Normandy SR2.

After the attack on the Collectors. The crew of the Normandy SR2 was cleaning up the mess after the battle against the Collectors. Some of the debris had closed off most of the rooms in the ship's interior. The armoury took a massive hit, causing some of the thermos clips to go flying off. The room had to be closed off until the repairs were done. Tali was working in engineering, fixing all she could. Gabby could not focus because of her mental state when Kennith was kidnapped, so she could not be of any help. So, Kennith decided to stay with her. Seeing everyone got to work, Shepard ordered Joker to drive the ship to Horizon since most of the colonists were from the planet. No one objected because the ship needed repairs and a place for everyone to recoup.

A few hours later, on Horizon.

While everyone was busy repairing and recouping, Shepard and Ben went to have a chat with the council in one of the bigger rooms on Horizon. The four councillors stood in front of the two, listening to the reports that Shepard and Ben were explaining. Ben had forward video footage of the attack on the Collector Base. He explained that it was Anderson's idea, and he agreed to it. Shepard was shocked by this but was later explained by Anderson that the footage from him would be seen as crazy, but from Ben it made sense. This calmed him down, though he was still a bit angry for being referred to as crazy and not Ben, their ever changing shapeshifter with the answer for everything.

"We understand, Shepard, but … these trying times had to be hard for everyone." The Asari councillor peacefully responded. Though she was seething on the inside, she really did not need the idea of the reapers coming. It would expose the Asari secrets, and Tevos couldn't have that.

Ben snorted. "You mean people believe in Shepard more than you and you are trying to keep it all under the rug … again."

"Quiet. What we need is to establish a timeline. If we are really going to believe reapers are coming, we need to exploit weak points and bring countermeasures towards the reapers before they get here." The Salarian councillor stated.

"That is not as easy as it sounds, Valern. The alliance has been trying to find a kink in the Reaper armour and tech for years. They have not found anything yet, other than a connection to a strange black glowing orb," Anderson replied.

"We also need to focus on upgrading our weapons. They did nothing against Sovereign during the battle of the citadel." Sparatus brought forward.

"It is terrifying, really. We all figured the collectors to be simple bounty hunters, only for us to see the gruesome imagery of what they are doing to the humans." Tevos stated angrily.

Valern hummed before asking. "What of Prometheus, will he aid us in the coming months?"

Shepard nodded. "He wants to coordinate with you and share all Prothean tactics that may be useful in this modern cycle he calls it. He won't do it if he is treated like a lab rat, which is what he was before."

Sparatus nodded, liking that idea. "Was he a scientist or a soldier in his time?" He asked.

Ben answered. "He was a leader, not going into specific details because … yeah, your history with Protheans is not entirely accurate, but he was there when the first wave of Reapers hit. He was on the citadel." The councillors were horrified.

"I see … Did he say anything of note?" Anderson asked as he had thoughts of the Mui relay in his head.

"Yeah, look out for the crucible, apparently it is a weapon his people were making to destroy the reapers. He does not know much about it because he was a collector at that point, but he does remember overhearing his people mention it." Ben replied. The councillors nodded, but Anderson's face contorted with mystified understanding. Shepard noticed Anderson's look.

"Anderson?" Shepard asked. The other councillors turn to face the human councillor.

"In the Mars archives, we recently discovered a Prothean relic that seems to store information. The techs are still working it out, but a word is circling around the relic…"

"Crucible?" Sparatus asked and answered.

Tevos nodded, smiling. "I sent some of my best scientists to Mars. We may be able to work out what the crucible is."

Shepard smiled at an idea. "I like to put forth a recommendation. Liara T'soni. She was with me and understood the cipher that was in my head. She definitely figured out what this relic contains." Ben raised an eyebrow at that tip bit of information.

"I second the notion." Anderson quickly said. "Her knowledge will be vital to the understanding of The Crucible."

"Then it agreed. We start preparing for the arrival." Valern stated.

"What of the Cerberus operatives under your command Shepard, can they be trusted?" Sparatus asked Shepard with distrust in his tone.

"They can be trusted; we found out that the illusive man was using them to cut his losses. Most joined the mission for me, so their loyalty was never with Cerberus to begin with. Those who were loyal to Cerberus are having a harder time." Shepard responded.

"You make it sound like they have loose ends as well." Tevos asked. Ben came forward on this and answered.

"It was because there were some in my reports that have been double-crossed by the illusive man. Others were getting angsty about how he was operating, especially when he hid a derelict reaper from everyone."

"Yes, I heard about that, shame, but you were right to destroy it. The information from the Reaper IFF data is enough for us to extract information about the reapers … Very well, we will wait for your arrival at the Citadel. Good fortune Commander Shepard, Tennyson." Valern greeted and cut the call along with the Turian and Asri councilors. Anderson stayed for a bit.

