This story does contain "Lemons", now they will not be right away, they may make you cringe. This story is for Mature Audiences, A warning will be issued when a "Erotic" scene may be coming up.
I am an amateur writer, This is my first work of art that is published. So please in mind that this may as well be my first novelization of an artwork, that is longer than one chapter.
"dialogue", "Thoughts", actions,
(Disclaimer: I do not own any rights or properties of Mass Effect, or any other POP-Culture reference's that might be made)
—
The holographic image flickered to life, casting an eerie blue glow across Commander Shepard's face. The Illusive Man's piercing eyes seemed to bore into her very soul as he spoke, his voice low and urgent.
"Shepard, we have a situation that requires your immediate attention. The Collectors are abducting entire human colonies, and we suspect they are working for the Reapers. I need you to assemble an elite team to take them down."
Shepard narrowed her eyes, studying the enigmatic figure before her. The Illusive Man took a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his chiseled features.
She crossed her arms. "I'm not exactly a fan of Cerberus. Why should I trust you?"
A hint of a smile played at the corners of his mouth. "Because, Commander, we are the only ones with the resources and the will to stop this threat. The Alliance and the Council refuse to act. It's up to us."
Shepard's mind raced with the implications. Entire colonies, disappearing without a trace?, Just like Freedom's Progress?. The Collectors were a mysterious and formidable foe, striking fear into the hearts of even the bravest soldiers. And if they were truly working for the Reapers...
She straightened her shoulders, a steely resolve settling over her. "I'll do it. But I have conditions. I pick my own team, and I answer to no one but myself. Understood?"
The Illusive Man inclined his head slightly. "I would expect nothing less from you, Shepard. You'll have access to our files on potential recruits. Choose wisely. There is no room for failure here Shepard, Good luck"
As the hologram winked out, Shepard let out a slow breath. The weight of the mission settled heavily upon her, She was dead for two years, her team was nowhere to be found, and she had no backing from the alliance or the council? she sighed, but she refused to buckle under the pressure. Too many lives were at stake.
She strode purposefully towards the communications terminal, her boots echoing on the metal floor. Each step she took echoed on the metal floor, a steady rhythm that seemed to match the beat of her heart. The sound of her boots hitting the floor was almost thunderous, a reminder of the resolute determination in her steps. It was time to get to work. The galaxy needed a hero, and Commander Shepard was ready to answer the call. No matter the cost.
—
She never had a moment to reflect on all that has happened since her awakening, or revival. Whatever one may call it, The moment she woke up, it was a battle for survival. The silence was almost haunting, How does one deal with the stress of being revived and thrust into a situation that she dare say, mirrored her life before her death. Atleast she had Joker and doctor Chawkwas, two familiar faces at least.
Shepard stood before the view port, her emerald eyes fixed on the inky expanse of space. The distant stars glimmered like shards of broken glass, cold and unforgiving. Her mind drifted to the past, to the battles she had fought and the sacrifices she had made.
Kaidan's visage loomed large in her thoughts once more, his gentle gaze and warm grin a poignant echo of her heartache. The burden of Virmire bore down on her, the excruciating dilemma she had been compelled to confront. To save Kaidan or safeguard Ashley and the brave Salarian STG operatives? In the end, she had chosen Ashley, yet the remorse lingered like a relentless specter, an unyielding anguish that refused to release its grip.
"I beg your forgiveness, Kaidan," she whispered, her words quivering with raw sentiment. "But I can't silence this nagging doubt... was my decision justified?" Her palm pressed against the icy pane as conflicting emotions churned within her, resolute in honoring Kaidan's valiant sacrifice while grappling with the reverberations of her choice.
The sound of approaching footsteps drew her back to the present. She steeled her resolved, throwing on her tough, cocky, and over all confident attitude. One that was honed through years of combat and training. She was the first Human spectre, she didn't break under stress. She turned to see Miranda Lawson, her forced second-in-command, standing at attention.
"Commander, the Normandy SR-2 is ready for your inspection," Miranda said crisply, her blue eyes sharp and assessing.
Shepard nodded, a flicker of anticipation chasing away the shadows of the past. "Lead the way."
