15th May 2179
This 6 month period of training was, just the way many others described it, like going through hell. The first 2 months were covering physical and mental conditioning. Shepard put the recruits through a torturous training regime focusing in precise, quick and stealthy movement in forested, mountainous and urban environments, in realistic combat situations. The first tries ended with many of the newbies covered in paintballs. After a lot of lectures about 'watching the corners', using drones or reflecting materials to see what lies behind them and some good old fashioned close quarters combat lessons, Shepard found the roles that best suited the physiology and the preferences of the trainees. After the second month of training, the batarians adopted the style of using bulletproof shields in tandem with Smith and Wesson handheld revolver shotguns, Kolyanov submachine guns, shortened versions of the ADK series assault rifles or Rosenkov AAS-12 automatic shotguns for fighting in enclosed spaces, while they used the PKX or the Browning-Gatling light machine guns variants with deployable shields along with other heavy weapons for open terrain. In both cases, the batarians where using power armor as they were better suited at taking all the pain and giving it back with interest, which also was very compatible with their mentality of perseverance, ruthlessness and stubbornness. The quarians, on the other hand, where outfitted with lightweight optical camo armor, which masked optical, heat and electronic signature along with the heartbeat. The wearer could stay camouflaged indefinitely as he remained still or if he moved very slowly or could stay stealthed for about a minute of movement and recharge later. Along with that came the Carcano-Beretta machine pistols, Intratec submachine guns, Ruger or Colt heavy pistols and Grummond shotguns for close quarter combat while they utilised Winfield or VSK series sniper rifles, Harkonen-Angstrom carbine rifles and FN series assault rifles for long range engagements. Along with the weapons and armor, the quarians were also equipped with combat drones and deployable turrets, all could be made on the battlefield with the help of a secondary nano assembling unit. At first, when the alien trainees watched the sheer amount and variety of weapons, armors and equipment stored in the armory, even the batarians stood with their mouths agape. A flurry of questions started after the initial impression was replaced by curiosity, from questions about weapon capabilities, history of them and why humanity didn't use mass effect weapons technology like the rest of the galaxy:
"Settle down lads and lassies, this is the final weapons and tactics training exercise. I know the hardware is by far better than those pea shooters you used before, but shut up and get to it." Shepard ordered. The reasons humanity declared the regular mass effect weapons obsolete were multiple, greatest of them the overheating problem. Also, mass effect weaponry shot grain sized rounds at very high speeds, which gave them good penetration, but caused little damage to the target unless it struck vital organs. Humanity instead improved on the original weapons, using element zero to increase muzzle velocity and to make heavy weapons lighter. Half an hour later, all 60 of the recruits were armed and ready for action. Their objective was to take over a part of the base, which was guarded by 200 human soldiers. They could do so in any way they chose, be it guns blazing and straightforward or smart and stealthy.
Another 15 minutes of briefing to the objective, composition of the battlefield and the approximate numbers and disposition of the troops who would act as the enemy guards. For the exercise, all of the participants had their weapons loaded with either concussive or stun rounds, the nano assembling units where set to only produce these types of ammo and the grenades and drones where set to non lethal modes:
"Alright, the briefing is over. There is still one small issue to address however. Which one of you hopeless maggots will be the leader on this operation? Be warned that in case of failure, the one in charge will be kicked out of the corps. Is there anybody among this sorry rabble who believes he has the bollocks to get the job done, or will one of the ladies have to grow a pair?" Shepard asked the group.
They all shifted slightly, unwilling to take command of the mission. Shepard could read their minds and discovered a detail he ignored earlier. The alien recruits were all privates in their respective armed forces, no captains, no lieutenants, not even a single honest to god sergeant was present in the mix, more than half of them didn't have actual combat experience. Shepard internally facepalmed himself for not noticing this earlier on. Maybe the punishment in case of failure was a bit severe, but no one can make omelette without breaking eggs. Still, he had to get a leader, so he started mind searching, as he nicknamed his technique of reading multiple minds for a certain piece of intel.
