Novelization of the game Mass Effect 1 (all rights reserved to BioWare, the Mass Effect franchise does not belong to me and belongs to its respective owners, which is BioWare)
In the year 2148, explorers discovered on Mars the remains of an ancient civilization that traveled thru space. In the following decades, those mysterious artifacts revealed astonishing technologies that allowed travel to distant stars. The basis of that incredible technology was a force that controlled the fabric of space-time.
That force was considered the greatest discovery in the history of humanity.
But the civilizations of the galaxy call it... mass effect
One could see the outer space, the final frontier filled with an immensely dark void that seemed endless, one could observe bright stars distant by an immeasurable number of light-years, in the midst of it, one could see a long, elegant ship, with a wing on each side similar to its central body. This ship was known as the Normandy SR-1 Stealth Reconnaissance Vessel of the Systems Alliance, or simply the SSV Normandy SR-1, which was a frigate on its test flight, traversing the solar system of Earth. Inside the ship, three humans could be seen discussing an individual named Shepard.
- And Shepard? He grew up in the colonies. One of the humans named Donnel Udina assured, who was a man with dark skin, short, grayish hair, who wore a jacket, shirt, and elegant beige pants, his job was an ambassador on this mission.
- He knows how tough life can be out there. His parents were killed when slavers attacked Mindoir. He argued with another human named David Edward Anderson, a man with dark skin and short dark brown hair, wearing a dark blue naval uniform with golden details on his shoulders and at the ends of his sleeves; his rank was captain of the alliance's navy.
- He proved his worth during the Skyllian attack. He held the enemy forces on the ground until reinforcements arrived. Another human named Steven Hackett assured, an elderly man with a fair complexion and gray hair covered by a naval blue cap with golden details in the same places as David, his rank was admiral of the fifth fleet of the alliance's navy.
- He is the only reason Elysium is still standing. The captain confirmed with a tone of respect and admiration for the feats of the aforementioned man.
- We cannot question his bravery. The ambassador stated simply upon seeing the actions of the subject they were talking about.
- Humanity needs a hero, and Shepard is our best option. The captain argued, determined to choose John.
- I will make that decision. The ambassador questioned the choice of the attendees.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, the aforementioned soldier named John Shepard, who was an adult man with fair skin and a shaved head, wearing somewhat advanced metal armor, was gazing out the Normandy's window at the worlds of the solar system where they were. He then walked thru the ship, observing a large central hologram where two curved paths joined, as well as various personnel. He then saw a walkway, and on either side of it, he could see people manipulating the frigate's control consoles until he reached some consoles that were in front of the walkway, located at the very front of the ship's central body. There, he could hear one of the operators, who was a young adult male human with fair skin, black hair, a short beard, and mustache, dressed in a very dark blue uniform, as well as a blue cap with SR 1. The name of this man was Jeff Moreau, and his nickname was Joker.
- We are within range of the Arcturus Prime relay, initiating transmission sequence. Affirmative, Joker said as he looked at his console and programd it while the frigate headed toward the relay to make the jump.
- Connecting. Calculating transit mass and destination. The relay is active. Calculating approach vector. Let all crew members prepare for transit, the panel is green. We are beginning the approach. I inform Moreau from the console while watching his screen being manipulated.
Some of the crew, including Shepard, were able to witness the relay, a huge grayish structure in space, formed by two elongated metal extensions joined by a semicircular connection where, in the center, there was a gyroscope with a flickering bluish light in the middle.
- We will arrive at the relay in 3... 2… 1… Announced Jeff as he watched the Relay getting closer while dodging the rings moving in the relay's gyroscope to enter it.
The ship was energized by an immense amount of energy and jumped an immeasurable distance at the speed of its destination, bending space and time itself, while the frigate was in its jump, Joker said
- Thrusters... checked. Navigation... verified. Internal emissions sink activated. All systems operational. Drifting... Below 1,500 km. The pilot reported while continuing to monitor his console as he typed on it.
