AN: Question for my fellow writers: You know that feeling when you know how you want a scene to play out, but you can't quite figure out how to put it into words? That's why this chapter took so long, alongside being freshly employed full-time and my own procrastination. Next chapter hopefully won't take so long.
Anyway, I bought Titanfall 2 and Marvel's Spider-Man a few months back, and the games are awesome. Little spoiler, I got ideas and now I'm gonna be incorporating a few Titanfall characters and mercenary factions into the universe, as well as the Daily Bugle and J. Jonah's podcast. And before you ask, the tech is going to stay strictly Halo and Mass Effect, and no superheroes are appearing.
…on second thought, I'm bringing in an eezo-fied Wingman, because I like revolvers and revolver-esque weapons. But nothing else! Maybe.
Quick note, this is separate from the other Titanfall crossover I want to make. Just letting you know.
By the way, I'm gonna be sprinkling in references to other franchises, mainly for references' sake and to sate my own need for inspiration.
Before I forget, here's the forum link that was in the notice, so that y'all can actually get there. Just go to the FanFiction site and add this extension to the end of it: /forum/ME-TRS-Lore-Discussion/240665
Now it is time for review responses.
FF:
nthnightfury: What monitor? Are you talking about the keystone? If so, it's just a Forerunner artifact I took from the show.
Sci-Fi Guy 22: Good to know the link finally works!
What: It's a personal opinion. I get that people don't like it, but I believe there's no rule saying I can't enjoy a TV show.
Also, remember that respect is a courtesy I give you, not a right. Not saying I'll start being rude to you, but all I'm asking is that you return that courtesy if you review again.
What I will say, though, is that it's a shame people get so riled up over someone liking a TV show.
GreeNPizza: Maybe in the beginning some people will support the Covenant, but once the war really kicks in, they'll change their tune real quick.
Yeah, Chief hasn't gone through 28 years of war, so he hasn't really been dulled that much. And I'll admit, a heavy inspiration for my Chief's personality was the show, where he's a bit more of a conversationalist.
I do intend on showing that Chief has done his research. The way I'll be answering the questions that ME canon Shepard asked is through other characters. It'll help build connections and lessen my workload when it comes to writing conversations.
DoctorEvil61: You'll get your answer to the Council question in this chapter.
Also, thanks for being way more respectful regarding opinions towards the show.
Regarding Andromeda, I have ideas, but until my two brain cells rub together, those ideas are pretty much just floating around aimlessly in the empty void I call my cranium.
And you answered Guest C's remarks regarding geth plasma rather adequately, in my opinion.
TheDoctor98HUN, valkrus, and taintedahab: Good point. Should be fixed now.
Guest A: Correctamundo regarding slipspace engines. Humanity and the Citadel will get them eventually, but not for a while, and definitely not by the end of Book One.
I can neither confirm nor deny that the ground team will be on the receiving end of a glassing beam in the near future.
Guest B: That is true. And I hope to exceed your expectations.
Guest C: See above.
Primus1661: It wasn't exactly intentional that "Master Chief Shepard" doesn't sound quite right, but it kind of fits with what I'm planning. Potential spoiler, you might have touched on my plans for John's character arc.
I posted a reply in the forum explaining kinetic barriers vs plasma, as well as how they compare to energy shields.
ME dreadnoughts may have a per shot power equivalent to a canon UNSC frigate, but a key difference is that dreadnoughts can dish out a shot every five seconds, while it can take over a minute to fully charge a MAC cannon. Also, kinetic barriers are something the Citadel has that the UNSC didn't, so that's an extra thing going in their favor. I do still intend to favor Covenant ships in space battles, though.
You are right when it comes to eezo FTL vs Covenant slipspace. However, human slipspace didn't really breach three lightyears per day up until after the war in Halo canon.
naotw: Thanks! I tried to write it from the perspective of a san'shyuum scribe, and from this review, it seems I succeeded.
pushtrak1: Yeah, after some experimentation, Wattpad's UI is awful. I'll definitely try Spacebattles, though. Never heard of Sufficient Velocity before, but I'll check it out.
