Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

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

A/N: I did not forget to actually upload this chapter until an hour after I had changed the description to include it, ignore the man behind the curtain. There are no crusader tanks in Baghdad.


Imperial Glory Chapter Twelve: Rescue of a wounded world, Part the Second.

'This means normal thoughts.'
This means an AI construct communicating.
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Ujon Industrial District, 1350 Hours. April 4th, 2193.

"Wrex, more covering fire dammit!" Shepard ordered.

He heard weapons fire over the comm, "We're busy Shepard, half a dozen hoppers.. DAMMIT!"

Shepard looked over at Tali, "They're busy, snap a volley off."

The pair were pinned down in a small alcove across from the alley from the building the rest of the squad was in. Tali leaned around the corner, snapping off three quick shots from her photon carbine, before ducking back in to avoid the return fire. "What now?" She asked.

"Cover me." Shepard ordered.

He coalesced a barrier, moving out into the alley. As the Geth came into view he opened fire with his heavy repeater, downing three of them with a long burst. Tali's fire downed two more quickly, a third fell to her carbine, but not before it got a rocket off at Shepard.

He lowered his repeater for a moment, bringing his left hand up and hitting the rocket with a burst of biotic force, throwing it back into the remaining Geth. Another burst of biotic force and two more shots from Tali and the Geth were neutralized.

"Area clear for now. Wrex, how's it going in there?" Shepard asked over the comm.

"We got them Shepard, your guide took a hell of a hit though, I don't think he'll make it." Wrex replied.

"Liara checking him over?" Shepard asked.

"I am Commander. He took many pulse blasts to the torso, I give him ten minutes, Medi-Gel won't help." Liara replied.

Shepard switched channels, "Levar, copy."

"Levar copies Commander." The Gunboat responded.

"Update that transport order, we need a Medevac aswell." Shepard stated.

"Updated Commander, there is a Medevac with the transports, linking you into their comms. Levar on station."

There was a pause as the channel shifted.

"IMG 'Jackson', Commander Erikson of the 117th speaking. We are 4 minutes out from your position Commander Shepard."

"Glad to hear it Erikson. You'll have to drop a basket down, we've got wounded." Shepard replied.

"Understood. Be advised, we're reading Geth dropships inbound to your position, I'm ordering my interceptors to doubletime it." Erikson stated.

"Thank you. Shepard out." He turned to Tali, "News just keeps getting better and better. Come on."

Tali followed Shepard back into the building, they saw Wrex and Liara coming down the stairs.

"Where's Nikos?" Shepard asked.

"Gone." Liara said simply.

"Damn. He'll be remembered. The 117th MAS will be here in 2 minutes, they're currently engaging some Geth dropships near us." Shepard informed.

"What's the plan?" Wrex asked.

"Tali's got the coordinates for the Old City entrance, we have to get to that beacon first. We'll have the squadron take us there." Shepard replied.

"It won't be easy. The Old City is a ridiculous labyrinth of ruins and wrecked buildings. Without someone who knew the area before the bombing I'm not sure we can find it." Tali stated.

"We'll have to find another guide." Wrex said.

"That won't be easy. Nothing's ever simple is it." Shepard stated in a resigned tone.

"Killing's simple. Everything else isn't. By my reckoning we're still ahead a point." Wrex commented.

Shepard let out a laugh, "I like that Wrex. Look's like our ride is here."

Shepard's comm activated, "Commander Shepard, Chief Arminus, lowering the basket now, will you need assistance for your wounded?"

"Negative Chief, no wounded anymore. We're coming." Shepard answered.

"Understood Commander." Chief Arminus responded.

"Come on squad, we've still got alot of work left." Shepard ordered.

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

"Welcome aboard Commander, Commander Erikson is on the bridge and awaiting further orders." Chief Arminus informed them as the bay doors sealed.

"Thanks Chief. Tali, come on, you two stay put." Shepard ordered.

They made their way through the cramped interior of the Gunboat onto the bridge, Erikson was standing in the middle of the room, barking out orders.

"Missile batteries target the dropships, order the Levar to cover our Valkyries as they make their run."

One of the crewmen seated at a console on the right spoke up, "The Ave Rio is reporting another two Geth frigates moving on our position."

"Have the D.P.'s head them off, where is that attack wing?" Erikson ordered.

"The Crimson Wolves have engaged them 40 miles out, they are reporting the fight is going well." The crewman stated.

Shepard cleared his throat.

"Commander, didn't notice you. Things are hectic right now, what are your orders?" Erikson asked, still reading the sensors.

“We need to get to the southside of the city, the Veral warehouse.” Shepard replied.

“There are Geth swarming over that area, several companies of armor and multiple infantry platoons. Helm, set our heading, get us over there.” Erikson ordered, “Comm, signal the 02, 03, and 04, I want a full landing grid clear of enemies by the time we get there.”

“Warhogs and Auroras acknowledge, the Hellfire’s are making their run now” The Comm crewman informed.

“Ever seen a group of Auroras make a bombing run Commander?” Erikson asked.

“Never had the pleasure.” Shepard responded.

“Link the vid screen into the Hellfire’s optics.” Erikson ordered.