- 1,500 is fine. Your captain will be pleased. I assert a turian (Turians average 180 centimeters in height, have two long and proportionally thick fingers and an opposable thumb on each hand, each with claws at the tip, and a pair of mandibles around the mouth. What distinguishes turians is their metallic shell, the features of turians are avian and reptilian. Males and females do not have much physical difference, but females lack the males' backward-arching cranial crests) with reddish skin, with white markings that were like elegant lines, wearing light black armor with red details, whose name was Nihlus Kryik and then he withdrew elsewhere.
- How I hate that guy. Joker expressed himself grumpily while continuing his work.
- Nihlus gave you a compliment... And now you hate him? I doubt somewhat surprised and bewildered, a human with a fair complexion, a very clean-shaven beard, black hair with a tuft, dressed in a uniform similar to Joker's, his name was Kaidan Alenko, who was a lieutenant and sentinel, sitting in another chair with another console next to Joker.
- Remember to zip up your pants when you leave the bathroom, alright? I just jumped half a galaxy and hit a pinhead. That's not right, it's incredible! Jeff boasted, implying that the complicated nature of his work was difficult.
- Beside, specters mean trouble. I don't like having it on board. Call me paranoid if you want. Jeff expressed his concern about the presence of these agents on his ship.
- You're paranoid. The Council has helped fund this project. They have the right to send someone to oversee their investment. Kaidan assured, giving reasons why the specter was there.
- That's the official story, but only the naive believe the official stories. I question Moreau about the purpose of why the specter was in the Normandy.
- You always expect the worst. Shepard objected, dismissing his partner's overly worried attitude.
- Well, expecting the worst is part of the job. We don't go anywhere unless there's a good reason. What are we doing here? Jeff asked, full of questions about what the matter was that they were supposed to address in this location.
Captain Anderson spoke thru the communicator in his ear to Joker.
- Joker! Situation report. Anderson demanded furiously from the pilot, wanting to know what was happening.
- Captain, we just exited the mass relay. The stealth systems are activated and everything seems to be in order. I inform Jeff, explaining the current situation of the ship to his superior.
- Alright. Look for a communications buoy and connect us to the network. I want the Alliance command to receive mission reports before we arrive at Eden Prime. I order the captain the specific actions the pilot should take.
- Understood, captain. You better get ready. I think Nihlus is heading toward your location. I inform Joker about the specter's approach to the superior's position.
- He's already here, lieutenant. The captain informed Jeff, letting him know that he has arrived.
- Tell Commander Shepard to meet me in communications for the report. I inform Anderson to Joker about where John should go this time.
- Did you hear that, commander? I consulted Moreau, who was behind him, to see if he had heard.
- He seems angry. Something must have gone wrong on the mission. John stated somewhat doubtfully due to the tone of his superior while speaking.
- The captain always sounds like that when he talks to me. I assure you, Jeff, knowing how he spoke to him on each occasion.
"I can't imagine why." Declared Alenko simply while he continued with his task.
Shepard walks down the walkway, heading toward Anderson where the central hologram was, with two paths on either side where he could hear various comments from his comrades present there.
- I'm serious, I just saw him! He was going as if he were on a mission. Assured Charles Pressly, who was a navigator, human, with a fair complexion, partially balding black hair, a mustache and beard almost completely shaved, in a naval uniform with golden details.
- He is a specter. They are always on a mission. Gregory Adams clarified the situation to his companion, Gregory, who was an engineer with the rank of lieutenant, who was a human, with fair skin, shaved black hair, the same uniform as Charles.
- And now he's dragging us down with him! Pressly warned, concerned about the possible problems that Nihlus's presence might bring.
- Calm down, Pressly. You're going to get an ulcer. Engineer Adams joked, trying to calm his colleague down.
John approached the navigator to see what his concerns were, who was near the hologram like the ones on the consoles and drew his attention to it.
- Congratulations, Commander, it seems it was an approach without any issues. Are you going to see the captain? I ask Charles where Shepard was going this time.
"I suspect you don't trust our Turian guest." The commander assumed upon seeing the navigator's words of distrust.
- I'm sorry, commander. I was just chatting with Adams from engineering. I didn't want to cause any trouble. But you have to admit that there's something strange about this mission. The entire crew has noticed it. Charles explained, clarifying why he was discussing his concerns with his comrade.
