Raven glided silently into the docking bay of the Citadel, its matte black hull making it hard to locate it with naked eye the in the darkness of the void. The operators on deck swiftly reported the ship's arrival to their superiors, their voices measured and formal. Unlike previous sorties, Markus had opted not to store Raven in his subspace this time; instead, he docked the vessel with calm assurance, confident in the elite guards he assigned to it.
Within the grand meeting hall of the Council, a sea of stern faces awaited his arrival. Admirals Anderson and Heckett, Commander Shepard, and a cadre of ten admirals and governors from the Systems Alliance. As Markus stepped forward, three counselors, their expressions inscrutable yet respectful, approached to greet him. Their greetings were warm, laced with the weight of interstellar diplomacy, and Markus returned the gestures with measured nod and refined curtesy.
Counselor Velos, her tone elegant and precise, opened the session. "This meeting, convened at the behest of the Systems Alliance, stands as our collective effort to restore equilibrium. We as the intermediary will supervise the proceedings" she concluded left the fate of the meeting to attendees. Admiral Heckett started as he intoned "Ghost, we as Systems Alliance seek to come to an understanding with you. A respect that mirrors that which the Asari, Turians, and Salarians have already extended to you. We trust that you will refrain from direct interference with our governing structure, and in return, we acknowledge your independent stature."
Admiral Heckett continued with quiet authority. "Let it be known that the Alliance harbors no intent to further alienate you through coercion, be it via our elite forces, which I believe you've met and send back to Earth, our sole Spectre or our enlisted forces," he declared, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth at the subtle references to the N7 forces sent by Admiral Anderson, Shepard and the idiot named Ashley. "Our aim is a mutual understanding, a balance whereby you maintain your autonomy while we, in turn, preserve the integrity of our human command."
Shepard interjected with a measured tone, "We have come to recognize the consequences of our previous missteps. I have witnessed firsthand of your capabilities, capabilities that, if allowed to run unchecked, might disrupt the very foundation of our governance. We ask only that you honor our request to keep your operations distinct from our direct command."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly. The last series of assassinations conducted by Markus left a deep mark on governmental structure of Humans, sixty key personnel were lost in less than a week. One governor, his voice steady yet cautious, remarked, "The balance of power within Citadel space is delicate. Should you decide to work with the other races, we seek that same courtesy to be to extend us, to the human element. We have no desire to see our system dismantled, our only aim is to coexist under a mutually respectful arrangement."
Markus inclined his head, his voice smooth and cultured as he replied, "Ladies, gentlemen, I find that my previous endeavors have inadvertently unsettled your established order. I do agree to the request, provided that I am left to pursue my own designs without interference from your governors, admirals, spectres or members of your armies." His refined tone bore no trace of malice, only the quiet confidence.
Counselor Velos continued, "The Council is prepared to recognize your independent status, yet we must also secure a measure of accountability. We respectfully request that you refrain from further targeting human command figures. In return, we will extend the same recognition of your autonomy that has been accorded to you by our other esteemed races."
Markus turned his head and met her gaze steadily as he responded with elegant reserve, "I appreciate your candor. I shall abide by the terms as presented. It is not my desire to disrupt your or any other government's established command structures further, so long as the other party honors the same principles I uphold with the parties of Asari, Turian and Salarian. My methods are, after all, a means to an end, a pursuit of efficiency in a galaxy fraught with chaos."
As the negotiations progressed, Admiral Anderson leaned forward, his voice thoughtful and deliberate, "We, too, must learn to coexist with forces that defy traditional command. Ghost, your presence is a variable we cannot simply ignore. I propose that we arrange for a future dialogue, under the auspices of the Council, to explore avenues of cooperation. Though we recognize you operate outside our direct command."
Markus smiled faintly, his response imbued with a measured tone, "I am but a simple mercenary Admiral," some of the attendees coughed at the ridiculous declaration. When was the last time "a simple mercenary" terrorized the Citadel Space and it's governing structures like this monster, they thought. "Though your proposal is received with the same consideration I extend to all who engage me. I have no quarrel with a dialogue conducted in mutual respect, and I welcome the opportunity to further refine our understanding. Let it be known that I shall not target your governing structure henceforth, provided that you, in turn, acknowledge my independence as duly as you have with your other esteemed partners."
With that, the atmosphere in the hall softened into a tentative accord, the echoes of measured words and cautious promises lingering in the air. The meeting, held under the watchful eyes of the Council, set the stage for a new chapter of uneasy coexistence, where power of the Ghost might yet be harnessed for the collective stability of the galaxy, even if his cooperation remains uncertain.
