At the Arcturus relay the SSV Normandy SR-1 (Systems Alliance Space Vehicle Stealth Reconnaissance 1), a prototype frigate designed as a joint venture between humans and turians, launches through space headed for the Exodus relay. Shepard makes her way to the cockpit, stepping around a couple soldiers as they monitored the systems on the galaxy map. Her jet black hair, with a group of bangs snow white, was pulled back into a ponytail, and a bit longer than military standard. In a way, it just showed her rebellious nature to command. Her head was that of a feline, white and orange over most of it while a large black spot was over her eye, nose and mouth extended out into a muzzle, and matching feline ears sticking from her hair. Her hands were human in shape, but had feline features, including pads on the underside and retractable claws. A long tail covered in flexible armor came from her back, and within her specially made reverse-jointed boots were feet matching her hands. She pauses as she sees Nihlus Kryik heading her way. She had read and watched many videos and stories about the turians, but this was the first time she had seen one in person.
Nihlus wore standard heavy black spectre armor with red markings and accents. His head had elaborate white markings running everywhere around it, possibly showing his colony of origin. Upon his back was the standard issue turian spectre assault rifle, and standard turian issue pistol at his side. The turian spectre’s green eyes were stern and focused, and gave her barely a glance before moving past her, as she turned around barely getting out a hello. She shrugs, guessing he was preoccupied on their shakedown run for the Normandy, and continues to the cockpit.
Armstrong was already there standing tall over the pilot Jeff 'Joker' Moreau, and the navigator Kaidan Alenko. Armstrong looked like your usual military bravado. Short shaved black hair, a muscled body that almost matched that of a body builder, and a strong stance that not even an earthquake could budge. There was a bit of idle chatter between Joker and Alenko, which Armstrong was quick to silence. “That’s enough! This is a military vessel and you will speak when spoken to, understood?”
“Sir,” Was all that came from Joker. He was your usual looking male soldier. He had a short beard and short hair hidden under a basic black hat. He was working the consoles like he’s been doing it his whole life, despite his young looking age.
“Roger that,” answered the other man, Kaidan. He was a bit older looking than the others around his mid 30s. His face was clean shaven and hair a bit longer but still short. His build was also a bit fuller than Joker’s, but not near that of Armstrong’s.
Anderson’s voice came over the comm., telling Joker to send Armstrong and Shepard down to the comm. room. Joker proceeded to make a snarky comment about Nihlus being on his way, but was cut off by Anderson saying he was already there. Armstrong just turns and leaves without a word, bumping his way past Shepard.
Shepard steps forward now, leaning over one side of Joker’s seat with an arm resting next to the head rest. “Sounds like he’s a bit on edge,” Her voice was soft but firm, and a smile was upon her lips.
“He always seems pissed off,” Joker says.
“Only when he's talking with you,” retorts Kaidan.
“No worries, I’ll go check what’s going on. By the way, good job on the relay jump Joker. Barely felt it.” She smiles and pats his seat before turning and moving away from the cockpit.
Joker couldn’t help but smirk smugly as Kaidan just looks at him and shakes his head.
Next to the CIC, Shepard saw Armstrong talking with Navigator Pressley, though talking wasn’t exactly right. More like he was telling him that info is on a need-to-know basis, and to get in line and follow orders. Pressley gave a salute as Armstrong left and Shepard moves up to Pressley, giving her usual soft smile. “What was all that about?”
“Oh Commander,” Pressley quickly saluted. “It was nothing. Armstrong was just reminding me of Alliance protocol.”
Shepard just continues to smile and looks at him, giving a look that says she knew he was lying. “At ease Pressley, you know my record, and you know all have the right to speak freely to me.”
Pressley nods and seems to feel a bit more at ease. “Sorry Commander, I was just having a small talk with Adams down in engineering, and I guess Armstrong overheard. There’s something not right about this mission, and everyone’s a bit on edge because of it.”
“You’re talking about our turian guest, and why a high ranking Alliance officer is on a shakedown run huh? That and why we have a full crew instead of a skeleton one right?” She crosses her arms smirking knowingly at him.
“Exactly Commander, even if we have a full crew in case something goes wrong you don’t send a spectre- especially a turian- and an officer of Anderson’s standing on a do-nothing mission. Something isn’t right about this and I don’t like being left in the dark.”
