CHAPTER 05

Building the Future


CIGAS

In 2179, I witnessed a gathering of krogan, an uncommon sight nowadays. For once, Urdnot, Nakmor, and a few others came together under the same banner. The air was filled with bother excitement and cynicism, a classic krogan combination. Nakmor Kesh was the focus of attention, demanding respect. Based on the expression on her face, she had some really important news.

"Listen up!" Kesh's voice pierced the murmuring. "A human by the name of Jien Garson has informed me of an ambitious idea. It's known as the Andromeda Initiative. And the goal is to establish our presence in the Andromeda Galaxy."

The audience reacted with disbelief. Grumbling began immediately.

"Another human pipe dream," one krogan muttered, crossing his arms. "They think they can save the galaxy."

"Yeah, probably just a ploy for attention," another said, shaking his head. "Why should we trust them?"

Kesh raise her hand to silence the dissenters. "I understand your doubts, But it's not just about humans. It is about all of us. Andromeda provides a fresh start and the opportunity to create something new."

I saw Drack, Kesh's grandfather, approached from behind. His voice, gravelly with age and expertise, had weight. "I've seen a lot in my life, and I've learned to recognize a good chance when it arises. This could be our chance to escape Tuchanka's ruins and find a new home."

The crowd fell silent as they reflect on his comments. Drack had earned both his scars and knowledge. If he believed in it, it was worth listening to.

I felt a wave of resolve. Tuchanka was a wasteland that reminded us of our errors from the past. We deserved better. I took a step forward and spoke steadily. "I will volunteer. I support the krogan's ability to flourish in new surroundings. We have battled for survival for too long. It's time to take action for the future."

The other krogan glanced at me. Then back at Kesh. Nods of agreement gradually made their way through the audience. Although mistrust persisted, it was tempered by a fresh drive.

Kesh gave a rare smile. "Good. We'll need every bit of our power and dedication. This is only the beginning."

As we separated, I had a sense of purpose that I hadn't had in years. The Andromeda Initiative was more than a mission; it was a source of hope. And I was determined to fight for it.

Later that day, I found myself in a calmer area of the of the camp with Drack and Kesh. The fire crackled between us, creating lengthy shadows.

Drack grumbled, piercing the stillness. "Are you sure about this, Cigas? Andromeda is far from home."

I nodded and met his gaze. "Tuchanka is no home. It's a graveyard. We need a fresh start, and this is our best shot."

Kesh leaned forward, her gaze keen. "This is not going to be simple. The task has a lot of moving components, and krogan's involvement will not be acceptable with everyone."

I grinned and felt the familiar krogan fire in my veins. "When has it ever been simple for us? We'll demonstrate krogan capabilities. Besides, you two are spearheading the charge. That should be plenty to clarify any doubts."

Drack's chuckle was deep and booming. "You got guts, kid. Remember, it's not only about muscle. We need to approach this carefully. Work with other species, not against them."

Kesh nodded in agreement. "And he's right, Cigas. This is our time to prove that we are more than simply warriors. We can construct, innovate, and prosper. Andromeda is a blank slate. Let's make our mark on it."

I had a sudden surge of pride and resolve. "We'll make it work. For the krogan."

Drack lifted his flask, a rare smile on his face. "To Andromeda, then. May it be the fresh start we all need."

We clicked our flasks together as the firelight reflected in our eyes. The path ahead was unknown, but for the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful. Andromeda awaited, and we were prepared to meet any problems it threw at us.


Days after Kesh's announcement, we krogan found ourselves far away from Tuchunka, stationed beyond Earth's orbit. The turquoise planet stood in sharp contrast to the wastelands where we lived. The Nexus construction had begun, an extensive operation that would serve as the Andromeda Initiative's central hub. According to Kesh, the intention was to build only half of the station here, which would be adequate for 20,000 colonists. The rest would be completed after we arrived to Andromeda's Heleus Cluster.

