“I was worried Cerberus would try something. Did you get the data?” Admiral Hackett asked over a holographic call.

“Yes, sir. We managed to cut off Cerberus attempt. Liara and EDI are analysing the data that we have.” John explained as Liara came up from behind.

Hackett was scratching his chin, thinking. “Send a copy of the plans my way. I get scientists and engineers to have a look.”

“Thank you, sir,” John replied.

“You’re welcome. Now, what was Tennyson doing there? While I am grateful for the help…”

“He was originally at Noveria investigation Cerberus activity. He found out about the attack from there and followed the lead. You will need to watch out for the Hounds of Hell corporation Ben uncovered a connection to Cerberus,” John explained. Hackett nodded, though he had a frown on his face.

“Well, I appreciated it. Hackett out.” John shook his head and turned to Liara, who shrugged in response. Both started walking out of the room into the new Normandy SR2 war room.

A round room with a circle holographic table in the centre and console spread throughout the upper half of the room. Behind John was a communications room where he and Liara came. John notices Ben and Nihlus talking in the room.

“Ben.” Ben turned, facing John, stopping his conversation. Nihlus crossed his arms and turned as well.

“John. How was the meeting?” Ben asked.

“Good, though he seems antsy for some reason.” John explained.

Liara chimes in here, “Could be due to all the exposure the Alliance got after you got arrested. I heard it was from a known source.” John gave her a strange look while Liara was given Ben a pained look.

“Hey, they pissed me off, so I had every right to piss them back … That did not sound right.”

John rolled his eyes. “So, how is everyone?” Moving on.

“Your sister will make a recovery but will need to spend some time at Huerta Memorial Hospital. The crew that was doing the retrofits is in crew quarters dealing with the aftermath of the Reaper invasion; same with the Mars security and scientists. Vega and his friends are trying to help out the child you rescued. Joker flying to the citadel and EDI is sorting through the AI data.” Nihlus explained everything.

“And my father?”

“Trying to order Joker to turn around to the Alliance fleet.” Liara said with a scowl. Nihlus frowned, and Ben was gripping his fist. John just shook his head.

Ben moved his hand to his waist. He decided to change the topic. “Well, I did say I explain what I found with Cerberus. Now a good time than ever. By the way, how did Hackett react to Cerberus being on Mars?”

“Annoyed at Best. I think he knew they do something. Just not that.” John replied with an annoyed tone of his own.

Ben nodded, face going serious. “Make sense. Mind if I use the console?” John gestured for Ben to go ahead.

Ben smiled and connected his Omnitrix to the console. The console lit up with projections. Liara, Nihlus, and John circle around it to view Ben’s projections.

“Right to start off with, Cerberus has been covertly operating through corporate channels for years, even before they got disbanded. I found connections to places that have been influenced or invested by Cerberus. Two examples were found by John here back in his Saren hunting days.” Ben explained. John shivered; Noveria and Feros were not great places to visit for two completely different reasons.

“yes I remember, but I know the council took action after the mission,” Liara pointed out.

Nihlus nodded. “Yes, I was on a team to found these Cerberus bases to prevent widespread panic.”

“Well then, you’re not going to like the next part.” Ben chimed. He pointed to a part of the projection.

“That there to where I am pointing to is the corpse of the thorian creeper hiding beneath a faculty belonging to the Hound of Hell in Noveria. And that,” pointing next to it. “Is artefacts from the Mars Archives.”

“WHAT!” all three shouted simultaneously.

“What is worse is that it’s all connected to Miranda’s father. Three guesses to where he got his fortune from. I have tracked any facilities that connect to their corporate side only for them to have back doors that scrub any information. I did, however, find that the Alliance is heavily compromised down to the rookie. Cerberus has been building since your revival, John, and they have been waiting for the time to strike.” Ben expanded on his explanation.

“How is Miranda? And I did not see Ship with you either.” John asked curiously about the lack of the green data slug dog.

“In hiding from her father. She has taken the Rustbucket and Ship with her for protection. She is lucky the Rustbucket IFF barely works, That thing can bypass most ship security sensors/scanners.” Ben replied back softly,

Nihlus lean forwards eyes narrowing. “I can tell Cerberus has sunk their claws into a lot of place but Omega?” Liara blinked and looked at the projection in front of her.

