Author's Note:

Firstly, thank you to those who have favorited, followed, and messaged me!

I have gotten a few who have suggested art commissions.

(I've never done commissions before because I don't know how that works or vice versa. It would be appreciated if anyone could PM or comment on how that's done!)

But anyway, since my last employer laid me off, I've been at home working on fan-fiction stories a lot more. I will have another short story uploaded soon.

In the meantime, if you haven't read it yet, there is my first fan fiction, Jacen: A Mass Effect Story. Since after all, Rite of Change is a tie-in to Jacen's story!

EPILOGUE

Into the Fray!

CIGAS

Waking up early wasn't part of the plan, but my stasis pod had other ideas. By the time I stumbled out, the Nexus was in the middle of a full-blown rebellion. Typical.

The sounds of shouting, banging, and gunfire filled the air. I didn't waste time picking sides. Pragmatism over politics, that's my motto. I needed to find Nakmor Kesh-she'd know how to keep our interests safe. After navigating through the chaos, I found her in a secure area, coordinating efforts to stabilize the situation.

"Kesh, what's going on?" I asked, my voice rough from disuse.

Kesh looked up, relief washing over her face. "Cigas, thank the Ancestors you're awake. It's a mess. Sloane Kelly's led a mutiny, and the station's tearing itself apart."

I nodded, taking it all in. "What can I do to help?"

Kesh sighed, rubbing her temples. "We need to secure key areas and protect our people. The krogan can't afford to get caught in this power struggle."

"Got it," I said, cracking my knuckles. "Point me in the right direction."

She handed me a datapad with a map of the Nexus. "Start with the hydroponics bay. We can't lose our food supply."

"On it," I replied, turning to leave. "And Kesh, stay safe."

"You too, Cigas," she said, her voice softer. "We'll get through this."

Over the next few hours, I threw myself into the chaos, helping Kesh secure key areas of the Nexus and protect innocent lives caught in the crossfire. My presence and strength were invaluable, or so Kesh kept telling me. I managed to keep several critical systems operational despite the bedlam around us.

The sounds of battle echoed through the corridors, but we krogan thrive in the thick of it. I smashed through barricades, hauled wounded to safety, and made sure anyone looking to cause trouble thought twice.

When the uprising finally ended, the traitors and most of the krogan left the Nexus. The station was a mess, but we'd held it together. Kesh, exhausted but resolute, found me amidst the wreckage.

"You did good, Cigas. We couldn't have held things together without you," she said, her voice heavy with fatigue.

I grunted, feeling a rare sense of pride. "Just doing what krogan do best-kicking ass and taking names."

Kesh managed a tired smile. "Well, you did a damn fine job of it. Now, let's get this place back in order."

Despite not being ordered to leave the station, I felt a pull to explore beyond the Nexus. I believed I could be of better use either helping the krogan establish themselves or discovering what the Heleus Cluster and the supposed Golden Worlds had to offer.

"Kesh, I've been thinking," I said, my tone contemplative. "I can do more out there than I can here. The krogan need someone to scout the new worlds, see what opportunities and dangers lie ahead."

Kesh nodded, understanding my decision. "I get it. Just promise me you'll stay in touch. We need all the help we can get."

I grinned, a rare expression for me. "You know it. I'll keep you updated. And Kesh, don't tell Marak and Megi where I'm going. They don't need to worry."

She sighed but nodded. "Alright, Cigas. Just be careful out there."

As I prepared to leave, I couldn't help but reflect on the leadership-or lack thereof-on the Nexus.

Jarun Tann, the acting director, was a salarian with a chip on his shoulder. He hated krogan, and that was no secret. His leadership was more about maintaining control than inspiring trust. He was cunning, sure, but his disdain for my kind made him a liability in my eyes.

Foster Addison, who directed colonial affairs, was another story. She was all about the big picture, but sometimes she missed the details that mattered. She had a vision, but her execution was often lacking. Still, she was determined, and that counted for something.

Tiran Kandros, the leader of the APEX militia, had stepped up to replace Sloane Kelly for security. Kandros was a turian who knew how to handle a fight, and he had the respect of his troops. He was pragmatic, like me, and understood the importance of strength and strategy. I respected that.

And then there was Kesh. She wasn't the leader of the Nexus, but she was the one who kept everything running smoothly. She knew the station inside and out, and her leadership in maintenance was the glue that held us together.

With Kesh leading the maintenance and the krogan spirit driving us, I had no doubt we'd rebuild stronger than ever. And maybe, just maybe, I'd find my own way to lead in this new galaxy.

Months later…

MEGI

Waking up after 600 years in cryo-sleep felt like getting hit by a thresher maw. My muscles ached, and my head was pounding. I glanced over at Marak, who was already sitting up, looking just as groggy as I felt.

"Ugh, feels like I got hit by a thresher maw," I muttered, my voice rough from disuse.

"Tell me about it," Marak grunted, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Let's get this over with."