Despite the difficult first several weeks, I persisted with my customary determination. Our strength and staminal made us essential assets, and I felt proud to have assisted with a project that provided the krogan with a fresh start. I worked relentlessly, lifting heavy materials, creating structure, and ensuring the Nexus was built to withstand the challenges of the new galaxy.

During a rare break, I found myself seated with Drack and Kesh, savoring a moment of respite.

Drack took a swig from his flask and handed it to me. "How are you holding up, kid?"

I took a long drink, the alcohol's burn providing a pleasant distraction from the agony in my muscles. "I'm good. This is tough work, but it's worthwhile."

"Kesh nodded, her gaze surveying the construction. "The Nexus is more than just a station. According to Jien, it's a symbol of what we can do when we collaborate. For the krogan, it's an opportunity to demonstrate that we are more than mere fighters.

I grumbled in agreement. "We have a lot to prove. We are the ones who can accomplish it, though."

Drack laughed in a low, rumbling voice. "Damn right. We've survived worse before. And we will continue to survive, no matter what."

The Nexus gradually took shape over time. We gradually built up the station's skeleton. The task was physically demanding, but the krogan were aware of the importance. This was our opportunity to put the past behind and establish a future to be proud of.

As the sun set over Earth, a shed of golden light on the station. I stood with Kesh to assess our work.We're really doing it.I thought. Feeling a sense of accomplishment and resolve. I felt optimistic despite the uncertainty of the path ahead. We were prepared for the challenges that Andromeda had in store.

Weeks later, the Nexus was fully under construction. During breaks, I frequently found myself amid groups of krogan discussing the initiative's development and our position within it. One day, when we rested after a particularly exhausting shift, a few krogan began to voice their frustrations.

"Can you believe it?" One krogan growled as he placed down a toolkit. "The asari, turians, and salarians all get their own arks, and we're stuck here doing grunt work."

Another krogan leaned against a container and snorted. "Typical. They see themselves as superior to us. Especially that salarian, Jarun Tann. Despite being eighth in line for leadership, he acts as if he is already in charge."

The first krogan nodded, with a bitter grimace. "That pyjak thinks he's so smart. Always looking down on us."

A third krogan chimed in. "Squishy worm. I would like to see him try to lift half of what we do."

My attention was on the work at hand, so I listened quietly. I sensed their anger but also understood the significance of our labor. The Nexus represented unity and collaboration, and I thought our efforts will be rewarded in time.

"Look," I said, finally speaking out. "I get it, we've gone through a lot, and it sometimes feels like we're being overlooked. This is the moment for us to show what we can do. We are constructing our future, not just the Nexus. Show them what the krogan are capable of.

The other krogan remained silent, taking in my remarks. They nodded slowly, their determination bolstered by my viewpoint.

One of them, a bulky krogan with a scar down his face, grumbled. "Okay, Cigas. We're not going to allow a salarian or anybody push us around."

Another krogan, his armor caked in dust and dirt, said "We survived Tuchanka. We can handle this."

I nodded with a sense of pride. "Exactly. We will not back down from a challenge. We meet it head on and emerge stronger."

When we returned to work, I made it a point to interact more with others. During our breaks, I would join other groups to exchange facts and encouragement with them. One day, I sat with a group of young krogan who were new to the project.

"Cigas," one of them remarked, staring at me with wide eyes. "Are you sure we can find our own home in Andromeda?"

I smiled and patted him on the shoulder. "We have the strength and willpower. With leaders like Kesh… and a fossil like Drack, we are in excellent hands."

Another young krogan, a female with an angry expression in her eyes, let up. She wanted to be more than muscle and wanted to contribute to the development of something durable.

I nodded, pleased with her tenacity. "You will. The Nexus represents merely the beginning. There will be plenty of chances to show our capabilities to the initiative and the new galaxy. Give it a little krogan touch." I snickered.

These exchanges increased our camaraderie and morality. We were a community driven by a single goal. The Nexus symbolized our resilience and ability to adapt and flourish. While my people were renowned for their strength, we also had a reputation for occasionally being self-centered. But all I know is that we were an important part of the Andromeda Initiative, which is why we put in so much effort to build the station.


