Disclaimer: I own no franchise mentioned in this work. Halo belongs to 343, Mass Effect to Bioware.
Full warning, this chapter will be a bit different from the others. It's mainly about Shepard, her growing up, and some highlighted experiences. I figured I'd write this because I don't particularly like any of the Canon Shepard origins, because I gave Chief and Blue team their own chapter, and because I liked writing it.
It is canon that Commander Shepard was born April 11, 2154. That is still her birthday in this fic when going by SA time. That equates to April 11, 2563 for the UNSC Calendar.
Now for Review Responses! If you don't care, skip to the breakpoint below. For responses, later reviews will be listed first, because I'm lazy and can't be bothered to reverse-order them.
RaptorusMaximus, Darkcush, Guest #1, Athran, Andy021, The0Hidden0Key, Guest #2, Major Simi, Gbav115, Guest #3, Zeus501, kamikage86, CReaper210, SpecterXCove, Zoltan-Atreyu, Burgs, Leman42x, Emberframe, AndreyKl, K, Guardian of the Inheritance: Thank you! Here you are.
HyperionATLAS: Wait no more, until the end of this chapter! I've played BL, BL2, and BL:PS. Loved all of them, BL2 was best in my opinion. If you wish to learn more, feel free to send me a PM!
Tony nylund: I believe that the Domain itself is a Precursor AI. At least that's what I remember from Lore. Already have a bunch of Extended Lore stuff in this, I won't shy away from using more!
Me Myself and I: The Comm Buoys are already mini-Mass Relays. Building the big Relays is FAR beyond the Citadel, but small ones should just be shaping the Mass Effect field to a tunnel for a massless corridor for other ships. I already expand on how the Relays work and how the Citadel has them written out in the next chapter. I understand your concern, however, so here's a hint: Much as an Element Zero core is limited in how much mass it can reduce, a Relay tunnel is limited in how much mass can interfere with the tunnel before it collapses. I would use the QEC, except that then travel for ships would take years at Citadel FTL speeds. I figured going a bit unbelieveable was better than having each trip from the SA to the Citadel take several years. For comm security, Alliance has an AI monitoring the channel. Nothing short of the Geth or Reapers would be able to challenge that. Thanks for the extensive review!
brucec22180: I can't write at 10,000 words a week. I can usually do about 5,000 a week, with work and life. We will see more on people from the Spirit of Fire, but not really much for the boarding. There wasn't much to go on. Serina wakes Red Team to chase off the invaders, as I wrote. Not much more to it.
RDJ: Hah! I hadn't heard that, but that is hilarious. Now you have me thinking about having an Unggoy scientist work with Mordin. Oh...hehehe
Chronus1326, EffervescentNova, Guest #4: Now that you mention that, I somewhat remember something along those lines... but obviously I completely forgot when I was writing that chapter! :/ Much appreciated for the pointer! Still leaving it as is, it's amusing and not worth correcting in the AN.
fdsadsaw: Thanks, and meetings are coming up. ONI is well funded for a reason, and it isn't to be obvious.
The Mexican Taco Overlord: Excellent name, and, well, there will be interactions.
7: As far as I could tell, none of those ODP's were in Outer Colonies, where the Innies were strongest. Anyways, building a big MAC isn't harder, it's just upscaling. The issue came in mostly with cost and power consumption, which is why the UNSC had to build ground-based power for their ODP grid. The UNSC would've mentioned it, except that there was no information on these species. More had been learned from the Unggoy than by the small encounter with no actual Contact. Glad you like the chapter! :)
Ominous Olethros: There are a lot of ways to get around the Farixen Treaty. I mean, technically the Infinity wouldn't be in violation, as it's main gun doesn't run 80% of it's length. It's a stupid Treaty and even the SA in ME Canon knew it. How did Poondat give away Warden worlds? He revealed no navigational information, and any ships leaving Mupmup would do so by slipspace, which the Citadel could not track. Thanks for the review!
Kabuto S. Inferno: Thank you very much for the extensive review and praise! Addressed the grammatical errors through PM, so thank you. I can't catch everything. Yeah, the scene between Atriox and Lasky is drawn from Borderlands: Pre-Sequel. Will check out the fic, sounds interesting.
Guest #5: Glad to hear you like it! The Greater Ark was destroyed by the Flood in the Forerunner-Flood War with the Last Precursor/First Gravemind. As for Shield Worlds, it's not a matter of how. We here in the 21st century have sufficient understanding of physics and structural engineering to create a Dyson Sphere. The issue is material cost. Since the UEG/UNSC is consolidating forces instead of expanding like before the War, they are not diverting resources to create worthless civilian projects for a population that's been borderline annihilated. Yes, Precursors, and by extension Flood, wins. End of story. That's why I neutralized the Flood off the bat. I want a story, not a slaughter.
anotamous: Biggest ship is now the Gerald R. Ford-class supercarrier. As for ship sizes, evac ships were pretty small in Halo: Reach. Mass evacuation obviously could happen, though, as something like 10 billion people were evacuated off of Earth in Halo 2 to 3. I understand it's rather far out, but it was the most plausible scenario I could get to work.
Madara123: It was a reference to Borderlands: Pre-Sequel. Beyond that, it shows the familiarity of Lasky working with Atriox and the Banished. Also, it was amusing. And yes, Banished/Batarians...hehehe. Thanks for the review! :)
linx007: Sorry to worry you. Glad you are reassured and thanks for reading.
Bloodwolf432: Saren isn't an idiot and the Unggoy had a halfway competent leader. Best scenario would've been that they be all buddy-buddy instantly, but that isn't reality. Agreed on alien species' names. I've only really learned them as I've written.
ThePizziaMan: Indeed, I hope to keep the Unggoy involved with the whole game. Will be interesting.
Thank you all for the reviews! Hope you enjoy!
January 14, 2160/15th Day of 19th Month, 2439 (January 14, 2569)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Shepard was six and on her way to the first day of Primary School when she first saw an alien.
An Asari, with blue skin, no ears, and crests where hair would be, but otherwise the same as the humans around it.
It was also alone. Every human avoided it, making their way to others. Every time it tried to interact with someone, they moved away, leaving the blue imposter forlorn.
So, mustering every bit of courage she had, Shepard made her way to the Asari. Why it was here or what her classmates thought of her didn't cross her mind, only that it was alone. Shepard knew alone, and knew that she hated it.
"Hi. My name is Jane," Shepard greeted as she stuck out her hand towards the being.
The alien looked at her hand in confusion before slowly reaching out her own as she replied, "Mine is Liara."
So it was that Shepard met her first alien on that day as well.
February 13, 2160/6th Day of 1st Month, 2440 (February 13, 2569)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
It was almost a month later when Shepard met Liara's mother. Tall and imposing, the Asari Matriarch had arrived earlier than usual to retrieve Shepard's friend. Jane would usually be on the bus and gone by the time Liara could leave.
The two friends were talking before Jane had to leave when the elder Asari interrupted them. As the Matriarch inspected Shepard, Liara nervously introduced them, "Jane, this is my mom, Benezia T'soni. Mom, this is Jane, my friend."
"I've heard many things about you. It is good to meet a friend of Liara's," Benezia said.
"Thank you for letting Liara be friends with me, Miss T'soni," Jane replied, trying to be respectful to the adult.
Benezia smiled, "Excellent manners! I think the proper title is Mrs. T'soni. Liara's father is with me here on Terra."
Jane looked past Liara's mother to see the buses getting ready to leave. She quickly responded, "It was good meeting you! I need to go home now. Goodbye, Mrs. T'soni. See you tomorrow, Liara." With that, Jane waved to Benezia and gave Liara a quick hug before running to the large transport.
