strides into the cockpit just as the SSV Normandy, the Systems Alliance's newest frigate, swings past the tuning-fork shaped Mass Relay. With a bright blue flash, an arc of blue lightning reaches out to the Normandy and propels it to faster than the speed of light. Shepard walks up behind the imposing figure of their "guest" – the male Turian Spectre with black and white facial markings called Nihlus. Shepard warily regards their "guest," not trusting having an alien representative of the Council special operatives, or aliens of any kind. This is Earth's most advanced warship on its maiden voyage – why is he here to see all of our secrets when the Council won't even give Humanity a seat in their illustrious government?
"Thrusters…check," Joker reports, tense at having their "guest" standing over his shoulder. "Navigation…check. Internal emissions sink engaged. All systems online. Drift…just under fifteen hundred k." Joker said doing a system check of the vessel.
"Fifteen hundred is good," Nihlus comments, attempting to make it a compliment, but failing to most of the humans in the room. "Your captain will be pleased." Nihlus said while Joker slightly turns his head and glares at the Spectre as Nihlus leaves the cockpit.
Waiting until Nihlus is out of earshot, Joker makes a comment. "I hate that guy." He said clearly feeling underappreciated there.
Staff Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko laughs at Joker from the co-pilot seat. "Nihlus gave you a compliment, so you hate him." Alenko said finding it dumb to do that.
"You remember to zip up your jumpsuit on the way out of the bathroom? That's 'good.' I just jumped us halfway across the galaxy and hit a target the size of a pinhead. So that's incredible!" He said clearly feeling like that should be worth more praise. "Besides, Spectres are trouble. I don't like having him aboard. Call me paranoid." Joker said which caused Alenko to sigh.
"You're paranoid. The Council helped fund this project." Alenko said reminding Joker of the fact. "They have a right to send someone to keep an eye on their investment." He said knowing he'd like to make sure his ship turned out well if he funded it.
"Yeah, that is the official story." Joker said showing he didn't buy it. "But only an idiot believes the official story," Joker cynically responded as it was a good thought to have.
Shepard crosses his arms and frowns thoughtfully. "Poor Joker, always expecting the worse out of every situation." Shepard said while looking to his two crewmates.
"Yeah, well, bad feelings are an occupational hazard." Joker said as he shot Shepard a look "We don't go anywhere unless there's a good reason for it, so what the hell are we doing out here?" Joker said as he also forgot one bit.
"What about the Tenno? Nothing on them?" Alenko asked as he looked to Joker.
"Not much on those kids, they've been making mainstream military for a while now." Joker said as he heard the rumors. "Considering that they are a game changer I think the Alliance might be worried." Joker added but then got back to his previous question. "Anyway, none of you seem to want to answer my question." Joker said expecting some kind of answer from his crewmates.
Before anyone can reply, Anderson calls over the comm, "Joker! Status report!" Anderson called causing Joker to focus back on his job.
"Just cleared the mass relay, Captain. Stealth systems engaged. Everything looks solid." Joker said reporting the good news to the Captain.
"Good," Anderson replies, trying to sound happier than he was but failing miserably. "Find a comm buoy and link us into the network. I want mission reports relayed back to Alliance brass before we reach Eden Prime." Anderson ordered and thus Joker got on it.
"Aye-aye, Captain," Joker responded, making sure that he didn't upset his Captain even more than he already was. "Better brace yourself, sir. I think Nihlus is headed your way." Joker added as he wanted to be sure the Captain was made aware.
"He's already here, Lieutenant." Anderson said and thus he got down to it. "Tell Commander Shepard the Tenno Rayden to meet me in the conference room for a briefing," Anderson orders before cutting the comm.
Joker looks over his shoulder at the XO. "You get that, Commander?" Joker asked wanting to make sure Shepard was aware of this.
"Great," Shepard began with a sarcastic tone in his voice. "You piss the Captain off and now I'm gonna pay for it. Thanks." Shepard said as he turned and begins walking down the corridor towards the center of the CIC.
Joker snorted at this before focusing back on his mission. "Don't blame me. The Captain's always in a bad mood." Joker said before Alenko smirked.
"Only when he's talking to you, Joker," Alenko retorted, a sarcastic smile on his face.
(Nearby with Rayden)
Rayden was checking out the stations leading up to the cockpit as he had to admit they were impressive. Back in his day these things were all automated which royally bit the Orokin in their golden asses when the Sentient came and attacked.
"Tenno." John said as he approached Rayden. "We're needed in the conference room." John said which Rayden sighed in response.
