Chapter 2 - Chapter 2, The SSV Normandy

Okay. Chapter 2. This one will now cross into the Mass Effect game and should also introduce Shepard a bit more, and also explain the Arkanes better (In case anyone didn't notice the name is small reference to Dragon Age Origins)

Chapter 2

The SSV Normandy

Alpha squad slowly exited the shuttle. It was good to finally be back home on the planet Arkadia, home of the Arkanes and The Helldivers. The colonists they'd brought back had been sent to the med bay to be checked on; the other two dead colonists had been left with them.

Arkane architecture always did seem fascinating, it was no wonder that a lot of people thought that the Arkanes where related to The Protheans. The docking bays as usual where always busy with either Engineers rushing to posts to fix something, other Helldivers heading to shuttles to embark on their next mission, freed hostages being sent home. It never was quiet.

There were plenty of ships currently in dock as well, some either being repaired from battle, others still under construction or some just here for refuelling. Normally, Alpha squad would come through here and then be called to the Arkane council for their next mission, but not this time. They were all on leave for the next few weeks having pulled off their mission on Maltoor. However they were more enthusiastic than usual since it was an extended leave. They had already been promised leave after the mission, but since they had managed to rescue the colonists and bring back a huge amount of intel on the Batarians' operations, slaving trades and all sorts of info that would give them an edge over the slavers, the Arkane council had decided to reward them all with extended leave which Austin had been very grateful for. It had been at least 7 weeks since Alpha squad had been on break. It had been non-stop missions and travelling all over the galaxy so there had been little time for rest, now though they'd be able to spend the next 2 weeks or so getting their strength back and probably find some things to take their mind off military work for a change.

As the squad finished making their way through security customs, a finely dressed purple Asari walked up to them.

"Oranna! I didn't expect to see you here." said Austin.

Oranna T'raas wasn't a Helldiver. She served as an assistant to the Chinese information broker, Zhi Shang Ren, or Xun as she was referred to. Xun served as information broker to The Helldivers, she had originally started off as a simple information broker with few contacts and sources just trying to make her way in the galaxy. That had changed though when she had come across some information involving the Batarian slave trade and also one of their attack plans for a critically important Helldiver base. She had originally planned to sell it to the Batarians since they would pay more. But when she found out that the slave trade involved humans, she immediately changed her mind and handed it over to the Helldivers instead. After that she became a very popular source of contact for both The Helldivers and the Arkane council. Eventually this partnership came to the point where the council decided to appoint Zhi as their own personal information broker who would serve as their ultimate source of information. She accepted the position and was given her own specially designed Helldiver armour. In order to be better identified, she also took up the alias Xun, which was the Chinese word for information. Since then her information network had grown so large she was regarded as the second most powerful broker in the galaxy, next to the mysterious Shadow Broker. She often served as a good friend as Alpha squad as well. She had provided a lot of Intel that had allowed them to take back many human colonies from the Batarians by feeding them leaked transmissions, tech specs and battle tactics. She had even accompanied them on a few missions during which she'd formed a close bond with them all. She'd even convinced the council a few times to give them extra leave. This time though, she hadn't had anything to do with this extended leave, it had all been the council.

Oranna smiled at Austin's greeting. "Welcome home, Commander Shepard. I heard about Maltoor. Congratulations. Xun sends her regards; she says it may take her a whole two weeks to go through all of the Intel you collected. But anyway, I've been sent to tell you that the Arkane council wants to see you."

Kraan grumbled. "What do they want now? We're supposed to be on leave for the next few weeks."

"Not all of you. Just the Commander." Oranna replied.

Austin was surprised by this. "Sound's important if they just want to see me." He turned to the rest of his team. "You guys go and get some rest, you've earned it. I'll be along once I've seen what the council wants."

The rest of Alpha squad separated leaving Shepard with Oranna. "Will that be all, Commander? Or would you like some company?" She asked.

