Mass Effect 4: the Second War (Mass Effect fanfic)

Chapter 2:Volunteer

At the sound of my voice I felt the hundreds of eyes stare at me.The council spotted me.

"What's your name soldier?"Councilor Corbulo asked me.

"Shepard,John W. Seriel number #705132555,212th battalion,E company,first platoon." I felt the need to hurl my insides in the nearest toilet. What the f*ck did I just sign onto?

"Thank you councilors." After that pretty much everyone else volunteered for the mission.I need a drink. Something stronger than coffee.

August 28,2214

Citadel:Darkstar lounge

2200 hours

I was there drinking whatever alien wine they serve. I just threw a wad of cash on the counter and asked for anything.A particularly large group of Asari were there as well.Sitting on the biggest tables gossiping and other bullshit that many civilians do.Oblivious to the fact that they're only safe when their soldiers are laying their lives on the line.It was a normal day at darkstar,a steady line of people walking into the bar.Several hungover people asleep on a table or grinding in the dance floor.

"What's the matter sir?That's your third glass." I heard a Human baretender ask me.Sounding worried.

"Hard and long day.I signed myself on a mission that might kill me."looking up and answering him.

"Aren't you marines always in life threataning missions?"He said

"Yes but this one exactly."

"Ahhh,I got something for that.Would you like to try?I won't pay double."

"Sure."He searched through his storage of liquor muttering "Where is it?Where is it?" or "I knew I left it somewhere here." To himself until he shouted.

"Yes!Found it."He opened a dusty looking wine bottle and poured it into a glass and mixed it with several other drinks.

"Here." He gave it to me.

"What is it?" It smelled good like liquified flowers with a hint of alcoholic fumes.

"20 year old Asari wine mixed with a small amount of vodka and a few key ingredients that my family keeps a secret.Try it."I sipped and sipped and sipped until I finished the glass.

"Wow!This is really good.Did your family made this right?"

"Yeah,my grandfather was a bartender in the Citadel,he experimented several drinks and created a whole different world of tastes in your glass." He said proudly and grinning.

"My name is John Shepard.I reached out to shake his hand.

"William Carters " He shook it.After a few other different combinations I paid for my drinks, left the bar and headed for the ship. Still a bit dizzy from the drink.

August 29,2214

Citadel:Shuttle Bay E24

0200 hours

I was in temporary command of the SS.Palaven it was designed by Turian Engineers and modified with Alliance weapons and engines in asociattion with their new alliance. It is a medium class cruiser built with a stealth drive.When I entered the ship,I went down to the crew quarters and called my mom.

"Hi mom,I hope this reaches you in time before I'm dead.I volunteered for the mission in Torfan by time this reaches you I'll probably be stuck on a Gunship. so yeah...goodbye mom."I clicked end then sent it to mom on my contacts list. I collapsed on my bed then fell asleep.

August 29,2214

Hawking station. somewhere in space

0900 hours