"Alright." He said and thus with Umbra in tow Rayden followed Sheppard to the conference room where they were called.
(Later the Normandy Conference room)
Walking into the conference room, Shepard still couldn't stop thinking about what Pressley had said. Rayden followed as he had similar thoughts over what was going on. John shook his head to himself as it just didn't make much sense, for someone to hate so much and so openly. He knew that he didn't trust Turians either, much less Turian Spectres, but the Navigator wasn't even trying to hide his contempt for Nihlus. He hoped his little discussion with Pressley didn't make him too late to meet with the Captain…
"Commander Shepard, Tenno Rayden good." Nihlus said, breaking into Shepard's thoughts. "I was hoping that you two would get here first. We have much to talk about." Nihlus said as he looked to the pair before him, Trio counting Umbra.
"And what would that be?" Shepard asked in a wary tone.
"This world that we're going to – Eden Prime, is it?" Nihlus asked as he had questions about it.
"Yeah?" John asked more then said as he was a bit worried.
"I've heard that it's quite beautiful." He said and thus Rayden spoke up this time.
"Can't say much about Shepard but personally I've never been out this far from the home system." Rayden said as he gave the alien a calm look.
"It's more than just a tourist destination though, isn't it?" Nihlus began as he went on a bit of a speech. "It's a symbol, a symbol of what Humanity has accomplished." He said as Rayden can understand the need for a symbol. "Your race has accomplished more in the past 26 years than most races have yet to accomplish in hundreds. Definitely something that is worth protecting, isn't it?" He asked wanting to hear what they had to say.
"I agree its what we Tenno have been trained to do." Rayden said knowing that even if its not his home era Eden Prime was part of this new era of humanity.
"Humanity has come so far in so short a time." He said doing his best to offer praise to humanity. "You have as many enemies as you do friends. It's always good to protect what you have." HE said which Rayden agreed with.
"You sound like my old teacher." Rayden said recalling Teshin who died during the New War.
Just then Anderson walked into the comm room. "Good, you're all here." Anderson said as he entered the room. "It's time that we filled the Commander in on what's going on." He added and thus Nihlus nodded his head to this.
"This mission is far more than a simple shakedown run." Nihlus said speaking in his controlled tone.
"My team and I figured that out ages ago." Rayden said as he knew that there was more at work here.
"We're here to pick something up from Eden Prime." Anderson began as he gave them a mission brief. "This is something that we don't want known that we have." He went on which began to put the pieces together. "It's why we have to keep the stealth systems up, why we are the only ship capable of succeeding on this mission." Anderson said which seemed to annoy Sheppard a bit.
"Why was I kept out of this until now, Captain," Shepard asked with a slight irritated tone of voice.
"This comes from the top, Shepard. Far above our pay grade." Anderson said as it made sense in a military operation like this. "Any information is on a strictly need-to-know basis." Anderson said which Rayden cut in on this.
"So, I guess this means we just got a raise." Rayden quipped which got no laughs from anyone.
"In a way." Anderson said before getting bac on topic. "A research team on Eden Prime discovered a set of ruins. With some sort of beacon. One that is 50,000 years old."
"50,000 years old," Shepard interrupts as he got the gist of it. "That means it's Prothean." He said as it was hard to keep the awe out of his voice. The Protheans had inhabited every corner of the galaxy 50,000 years ago, developed the Mass Relay technology and the Citadel itself, the very center of galactic society. Then they mysteriously vanished without a trace, leaving only their legacy and technology behind. It was this technology that Human scientists first discovered on Mars almost 40 years ago. It was the very technology that jumped Humanity's technology over two hundred years and allowed them to discover the Charon Relay and explore the galaxy. It was still a shock that a measly five years later the Tenno were discovered in their derelict dojo.
"That's right," Nihlus responded to what Sheppard said. "This obviously is a discovery that goes far beyond just Human interests. It could very well influence every species in Council space." Nihilus said as Rayden looked to the group.
'Ordis?' Rayden asked via a sub link to his Cephalon.
"I am sorry Operator I do not possess any information of these Protheans within my precepts suggesting they are from our time in the great bank." Ordis said giving his Operator what information he could about this empire.
"So, if this is a human colony why did the Council need to hear about it?" Rayden asked as he was curious about this revelation.
"Because sharing that beacon will improve our relations with the Council, which will further our cause in the galaxy." Anderson said explaining things to the Tenno. "Also, they have more experience with Prothean technology than we do. They can help us," Anderson added which Rayden understood as much.