"Tennyson, I need to speak to Shepard alone." Ben gave the two-finger salute and left. Shepard looked to see when Ben closed the door behind him. He turned back to Anderson once Ben was gone.

"What do you need, Anderson?"

Ben was walking along the field when an Alliance shuttle pulled up. He walked up to see Kaiden coming out of the Kodiak with…

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the little demon spawn." Ben shouted across. The children turn to see Ben. They laughed, running up to their favourite shapeshifter, all but crushing under their combined weight.

Kaiden was laughing in the background. "Yeah, these kids miss this place." He bent down to pull Ben out of the kids' pill. "Congrats on defeating the collectors. Took a while, but Anderson sped up the process to get these kids home to their families."

Ben was swiping kid cuties off his chest. "Yeah, well, it took a bit of time, but we got there. I'm guessing you want to see your families, don't you?"

"YES!" The children screamed happily. Ben smiled for a brief second before turning to Kaiden.

"Not everyone made it," he whispered. Kaiden nodded in understanding.

"I'll take care of it." He responded, and Ben nodded.

"Thanks." Ben turned back to the children.

"Alright, kids, you know where the town hall is … right?" Ben asked, and the children nodded.

"Well, your families are there waiting … If you can't find them, just ask for Dr. Chalkwas and Dr. Mordin. They will help you. Understand." The children nodded. Ben can tell that some of them realise that not all of their families are back. Ben sent a silent message to Kaiden as he led the children to the town hall. As they left, Ben pulled out his omni-tool.

"Chalkwas, Mordin; heads up a bunch of children heading your way to meet up with the families. Just know, not everyone made it back…. And Kaiden is with them."

"Appreciated the heads up. Will accommodate." Mordin replied.

"What Mordin said. Thank you, Tennyson." Chalkwas replied. Ben nodded and ended the call. Ben looked up from his place to see an Alliance cruiser above the planet. It had a sign on it. A dog, a Belgian Shepherd.

"Benny." Kasumi shouted, Ben turned to see her alongside Jacob and Grunt. Both look like they were carrying steel beams.

"What you…"

"Fixing the Normandy." Jacob explained. "Me and grunt are taking any surviving parts from the Armoury to any other decks on the ship before we hit the citadel."

"And you're out here away from the ship?" Ben asked.

"I'm keeping track of all the parts needed, and Legion is in the ship analysing repairs needed, and we can't do that in the ship. Garrus is calibrating the weapons and Tali is working on the drive core." Kasumi explained further.

"Everyone else is taking a break or making plans." Grunt finished.

"Making plans?"

"Well, Thane is planning to stay with his son now that the mission is finished." Kasumi started, Ben nodded. He was there when Thane made the claim.

"Samara has to report back to Asari command, apparently, the reports of her daughter on Omega got some Asari rattled. Zaeed is heading off to a beach resort before getting back into things. Whatever that means." Kasumi expanded on as Ben listened.

"I am heading to Tuchanka to finish my Krogan training. I need to know what it's like to be truly Krogan," Grunt explained for himself.

"Jack surprisingly was sent an offer. Of what we don't know." Kasumi said, baffled. Ben snorted.

"Oh the great Kasumi does not know something. Tell the press." Ben joked. Jacob snorted, and Grunt smirked.

Kasumi huffed, jutting her hip out and placing a hand on it. "Hey, I have you know. I would rather not die here."

Ben chuckled and then asked. "Anyway, I assumed the rest are just resting until something happens."

"Pretty much." Jacob answered.

"Anyway, we need to take this to the Normandy. Legion is expecting it." Ben nodded and shooed them away. As they left Ben went to his little apartment he had when he first joined this universe and landed on Horizon with Paradox. He was about to lay down when he heard a knock on his door.

"Princess, hey Ship." Miranda appeared in Ben's doorway and was holding onto ship as they entered Ben's apartment.

"Benjamin. I heard the meeting with the council went well."

"Of course you did. So, what's up, you wouldn't visit unless…" Ben was interrupted when he heard another knock on his door. Both he and Miranda turn to his front door.

Shepard appeared, looking dishevelled.

"You look like shit, Shepard," Ben observed. Ship nodded. Miranda just rolled her eyes.

"I need to borrow the Rustbucket," Shepard stated quickly.

"Any…"

"No!"

"Okay then. Just know I am going to have to drive you to wherever you are going, since, well, it is keyed to me…"

Shepard huffed. "Fine, I'll meet you by the Rustbucket." Shepard proceed to leave. Miranda turn to Ben, lips twitchy with a smirk.

"The Rustbucket is not really keyed to you, is it?" She asked.

"Ship, ship, ship." Ship giggled.

"No … but I am worried. Anderson told him to stay behind after the council meeting. I guess whatever it was, it was an Alliance mission." Ben explained. Miranda nodded.