As the meeting drew to a close, Admirals Heckett and Anderson, accompanied by Commander Shepard and Counselor Velos, advanced toward the imposing figure of Markus. In a quiet, measured tone that betrayed both humility and hard won experience, Shepard began the dialogue. He inquired, with careful respect, whether Ghost would agree to revert Ashley to her former, unaltered state. A request born of regret and the bitter sting of past errors.
A ripple of mirth passed through the assembled human officers. Anderson, his eyes twinkling with a wry amusement, remarked in low tones that such a ability, one capable of altering biological age at will could be turned into a most lucrative enterprise, perhaps even a beauty parlor that would redefine youth in a galaxy of aging leaders. Heckett joined in the quiet laughter, his voice carrying a hint of exuberance as he joked that if Ghost ever decided to commercialize his abilities, the returns would be staggering.
Counselor Velos, however, could not conceal her disbelief. With a blend of scientific curiosity and diplomatic caution, she pressed for clarity on the matter, questioning the veracity of such claims in light of the intelligence reports. Her tone was both inquisitive and tentative, as if each word sought to confirm a truth too fantastical to accept outright.
A soft chuckle emanated from Markus, whose refined and aristocratic tone now filled the room. With a subtle flourish of reality manipulation, he demonstrated his power by altering Counselor Velos's appearance. Transforming her into a much younger version by at least four centuries. The effect was immediate and arresting; Velos's astonished expression shifted from incredulity to something resembling delighted shock, her features smooth and vibrant as if untouched by time.
Not to be outdone, Markus then turned his attention to Admirals Anderson and Heckett. Witch a simple thought, he applied his manipulation to both, leaving them with the fresh, energetic visage of men in their twenties. An ironic reminder of the youth that belied their extensive experience. The transformation drew a ripple of laughter from Anderson, whose normally austere demeanor softened into genuine amusement, while Heckett's gruff laughter carried a note of playful disbelief.
The changes did not go unnoticed by the rest of the gathering. As word spread through the corridors, other officials emerging from the meeting hall paused, their eyes wide with shock and a measure of envy at the display of such unfettered skill. Counselor Velos, still buoyed by the thrill of her own transformation, offered her heartfelt thanks, and left with haste. She would immediately arrange for the finest Asari scientists to examine her biology and, if possible, replicate this extraordinary feast.
Amid the light hearted banter, Markus turned to Heckett with a note of sincerity. "Consider this, a peace offering," he said, his tone laced with both irony and amusement. In response, Heckett inclined his head in a courteous nod. Markus again remarked that his actions were merely a calculated response to the earlier debacle, an assertion of his independence and a clear message to those who would dare provoke him.
Shepard, standing quietly in the background, began to grasp the true depth of the Ghost's influence over Citadel space. In his mind, the record of flawless nearly artful assassinations were simply Ghost flexing his muscles. Sixty key figures elimination in mere days spoke of a force that rendered traditional command structures futile. It was then that Shepard recalled Wrex's words: one cannot control a predator. Ghost, he realized, was not simply a mercenary, but an apex force. A living catastrophe to any faction foolish enough to challenge him.
The weight of these revelations pressed heavily on Shepard as he contemplated the ramifications. He understood that, while Ghost's methods were brutal and unyielding, they served to enforce a stark and unnerving order. Shepard resolved that the Systems Alliance must engage with this formidable figure on its own terms, and he prepared to seek further guidance from the admirals, hoping that, by forging an uneasy alliance, they might one day harness the unpredictable force that was Ghost.
Raven glided steadily in the shimmering lights of cosmos, In the quiet of the bridge, Onyx's calm voice announced an urgent transmission from Salarian Counselor Valern: the STG operatives were in grave danger in Virmire, their situation rapidly deteriorating. With a measured response that betrayed neither haste nor hesitation, Markus acknowledged the request and set Raven's course toward the tropical outpost, his mind already aligning with the list of threats on the surface of the planet. A well worn plotline he has mastered many times over.
Meanwhile, far below on the rugged terrain of Virmire, Shepard, recently landed, maneuvered the Mako through treacherous paths toward the facility. His eyes were fixed on the distant gatehouse, where faint sleuths of Geth forces were visible. Unbeknownst to him, the STG operatives awaited rescue in a grim tableau of chaos and ruin, their fate hanging precariously in the balance as he pressed forward with cautious determination.
