Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

I do not own Mass Effect or any properties thereof, I am not making money off of these writings.


'these indicate normal thoughts'
This means an AI construct communicating

Imperial Glory Chapter Nine: Preparations.
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INF Normandy, Special Dock 4, March 31st, 2193.

"Commander Shepard, the other Commanders have arrived." Normandy informed him.

"Thank you Normandy, I'll meet them in the Officer's mess." Shepard replied.

"Informing them now Commander." Normandy replied.

Shepard keyed his comm, "Alpha assemble in the Officer's mess."

"Tali and I are on our way." Natalya replied.

"I shall be there momentarily John." Liara responded.

Shepard left his quarters, running into Liara at the main hatchway.

"John." She greeted.

"Good timing. After you." He said.

Liara smiled at him, opening the hatch and dropping down to the crewdeck, Shepard followed.

The Crewdeck was the second full deck down, containing the crew areas, bunks, private rooms, showers, and both mess halls. A small cargo bay was sequestered on the back end of the deck.

As Shepard and Liara entered the Officer's mess, they saw Tali and Natalya already waiting.

"John, Liara." Tali greeted.

"Do you know who all is coming?" Natalya asked.

"I assume just the Commanders and their Seconds." Shepard replied. pouring himself a coffee.

The mess doors opened, 4 officers in Marine uniforms walked in.

A dark skinned human male spoke first, "Commander Shepard. Good to meet you, I'm Commander Harris of the Iwo Jima. This is my X/O Captain Gard'Ennis Vas Ellasa."

"Commander Shepard, Princess Nar Rayya, it is an honor." The Quarian man greeted.

"Commander. Captain." Shepard acknowledged.

The second pair spoke, "Commander Stapleton of the Marathon." He was a white haired, tall Human man. Shepard could see several uniform decorations alongside his rank tabs.

The blonde woman beside him spoke, "Captain Jamison, X/O of the Marathon."

"Commander. Captain." Shepard acknowledged again.

"This is my personal squad, Commando Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya, Senior Captain Natalya Barriskol, and Doctor Liara T'Soni." Shepard stated.

"Your X/O isn't here yet Commander?" Harris asked.

"Navigator Pressly is currently reviewing the relay corridors into Geth space, he won't be joining us." Shepard replied.

"Alright then. What would you have of us Commander?" Stapleton asked.

"We'll have a mission briefing in one of the secured rooms on Arcturus at 1100 tomorrow. I'd like all your senior officers and any special personnel to attend." Shepard stated.

"Commander, if I may make a suggestion?" Captain Gard'Ennis asked.

"Feel free Captain." Shepard said.

"Thank you Commander. I believe we could run a networked simulation between all three ships using the Improved Combat System. All it would take is a simple data stream and the setting up of the scenario." Gard'Ennis explained.

Shepard considered this, "Excellent idea Captain. This would provide your crews with experience using the system, and allow us to run through the operation. We'll put together a scenario this afternoon. That's all I wanted to go over. If there's nothing else, I'll see you all at 1100 tomorrow."

"We'll be there Commander." Harris responded as they turned to leave.

---------------------------------

"The Tantalus system shouldn't have any issues running for that amount of time." Engineer Adams stated.

"That will be cutting it close won't it?" Tali asked.

"For cruise we run in condition 2, passive dispersal." Adams replied.

"Wait, that works in FTL?" Shepard asked.

"The Tantalus is a closed system, unlike the IES prototype it relies on active obfuscation instead of just heat sinks." Tali explained.

"As long as we stay near the traffic corridor and out of the combat range of any Geth vessels, we'll remain invisible in FTL." Adams clarified.

"Right, outside of combat ranges their heat sensors can't pick up the passive dispersal. If we get inside combat ranges we can deploy active jammers, but that will notify the geth that we're there. Our best bet is still a silent run." Tali stated.

"Good. Any problems with the Prometheus package?" Shepard asked.

"We've had to remove the drop pods. It will deploy from the pod bay. No problems yet, but we'll have to spend two weeks in dock before we can use the bay again." Valar'Ressk explained.

"We're pulling a double shift, it should be finished by morning." Adams added.

"Good. Have you talked with the other ship's engineering crews yet?" Shepard asked.

"Yes sir. I've sent a pair of my techs to each ship to get the crews up to speed." Adams replied.

"Excellent. I'll let you all get back to your work then." Shepard responded.

"Pressly to Commander Shepard." The Engineering comm panel rang out.

Shepard walked over to it, "Shepard here."