Later that evening, I found myself in a lounge on a station on the Earth's moon alongside Kesh and Drack. The lounge was a relaxing reprieve from the nonstop effort, the view of Earth from the enormous windows, it was astounding in my mind.

Drack offered me a gulp from his flask. "Cigas, what do you think of the Nexus crew? Got any favorites?"

I took a swig of his ryncol, finding the burn of the alcohol a nice diversion from the muscle soreness. "They're definitely a mixed group. Take Foster Addison, for example. Despite her rigid and stiff exterior, she appears to have concern for the colonists. Constantly advocating for increased resources and improved conditions."

Kesh nodded. "Addison's alright, but she has a lot going on. Colonial affairs can be complicated due to the many species involved."

Drack grunted. "And what about Sloane Kelly? I heard she was Alliance military. She's got a temper."

I chuckled. "Yeah, Sloane is not one to back away from an opponent. She is in charge of Nexus security and has a no-nonsense attitude. But she seems alright. I think she'll do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe."

Kesh laned forward, her gaze piercing. "Then there's William Spender. He's quite a piece of work. Constantly scheming and always looking for an angle. I do not trust him."

I nodded in agreement. "Spender's slippery, for sure. I hear he's involved in several activities, some of which are questionable. We need to keep an eye on him."

Drack's expression clouded. "And Jarun Tann. Despite being the eighth in line for leadership, he acts like he is already in command. Typical salarian, he believes they are the smartest in the room."

Kesh sighed. "Tann has flaws, but he's in a challenging circumstance. Leading the initiative is difficult. He needs to learn to listen more, especially to those of us who know what we're doing. And, let's not forget, he has a grudge against krogan. Spender, too."

I grumbled in agreement. I nodded in accord. Nobody should bully us because of our past. Most aliens were already resentful of our ancestors' invasion, but now at least one, if not several entities in the galaxy wants us gone. This has been going on for more than a thousand years. However, not all aliens are like that; some have shown sympathy for our people. We don't need their sympathy, yet it is still appreciated.

Drack raised his flask, a rare grin on his lips. "To the Nexus and to Andromeda. My it be a new beginning that we all need."

As we clinked our flask together, the Earth reflected in our eyes. For the first time in a long time, I felt optimistic despite the uncertainty of the path ahead. We were prepared for the obstacles that Andromeda would provide.

As the krogan vented their frustrations, I took a minute to consider the bigger picture. The Andromeda Initiative aimed at building a new future for all species, including the krogan, beyond just escaping the challenges of the Milky Way.

As constructing of the Nexus progressed, my fellow krogan and I labored with fresh zeal. We recognized the importance of all our efforts to the Andromeda Initiative and took satisfaction in our roles. Despite the hurdles and frustrations, we remained optimistic about a fresh start in a faraway galaxy.

After a hard day of labor, I found a quiet area in the station's lounge and called my younger siblings, Marak and Megi. The communication link activated, and familiar face appeared on the screen.

"Cigas!" Megi shouted, her eyes beaming. "How's it going up there?"

I grinned, experiencing a stab of nostalgia. "It's tedious work, but it pays off. The Nexus is going to be our new home."

Marak leaned closer, his face serious. "We have heard about the Andromeda Initiative. That seems like a big deal."

"It is." I answered. "I want you both to be a part of it. I'm making every effort to reserve spaces for you on the Nexus. We need strong and capable krogan like you two."

Both Marak and Megi reciprocated with nods of appreciation. And then I had a favor to offer them.

"But there's something I need you to do for me first," I explained. "We require some critical components for the initiative, which can only be found on Omega. It's a dangerous place, but I trust you two can handle it."

Marak gave a firm nod and seemed determined. "We will get it done, Cigas. You can count on us."

"Good," I responded, full of pride. "Keep me informed and stay alive." With my siblings by my side, I felt we could overcome any problems that arose.


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).