He caught plenty of promising candidates:
Kal'Reegar, quarian marine, hailing from a long family line of soldiers, brave, loyal, humorous, good marksman and capable hand to hand combatant. Fought against pirates in past skirmishes since he enlisted in 2176 and has a black ops report with his name on top of it. Tough as nails and with bollocks the size of brass boulders, unfortunately too much of a hothead, best suited as squad leader, not higher.
Sergar 'Sergei' Kreskelar, hailing from planet Anhur, born in the warrior caste in 2156, orphaned during the batarian revolutions when he was 4 years old, enlisted in the Abode auxiliary forces at age 16. Frequently participates in boxing, wrestling and martial arts matches, has 21 victories and 2 draws, currently holds 4 titles. Trained well on firearms and power suits, but prefers brawn over brains due to his rowdy behaviour and impatience.
Tali'Zorah, daughter and only child of admiral Rael'Zorah. Gifted engineer and mechanic, keen strategic mind, trained by private tutors in combat and piloting. Aced most of these lessons. Shows a lot of promise but never served in any military because of her young age and is shy about it. Lied about her age by claiming she was 2 months older so as to be accepted in the special forces training program. Gave no reason to be kicked out.
Akhemisa Wredgoros, born in planet Abode in the city of Zagor, forced to enlist after getting caught for armed robbery, which apparently was orchestrated by her, in age 17. Cold, calculating, intelligent, ruthless, a hell of a shot and a skilled engineer. Could be a good leader, if it wasn't for her lack of tact and antisocial tendencies. Shepard previously had a 'talk' with her to find out more about her, which went like this.
3 days ago...
Another day of intense training came to an end. Akhemisa and the others took out their power armors and stored the weapons and shields back in the armory.
Her arms still felt numb from carrying the shield and shooting for about 3 hours straight and her legs were heavy from the endless running, turning and sudden pace change. Before she could make her way to the barracks, the voice of drill instructor Shepard called from a long distance behind her:
"Wredgoros, a minute of your time please."
It wasn't the usual gruff and demanding voice, but still as resolute as ever. Akhemisa made her way to the office, not really bothered to think why she was called. It was most likely her whole 'silent and antisocial' approach she adopted. It served her well in the past, but after the job that went wrong, she had to uphold the most important part of her former gang's code, the oath of silence,which dictated that unless she talked with someone of her gang, she would have to maintain minimal communication to avoid giving away any secrets, willingly or by accident. So long, she did pretty well. All she had to do was to persuade the drill instructor to keep her, not very hard as she proved that she is a decent and capable soldier. She stopped outside Shepard's office door and knocked:
"Come in. Have a seat." He answered. Akhemisa did so and opened the door. She saw Shepard cleaning his signature revolver, a gun which, albeit an old design, could be extremely lethal at the hands of a professional. Just a week ago, when Shepard started training them in the use of human made weapons instead of standard mass effect weapons, ADK-15 assault rifles to be specific.
Flashback...
"Congratulations my dear crows, you just became the proud wielders of the ADK-15 soviet made assault rifles, some of the most reliable and iconic weapons ever made. For the next exercise, you will run through the sandbox, into the mud pit, inside the forest and to the firing range. Don't worry about mud, water or sand getting inside your precious, it will keep firing straight and well. Any questions?"
A lone quarian raised his hand. Akhemisa didn't remember his name, she only knew him as the guy who was easily impressed, everyone called him the fanboy:
"Drill instructor, with all due and respect, but only a few of us saw you in action. You carry this handgun of yours and we are itching to learn how it works compared to the mass effect guns."
