CHAPTER 07

Pioneers of Andromeda

MEGI

Many months have passed since our explosive visit to Omega. With the advanced AI modules handed over to the Andromeda Initiative, Marak and I boarded a vessel to seeour brother Cigas on the Nexus. The voyage provided us with a unique opportunity to catch up on current news and contemplate on the galaxy's ongoing events.

As we settled into our rooms, Marak turned on the news stream. The first report instantly piqued his interest.

"Look at this, Megi," Marak murmured, his jaws twitching with a combination of curiosity and jealousy. "The humans, still fresh to the Citadel, have just selected their first Spectre agent. I must admit that I am a little jealous."

I scanned the report, my eyes narrowing as I read the information. "Saren has held a grudge against humans since the First Contact War. It appears that this Commander Shepard may finally give him what he deserves."

Marak nodded, his face serious. "Let's hope so. The last thing this galaxy needs is a rogue Spectre wreaking havoc."

After a few news stories, Marak's attention was drawn to a specific portion.

[In the realm of cage fighting, Iram Lo'Solatar, also referred to as "The Lone Wolf," has won his third match. He has a final bout arranged against Breko Me'Shant, widely referred to as "Sir Wicked."]

Marak's eye shone with enthusiasm. "Iram is making a name for himself. I recall when he was just starting out. He is now on the verge of winning the title."

It was his excitement that made me grin. "He's always been a fierce fighter. Let's hope he can take down 'Sir Wicked.'"

Marak clinched his hands, evidently fired up. "Iram has got this. He is a beast in the ring. 'Sir Wicked' won't know what hit him."

Marak and I finally landed in the Nexus. The station was busy with activity, with aliens of all types scurrying around as the finishing touches were applied to the various arks. It was superb to witness so many diverse species collaborating to achieve a shared objective.

Nakmor Kesh, the Nexus superintendent, stood alongside Jien Garson, the Andromeda Initiative's founder. They were addressing the audience, their voices rising for the commotion of activity.

"Congratulations, everyone," Kesh said with pride. "The Nexus has been completed and the arks for humans, asari, turians, and salarians are prepared. The quarrian ark, Keelah Si'yah, is undergoing last-minute updates to accommodate the batarians, drell, elcor, volus, and hanar. Even though it's a tough undertaking, we're making it happen."

Jien Garson came forward, capturing the audience's attention. "This is a monumental achievement," she stated, her voice full of conviction. "We are on the verge of a new age, one which we will explore unknown territory and create a future for all species. The voyage to Andromeda is about more than simply surviving; it's about growing together. Each of you plays an important role in our endeavor, and I am certain that we will succeed.

Marak and I exchange a look, both of us filled with pride for our people. Just then, our brother Cigas approached us with a big grin on his face.

"Good news," he continued, his eagerness obvious. "I've managed to secure seats for all of us on the Nexus for the journey to Andromeda."

Marak's eyes became wide, and he laughed heartily. "We'll be part of something historic."

I nodded and felt a burst of exhilaration. "This is it, brothers. And new beginning for the krogan. We'll show our capabilities to the galaxy."

Cigas patted Marak shoulder. "Damn right, Megi."

Marak grinned as his mouth twitched. "I can't wait to see the turian's reactions when they see us krogan stepped up. They will have to realize we are more than simply muscle."

I chuckled. "Maybe we'll finally get some respect around here. It's time to show the galaxy our true potential."

Cigas nodded with seriousness. "We have much to prove, but I'm confident we can do it. We have survived worse, and we will thrive in Andromeda."

Marak's eyes radiated resolve. "Make sure we're prepared for everything. The trip ahead will not be simple, but we're Krogan. We like taking on challenges."

I felt filled with pride for my brothers. As we stood there, witnessing the Nexus's bustling activity, I realized that this was just the beginning.

After settling within the Nexus, we were summoned for combat training. Tiran Kandros, the militia leader, was waiting for us in the training facility. His severe demeanor softened as we approached.

"Welcome, krogan," Kandros greeted us. "As part of the Andromeda Initiative, it's crucial to familiarize yourselves with our general operating procedures and combat protocols. We'll use a virtual reality simulator for this purpose. You will participate one at a time."

Cigas took the lead, confidently stepping ahead. "I'll go first. Show me what you've got."

Kandros directed Cigas to the simulator. "This simulation will test your combat abilities in many scenarios. Remember, it may be virtual, but it has a real-world sense. Good luck."

As Cigas entered the simulator, Marak and I watched the screen to see how he did. The setting resembled Omega's dark streets and neon lights. Mercenary gangs came from the shadows, armed. Cigas used accuracy, strength, and tactical ability to defeat enemies. He took use of the terrain, bashing adversaries against walls and using cover to evade oncoming fire.