"Right, I will speak to you when you get back." Miranda was about to leave with Ship when Ben placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Get the Normandy crew ready. Whatever Shepard is doing with the Alliance, I don't like it. I have a tracker placed on me for you to follow," Miranda nodded silently and left. Ben left soon after heading towards the Normandy hangar bay.

The Normandy SR2: Hangar Bay.

"I don't like this! The alliance would not send Shepard out on any old mission, there's something they're not telling him." Joker exclaimed as he and Ben left the elevator. Joker was given the rundown by Miranda on what was going on. He saw Ben coming in through the airlock and chased after him for an explanation.

"I don't either, but Shepard was determined to do it, so there was nothing I could do about it." Ben responded in a huff.

Ben turn to Joker. "Look, just make sure the ship is ready in case something happens."

Joker nodded, "Yeah, look EDI happy to take the rains for the crew when we will evidently rescue you and Shepard. From the sounds of it just a simple pickup. Miranda is dealing with the squad mates, so you don't have to worry about them." Ben nodded back and saw Shepard waiting outside the Rustbucket.

"I better go. I placed a tracker on myself and linked it to the Normandy systems. when I turn it off, you better be coming"

Joker waves his hand and heads back to his flight deck. "Yeah, yeah, I know the drill … Just bring him back in one piece." Ben nodded solemnly and started to walk to the Rustbucket.

Rustbucket

The Rustbucket flew out of the Normandy Hangar and headed straight for the Mass Relay. Ben was setting up the Drive core ready to warp to the next star system. He turned to Shepard and asked where they were going.

"The Bahak system. The planet is called Aratoht. Latitude: 68.53786, Longitude: 176.76703," Shepard answered. Ben nodded and imputed the coordinates into the console. When his Rustbucket beeped red. Ben raised an eyebrow. That only happens when they are going into a dangerous system. Tali added that feature in for him as a thank you for the Trial. He opened the Rustbucket hub to see where they were going and blinked.

"Batarians?" Ben asked.

"Ben, please." Shepard begged. Ben saw Shepard's look of pain.

"Fine but know that I am not leaving you there." Shepard just nodded and went to sort out his weapons. Ben focused on getting the Rustbucket through the Mass relay. The ship warped through the mass effect fields, hitting the Bahak system. Ben directed the ship towards planet Aratoht, landing at the coordinates Shepard gave. Shepard got out of his seat and headed to the door.

Ben shouted, "Call if need…" Shepard shut the door before Ben finished.

Aratoht

The Rustbucket floated off as Shepard looked at the gate in front of him. He looks around for a switch to get him in. He saw a red button on the side panel and hit it. The gate shutter opened, and Shepard walked in with his M-8 Avenger raised and sentinel armour armed. He walked through Cave halls, passing by dead varren and dead bodies (mainly humans). Shepard thought it was strange that the Varren were dead though, he thought that they used these cave halls as a dumping ground for humans to be hunted.

Shepard saw the pups surrounding the tunnels lit in flame, looking around, he saw a valve to shut it off. Turning the valve, he headed up some stairway leading to a multi-layered building complex. Shepard saw Batarian guards patrolling around, always in a pack of two. Shepard eyed a path to take, avoiding all the guards to get to the other side of the building. He took it quickly, running to avoid bright lights and patrols. He started climbing up some boxes when he felt a chill in the air, one that he ignored. As he walked into the building, two guards behind him collapsed.

Shepard walked through the halls, passing guards, and made it to a shuttle bay area. He let a guard pass through to allow him access to the next area. Shepard looked around to see he was in a cargo hold, with a cargo van centred in the middle of the room. His eyes darted to the controls of the crane. He used the crane to control the move crates out of the way. Once he had done that, he lowered the cargo van to allow Shepard to platform down. Once he got down, he aligned the cargo van back up to not raise suspicion Shepard moved inwards, heading to his destination.

A one-way mirror gave a clear view to the other side where Shepard saw one lone Batarian watching another Batarian torturing a female human, wearing worker clothes with her hair short and grey. The lone Batarian's four eyes go dark as Shepard stepped in view of the mirror. He moves along the right hall, entering the prison cell, knocking out the Batarian that is torturing the human female. Shepard unlocked the restraints allowing the woman to tumble to the ground.

"Are you okay, Dr. Kenson?" Shepard asked the female

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" The now confirmed Dr. Kenson asked.

"I'm here to get you out. My name is Commander Shepard." He replied softly.

"Commander Shepard, I heard from these blasted four Batarian, that you're alive. Hackett must have received my message." She said excitably.

"We are not safe at the moment, can you walk?" Shepard asked.

"I am fine, I just need a moment." Dr. Kenson stated, taking in some breaths.

"We don't have time; we need to move now!" Shepard ordered.

"Yes, yes. You're right, if we can find a console, I can hack security … make us an escape path." Dr. Kenson looked around.

"I am surprised the alarm did not go off."