“I have a feeling this is more than just your unease about the true point to this mission,” Shepard states plainly. “I have a feeling you don’t trust Nihlus.”
Pressley shifts a bit, glancing around before speaking. “Runs in my family. Grandfather fought in the First Contact War; lost a lot of friends then. That and he’s a spectre. The top arm of covert operatives in Citadel space. They don’t just cruise around and watch other crews without a reason. Plus he’s loaded down with weapons…why carry that amount of hardware if we’re just testing the stealth systems?”
Shepard nods, keeping her arms crossed but bringing a hand up to rest on her chin thinking a moment. “You’ve got a point there. While I think you should try and let your unease go about turians, this does point that something more is going on. I’ll try and question him when I get to the comm. room. For now try to be at ease, and believe we’re out here for a good reason okay?”
“Sure thing Commander. Thanks.” Pressley gives a small smile and salute before turning back to the console.
Shepard smiles and nods then moves towards the back of the ship til she sees Dr. Chakwas trying to calm a pretty excited soldier.
“Commander,” The young soldier by name of Jenkins quickly saluted before continuing. “We won’t be staying on Eden Prime long right? I grew up there and there’s no real action going on.”
Dr. Chakwas, an older woman with graying military style hair dressed in medic garb, looks at him with a disapproving look. “Your ‘real action,’ corporal, usually has me patching up soldiers afterwards. So for all our sakes I hope you’re kidding.”
Shepard moves up to them and gives a small nod. “The doctors right Jenkins. You need to keep a cool head, and not go looking for a fight.”
Jenkins hops up and down impatiently a couple times. “Sorry Commander. It’s just, there’s a spectre on board so something big has to be happening.”
Shepard nods in agreement, but still didn’t like how he was acting so gun-ho. “I agree Jenkins, but I need your head on straight if things go wrong. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I know ma’am. It’s just that you’ve proven yourself, and I want my chance to do the same.” Jenkins pats his chest a couple times keeping his eager attitude going.
Shepard just smiles looking at him, admiring his eagerness, “You have a long life ahead of you still. Don’t throw it away just for a chance at glory. Good things come to those who wait.”
“Don’t worry; I've got this in the bag.” Jenkins waves his hand dismissively.
Shepard lets out a small sigh before looking over at Chakwas. “So, what can you tell me about our special guest?”
Chakwas shakes her head in dismissal. “Nothing really, I haven’t said two words to him. Usually only speaks to the captain.”
“That and he’s a spectre. They don’t have to answer to us. They protect the galaxy at any cost, and kill anyone that gets in their way.” Jenkins chimes in quickly and excitedly.
“So who do they answer too if not us? The Council?” Shepard raises a brow in suspicion.
“Normally yes, but if one goes rogue I would guess they would revoke their status and have C-sec arrest them.” Chakwas answers.
Jenkins scoffs nearly cutting her off, “Oh please. C-sec wouldn’t stand a chance. A spectre goes rogue and another hunts them down. No one, not even C-sec tries otherwise.”
“Well, let’s hope Nihlus is one of the good ones then. He hasn’t shown any bad tendencies. Still, it makes me wonder why he’s here, along with Anderson, Armstrong, and me as well. That’s a lot of brass for a shakedown.” Shepard brings her hand back to her chin in thought.
“Hey, maybe he’s here to recruit one of you for the spectres. I mean, you’ve both proven yourself and what better ship than the Normandy to test you on? We can slip in and drop you three off, then zip out and monitor your progress till the trial is done. Then we slip back in, pick you up, and be gone before anyone could notice,” Jenkins states looking at Shepard with a smile.
Chakwas just shakes her head looking at him. “Not a chance. The spectres don’t want humans in their ranks. They don’t think we’re ready for it. Besides, this is all just speculation.”
Shepard nods a couple times before straightening up. “That’s true. Besides, mine and Armstrong’s records aren’t exactly the best. There are far better candidates if the spot did open. But I better get to the comm. room. Don’t want to keep the others waiting.” She nods to them both and moves past them to head where Nihlus and Armstrong are waiting.
As Shepard enters the comm. Room, Armstrong looks at her with a sneer, “Feh. Always late to a meeting. Going around shaking that ass of yours to try and get some for your next shore leave?”
