The Torfan offensive, despite the questionable acts that took place there, was considered an overall success. Except the nearly 150 captives, who perished weeks before the operation while being worked to death at expanding the underground base, few casualties were inflicted to the coalition forces and none to the new special forces trained by commander Shepard, earning him more notoriety which reached even to the farthest corners of the terminus systems. Still, the discovery of the hegemony's plans to kidnap the soviet premier, the escape of captain Balak and the subsequent pressures, from both the hegemony and the council races, forced the citadel council to call both sides in a meeting to prevent further escalation and avoid being caught in a full blown war:
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1st November 2179
"... YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND AT ALL! THE HUMANS WHAT TO ERADICATE US COMPLETELY! HOW CAN YOU BE SO SURE YOU ARE NOT NEXT TO THEIR LIST?" The batarian ambassador angrily asked the councillors:
"Ambassador Amon, your concern while appreciated, is not the topic of today. Unless the coalition gives us a legitimate reason to warrant action, we can't just start deporting humans out of council space or the citadel." Councillor Tevos answered. Ambassador Grot'Amon of the batarian hegemony didn't lose any time trying to persuade the council how much his people were suffering while humanity steamrolled over the galaxy like they owned it. The old, hover chair confined batarian had a reputation as a problem solver, mostly the permanent kind, despite his condition. No witnesses, no leads, no evidence, only disappearances. Today, the situation was different. Just like the old days, when the hegemony was a council race, the ambassador came 5 minutes earlier, presenting his case and, either through persuasion or intimidation, tried to convince the councillors to accept his advice before the opposition could state their own agenda:
"Haven't you seen what they did in Torfan? They butchered hegemony citizens, didn't even give them a chance to surrender." Amon complained again. The councillors, while tired of his bickering, were still listening to him because they didn't really have any idea what was happening in coalition space, courtesy of the CISP counter intelligence, the so far impenetrable AI assisted firewalls, the psychic commandos and the psychic radar, all of which rendered the council unable to access any classified intel. Even the shadow broker, the galaxy's most reliable intelligence gatherer, couldn't find anything beyond declassified or non classified information, no matter how many humans he bribed, deceived or coerced. How could a species be so open yet so secretive at the same time:
"What were you doing in coalition space at the first place? We are aware that the hegemony is not exactly welcome there because of allegations about funding pirates and slavers. Also, how did you manage to get in and stay hidden for so long?" Valern asked. Of course, Grot'Amon knew the real purpose of the question, to collect information, but some details could earn him more goodwill:
"The mission specifics are classified to me. All I know is that the hegemony needed some leverage to stop human aggression. A secret, unguarded mass relay was used for access in coalition space and then our operatives hid in Torfan, a barren world with lead crust, to avoid detection." He answered as truthfully as possible. Before the conversation could drag any longer, a slow clapping coming from the lower staircase attracted their attention. It was director MacLeod, now dressed in a blue and golden officer uniform, flanked by 2 other people. One was a man in a cream white suit, gray haired with a receding hairline and wrinkled face, the other was dressed in a black suit and tie combo, with white undershirt and black sunglasses, and was holding a black briefcase to his left hand:
"Yes, bravo, encore, amazing performance, you should try for acting." MacLeod boringly said. This remark frustrated the batarian ambassador, but he kept his anger in check and turned fully to the 3 humans. The councillors looked confused however:
"Director MacLeod, won't your colleagues appear to the meeting?" Tevos asked:
"What do you wear military clothing for?"
Sparatus asked right after his counterpart:
"The other directors are tired of listening to your yammering and, to tell you the truth, so am I. But this is too important to skip. About the uniform, we are in DEFCON 3, yellow alert. All thanks to the government that shitstain represents." MacLeod answered and pointed at the batarian ambassador, who was fuming by now:
"Care to elaborate director?" Valern quickly asked:
"Udina, take over for me. I need to see to... you know what." MacLeod said cryptically to the white suited man and the went to the black suited one:
"Civil representative Donell Udina, pleased to make your acquaintance. The batarian hegemony conducted illegal military operations in coalition space with the intention of kidnapping one of our leaders. Normally, that would guarantee armed retaliation, but the board believes it is better to try diplomacy first." The human diplomat greeted and began making his case:
"Do you have any evidence to support your claim?" Tevos asked. Udina obliged by deploying a holo drone and showing various footage. Starting from the bunker entrance, moving to the stockpiles of vehicles and spacecraft, then to the freed slaves:
"...and I saved the best for last, behold..."