"So?" Liara asked, looking up towards her mother.
"She seems like a nice girl and a good friend," Benezia answered, looking at where Jane had gone before leading Liara to the waiting car.
March 7, 2160/6th Day of 3rd Month, 2440 (March 7, 2569)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
The day after fighting with your friend sucked. That was all Jane could tell. She didn't feel right or good about some stupid scuffle over nothing. All it did was made her think about it and regret that Liara no longer wanted to be her friend.
As she walked into the classroom, Jane glanced around for the Asari. Considering the crests on all asari, it would be fairly easy to see her. Oh, and she was blue. That helped too.
She wasn't there. Shepard made her way over to the table that her and Liara usually sat at for class. No one else was there, and once more Jane was alone.
At least that was what she told herself as she buried her head in her arms. Reality, of course, did not adhere to the thoughts of any being, and displayed this in full as Liara walked in the door of the room alongside her mother. Jane, being busy moping about, did not see this.
Her attention was drawn when Benezia sternly spoke up, "I believe you two have something to sort out."
Looking up at the Asari Matriarch, Jane had the errant thought that Liara's mother could be really scary. Even Hannah Shepard, Jane's mother and an Admiral in the growing Alliance fleet, had never given her such a look.
Shepard brought her gaze down to Liara, both in hope and to get away from the strangely irritated and exasperated eyes of Mrs. T'soni.
Liara looked very nervous, with her arms crossed over her stomach and her focus on Jane's feet. With a quick step forward, Shepard wrapped her arms around the Asari and whispered near where her ears would be, "I'm sorry."
A second passed before blue arms unfolded and returned the gesture. Liara whispered back, "Me too."
"Excellent. I'll be back later, have a good day you two," Benezia said above them, apparently satisfied that her work was done.
As the Matriarch left, the two children split. Shepard looked into Liara's eyes and asked, "Friends Forever, no matter what?"
"I promise to always come back to you," Liara replied.
So it was that Shepard had her first fight with a friend and learned that just because stupid things were said didn't make them true.
August 16, 2160/12th Day of 10th Month, 2438 (August 16, 2569)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
By the end of their first year, Liara and Jane had firmly cemented their friendship. Every once in a while there was a fight or argument, but none so bad as their first.
Shepard was the one to first propose a sleepover after their last day of school. Liara, having picked up on many human oddities such as this, was quick to agree.
Unluckily, being all of seven years old and therefore still beholden to her mother, Jane first had to ask permission. This would have been fine, except that Hannah Shepard insisted on meeting Liara's mother over dinner. Even at seven Shepard could see how an Alliance Admiral and Asari Matriarch in the same room could become very interesting.
So it was that Liara came home with Jane, staying close to Shepard on the bus full of human children. As they got off at Shepard's house, they both spotted Benezia's car pulling into the driveway from behind the larger vehicle.
As the two children approached, two asari stepped out of the car. Jane could only identify Benezia in the yellow suit she was wearing while Liara obviously recognized both as she waved to them. Before either asari could speak, Liara pulled Jane towards the front door, leaving the two adults to follow behind them.
Jane barged through the door as soon as she got to it, shouting, "Mom! I'm home!"
Hannah Shepard appeared a second later, still in her uniform from work that day. She had gotten back from her monthly deployment the week before, leaving about another week before she left again. The standard six month deployment of her fleet was approaching as well, something that happened every eighteen months.
Jane's father was not present, having died shortly after Shepard's second birthday.
"Welcome back. I see you brought Liara and her family with you," the elder Shepard replied, looking up from the two girls to the asari behind them.
Benezia smiled and nodded as she said, "Benezia T'soni. It is good to finally meet you informally. Is it Miss Shepard or...?"
"While at the negotiation table, it's Admiral Shepard. Here at home, you can call me Hannah. Who is this?" she asked, looking over to the other asari.
The being in question leaned forward to shake Hannah's hand as she introduced herself, "Matriarch Aethyta T'soni. I'm Benezia's wife and Liara's father. We haven't met as I tend to stay away from the politics."
"Wait, you know each other? And how are you Liara's father? You're a girl," Jane accused, pointing first at Benezia and then Aethyta as confusion overtook her expression. Hannah rolled her eyes but stayed silent as Benezia caught her gaze, communicating that such childishness wasn't uncommon with Liara either.
"Benezia is the ambassador to the Systems Alliance from the Asari Republics and meets frequently with Admirals, Politicians, and other prominent humans. I'm here because of our relationship, which is how I'm Liara's father. Have you learned of Asari Melds yet?" Aethyta asked after her explanation.
Liara answered, "No. I don't think we learn those."
"Ah, well, you and Little Wing seem to be good friends. You'll learn when your older," Liara's father said, using the expression that kids everywhere hated.
Hannah gave the Asari a look that consisted of an odd assortment of amusement, exasperation, and irritation. Predicting something like that was bound to be thought of later, as it followed the rule that if someone shouldn't remember it, they would.
April 13, 2161/15th Day of 2nd Month, 2441 (April 13, 2570)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Hannah Shepard was deploying with her fleet for the standard six month deployment that was mandatory for all naval officers. Usually when this happened, Jane would stay at a naval daycare center specifically needed due to the high number of births in the population. Of course, the last deployment the elder Shepard had been on had been before Shepard was in school, making it much easier to change settings.
The proposed solution did not come from an adult, oddly enough, but from Jane asking if she could stay with Liara's family while Hannah was gone. Seeing as the Shepard family consisted of Jane and Hannah, there were no relatives to take temporary custody.
When asked, Benezia and Aethyta were amiable to the idea, seeing as Jane had been the one to reach out to Liara and stay with her so far. Since the meeting between the three parents last fall, they had met multiple times, building a good relation between Admiral and Matriarchs.
So it came to be that Jane Shepard spent the next half-year living with Liara and her mothers. Mother and father. Parents. Whatever. Jane still couldn't figure that one out yet.
Over the next few years, the favor was reciprocated as Benezia and her husband returned to Thessia to report to the Council of Matriarchs or Hannah was sent on other deployments.
August 11, 2164/12th Day of 4th Month, 2444 (August 11, 2573)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Whoever thought that wasting away a Saturday for Graduation was a moron. That was what Jane repeated to herself as she and Liara sat through the ceremony. Getting out of Primary School and into Middle School would be good and bad.
The good came from getting away from some of the bullies and other idiots who harassed Liara. While they usually stayed away when Jane was near, every once in awhile one would need to be beaten back into place. Needless to say, Jane had gotten quite good at fighting, and at finding the Principal's office.
Shepard regretted nothing, however, as had Liara taken action, she would've been kicked out of school. Why adults seemed so wary of Asari was beyond Jane, as the only answer she had received from her mother something about the War. Whatever that meant.
Most of the bad would come from the new bullies that would inevitably come into the picture with a new school. Almost everyone in their class would be going to the same school, but several other Primary institutions fed into the same system as well.
Either way, that concern fell away as the ceremony finished, making the break official for the new Middle Schoolers. Jane and Liara immediately made for the exit, along with the rest of the students.
So ended Primary School for Shepard, leaving her with a trusted friend and valuable experiences in how people treated those different than themselves. In several months from now, she would once more be at the bottom, fighting so that Liara didn't have to.
October 6, 2166/6th Day of 11th Month, 2446 (October 6, 2575)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Since Shepard's mother had just left for a long-term deployment, Jane was once again staying with Liara at her place. As it was currently Break between their Seventh and Eighth year at Middle School, the two girls spent most of their time relaxing around the house.
As Shepard surfed the extranet, she suddenly turned to Liara and asked, "How did you know our speech when we first met?"