Shepard just smirks moving down the ramp towards Nihlus, barely giving Armstrong a moment of eye contact. “Actually, should already have that worked out. I was talking with a few of the crew, and it seems many believe this is more than a simple shakedown.”
Armstrong glares at Shepard, “As I told Pressley that is on a need to know basis, and if we were meant to know they would tell us. We’re soldiers nothing more.”
Shepard shrugs again not making eye contact. “We’re more than soldiers, and using that excuse usually means they don’t want us to know. That makes people uneasy and on edge.”
Nihlus turns, looking between the two. “That’s enough, but Shepard is right. There’s a difference in withholding information for secrecy, and purposely hiding things from your crew. Before we talk though, I’m curious about Eden Prime. Quite the place it seems.”
Armstrong growls and narrows his eyes at the turian. “Get to the point, scale head.”
Nihlus narrows his eyes at Armstrong before Shepard speaks up. “Case and point, on edge. As on Eden Prime it’s a simple garden planet with a farming colony. Rather peaceful and a symbol for our race. Why? Looking for a retirement home, or maybe a vacation?” She giggles and crosses her arms smiling at Nihlus trying to lighten the mood.
Nihlus looks at Shepard and seems to smile turning to look at the video screen of Eden Prime. “Heh, afraid not Shepard. I have many years before retirement and while it is serene and peaceful. I much prefer the views and sights of Palaven. Still though with Eden Prime being on the edge of the Terminus Systems I have to wonder just how safe is it really?
A large finger is pointed forward by Armstrong as he takes a step forward. “Is that a threat?”
Shepard grabs Armstrong’s arm trying to push it down as Nihlus turns to glare at him. Again tension was rising and she was trying to keep things calm. “I’m sure what Armstrong means is that you’re here for a reason, so what is it?”
Nihlus’s mandibles twitch trying to stare down Armstrong. “The galaxy is a dangerous place Shepard and humanity are still children playing with their new toys.”
“And last I checked we were the ones kicking your asses with our primitive technology.” Armstrong states with pride.
The door hisses as Anderson moves down the steps. “That’s enough Armstrong.” He moves around the pair getting beside Nihlus while Armstrong straightens up in attention. He looks at the turian and nods. “No reason to hide it anymore, Nihlus.” Turning to Shepard and Armstrong he clasps his hands behind his back. “Commanders, we needed the Normandy’s stealth systems to pick up a beacon on Eden Prime. A Prothean beacon.”
Shepard nods, “I see. So we want to make sure nothing goes wrong, considering last time we found one it jumped our tech forward 200 years.”
“Yes, but Eden Prime doesn’t have the facilities to handle this so we’re delivering it to the Citadel for study.” Anderson clarifies.
“What?! You can’t be serious. Who knows what this beacon could show us. Why should we give it to those blue bloods?” Armstrong nearly yelled in protest.
Nihlus once again glared at Armstrong as his mandibles twitched lightly. “You human’s aren’t exactly trusted, and its xenophobes like you that cause it.”
Anderson steps forward raising his voice, “Besides, we need their expertise to properly decrypt the beacon.”
“So while it could help us, we are giving it to the Council races as a measure of goodwill?” Shepard says in a relaxed tone.
“Yes. The beacons we’ve found have had more information in them, than what was first realized. It could very well affect everyone in the galaxy.” Nihlus states after taking a hard breath.
Shepard raises a brow looking at the spectre. “And if someone else knows about it they might make a grab for it first and put the colony at risk?”
“Exactly Shepard,” Nihlus straightens up glad at least one of the pair had the right mindset. “As I stated we are on the edge of the Terminus, and it’s nothing for a merc group to harass a colony. That and if they get a hold of the beacon it could be just what they needed to openly wage war with us.”
Anderson nods firmly. “And that’s why we needed the Normandy. The stealth systems can get us in and out with no one the wiser. Also, Nihlus is here for another reason.”
“I’m here to evaluate you two. You’ve both been considered for entry into the Spectres, but only after we can test you.” Nihlus states as he paces around the two once.
“Like hell he is. I can down an entire platoon before this worm could even draw his gun.” Armstrong scoffs.