Ben winced. “Yeah, Aria’s not too happy about that. They took over the station roughly 5 months after your arrest, John. She at the citadel at the moment.”

Liara frowned. “How come no one did anything about it?” She asked.

“I don’t know. I know the council knows from my reports, but where busy dealing with other parties. When it comes from the terminus, people, I don’t know,” Ben shrugged as he responded.

“That just means Cerberus is fully committed to stopping us then. I know Aria was one of the very few who believed me about the reapers.” John spoke up. Whether she going to help him was another story all together.

“Yes, well, my next stop was Eden Prime before Noveria and Mars happened.” Ben said with a mix of frustration and pain.

“Why Eden Prime?” Liara asked. John raised an eyebrow, and Nihlus crossed his arms, waiting for an answer.

“Because Cerberus launched an offensive there. It has been discovered that another Prothean artefact has risen up from the ground since your last visit.” Ben explained.

“I see. Liara, see what you can dig up on the artefact. Ben how big was the offensive?” John ordered. Liara nodded.

“Big enough to wipe out a colony.” Ben responded. John nodded.

“We head there when we get the chance. we…”

“John, we are about to dock into the citadel. I was just informed that Ben needs to go to Udina office.” Joker said, interrupting John through the ship’s speaker. John raised an eyebrow at Ben. Ben just shrugged.

“I am doing the politician a favour. I really can’t talk about it without getting him in trouble with your father and the alliance.” John nodded, though was suspicious to why Udina will get in trouble. John walked off to the cockpit, Liara went to follow.

Nihlus, however, stayed and stared at Ben with an intensity that can rival gods. He walked up to Ben and asked.

“I want a list of every Alliance agent that is compromised.”

“Bold of you to assume I know,” Ben said with a snort.

Nihlus jabbed his finger at Ben. “I know you know Tennyson, so when.”

“Tomorrow, and you can’t let John know. It will break his heart.” Ben retorted seriously. Nihlus just nodded in agreement.

Citadel: docking bay D24

A gurney rolled out of the Normandy Airlock with a bunch of medical personal. John’s father followed Behind but not before telling John to never show up.

“Your father’s a right bastard.” A fresh voice emerged. John turned to see Bailey stepping forward. Ben, Liara, James, and Nihlus stayed silent in the back.

“You met my father?” John asked.

“Once, and that was enough.” Bailey said as he held up his hand, with John following a similar action. They shook as John spoke up.

“Captain Bailey, it good to see you again.”

“Yes, well, it commander now, no thanks to your shape-shifter friend,” Bailey stated, given Ben a mock glare. Ben snorted at Bailey.

“Well … congrats.” John said with mock support.

Bailey narrowed his eyes. “Hmm … The council is waiting for you at the tower. Best be sure to head there first.”

“I will.” John said; nodding in agreement.

Bailey nodded back and turned to John’s companions. “What about you three?”

“I follow John. I have what we need for the council.” Liara said, standing next to John.

“I have a politician to meet. Might as well head up there now. See you guys,” Ben said as he left the group towards the elevator.

“I have reports to file and my own politician to meet.” Nihlus followed up and left to catch up to Ben.

James just shrugged. “I have a explore for now.”

“James!” James turned to the one who called out his. It was Treeya and Milque, with the Boy John saved on Earth coming out of the Normandy.

“Treeya?” James asked.

“Jake wants to see the Citadel. We were hoping…” She was interrupted by Bailey.

“I have a tour guide for you.” He said. James turned in shock.

“You’re sure,” he asked the ruffed c-sec officer.

Bailey looked at the kid for a good few minutes before nodding at James.

James smiles, and with his group, decided to wait for the tour guide. John nodded at James and with Liara left for the citadel tower. Bailey grunted and went back to his new office.

Citadel: Tower

“We’ve got our own problems, Councillor Anderson. Earth is not in this alone.” The Turian councillor Sparatus spoke.

“Earth was the first council world hit by all reports, not just human reports; it faces the brunt of the Reaper forces!” Anderson spoke calmly, Dumbledore style.

