Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

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


Imperial Glory Chapter Eight: Downtime.


'these indicate normal thoughts'
This means an AI construct communicating
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INF Normandy, Dock 74, Arcturus Station. March 30th, 2193, 1100 hours.

Shepard was sitting in his darkened quarters, brooding. He thought over the events of the past two weeks.

The Normandy had been recalled to Arcturus by High Admiral Hackett two weeks ago. He had been called into a conference between the Fleet Admirals and Empress Sativia. That had not gone as well as one would hope...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arcturus Station, Office of the High Admiral, March 21st, 2193.

"Commander Shepard, come in. Your squad can stay in the anteroom while we talk." Hackett greeted.

"They all have the appropriate clearances on my authority Admiral, I'd prefer they stay with me." Shepard responded.

Hackett looked over them, an unusual crew in his opinion. A Quarian Princess, a Batarian Sniper, an Asari scientist and a Krogan Battlemaster. Hackett's first instinct was to say no, but the realization that he would need Shepard on his side shortly overruled that.

"Of course Commander. There's room for all of you, sit." Hackett requested.

Shepard and the squad sat. Shepard began, "Admiral, I assume the Normandy was recalled for a reason."

"Quite correct Commander. You've been busy lately, excellent work out there by the way, so I don't think you're aware of the happenings here on Arcturus. We've been pushing for an offensive into Geth space. Intelligence believes that a series of quick strikes could cripple the Geth's offensive capabilities. Empress Sativia and her advisors however, have been reluctant to authorize this." Hackett explained.

Shepard spoke, "Because of the Reaper threat."

Hackett nodded, "Yes, because of the possibility of these 'Reapers' entering the conflict."

Shepard was taken aback at Hackett's tone, "Surely you understand the potential threat the Reapers represent Admiral."

"Potential is the key word I understand Commander. The Reapers are a 'potential' threat. The Geth are a clear and present threat. A campaign to destroy their ability to attack us won't drain our defensive fleets that much. Especially with the intelligence you were able to acquire on Feros." Hackett stated.

"Obviously the Empress disagrees, and so do I. The Reapers are a threat we have to take seriously. We know virtually nothing about them except their favorite past time is wiping out galactic civilizations." Shepard replied.

Hackett sighed, "I understand the reasoning Commander, even if I don't agree with it. I suppose I can't count on your support for a strike into Geth territory? Oh well, the conference with the Empress is going to begin soon, we're both expected to be there."

"Lead the way Admiral." Shepard said, rising from his seat.

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

The conference room was large, but was empty except for several of Hackett's aides. With the Empire at war, the Fleet Admirals were all at their commands. They would be participating via encrypted vid communications.

The entire far wall was curved, and doubled as a vid screen. He could see some of the Fleet Commanders already connected. Fleet Admiral Kahoku, Fleet Admiral Helseth-Corvier, Fleet Admiral Halcyon, and Prince Taylor he recognized immediately. There were two human woman in Fleet Admiral uniforms he didn't know.

'Fleet Admiral Estella Gobriet, Commander Imperial Fourth Fleet on the right. Fleet Admiral Rachel Galveston, Commander Imperial Eighth Fleet on the left.' Wilco informed him as he and his squad sat down.

Another section of the vid screen lit up, showing a Quarian male in elaborate uniform.

"That's Grand Admiral Yallar'Rayya Vas Siiya, head of the Quarian state. My father." Tali told him.

Shepard turned to his left, "Are we just waiting on Empress Sativia now Admiral?" He whispered to Hackett.

"No, we're also waiting on Baron Delaft, leader of the Batarian Authority and High Admiral Nelissa, Commander of the Asari Sector Fleet." Hackett replied.

Two more sections turned on, showing a Batarian male in royal garb and an Asari in a asari provincial High Admiral's Uniform.

Shepard looked over the screen. From left to right: Fleet Admirals Kahoku, Corvier, Halcyon, Gobriet, Galveston, Prince Taylor and Admiral Vas Taylor, Grand Admiral Yallar'Rayya, Baron Delaft, High Admiral Nelissa. There was a large section in the middle apparently reserved for the Empress's broadcast.