"Commander, X/O Gard'Ennis of the Iwo Jima is requesting permission to test the networking capability for the pack." Pressly stated.

"Tell him to go ahead. I'll be in the ordnance room." Shepard responded.

"Will do Commander, Pressly out." The X/O said as the channel closed.

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Shepard dropped into the Ordnance room from the vehicle bay hatch, he spotted Jenkins and a pair of ARMS Techs going over the heavy torpedoes.

"Commander." Jenkins greeted, saluting, "We're finishing up the checklists before stowing the new torpedoes."

"I didn't know you were rated for shipboard weapons Jenkins." Shepard stated.

"If it can blow up, I'm qualified for it sir." Jenkins replied.

"Good to know. Carry on then." Shepard said, turning to leave.

"Commander." Jenkins started, "Could we speak privately for a moment?"

"Of course Sergeant. Techs, clear the room." He ordered.

The Techs quickly made their way to the hatch, climbing out of the room.

Jenkins didn't say anything for a moment.

"You wanted to talk Sergeant?" Shepard asked.

The Gunnery Sergeant looked uncomfortable, "I'm not sure exactly how to do this Commander. My family isn't a noble house. I understand that there are certain protocols and rituals that one needs to go through for some things however."

Shepard cocked his head, "What are you trying to say Leeroy?"

The Sergeant looked down for a moment, then locked eyes with Shepard, asking: "Do you have any claim on Shiala?"

Shepard stared for a moment, "You're asking if I have any designs on Shiala before you chase her?"

"I understand it is appropriate." Jenkins replied.

"That's.. nevermind. I'm not interested in her Sergeant. Feel free to chase." Shepard answered.

"Thank you, Alex." The Sergeant responded.

"Good luck. Now get back to work, we might need those torpedoes soon." Shepard said, heading back to the hatch.

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"Commander on deck!" Normandy announced as Shepard entered the bridge.

"Commander, X/O Gard'Ennis reports the networking test was a success. The data stream is ready for the simulations." Pressly informed him.

"Good. Do you have the simulations ready yet?" Shepard asked.

"Not yet Commander. Captain Barriskol and I are working on it." Pressly replied.

"I'll lend a hand." Shepard stated, moving over to the command chair and sitting down.

'Wilco, link in to Normandy.' He ordered his AI.

'Linking in. Link established.' Wilco replied.

Shepard closed his eyes, letting his consciousness mingle with Normandy's matrix as he began to work.

'Scenario finished.' Normandy announced.

Shepard disentangled himself from the computer system, "Format and copy the simulation, send it to the other two ships. We'll start running drills after the briefing tomorrow."

Shepard checked the time, he'd been linked in for two hours.

"You have the bridge Pressly." He stated.

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Shepard was sitting in his quarters after the session, looking over the strike plans again.

There was an uneasy feeling nagging in the back of his mind, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

'This will be the first ever Imperial excursion into Geth space, it's natural to be concerned about unknown possibilities.' Wilco reasoned.

'It's not that. I've just got the most damnable feeling that this mission is not going to go according to plan at all.' Shepard thought.

The door slid open, he turned and saw Natalya walking in with a cup of coffee in each hand.

He smiled at her, "Thank you darling." He said, taking the drink.

"You're welcome. I thought you'd be resting after that session in the Ship's Matrix." Natalya replied, pulling up an extra chair and sitting beside him.

"Too much to do, not enough time." Shepard responded.

"Can I help?" She offered.

He shook his head, "Not really, I'm just going over these plans again. How's the Armory?"

"We've replenished our munition stores, we're back at capacity. Sergeant Jenkins also wanted me to inform you that he's taken care of the last of the supplies we had recovered from the 'Ballentar'." Natalya responded.

"Taken care of them?" Shepard asked.

"He said he was able to trade them for some more weapons with a quartermaster he knows on Arcturus, I'm not sure of the specifics." Natalya answered.

Shepard nodded, "Sounds about right. Speaking of Jenkins, would you like to know what he asked me earlier?"

Natalya shook her head, "What?"

"He asked if I had any claim on Shiala." Shepard replied.

"That is unexpected. Do you?" Natalya asked.

"It is. Wait..what?" Shepard said, turning, seeing the Batarian girl smirking.

"The opportunity for that joke was too good to pass up." She said.

"I'm glad I can amuse you. Now check these numbers for me, anything look off?" Shepard asked.

Natalya looked over the screen, "Nothing jumps out at me. What are you looking for?"

"Hell if I know. I just feel like there's something I should be seeing." He replied.