As they walked through the gleaming corridors of the ship, Shepard marveled at the advanced technology that surrounded her. The Normandy SR-2 was a marvel of engineering, a testament to Cerberus' vast resources and cutting-edge innovation.
"Impressive," she murmured, running a hand along the sleek bulkhead. "Cerberus certainly doesn't skimp on the upgrades."
Miranda allowed a small smile. "Only the best for our most valuable asset, Commander."
Shepard raised an eyebrow. "Asset? Is that what I am to Cerberus?"
"You are the key to stopping the Collectors, Shepard. We need you at your best."
They entered the bridge, where the pilot's chair sat Joker, waiting for instructions from the commander. "Holy Crap commander, Finally ready for lift off?, about time we get the show on the road. I've been waiting to fly after the alliance grounded me for two years."
"Welcome aboard, Commander," a familiar voice chimed. It was EDI, the ship's artificial intelligence.
"Now I did not agree to this, Can't I just shut this thing off commander?" Joker sarcastically said. "There's a mute Joker, find use of it, if you have to" Shepard gave him a snarky reply.
Shepard felt a rush of nostalgia mixed with apprehension. The Normandy SR-2 was a new beginning, but it was also a reminder of all she had lost. Her fingers tightened on the Galaxy map as she steeled herself for the challenges ahead.
"Set a course for Omega," she ordered, her voice steady and calm. "We have mercenaries to recruit."
As the ship surged forward, the stars blurring into streaks of light the moment they neered a mass relay, Shepard felt a sense of purpose settle over her like a mantle. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but she would not falter. For the sake of humanity, for the memory of those she had lost, she would fight until her last breath.
The Normandy SR-2 vanished into the void, a silver ghost on a mission of utmost importance. And at its helm stood Commander Shepard, a beacon of hope in a galaxy on the brink of darkness.
—
Commander Shepard sat in her private quarters, the soft glow of the holographic display casting an eerie blue light across her face. Before her floated the dossiers the Illusive Man had provided, each one detailing a potential recruit for the mission against the Collectors.
Commander Shepard raised an eyebrow, unable to hide her disbelief as she scrolled through the dossiers. "Seriously? Three mercs?" She muttered, shaking her head in exasperation. She scanned through the files of Archangels, Zaeeds, and that questionable Brutus. Hopefully they were more than just hired guns with big egos.
She reached out, her fingers lightly tapping the dossiers screen, and selected the first file. A figure materialized before her, a towering mass of muscle and fur. Brutus, the file read, leader of the notorious mercenary group known as Illang: The Wolf Brigade.
Shepard leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing as she studied the grainy image on the screen. Despite the poor quality of the surveillance camera, she could see enough to confirm the reports that had been circulating. "Damn," she muttered to herself, "He really is like the stories from back home." The figure in the corner was barely visible, but it was clear he was a bipedal Wolf, but unlike any she had ever seen before. The creature was clad in specially-made armor that accentuated its K9 appearance, the over all look giving him a formidable and intimidating presence.
The dossier spoke of his group's reputation for ruthlessness, their efficiency in completing even the most dangerous of missions. But it was the rumors surrounding Brutus himself that caught Shepard's attention.
Whispers of genetic experimentation, of a man fused with the DNA of an ancient lupine creature. A werewolf, some called him, a monster straight out of human mythology. She was questioning why he was never rumored to be in his human form, perhaps he couldn't transform back. Was it permanent? or perhaps a mental blocker?, she didn't know yet. But she would make sure to ask.
Shepard's brow furrowed as she considered the implications. If the rumors were true, Brutus's combat capabilities would be unlike anything she had encountered before. His strength, speed, and savagery could prove invaluable against the Collectors.
But there was also a risk. An unpredictable element that could just as easily turn against her and her team. Shepard knew she would need to tread carefully, to find a way to harness Brutus's power without falling victim to it.
She swiped to the next page of the dossier, her eyes scanning the details of Brutus's last known location. Omega, the lawless space station that served as a haven for the galaxy's most dangerous criminals.