Hackett looked up from the small computer console in front of him, "Here we go."

The middle section activated. Shepard saw the Empress, flanked by Khan Jeris and Inquisitor Dalton.

"My Empress." Hackett said, standing up.

"Officers and Officials of the Realm." Empress Sativia greeted, "Let us skip the pleasantries and move straight to the point. High Admiral Hackett, you may begin."

"Thank you Empress. Using the intelligence data Commander Shepard was able to retrieve on Feros we have been able to put together a strike plan that will minimize the impact on our defensive positions while still ensuring a high probability of success." Hackett explained.

"I have reviewed your plan High Admiral. 'Minimal' is far different from none. You propose stripping the Quarian home fleet of Battlecruisers and Assault Carriers while our space is under siege." Grand Admiral Yallar'Rayya responded.

"I understand your reluctance Grand Admiral, but we can have elements of the Fifth cover the positions left open. Quarian Battlecruisers and Assault Carriers have the highest battle endurance of any in the Empire, they are essential to our strategy." Hackett replied.

Fleet Admiral Halcyon spoke, "The Fifth is already stretched thin since the Turian Auxilia were called to the Geth front, we simply do not have the ships to cover Turian space and replace the positions in Quarian space."

Empress Sativia decided to head off a free for all, "Our fleets are stretched thin across the Empire until our reserve fleets are fully activated. The Ninth and Tenth Fleets will be at readiness within 2 months. Within 8 months we will have 16 Imperial Fleets active. Now is not the time to go on the offensive. The Imperial Fleets will continue to hold a defensive posture for now."

"My Empress, we have gained an incredible advantage with the intelligence data Commander Shepard retrieved. Ignoring the tactical advantage we have with this would be simply wasteful." Hackett pleaded.

"Spectre Shepard, do you agree?" Empress Sativia asked.

Shepard felt all the eyes in the room, real and virtual alike, on him. He sensed the decision would hinge on his words to the Empress. He considered what he should say.

"I do, to a certain extent. The intelligence data is a huge boon, we should use it. But it would be a mistake to over-extend ourselves when our enemy hasn't played their cards yet. A deep strike, a marauder fleet hitting supply depots or a strike group hitting marshalling yards should achieve a similar effect without reducing our defenses." Shepard finished.

"You have your orders then High Admiral. Put together a strike package like the Commander is suggesting, and I shall authorize it. This meeting is finished." The Empress stated.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INF Normandy, Dock 74, Arcturus Station. March 30th, 2193.

In the 9 days since then, they had been on station at Arcturus. Hackett had politely requested it without divulging a proper reason. In his darker moments, Shepard had considered the thought that Hackett was having him remain in retaliation for not endorsing his attack plan.

'If that was truly the case, you know you would simply leave. You're not under his authority anymore.' Wilco stated.

'True, true.' Shepard thought.

His mind soon turned to more personal, if not quite happier thoughts.

Liara and he had spoken quite abit since he had made the offer to her. But she hadn't given him any indication wether she had decided one way or the other. It was troubling, but he was comforted by the fact that they had found a friendly intimacy. She was truly a gifted woman, she had been pouring over the Prothean system list that Wilco had managed to save from his mind, working through stellar drift patterns to match the listings to known worlds.

Shepard checked the time on his neural net. Terran ships and installations went by Terran Standard Time, synchronized to the Terran Capital city of Jacksonville. 1935 hours.

He tapped the comm, "Shepard to armory."

"Armory here, what do you need John?" Tali asked.

He smiled, "I figured you'd be there. Grab Natalya and meet me in our quarters."

"We're on our way." Tali said as the line closed.

Shepard switched the comm, "Shepard to Medlab."

The comm was silent for a moment, he waited.

"Medlab here. I am sorry John, I was engrossed in my studies." Liara explained.

"Anything you can't leave?" Shepard asked.

"Well no, I suppose not. Why?" Liara inquired.