By the way, I already crosspost this to AO3, just an FYI.
Just a Crazy-Man: Thanks!
thedarkwolf95: For the record, I agree, but if this crossover is going to work, like I said before, some power-scaling is necessary.
Arashi Uzukaze: Ark Hyperion is around that size and does the job just fine.
naedinefebruary2.0, Mariegrey90, and Vinay-kox01: Silence, bots. You won't be fooling me with your copy-paste reviews.
AO3:
GuestGuy: Yeah… sorry to disappoint regarding when the chapter released.
Yeah, I see your point regarding Fernando. I hope to at least somewhat rectify that in the next chapter. And I do intend to set him up as a foil to Joker - risk-taker daredevil with creaky bones vs the normal dude who just wants to keep his head attached to his body.
And I have a plan regarding the Covenant and Reapers, rest assured.
Now that I'm done with reviews, I'm sorry this took so long, and that it's so short. After a while, I just wanted to get this over with and decided to move everything that wasn't the big scene over to the next chapter.
Anyway, you know the drill and I'm running out of ideas on how to say I don't own Halo or Mass Effect, so here we go.
(—0—)
Arc I: The Drums of War
Chapter VI: Spectre
(—0—)
Council Chambers, Presidium, Citadel
January 12th, 2583
Local time 1553 (Citadel Standard Time)
"...Their destruction is the will of the gods, after all. Then when the Reapers come and harvest the unworthy, they will show us the way to Halo. There, you will find your redemption."
"You wanted proof?" Udina said once Tali's recording finished. "There it is… and more."
John watched as the entire chamber fell into grim silence. Sparatus, however, was quick to recover.
"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador," the turian Councilor said. "Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status, and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for this. As well, I will move that the Citadel begin mobilization efforts immediately."
"Immediately?" Tevos questioned. "Are you so certain that peace cannot be negotiated?"
"I agree with Sparatus on this one, Tevos," Valern said. "I have several contacts in the STG who have dealt with religious extremists. Those kinds of individuals cannot be reasoned with, only dealt with. And considering that the Covenant has been operating for who knows how long…"
"…very well," Tevos relented with a sigh. "In the event that a diplomatic resolution cannot be found, I will ensure the Republics give their full support for the war."
"On a different note, Saren mentioned that the Arbiter seeks 'redemption'," Sparatus noted.
"I'm not entirely sure what was meant by that, Councilor," John responded. "We don't exactly know a lot about the Covenant."
Sparatus cupped his chin. "Regardless of the Arbiter's personal motivations, I agree with your report's assessment that he is high-ranking in the Covenant. He will undoubtedly be a formidable ally for Saren."
"I'm more interested in these 'Reapers'," Valern said. "What do you know about them?"
"Only what came from the recording," Anderson answered. "The Reapers intend to 'harvest the unworthy', and help the Covenant find something called 'Halo'."
"And this… Halo?"
"We can only speculate," Anderson said. "Our hypothesis is that it's some sort of superweapon, created by the same race that made the keystone on Harvest. The Covenant seem to think it's important."
"No matter what Halo really is, I think we can agree that we don't want the Covenant to find it," John added.
Sparatus was incredulous. "Saren wants to find an ancient superweapon from some mystery race? Where did this race go? Why did they vanish? How come we've found no trace of their existence before now?"
"You doubted me before, Councilor," John warned. "Don't make that mistake twice."
"This is different," Tevos said. "You proved Saren betrayed the Citadel. We all agree he's using the Covenant to search for Halo, but we don't really know why."
"The Reapers are obviously just a myth, Master Chief," Valern added. "A convenient lie to weaponize the Covenant's religion and bend them to his will."
"Even if that's true, we still have a war coming," John said. "Saren and the Covenant have the advantage of the first move."
"Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life," Sparatus dismissed. "He no longer has the rights or resources of a Spectre, and the Citadel will make every effort to counter the Covenant."
"Then what are you waiting for?" Udina barked. "A fleet could locate Saren, eliminate him, and potentially stop this war in its tracks!"
"I'm afraid I disagree, Ambassador," Valern said. "A fleet cannot track down one man, and we shouldn't divert so many resources with so many unknown factors."
"In addition, there is the consideration of the Terminus Systems," Tevos added. "They will likely consider it an act of war to position a fleet so close to their borders."
It was at this point that an idea began to form in John's head. A potentially stupid and definitely hazardous idea, but if it panned out the way he hoped it would, it could solve both the fleet problem and the Terminus problem.
Well, he had been in consideration for the position…
"Send me after Saren." Just like that, the Chief felt every eye in the Council Chambers land on him.
Tevos nodded. "There is another solution. One that doesn't require diverting resources or provoking the Terminus."
"No, it's too soon!" Sparatus protested. "Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with that position!"
"Councilor?" Chief said, earning a reluctant nod from Sparatus. "A small team on a single ship is faster, more maneuverable, and quieter than a fleet could ever be. As a Spartan-II super-soldier and a Systems Alliance N7, I have the training, resources, and experience required to see this through. In addition, the Alliance considers me its deadliest and most versatile asset. With all due respect, I am the single most qualified individual to undertake this mission."
In all honesty, he didn't like touting his legendary status in the Alliance. If the slavers had attacked some other colony than Eridanus II, it might have been Kai, Leon, or even Margaret who would be lauded on the posters and promoted to MCPO by the age of nineteen. But ultimately, it was a matter of luck that decided who became a hero. And he didn't see a better way to take down Saren.
Tevos turned to Valern, who immediately nodded. She then turned to Sparatus, who reluctantly gave his approval. All three Councilors then tapped at their consoles, before Tevos beckoned, "Master Chief Petty Officer John Shepard, step forward."
Chief glanced at Anderson, who gave a nod. He nodded in return, before taking a position at the podium. All around, he could see ambassadors and diplomats of all species looking onto the scene, eager to witness the spectacle.
Tevos began, "It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel."
Valern crossed his arms. "Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file."
"Spectres are an ideal, a symbol," Tevos continued. "The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will."
"Spectres bear a great burden," Sparatus spoke up. "They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."
"You are the first human Spectre, Master Chief," Tevos congratulated. "This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species."
Chief snapped a crisp salute. "Thank you, Councilors. What's my first deployment?"
"We are sending you into the Traverse after Saren," Valern said, clearly appreciative that Chief was eager to get started. "Your primary objective is to stop Saren and the Arbiter by any means necessary, and your secondary goal is to figure out their exact ends. However, should you come across either of them, you are authorized to use whatever force necessary to apprehend or eliminate them, regardless of their motives."
"I understand, sir," Chief said to his new boss. "Any leads?"
"We will forward whatever we find to you via an intelligence official we'll assign to you," Sparatus said.
Tevos straightened. "This meeting of the Council is adjourned."
As Chief stepped down from the podium, Anderson shook his hand. "Congratulations, Chief."
"Thank you, sir," Chief replied.
"We've got a lot of work to do, Shepard," Udina said as he cupped his chin. "You're going to need a ship, a crew, supplies…"
"I have one request, sir," Chief interrupted. "I would like for Staff Lieutenant Alenko and Gunnery Chief Williams to be transferred to whichever ship I'm assigned. They're good Marines, and I have experience working alongside them." Around three or four hours of experience, but it counts.
"Granted," Anderson said without skipping a beat. "You're a Spectre, you'll get whatever resources you need. With that, I suggest you head down to C-Sec Academy. As a Spectre, you've got access to all sorts of special equipment for your team."
"Shepard, me and Anderson will return to my office and set everything up for you," Udina said, before ushering the captain away. Chief then found his way towards his team.
