Mass Effect: Reaper Dreams

Shard

"The whole series of my life appeared to me as a dream; I sometimes doubted if indeed it were all true, for it never presented itself to my mind with the force of reality."

Mary Shelly (Frankenstein)

March 12th, 2188

Captain Ashley Williams

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The hospital in Joughin was off the rails. Ashley was reminded of the holding areas on the Citadel during the Reaper War. As she passed down the corridor the hospital staff moved aside. Ashley wasn't sure if it was respect for her rank, or the huge marine on her right shoulder.

Sgt. Jengo Turay was an Alliance lifer, a hardened veteran with an icy stare that could make a Krogan step away. He was unusually dark skinned, even for an African, and he stood a few inches over seven feet. Ashley hadn't had a chance to get to know him yet, but in the two weeks he'd served under her command she'd yet to see him crack a smile. She planned to change that, eventually, when she had the time.

When they turned the corner into the ICU, she spotted one James Vega. He was still in full battle dress and surrounded by a compliment of armored soldiers—Krogan, Turian, Human, and even a few Asari Commandos. Ashley had grown accustomed to seeing a mix of aliens fighting together, but what she had never seen was a common uniform outside of C-Sec. The color scheme as well as the emblem on their armor was unified. They were all part of the same company.

As soon as James saw her, he saluted formally. "Captain, good to see you. Major James Vega, SGL," he said.

Ashely cocked her head. "Sorry, Major, I've been in deep space for the last few days. I must have missed the bulletin. SGL?"

"Strategic Galactic Legion," said James. "I know it's a mouthful, sounds stupid as hell, but that's the moniker the Council stuck on us, at least for now."

Ashley nodded. "The Alliance has initiated a blockade of Benning. Admiral Yuan gave me orders to assist you. I only had a brief communique that said the planet is under martial law. What the hell is going on?"

"Cerberus," said James. "Turns out we have solid information that they were behind the assassination of the President, among other things. We've been raiding facilities."

"Shit," said Ashley. "I knew it. How organized were they?"

"Too fucking organized," said James. "And as you know, you can't question the bastards. As soon as you capture them, their heads explode."

"Yea," said Ashley. "Ocular flashbangs, so how did you get two prisoners for transport?"

"Well, one of them is ex-Cerberus, name is Ramirez," said James. "We still haven't figured out how he's involved. And the other, well, are you ready for this?"

"Shoot," said Ashley.

"It's another Shepard clone," said James.

Ashley froze. "God, so that's what she meant."

James cocked an eyebrow. "Eh?"

"Long story," said Ashley. "Involves sour music, need I say more?"

"Mierda, you mean the big HER," sighed James. "Where the hell?"

"Don't ask," said Ashley.

James nodded. "We're loading the prisoners on your shuttle now. The Council wanted one of their Spectres to handle the interrogation."