Aftermath

Chapter 27

The Prothean ship shuddered and groaned again as it twisted it's way out of the tunnel walls and emerged into the tumultuous sky of Voltanus.

Yarus leaned forward with interest, having not seen the planet surface in over 50,000 years. The air was thick with massive columns of ash and particulate. As the ship rose higher into the atmosphere the violence of the activity on the surface became more apparent.

"One would never think such a hostile view could have provided such a safe haven for so long," Yarus said.

Shepard guided the ship into the atmosphere and out of orbit, heading into deeper space.

"Mass effect engines warming up," Traynor said.

Yarus spoke again, addressing Shepard, "This is it Captain. In the next few moments we will know if our first collaboration has been a success."

Shepard met the gray gaze of Yarus and nodded. "Indeed Vanguard. At least the first part. Don't forget your end of the bargain. Once we reach the Sol system you will disclose how to stop your attack."

"I have not forgotten," Yarus said, his eyes turning back to the view of space beyond her.

Shepard caught the tiniest of smirks on Goren's lips before it disappeared. The familiar tingle of the hairs standing on the back of her neck came again. She glanced at the countdown. Less than an hour remained. No time to waste.

She turned back to her controls before sparing a glance at Traynor. The Specialist looked pale but otherwise steady. "Let me know when we're ready Specialist," Shepard said quietly.

Traynor glanced up, briefly meeting her eyes, "Yes, Captain."

"Mass effect engines at maximum, Captain. Commence jump when ready," EDI's voice filled the cabin.

Shepard took a breath in and let it out slowly. She thought of Liara and the hundreds of Protheans waiting in the decks below. She thought of Miranda and the message she'd sent. She had no idea what they would face when they came out of the other side of the mass effect jump but they were out of time.

"EDI initiate count down," Shepard commanded.

"Mass effect jump in three... two..."

###

"...One. Begin armada approach," Ashley Williams commanded from the cockpit of the Normandy.

An impressive collection of ships all representing the participants of the final attack on the Reapers one year prior emerged from the far side of the moon heading towards the Citadel orbiting above Earth. And as it had that day a year ago, the Normandy led them all.

"All ships reporting in formation Commander," Joker informed her.

"Great," Ashley muttered.

Joker cast her a glance, "You seem antsy. You gotta take a leak or something?"

"Stow it Joker."

"Aye aye, Commander."

"Garrus, report. Anything?"

"All quite out here Ash. Patrols aren't reporting anything unusual other than the fact we're all experiencing serious déjà vu," Garrus informed her.

Ashley watched as the Citadel and Earth steadily became larger as they made their approach. A year ago the Earth had been on fire and the space around Earth's orbit had been polluted with Reapers. Now the Earth shown brightly as the blue marble she'd always known, a beacon of life.

The Citadel spun slowly above it, all five of the arms completely restored. It was as if the Reaper invasion of a year ago had never happened. Only it had. And upon closer inspection the scars were still visible on earth, on the Citadel, and on each of them as well.