Liara took a second to respond as she looked over from her machine, "Mother melded with me and shared your language with me."
"Huh." Silence reigned for a few seconds before Jane continued, "How did it feel?"
"What?"
"The Meld. Y'know, what was it like?" Jane asked bluntly.
A second passed as Liara considered the question before answering, "It was strange. Like I just knew the information, I guess. Mother and Father haven't really talked to me about the Meld."
"Can't look it up online, the Citadel and Alliance Extranets are separate," Shepard replied.
"Well, yes, I would've looked it up myself had it been there," Liara stated, irritation coloring her tone.
Jane moved her computer off her lap and moved closer to Liara on her bed before inquiring, "You really don't know anything about it?"
"Well, I know that information like language and memories can be transmitted and that it's used for more, uh, personal interactions."
"Which means?"
Liara glanced at Shepard nervously, "It has something to do with Asari Mating. I don't know how to start one or what it entails, before you ask."
"Is that what you father meant when she said that we'd learn when we were older?" Jane asked, leaning her head on Liara's shoulder. Liara didn't respond as she attempted to come up with some way to reply while looking away from Shepard in embarrassment. Jane laughed and continued, "I'm joking. I think she meant a little older still."
"That's still implying that it would happen," Liara pointed out hesitantly, ever the logical thinker.
Shepard considered this for a second, "Do you want to try?"
"Not now."
Jane rolled her eyes and replied, "Obviously, smartass."
August 15, 2167/4th Day of 7th Month, 2447 (August 15, 2576)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Another year done and they were through Middle School, with only the Break to go before starting Secondary. With the graduation ceremony already over and done with, both families were having a little party at Shepard's house.
A game of football was playing on the TV with the sound muted. Such games had quickly become popular among the Citadel populace, including American Football, Baseball, and Mixed Martial Arts.
With the adults talking over the game, Liara and Jane had wandered to Shepard's room to go through their papers and throw out the junk. Just the standard end of year toss out, the same process that every student went through.
"Would you, uh, that is, can... Do you want to go out to dinner tomorrow?"
It took Liara a few seconds to process the non sequitur, focused as she was on the task at hand. Once everything had registered, she glanced at Jane, "Are you asking me out on a date?"
"...Yes," Shepard replied after a pause before looking over to the asari.
"Don't you think it's a little early?" Liara asked.
Jane glanced away and responded, "I just don't want someone to hurt you in Secondary. I think it's normal to start dating soon, and I wanted to ask first. Sorry, I was thinking that we-"
"No!" Liara said, interrupting Jane. As Shepard looked up, the asari continued, "No, it isn't that. I don't want you to get hurt is all. From what some others say, Secondary can be unpleasant if you don't fit in. I would love to go, it sounds nice."
"Screw them, then. I'd prefer one true friend over a hundred fakes who can't accept you."
The next evening they met up for what they had excused as a shopping trip, leaving them alone for several hours. So it was that Shepard and T'soni became an item, known only to themselves and the few that were around and had looked at them in the city of millions.
April 11, 2168/6th Day of 19th Month, 2447 (April 11, 2577)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Shepard's fifteenth birthday had been going well so far. Liara had, as usual, teased her about being all of six days younger before congratulating her on catching up. There had been cake and presents, a tradition that the asari family had picked up from their time on Terra.
Currently they were laying on Shepard's bed, both laying on their sides with Liara held in the strong arms of the human. The contours of their bodies fit well together, with Jane's larger frame curled around the smaller body of her asari.
Their little moment was interrupted by a knock on the door, although the locked handle did not show any sign of interaction, which was good. While suspicious, a locked door could be explained away. Getting walked in on would be near-impossible to excuse without exposing their relationship.
As the couple made their way off the bed and to the door, they held hands for a second before separating as Jane pulled the door open. Matriarch Benezia was standing on the other side, inspecting one of the pictures that hung in the hallway.
With the door open, the asari glanced over and asked, "Can we talk to both of you for a bit?" Benezia turned away and began to make her way to the other two adults, leaving Liara and Jane standing in the doorway.
The two shared a look, sure that they had been discovered. Liara was the first to move, leaving Shepard's sight as she turned the corner where her mother had gone. Her back was straight and stiff, showing that she was nervous. Not that Jane wasn't, of course.
Gathering her courage and shunting away the flickers of embarrassment that hung at the edges of her feelings, Shepard started following Liara. As she passed the picture on the wall, Shepard glanced at it, seeing an image of her and Liara playing together on a beach by the ocean. Memories of the shared vacation bubbled up, reminding Jane of a simpler time, when she didn't have concepts of straight or gay.
This was going to suck. She wasn't ready to come out to her mother, and while Liara might have an easier time with her parents, that didn't help Shepard's nerves.
Well, nothing for it. Feet first into Hell, as her mother often said.
Jane entered the living room, seeing Liara sitting on a couch with the seat next to her open. Across from her were the three adults, with Benezia and Aethyta sitting on another couch while Jane's mother took up a seat in her usual chair.
As she sat down, Jane glanced over to Liara, noticing that her hands were clenched together in one big fist while she stared right between her parents. There was no reaction from the asari aside from a slight shift in posture to keep from sliding into Shepard's side.
With all participants gathered, the elder Shepard began, "You can relax, Liara. You're not in trouble and we understand why you're nervous. Both of you."
"Usually things such as this come much later in our long lives, Little Wing, but we understand why it needs to be done now. Humans live much shorter but harder than us, and so relationships start much earlier. We know that this will be uncomfortable, but you can ask us any questions at any time," Benezia continued, addressing Liara.
Aethyta picked up from there, making it obvious that this talk had been planned, "I know that most Asari get their information about Melds from the Extranet, but even if that source was available, it's our duty to inform you about it. We've talked with Hannah, and since Jane needs this talk as well, she can explain the human side of this."
Hannah took up the explanation, "Being in a relationship in Secondary School is normal. Both of you need to understand certain things to keep safe and healthy. Know that we are not and will not be mad with either you just because you are in a relationship. Obviously, you will need to keep up your grades to meet that standard, and all three of us reserve the right to revoke any relation if we have health or safety concerns."
"Understood, ma'am," Jane replied, the assurances only straining her nerves further. Liara apparently didn't trust herself to speak as she nodded sharply.
"None of that now. This needs to be discussed, so you might as well get settled in," Aethyta told them.
Benezia smiled slightly and said, "Now, as I understand it, humans like to call this The Birds and the Bees, although I think that The Talk works just as well."
Wait, what?
August 12, 2169/4th Day of 4th Month, 2449 (August 12, 2578)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Halfway through Secondary School already. That was hard to believe. Next year, they'd be upperclassmen, with only the seniors to claim superiority. Not that that had gotten them far, as any bully that tried to harass Liara had quickly acquired a few broken bones from Jane for their trouble.
At this thought, Shepard tightened her arms slightly around her asari. Liara turned her head slightly at this, but didn't move from her spot on the bed between Jane's legs. Her attention seemed to be fully focused on the video playing on the TV on Shepard's wall. Sitting up against the headboard as Shepard was, Liara would have to move forward and away to turn around, something that just wouldn't do.
While there were blankets on the bed, Liara seemed perfectly fine staying warm by leaning into Shepard's embrace. Of course, this wouldn't be an issue if they were wearing more than just underwear, but Jane wasn't about to complain about the contact.
The last pieces would be coming off later tonight anyways. How their annual end-of-school-year sleepover had changed indeed. For the better, in Shepard's opinion. Considering that their first time together hadn't been their last, Jane was certain that Liara was in agreement.
Such considerations came to an end as a knock sounded on the door.