Shepard rolls her eyes keeping an eye on Nihlus. “So Jenkins was right. You do think we have what it means to be Spectres. But we haven’t done anything great before. Armstrong follows orders blindly and I’m well…this.” Shepard adds in while motioning to herself.
“On the contrary Shepard, I don’t care what species you are or how someone follows orders. What matters is you both have a near 100% mission completion rate. You both can be counted on to complete a mission despite the odds. It’s why I’m here right now.” Nihlus kept his pacing before stopping again by Anderson and clasping his talons behind his back.
Shepard was first to respond, making sure to cut off Armstrong. “I’m sure we have the same question, I can just ask it nicer…” She gives a look to Armstrong which just scoffs letting her talk for now. “I know all turians don’t resent humanity, just like not all of us hate you. But still why both of us at the same time?”
“Like I said, you get the job done.” Nihlus nods and paces slightly. “Again to me that is all that matters. I don’t care about your race or attitude to other races. We are the elite of the elite, and it’s rare we find someone with our skills.”
“Humanity needs this, you two. If we can actually get one spectre in then that’s great, but two would be about as large as the moon landing.” Anderson speaks with pride.
“So you think I’ll listen to some….” Armstrong starts to add, only to get cut off by Shepard.
“What the brute means is that I’m sure you’ll oversee the operation, and see how we handle ourselves in the field.”
“Correct. This will be the first of many, and only after I see that you have what it takes will I acknowledge it.” Nihlus looks at Armstrong narrowing his eyes some the tension between the two thick as molasses.
Shepard smiles and nods, “Well I forward to it then. Always wanted to see a turian in action.” She looks at him smiling with a flirting look.
Nihlus smirks a bit and lets out a chuckle. “No offense Shepard, but I stick to my own race, sorry.”
Armstrong rolls his eyes. “Damn, you barely know the guy and you’re already trying to get him in your bed?”
Shepard turns, glaring at him. “It’s called being nice, you jackass. Try doing it sometime.”
“Enough!” Anderson yells, causing their faces to snap at him. “Now attention!” Both straighten up, stand at attention, and salute Anderson. “Now then, your mission is to get down there and secure the beacon ASAP. You both will be going down together and working as a unit. Jenkins and Alenko will be accompanying you. Eden Prime should be-“
An alarm sounds and Joker suddenly cuts in on the comm. “Captain, emergency transmission from Eden Prime. Putting it on screen now.”
The four turn as the transmission plays. A young female voice is heard and she pushes down the soldier with the helmet cam. They are in the middle of a firefight and the enemy can’t really be seen, but it’s clear they are losing ground. Soon a loud echoing unnatural noise is heard and a massive thing, which looks like a hand, reaches down through the clouds. All watch in silence till it cuts out, and Anderson rewinds it to pause at the stunning image.
Armstrong breaks the silence, for once in his life in total shock at the sight. “Sweet mother of mercy. What the hell is that?”
“Joker, ETA to Eden Prime?” Anderson chimes in quickly.
“17 minutes captain. We’re the only ally ships in range.” Joker answers with haste.
“Take us in Joker. Fast and quiet.” Anderson was still staring at the screen, every one of them shaken to their cores.
Shepard smirks some looking over at the three clearly trying again to lighten the mood. “Well, looks like things just got a lot more interesting. How we going in?”
“A small strike team will be best. I’ll act as a scout, and relay information to them.” Nihlus states as he turns and heads out.
“Get Jenkins and Alenko and meet me at the cargo hold.” Anderson states as the three head out of the room to get ready. Armstrong was the first to arrive, armed to the teeth with strong weapons and heavily reinforced armor. Shepard, Alenko, and Jenkins arrive shortly after. Shepard wore medium armor, carried a high caliber sniper rifle, and a heavily modded pistol. Alenko had light armor and a pistol, but being a biotic it was all he needed. Jenkins wore standard military grade armor and weapons.
In the cargo hold the team line up as Anderson looks over them. “You four are the muscle in this mission. Your target is the beacon. It was at the dig site they unearthed it at. Get in, get it, and get out.”
“What about survivors, captain?” Alenko asks.
Anderson shakes his head though it’s clear he doesn’t like saying it. “Saving survivors is a secondary objective. Focus on the beacon.”
