Mass Effect 3 Re-Imagined Chapter Seven Part Two: Story Time With Tim

Hello again, faithful followers of this blog! I’m Timothy Scott Purvis and this is the next installment of my fan story Mass Effect 3 Re-Imagined written for my wife Christmas 2013. Mostly because of how disappointed we both were with those final fifteen minutes of the game. Of course, it was difficult to rewrite without changing the entire story. Which might be why the developers went with the asinine ending they went with. Even so, I think I came up with something amusing and special. So I’m sharing it here.

No, I didn’t edit it any. Mostly because it IS a fan story and I have other things to do. So, you’ll just have to be content with the unedited insanity that is my rewrite of the game. There are grammatical errors. There are inconsistencies with plot. There are moments that will make you go, ‘What?’ But, in my defense, it’s no worse than what Bioware gave us back in 2012. So take that Triple A developers!

Anyhow, here is chapter seven part two of ME3RI.

(PS: Yes, I am copy pasting a lot of these lead ins. Pretty much because there are a lot of chapters to post and I’m doing this waaaayyy ahead of time when they will pop up through scheduling. If you’d like to skip ahead to where the chapter begins, by all means, knock yourself out.)

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Genevieve straightens her uniform coat as she approaches the airlock. The Normandy docked with the Citadel moments before and now she has a meeting to make. There was no telling what it was Udina wanted to discuss, but the man always filled her mouth with a sour taste.

     “Shepard!”

     Genevieve turns her head and sees Ashley hurrying towards her. The woman is dressed in her fatigues and looking like she’s ready for a workout.

     “Ash, what’s wrong?”

     Ashley shakes her head, “Nothing’s wrong, commander. I just would like permission to join you Citadel side.”

     “I was just going to see Udina for a few. Then back to the Normandy. I don’t want to stay too long. We need to get to Palaven.”

     Ashley nods in agreement and smacks her lips slightly, “Yes, commander. I understand that. It’s just that Udina requested my presence as well.”

     Genevieve quirks her head back in surprise, “He asked to see you too? Why?”

     “That’s something I’d prefer to discuss in his office in privacy, ma’am. Just the three of us,” Ashley looks away for a moment and then back. “There’s a proposition he made and I’m still mulling it over.”

     “I see,” Genevieve sighs. “Alright, lieutenant. Let’s go see our councilor.”

     “Thank you, ma’am.”

     Genevieve and Ashley exit the Normandy and it doesn’t take long to hit the cab and arrive at the human embassy on the presidium. The ride over was a silent one with neither woman saying anything to the other. Genevieve was afraid to say anything because of the feeling she was getting from Ashley that said she was really tense around her anymore. She didn’t figure there was anything she could say to Ashley that would make anything better.

     She probably still doesn’t believe I’m me, Genevieve sighs quietly as they reach the embassy doorway and proceed inside. They find Udina at his desk perusing something on his viewscreen. He shuts it off and stands up, tugging on his suit jacket.

     “Shepard. Williams. I’m glad you could make it.”

     “What’s this about, councilor?” Genevieve inquires as she comes to a stop in front of Udina’s desk.

     The balding man looks out his window at the taxis zooming by and across the interior ring to the office complexes on the other side. After a moment he smacks his lips loudly and turns back towards the two women.

     “Shepard, the Council has become too short sighted to serve humanity’s interests in the galaxy. We have to up our tactics to bring them into the fold, to convince them to help out Earth.”

     “I’ve already come to an agreement with councilor Sparatus,” Genevieve nods at Udina. “I’m heading to Palaven to fulfill a request on his behalf. He’s promised aid to Earth if we shut down access to the Trebia relay.”

     Udina raises his hand to his face and holds his elbow with his other as he lets loose a low guttural hmmm, “Interesting. But that still leaves Tevos and that coward Valern.”

     “I’m sure once they feel confident their systems are secure they’ll lend aid in our mission. This is the first step in driving back the reapers-“

     “And while we’re fucking around with them, Earth falls piece meal to the reapers!” Ashley growls and glares at Genevieve. “We don’t have time to go around saving all their people while ours are becoming reaper chow!”

     “Ash, we can’t do this alone. We need the Council…”

     “Fuck the Council!”

     “Ash-“

     “Williams has a point,” Udina lets loose a nearly imperceptible smile as he watches Ashley closely and then turns his eyes to Genevieve.

     Genevieve shudders inwardly but maintains her composure, “What exactly are you saying, councilor?”

     “Since Anderson’s departure from duties,” Udina walks around the room slowly in a deliberate contemplative pace. “The Council has begun losing its faith in humanity’s ability to be a team player.”

