My eyes skimmed over the dossiers on the datapad. My eyes strained as my finger flicked through the files for every member that joined our team. Shayan forwarded me a message saying they had flotilla had held them up but were en-route to Sur'Kesh. He sent it 3 days ago so he would arrive today according to Mat'al. The salarian sat beside me, mentoring me in the more subtle side to ship management. I had to learn their skills, their weaknesses, know their experience. He said it would allow me to understand their psych to prevent any freak outs when we were in space. So far, that task was easier said than done. The language used in the military remained foreign, so the extranet stayed open on a computer on hand. My eyes skimmed over the empty hanger beside me. Lanster needed experience in flying the Starquake, to feel how she handled and learn her quirks. A temporary team was with him while they continued the trials. The last time the Starquake left dry dock was 4 months ago.
"Alright, alright," I rubbed a hand down my face. "The krogans are on the combat team, Ferilsa is on the intel team," my knowledge on the krogan's aggression decided that. Raisha had influenced the position for the final female. No combat experience, no science training, no engineering training. Intel was the last team we had.
Why Mat'al put me in charge of arranging the teams still boggled me. He said it was to learn the new crew, but that didn't sound like Mat'al, he was just lazy. We needed experienced hands in every field; combat, science, engineering and intel gathering to cover all bases. Added that add, the mixed race nature of the crew caused many headaches. Mat'al had to give me a severe history lesson to understand the tensions between the different species. But then we had the fun of battling out the higher half of the hierarchy. A captain, an XO and any commanders had to be assigned, Shayan and Indira would not be Captain or XO due to their experience and general personality. Val himself said he had no interest in such positions when asked. That left Raisha and Mat'al. Oh sure, the new members could fill these spots as well. But we needed people who had a rough idea of the shit ride heading our way to keep moral up on the bottom.
So the main body of the crew formed before me. The draft teams chopped and changed, but new members joined us on Illium. That forced me to leave gaps in the teams for them without stressing or under staffing the others. Skimming the list, the combat and intel teams burst with members compared to science and engineering. Engineering was the most important. If something happened to the Starquake – and something would – we needed a strong team to deal with it. My tongue clicked when trying to figure out what was more important; science or intel. It wasn't as clear cut. We needed a good intel team to search for leads on Saboteurs or Reapers. But a good science team to research and develop new equipment to combat indoctrination and create new weapons. Then there was the combat team. Everyone needed trained, but these guys were the heavy muscle; lots of experience, heavy hitters, fearless to the bone. We needed these guys to ensure everyone else was safe.
Everyone would have a job on the ship. What we needed most of all was someone to man the medical bay. Ferilsa offered to take it, but she lacked the experience to be the ship's doctor. I had asked Indira to contact that female turian, Saere Loras from the Citadel, see if she wanted excitement. Indira bounded off. It was safe to say she wouldn't have a choice, knowing Indira.
"You know what I've noticed, Mat'al?" I said, staring at the photos before me. The salarian looked up from his datapad, seated near me at the massive table. "We have no asari in our team and I'm the only human,"
"I have 8 people on Illium waiting for the all clear. Humans and asari. I wouldn't worry too much," he returned his gaze to the hologram in his hand.
"We have a team of 39 so far, 50 was the recommended, yes?" I verified.
"Indeed," he said.
"Ok then, I've got the teams split. This is all we need to fly and not crash?" I asked.
"Of course. Engineers will be in the belly and engineering tunnels. That leaves everyone else at weapons, shields, the cockpit or the CIC, giving information and relaying orders when required. We'll have the main cannons retrofitted to allow the krogan to use them. I doubt they would be happy with the smaller turrets," he raised a brow. My eyes rolled as the datapad skidded over the table towards him. The salarian picked it up without looking at it. He took a quick look through it.
"Jarlan would be better in engineering than science. Swap with Belak. Aroqoul is more solder than Special Forces. Move him from intel to combat. Eshells would be more than happy to swap. Always hated the front lines," he slipped the datapad back. My frown deepened. Damn, 15th revision and he still nit-picked! A grumble rattled the air as the teams swapped around.
"Any other changes you would recommend?" I asked with a thick coat of sarcasm. Mat'al shrugged, ignoring my tone.
"No, seems fair enough," he said. He glanced up. "You put all the quarians in engineering," he commented.