Shepard's eyes narrowed. She was right. He was not subtle in what he was doing. So why did…

"Yeah, we need to move, we'll find a console. Follow me," Shepard led Kenson out of the detention centre, going down towards the cell block. Where they met no resistance as they walked forward to the main security room of the cell block. Shepard felt cold air swirl around the surrounding room. He did a double take when he noticed a knocked-out guard. Kenson headed towards the security console.

"I don't know what is happening, but if we are spotted, keep the guards off me!"

"Got it!" Shepard shouted back, doing a once over to see anymore collapsed guards. He also noticed that the door he and Kenson came from was now locked.

"Alright, I got the main elevator unlocked. We should reach the hangar bay from there." Dr. Kenson said as she walked across the cell block towards the elevator. Shepard followed closely behind. Shepard presses the elevator controls, lifting him and Kenson upwards to the hangar bay.

"To get out, we need to do this the old fashion way. Since the door is hard locked." Kenson stated.

Shepard nodded at that. "Leave that to me."

As they walk into the hangar bay, they once again notice that there are no guards standing around. Kenson is unsympathetic and is eager to leave, so she went to destroy one lock, but Shepard, he knows there are guards here, just not awake ones. He went to the other lock, which released the hangar bay doors. Kenson got into the shuttle first, with Shepard closely following behind. The moment his foot touched the shuttle floor, alarms started blurting out. The shuttle doors closed, but not before Shepard noticed Batarian guards running towards them, awake ones at that. The shuttle turned towards the hangar doors, bursting out the engines and launching into space, leaving a couple of burning Batarians behind.

A silhouette appeared behind the shuttle following them to the next destination.

Shuttle

"Engaging Autopilot … we should be well out of range before their security measures unscramble. Though I don't see much point, they only notice us when we are about to leave." Dr. Kenson stated.

Shepard crossed his arms and asked. "You think they came after you?"

Dr Kenson nodded. "I am not taking any chances. Batarians don't take kindly to humans who plan to destroy their mass relay."

"So, the charges against you are true." Shepard said his voice measured.

Dr Kenson shrugged and covered her mouth with her hand. "Well, to be fair, that's about half the story. My people and I were here investigating rumours of Reaper technology out here on the fringes of the system. A friend of mine, Dr. Bryson, who is working on another project for the Alliance on the Citadel. His research led my team here."

Shepard nodded, "So you found something?" he asked.

"We found proof that the Reapers will arrive in this system. When they get here, they'll use its Mass Relay to travel across the galaxy. We call it the "Alpha Relay." From here, the Reapers can invade anywhere in the galaxy."

"So, you decided to destroy it." Shepard stated, not asked.

"Exactly. Doing that would stop the reapers' invasion. Even at FTL speeds, it will be months or years before they get to the next relay. We came up with what we call "The Project", a plan to launch a nearby asteroid into the Mass relay and destroy it before Reapers could arrive. Of course, the resulting explosion would probably wipe out the system." Dr Kenson explained.

"I don't see how you learned about this supposed invasion."

"The evidence came from what we call Object Rho, a Reaper artifact we discovered among the asteroids near the relay. When we get back to Arcturus station. I can explain everything and provide copies with all the notes." Dr Kenson explained further, but Shepard noticed her voice hinted in excitement at the prospect of the Reaper artifact. So, he probes deeper in by asking,

"The stakes are too high. If you're willing to destroy an entire system over this, I want to see your proof."

Dr Kenson smiles. "I guess I can't argue with that. Give me a moment." She walks over to the shuttle bay doors and pulls up her hand towards her ear. "Kenson to Project Base." She called.

"…"

She looks back at Commander Shepard. "Affirmative, and I got Commander Shepard here with me."

"…"

Turning back to the door, she says. "Tidy up the lab. The commander needs to confirm the artifact."

"…"

She smiled, turning back to Shepard. "It's all set. Just sit back and relax. We will be there in no time."

A few moments later on "The Project"

The shuttle doors fly open, with Dr. Kenson and Shepard hopping out. Shepard looked around the area, then up to see a timer.

(02:03:25:57)

Shepard turned to Dr Kenson. "Here we are. Welcome to Project Base," Dr. Kenson spoke while gesturing to said base.

Shepard looked back up at the timer. "What is this?" He asked the Dr.

"That is the countdown to arrival. When that gets to zero … the Reaper will come. Just over two days and counting … puts things in perspective, doesn't it?" Shepard felt his gut twisted up in knots when the Dr. spoke that last bit. She sounded eager, excited.

"How do you know that an accurate countdown?" He asked, seeing the countdown going down.

(02:03:25:53)

"It is very accurate. The artifact has been giving off pulses at definite intervals since we found it. The interval has been decreasing at a steady rate. The artifact is reacting to the reaper's proximity. In just over forty-eight hours, the pulse will become constant, and the reapers will be here."

(02:03:24:52)

"Are you saying the reapers could be here in two days? Then there is no time to waste." Shapard rhetorically asked and ordered.