"Also," Nihlus began as he cut in. "There is another reason for me to be here." Nihilus asked which Sheppard got a bit curious.
"Please tell us, I think most of the crew has started a gambling ring for answers." Rayden said as John sighed seeing Rayden trying to lighten the mood a bit.
"I'm here to evaluate you, both of you." Nihilus said which shocked the pair when he said that.
"I guess that's why we keep bumping into him." Rayden said calmly but knew there was more.
"The Alliance has been pushing for this for a long time." Anderson getting them on topic. "Humanity wants a larger role in shaping interstellar policy." HE said explaining these things. "We want more say with the Citadel Council. The Spectres represent the Council's power and authority." He explained which meant one thing. "If they accept a human into their ranks, it shows how far the Alliance has come." He said which was a conclusion Rayden understood right now.
"Shepard you held of enemy assault during the Blitz single handed." Nihlus began by speaking to Sheppard. "You showed not only courage but also incredible skill." Nihlus said which made Rayden wonder why the Spectres wanted a Tenno. "That's why I put your name forward as a candidate for the Spectres." Nihlus said which made sense.
"But why me? Why the Tenno?" Rayden asked as he looked to the duo before him.
"The Tenno are a formidable force one Tenno becomes a multiplier in any combat situation." Nihlus said as he looked to the group. "Even us Spectres would have trouble facing you one on one." He added which got Rayden to smile a bit.
"When the Lotus contacted us about her recommendations, she was very clear on it." Anderson said as Rayden figured it out now.
'So that was her surprise.' Rayden thought figuring out why the Lotus sent them out on the Normandy.
"I assume this is good for the Alliance," Shepard said as he only half expected an answer.
"Earth needs this, Shepard," Anderson said making it clear on that front. "We're counting on the both of you." He added which meant Rayden and Sheppard were basically partners now.
"I need to see your skills for myself, Commander," Nihlus went on as he spoke to the pair. "Eden Prime will be the first of several missions together. Nihilus said as he had to admit he was excited to see what a Tenno can do firsthand.
"You'll be in charge of the ground team and Rayden will be your Second." Andersons aid gesturing to Rayden. "Secure the beacon and get it on to the ship ASAP." Anderson said giving the pair their mission. "Nihlus will accompany you, to observe the mission." Anderson said which meant it was go time.
"Just give the word, Captain," Shepard said feeling ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
"We should be getting close to Eden-" The captain began but was cut off by the comm unit.
"Captain, we've got a problem!" Joker reported from his station.
"What's wrong Joker?" Anderson asked with concern.
"Transmission from Eden Prime, sir. You better see this!" Joker said which Anderson then went to his screen.
"Bring it up on screen." Anderson said making it clear that he wanted to see this.
All four of them stepped closer to the holo-projector as they saw that the transmission was coming from a personal recorder. Gun fire erupted from the feed and marines were visible as they were shooting at something outside the screen. One of the marines rushed over to the cameraman as an explosion blew in the background. "Get down!" she told him as she pushed him to the ground before returning fire. The scene was chaotic.
Shepard looked over to the captain to catch a reaction, but there was none, but he was taking in everything he saw. As he looked back on the screen another marine appeared from the chaos in front of the camera.
"We are under attack! Taking heavy casualties. I repeat heavy casualties! We can't... argh!...-eed evac! They came out of nowhere. We need-" He was silenced by bullet likely taking their life.
Next, the sound of something big filled the speakers. The cameraman turned to the rest of the marines; he didn't know what was happening. Looking at something in the background the marine closest to the camera stared in disbelief. The cameraman spun around to show a gigantic hand surrounded by red lightning, reaching down from the sky in the distance. People started running; the camera shook violently, and the feed suddenly ended.
"Everything cuts out after that. No comm traffic at all. Just goes dead. There's nothing," Joker finished as for them this was bad news.
"Reverse and hold at 38.5," the captain ordered and in turn the transmission re-winded to the giant hand. Upon closer look, Shepard found that it resembled tentacles more than fingers, but it was mechanical. It could have been a dreadnaught-class vessel for all they knew.
"That thing." Rayden suddenly said as he then hissed as he felt something sharp in his head.
"You ok, kid?" Shepard asked as he looked to Rayden with concern.
"Yeah… that thing just looks familiar is all." Rayden said as he swore, he had seen that vessel somewhere before.
"Status report!" the captain requested dragging the pair back to the current topic.