Situated in the lawless Terminus Systems, Omega orbits around a dim star in an asteroid field teeming with debris. The station itself is built into a gargantuan asteroid split in two by ancient cosmic forces, exposing rich veins of element zero that initially attracted miners and opportunists alike. Its precarious position requires massive mass-effect field generators to deflect incoming asteroids, making it both a fortress and a prison for its inhabitants. Omega's strategic location makes it a nexus for illicit activities, drawing criminals, mercenaries, and those seeking to disappear from galactic authorities.
A wry smile tugged at Shepard's lips. Of course he would be on Omega. Where else would a creature like Brutus feel at home?
She closed the dossier, the hologram fading away. Her decision was made. She would find Brutus, and she would convince him to join her cause. Whatever it took.
Shepard stood, her hand instinctively resting on the butt of her M-3 Predator heavy pistol. The weight was comforting, a reminder of her own strength. She had faced down monsters before, both human and alien. Brutus would be no different.
As she strode towards the door, her mind was already racing, formulating plans and contingencies. She would need her team at their best, ready for anything. Because on Omega, anything could happen.
And Commander Shepard would be ready.
—
Shepard's boots echoed against the polished metal floor as she made her way to the armory. The familiar scent of gun oil and ozone greeted her as the doors slid open, revealing a well-stocked array of weaponry.
Jacob and Miranda were already there, their heads bowed over a schematic of Omega's twisting corridors. They looked up as Shepard approached, their expressions a mix of determination.
Miranda was the first to speak, her cool, controlled voice betraying none of the tension that Shepard knew lurked beneath the surface. "We've identified a few possible entry points into the district where Brutus is believed to be operating," she announced, tapping a section of the holographic blueprint that hung in the air between them.
Jacob nodded in agreement, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. "It won't be easy getting to him unnoticed. Omega's underbelly is a maze, and it's crawling with mercenary groups who won't take kindly to outsiders."
Shepard leaned in, studying the map with a tactical eye. A myriad of interconnected tunnels, warehouses, and seedy establishments sprawled before her. "We'll need to move quickly and quietly if we want to avoid drawing unwanted attention," she said decisively.
"Stealth may not be an option with Brutus's size," Miranda pointed out with a hint of skepticism in her voice.
"Perhaps not," Shepard conceded. "But we're not exactly going in unprepared." She glanced around the armory, her gaze settling on an array of weaponry that ran the gamut from discrete pistols to massive assault rifles.
Jacob chuckled dryly. "I don't think 'unprepared' is a word in your vocabulary, Commander."
Shepard nodded, "I wouldn't expect it to be. But we don't have a choice. Brutus is too valuable an asset to pass up."
Jacob arched an eyebrow, his brown eyes glinting in the harsh light of the armory. "You really believe the rumors then? That he's some kind of... werewolf?"
Shepard paused, weighing her words carefully. "I don't know what to believe, The Dossier showed… something" she said at last. "But I do know that Brutus is a skilled fighter and a natural leader. If even half of what they say about him is true, he could be a game-changer for us."
Jacob shifted his weight, his brow furrowed. "And if the other half is true? What then?"
Shepard met his gaze, her expression grim. "Then we deal with it. Whatever it takes."
She turned back to the map, her finger tracing a path through the winding streets of Omega. "We'll need to be smart about this. Brutus is likely to be well-guarded, and we can't afford to draw too much attention to ourselves."
Miranda nodded, her lips pursed in thought. "I'm no expert hacker but, I can hack into Omega's security systems, give us an edge. And Jacob and I's biotics will come in handy if things get hairy."
Shepard felt a flicker of pride at her team's readiness. They might not trust each other completely, but they were professionals. They would get the job done.
"Gear up," she said, her voice ringing with authority. "I want us ready to move out in thirty minutes. We're going to find Brutus, and we're going to bring him in. No matter what it takes."
As Jacob and Miranda set to work, checking their weapons and armor, Shepard allowed herself a moment to breathe. She knew the stakes were high, that failure was not an option. But she also knew that she had faced worse odds before and come out on top.
She would do it again. For the sake of humanity, and for the sake of her own curiosity. Brutus was out there, waiting. And Commander Shepard would find him.