- Do you think the Alliance leaders are hiding something from us? John asked with that question mark in his head, wondering what could be happening.
If all we're going to do is test the stealth system, why is Captain Anderson in charge this time and here? And then there's the specter named Nihlus, specters are elite agents, top secret. Why send a specter, a turian specter, on a test flight? It doesn't fit. I doubt the navigator with all those unanswered questions.
- What do you know about stealth systems? I inquire, Commander, wanting to know more about that type of technology.
- I only know that they mask our position from the sensors. Cutting-edge technology. The Normandy is the only ship with that engine prototype. But why do we have the full crew? It would be cheaper with the minimum necessary. And there would be fewer security issues. I question Pressly about the reason for so much personnel on this ship and for this mission.
- And then we have Nihlus. It's quite obvious that this test flight is a cover. The navigator assuredly reflected on why so many preparations were made for something so common.
- A screen for what exactly? I doubt John wanting to know what all this operation was for.
- Hang me if I know, commander. We are here for false reasons, and it bothers me a lot not knowing anything. The navigator replied irritably because no one informed him about the objective of this operation.
- Do you have a problem with the captain? John inquired, looking for any possible conflicts or disagreements between his comrade and his superior.
- No, sir! But I still don't understand why he is here. Captain Anderson is one of the most decorated active-duty officers in the Special Forces. If he melted down his medals, he could make a life-sized statue. You don't send a soldier like that on a minor mission. If they take the test flight so seriously, then they are surely up to something big. I suspect Charles, even with uncertainty about the reason for the involvement of such a well-known and relevant superior.
- Do you not trust Nihlus? The commander asked, wanting to know his companion's concerns.
- I don't like Turians in general. It's a family matter. My grandfather fought in the First Contact War. He lost many friends when the Turians attacked us. The navigator explained the reason for the distrust and aversion toward the specter.
- Three decades have already passed. You can't hold Nihlus responsible for the sins of his ancestors, and that war is over. Shepard reasoned that they should leave grudges and resentments behind, just as the turian on board was not to blame for anything.
- I suppose not. But I still feel nervous having a Specter here, especially if it's a Turian. We are an Alliance ship, part of the human army. But Nihlus does not answer to the captain, like the rest of us do. The Specters act by ignoring the chain of command. And of course, they don't just observe test flights. Nihlus clearly expects real action, and I don't like that. Charles stated, not feeling at ease with what he had previously said and confessing his concerns.
- When I see him, I'll try to get him to say something. John assured that he would find out the specter's intentions.
- Good luck, Commander. Pressly said goodbye with a slight smile and a gesture.
John, while heading toward where the captain was, after passing near the hologram, noticed two individuals talking about the recent situation. It was Jenkins leaning against a wall that said Normandy and Dr. Karin Chakwas. The wall had two entrances, one on each side.
- Doc, I grew up on Eden Prime. It's not the kind of place Specters visit. There is something Nihlus hasn't told us about this mission. I question Richard L. Jenkins, a human, male with a fair complexion, dressed in a dark blue military uniform with a military beret bearing the alliance symbol, who held the rank of Corporal.
- That's crazy. The captain is the one in command. He would never accept orders from a specter. I doubt Dr. Karin Chakwas, a female human with fair skin, long gray hair, and a uniform with areas of black and white.
- You have no choice, Doc. The Reapers don't answer to anyone. They can do as they please. Kill anyone who gets in their way. I assure you, Jenkins, with uncertainty about the possible consequences of having an agent with such authority on this ship.
- You watch too many spy movies, Jenkins. The doctor complained, seeing her colleague's very exaggerated attitude.
John approached the sergeant and the doctor to find out more about what they were talking about.
- What do you think, Commander? We won't be staying long on Eden Prime, will we? I can't wait to see some real action! I assert with enthusiasm that it could happen next.
- Corporal, I hope that's a joke. Your "real action" usually ends with me attending to crew members in the infirmary. I call Chakwas with a somewhat sarcastic tone in her voice, knowing what happens to Jenkins beforehand.
- It's part of being a marine, they fight and sometimes end up injured, that's your duty, unfortunately, to heal the wounded when there's conflict. I simplify John, implying why he was in that position in the armed forces.