The screen switched from the overhead view of Ujon to the baycam of Hellfire-1, the Aurora medium-bombers were coming in low over the city to minimize anti-air fire. A section of the screen was enhanced suddenly, several of the Geth armor units coming into view, designated with pulsing red triangles.

“This is Hellfire-1, starting attack run. Let it rain!” The baycam swiveled as they began flying over the Geth forces, bombs releasing. The ‘Lasereye’ Plasma Bombs locked in on the Geth targets, gliding to their targets and detonating directly overhead. The Geth armor was decimated, each bomb had a blast radius of 500’, the bombs from the squadron tore through the entire area, leveling buildings surrounding the Geth.

“Geth armor companies 3 through 8 destroyed. Hellfires moving for a second pass. If you Warhogs want a piece of this action you better move.” Hellfire-1 jeered.

“Corsicans are beginning attack run, SLAM missiles away, guns firing.” Another Pilot stated.

"Is that William?" Shepard asked.

"William Shepard, my best pilot. Your brother right?" Erikson replied.

"Yes, one of my younger brothers." Shepard said.

"I didn't know you had a brother." Tali said.

Shepard looked at her, "Three of them, I just assumed you knew that we.. nevermind, I'll explain some other time. I didn't know he transferred to the Sixth Fleet."

There was a pause, “Corsican-1 to ‘Jackson’, area is clear, repeat, area is clear of enemy forces. Kill count is at 48 armor, 574 infantry, log it.”

Shepard looked over at Erikson and winked. Erikson nodded, opening the comm.

"Always got to show off Billy?" Shepard asked.

"John? Hot damn, I didn't think I'd get to meet you down here. Impressive wasn't it?" William Shepard replied.

"It was. Stick around, might need that kind of light show again. Let's catch up after we kick the Geth's synthetic asses all the way back to Perseus." Commander Shepard responded, grinning.

"Sounds like a plan Brother. Corsicans are taking an overwatch position, Corsican-1 out, Give em' hell!" The channel closed.

"We're over the dropsite Commander." Erikson informed him.

"Good. We'll head down in a moment, I want the 117th to keep a holding position here, keep our 6's clear of enemies. I need a secure comm-set." Shepard replied.

Erikson nodded, "The secure comm room is through the corridor, 1st door on the right."

Shepard and Tali entered the small comm room, the operator there acknowledged them.
"Link me to Admiral Kahoku then clear the room." Shepard ordered.

"Line to the Protector is open sir." The technician stated, getting up and leaving the room.

"Admiral, this is Commander Shepard, how's the space battle going?" Shepard started.

"Shepard, glad to hear from you. It's all over but the victory dance up here, the Geth brought in another wave of Dreadnoughts after you landed, but we outclassed them with our INSDs easily. Our Supercarriers are supporting the ground fight now, what's your situation?" Kahoku asked.

"We've found out the Geth are searching for a buried Prothean Beacon, it was apparently in the Camala Museum before the First Contact War, they think it's still intact. I'm going to try to get there before them. Admiral, if necessary I may need to call for a Protocol-4." Shepard replied.

"Understood Commander. The Protector will be in position. I will let the Duchess know of the situation and have ground forces cordon off the city." Kahoku responded.

"Thank you Admiral. Shepard out."

"You really think a Protocol-4 will be necessary?" Tali asked.

"I hope not, but I will not allow the Geth that beacon. Come on, let's link up with the others and head down." Shepard replied.

The intercom activated, "Commander, transmission incoming for you, I'm having it patched in." Erikson stated.

"Commander, this is Natalya." The comm rang out.

"Good to hear your voice darling, what's going on?" Shepard asked.

"The FOB was overrun, we barely made it out. Landers from the Sixth Fleet are carrying us back to Primus, should we reroute to you?" Natalya responded.

"Do so, we might need the firepower of both squads for this op. Did anyone else make it out of the FOB?" Shepard replied.

There was a pause before she answered, "We are on our way, ETA is 4 minutes. Yes, most of the Black Eagles and some Irregulars made it out."

"Check with them and see if anyone is familiar with Ujon from before the First Contact War, if you find someone grab them and bring them with you." Shepard ordered.

"Affirmative Commander, Natalya out."

"Now let's head down to the ground." Shepard stated.

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Veral Square, Ujon. 1445 Hours.


"This place was hit hard." Wrex observed once they were on the ground.

"Imperial Warhogs will do that to a place. Let's check out the remains of the warehouse." Shepard ordered.

The building had been gutted by a SLAM missile, one wall was still standing, but the rest of the warehouse was scattered in pieces, and some areas were still burning.

"Fan out, look for any access to a lower level." Shepard ordered.

The team broke apart, searching through the debris. Shepard's comm beeped, "Commander, this is Natalya. We've landed. One of the Irregulars is familiar with the Old Town, we're bringing her."

"Good, we're in the remains of the Veral warehouse, meet us here." Shepard ordered.

"Any luck yet?" He asked the squad.

Wrex moved a huge slab of material near the remaining wall, revealing a hatch, "Commander, I've found the access."

"Good work, now we wait for Bravo." Shepard said.

Bravo Squad entered the warehouse a moment later, Shepard sighted Natalya in the lead, Jenkins, Shiala, and another Batarian following. "Commander, reporting as ordered." Natalya greeted.

