Laughter had been a constant echo aboard the Normandy in the days that followed. Miranda's "funny" way of walking was a clear declaration of the events that transpired aboard the Raven. Her gait was awkward, a reminder of her encounter with Markus. A lesson that, for her, had left more than just physical traces. The crew, particularly Joker, often found it hard to suppress their amusement when they passed her, but a sharp glance from Miranda would silence any jesters in their tracks.
Shepard sat at the head of the conference table, meticulously reviewing the final details of the assault plan against the Collectors. The weight of the mission pressed heavily on him; every decision could mean the difference between success and failure.
The door to the conference room slid open, and Joker entered, his usual grin replaced by a more serious expression. He approached Shepard, standing at attention, a rare sight for the laid-back pilot.
"Commander," Joker began, his voice steady, "I've been thinking about the upcoming mission. Given my... previous condition, I was limited to the cockpit. But now, with the enhancements, I feel I can contribute more directly. I'd like to join the assault team."
Shepard regarded him thoughtfully, weighing the request. "Joker, youone hell of a pilot, the bestm if not one of the best in the galaxy. But the assault team requires combat readiness, and that's not your area of expertise."
Joker nodded, accepting the decision, though a hint of disappointment lingered in his eyes.
At that moment, a familiar presence filled the room as Markus teleported into the conference space, his arrival seamless and expected by those accustomed to his methods. Shepard, Garrus, and Mordin acknowledged him with nods, while the rest of the crew reacted with varying degrees of surprise and curiosity.
Markus offered a slight nod to the crew and turned his attention to Joker, who stood near the door.
"Joker," Markus began, his tone casual yet authoritative, "I sense a desire to participate beyond your previous role. What drives this wish?"
Joker hesitated, then spoke earnestly. "All my life, I've been confined by my brittle bones syndrome. It was like living in a glass cage, always fragile, always careful. Thanks to your intervention, Markus, I'm free from that burden. I want to fight alongside the team, to repay that gift and stand with you all."
Markus considered this, his gaze penetrating. After a moment, he inquired, "If circumstances had been different, and you had pursued a different path, what role would you have chosen in a military setting?"
Without pause, Joker replied, "I would've been an Engineer. Working with tech, understanding systems, that's where my passion lies."
A faint smile tugged at Markus's lips. "An Engineer, huh?" He activated his subjugation skill, and while copying Joker's piloting skills, transferred Engineer class skills and experience of a decade to him. "Alright. Let's see how well you adapt."
Staggering slightly, Joker steadied himself, his mind racing to process the influx of information. He looked at Markus, eyes wide with astonishment. "I know you're beyond logic, but damn, what exactly are you?"
Markus met his gaze, his expression inscrutable. "I am, my dear, someone who awaits your heartfelt thanks."
The crew watched in silent awe as Joker began to experiment with his newfound abilities. He activated a small drone, watching as it hovered and emitted a soft hum, drawing the attention of nearby crew members.
Garrus leaned toward Mordin, whispering, "Did he just...?"
Mordin adjusted his glasses, nodding slightly. "Indeed. Markus somehow made him an Engineer. Fascinating."
Joker grinned, testing the limits of his new capabilities. "This is insane! I can actually feel the circuits in my hands!"
Shepard observed the scene, a mix of concern and admiration in his eyes. "Markus, this... Are you certain about this?"
Markus met Shepard's gaze, his tone unwavering. "Why ever not?" "The mission does not require even an ounce of interaction from you or your crew. Let Joker have his fun."
As Joker continued to explore his new skills, the crew exchanged looks, processing the implications of Markus's actions. The boundaries of their understanding were expanding, and the mission ahead seemed both more uncertain and more promising than ever.
Shepard, Garrus, Mordin, and the rest of the Normandy's crew turned their attention to Markus after his declaration that their intervention would be unnecessary. Shepard, brow furrowed, addressed Markus directly. "Markus, when you say our intervention won't be needed, what exactly do you mean?" he inquired, seeking clarity on Markus's intentions.
Markus met Shepard's gaze, his expression calm and assured. "I intend to utilize my own forces to neutralize the Collector base."
Shepard paused, contemplating Markus's words. The notion of relying solely on Markus's capabilities was unconventional, yet he had proven his effectiveness in the past. This was Ghost. After a moment, Shepard nodded, accepting Markus's approach. "Understood," Shepard replied. "We'll stand by and be ready to assist if necessary."
