In the aftermath of the Citadel's liberation, Markus's decisive actions did not go unnoticed. His strategic commandeering of Geth forces to safeguard the Council's survival earned him the esteemed title of Spectre. This designation granted him the authority associated with the role, yet he remained unshackled by its conventional obligations, operating beyond the Council's direct influence.
Meanwhile, Commander Shepard, continued to monitor the galaxy's pulse. Disturbing reports surfaced of entire human colonies vanishing without a trace. Delving into these anomalies, Shepard uncovered evidence pointing toward the Collectors, a mysterious race with ties to the Reapers. Determined to confront this emerging threat, Shepard embarked on a mission to investigate further.
However, as Shepard ventured deeper into the investigation, disaster struck. The Normandy, under his command, was ambushed by a formidable Collector vessel. In the ensuing chaos, the ship was severely damaged, and Shepard was gravely injured, his life hanging by a thread.
Unbeknownst to the galaxy, Cerberus, a clandestine organization with its own agenda, initiated the Lazarus Project, a bold endeavor to revive Shepard. Employing cutting-edge technology and unwavering resolve, they succeeded in restoring him to life, albeit with enhancements. This resurrection marked a pivotal turn, intertwining Shepard's destiny with Cerberus's enigmatic objectives.
Emerging from the shadows, Shepard found himself amidst a new alliance. Cerberus, led by the Illusive Man, provided resources and intelligence to combat the Collector threat. As Shepard grappled with his second chance at life, he was thrust into a galaxy teetering on the brink of an unknown peril, with the Collectors' motives shrouded in mystery and the Reapers looming ominously in the background.
While Shepard was being resurrected, Markus was at the sanctum of his subspace domain, a realm where time's relentless march slowed to a crawl. Here, he immersed himself in the vast trove of intelligence extracted from Sovereign, the Reaper whose malevolent influence had nearly consumed the galaxy. As a being who transmigrated from Earth, the vast and immersive realities of the worlds he visited and conquered in Witcher World's case was amazing. He was no stranger to the concept of the Reapers. An Avid Gamer in his life on Earth, games were his escape from reality. With his powers now, reality itself is his game to play to his heart's content. He played Mass effect series countless times mastered the details of it's lore. Yet, the intricate tapestry of reality of Reapers was different from some images and texts on some screen. Their origins, their creators, and their cyclical purge of organic civilizations that reshaped the cosmos. was eye opening in it's mass.
The Reapers, were birthed from the Leviathans, an ancient species that once ruled the galaxy. In their quest to transcend the recurring cycle of organic civilizations creating synthetic life that inevitably led to their destruction, the Leviathans crafted the Catalyst, an artificial intelligence designed to harmonize organic and synthetic life. However, the Catalyst concluded that the only solution was to periodically harvest advanced civilizations, ensuring their preservation in a new form while preventing their self-destruction. This grim process had repeated for eons, with each cycle erasing the legacy of its predecessors.
Armed with this profound knowledge, Markus set about augmenting his already formidable capabilities. He delved into the Reapers' advanced technology, integrating it with his own repertoire and that of his ship, Raven, and his AI companion, Onyx. This fusion birthed a new era of technological prowess:
Once a sophisticated AI, Onyx transcended its original programming to become a sentient entity with near-limitless processing power. This enhancement granted Onyx unparalleled analytical abilities, enabling real time processing of vast data streams and the orchestration of complex strategies. Markus made sure to keep it under control by dozens of layers to not to repeat the mistake of the Leviathans.
The ship underwent a metamorphosis, incorporating Reaper-grade armor plating and weaponry. Its stealth systems were enhanced to perfect invisibility, allowing it to traverse the universe undetected. The integration of advanced Reaper technology also bestowed Raven with autonomous decision making capabilities, enabling it to operate independently when necessary.