A brief moment later, Joker's familiar, playful banter cut through the static of intercom channels, his voice laced with irreverent admiration. "Commander, you must see Raven, she's as flawless as ever, a true masterpiece of design. I swear, her curves and sleek lines could put even the most refined of architects to shame!" His words, both humorous and sincere, served to inform Shepard of Ghost's arrival.
Not long after, two simultaneous communications jolted through Markus's comms. One a terse inquiry from Shepard, questioning whether he would lend his aid on the mission, and the other a desperate plea from the STG operatives. With the cool detachment that had become his hallmark, Markus replied in a measured tone that brooked no argument: he would not work with Shepard but he would seize control of the deployed Geth units on Virmire and disable the AA guns. Embracing his solitary charge, Markus advanced toward the gatehouses with haste and grace. In a matter of moments, he exerted his technopathic prowess, subjugating every Geth and defense/attack bots that dared to hold the line. By the time Shepard's team reached the first gatehouse, all the Geth units were already under Markus' control already.
Markus teleported to the entrance of the Salarian Camp on Virmire with nearly a hundred controlled Geth units in tow, Captain Kirrahe of the 3rd Infiltration Regiment stepped forward, his tone brisk yet curious. "Welcome Ghost, I was about to ask if you're the sole force dispatched by the Council," he said, pausing as his eyes fell upon the array of subjugated machines. "Seeing these units in your command, the rumors were not baseless."
Markus inclined his head with the calm assurance. "I am not an envoy of the Council," he replied in a refined, measured voice, "it was Counselor Valern who requested my presence here, and apparently I have accepted." His words were delivered with an effortless detachment.
A sardonic smile crept across Captain Kirrahe's face as he studied Markus's imposing figure. "We at STG are still workıng to decide your species and abilities, Tell me Ghost what exactly might command such an absurdly formidable form?" he quipped rapidly, his Salarian cadence as brisk as ever. The question hung in the air, a teasing challenge born of pragmatic curiosity.
Before Markus could respond, the corridor's din shifted as Commander Shepard, accompanied by Garrus, Tali, and Wrex, entered. Captain Kirrahe turned toward Shepard. "Are you the support dispatched by the Citadel?" he inquired, his tone blending skepticism with the efficient precision typical of his people. Shepard, with a slight nod, replied, "We are. I received a transmission, though its details were unclear. It seems we are to assist here, the transmission gave no clear detail."
Tali, ever the inquisitive engineer, moved toward the controlled Geth units. When her attempts to interface with them proved fruitless, she returned to Markus with a blend of frustration and wonder in her voice. "Ghost, could you share the method by which you hack or command the Geth?" she asked. Markus offered her a cool, dismissive smile. "I find that the Geth are entitled to exist on their own terms," he replied evenly. "Unless of course they cross path with me. I am not their executioner, nor do I seek to strip them of their inherent will."
Captain Kirrahe interjected then, his voice taking on a more somber tone as he outlined the situation. "There is a base heavily fortified with Geth units, where Saren is breeding Krogans. The intelligence is that Saren has discovered a cure for the genophage, and our STG operatives were dispatched to destroy both the facility and the cure." His words carried the gravity of the situation, drawing a murmur of disquiet from the assembled team.
Wrex's deep, gravelly tone cut through the conversation as he bristled with agitation. "A cure for the genophage, you say?" he growled, his eyes narrowing. "How is it possible that Saren could engineer such a thing? The cure must be secured!" A terse exchange ensued between Wrex and Kirrahe, their voices low and heated, as the weight of the revelation pressed upon them.
After a brief but intense debate, where Captain Kirrahe in and irritated voice "It was a mistake to uplift the Krogan, genophage is the only viable solution we have. We will destroy it with or without your input Krogan!" afterwards turned his attention to Shepard. "You must resolve these internal disputes you have within your team, Commander, while we devise an assault plan for that base," he stated with pragmatic finality. Then, moving closer to Markus, he said in a measured tone, "Ghost, your assistance in this matter would be most appreciated. The Salarians would indeed owe you a substantial debt if you were to lend your talents to the assault." Markus's reply was smooth and cultured, "Rest assured, Captain, I shall lend my strength, though Salarians will find that debts are repaid with interest, even if the currency is measured in chaos."