The doctors on the Nexus were efficient, but their clinical detachment grated on my nerves. After a series of pokes, prods, and questions, we were finally discharged. I stretched, feeling the satisfying pop of my joints.

"Where's Cigas?" I asked, scanning the bustling medbay.

A representative from Addison's Colonial Affairs approached us, a datapad in hand. "Cigas woke up several months ago during the Uprising," she said, her tone flat and matter-of-fact.

My heart sank. "Why didn't anyone tell us sooner?"

She shrugged. "He was needed. Things were… chaotic."

Marak placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll find him, Megi. Let's start by exploring the Nexus."

The Nexus was a sight to behold, even for a krogan like me. It was designed to be the central hub of the Andromeda Initiative, a place where all the different species could come together and work towards a common goal. As Marak and I wandered through its corridors, I couldn't help but marvel at its sheer size and complexity.

The station was still under construction when we arrived, but it was already impressive. The main concourse was bustling with activity, filled with people from all walks of life. Humans, asari, turians, salarians, and even a few other krogan moved about, each with their own tasks and missions. The air was filled with the hum of machinery and the chatter of countless conversations.

The architecture of the Nexus was sleek and modern, with clean lines and a sense of openness that made it feel welcoming despite its size. The walls were adorned with holographic displays, providing information about the station's various sections and services. There were shops, cafes, and recreational areas, all designed to make life in this new galaxy as comfortable as possible.

One of the most striking features was the massive anchorage wheel, a colossal structure that served as the station's main docking area. It was here that the arks would eventually dock, bringing with them thousands of new colonists ready to start their lives in Andromeda. The wheel was still under construction, but its skeletal frame hinted at the grandeur it would one day possess.

As we made our way to Nakmor Kesh's office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The Nexus was more than just a space station; it was a symbol of hope and unity, a testament to what we could achieve when we worked together. And despite the challenges we faced, I knew that Marak, Cigas, and I had a place here.

"Kesh!" Marak greeted, a rare smile on his face. "Long time no see."

Kesh looked up from her work, a grin spreading across her face. "Marak, Megi! It's good to see you both awake."

The second we approached her desk I went straight to the point. "What happened to Cigas?"

Kesh's expression turned serious. "He left the station with the rest of the krogan. Things were rough when we first arrived. He had his reasons."

I clenched my fists. "He wouldn't just leave us."

Kesh nodded. "I know. Cigas is a tough one. He'll be fine. I'll keep you updated if I hear anything."

Marak squeezed my shoulder. "See? Kesh has got our backs. Cigas will be alright."

I took a deep breath, nodding. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Kesh."

As we left Kesh's office, I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me. But I trusted Marak and Kesh. We'd find Cigas. We had to.

MARAK

After learning about Cigas's departure from the Nexus, Megi and I headed straight to the APEX militia headquarters. The place was buzzing with activity, soldiers and operatives moving with purpose. Tiran Kandros greeted us with a nod, his expression as stern as ever.

"Marak, Megi, good to see you both," Kandros said. "We've got a mission for you on Eos. You'll be joining a team already stationed there."

We recognized a few faces from previous encounters, but Kandros formally introduced us to our new teammates. First up was Virgil Ervin, the team's combat expert. He gave us a curt nod, his eyes sharp and assessing.

Next was Miles "Miller" Spaulding, the weapons expert. He had a confident grin and a relaxed demeanor that put me at ease.

Then there was Reggie Jackson, a gifted soldier with powerful biotics that immediately impressed Megi. She gave her an approving nod, clearly intrigued by her abilities.

Calio Eboso, the turian pilot, was next. He had a calm, steady presence that I appreciated.

Alar Zaels, the salarian former STG operative, was a familiar face. We had encountered him on Omega, and there was a mutual respect between us. He gave us a small smile, acknowledging our shared history.

Erik Laharo, an alliance soldier with impressive weapon upgrades, rounded out the team. He seemed competent and focused, qualities I valued in a teammate.

Finally, there was Jacen Tarren, the turian sharpshooter and shared team leader with Erik. Jacen had been our squad leader during training back in the Milky Way. Despite our initial bitter encounter, I had come to respect him… sort of.

"Good to see you again, Tarren," I said, extending a hand.

Jacen shook it firmly. "Likewise, Marak. Let's hope we can work together better this time."

I nodded, appreciating his straightforwardness. "Agreed."

As we geared up and prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, Erik had his eyes on Virgil, who seemed to be itching to say something as we stood in front of him.

"What, Virgil?" Erik asked. "Awestruck by us?"

Virgil murmured something about how we stood in a line, posing and doing nothing. Then he responded, "Y'all remind me of a set of selectable cast of racially diverse party members in one of my great-great grandfather's RPG BioWare games."

Erik chuckled at his remark, clearly familiar with the brand. "Like what? Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic? Dragon Age? Anthem… Let's not go there."

Megi and I exchanged confused glances. We had no idea what "BioWare" was or what those games were, but it seemed to amuse the others. I shrugged it off, focusing on the mission ahead.