"Get cleaned up and meet us at the airlock in about half an hour. We're heading over to Arcturus." He replied.

"Alright John, I'll be there." Liara responded, closing the comm.

The door to his quarters slid open, Tali and Natalya walking in.

"Take a quick shower and change into clean uniforms, we're meeting Liara and heading over to the station in 25 minutes." He said, turning to them.

Tali perked up, "We're going to see the nightlife of Arcturus Station?"

Shepard smiled, "Something like that. Now get ready, and no fooling around."

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

25 minutes later they had both showered and changed into new uniforms. Shepard grabbed his uniform jacket and belt and they left, finding Liara waiting for them at the airlock.

"John, Tali, Natalya." She greeted.

"Liara. I'm glad you're coming with us." Tali responded.

"As am I." Natalya said.

Liara smiled, "Thank you. Where are we going?"

"You'll see. Let's go." Shepard said, opening the airlock.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arcturus Station, Blue Sector Entrance.

They left the elevator, going into a long corridor. There was a bulkhead door at the end, two armed guards standing in front.

"Is this where I think it is?" Tali asked.

"If you think this is Blue Sector, then yes." Shepard replied.

"What is Blue Sector?" Liara asked.

"Blue Sector is set up as a entertainment promenade for the Imperial Fleet, like Wards 4 and 5 on Citadel Station. Restaurants, Clubs, Inns, Taverns, even a market. Access is restricted, but it's open to any Imperial Noble in the armed forces." Tali eagerly explained.

"Pretty much. It was founded and is run by House Hackett. Inside, it matches more or less what you'd find in any Noble Quarter of a terran city. It's climate and gravity controlled to Terran standards. The food and drink is shipped from Terra and prepared to the highest of standards. It's the pinnacle of Terran luxury outside of a regional capital or Sol itself." Shepard responded.

"I've never been here before, this will be interesting." Liara said.

"Lord Shepard." One of the guards greeted, saluting.

They were noble guards, wearing the crest of House Hackett: A screaming eagle clutching a Nuclear ICBM. It was said the Hacketts traced their ancestry back to the Second World War.

"They're with me." Shepard said, gesturing to the women accompanying him.

"Very good sir. You're all cleared then. Enjoy your stay." The guard said, punching a code into the door panel.

The air changed as they walked into Blue Sector, thickening, the ambient temperature was a good 10 degrees higher than the rest of the station. The floor was a gray cobblestone, smoothed over near the edges. The walls and fronts were wood or stone, windows were thick, clear or done up in elaborate patterns. There were even plants and small trees, ivy and lichen growing in spots here and there.

"This is incredible! Is this all real?" Liara exclaimed.

"All of it. As I said, the finest example of Noble luxury you can find outside of a Terran capital." Shepard replied.

"It's warm." Natalya said.

"We like it that way. This is right at Terra's ambient temperature and humidity for the capital area." Shepard explained.

"It will take some getting used to. Where I come from on Batara is a cold place." Natalya replied.

Tali pointed upwards, "The night sky, is that done holographically?"

"Nope. Just clever use of lights. About midnight it will turn green for abit, simulating an atmospheric effect from Terra's northern areas." Shepard answered.

"This is smaller, but just as impressive as the Presidium on Citadel Station." Liara said.

Shepard grinned, "I'm glad you like it. Now I believe the Golden Isles is.. this way."

They went down a small street to the right, there weren't many people about at the moment. They passed two other small groups, a human male and a krogan female, both in Imperial Army uniforms, and three human men in Naval uniforms.

"Most everyone is going to be inside right now, eating an evening meal. Speaking of which, there it is." Shepard stated, heading for a dark wood fronted entranceway, the swinging sign proclaimed it the 'Golden Isles Restaurant.'

Shepard opened the large door, ushering in the rest. The entranceway was a small alcove with a pair of carved double doors at the end. As they walked up the doors opened for them.

The interior was large, open with tables dotting the floor. The room was crowded, virtually every table was occupied.