"Report." Shepard replied.

"Lieutenant Alenko, Chief Williams and Spectre Nihlus are at Primus, they sustained injuries and will not be able to fight, but they will survive. This is Irregular Sarova Larra, of Ujon." Natalya explained.

"Spectre Shepard, it is an honor. I am one of the few who have explored Old City since it was supposed to be sealed off, I shall assist you with whatever you require." Larra stated.

"Good to have you onboard Larra, we need to find the Camala Museum." Shepard said.

"The Museum is one of the few buildings that survived the bombing intact, it is rather easy to find, provided you know the way. We should be able to get there in under an hour from this access point." Larra finished.

"No time to waste, let's go." Shepard ordered.

The hatch opened to a ladder, they climbed down over 70 feet before hitting the bottom.

"This is the start of the tunnels, we take that one for several hundred feet before we reach the Old City streets." Larra informed.

"Larra, Natalya, on point with me. Wrex, Jenkins, pull up the rear. Move out." Shepard ordered.
The tunnel was decently wide, large enough for a group of armored soldiers to walk through easily but not wide enough for a vehicle.

"Larra, anything else we should know about this area?" Shepard asked.

"Old City is not nearly as sealed off as the Lords of Ujon would like to believe, we often saw packs of Varren and other predators native to Camala, and there have been scattered sightings of Vorcha. The dangerous problem is a population of escaped iyegi. We were occasionally attacked by them." Larra answered.

"Fragging iyegi. I HATE iyegi." Jenkins growled.

"I've never heard of these iyegi." Shiala said.

"They're a prey species, like the Elcor. They look kind of like a very short, frail human with orange skin. They're one of the more common species in the Terminus Systems. Batarians like enslaving them for manual labor, about all a prey species is good for." Shepard explained.

"More trouble than they're worth." Tali stated.

"No arguments here. Alright, we're out of the tunnel, which way Larra?" Shepard asked.

"Toward that round building 500 yards in the distance." She replied.

Shepard zoomed in, scanning over the area. It was a surprisingly open area, "Natalya, use your VLRM and sweep the area."

She nodded, shouldering the large rifle and looking over the area, "Commander, left side of the building."

Shepard zoomed on that area, there was a large group of Geth there, and a pair of Krogan watching over some iyegi, apparently trying to pry a door open.

"Hrm, guess they don't have any breaching charges. Natalya, Larra, Shiala, cover us. The rest of you, CHARGE!" Shepard ordered, and began running toward the enemy.

His powered servos kicked in, he was clipping along at 50mph. The others trailing him at a good distance. His HUD registered as Natalya picked off the Krogan then started shooting the Geth.

As the Geth started firing at him, he spotted an opportunity, sliding his repeater back into it's cradle. 10 yards away from the enemy, he coalesced a barrier. Gathering Biotic energy, he leapt across the distance, slamming into one of the Geth Primes, forcing it to the ground. He released the energy, the force smashed into the Geth, shredding them into pieces. The iyegi closest to him were liquefied. The Prime he had been grappling was vaporized.

'All enemies eliminated Commander. I have made a sensor log of that Biotic explosion, I believe it is one of the strongest ever measured.' Wilco stated.

'I didn't know I was capable of that much. The Amp must be fully adjusted and my nerves healed by now.' Shepard thought.

'Actually, if I am reading your biosensors correctly, the Amp is not fully integrated with your nervous system yet. By my calculations you are at 70% of potential ability.' Wilco explained.

'This is going to take some getting used to.' Shepard thought with a grin, getting up.

"Commander, you alright? What the hell was that?" Wrex asked as they reached him.

Tali sprinted up behind him, looking around at the carnage, "Looks like soup."

Shepard started laughing, "That was a Biotic explosion."

"Wow. Commander, that was... I've never seen a Biotic do that before." Shiala stated, walking up.

"I'll remember that trick. Larra, where's the museum?" Shepard asked.

"We're about half a mile from it, this building was an old municipal center. I wonder why the Geth were trying to enter it." Larra replied.

"We can figure that out later. Let's move." Shepard ordered, taking point.

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

'Motion detected ahead Commander, a decent number. Around that corner on the left.' Wilco informed.

"Movement on the other side of this building, let's hit them." Shepard ordered.

He tilted his head at Tali. She moved forward, tossing a plasma grenade around the corner, half a dozen iyegi screeched, running into the Squad's line of fire, and were cut down.

'Clear.' Wilco stated.

"That's all of them. Keep your guard up, iyegi are stupid and easily panicked, but if they get close you're in for a world of hurt." Shepard ordered.

"Up there, that building up ahead is the museum." Larra stated.

Shepard and Natalya scanned over the building.

"Looks clear.. let's go, we might be ahead of the Geth." Shepard stated.

"Commander, if we get to the beacon before them, what are we going to do?" Liara asked.

"We're taking no chances, I'll use the beacon then we'll destroy it." Shepard replied.

"It is unfortunate, but necessary." Liara agreed.

"Jenkins, Shiala, check those big doors." Shepard ordered as the reached the steps of the museum. The building was huge, a pyramid shape. The doors were large doubles, some kind of reinforced metal.