“Those same reports also indicated that these same forces branched off to Mars,” Valern the salarian councillor retorted back.

John and Liara walked up to the podium as the four councillors squabbling over the reaper debate.

“It does not matter, Commander Shepard Early reports of Reaper existing are greatly disturbing.” Tavos the Asari councillor said harshly. John’s face was filled with frustration.

“Let’s be honest here. John said they were coming, and we have been ignoring it until the collector’s attacks on human colones.” Anderson said with similar frustration to John.

John rolled his eyes, and now was the time to interrupt.

“We at least have the crucible in our hands.”

The councillors turned to face John, each with a different reaction. Anderson showcasing a smile of respect. Sparatus nods with neutrality. Tavos eyes are scrutinising. Valern was stroking his amphibian chin with a tactical gaze.

“You have the plans.” Anderson asked with a hopeful expression.

“Yes, it is a blueprint, but if we put all our resources into it, we can fight back against the Reapers,” Liara said, showing a holographic blueprint of the Crucible.

“The scale it will be a colossal undertaking.” Valern said neutrally.

“No, the remnants of the alliance have already started work on it at this very moment and are gathering resources to begin construction.” John explained in his own neutral voice.

“Our initial calculation suggested that it was feasible to build.” Liara explained.

“If we work together.” John finished.

“Have you considered that the Reapers destroyed the Protheans? what good would this weapon do?” Tavos asked with a smug smile. John narrowed his eyes at her, noticing the smugness of her smile.

“It was incomplete. Here something referred to only as the catalyst, but they ran out of time before they can be completed it.” Liara answered.

“Indeed!” a new, familiar voice filled the echo room. John turned to see his walking, talking collector .

“Prometheus!”

“Hello John, it’s good to see you again.” He turned to the crucible plans. “I remember my time as a Prothean. In our own archives, we found the plans but did nothing with them. It was until the Reaper War that the construction was built. Allow me to assist in construction of this device.” He bowed to Liara.

She smiled in return. “We be happy to have your help.”

Tavos smug smile was washed away in an instant. “I’m afraid that Prometheus still has commitments with the council.”

“No, I don’t. My obligation to you ends the moment you want me to rewrite history.” Prometheus responded angrily. John raised an eyebrow, and Liara held a narrow smile. Sparatus glared at the Asari councillor. Prometheus turned to John.

“I’ll contact your admiral and start working on the crucible.” The bug said.

John smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Prometheus.” Prometheus nodded back and left.

Sparatus coughed into his fist and asked John the important question. “Do you really think this can stop the Reapers?”

“Yes, and now more than ever we need to stand together.” John said confidently. Sparatus eyed John for a few minutes before nodding.

“The cruel and unfortunate truth is that while the reapers focus on earth the rest of us can regroup and prepare.” Tavos said with confidants.

“We are convening a summit of our species. If we manage to secure our borders, we may consider aiding you in retaking Earth.” Valern spoke next. Anderson just shook his head; hands on his head.

“I’m sorry, Commander, but that’s the best we can do.” Tavos spoke with finality and left with Valern. Sparatus stood for a few seconds before leaving himself.

Anderson, who was silent the who time the discussion happened, ordered John.

“John, meet me in my office.” John nodded. Then Anderson left, following Sparatus.

“I hope that an offer of support. I will be digging what I can of the Prothean device, John. Hopefully, with Prometheus’ help,” Liara stated as she walked away.

Citadel: Anderson’s office.

John was leaning against Anderson’s desk, waiting patiently while Anderson gets it all out of his system.

“I should be down there on Earth fighting, not up here arguing with a bunch of head up there assess politician John. While we humans have a spot on the council, John; we still be second fiddle to the rest.” Anderson shouted out of the window.

“There always been like this, Ben should me that when he exposed how Cerberus was operating with me. There styles are similar.” John replied.

“Our people are scared, and we’re looking out for them the best way we know how,” Sparatus spoke as he came striding in.

The Turian put his arms behind his back and continued. “Commander. I can’t give you what you need, but I can tell you how to get it.” Anderson and John looked at each other, then John spoke up.