"He's doing great," Marak said, his gaze fixed on the screen. "But I can't wait to show them what I can do."

Cigas exited the simulator with a grin. "A piece of pyjak. Your turn, Marak."

Marak's enthusiasm was palpable as he walked forward. "Alright, let's see what this thing can throw at me."

Kandros rebooted the simulator, and Marak entered. The scene changed to a lunar outpost, with a neighboring planet visible through the windows. Geth troops attempted to install a virus on the base's computer system. Marak's combat style was more aggressive, focusing on brute strength and his innate krogan durability. He plowed through the geth, crushing them with his hammer and utilizing his shotgun to take down distant targets. The geth attempted to overwhelm him with numbers, but Marak's sheer might and resolve got him through.

Kandros said, "Impressive," as Marak left the simulator. "Now, Megi, it's your turn."

I took a deep breath before entering the simulator. The atmosphere manifested as the interior of a vessel, with siren ringing and mercenary troops hijacking it. I analyzed the situation swiftly, using my automatic weapons and biotic powers to eliminate adversaries one by one. I moved tactically, utilizing cover and meticulously organizing my strikes. As I approached the bridge, I confronted the mercenary leader, who was encircled by a biotic force field. I located the generators powering the force filed and destroyed them, then engaged the leader in an intense battle. My biotic powers and combat abilities were tested, but I emerged victorious.

When I eventually got out of the simulator, Kandros nodded approvingly. "Well done, everyone. You've demonstrated that the krogan are a formidable force. Welcome to the Andromeda Initiative."

As we left the training facility, I felt a mix of pride and excitement. The voyage ahead would be difficult, but with my brothers at my side, I felt we were prepared for anything.

Over a week had passed, and Cigas, Marak, and I had shown to be a formidable force. However, we had witnessed some activity from other recruits as well. From security personnel to APEX soldiers, the Andromeda Initiative was slowly but steadily expanding with new members from other species.

One day, Marak was very excited as he recounted his most recent discovery. "I saw a team assigned with a Pathfinder in a simulation on a desert world. A thresher maw attacked them, and they took it down!" Cigas lifted his eyebrow, plainly impressed. "Humans took down a thresher maw? That something. I didn't think they had it in them."

I merely smiled, keeping my opinions to myself. Marak, never one to let a conversation die, turned to me. "Think the turians and salarians could do the same thing, Megi?"

I shrugged. "Maybe. However, battling a beast like that needs more than just weapons. It requires both strategy and guts."

Later, when we caught up in our quarters, another news report appeared on the monitors.

[Once again, breaking news, the Citadel is under attack. The former turian spectre, Saren Arterius, and his geth units have infiltrated the Presidium. The Council Members have been evacuated to the Destiny Ascension. Although we have no information on casualties at the moment, it is expected to rise…]

As we and those in the vicinity watched the report, the room went dead. Many people began to mumble and converse among themselves. I heard murmurs and whispers…

"Did you hear that? The Citadel is being attacked!"

"By Saren and the geth? This is bad, really bad…"

Marak's eyes widened. "What is that ship Saren and the geth are in? It looks like a mechanical beast larger than a thresher maw."

I couldn't resist but make the observation. "Not as big as Kalros. Even so, it's disturbing."

The subsequent report arrived quickly.

[Metias and Vaana Tarren Slain: Former Human-Turian Liaison and Retired Army Major murdered by an estranged family member. Metias and Vaana Tarren are survived by their only son, Jacen Tarren, who was involved in the Prothean facility on Mars and fought and defeated the estranged family member, Micus Tarren. Jacen made no statements about the incident as Metias's former colleagues in the turian hierarchy made their comments…]

Nearby, a group of turians began to talk amongst themselves.

"I knew both Metias and Vaana. They were good people."

"I can't imagine how their son Jacen feels right now. I wonder what he was doing at the time."

Marak shook his head, apprehension over him. "The galaxy is getting more deadly by the day…"

I gave a nod of hope. "Let's hope this journey to Andromeda brings us the fresh start we need."

In the final month of 2183, Cigas, Marak, and I were chosen to attend a significant meeting on Earth's moon. The gathering included Jien Garson, key personnel, leadership members including Nakmor Kesh, and Pathfinders. Jien announced her inspiration for going beyond the Milky Way galaxy in front of a diverse audience.

Jien took the stage, her presence commanding the room. "Thank you for being here. Today represents a significant milestone in our path. I'd like to share the inspiration behind the Andromeda Initiative."

Garson and the leadership met to discuss the Nexus station, surveying ships, establish the planet's viability, armaments, and the "Pathfinder" teams.