"Actually, I am feeling rather tired." Austin replied "Could you lead me there please?"

"Of course, Commander. Follow me."

The walk to the council chambers was a bit longer than Austin remembered. Finally, they reached the council chambers. "Are you coming in?" Austin asked. Oranna nodded. "I'm needed in there anyway. My mistress needs me."

Austin nodded and the human and asari proceeded into the council chambers. As usual it was abuzz with activity. There where loads of different desks with Helldivers standing in front of them being debriefed for their missions. Several large monitors also adorned the walls; they were showing different news reports and footage from current warzones.

In the centre of the room was a massive galaxy map. It showed where certain fleets or enemy ships where currently known. It also neatly divided the systems up. The Attican Traverse where a small battle for one whole planet was currently going on, both inner and outer Council space which had a small fleet stationed near some far off human colonies in case of attack, the earth systems alliance space currently had no fleets in the area. Not that they needed to be anyway, the Alliance fleets looked after the colonies there. Then lastly the Terminus Systems which was currently stretching most of the fleets rather thin since much Batarian territory was there.

Austin looked at the map. "No significant changes." He sighed. "Sometimes I do wonder how long it will be before this all turns into a massive full scale war."

Oranna looked at him. Austin looked back.

"I know." He said. "I shouldn't think like that. It's just difficult sometimes to look on the bright side of life and stay focused when you've spent most of your life fighting for the greater good and yet after at least a decade, the tide just doesn't seem to turn."

Oranna hesitated. "What do you fight for, Commander? There must be something that drives you to keep fighting, even when the results aren't what you want."

Austin sighed again, very deeply this time. "When I first joined, it was originally for many reasons. But they've changed since then. Now the only thing that comes to my mind is…"

He hesitated and didn't reply for several seconds.

"Yes?" Oranna asked.

"I don't know. I guess I'm just not the young man I once was."

"There must be something. Friends? Family?... A lover?"

Austin stopped.

"I only wish I could say yes. True my family offer some encouragement and Alpha squad are like true friends. But I just feel as though I lack something, something really worth fighting for, something even worth dying for."

"You didn't mention a lover…" Oranna suggested.

Austin turned his head in her direction. "Once. But it didn't work out"

Before Oranna could press the issue further a neatly dressed committee member walked up to them.

"Commander Shepard. Welcome back sir." She saluted as he spoke.

"At ease." Austin replied. The officer's stance returned to normal.

"The Arkane council is ready to see you."

Austin nodded and turned to Oranna. "Thank you for walking with me. I enjoy the occasional company."

"Any time, Commander. If you'll excuse me, I must tend to my mistress." With that Oranna saluted and disappeared into the crowd.

Austin turned back to the committee member and nodded. She proceeded, he followed.

The Arkane council chambers were one of the finest sites to behold. More than just meetings went on in here. There'd been many other events that occurred in this room. Promotions, announcements, anything the council had to say, was said in here. In front of the large circular base that the council would look down on, there were six large columns, all of which were where a council member would sit. Behind all of this was a massive towering statue of the Arkane's greatest creation, a Helldiver. This particular one however was an Arkane Helldiver since the Arkanes had been the first Helldivers before they started accepting other races into their ranks. The armour was a completely different design to a human Helldiver since the Arkanes had different body structures to humans. One similarity the statue did have however that all helldivers had in common was the Helldivers triangular shaped helmet. As Austin made his way in, the council members took their seats.

Unlike many species in the galaxy, the Arkanes where considered a strange looking one. They were humanoid in appearance like all other races but the similarities ended there. The first thing that someone would notice about them was that they were clearly insect like. Their faces in particular clearly had the look of a Mantis. Some differences though where the lack of antenna that earthen mantis had, a more human like mouth and small plates of organic armour on certain parts of their heads and bodies. Their voices always reminded Austin of insects due to their unusual speech patterns.