"They're locked Commander, we'll need to use an Infernium charge to get in." Jenkins said.

"Set it up. Tali, rig up a trap once we get inside." Shepard ordered.

"With pleasure." She replied.

"Stand clear." Jenkins stated, detonating the Infernium charge.

The charge ignited, Shepard's visor auto-darkening as it ashed the reinforced doors.
Larra moved forward, peering inside, "The building is still intact, come on we can--" Pulse fire raked her body, sending her flying.

"And we're 0-2 on native guides. Wrex, Tali on me." Shepard ordered, coalescing a barrier and rushing into the fray.

Shepard spotted a full dozen Geth inside the entrance area, firing his repeater and taking down a pair. He absorbed their pulse and M/A fire with ease. Tali and Wrex entered behind him, sending Plasma and Photon blasts into the enemy.

There was a curving staircase heading to an upper level, he spotted another squad of Geth moving into the room. He charged his biotics, flinging two of the Geth into the new squad, the force neutralizing several of them. Wrex and Tali finished off the rest as he fired into the remains of the new squad.

"Area clear." He announced.

The rest of the squad entered. Shepard turned to Liara, "Larra?"

"The Pulse fire cut through her armor completely, she is dead." Liara replied.

"I figured that. Anyone have a clue where the beacon would be?" Shepard asked.

"I would imagine the Batarians were studying it intensely, I would assume it is in a lab, probably on a lower, secured level." Liara offered.

"Good call. Forget the trap. That looks like a maintenance corridor over there, let's head that way." Shepard ordered.

They entered the corridor, it stretched into a tunnel, he could see several access points further down.

'Jamming detected.' Wilco informed.

"This is the right way, they're jamming us." Shepard stated.

"Commander, the sign ahead over that door, it says lower level access." Natalya stated.

Shepard looked, the tunnel ended a short way ahead another pair of reinforced double doors with a sign in Batarian hanging above. "Jenkins." Shepard simply said.

Jenkins nodded, moving ahead, checking the door.

"It's open Commander." He announced.

"Another ambush maybe. I'll take a look." Shepard stated.

He moved forward, sliding one of the doors open a tinge, no shots coming from inside. He saw several pieces of Geth equipment hooked up to what appeared to be a cargo elevator.

"Looks like the Geth got an elevator working. Come on, let's use it." Shepard ordered.

Tali moved onto the platform, "Commander, they've got access to the secure levels. Looks like the code-lock has been overridden." She stated.

"That works then, no telling how this platform opens up, ring it." Shepard ordered.

The squad took up position. They each had their back to one another, weapons at the ready.
The elevator lurched to life, lowering down.

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

'How far down are we Wilco?' Shepard asked his AI.

'350 Feet and descending, but the platform is slowing.' Wilco replied.

"Almost there Squad, stay sharp." Shepard ordered.

He coalesced a barrier, seeing Liara, Shiala and Wrex do the same.

The shaft opened up, the platform hitting bottom. The squad did a sweep, the room was clear.

"Interesting." Shepard commented, walking over to the only set of doors in the room, another
pair of reinforced doubles. Finding it unlocked, he opened it, a featureless, well lit corridor stretched along, another set of doors at the end.

"Squad form up." Shepard ordered, and they began walking down the corridor.

The doors slid open as the squad reached them, revealing at least 30 Geth and a pair of Krogan set up in defensive positions, weapons at the ready.

"About time you showed up Shepard, for a moment I thought I wouldn't have the pleasure of gutting you myself." One of the Krogan spoke.

Shepard calmly walked into the room, "Have we met?"

"You don't know me, but I know you. Just another overblown arrogant human." The Krogan spat.

"I'll rip your flesh from your bones before I kill you, traitor!" Wrex growled.

"I think your hump will make a good trophy." The Krogan replied.

Shepard held up a hand, silencing Wrex's retort. "So, is this the part where you start twirling your mustache and reveal all the details of your plan before attempting to kill us in an elaborate and unnecessarily complicated manner?" He asked.

"No. This is where I tell you you have failed. We have the Beacon, it's being loaded into a civilian ship hidden in the city above as we speak. You humans seem to have a soft spot for civilians, and tend not to attack them, it's the perfect escape. Now I'll give you one chance, surrender. Saren would like you alive." The Krogan demanded.

Shepard closed his eyes, bracing himself.

'Activating comm beacon.' Wilco informed.

Shepard gritted his teeth, feeling the quantum transmission feeding from both his suits power core and his own bio-energy.

"Can't deal with your fate human? Pitiful." The Krogan said.

His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with a blue light, "My fate isn't what I would be worried about." Shepard said mockingly.

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INSD 'Protector', Camala Orbit. 1530 Hours.


"Admiral, Attack Group 12 reports the last Geth Dreadnought has been destroyed, their fourth wave has been annihilated."

Admiral Kahoku nodded, "Have them pull back to a picket position, the Geth might throw another fleet at us. Gods only know why, they keep getting destroyed."

"Admiral, we're receiving a transmission from the planet." Comm Officer Takei spoke, "Quantum signature, it bears Commander Shepard's personal Auth code. Nothing else."

Kahoku closed his eyes, "Gunnery, bring up a Protocol-4 firing solution for Ujon."