- Commander, I know how things are. I've even been in some fights, but it's stupid to look for trouble. Both of you could learn something from the captain. He is not afraid of combat, but he also understands the importance of restraint. Karin objects, somewhat annoyed by Shepard's viewpoint on seeking confrontation without prudence.
- I'm sorry, Doc, but the wait is killing me. It's the first time I've been on a mission like this. I've never had a specter on board before! The corporal assured, excited about what would happen next.
- You act like it's just another mission, and everything will be fine. Assured the commander, trying to calm the soldier's worries.
- It's easy for you to say. In the Skyllian attack, you showed what you were made of, everyone knows it. This is my big opportunity. I have to show the higher-ups what I'm worth! Richard stated, encouraged and worried about performing well in this mission.
- Corporal, this mission is not for gaining glory! We have a job to do. Don't do anything stupid that will ruin everything! Don't get your hopes up. The bald man demanded Jenkins clarify his role in this mission and that he should not let his emotions cloud his judgment.
- There's nothing to worry about, sir. I won't fail. I declare Richard ready for his mission and prepared for action.
- What can you tell me about Nihlus? John asks both of them to get their viewpoints.
- The Turians are generally very respected by the other species. Their fleet is the one that provides the most patrols for the protection of the Citadel space. Although we haven't always gotten along with them. Some find them too unflexible, and others still blame them for the First Contact War. As for Nihlus, I haven't exchanged more than two words with him; he usually limits himself to talking to the captain. The doctor reported that that species was very well regarded and contributed significantly to the alliance, although there have been and were conflicts or disagreements with them.
- I hope we can see him in action. I've been told that on one occasion, Nihlus took out an enemy platoon all by himself! Cheer up, Richard, looking forward to seeing the specter on the battlefield.
- What do you know about specters? John consulted his comrades again about the topic to learn more about this type of agent.
- Just what I've heard. The specter agents act directly for the Citadel Council. They usually work alone or in small groups. But they do not have official power. They are a kind of shadow organization with the mission to preserve and protect galactic stability. I inform Karin about the details of who those agents were and their purpose.
- Protect her, no matter the cost. Don't forget that part. The specters operate above the law! I confirm the sergeant's concern about that very relevant detail.
- Why is there no one of our species in that organization? I doubt Shepard wanting to know the reason for the absence of humans as Specters.
- Specters usually come from Council species, like the Turians. We have been trying for years to get them to accept a human among their ranks, but so far it has not been possible. The doctor reported the reason why these agents do not have humans among their ranks.
- Hey, Commander! You would be a perfect specter! You are a war hero, aren't you? During the attack, Skylliano, you held off an entire enemy fleet without help. That's the kind of talent the Specters are looking for. I praised and argued with the sergeant, encouraging John to aim for that rank in the future.
- Those are pure speculations. The specters are not interested in recruiting humans. No matter how good they are. I assure you, Karin, knowing how things were and that there wouldn't be human specters in these times.
- You're from Eden Prime, right, Jenkins? What is it like exactly? John asked the sergeant how her homeworld was.
- It's a very peaceful place, Commander. They have been very careful with the development, and we don't have urban noise or pollution. My parents lived on the outskirts of the colony. At nite, I would climb a large hill and watch the lights of the main settlement. On the other side of the fields. It was beautiful. But when I grew up. I realized that it was too quiet for me. That's why I enlisted in the Alliance. Even paradise gets boring after a while. Richard described his home planet and the reasons for being in the navy.
- Do you know why Eden Prime is our destination? The commander asked, wanting to know the reason for their journey to that specific planet.
- The truth is that I'm not sure, Commander. Eden Prime is one of our most stable colonies. I suppose it's a good place for the Normandy's test flight. There is no danger there. I confirm, Jenkins says confidently, stating that in his home world there are no risks.
- But there must be something else. We have a ghost on board! That's why I'm so nervous. I can't wait for the real mission to start! Jenkins expressed himself very excited about what was coming in a few moments.
- The captain is waiting for me, goodbye. John said goodbye to his companions as he headed toward the entrance of the room where the captain was at one of the entrances behind the wall.