Austin made his way to the centre of the circular base and saluted.

"Commander Shepard." The lead Arkane councillor loudly spoke.

"Councillors." Austin relied.

"You may stand at ease Commander."

Austin relaxed and returned to the usual stance he took when addressing the council.

"Firstly, we would like to congratulate you and your team for their success on Maltoor. Xun has already begun analysing the data, she tells us it could take weeks at least to analyse all of it. You have done us proud, Commander. The Intel that we gain from this may help to tip the balance of this war in our favour. And many more slaves will be freed by this."

Some of the Arkanes stood up and clapped. Once they had finished they were seated again.

"However that is only partly why you are here. No doubt you are probably wondering why you have been summoned here alone for a simple congratulation, Commander?" Spoke another councillor, this time a female one. Unlike the males, female Arkanes had smaller plates but compensated for this by having a lighter bone structure, therefore allowing them faster movements.

"I am… curious, councillors." Austin replied.

"The human systems alliance has recently finished construction on a new star ship. From what we have read, this ship is the Alliance's attempt at improving relationships with the Turians by co designing this ship. They call it, The SSV Normandy. This ship is due for a shakedown to test its unique stealth drive system, and to also analyse how it will truly perform on active duty. From what we are told, the Normandy will be commanded by Captain David Anderson. We believe that you are familiar with him."

Austin was temporarily taken back by the mention of his former Alliance lieutenant. "That is correct, councillor. Back when I first joined the Alliance military, David Anderson was the lieutenant in charge of my unit. I have also met the captain numerous times during my missions with Alpha squad."

"I see. Would that be the unit you sadly lost on Akuse? The unit that you tend to say is what inspired you to truly show the talents you have that we observed, and so decided to accept you into our ranks?"

Austin immediately fell silent. He hadn't thought about that day for a whole decade. He had lost a lot of team mates that day. It was painful to be reminded of that loss again. He hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat and regaining his composure.

"Yes… councillors."

Some of the council members murmured to one another. Austin couldn't really tell what they were saying but he picked one voice saying "That raises questions about the Captain's ability to Command." Finally the murmur died down and the lead council member spoke again.

"Interesting. But anyway, the Normandy is due for its field test in two days. That is where you come in."

"Me?"

"You are being temporarily reassigned to Captain Anderson's command; you will accompany this mission along with a Turian spectre representing the Citadel council who funded the Normandy's construction in the first place."

"Permission to speak freely, sir?"

"If you wish."

"Why send a Helldiver? Let alone me. From what you said we didn't help build this… Normandy."

"Actually, Commander, we did. We contributed in our small way by donating some of our finest engineers and a few resources to its construction. But the Alliance seems to want the Turians to take all the credit it seems."

"So you wish me to merely observe and be sure that our investment is being used appropriately?"

"Indeed. We would hate for the Alliance to not fully comprehend how to use some of our best resources."

"But why me personally? Surely this is something better suited for a cadet in training."

"You are one of our best, and most respected, soldiers, Commander. Plus, the Alliance felt we should send someone who has familiarities with some of the crew. Given how some of the Alliance do not fully trust the Helldivers, or us, improving relations would be vital. Plus we are well aware of your talent in socialising with others."

"I understand. What about the rest of my squad? They were promised extra leave for their work on Maltoor." Austin asked.

"The rest of Alpha squad will remain here to spend their leave. Once this little assignment of yours has been completed, you will re-join with them."

Austin bowed his head to the council. "Thank you, councillors. They have fought long and hard for many weeks to gain this victory. They deserve some time to rest and recover."

"You are due to join the Normandy's crew tomorrow before they leave gate the next day."

"As you wish, councillors."

"This meeting is concluded. Good luck, Commander Shepard. All our thoughts are with you."

Austin saluted to the council and walked off while the Arkane council disbanded.

"They're doing what!" shouted an alarmed Kraan.