Shepard could understand that the fanboy was just looking for a chance to make himself look brave, cocksure little shit. Too bad for the soon to be reduced into a blubbering mess of a soldier for a least a week that the notorious hunter had a way of dealing with these cocky pricks:
"You're in luck then lad, cause a demonstration is in order. Come here, don't be shy. And don't forget the rifle." Shepard gently called him. The human officers were smirking slightly, knowing full well what happened to those who tried to act tough, especially if they did so diplomatically. Shepard really hated when someone used the phrase 'with all due and respect'. Shepard was the one to use it against Färber everytime he wanted to insult him. The reward was often served cold, in the form of naked running in a brisk snowy night, or painful and exhausting if the gruff colonel was in a bad mood, which surprisingly was pretty uncommon:
"Good, now look towards me." Shepard instructed the gun wielding quarian. He did so and now the 2 were looking at each other, the distance separating them was about 7 meters (23 feet), the other recruits were watching from the sidelines, like a duel in the wipd west:
"Is your gun locked, loaded and ready to fire pipsqueak?" Shepard asked, his sarcastic tone never absent. The fanboy looked more sceptical this time, but he checked the magazine, put the safety off and pulled the slide back, chambering a 7.92 mm armor piercing round:
"Alright, now I want you to aim at my head and pull the trigger." Shepard ordered, all previous mirth replaced by cold seriousness. The eyes of all the other participants went wide and various mutters and voices of disbelief spread among the group:
"A... are... is that a joke drill instructor?"
The fanboy asked, keeping the gun barrel pointed down:
"Do I need to repeat myself, I said aim at my head and shoot." Shepard ordered again. The quarian was frozen, he just couldn't believe the order he was given. Did Shepard go insane all of a sudden? Sure, he could be intense and violent from time to time, but this was too much:
"WHAT ARE YOU BLOODY DEAF? I SAID SHOOT ME IN THE GODDAMN HEAD YOU WORTHLESS FUCK! DO IT NOW!" Shepard shouted. The fanboy gulped and did so. Just as the round was getting out of the barrel and faster than the eye could see, Shepard pulled his revolver, rested the barrel on his side and pulled the trigger and the hammer with such speed that the 2 gunshots ringed simultaneously. Shepard then holstered the gun just before a metal ping was heard across the area. Everyone was shock still as Shepard walked towards the quarian shooter, stopped somewhere in the middle, picked up an object from the ground and showed it to the gasping crowd. Everyone was looking at 2 bullets that lodged into one another almost dead center and even the officers were paralysed by this near impossible feat:
"Anyone else who wants a close demonstration of proper ballistics?" Shepard asked almost nonchalantly.
End flashback...
No one asked for another that day. Akhemisa was impressed from Shepard not just because of his skill, but from the way he sent the message without resorting to pointless prattle:
"I believe you know why I called you here."
Shepard asked, laying his gun, the cleaning rod and the brush on his desk. Akhemisa respectfully nodded her head:
"So you are also aware that I want to try and fix this issue. Don't worry, I did my research and I understand that you are under the oath." Shepard said quietly, making the batarian former criminal's eyes go wide:
"You know? How?" She asked after the initial shock settled. Shepard smiled:
"Let's just say you are not the only one who had bad company or troubles with the law in the past. What matters however is the present. The oath is noble and I respect it as much as you, but you are running with a different gang right now." Shepard said softly:
"The other cadets?" Akhemisa asked, despite knowing that she was correct. Shepard smiled and nodded:
"Exactly. They are the ones who will have your back in the coming years. Your new crew. And they need someone to lead them. Smart, loyal and dedicated, someone they can look up to. You know what I mean, don't you?" Shepard knew his plan worked at least partially. He initially considered using his powers to make Akhemisa take the leadership position. There was zero possibility for anyone to find out and he was in good terms with the higher echelons, which allowed him some slack. But his own dislike of fucking with the minds of other people and that strange psychic message he received after the botched mission in Akuze were enough to dissuade him:
"I am honored by your high opinion drill instructor, but I don't feel comfortable about this sudden change. From pariah to leader... no, it is too sudden, it can cause confusion in the ranks. Maybe I am more fit as a second in command?" Akhemisa recommended:
"You are saying I should give Tali'Zorah the chance then?" Shepard asked. The batarian stared, then nodded:
"I see you are very perceptive drill instructor. She has more empathy than me and really cares for the others." She answered. Truly, Shepard always saw
young Tali's potential, despite the fact that most trainees looked at her like she was a child:
"Alright then, that will be all. Dismissed."