As he advanced, John could see a soldier on each side of a central metal door, which opened as he approached the entrance, revealing a long and somewhat wide room where lights were visible on each side, several chairs forming a circle together. He could make out the presence of the specter rumored by his companions and saw a central screen at the front where a green prairie was visible, with technological buildings above it.
Shepard approached Nihlus, who, upon hearing his footsteps, noticed his presence and turned to look at him.
- Commander Shepard, I was hoping you would arrive before the others. So we can chat. The Turian stated while crossing his arms.
- About what? I ask the curious human commander what conversation the specter wanted with him.
- I'm interested in the world we're going to... Eden Prime. I've heard it's quite beautiful. Kryik nodded, interested and excited about the world they would visit on this mission.
- I've never been there. I confirm, John, that I have never traveled to that planet before.
- But you have heard of it. It's a kind of symbol for your people, isn't it? It is proof that humanity can not only establish colonies in the galaxy but also protect them. But is it really that safe? I doubt the specter, weighing the possibilities, wanting to know more about that species.
- If you have something to say, say it already. Shepard demanded with some respect, but also with some impatience, wanting to know what his companion meant.
- Commander, humans are still newcomers. And the galaxy is a very dangerous place. Is the Alliance really prepared for it? Nihlus doubted whether this species could face the dangers of the vast universe.
Unexpectedly, Captain Anderson arrived where they both were.
"I think it's about time to tell the commander what's really going on here." David declares himself ready to reveal the details of the mission for which they were here.
- This mission is much more than just a test flight. Affirmed the turian who was going to reveal the true reasons behind all these preparations.
- Tell me what the explanation is for the presence of such select material and personnel for this task. I ask, John, doubtful and somewhat anxious to know the truth behind all this.
- We are going to carry out a secret retrieval of an object on Eden Prime. That's why we need the stealth systems to be operational. The captain clarified, implying the reason for so many precautions.
- Sir, there must be a good reason why you didn't tell me. I demand, somewhat bewildered, but confident that my superior would know how to explain.
- Commander, these orders come from very high up. The information is communicated exclusively to those who need to know it. I reasoned Anderson explaining the secrecy of this operation and its precautions.
- A research team from Eden Prime unearthed a kind of beacon, a Prothean Era one. David clarified, providing the specifications of the artifact they had found and why it was of utmost relevance.
- I thot the Protheans had disappeared about 50,000 years ago. I doubt John, puzzled to hear an object from such an ancient species.
- His legacy remains. The mass relays, the Citadel, the engines of our ships... Everything is based on Protean technology. I illustrate Kryik implying that they hadn't completely disappeared.
- This is very important, Shepard. The last time humanity made a discovery like this, it took a technological leap of 200 years. The captain explains, implying the crucial nature of each artifact.
- But on Eden Prime, there are no facilities to handle something like this. We must take the beacon to the Citadel so they can study it properly. Anderson reasoned, implying the purpose of their presence here.
- Obviously, Commander, this goes beyond mere human interests. This discovery could affect all the species in the council space. Kryik claimed, hinting at the implications of what they had on their hands.
- And are you worried that there might be problems?, right? I ask John, observing the specter's precautions regarding this operation.
- I always expect problems. I assure you, Nihlus, anticipating the possible consequences and difficulties or unforeseen events that could arise in this mission.
- There's something else, Shepard. Nihlus didn't just come for the beacon. He has also come to evaluate you. The captain clarified, explaining the Turian's motivations for being present here.
- Captain, what's going on? I suspect Shepard was doubtful about what they meant by evaluating him.
- The Alliance has been looking for this for a long time. They want to have a more significant role in interstellar politics. We want to have a bigger voice in the citadel council. The specters represent the power and authority of the council. If they accept a human into their ranks, it will be proof of how much the Alliance has advanced. Argument Anderson giving more context on why the commander would be evaluated on this occasion.
- During the Skyllian attack, you held off an enemy assault without any help. You demonstrated that you not only had courage but also a lot of talent. That's why I proposed you as a candidate for the specters. The turian reasons, explaining why he suggested the human for that rank.