The attendant was situated behind a small lectern, he greeted them, "Sir and Ladies. Good evening. Welcome to
the Golden Isles."

Shepard walked over, pulling a golden Thaler out of a pocket and handing it to the attendant, who studied it for a moment.

This was a common ritual in a Terran establishment, serving two purposes: It allowed the place to know what sort of service the Noble would be expecting, as well as covering any expenses for the night.

"Lord Shepard. We are honored to serve you. I am attendant Lawson, I will personally see to your needs tonight." The attendant said.

"I will require a private room tonight, for four." Shepard stated.

"Of course Lord, if you would follow me." Lawson said, gesturing toward the rear of the room.

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

The room was decently sized, and very well appointed. The table was a round, nordic style, the chairs curved and high. A pair of lounges were against the back wall. It was lit by false candlelight. Shepard handed his uniform jacket to the attendant, which hung it on a rack as the party sat.

"Drinks sir?" Lawson asked.

"Spiced Rum is a house specialty I understand, I'll have a tankard of that." Shepard replied.

"Madam?" Lawson asked Tali.

"A glass of Caeriya." She replied.

Turning to Natalya, "And you Madam?"

"Coffee." Natalya requested.

Lawson turned to Liara, "Water." She stated, before he had a chance to ask.

Lawson nodded, leaving the room to fetch the beverages.

Shepard turned to Liara, "I'm honestly not sure if you can eat the same things we can, but I'm certain they could fix you any Asari dish you want."

"Thank you for the concern John, but we can eat Human food without issue." She replied.

"This place is very.. high caste, I believe is the proper term. I've never seen anything like it." Natalya said.

"House Hackett goes out of it's way to make sure Blue Sector has the best accoutrements. They keep us visiting Nobles in the lap of luxury and make a visible expression of their wealth. It's a win-win." Shepard explained.
The attendant returned, servers dispensing the drinks as he took their orders.

After he left Shepard took a drink of the rum. Not bad, he thought.

"This Caeriya is excellent." Tali began, "I must confess, this area is more opulent than I am accustomed to. The Rayya estates on Quaria are wonderful, but this Terran extravagance is in a league all it's own."

"We've had 200 years of Empire and almost 40 years of Galactic rule to get here. You'll catch up." Shepard replied.

"Is this similar to the Shepard Estates on Terra?" Natalya asked.

Shepard smirked, "The Shepard Estate makes this area look like a backwater in comparison, if you can believe it. Even for a Noble family we're considered ludicrously wealthy and opulent."

"I can't wait to see it." Tali said.

"After this is all over I'll take you there." Shepard responded, smiling and continuing, "I can imagine it now. The victory ball at the Dolphin Palace, slipping out, showing you all the backwoods of home. Green Cove Springs, Jennings Forest, Lochloosa lake. Making our way down to Orange City, to the Shepard Estates. Mother'll just love the both of you."

"It sounds wonderful, what's it like?" Natalya asked.

Shepard smiled, he loved talking about home. "It's beautiful. Fields, swamps, lakes, ponds, rivers, beach and coast. It's paradise. The land has been settled for nearly 700 years now, but we keep our impact minimized. It's hot and humid, like here, and there are plenty of predators. We like it that way, sport, game, you haven't lived until you've wrestled a 14 foot gator to the ground and made it purr."

"Sir and Madams, your food." Attendant Lawson said, as the servers brought it in.

"Wonderful." Shepard replied.

As they ate Shepard kept relating anecdotes about Florida, and the Shepard Estates to Tali , Natalya and Liara.

"So there I was, 8 years old, cornered by a Panther. No weapon, no way around it, so my 8 year old mind comes up with a brilliant solution: Climb the Live Oak tree behind me. I turn and jump up, climbing for dear life. I get to the first branch, I guess about 6 feet up, I turn around and the panther is just sitting there watching me."

"Can panthers climb as well?" Liara asked.

"Oh yes, they can climb very well. But this cat, it just kind of tilts its head, gives me a funny look and walks away. I guess it figured there was easier prey elsewhere." Shepard answered.