"Then follow me. The artifact is in the central lab." Dr Kenson said and lead with Shepard following behind. Both Kenson and Shepard walk through the facility floors, taking elevators up to the next level.

Shepard asked, "What would it take to get this back up and running, and if they were alternatives?"

Which Dr. Kenson replied with. "Everything was in place when I was arrested, it was not a matter of could we but should we. The Reapers will reach this system, regardless. The Alpha Relay is their shortcut to the Galaxy,"

Both walked up to a centre door, which leads into another hall. They head into another elevator heading down towards a small corridor. Dr Kenson points to the door on the left, which Shepard tries to open.

With a heavy heart, Shepard orders. "We need to get the project back up and running, it gives us a chance to fight back or at least be ready."

Dr. Kenson does not say anything, but she pulls up her Omni-tool and gets the door open. Once open, Shepard saw an un-shielded Reaper artifact. Starting right into Shepard's eyes.

"Commander Shepard, I give you Project Rho." Her arms stretch wide, pleased to show this off. Shepard moves in closer, but Dr Kenson stays behind, which did not go unnoticed by the commander.

He turned back, staring at the Dr. like she was crazy "You have this thing wide open. With no shields."

She smiles back. "When we found it … it showed me a vision of the reapers' arrival,"

"…. Kenson, that's not good," Shepard stated.

"Give it a moment…."

"No, I don't think I will." He pulled out his M-3 Predator and aimed it at Kenson. She did nothing but stand there, arms crossed, which spooked Shepard. He turned to leave when a pulse hit him. Visions of reapers flying toward the relay. He collapsed on the floor and his biotics flared up. He felt a cold touch on his skin. With a slight turn, he saw Kenson holding up an M-4 shuriken to his face.

"I cannot let you start the project, Shepard. I can't let you stop the Arrival." Guards started pouring into the room surrounding Shepard. Kenson got momentarily distracted, by then that let Shepard catch Dr. Kenson arm and drag himself up from the floor. The guards started firing at Shepard, who quickly went to cover. Kenson limped for exit, leaving Shepard to fend off on his own.

Shepard pulled out his M-8 Avenger and raised hell against the project guards. He also quickly pulled up his sentinel shields to protect himself. Shepard looked around to see if he could find better cover, but most were corners and open plan office space. He opted for the right corner so at least he got some coverage towards the Guards' entry point. He blasted out a few warps and overloads. Then he sent out a Cryo blast to a group hoarding towards the left that were trying to flank him. A few project guards, flame flowers, engineers, and sentinels started pushing in.

One guard on the radio shouted out. "He won't go down."

Dr. Kenson shouted through the loudspeaker. "This will only get worse for you, Shepard."

"You're only delaying the inevitable." The reaper artifact claimed. Though the new raspy voice seems to beg to differ.

"Oh, how cute, these guards seem to think they can stop Shepard. It's kind of cute in a sad way," Shepard smirked, he knew who that voice belonged to, well he guessed he never heard his friend use this accent before.

"What, who is there?" one guard shouted. His shoulder was tapped on. He turns around to see a floating ghost with one eye.

"Aahhhhhhhhhhhh!" The guard screamed, then collapsed.

"Ah, I did not even get the chance to say Boo! Hahahahaha," the ghost cackled.

Shepard was still firing back at the guards, but the guards were also firing at the ghost to no avail. The bullets passed right through him.

"Ben!" He asked to double check.

"In the saggy undead flesh. By the way." He turns to the guards. "Guards, the name is GhostFreak, and don't wear it out!" All the guards looked on in horror as GhostFreak passed through the floor, though it did not take long when a hand grabbed one of the guard's legs and pulled him down the floor.

"Ahhhh!" the guard screamed. The other project guards stop firing but did not stop Shepard from blasting them with a warp, killing them.

"Dammit, how were we followed, stop the shapeshifter and where is the Heavy mech!" Dr. Kenson shouted over the loudspeaker.

"Yeah, kind of hard to do that when they are dead, crazy lady. Also, are you talking about this mech" GhostFreak said as he appeared behind Shepard while also pulling out a heavy mech head. This made Shepard jump.

"Damn it! All guards stop Shepard at all costs!"

Shepard just mocked and glared at Ghost freak. "Warm me next time."

"Why?"

"What do you mean, why? You scared me"

"And it was funny."

Shepard shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Thanks for your help with the Batarians."

GhostFreak bowed, "You're welcome. Now we are off to start the asteroid and destroy the Mass Relay. For that, we need to head to the project control room. I managed to explore this place before saving your armoured ass."

Shepard nodded and moved on ahead. "Yes. I guess you heard them."

GhostFreak snorted and followed, "All the Normandy crew heard it, they are heading to the colony world to evacuate the populace. Plus Kaiden." He said as he followed Shepard.

"Great, I am going to get a mouthful." Shepard sarcastically said.