"Firing Solution locked in Admiral." Chief Gunnery Officer Paulson responded.

"Protector, raze the city." Kahoku ordered.

"Firing Gauss Cannons. Let the city be cleansed of the enemy with Holy Fire and Righteous Fury!" The AI exclaimed.

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Camala Museum Secure Level, Ujon Old City. 1534 Hours.


The shockwave of the first explosions was felt even nearly 500 feet underground.
Shepard smirked, seeing the look on the face of the traitorous Krogan.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?" The Krogan demanded.

"Don't you know? I thought you were one step ahead of me." Shepard mocked.

"You will pay for this! Kill him, kill the--" He was cut short as a Photon blast from Tali took his head off.

Shepard, Wrex and Jenkins absorbed the pulses from Geth weapons, returning fire with Plasma bursts and biotic powers.

Shiala and Liara charged their biotics, coalescing a very strong singularity behind the Geth.

Tali pulled a plasma charge from her pack, setting it for detonation and throwing it into the fray.

The resulting explosion tore through the swirling vortex of Geth and Krogan, ripping them apart efficiently and totally.

"Very, very nice people. Now I we need to find some way t..." Shepard trailed off, collapsing.

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INSD Protector Medical Ward, Private Room, Camala Orbit. 0715 Hours, April 5th, 2193.


'Commander?' Wilco asked tentatively.

Shepard opened his eyes, looking around. He was in a Medical Ward, looked like a private room, he could feel the hum of the ship, definitely a SuperDreadnought.

'Well this is expected. I seem to get knocked out everytime the word 'Prothean Beacon' is mentioned. How long this time?' Shepard asked his AI.

'Nearly 16 hours.' Wilco replied.

'Figures, warn me next time we do that. I had forgotten how much the Quantum Beacon drained from me.' Shepard thought.

"Ship?" He asked.

"Spectre Shepard, I am glad you are awake. I am the INSD Protector. I shall inform the Medical Officer and the Admiral that you are awake. Would you like me to inform your team aswell? They are onboard." Protector responded.

"Please do, thank you Protector." Shepard replied.

Shepard got up, setting the bioscanner to standby. Entering the small head he found a clean uniform hanging behind the door. After taking a moment to wash up, he changed into the uniform, finding his sidearm, backup, and dagger in a pack with the belt. Sliding them into their respective places, he slid the uniform jacket on and walked back into the room, seeing Admiral Kahoku and a Quarian in Medical Garb waiting.

"Admiral." Shepard greeted, snapping a salute instinctively.

Kahoku returned it, "You know you don't have to do that anymore Shepard. Good to see you up and moving, your people have been worried about you."

"Habit Admiral. Thanks for the fireworks down there." Shepard replied.

"You're welcome Shepard. Your squad informed us of the situation, the ship didn't even get off the ground before the bombing started, and we're absolutely certain nothing survived. I'm sure you want to see your squad, I had them wait in the Senior Officer's mess." Kahoku stated.

"Thank you Admiral, Doctor, am I cleared?" Shepard asked.

He nodded, "You are cleared. I was going to suggest you head straight for food anyway, just take it easy Commander, you used a ridiculous amount of energy yesterday, from both the transmitter and your Biotics, it will take atleast a day for your levels to normalize."

"I will Doctor, thanks." Shepard replied.

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

"So no word from Arcturus yet?" Shepard asked as they walked.

"No, there's a general comm blackout. We haven't even been able to report to Citadel Station for hours." Kahoku replied.

"Admiral, we are receiving a priority message from Citadel Station, secure frequency." Protector informed.

"I need to get to the secured comm room, I'll meet you in the mess shortly Shepard." Kahoku said.

"Alright Admiral, I'm sure I can find my way." Shepard replied.

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Senior Officer's Mess, INSD Protector.


As soon as Shepard entered the mess he was tackled by two masses of Batarian and Quarian, Natalya and Tali greeting him forcefully.

"Hey girls, miss me?" Shepard managed to squeeze out.

"We were worried." Natalya replied.

"I'm fine, just pushed a tad further than I should have. Now let me go, I need food." Shepard told them.

"He's fine." Tali announced with a smirk.

Shepard put an arm around each of them as they walked over to the long table where the rest of his squad was standing, along with William.

"Morning everyone, sorry to keep you waiting." Shepard said.

William walked upto him and they clasped arms, "It's good to see you again brother."

Shepard grinned, throwing his arm around the younger man, "Damn good to see you Billy."

After they separated John flopped into a seat, waving at one of the servers to bring food.

"I assume you've all been getting acquainted while I was out?" He asked.

"Just for the last couple of hours, we stayed with you until the doctors forced us out." Tali explained, sitting on his left, as Natalya sat on his right.

The food came, John looked at his plate, eggs, fried potatoes, bacon and sausage rolls. "You didn't threaten him or anything?" He asked.

"Natalya decided we shouldn't do anything untoward on Admiral Kahoku's ship." Tali said teasingly.

John watched Natalya's reaction with amusement, as she cocked her head at Tali for a moment, then looked down and started in on the meal.

He held an arm up, causing her to halt and look at him questioningly.

"First thing's first, you bring it?" John asked Billy.