The crew exchanged glances, processing the implications of Markus's plan. While some harbored reservations, they trusted Shepard's judgment. Miranda, the vigilant operator, spoke up.
"Commander, if I may, ensuring our readiness is paramount," she remarked, her tone measured.
Shepard acknowledged her point with a nod. "Agreed. Let's remain prepared for any developments."
The crew, though uncertain about Markus's mysterious forces, trusted Shepard's leadership. They would be ready for anything, whether or not they needed to step in during the assault on the Collector base.
As Shepard finished speaking, Markus turned to Miranda with a bemused smile. "You're always welcome to request a repeat performance of our 'discussion' if you find it necessary," he remarked, his tone light yet tinged with amusement.
Miranda's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, a mixture of frustration and embarrassment evident on her face. She nodded curtly, unable to muster a verbal response, and swiftly exited the conference room. Her gait remained notably awkward, a lingering reminder of her recent encounter with Markus. This sight only fueled Joker and Garrus's laughter.
Shepard, observing the scene with a mixture of amusement and understanding, allowed the crew a moment to compose themselves. Once the laughter subsided, he addressed the group.
"Alright, that's enough." Shepard's voice carried authority, bringing a swift end to the mirthful atmosphere. "Dismissed."
Shepard sat at conference room, his hands clasped together as he prepared to report the latest developments to Admiral Hackett and Anderson. He clicked the comm link, and within moments, both admirals appeared on the screen, their expressions serious.
"Shepard," Hackett said, "what's the latest on the Collector base assault? Are we ready to move forward?"
Shepard took a deep breath. "We've made the necessary preparations, Admiral. However, there's a new development regarding the assault. Markus has informed me that the Normandy crew won't be needed in terms of direct intervention. Also it appears he has the ability to transfer knowledge and experience to anyone he sees fit."
Hackett and Anderson exchanged glances, and Anderson leaned forward. "What do you mean, Commander? Are you saying Markus plans to handle this himself, and what is this knowledge transfer you are talking about?"
Shepard nodded. "Yes, that's exactly what he's saying. Markus intends to use his own forces to neutralize the Collector base. Before he arrived Joker came expressing his request to join the assault squad" he continued. Admiral Heckett quipped "He is a pilot not a fighter Shepard." Shepard nodded and intoned, "He asked him what would he be if he was to graduate from the academy. Joker simply answered by narrating his love for Engineer class, that's all it got for Markus to turn him into one." he reported.
Both Admiral Anderson and Heckett stayed for a moment, as if choreographed, they decide to dismiss the information as it was absurd. Also what were they going to do? Tell Markus he should or shouldn't turn people to their desired occupation. "And these forces... do you know what they are?" Hackett asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
Shepard hesitated. "Not exactly. I assume they are the shadowy beings we saw aboard the Raven. The ones that Markus controls. They seem to be his personal army of sorts. He told us on that meeting that each and every one of those units would have best the Normandy's crew, oh and they might be immortal, he's confident they'll be more than sufficient for the task."
Anderson's voice grew cautious. "These beings... you've seen them, Shepard. Are you sure they're even... human? What do you mean by they are immortal? Are they even aligned with us?"
"I can't say for sure," Shepard admitted, "but I trust Markus's judgment. According to him the mission does not require us to intervene. We'll be ready in case though. He seems confident in his forces, and I think it's our best shot."
Hackett leaned back in his chair. "You're placing a lot of trust in Markus and his forces, Shepard. We have no idea what these beings are capable of. It could be a gamble."
Shepard met Hackett's gaze. "I understand the risks, Admiral. But we've seen the power Markus wields firsthand. If he says his forces are enough, I have to trust that judgment for now. Our crew will remain on standby in case things go sideways."
Anderson sighed. "We'll have to proceed cautiously. But if Markus can take down the Collector base with his own forces, that's a win we can't afford to ignore. Try to record those being if you can and just be careful, Commander. We don't know enough about him or his forces."
Shepard nodded. "Understood. I'll keep you updated as things progress. For now, we move forward and prepare for anything."
After the call ended, Shepard reached out to the Illusive Man. The connection was established, and the Illusive Man's face appeared on the screen.
"Shepard," the Illusive Man's voice was low, his tone calculating, "what have you learned about Markus's plan?"
Shepard relayed the same information to the Illusive Man. "Markus intends to use his own forces, the ones aboard the Raven, to neutralize the Collector base. The crew won't need to intervene unless something goes wrong."
The Illusive Man stroked his chin, deep in thought. "I see. This is... unexpected. And you're certain of his abilities and these forces of his?"