"Seventeen minutes out, Captain. No other Alliance ships in the area." Joker reported and thus Anderson knew they had to move in with caution.
"Take us in, Joker. Fast and quiet," Anderson told the ships pilot. "This mission just got a lot more complicated," He added looking over at Nihlus with a look of concern.
"A small strike team can move quickly without drawing attention," Nihlus offered knowing that they had to secure the Beacon. "It's our best chance to secure the beacon." Nihlus said with the mission on his mind.
"Grab your gear and meet us in the cargo hold," Captain Anderson told him. Nihlus turned and left before the captain turned to Shepard and Rayden. "Tell Alenko and Jenkins to suit up, Commander. You're going in with the Tenno." Anderson said which John was ready for.
Shepard looked at the alien machine once more because if he was being honest, whatever it was, it didn't feel right.
(Scene Break the Cargo Hold)
Captain Anderson turned to Shepard and Rayden as they stood in front of their Marines and fellow Tenno. "Your team's the muscle in this operation, Commander. Go in heavy and head straight for the dig site."
"What about survivors, Captain?" Jenkins cut in wanting to know what they will do about that.
"Helping survivors is a secondary objective," Anderson clarified for the marine. "The beacon's your top priority." He added so that the crew knew where they needed to focus.
"Approaching drop point one." Joker reported as he flew over the scene. As the cargo hatch started opening as Nihlus stepped up.
"Nihlus? You're coming with us?" Jenkins asked as he was surprised to see this.
"I move faster on my own." He answered while readying his shotgun. Once the way was clear he dropped outside.
"Nihlus will scout out ahead," Captain Anderson explained how the plan will work. "He'll feed you status reports throughout the mission; otherwise, I want radio silence." Anderson said which John understood.
"Understood, Captain," Shepard responded as he got ready to drop.
"Sounds like a basic smash and grab." Tai said as he and Koyuki were ready to deploy into the battle.
"Yeah, go in get to the objective, secure survivors on the way, and secure the package." Rayden said as he was ready to jump.
"Are your men ready, Commander?" Anderson asked as the strike team of six was ready to move out.
"Ready and able, sir!" John responded ready for battle.
"We are approaching drop point two." Joker's voice sounded once again as they all knew what this meant.
"The mission's yours now, Shepard. Good luck!" Captain Anderson said as the ship came to a stop.
"Tenno suit up!" Rayden ordered his fellows and in turn one by one they used Transference to summon their Warframes. Rayden was endowed in Excalibur Umbra the frame that helped them win the New War against Narmer millennia prior. Tai summoned Volt Prime as he punched his fists together creating currents of electricity from the friction. Finally, Koyuki brought forth Mag Prime and stood ready to roll.
"Let's move out!" Shepard yelled through the wind and the team dropped outside. One by one they hit the ground as the marines and three Tenno were ready for some combat action.
Drop point two was on top of a hill just a few klicks away from the dig site. The surrounding terrain made a good fighting environment due to its rocky nature. The team watched as the Normandy flew into the distance where Eden Prime's giant towers were. Most colonists were housed in such towers and by the looks of them these towers were unharmed.
"Looks like the Towers are secured." Rayden said noticing that the destruction was focused on their area. They heard gunfire nearby and knew they had to get moving to their mission objective.
"The shooting is coming from the other side lets' go." John said and thus he lead the soldiers to their destination.
The Tenno had to adjust their own gear when they had awoken to this new era. The good news was that they were able to carry more weapons then they were used to. So here they were with a side arm, rifle, shotgun, sniper rifle, and their melee weapons. Their Warframes had been modified just enough to allow for these weapons attachments.
They made their way forward to a clearing where balloon like aliens floated about. Nihlus' voice came on the radio. "This place got hit hard, Commander. Hostiles everywhere. Keep your guard up." Nihilus reported which got the group on edge.
"What the hell are those?" Kaidan asked looking at the strange creatures.
"According to my research their called gasbags." Koyuki said as she approached with her Mag Prime.
"Funny looking fuckers." Tai said but then Koyuki cut in again.
"Funny and harmless." Koyuki said and Tai looked ready to have a whack at them.
"Don't." Rayden said in a tone showing that he was not going to let Tai do something stupid… again.
"Less chatter guys," Shepard cunt in as he got the groups attention on the mission. "It looks like we are getting close," He said pointing at two burned bodies in front of them.
"Oh god… What happened here?" Jenkins asked as he walked up to the bodies.