     “Are you sure it’s not just you, councilor?”

     “Shepard!” Ashley’s jaw drops in surprise.

     Udina glares at Genevieve, “Don’t be flippant, Shepard. You don’t have to agree with my methods to recognize that I get the job done.”

     “I just want to know what happened. Anderson didn’t have time to fill me in and why he’s no longer our councilor.”

     Udina smiles at her in a way that reminded Genevieve of a predator, “It must kill you to know that your hero is no longer here to provide you with an in to the Council.”

     “I don’t care about ‘ins’, I care about the job getting done.”

     “Let’s just say there was an issue involving one executor Pallin and suspicions of his activities with enemies of the Council. Anderson was involved in the investigation, as was Armando Bailey,” Udina sighs and shakes his head. “There was an altercation on one of the lower wards resulting in Bailey killing executor Pallin and being promoted to commander shortly thereafter. Pallin, it would seem, was getting ready to stage a coup.”

     “No,” Genevieve shakes her head and fixes her eyes on Udina. “Pallin was a good executor. He wouldn’t sabotage the Council or compromise the Citadel. That’s not something I can believe, councilor.”

     “You can believe what you want, Shepard. It’s irrelevant anyhow,” Udina picks up a datapad off of his desk and turns to hand it to Genevieve. “There is another matter that needs looking into at your earliest convenience. Word has come down that the batarians had in their possession a reaper corpse. This contains information on the Leviathon of Dis. According to Spectre intelligence, the batarians discovered some interesting information regarding the reapers. It isn’t specific, but there is a base on Kar’shan with computer files directly related to defeating the reapers.”

     Genevieve takes the datapad and looks it over, “How can you be so sure that the information can beat the reapers?”

     “Several Spectres were on Kar’shan when the Reapers attacked forcing them to cut short their investigation. They grabbed what they could. What you hold in your hands are their findings.”

     “This can’t be right,” Genevieve goes through several files and sighs quietly. “This is suggesting that the batarians had star systems on file located in the Terminus systems that are directly related to the creation of the reapers. Apparently the Spectre agents couldn’t retrieve that information. But…why were the Spectres on Kar’shan to begin with?”

     Genevieve looks to Udina who shrugs, “Your guess is as good as mine, Shepard. They weren’t forthcoming with me when I asked. Councilor Sparatus was involved in that matter and he doesn’t exactly like me.”

     Genevieve frowns, “Alright. I don’t like the idea of flying into the heart of reaper controlled space, but if I have time, I’ll see if it warrants the risk. Right now, I’ve got to get to Palaven.”

     Genevieve turns to leave and approaches the exit and turns to see Ashley still standing there. Genevieve looks to the woman with curiosity.

     “I’m sorry, Shepard, but I won’t be joining you.”

     “Ash?”

     “I’ve been offered an opportunity, and I think I’m going to take it.”

     Genevieve takes a few steps back into the room, “What opportunity would that be?”

     “I’ve offered Williams the honor of becoming a Spectre. I’ve already discussed it with the Council and met no resistance. I put her name forward for the next human Spectre, Shepard.”

     “I see. It would have been good if you mentioned this to me before, councilor. I wouldn’t have hesitated to give Lieutenant Williams my full recommendations for the agency,” Ashley looks to her in surprise as Genevieve nods with a smile. “Ashley will make an excellent addition to the ranks. She has more than proven herself.”

     “Shepard, I don’t…”

     Genevieve walks towards Ashley and puts her hand on her shoulder, “I wish you’d come to me about it, but I understand. You’ve got a lot to offer the Spectres and I wish you all the luck in the galaxy. The Citadel needs you here and I know you will exceed all expectations. I’ll make sure to put in the good word for you with the council. Good luck, Ash.”

     Genevieve smiles and takes a step back to give Ashley a salute. Ashley returns the gesture and Genevieve nods as she turns and leaves the human embassy office. Ashley stands for several moments looking at the doorway after the door swished shut and can’t shake the stunned feeling.

     “Let’s go, Williams. There is a lot of work we have to do.”

     Ashley looks to Udina who is gathering a few files and heading to the doorway. She follows in short order.

#

The door to Armando Bailey’s office opens and Genevieve steps through. Bailey sits at his desk as she walks in and looks up with a grin.

     “Shepard, well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” he stands up and offers a hand to her which Genevieve gladly takes.

     “Bailey, congratulations on your new promotion.”

     “Yeah, being a commander isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Didn’t exactly ask for it. Had my own plans going when it fell in my lap.”

