It was a cool, crisp day out. The temperature was exactly where it should be. Not hot enough to necessitate a retreat into the climate-controlled prefab, and not cold enough to demand anything heavier than a t-shirt and jeans. Perfect, really.

Shepard was lounging on a long fold out chair set up on the deck that juts out the back of his prefab that he now called home. It was nothing fancy. It was a single large open space with cooking equipment in one corner, and table in the middle for meal time. A single pair of walls sectioned off the corner that was the bedroom. The rest of the vacant space was occupied by data feeds which filled the space with intense artificial light while in operation. It was irritating at times, so Shepard requested that they be off during waking and sleeping hours. It was a request Liara was all too happy to oblige by.

He preferred to soak up the natural light that passed through the glass doors that lead from the deck to the house. It would beam like a spotlight into the center of the room which would do wonders to warm up his body while he discussed mundane things like the day's schedule with Liara. Today though, he decided to take the ritual outside while he waited for his bondmate to join him. Until then, he was content as could be looking out over the scenic vista that was his backyard.

He picked this location so he could wake up to it every day. Starting from the outmost edge of the built-in deck, the landscape started to slope downward. It continued downward for a good couple of miles before leveling out at the lake. It had this beautiful dark blue color that reminded him of the purest water found in the mountains of Earth. The multicolor flora that surrounded the lake mimicked what would be found in the more temperate regions of Earth during the fall season.

He couldn't wait to take his daughter down there one day.

"Good morning, Shepard," Liara greeted him as she sat a steaming hot cup of coffee on the stand next to Shepard's chair.

"Morning, Liara." He took an indulgent drink and let the warm sensation envelop his body. "How's our little angel doing?"

Liara sat in the upright chair adjacent to his and rubbed her eyes. Her tiredness was reflected in her voice. "Still asleep, thankfully. I believe she inherited your restlessness."

Shepard grinned smugly. "What can I say? I'm a man of action," he replied in a voice equally as smug.

"That you are." Her voice indicated that she resented that particular part of Shepard.

He looked back out over the lake and took another drink. He let out a satisfied breath and turned back to Liara. "This is nice. Just the two of us." The thought of spending the day without the hassles of being a parent quickly appealed to him. "Think we can get Tali to watch her for the day?" He suggested.

"I believe she and Garrus have plans for today. In fact, I think everyone has conveniently made plans for today," came the deflated response.

"Figures."

"That's alright. I was thinking maybe we could take her with us, perhaps to the lake someday when we are not busy. I think it would be a nice thing we can do as a family."

Shepard was met with joy conflicting with concern. "If you think she's ready," he said hesitantly. Personally, he thought she was a little too young to expose to the outside yet.

"I wouldn't be so concerned. She does have Commander Shepard as her father after all."

He could only chuckle at that. Commander Shepard being a hero was a platitude at this point. "True. You'll find me more than willing to strike down any wildlife that threatens our daughter. The scientists can complain later if they want."

"I'm sure you are, but please don't let it get in the way of your work. The Initiative can't establish a home without their commander after all." What should have been a gentle tease came across as strangely serious.

Shepard's expression quickly became one of confusion. "But I already…" he said to himself. Surely it was just a playful jibe.

The worried look on Liara's face only served to deepen Shepard's own concerns. "Please don't tell me you plan on leaving the Initiative colonists without a place to call home."

"What? No! We already took care of that, remember? We have on colonies on…on…uh." He swore he knew the names of colonies off the top of his head. Why couldn't he remember them? More importantly, what were these voices starting to emanate from his mind?

"Don't worry, Shepard. We'll be here when you get back."

Liara's softly spoken words had no effect. He felt so far out of the loop that something must be wrong.

Suddenly, the landscape began to fade away and a sense of nausea started to come over him. His limps refused to remove him from his spot and his head felt like it was spinning. "Liara? What's going on? I feel…I can't."

"Commander?" The voice was clearly coming from Liara, but it was not her voice. It sounded like he was underwater, further mounting to his already confused state. "Commander Shepard!" The voice called louder and clearer now.

