Beyond the Horizon

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 93

"She's stable," Kordak sighed as he opened the door to Liara's room. "But I don't have the equipment to diagnose more accurately."

"The experts relocated the beacon onto the Council ship," Shiala said as she sat down by Liara's bedside. "There is room for both your squad and Liara to accompany us to the Citadel."

"I just might take you up on that," Arthur replied. "We're gonna need a ride back anyway."

"I'll also ask that you continue safeguarding Liara," Shiala requested. "It is a short trip to the Citadel, but a Beacon is the sort of target that many would want to acquire."

"We'll keep her safe until we get to the Citadel," Arthur shrugged. "That's all that we can really promise at the moment."

"I shall accept what we can get," Shiala glanced at the lone squad of Asari Commandos.

"Give us an hour to collect our kit," Arthur said. "We'll meet you at the spaceport."

–
–

"This everything?" Shiala asked, her head tilted in confusion.

"We've essentially only got what we came in with," Elizabeth said as she dragged a massive crate onto the ship. "This is just what we picked up off of the guys who tried to take the Beacon the other night."

"I must have misheard you," Shiala said as she saw the rest of the Commonwealth squad minus Wiso drag in much larger crates. "This is what you took from the ones who attacked the Beacon?"

"Of course," Wiso's accented voice replied. "Our salvage rights were determined well in advance before we accepted this joint venture."

"The Scientists will love to inspect some of this gear," Pockastar said as he sorted through some Omnitools. "This is some high-end kit, and I'm sure there's a ton of intel to extract from it."

"Don't try to understand it, love," Lara Croft said from where she was leaning up against a wall looking at Dr. Jones speaking to some of the CSF as if they were old friends. "Fucking Commonwealthers are odd. They're nothing like the rest of us respectable Humans."

"Kordak!" Jones laughed as he shook the hand of the massive Krogan. "I haven't seen you since that op on-"

"We do not speak of that day," Kordak nodded at Elizabeth as she covered Dr. Jones' mouth. "Still, it is excellent to speak to you again, I was not aware that you were currently working for the Council."

"I go where the legends take me," Jones replied with a scoff. "And besides, the Commonwealth doesn't need my services currently. When they do, I'll be right back to assist," Jones chewed his lip in thought. "You might say that I'm on 'on loan' to the Council for the time being."

"I think that I'm going to leave them alone," Shiala pinched the bridge of her nose.

"That's probably for the best," Lara turned and walked further into the ship. "Trying to understand those maniacs is the path to madness."

---

"I'm afraid you'll have to repeat that," Benezia said as she picked glass shards out of her hand. "I believe I misheard you in some way."

"Your daughter is currently unconscious and being transported to the Citadel," the Maiden shivered in fear.

"That's what I thought you said," Benezia turned around as she held her hand out and another Asari dabbed some Medigel onto it. "I will of course require everything that you have on the incident. Immediately."

The Maiden hurried out of the room, her footsteps echoing off in the distance.

"Arrange for secure communications with Shiala," Benezia instructed her aid. "I must find out what happened to Liara."

The servant bowed and vanished off into a side room, leaving the dining room in silence.

"What have you gotten yourself into this time, Little Wing," Benezia muttered as she found another glass and poured some more wine.

–
–

"I see," Valern said as he read over the report that an STG agent had just handed him. "Inform the Dalatrasses that I will ensure the plan is carried out to perfection. The chance to seize a Beacon or one exposed to it that the Asari have not had time to fully inspect is too much to pass up on."

---

"I despise this," Saren muttered as he drove the APC through the biting cold of Noveria, his new arm twitching in pain as he attempted to regain some of his faculties.

"Spectre, we're near the facility now," the Matron assigned to be his overseer said as she peered into the driver's seat.

"I am aware of where we are," the Turian parked and began shutting the wheeled machine down.

The small group exited the APC and moved into the garage of the lab, Saren noting the potential problems if he needed to make an escape.

"There a reason the turrets are pointed inward?" Saren asked. "I thought you were supposed to be keeping people out of this facility, not locking them in."

"There is a reason behind this," the Matron said with a smirk. "And you will understand when you see what it is that we have been studying."

"I dread the very thought," Saren deadpanned as they continued further into the facility.

–
–

"You're experimenting, with Rachni?!" Saren roared. "In what galaxy is that a good idea? No, wait, I already know that it's not this galaxy. The one that we're trying to protect!"

"This Rachni possesses knowledge of the Mu relay," the Matron said coldly. "And you will be helping us to obtain that knowledge."

"Oh really?" Saren snarked. "And how exactly am I to accomplish that?! I, unlike some people, cannot meld with the Rachni and pull the information from their minds."

"We are aware of that," The Matron smiled, amusement in her voice. "You are merely here to ensure that she cooperates. I understand that you are a master at obtaining information that people have tried to keep hidden."
"Yes," Saren swore. "With contacts, and bribes, and all sorts of things that people who aren't spirits-damned Asari use to get intelligence and information."

"Your protests are noted," The matron said coldly, the amusement fading from her. "Now, prepare yourself, group melds can be messy, as it were."

–
–

"This is not going to work," Saren said with a glare at the Matron who was recovering. "Now, I'm returning to Sovereign, there are better ways for her to make use of my time and expertise."

"You will not find her satisfied with you leaving this task unfinished," the Matron said as she glared back.

"I do not care," Saren replied. "If I am so important to this task, then I will be instructed to come back here. But that can wait until after I have done something besides try to mind-rape a sapient being."

"Do as you wish," the Matron dipped her head. "But you shall face the consequences of your decision."

"Trust me, I'll do that gladly," Saren said as he left the room, the door hissing shut behind him.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 94

“Stay on the Asari frigate,” Shepard ordered Joker. “We’ll dump heat before jumping through the relay and continue following via stealth.”

“Aye ma’am,” Joker swung the Normandy around to stay close to the Asari ship. “You worried about the Commonwealth squad?”

“No,” Shepard shook her head. “I’m worried some third party will want to take the Beacon. So we’re going to be their invisible shield and sword.”

“Asari ship is through,” Joker reported. “Dumping heat in five, four, three, two, one. The stealth systems are now off, and the heat transfer status is in the optimum safety guidelines. Zorah, how does the core look?”