The younger man smirked, "Of course I brought it." Picking a satchel up off the floor, he pulled out a large, clear bottle of orange liquid and tossed it at John, who caught it easily, then started pulling small tumblers out of the satchel, setting them on the table.

John stood, "You're all lucky, you are about to participate in one of the oldest traditions of House
Shepard." He stated, tossing the bottle back to the younger Shepard.

Billy began filling the tumblers, and related the tale, "Since the earliest days of our House, we have always been warriors, serving the Empire on battlefields far and wide. We always bring a bottle of Citrol to remind us of home, whenever we meet another of our blood the bottle is opened and shared among ourselves, our retainers, allies, friends and mates." He finished, passing the glasses around.

John picked up his tumbler, raising it in a toast, "Blood, Empire, and gold."

"Blood, Empire, and gold." Billy, Natalya and Tali intoned.

He was filled with a sense of pride at that, his mates understanding Terran protocol and joining in the traditional toast.

"Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I'm starving." John said, sitting back down, "Word of caution, eat something before drinking any Citrol, it packs a punch." He said to his mates, before digging into his food.

He downed the plate quickly, signaling for another to be brought.

As it was brought to him, Billy chuckled, "I see some things never change."

"Comforting isn't it?" John replied, quickly finishing off the second plate, "Alright, I'm not going to collapse now, get me updated."

"Ujon has been turned into a crater, but all Geth forces on the planet and in the system have been destroyed. Several Geth Cruisers were boarded and have been seized. The Batarian 4th Auxiliary has been gutted, casualties are estimated at 80%, the dreadnoughts 'Zoya' and 'Avara' were both lost. Casualties on the planet are estimated to be at nearly 20 million, soldiers and civilians. A full Imperial Attack Wing, and 20 capital ships were also lost. Four full Geth fleets, and most of another have been logged as destroyed." Tali informed.

"I think we can log that into the victory column. Never thought I'd be the one to order Ujon razed for a second time, but stranger things will happen before this is all over with I think. What happened at the outpost?" John asked.

Natalya spoke, "The Geth hit us shortly after you left. I split the squad to cover all sides, and took up an overwatch position in the central tower. They attacked north, then east before making a final push and overwhelming the defensive lines. They dropped several armored and infantry units onto us, but we were able to hold out until reinforcements arrived and we were evacuated. Alenko, Williams and Nihlus were hit by rockets during the evacuation, and had to be medevaced to Primus. That's when we heard from you again." She finished.

"Sounds like it was more fun than what we had. We got mauled by Husks all along the length of the tunnel system." John said.

"Most of the time I envy you groundpounders, but I hate those fragging Husks. I can't imagine fighting one in CQB." Billy said.

"Someone's got to pull our butts out of the fire when we need it anyway." John replied.

"Commander Shepard, Admiral Kahoku requests your presence in his stateroom, it is urgent." Protector announced.

"Let him know I'm on my way Protector." John said, "I'll be back shortly."

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Fleet Admiral Kahoku's Stateroom, INSD Protector.


"Admiral." Shepard greeted as he entered the stateroom.

Kahoku was standing on the far side of the room, gazing out the simulated windows. He looked grave.

"Commander, I just got the reports from Arcturus." The Admiral stated, turning to him.

"How did they fare?" Shepard asked.

"Pretty well, all things considered. They lost two cargo stations and a refit yard, but the attackers were wiped out. The Inquisition is investigating." Kahoku explained.

'That sounds ominous.' Wilco commented.

'Agreed.' Shepard thought, then asked the Admiral, "What happened?"

"The defense grid was sabotaged." Kahoku turned back toward the screens before continuing, "There is strong evidence it was Cerberus."

Shepard closed his eyes, cursing silently, "Just what we need right now."

"We also received a package of orders for you, they're on the desk." Kahoku said.

Shepard walked over to the desk, running his palm over the data pad, uploading them to his Neural Net.

'Information concerning the Cerberus involvement, an updated dossier on the group, and orders to contact High Terra as soon as possible.' Wilco informed him.

"If you'll excuse me Admiral I need to head to a secured comm room." Shepard stated.

"Of course Commander." Kahoku replied.

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Secured Comm Room 4, INSD Protector.

"Protector, seal the room please." Shepard asked.

"Sealed Commander, sensors on standby." The Ship's AI responded.

"Get me a line to Terra, code 447, Auth: romeo delta nine two." Shepard ordered.

"Channel opened Commander." Protector replied.

The vid screen came on, showing the visage of Captain of the Guard Wolfsblood, "Lord Shepard. The Empress is expecting your comm, patching you through."

"Thank you Clovis." Shepard replied.

The view switched over to the Empress's private office, he saw Inquisitor Dalton there as well.

"Cousin Shepard it is good to see you well in the face of this grave news." Sativia greeted.

"And grave it is. Cerberus is farther reaching than we had known. There will be much blood spilled over this." Dalton stated.

"How bad is it?" Shepard asked.

"We don't know yet. Lowborns are rioting throughout Western Europe and The Desert Country. House Guards are taking care of them for now, they've been agitated though, there's no doubt about it." Dalton replied.

"I would prefer not to have to resort to extreme measures, but I fear this is far from the worst. Cerberus has obviously been planning this for some time, and now they strike when we are in a war for the survival of the entire galaxy. Protocols will be followed." Sativia stated.