The last image was that of the dead slaves in the cages. The councillors were already disturbed from the previous images, but this made them gasp:
"The coroners say that these people were literally worked to death in order to expand the underground base. Some where thrown in there before even dying. But you must be proud ambassador, your troops preferred death over surrender." Udina finished. The councillors were disgusted from the last image, Tevos especially turned a couple of shades greener. Grot'Amon knew that things took a really bad turn, so he played his trump card faster than the human could make demands:
"What guarantee can they give that these pictures are more than convincing fakes? How sure are you that this is nothing but an elaborate conspiracy, because I am certain they used their AI's in order to make these frauds and justify an attack to the hegemony or demand ridiculous reparations..."
While the handicapped batarian was ranting, with moderate success, to the councillors, MacLeod finished using the briefcase and ordered the agent to close it. Then he moved towards Udina and whispered something in his ear, causing him to retreat:
"Well, I see diplomacy isn't going to cut it, so let's employ a different method then." MacLeod monologued and marched towards the councillors. Gone was the humorous and near childish demeanour that many knew and got used to. The guy in front of 3 of the most powerful individuals in the galaxy was standing straight, chin up and had a strange glint in his eyes. Combining that with a sinister smirk could only mean one thing. Someone was in very serious trouble:
"Okay fellas, enough of this charade, time to end this miserable excuse of a negotiation, preferably quickly and effectively." MacLeod announced with a loud voice, making the room go silent:
"Is anything the matter director?" Tevos took, as many times before, the diplomatic approach knowing full well how trigger happy that human was:
"I have an offer for the batarian hegemony. It's an offer they cannot refuse." The answer came:
"And what kind of offer is that?" Grot'Amon sarcastically asked. MacLeod just smiled wider:
"Simple. You will rejoin the citadel as a client race, sign the treaty of Farixen, open yourselves to extranet access and trade agreements, that's all." He answered. The batarian just stared at him for some seconds, then bursted out laughing:
"Is this the best deal you can propose, what makes you think I will accept it?" Ambassador Amon asked, still chucking:
"How about the 150 fuel-air missiles currently aimed at targets all around Khar'Shan? Is it a good enough incentive?" MacLeod gave a toothy grin. The 4 aliens in the room froze in place. Their mouths, in Sparatus' case mandibles, were wide open and they looked ready to either scream in outrage or pass out:
"Y... you are not serious, are you director?"
Tevos whimpered, still holding the podium with both hands to avoid falling:
"Do I look like I am in the mood for jokes? We showed too much leniency to these pricks. It ends tonight, one way or another..." MacLeod said and turn to the scowling batarian:
"... the strike will commence in 8 minutes unless I give the order to abort." MacLeod said and folded his hands, waiting for an answer:
"THAT IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE DIRECTOR! WE WILL NOT LET YOU..." Sparatus threatened, only to be silenced by Valern, who was shaking his head:
"COWARDS, EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!" Grot'Amon snapped and pulled out a pistol, taking aim to the still smirking human:
"Ah ah ah, if you pull that trigger, we will go red alert. The moment my heart stops, the crews will swap to nuclear ordnance and Khar'Shan will turn into ashes and glass. Actually go ahead, take the shot. If you have the stones." MacLeod goaded and spread his arms wide while getting closer, until his forehead touched the cold metal barrel. The batarian ambassador gripped the gun tighter, his finger brushing the trigger, wanting to end that insufferable and arrogant man. The standoff lasted for a whole minute, but eventually Grot'Amon let the gun drop:
"I have to consult my superiors about this development. I don't have the authority to
sign this treaty on my own. I will need to talk with the grand chancellor, the ministers, but it's going to take too much time and..." The batarian was silenced by MacLeod, who deployed a holo drone for him:
"You have 6 and a half minutes to convince them, so better talk fast." No way he would give the hegemony leaders the chance to evacuate or strike back. Before Amon could argue, a communication window opened and all aforementioned high ranking officials, in their rich robes and quality garments, showed up as holograms:
"Talk about over compensation. Even worse than these college frat boys, they even make the councillors look better, am I right Udina?" Donnel just nodded wholly uninterested to MacLeod, focused only to what unfolded in front of him. First, the big heads where chewing the ambassador up for calling them with bad news, then the explanation made them even angrier. With only 2 minute remaining, Grot'Amon was almost begging his superiors to listen, but they were too stubborn. Then, he looked expectantly to the director with what could be described as puppy eyes:
"Agent, execute warning shot." MacLeod ordered the black clothed man. All alien participants were once again in a state of disbelief and shock:
"Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to witness the effectiveness of a fuel air missile. Live and in color, from Khar'Shan, the parliament gardens..."