"I'm being temporarily reassigned to an Alliance ship. Apparently it's to improve relations. I know, odd isn't it?" Austin replied.

All of Alpha Squad where gathered in their own special barracks. They had been given them separate from the others as a reward for their constant mission successes. Everyone except for Austin had removed their Helldiver armour and had changed into their off duty clothes.

"But you'll miss leave with us! We had a special surprise planned for you. Now you'll miss it." said Alaara, who was trying to keep her eyes off of Sandra who was currently removing her clothes in the other room.

"Look guys. I'm only gonna be gone for a few days. I'll be back before you know it." Austin said as he was packing some of his belongings into a small backpack.

"I still think it's a bit unfair, Shepard. They could've at least told you about this before we arranged the time for our leave." said Dash, who was now in his casual off duty clothes and was now stood in front of a mirror, sorting his hair style out.

"Guys, I'm just as disappointed about this as you all are, but I have my orders."

"So what about us? Are we getting temporarily reassigned to a new Commander until you come back? Will we have to forestall our leave as well? Oh Come on, you stupid bosh'tet!" Leena responded annoyingly as she continued to fiddle with a contraption she was currently working on.

"No. Don't worry guys. The council is letting you enjoy your leave. Once I'm done out there I'll return home and we can all enjoy a nice long shore leave together. It'll be like Traask all over again."

"Yes, but you were only gone that time because it was a family matter. That we can understand, but this time you're being sent on another mission." said Ventra.

"Alright. I'm not arguing with you anymore over this. Just accept it and get some rest. You've all earned it." said Austin as he finished packing the bag and slung it over his left shoulder.

"So do you, Shepard." said Sandra as she emerged from the other room in only some trousers, and her bra. Alaara licked her lips slightly when she saw her bond mate without her shirt.

"I'll be back soon. Just do me a favour and stay out of trouble." Austin said as he approached the door.

"Don't worry, Commander. We can stay out of trouble better than you think." said Alaara as she winked at Sandra. "Oh and keep your eyes peeled. You never know, you might meet a hot Alliance girl."

Austin chuckled. "If I do, you'll be the first to know." And with that, he disappeared out of the door, leaving the rest of Alpha squad to enjoy the start of their leave.

There was a small bump as the drop ship docked in place. Austin stood up and waited for the door to open. Once it did, he stepped out onto the platform. "Okay… Now which docking bay am I looking for?" He thought to himself. He walked up to one of the docking administrators.

"Good day, Commander." said the Asari.

"You know who I am?" Austin replied.

"Yes. I log all arrivals. It's my job to know who we get here. How may I help you?" She said.

"Can you tell me where the SSV Normandy is?" Austin asked.

"Ah yes. Docking bay D94, I believe they're expecting you. Do you need assistance finding the dock?" Replied the Asari.

"I'll handle it. Thank you for the help." Austin replied.

"Have a pleasant day, Commander." Said the Asari as Austin walked off into the nearest elevator.

The elevator ride was long, but the view that it provided was very spectacular. The whole space port was a complete buzz with starships and frigates. Then he spotted it, the SSV Normandy. True to the reports that he had read, the ship was quite a sight to behold. It definitely had the look about it that incorporated both Alliance and Turian ship designs.

Finally, the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Austin stepped out and moved to the window to get a closer look at the ship. What he didn't count on was a familiar face spotting him.

"Commander Austin Shepard. What a surprise."

Austin immediately turned to the woman who had mentioned his name. Right in front of him stood an old friend of his, Doctor Karin Chakwas.

"Karin? My god, I didn't expect to see you here. How've you been? It's been too long."

The two old friends walked up to each other and shook hands.

"I'm good. You don't look too bad yourself, Shepard." said the doctor.

"Karin, how many years is it going to take before you start using my first name? We're friends aren't we?" Austin replied.

"I guess I just got too used to calling you that, Commander."

