Mass Effect: After the Smoke Falls

Know thy enemy

Shepard rushed into the medical bay to find Tali lying in a medical cot next to a still unconscious Jack. Her suit was torn in some places, revealing cut and burnt skin. Her face was a pale grey instead of its pinkish purple hue. Shepard kneeled next to her and squeezed her hand, watching the heart monitor spike showing that her heard was racing. An infection might have already squirmed its way into her system. His thoughts were filled with sadness, and anger. He looked up at Chakwas, who was changing the bandage on Jack’s stump. “Do your best to keep them alive Doc.” He said.

Chakwas rubbed Shepard’s shoulder. “They will recover, Commander. Don’t worry about them.”

Shepard stood up and walked out of the medical bay to the elevator. He went up to his room and removed his armor, changing into military slacks. He then walked over to his desk and sat down, looking over reports that were flooding in about the destruction on Palaven. The planet wasn’t fully recovered from the Reaper invasion and now a Cerberus super freighter cast part of the planet in an inferno. Thousands were appearing on the casualty reports, not many of them survived the attack. With the reports on Palaven came the arrest of Admiral Xen’s fleet and the Salarian fleet. Any stragglers were either shot down or crippled, forcing them to surrender. Admiral Xen was declared dead and there were no signs of Cerberus vessles. Traynor’s voice broke his concentration.

“Commander, a message placed as urgent is in the War Room for you. I can’t place out who it is.” She said.

Shepard nodded. “I’m on my way down.” Shepard hopped on the elevator and rode down to the CIC. Once he entered the war room he pressed the button. Before him was an image of man that he currently thought was dead. "Mao."

Mao Leng smirked, pleased at the surprise and anger on Shepard’s face. “Shepard, glad your vision hasn’t failed you.”

“How did you survive?” Shepard growled.

“Like the miniature Mass Effect generator you found on Ilos, we had one installed on the bridge of our flagship. I escaped on one of the smaller ships and the explosion powered the generator, teleporting us back to our HQ.” Mao said as he rubbed his scarred eyes. “How’s Koylat?”

Shepard clenched his fist. “You’ll pay for that. It wasn’t enough that his father was killed?”

Mao laughed. “No, no it’s not. You think you enjoyed the news of my brother being killed? By you? I’m not just going to kill you, Commander. I will burn you. I will kill every person you ever cared for and respected, and once you’re drowning in their blood, I will end your pathetic life.”

“I will find you, Leng. And I will kill you.” Shepard growled and he cut the connection. He turned around and nearly jumped as he saw Garrus standing there.

“Well it seems the battle is far from over.” He said.

Shepard nodded and walked over to the center console. “I’m not going to stop until they are dead, Garrus, I’m not letting anyone else die by their hands.”

“John.” Said Robert as he entered. “Admiral Hackett is requesting to see you on the bridge.”

Shepard followed Robert and entered the CIC to find Hackett standing there in front of several bodyguards. “Commander.”

Shepard saluted Hackett. “Sir.”

“At ease, Shepard. I came to inform you of the Alliance’s decision on your command.” He said.

Shepard was stunned. “What did they say, sir?”

“You have done more than any soldier, and still lived through the worst. We have decided to promote you to the position of Fleet Admiral.” Hackett said. Shepard’s knee’s nearly fell out from underneath him. Fleet Admiral? But he didn’t even reach the rank of Captain.

“But, sir?” He asked, but Hackett raised his hand.

“I should be calling you that, Shepard. You’re my commanding officer. And also along with your new rank, you have been appointed ambassador of the Quarian people.” Hackett smiled.

“That means I can stay with Tali?” Shepard asked.

Hackett nodded. “Yes sir. You’ve earned everything and more. But there is one other thing I have to bring to your attention: You’re replacement as Captain on the Normany.”

“What?” Shepard said, surprised.

“I’m sorry Shepard, I know this is has been your home, but you have been given an Alliance frigate to command now, so you have to choose a replacement for the Normandy.” Hackett said. Shepard was stunned. Who would take over on the Normandy when he was gone?

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SEVERAL HOURS LATER...

In the cargo hold, there was a casket laying in the center. Visible inside was Koylat, seeming to rest peacefully. Around him were the crew of the Normandy, Shepard’s squad (minus the injured Jack and Tali), and Shepard himself, standing before the crew.

“I knew Koylat’s father, Thane, during the attack on the Collector’s home world. I helped his father stop him from committing murder. Thane was killed by the hands of a Cerberus agent while protecting the life of the Salarian Ambassador. Koylat mirrored his father’s death saving me. I owe him and his remaining relatives all the honor and respect he deserves.” Shepard said. “He is a hero, one who redeemed his past sins with his sacrifice. He will always be remembered.” The crew saluted the casket as the viewport showing Koylat’s face darkened. Four crew members picked up the casket and carried it into a shuttle. Everyone left as EDI turned on the Autopiolt and opened the cargo bay doors, allowing the shuttle to pilot itself into a sun: Burial at space.

Shepard turned to his crew. “Meet me in the War room. We have something to discuss.”