"What about the Turians?" Shepard asked.

"They are going to be taken care of uniquely." Sativia said with a smile that chilled his bones.

She continued, "Cousin, you are to return to Arcturus. A grand plan will be unveiled there. We will speak when you arrive."

Shepard placed his fist across his chest, "By your orders my Empress."

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Senior Officer's Mess, INSD Protector.

As John reentered the Mess, he saw his squad waiting.

Tali noticed his stance first, "John, what's going on?"

"We're being recalled to Arcturus again, the Empress's orders." He answered.

Natalya cocked her head at him, "It's more than that, what's wrong."

John looked around, making sure the room was clear of anyone but his people and Billy, "Protector, seal the room, my authority."

"Done Commander." The AI announced.

"Not a single word of what I'm about to tell you leaves this room." John stated unequivocally.

"This is going to be horrible, I need another drink." Billy said.

John took a seat, "The defense grids at Arcturus were sabotaged before the attack, that's how the traitorous Attack Wing was able to do so much damage. It was Cerberus." He finished, allowing his words to sink in.

The reactions were severe. The Non-Humans looked confused at his words, while the Humans reacted with anger.

Billy crushed the tumbler he was holding with his bare hand, "Cerberus?" He asked in a low voice.

"Alot of people are going to die." Jenkins said gravely.

Alenko looked like he was about to explode, but stayed silent.

"Cerberus. I don't believe it." Williams stated.

"What is Cerberus?" Tali asked.

Before John was even able to begin a reply Alenko stated, "They are evil, the remnants of everything that went wrong with Humanity over our history."

"They are a group of terrorists, traitors." Jenkins continued, "How bad is it?" He asked John.

"The lowborn are rioting in several areas on Terra. The Houses are taking care of it for now. They apparently have the support of elements in the former Council Races." John replied.

"Lowborn?" Shiala asked.

"A Human sub-species, more or less the Terran equivalent of a civilian." Tali answered.

"I don't understand." Liara said.

"Have you ever seen a Human that looked strange, shorter and smaller than the norm? That's a lowborn. They aren't gene-boosted, like those of us who serve. Nor do they have the improved genetics that Nobles do. They're what the average Human was like before the Grand Crusade. Most Humans working for alien corporations or mercenary commands are lowborn." Jenkins explained.

"I think I understand now. Cerberus is made up of them?" Liara asked.

"No Noble would ever hold with them. Cerberus exists to eradicate everything we true Humans have done. They haven't been active for almost a century though, why now?" Alenko said.

"Because we're in the middle of the biggest war we've ever seen. They've seen an opportunity and taken it. They want chaos more than anything, and they don't care how many die to get it. How's that old saying go?" Billy asked.

"Terra will be free of them when the last lowborn is strangled with the entrails of the last monotheist?" Jenkins offered.

"Yes, that one." Billy said, "Well, I guess we don't have time to catch up then Brother. I better get back to my unit, no telling what the orders will be."

"We need to get underway immediately anyway. Stay safe Billy." John replied.

Billy stepped close, "You do the same John. And keep these mates of yours safe too, Mother's going to love them." He finished before leaving.

"Protector, inform Admiral Kahoku that we're heading back to the Normandy." John asked.

"Doing so Commander. It was an honor assisting you, perhaps I will get the opportunity again in the future." The SuperDreadnought replied.

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INF Normandy, Camala Orbit.


"Commander, incoming transmission from the planet, it's Duchess Dakkat." Normandy informed him.

"Put her through Normandy." Shepard ordered.

The Duchess's voice came over the comm, "Spectre Shepard, I wanted to thank you before you left. You were instrumental in saving Camala."

"Thank you Duchess. I am sorry Ujon was razed again." He replied.

"It had to be done Shepard. We Batarians understand ends and means as well as our brothers. This is not the first time Camala has been devastated. We will rebuild, we always rebuild. We didn't bow to the Council, and we shall not bow to the Geth or these Reapers. Ever." She stated.

"That has never been in doubt. Thank you again Duchess, Shepard out." He finished, closing the channel.

"How long to Arcturus?" He asked Pressly.

"5 days Commander." The Navigator replied.

"Lay in the course then X/O." Shepard ordered.

"Course locked in, Iwo Jima and Marathon are in formation." Pressly responded.

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

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

Shepard was sitting in his quarters, reading over the Cerberus Dossier.

'It's amazing the reach Cerberus has. It appears they have coopted Turian and Salarian separatist movements.' Wilco observed.

'It appears so. I can't believe they've survived. My family came to prominence the last time they were active. We thought they had been beaten so hard they would just fade away.' Shepard thought.

'On the bright side, I'm sure after this we'll have the chance to finish the job properly this time around.' Wilco commented.

'Maybe. Jenkins was right though, a lot of people are going to die over this. I wonder how permanent a solution the Empress will go for.' Shepard replied.

'I doubt Empress Sativia would condone genocide. The Lowborn might simply be a distraction as well.' Wilco countered.

'I hope you're right Wilco. I hope you're right.' Shepard thought.

"John?" Tali called out.

He turned toward the door, seeing Tali and Natalya walking in, "Sorry, I was distracted. You two alright?"

