Imperial Reckoning: Humanity Return

Chapter 51: Mark II

As Shepard and Tali strolled through the Imperial fleet’s bustling dockyard, the energy of the day pulsed around them. Soldiers and engineers bustled between ships, each preparing for the next mission, yet Shepard’s mind lingered on a quieter moment from the night before.

“That dinner was…nice,” Shepard said, breaking the silence.

Tali tilted her head, her voice warm. “Nice? That’s all?” She was teasing him, her tone as lighthearted as he’d ever heard it. Shepard glanced at her, momentarily caught by the soft glow of her visor under the dim hangar lights. As they talked, he reached over, tentatively taking her hand. Even through her gloves, he could sense her smile from the subtle tilt of her helmet.

Ahead of them, framed by the warm light of the hangar bay, loomed the SSV Normandy Mark II. Sleeker and smaller than his dreadnought, the Normandy was like a hidden blade in a warrior’s arsenal. Its frame reflected the Cult Mechanicus’ precision and reverence for efficiency; its lines were sharp, angular, and uncompromising. Unlike his command vessel, which exuded overwhelming might, the Normandy Mark II whispered power with a dangerous elegance.

But as they approached the ramp, two familiar figures stepped into view, stopping Shepard in his tracks. One was Captain Anderson, a man Shepard regarded as a father figure after the Emperor himself. Anderson was one of the first who had recognized Shepard’s potential, molding him into the leader he was now. and silencing all of the critics against the Primarch program.

Beside Anderson stood another figure, one Shepard hadn’t expected but was glad to see: Nihilus. The turian Spectre had fought alongside him in the brutal 2nd Imperial-Batarian War on Malevolon Creek. Over those few weeks of relentless battle, they had forged an unlikely friendship, one built on shared trust and respect. Nihilus was as close to family as one could become outside the Imperium’s ranks.

Unable to contain his excitement, Shepard let go of Tali’s hand and stepped forward, clasping Anderson’s hand before pulling him into a brief embrace. “Captain, it’s good to see you.”

Anderson chuckled, patting Shepard’s back. “It’s been too long, Lord Commander. But it’s clear that the Imperium couldn’t be in better hands.”

Next, Shepard turned to Nihilus. They locked forearms in a greeting that transcended their origins, a bond built on blood and battle. “Nihilus, this is a surprise. Not that I’m complaining,” Shepard grinned. “I just didn’t expect to see you here on the Normandy.”

Nihilus’s mandibles twitched in a way that Shepard recognized as a smile. “I couldn’t resist the chance to see this ship up close. It’s not every day you get to board an Imperial vessel, let alone one as advanced as the Mark II.”

Shepard raised a brow. “Wait—are you coming with us? Don’t get me wrong, I’d be glad to have you along, but What’s going on?”

Anderson exchanged a quick glance with Nihilus before explaining. “Our Eden Prime uncovered something during colony renovation, it was a Prothean beacon. The Council requested an Imperial vessel to retrieve it quietly so the Citadel could analyze it, given the potential danger. The Normandy’s stealth capabilities make her the ideal choice.”

Shepard’s expression shifted, his gaze growing serious as he processed the significance of the find. “A Prothean beacon... This could be exactly what we need. If it holds information about the Reapers, it could change everything, not just for the Imperium, but for the entire galaxy.”

Nihilus nodded. His usual stoicism softened, an unspoken understanding between him and Shepard evident in his stance. “The Council recognizes the Imperium’s dedication to the reaper 'myth', but that's it. The Emperor even showed me the ancient warnings on Mars himself. Only a fool would dismiss them. it's not exactly the council's best moment, But with this we should be able to fully convince them.”

Anderson folded his arms, the weight of his years in the service visible in his gaze. “if' there's any information about the reapers on it. We don’t know what’s on that beacon, but if there’s anything on the Reapers, it’s imperative we secure it before any hostile force even sniffs its location.”

Shepard took a steadying breath, a sense of purpose settling over him. “Then let’s get to work.”

As they boarded, the Normandy’s interior opened up before them, a striking blend of sleek lines and cutting-edge technology. The Cult Mechanicus had outdone themselves, creating a ship that was deadly in its minimalism. Though smaller than Shepard’s flagship, it was no less awe-inspiring.

The crew, a carefully selected blend of the Imperium’s races, worked at their stations with efficient precision. There were Batarians, Quarians, and even a few Asari and Turians who had chosen to join the Imperium. The Emperor had recently opened Imperial citizenship to those from the Council races who sought a new life. It was a revolutionary move, one that Shepard knew would strengthen the Imperium in ways few could yet comprehend.

Anderson looked around, impressed. “This is more diverse than I expected, Shepard. The Emperor’s decision to open citizenship to non-human races—he’s changed a lot, hasn’t he?”

Shepard nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “The Emperor saw the value in unity, in building an Imperium that others want to join, not just obey. Not all Imperials understand it, but it’s working. We’re stronger together.”

They reached the bridge, where Joker was waiting at the helm, his trademark grin firmly in place. “the Lord Commander, Captain Anderson, Nihilus even Ash and Kaiden—quite the company we have aboard today. Eden Prime, here we come.”

Anderson folded his arms, giving a nod of approval. “Joker, let’s make this a quick extraction. The fewer eyes on us, the better.”

Joker’s fingers danced over the controls as he fired up the Normandy’s engines. The faint hum grew to a focused intensity as the ship’s systems roared to life. “Copy that, Captain. Normandy’s locked and loaded.”

The Normandy glided out of the dock and toward the Mass Relay, its engines humming with a barely audible power. Shepard took a final look around, absorbing the weight of what lay ahead. They were about to retrieve an artifact that could unlock secrets long buried, secrets that could spell the difference between survival and annihilation in the war against the Reapers.

As the Normandy approached the relay, Anderson looked over at Shepard, his voice low but resolute. “Whatever’s on that beacon, we’re going to make sure it reaches the right hands.”

Shepard nodded, his gaze steady. “For the Imperium. For the Emperor.”

With that, Joker engaged the relay, and the Normandy shot forward, plunging into the unknown.