“We are ready to engage the stealth systems when required,” the Quarian replied. “But you would only have an hour or so if we did it now. Let us dump the rest of this heat and I’ll see what we can do to get you more time in stealth mode.”

“How long will dumping the rest of the heat take?” Shepard asked.

“Approximately five minutes or so, Captain,” Engineer Adams broke in. “We might want to consider submitting a report to R&D on our field tests so far. They might have some solutions to the heating problem by now.”

“I’ll be sure to look into it,” Shepard responded. “Let us know when we’re clear to hit the relay.”

“Aye, ma’am,” Adams replied. “We’ll make sure you know.”

—
—

“Asari frigate looks clear,” the sensors officer reported. “I’m not seeing anything in this system, Captain.”

“Just keep looking,” Shepard said as she looked at the various stations. “And start getting into your hard suits. If we head into combat I’m going to vent atmosphere.”

“Huh, that’s odd,” the sensors officer shook his head at the terminal in front of him.

“What’s odd, Ensign?” Shepard asked.

“I could have sworn that I saw what looked like a ship with a Salarian frigate’s profile a second ago,” he shrugged. “Must have been a sensor ghost.”

“Check it again,” Shepard stated as she patted him on the shoulder. “Make sure, don’t just assume.”

“Checking now, Captain,” his hands flew across the controls. “There’s nothing there. Unless someone else has a Normandy class ship hidden away.”

“I’m sure there are other nations working on similar prototypes,” Shepard agreed. “A Prothean Beacon is the exact sort of thing you break out the prototypes for.”

“Right, Ma’am,” the sensors officer coughed. “I think we’re clear.”

“Just keep your head on a swivel. We’re not going to be on the losing side today.”

---

“Oh, you’re awake,” Shiala smiled. “We wondered if you would still be unconscious when we reached the Citadel.”

“What happened?” Liara asked. “I remember moving close to inspect the Beacon, and then nothing except for terrible visions,” Liara jolted up. “We have to report to the Council, the Protheans didn’t just leave, they were being attacked by something.”

“We’re on our way to the Citadel now,” Shiala eased Liara back down. “Take some time and get yourself ready. A report like this isn’t anything to take lightly.”

“Yes,” Liara sucked in a breath. “You’re right, I’ll eat something and piece my thoughts together before writing down a report.”

“I must warn you,” Shiala stood up. “The CSF is in the cargo bay. I would suggest caution before engaging with them. They have a tendency to be… Rowdy, to put it in the most polite way.”

“I should probably still meet with them,” Liara said as she rose to her feet. “I assume they are somewhat responsible for me still being alive?”

“They did help us in making sure that you remained secure,” Shiala agreed. “So it would be proper to show them the proper gratitude.”

“Please inform the Commonwealth Special Forces that I would like to dine with them once I am suitably recovered,” Liara nodded at Shiala. “Now, I assume the ship’s doctor needs to examine me.”

“Yes, I’ll be on my way,” Shiala smiled. “It is good to see you back on your feet.”


–
–





“What are they doing?” Liara asked as she watched two of the Commonwealth Special Forces operatives roll around on the ground.

“They’re grappling,” Pockastar said from his spot behind them. “Specifically, this is a style that’s taught in our special forces that relies on universal weak points that most species in the galaxy share.”

“And what might that be?” Liara asked as she leaned up against the wall to continue watching.

“Joints,” Wiso spoke up. “All of us, even Kroga have vulnerable joints. If you are able to disable one or more of them, then it becomes a much more difficult fight for any who might try to close with us.”

“You all learn this?” Shiala asked as Elizabeth got the upper hand and forced Arthur to tap out.

“Yes,” Wiso replied. “It is something that all of our armed forces learn the basics of.”

“Mastery only comes from those who are willing to put that much more time and effort into it though,” Arthur said as he toweled off some sweat. “Pockastar, you’re up.”

“I hate grappling with Liz,” the Batarian whined.

“We all do,” Arthur agreed. “That’s why we make you do it anyway.”

“When you are finished, I would like to dine with you all,” Liara said before they began grappling again. “It is the least I can do for all of you.”

“Belay that!” Arthur said as the ship shook and alarms began to sound. “Kordak, get Liara some armor, Elizabeth, Wiso, and Pockastar, set up a defensive position around the Beacon. Shiala, you’re with me, we’re heading to the bridge. I want to know who we’re fighting against.”

“Agreed,” Shiala nodded at the Human. “We should know the face of our enemy.”

---

“We have an enemy frigate! It resembles a Salarian Frigate, but this model is different.”

“Are we sure they fired first?” Shepard asked.

“Yes ma’am,” the ensign replied. “I’m saving the recording to a backup off-site now.”

“Alright,” Shepard nodded. “Joker, get ready to target the Salarian ship. But remember people, we need to be very precise. The last thing we want is for the Asari to have an issue with how we protected the Beacon and the people on board.”

“Just give the word,” Joker grinned. “I’m locked on and ready to roll.”

“Punch it.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 95

“Why are you on my bridge?” Captain Jenrih Conivius asked. “I’ve got a battle to fight,” She nodded at two armed and armored officers. “Please remove them from this space until the battle is finished.”

“Wait one second, please,” Arthur said as the two Asari moved closer. “One of those ships is the Normandy. Let me try and talk to them. They should be willing to assist.”

“Fine,” Jenrih grunted. “But make it quick and then remove yourself.”

“Captain Shepard, this is Major Steiner. How copy?”

“Solid copy, Major,” Shepard’s voice came back. “Seems the ship you’re on is in a bit of a jam, we’ll try to unfuck it for you.”

“I think we’d all appreciate the help,” Arthur replied. “I’ll turn things over to the Asari now. I’m heading down to keep the Beacon secure.”

“We’ll take things over from here,” the comms officer nodded at Arthur.

—
—

“I hate this sort of thing,” Kordak muttered as the ship shook around them. “Waiting to find out if you are going to survive or not is no way to be at peace during a battle.”

“It is unpleasant,” Liara said as lights flickered and the ship shuddered again. “I have fought pirates on archeological digs before, but I’ve never been on a ship when it was attacked.”

“You’re one of the lucky ones then,” Doctor Jones said as he checked the magazine on his ancient pistol.

“Agreed,” Croft nodded as she had Wiso check over her armor.

“The waiting is always the hardest part of being a soldier,” Elizabeth sighed. “It’s not the thing that people write about in books or show in the vids. The action comes, but there is much waiting between bursts of actions.”