"We were going to ask you the same question." Natalya replied.

"I, we were worried after the news today." Tali explained.

"Ah pets." John said, walking over to the bed and sitting down, gesturing them over.

They sat down, Tali on his right, Natalya on his left. He put his arms around them, holding them close.

"I'm fine. I was just shaken. Almost two full generations of my family died to put Cerberus down the last time they reared their ugly heads. That's how we won our status. The thought that fellow Humans, even lowborn could do something like this.." He trailed off.

"Alenko implied earlier that these lowborn were not 'true' Terrans, and Tali said that they are an actual sub-species of human. It seems that unlike we Batarians, where the low caste are there simply because of birth status, there is a reason they are considered separate and different." Natalya commented.

John closed his eyes, "We try to avoid that line of thinking. It can lead to things we Terrans don't hold with, like genocide."

Natalya leaned closer to him, turning his head so that they were nose to nose, "All I know is that I have served beside Humans for my entire career. I have seen many of your race, been friends and been known by a great number. No real Human would do such a thing. You are Honorable, Noble, Strong. Humans saved my race, even after we had attacked first you accepted us with open arms, when the Council turned on us you kept our people fed, you helped defend our worlds. Human gold and toil rebuilt Camala. Humans are the symbol of all that is right and good in this world."

"Things are rarely as simple as that." John said, while thinking that maybe things were that simple sometimes.

"Sometimes you Terrans forget how much the rest of the Imperial Races feel we owe you." Tali said, continuing, "The Batarians were a minor citadel race. We Quarians were exiles and outcasts, without a world to call our own. The Krogan were a dying race, looked at with hatred and distrust wherever they went. Humanity changed this, you brought justice and glory to us all. You came out of nowhere and defeated the entire Council, you Terrans act more like a force of nature than mere mortals."

John smiled, their words warming his very soul, "You're right. Sometimes we forget, and that's why you are around, to remind us of that, and our duty."

"Service is our calling, leadership is yours. I love you Johnathan Alexander Shepard, I love you because you're a Human. Your strength, your honor, your ability. You are the best Humanity can offer, the example for every sentient in the Empire to follow." She finished.

"That is how I feel, just as strongly." Natalya added.

John fell back onto the bed, pulling them down with him, "My mates. Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya and Natalya Barriskol, I love you both with every part of my being. When we get to Arcturus we're going to get married. We can have the ceremony later, but I want everyone to look at you both and know that you're mine, that you are Terrans." He said with a determination.

Tali looked almost radiant at that, "I've been waiting to hear those words from you for 5 years. I didn't take my proper name because yours was the only one I wanted, the only one that would feel right." She stated.

John crushed his lips to hers, pulling her on top of him as they kissed. He pulled her uniform top off, and then followed with his own.

Natalya brushed up against them, her hands slipping between their bodies and working on their belts. Tali pulled her head away from John for a moment, pressing her lips to Natalya's.

In between a flurry of kisses the three managed to disrobe, Natalya and Tali laying on the bed side by side, looking at John lustfully.

John positioned himself in between Tali's legs, leaning down and kissing her before rising back up, lining himself with her wet slit.

"Natalya, let Tali please you while I take her." John said.

"Yes, bring that pretty slit of yours over here Natalya." Tali growled out.

Natalya straddled Tali's face, settling her pale green vulva over the Quarian girl's mouth, as her tongues started licking over the sensitive flesh.

John watched as Natalya started moaning, Tali's passionate licking having an immediate effect.
He grinned and then thrust into Tali, the girl moaning in turn.

The three built up into a stead rythym, John hilting himself into Tali's warm, very tight tunnel and then drawing back until he was almost sliding out of her.

He leaned foward, pulling Natalya toward him and kissing her deeply, she responded happily, opening her mouth to him quickly.

Tali moved a hand up and started sliding her fingers into the other female, causing Natalya to buck down against her.

"I'm close." Natalya hissed into John's ear.

"Go ahead, let go pet. Come for her." John whispered to her.

That pushed her over the edge, with a cry Natalya came hard, slumping against John and drenching Tali's face with her copious juices.

"Oh Gods I needed that." She gasped out between breaths.

John kissed her forehead, "Good girl. Why don't you thank Tali." He suggested.

Natalya smiled, seeing the feral look in his eyes. She unstraddled Tali's head, moving up and leaning down, licking the girl's face clean of her own juices before kissing her deeply.

John smiled, focusing back on Tali he started thrusting harder and faster into her tunnel as she cried for more. He was close to spilling inside his wonderful mate.

Tali pulled him down to her, "Make me come, fill me with your seed." She almost begged.

"Oh darling." He managed to get out, sliding deep into her and releasing, coating her insides and triggering her own orgasm. With a cry her legs wrapped around his waist in a deathgrip, her tunnel clenching and convulsing around his manhood as he filled her to the brim.

After several moments he pulled out, collapsing onto the bed beside her.
"You are the most incredible females I've ever known." He said.

Natalya settled herself against him, "And you are the most wonderful male I've ever met. I'm sure Tali agrees, but she's already out." She said cheekily.

Tali had indeed already fell into the land of dreams, and the other two soon joined her.

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End of Chapter Twelve.