“I’m listening.”

Sparatus started pacing and explaining. “Primarch Fedorian called the war summit, but … we lost contact when the Reapers hit Palaven. Those meetings won’t proceed without him. The Normandy is one of the few ships that can extract Primarch Fedorian undetected.”

John crossed his arms. “So far you only explained how I can help you.”

Sparatus nodded like he anticipated that type of response. “It might seem that way … but the leaders of the summit will be deciding our future. The fate of our fleets, where they fight and with whom. A grateful Primarch would be a tremendous ally in your bid to unite us.”

John raised an eyebrow if there one thing he has learned from his living experiences. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, even if he must play politician.

John nodded to Sparatus and asked. “Where is he located?”

Sparatus signal John to move away from Anderson. John did so, and Sparatus started talking.

“Our latest intelligence says that the primarch was moved to a base on Palaven’s largest moon. I’ve done all I can to help the rest is up to you.” Sparatus went to leave before stopping and turning to John, said.

“For what it’s worth, John. I am sorry for not believing you. Good day to you,” Sparatus then left.

John walked next to Anderson and spoke. “Well, that went well.”

Anderson nodded, walking to his desk. “It’s a start. I see if Udina can move things along. Get support for this summit. I go through my own contacts and see if I can get some support from our allies.”

“Thanks, Anderson.”

Citadel: embassies

John walked out of Anderson’s office and saw bailey office is just the opposite of Anderson’s. He also saw that the spectre requisition and training room is just on the far side of the embassies; away from public view. He walks up to the Spectre room when a woman screamed in a high pitch; it was coming out of bailey office, stomping her feet.

“Humanity has questions, Commander Bailey, and I intend to get them.” The person who spoke was Khalisah Bint Sinan Al-Jilani, a reporter for disparaging news. John remembered the first time he met her at C-sec Academy, and he tried his best to be cordial … until his sister punched her. Hackett was not pleased that day. Then he met her again in the citadel when he went after the collectors. She looked pleased to see John; maybe it’s because he never punched her in the face and he gave a pretty good interview that day.

John nodded to himself that the go talk to her again. John walked into the spectre requisition and training room and towards the terminal. He sees a few requests and ideas. One of which was getting Kennith and Gabby out. of jail and to assist with the Normandy.

John left the room now to go back to the Normandy, walking past several politicians and citadel workers. He eyes Khalisah Bint Sinan Al-Jilani standing near the elevator, hands on her head. He spoke up, getting her attention.

“Khalisah,”

Khalisah bint Sinan al-Jilani looked up and saw John standing in front of her.

“Commander Shepard. I …” Khalisah Bint Sinan Al-Jilani turned to her camera, checking if it on, she turned back to John.

“Commander Shepard; Khalisah Bint Sinan Al-Jilani, isn’t it true that you were on Earth when the Reapers attack?” John just shook his head as she spoke.

“How do you justify running away while millions of people on Earth die? Is this the best we expect from the Alliance?” Khalisah bint Sinan al-Jilani asked the Commander. Though John heard an angry tone underneath that unbiased rant.

“I came to get help for Earth, and for everyone.” John replied.

“What about all the people suffering while you’re playing politics with the council? What about them?” Khalisah Bint Sinan Al-Jilani asked again; her voice rising. She continues. “How can you stand there while our families die? What are you going to do?” Tears started to roll down her eyes.

“Khalisah, we are doing everything we can.” John said as he embraced Khalisah.

“Before they cut the feeds … there were so many dead.” Khalisah said voice sobbed.

“I am going to stop the Reapers, and I am going to need your help. Keep asking the hard questions don’t let the people forget that they a war out there.” John said, consoled her.

Khalisah nodded. “Okay. I will commander.” She starts to walk away when she turned back and said. “Your sister may be a violent thug, but I am glad you’re back.” John nodded as Khalisah left back to towards the politician’s offices.

“Commander!” John turned to see Milque.

“Milque right?”

Milque nodded. “Yes sir. James wanted me to let you know that Jake staying on the Normandy for the foreseeable future.”

“What?” John was confused, he; had expected the kid to be placed somewhere, not on a warship.