"Probably an explosion burned them up," Shepard answered while Koyuki scanned the bodies. "We need to be careful." He said but then Koyuki cut in.
"Yes, we should, these bodies show signs of plasma not found in common explosives." Koyuki said which got the groups attention. "If I had time, I'd bring them onboard Normandy for a full autopsy but as it stands…" Koyuki trailed off as Sheppard saw what the Tenno was thinking.
"Whatever did this might get us if we're not careful." Rayden said and this got them all worried.
Jenkins turned away from the scorched bodies and grabbed his weapon firmly. With a determined face he looked at Shepard. "Permission to take point, sir!" Jenkins said holding his gun across his chest.
Shepard's initial thought was to deny him. His special circumstances are what led him to this point. But the fire in his eyes suggested that if let loose just little, he can outperform himself.
"Granted." Shepard said before he took a look around. "We need to go around this ridge. Let's head that way," Sheppard said pointing at an opening.
Slowly they followed the path all the way to the side of the hill, sometimes running into more bodies. Ahead was a rocky opening and during this the Tenno were on edge. Earlier when Rayden had seen the ship, he swore he had seen it before and the more he thought about it the more it scratched this itch in the back of his head.
Just then Shepard ordered the team to halt with a raise of her fist. Looking around, the Commander saw that there were no sign of activity besides a few Gas bags roaming around. So, after making sure the way was clear, John signaled Jenkins to lead on. They were halfway into the opening when sudden fire erupted from up ahead. Screams echoed as Jenkins was shot multiple times all over his body.
"Jenkins!" John cried out in shock only for the drones who fired upon Jenkins to turn towards them. Acting fast Rayden and Koyuki moved in and drawing a katana and a short sword the pair managed to deflect the shots while John and Kaiden moved to cover behind some boulders.
Tai then jumped in and produced a shield from his Warframe to block any further attacks on the group The Tenno hid behind the shield as they looked to Sheppard. Rayden knowing what to do got ready to charge into the fight.
"Tai charge in!" Rayden ordered and thus Tai nodded. Taking hold of the shield the trio charged into the fight as they hid behind Tai's electric shield. Moving towards the drones Rayden and Koyuki moved out of the cover flanking the enemy drones.
Rayden was the first to make his move as he wall hopped over the drones and took two of them out with his rifle while flying over them. Before the last Drone could attack it was suddenly taken out by a sniper shot from nearby. Looking to the source Koyuki was sitting atop several bits of stone as she holstered her sniper rifle with ease.
Just before they could celebrate a familiar voice got their attention. "Jenkins!" Kaidan called out as in turn the Tenno ran to the Marines fallen teammate. But when they got there, they saw that there was nothing they could do, Jenkins was dead.
"Damn it!" Shepard swore as Kaidan kneeled down to inspect the body as did Koyuki.
"Ripped right through his shields," he said as he closed Jenkins' eyes. "Never had a chance." He said as Koyuki was surprised by what had happened here.
"No weapon in the Galactic database has that sort of power." Koyuki said as she saw the writings on the walls. "Something strange is going on around here." She added knowing that whatever power this was, was something new. But for her and her fellow Tenno for some odd reason it felt… familiar to them.
Shepard walked over to the edge of the cliff his mind recounting what had just happened. Losing a marine on his first assignment with Normandy was not how he imagined this. He was used to death, but there was something tragic about how Jenkins' life ended. Kaidan stepped up to his side with the Tenno and in turn they saw that there were more towers down in the valley. But unlike the first tower they saw these looked to be under attack as their gun towers were firing into the forests below them.
"Well, there goes the neighborhood." Tai said as he saw this and was honestly use to it at this point.
"And the city." Koyuki said noting how things were escalating right now.
"Eden Prime will never be the same again," Kaiden said as he saw what was going on.
That's right, Eden Prime was under attack and so with this in mind John Shepard took a big breath to calm herself. He then looked at her fallen teammate before he then turned to Kaidan.
"We'll see that he receives a proper service once the mission is complete. But I need you to stay focused." John said which they were all in agreement on.
"Aye, aye, sir!" Kaiden said before Koyuki attached something to the corpse.
"There we can come back for the body and send him home to his family." Koyuki said with every intent to make sure this man returned home. But more then that the Galaxy was about to change for the power of the Void has finally returned.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we go my first attempt at a Mass Effect Fanfiction. I had just finished playing the first game and recently started the second game. Anyway, I already have plans for most of the hook ups but be sure to leave a review. So, until next we meet, I will again say, ja-ne.