"You escaped from a predator at the age of 8?" Natalya asked.

"Ah ah ah, not escape. I made it give up, two different things." Shepard replied cheekily.

"These panthers are common where you were born?" Tali asked.

Shepard nodded, "Quite common. They nearly went extinct 3 centuries ago, but they were brought back through careful breeding."

"You brought back a predatory species back from the brink of extinction?" Liara asked incredulously.

"Predators have to stick together. Besides, it's alot more fun hunting a predator than hunting a prey animal. What, don't tell me Thessalia is clear of anything with fangs and all the population control is done by Asari?" Shepard asked.

Liara paled abit, "No.. of course not. That would be ridiculous."

Shepard raised an eyebrow at her response.

"Sir, I hope the meal was excellent?" Lawson asked as servers cleared the table.

"Very much so." Shepard replied.

"Good. Would you some sweets, a dessert wine perhaps?" The attendant asked.

"30 Vintage Port?" Shepard queried.

"From the Valley? I'll bring a bottle." Lawson promised before turning and leaving.

Shepard got up and moved over to one of the lounges, falling back into the lush material.
Lawson soon returned, depositing a bottle of Port and pouring 4 goblets for the party.

Shepard took a sip of it, closing his eyes and savoring the flavor.

He felt another presence sit down on the lounge with him, he could tell it was Liara.

"Have you enjoyed yourself tonight?" He asked without looking over.

"Yes, I did a great deal. Thank you." Liara replied.

"Good. This waiting is pushing me up a wall. I'm sure you needed something to take your mind off things as well." He responded.

"Really, I had thought the purpose of this was to seduce me." Liara said.

Shepard looked over at her now, "How did you come to that conclusion?"

"You're offering a taste of Terran luxury, what I could have with you. I'm sure this is as much for Tali and Natalya as for me." She replied.

"Honestly, this was simply a pleasant night out. I would like an answer, but I'm not going to pressure you into giving me one." He stated.

"I misjudged your intentions then. However I do feel I owe you an answer. I do feel something for you. I think I have ever since Renoza, but this is all very confusing right now. Benezia, Saren, the Reapers, the war. After this is over, I'd like to try a relationship with you. But for now, I'd rather be friends, and concentrate on the mission. I hope you understand." Liara explained.

"It's alright Liara. I understand what you want and why. You have no idea how much I value just having you beside me during this, thank you for that." Shepard replied.

"You are welcome. There is nowhere else I'd rather be. Now I'm sure you would like some time alone with your mates. I think I'd like to go see the rest of Blue Sector." Liara said.

"Certainly, go have some fun. Here, take this." Shepard handed her a Thaler, "This will get you anywhere you wish to go. Just a word of caution, stay out of Blue Sector 2, just trust me."

"I'll remember that." She leaned over, kissing his cheek. "Thank you again John. Good night Natalya, Tali." Liara said as she left.

They moved over to him, Tali sitting on his left, Natalya on his right.

"So?" Tali asked.

"You heard everything that was said, don't even try." Shepard replied.

"I did, she didn't. We have better ears." Natalya said smugly.

"She won't be joining us anytime soon. She's going to go check out the rest of Blue Sector. Now why don't we find ourselves a proper inn and spend the night in a full bed?" Shepard suggested.

"That sounds wonderful." Tali replied.

"Let's go." He said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Champion's Suite, The Paladin Inn.

The walk to the Inn, the request for a room, all of it faded into a blur for Shepard as they walked into the suite. Natalya and Tali attacked him as the door shut, removing his clothes in a rush.

"Pets, pets, at least wait until we get into the bedroom." He asked.

"Sorry John, you know how much I need you." Tali purred.

"And me." Natalya said.

"Go into the bedroom and prepare yourselves for me." John ordered.

Tali leaned close, running her tongues gently over his earlobe, "Yes master."

He watched as they walked into the bedroom, their hips swinging, arousing him even further.

He shook his head, trying to clear it for a moment. His females were intoxicating. 'I think this is how you know you're in love, when you can't even think straight in the presence of your mates.'