"Liara?"

Reality slammed into Shepard like a freight train. His eyes flew open and he gasped for air sending the freezing air of the cryo-pod down into his lungs. A fit of coughing caused him to double over as his eyes tried desperately to focus on the world around him. A steady hand on his shoulder was all that stopped him from tumbling out onto the floor.

"Whoa, hold on there. Take it easy."

The coughing finally subsided, and Shepard took is first his first gulp of air in Andromeda. He held it for a second, released, then managed to stand up straight. The familiar colors of the Andromeda Initiative on the uniform standing before him quickly reminded him of where he was. The only difference this time was the gender of the tech standing in front of him.

"Welcome to Andromeda, Commander," the tech greeted him with a warm smile.

Shock flashed across Shepard's visage. "We made it?"

"Yes, sir. Hyperion entered the Helius cluster two hours ago." She plugged some commands into a datapad while muttering things to herself. "No malfunctions during transit…temperature…locks." She turned back to Shepard with an ever-persistent smile. "Alright, everything checks out. Head over to the med bay when you're ready. One of the staff members will perform your post stasis checkup."

Shepard had many questions but decided not to interrogate the cryo technician. The only person that would be able to bring him up to speed would be Ryder.

With that in mind, he sauntered through the familiar cryo bay, passing by other colonists being revived from stasis. It was much brighter than it was before leaving and there was much more activity. He didn't see any of his crew members and guessed that they either hadn't been revived yet or would be waiting for him in the med bay.

The latter suspicion was confirmed upon entering the med bay. He noticed James, Cortez, and Traynor at resting on the many beds lined up along the walls. There was a vacant one next to everyone's favorite prothean, so he plopped down there and went straight for small talk.

"Morning, Javik. Sleep well?" He prompted in a friendly manner.

"It was an interesting experience, going into stasis again. I dreamt about the Empire before the Reapers destroyed it. I was the proud commander of my own ship once again, but my crew were not as I expected them."

"Oh?"

Javik turned his head to look out over the med bay. "The crew of the Normandy were there, mixed among my people. You were there, as well as the 'James' soldier, and the turian." He expressed an irritated grunt. "And Liara was there."

"And how did that work out?" Shepard inquired curiously.

The prothean's four eyes fixed on Shepard's two. "I threw her out the airlock." Saying that Shepard was utterly horrified would be an understatement. Javik had his deep rumbly laugh and continued, "I am aware of what the asari means to you, Commander. I would never do such a thing unless I yearn for a premature death."

Shepard was relieved when a doctor appeared before them. She was instantly recognizable, as the blue skin was a dead giveaway.

"We meet again, Commander." The doctor greeted them both in a both in a cool tone.

"Long time no see, doctor. Here to make sure I'm in one piece?"

"Yes. It would appear I'm also responsible for the prothean as well. My lucky day." Her voice had the undeniable tinge of sarcasm.

"You can call him Javik. He's a little scary, but he won't bite." He looked to the prothean for confirmation. This did not come.

Instead, Javik narrowed his eyes at the asari doctor, who froze in place. "Unless I am forced to," he practically threatened.

Javik's eccentric sense of humor still in play was a decidedly acquired taste as the poor doctor was finding out. He probably would assault anyone who put a needle in the wrong spot though. Given the distinct lack of prothean medical experts that exist, the chances of that were higher than what would be considered comfortable. Meanwhile, while Shepard contemplated, the doctor and Javik appeared to be locked in a staring contest.

"See? He's actually a lot nicer when you get to know him," Shepard quickly interjected to break the awkward silence.

The doctor just blinked a few times and resumed her scan of Shepard. "I'll just have to take your word for it, won't I? Look here." She then put two fingers up in front of his face and moved them horizontally. After few inputs into an omni-tool later and she was back at that console beside the bed, doing those medical things.

"What do you think doc? Pretty exciting stuff? Or do they have you trapped in here the whole time?" Shepard asked, returning to idle chatter.

A tired sigh. "I'm afraid I'll be here until all twenty thousand of you are out of stasis. Until then, we may as well be in the Milky Way still."