"Oh yeah, Liara visited Horizon while we were out. Wanted to congratulate in person. She heard the recording like the rest of the team and jumped on board first, from what Princess told me, anyway." GhostFreak's raspy voice sounded gleeful.

"Oh, fuck me."

"Pretty sure Liara's not going to give you some." Shepard gave GhostFreak the middle finger as they ran to stop Dr. Kenson.

(02:02:59:11)

Both Shepard and GhostFreak left the main centre lab and are heading to the project control room. They got stopped by a couple of project guards. GhostFreak charged at them and curled a claw around their helmet, bringing them outside through his intangibility abilities. He floated back in when Shepard was fighting against a group of guards in the lounge area. GhostFreak floated down and possessed a Project Guard Pyro. GhostFreak/possessed guard turned and used the flamethrower against the other guards.

"What the fuck, Susan, shoot Shepard!" One guard shouted. Shepard saw an opening and launched an Overload at the possessed Guard. Said possessed Guard turned around to let the Overload hit him. GhostFreak's voice projected through the Guard.

"Hahaha. No, I don't think I will." He spoke raspy. The guard blanched. Sparks ignited the gas canisters on the Possessed guard back.

Crackleboom!

GhostFreak cackled and left the now undead body and followed Shepard as he left as soon as there was an opening. They both made it to a lunch hall where a guard was sealing a door. Shepard shot the guard then went into cover, soon after more Project guards came storming in from the left. GhostFreak disappeared and reappeared behind guards' backs, slashing through their armour. Shepard pushed forward, using Cryo Blast on guards, freezing them. To later shoot their frozen solid corpses.

Both men rushed into an open office space, where only a few guards were stationed. Shepard fired a warp at them while GhostFreak opened up his cloak to launch some of his tentacles at them, suffocating the guards. Shepard fired rounds into the heads of those suffocating guards.

Shepard went on ahead while GhostFreak finished off the remainder of the guards that started following them. Shepard ran towards project control. A few Project Guard engineers were blocking his path to the control console. Shepard blasted a powerful Overload then started shooting them with his M-8 Avenger. Some Project Guard Pyros started appearing from the stairs below. Shepard used Cryo Blast to slow them down, which allowed Shepard to fall back as the engineers pushed. Shepard snarled, firing a few bullets at the frozen Pyro guard gas tank. Killing all the guards in the room. Shepard got up and ran to the terminal, next to it were windows that showcased the thrusters. He noticed the timer next to the console.

(02:01:49:02)

He ordered. "I want to activate the project."

The console lit up and the project Vi spoke. "Warning: activating the project will result in an estimated 304:9420 casualties. Do you wish to continue?" Shepard stopped for a minute then let out a breath. He pressed on a button. The thrusters started powering on, and the asteroid started moving toward the Mass Relay.

"Shepard!" Said man, turned to see a vampire with the Omnitrix? He raised an eyebrow as the vampire was staying in the shadows.

"Are we going for a Halloween special? You're a few months late I am afraid." He quipped.

"Har har, funny my good friend. This is Whampire, Shepard. I got bored of fighting all those guards, so I got them to fight each other."

"So, mind control."

"Among other powers that a vampire has, yes. Ahhh" The terminal lit up like a Christmas tree that Whampire had to hide behind a pillar.

The project VI spoke "Project activation in progress. Warning: Collision with Mass Relay imminent. Begin evacuation procedures."

"Well, that's good, I think. Joker already got the Normandy primed for evacuation and is on the colony. We should…." Whampire was about to finish that sentence when Dr Kenson appeared on vid.

"Shepard, no! Do you have any idea what you've done? You leave me no choice. If we can't stop this asteroid, it must be destroyed." Dr Kenson shouted over the video feed, then the video was cut.

Shepard's fist clenched. "Tell me where Dr. Kenson is?" He asked.

The VI responded. " is travelling to the reactor core module."

Dr. Kenson Vid back in. "An Ezo core meltdown should do it. Because of you, everyone on this rock will be obliterated."

"Blah, blah, not if we get to you first, crazy lady." Whampire shouted.

The vid was shut, and the door next to them opened with guards pouring out. Shepard gritted his teeth as he dodged out the way into cover. Whampire jumped onto a guard and spat out a min bat onto the guard. The guard's eyes flashed and started shooting his teammates. Turning into a bat, Whampire flew away to stand next to Shepard.

"That should buy us time to plan." Whampire stated. Shepard nodded.

"Then I need you to get back to the Rustbucket. I need a way off this rock after I stop the good doctor from blowing this rock." Whampire nodded and flew away toward his ship. Shepard looked over from his cover and saw that the guards were still fighting the controlled guards. He took this as an opening and left through the exit towards the reactor module.

"The Project: Reactor Module."

Shepard walked through the halls, entering the reactor module side room. He saw glass panels near him and Dr. Kenson on the other side.