Shepard narrows her eyes some. “Sorry sir, but survivors are never a secondary. They must always come first.”
Anderson shakes his head. “Shepard do not risk the mission just to save someone. That beacon is too important of a target.”
Shepard bites her lip knowing it was, “But we can’t just leave them…”
Armstrong’s deep voice comes out as his helmet was already on. “Sacrifice for the greater good Shepard. If whoever or whatever that thing was gets the beacon it could cost many more.”
Shepard lowers her ears and nods softly while Kaiden reaches over to pat her shoulder. “No worries commander. Long as we don’t get sidetracked we can save who we can.” This makes Shepard smile abit as they approach the drop point.
Nihlus steps forward pulling out his rifle. “I’ll be in touch otherwise maintain radio silence.” With that said he jogs down the ramp and hops out with the Normandy pulling away.
Anderson nods looking at them. “Nihlus is just for information and scouting. This is your mission now. You’re both commanders so either choose a leader, work as two units, or whichever. Just recover that beacon no matter what.”
The four nod and salute Anderson before getting off at the drop off. Shepard looks around some at the darkened skies and is able to see some smoke and gun fire from likely anti-air batteries. The large hand wasn’t in sight but they had some rocky hills between them and the target. Armstrong was the first to break the silence pulling out his large assault rifle. “Alright Shepard you heard the captain. Let’s get positions settled and get going.”
Shepard smiles pulling out her bolt action rifle. “You want point you take it big guy. I got no problem being support. Me and Alenko can watch our backs and the flanks while you and Jenkins take the lead.”
Armstrong seems to smile some and nods. “Roger that. Box formation and stay tight till we know what we’re dealing with.”
The group form up and they make their way towards the objective. Upon coming up on a path with many rocks they stop and Armstrong signals Jenkins to move up. The rookie nods and advances right into the open triggering some drones which easily cut him down. “Man down,” Alenko calls out readying some medi-gel.
“Enemies first. Shepard give me a reading.” Armstrong chimes in already moving up and behind a tall rock.
“Three robotic drones. Light armor, self hovering, shield draining rounds. Simple pistol rounds can down them.” Shepard states while barely getting a look at them.
“Right. Alenko left, Shepard right, I’ll advance and take the middle.” The order from Armstrong came as he moves up and starts firing while drawing fire. Shepard quickly switches to her pistol and with two quick precise shots drops her target. Alenko zaps his with an overload letting gravity take care of it and moves up to activate the medi-gel for Jenkins. Armstrong easily takes a few shots that just fizzle upon his strong shields and empties half a clip till his explodes in midair.
Kaiden sighs when the gel doesn’t take as Jenkins life signs were already gone. “Damn…” He closes the fallen soldier’s eyes and shakes his head. “Tore right through his shields…didn’t stand a chance…”
Armstrong growls abit stepping past him. “Fool advanced in the open when cover was right beside him. Recover his tags and let’s move on.”
Shepard narrows her eyes some as Alenko does what he’s told. “You should’ve advanced first not him. You’re more experienced.”
“I’m also a higher ranked officer. Losing me is a larger hit to the Alliance than a rookie.” Armstrong moves forward more, “Sacrifice for the greater good Shepard. I told you before. Now let’s go.”
Shepard shakes her head and kneels down patting Jenkins chest a couple times then gets back up keeping her pistol ready. “We’ll try and come back for ya soldier.” She and Alenko move up as more drones come out of hiding. The trio easily dispatches the bots then pause at the top of the hill. Shepard picks up one and looks it over. “This is…geth design I think…”
Alenko kneels by her looking at it. “Odd. It looks more updated than what we’ve seen before. Clearly they’ve been upgrading their tech.”
Nihlus comes in over their comms. “You two are right. The geth are the ones attacking. They are just machines. Don’t give them any mercy.”
“No duh scale-head. Next time break silence with something useful…” Armstrong cuts in with a snide.
Shepard again cuts him off trying to keep the peace. “Thanks for the heads up Nihlus. Keep in touch and stay safe.”
“Will do Shepard…hmm” Nihlus states but pauses.
“Got something Nihlus?” Alenko asks while they move forward popping occasional drones.