- And why would a turian want a human in the Specters? John, curious yet doubtful about the alien's motivations for his actions.
- Not all Turians resent humanity. Some of us see the potential of your species. We see what you can offer to the rest of the galaxy... And to the specters. We are an elite group, and it is difficult to find an individual with the talents we are looking for. I don't care that you're human, Shepard. I only care that you can do the job well. Kryik justified his motives, as well as his decision and his choice of a human like Shepard.
- I suppose this is for the good of the Alliance. I find the commander somewhat insecure about that preference for him.
- Earth needs this, Shepard. We are counting on you. The captain encourages, making it clear how relevant and important the commander is in this matter.
- Commander, I want to personally assess your skills. Eden Prime will be the first of several missions we will undertake together. I assure the specter, hoping to observe John's performance.
- You will be in charge of the ground crew. Secure the beacon and return to the ship immediately. Nihlus will accompany you to supervise the mission. I inform Edward of the positions and objectives of each one for this operation.
- Before we land, I would like to know more about Eden Prime. I ask John wanting to know if they would know about these ancient aliens.
- It's a small agricultural world, but it represents something much greater. Eden Prime is one of our oldest and most prosperous colonies. It demonstrated that we were ready for the challenges of colonizing new worlds, ready for humanity to forge a place beyond Earth. It symbolizes the growth and evolution of humanity as a species in space. After this, it will be known as the world where we made a discovery of great importance for the entire galaxy. Anderson argued the relevance of that planet and its symbolism for them.
- Why is that beacon so important? I ask John, curious about the priority of that artifact.
- If we hadn't discovered those buried Prothean ruins on Mars, we would still be trapped on Earth. That was just a small data deposit. Who knows what we could learn from this beacon, this opportunity? What if it's a file of military technology? We can't let it fall into the wrong hands. Edward reasoned, worried about the delicate situation they now had on their hands.
- Which hands would those be? I doubt the commander, concerned about his superior's words.
- The Atican Traverse is not the most stable sector of the citadel space. There are many groups of raiders and criminals in the region. They might think it's worth the risk to attack an Alliance ship in exchange for the Prothean beacon. Moreover, Eden Prime is right on the edge of the Terminus systems. I inform David about the potential risks of navigating in that sector.
- The Atican Traverse is under the protection of the citadel. If the Terminus systems attack, it will be a declaration of war. I assure you, John, clarifying the situation they were in.
- Technically, yes... But some of the Terminus species would be willing to start a war over this. Counterargument Nihlus implying that their enemies don't care about any of that.
- The last thing the Council wants is to be dragged into a large-scale conflict with the Terminus systems. We have to go unnoticed. The captain assured, equally concerned about the delicate situation they were in.
- Now everything is clear, thank you for guiding me on the objectives of this mission, now you just have to give the order, sir. Shepard declared with his mind free of uncertainties and ready for the task they were going to assign him.
While outside the ship, he had already reached the destination.
Location of the planet
Galaxy: Milky Way
Cluster: Exodus
Star system: Utopia
While inside the ship, Anderson kept talking to John and the specter.
- We should be approximately close to it. He couldn't finish his dialog, Anderson, because he was interrupted by Jeff.
- Captain! We have a problem. Joker reported something alarmed by what he could detect on the ship's sensors.
- What's happening, Joker? I consulted the captain, somewhat alarmed by the pilot's interruption.
- An incoming transmission from Eden Prime, sir. You better come see this! I notify Moreau alerted by what he received.
- I want to see it on the screen. I order Anderson to be ready to see the possible emergency detected by his pilot.
Joker transmitted it to the screen in the room where the specter, the captain, and the commander were, who, intrigued, turned their gazes toward the screen where they could see a blurry image with interference. They could hear sounds of explosions, screams, people running everyplace, technological sounds of weapons and vehicles. The camera, unfocused and restless, recorded what was happening live, showing what was once the peaceful and life-abundant surface of Eden Prime, now replaced by the battles of humans in their combat suits against an unknown enemy. They could see a body of water, several trees, laser shots, the green grass-covered ground, as well as smoke in the air from various places. A human woman in white armor with red details was shown, who was the soldier named Ashley Madeline Williams.