"Don't try to stop me, Shepard. I have to do this." She shouted at Shepard.

"I've already activated the project so we can still escape this rock." Shepard rebutted.

Dr Kenson frowned and turned to the reactor. Leaning on the wall. "There is no escape, there's no redemption for what you've done. I will die never having seen the Reaper's blessings, and you will just die!" She turned back to Shepard, screaming that last sentence.

"Dammit, Kenson." Shepard muttered. A door opened, which got Shepard's attention. Two project guards came through, sealing the door behind them. Shepard quickly noticed a flammable canister on the wall. He shot it, which caused both project guards to catch on fire. Shepard then warped one guard, which caused an explosion. He ran up and saw a terminal panel, he pressed on the panel. The door the guards sealed earlier opened up.

"Shepard is trapped; keep him in there." Dr Kenson ordered her project guards.

Shepard walked through, looking around, he saw an elevator and jumped in and went up to another level with the same floor plan. Shepard charged forward when the Project VI called out.

"Safety protocol disengage; core temperature rising"

Shepard had to fight two Project guards and an engineer. Take two of the guards with Cryo blasts, then shoot them, breaking their body parts in pieces. The engineer was hit with overload and warp. Which was followed by hitting for cover as the engineer sent out a drone to chase after Shepard. The engineer quickly fired their gun at him. Shepard jumps out of the way when the drone starts to get closer, then fires off his M-4 Shuriken at it. Later, Shepard powers up a throw on the engineer, knocking them into the wall. Shepard went to double tap making sure the engineer was dead.

Shepard walked up to a console with a control module built in and asked. "How do I stabilize the reactor core?"

Project Vi responded. "All automatic safety protocols have been overwritten. To stabilise the reactor core: manually, insert cooling rod A from this control station manually. Insert cooling rod B from control station B Doing so will stabilize the reactor core." Shepard looked over where station B was. He then pushed down the cooling rod A into the reactor systems.

"Cooling rod A reinserted. The reactor cooling process has begun." The VI stated. As stated, the reactor started to grow, and the pipes glowing. Shepard nodded to himself and left through the door next to him.

Dr. Kenson's voice rang through the halls. "I need more time. Get in there."

Guards showed up on the other side. Shepard made quick work of them and moved forward down the hall. Moving into an elevator, he went down below, reaching a venting room where plasma was being projected in a protected room. He turned off the plasma vents and ran through the room to the other side. As soon as he reached the other side, a singular guard shot at him. Shepard quickly warped him to death and moved on.

Reaching the maintenance area, more guards appeared. Shepard overloads the Pyro, exploding the flammable gas canisters. Shooting the guards next to the Pyro as well, killing them. He proceeds to charge forward when an engineer and a Pyro come out of the door that Shepard reached. Shepard fired a frenzy of shots at both. Lowering the engineer's shields and when his overload finished recharging, he fired it at the Pyro and both of them went.

Boom!

Shepard tried to open the doors but to no avail, he looked around to find a hatchway that was blocked by exploding canisters. Shepard was confused as to why there were exploding canisters, but he is not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. He shot at it and hopped in through the hatchway. Shepard could hear a guard's voice on the far side of the hatchway.

"This is Williams. I got Shepard locked in the maintenance area. Requesting backup."

Shepard walked forward and made a biotic throw at Williams. Tossing the guard over the console. Shepard pressed on the console and walked back to the hall to move forward. He made it to the elevator, where two more guards came from. Shepard made quick work of them and went to the upper levels. As soon as he made it to the upper levels, Shepard made it to a storage room where more guards had been posted. Shepard ran through them, killing them with his skills and biotic powers. They did try to swarm Shepard, but to no avail.

Shepard made it to the other end of the storage room and bypassed the locks to get in. As soon as he got in, he ran to the cooling rod. He pushed down cooling rod B into place.

The VI voice rang. "Cooling rod B inserted. Reactor meltdown has been avoided."

Dr. Kenson's voice spoke harshly soon after. "You have done nothing, Shepard! I can still override the engines! Try to stop me!" Shepard shook his head and went towards the elevator down to Dr. Kenson.

With his M-4 Shuriken out, Shepard pointed it at Dr Kenson, who was holding a detonator. "Step away from the reactor," he ordered.

Dr. Kenson growled. "You've ruined everything. I can't hear the whispers anymore."

"Turn around. Now!" Shepard shouted.

"You've taken them away from me, I will never see the reaper's arrival. All you had to…" Shepard did not have time and shot the Doctor. She collapsed on the floor, but her hand was on the trigger.

Beep, beep, beep!

BOOM!.

Shepard was tossed away from the explosion. The world went black.

A few minutes later.

The VI voice was echoing across the Project base. "Warning: collision imminent warning: collision imminent warning," Shepard's eyes slowly awake, pulling himself up. He looked around and ran to the reactor. Checking the console, he can see it was damaged. He went on the radio and called.

