Mass Effect - Maximum Momentum

|2| The True Beginning

(Y/N) sat on a bench, contemplating his current situation.

He and Jane had awoken in a random facility, and had been brought to another random facility, by two mysterious individuals. All (Y/N) knew were there names, Jacob and Miranda. Their motives were unknown, and everything they did were perceived, at least by (Y/N), as a threat. Especially now that his eyesight was damn near perfect again, and he could probably see them and the familiar yellow insignia on the walls.

Jacob and Miranda were Cerberus. (Y/N) hadn't even been told, he was pretty sure Jacob and Miranda assumed he was still ignorant to who they're employed by, but, (Y/N) had proven many times before in his life, he was smart.

(Y/N) had never personally gotten involved with Cerberus affairs. Hell, he barely knows anything about them. But he knows enough to be weary with their presence.

"So." Jane asked, looking around. "Where's this 'Illusive Man'? I have questions. I'm sure (Y/N) does too."

"I do. With Cerberus, you never know what's really going on." (Y/N) said, standing up from the bench.

"Hm. I see you're more perceptive then what I originally assumed." Miranda crossed her arms, looking over (Y/N) with an analytical expression.

"Yes, because I need to be perceptive to see a massive yellow symbol on the wall." (Y/N) said sarcastically, putting his hands on his hips. "Might as well put up a massive sign out front, welcoming visitors inside."

"So he's got jokes." Miranda grimaced. She shook her head, then looked over to Jane. "The Illusive Man is through that door." She pointed over at a door on the other side of the room. "He'll tell you about the assignment we're to do together. I don't recommend keeping him waiting."

"Alright. Come on (Y/N), time to meet with the head of Cerberus." Jane began to walk towards the door.

"Can't wait. I wonder when we'll get to meet the other two." (Y/N) said, following.

"... What?" Jane asked as they walked through the door, entering upon a ramp.

"Y'know, the name Cerberus? It's also the name of.. y'know what, nevermind..." He shook his head. "I'll just... Stop making jokes."

They entered upon an empty room, with a circle directly in the middle of the floor. Jane and (Y/N) look at each other, before stepping forward. Suddenly, large pixels surrounded them, and they were suddenly somewhere else..

"Shepard. Alketine. I see you two made it out fine." Said a hologram man. He took a drag from his cigar. "Good."

"I assume you're the Illusive Man? Why the holograms?" Jane asked, crossing her arms.

"Shepard, when you're someone like us, in our line of work, it's best to take... Precautionary measures." Said the Illusive Man, taking another drag of his cigar. " Now, I assume you two have questions, so, to answer some, I will explain a few things. Firstly, two years ago, while searching for Geth in a random system, your ship was attacked by an unknown vessel, leading to your untimely deaths. You two are the subjects of Project Lazarus, an operation solely dedicated to bringing you back, using the best scientists and equipment money can buy. I'm sure Operator Lawson or Mr. Taylor have already taken the time to explain, but I have done so just in case."

Two years.
That was the thing that stuck out to (Y/N). The words flashed across his mind. He's been gone for that long.
He's been... Dead, for that long.

.... He wondered why.
Why was he back? How was this possible? Could anyone be brought back from the dead like this? If so, why didn't it happen more often? Did it happen more often? What were the implications of this? Does this mean, with enough advancement, death shouldn't even be something to worry about anymore, as long as there's someone smart enough to rebuild you?
(Y/N) shook his head, he'll think about this later.