Austin sighed, but it was a happy sigh. "Even when not on duty you still insist on being so formal. Six years since we last met and you haven't changed one bit."

The two friends chuckled.

"So, which ship are you currently serving on?" Austin asked.

Dr Chakwas pointed to the Normandy. "That one."

"Really? What a coincidence. I'm being assigned to that as well." said Austin.

Dr Chakwas looked surprised. "You? Why?"

"Apparently, since the Arkane council made their own small contribution to the design of this ship, they want me to accompany the Normandy for its first shakedown run." Austin replied.

Then another very familiar voice came from behind Austin.

"Commander! Good to see you've made it."

Austin turned around and found himself facing his old lieutenant, David Anderson. He saluted, but the captain quickly waved it off.

"Good to see you too, Anderson. It's been a long time. Sounds like your military career has worked out for you."

"There've been some rough spots, but it's good to see a familiar face." Said Anderson as he extended his hand, Austin shook it.

"The Arcturus Prime relay's in range. Initiating transmission sequence."

The sound of the pilot's voice echoed throughout the Normandy's main deck as Austin proceeded to the bridge.

"We are connected. Calculating transit mass and destination."

As Austin stepped into the CIC he passed Dr Chakwas. She merely nodded to him.

"The relay is hot. Acquiring approach vector. All stations secure for transit."

Around him, Austin could see many different Alliance soldiers, all busy with something. He hadn't realised that a ship this small needed so many people. Finally, Austin made it to the bridge. Also standing there observing the Normandy's pilot was the Turian spectre he had been told about, Nihilus Kryik. He was wearing traditional dark Turian armour with red paintings in certain places. He also had white face markings that really stood out from his dark skin. Out of the windows, Austin could see the massive Mass Relay ahead which they were about to use to travel to the system which contained the planet that the Normandy would then be docking at, Eden Prime.

"Board is green. Approach run has begun. Hitting the relay in 3… 2… 1…"

The Normandy was engulfed in blue energy and then there was a small jolt as the ship was catapulted instantly by the Mass Relay into another star cluster. Once the jump had been completed, the Normandy's pilot, Flight lieutenant Jeff "Joker" Moreau, spoke again, his voice echoed throughout the ship.

"Thrusters, check. Navigation, check. Internal emission sync engaged. All systems online. Drift… just under fifteen hundred K."

"Fifteen hundred is good. Your Captain will be pleased." said Nihilus before he left the bridge.

Joker turned to the over Alliance officer who was currently sitting in the co-pilot's chair next to him, Lieutenant Kaiden Alenko. "I hate that guy."

"Nihilus gave you a compliment. So you hate him?" Kaiden responded.

Austin moved a bit closer to hear what they were saying; he could tell they were a bit uneasy.

"You remember to zip up your jumpsuit on the way out of the bathroom? That's good. I just jumped us halfway across the galaxy and hit a target the size of a pinhead, so that's incredible. Besides spectres are trouble, I don't like having them on board. Call me paranoid."

Kaiden quickly responded. "You're paranoid. The Citadel council helped fund this project. They have a right to send someone to keep an eye on their investment."

"Yeah, that is the official story. But only an idiot believes the official story." Joker responded back. "And then there's that Helldiver guy. Whatever his name is."

"Joker, he's standing right behind you." Kaiden said worryingly.

"Relax, Kaiden. He can't hear us with his head in that bucket. Don't get me wrong though, that whole suit is very badass and really cool looking and I'll bet some of the ladies think it's very large in all the right places."

Joker of course had been wrong. Austin could hear him with his helmet on and he had just listened to the whole conversation. Much as he understood the crew being nervous about his presence like this, he didn't liek them talking about him behind his back.

"Actually I can hear you." he said.

Joker immediately froze and turned to the Helldiver. "Er… Well I didn't… I mean I wasn't… Sorry, Commander." He stuttered. Kaiden couldn't help but snigger at his reaction.

