Chapter 3
The First Briefing

"How?... how did you?" Shepard tried to say, still gawking at his ship as it slipped gracefully through the air.
"We have our means commander," stated Rosalind.
"But perhaps it would be best for you to contact your pilot," said Robert, "I get the impression he's rather disorientated at the present moment."

Tentatively, Shepard activated his communicator.
"Shepard to Normandy, Shepard to Normandy, do you copy?"
"Shepard?" came Joker's voice through his earpiece. "Shepard is that you?"
"I'm here Joker, on the ground."

He waved at the ship, though the gesture was unlikely to be seen from the Normandy's cockpit.
"What the hell is going on? Where are we?"
"Let's see about getting you landed first, I'll try and explain everything then."

Shepard turned to Captain Sullivan.
"Is there anywhere on this base with enough room to land my ship?"
"It's a tall order," Sullivan replied, still looking in awe at the Normandy, "But there should be space next to the airship masts. They're on the northeast side of the airfield."
He pointed to a series of tall, thin towers on the other side of the runway, where the enormous rounded shapes of two airships could be seen.

"Joker, you should be able to land near those zeppelins," Shepard radioed back.
"Zeppelins?" replied Joker, sounding incredulous, "What is this place? A museum?"
"It's a bit hard to explain over the radio. Just put the Normandy down for the time being, I'm sure you could use the rest."
"Can't argue with that."

With a whoosh of its mass effect engines, the Normandy swung around the airfield and began to lower itself beside the airships.
"Why don't we head over?" Rosalind suggested.
"Indeed," said Robert, "And with the commander's permission, we can use the Combat Information Centre to plan out your first mission?"
The Luteces looked expectantly at Shepard who sighed.

"Alright, you have my permission," he said, still not entirely sure if they were to be trusted.
The group travelled along the row of hangers until they reached the spot where the Normandy had landed. With its sleek frame and glowing engines, the spaceship could have hardly been more different from the petrol-powered vehicles and gas-filled balloons surrounding it.
"It's an impressive craft I must say," the Doctor remarked to Shepard, "Though the design isn't quite what I've come to expect from a human ship."

"Thanks, but the design isn't totally human," Shepard replied, "It was a joint effort between the Systems Alliance and the Turian Hierarchy."
"Working with another species? Hmm, an impressive degree of cooperation I must say."
"Yeah, especially when you remember our history," said Garrus who was walking a few steps behind them.

"History?" said Sarah.
"There was… conflict at first, between the Humans and Turians," Garrus answered, sounding rather sheepish.
"It's in the past," Shepard said quickly, "Me and Garrus have been friends and allies for years now, we couldn't have achieved half of what we have without him."
"Only half?" chuckled Garrus.
"Wouldn't want you getting a big head."

The two laughed and even the Doctor cracked a smile.
Coming to the Normandy, they found its cargo ramp down. At the top of the ramp stood Jeff Moreau, the ship's pilot, better known to his friends as Joker. At the other end was a man, wearing a khaki uniform similar to Captain Sullivan's, though without a leather jacket.

"You know Captain, you should really warn us about these things," said the man as he chewed on a piece of gum. "If you told us we were getting a flying saucer in, I would have rolled out the red carpet."
"Umm, this is a starship you museum piece," retorted Joker, sounding a little annoyed, "'Flying saucers' tend to be a bit more, you know, saucer-shaped."
"It goes in space, it's a flying saucer."

"You can argue semantics later Dex," said Sullivan, "Right now we need to be briefed on our next mission."
"Wait? Mission?" said Joker, looking confused, "Commander? What the hell is going on here?"
"Let's get everyone up to the CIC first," Shepard replied, "I'll try and fill you in on the details as we go."
"Well, as long as it doesn't involve us flying to the galactic core again, I guess it'll be better than the last one."

It took a few minutes to move everyone from the Normandy's cargo bay to its bridge. During that time, Shepard did what he could to bring his pilot up to speed, though it did little to lessen his confusion.

"So let me get this straight," stated Joker as the last team members gathered around the Combat Information Centre, an oval shaped room with a raised holographic display in the middle. "These… twins… or whatever, they want a bunch of misfits to track down a criminal who's been raiding different universes? I'm starting to think that Collector base did a number on our heads."
"I don't blame you," said Shepard, who still found the whole situation unbelievable.
"Now that you are assembled, we shall give you your first mission briefing," stated Rosalind, effortlessly hushing the low babble of chatter.

She waved her hand and the Combat Information Centre's holographic display lit up, showing the triangular map of the multiverse.
"Currently our biggest problem is that we cannot tell where Moriarty's forces will strike next. We only learn of an attack once it's well underway," said Robert, "and it has proven impossible for us to follow them back to their home base."

"But how can that be?" said Elizabeth, "Surely you could just open a tear and follow them?"
"We're sorry to say it is not that simple," explained Rosalind. "Moriarty's base is protected from direct access somehow. Even when we've attempted to follow his forces as they retreat, our efforts have come to nought."
"So what good are we?" grumbled Booker, "Sounds like we'd just be playing clean-up for this Moriarty guy."
"I would not blame you for feeling that way Mr. DeWitt," said Robert, "But we believe we have an answer to this problem."