"Yeah, Arthan is one helluva solder, but he's got a great tech record. He can help keep the engineers safe if we get boarded," I said. Shayan brought the quarian squad from the Citadel with him. He said none of the other quarians wished to leave the flotilla. A knock at the door interrupted the peace. I called 'come in'. Anthon Cerr parted the doors, A smile released the frown. When he wasn't tormenting me, he was missed. He grinned before straightening his face for Mat'al.
"The Starquake is docking," he said. Mat'al gave a chilled smile.
"Everything go well?" Mat'al asked.
"Aside from the pilot nearly ripping the entire rotary system off with his 'fancy flying'? Could have been better," he sighed.
"Lanster needs to make sure the ship can handle intense manoeuvres. We will be in space battles, we need to know the Starquake can fly without it falling apart like a goddam Lancia," I sighed. They stared at me. No one understood my references, which broke my heart and decreased the efficiency of portraying my opinions. The reverse was true for them. "It was a car manufacturer back on Earth. They were infamous for disintegrating and turning into rust after a while," Understanding filled both of their eyes. My legs pushed me to my feet. "Any sign of Shayan?"
"The quarians? They are about 5 minutes out, last I checked," Anthon answered. My smile widened, some good news at last!
"Good. I'll head to the landing pad and see them then," I stretched, striding towards the door, Mat'al close on my heels. He glanced between Anthon and me, silent as he thought. Their relationship was unknown to me, there was no point in trying to understand what was going on in his head.
The trip to the landing pad took up wasted plenty of time. The STG base remained a maze of corridors. My only navigational aid was the sights outside the base itself. This place a damn maze if you weren't careful. At least outside you had references to guide you. It usually got you to where you wanted to go. The shuttle glinted in the distance as we stepped up to the landing pad. The shuttle slid to a stop, lowering itself down onto the pad. A grin spread as Shayan, Cassa, Phylla and Arthan hopped out of the open door. Jhort joined soon after shutting the shuttle down.
"Captain!" Shayan cheered as he ran over. My lips snapped down.
"Shayan, how many times have I told you?" I groaned, running a hand through my hair. Shayan flushed.
"Sorry, bad habit," he said. My head shook before my arms hugged the quarian. It was good to see him, and the rest of the quarians. Even Phylla, despite the gritty comments with each other. Wonder how she'll be with Iona... "So, things got busy after we left," Shayan remarked. He shuffled but otherwise did not move away.
"You could say that," I said, turning to Mat'al as he studied the quarians. "Are you looking forward to this… 'exciting' trip?"
"With you?" Phylla seemed to raise an eyebrow. "It won't be boring with you around," Mat'al grimaced.
"It is reassuring to see others have learned Dell is a walking disaster," Mat'al said. Phylla laughed, the others grinned. My glared aimed towards Mat'al. This salarian ground my gears something fierce. "I understand you have travelled some way, I'll show you to the Starquake. You can meet the rest of the crew while we're there," the quarians gave Mat'al a flat look, turning to me for confirmation. My smirk towards Mat'al furrowed his brow before turning to the team.
"Go on, we'll catch up later. I still have paperwork I need to go over. Bloody crew positions," I said, rubbing my eyes.
"Very well. We'll see you later, captain," they saluted before following Mat'al down the stairs. Mat'al's narrowed eyes found me while my hackles rose.
"Stop calling me captain, for God sake!" I yelled after them. "And what's with the saluting!?" Their laughter bounced around the air. Shayan flicked a gaze back, eyes sparking. Either I was too uptight or everyone decided annoying me on purpose was a good idea. My hand raised, trying to block the sunlight from my eyes. A scowl twisted my face before returning to the office. There was more paperwork with my name on it to deal with. Why Mat'al put me in charge of the funding tracker was beyond me.
My foot tapped to the tinkle of the guitar, the fiddle a symphony of nostalgia. Marshal danced in the corner, the speakers pouring the score out. Several hours of alone time granted me the peace to finish everything required of me. I leaned back in the chair, closing my eyes as music flowed through me, letting every ache in my body throb to nothing. My feet flopped on the table. The documentation before me took hours, but completing it granted a boost of satisfaction. Stock checks, systems reviews, maintenance reports, dossiers. The music helped pass the time, encouraged me through the work otherwise ignored.