Shepard ordered. Akhemisa saluted and exited the office.
Back to the present...
Among all the hopefuls, it was Tali'Zorah who stepped forward, just as expected:
"I volunteer." Tali said. Her voice was resolute, but Shepard could understand from the slight twitches that she was nervous. Another quarian from behind shouted at Tali:
"YOU THINK BECAUSE YOUR FATHER IS AN ADMIRAL YOU CAN JUST..." His aggressive complaint was cut short by Kal'Reegar, who squeezed the complainer's shoulder hard, and Akhemisa, who gave him a look that could make plants wither. Suffice to say, with no one to support him, he took the message and backed off:
"You have 1 hour to make a decent battle plan and deploy without being noticed. The targets are unaware when they will be attacked, so it's business as usual. Good luck and I hope you will provide a good show." Shepard said as he turned heel and left, leaving more than 50 people staring at Tali and waiting for her guidance:
"What's the plan ma'am?" Kal'Reegar eagerly asked. Tali didn't respond, instead heading towards the tactical display, a rectangular holographic monitor as tall as a man and filled with the overview of the operation area. She went over the map, trying to formulate a plan:
"Okay, we set a squad of snipers here, shield carriers at these 2 roads to provide suppressing fire, a team of engineers will send drones overhead..." Tali was talking a bit too fast, making Kal stop her:
"Whoa, calm down ma'am, just tell us where you need us, we have communication devices if you need to relay new orders on the field." Kal calmed her down. Tali nodded and continued:
"Thanks Kal [inhale]. Alright, new plan. We split in 6 teams, 10 in each team. These are the deployment locations, now to give you the call signs..."
56 minutes later...
"All squads, this is Handler, give me a sitrep." Tali said through her comm:
"Longshot here, we have the high ground and multiple targets on the vicinity." Answered a female quarian sniper:
"This is Stalker. They haven't noticed us yet. Awaiting for the signal." Kal'Reegar said quietly, clearly itching for action:
"Brawler here. Ready to breach the barracks." Kreskelar answered in his gruff voice, which had a funny sounding Russian accent:
"Raider squad in position." Akhemisa acknowledged:
"This is Sentry team, awaiting orders." The last batarian squad leader confirmed:
"Good. Operation Clockwork is go, repeat, is go. Brawler squad, breach the barracks, Longshot, provide sniper cover. Raider team, deploy machine guns." Tali ordered. A series of acknowledgements followed, also a remark from Kal'Reegar:
"Tali, are you seriously making references to that game again?" He asked:
"Shut up Kal." Tali flipped him off.
A few seconds later, the peace and quiet that reigned in the night was replaced by the shouts of people, gunfire and explosions. It all sounded so real that Tali nearly forgot that it was an exercise. She continued issuing orders like her life depended on it. It was almost fun, just like in 'Art of Warfare', a human made strategy game she was playing in her free time. From the Napoleonic wars and the 1812 war all the way to the Shanxi invasion back in 2157, every large scale war and some minor skirmishes were included in the game. Tali couldn't believe that humanity managed to survive and thrive in this state of near constant conflict that already spanned more than 300 years and lasted till present time. Her doubts were quickly evaporated once she realised that the game was actually based on a realistic combat simulator and the events in the game were accurate. This revelation both impressed and terrified Tali, but it explained how the terran coalition became such a powerful force. Also, the game taught her a lot about history, tactics, strategy and weapons. Worth the 65 funds needed to buy the 'Eternal conflict expansion pack'. She was jostled back in reality by her buzzing comm:
"Sentry here, hostiles are heading towards your direction." The voice of the team leader was calm and collected, which meant that everything was going according to the plan:
"As expected. Proceed as planned." Tali ordered. She didn't know why, but she felt confident on herself for some reason, like she could get the job done. Maybe her training under Shepard, maybe the way she planned the battle, no idea. Soon, 4 dozens of enemy troopers arrived, rushing to take cover in the hangar bay. Too bad that Tali was inside this very structure and Sentry team was located in the opposite building, machine guns at the ready. Easy pickings.