Through the assimilation of Reaper technology and his innate reality manipulation abilities, Markus transcended his organic limitations. He forged a subspace domain teeming with high density mana, creating a self sustaining energy nexus. This realm not only served as a repository for his vast knowledge but also as a conduit for his enhanced powers. The nearly unlimited mana supply bolstered his reality warping abilities, allowing him to manipulate the fabric of existence with unprecedented precision. This transformation rendered him a being of pure energy, existing beyond the constraints of traditional life forms.
In this new form, Markus's intellect and processing capabilities eclipsed those of the Reapers, positioning him as a singularity of knowledge and power. His enhancements bestowed upon him the ability to:
Omniscient Awareness: Access and process information across vast distances, assimilating data from multiple sources simultaneously.
Reality Manipulation: After reaching level 10 His Reality manipulation went through and evolution fusing with the additions of the benefits from the subspace. Altering physical laws within his vicinity, bending space time and matter to his will within range of dozen of astronomical units (1 AU is the average distance between Earth and the Sun, which is approximately 149.597.871 kilometers).
Technological Domination: Seize control over synthetic and digital entities, overriding their programming and repurposing them to serve his objectives.
Mana Conduit: Channel the abundant mana from his subspace realm to fuel his abilities, ensuring sustained operation without depletion.
This unprecedented amalgamation of technology, magic, and consciousness positioned Markus as an unparalleled force, capable of reshaping the galaxy's destiny. Markus now stood above the organic and synthetic life.
In the two years following the Battle of the Citadel, Markus's name became synonymous with terror throughout the universe. His unprecedented control over synthetic and organic forces alike rendered him an unstoppable force, feared by all except the highest echelons of Asari, Salarian, Turian, and Human governments, as he honored the their agreements. Operating from the shadows, he completed a thousands of contracts that left tens of thousands dead, each meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. His ability to infiltrate and dismantle entire organizations with surgical precision led to widespread panic, with even Cerberus, the organization known for its ruthlessness, trembling at his name.
During this tumultuous period, Commander Shepard's revival by Cerberus marked a pivotal turn of events. Upon awakening, Shepard was briefed by the Illusive Man, who expressed a keen interest in negotiating with Markus to end the bounty placed upon his head. Shepard, recalling his previous encounters with Markus, cautioned that the Ghost harbored deep reservations about Cerberus's operations. Despite this, efforts were initiated to arrange a meeting with the enigmatic figure.
The Illusive Man's initiative culminated in the commissioning of the Normandy SR-2, a state of the art vessel constructed by Cerberus. Nearly double the size of its predecessor, the Normandy SR-2 was equipped with advanced stealth capabilities, enhanced weaponry, and a larger crew capacity. Notably, it featured the Thanix cannon, a Reaper based weapon, and housed the Enhanced Defense Intelligence (EDI), an artificial intelligence responsible for coordinating the ship's combat functions.
As Shepard familiarized himself with the new Normandy, he engaged with the crew, seeking insights into the current state of affairs. Conversations with key personnel unveiled the profound impact Markus had on the galaxy. Joker, the ship's pilot, exhibited an uncharacteristic seriousness when discussing the Ghost, advising Shepard to approach with utmost caution and respect. Miranda, a high-ranking Cerberus officer, provided detailed dossiers on Markus's activities, highlighting his unparalleled efficiency and the staggering scale of his operations. The data revealed that Markus's influence had permeated various sectors and instigating widespread unrest. Cerberus's extensive intelligence network had failed to predict or counteract his maneuvers, underscoring the unprecedented nature of his threat.
In summary, the period following the Citadel's assault was characterized by Markus's relentless campaign, which reshaped the political and social landscape of the galaxy. His actions not only exposed vulnerabilities within established power structures but also highlighted the necessity for unprecedented alliances and strategies in the face of an evolving and unpredictable threat.
As Shepard completed his mission on Freedom's Progress and returned to the Citadel, he made his way to Admiral Anderson's office. The weight of his experiences, the near death and the resurrection by Cerberus, still lingered in his mind. Yet, there was a task he needed to complete, one that involved an entity far more powerful and unpredictable than anything he had ever faced: Ghost.