"Ben, It is Shepard. I need a pickup. Now!" he ordered.

"Communication system damaged!" The VI stated.

"Of course it is." Shepard muttered.

"Evacuation protocols in effect all personnel report to escape shuttles," The VI continued. Shepard had his hands on his hips, walking back and forth.

"Where can I take the next escape shuttle?" Shepard asked.

"Take the lift from this room to the external access, from there, proceed to the communications tower." The VI answered.

Shepard nodded and noticed the timer above.

(01:03:56:19)

Shepard ran like the wind, going through halls and elevators to get to the communication tower. As soon as he got to the airlock, he took a breather. Letting the room get pressurised.

The VI stated. "Normalising pressure in the airlock."

The project: Communication tower.

As soon as he got outside, he got into a firefight with more guards. Pushing forward using his biotics, killing the guards. He ignored the last escape shuttle leaving and went to the tower. The guards who were fighting Shepard were none too pleased to be left behind. Shepard smirked to himself and fired off his collector beam rifle at them, melting them. A heavy Meach slowly walked forward, but Shepard overloaded the shields, warped the armour and heavy laser the metal skin, destroying the mech.

Running to the tower and activating the com relay.

"Ben, get here now! I need a pickup. Joker, do you read, you need to get the Normandy out of this system now!" He was about to speak more when a yellow holographic squid figure appeared in front of him. A reaper.

"Shepard, you have become an annoyance; you fight against inevitability, dust struggling against cosmic winds. This seems a victory to you, a star system sacrificed, but even now your greatest civilisations are doomed to fall; their leaders will beg to serve us."

Shepard shrugged. "Maybe you're right, maybe we can't win this, but we'll fight you regardless, just like we did Sovereign, just like I'm doing now, however insignificant we might be. We will fight, we will sacrifice, and we will find a way that's what humans do."

The reaper responds in kind. "Know this as you die in vain: your time will come; your species will fall. Prepare yourselves for the arrival." The reaper vanished.

"Shepard!" Shepard's Omni-tool, light up,

"Ben?"

"I'm coming inbound on your right!" Shepard looked and saw the Rustbucket coming in. The Rustbucket opened up, and Shepard jumped in. He walked up next to Ben, sitting in the cop pilot seat.

"Get us out of here!" Shepard ordered.

"Don't have to tell me twice, Hold on. Joker, I got Shepard. We need to leave now." Ben stated. Ben flew the Rustbucket off to the Mass Relay.

Aratoht

Miranda and Liara were next to the Batarian leader of the colony. It took a while to convince them, but with Zaeed's pull with Blue sons and Aria's pull, they managed to.

"That all the civilians we…" Liara started when her radio kicked in.

"I understand Joker," Liara turned to the Batarian leader. Kepor dac'colok.

"We have to go. The asteroid is getting closer, and our companion picked up Shepard." Kepor frowned but nodded. He opened up his radio channel and ordered the shuttles to leave immediately, no exceptions. He looked back at Liara.

"I did my best. Let's get out of here." The Batarian leader ran up the Normandy hangar bay. Miranda and Liara nodded, followed behind. Closing the hangar bay doors, the Normandy lifted into the air and flew to the mass relay. Both the Rustbucket and Normandy managed to reach the mass relay, jumping into hyperspace when the asteroid destroyed the relay.

A few hours later: Horizon.

The Batarian leader was arguing with his own government for refugees to stay on the homeworld. Some shuttles did not make it out of the system. While that was happening, Shepard was being debriefed by the council through the holographic meeting room on Horizon. . Liara was behind him as she had evidence to back up his claim. Ben already gave his report but could not stay trying to help the Batarians get settled on the colony.

"Shepard, we need to understand the scope of this, because if you're right about your report, then a lot of this will return to us in kind. I also need to point out that Anderson should have told us about the mission." Tevos said, exasperated by the news of the Batarian colony being destroyed as well as the Mass Relay. Anderson is not here because he has a personal stake and will be biased on the matter.

"But if you're incorrect." Valen stated.

"I am not wrong, councillor. The reapers are coming, and I just slowed them down."

Sparatus nodded. He believed Shepard plus his helping the Batarians cemented that picking Shepard for the Spectres was a good idea. He just won't say out loud. "We need to corodi….." The councillors were interrupted by Kaiden walking into the meeting.

"Kaiden? What's going on?" Shepard asked. Liara put a hand on Shepard's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Shepard, but I tried to stop them."

"Stop who?" Tevos asked.

"Me!" Everyone turns to where the voice came from.

Shepard was startled. "Jane!" In front of him is a red-haired woman wearing N7 armour. Similar to Commander Shepard, wearing red scars down her left cheek. Next to her were soldiers of the alliance.

"Hello brother." She said snarly. "You are to turn around and place your hands behind your back, because you're under arrest for crimes against the Alliance."