"Are you worried about the mission?" She asked.

"Never." Shepard replied.

Natalya looked at him, "Of course. I'm going to shower, perhaps it won't be alone?"

He leaned over, kissing her deeply. "Go ahead, I'll join you in a moment."

Natalya purred as she pulled away, stripping as she made her way to the shower.

John switched the interface to standby, getting up and removing his clothes.

Once he finished and made his way into the small shower, he saw Natalya backed up against the far wall of the stall. Her four eyes smoldering with lust, water dripping down her taut body, he ripped the door open and joined her.

They kissed passionately, Natalya wrapping her legs around his waist, pressing their bodies together. John positioned himself, sliding into her wet, hot folds easily, drawing a moan from the girl. "Harder John." She pleaded.

"My pleasure pet." John said, picking up speed. Her tunnel was gripping him, the hot wet flesh massaging his shaft. He cupped a breast, running his thumb over her nipple, teasing it gently.

He kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her, thrusting harder and faster.

After a few moments of this treatment Natalya cried out, her orgasm hitting hard. The feel of her tunnel convulsing around his shaft was too much, bringing John over the edge with her, his cum shooting into her.

They fell back against the wall, the hot water running down their bodies.

"You're very easy to please, you know that pet?" John whispered to her.

"I know. You like it don't you?" Natalya asked.

"Of course, now let's get cleaned up." John said.

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'Commander, you need to wake up.' Wilco stated.

Shepard shot up, 'Wilco? I guess I fell asleep.' He thought, looking down he remembered: He and Natalya had curled up on the bed after making love in the shower.. 'How long was I asleep?'


'About 2 hours Commander. High Admiral Hackett is attempting to contact you.' The AI replied.

Shepard got up and walked over to the interface terminal, "Normandy, please put the Admiral in through my station here." He asked.

"Establishing communications." Normandy replied.

The small screen came on, showing Hackett, apparently sitting at his desk.

"Commander, I hear things are going well with the refittings." Hackett greeted.

"They are Admiral. What do you need?" Shepard asked.

"Your request has been approved, and the package is ready. I can have it sent to your ship." Hackett offered.

Shepard perked up, "I would appreciate that Admiral."

"It will be sent over with the last of the cargo tonight then. Hackett out."

He felt arms slip around his torso, "What's all that about my love?" Natalya whispered into his ear.

"You'll find out soon enough pet. I'm going to go check on Engineering's progress." Shepard replied.

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Shepard walked into Engineering, spotting Tali and Adams conferring near the Drive Core Status panel. He waited by them for a moment.

Adams looked up, "Commander. I didn't see you come in, sorry."

"It's alright, I didn't want to interrupt. How's the work coming?" Shepard asked.

"No problems at all. We're actually about 4 hours ahead of schedule, I'm having the bomb transferred into the bay tonight. Am I right to think we're going to need to get farther ahead of schedule?" Adams queried.

"As far as I'm aware nothing's changed." Shepard responded.

Adams got a knowing look on his face, "Of course Commander. Valar and my techs can handle the rest of the work. I'll head over to the Marathon and the Iwo Jima, help out their Engineering crews."

"Thank you Pressly. Tali, I need you to stay on the Normandy for now, I'll explain later." He said.

Tali nodded, "Alright Commander, I want to go over the drop fittings again anyway."

"Sounds good. When's the last cargo transfer tonight?" Shepard asked.

"In about ten minutes sir." Adams replied.

"Thanks. Carry on." Shepard stated, walking away.

"That was unusual." Tali commented.

"He senses something." Adams said.

Tali tilted her head, "Senses what?"

"Trouble. Some of us have a knack for it. Something big is going to happen, he knows that it's coming. He just doesn't know when or how. We need to do everything we can to make sure we're ready." Adams explained.

"A 'gut feeling' I think I've heard it referred to as?" Tali asked.

"Something like that. I've known men like the Commander all my life. If he's getting unnerved by something, it's going to be huge. But we'll be ready." Adams said.

"Let's hope so. Good luck with the Iwo Jima, your techs didn't have anything good to say about their engineering team when they got back." Tali stated.

"Sounds like fun. Don't blow up my drive core while I'm away." Adams responded.

"No promises." Tali replied, before turning and heading for the drop bay.

"That girl's either going to kill me or the Commander." Adams muttered to himself.

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Shepard watched as the cargo was being sorted by Valar's men.

One of them walked up, holding a medium sized sealed black hardcase, "Commander, this is marked for you."