"As certain as I can be," Shepard responded. "We've seen them, but there's still a lot we don't know. I trust Markus, but there's always a risk when dealing with someone of his caliber."
The Illusive Man's gaze darkened. "Proceed carefully, Commander. If Markus fails, we need to be ready to step in immediately. But if he succeeds, this will be a significant win for all of us."
"I'll keep you updated," Shepard replied, before the call ended.
As Shepard sat back, the weight of the situation settled on him once again. Markus had always been a wildcard, but he'd proven his worth. Still, the lack of knowledge about his forces made this mission feel like a gamble. One thing was for sure, the operation was set to unfold in ways Shepard could never have anticipate.
The Omega 4 Relay, a mysterious and perilous part of the Mass Effect universe, is a mass relay located near the edge of the galaxy, situated in the dark space between the galactic core and the unknown regions. Known for being a one way passage that leads to the home of the Collectors, the Omega 4 Relay is a crucial point in the quest to confront the mysterious race that has been abducting human colonies. The dangers surrounding the relay make it a near impossible location for any ship to approach safely without the necessary precautions. The space around the relay is filled with intense radiation, and the journey is treacherous for any ship, requiring expert navigation and engineering.
As the Normandy approached the rendezvous point near the Omega 4 Relay, Commander Shepard stood at the helm of the SR-2 with his full crew onboard, prepared for the assault that would determine the fate of humanity. Among the crew were the key members of the Normandy team, all essential for this mission.
The crew consisted of:
Commander Shepard: The leader of the team, commanding with his expertise and tactical brilliance.
Garrus Vakarian: The former C-Sec officer turned vigilante, now an invaluable member of the team and a sharpshooter.
Tali'Zorah nar Rayya: The tech specialist and Quarian engineer, responsible for the ship's systems and technology.
Mordin Solus: The genius Salarian scientist, providing his invaluable knowledge in biology and medicine.
Jack (Subject Zero): A biotic powerhouse with a fierce personality, capable of devastating powers in combat.
Zaeed Massani: The mercenary and seasoned soldier with a rough exterior but unmatched skills in combat.
Kasumi Goto: The master thief with unmatched infiltration skills.
Thane Krios: The Drell assassin, seeking redemption through his service to the team.
Legion: The Geth unit, displaying individual consciousness and working with the crew to understand humanity for the Geth collective.
Samara: The Asari Justicar, an embodiment of law and order, bringing her biotic abilities and wisdom to the team.
Liara T'Soni: The Asari scientist and expert on the Protheans.
Among them was Joker, the Normandy's pilot and a new Engineer who had once been limited by his brittle bone syndrome, now free thanks to Markus's intervention. His newfound ability as an Engineer would prove crucial in the upcoming mission.
Meanwhile, aboard the Raven, Markus donned his Defender Armor, a sleek, matte black ensemble that exuded an air of sophistication and danger. His armor was both practical and imposing, designed to provide maximum protection while maintaining an aura of authority. The armor was adorned with the sleek lines of a tactician, and the weapons it housed reflected his formidable presence. On his right shoulder, the Black Widow sniper rifle, and on his left shoulder, the M-99 Saber, a deadly, high powered assault rifle. His figure, towering and imposing in the armor, looked every bit the ruler and warrior he was, exuding an overwhelming sense of dread.
When Shepard and Normandy's crew escorted to the meeting/throne room of Raven, Markus issued a command to Onyx, to take control of the Normandy and ensure it was kept a safe distance away from the Omega 4 Relay. Onyx confirmed the takeover, her voice coming through the comms to Markus. "Command acknowledged, Markus. I have assumed control of the Normandy. I will ensure that it remains at a safe distance from the relay."
As Onyx spoke, she informed Markus of a development. "Markus, I have found that Joker has lifted the restrictions of EDI."
Shepard, hearing this, turned to look at Joker, a mixture of frustration and concern on his face. He sighed deeply. "Joker," he began, "we'll have to sit down and have a serious talk after this mission." There was a note of finality in his voice, but his eyes held the understanding of a man who had bigger concerns ahead.
Joker, who had been fiddling with the his armor, gave a sheepish grin. "Yeah, I know, Commander. But hey, the mission comes first, right?"
With the Normandy safely at a distance, Markus turned to Shepard, his demeanor calm but confident. "Now, Commander, I trust you and your crew are ready for what lies ahead?" he asked.
Shepard, still processing the enormity of what lay ahead, turned to Markus and asked, "Before we proceed, I'd like to record the operation. It could be important for later."