“I’ve heard stories,” Liara said as she leaned in. “But I’ve not been able to meet many soldiers aside from those who served my mother when she was a Matriarch.”

“And they probably sugarcoat things,” Jones said as he holstered his pistol and accepted the rifle that Pockastar handed to him. “You want to get to know the real gritty shit, you’ve got to talk to people like the Commonwealth.”

“And why is that?” Lara Croft asked. “Are you just that much better than us?”

“No,” Pockastar shook his head. “We’re not better than you, we just understand something that the Council seems to have forgotten.”

“And what is that?” Shiala asked as she stepped into the room, Arthur following close behind.

“War is not civilized,” the Batarian stated. “It’s bloody, it’s visceral, and it always has a cost. The Council expects that people will react a certain way when faced with war or combat and that is simply not the case. The Commonwealth, they’ve been at war recently, and the Systems Alliance has been as well. And so too with the Hegemony. They understand that War doesn’t truly end until one side stands on top of a pile of corpses and can force the other to fall in line through the force of arms. The Salarians and Asari think that we are a Galaxy still at peace. No, we are not at peace. This is merely the calm before the storm. Soon, the galaxy will find itself in a war, and then we’ll see who rises to the top.”

---

“I want that ship dead in the water, Joker,” Shepard said as the Normandy shook, a round leaving her spinal gun as she moved closer to the enemy ship.

“We’ve got impact, I’m firing the disrupter torpedos on our next pass,” Joker reported.

The three ships danced through the stars, the Asari frigate constantly pulling ahead of the strange Salarian frigate, narrowly dodging the fire while the Normandy whittled away at the ship’s defenses.

“Fox three,” Joker relayed as he fired the Disruptor torpedoes. “Reload and hit them again, I need a hole to punch this round through.”

The enemy vessel seemed to freeze in place as the second wave of torpedoes hit the ship, a round from the Normandy hitting through the hole opened in the kinetic barriers and sending the ship spiraling off into the void.

“Follow that ship,” Shepard ordered. “We need to see if we can get any intel from it.”

As the words left her lips, the enemy frigate vanished in a flash of light.

“Belay that,” Shepard sighed. “Move into an escort pattern on the Asari frigate, we’re making sure that the Beacon gets to the citadel.”

“Copy that,” Joker shifted his hands on the haptic interface. “Moving to holding and escort pattern now.”

“Dark Sister, we’ve eliminated the enemy frigate and are moving to escort you the rest of the way to the Citadel,” Shepard nodded to the comms officer.

“Copy that Normandy, we’re pushing on to the next Relay,” there was a long pause. “And thanks for the assist. We never saw them coming.”

“Wait to send out the cards until we’re done,” Shepard chuckled. “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

---

“It seems that you have abandoned the task I assigned you,” Saren shuddered as he tried to will himself to his feet but found his body no longer responded.

“I will not be responsible for that sort of atrocity,” Saren spat. “I know what lines I am willing to cross in order to protect those who need it and that is one that I will not bend on. You will have to break me if you want me to try that again.”

“That can be arranged,” the voice chuckled. “But I have other things that you must accomplish first. Now, we will be arranging more upgrades for you before you depart. I recommend you find time to relax and enjoy yourself while you recover. For you will be busy for a good while afterward.”

–
–

Saren woke up and flared his mandibles in pain, a guttural roar resounding through the enclosed space as his nerves spread wildfire up his spine and pounded a spike into his brain.

“I will not lose myself,” Saren muttered as he forced his body to cooperate. “I am Turian,” His eyes blazed as he began shielding what remained of his mind, the pain narrowing his focus on what was left of his mind and helping him build the wall around it again. “I will not go quietly.”

“Oh, still holding onto that bit of individuality that you possess?” The woman smirked. “We’re going to have to stamp that out.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 96

"Overwatch, please tell me you have eyes on us," Arthur asked as he blended into the crowd, the rest of Alpha-Nine scattered and in plain clothes.

"Got you in my scope, lead," Elizabeth responded. "You're clear for another three hundred meters. Then you'll lose coverage as I reposition."

"Copy that," Arthur replied. "I'll keep the VIP next to me. Let us know when we drop out."

"Alpha-Nine, be advised, potential C-Sec block up ahead. With the Beacon in play they aren't taking any chances."

"Understood. Status on the Beacon delivery?"

"It's still in transit," Shiala replied. "There's a pretty significant amount of Spectres protecting it."

"Let's hope that there aren't any more people that want a piece of it," Arthur said as he maneuvered Liara through a group of civilians. "I'm tired of having to repaint my gear."

"Just focus on getting Liara to the Council tower," Shiala said. "Let me worry about the Beacon."

"I need you and Kordak to remain alive," Arthur said as he boarded a bus, Liara and the rest of Alpha-Nine sitting in different seats. "I'm pretty sure if this all goes sideways, we're all going with it."


"Is this seat taken?" a Turian asks.

"No, please," Arthur replies as he stands up. "I'd rather stand anyway."

The Turian sat down and a small group of chattering Asari boarded just as the doors closed, the bus lifting off and heading for the appropriate floor."

"You know," one of the Asari moved close to Arthur. "I've never seen a human in person before, you all look so, ravishing," she licked her lips as she eyed him up. "Why don't I take you home, and let you get to know Asari in a more intimate way?" She indicated that her group would be joining in.

"Sorry, ma'am," Arthur set his face in stone. "I'm not interested. I've already got someone that I'm interested in."

"Art!" The smooth British accent of Lara Croft cut into the conversation. "You didn't tell me that you were on the Citadel! It's been so long! Tell me, how have you been?"

The Asari scoffed and turned away, walking back to her clique as Arthur took advantage of the distraction.

"Thanks for the save," He said quietly.

"Sometimes Asari gets it into their heads that they're the most attractive species in the universe," Lara shook her head. "I've had to run off more than a few of them who thought that I would be interested."

"They're not your type?" Arthur asked.

"Actually, despite our arguments, I find Doctor Jones a refreshing breath of fresh air. If he were a few years younger I might try something." she smirked. "Don't tell him that though, he'll get a big head."

"Your secret's safe with me," Arthur replied, shifting to look at the group of Asari more closely. "Somwthing feels off about those Asari though, that speech felt rehearsed."