The shuttle ride was surprisingly smooth, considering the rough terrain we were heading into. Erik had some music playing, which helped ease the quietness. It was a strange mix of old Earth tunes and some asari melodies. Not my usual taste, but it did the job.

Megi and I took the chance to catch up with Alar. The salarian was as sharp as ever, his eyes constantly scanning the horizon. "So, Alar, how's life treating you in Andromeda?" I asked, leaning back in my seat.

He gave a small smile. "Busy, as always. But it's good to see familiar faces. How about you two? Adjusting well?"

Megi snorted. "As well as can be expected after 600 years in a freezer. But we're managing."

The team seemed to get along well. Reggie was showing off her biotic tricks, much to Megi's amusement. Miller and Virgil were discussing weapon mods, while Calio focused on piloting the shuttle with a steady hand.

After about an hour of traveling, we arrived in a desolate desert. The landscape was harsh and unforgiving, with outcroppings of boulders and rock formations that reminded me of the rocky landscapes. As we landed, Alar received the mission specs from Kandros.

"Alright, listen up," Alar said, gathering us around. "Kandros says this area is an ideal location for a new outpost. More colonists are being revived after the Battle for Meridian, and we need to secure this spot."

Jacen, our squad leader, stepped forward. "What's the catch, Alar?"

Alar's expression turned serious. "The land is occupied by something called the Architect."

I frowned. "Architect? What's that supposed to mean?"

Erik, Jacen's second-in-command, shook his head. "No idea. But whatever it is, it's our job to deal with it."

Megi looked around, her eyes narrowing. "Well, whatever it is, we'll handle it. Let's get moving."

The shuttle touched down on an open field of Eos, and we disembarked into a desolate desert. The landscape was harsh, with outcroppings of boulders and rock formations that reminded me of the rocky landscapes of Arizona I'd seen in old vids. Jacen and Erik took the lead, and the rest of us, including Megi and me, dispersed and followed.

Erik stopped suddenly, his eyes scanning the ground. "Did anybody feel that?" he asked, his voice tense.

Curious, I looked around. "Feel what?"

Erik frowned. "I felt the ground shake…"

No one else seemed to notice at first, but moments later, the ground beneath our feet began to tremble. Curiosity quickly turned to alarm as the tremors grew stronger. Jacen pointed it out, and everyone else quickly realized the danger.

"Stay alert!" Jacen barked, his hand on his weapon.

Erupting from the ground, three large mechanical tentacles emerged, one of them piercing the ground near us. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The team quickly realized we were facing a massive, mechanical Remnant construct.

"By the Void, what is that thing?" I muttered, my eyes wide.

Megi's grip tightened on her weapon. "Looks like a mechanical thresher maw. Just our luck."

The ground shook violently as the construct fully emerged, towering over us. Its mechanical limbs moved with a deadly precision, and I knew we were in for a tough fight.

"Everyone, spread out and engage!" Jacen ordered, his voice steady despite the chaos.

Megi and I exchanged a determined glance. We were krogan, born and bred for battle. This was just another challenge to overcome. We prepared ourselves, ready to take on the massive Remnant construct.

"Let's show this thing what krogan are made of," I growled, charging forward with Megi by my side.

The air was filled with the sound of weapons firing and the metallic clang of the construct's limbs striking the ground. Reggie unleashed her biotics, creating a shimmering barrier to protect us. Miller and Virgil coordinated their attacks, aiming for the construct's joints and weak points.

Erik and Jacen moved with practiced precision, directing the team's efforts and keeping everyone focused. Alar provided tactical support, his sharp mind quickly analyzing the construct's movements and vulnerabilities.

Despite our best efforts, the construct seemed almost unstoppable. Its tentacles lashed out, forcing us to dodge and weave to avoid being crushed. The ground continued to shake, making it difficult to maintain our footing.

"Marak, watch out!" Megi shouted, pulling me out of the path of a descending tentacle.

"Thanks, sis," I grunted, regaining my balance. "We need to find a way to take this thing down."

As if in response to my words, the construct let out a deafening roar, its central core beginning to glow with an ominous light. I had a sinking feeling that things were about to get a lot worse.

"Everyone, fall back!" Jacen yelled, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Regroup and find cover!"

We scrambled to obey, retreating to a nearby rock formation. The construct's core continued to glow, and I could feel the heat radiating from it even from a distance.

"What now?" Megi asked, her eyes wide with concern.

"We need a new plan," Erik said, his expression grim. "And fast."

As we huddled together, trying to come up with a strategy, the construct's core reached a blinding intensity. I knew we were running out of time.

"Whatever we do, we need to do it now," I said, my voice filled with urgency. "Or we're all toast."

The team exchanged determined glances, ready to face whatever came next. We were outnumbered and outgunned, but we weren't going down without a fight.

And with that, we charged back into the fray, ready to take on the Architect and whatever other challenges awaited us in this new galaxy.

END of Rite of Change

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).