John walked over to the bedroom, opening the door.

Natalya and Tali were standing with their arms around each other, rubbing their nude bodies together. Tali was running her tongues in circles around Natalya's face, drawing moans from the batarian girl.

John started undressing as he watched them, the sight of his females being that close, pleasing each other to make him happy made him shudder in delight.

As he pulled the final piece of his clothing off and looked up, he saw them watching him, waiting expectantly.
John walked to the bed, sitting down, motioning them over.

They dropped to their knees in front of him. Tali lowered her head, engulfing his cock in her warm mouth, while Natalya caressed and licked his sack.

Their actions quickly brought him to the edge, with a groan he released, pumping his seed into Tali's wanting mouth. She was almost humming as she swallowed.

John flopped back onto the bed, Tali and Natalya climbing up beside him.

"Did we do well?" Tali asked, running her hand over his front.

He leaned over and kissed her forehead, "You both did well. You didn't share with Natalya though. You should make it up to her."

"Yes master." Tali intoned, moving over him to lay on top of Natalya, her head positioned over the other girl's slit.
She lowered her head, gently licking at Natalya's netherlips, eliciting a moan from the other female.
Natalya reached up, bringing Tali's hips down to her face, burying her mouth into the quarian's slit.

John watched them continue in this fashion, moaning, licking each other with abandon.

"Oh Tali, more please." Natalya pleaded. Tali slid two fingers into Natalya's slit, lubricating them with the girl's juices before sliding them gently into her ass.

Natalya came hard, her juices flowing from her slit and covering the other girl's face. Tali kept her rhythm up, gently fingering Natalya's ass and sucking on her slit.

John rose up, moving behind Tali. He slid his shaft into Natalya's mouth, she began sucking on it eagerly. After a moment he pulled out. Natalya's understood what he wanted, reaching up and spreading Tali's ass. John leaned forward over Tali, reaching under her and rubbing her breasts as he lined his cock up with her anus.

"Please John." Tali almost whimpered. He gently licked her ear, whispering: "I've never denied a woman in need." As he thrust into her tight ass.

Tali was the one crying out deliriously now, John's hardness thrusting in and out of her ass, his hands rubbing and squeezing her large breasts, Natalya's enthusiastic tongue running in and out of her tight slit.

John was close, he began thrusting in and out of her velvety tunnel faster. He grabbed her head, twisting it to the side and pressing his lips to hers, sharing a fierce kiss as he began to come inside her.

Tali almost convulsed, the feeling of his seed shooting inside her triggering her own orgasm, her tunnel gripping John's shaft tightly, milking him of all he could offer.

The three collapsed together, John gently pulling out of Tali and gathering them both in his arms.

"My wonderful girls." He said.

Tali was gently nuzzling his neck, "It gets better every time you take me."

John smiled, kissing Natalya, "I love you both so much."

"We love you just as much John." Natalya replied.

Tali reached down, taking hold of his shaft, "Do you think you'll be up for some more fun?"

John grinned, "My insatiable vixen. Let's rest for abit, then see what happens."

Natalya yawned, "That sounds good." She said as she closed her eyes.

Tali and John soon joined her in slumber.

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

'Commander, wake up.'

Shepard opened his eyes, the simulated daylight coming in from the windows was harsh.

'What's up Wilco, what time is it?'

'0745 Commander. High Admiral Hackett is searching for you.' The AI informed.

'Grah, alright.'

He moved his head around abit, Tali was slumbering peacefully on his right, Natalya curled into the crook of his left arm.

"Girls." He whispered.

They stirred easily.

"Morning." Tali said.

"Morning. We need to get moving, Hackett's turning the station inside out looking for me."

Natalya leaned over, kissing him before getting out of the bed.

Shepard and Tali rose momentarily. The girls gathered their uniforms and headed into the bathroom. Shepard gathered his trousers and belt, getting them on.

Walking into the anteroom he found a coffee service waiting, pouring himself a cup.

