The Black Lion - A Prothean Legacy. (Patreon)

Jake Sully, Alien Ruins – Mars.

“Approaching point of interest, designation “Nexus 1, South Pole of Mars, E.T.A. thirty seconds” exclaimed the mechanical voice of the pilot, while they descended toward the excavation zone.

Around them, tens of thousands of drones, hundreds of soldiers and dozens of scientists carried out the arduous task of discovering what the hell had happened here.

The red horizon seemed endless. Gigantic dust storms moved across the distant wastelands, while entire fleets of construction drones crossed the Martian sky like metallic swarms.

“Oh my God! My first time on Mars!” whispered his colleague beside him, Jessica, if Jake remembered correctly.

The former Marine, already clad in his armor, looked toward the other super soldier and replied, evidently through the internal communication channels of their suits.

“Focus on the mission, Jess. We have an important assignment” said Jake in a firm and calm tone.

Her response?

A snort of amusement.

“For God's sake Sully, we both know we're here as a mere formality. The man we're "protecting" is the most powerful bastard on the entire planet. We're here for the show and nothing else” said the woman with solemnity, though to be fair, there was no heat in her tone.

And above all, Jake knew she was right.

The Black Lion did not need a damn escort.

Everyone knew it.

However, the Council insisted that it was better to be safe than sorry, in addition to the fact that a world leader was expected to have bodyguards.

Besides, the opportunity to visit Mars did not bother him in the slightest.

This place was...

Simply magnificent.

A damned graveyard of star”ships lost among the red dunes of the Red Planet.

Around them, thousands of people worked side by side to unearth a truth lost to time.

“Look at this thing” said Jessica as they descended near the research center, staring in amazement as a group of Sentinels carefully lifted an alien spacecraft.

It was enormous, almost a kilometer long, with straight lines and no apparent decorations.

The enormous holes in the hull were more than enough proof that it had been shot down in battle.

“That thing must have come down with one hell of an impact. What did you say these guys were called?” Jessica asked Jake while both stared at the vessel in astonishment.

Jake opened his mouth to answer.

However, Lord Harrison beat him to it, calmly answering Jessica's question.

“They were called Protheans. The fleet present on Mars consists of tens of thousands of ships” said Lord Harrison, to both of their surprise.

Jessica looked toward the ship before focusing on the Black Lion once more.

“Thousands? Was Mars their homeworld? Or why focus so many military resources on a single planet?” asked the soldier with intelligence and suspicion.

Jake watched as Lord Evans looked toward Jessica with approval on his face.

“Those are the correct questions, and unfortunately, I do not possess the answers yet” said the Black Lion with a heavy sigh while the three observed the Sentinels lifting the vessel toward the Pathfinder, which remained parked in orbit preparing everything for Operation Rebirth.

Upon entering the research station, Jake observed his brother talking with Doctor Storm, more excited than Jake had seen him in years.

Tom moved his arms energetically while speaking.

“It's incredible, Doctor Storm. The structure is made from an unknown material and the scanners indicate it is at least hundreds of thousands of years old. Curiously enough, there are sections of the station that have been repaired. The structure measures at least forty kilometers in length and despite thousands of years having passed, it remains relatively intact. The buried tower designated Alpha One continues transmitting the same message. Although our investigations have given us an archaic understanding of the Prothean language, we cannot analyze the transmission until we make an incursion into the tower”

“And that is why I am here” said the Black Lion, making his presence known to the researchers and scientists, who looked at him with visible relief.

Or in Doctor Storm's case...

With a radiant smile and eyes full of love.

“Harry!” said Doctor Storm as she launched herself toward the Black Lion in a fierce and warm embrace.

His boss returned it instantly.

For a moment, the two seemed completely lost in one another.

“The meeting concluded favorably. We will be making an important public announcement in a couple of weeks. Victor sends his regards, by the way” said Harrison, causing a look of surprise to appear on Doctor Storm's face.

“Wow...that was very mature of him, considering our complicated history” said the Doctor with a slight frown.

Harrison shrugged.

“Apparently, he considers me worthy enough to take care of you, unlike the "useless and asexual" fool Richards and ask to be invited to the wedding”

The Doctor responded with warm laughter before focusing once more on what truly mattered.