My shoulders shook themselves out, lifting the datapad to examine the information before me. My finger flicked a document on the datapad away to the side, tapping my hand in beat to the drums on the side of the datapad. The music was building, the gentle drums evolving to beats of springtime thunder. The drumming drowned out all earlier softness. Now it was pure power, energy electrifying the air around me. A frown appeared at an engine review document. What the hell was a SL-42 coupling?
"Enjoy yourself?" a male voice flanged. I yelped, sending my chair flying. Myself with it. My squeal overruled the music when my back smacked into the ground. Mar bleeped in concern, hovering over me. Val's laughter roared through the room. My hand grabbed hold of the desk, hauling myself up on my knees. A snarled contorted at the turian as he doubled over, throwing a decorative paperweight at him. He side-stepped it.
"Christ, don't you know how to knock?" I snapped. Val smirked.
"I did. Although, your music was so loud I'd be impressed if you heard it," he said. My glower remained frozen, pointed at him as my feet stumbled under me, tripping over the chair legs. Val laughed at me. My face burned.
"And you have a reason for coming here… why?" I asked. "Were you bored? Because if you are, I have a drone armed with a taser with your name on it," I glared. Val coughed, shuffling back a step.
"Y-yeah, yeah, I do, don't worry. Mat'al sent us up," Val answered as he strode into the room.
"Mat'al, why? And who's us?" I asked, frowning as my hands straightened my chair. The turian shrugged as he sat himself down on a white lounger.
"Ask him yourself," he nodded his head to the door. Raisha entered next, with Indira bouncing after her. Raisha ignored the hyperactive drell as she leaned against a wall. Indira propped herself down on a chair. Shayan shuffled in, stepping wide around Indira. Mat'al strode in, securing the door behind him. No one was interrupting us. My eyes narrowed. My arms secured Marshal to my chest as I walked around the desk, leaning against it. Mar beeped in my grip.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon," I greeted, scanning the room. "What's going on, Mat'al?" the salarian tapped his chin, pacing by the door.
"There is an important piece of work that needs to be taken care of. Endellion, the crew structure, if you would," My arms released Mar from my grip. The drone nudged the datapad to my hand. I tossed it across to him, sulking when the salarian caught it. "Marshal, if you would," the drone beeped, the lights died. My heart pounded as the lights snapped shut. A hologram hovered in the middle of the room, a flowchart of the crew. My gaze turned to Mar as he beamed the hologram. My muscles relaxed
"Huh, all the krogan in the combat team. What a surprise," Val joked. Mat'al made a dismissive sound in his throat as Raisha chuckled.
"As you can all see, Endellion has assigned the crew to their positions," Mat'al said, several squares highlighted on the hologram. "First, all ranks below Commander, XO and Captain have been assigned," A sigh formed, expecting a long, boring speech. "The five corporals, as of just now, are Iona Zyermus, Cailcero Lersus, Deolls Anoin, Jhort'Loake vas Idenna and Quin Gyneris," Two turians, two salarians and a quarian. "Service Chiefs are Jacques Krysin and Mysinous," A turian and the hanar. "Gunnery Chiefs will be Ganar Shual and Tolova Laesla," Krogan and salarian. I prayed that was a wise decision there. Having a salarian plastered on the walls wasn't good for moral. "The Operation Chiefs are Phylla'Quines vas Qwib Qwib," more than a few sniggers broke out. "And Xervus Gyneris." A poor quarian and a turian. They'd be fine, if Xervus kept his mouth shut.
"Then we get into the officer ranks. Lieutenants; Aroqoul Jour'sa and Erikos Geras," Salarian and drell, would they be alright? "Staff Lieutenants include pilot Lanster Taynus and Sershin Kyanr," a wild turian with a calm drell. Maybe Sershin would cool Lanster's jets. "And Lieutenant Commanders are Ganar Utren, Saere Loras once she joins, Arthan'Weer vas Dreda and Anthon Cerr," Krogan, turian, quarian and salarian. Please don't fight.
"Now the reason for this meeting," Mat'al continued. This was a meeting? My mind wished to drift to more entertaining thoughts. "Is to finish assigning positions. There are four commander positions, an XO position and a captain position. First, we must deal with the captain,"
"Not me," Val stuck his tongue out in distaste. "Definitely not me,"
"I'll do it!" Indira threw her hand up.