The holographic display swapped to a view of said gardens. Filled with statues of important figures, strange trees and flowers, armed guards and their varren, that place was lit up by a towering flame which consumed everything and left only gray ashes after it subsided:
"... are no more. Unless you want to see a few dozen more of these detonating, I recommend haste." The director finished. The hologram swapped back to the, now, terrified and wild eyed batarian officials. Hastily, they sent authorisation codes to Grot'Amon, who with equal haste signed the treaty of Farixen:
"Okay, it is done, happy now?" The ambassador asked and dropped the pen. MacLeod didn't talk, only went to the briefcase holding agent to cancel the attack, and did so with 13 seconds to spare:
"Very. Udina, congratulations, you are ambassador of the coalition now. You take care of the specifics, I am out of here." The military man turned tail along with the agent. Before he reached the lower steps however:
"YOU WIN TODAY HUMAN, BUT MARK MY WORDS! WE WILL NOT SUFFER UNDER YOUR BOOT HEELS FOR LONG! ONE DAY, THE ENTIRE GALAXY WILL RISE AGAINST YOU... AND YOU WILL BE ON YOUR KNEESugggh..." A 5 fingered hand gripped Grot'Amon's throat tight:
"No, you remember MY words you ass faced, bleary eyed, slave owning jackass. After pissing off 3 governments, count yourself lucky we only got a warning shot out. If it wasn't for me, you would be in a world of shit right now. NOW SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND. AS FOR YOU 3 STOOGES, KEEP THESE ASSMAGGOTS IN THEIR BEST BEHAVIOUR, OR THEIR PIECES WILL BE SCATTERED ALL AROUND THE GALAXY AFTER I'M DONE!" The councillors could actually see MacLeod's veins pulsing under his skin and even his eyes looked redder, like a rapid animal:
"There is no reason to insult or threaten anyone director. Effective immediately, the batarian hegemony is part of the citadel races once again, further agitation is not needed, let me take care of the rest." Udina calmed down the furious man, who snorted before storming out of the council chambers:
"And here I thought that the krogan are bad." Sparatus quipped. Udina nodded:
"You telling me? I had to deal with him for the last 3 years. This temper tantrum pales in comparison to what happened a few months ago." Came the answer:
"As much as we would love to hear the story, there is much to discuss about the recent developments." Valern interjected:
"Very true, so let's proceed." Tevos agreed.
Arcturus station, a few years later...
"... well, what about Shepard? Raised in London, adopted, his father disappeared decades ago, unknown mother and birthplace." Udina recommended:
"Made his first kill in age 13 alone and unarmed. Found out he descents from a long line of soldiers. Went through the cancer removal training and survived, very few have done so."
Captain Anderson added with a small hint of pride:
"Has an impressive service record too. Rallied our forces to repel the Elysium invasion, lone survivor of Akuze, managed to kill a thresher maw on foot, trained 2 platoons of alien special forces, successfully led said special forces in Torfan, he is above ideal."
Admiral Hackett summarised:
"I have a few concerns about his mental health however. He accumulated a significant amount of trauma in his missions, what if he snaps in the wrong place and time?" Udina asked:
"Every soldier has scars. Shepard is a survivor. I am not sure what exactly motivates him, but he gets the job done and keeps his head in the game." Anderson said his piece:
"So, this is the kind of person we want protecting the galaxy?" Hackett asked:
"I believe he is the only one who can protect the galaxy." Anderson concluded:
"Alright, I'll make the call, is his current assignment important?" Udina gave his answer, despite not being completely assured:
"He's just doing some grilling, nothing too serious." Hackett answered, a small smile on his lips.
Meanwhile, somewhere else...