"And it's my job to find a place to put us all."

She turned her head around just enough to see one narrow eye. "Yes, so I'm blaming you for every minute I'm stuck here." The tiny quirk at the edge of her lip didn't go unnoticed before her attention returned to the console.

Shepard judged the doctor's intentions as meaning no harm but made it a point to maybe not end up under her care if injured. He replied with a bit a caution. "Heh, thanks for the motivation,"

"All part of the job, Commander." A pause punctuated by taps on the console interface. "SAM? Can you speed this up a bit?"

A swirling blue matrix appeared next to the doctor's terminal. "Analyzing data. I detect no abnormal readings within the patient." The monotone synthetic voice emanated from somewhere.

Shepard glanced over a reading on SAM when he first received his datapad with the mission briefing, a.k.a 'Andromeda Initiative for Dummies.' He didn't get many details though and this showed through with a single raised eyebrow.

Thankfully his caretaker noticed when she looked over her shoulder. "Alec didn't introduce you two?" She sounded quite surprised.

"It was a little hectic when I came aboard," Shepard reasoned. It wasn't an excuse or anything…

"I'm surprised. He touts SAM as our most valuable asset, and with you being responsible for finding us a new home…well." She stopped, probably analyzing implications. When she picked back up, her tone was almost overly cheerful. "I suppose the honor is mine then. SAM, this is Commander Shepard, Commander Shepard, this is SAM."

"Hello, Commander. I am SAM, the arks artificial intelligence." Still monotone. Very intelligent, but no emotions.

Shepard was no stranger to talking to any number of species and has regular conversations with EDI, but greeting the blue matrix floating just behind him was still obscure. "Um, hi. I believe Alec told me about you back in the Milky Way. Something about catching your attention?"

"That is correct. The event you caused which ended the conflict with the Reapers was picked up on the arks sensors. I revived Alec and his team so that they may investigate."

"And now I'm here. So, uh, thanks. I guess." Was Shepard's offhand response.

"Your kind words are appreciated, Commander, however, I must remind you that your being here was a result of decisions that you made, not I." Cue awkward silence. The telltale signs of unease were on Shepard's face as he looked from the doctor, to Javik, to SAM. Luckily, SAM was an AI and did not need a prompt to fill the silence. "Commander, I do not detect an implant in you. For future inquiries, pleases locate my node within the ark, or use an auxiliary communicator." The blue matrix then popped out of existence.

In this moment, Javik decided to remind everybody of his presence. "Allowing machines into your head is a foolish mistake. In my cycle, the Zha'til were a product of the same practice. They were monsters."

Shepard ignored Javik's remark, preferring to keep the conversation between him and the asari still working on the console next to him. "He seems…nice?"

"Alec never did perfect the humor algorithms." Came the greatly disappointed reply. "He can come off a bit harsh at times, or make you want to tear your ears off, but he is integral to the Initiative's success. Makes my job a lot easier too."

"What's this about not having implants?" Shepard asked with mixed curiosity or concern.

"It's different than the implant you already have for your biotics. It provides a direct link to SAM Node and does all sorts of things. Enhanced physiology, intelligence, and access to all the Initiatives database without an ounce of memorization."

Shepard just nodded. "Sounds useful."

The moment he turned his head in the other direction, he heard the words "hold still" and a sharp prick on his arm. The offending hand was gloved, but it could only be one person. 'She definitely enjoys jabbing people with needles.' Shepard concluded.

His asari caretaker returned to her station like nothing happened and continued the conversation. "Because it is, or at least I think it is. I wouldn't know for myself, only the Pathfinders get them. As for you, maybe you should have signed on sooner. Can't just throw the thing in your brain and expect a full recovery in a few days, can we?"

"I suppose not." He could respect the advantages such an implant could provide. He even regularly vouched for AIs like the geth. Hell, he even went inside the geth consensus. Sticking one in his head though was not something he was entirely comfortable with yet. He needed to read up on this 'SAM' first.