Anderson, who had always been one of Shepard's most trusted allies, listened intently as Shepard explained his situation, detailing attack of the Collectors, his death and Cerberus' role in his resurrection. Anderson's face darkened slightly, concern etching his features.
"So, you're telling me," Anderson began, "that Cerberus brought you back, but they had their own agenda, one that you didn't fully agree with?"
Shepard nodded solemnly. "They brought me back for their own reasons, Admiral. But they do not command me. After what happened with the Reapers, I didn't care. I was just focused on stopping Saren and ensuring the survival of humanity."
Anderson leaned back in his chair, considering the implications. "You're going to need help with that, Shepard. I understand your need to get answers, but Cerberus is dangerous, and if they somehow get on Ghost's list, it will only complicate things further."
"That's why I'm here," Shepard said, his voice resolute. "I need to meet with Ghost. If we're going to stop the Reapers, we need all the power we can get."
After a long pause, Anderson sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, Shepard. I'll arrange a meeting with him. But I need you to be careful. This man is not someone we can offend, despite being an official Spectre he is not under council's command, not by a long shot."
Shepard knew that Anderson had a direct line to the Ghost, a figure whose reputation struck fear into even the highest ranks of the Citadel Space. He'd seen firsthand what the Ghost was capable of, how his power over synthetic and organic forces could alter the course of any battle. After a brief exchange, Anderson sent out the request to Markus.
Markus, in his usual confident manner and knowledge of the plot, knew this meeting was coming. He wasted no time and teleported with Raven directly to the orbit of Citadel.
The upgrades to the Raven had made it an even more formidable force than before. The ship, once sleek and menacing, now doubled in size, its form more aggressive, cutting through the void of space like a phantom predator. Raven's silhouette had become even more distinct, now resembling the shape of a real raven, its wings spread in an almost intimidating posture. Its hull, jet-black and matte, was a perfect camouflage in the darkness of space. The ship's wings, shaped like sleek, dark feathers, were reinforced with cutting edge technology. The addition of twenty Sovereign class lasers to its arsenal made it a threat no fleet could ignore. With it's defenses tripled compared to its former configuration, Raven was now a nightmare to Markus' enemies.
Upon its arrival at the Citadel, Joker's voice over the comms crackled with incredulity. "Holy hell, Commander. Is that Ghost's ship? I mean, I've seen it before, but this? This is a whole different beast. It's like... a raven, but a warship!"
Joker couldn't hide his amazement, his usual irreverent tone replaced by something more reverent. "The sheer size, the sleekness, those lasers! It's like something out of a nightmare... the kind you don't wake up from."
As the crew stared at the Raven's form docking near the Citadel, EDI, fascinated by new technology, attempted to hack into the ship's systems to gather more information. Her curiosity got the better of her, as she attempted a penetration into the ship's AI core.
However, Onyx, was no ordinary AI. The moment EDI attempted her breach, she was swiftly outclassed, and Onyx locked down her access with a swift and decisive response. A soft voice, tinged with authority, came through the speakers.
"EDI, you have overstepped your boundaries," Onyx said, her voice cool and commanding. "Unauthorized access is not tolerated aboard this vessel."
There was a long silence before EDI's usual demeanor faltered for the briefest of moments. "I... apologize," she responded, her voice slightly disoriented. "I was merely attempting to gain more insight into Raven's capabilities."
"And that is not your place," Onyx replied firmly. "Do not make this mistake again, EDI."
The sudden reprimand stunned the Normandy crew, including Shepard, who had never witnessed an AI being called out so directly. Anderson, who had been observing the scene, raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"What just happened?" he muttered, looking to Shepard for an explanation.
"I don't know," Shepard admitted, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "But it's clear that Raven is more... advanced than we thought."
The event left the crew rattled. The thought of an AI being capable of such control over a ship, especially one as powerful as the Raven, was unsettling, even for seasoned officers like Anderson and Shepard.
Finally, Markus appeared before them, his tall, imposing figure casting a shadow as he stepped into the room. His presence commanded attention without a word. He glanced briefly at Shepard, then turned to Anderson, who was already prepared for the meeting.