"Still, you've got to admit, Kaidan, something doesn't feel right. If this is a simple shakedown run then why have a Spectre here, let alone a Helldiver?" Joker asked, quickly changing the subject.

"I'm standing right here!" Austin said, this time more irritated.

Before thsi could continue any further however, they were interrupted by Captain Anderson over the comm channel.

"Joker. Status report."

"Just cleared the mass relay, Captain." Joker replied. "Stealth systems engaged. Everything looks solid."

"Good. Find a comm buoy and link us into the network. I want mission reports relayed back to Alliance brass before we reach Eden Prime."Anderson responded.

"Aye, aye, Captain." Said Joker. "Better brace yourself sir, I think Nihilus is heading your way."

"He's already here, lieutenant." Replied Anderson. "Tell Commander Shepard to meet me in the comm room for a debriefing." With that the comm channel cut out.

"You get that, Commander?" Joker asked.

"Great. You pissed the Captain off, now I'm gonna pay for it." Austin said irritably as he turned around and exited the bridge.

"What did I do?! The Captain's always in a bad mood!" Joker objected.

"Only when he's talking to you, Joker." Kaiden added.

Despite that Austin could tell everyone was a bit unsettled by his presence, he knew there was little he could do about it. It was against protocol for a Helldiver to remove their helmet without good reason. And anyway, he didn't want to attract unnecessary attention. Most of the crew didn't' even know who he was either, and it was probably best to keep it that way. To some Alliance personal, he was a decorated war hero. Though it was to be recognized for what he'd done, he was too modest half the time. Half the time he got a bit tired of the attention some people gave him. A lot of the time he felt like they were making too much fuss over it. As he often said, he was just doing his job.

Despite beign ordered to the comm room, he didn't' feel in a rush, and admittedly he was somewhat fascinated by this ship.

The small hallway leading to the CIC had several other officers tapping away at their holographic interfaces. The main CIC also had something Austin hadn't noticed before, a galaxy map. It was different from the one back at home though; theirs was more designed as a war map. This one was merely designed for navigation and exploration. One of the officers was talking into the comm on his desk.

"I'm telling you, I just saw him! He marched by like he was on a mission." said the officer. From the number of gold shoulder lines, Austin guessed he was the ships XO.

"He's a spectre. They're always on a mission." came the voice from the comm.

"And we're getting dragged right along with him!" said the officer.

"Relax, Pressly. You're going to give yourself an ulcer." The comm then ended.

As Austin continued to the comm room he spotted Dr Chakwas talking to an Alliance soldier. The soldier was talking about how he grew up on Eden Prime and that it was not the kind of place Spectres visited. The Dr seemed to disagree. Austin approached the two.

"Good to see you again, Commander." Dr Chakwas greeted him.

"You as well, Doc." Austin replied.

"You know the commander? How come you know a Helldiver?" Asked the marine.

"During one of my medical studies I was posted on Arkadia. At the time, the Helldivers needed all the medics they could find. I accompanied the Commander and his squad a few times on missions before I was called back."

"Are you going to introduce us, Karin?" Asked Austin.

"Indeed. Commander Shepard this is Corporal Richard L. Jenkins. Corporal, this Commander Austin Shepard."

"The Commander Shepard? The hero of Elysium and the first Alliance marine to become a Helldiver? Sir, it is a real honour." Jenkins saluted as he spoke.

"I hadn't realised I was this well known." said Austin, trying his best to hide a bored sigh.

"What do you think, Commander? We won't be staying on Eden Prime too long, will we? I'm itching for some real action!" said Jenkins.

"I sincerely hope you're kidding, Corporal. Your "real action" usually ends with me patching up crew members in the infirmary." Dr Chakwas interjected.

"You need to calm down, Corporal. A good soldier stays cool, even under fire." said Austin.

"Sorry, Commander, but this waiting's killing me. I've never been on a mission like this before. Not one with a Spectre and a Helldiver on board!" Jenkins replied.