“Apparently foster homes and homes in general are being filled up … More children survivors than adults, sir,” John grimaced.

“Alright, tell James to set up the kid in the crew sleeping quarters until we set up something for him.”

Milque saluted. “Yes, Sir and also glad to be joining you, sir.” Milque then left to find James. John figured to let James have his peace before war-fair politics kicks in wartime. John heads to the elevator heading down to Huerta Memorial Hospital.

Citadel: Huerta Memorial Hospital

John walks out of the elevator and towards the terminal. He needs to stock up on Medi-gel, and according to Joker, most was used to keep people from burning in the engine core refits.

“Shepard!” John looks up from the console to see Thane appearing in front of him. His eyes widen at the sight. Thane’s appearance clearly looked more dishevelled than previously.

“Thane, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? How have you been?”

“I have been well, Shepard. Though I did see your sister heading to the ER; is she alright?”

“No, bad case of Cerberus.” John replied.

“Understood,” Thane nodded.

John stood there for a bit, silently, when Thane made a surprising statement.

“I don’t have long left, 3 months - 5 max.” Thane said with acceptance.

“So, I take you’re not going to help on the Normandy.” John jokingly said.

Thane chuckled. “Afraid not. I have been enjoying my time here with my son.”

John patted Thane’s arm. “I wish for the best.”

“Thank you, and you have my word that I protect your sister when the needs arise.” Thane promised.

“You good friend, Thane. Now I need to find a ship’s medic to fill out the Normandy.” John said, rubbing his temples.

Thane smirked and just pointed to his left. John looked to see an even older friend. John smirked, grew and went up to Chakwas. Chakwas herself was busy talking to Michelle. The same Dr who John met back in his quest to find evidence against Saren. Thane shook his head and went back to sitting peacefully, watching the presidium.

“Hello Dr. Dr.”

“John, oh how good to see you. I heard what happened to Earth,” Chakwas said, sadness evident in her tone.

“Yes, I was quite saddened by the news of Earth being hit by the Reapers,” Dr. Michelle stated sadly.

John nodded. “It was rough; we lost of few trying to leave but…” His voice rapidly unsteady, which both Dr noticed.

Chakwas placed a hand on John’s chest. “We understand, John.” John calmed down a bit.

“Chakwas, we need a are medic back. I’m pretty sure no one can handle Joker like you can,” John joked.

Chakwas chuckled. “That boy would always try to run from me. I see you on the Normandy, John. See you, Michelle.”

“Good bye Karin,” Michelle replied back. Chakwas left for the Normandy, and Michelle going back to work. Leaving John to his thoughts, though that did not last long as he had to get back to the Normandy himself now. Saying goodbye to Thane and sneaking a peek at Jane’s bedside. He was ready to head off.

Citadel: docking bay D24

As John was about to walk into the airlock of the Normandy, a floating camera got in his face.

“Commander Shepard,” a voice was heard.

John turned to see Emily Wong, a face John never thought he saw again. Though that was on purpose, Jon hates reporters, and while he is friendly with Emily. She is still a reporter.

“Emily! How are you? I have not seen you since I helped with your stories.” John stated.

“I know look. My producers want to run the coverage of the war, and i suggested going to the one who said they were coming.” Emily explained quickly.

John raised an eyebrow. “I see, and this will help the war effort.”

“Oh, yes. The more people who see the action, the more who likely to join. That what I am here for: to spread hope through news. All you have to do is answer a few questions while I work the magic.” Emily added. John can see she looks like she wants to beg.

“Hope through news that a new one, but not a bad one either … Alright, you can come aboard, bring one footlocker of essentials and get a checkup with Dr. Chakwas. Other than that, welcome aboard.” John said, pointing behind him to the Normandy.

“Yes, sir.” Emily saluted. She ran into the Normandy like a child in a candy store. John walked in after when he heard.

“Ha, screw you, Diana Allers.”

John shook his head and called out to Joker.

“Joker set a course for Menae.”

“Aye, aye”

Chapter 36 The war prolouge

Caught Up? Try These While You Wait

Chapter 36 The war prolouge

Caught Up? Try These While You Wait