     “So I hear,” Genevieve looks around the pristine office. “You’re doing good for yourself. How have you been?”

     Bailey sits back down and shakes his head almost mournfully, “It’s been chaotic around here, Shepard. All these responsibilities falling to me. I’d prefer to be back in the C-Sec offices. Felt like I was getting more done there. Shit, I had a vacation planned back on Earth and everything. Was going to get to see my children. Getting too old on me, the two of them.”

     “I’m sorry. Were they looking forward to seeing you?”

     Bailey gaffaws and closes his eyes as he leans back in his chair, “Maybe my daughter, Issy. She’s been pursuing a degree in journalism. Showed interest in coming to the Citadel for a while. But Ellis…not so sure he wants to see me. I was hopin to take him out on the boat, do a little deep sea fishing. He was never big on fishing but some alone time to try to mend fences would have been nice.”

     “I don’t guess being a parent is easy.”

     “Helps more if you’re around for ‘em. Too many regrets, Shepard. Too many…” he hmms and leans forward. “You ever thought about having a family? Stop gallivanting around the galaxy and just settle in for a spell?”

     Genevieve chuckles and looks at him with a regretful smile, “Never really had time to think about it, to tell you the truth. Starships have always been my home.”

     “Yeah, but no place to raise a family.”

     “No, maybe. I don’t know. My parents did a good job with me, I think. I’m still close with them. Heard my mom got the Orizaba. Good posting. Haven’t heard from my dad. He was last in dock in Earth orbit. Hope he’s doing alright. Damnit…”

     Genevieve leans against Bailey’s desk and he nods his head in understanding, “Yeah, Earth…But if anyone can solve our reaper infestation, it’s you, Shepard.”

     “I’m doing my damndest…but there’s so much conflict even among the galaxy’s species. It’ll take a miracle, I swear.”

     “We’re all in this with you. We got our jobs to do and we’ll do them,” he chuckles with a sigh. “Was there a particular reason you came to see me, or we just getting caught up? Not trying to sound rude there, really.”

     “No, I know what you mean. Too much work to do,” Genevieve stands back up and looks to him. “I just came from Udina’s office. It kind of relates to your new role. What happened with Pallin and Anderson? Udina wasn’t clear on the specifics.”

     “Hell, I’m not even clear on the specifics. We got word through several Spectre operatives of Cerberus infiltration on the Citadel. Anderson was looking into the matter and asked me to get with executor Pallin and Chellik,” Bailey leans back and folds his arms across his chest. “Well, Chellik was willing to help me out but Pallin decided he didn’t want to talk with me. He had something else going on and seemed really cautious around me like I didn’t have his trust. I wasn’t sure what was going on so me and Chellik did some digging and rooted out some thugs in Zakera ward that were working for Cerberus alright. They led us straight to a warehouse that was importing illegal weapons. One thing led to another, there was a big firefight. Chellik got injured pretty good but held in long enough to take out a local crimelord with some pretty deep ties to Omega.”

     Genevieve furrows her brows and crosses her own arms, “I was unaware that Omega had any operations here on the Citadel.”

     “Yeah, me too. C-Sec let the ball drop on that one. Well, we found some data files in their archives that were encrypted. Took some doing to break, best hackers and all that. Even enlisted Mouse’s aid to help out. Some pretty unsettling things came up,” Bailey stares at his desk top and exhales heavily. “Evidence implicating Anderson and Pallin in a coup against the Council.”

     “There is no way in hell.”

     “That’s what I said. I went straight to Anderson and he was shocked. Told me that that was preposterous. I had to tell him that I had to take him in for questioning. Went without an argument. While Anderson was in questioning and we were investigating what he was telling us about what he knew about the materials brought to him by the Spectres, Udina comes to me and says he’d been hearing some disturbing things about Pallin. He told me I needed to take care of it, that the Council’s safety was priority one.”

     Genevieve walks over to a seat and sits down, “And how did he hear about Pallin being suspicious?”

     “You know,” Bailey leans forward and lowers his voice. “I never did figure that out. But I went to talk to Pallin about it and the scene I walked into was a nightmare. Two dead C-Sec officers in his office and him waving a gun in my face.”

     “What?!”