The structure.

“Alright, situation report” ordered the Black Lion as he walked toward the holographic table, which displayed a simulation of the damaged structure on the planet.

Jake watched with amusement as his brother looked at the Black Lion with stars in his eyes, his admiration for Harrison Evans more than evident.

Tom stepped forward and began speaking.

“The structure is...impressive, at least four times larger than Olympus Station, made from an extremely resilient alloy. Our teams have begun mapping what we have designated as the arms. We found remains of residential districts and shipyards. We estimate that, at its peak, the station was capable of housing at least one hundred million inhabitants, perhaps even more”

His brother's words immediately caught the attention of Jake's employer, who observed the projection with obvious interest.

“Sue told me about a strange signal coming from what you designated as the Halo. Tell me about it” he ordered, moving his fingers and zooming in on the holographic projection of a partially destroyed ring”shaped structure that connected the arms of the station.

Tom obeyed instantly and began displaying all the available information, photographs and theories regarding both the ruins and the mysterious beings attempting to repair the station.

“In the heart of the structure designated as Halo there is a mysterious Tower, designated Alpha”1. We discovered a strange transmission. It is ancient and, to be honest, we have no idea what it could mean. Doctor Storm placed Alpha”1 under quarantine until your arrival, trusting that you would know what to do”

At Tom's words, Harrison Evans began gently rubbing his chin, deep in thought.

“Well then...there is no better time than now” said his boss, clapping his hands together and beginning to issue orders.

“Hermione dear, you know what to do. Complete mapping of the area. You are in charge of coordinating the excavation teams while the boys and I go for a walk”

A moment later, a feminine digital figure appeared above the table, manifesting in the form of a young girl with curly hair and a dress, carrying a thick book.

“As you command, Father. I shall be responsible for bringing order to this disaster” said the A.I. before disappearing.

To Jake's disbelief and amusement, the research center's servers immediately began moving information at an inhuman speed.

“Well then, Tom and Sue with me. It is time to unveil this mysterious message once and for all” said Harrison, snapping his fingers and causing one of his famous portals to appear behind him.

As protocol dictated, Jessica stepped through first, crossing the threshold and followed by Doctor Storm and Lord Evans, leaving Jake and Tom alone for a brief moment.

His beloved brother looked at him with a radiant smile, the difference in height now far more pronounced than before.

Tom had not yet been augmented like Jake after all.

“So, how's the weather up there, little brother?” asked Tom with obvious amusement, causing Jake to smile beneath his helmet.

“I can't complain, big brother. Neither can my new legs” he replied.

Both of them stepped through the portal, arriving at ground zero with Objective Alpha”1 fully visible before them.

Around them, a hive of drones analyzed everything possible, collecting samples from the area, including the bodies of the aliens.

The armor was being catalogued and processed while Lord Evans remained kneeling, studying the fossils and whispering to himself.

“Preliminary analysis suggests a last stand. They were defending themselves from something. That much is obvious. And their objective was protecting this tower”

Doctor Storm stepped forward and responded.

“Our analysis discovered remnants of advanced quantum communication systems and energy networks, as well as massive Harrium nodes spread throughout the station, all connected directly to the Tower. This place was the command center of the entire station. It is obvious they were protecting something...or someone” said the blonde scientist.

The Black Lion nodded softly and, standing up, began issuing orders.

“Then let us enter. Have Hermione catalogue all of this. The remains are to be analyzed. The armor appears advanced, not on the level of our Spartans, but it may contain something useful. Send everything to Gwen and Peter and have them begin the research process”

With the new orders issued, another group of drones immediately began analyzing the samples while the expedition moved toward the ruined Tower.

Which...

To the absolute shock of everyone present...

Appeared to have power.

The moment it detected the approaching group, a pair of blue lights activated for the first time in thousands of years, partially illuminating the corridor leading toward the Tower.

At the same time, the tower's massive door began opening with extreme slowness, releasing a metallic shriek that revealed it had not been opened in a very, very long time.

For everyone's surprise, the interior was in relatively good condition.

Covered in red dust, certainly.

But...

There were no signs of the savage battle visible throughout the rest of the station.