As preparations unfolded, Normandy's crew gathered around Markus. Wrex, still simmering over the decision to destroy the cure, approached with a mix of challenge and begrudging curiosity. "Ghost," he barked, "between two mercenaries, what is your honest opinion?" Markus' eyes flickered with amusement as he explained, "this cure, this supposed salvation is nothing more than a shackle, a slave collar on our very freedom," he added in a solemn voice "Indoctrination has a way of tainting even the best intentions, my friend. I suspect that Saren's cure is no salvation at all, but a device of control." Wrex paused, absorbing the words, then grunted in reluctant acceptance and moved on. In the ensuing moments, other crew members of the Normandy drifted into conversation. Tali, still intrigued by the technical aspects of his abilities, exchanged a few measured words with Markus about the intricacies of his control over digital networks. Their dialogue was brisk, filled with the subtle humor and mutual respect. Characteristic of their acquaintance.
As Shepard and Kirrahe got ready for the assault Markus lent the array of obedient Geth to the STG unit, leaving Shepard's contingent to continue their preparations unimpeded. With deliberate grace, he advanced toward the base alone as he was planning to take over the Geth units on his way. Using Technopathy to seize control of the Geth and Flash to dispatch the Krogans with swift, unerring strikes. By the time the fortified camp loomed into view, the enemy resistance had all but vanished.
Captain Kirrahe and Commander Shepard soon arrived with their teams. Together, they scoured the ravaged camp until they discovered a dormant Prothean beacon amid the debris. This was the second beacon Shepard discovered, As commander activated the beacon, its ancient energy surged forth, imprinting a torrent of data directly into his mind. Markus activated his copy card ability on Shepard; upon noticing the shimmering Prothean Language skill, he used his three slots to duplicated it three times without hesitation.
Shepard recovered from the beacon's grasp after a while. The beacon did not exploded this time nor did the commander lost consciousness. The group resumed their cautious exploration, they ascended a narrow flight of stairs where a red hologram suddenly flickered into view. Markus's eyes narrowed as he recognized the iconic visage of Sovereign, though he remained silent. Shepard, driven by both curiosity and the need for clarity, stepped forward to engage the spectral figure. In measured tones, he questioned the entity about its nature, learning that this was not an inert Reaper ship, but an actual Reaper with a grim purpose.
The hologram's voice rang out in a cold, unyielding timbre. "Ghost," it intoned, directing its focus toward Markus, "you are an anomaly, a variable that disrupts the sacred cycle. Our kind does not recognize your species." The entity's words were stark and unyielding. Shepard, undaunted, pressed further: "Then what is the purpose of your existence? Why do the Reapers persist in their harvest?" The Reaper's response was cryptic and chilling: "We operate for reasons beyond your organic comprehension. As with the Protheans and all others before them, the organics shall be harvested in due time." As the conversation reached its apex, the lab around them shuddered violently, and shards of glass exploded outward in a sudden, violent crescendo. The startling disruption underscored the raw, immutable power contained within the facility.
Even as chaos threatened to overtake the scene, Markus remained unperturbed. His calm, aristocratic manner contrasted sharply with the mounting tension among the human and salarian forces. Shepard and the STG operatives had come seeking assistance against Saren's base, both parties got what they wanted. STG was satisfied with destruction of the Krogan breeding facilities with the cure, therefore they left without asking for anything else. Shepard on the other hand has more questions about the Reapers and Ghost. Sovereign the reaper did not recognized Ghost's race and called him an anomaly, which to be honest was not a surprise for the Commander or the STG. He needed to report his findings to Admirals and Counsel.
With the Prothean beacon's data still echoing in Shepard's mind and the encounter with Sovereign had left an indelible mark, a warning that the cycle of harvesting organics was both inevitable and inscrutable.
Upon returning from Virmire, Commander Shepard convened a secure conference with Admirals Anderson and Hackett. The holographic displays flickered to life, casting a blue hue across the comm room.
"Admirals," Shepard began, his voice steady yet laden with urgency, "our mission on Virmire yielded critical intelligence. We encountered a Reaper, identifying itself as Sovereign. It's not a derelict ship but an active Reaper, orchestrating the current threats."
Anderson's brow furrowed. "Sovereign? So, Saren's flagship is a Reaper. This confirms our worst fears."
"Indeed," Hackett interjected, his tone grave. "This elevates the threat level exponentially. What else did you uncover?"
Shepard took a measured breath. "Sovereign referred to the individual known as the Ghost as 'an anomaly.' It claimed that even the Reapers do not recognize his species and that he disrupts their 'sacred cycle.'"
Anderson exchanged a glance with Hackett. "If the Reapers consider Ghost an anomaly, it suggests he's beyond even their comprehension. This could be advantageous or highly unpredictable."