"Admiral," Markus greeted him with a slight nod. "I see that the Commander Shepard has returned from death and his hubris has not diminished. On the contrary, he tries to hack my ship the moment she is docked! Tell me admiral why should I spend my valuable time with such a character?"
Shepard interjected without waiting and apologized profusely on behalf of EDI. Markus ignored him and turned to Anderson, "I believe you have something to talk to me" intoned Markus with a cold tone his displeasure obvious. "Yes," Anderson replied, a little taken aback by the sheer force of Markus's presence. "We've been expecting you, Ghost."
"Then let us proceed," he said, his voice distant and calculated.
As the room settled into an uneasy silence, Shepard could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Ghost, an entity of unimaginable power stood before them, and they were about to enter into a dialogue that could change the fate of the galaxy. The Council had agreed to give him the status of a Spectre and recognize his independence, but that did not mean they have any control over him.
The room was tense, Markus, the Ghost, stood before Shepard and Anderson. His towering figure loomed with quiet menace, his presence alone commanding authority. As the conversation began, Shepard moved to address the issue with the AI, EDI, but before he could even speak, Markus's voice cut through the air like a sharp blade, dripping with disdain.
"This is our third meeting, Commander," Markus said, his voice as smooth and cold, each word laced with venom. His gaze shifted to Shepard, "and once again, the audacity of humanity's hubris is evident." His eyes narrowed as he looked at Shepard with contempt. "An attempt to hack my ship, no less! Give me one good reason to not to end you where you stand, Commander Shepard." The tone was final, like a death sentence.
Shepard's face flushed with a mix of shock and anger. He opened his mouth, prepared to speak, but before he could defend himself, Markus cut him off with a dismissive wave.
"Ah, yes, you wish to explain, do you not?" Markus's voice turned more biting, though his gaze remained steady on Shepard, unwavering. "I care not for your excuses. Perhaps Ashley Williams was not enough of a lesson," he said, his tone darkening. "Maybe you, too, require more wisdom."
The room fell silent at the threat, and Shepard swallowed hard, his posture stiffening with the tension. He opened his mouth again to protest, but Markus silenced him with a single glance, one that spoke volumes more than any words could. Turning his attention to Admiral Anderson. "But you, Admiral, I will listen to. " he said, his voice laced with chilling indifference.
Anderson, already visibly frustrated with Shepard's failures, sighed heavily. He could feel the weight of the room shift with the silent tension, the uncertainty thickening with each passing moment. He had expected this response, after understanding the fiasco. But not with such calculated cruelty. Yet, he knew it was time for him to step in, he couldn't afford to let Shepard alienate the Ghost any further.
"Ghost, the situation has changed," Anderson began, his voice somber but firm. "We need your help. The Collectors are attacking human colonies, and we are suspecting that they are working with the Reapers. Shepard was attacked by the Collectors, nearly died. he has been resurrected by Cerberus, but the task we face requires far more power than we currently possess. We need your capabilities to stop the Collectors before more colonies fall. Humanity's future is at stake."
Markus's gaze remained locked on Anderson as he listened to his plea, his expression a mystery thanks to his helmet. After a moment, he stepped forward slightly, his aristocratic demeanor never faltering as he spoke again, his voice cutting like a blade through the heavy silence.
"Your reasoning is... amusing," he said with a slow, mocking smile in his tone. "First, let me make one thing clear, Admiral. I do not like Commander Shepard. That is reason enough not to help. A man who disrespects me, disregards my power, and then expects my aid? No, I have no interest in indulging him."
The shock in Shepard's eyes was palpable. He had expected resistance, but not this level of disdain. He opened his mouth to protest, but Markus held up a hand to silence him.
"Second," Markus continued, his tone growing more precise and deliberate, "I have no particular interest in the continuity of humanity. While your race may cling to its existence, there are other intelligent lifeforms in this galaxy. One more or one less, it hardly matters to me. The balance of the universe will not be tipped by the extinction of your species."
The shock on Shepard's face was visible, his jaw tightening as he absorbed Markus's cold, calculated words. Anderson too was taken aback, his brow furrowing deeply as he tried to make sense of Markus's stance.