A few minutes later...
The whole battlefield was covered in bright orange paint and lying troops who were playing dead. The mission was a success and Shepard sounded the alarm to signify the end of the exercise. The bodies rised up and started cheering for the victors, making fun of the way some people were hit and going to wash the paint. Tali suffered only 9 'casualties' in the clash, an acceptable result, but she was amongst them as she took the hit for one of her fellow soldiers. Shepard dismissed the others and gave them a 24 hour leave as reward, but he kept Tali. His expression was neutral, but his eyes betrayed hidden emotion. Tali couldn't understand if it was anger, sadness or disappointment:
"The mission is a success, too bad you wouldn't live to see it through if this was a real engagement." Shepard said and shook his head in disappointment:
"I'm sorry drill instructor, I... I just..." Tali was interrupted by Shepard raising his hand:
"Listen, what you did was admirable, I respect that. Not many have the bollocks to take a bullet for someone else, but you need to learn the most important rule of war. You are no good to anyone if you die, especially if you are in charge." He explained:
"I understand, but..." Tali was again interrupted:
"You could choose any other job that exists, you have the connections and the brains. Instead, you want to become a spec ops soldier and risk your life while you are barely 18 years old, why?"
Shepard asked with an almost pleading voice. Tali took some time to recover first:
"I believe I am doing the right thing. Someone has to." She answered. She was almost trembling from emotion, but her voice was resolute and truthful. At this point, Shepard started pacing and muttering to himself, clearly conflicted about something. He didn't look like the hardcore elite soldier anymore, Tali could say that something troubled him greatly, so against her better judgement, she hugged him. The effect was instantaneous. Shepard stopped dead on his tracks, eyes wide open and unable to comprehend what was happening. He got his bearings eventually and asked:
"What made you think this is a good idea?"
Shepard sounded curious. He wasn't angry and it looked like the hug calmed him down a bit:
"I didn't think at all, it just felt right, I am sorry, I..." Shepard hushed her by pressing his index fingers on Tali's lips, which were, like the rest of her face, covered in cold sweat:
"No need to be. You proved you belong to the special forces. Not just that, you also have a strong moral compass, a very rare trait. We will make a fine soldier out of you yet..." At this point, Shepard adopted a wide smile, which was partially hidden by goatee:
"...but for the other thing, you are still a wee bit young for me taste. Come back in a couple of years and we'll see." Shepard winked and turned tail, leaving a blushing, wide-eyed female quarian behind. When Shepard was out of earshot, Kal'Reegar started laughing like a maniac to Tali's predicament:
"Ancestors above, you really fancy him, don't you Tali?" Another fit of laughter followed, further agitating the quarian in question:
"Oh, too bad I didn't record the hug, it would be..." Kal stopped yapping as a certain 3 fingered hand slapped him right on the face:
"SHUT UP YOU TEASING BOSH'TET! Tali yelled embarrassed, her normally pale grey face now a deep purple. Kal staggered a bit but didn't stop laughing, until...:
"KAL'REEGAR, IF YOU DON'T DISSAPPEAR IN 3 FUCKING SECONDS, YOU WILL SPEND YOUR LEAVE CLEANING ARMORS AND TOILETS TILL THEY SHINE, NOW BEAT IT, RUN LIKE THE WIND YOU LITTLE CUNT!" Shepard's voice sounded from a drone that flew close. Tali, while happy for being rescued and watching Kal stumbling and running like his ass was on fire, bark a laugh until reality sinked in:
"Oh Keelah." She facepalmed as she moved to the barracks to change into her own clothes and get drunk to forget this whole craziness, at least for a bit.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the citadel...