"This is Avina, your VI companion, do not be alarmed, but the Airbus is coming in for an emergency stop. Please exit the vehicle in an orderly fashion and be sure to follow all C-Sec emergency guidelines."

"I guess we were overdue for a disaster, after all," Arthur muttered as he moved his hand closer to his waist, turning the kinetic barrier belt and jacket on as he did so. "Be advised Overwatch, we may have some company soon. Our bus had an emergency failure and we're touching down to board a new one. "

"Copy that, Lead," Elizabeth peered through her riflescope. "I see you."

"Just stay wary, I'm not ruling out foul play here."

"Everything was fine until two minutes ago," Pockastar said. "I just scanned the bus and it should be running."

"Get ready for a fight," Arthur said. "Be careful of Civvies though, we don't want a MCE while we're here."

"I can leave the Beacon if you require assistance," Kordak says. "These Spectres should have everything in hand."

"We can't count on it," Arthur shakes his head. "Just stay put. Whatever happens, we need to handle it."

---

"Sparatus," Jack Harper greeted the Turian. "It's good to see you again."

"Likewise," they grasped each other's forearms. "Sit, eat, we have much to discuss."

"About what exactly?" Harper rolled his eyes. "I'm retired, a washed-up has been."

"I think we both know that you're more than that," Sparatus shook his head. "You and I, we're figureheads. Whether we like it or not we were the leaders into the new age. And that means that we possess a unique opportunity to help shape things for the better."

"Sparatus," Jack said as he pulled the pair of sunglasses off of his face. "I'm not sure how much help I could be. I'm dying, too much direct exposure to eezo during the First Contact War."

"So it's cancerous then?"

"Nothing we've learned yet can fix it," Jack sighed. "I'm an old man, leave me to my peace before I die, please."

"How long do you have left?"

"The doctors gave me three months," Jack smirked. "That was a year ago," he pulled out a cigar and lit it, taking a sip of whiskey right after. "Now, if you'll tell me what it is that you need, I can see about sending someone your way, but I won't be attending to it personally."

"I'm afraid that you won't be planning anything anymore," a voice said from the shadows as a Turian stepped out.

"Saren," Jack tossed back the rest of his whiskey. "I see you're here to finish the job."

"I would rather leave you both be," Saren flared his mandibles. "But my orders are clear, and though I struggle against them, I find that they are becoming harder to resist. Please, do not struggle, I do not wish for this to be a painful death."

Jack simply shrugged, his cigar dangling from his lips as a concealed pistol appeared in his hands.

"I'm already dead, son. I have no problem with dying loud."

"I was afraid it would go this way," Saren sighed as he pulled an odd assault rifle from his back. "But by now, I should know that it always goes this way. Spirits forgive me, because the galaxy won't."

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 97

"It didn't have to end this way," Saren sighed as he pointed his pistol down at Jack Harper. "You could have died at peace."

Jack just chuckled, blood pooling underneath him as he puffed on his cigar one last time before the life faded from his eyes.

"And as for you," Saren turned to the corpse of Sparatus. "It's a shame that I had to end your alliance. It was probably the only chance the galaxy had."

Saren planted the Geth Pulse Rifle he had used on the ground before removing any traces of his existence from the scene of the crime.

"Spirits grant them wisdom," he muttered as he limped away, his form vanishing into the shadows. "I have done all that I can to warn them."

—
—

"Is your mission complete?" The figure asked.

"The objectives were accomplished as instructed," Saren stated outwardly as what was left of him began fighting against the control.

"Good," She smiled. "Come back to Sovereign for debriefing, I believe it is time for us to complete your programming. You have struggled for long enough."

"I believe I am more valuable as I am," Saren bit out. "Further programming would prevent you from benefiting from my mindset and skills."

"That has not been decided as of yet," she crossed her arms. "But we will have made a decision upon your arrival."

---

Arthur prepared himself for the worst, setting his feet in a CQB stance as he glanced around.

"I've got clear shots," Elizabeth reported. "Just say the word."

The small group of Asari began chattering, some of them taking photos with their Omnitools and posing in front of the bus.

"Belay that," Arthur muttered. "They're a bunch of college kids."

"ETA on a new bus is 30 minutes," Pockastar reported. "It'll take less time to get to the Council building on our own."

"New intel!" Elizabeth called out. "Looks like Jack Harper and Sparatus were just assassinated. A lot of the talking heads are blaming it on the Commonwealth."

"I'm leaving the Beacon," Kordak responds. "Your orders, Major?"

"We're going to ground," Arthur locked eyes with Wiso and nodded. "We can't take the risk of being captured by the Council."

Pocketing a flashbang, Wiso depressed the time delay button before diving back into the bus.

"Need help?" Lara asked.

"Not on this one," Arthur shook his head. "Better that you and Liara stay out of any potential heat."

"Godspeed," Lara mutters as Dr. Jones pulls Liara away and helps cover her face.

"Go," Arthur ordered.

"Taking over from Avina, now," Pockastar replied as a flash of sound and light appeared outside of the bus.

"Get us to the lower levels," Wiso said. "We can vanish a bit easier there.

"Kordak, meet us in the Wards, we'll leave the usual footprint. Liz, stay on Overwatch for as long as you can. Vanish if you need to and meet up with us later."

The bus dove down into the lower levels of the Citadel, leaving chaos in its wake.

---

Korlus, March 25, 2185CE

"I need intel," Melissa said as she entered the room. "We have a squad of Commonwealth Special Forces stranded on the Citadel. We need to bring them home."

"Our embassy is currently being surrounded by protestors," MacIntosh shook his head. "Unless they manage to make it there they'll need an alternative route off of the Citadel."

"Do we know who killed Harper and Sparatus?" Melissa asked bluntly. "I know what the media is saying, but I want to know what the Council Members have said to our representatives."

"No identifying factors on the weapon," the Citadel Liaison shrugged. "The closest analogue we have is a handful of centuries old weapons of Quarian manufacture."

"Then why, exactly, are we the target of public perception?"

"Because it's a new weapon," the Liaison replied. "And we're the new kids on the block. With new technology and fancy innovation."

"There's got to be more to it than that."

"There is," the Liaison sighed. "One of the mainstream media outlets is pushing the story that we did it and are covering it up. And they've broadcast the news so far and wide that the social media giants are running with it."

"So what do we do in the meantime?" Melissa asks. "I need solutions, people."