“Just some burnt buildings and a lot of bodies, going to check it out. Keep heading for the dig site, Nihlus out.” His voice cuts out as the group gets over a hill. They see the soldier from the video running from some drones towards them. She quickly draws her pistol and shoots them out of the sky before diving behind cover as a couple Geth turn the corner. They drag a still living civilian to an odd tripod device and set him atop of it. One geth holds him down while the other watches on. The male struggles weakly before a huge spike shoots up through his chest impaling him upon it. The Geth then turn towards the soldier in cover and start advancing on her. She pulls out her rifle as the group storm down the hill and down the couple of troops.
Once finished with the danger, Shepard and crew advance upon the girl wearing white and pink armor. She panting some as she checks in abit rushed, “Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams of the 212. We were overrun. They came fast. We coul….”
Armstrong steps forward holding up a large hand to pause her. “Slow down soldier. Take a breath and give me a status report.”
“Um right yes.” Williams takes a breath to calm herself and continues. “As I was saying my unit was out on patrol when they attacked. It was chaos. We tried to send a distress call, but they blocked communications.”
Shepard moves up looking her over a moment. “We received your call, but it’s just us. Not other ships in range. Are you okay Williams? Any injuries and what of the rest of your unit?”
“We tried to double back to the beacon, but it was an ambush.” Williams head lowers and she looks away defeated. “The others might be…I think I’m the only one left.”
“These things happen. Their sacrifices will be remembered.” Armstrong states plainly clearly having said this many times before.
Williams looks at him abit annoyed at his standard military response. “You could show some care. Civilians are being killed.”
Shepard smiles shaking her head, “Don’t mind Armstrong. I’m sure you did all you could to stop the geth.”
“So those are Geth huh?” Williams turns to look at the couple robotic bodies.
“Yes. It seems they’ve upgraded their tech some since retreating beyond the Perseus Veil.” Alenko states moving towards the geth and the large spike.
“So have you seen a Turian spectre running around? He’s playing scout and surveillance for us,” says Shepard.
Williams looks around then shrugs, “Turian huh? Can’t say I have. Not that I’d know one from another really.”
Armstrong grunts stepping past them. “Alright that’s enough chatter we have a mission to do. Alenko stop sight-seeing and let’s move out!”
“Fine fine, come on Williams. You’ve been drafted.” Shepard smirks grabbing her rifle.
“Roger that. I’ll take point. The dig site is just ahead.” Williams agrees and moves up while Alenko falls back next to Shepard. They move forward towards the site and Shepard stops them reminding them of the ambush. Armstrong tells her to go with Alenko and post on the hill to scout the site while they take position on either side of the path. Shepard nods and moves hopping up the hill while Alenko uses a mass effect field to help him up.
They drop prone and Shepard pulls out her rifle scooting up so she can survey the site. “There’s four Geth at the site. Two behind the wall, one near the center, and a path to the right, can’t see in it. Likely one waiting there, also no beacon, possibly moved.”
“10-4.” Anderson shifts slightly getting him and Williams to move up slightly but stay out of view. “You two take the ones behind the wall. Me and Williams will move up and get the other. We move on your shot Shepard.” Shepard okays it and gets Kaiden to place one in a status field while she snipes the other. She then headshots the one in status, while the others take out the other two. With the site clear the group checks around to find the beacon gone.
“Damn the beacon is gone.” Williams curses slightly at their luck.
Shepard jogs up looking around. “Maybe the research team moved it?”
Williams shakes her head. “No way could they with the Geth around. It’s too large. Their camp is atop the hill. Hopefully someone will still be alive there.”
Armstrong reloads his rifle moving into the path. “Let’s go then.”
The three go to hurry after him, but pause when Nihlus comes over the radio. “Shepard I see a spaceport. I’m going to check it out and we’ll rendezvous there.”
“Got’cha Nihlus. The beacon is missing from the dig site we’re checking the research camp now.” Shepard states as they move forward.
Nihlus huffs abit at her words. “Damn…the Geth might already have the beacon. Hurry Shepard we can’t let them get off world with it.”
“No worries hun. No ship was on radar since we came in range of Eden Prime, and none have shown up sense.” Shepard states with confidence.
“Except that massive thing coming from the sky, like the hand of god reaching down,” Ashley chimes in after.
“Likely a ploy from the Geth. I’m almost at the spaceport. Going silent. Nihlus out.”