- Get out of the way! The soldier exclaimed somewhat hysterically due to the dangerous situation they were all in at that moment.
Williams approached the camera and tried to focus it, but it shifted to other areas, capturing more of the immense destruction and chaos that was evident. As it was heard, the voice of a human military officer in his armor could be distinguished while he looked at the camera.
- They're attacking us! We have many casualties. I repeat, we have many casualties. They have opened several breaches. We need evacuation! They came out of nowhere. We need... The officer couldn't continue reporting the situation because he was shot down, then the thunderous battle could still be seen, the soldiers while defending their position were left dumbfounded looking at something, the camera turned to where they were looking incredulously at what they could see, the device managed to focus thru the smoke and fog of the battle on a strange silver flying object resembling a mechanical octopus or squid, from which some red beams emerged, then there was interference until only static was seen.
- The transmission has been cut off, there is no longer any type of communication from Eden Prime. Jeff assured that there were no more signals from the planet near them.
- Rewind and stop at 38.5. David ordered the pilot to show that precise moment of the recording.
The trio of commanders stared at the strange cephalopod-shaped object for a few moments, intrigued and somewhat shocked to see something like this.
- Situation report. Anderson ordered Joker again to find out more about what was happening.
- There are seventeen minutes left, captain. There are no more alliance ships near the Utopia system space. Moreau reported, implying that they would not have nearby support or reinforcements at this time.
- Joker, we are approaching Eden. Quickly and silently. The captain ordered Jeff what he had to do next.
- This mission has become much more delicate and complicated. David stated, somewhat worried about the upcoming battle that is approaching in a few moments.
- A small raiding party could move quickly, without drawing attention. It's our best chance to secure the beacon. I reason the specter concluding that this was the best option for this operation.
- Prepare your equipment and meet us on the cargo deck. David ordered Kryik to head there, ready to deboard.
Nihlus headed to where the captain had asked him to go.
- Commander, tell Alenko and Jenkins to get ready. They are going down, get ready for whatever they have to face. Anderson ordered John again to inform the others about their next task.
The Normandy was approaching the celestial body known as Eden Prime, a beautiful green marble that was a human agrarian colony being attacked by unidentified hostile forces.
- Activating stealth systems. Announcement from Joker notifying the crew about the activation of this system.
The ship entered the atmosphere of the world, and upon observing its interior, they could see a cloudy and somewhat dark sky, as well as human technological buildings, forests, prairies, fields of cultivation, and other locations; they were places both wild and civilized.
- Captain, they have been doing some major excavations here. Joker noted as he contemplated several of the aforementioned excavations across this planet.
The ship moved swiftly and subtly, while inside, the captain met with the beacon recovery team composed of Jenkins, Kaidan, and Shepard in their combat suits, and Nihlus, who was already wearing his suit on the cargo deck.
- Commander, in this operation your team will provide the muscle. They will go directly to the excavation. The captain announced what they should do on this occasion.
- Captain, what if there are survivors? I asked Kaidan, worried, considering that possibility.
- Helping the survivors is a secondary objective. The priority is to secure the beacon, as the evolution of our technology depends on it. David clarified to the group members that it was going to be deployed shortly.
- We are approaching drop point one. I communicate with Moreau to the group, noting that they are almost at the area.
- Nihlus? Are you coming with us? Alenko asked the specter, wanting to know if it would accompany them.
- I move faster if I go alone. I assure Kryik is prepared for his mission as he ran to the cargo deck exit and jumped from it when the ship approached just meters from the ground.
- I suppose he's going to evaluate me to see if I can survive this mission. John reflected in his mind without uttering a word.
- Nihlus will act as the forward scout. He will keep you informed throughout the mission, but other than that, I want radio silence. David clarified to the group what the specter would do in that operation.
- Captain, we'll cover Nihlus's back. Shepard affirmed, ready to support the turian in his task.
- Shepard, now it is your mission. Good luck. I wish Anderson good luck with optimism for the upcoming contest.
- We are approaching descent point two. Joker announces to everyone to get the team ready to descend.
- The end -