"Matriarch Benezia, you know I respect your wisdom, but don't you think that allying with Saren is too dangerous? I heard some very disturbing rumours about how he works." An asari disciple asked the seasoned matriarch:
"I know it is a risky task, but there is more to Saren than what the eye sees. Just listen..."
Benezia started recounting the events that previously occurred, explaining about the circumstances that led Saren to this dark path.
Saren apparently saw his brother Desolas being killed right in front of his eyes during
the Shanxi invasion in 2157. He was previously saved and taken prisoner by a human medic. Released after failed attempt to dissuade Desolas Arterius from executing civilians. Showed biotic potential in 2158. Instead of joining the ranks of the turian cabal, he underwent spectre training and excelled at nearly every exercise. Was accepted in the office of Special Tactics and Reconnaissance (Spectres) in 2159. His first psychological evaluation showed symptoms of PTSD and schizoid personality disorder. In the interview, he admitted that he also felt bitter about humanity and quoted that he genuinely wanted to serve the council:
"I got the file from the late matriarch Drypeta, may she find peace in the embrace of the goddess. It says that Saren's skill was too great to pass, so they accepted him, despite the risk." Benezia adeed as she started reading another file, this time sealed spectre records.
Saren showed signs of instability when on a mission against a chapter of blue suns mercenaries in 2163. 54 total dead, the 3 human leaders hanged from a weapon rack and shot in the knees, which resulted in death by strangulation.
"That video came from a security camera which operated in a closed circuit and thus wasn't wiped clean." Benezia said and moved onto the next file. Another mission in 2165 showed that in a mission to capture or eliminate Dr. Shu Qian, a rogue AI developer, who was hiding somewhere in the terminus systems. The coalition wanted to capture him alive and sent David Anderson to tag along with Saren. The mission ended with a refinery blown up and Shu Qian killed. Saren blames David for the destruction, but a diplomatic incident was averted due to 'lack of evidence':
"Matriarch, did you get all that data from a certain human?" Another asari disciple asked, earning giggles from the assembly. Benezia blushed slightly, but otherwise showed no emotion:
"Director Espinoza was and still is nothing but honest with me. I trust his judgement and the information we share all proved genuine. I do enjoy our meetings, but that's it." She answered and moved to the last file, a profile she compiled for Saren.
Currently longest serving turian member, with over 40 successful missions in his records, which he completed with deadly efficiency. Concerns where raised about his methods, as he seemingly had no regard for sentient life and didn't care for casualties as long as the objective was completed successfully. After 2165, all files on Saren disappeared from the spectre data banks:
"As you see, we have to try and nudge Saren towards a more peaceful path. He is not inherently evil, but his hate already cost the life of many. The council will not accept disavowing him, so it falls to me. Everyone who wants to follow me in this dangerous undertaking, raise your hands."
Benezia said with a smooth voice. All the disciples raised their hands, understanding that their beloved matriarch would need all the help she could get, their devotion putting a smile on her face.
Earth, somewhere in London, 16th May 2179, 0015 SET
"Douglas, me boy, you finally decided to give a call to your old man?" Keith Mandrel happily asked to the comm. He was a bit drunk, but coherent enough to talk normally:
"Sorry da, I was too busy training the crows. I have time now at least. How's it going back on Earth?" Shepard asked:
"Same old horseshit son. Beer is expensive, Liverpool struggles in the field and the 10th street reds became too big to represent the team. The new clique sucks worse than ever. At least your mum is alright, so is your sis. Don't know about Bryce, he and the reds are conducting business across the galaxy. Last I heard, he is somewhere in the terminus, the bloody idiot." Keith shook his head and continued:
"We have enough funds at least. I bought the pub a few months ago and it makes decent money. Had to hire guards to keep the peace though, the bloody coppers don't give a shit." He said and spat on the ground:
"So mum's sickness is over? Is she here" Shepard asked:
"Aye, but she's sleeping. Now, anything else you want to blabber about?"