Shepard took it, "Thank you Private."

He took it upto the Officer's mess with him.

It was codelocked, he input his auth code, unlocking it.

'Everything's here. Hot damn, I need to thank Hackett when I get a chance.' He thought to himself, resealing the case.

He checked the time on his neural net, 23:34.

"Normandy, please inform Tali, Natalya and Liara to meet me here once they're finished with whatever they are currently doing." Shepard requested.

"Doing so now Commander." Normandy replied.

"Thank you Normandy." Shepard said.

About 15 minutes later Natalya and Liara walked in.

"You summoned us?" Natalya asked.

Shepard nodded, "Have a seat, Tali is coming, I want to wait until she gets here."

Natalya eyed the case curiously. Tali walked in about ten minutes after they arrived.

"John." She greeted.

"Tali, sit." Shepard asked.

After she took a seat, he began: "Now that you're all here, I'll begin."

He slid the case in front of him, "As an Imperial Officer, I have the power during wartime to nationalize volunteer forces and hand out battlefield commissions. I sent a request in via Hackett for something slightly better than that, and I received the clearance just a little while ago."

He opened the case, pulling out three packets and setting them on the table, a packet in front of each of the girls.

Tali looked at the packets, each of them was a secure data pad, and on top of that, the rank tabs and insignia of a Imperial Marine officer. "Is this is what I think it is?" She asked.

Shepard grinned, nodding. "If you accept, I've got the authorization right now to swear you in as full members of the Imperial Marine Corps." He explained, pulling another data pad out of the case.

"It would be the greatest honor." Natalya said.

"I don't know what to say, except: Yes." Liara stated.

"Glad to hear it. Tali, as dictated by your current service, you go first." Shepard said, getting up.

"Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya. Stand up." Shepard began.

Tali rose and stood at attention.

"Close your right hand and place it across your breast."

She did so.

Shepard held a data pad in front of her, "Read and affirm the passage before you."

Tali began, "I, Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya, solemnly swear before the Gods of the Terran Pantheon, in the presence of these witnesses, and in the name of House Rayya, that I will support and defend the Terran Empire against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Empress and High Terra; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office I am about to enter."

Shepard moved forward, pinning the rank tabs to her uniform collar, "Welcome to the Imperial Marine Corps, Major Rayya."

She saluted him, "Thank you Commander."

"Natalya Barriskol, rise." Shepard commanded.

Natalya stood and moved forward, placing her right fist across her breast.

"Read and affirm the passage before you." Shepard said, holding a data pad in front of her.

"I, Natalya Barriskol, solemnly swear before the Gods of the Terran Pantheon, in the presence of these witnesses, that I will support and defend the Terran Empire against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Empress and High Terra and that I will unconditionally obey the orders of the Empress, and that I will conduct myself according to the regulations of the Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Code of Service. I am the backbone of the Imperial Marine Corps, and pledge to always honor the history of my rank. " Natalya finished.

Shepard attached the rank tabs to her collar, "Gunnery Sergeant Barriskol, welcome to the Corps."

"Liara, are you ready?" He asked.

"I am." She stated, assuming the same stance the others had.

Shepard held the pad in front of her, "Read and affirm the passage before you."

"I, Liara T'Soni, solemnly swear before the Gods of the Terran Pantheon, in the presence of these witnesses, that I will support and defend the Terran Empire against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Empress and High Terra and that I will unconditionally obey the orders of the Empress and that I will obey the orders of my superiors, according to the regulations of the Marine Corps Enlisted Code of Service. I am the sword and the shield of the Empire and it's peoples, and I will protect them with my life." Liara said.

Shepard pinned the rank tabs to the collar of her formerly borrowed uniform, "Welcome to the Marines Corporal."

"Thank you Commander." Liara replied, snapping a salute.

"How does it feel?" Shepard asked.

"It feels good." Natalya answered.

"A Major in the Imperial Marines. I can get used to this." Tali commented.

"Thank you for this John. I'll do everything I can to live up to your expectations." Liara replied.

"I know you will Liara, I know you all will. You all earned this. Wear your uniforms with pride. Now I hate to rush this, but we should all turn in and get some rest. We've got a rough next few days and I want everyone at their best." Shepard stated.

"Of course Commander." Liara said, as she walked over to hug him. "Thank you again."

"You're welcome Liara, good night." Shepard replied.

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Briefing Room 3, Secured Section, Arcturus Station. 1100, April 1st, 2193.