This, in and of itself, wasn't all that concerning. Perhaps it was time for dinner, or maybe a question about grades, or something else trivial. Liara grabbed the remote to the TV, pausing the movie so that they could get dressed.
What was alarming was when the door handle moved slightly, showing that someone was trying to turn it. The possible questions turned from trivial to bothersome, such as why the door was locked, obviously. Shepard quickly thought of an excuse, maybe that they had been using the area to organize papers and didn't want to be disturbed. Easy enough.
Instead of stopping, however, the handle continued to turn, letting the door start to swing open. The rating of bothersome was quickly discarded for something more fitting, perhaps along the lines of catastrophic, perhaps even apocalyptic.
Of course, that this was likely an overreaction didn't cross Shepard's mind, nor did the idea of throwing Liara and herself apart. Jane's full attention was stuck on the opening door as the adrenaline froze her body and all thought of action for the second it took for the person knocking to stick their head in.
Why wasn't the door locked?!
Matriarch Aethyta T'soni appeared through the partially opened door, only to stop as she looked at the couple.
Jane suddenly had the thought of what Liara's father would be looking at right now. Liara, sitting almost naked, with Shepard's arms wrapped around her, and both of them staring wide-eyed back at the intruder.
Well, hopefully her death would come quickly.
Instead of brutally shredding her with biotics, however, Aethyta just clenched her fist and smiled as she quietly proclaimed, "HAH! I knew it!" With that, Liara's father bolted back out the door, slamming it behind him. Her. Whatever. Not the time for that.
Liara slowly leaned back onto Shepard's breast, letting her head fall back to lay on Jane's collarbone. Shepard brushed her hand across Liara's stomach, trying to calm and comfort her. Jane put her chin on the asari's crests, effectively cradling Liara's head with her neck.
"Fuck," Liara summarized, capturing both of their thoughts in that one word.
It took them several minutes to gather their wits, and clothes, and make their way out of Shepard's room. Their destination was the dining room, since it was close to dinnertime and Aethyta hadn't actually delivered her message.
This assumption proved to be correct as the three adults were sitting around the table with a meal laid out. As Shepard paused and glanced around, her mother gestured to the two open chairs sitting side by side at the table.
Jane slowly made her way to her seat, Liara following behind her. Hannah Shepard gave them a confused look and asked, "Everything alright?"
"You aren't mad?" Shepard asked cautiously.
The elder Shepard glanced between Jane and Liara and slowly inquired, "About?"
Confused at the response, Jane glanced over to Aethyta, making eye contact with the asari Matriarch. Thinking of a quick excuse, Shepard blurted out, "Being late to dinner."
Hannah gave her daughter an odd look at the lame explanation but seemed to accept it with a shrug.
Dinner after that was a quiet affair for Jane and Liara. It was only later that Shepard managed to catch Liara's father alone as she went to the kitchen. Liara was out the couch, ready to alert Jane if Benezia or Hannah attempted to interrupt.
Apparently expecting such a confrontation, Aethyta looked at Jane, crossing her arms and leaning against the counter. Shepard took a second to figure out which question ask before starting, "You didn't tell them?"
The Asari Matriarch smiled and replied, "Of course not. I suspected your relationship for a while now. It is your secret, however, and I apologize for walking in on you. Whether you reveal it to others is your choice, not mine."
"If you suspect something, what about Liara's mother, or mine?"
Aethyta rolled her eyes, "I think Hannah is gone far too often to suspect anything. As for my wife, while I love her, even I admit that she can be a bit daft when it comes to romance. She deals with your military because they are direct, much like her. Benezia hates politicians but understands the need for them to keep fighting from breaking out. Personally, I'm all for the fight, but that's probably the krogan in me."
"You don't care that Liara and I are together?" Shepard asked.
"I suppose I could give you the typical human father talk on hurting my daughter and blah blah blah. I don't think that's necessary, though. Both of you are mature and have known each other for years. You will fight and you will love, that is life."
"Thank you, Aethyta," Jane said, wrapping her arms are the asari in a quick hug.
"Of course. If you need any advice, feel free to ask. I'm sure I could give you some helpful pointers," the Matriarch suggested with a wink.
Jane blushed slightly and replied, "That's really not necessary. At all. We've figur-, uh, we can get it ourselves."
"Oh, already that far?" Aethyta teased with a laugh. She continued, "Just be careful. I won't tell you that you can't be intimate, but you're both far too young to be parents."
"We don't use the Meld," Shepard reassured.
"Good. Well, any other questions?"
Shepard threw a glance back at where Liara and the other two adults were, making sure that she was still out of hearing range before replying, "Just one. How do I, well, come out?"
"That is a hard one, as it's always a bit different. I don't think there'd be any issues, but I understand that even with that assurance you have doubts. I'm sure that you've talked with Liara about this. My advice is to do so when you're together, to support each other. That you would do so is very brave. It took Benezia and myself decades to reveal our relationship to our parents," the asari replied.
"How did that go?"
Aethyta laughed, "My father didn't care at all. He just gave us some advice for how Krogans found mates. As an Asari, my mother was a bit more subdued with the reception, but she wasn't critical, just concerned about the hardships of two asari being in a relationships, which is frowned on in our society."
"And Benezia's parents?" Jane inquired.
"Benezia's father died shortly after meeting her mother. As for her mother, she conceived Benezia when she was just a maiden, which is very young for us. Unwilling to give up her life as a mercenary, she raised Benezia on the move as she went from job to job. Shortly after Benezia left, she died in a pirate attack."
Shepard blinked at the history before responding, "Sorry, I didn't know."
"I know. It was far in the past and Benezia seems to have gotten over it. Anyways, do not worry about it, I can protect my wife and daughter just fine. When did you want to come out, as you put it?" Aethyta asked.
"Feet first into Hell, as my mother always says," Shepard declared.
Aethyta frowned at the phrase and asked, "What is that, anyways? I've heard her say it, but she's never said where she got it from, even when asked."
"No idea. I know that she used to be a soldier on the old human ship called the Everest. The only thing I've heard beyond that was that she was a Helljumper, so I assume it has to do with that. Whatever it means," Jane explained.
"Huh. Thanks. Sorry to distract you," Liara's father apologized.
Shepard huffed and responded, "Don't worry, it's appreciated. Really, really appreciated."
"You're okay. Liara will be right with you," Aethyta reassured her.
August 17, 2171/10th Day of 1st Month, 2451 (August 17, 2580)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Graduation at last, and with it freedom from Secondary School and all that entailed. Now it was on to University, for both Liara and Jane.
Following in her mother's footsteps, the younger Shepard was going into the Reserve Officer Training Corps program for education that would help her as a commissioned officer in the Alliance Navy. It would be a hard time, being held to the high standard of an Admiral's daughter, but Jane wasn't intimidated.
Liara was forging a much harder path, however, as she decided to follow Shepard. Though not a human, the need for diversity in the Alliance forces created an opening that she exploited as best she could. Even with protests against aliens in the Alliance forces, High Command had determined that integrating with the Citadel species was far more important than public perception at this time.
Jane would be studying under a Military History and Logistics major for a jumpstart in her officer's career, since those courses were geared towards strategy and tactical decisions.
With her interest in archaeology, Liara had decided to go towards the track for Alliance science officers with a degree in xenoarchaeology. This would allow her access to the Prothean ruins on Terra in the later years of her degree.
The couple had already managed to acquire a dorm room together, ensuring their privacy for the coming school year. As for Liara learning to protect herself when Jane wasn't around to help, that would hopefully come from ROTC.
Either way, the time to deal with that was after the Break. For now, Jane was determined to enjoy her time with her girlfriend, celebrating the day in their own way.