The conversation revolved around various topics, some of them sprinkled with profanity by adoptive parent and adopted son:
"Hey, did you get any news about your real dad?" Keith asked:
"Nothing, the trail is cold. Didn't have much time to look though, why asking?" Shepard answered:
"Well, I was with the lads a few days ago. You remember Terry Brooks?" Keith asked. Shepard tried to recall and answered:
"Ye.. Yeah, that crusty old beaver with the eyepatch. That guy who works as a janitor in the Old Mill hotel, right?" Shepard gave his answer. Keith nodded and continued:
"That's the one. So, he was promoted to hygiene manager and came to the Red Carp to party. He said he stumbled upon an old spy camera in one of the rooms. Long story short, after riling through most of the recording, which included porn and fetishes, he saw a part which showed a man applying a tattoo on a baby boy, the exact same you have on your forearm." Keith said, dead serious. Shepard blinked as realisation sunk in:
"Bullshit. You're pulling me leg here, right?"
Shepard asked dumbfounded. Keith's expression however showed he wasn't lying:
"No me boy. I checked that footage meself, and I swear to me life and that of Bryce and Janet that I was completely sober when I watch the footage. The tattoo was exactly the same and the date showed that the recording was from 5th August 2159, the exact day we found you.
And the man who gave you that ink was definitely your real dad. Good news, he didn't abandon you so he wasn't a posh wanker as we originally thought, bad news... actually, watch for yourself." Keith said and sent the file:
"Can you disconnect dad? I want to stay alone for a wee bit." Shepard said. Keith obliged him and closed the link. Shepard opened the video and watched. He saw the whole scene unfold. His father entering the room with a small suitcase in one hand and holding a baby, him, in the other. Then came the part where he was tattooed. When his work was done, he heard his father's voice:
"Look at you. 3 years old and you didn't even flinch. I know grown men who would piss their pants to the sight of that needle. Heh, I don't really know if you will become the hero your mother claims, but I'll stake my life that whoever's going to mess with you will pay dearly." The man on the recording said. Then came another man, one that Sebastian Shepard called Jack.
Douglas saw the deal between them. He couldn't see the face of this Jack Harper but he heard about the cerberus initiative and the involvement of director Espinoza. That part sent a chill to his spine, but what came next was even worse. He saw Jack Harper's face, then saw him shooting Sebastian with an electro dart, stating that
whoever knew but wasn't aligned with cerberus was to be eliminated. Thankfully, Shepard had serious encryption and Keith's device was off the grid, which meant no spooks would go after them. He later saw an AI platform taking his father away and Harper to the other room. That's were the footage was frozen. Shepard was staring at the image for a good couple of minutes, letting the information sink in. According to the footage, his real father was likely dead by now. He didn't have the electronic address of the head spook, and even if he could call, Shepard would certainly end up dead. To add insult to the injury, Jack Harper was a ghost, so no trail to follow. All this rage and anger welled into Shepard, until he snapped:
"Son of a BITCH!" He shouted as he threw one of his model spaceships on a window, shattering both:
"FUCK!"
AN
I apologise for yet another very late update. I actually finished it 3 weeks ago, but I didn't like it and rewrote it. Also, the plague is really taking a toll to the mentality of some people. Most are strolling around completely unprotected, which resulted in about 300 new cases in just 5 days. Me, I still use my trusty gas mask and hazmat suit, despite the heat increase and odd looks. Fuck them, I say, if they want to be infected that bad, its their funeral. Anyway, I am ranting again, hope you enjoy the new chapter, I am always open to ideas and comments and above all, STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY.
