Dragon's Teeth: Mass Effect 1 (Shenko)

Chapter 2

Arcturus Stream/Normandy

Commander Callie Shepard was tired. Last minute assignment to the Normandy and she'd been shadowed by that turian Spectre since arriving on Arcturus Station. Everywhere she went, she'd bumped into him every time she turned around.

She'd been so rushed to board the Normandy that she was still wearing her armour and hadn't had time to stash her weapons. Now, she had to meet with Anderson. She didn't know much about her Commanding Officer other than that he'd specifically requested her to serve as his (XO) Executive Officer, on the Normandy.

She shook her head, letting the thought die. Whatever his reason, she was grateful for the opportunity. As she approached the Galaxy Map, she overheard Pressly and Adams discussing the Spectre's presence.

"Navigator Pressly." She said, as Pressly turned to greet her, ending his conversation with Adams.

"Commander."

"I overheard you talking. Do you have a problem with aliens?"

"No ma'am. Well..." he trailed off before explaining his grandfather's role in the First Contact War and what he knew about Captain Anderson. By the end of their conversation, Shepard knew that whatever Pressly might think of aliens, he wouldn't let it interfere with his job and he greatly respected the Captain.

She then spoke with Dr. Chakwas and Corporal Jenkins who were standing outside the comm room doors, heatedly discussing the irregularities of the mission.

"Jenkins." Callie interrupted as she joined them. "You've got a long career ahead of you – you don't want to jeopardize that by making a rookie mistake."

"Sorry Commander." Jenkins said. "I'm just so anxious waiting for the real mission to start. It's got to be something big, especially if we've got a Council Spectre on board."

"I understand Corporal, but relax. You'll do fine."

"Thanks Commander. That means a lot coming from you."

"Anytime. But I should go, the Captain's waiting for me."

"Of course Commander." Chakwas and Jenkins said in unison.

----xxx----

She met Nihlus in the comm room,  Anderson had yet to arrive. They spoke briefly about Eden Prime, the colony they were headed to - one of the most successful human colonies in Alliance space. They were interrupted by Anderson who told Shepard the true purpose behind Nihlus's presence on the Normandy.

"You're being considered for Spectre status Shepard. Nihlus is here to assess your skills in the field." Anderson said.

"Guess that's why I bump into him every time I turn around."  She replied.

"That's not the only reason." Anderson continued.

"Your Eden Prime colonists have unearthed a working Prothean beacon." Nihlus said. "We're headed there to retrieve it. I'm here to ensure it arrives safely back on the Citadel."

"Is there some reason we didn't keep the beacon for ourselves? Humanity, I mean." She asked.

"You humans don't have the best reputation Shepard." Nihlus explained. "Many species still see your race as aggressive."

"Also, we don't know much about the Protheans. We need the Council's help with this Commander. It's also a good wsy to show the galaxy that humanity is willing to work with the Council."

"So this is political sir?"

"Only peripherally." Anderson clarified. "Our top priority is to secure the beacon. Prothean technology, especially working Prothean technology is priceless."