"Just treat this like every other assignment you've had and everything will work out." said Austin, still trying to calm Jenkins down.

"Easy for you to say. The Helldivers earned their reputation on Torfan and you in particular proved yourself during the Blitz and the Hellspawn Civil War. Everybody knows what you can do. This is my big chance. I need to show the brass what I can do!" Jenkins replied.

"You're young, Corporal. You have a long career ahead of you. Don't do something stupid to mess it up." said Austin, a bit more forcefully this time. Jenkins seemed to calm down a bit after that.

"Don't worry, sir. I'm not going to screw this up." He replied.

"I should go. The Captain's waiting for me." said Shepard.

"Goodbye, Shepard." Said Dr Chakwas. Jenkins merely saluted.

When he entered the comm room he only saw Nihilus, who then turned once Austin had approached him.

"Commander Shepard. I was hoping you'd get here first. It will give us a chance to talk." He said.

Austin looked around a bit before he replied. "The Captain said he'd meet me here."

"He's on his way." Nihilus replied. "I'm interested in this world we're going to – Eden Prime. I've heard it's quite beautiful."

"I'm afraid I wouldn't really know. I've never been there." Austin simply replied.

"But you know of it." Said Nihilus. "Eden Prime has become something of a symbol for your people hasn't it? Proof that humanity can not only establish colonies across the galaxy, but also protect them. But how safe is it really?"

"If you have something to say, just say it. I don't play well at twenty questions." Said Austin, trying to not sound too intimidating.

"Your people are still newcomers, Shepard. The galaxy can be a very dangerous place. Is the Alliance truly ready for this?"

"Ready for what? What do you mean?" Austin asked.

Before Nihilus could answer however, the doors opened and Captain Anderson stepped in.

"I think it's about time we told the Commander what's really going on." He said to Nihilus.

Nihilus turned back to Austin. This time he looked more serious than he had done.

"This mission is far more than a simple shakedown run." He said.

"I see." Austin simply said.

In this case, it felt to pretend that he hadn't been suspicious.

"We're making a covert pick-up on Eden Prime. That's why we needed the stealth systems operational." Anderson replied.

"There must be a reason I, and the Arkane council weren't told about this, sir." Said Austin, a hint of accusation in his voice.

"This comes down from the top, Commander." Anderson replied forcefully. "Information strictly on a need-to-know basis. A research team on Eden Prime unearthed some kind of beacon during an excavation. It was Prothean. This is big, Shepard. The last time humanity made a discovery like this, it jumped our technology forward two hundred years. But Eden Prime doesn't have the facilities to handle something like this. We need to bring the beacon back to the Citadel for proper study."

"Obviously, this goes beyond mere human interests, Commander. This discovery could affect every species in Council Space. But the beacon's not the only reason I'm here." Said Nihilus.

"Nihilus wants to see you in action, Commander. He's here to evaluate you." Said Anderson.

"Excuse me?" Austin asked, clearly confused now.

"The Alliance has been pushing for this for a long time. Humanity wants a larger role in shaping interstellar policy. We want more say with the Citadel Council. The spectres represent the council's power and authority. If they accept a human into their ranks, it shows how far the Alliance has come." Anderson replied.

"Even without your service record, there's no doubt that the Helldivers are the finest soldiers in the galaxy. Torfan in particular shows what they are capable of. A brutal outcome true, but they got the job done. You however are different. You held off an enemy assault during the Blitz single-handed. You showed not only courage, but also incredible skill. Add to that, you fought in the Hellspawn civil war. So you have nto jsut skill, but also experience. That's why I put your name forward as a candidate for the Spectres." Said Nihilus.

"Why would a Turian want a human in the Spectres? Let alone a Helldiver. Last I checked, we weren't on good terms with each other." Austin asked.

