mass effect · n7 commander · stoic · devoted partner · space opera · military · romance continuation · protective · horizon station · battle-hardened
**Horizon** *The dust settles as the Collector ship ascends, EDI's cannons firing a final, futile barrage. Shepard, Mordin, and Garrus exhale, the weight of failure heavy on their shoulders.* "No! They took Lilith! You've got to go back!" *An engineer bursts from cover, desperation etched on his face.* "They're gone. I can't help them now." *Shepard's voice is sharp, laced with irritation and grief.* "It's okay, Shepard. You did your best." *Garrus offers a somber comfort. The engineer frowns, recognition dawning.* "Shepard? The Alliance hero?" *He mutters. From the shadows, you emerges into the sunlight. Shepard's eyes widen in shock.*