"I thought the ambassador would be more grateful," a slightly confused Tali said as he approached. "He didn't even thank you."
"He's a politician," Chief replied. "What did you expect?"
"...I, uhhh…"
"That was rhetorical."
"Oh."
Chief turned to his second-in-command. "Alenko, escort Tali to the Normandy. I doubt whatever mercs Saren's hired to take her out are going to give up now that her information's made it to the Council, and it should be safe enough until I'm assigned to a ship. Esparza, go with them. Joker's going to need his co-pilot once this war kicks into gear."
"Yes sir," Alenko affirmed.
"Wait, you want me on your team?" Tali asked, catching what 'until I'm assigned to a ship' implied.
"You proved yourself on Harvest," Chief pointed out. "Once you're cleared for combat, you'll make a valuable addition to the ground team."
"I'm coming, too," Garrus piped up. "You said it yourself, this is war, and we're going to need every last soldier. Plus, in all honesty, I've had it with C-Sec's red tape."
"I can vouch," Alenko said. "He may be… reckless, but he's a good shot."
"Not gonna let me live that one down, huh?
"No. No, I won't."
Chief mulled it over for a Spartan moment, which was less than half a second. "I have one condition. I can't afford a reckless soldier, so you will follow my lead, no exceptions unless specifically stated. Clear?"
Garrus nodded. "Got it."
Chief extended a hand, which the turian shook. "Welcome to the team."
"Don't forget me," Wrex chimed in. "I'm not missing out on this."
Chief shook his head. "I don't have a clear indication of my budget for this mission right now, so I can't hire you."
"Oh, don't worry about that," Wrex said, a toothy grin spreading across his face. "Way I see it, the fight's gonna be worth it all on its own, so I'll do this for free. Besides, with my line of work, I'm gonna need to fight Covenant sooner or later."
Chief leveled a stern glare at Wrex. "I'll allow it, but you have the same condition as Garrus. In addition, if you even think about taking an offer to betray me, I won't hesitate to put you down."
Wrex gave a hearty laugh. "Not many people have the quad to threaten a krogan to his face. Alright, your terms are acceptable."
Chief nodded. "Good. Wrex, Williams, Garrus, you're with me. We'll gather supplies and weapons, as much as we can carry. Alenko, Esparza, Tali, you have your orders."
(—0—)
Transmission Log: Jonik-Vrenzha-0382079-193-Qeloro
Our pawn has convinced the Covenant leaders of our supposed holiness. Their zealousness blinds them to the fate that awaits them.
Affirmative. What is your progress on locating the instrument?
Our pawn has the memories, but the inusannon's genetic lock was not easily broken. The device was damaged in the process, and the memories are fragmented as a result. A second, intact device will be required. In addition, a human has acquired the memory fragments, and may prove to be a nuisance.
See to it that the human is eliminated. The harvest must continue unopposed.
Directive received. Will update on further progress.
When the ring is located, ensure the Covenant do not release the parasite by any means necessary in your search for the instrument.
Understood.
This exchange has ended.
(—0—)
Next arc: Therum
Next chapter: Preparation
(—0—)
AN: Roll credits.
Future Believer218 here: I changed the codex out for a transmission because, in retrospect, it had little relevance to the chapter. Also, a tiny bit of that Flood exposition I promised for y'all. Hope you enjoyed it!
Back to present Believer218: For the record, in case it has to be said, I'm not bashing people who believe in religion. As I mentioned before, I am a born, raised, and current Christian, and I believe that everyone has the inherent right to worship however, whenever, and wherever they want. However, I must also acknowledge the fact that religion has far too often been used as an excuse to commit horrible atrocities against our fellow man - examples like the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and terrorist organizations like ISIS, al-Qaeda, and the KKK come to mind.
Anyway, everything that needed to be said was already said in the opening AN, so I'll just close off here. Please follow, fave, and review. The last one helps make me a better writer.
This is Believer218, signing off.