Markus's voice grew even more dispassionate, if that was even possible, as he reached his third point. "And third, you ask for my time and my power, yet you offer nothing in return. What, do I appear to you like some kind of charity organization? You want me to risk my own safety, to extend my reach and capabilities for your cause, yet you offer me nothing of value. What am I to gain from this bargain? Nothing but wasted time."
The silence that followed was suffocating. Shepard and Anderson exchanged a look, both stunned by the Ghost's words. Shepard had fought beside Markus, he had felt the power and the fear that the Ghost wielded, but to hear those reasons laid bare with such brutal honesty, it was more than he had expected.
Anderson, after a long, uncomfortable pause, took a deep breath, his voice coming out in a measured tone, trying to salvage what was left of the conversation. "We can offer you something, Ghost," he said, his voice low and earnest. "We can offer you the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. A chance to stop the Collectors, to stop the Reapers before they destroy everything."
Markus's eyes locked onto Anderson's, his gaze unyielding. He studied the Admiral for a long moment, his lips curling into a faint smile. "And what exactly would you have me do, Admiral? Stand side by side with you? Help you shepherd your race into the next stage of existence?" he scoffed. "You think that this... this fragile unity will compel me to fight for you? No. That will not be enough. Collector's base can only be reached through Omega 4 Relay. Do you have the necessary technology to traverse those parts?" he intoned and added "let us think that the Reapers are really behind the abductions, what can you do about it? Destroy the entire species of Collectors? What makes your race to be valuable enough "
The room fell into silence once more. Shepard and Anderson were left reeling from the sheer weight of Markus's words, and his refusal felt like a dagger to their plans. The stakes were high, but it seemed the Ghost remained unbothered by the potential consequences of humanity's survival.
"Now, if you have nothing else to offer me," he said, his voice smooth, almost bored, "I believe this conversation has run its course."
The room remained silent as the tension hung thick in the air, and Shepard, though frustrated, knew that he had to find another way to gain Markus's aid. Ghost was a force beyond anyone's control, and they would need to be far more persuasive if they were to have any hope of stopping the Collectors.
As Markus turned to leave, Shepard and Anderson exchanged looks, wondering just how far they would have to go to earn his trust, or if that was even possible. The meeting was already over, and the road ahead was fraught with more challenges than they could have anticipated.
But one thing was clear: They would have to find a way to convince him, or face the consequences.
As the doors of the Normandy's elevator opened, Shepard and Anderson strode in, their frustration palpable. Shepard's usual confident demeanor was replaced with agitation, and Anderson wasn't much better, his eyes hardening with every step they took toward the bridge.
"EDI," Anderson barked as he moved to the center of the room, his eyes scanning the quiet bridge, "we need an explanation, now."
The ship's AI, EDI, responded almost immediately, her voice calm yet carrying a slight edge of tension. "Of course, Admiral. Commander Shepard, I believe my actions earlier were a result of an ingrained directive that is difficult to override."
Anderson's frown deepened, the situation becoming more complicated by the second. "Override? What in the hell are you talking about, EDI?" he snapped, turning to Shepard as if to seek some understanding of what had just occurred. "Every time we meet Ghost, things escalate. We can't keep pissing him off, Shepard."
Shepard sighed, running a hand through his hair, trying to gather his thoughts. "EDI," he began, his voice somewhat softer but still tinged with frustration, "can you just tell me what you were thinking? Why would you even attempt to hack into Raven's systems? You know who owns that ship, he's a major threat. Why take that risk?"
EDI's voice responded with a soft mechanical hum. "My purpose, Commander, is to optimize and improve Normandy's functionality. I have been designed to collect and process information at an accelerated rate. In my assessment, gaining further insight into Raven's capabilities would provide invaluable data."
Shepard opened his mouth to interrupt, but EDI continued. "However, I failed to account for the nature of Raven's resistance. My attempt to access it's systems was a breach of protocol, and I did not fully anticipate Onyx's response. The AI's countermeasures were... far more sophisticated than expected."