—
The Normandy docked at Omega's port, the airlock hissing open to reveal a dimly lit corridor. Shepard stepped out first, her boots clanging against the metal grating. Omega assaults the senses with a cacophony of sounds and a riot of colors. Neon lights flash incessantly, casting eerie glows on the grimy metal structures that stretch out like tentacles from the asteroid's core. The constant hum of machinery and chatter of diverse alien languages being translated to English, thanks to the Omni-tool form an ever-present background noise. Stale air circulates through narrow corridors, tinged with the acrid smell of burnt electronics, making her wrinkle her nose in disgust.
"Welcome to Omega," Miranda muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Shepard ignored the comment, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a practiced intensity. It was so much different from the citadel, She could only sigh and approach down the hallway, It should be mostly safe until they reached the alley's of it's underbelly.
"This place is a dump," she thought, her hand instinctively resting on the pistol at her hip. "But if Brutus is here, we'll find him."
They made their way through the winding corridors, having passed a popular club called Afterlife a short while ago, the air grows thick with each step. The scent of exotic spices and narcotics mingled with the stench of unwashed bodies, creating a sickly sweet aroma that made Shepard's head spin.
"Stay sharp," she warned, her voice low and urgent. "We don't know what kind of trouble we might run into."
Jacob nodded, his eyes darting from side to side. "I've heard stories about Omega. They say it's a haven for the worst of the worst. Mercenaries, pirates, assassins..."
"And werewolves, apparently," Miranda added, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Shepard shot her a sharp look. "We don't know that for sure. But even if it's true, we can't let it distract us from our mission." Turning to Jacob next she said sarcastically, "I don't know how to break this to you Jacob… But we are going to be recruiting Mercs, Pirates, and assassins." She lets out a chuckle.
They turned a corner and found themselves in a bustling marketplace, the stalls crowded with all manner of goods and services. Shepard's eyes were drawn to a particular booth, where a krogan was hawking what appeared to be illegal weapons.
"Maybe he knows something about Brutus," she mused, taking a step forward.
But before she could approach the krogan, a commotion erupted from the nearby alleyways. Shouts and gunfire echoed off the walls, sending the crowd scattering in all directions.
Shepard's hand flew to her weapon, her heart pounding in her chest. "Move!" she barked, charging towards the source of the disturbance.
As they rounded the corner, they were met with a scene of utter chaos. A group of heavily armed Bluesuns mercenaries were engaged in a fierce firefight with what appeared to be a lone figure, his massive form silhouetted against the flashing neon lights.
Shepard's eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of the figure's face. It was Brutus, Standing at nearly seven feet tall with an athletic build, his fur is a deep, dark grey that almost appears black under certain lighting. His eyes glow with an eerie yellow hue, mixed with an enchanting violet, giving him a predatory gaze that could unsettle hardened veterans.
His appearance may have surprised some, as it differed from popular depictions. While he was indeed a werewolf, folklore often portrayed him as more human-like with shorter hair and a lean build, and a flat human-like face. But this was no Wolf-man movie; he was far more majestic and exotic. His entire body was coated in fur, but it looked well-groomed and soft rather than unkempt and dirty. His muscles were most prominent in his calves, thighs, chest, arms, and forearms, giving him agility without sacrificing strength. His waist, hips, joints, and neck remained small and slim, This also prevented an overly bulky physique, lending itself towards athleticism instead. He even wore his tail wrapped around his waist like a belt.
His face and head resembled that of a canine, with a long and sharp face that was covered in short fur. His ears perked up but then twitched and flattened back as he reloaded his gun, indicating his heightened stress level. Shepard couldn't help but notice the extra tufts of fur poking out from inside the wolf's ears, but her attention was quickly drawn to two metallic implants she spotted on each side of his head, right behind his ears. The wolf bared his teeth in a fierce snarl as he faced off against the mercenaries. The commander couldn't deny that there was something endearing about this fierce warrior.