He waved his hand and a video hologram began to play above the map. The footage showed a group of the silver clad Cybermen outside the Lemoyne National Bank. Fires were burning in the background, but it was clear their mission was complete.
They formed into a line, and the lead Cyberman took a device covered in buttons from its belt, typing in a series of commands. As it entered the last one, there was a blue flash and a portal open before them.

"As you can see," stated Rosalind as they watched the Cybermen march through the tear in reality. "They have developed a portable controller to open portals between universes."
"We have deduced that this device used by Moriarty's forces also acts as a key, forming a path between the universes back to their base of operations," said Robert. "Your first task is to acquire one."
The last Cyberman entered the portal and it snapped shut, leaving the devastated town abandoned and burning.
"You make it sound easy," said Booker.
"It is always best to start simple," said Rosalind.

"But how do we find one of these devices?" said Inspector Lestrade as the footage ended, "I doubt Moriarty or his men are going to give us one, even if we ask nicely."
"You are quite right Inspector," Robert replied, missing or ignoring her sarcasm. "But we have means of detecting when Moriarty has launched a raid."
"Mr. Dearborn," said Rosalind, addressing the man who had been arguing with Joker at the Normandy's ramp, "I believe you can explain this."

"We've found that the portals give off a radio signal," said Dearborn. "Using that, we can pinpoint when one has been opened, but only after a raid has begun."
"Then what use is that in stopping Moriarty?" Xena remarked, looking decidedly unimpressed.
"It doesn't allow us to get ahead of them," Dearborn admitted. "But it means we can intercept the raids while they're in progress at the very least. And with you guys in the vanguard, we might have a fighting chance against Moriarty's forces for once."

"But in your first mission, we hope you will do more than just recovering a portal device," stated Robert.
"Your task will also be to gather any intelligence you can, and attempt to counter Moriarty's raid," continued Rosalind.
She snapped her fingers and a metal box about the size of a large book appeared in her hand.
"This device, once connected to your CIC, will allow it to scan the multiverse for Moriarty's signal and give co-ordinates for Elizabeth to follow.

"Miss Vas Normandy," said Robert, "I believe you should have no trouble connecting this."
Tali looked from the twins to Shepard, unsure what to do.
"Are… are you sure that device can interface with our technology?" she asked.
"It is a simple enough piece of equipment," said Rosalind, handing the box to her, "And besides, I believe your ship's artificial intelligence will have no trouble managing it."

At that point, a transparent blue sphere appeared beside the map and a feminine-sounding voice spoke, seeming to come from all around them.
"I have scanned the device Commander," it stated, "Miss and Mr. Lutece are correct, and it should be possible for Tali to install it with minimal difficulty."
"Another member of our team?" remarked the Doctor, looking around the CIC with interest.
"I am the Normandy's artificial intelligence," the voice replied, "The crew refers to me as EDI."

"Well I'm delighted to meet you EDI," said the Doctor, "As are the rest of us I'm sure."
"Welcome Doctor, I look forward to working with you."
The blue sphere winked out of existence.
"Is there anyone else we should be introduced to?" asked Gabrielle, looking amazed and fearful.
"There's the other members of the Normandy team and it's… crew," Shepard began.
He broke off and looked around, only now realising how empty the CIC was. Normally there were about ten to fifteen people posted to the deck, monitoring systems.
"Joker, where are the rest of the crew?"

"I… I dunno," the pilot replied, "We were escaping the blast from the collector base when there was this big flash of blue light. The next thing I knew, I was alone on the bridge and the Normandy was flying through a void of nothingness until we came out over this airfield."
Shepard turned and confronted the Luteces.
"What have you done with my crew?"
"They've been returned to their proper place and time," answered Robert.
"Why?"

"This ship was manned by personnel from the Cerberus organisation," stated Rosalind, "A group we find, untrustworthy."
"I can't disagree with you on that point, but what about my team?"
"Like the crew, they have been returned to their proper place and time unharmed," said Robert.

"But if this threat is as bad as you say it is, they would be extremely useful."
"Their loyalty to you is questionable however Commander," said Rosalind, "Our analysis showed that Mr. Moreau, Mr. Vakarian and Miss Vas Normandy would be best suited to joining this mission due to their personal closeness to yourself."
"Well that's nice to hear," chuckled Garrus.

Though it was impossible to tell through the clouded mask, Xena was sure the suited alien was blushing at the twins' words.
"Actually, we are mistaken," said Robert, "We have left one other member of your crew onboard."
"Your doctor, Karin Chakwas, is still at her station," said Rosalind, "I believe you'll have no trouble filling her in on your new mission."
Shepard let out a dry chuckle.

"I believe that is all we need to say," stated Robert.
"Yes I believe it is," replied Rosalind, "In that case, we wish you a pleasant sleep and good luck with your first mission. Not that you need it."
"Also, we've decided on a name for our new organisation."
"Well, you decided."
"We both decided."
"I still say it's silly."
"It's better than yours."