"Bump up production on our fleet," Admiral Jewel points at the numbers before her. "We're outnumbered nearly five to one by the smallest navies out there. While we've got higher quality, they'll shred us in any honest engagement."

"Bring Mark and Natasha out of retirement," Nadia Winson says as she leans back in her chair. "It will be good for morale, and they'll be able to point out something that we have missed somewhere."

"Mark is due to be back at Korlus in a few months," Melissa replied. "I'll ask him to step out of retirement when they're both in the system."

"Doctor, how much more can we boost production of the fleet for? And how long before we have to start paying the price in quality and degradation of the yards themselves?"

"Sustained around-the-clock production can be maintained for six to eight months," Adamina Rogers consulted her notes. "Then they'll need to be taken offline for a few weeks of maintenance."

"And training crews?" Melissa raised an eyebrow.

"We'll be speeding up training and spreading the veterans throughout the fleet," Jewel shrugs. "It's what we're going to have to do to keep our edge."

"That's settled then," Melissa produces her slate and types up a note. "MacIntosh, I want our team pulled off of the Citadel, ASAP. The last thing we need is for some of our special forces to be captured and interrogated."

"Understood, Ma'am," MacIntosh stands up. "I'll start working on it now."

"We've all got our jobs," Melissa nods at her staff. "Let's move people! The longer we wait, the less prepared we'll be."

---

"We couldn't do any better than the sewers?" Pockastar asks as he seals his armor and helmet.

"There are only a few people who work down here," Wiso shrugs. "And the layout changes all of the time, the Keepers shift things often enough that it's a maze down here."

"It's what we'll have to work with for now," Arthur sighed. "We'll bunker down here until we can get a better picture of how to get off of the station."

"Embassy is right out," Kordak stated. "It was surrounded earlier."

"We're lucky that Kordak has some smuggler connections that were willing to get our armor to us," Elizabeth checked her magazines. "We'll likely have to disappear for long enough that they forget about us. Otherwise, a Spectre might come and clear us out."

"We'll burn that bridge when we come to it," Arthur says as he sits down and leans against the wall. "I'm grabbing some shut-eye. Wake me if there are any problems."

---

Author's Note: I would have finished and posted this earlier today but I'm pulling double duty. I started a Quest and that's taking up some of my time. Updates should continue as planned, but the Quest might be posted prior to regular chapters.

If anyone wants to participate in the quest, the shameless plug is here: https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/a-fire-nation-soldier.1091742/#post-92464386

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 98


“I am Saren Arterius,” the Spectre struggled against his bonds. “I amTurian.”

Saren fought against the weight that pressed against his mind and spirit, the darkness slowly eroding the walls he had built.

“No,” Saren continued to fight. “̴I̶ ̴w̵i̶l̴l̷ ̷n̴o̶t̷ ̷l̸o̴s̶e̴ ̴w̸h̶o̸ ̴I̶ ̷a̸m̸.̸”̴
̸
̴“̸Y̸o̶u̵ ̵a̴l̶l̸ ̷l̴o̴s̸e̶ ̵w̸h̶o̶ ̷y̶o̷u̷ ̷a̸r̴e̸.̴ ̶T̷h̷e̶r̷e̸ ̷a̴r̸e̸ ̵n̵o̵n̸e̶ ̷w̶h̴o̸ ̶h̵a̸v̵e̸ ̷m̶a̵n̵a̴g̵e̵d̴ ̴t̶o̴ ̵e̴n̸d̵u̸r̷e̶.̵”̵
̵
̵
̶“̵I̴ ̸a̶m̷ ̸b̶e̵y̴o̸n̴d̸ ̵y̴o̵u̸r̴ ̸r̸e̴c̴k̵o̵n̸i̷n̶g̴,̴ ̸y̴o̷u̵r̵ ̴f̴r̴a̵g̷i̴l̶e̵ ̷m̵i̸n̸d̸ ̴u̸n̶a̵b̸l̷e̸ ̴t̷o̵ ̵h̵a̴n̵d̸l̶e̷ ̸t̸h̵e̸ ̷w̸e̷i̶g̴h̸t̶ ̸o̸f̵ ̵e̸x̴i̵s̴t̶e̸n̶c̶e̷!̸”̶
̸
̴
̵
̷
̷“̸F̵l̴e̶s̸h̷,̷ ̷b̶o̸n̸e̷,̵ ̷a̴l̷l̷ ̴t̸h̴i̴n̷g̶s̵ ̴t̵h̸a̶t̷ ̶h̴a̷v̷e̴ ̷m̶a̶d̶e̵ ̷y̵o̸u̷ ̵w̴e̵a̷k̶!̵ ̶B̸u̸t̴ ̵I̴ ̸s̶h̴a̴l̶l̸ ̵m̸a̸k̸e̵ ̶y̴o̶u̸ ̵w̴h̸o̶l̵e̷,̴ ̶m̴e̷r̷e̷l̷y̶ ̸a̷c̷c̵e̴p̸t̸ ̵w̶h̴a̸t̵ ̶I̷ ̶h̶a̷v̴e̴ ̸t̶o̴ ̷o̶f̵f̵e̶r̵ ̸a̵n̷d̵ ̶y̷o̵u̴ ̴s̶h̷a̴l̸l̷ ̴n̶e̸v̴e̷r̸ ̵b̶e̷ ̸w̴e̸a̶k̵ ̵a̵g̴a̴i̴n̶.̸. ̶I̴ ̸a̷m̷ ̵S̷o̷v̶e̸r̸e̸i̵g̷n̵.̶ ̸Y̶o̶u̶ ̷w̸i̵l̶l̵ ̶b̴e̷c̷o̷m̶e̸ ̶w̵h̵a̸t̸ ̸i̶s̷ ̴r̸e̷q̷u̵i̶r̶e̵d̶ ̸o̶f̶ ̷y̸o̶u̶.̴”̴
̶

Saren stilled as he pulled back into the last bit of light left, his spirit and mind giving way to the darkness as his heartbeat began to slow and then stop.

---

“Can those things be any creepier?” Arthur asked as one of the Keepers continued on its path, neatly circumventing the squad.

“Most of the Citadel Dwellers just ignore them,” Pockastar shrugged. “They don’t do much more than maintenance. So it’s easy to ignore them.”

“Well, something seems off about them,” Elizabeth agreed with Arthur. “I’m not sure that we should stay on the Citadel for much longer.”