August 12, 2174/1st Day of 17th Month, 2453 (August 12, 2583)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
It was a nice last day on the campus, walking around with Liara. Exams were over, projects complete, and everything was ready. Final grades were a concern as always, but that was more habit than an actual issue with any class.
As the two came to the center of campus, Shepard stopped to look around. The entire area was empty, with most students being all too happy to leave for the summer. Liara squeezed Shepard's hand and leaned against her, waiting for the human to continue with their stroll.
Shepard glanced over and squeezed the box in her pocket, making sure not to move the one holding Liara. She had already asked her mother, Benezia, and Aethyta and received a positive answer, so now it was all up to her. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Shepard turned to face Liara and let go of the box to grab the Asari's free hand with her own.
Liara looked confused, but before she could do anything Shepard began, "Liara, I've known you for almost fifteen years. I remember when we met on the first day of school, when I saw you alone and lost, the same as I was back then. You've stuck with me, always been there for me, and shown me the way to happiness. From strangers to friends, from friends to partners, from partners to lovers, we've always been there. Now, I want to make that last step."
Releasing Liara's hands, Shepard slowly dropped to one knee and reached into her pocket to withdraw the small box. Opening it up and presenting it to the stunned Asari, Jane asked, "Liara T'soni, will you marry me?"
August 12, 2175/10th Day of 15th Month, 2454 (August 12, 2584)
Jane Shepard
Terra, Systems Alliance Homeworld
Finally, after years of formal education, they were finished. Graduation was done, they were out and soon to receive their assignments. As a married couple, they were far more likely to receive a co-location deployment. While not guaranteed, it still gave them hope for staying together.
Shepard expected to serve as a naval combat officer, leading teams in battle in ship-boarding or defense operations. While she had the choice of becoming a commissioned officer, Shepard had decided on the more active posting as it suited her personality.
Of course, Liara had been less than pleased that Shepard would be in the line of danger, which had prompted the Asari to request leadership of Science teams on excursions. After arguing over this issue for several weeks, they came to a mutual understanding of concerns and relented on both fronts.
With the Alliance establishing mines for Eezo in the Citadel's galaxy, the likelihood of being stationed at such a site was rising. Several pirate attacks had been reported, along with other issues from more organized groups that seemed to have more in mind that simply stealing items or people.
Against such an issue before the Insurrection or Covenant Invasion, the SA might have had an issue with tactics or force dispersal. Unluckily for the attackers, this was not the case as the skies over Alliance worlds became littered with debris from destroyed vessels while the soil became soaked in the blood of the perpetrators.
The Council had repeatedly complained about the treatment of prisoners by the Systems Alliance, to no avail. As with the Covenant, the Alliance took no prisoners, executing thousands of pirates, slavers, and other attackers without hesitation. While some in the galaxy called it a crime, the SA called it a message to all who would oppose them.
Humanity was bigger, with more ships guarding each Eezo colony than criminals could handle.
Humanity was better, with more advanced tactics and highly trained soldiers.
Most of all, though, Humanity was not going to be pushed around, and any who tried would meet their end at gunpoint.
February 4, 2176/9th Day of 4th Month, 2455 (February 4, 2585)
Jane Shepard
Elysium, Systems Alliance Processing Colony
Elysium had been acquired by the Alliance to facilitate the processing and shipping of Element Zero back to the Milky Way galaxy. With its central location to several Mass Relays, the Systems Alliance had deemed the world as necessary due to their mining projects in the area. While an amazing and beautiful world, the Citadel Council had left it uncolonized due to its proximity to the Terminus Systems.
The wisdom of this was now obvious to Shepard as she crouched behind a Mako APC, listening to the small plinks as enemy fire peppered the unprotected vehicle. Batarians had brought down the Kinetic Barriers on the Mako after sustained fire, but had yet to break through the plating on the sides. What Shepard wouldn't give for an actual tank right now, rather than the meek Mass Effect-powered APC.
Unlike the Battle Tanks, Armored Personnel Carriers, Artillery, and Light Reconnaissance Vehicles that made up much of Terra's arsenal, the units deployed in the Citadel galaxy had been given the Mako as their only large vehicle. Armored enough to survive small-arms fire and quick enough to outrun most heavy weapons, the Mako was completely powered by Eezo.
While this allowed for Kinetic Barriers to be installed, the main reason for its deployment in this galaxy was so that the Alliance could keep their larger vehicles secret from Citadel species. As far as the Systems Alliance had seen, the Citadel members had no equivalent to armored vehicles, although the Krogan did field a large APC called a Tomkah.
This same strategy had been adopted in many other aspects of warfare. As Shepard had learned from the veterans, the War which had led to the creation of the SA was far larger than any pirate attack could ever be. Helljumpers, while feared by the Innies, had once more been trained in the Alliance due to their high tactical value. None had been deployed to Citadel space, since no major offensives had been mounted which would require them.
Thinking on it, Shepard grudgingly admitted that there were many things that she would not give for a tank. While it would be convenient, there wasn't any real risk of being overrun by a Main Battle Tank. Sure, thousands of Batarians hand landed and attack Elysium, but tens of thousands more had died in orbit with their ships and supplies, cutting off support and escape for those remaining on the ground.
Shepard and the rest of the garrison had been fighting for seven hours now, pushing back against the attackers. With only one fairly quiet deployment, this blew away all other combat operations Shepard had participated in. Whereas her former posting had been attacked by a ship of maybe a hundred or so, the force participating in this assault was probably the largest seen in Alliance history.
Not that it was doing them any good. The Systems Alliance had faced forces that these attackers could only dream off, and it showed. Every counter attack against the Alliance led to an unrelenting front as the soldiers of the SA refused to give ground. Most of the humans were new, but some had fought in the war against the Enemy and were still used to the slaughter that would follow a successful advance by the Alien foes.
At the end of the day, over 30,000 attackers would lie dead, mostly Batarians, although a hefty number of other criminals from various species were mixed in. Shepard had killed a few dozen herself, an excellent performance for her first major battle. As time went on, this event would become known as the Skyllian Blitz and shape Batarian-Human relations for years to come.
November 23, 2177/17th Day of 17th Month, 2456 (November 23, 2586)
Jane Shepard
Akuze, Systems Alliance Eezo Colony
Almost two years since the events on Elysium. That was hard to believe. As Shepard lay in bed with her arms wrapped around Liara, she remembered the Blitz.
The blood and bodies littering the area, mostly alien but with a few humans mixed in. Nervous tension as she waited for word from Liara, and relief when the asari's voice greeted her. Finally, memories of the final push against the attackers, watching as they were all slaughtered.
She had already dealt with what little guilt she felt about the deaths of those who were trying to survive after their crimes. They had attacked Humanity, just like the Enemy, and they would die just like Earth had died: screaming for mercy.
Liara had no issue with the treatment of the surrendering forces, nor with the treatment of the few high-value targets that SpecOps had managed to capture. They had attacked the colony and put Jane in danger, and so they died.
From what Shepard had heard, the HVTs from the Blitz had easily spilled their secrets when given over to Alliance interrogators. Admiral Hannah Shepard had let slip that the Alliance was quietly assembling an armada to attack Torfan, the moon that the attackers had come from. Since it was in the Terminus Systems and not Citadel space, the Alliance considered all bets off when it came time to attack.
As far as the Citadel Council knew, the ships coming through their relays were merely reinforcements for human Eezo colonies. Coming in groups of three or four, each ship was making its way to the Vetus System, where Elysium was located. Hidden from prying eyes and sensors by the constant traffic, it was estimated that the attack would be happening within the next few months.
Shepard was pulled from her thoughts by the pounding of boots outside the door. With a hiss, it opened and allowed one of their bunkmates into the small area. Initially unconcerned, Jane raised an eyebrow at the singed edges of his uniform.
