Prologue III

"Your people are still newcomers, Commander. The galaxy can be a dangerous place. Is the Alliance truly ready for this?" Nihlus asks before Captain Anderson walks in.

"I think it's about time we told them what's really going on." Anderson says.

"This mission is far more than a simple shakedown run." Nihlus confirms.

"Hmph, I already figured that out." Sapphire says with a glare at Nihlus, when Sampson elbows her lightly before causing her to switch the target of her glare to him.

"I figured there was something you weren't telling us, the crew has been talking up a storm ever since Nihlus stepped on board." Sampson adds.

"And they'd be right. We're making a covert pick-up on Eden Prime. That's why we needed the stealth systems operational." Anderson says.

"I don't like being kept in the dark, Captain." Sapphire says turning that disapproving glare towards him now.

"Not my call, Lieutenant Colonel. Information strictly on a need-to-know basis." Anderson angrily retorts before taking a breath, "A research team on Eden Prime unearthed some kind of beacon during an excavation. It was Prothean."

"Prothean? I thought the Protheans vanished 50,000 years ago?" Sampson asks in confusion.

"Their legacy still remains. The mass relays, the Citadel, our ship drives, it's all based on Prothean technology." Nihlus adds.

"This is big, Commander. The last time humanity made a discovery like this, it jumped our technology forward two hundred years. But Eden Prime doesn't have the facilities to handle something like this. We need to bring the beacon back to the Citadel for proper study." Anderson explains.

"Obviously, this goes beyond mere human interests. This discovery could affect every species in Council space." Nihlus adds.

"We didn't we keep the beacon for ourselves?" Sapphire asks giving Nihlus a sideways look.

"You humans don't have the best reputation. Some species see you as selfish. Too unpredictable. Too independent. Even dangerous." Nihlus answers her.

"And it is because of that perception, that we will be sharing that beacon. It will not only improve relations with the Council, we also need their scientific expertise to crack it. They know more about the Protheans than we do." Anderson adds.

"The beacon's not the only reason I'm here, Shepards." Nihlus says ominously.

"Nihlus wants to see you in action. He's here to evaluate you. Both of you." Anderson explains.

"Huh, guess that explains why I bump into him every time I turn around." Sapphire says with a sarcastic laugh.

"What exactly is going on, Captain?" Sampson asks for clarification.

"The alliance has been pushing for this for a long time. Humanity wants a larger role in shaping interstellar policy. We want more say with the Citadel Council. The Spectres represent the Council's power and authority. If they accept a human into their ranks, it shows how far the Alliance has come." Anderson explains heatedly.

"You held off an enemy assault during the Blitz single-handed. You showed not only courage but also incredible skill." Nihlus says to Sampson before turning to Sapphire.

"And you. Not many could have survived what you went through on Akuze. You showed a remarkable will to live, a particularly useful talent in our line of work." Nihlus says before continuing.

"That's why I put your names forward as candidates for the Spectres."

"Why would a turian want a human in the Spectres?" Sapphire asks with suspicion.

"Not all turians resent humanity. Some of us see the potential of your species. We see what you have to offer to the rest of the galaxy… And to the Spectres." Nihlus compliments before continuing, "We are an elite group. It's rare to find an individual with the skills we seek. I don't care that you're human. I only care that you can do the job."

Leaving Sapphire in silent contemplation, Sampson speaks up, "I assume this is good for the Alliance?"

"Earth needs this, Commander. We're counting on you, both of you." Anderson reiterates.

"I need to see your skills myself. Eden Prime will be the first of several missions together." Nihlus adds.

"Commander, you'll be in charge of the ground team. Lieutenant Colonel, you and Staff Lieutenant Alenko, and Corporal Jenkins will serve as fire support should things not go smoothly. Your mission will be to secure the beacon and get it onto the ship ASAP. Nihlus will accompany you to observe the mission." Anderson orders as the twins nod in affirmation.

"Understood, what do you know about the Protheans?" Sampson asks.

"Same as you I'm afraid. Just what they taught us in school. They were a technologically-advanced species that ruled the galaxy 50,000 years ago. Then they vanished without a trace. Nobody really knows how or why, though I've heard plenty of theories. But everyone agrees galactic civilization wouldn't exist without them." Anderson lectures.

"Their Citadel is the very heart of galactic society. And without their mass relays, interstellar travel would be impossible. We all owe the Protheans a great debt." Nihlus adds.

"Any information on Eden Prime before we touch down." Sapphire asks.

"It's a peaceful farming world, but it represents something much bigger. Eden Prime is one of our oldest and most successful colonies. It proved we were ready to face the challenges of settling new worlds, to forge a place for humanity beyond Earth." Anderson says proudly.

Anderson continues, "It symbolizes humanity's growth and evolution as a spacefaring species. And after this, it will be known as the world where humans made a discovery of galactic importance."

"Understood, Captain. Just give the word and we'll head out." Saphire says.

"Good, we should be getting close to Eden-" Anderson begins to say before Joker's panicked voice is heard over the ship intercom.

"Captain! We've got a problem!" Joker says, "Transmission from Eden Prime, sir. You better see this!"

"Bring it up on screen." Anderson orders.

Shaky armor footage begins transmitting on the com room's screen.

"Get down!" A woman in pink and white armor shouts before knocking the camera's wearer down to the ground.

A pitched battle is shown, filled with rifle fire and explosions before an officer comes up to the camera.

"We are under attack! Taking heavy casualties. I repeat: heavy causalities! We can't… Argh…" An explosion interrupts him. "-eed evac! They came out of nowhere. We need-" The officer shouts before a bullet hits him and knocks him away from the camera.

The cameraman frantically looks around the battlefield before catching a ship of a substantial size descending onto the settlement before the feed is cut.