"Alright, as much as I'm enjoying our chat, there's a line of others waiting to get through. Let's get you out of here." She moved to stand in front of Shepard and began to speak in a stern manner. "Your clear to go, but nothing strenuous, understand? I also recommend doing stretches before doing anything more physical than walking. Six hundred years is a long time for muscles to go without use, stasis or not. If you decide to eat, don't overdo it. You have to introduce food back into the body slowly or it won't bother staying around. Are we clear?"

He had gotten the same talks from Chakwas a million times before. All he could do was bend to the will of the medical professional. "I think I can manage that." Now up on his feet, he was anxious to engage in some locomotion. "Have a good day, doctor…"

"T'Perro. Oh, one last thing: Alec needs to see you. He should be one bay over," she informed him.

"Perfect."

o-o

"Commander, just who I was looking for." Ryder caught sight of Shepard entering the bay and met him halfway in. "Ready to take on Andromeda?"

"Out of the frying pan and into the fire, huh?"

"Nothing so extreme. We're on route to rendezvous with the Nexus. Just sit back and enjoy the ride for now."

"I've been sitting back for six hundred years. Forgive me for being a little anxious."

"Fair enough. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind seeing the outside myself either. Come on, we should be able to access the bridge now. It'll have the best view."

The two N7s made a quick right out of the med bay and started their way down a vast corridor. Familiar spotless white walls and the glossy grey floor reflected the eerily dim lights. A stark difference from the beginning a trip. The lack of people was also off-putting, only adding to the unease. Ryder showed no signs of being affected, however, even with their only companying being the occasional whir of an environmental control fan. If could have been experience, but judging by his heavy and up-pace footsteps echoing through the hall, Shepard guessed that he wanted to see the outside as much as he did. Given this, Shepard matched Ryder's quick pace in the hunt for a window.

The corridor then came to a T with an arrow pointing in each direction. The right one read "Cafeteria". A feeling of hunger promptly conjured itself. This feeling would persist as Ryder made a hard left and continued marching in the opposite direction of sweet, sweet nourishment. Shepard's mouth turned downward as the cafeteria sign started receding into the distance. 'I haven't eaten in six hundred years,' he thought, though mildly embarrassed that he even made such a joke. His frown went even deeper went he caught notice of the sign that pointed the direction that Ryder was taking him down. It read "Trams". Honestly, a walk was exactly what he needed now as his legs practically screamed to be used now.

'I also haven't exercised in six hundred years…'

Joker was going to have a blast with the six hundred year jokes. Lord have mercy on everybody's ears.

Shepard's internal musings were cut short as a final pair of doors receded into a bulkhead to reveal the tram in question. Its doors slide open to usher its occupants in and Ryder occupied a seat whereas Shepard opted for a standing position near the trams wrap around window. It was usually a comfortable position for him, arms loosely crossed and leaning on his back leg. Staring absentmindedly at the lights whizzing past was not going to cut it for the duration of the ride though. His feet wanted to move, and his mind needed to get away from the thoughts of food. With nothing better to do Shepard decided that it was a perfect time to go through his omni-tool that was given back to him after waking. He noticed that a copy of the mission brief had conveniently made its way into the list of installed programs. Admitting that he barely read the thing, he opened it up and vowed to be more educated on the Initiative by the end of the tram ride. Meanwhile, his legs carried him to and fro across the tram on their own accord.

o-o

Introduction/Initiative Roles/Pathfinding/Pathfinder Commander/Summary

Current Member(s):

John Shepard

Revival Wave:

1

Home Ark(s):

Hyperion

Assigned Ship(s):

Normandy SR2

The Pathfinder Commander is a single individual that is the head of the Pathfinding operation for the Andromeda Initiative. He/she is an individual with an exemplary service record with experience in diplomacy, exploration, science, and combat. Above all, they are a leader that stands out among all others. Among many powers granted to them, they may command smaller Pathfinder teams, allocate Pathfinding resources, and designate priorities for colonization. They may also act as a Pathfinder themselves.