As Shepard and his squad walked into the room, they saw that almost everyone was already there. Chairs were set up for the crews, and a small stage and lectern was set up along the back of the room, beside the huge vid screen.

Lieutenant Alenko caught up with them as Shepard reached the stage.

"Commander, we've got all the data into the system, and we're almost ready for you to begin. We're waiting on Adams and the engineering team from the Iwo Jima." He informed.

"Is there any trouble?" Shepard asked.

"I'm not sure, he commed in a few minutes ago. He sounded agitated, and you know Adams.." Alenko trailed off.

He knew Adams well enough: The man could stand in the middle of a reactor overload and not sweat, if he was agitated something had really pissed him off.

"Why do I have a bad feeling my life is about to get complicated for a short period of time." Shepard mused.

"Because your life is always complicated." Tali replied.

"True enough darling, true enough." Shepard responded.

"There's Engineer Adams now sir." Alenko pointed out.

Shepard looked at the entrance. Adams was walking in followed by a crew in Engineering and Tech uniforms. He motioned Adams up to the stage.

"Commander." Adams greeted.

"Adams, how did it go?" He asked.

"It went fine Commander, the Iwo Jima and the Marathon are at full readiness." Adams replied.

"Damn fine work Adams. With the ships at readiness, we can run simulations today and begin the operation a full day ahead of schedule." Shepard stated.

"That's everyone then. You can start whenever you're ready Commander." Alenko said.

Shepard walked up on the stage, getting behind the lectern. "Morning Marines. Quiet the room, briefing has begun. I'm sure you're all aware of the nature of this operation?"

A murmur of assent went through the room.

"Good, I can skip to the specifics then." He nodded at Tali, who worked her omni-tool for a moment, bringing up a file on the vid screen. "This is the Agaisa Nebula, home to a Geth Munitions and Element Zero depot, our target. The plans call for a stealth run into Geth space, and a single pass for the bomb drop. The Normandy has been fitted with a Prometheus bomb for the drop. Iwo Jima and Marathon will be providing cover and backup if necessary. If all goes well, the Geth will never know we were there. Any questions?"

A human man sitting in the Iwo Jima section called out, "Engineer Rickard, Iwo Jima. Are we confident a stealth run will work?"

"One hundred percent, we've passed within 400 yards of a Geth frigate without detection. Engineer Adams is confident that the stealth system will work for such an extended duration, and I trust his judgement." Shepard replied.

"Anything else? Good." The vid screen changed again, showing a system map.

"We'll be taking this corridor into Geth space, according to our intelligence this will be a direct shot from relay 117 in the Icarus system, to relay 441 which is the closest relay to the Agaisa Nebula. The nebula is a full day away from the relay, the Geth have set it up this way as a protective measure. We hope not to encounter any ships on the jump, however one thing working in our favor is the Geth think we're not aware of this facility's existence. If we're sighted on our way in the system, the Geth will simply assume we're on a long range recon mission. We've put together a simulation for networked use in the Improved Combat System, we'll start running drills at 1230 hours. Any final questions?" Shepard finished.

The room was silent,

"Alright, dismissed." Shepard announced.

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INF Normandy, Special Dock 4, 1225.

"Iwo Jima and Marathon report they are ready to begin the simulation." X/O Pressly announced.

"Normandy, begin preparation procedures." Shepard ordered.

"Initiating. Controls locked. Ready Commander." Normandy announced.

"Do the other ships confirm?" Shepard asked.

"Marathon and Iwo Jima reporting lockdown. All ready." Normandy replied.

"Initiate Combat Systems, begin simulation." Shepard ordered.

Shepard briefly saw a flicker of the interior of the Special Docks before the simulation kicked in, the scenario changing.

The Normandy was flying at the head of the formation, flanked by Iwo Jima on the port side, and Marathon starboard.

'Hitting Relay 441 in 20 seconds.' Normandy informed.

Shepard checked the formation, all ships were holding steady.

'Transit ended, relay cleared. 4 Geth ships in the vicinity.'

The pack engaged stealth systems, performing evasive maneuvers away from the Geth patrol.

The Geth broke into different directions, beginning a search pattern.

'We're clear, they can't detect us. Hold formation, move to vector.' Shepard ordered.

The pack moved into the pre-determined vector, locking in course for the nebula.

'Skip to simulation two.' Shepard ordered.

The scenario forwarded through the days worth of space flight, syncing back at a point just before they were projected to reach the nebula.

'15 minutes to the Agaisa Nebula, several groups of Geth ships in the area, one patrol directly in our path.' Normandy informed.