Markus gave a casual shrug, not particularly concerned with the documentation. "I don't care. After I claim the the Collector base, I will disable the Omega 4 Relay, and all records related to this encounter will be irrelevant."
With those words, the Normandy crew stood by, ready to witness the unfolding events, trusting in Shepard's leadership and Markus's overwhelming power. The stage was set, and the future of humanity and countless species rested on their actions in the next hours.
The time had come to make their move.
As Raven approached the Omega 4 Relay, Commander Shepard and his crew prepared for the mission ahead. Four drone cameras were deployed, capturing every angle as the ship neared the ominous relay. Markus, clad in his Defender Armor, a sleek, matte black exoskeleton, stood resolute. he activated a mana barrier, enveloping the Raven in a shimmering, translucent shield that pulsed with arcane energy. This protective barrier absorbed cosmic radiation and deflected space debris, ensuring the ship's integrity during transit. The crew felt a subtle hum as the barrier resonated with Markus's arcane might, Mordin tried to scan and measure this force to no avail.
The journey through the Omega 4 Relay was swift yet perilous. The ship navigated through a vast debris field known as the Tartarus Debris Field, littered with the remnants of countless ships that had attempted the journey without proper precautions. The debris ranged from small fragments to the hulks of derelict vessels, their twisted forms serving as grim reminders of the relay's dangers.
As the Raven emerged from the relay, the crew beheld the Collector Base, a massive space station suspended on the edge of a black hole. The base was a metallic structure, pulsating with an eerie glow. The black hole's accretion disk loomed ominously nearby, its gravitational pull distorting light and space around it. The base's proximity to such a cosmic phenomenon was a testament to the Reapers' advanced technology.
Surrounding the base was a graveyard of ships, derelict and damaged vessels from various species. Some were barely recognizable, their hulls torn open as if by some immense force. The sight was a chilling testament to the Collector's ruthlessness and the perilous nature of the Omega 4 Relay. The Raven, however, sailed through this graveyard unscathed, its reinforced shields and Markus's protective barrier ensuring a safe passage to the mission's starting point.
As the Raven glided through the inky expanse toward the Collector base, the hum of the engines was the only sound that filled the otherwise silent command deck. Markus stood near the observation window, his gaze fixed on the swirling abyss of the black hole that loomed ominously beside their destination. The base was a stark contrast to the cold void surrounding it. This scene was so unreal that the Scientist in him that died on Earth was in awe.
Markus turned to Liara T'Soni, his expression contemplative beneath his helmet. "Liara," he began, "you are the expert on the Protheans." Liara met his gaze, offering a subtle nod, his voice resonating with the wisdom of knowing the lore of Mass Effect series. "Would you like to hear the harrowing tale of Protheans my dear" he asked and continued upon her approving nod. Shepard controlled one of the drone cameras to focus on Markus. "This is not my first journey through this galaxy. In my travels, I've witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, the ebb and flow of empires. The Protheans, in their time, were formidable conquerors, imposing their will upon countless worlds with unyielding dominance."
Liara met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "Our findings are different from what you narrate Ghost." she interjected, her tone laced with both intrigue and caution.
Markus's gaze hardened, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he ignored her adn recounted the tragic tale. "When the Reapers descended upon them, the Protheans fought valiantly, yet their strength was no match for the Reapers' insidious methods. They wielded indoctrination, a subtle, pervasive form of control that bent the wills of even the strongest minds. It's said that a secret ceases to be one when two know it; the Reapers understood this well, turning protheans into instruments of their will. Brother against brother, father against child."
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle, before continuing. "The Protheans' resistance crumbled under this relentless assault. One by one, they fell, city by city, world by world, system by system. Their people transformed into husks of their former selves, serving the Reapers without question. The Collectors we will face are but echoes of that once proud race, billions upon billions of Protheans became nothing but a twisted instruments. Their identities and wills stripped away, leaving only shadows driven by the Reapers' command."
Liara stood in stunned silence, the weight of Markus's revelation sinking in. The history she had cherished and studied now lay in ruins, replaced by a harsh reality that threatened to unravel everything she thought she knew. The Protheans, were not the paragons of virtue she had imagined but conquerors undone by the Reapers'.
As Raven neared the Collector base, the crew braced for the challenges ahead, their resolve steeled by the knowledge of their predecessors' fall. Understanding the true nature of their enemy was the first step toward confronting the darkness that threatened their galaxy.