Shepard walked over to the cabinet where a comm panel was concealed, tapping in the code for Hackett's direct line. "High Admiral, morning. I understand you're looking for me?" He greeted.

"Commander Shepard, I've had my people look all over for you. Should've known you were in Blue Sector. We're finalizing a strike plan that I believe the Empress will sign off on, I'd like you to take a look at it." Hackett explained.

"I'd be glad to Admiral, give me 20 minutes. Meet in your office?" Shepard queried.

"That'll be fine Commander. See you then." Hackett replied, closing the comm.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arcturus Station, Office of the High Admiral. March 31st, 2193.

"Commander, come in." Hackett said, waving Shepard and company into his office.

"Thank you Admiral." Shepard responded, sitting down.

"Here." Hackett passed him a data pad, "The strike plans as they stand now."

Shepard closed his eyes, copying the data into his neural net.

"Bold. It's just crazy enough to work. Are the other two SR's ready?" He asked.

"The Iwo Jima and the Marathon have been transferred here for final fittings. My people tell me they'll be ready within three days. Enough time to retrofit the Normandy for the mission." Hackett replied.

"The Normandy will be carrying the heavy munitions then?" Shepard asked.

Hackett nodded, "You and your crew have the most experience with an SR Frigate and the most combat experience. Here, complete information on the two other ships and their crews, and background information for the strike. Review it, I'd like you to put together and conduct the mission briefing." Hackett finished, handing Shepard another data pad.

"It would be my pleasure Admiral. I'm sure the Empress will authorize this. I'll be on the Normandy." Shepard responded, rising.

"Certainly Commander, I'll let you know when we need to move the Normandy to the Special Docks. Thank you." Hackett replied.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arcturus Station, Special Dock 4, SR-1 Normandy Comm room.

The Normandy's Comm/Briefing room was packed. Shepard had called both his squads, and all the senior officers in for this meeting. Extra seats had been brought in for everyone, but all of Bravo, Engineer Adams, and Mechanic Valar'Ressk still had to stand.

"I'm sure you all have questions, so I'll get straight to the point." Shepard began.

"As you all know we were recalled here to Arcturus two weeks ago. High Admiral Hackett was pushing for a offensive into Geth space. Empress Sativia refused to authorize a full scale offensive that would drain our defense fleets. Hackett's had his people working on another plan ever since then. Which brings us to this briefing."

Shepard paused a moment for his words to sink in.

"High Admiral Hackett has proposed a strike plan to the Empress, and it has been authorized. Which is why the Normandy has been moved to the Special Docks. The Normandy will be at the head of a 3 ship element. Normandy, bring up File 1 on the vid screen."

The vid screen activated, showing two more Frigates of Normandy's class in dock.

"These are the Normandy's sister ships, the INF Iwo Jima, SR-2 and the INF Marathon, SR-3. The remainder of Block 1 of the SR series. They are not yet at full readiness, they are being fitted as we speak, Adams, if you can find time away from the Normandy's retrofitting, I'm sure the other Engineers would appreciate your expertise."

"I'd be happy to Commander. What kind of modifications are they going to make to Normandy?" Adams asked.

Shepard started back, "I was getting to that. This will be a covert deep strike, part of what the Normandy was designed for. Our target is a Geth Munitions and Element Zero depot located in the Agaisa Nebula. According to the intelligence I was able to gather on Feros, this facility holds nearly one third of the total mined Eezo in Geth hands."

"Commander, this would be quite a blow to the Geth, but how much damage will it really do? Is it worth risking three top of the line Frigates. They can just ramp up production." Nihlus observed.

"No they can't." Tali spoke, "According to the intelligence data, the Geth have completely mined out the Eezo deposits in their territory. Add to this the fact they use a different drive core system that requires more element zero more often, this would permanently cripple their offensive."

"Operation Golden Hive 2.0?" Jenkins asked.

"That's the plan." Shepard replied.

"I don't understand." Shiala said.