"I... I'm sorry drill instructor... it just happened so fast and..." someone whimpered:
"SHUT IT RETARD! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANY MORE EXCUSES FROM YOUR CAVE! Now drop down and give me 50." Shepard ordered the poor bastard on the ground. Someone tapped him on the shoulder from behind:
"WHAT?" He shouted as he turned around:
"The colonel wants you to his office. New assignment, very hush hush." The messenger answered. These words worked like a magic spell on the commander:
"Keep the crows in line, I'll be back soon." Shepard hurriedly said and bolted full speed to Strasskov's office.
6th July 2183, TCS Normandy...
"Arcturus prime relay in range, initiating transmission sequence." Came a voice from the intercom. It was the pilot of the Normandy, an experimental frigate, co developed by human, quarian and turian engineers and scientists. A prototype stealth spacecraft designed for deep strikes. Unlike the coalition's frigates, it could only hide heat emissions and electronic signatures, so that it was still detectable by eyesight in close range. That was a minor issue however as nearly all vessels used ladar (Light Amplification Detection And Ranging) systems in order to spot targets, not organic observers:
"We are connected. Calculating transit mass and destination." The same voice was heard again. Meanwhile Shepard passed the CIC (Combat Information Center) and navigator Presley, a bald, short bearded man in his early 50s, who was already compiling the data for the next course. The vessel possessed a psychic radar, a top of the line drive core powered by an experimental tesla magnetic reactor, and was, theoretically, the fastest and most maneuverable of its kind. It was also fitted with a heat converter that could power up the dreaded rad force emitter, a weapon capable of destabilising matter to the atomic level, making it fragile like glass. Still not field tested:
"The relay is hot, acquiring approach vector." Shepard could see the cockpit by now, and the pilot, with his own eyes. Jeff 'Joker' Moreau, wise cracking, sarcasm dealing pilot extraordinaire. It was the one behind the pilot who attracted most attention however. Nihlus Kryik, from the office of special tactics and reconnaissance, a turian spectre. Douglas already knew that something big was on the works, but out of respect to captain David Anderson, his mentor and commanding officer, he didn't use his mind reading to find out what was really going on:
"All stations secure for transit. The board is green. Approach run has begun." The mass relay was now in range and Joker started the countdown. A stream of data, in the form of a lightning bolt, hit the center of the relay, launching the Normandy many light years away in the blink of an eye. A sense of slight vertigo blurred Shepard's vision for a bit, but nothing he couldn't handle. The vessel itself was designed to be stable after exit from hyperspace. The only drawback of the ship was that there was no room for a chrono drive, making it dependent to the relay network. Not a great issue, as it was a joint effort between the council and the coalition, but still awkward. Also, there was no AI installed:
"Thrusters check. Navigation check. Internal emissions sink engaged. All systems online. Drift... just under 1500k."
Joker announced after they got out of hyperspace:
"1500 is good. Your captain will be pleased." The turian spectre complimented and left, seemingly ignoring Shepard as he brushed through. When Nihlus was out of earshot, Joker commented to his co pilot:
"I really hate that guy.":
"You hate someone for giving you a compliment Joker?" Kaidan Alenko, the resident biotic specialist and combat engineer, asked:
"Zipping your jumpsuit when coming out of the bathroom is good. Waking up after a peaceful night's sleep is great. But jumping us halfway across the galaxy by hitting a target the size of a pinhead? That's nothing below incredible. Besides, having a spectre on board for a shakedown run? Call me paranoid Alenko, but it just doesn't add up." Joker answered:
"Fair enough, but thankfully we have one of our own to keep an eye on out." The biotic sentinel said:
"Yeah, I heard about lieutenant commander Shepard, but come on now, you really believe all they say about him? Killing thresher maws on foot, dropping gunships single handedly, he is just another poster boy..." While Joker was talking, Kaidan felt a chill on his spine, which made him turn and see none other but the aforementioned hunter, who somehow managed to remain undetected. The biotic would certainly react or at least try to silence the still talking pilot, but Shepard put his index finger on his lips, keeping him quiet:
"...sure, he got some successes, but he is just one man. Am I right lieutenant?" Joker turned to ask Alenko, who was staring to someone behind him. Joker's smirk disappeared faster than a speeding bullet:
"He is right behind me, isn't he?" He asked. Kaidan, who was almost ready to burst out laughing, quickly nodded. Joker turned:
"Oh uh, hey commander, lovely day isn't it?" He sheepishly asked:
"It truly is. It will be even better if you keep your big mouth shut though." Before more words could be spoken, Joker's saving grace came:
"Joker, status report." Captain Anderson called from the ship's intercom:
"We cleared the relay captain. Stealth systems are engaged the ship is running smooth." He answered:
"Good. Connect with the closest comm buoy and tell commander Shepard to meet me in the briefing room." Anderson ordered gruffly:
"Aye aye captain." Joker answered and expectantly looked at Shepard:
"We'll have a little chat later. Better brace yourself. Don't go anywhere." Shepard warned and left. After chatting with navigator Presley, doctor Karin Chakwas and corporal Leroy Jenkins about the whole situation, the hunter entered the briefing room, but only Nihlus was present:
"Ah, commander Shepard, I was hoping to have a word with you." The turian spectre greeted:
"What about? Where is captain Anderson?" Shepard bluntly replied:
"The captain is on his way. Back to more important matters, I am interested in this world we're going to... Eden Prime. I heard it's quite beautiful. Serene, tranquil, peaceful, polar opposite of the human stereotype."To his credit, Nihlus shrugged off Douglas's attempt at agitating him:
"Corporal Jenkins told me so. He was born and raised there, but enough with this bloody dog and bone bullshit. What requires the presence of a council spectre, 2 hunters and a fully crewed experimental stealth frigate in such a peaceful place? And don't tell me it's just a shakedown run or I'll start losing my patience." Shepard demanded:
"I think it's about time we told the commander the truth." Captain Anderson said after entering the room:
"We are making a covert pickup. Something of great value has been discovered in Eden Prime. Something that could greatly benefit the coalition and the citadel." Nihlus partially confessed:
"A research team uncovered an old beacon. They say it's Prothean. Because Eden Prime doesn't have the appropriate facilities, it's our job to transport the beacon to the Citadel for a proper study." Anderson finished:
"As you understand commander, this goes beyond human interests. Such a discovery could affect every species in the entire galaxy." The turian added:
Shepard took some time to think about the information. There was still something missing:
"That explains the secrecy and the manpower, but what about me? 2 hunters for 1 spectre is too much, am I right?" Shepard asked again. Nihlus exhaled and rolled his eyes:
"Your intuition, while annoying, is correct. I am here to evaluate you. You showed remarkable skill, leadership ability and will to survive in your past missions, all of which are useful talents. You are also part of an elite military group with a reputation for excellence. That's why I put your name forward as a candidate for the spectres." He finally admitted:
"The coalition is trying to establish better relations with the council. Our previous attempts have been a bit too forceful, making humanity look too warlike and savage, causing unnecessary fear and distrust. Offering the beacon and inducting a human in the spectres is a solid first step to soothe the tensions." Anderson explained:
"Not a big fan of the council, but alright I'll give it a shot." Shepard accepted:
"Good. Eden Prime will be one of our first missions together. I believe you would make a fine addition to our ranks." Nihlus complimented:
"Your objective is simple commander. You lead a squad on the ground, extract the beacon and escort it into the Normandy." The captain gave the mission description:
"Sweet, straightforward and boring. I hope the next missions are more interesting." Shepard commented with a fake yawn:
"Captain, we have a problem. Emergency transmission from Eden Prime." Joker announced via the intercom:
"Bring it up on screen." Anderson ordered after the initial confusion subsided. The holo screen blinked to life and showed footage from a helmet camera. Human marines heavily engaged with unknown forces. Then came a distressed call for help:
"WE ARE UNDER HEAVY ATTACK! TAKING CASUALTIES! WATCH OUT, RIGHT FLANK! WE HAVE GETH ON EDEN PRIME, I REPEAT... AAAAAAGH! ..." The caller was killed and the camera showed multiple geth platforms engaged in fighting, then the footage was cut:
"Everything cuts out after that. No comm traffic at all. The comm buoy is non functional." Eden Prime, having the status of a newly founded, semi autonomous and peaceful world, didn't possess a chrono hub or QEC access, making it reliant to a comm buoy:
"Reverse and hold at 38.5." Anderson ordered. Now, the screen showed a massive vessel. It was colored black and resembled a squid. Red lightning was surrounding its frame and it blotted the sky. A moment of uneasy quiet passed the watchers:
"Joker, status report." Anderson said:
"We are 10 minutes out. The closest coalition combat vessels are 55 minutes out if they chrono jump. We're on our own." Joker answered and disconnected:
"This mission just got a lot more complicated, but the parameters remain the same. Shepard, your primary objective remains the same. If you can help any survivors along the way do it. Get ready, you are dismissed." Anderson ordered. Douglas gave a wordless salute and headed to the Normandy cargo bay along with Nihlus:
"This is what you humans call 'jinxing it' , right?" The turian quipped:
"Good to meet a turian with a sense of humour." Shepard shot back. In the cargo bay, Jenkins and Alenko were already armed and ready. A short briefing later and some comments of disbelief about geth invading Eden Prime, the vessel came in close proximity to the drop point:
"Remember commander, the beacon is your top priority. Helping survivors is secondary." Anderson reminded the squad. Jenkins saw Nihlus moving towards the exit point:
"Nihlus, were are you going?" The corporal asked:
"I move faster on my own."The turian would certainly jump out of the ship, if a hand didn't grab him:
"That place is crawling with geth, which means we stay together..." Shepard started. Before the turian spectre could protest:
"...unless you need a reminder about the law of spectres in coalition space." Douglas finished. Nihlus, while angry, relented and agreed. 15 seconds later, the squad was boots on the ground and already scanning the area:
"Commander, apart from these gas bags,
there's nothing else in the surrounding area." Jenkins reported. Shepard nodded and gestured to advance. When they reached a hill 1 click away from their objective, they halted again:
"This place is perfect to ambush us. Kaidan, Kryik flank right, Jenkins, were are moving along the rocks. Stay low." Shepard ordered. The squad members complied and, as expected, several geth drones and platforms rushed forward, only to be quickly eliminated in the flanking maneuver:
"WOOO, did you see that? We really kicked some robot ass!" Jenkins enthusiastically hollered:
"Keep quiet corporal, we are not done yet." Nihlus silenced the enthusiastic marine:
"They really are geth, but why did attack here from all places after 200 years?" Kaidan asked to no one in particular:
"I don't know Alenko, but I bet my right arm it has something to do with the beacon. Let's move out." Shepard ordered. After dispatching more drones, they reached a cratered area. A lone figure in white armour was running away from many more geth and took cover behind a rock. Somewhere close, 2 platforms took a human and put him on a strange device that impaled him:
"TAKE THEM OUT!" Shepard ordered his squad. They all fired their weapons, downing all hostiles and saving the lone marine:
"Thanks for the help commander. Wasn't sure I was going to make it." The white clad woman saluted:
"Name and rank soldier." Douglas immediately demanded. He wanted to see if she was shell shocked:
"Gunnery sergeant Ashley Williams of the 212th platoon. Are you in charge here sir?" She saluted:
"Commander Douglas Shepard, hunter division. These are lieutenant Alenko, corporal Jenkins and Nihlus Kryik, turian spectre. Are you part of the garrison forces?" Each squad member nodded to the introduction:
"Yes, we were attacked by the geth when patrolling the perimeter around the unearthed beacon. We were completely overwhelmed and forced to retreat. I think I'm the only one left." Ashley answered:
"Are you fit for combat or you need to evacuate, we could use your help." Kaidan offered:
"I'm fine lieutenant. I can tag along if needed." Ashley looked at Shepard for confirmation:
"You can come. Do you know where the beacon is?" Douglas asked:
"It's in the end of the trench over there, along the prothean ruins." She answered. The now 5 soldiers moved out and eventually reached the site. The beacon wasn't there, so they kept searching. Eventually, they reached a camp, apparently the one were the scientists settled in in order to research the ruins and the beacon:
"It's another one of these... spike things. Why are the geth impale people on these?"
Jenkins asked:
"Terror tactics maybe? But do they even understand the concept?" Alenko asked:
"Stay focused, we can't risk losing the beacon and..." Nihlus was interrupted by a hissing sound:
"Look. The spike retracted." Ashley warned, pointing her assault rifle to the mess of tubes, bones and blue lights that was once a human being. The creature charged at the team, only to be gunned down. Another 2 followed, but Kaidan struck them with a lightning bolt, completely disintegrating both hostiles:
"WHAT IN THE SPIRITS WAS THAT?" Nihlus exclaimed:
"Are you talking about these husk things or the lightning bolts?" Jenkins asked. Truly, the coalition managed to create biotic amplifiers that could not only manipulate matter and dark energy, but also change polarity and voltage, and while it could cause migraines, nausea and other side effects, Kaidan utilised his abilities to full effect. While the spectre and the human stood guard outside, Shepard, Williams and Alenko force opened a housing facility, discovering 2 trapped scientists inside. After learning that the beacon was moved in the spaceport, and knocking out the crackpot scientist, 'To stop him from doing something crazy and dangerous.' as the commander said after doing so, the trio got out, only to see the corporal holding his head and alone:
"Where's Nihlus?" Kaidan asked to the still dizzy corporal:
"He stuck his head to the wall, probably eavesdropping. When I asked him what he was doing, he sucker punched me, sorry commander I..." Jenkins apologised:
"Bloody fucking shit on a stick! We gotta move, double time!" Shepard ordered. While puzzled, the rest complied quickly dispatching more enemies along the way, they saw the same black spaceship Shepard saw in the previous footage:
"NO TIME TO SIGHTSEE, KEEP MOVING!"