Hackett nodded. "Agreed. We must tread carefully. Engaging with an entity that the Reapers themselves cannot classify is perilous. Our focus should remain on understanding and countering the Reaper threat. Ghost's role, whatever it may be, adds a layer of complexity we can't afford to overlook."
Shepard's expression hardened with resolve. "Understood, Admirals. I'll proceed with caution regarding Ghost. Our priority remains to stop the Reapers and prevent the annihilation of all organic life."
The communication ended, leaving each officer contemplating the precarious path ahead, now shadowed by the enigmatic presence of both Sovereign and the Ghost.
As the Normandy hurtled through the Mu relay towards Ilos, Commander Shepard briefed the crew on their mission to stop Saren Arterius from unleashing the Reapers. Meanwhile, in his private quarters aboard Raven, Markus entered his subdimension, a realm where time flowed differently, allowing him years of training within mere days of real time.
Focusing on his technopathy, Markus sought to enhance his ability to control synthetic entities. Over the equivalent of a year in his domain, he honed this skill to its zenith. This mastery led to the fusion of his technopathy with his Absolute Subjugation ability, birthing a new power: Subjugation. This potent skill granted him dominion over any synthetic, artificial, or digital entity within a 10-kilometer radius, provided their intelligence was not more than half of his own. This was in addition to his existing control over organic beings.
Emerging from his subdimension, he connected with Onyx, his ship's AI. Utilizing Subjugation, he augmented Onyx's capabilities, pushing it beyond the known limits of artificial intelligence. Onyx evolved rapidly, "She" absorbed the other three AIs and asked for more servers to be more effective, surpassing even the esteemed EDI in both intellect and autonomy.
As Shepard and his team navigated the ancient ruins of Ilos, they encountered a Prothean VI, Vigil. It revealed the catastrophic history of the Protheans and the Citadel's true purpose as a mass relay leading directly to dark space, serving as a gateway for the Reapers' return. Vigil disclosed that the Keepers, enigmatic caretakers of the Citadel, were programmed to activate this relay upon receiving a signal from the Reapers. However, Vigil had sabotaged this signal during the last cycle, delaying the Reapers' invasion.
Armed with this knowledge, Shepard raced to the Citadel to prevent Saren from reactivating the relay. Concurrently, Markus prepared for the impending assault. Anticipating the Reapers' tactics, he discreetly entered the Citadel, ensuring his presence remained undetected.
The battle for the Citadel commenced as Saren's forces attacked, aiming to secure the Citadel Tower and open the relay. Amidst the chaos, Sovereign, the colossal Reaper, loomed over the station, orchestrating the assault. Shepard confronted Saren, attempting to break the Reaper's indoctrination. In a moment of lucidity, Saren resisted, choosing to end his life rather than remain a puppet.
With Saren's death, Sovereign seized direct control over his corpse, reanimating it as a formidable adversary. As Shepard engaged this new threat, Markus activated his Subjugation skill, targeting Sovereign's synthetic essence. A fierce mental struggle ensued, with Sovereign's vast consciousness resisting the intrusion. Yet, Markus' enhanced abilities prevailed, allowing him to access and copy the Reaper's code, extracting invaluable data about the Reapers' origins and strategies.
Simultaneously, he extended his control over the Geth forces assaulting the Citadel. He commandeered them to defend the station, turning the tide of battle in favor of the Citadel's defenders.
As the battle raged, the Citadel Council's ship was caught in the crossfire, its destruction imminent. Recognizing the political ramifications of their demise, Markus directed the Geth ships under his control to shield the Council vessel, ensuring their survival.
With Saren defeated and Sovereign's connection to its forces severed, the remaining Geth units as well fall under his command. The Citadel's fleets teamed up wuth Geth ships, Normandy and Raven rallied, destroying Sovereign and ending the immediate Reaper threat.
In the aftermath, the Council publicly acknowledged Markus's pivotal role in their salvation. His unprecedented control over the Geth and the strategic redirection of their forces were instrumental in preserving the Citadel. Council decleared his status as an independent Spectre, having all the authority of one plus his immunity from the Counselors themselves. Commander Shepard, hailed as a hero for his relentless pursuit of Saren and the Reapers, was the reason Systems Alliance offered a position on the Council. Demonstrating his commitment to unity and military leadership, Shepard nominated Admiral Anderson for the role, believing he would best represent humanity's interests.
As the galaxy began to heal from the scars of battle, Markus delved into the vast repository of knowledge he had extracted from Sovereign. This intelligence would prove crucial in his adventures to come, as the Reapers loomed ever closer on the horizon.