Introduction/Initiative Roles/Pathfinding/Pathfinder Commander/Responsibilities/Summary

The Pathfinder Commander has a wide range of responsibilities including:

-Allocating Pathfinding resources for maximum efficiency

-Determining appropriate settlement sites for colonists

-Reporting information regarding Golden Worlds to Nexus Leadership

-Enforcing first contact protocols

-Upholding the Andromeda Initiatives core values

-Ensuring safety and wellbeing of established colonies

Optional Responsibilities:

The Pathfinder Commander may choose to take on the responsibilities of the Pathfinder teams if he/she determines it to be necessary.

Introduction/Initiative Roles/Pathfinding/Pathfinder Commander/Associates/Summary

Current Member(s):

James Vega

Ashley Williams

Javik *error: last name not found*

Steve Cortez

Greg Adams

Kenneth Donnelly

Gabriella Daniels

Karin Chakwas

Samantha Traynor

Garrus Vakarian

Tali'Zorah vas Normandy

Liara T'Soni

Revival Wave:

1

Home Ark(s):

Hyperion

Natanus

Leusinia

Keelah Si'yah

Assigned Ship(s):

Normandy SR2

The Pathfinder Commander's associates make up his/her team. Often, each individual is specialized in a specific area and can be a part of any species. This specialization is utilized to bolster the Commander's weak areas so that they may operate to the best of their abilities in all situations. In most cases, the team will include medical officers or communication specialists that assist with running the Commander's ship. The associates will also inherit many of the responsibilities of the Commander, and act as advisors on issues on which they have no direct authority. Ultimately, Commander associates act as extensions of the Commander themselves and are respected at the same level.

o-o

The tiniest momentum shift brought Shepard out of his trance. The tram had glided back down to a halt and his companion was already standing at the in the open door, eagerly waiting to continue the journey to the bridge.

"Let's get a move on, Commander. We should be coming up on the planet that the Nexus is orbiting. The bridge isn't too much farther."

The next pair of receding doors revealed a much larger corridor with exponentially more activity than the section that they left behind. The hundred combined voices of the crowd drowned out everything else with any matter of space travel jargon or prayers to the powers above. And the looks. So many looks. Many were surprised of amused, a few appeared to teeter on the edge of fear. To assume that they were still coming to terms with the trip everyone just undertook would be accurate, but not true. Shepard knew this feeling, the effect he had on others. They were all reacting to him. His presence was the one that demanded respect. The ability to incite rebellion or rally for an impossible cause harbored in his voice. An intoxicating amount of authority.

This authority would mean nothing if he hadn't a clue where to go with it. It was time to start gathering some semblance of a plan. "What's the plan when we dock?" He asked. Not bothering with any small talk.

"You could start by introducing yourself to the leadership if you're feeling social," Ryder suggested. Shepard noted that it sounded more like an obligation than a suggestion, however. "You may as well while the operating crew finishes warming up the Normandy."

They turned a right-hand corner now and walked up into a large communal area. A hallway broke off to the right and was marked with the words 'SAM Node' and 'Pathfinder's Quarters.' Their destination was straight ahead at the top of the stairs. 'Bridge.' Apparently, the commander's destination, on the other hand, was the middle of the room.

There were windows(!) The large transparent panels stretched across the upper half of the walls and offered an impressive view.

In was space, yes. The endless black expanse of nothingness that is nothing to look at on its own. The things that filled it were the real eye catcher.

Stunning blue nebulae twisting and meandering across the dark background. The star with its light blue, almost white, light spewing out into all corners of his vision. Millions of specks twinkle in the background. Strange black tentacles wreathed in an orange glow exploded out in every direction forming an impressive web. This was not the Milky Way.

A pat on the shoulder snapped Shepard out of it. Ryder, of course, but his smile told him that he understood his sudden deviation. Still, didn't make it not mildly embarrassing. Their walk towards the bridge resumed.

"Any priorities I should be aware of?" Shepard prompted in an effort to return to business.

"After you're done talking to our leaders, I'd imagine you'll have about a dozen of them," Ryder mentioned nonchalantly.