Jenkins explained, "2160, The First Contact War, Golden Hive was a huge campaign to devastate the Council Race's supply lines. The Batarian 3rd, 4th, and 5th fleets, backed up by the Imperial Second Fleet launched deep strikes into citadel territory, destroying depots and raiding merchant and supply convoys. The Imperial Fifth Fleet, and the 6th and 7th Krogan Auxiliaries began a 'scorched earth' campaign in Salarian space, glassing agricultural and manufacturing worlds. This put the council races permanently on the defensive for the remainder of the conflict."

"I remember that, I was with the 6th Krogan at the time. We destroyed more than 20 Salarian worlds, the bug eyed bastards are still recovering from it." Wrex shared.

"That was in retaliation for Demeter and Camala wasn't it?" Nihlus asked.

"The Council thought they could make up for their poor tactics and doctrine with senseless brutality. They found out that our newfound brethren were smarter and better at it than they could ever hope to be." Natalya stated.

'Are you going to step in and get the briefing back on track?' Wilco asked.

'We've got plenty of time. But maybe I should.' Shepard replied.

"Alright, people, briefing, remember?" Shepard asked.

"Sorry sir." Jenkins replied.

"Alright, where was I. Oh yes, this will cripple the Geth supplies. They will either be forced to pull back and maintain a defensive posture indefinitely, or they will throw everything they have into a mad dash for territory with Eezo deposits, probably Terminus or Batarian territory. Either way we'll be ready for them." Shepard explained.

Another moment.

"Normandy, display file 3." He asked.

The vid screen switched to a diagram of a large device, shaped like a large cut diamond.

"The Normandy's going to be fitted to carry a Prometheus bomb?" Adams asked.

"Correct." Shepard responded.

"The first war time deployment of a Prometheus bomb. Against the Geth no less. This will be recorded in the history books." Tali stated.

"What is it?" Liara asked.

"Tali, if you would do the honors?" Shepard requested.

Tali grinned, "My pleasure. Prometheus bombs were developed during the Phoenix War by a joint team of Human and Quarian scientists."

Nihlus interrupted, "The Phoenix War?"

"Our name for the First Contact War, Turian." Tali said coldly, before resuming, "At the time, we didn't know how the war was going to turn out. It was assumed the Council races would make a final stand at the Citadel, instead of at Palaven, as it turned out. Prometheus bombs were designed to end the war in a single, glorious explosion. Normandy, is there a copy of the 'Asp' simulation on hand?"

"File accessed. Playing simulation." Normandy responded.

The vid screen changed to a crisp video. A Terran Cruiser left a Relay, as it flew past the camera, it showed a huge swirling nebula, and at the heart of it, the Citadel.

The Cruiser rolled, showing a cargo package attached to the underside, a Prometheus bomb.

It gained speed, banking and locking in a vector toward the Serpent nebula. As it moved closer a timer started ticking at the bottom right of the screen, starting at 45 seconds. At 30 the Cruiser deployed the Prometheus bomb, it's booster igniting and sending it into the nebula.

At 25 a massive explosion could be seen inside the nebula. It gradually dissipated, the nebula darkening for a moment. At 15 suddenly the entire region of space lit up like a bonfire, As it ticked down the fire gradually formed into a white ball. At 0 nothing was left of the Serpent Nebula or the Citadel except for a short lived new star.

"Simulation finished. Playback ended." Normandy announced.

"That's supposed to be impossible. The Serpent Nebula is mostly inert gasses." Nihlus stated.

"Anything can explode if you pump enough energy into it." Tali responded.

"Thank you my dear, now that is what we shall be bringing to the Geth's party. I think it'll be a hit." Shepard said.

"Sounds like it'll be a blast sir." Jenkins observed.

"Quite. Now I'd like each of you to go over the strike plans. You all have unique insights, and I'd like to have each of your takes on it. We'll be meeting the other ships crews tomorrow. Any questions?" Shepard asked.

"Not from me Commander. If that's everything I'd like to go over the necessary modifications and get my Techs up to speed." Adams asked.

"Wonderful, briefing is over then. Dismissed." Shepard replied.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Chapter Eight.