He didn't seem troubled, yet his armor was fascinating, having been able to get a glimpse once he reached for another thermal clip for his M-22 Eviscerator Shotgun. He forewent the traditional leg armor and pants, "Thank the goddess" Shepard thought, copying her old friend Liara's choice of words, it would have been very awkward if his…Ahem, Member was on showcase. the difference in anatomy between K9s and humans meant he didn't need to wear pants or leg armor. Instead, he chose hybrid pads for his shins and knees, with steel on the front visible from where she sat. The rest of his body was protected by armor on the front and back, leaving his sides exposed with only straps visible. The armor had a v-shaped design, covering his broad chest and tapering down to his slim waist. There was even a small drop plate over his pelvis. She couldn't help but think it looked similar to ancient 21st century armor from old books and records. The metal plates were a gun-metal gray color, while the straps were black. His elbows were also padded, protecting his forearms as well. His gloves were unlike any she had seen before; they completely covered his large hands and glowed yellow from the lights in the room. They even had metal covers over his already sharp claws. Three wires connected the gauntlets to the back of his armor, where a spinning yellow circle was located at the base of his neck. And to complete the look, he wore an advanced poncho cloak that draped around his shoulders and neck, the color black, and dark gray urban camouflage pattern, with a small white wolf emblem stamped onto the left side of his cloak. "Perhaps the illang insignia?" she mused.
"There he is," she breathed, her grip tightening on her gun. "Let's move in, but be careful. We don't want to spook or agitate him!."
They approached cautiously, ducking behind cover as stray bullets whizzed past their heads. Shepard's mind raced with possibilities, trying to calculate the best way to extract Brutus from the chaos.
The air crackled with tension as Brutus unleashed a deafening howl, his gauntlets buzzing and glowing with a menacing noise. Smoke billowed out from the glowing parts of his gloves, adding an eerie atmosphere to the already chaotic battlefield. His metallic claws began to glow with a violet hue, crackling with biotic energy.
"Biotics!?" Shepard questioned, her voice barely audible amidst the din of battle. The answer became clear as a purple barrier sprung to life around Brutus, protecting him from incoming gunfire. The mercenaries stumbled back in terror, their confidence shattered by the sight before them.
"Well, there's your answer, Commander!" Miranda commented sarcastically, her eyes locked on Brutus as he unleashed his biotic might against their enemies.
With a swift lunge forward, Brutus closed the distance between himself and the remaining mercenaries. His claws sliced through flesh and bone with terrifying ease, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. Shepard knew they had to act fast, before the situation escalated beyond their control.
"Brutus!" she shouted over the chaos, her voice cutting through the cacophony. "Stand down! We're here to help you!"
For a brief moment, the werewolf paused mid-strike, his head cocked to the side as if considering her words. But then a stray bullet grazed his shoulder, and he let out another earth-shattering howl, his fury reignited. With renewed determination, he charged towards the remaining mercenaries, his biotic barriers protecting him from their feeble attempts at resistance.
Shepard gritted her teeth, quickly assessing the situation. They needed to neutralize the remaining threats without causing further harm to Brutus or themselves. With a nod of understanding, her team sprang into action, unleashing a coordinated assault on their enemies. Guns blazing and biotic powers flaring, they fought alongside Brutus, protecting him as he unleashed his devastating fury upon the mercenaries.
As the battle raged on, the room filled with the sound of gunfire, explosions, and the desperate cries of the mercenaries. Brutus moved with a lethal precision, his strength and agility on full display. With each swipe of his claws, another enemy fell, their bodies torn apart by his ferocious onslaught.
Shepard couldn't help but marvel at Brutus' raw power and skill. There was something undeniably captivating about this fierce warrior, his presence commanding attention and respect. In the midst of the chaos, she found herself drawn to him, a strange mix of admiration and understanding flooding her thoughts.
But there was no time for introspection. The battle still raged around them, and they needed to finish what they had started. With renewed determination, Shepard rallied her team, their combined efforts overwhelming the remaining mercenaries. Piece by piece, they dismantled their opposition until silence finally descended upon the room.
Brutus stood amidst the wreckage, his breathing heavy and labored. His biotic aura flickered and faded, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. Shepard approached him cautiously, her weapon lowered but ready for any sudden movements.
"You did well," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "We make a good team."
Brutus nodded wordlessly, a rare glimpse of satisfaction crossing his face. Together, they had triumphed against impossible odds. And as they surveyed the aftermath of their victory, Shepard couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for what lay ahead.