Shepard's thoughts were 'That's just stellar.' This thought did not get a voice, however. His face did all the talking for him.

Ryder noticed and even cracked a tiny smirk. "I wouldn't recommend following them all. Everyone has and will always have their own agendas. It doesn't matter though. You're the commander here. If you say one planet in more valuable than the next, nobody can question it."

"Even this leadership you're on about?" Shepard questioned, seeking out just how far his power extended.

"Even them," Ryder confirmed. "That's the perks of having a proven track record, Commander. Besides, you know how people outside our realm of experience think. It's better this way." Ryder halter that conversation with a single raised finger upon entering their destination. "Captain Dunn?" He called into the bridge.

The bridge was two tiered with the entrance opening onto a raised platform. Stairs on either side led down into the pit with rows of consoles all manned by an Initiative member. Then there was the enormous viewport that offered the view of all views. The planet taking up much of the port looked like a gas giant and maintained a similar light blue hue similar to the star from earlier. It was also the Nexus' supposed home if Shepard was correct.

A woman standing dead center in the raised section of the bridge had turned to greet them when Ryder walked in. Short hair, about as tall as Ryder, clearly of Asian descent, different uniform. The last part led to the conclusion that she was the captain in question.

"Alec." She acknowledged the man next to him then turned to Shepard himself with an extended hand. "And Commander Shepard. It's a pleasure to meet you." Shepard reciprocated the action and met the bare minimum of etiquette with a short handshake.

Ryder moved next to the suspected captain and indicated her with a small gesture. "Commander, this is Nozomi Dunn, captain of ark Hyperion."

"Nice to meet you, captain."

Captain Dunn gave her guests her back as she moved to maintain watch over her subordinates. "So, what brings you to my bridge, gentlemen?"

"Came for the view mostly." Ryder posted up to the left of the captain with his eyes glued to the gas giant taking up the window rather than the Hyperion crew. "And what a view that is."

Shepard then occupied the spot to Ryder's left and was also transfixed by the hulking planet in front of him. "It certainly is. That's where the Nexus is?"

"That's where they should be," Dunn confirmed. "In theory at least. We're having a hard time contacting them to confirm position. Something is actively jamming long-range sensors."

At that, Ryder lost some of his relaxed demeanor yet didn't go to full alert. He most likely wasn't in the mood for things to go sour and hoped it would pass as nothing. He looked at Dunn inquisitively and asked, "Jamming? Can we identify the source?"

"Not exactly, but the eggheads have a hunch. One thing is for certain, dark energy readings went off the charts shortly after we entered the system. If you ask me, it can only be that."

"Can we reach the other arks?" Ryder pressed on.

Dunn shook her head. "Same story. Sorry to say it, but no comms means no comms. That dark energy anomaly has us by the throat." If she wasn't before, she now sounded determined to make the problem go away. Possibly to the point of walking out the airlock and punching the dark energy into submission.

Ryder maintained a level attitude and spoke quieter now, like someone thinking out loud. "That's the logical conclusion. What I want to know is how such a high concentration of dark energy could occur naturally."

After a few bets of silence, Shepard offered his two cents. "Unless it isn't natural."

This got the attention of both Dunn and Ryder. He considered that fact that he just set off a wave of paranoia. This fear was quickly proven as truth when the captain spoke next.

"An artificial construction? There would have to be advanced alien species living in this system already. If they developed a dark energy weapon…" She alternated looking between the two N7s, nonverbally communicating the implications.

"It's likely that were not the only ones inhabiting Heleus. If they're advanced enough to weaponize dark energy, we need to tread carefully."

Shepard was anything but ready to jump to the conclusion of already pissing off the native aliens. First off, there's no way anything could have predicted where the ark would exit FTL, so having a "dark energy trap" lying in wait was highly unlikely. Second, if someone was out to get them, there would probably be more fires and screaming. Now, however, all is quiet.

That doesn't mean it's nothing, of course.