     “I swear to you, that’s what I found. And I told him, ‘Sir, I have to take you in for questioning. I don’t know what’s going on here, but this doesn’t look good.’ And he shouts at me, ‘you’re with them too, aren’t you?!’ I wasn’t sure what to make of it but I let him know of our investigation into him and Anderson and the evidence suggesting a coup and he laughed at me saying how dare I lump him into the same category as Cerberus. Saying, like he’d ever work with them. It was a mess. I just wanted to question him about it, doesn’t look good having the executor accused of such things. Thing is though, he looked genuinely surprised that the accusation had even been leveled in his direction. Next thing I know, he’s charging me and I shoot him. Dead on the spot. Fuck, Shepard,”

     Bailey slaps his hand on his desk and sits upright. “We ended up letting Anderson go cause everything he was saying checked out. He’d discovered the information on Cerberus operatives but had no idea about a potential coup and we would’ve let Pallin go too if not for that incident. I still don’t know what happened. Investigation went cold, but we rounded up people with Cerberus ties all across the wards. Tried to find the Spectres who brought this forward to begin with, but they disappeared. Udina promoted me, and Anderson quit citing ‘bad politics’ and he took the first ship off the Citadel back to Earth to help you out of a tight jam. He’d been wanting to do that for a while, though, so no surprise there. Chellik’s the new executor now.”

     Genevieve rubs her temples and stands up, “That is quite the story. You never found out why Cerberus wanted to take down the Council?”

     “Never. Don’t you have an in with their Illusive Man? Maybe you could ask that bastard what his plans were.”

     “I haven’t talked to him since I told him to fuck off. But it doesn’t make sense regardless. It doesn’t help humanity to be attacking the Citadel.”

     “I didn’t think so.”

     “So, the local crimelords ship in weapons from Omega and frame Anderson and Pallin for the attempted coup. But why?”

     “Beats me. I figured it was a setup myself. Smelled to high heaven of deeper politics. Not a politician, Shepard. Despise the backstabbing. But I took my suspicions to Udina and he told me that it was Pallin’s doing and Anderson got caught in the crossfire and that I should consider the case solved and closed. Then he sets me up as his personal glorified assistant here and I haven’t heard anything more about it.”

     “You don’t think Udina…?”

     “Wouldn’t even begin to speculate on that one, Shepard. But I’ve been in contact with Chellik since then and we’ve been making sure to cut off any potential coup attempts in the future. We’ve tightened security and have stricter docking protocols now. Personally, I think whoever was involved isn’t here any longer.”

     “You may be right. Shit. Alright, I’ll let you get back to work. I’ve got my own job to get to right now and I doubt the reapers will wait while I do it.”

     “I hear ya. Back to the grind and all that. Be careful out there, Shepard. There seems to be a lot more at stake than total annihilation.”

     “Like our governments tearing themselves apart before we even unite them? Yeah, so much fun ahead.”

     “Never gets any easier. It’s why I stay out of politics. Course, I doubt you have that luxury given what you’re up against.”

     “No kidding. Good luck, Bailey.”

     “You too, Shepard.”

     Genevieve exits the office and makes her way back to the docking bay.

     “We have incoming refugee ships, sir!”

     “How?! The relay was locked by the council and the IFF codes haven’t been transmitted yet!”

     The young woman monitoring traffic controls throws up her hands in confusion, “They must have come through before the battle! And…the ship is broadcasting batarian comm frequencies!”

     “Batarians! Damn… Alright, contact the patrol fleets and have them escort the ships towards Eta bay 12.”

     “Yes, sir. Contacting patrol fleet Nihlus now…”

     The head comptroller turns and heads towards the Council control panel and flicks a holo feed, “This is Mason in traffic control, inform the Council we have incoming refugees from the Hegemony…Yes, I understand. We’ll make room for them in Eta bay 12 and suggest armed C-Sec units be dispatched.”

     “Sir…”

     “What is it, Jallus?”

     “Apparently the Normandy has a batarian adjutant onboard.”

     “Well, isn’t that convenient. Contact the Normandy and see if the adjutant will meet C-Sec in bay 12.”

     “Yes, sir.”

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SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION STARTS!

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I mean, if you like my work, of course. No pressure. Just trying to find my way in this world without working menial tasks and suffering physical and mental issues as a result. If only I could merely stay home and write. That would be my most epic fantasy brought to life. Well, if you don’t want to do that, you could also donate to my cause down below after all is said and done. It would help. You know, if you liked what you saw and all. Up to you. I don’t have a lot of reviews on my materials because of low sales. I mean, very, very low sales. In the single digits. Right now, I have to rely on Pubby for reviews and those people only read your synopsis and recap it for a five star review. I want honest opinions. Not mean ones, but honest. So, if you ever find yourself buying some of my work, I’d certainly appreciate some feedback. Again, up to you.

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So brings to an end another week of Story Time With Tim! Hope you’re enjoying the work so far and hope you’ll be back for more next week. Until then, read to you soon.

~Timothy S Purvis