"Brutus" she stated, her voice cutting through the fading chaos. "I'm Commander Shepard. I'm here to talk to you about a mission that could save countless human lives."
The werewolf snarled, his lips curling back to reveal gleaming fangs. "I don't work for the Alliance," he growled, his voice a guttural rumble. "And I don't take orders from anyone if I can help it."
"I'm not with the alliance technically anymore, I'm forced to team-up with Cerberus on this mission, they're the only ones doing something about this threat." She watched as he flinched at the mention of Cerberus.
"Cerberus… Why would I work for those disgusting, power hungry, fuckers!?" He let out a guttural growl.
Shepard held her ground, even as Brutus stalked towards her, his claws flexing. "This isn't about Cerberus or orders," she said, her tone calm but firm. "It's about doing what's right. The Collectors are abducting entire human colonies, and we need your help to stop them."
For a moment, Brutus hesitated, a flicker of doubt barely crossing his features. Shepard seized the opportunity, pressing on. "I know about your past, Brutus. I know about the loss of your brigade. This is your chance to make their sacrifice mean something, to honor their memory by fighting for a cause greater than yourself."
Brutus's eyes narrowed, a low growl building in his throat. "You don't know anything about me," he snarled, his voice dripping with menace. "And you don't know what I've lost."
Meeting his stare unwavering, Shepard's eyes blazed with unyielding resolve. "I understand more than you realize," she uttered softly. "I too have suffered losses, cherished individuals who were taken from me. Yet I refused to be paralyzed by grief; instead, I forged ahead to fulfill what was necessary. And so must you."
For a long, tense moment, the two stared each other down, the air crackling with tension. Then, slowly, Brutus straightened, his posture shifting from aggressive to wary.
"You've got guts, Shepard," he rumbled, a hint of grudging respect in his voice. "I'll give you that. But what makes you think I'd want to join your little suicide squad?"
Shepard holstered her rifle, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Because deep down, beneath the tough, reliable exterior, beneath all that anger and pain, I think you still believe in something. And I think you know that this fight is bigger than just you or me."
Brutus was silent for a long moment, his gaze distant. Then, with a heavy sigh, he nodded. "Alright, Shepard. I'm in. But don't think for a second that this makes me respect your little friends. Also, I take orders from you, not Cerberus, and not her." He nodded in Miranda's direction
"As Shepard's XO, I have full authority to give orde-" She was caught mid sentenced as Brutus just threw her a bird, chuckling to himself.
Shepard chuckled, the tension draining from her body. "Wouldn't dream of it, Brutus. Welcome to the team."
As the two shook hands, a fragile alliance forged in the heart of Omega's chaos, Shepard couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. With Brutus on their side, maybe, just maybe, The recruitment of everybody else would go just as easy.
Shepard and Brutus stood side by side, their silhouettes stark against the chaotic backdrop of Omega. The neon lights cast an eerie glow on their faces, highlighting the determination etched in their features. Around them, the station pulsed with life, oblivious to the momentous alliance that had just been forged.
"We'll need to move fast," Shepard said, her eyes scanning the crowds for any signs of trouble. "The Collectors won't wait for us to make the first move, We'll need more promising recruits for this mission."
Brutus nodded, his muscles tensing beneath his fur. "Affirmative Commander, Let's get the show on the road."
Shepard turned on her heel, proceeding from whence they came. Touching her ear piece "EDI, We have the newest member. Point us toward the next recruits locations"
EDI chimed into the communications pieces, everyone, including Brutus after tuning his Omni-Tool frequency to the right channel. "Commander, the credit transfer to the mercenary known as Zaeed Massani have gone through, He will be waiting at the port once you return. Locations about Archangel and the Salarian, Mordin Solus are currently unknown, but somebody going by Aria T'Loak may be able to point you in the right direction" Her robotic voice stated,
"Where do we find this Aria? This station is big." Jacob said while looking between everybody.
"Ughh~ Mother- I know where she is, anybody on Omega knows where she resides…" Brutus looked tired, "We're heading to Afterlife…".