"No," everyone echoed together. Indira sulked.
"I think either yourself or Raisha should take it," I offered, shrugging.
"Well," Shayan shuffled. He glanced to me. "I think you-"
"Shayan, no! Shut up!" I pointed at him with a glare. Shayan jumped, rubbing his arm. Mat'al cleared his throat.
"Actually, Endellion. I believe he has a point," Mat'al said. My finger turned to him.
"Don't. Even. Think about it," I warned, hissing under my voice. "I am no goddam leader! I don't even know how the hell we will do this! For God sake, I've so little experience, both military and leadership wise, that a paper bag could lead better!"
"Well, if you do not know how best to proceed with this Reaper matter," Raisha said as she pulled herself straighter, turning her sky coloured eyes to me. "Who does?" My finger aimed skywards, opened my mouth. Nothing escaped. We were going up against the Reapers, against Saboteurs. I was a Saboteur, I had more experience of them, knew what they wanted to do. She had me. Fuck!
"You said you wanted to go to the Citadel, to examine Sovereign. You know far more about this Saboteur business than us," Val added. He looked up. "You may be immune to indoctrination, which is a plus. Any other hit points?" My eyes moved away from him, to the floor. There was one...
"Maybe, but I need to do some digging," I answered with a shrug. Shayan stiffened his spine, now that everyone threw me into the spotlight.
"You led me and the team not only to victory but without a single loss. I know you can do this, Captain!" he pressed.
"Don't call me... fuck it!" My arms threw my hands in the air, tearing up the carpet in front of the desk. All eyes trained on me, waiting. "And if I don't want to?" I asked through gritted teeth.
"Leaders are not asked," Mat'al held his silver sparkled eyes on me. "They are chosen,"
"And my lack of knowledge and experience?" I asked.
"Is there not a saying on Earth?" Raisha asked. "I believe it goes 'You will grow into it'," My snort was met with a scowl. That saying could now die a painful death.
"Why don't we vote?" Indira suggested. "All in favour of Dell being captain, say I!"
"Indir-" I said.
"I," the chorus rang out. My expression froze, heartbroken, at the five upheld hands.
"Good. Now that that is sorted," Mat'al updated the flowchart. My body trembled as my name occupied the captain slot. I was so fucked... "Now then, what about the XO position?" So fucked!
"W-Wait, for God- Raisha-" I pleaded, turning to her.
"Raisha? Hmm, well she has vast experience and knowledge. Good leadership skills. A good choice for a learning captain," Mat'al said, adding Raisha as the second-in-command. W-Wait! What the hell was going on?! "Alright, so for the other commander positions. Who should lead the science team?"
"Mat'al, would you-" I pleaded.
"Me? Oh, as you wish. I expected the intel position but you know best," he said as he updated the flowchart. "What about combat? Indira?" Raisha's shoulders shook. She was laughing her ass off!
"No! Plea-" I said. Just one sentence. Just let me get one sentence in!
"Ah, maybe not," Mat'al clicked his tongue. Shayan turned into a useless heap in the corner as his sniggers consumed him. My head turned to Val.
"Val, for God sake, stop-" I tried.
"Valérien, an obvious choice with his service record," Mat'al chimed in. Val raised a brow plate, a wide smirk on his face. Was I invisible?! "So should Indira take over engineering?"
"No! Just sto-" I screamed.
"Hmm, Shayan has vast technical experience. Much better for the job. That leaves Indira in charge of intel... an excellent choice with her skill set," Mat'al said. Indira howled as she clung to her sides, enjoying my squirming too much. "Superb, captain. I knew you could assign everyone to suitable positions. Are we dismissed?"
"Dismissed?! Absolutely no-"
"Thank you for your time, Captain. We won't keep you from your playlist and reports," Mat'al's grinned, his eyes danced. Everyone stood and got their backs straight as they saluted me, all calling 'Captain'. My jaw gawked, unable to speak, as the lights flickered on and the amused officers made a hasty escape. Small croaks escaped my mouth, but only caught flies. Mar hovered beside me, beeping. I screamed until my vision blurred
"Fuel tanks full, fuel lines clear. All systems green. Rotary system disengaged, wings stable, engines coming online," Lanster's voice called over the intercom, the anticipation leaking into his voice. The gentle hum of engines grew, creeping out from behind a clamour of activity. The bustle of voices, of shuffling feet, the CIC was alive. "Engines three, five and six reaching idle speeds,"
"Nervous?" Val asked. A glanced over my shoulder showed Val's approach as he came to my shoulder. My lungs rushed air out.
