War was hell. And it would stay that way until the end of time. Humanity was at war for its own survival. And in war, there would always have to be casualties.
Hallard didn’t like it. He hated it. He detested himself for it. But in the end he did what had to be done.
He had the five remaining asari locked in his line of sight. He and Cavanaugh drew their weapons. The aliens had only enough time to shudder at what they knew would happen to them.
“No. No…”
Before they could do anything else, or say anything else, Hallard and Cavanaugh finished them off one by one.
Eight asari dead at Cerberus’ hands. And that was only on Station 12. Knowing now what he did about the people he was working for, he could only imagine how many more lives they had and would be willing to take to reach their goal.
Hallard wanted to puke. And the pat on his back didn’t help.
“Guess I was wrong about you, rookie,” said Cavanaugh. “You really pulled through on this one.”
Hallard wanted to bash the grin out of Cavanaugh’s face. There was nothing here to be proud of. There was nothing to celebrate.
“Let’s get out of here.”
“I’m gonna put in a good word for you when we get back to base. Cerberus owes you one, Hallard. From this moment on, consider yourself an honorary member of the club.”
Hallard didn’t know how he was supposed to feel. Proud? Or sick to his stomach? After everything he’d seen today, he didn’t think he could have hated anything more than he hated Cerberus.
But for better or for worse, Cerberus had proven its dedication to its goals. They did what they had to do. Just like him. They were the only ones fighting the fight. Without Cerberus, there’d be no one to do what had to be done; to put humanity first.
Mission Completed.
YOU ARE READING
Mass Effect: Humanity First
FanfictionMass Effect: Humanity First is an interactive, multi-pathed fan fiction short story. Follow Cerberus operative Samuel Hallard as he's given the toughest assignment of his life, making him question everything he's fighting for. In the ever-expanding...