"Ran into a fucking Thresher on a Mako run of the perimeter. Told it to fuck off," the soldier explained quietly, glancing at Liara's sleeping form.
"And?" Shepard pressed, nodding at the damaged plating.
Shrugging slightly, the guy smirked and replied, "It did not comply. So we shot it. Won't be a problem any longer."
"Nice."
"Meh, doesn't take an idiot to defeat them. Just keep moving and let the turret do the heavy damage. Wouldn't want to be anywhere near one of the fuckers on foot, though," he responded.
Shepard and grunted in agreement before laying her head down. Some rest before her shift started in a few hours would be nice.
April 17, 2178/6th Day of 5th Month, 2457 (April 17, 2587)
Jane Shepard
Torfan, Criminal Stronghold
The assault had finally come, after months of planning and force buildup. Alliance vessels had fallen into formation and jumped to FTL yesterday, allowing them to reach Torfan in the early morning hours of the moon below.
Orbital defenses had been a joke, with the weak vessels quickly falling to the fire of Alliance wolf-packs. Landing on the ground had also been simple, especially considering the stories Shepard had heard from veterans of the fight against the Enemy.
It was when the SA units had descended into the warren of caves beneath the surface that things became tough. With the entire moon infested by criminals, the Alliance had to fight a four-front war against a dug-in enemy that knew the area. Initial casualties had been high, though fatalities were still relatively low due to the Kinetic Barriers each soldier was equipped with.
From Shepard's own training as well as from talking with veterans, she knew that the Barriers were merely a nice new toy. Each soldier, old and new, had been trained with the idea that there wasn't going to be some magical protection surrounding them. This mentality had been drilled into them, and it had saved many from foolish risks.
Unlike their enemies, who relied on their barriers to absorb fire and save them, the Alliance combatants relied on not getting hit at all. While this cautious approach kept more soldiers alive, it also slowed the advance into enemy territory as soldiers weren't sprinting in front of enemy fire without being covered by allies. This satisfied Shepard just fine, for it meant that her position as a Captain in the Marines didn't necessitate her sending her troops to their deaths. Command acknowledged that progress would be slow, and as such there was no need for pointless heroics to achieve their objective faster.
By now, though, the fighting was dying down as the enemy realized their defeat. The specific area that Shepard and her soldiers had taken was apparently home to Elanos Haliat, the architect of the Skyllian Blitz and therefore a perfect example for those who would attack the Systems Alliance. As the defenders laid down their arms and surrendered, Shepard directed her unit to line them up against the wall under the guise of keeping them under guard.
Of course, any Alliance soldier recognized the position for what it was, and each readied their weapon. The execution of the perpetrators of a major attack against the Alliance was a job that each human present was willing to do, for their survival and to prove their mettle.
Haliat himself was on the ground before Shepard, with two soldiers guarding the Turian criminal. Shepard ignored his attempts at negotiation, though she idly noted that he seemed more aware of his imminent death than his comrades, even if he had not realized it yet.
Since the entire operation would be worthless if the Alliance didn't get some Public Relations material out of its completion, a camera would be used to film Shepard's execution of Haliat. Edits would be made before its release to the public, both to censor any intelligence that Haliat might spout off at the last minute to try and survive and to increase the shock value for the Citadel species.
Getting a ready signal from the military videographer that had accompanied them, Shepard pulled out a Karpov Mk. VII and pointed it at the back of Elanos Haliat's head. Usually Jane wouldn't engage in such theatrics, but the film guy had said it would make for a good show. Who was she to argue with that.
"Elanos Haliat, you are under arrest for the organization and execution of the Skyllian Blitz against the Systems Alliance world of Elysium," Shepard began. Haliat growled out several words that did not sound like compliments, but the mic clipped to Shepard's uniform barely picked them up. She continued, "Your list of crimes is long. I would go over them, but it's not worth my time. By the Rules of Engagement and with the authority of the Systems Alliance Parliament, Courts, and Military, I confer the sentence of death."
At this, the Turian attempted to rise and escape, only to be slammed back down by the two humans beside him. Apparently there was still some hope left in him, as he began to try and give information to save his life. Shepard listened but stayed still, keeping the shot so that the intel could be edited out in post-production.
When the scum started to run out of useful tips, Shepard cut him off, "Thank you for that, idiot." She paused a second so that the classified information could be cleanly extracted before continuing, "Any last words?"
Before the Turian could speak, Jane pulled the trigger, sending a small piece of metal through the back of the Turian's head. He never heard the gunshot, which was too big of a mercy in Shepard's book.
Either way, the death of the leader signaled the death of all the rest as Shepard gave the order to fire on the helpless criminals. A flurry of shots rang out as the camera turned to get a view of the dead, with the blood-splattered rock behind them providing a nice emphasis on their fate.
So it was that Shepard earned her entrance into N7, as well as the title 'Butcher of Torfan' when the footage was released by the Systems Alliance.
October 8, 2179/13th Day of 12th Month, 2458/October 8, 2588
Jane Shepard
Arcturus Station, Systems Alliance Military Headquarters
Built as a center for Alliance High Command, Arcturus Station housed some of the most powerful people in the Systems Alliance. From Fleet Admirals to Operational Directors, each entity on the station was there for a reason.
Even Shepard might be stationed here at some point soon, considering the promotion following Torfan. A transfer from the Marines to the Navy, a commission from the Systems Alliance Prime Minister, and a promotion to Commander allowed the Alliance to give Shepard command of ship compliments instead of ground-based garrisons, giving the Alliance a competent and mobile officer if the need arose. Eventually she might be commanding fleets rather than squads, which was a strange thought.
The maintenance and operation of the structure was managed by an Alliance AI due to the importance and high activity on the station. Unlike their UNSC counterparts, the Systems Alliance could not produce enough AIs to meet demand, largely due to the Council limitations.
Dumb AI's were possible, but even the advanced technology needed to create them was very simple when compared to the Smart AIs created by Earth and Reach facilities. As such, Intelligences were relegated to the most important tasks such as city management, fleet logistics, or cybersecurity.
Shepard pushed the idle thought to the side as she and Liara followed the path given to them by the station AI. People easily moved aside for the Butcher of Torfan, most saluting and nodding to her respectfully. Liara followed behind Shepard, getting a few glances as people recognized her.
While Jane's actions had been a source of great controversy in Citadel space, the worlds of the Alliance hailed her as a hero for showing the mettle of Humanity. As Jane's life became less private with the increased attention, her and Liara's marriage had become public knowledge.
Some had criticized the decision, using xenophobic views to justify keeping human worlds untouched by alien beings. Most, however, had been unable to discard their heroification of Shepard and pointed out that the marriage signified the prevalence of Human culture. It sent a message that attacking the Alliance would lead to death, but joining Humanity would mean protection.
Either way, that was how it was, and Shepard would deal with the issues as they came. For now, all she knew was that she and Liara had been unexpectedly recalled from their posting. The two had been co-located on a human colony near Terra, a nice and quiet posting in the Milky Way as the Terminus Systems calmed down. With her growing reputation, Jane had become a prime target for many pirates, slavers, and other unsavory characters.
The Alliance largely blamed the Batarian Hegemony for putting a bounty on Shepard following the raid on Torfan, but no true allegations had been made since the Alliance had larger concerns than some idiots with a grudge. With Shepard safe in the Milky Way and the might of the Alliance on display, any war would merely be a nuisance rather than a possible situation to exploit for the SA.
As the two reached their destination, Shepard focused on the security measures that stood before her. Considering the distance they had walked, they had to be close to the center of Arcturus, where most important meetings and servers were held. With the AI monitoring all activity, there were no biometric scans or other tests for her entrance.