"Resigned to my fate, more like," I grumbled. He squeezed my shoulder. Just over a fortnight passed with me fighting this damned position every step of the way. A month since Shepard's death, since the murder. Two months since the Battle of the Citadel and the end of Saren. Mar bustled up to my side, beeping. A voice crackled through him.
"All systems are ready down here, Captain," Shayan's voice informed. He laughed. "And now you can't complain about me calling you captain!"
"Oh I'll complain," I retorted. "Just not where you can hear," He laughed once more before the connection cut. Mar bounced before whizzing down a corridors between the stairs and elevator. My head shook. "I'm lost without that thing," Val chuckled over my head.
"Engines one, two and four now at idle. Awaiting take off confirmation," Lanster said.
"You never know, you might enjoy it," Val said. He earned a snort, sarcasm breaking free. Val tutted as Mar shot past, soaring over the heads of the bustling aliens around the CIC towards the cockpit. My lungs pulled air in, glancing down to my modified uniform. It was the same simple military casual wear from at the STG base, but dyed purple because, why the hell not? Everyone dressed in an array of different clothes; some in armour, others in casuals, a few wore old military uniforms. My gaze snapped as Shual barged his way to a computer, turning a red light green. He stomped off, grumbling about 'weapons not calibrating because of people not activating the right systems'.
"Take off confirmation received. Permission to take off, Captain?" Lanster asked. My eyes glanced at the captain's chair next to me, at the people surrounding me on their computers. All eyes were on me, all waiting. Uncrossing my arms, my chin raised a notch. A sour breath released. Mat'al looked over from a deck of computers on the right wall, Raisha from the walkway on the left, near the airlock corridor. Indira floated around being a pain in the ass and Shayan locked himself down in Engineering.
"Permission granted," I said.
"Roger that, Captain, moving to take off location," Lanster replied.
The engines buzzed, the floor vibrated as the locks released the Starquake from the hanger. My nerves stung. The live feeds blinked online, providing feedback of the outside. A full 360 screen masked the second floor walkway. Sunlight shone through, blinding the cameras as we crept forward. Vegetation poked through the light as the cameras adjusted, water and hills, metal and stone buildings hidden among the green. The Starquake slipped to port, rising above the low ground to reach a safe altitude to blast into space. Val stayed by my shoulders, hands clasped behind his back.
"RSS Starquake to Sur'Kesh STG Dysila, now approaching space take-off altitude," a pause as the tower confirmed. "Roger that, Sur'Kesh STG Dysila, have a nice day. Engines to full power in 3... 2... 1,"
The force of the take-off sent me stumbling back into Val. The turian held steady, a solid wall as he braced against the G-forces. That was another thing to get used to. My hands brushed myself down. My face flushed as the blue sky inflamed as we tore through the atmosphere, trying to hide my embarrassment. The stars twinkled around us as we plunged into space. My gaze ogled at the cameras, watching the planet grow smaller.
"Engaging rotary system," Lanster called. The engines dropped to idle as the wings dismantled, the engines returning to their individual bars. It held my gaze captive as the bars extending, spacing themselves out. Then the arched bars extended, locking the top, middle and bottom of each bar at their distances. Just like a Ferris wheel. The engines roared back to life once they rotated. The armadillo plates flared open, bending like sails in the wind, they aided the engines in directing the ship with small boosters on the edges.
"Awaiting destination, Captain," Lanster prompted. My eyes dragged my attention from the screens, crumpling in the chair in the middle of the doughnut of computers. Once my ass hit that damn leather, dizzy-inducing contraption, the galaxy map flared to life. My eyes drifted up, staring at the roof, at the galactic core. It blinded me. A deep breathe filled me, collecting myself.
I am Captain Endellion Shaik of the RSS Starquake. What the hell have I gotten myself into?
The Fact Sheet has been created for this chapter. The Timeline and Galaxy Map have been updated for this chapter. Please see profile for link to Archive.