“We’ve got Kordak working on our exit,” Wiso shook her head. “What a strange world we live in. Where the Krogan is our undercover agent.”

“Whelp, it’s the world that we live in, I’m afraid,” Arthur sighed. “We’ll just have to wait and see what he managed to come up with.”

“Liz, you got a spare deck on you?” Wiso leaned back against the wall.

“Yeah,” the woman replied. “It’s a pretty beat-up deck though. ERS sound good to everyone?”

“It’s not like we have the time for anything involving gambling,” Pockastar sat down next to the other two while Arthur moved to keep watch. “Better something that requires a bit less thought.”

---

“We’re just asking for the body to be returned!” Udina yelled at the Councilors. “It has been days, and we both know that the excuses you have given me are bullshit! Jack Harper is a Hero to the Systems Alliance, and I will see his body returned for proper burial.”

“Come now,” Benezia attempted to calm the man. “Surely there we can hold the body for a few more days.”

“You’ve had it for nearly a week,” Udina seethed. “C-Sec’s examiners told me that they weren’t going to get more information from the body days ago.”

“I was under the impression that the Alliance had requested more testing be done,” Quentius said as he flipped through his files. “Did you not wish that to be done here on the citadel?”

“I’ve been told to bring his body home,” Udina glared at Benezia. “And that’s what I’m going to do.”

“One more day,” Valern finally spoke. “Allow our people one more day.”

“You have 24 hours,” Udina turned away and left the room.

“I thought we had already authorized the release of the bodies,” Quentius sighed. “Why must You antagonize the Systems Alliance so?”

“My daughter is missing,” Benezia’s eyes flared purple. “And Humans were those responsible for her safety. I am angry and I am right to be so.”

A younger Asari then entered the room, her armor scuffed and showing the signs of battle.

“The Beacon has been delivered,” Shiala gasped out.

“Fuck the Beacon,” Benezia said in a rare moment of honesty. “Where is Liara?!”

“I last received word that she was on her way to the Council Chambers,” Shila replied, shying away from the angry Matriarch.

“Find her,” Benezia ordered. “Or do not return to my service at all.”

---

“How is he doing?” She asked as she looked through the glass.

“He resisted greatly at first, but he seems to be taking to the treatment,” the doctor reported. “He should be awake and ready to be seen in a handful of hours.”

“I have other matters to attend to,” She replied as she turned away. “Inform me of when he has been awakened, I am eager to see the results of the handiwork.”

The Matriarch disappeared further into the depths of the giant ship, with a small group of Huntresses following.

“Get me the latest information from Noveria,” She snapped at one of the Maidens. “I’ll rip the location of the Mu relay from the Queen’s head myself if I have to.”

“And find a member of the Sect of Athame,” the Matriarch smirked. “I think it is time that we expanded our numbers by bringing the unwilling into the fold.”