Four ships, 2 cruisers and 2 frigates. The patrol was in a cross formation, a cruiser in front and one in the rear, with the frigates on each side. There was the slimmest chance they could detect the pack when they dropped the Prometheus bomb, and intercept it.

'Lock in attack vector, time to cannon range is 11 minutes. All ships call ready.' Shepard ordered.

'Marathon and Iwo Jima report ready.' Normandy announced.

The three ships began closing on the patrol, their sleek shapes cutting through space like hungry wolves.

'Patrol is turning toward us, time to weapon range is 1 minute.' Normandy informed.

'They aren't taking any evasive maneuvers. They are probably just making a routine patrol. No matter, lock in targets. Weapons free.' Shepard broadcasted.

The pack broke formation, Normandy locking in on the forward cruiser, while Marathon and Iwo Jima split to the left and right respectively, locking in on the frigates.

The Normandy fired first, 6 lances of green energy hitting the unsuspecting Geth cruiser, a second salvo penetrated the top of the ship, exiting the bow. The cruiser broke formation, listing, dead in space. The geth frigates were destroyed after a single pass of the other ships.

The second cruiser was able to react, wildly firing a salvo of energy pulses that managed to graze the Iwo Jima. Combined fire from the Normandy and the Marathon cut through it's Kinetic Barriers effortlessly, sending chunks of the hull flying into space. A second pass by the Iwo Jima hit something volatile, the cruiser exploding.

'Targets neutralized. Iwo Jima is reporting minor damage.' Normandy announced.

'Back on target then. Time to drop point is 190 seconds. Second Geth patrol moving to investigate, we'll be done and gone by the time they figure out what happened.'

The pack moved back into formation, heading for the nebula. Normandy veered and entered the nebula itself. Marathon and Iwo Jima stayed out of it, holding position.

'Drop point in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. drop.' Shepard ordered.

'Package away. Rocket ignition confirmed, TTT is 20 seconds. Making maneuvers.' Normandy announced.
The Normandy flipped, making speed and leaving the nebula in seconds. The Iwo Jima and Marathon moved back into formation, the frigates making emergency speed away from the nebula.

The Nebula brightened, then darkened, then exploded. The flash was over in an instant, leaving nothing but debris.

'The Geth facility is totally destroyed. Mission accomplished.' Normandy announced.

'End simulation, disengage Combat System.' Shepard ordered.

"Good job all around. Send my regards to the other crews." Shepard stated.

"Marathon is requesting a comm channel Commander." Normandy informed.

"Put them through Normandy." Shepard replied.

"Commander Shepard, let's hope it goes as smoothly during the real operation." Commander Stapleton said.

"With any luck it will. I want to run the drill twice more, give your crews some more time with the ICS. Departure time is tentatively set for 1800 today. We'll run another drill in ten minutes." Shepard responded.

"My crew will be ready. Stapleton out." The channel closed.

"Inform the Iwo Jima that we'll be running another drill in 10." Shepard ordered.

"Doing so now Commander." Pressly replied.

"Good." Shepard said.

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INF Normandy, Arcturus System, 1820, April 1st, 2193.

"The pack is in formation, entering relay in 5." Pressly announced.

Shepard sat back in the command chair, studying the galaxy map.

"Relay activated, we are in transit. Iwo Jima and Marathon are in formation." Pressly informed.

"Transit time to 441 X/O?" Shepard asked.

"Estimated time is 14 hours Commander, ETA 0815 tomorrow." The Navigator answered.

"Very well. You have the bridge X/O, I'll be in my quarters." Shepard said.

-------------------------

As Shepard entered his quarters he saw Natalya laying on his bed. She looked up as he came in.

"I figured you'd be in the armory, going over the weapons with Jenkins for the 5th time today." He said.

"I would be, but I think he's ready to lock me out of the armory. I just feel useless like this." She replied.

"Ah, the age old problem of a Marine, keeping yourself occupied between battles. Don't feel useless though, pet, I've heard how much of a help you were with the refitting." Shepard stated.

"I'd still prefer some action." She said, sitting up.

Shepard chuckled, "I have the feeling we shall soon have as much action as we can take. Don't worry about that."

"Let's hope so. It's been almost three weeks since I've gotten to kill something." Natalya replied.

"A bloodthirsty mate, what more could I ask for." Shepard said.

"Several bloodthirsty mates?" Natalya suggested.

"And now I remember why I fell for you." He responded, laying on the bed, taking her in his arms.
Sleep soon claimed them both.

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End of Chapter Nine.