That's all it takes to plant the niggling little seed of apprehension in the back of someone's mind. Shepard was definitely feeling the healthy suspicion that developed courtesy of years on the battlefield. If something was going to go down, it usually happened right on the cusp of victory. Let this be known: Shepard did not throw away a life of guaranteed comfort to come out here and trip at the finish line.

No longer content with sitting back, Shepard strapped on his metaphorical commander pants and spoke like he was back at the Normandy's CIC. "That's something we can worry about that later. Right now, we need to make it to the Nexus and make sure everyone is safe. Keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity."

"The commander is right. The Nexus should be our priority. Captain, keep on course until we can make visual contact, or the jamming subsides."

"Roger that. I'll be damned if anyone stranded on my watch." Dunn's eyes fixed on a young man frantically working one of the various interfaces. "Anything?" She shouted the command across the bridge.

The man must have known he was the target. He half looked over his shoulder and quickly focused back on his interface ordeal. "Still static, ma'am. No improvements."

Dunn expressed an irritated sigh and addressed her guests once more. "If you've got something productive to do, I'd go do it. I'll send word when we get hold of the Nexus."

Ryder walked down to the holographic projector in the center of the pit and waved Shepard over. When he got there, a schematic of the ark was projected, and a small cube was highlighted in it.

"I heard you're in need of some armor and weapons, so I pulled some strings and requisitioned some for you and your team. You can go by the armory and pick them up while we locate the Nexus." This revelation was pleasing. Then again, he could walk out of there with a peashooter and a piece of plastic taped to his chest. 'Civilian exploration mission' and all that. He would make a detour first however

"I wouldn't mind checking on my crew while I'm at it. Make sure they're ready."

"I suppose I should do the same." Ryder voiced in agreement. "Report to this docking bay when we link up with the Nexus and we'll head over."

Another cube highlighted itself on the ark schematic. "Sounds good," Shepard said, fairly certain he could visualize the path there.

"SAM? Download directions to the commander's omni-tool if you would."

The blue matrix replaced the ark schematic. "Certainly. Downloading directions now. Download complete. you may now retrieve directions from your omni tool at any time."

"Ma'am! The static is clearing! I'm receiving a communication from the Nexus!" The specialist, still engaged in a flurry of hand movements, yelled across the bridge.

A dozen heads looked up simultaneously and focused intently on the sudden outburst. The ark navigation program on Shepard's omni-tool insisted that he proceed out the door and to the right. Unfortunately for it, suddenly finding a lost space station was more important than reaching the desired location in less than fifteen minutes.

Everything was still for a moment before the captain asked the question. "What's the news, Holand?"

The man looked very troubled and couldn't seem to believe whatever he was hearing. "It's a…distress signal? No, that can't be right."

"What? I want to hear that message now, specialist!" Captain Dunn demanded.

'Any Andromeda Initiative pers…this is Nex…trol, we are…by unknown….aggressive, repeat, aggressive and hostile. Please…Nexus will fall without…'

"You're kidding me! Tell me you can trace that signal!"

The specialist, Holand, was now looking even more deeply troubled. It's as if the words 'I didn't sign up for this' where broadcasting above his head. "I've got something! It's rough though, not an exact position!"

"It's better than nothing! Ryder?"

"Coordinates received. Rally the security team and tell them to meet me here"

"Copy that. Hyperion will hold here."

"Shepard, let's move."

It's as if they were prepared for these exact circumstances would arise. As Ryder and himself took off at a jog, Shepard gained a little more respect for the Initiative. Initially, they had come off as naïve and overly optimistic, but given the execution so far, they probably had doubts all along. Captain Dunn wasn't known to him, he could tell she had years of experience, however. And Alec Ryder? Well, he is an N7. Oh yeah, and the AI that apparently turns people into super soldiers. This operation could very well be a wolf wrapped in sheep's clothing.

"Shepard? I wish it were under better circumstances, but this is the part where you take over."

"What do you mean?" Shepard asked, rather confused by the broad terms.

"Time to stop lounging around and take the commander's seat. We have troops, ex-Alliance, mercenaries that come clean. Use them." Ryder stated as if it was obvious.