Jane's behavior had been analyzed and verified, her voice picked up and dissected, her DNA collected, fingerprints recorded, and irises scanned. As with all personnel, they were there for a reason, and now was the time to find out why.
The solid door before them slid open, revealing the room beyond. Sitting around a U-shaped desk was the Systems Alliance Admiralty, the individuals that commanded and directed the operations of the entire Alliance Navy. Jane automatically stood to attention as she reached the center of the area, easily listening to Liara do the same in the quiet space.
Shepard felt a coil of nerves form in her gut as she looked around. Figures she had missed earlier became apparent as she picked out the Speaker of the House of the Systems Alliance Parliament, the House Minority Leader, the Systems Alliance Prime Minister, several Marine and Army generals, an extremely nervous Matriarch Benezia, and the Director of Enemy Countermeasures.
Considering that this single room contained enough political and military power to take entire star systems, Shepard knew this was serious beyond anything else. The Director only ever left his isolated planet for the most important affairs, such as when the technologies that were banned by the Citadel were moved to his location.
Hannah Shepard gave a subtle nod to her daughter, reassuring her that this wasn't some strange tribunal or something like that. While Jane appreciated the gesture, it didn't do much to help with the nerves. Especially with the expression on Benezia's face. Shepard had never seen the Asari so... frightened.
It wasn't nervousness, it was fear. Whatever was going to be said was going to be big, and she would bet her wedding ring that it was so high up the clearance ladder that perhaps even the Council did not know of it.
Admiral Hackett of the Systems Alliance Fifth Fleet began, "Commander Shepard. Ensign T'soni Shepard. Welcome to Arcturus, if not this gathering. At ease." Both soldiers dropped into parade rest as the Admiral continued, "I don't wish to be rude, but this will need to be quick. Preparations need to be made, as you will understand at the end of this briefing."
"The Enemy has been found." Many in the room shifted at the statement, though they all already knew it to be true.
"We knew that the Citadel would not heed our advice. They would find the Covenant, would go searching into the Orion Arm. What we did not anticipate is that they would find them so fast, nor that they would not tell us when they did so," Hackett explained.
He sighed before slowly resuming, "The Citadel races have found the Covenant. They were not met with death, but with words. The Systems Alliance only learned this information through Ambassador Udina, and he learned of it when the Council told him that a Human presence was requested."
"There will be a meeting on the Citadel. It will include the Enemy, who are now calling themselves the 'Wardens of the Mantle' for some reason, and representatives from all Council Members and species with embassies on the Citadel. Commander, this group requested your presence to ask you to attend this meeting with Ensign T'soni."
"Make no mistake, there is little chance of surviving or escaping the Citadel when they learn of our existence there. This is likely a suicide mission. Alliance High Command fully recognizes this, but we must have a competent leader at the negotiations," Hackett said seriously, presenting the facts bluntly instead of skirting around it with worthless platitudes.
Shepard stiffened and replied, "I will do my duty to Humanity, sir. Whatever the cost."
"As we all know, Shepard. We are assigning you to this mission due to your public image and because of your relation to Ensign T'soni. You will be recognized from your reputation, and your relation to your wife will prove to the Covenant the close ties between the Citadel and Humanity. The Systems Alliance cannot afford to fight the Covenant alone, the Council must become involved."
"Understood, sir," Shepard responded.
Benezia stepped forward slightly, drawing attention from Jane as she stated, "I will be informing the Council of the threat this 'Covenant' presents. From what you have presented, I cannot guarantee the backing of the Council."
"Which is why we are sending the human married to an asari. The galaxy might forgive the death of the Alliance, but when the Enemy sees that you have allowed us to live, they will attack you as well," one of the admirals explained.
"All you have told me is that this Covenant attacked you and drove you from your homes. You have shown no information or other intelligence that would help us in a fight. You think that the Council will allow this?" Benezia asked.
"You signed your death warrants for the Covenant when you failed to eradicate us. With this plan, you might at least gain public support for a fight against the Enemy," the admiral stated bluntly.
"We will discuss this later. I understand your issues, Ambassador, but there is little to do about it now. The Covenant will slaughter you, whether you are guilty or not, just as they did to Humanity," Hackett said, interrupting the small discussion.
Hackett turned his attention back to the two soldiers and nodded, "Thank you for your service, Commander Shepard, Ensign T'soni Shepard. All information we have on the Enemy will be provided, for your eyes only. You will leave tomorrow for the Citadel. I do not think this needs to be stated, but no word of this is to leave this room and all documents given to you are classified far beyond your normal clearance. Godspeed, Shepard."
Shepard and Liara saluted before turning to make their way out. With their few items already packed from their journey to Arcturus, there wouldn't be much to do but get some rest and prepare for a meeting with Death.
March 1, 2180/2nd Day of 20th Month, 2458/March 1, 2589
Jane Shepard
Citadel
Shepard watched the vast expanse of space outside the Citadel diplomatic hangar, waiting for the telltale flash that would signify the arrival of the Enemy. Liara stood beside her in parade rest, her presence helping Jane to stay calm in the face of their probable death. Both of them were protected from the vacuum by a sheet of glass that went along the back of the hangar, allowing the alien ships in without compromising the Citadel's atmosphere.
In front of them stood the Citadel Council and the large host of diplomats from other species that were attending this event. The Council had decided to keep the Alliance party back due to their tensions with the Covenant. Directly behind Shepard and Liara was Ambassador Udina, along with several other N7 operatives who were prepared to evacuate Udina at the first signs of trouble.
Every being's attention was drawn to a specific point in space as a swirling hole appeared, with only the humans knowing that it led into the eleven dimensions of Slipspace. As Jane watched, the silvery form of a vessel appeared, its shields shimmering at the edge of the vortex as they fought against the currents of slipspace. From the information they had been given, Shepard knew that it was a CAS-class Assault Carrier, a ship capable of laying siege to entire cities without outside support.
While the Council species marveled at the vessel, not knowing that it was larger and more destructive than anything they could ever hope to field, Jane directed the Alliance operatives to subtly ready their weapons. With the ship close enough to identify by visual contact, it had to be well within twenty kilometers of the Citadel. There was no longer any doubt of false reports, as shown by the craft drifting across the stars.
The implications of this truly hit Shepard at that moment.
She was going to die, probably alongside her wife, in a hail of plasma as the Enemy saw them. There was no escape, no means of survival given with their orders. The same foes that had slaughtered billions of humans in the Outer colonies, and almost certainly eradicated the Inner worlds, had arrived.
Billions more might die, mostly human. If the Citadel became involved, that number would probably rise to trillions. How could the Enemy be fought when the largest vessel the Council had was a mere ship-of-the-line to the Covenant?
Shepard put these doubts to rest as several small points of light took off from the carrier's main hangar. There was no point in meeting death like a coward. She was Human, and she would stand firm against the Enemy. Let her death inspire others to resist, to fight, and to triumph.
As the small transports drew closer, Jane could pick out irregularities from the reports given to her by the Alliance. The nearest craft approaching them was orange, with a reddish tint that made it look like the armor was rusted. When the dropship eased into the hangar, Shepard could tell that its structure was subtly different from the pictures of Phantoms that she had been given. The logical assumption would be that it was a newer model, meaning that the Enemy had advanced from the previous war.
The ship came to a stop, floating above the floor of the hangar. As the bottom opened and a grav-lift appeared, Jane reached her hand down and found Liara's own. The Asari squeezed Shepard's hand, but refused to let go when Jane went to pull back.
A second passed before something appeared in the beam of the lift. The massive form of a Hunter was revealed, though nothing could be seen beyond the shield that it held in front of its face. Its bond brother quickly followed, with both hunkering down to protect against any attack.