---

“Y̸̭̫̬̳̫̞̳̳̺̬͛͌̀̀̍̒͒̉̓͌̈͘͠͝ơ̷͚̬͙̣̠̩̫̗͉̗̠̝̻̻͊̐̊̽̅̅̊̈́͌̀͌̍̆u̴̧͈̺̗͉̥̮͕͕̲̦̪̦̒̑̈͆͐͐̀͜͠ͅ ̶̣͓͎̣̽͌͂̐̽͊͋̋̈́͐̕ẅ̵̡̛̛̻͎̰͎͈͔͇̘̭̥̫̞͕̞́̉̾̉̏̊̒͂͜e̶̞͇̩̜̖͍͈̩͓̓̓̾̉̓͂͝͝r̷̭͕͓͕͊͝e̸̢̡̱̠̬͈̝̝̦̭̪̭̹͗ ̶̛̫͇͂̆̂̿̐͋̍͊͂̇́͝f̶̡̡̛̙̻̯̟̲͎̎́͑̑̌͗̉̿̓͂́̑ͅl̴̞̐̀͑̀͒̃̀͌̈̍̆̚̕̕͘̕͠e̴̝̯̱̎̓̔̽̅̄̂̉̀̇͋͘ş̷̛̛̮̜̖̥̙͎̤͍̲̱̐̓͂̏̉̍͂̏͛͆̉ḩ̷̗̌͒̐͐̽̌͠ ̸̧̢̹̙͖̹̭͚̞̜̜̗̣͓̥͍̰̃̅̅͆̈ą̴̩̭̦͇͇̦͙̿͑̊͠n̸̘̭͇̞̞̹̙̣̕d̷̢̨̞͖̳̻͓͙̩͆̑͒͜ ̷̡̭̿̽̈́͗̽̊̄̚͜͝͝f̶̯͍̣͓͐̅̄̃̓́̓̊͋̒͒̆̕͘͝ą̵͌î̵̡͚̼̜̖̣̝̖̟̗̩̲̱̑͗ͅt̸̢̹̻̦̗͕̙̖̗͙̣͌͂̿̍́̀̾̐̕͘ͅh̸̬̘̗̮̯̩̯͍̗̻̊̋̈́̋.̶̢̯̫̩͍̪͕̘͚̦̝̤̣͕͕̓̍̈́̋̚͜͝ ̸̨͎͓͙̘̹̫̱̮̰̳̗̱͕̊́̐͝͝B̸̞͙̝̗̱͉͔̭̼̘̂̆́̈́̆͌̔̔̄̀̀u̴͙̤͚͌̀̑̐̀̌͘t̷̛̮̭̣̻̤̰̙͖̻̼̺̤̂̃̊̾͝ͅͅ ̷͔͖̼͌̎͗̄̾̔̀͑̿͒ň̷̛̛͔̟̙̖̼̊͊́̔̍̏̏ö̷̧̧̧̤͉̻̜̺͇̪̗̱͎̹̦́̓̿̑̚ẁ̵̛̗̂͂̓͌̇͆͋́̍͗̐͛̆̕,̵̡̱̙͉̻͔̖͎̲̝̞͔͉̖̱͈̐̊̈́̈́͑̓͌̕ ̸̡̠̜͍̰̥͍̫̺̱̣͙̌̒̃͋̎̈́͑͂̄y̴͔̞̩̱͈̪̪͚͛͊͂͠ơ̸̻̬̬̬͋̄͒̂̓͌̀̀̈́̅̾̆̏̂̓̾u̶̝̳̖̯̬̬̰̳̼̗̘̝̦̣̟̲̽ ̸̗̼̱̬̞͕̪͎͇̬͋͒̌̔̾̒̚͜͜ą̷̧̛̛̭͖̟̫̝͇̥̘͔͙̍͗̍̈́̐̈́͌͂͑̚r̴̡̢͔͓̼͕̙̫̊͌̾ͅe̴͕̟̪̥͊̈́̋̎̇̕ ̵̢̨̛̙̹̮͉͙̰͍̝̼͚͚̪̞̂͗̒̇̅́̆̄̽͆͆͠m̸̢̢͕̬̮̹̮̳̭͉̫̞͆̎̃̇̉̀̃̐̄̋͑̐̈͛̓̊͜͠ờ̷̧̠͈̥̜̼͒̽͒̂͛͠r̴̢̢̛̫͉̮̲͈͙̫͙̪͌͌͌̓̆͋̔͐̅̔̉̓̌͌͋͠ę̶̡̻̥͕͙̪͔̜̝̯͉̟̯̗̆͋̈̔̍̾̑̒̽̈́̒͗̃ ̴̛̫̪͍̞̼̲̫́̏͋͋̃̒̀͂͐̅̽̓̇̎̀͜͝t̴̛̺̑̿͛̀́̐̋̓̈̂h̵̹͉͙̳̫̳͔͍̥̭̗̠͈̒͌̉̊͑͆a̸̡̧̳̭̻͚͈̹̓̇̓̀͌͂̌͋̈́́͂͗̽ņ̴̣̞̖̳͖͕͍̦̳̱̜̝̜̞̭͚̓̽̌̍̅ ̷̟͖͓͎͔̯̋́̒͊̄͋̈̌͒̽̆̓̒̄͂̕͝t̷̢̡̛͚̺̼̜̬̃̄̍̓̽͋̍̆͊̉̓̅͐ẖ̴̢̢̪̙̥̈́͘͠ã̷̛̛̭͍̰̝̜̦̯͒̅͋̉́̈́̿̊̒́̓͘͝t̶̜̜̖̲̞̪̆̂̿̎̓́̏̾͝͠,̵̥̦̜̈̿̀̐͐̔̌̈́͋̒͊̈́̔̂͜͝ ̷̢͇̥͕̤͔̹̯͖̩͔̂̈̂̿̔̓͆͜ͅẏ̴͕̱͉͈̦̼͍̋̋́͗̒̉͂̂́̓̚͠ȏ̷̞̫̥̖̳͎͎͍̮̅̍͠u̸̲̥͖̼̾͑͌͆̚͝ ̸̧̧̛̜̖̤͓͉͔̼̺͎̠̮̞̐͋͌͜͜w̶̡̧̨̧̛̮̯̯̺̮̭̖̝̪͚̫͔͛̀͒̾̏͌̿̽͌̇̕͝i̴̢̡̡̢̗̰̗͎͔͖̹̤͇̫̜̝͑͒͒̃͌̿̄̑̽̈́̀͘͘͘͠ĺ̶͎̮̥͔̜̦̫̬͔͕̌̏̒͜l̷̡̨̺̯̱͎̄̋̈́̈̾̒̓̓̾̽͝ ̷͖̜͉̺̞̹̞͇͙͎̭̮͎͎̝̙̈́͑͆b̵̜͍͎̪̱̗̜̾́͒͐ȩ̸̡̲̣̰̞̭̞̲̪͚̬̼̟̮̞̫͛̎̑͒̀͐͑̓̑͝ ̴̡̛̥̪̮̯̖̙͎̳͂͋̈́͋ͅṃ̷̡̼͓͕̙͈̹̞̙̟̳̄̍̚̕͝y̸͉͔̟̎̍͐̆̆͊̋̿ ̷̡̭̬͙̦̰̞͇̯̭̟̯͋̀̏̈́̊͒̋̈͝ͅĮ̸͖̱͙̪̣̫̮̮̟̟͂̊͑̉͂n̶͍̘͙̞̪̥͍̞̼̫͌͒̍̾̇̚͠͝͠š̶̨̻̠͓͇͕̻̯̘̬͇̘̅̍́̈́̔͋͌̈̍̿̐̒̓̂́͝t̵͔͔͚̫̿̌̄̓̽̑̓̒̏̀̕͝ͅr̷̛̖͕̦̹͔̦̺̪̭̥͇͉̒͋͆͂̑̿́̈́̽̃͘̕͘̚͜͝u̶̢̡̨̮͇͚̣̤̜͕͔̗̥̻̫̅͌͗͋̓͒ͅm̶̩͖̮̗͈̫̣͔̂e̸̪̭̭̫̗̒͋̇̿̎n̷̨̛̹͈͙̝̤̰̻̯͖̯̦̝̼͚͐̅̈́͗̔̆̌̍̈́̍͘͝t̷̛̛̝̙̭̯̹̦̗͔̳̘̻̪̝̟̎̒̀̍̊̋̔̃͝͝ͅͅ ̸̟̺̯̇͊̈́̿͂͛̽̚͝ͅo̸͎̙͍̦̟͙̪̤͕̰͂̈́́͘f̸̳͆̍̔͌͗̈́̓̅́̄͒̀̕ ̷̖̯̹̤̭͈̠̽ẗ̵̛̞̙͎̫̭͍̩̭̬͇͙̼̊͑̈́͐͆͘͜͠h̷̢͖̝̺̣̝̲̺̋͊͂̏͌͑̾̓̓̾̈́̿̒̒̊͘͠i̴̢̡̩̺̮̩͉̪̻͎͛̌̒́̚̚ͅș̶̡̢̛̯̫̖̭͖̺̤̫̠̯́͊̎̓͗́̅̈́̕̚͝ ̶̡̨̖͖̫̠̺̫͚̤̝͉̤̌̎̓̊̋͒̃͒̓̇͒̿̽ͅh̸̡͍̺̜̜̱̝͙̍͋͠ͅa̴̫̩̥̳͈̟͙̮̟̐̄́̀͊͊̾̑͌͛͆̏̓͑̚͠͝ͅͅr̴̞̫̻̮̯̹̦̲̝̦͈̭͂͛͐̍̈́̀̔͒̽̄͐̕͠͝v̷̛̛̳̣͈̜̿́̂̈́̋̃̄́́̉̊͜é̶̢̛̲̬̩̲̰̠̙̳̠̪͔͕̫̿̎̈̏͒͌͂̔̕͠͠ş̶̛̤̙̳̿̾̊̀͆͋̈́̿͒̀͆̋̍t̴̻͇̤̼̞̝͔͕͓̭̼́̋̊̽̾̑̔̅̏̇͜ͅͅSoon you will understand what it is that comes after the harvest has been completed.”.̷̢̡̧͚̩̞̘̫̫̪̦̼̄̓̇̈́̍͗̈́̏̌̇̐͘͝͝ ̶̨̨̟͓̤͎͍̩͔͖́̏͋̇̓̒̍͒̃͛͊̓͊̾͘͝
̴͖̮̀̍

Saren stood up and faced the Matriarch, moving closer before kneeling in front of her.