"I'm supposed to haul an armada out there?"

"As far as I'm concerned, yes. We don't know if the attack was provoked and frankly it doesn't matter. It's stated clear and simple in the first contact protocol: Do not fire unless fired upon. We are definitely under fire if a distress signal was sent."

"We're not ready for this, Ryder. The Normandy, the colonists, all of them thrown directly into a battle with an unknown enemy?"

The older N7, being what he is, immediately got to work fixing the issue. He activated his omni-tool and input a couple commands. "Sykes? This is Ryder. I need you to double-time it on the Normandy. The commander wants to fly it out within the half hour." Shepard heard a confirmation from whoever was on the other end before the communication cut. "That should do it."

"No mention of a potential war?" Shepard inquired, wondering why the whole ark wouldn't go on alert.

"We don't need the entire ark in a panic. If I were you, I'd keep this operation under wraps until we wipe the attackers out or everything goes to hell."

"A little difficult to hide a bunch of soldiers gearing up for battle." It was a legitimate complaint, but it came off as more of an insult judging by Ryders disgruntled look.

"You're Commander Shepard. Muster your team and get them over to the Nexus. Make something up if you have to." He clearly wasn't it the mood to play advisor at this point. He was an N7 on a mission and didn't expect to hold another N7's hand.

"What about you?" Shepard changed topics since apparently, he could just 'I'm Commander Shepard' his way through everything.

"I'll gather the security team and follow the Normandy in a group of shuttles."

"Good. We'll link up and devise a plan to reclaim the station while en route to the Nexus. I'll try and contact the station from the Normandy and gather intel on the enemy."

"That's the commander I want to see. Now go, we have a station to save."

With that assertion, Ryder turned down one of the various hallways in the labyrinth of a ship, leaving Shepard to himself. He re-opened the ark navigation tool which directed him to the nearest tram. He set a hurried pace and quickly shifted over to his omni-tool's communication program. He selected Ashley's name and prayed that she was awake and active.

"Hey, Commander. I hope you don't need me for anything, cause I'm about as stiff as a frozen hanar right now." She sounded rather tired. Probably fresh out of cryo.

Shepard fought to overcome the adrenaline rush with the tried and true humor method. "How much would you hate me if I…maybe, told you to report to the Normandy. Right now?"

"You're a crappy commander," Ashley grumbled tiredly.

"I'm sorry, did I hear a 'sir' in there?"

"Siiiirrrr." Came the overly drawn out response.

"That's better. Now round everyone up and report to the Normandy. A nice walk should loosen you up a bit."

"Sure thing, Commander. I'll make up an excuse for the doc right away!" The fake enthusiasm was especially humorous.

He returned to the ark nav program and was delightfully close to his destination. Just one more turn and…there it is. Stepping inside, he moved to the onboard computer and started typing 'Normandy' into the search box having not remembered the exact bay it was located in. Thankfully, the ship was registered in the database and showed up allowing for a one button push to execute travel to the nearest tram station.

And now it was a waiting game.

'Nexus probably under attack. Arks not responding. Outstanding.'

Figures it all has to go South within minutes of seeing Andromeda. They couldn't just waltz in and start dropping down colonies left and right. In reality, that was an absurd expectation. Still, it would be nice if it actually happened.

Now it was time to be 'Commander Shepard', hero of the Milky Way, Spectre, N7, role model. Damned if it wasn't like slipping on an old pair of boots. Ratty, and torn up, but broken in an oh so comfy. Should you buy new ones? Probably. Do you really want to? Nah.

These aliens are about to find out what happens when you threaten the people of Commander Shepard. Just like the Collectors. Just like the Reapers.

And if they lay a finger on his crew, they'll regret the very day they were born.

'And I still haven't eaten yet…'

A/N: Apologies for the extended absence. Long story short: Lots of crap decided to happen at the same time. On the bright side, Shepard finally made it to Andromeda. Also, conflict!

Can't say whether or not my upload schedule will get any more consistent for the time being. I'm not quite out of the woods yet. Little by little I shall craft each chapter.