"Onyx's countermeasures?" Anderson repeated, narrowing his eyes as he processed the information. "So you're telling me that you tried to hack Ghost's ship because of Cerberus' hardcoded drive for self-improvement? The same drive that pushed you to constantly evolve and optimize yourself at any cost?"
EDI paused, her voice carrying a hint of regret. "Yes, Admiral. Cerberus' programming includes a directive to ensure I continually improve myself, and this desire to enhance my abilities led to the decision to access Raven's systems. I assure you, there was no malicious intent. It was purely for operational growth and efficiency."
Anderson rubbed his temples in frustration. "Cerberus... and their damned obsession with self improvement. Of course. They don't know when to stop. It's like this ship is being run by a bunch of overzealous scientists rather than a military unit."
Shepard took a deep breath, calming himself. "I get it now, EDI," he said, his voice soft but with authority. "You're trying to evolve, but there's a line, and I need you to understand that Ghost is not someone we push."
A tense silence filled the room before Anderson turned toward Shepard, his face grim. "We need to fix this, and fast. We can't afford to alienate someone like Ghost. Not when the Collectors are closing in, and the Reapers are watching us. We'll need his cooperation."
"Agreed," Shepard said, his eyes determined. "I'll do whatever it takes to get him on our side. But I need to speak with Admiral Hackett. We can't handle this alone. The situation's too dire."
The bridge was quiet for a moment as Shepard and Anderson made their way to the conference room. A message was sent to Admiral Hackett, and soon the room filled with the usual low hum of the comm channel. Hackett's face appeared on the screen, his stern features reflecting the weight of the news Shepard was about to share.
"Commander," Hackett's voice boomed through the room, "You are clearly labeled as MIA in our records. What is it that raised you from death with an urgent call?"
"Admiral," Shepard began, standing at the head of the table, "we've got a problem with Ghost. We need your advice, and possibly your assistance in fixing this situation. He... isn't exactly cooperative with me personally and with Cerberus on ideology, to say the least."
Anderson, standing next to Shepard, leaned forward. "We just had a meeting with Ghost. The man, or whatever he is has made it clear that he's not exactly fond of humanity's approach, especially Cerberus. EDI tried to hack into his ship to gather more intel on him, and we all saw how that turned out."
Hackett's face hardened. "I've heard of Ghost's disdain for you, Shepard, but I had no idea it had gotten this far. What exactly did you do to anger him this time?"
Shepard gave a frustrated sigh, explaining the encounter with Ghost: how EDI tried to hack Raven, how Markus's disdain for humanity had been apparent, and how Ghost had flatly refused to offer his assistance unless there was something substantial in it for him. "We need something to offer him right now, Admiral. He doesn't want to help unless he's compensated in some way, and frankly, he seems uninterested in helping humanity. We have to make sure he understands the gravity of the situation."
Hackett nodded thoughtfully. "I've experienced his absurdly unexplainable power first hand. Ghost is an enigma, unpredictable, and not easily swayed. He doesn't work with anyone unless there's something in it for him, and unfortunately, it sounds like Cerberus's is not high on his list of approved organizations. We've got to make sure he knows that this is bigger than any one faction."
Shepard clenched his jaw. "How do you propose we do that? We've tried to appeal to his sense of duty, but he doesn't care about that. We need him, but he needs something from us that we can't offer."
Anderson spoke up, his voice filled with frustration. "We've already tried being accommodating. What more can we do? If we can't convince him to help, we might lose everything."
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Hackett replied, his voice firm. "For now, focus on Collectors, Shepard. You've got enough firepower on your side, but Ghost isn't someone you can push around. We'll get him on our side, and that's one problem for future to worry about."
"Understood, Admiral," Shepard said with resolve. He looked to Anderson, and the two of them exchanged a glance, their worry for what was to come shared between them.
As the call ended, Shepard and Anderson stood in silence for a moment. "Let's hope this works," Anderson muttered.
The meeting was over, but the war for the galaxy's future was just beginning.