“It seems that you have finally broken him,” She said as she looked at the barefaced Turian. “It is a shame that so much of his original self had to be reconstructed.”

“What is your bidding?” Saren asked.

“You will be made aware when it is the correct time,” She replied. “Now follow, we have much work to do.”

“Of course,” Saren bowed his head. “But are we going?”

“Omega,” Tevos smirked. “There are some people that need to be… educated on the correct path.”

Standing up, Saren followed the Matriarch as she walked down Sovereign’s halls, the sharp metal of his new talons clinking against the bulkhead with every single step.

 

[MarkWarrior]

I'm… Not going to be continuing Beyond the Horizon for the foreseeable future. I might rewrite it like I am Blood on the Horizon at some point in the future, but I'm not likely to continue it in it's current state.

I tried to do too much at first. And spread things out with too many characters in too many different ways for me to keep track of even in my own head without the outline that I've got.

So, I'm going to explain where I was going to go with this fic and how I planned on ending the first "Book" per se.

First, the Reapers are much more Eldritch than in the standard ME. The Sovereign class is superior to pretty much everything that the modern forces have. Even when brought against it in bulk. The brainwashing is more sinister, and over time people are replaced by machine parts unless they're melted down to form a new reaper.

Anyway, to continue…

Sovereign wins at the Citadel. Tevos knows more about the Council and the secrets that they've hidden in their chambers than anyone else alive at present. So they break through and Saren has basically been completely overtaken by the cybernetics barring a few areas.

Saren has managed to save a small piece of himself, but it's only just enough for him to resist and kill both Tevos and himself as the final act that he performs.

Unfortunately, Sovereign is still able to wipe out the majority of the Citadel fleet, and when reinforcements arrive from The Terminus Commonwealth and the Systems Alliance they are barely able to evacuate a fraction of the population that's on the Citadel. With the rebuild Manassas taking the fore as the ship able to take the most damage and still keep fighting.

The different factions retreat to their homeworlds as Sovereign controls the Citadel. Now, while the Reaper is not able to override the modifications that the Protheans made, it can still send out a signal to the rest of the Reapers and they begin the slow push into the galaxy.

This begins the Long Siege, as it will come to be known. With the Commonwealth, Systems Alliance, and Hierarchy banding together and exchanging forces, ideas and technology, they shift entirely to a war economy. Eventually, the Elcor and Hanar join and contribute what they can as well. Then, the war turns into a slugfest similar to the Human-Covenant War in the UNSC. With the Reapers winning in space while losing badly on the ground until they reach technological parity.

With K-F drives now shared with their allies, the Systems Alliance, Commonwealth, and Hierarchy begin colonizing other worlds off of the path of the Mass Relays before evacuating civilians to them, leaving the worlds behind as military strongholds dedicated to staving off the invasion for as long as is possible.

It's at this point that the Cult of Athame makes a reappearance. They've been preparing to fight the Reapers for thousands of years. But believe that only the Asari are the ones capable of doing so. The Cult's fleets are larger than the rest of the galaxy and they quickly surge in popularity in both Asari and Salarian space as they manage to prevent the fall of both homeworlds to the Reapers, even staving them off.

The first book ends with a stalemate, the Reapers slowly grinding down the two factions of the galaxy while the Batarians go to ground and vanish from the public eye.

The Galaxy stands at the tipping point, and neither side is willing to trust the other at all.

This time, there are no superweapons to fall back on, there are no control devices. All there is, is survival and the ingenuity of those who are left to face impossible odds.

And then the first book ends. With Hull captaining the Manassas as the flagship, and the rest of the galaxy recoiling from the sucker punch that it was dealt.

Arthur Steiner lives and ends up being one of the main trainers and specialists for fighting the Reapers while on the ground.

Arthur marries Elizabeth Hazen following the attack on the Citadel.

The Geth continue building their Dyson Sphere. After their split, the ones that sided with the Reapers left those who stayed in the Perseus Veil alone.

Meanwhile, Shepard ends up becoming the expert in anti-Reaper space warfare. With the lessons learned from the Normandy being spread throughout all of the fleets… Along with DHS technology. Which now means the stealth is as perfect as it can get.

From this point on, it becomes the story of worlds as they hold out against the Reapers while waiting to be reinforced. With the ground forces able to hold unless bombarded from orbit and the space forces killing two to three Reapers before having to retreat.

Book two focuses on desperation. With a time skip of several years. All of the nations are moving back and retreating. With as much of their populations being hidden on worlds off the main paths and the military starting to lose morale with the loss of ships and planets.

And so, Hull and Co plan a counter-offensive. If they want to reclaim morale, then they need to get a win.

So they set a trap, luring Sovereign and its escorts to a sun that's about ready to turn into a Black Hole.

This begins their mimicry of Admiral Cole in the UNSC. With the Manassas luring Sovereign and the rest of the massive Reaper fleet closer to the sun before they artificially increase the mass using a modified ME generator. This increase transforms the Star into a black hole and sucks in the Reapers and the Manassas. With the inability to escape, the Reaper fleet is trapped and the Manassas attempts the impossible. With an impossible idea, they directly hook up the K-F drive to the Mass Effect generator long enough for them to trigger the drive, getting them out of the Black Hole, but leaving them temporarily stranded in an unknown area of space. Thus ends book 2.


Book 2 is all that I had storyboarded out to.

I'm sorry that I'm not going to finish this. But I'll continue to answer any questions y'all might have had about my plans.

If someone wants to continue this story then they're welcome to it.