Hm. Now that I think about it, there are four finished arks allocated for certain species, yet there is no ark for the krogan. Most likely due to our complex past. But, other than that, the meeting was almost over.

"Our journey to Andromeda is one-way," she explained. "There's no going back. We are pioneers forging a future for all beings. This expedition aims to thrive together beyond the Milky Way, not just survive."

Our combat training continued, and with each passing day, my brothers and I, together with those assigned to security and APEX, demonstrated that Andromeda was in capable hands. One day, Marak and I watched a turian's solo training session, which was quite impressive.

"Did you see that, Megi?" Marak said, his eyes wide with admiration. "That turian has some major capabilities. The way he handled those targets, it was if he'd been doing it all his life."

I nodded, equally impressed. "Yeah, he definitely has the moves. But there's something familiar about him. I can't quite place it."

Marak scratched his head in intense contemplation. "Same here, it looks like we've seen him before, but where?"

I shrugged. "Maybe in a news report or something. He's someone to watch out for."

Marak smirked. "I wouldn't mind having him on our side. His talents make him a valuable asset."

A few months later, in the year 2184, Marak and I were sitting in the weapons room while waiting for training specs. I asked Marak where Cigas was, and found out that he was with Kesh and Drack. Not sure why, though.

Shortly after, a batarian entered in the room, armed and prepared for some action. He was instantly identified by Marak as Iram Lo'Solatar, the renowned cage fighter known as "The Lone Wolf."

Marak was open about his affection for Iram, which I found amusing. "Hey, you're Iram Lo'Solatar!The Lone Wolf!I've watched all of your fights. You're a legend."

Iram smiled and admitted to having ten straight tournaments. "Feels like an accomplishment."

I laughed, "Marak, here, is your biggest fan. He even attempted to imitate your moves once. He ended up flat on his back."

Marak grumbled and said, "I was just getting started. Besides, Iram has useful skills to learn."

Iram was going to explain why he became a cage fighter when he was interrupted by a scarred-face turian.

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT TERRIBLE THINGS YOU HAVE DONE IN YOUR LIFE UP TO THIS POINT. I DON'T CARE IFYOU ARE WEAK OR STRONG, YOUNG OR OLD.I DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT HOW STUPID, AVERAGE, OR SMART YOU ARE. BUT OBVIOUSLY, YOUR LIFESTYLE AND KARMA ARE OUT OF BALANCE FOR YOU THREETO GET CAUGHT UP AND ASSIGNED TO ME!"the turian shouted.

Marak, Iram, and I were taken aback by the turian's punitive attitude, but we weren't surprised given that discipline was the key concept for most turians. I saw Marak's expression, which appeared irritated. At the same moment, Marak wore a familiar expression, as if he had seen him before. From a news report we saw months ago.

"All right, you grunts. Welcome to your first simulated APEX exercise. I'm Jacen Tarren, and I'll be your squad leader for the duration of this trek."

Then it dawned on me.Jacen Tarrenwas in the headlines for the Martian Incident, which occurred weeks before the Citadel attack. I stared at Jacen's splotchy scar on the left side of his face, wondering how he got it, as though it had just happened.

Marak stood up to approach Jacen, feeling affronted. "Now wait a minute; I don't know what Kandros assigned us into, but…"

Marak was about to finish when Jacen thrust his head forward and gave him a headbutt. The scene astonished Iram and myself, in particular. When Marak blunted the pain, he became enraged and urged killing, saying, "Why you little…"

I laughed enjoying Jacen's power and directness. "Nice one, Tarren. Marak needed the wake-up call."

Marak grumbled in return and moved aside to retrieve his weapon. "This isn't over, Tarren."

Jacen smirked: "Good. I enjoy a challenge. Now, listen up. Our operation takes place on the lunar surface. We are to travel to a base where the geth have taken control. Our job is to eliminate the units. The ammo only consists of concussive rounds. They won't kill, but they will bruise and damage the geth shells. Understood?"

Iram nodded. "Got it. Let's get it done."

Marak, still seething, murmured, "Fine. Let's see what you've got, Tarren."

Our simulated field expedition led the simulation, which took 15-20 minutes to the initial tension, we identified areas for improvement while recognizing our overall achievement.

"Not bad, grunts. You've got potential. You just need to improve your coordination and strategies," Jacen stated, his tone somewhat less stern.

Marak, full with pride, said, "We'll see about that."

I gave Marak a back pat and said, "Come on, did well. Let us keep moving forward."

As we exited the training facility, I felt both pride and anticipation. Despite the challenges ahead, we were prepared for anything.

I DO NOT own the Mass Effect franchise or its content. I DO NOT make any money from the writing of this story. All rights belong to their rightful owners (EA Games and BioWare).