He snapped his squad out of their awe. He knew that there was someone else on the planet, the one responsible for this invasion. Of course, he disguised it as worry that the turian spectre could get ambushed and killed if alone. When they reached the spaceport, he saw another turian taking with Nihlus. The 2 certainly knew each other, but when Kryik turned his back, the unknown turian took aim to the back of his skull. Shepard didn't have time to swap to his sniper rifle and his assault rifle would likely be unable to penetrate or deplete the shields of the hostile combatant quickly enough. So, he let his assault rifle drop and, faster than the eye could see, pulled out his revolver. Keeping the trigger pulled, he cocked the hammer 3 times at rapid succession, letting 3 large caliber rounds hit the target. As expected, the aggressor's shields were stronger than normal and he was a bit too far away, nevertheless it was enough to throw his aim off balance. Another gunshot and a scream of pain were heard, as Nihlus collapsed, clutching the left side of his head, but still alive. The other turian threw a couple of smoke grenades and vanished, sending even more geth and husks against the 4 soldiers:
"JENKINS, WILLIAMS, COVERING FIRE! ALENKO, WITH ME!" Shepard charged along with Kaidan, decimating all who stood between them and the injured turian. Unfortunately, the one who shot him escaped on a hoverboard, forcing Shepard to focus his attention back to the wounded spectre:
"The shot didn't penetrate the skull, but he is losing blood and a couple of his fringes are broken, he needs medevac." Kaidan diagnosed. Before Shepard could call however, a human civilian revealed himself from behind some crates:
"WAIT, DON'T SHOOT, I'M HUMAN!" He shouted:
"Who are you?" Shepard asked:
"Name's Powell. I work here. I saw what happened to your friend..." While Kaidan and Jenkins were treating Nihlus, Douglas learned the name of the other turian, Saren, the location of the beacon and the bombs planted around the final station, were their primary objective was:
"Jenkins, you evacuate with Nihlus, the rest with me, we have to disarm the bombs as soon as possible. Kill any geth or husk you encounter." Shepard ordered.
The 3 took the monorail and reached their destination. The resistance was stiffer than before, as the geth brought heavy platforms equipped with rocket launchers and others armed with sniper rifles, making the situation far more dangerous:
"BOMB DISABLED COMMANDER!" Kaidan said:
"KEEP MOVING PEOPLE, WE DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME! WILLIAMS, LAUNCH SOME GRENADES!" They cleared the ramps one at the time, time and dozens of murderous machines stacked against them. It took a good 3 minutes to clear the area and disable the last bomb. The 3 took some time to rest:
"Phew, we actually did it commander.I am so hitting the bar when this is over." Williams commented:
"Got to admit, I thought we wouldn't make it when they deployed rocket launchers." Kaidan added:
"We did good work today lads, now for the grand prize." Shepard moved down the stairs, where the beacon was standing, right in front of him. While he called that the beacon was secured, Ashley touched the beacon and started floating in the air, panicking and thrashing to get away from the pull. Shepard saw it and bolted towards her, effectively pulling her out. Now he was the one being pulled. Strange images started to flood his brain the closer he got to the beacon. He couldn't make any sense of it, nothing could, not what was happening, not the voices, not the visions. He couldn't remember the explosion that knocked him out cold or his squadmates scurrying to get him back to the ship. Only darkness remained.
AN
I always found Jenkins' death too anticlimactic and unrealistic. Who runs uphill alone and without cover in a hostile area? Also, I believe Nihlus could offer a lot more to this fic alive rather than dead, so I changed the death scene to a dramatic injury, much like Garrus in ME2.