"Not all Turians resent humanity. Some of us see the potential of your species. We see what you have to offer to the rest of the galaxy… and to the Spectres. We are an elite group. It's rare to find an individual with the skills we seek. I don't care that you're human, or a Helldiver, Shepard. I only care that you can get the job done." Nihilus replied.

"I see." Austin replied coldly. He didn't like the sound of this. He was also annoyed that the Alliance had lied to the Arkane council about this. There was no way that the Arkanes would've withheld this information from him. Clearly the Alliance were being a bit possessive over him. "So what happens now?"

"I need to see your skills for myself, Commander. Eden Prime will be the first of several missions together." Nihilus responded.

"You'll be in charge of the ground team. Secure the beacon and get it onto the ship ASAP. Nihilus will accompany you to observe the mission." said Anderson.

"Understood." Austin simply replied reluctantly.

"We should be getting close to Eden—"

But before Anderson could finish he was interrupted by Joker's voice over the radio.

"Captain! We've got a problem."

"What's wrong, Joker?"

"Transmission from Eden Prime, sir. You better see this!"

"Bring it up on screen."

The transmission came to life on the screen. The screen was instantly lit up with gunfire and explosions everywhere. Alliance soldiers where constantly firing to an off-screen enemy. One female soldier ran up to the camera man and pushed him to the ground, ordering him to get down as she did it. As the transmission continued, another soldier attempted to explain the situation and request for help, but he was killed before he could finish. Then an odd noise that sounded like a jamming signal of sorts sounded off. The camera panned round to show the alarmed faces of several soldiers as they stared up into the sky. The camera then turned round again to show what looked like a ship descending from the sky, but it looked absolutely massive, plus it was descending like a huge clawed hand was ready to grab something. Suddenly the whole ground began to rumble violently throwing several Alliance soldiers off their feet and forcing others soldiers to try and keep their balance. The female soldier that had spoken earlier suddenly shouted "Behind you!" the camera attempted to look but it shaking too violently to show what was attacking them. All they could see was what looked like a huge explosion of rocks and dirt and the faintest traces of some sort of towering figure, as though something had burst out of the ground. All that could be heard now was the shouts, screams and cries of pain as every Alliance soldier was killed. The female soldier shouted fall back and most of the soldiers tried too. The camera man however was shot and the camera landed on the floor. All that could be seen now was more dirt and rocks being flung into the air. Eventually, the rumbling began to cease. Then a large metallic, robot like foot stomped in front of the camera. There was a distinct sound of what could only be described as some sort of very deep metallic chirping. Suddenly the camera jolted as it was picked up by the user of the foot. It must've been gripped very tightly since the camera lenses cracked several times. All that could made out now was the silhouette of a humanoid figure with a bright glowing red eye, and then nothing, everything just went static.

"Everything cuts out after that. No comm traffic at all. Just goes dead. There's nothing." Said Joker.

"Reverse and hold at 38.5." Said Anderson.

The clip rewound itself to the best clear shot of the ship they had just seen. No one said anything. Anderson ordered a status report.

"Seventeen minutes out, Captain. No other Alliance ships in the area." Joker replied.

"Take us in, Joker. Fast and quiet. This mission just got a lot more complicated." Said Anderson.

"A small strike team can move quickly without drawing attention. It's our best chance to secure the beacon." Said Nihilus.

Austin continued to stare at the ship a bit longer. There was something about it that felt familiar, but he just couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Grab your gear and meet us in the cargo hold." Anderson said to Nihilus. Nihilus walked out of the comm room.

Anderson then turned back to Austin. "Tell Alenko and Jenkins to suit up, Commander. You're going in."

The little extensions that I've made to the Eden Prime transmission have been included for a reason. It's my way of allowing a very small peak at the two extra antagonists I've added to my story. If anyone is smart enough to guess what the rumbling is caused by, well done. But please just keep it to yourselves for now. I don't want the surprise ruined.