When no threats presented themselves, a third form dropped behind its brethren. While the two original Hunters were large, this one easily towered above them as well. From the decorations in its armor, Jane determined that it was some kind of leader, though Alliance reports had nothing on a leader for the worms.
Almost immediately the large being turned to directly face the Citadel party, though Shepard was sure that it was staring at the humans specifically as it easily sensed them through the glass, somehow.
Much to her surprise, however, the Enemy did not attack. Instead, it turned its head to watch as the ship above it left.
The rest of the ships must have been awaiting the all-clear from the heavy hitters, as several more Covenant phantoms, along with an unknown ship, drifted outside the hangar when the first cleared the area. Shepard noted their differences as they went by, but kept most of her attention focused on the Hunters.
Instead of the rust-hued craft that the Hunters deployed from, the three Phantoms outside matched the descriptions of standard Covenant craft. Purple armor and a beetle-like hull reminded Jane of the videos she had seen of Enemy troops leaping onto defenseless humans from those ships. As for the unknown ship, it was probably a new species or something. Not her concern.
One of these ships broke formation and drifted above the Hunters as the hole in its center opened. Instead of a grav-lift, however, a single Covenant Engineer drifted down, taking up position behind the shields of the Hunters. The ship quickly withdrew, letting out no other beings.
Again a dropship made its way in, this time utilizing a beam of anti-gravity to allow three Grunts down. The first two were Specialists, as far as Grunts went. Against a regular marine, Grunts were not threat. Their leader joined them, at least Jane assumed it was the leader from the decorations on his armor, much like the Hunter.
With a quiet hum, the last Phantom came to hover above the growing party of the Enemy. Once again the lift appeared, this time heralding a group of four Brutes. Unlike the videos of Brutes that Jane had seen, these looked significantly more organized and clean, with heavy armor and large hammers set on their backs.
As an elderly Brute dropped onto the deck, the others looked around, unable to smell due to the lack of an atmosphere. Several mutterings passed through the Council species as the Brutes showed no signs of being affected by the lack of air.
Almost as one, they turned to Jane and the humans behind her. Shepard tensed, expecting the Brutes to shatter the thin barrier of glass and attack, as their dossier indicated. The Brute elder made eye contact with Jane, causing her to raise her head defiantly, the soldier in her too stubborn to look away. Instead of ordering an attack, pulling his weapon, or doing anything else that made sense, the Brute just bared his teeth at Shepard and turned away.
What the hell?
The expression on the Brute's face had looked almost like a smile, albeit it was hard to tell. Jane's attention was drawn to the other Brutes as they looked away when their leader barked an order in their language, causing them to fall in with the Hunter pair.
Of course, the obvious question now was the location of the dreaded Elites. Hunters would suck to deal with, but they were unshielded and could be killed from a distance. Elites, on the other hand, could be right next to a soldier and kill them before they could react.
Before she could consider this further, the unknown vessel made its way into the hangar. Unlike the Enemy, this species seemed to be using standard fuel propulsion as the engines caused noticeable vibrations to run through the deck to the Citadel party. The dull white paint that covered the craft was scratched and worn, though it seemed to serve little purpose on the simple rectangular box that made up the vessel.
Instead of the Covenant gravity lift, the craft settled onto the deck and lowered a ramp. Several beings made their way out, though Shepard couldn't recognize them. Several new species then, considering the differences, but no known species of the Enemy. After they had left, the box lifted off once again and left the hangar.
A shift in the vacuum above drew Jane's gaze as a dark green Phantom was revealed. As if the damn things wouldn't be bad enough, now they apparently had cloaked dropships to wreak havoc unseen. Though with the current non-aggression from the Enemy, Shepard was beginning to doubt an immediate attack.
Whether it would happen or not was beyond her, however, as three Elites dropped from the green Phantom. They were clad in red armor with interesting golden plumes, almost like some form of Honor Guard. Each one was armed with a pike, though Jane could see Energy Swords on their thighs as well.
The professional nature of the Elites went on full display as the three beings slammed the butts of their staffs into the deck, completely ignoring the human group. At the sound, a fourth figure drifted down from above. Clad in golden armor, it was immediately obvious that this was a major leader. Considering that Elites tended to show prowess by the intricacy of their armor, Shepard knew that this one would be extremely dangerous if things went sideways.
Jane expected some sign of acknowledgement from the Enemy, or at least a glance. Instead, the leader of the Elites simply ignored the Citadel party entirely and made his way to his Allies. While Shepard should have been happy, or at least cautious, that the most dangerous foe of the Covenant had taken no interest in them, she felt more angry that the Elite could so blithely ignore the remnants of a species he had committed xenocide against.
As the Citadel party examined the members of the Covenant, Shepard titled her head back to look at the ceiling of the hangar. If the Enemy didn't attack now, it would likely happen when they directly met the Council and other diplomats. This proximity would make it almost impossible for Udina or the other N7 operatives to escape, which was unfortunate.
Drawing herself once again out of those morbid thoughts, Shepard realized that she had been staring at the same spot at the top of the hangar for a couple seconds. Except there was nothing there to look at, only the unbroken plates that made up the space. After a second of staring, Jane tilted her head a bit.
Suddenly, reality seemed to melt as blue hexagonal pieces of light exploded out from the point Shepard was looking at. Within seconds, the predatory form of a dark vessel was revealed. There were no markings on the vessel, though it was hard to tell as it was almost impossible to focus on its surface as her eyes tried to drift elsewhere.
While this was surprising enough, Shepard only had eyes for the green-armored figure standing on the open ramp leading to the interior of the vessel.
Staring straight back at her was an impenetrable golden visor, revealing nothing. Yet Shepard knew, by instinct or by an act of her subconscious, exactly what was standing on that ramp.
Earth had not gone gently into that good night.
This is the last chapter of singular setup, next chapter will be between and about factions. Still setup, but much more interesting set up in my mind. Will need to reset back a bit, though. The end of this chapter should lead into the chapter after the next.
I don't think Benezia is some hard-ass, considering her words to Liara in the first ME game. Also, anyone ever notice that Asari don't have ears?
Several of the sports I mentioned were popular in Citadel space in Mass Effect Canon. So...that was the inspiration for that.
Apologies if the Shepard section seemed somewhat like a timeline. That's probably because it is. I wanted to establish a bit of a different background for Jane, so... yeah. As for Shepard and Liara coming out, sorry for being a bit of a troll there. Nearly touched on it a couple times before finally setting it out.
Elanos Haliat was supposed to be represented by a Turian model, but was accidentally given a human model in-game. As such, I have used his intended species.
SA Artificial Intelligences would be worse than UNSC. They may know HOW, but they don't have the industrial or cultural freedom to use AIs to the extent that the UNSC does.
As for Canon SA and Cerberus with the creation of EDI, their AI's in this fic will be better. Anyone who thinks that EDI (apparently one of if not the first AI created by Humanity) could beat a UNSC AI (which are created by a Humanity that has four CENTURIES of experience in AI tech) is deluding themselves.
Look at how much hardware and software has progressed in the last 60 years in our world. Now take those 60 years and analyze the progression, and you get an Exponential increase. NOT Linear. We have no signs that that exponential trend will stop, mostly because ideas like Moore's Law are self-fulfilling. People believe it, ergo it must be met, and since necessity is the mother of progress...
Don't know how readers feel about this chapter (no duh), but I quite liked writing it. Really like that last line, got shivers when I wrote it. Just seemed to fit. Love the poem it's from as well. Poem is Do not go Gentle into that Good Night by Dylan Thomas.
Rage, Rage against the dying of the light.
-evevee