"Oh very well," sighed Rosalind, "Our operations shall be conducted under the name, the Bureau of Multiverse Affairs."
"I know it's rather formal," said Robert, "But we deemed it necessary given the situation."
"You deemed it necessary."
"We can have this argument another time."
"We always do. Goodbye, and good luck."
"Wait a second," Shepard tried to say.
But before he could finish, there was a flicker of light and the twins disappeared without a trace.

"What sort of magicians are those two?" said Gabrielle, still staring at the empty space Rosalind and Robert had occupied with disbelief.
"Magicians or demigods," stated Xena, "Even so, they were rather strange."
"I very much doubt they are demigods or magicians my dears," replied the Doctor, also looking at the empty space with curiosity.

"They're scientists," said Elizabeth, "At least one of them is."
"Have you met them before?" asked Sherlock.
"Well, not really, but I've read Rosalind Lutece's book. She's a scientist in the field of quantum physics."
"I've met Robert Lutece," said Booker, sounding annoyed. "He promised to clear my gambling debts if I helped rescue Elizabeth here, but I don't know anything about him beyond that. The guy and his sister are maddeningly cryptic."

"If you ask me, they can't be trusted," said Lestrade, her brow furrowed in thought.
"They seemed reasonable enough," remarked Watson, "If a little strange."
Sarah and Sergeant Benton remained silent, unsure what to say. Shepard lent against the edge of the holographic display, thinking.
"EDI," he asked eventually, "When the Luteces were here, did you detect anything unusual about them?"

"I am… unsure Commander," she answered. Despite her synthetic nature, there seemed to be a very human element of hesitation in the computer's voice.
"How can you be unsure?" Shepard replied, baffled.
"I'm not sure how to explain it. According to my scans, there is nothing abnormal about Robert and Rosalind Lutece, at least on a physical level. At the same time however, it seemed as if they were not there."

"I think your computer's got a few crossed circuits," said Lestrade, shaking her head.
"I don't think so inspector," replied Sherlock, "Both of the Luteces showed a degree of, shall we say, detachment, and their disappearance was not the work of a magic trick or teleport."
"Then what was it?" said Watson, baffled.
"I have a few theories, but I shall need to think them over."

"Well we're not gonna get any answers by standing around here," Shepard yawned. "I suggest you people grab a bed and get some rest before the mission. With the crew gone, there should be plenty of spaces going free."
"I will provide guidance," announced EDI, "If you would head to the elevator, I shall take you down to the crew deck."
Some of the group followed EDI's instructions. Others however, namely, Shepard, Tali, Garrus, the Doctor, Xena, Sherlock, Captain Sullivan and Booker, remained at the CIC's holographic display.

"Well?" said Shepard, when the elevator doors had closed.
"Well what?" asked Sullivan.
"What do you think of the Luteces?" said Shepard.
"I don't trust them," said Xena, scowling, "They're hiding something."
"I believe you are half-right Miss Xena," remarked the Doctor, "I believe the Luteces are hiding something, but I do not believe they are untrustworthy."
The warrior princess looked at him, confused.

"I don't understand. If they're trustworthy, why don't they tell us what we need to know?"
"Perhaps because there is something going on here even they do not know about," answered Sherlock.
The others looked confused, aside from the Doctor.
"If I may ask Mr. Holmes," he said, "You've known Professor Moriarty for many years I take it?"

"Indeed," Sherlock replied.
"As you said before, he is the 'Napoleon of crime' in your world, but I doubt even he has the means to carry out robberies across multiple universes."
"But we saw him in the Lutece's footage," said Captain Sullivan, "He was commanding those collectors and Cybermen."
"That is true," stated Sherlock, "But the Doctor is right. Even one such as Moriarty does not have the means to carry out a crime of this scale."

"What does that mean then?" asked Garrus.
"It means that Moriarty is just a figurehead," said Xena, "Acting on behalf of someone much more powerful."
"Well that's just brilliant," muttered Booker, rolling his eyes, "A criminal mastermind just wasn't enough."
"We've faced impossible odds before," said Tali, trying to sound hopeful.

"No offense Miss," said Booker, regarding the alien with mild interest, "But have you faced a criminal who can commit robberies across different worlds?"
"No, but the Commander and I have faced down giant sentient starships who sort to destroy all organic life in the galaxy."
"I helped a little as well," Garrus remarked with a grin.

Booker chuckled to himself.
"And here I thought giant mechanical birds were my biggest worry."
"So," said Captain Sullivan, "What should we do?"
"For the time being we carry out the mission the Luteces gave us," answered Shepard. "Whatever we're facing, they're a danger to the lives of countless people in every universe, and they have to be stopped."

"Agreed," said Xena.
The others nodded their approval.
"Good," Shepard stated, "Tali, see about fitting the device to the CIC, the rest of you, I suggest get some rest. We're gonna need our wits for what we're about to face."