There were no Prothean corpses.

No enemies.

Nothing at all.

Only an elevator, and atrium and stairs.

And nothing more.

“The scanners indicate that the signal originates from the top of the Tower, the final floor. However, they are also detecting several weaker signals along the way. The elevator is damaged. We'll have to take the long route” said Doctor Storm while analyzing her omni”tool.

Lord Evans nodded softly.

“Jake, Jessica, you two take point. We aren't expecting trouble, but it's better to be safe than sorry”

“Yes sir” both soldiers replied, advancing cautiously while their HUDs analyzed the environment efficiently and found it suspiciously...

Empty.

There were no remains.

No corpses.

Nothing.

The walls appeared frozen in time somehow, covered with alien symbols and directional arrows they could not understand.

The damned Tower was empty.

And yet...

The higher they climbed, the stronger and clearer the signal became.

As did the other points of interest scattered throughout the structure.

Before long, the group arrived at the nearest point of interest.

It was completely empty.

There were no indications that the place had ever been inhabited.

Except...

For one thing.

“Holy shit” said Doctor Storm as she observed the imposing and strange object with fascination.

Made from a black and dark metal, with elegant lines and straight angles, it emanated a kind of...

Green glow.

Its origin was obviously alien.

And it was completely active.

Lord Evans', Doctor Storm's and his brother's omni”tools illuminated instantly, while simultaneously beginning to scan the mysterious artifact with obvious interest.

“It's active! It's incredible! After thousands of years, it's technology, but...nothing we've ever seen before” said his brother, completely astonished and amazed.

While Harrison and Sue nodded softly.

“This...its architecture is completely different from anything we've seen before, even the station itself. Much newer. According to the scanners, it's approximately fifty thousand years old” said Harrison with a frown while moving his fingers at incredible speed.

Doctor Storm, on the other hand, stepped forward, raising her omni”tool while whispering to herself.

“Incredible...we are the first people in thousands of years to discover this. Imagine the secrets that...—

However, Susan's words were interrupted when, without warning, the strange object activated.

Emitting a strange and irritating screech while a kind of mass effect field began manifesting around the artifact.

The event happened so suddenly that none of the expedition members were able to react properly.

In an instant, the strange field trapped all of them.

Causing them to levitate slightly above the ground and paralyzing them.

“What the hell is happening?” asked his brother, evidently terrified.

However, before anyone could answer...

A green flash invaded Jake's vision.

Rendering him unconscious.

But carving into his mind, as well as into the minds of the rest of the expedition, knowledge that would haunt him until the final day of his life.

Harrison Evans, Somewhere, Somewhen.

“Shit” spat the Black Lion while quickly pushing himself back to his feet, shaking his head rapidly in an attempt to focus.

He was...

In the same station.

In the same room as before.

But the atmosphere was completely different.

Flashing red lights.

Endless alarms.

And an overwhelming sense of urgency filled the room.

The station no longer felt abandoned. It felt alive. Dying perhaps...but alive.

His attention was immediately drawn toward a strange reptilian being with green skin and four eyes, who appeared to be finishing work on the same alien artifact Harrison had seen moments ago.

The alien floated gently above the floor while muttering things at incredible speed.

Surprisingly...

In a language Harrison could understand.

As though somehow, the artifact had given him the knowledge necessary to comprehend what he was about to witness.

Seconds later, the alien stopped levitating and began breathing heavily, clearly exhausted by whatever he had been doing.

At the same moment, a pair of different aliens entered the room.

Clad in red armor and carrying large rifles that, from what Harrison could tell, fired charged particles.

Not as powerful as his plasma weapons.

But quite efficient in his opinion.

“High Commander Marik! The Emperor's orders have been given! The Crucible is on its way! All fleets have been recalled! We shall destroy the Reapers once and for all!” blurted out one of the aliens.

Speaking the word "Reaper" as though it were the vilest insult imaginable.

The newly named Marik nodded heavily and spoke.

“The message is prepared. The seed has been planted. A glorious ending awaits us. FOR THE EMPIRE!” roared the commander.

An action both soldiers immediately imitated.

Harrison began following the soldiers outside the still”living station.

Marveling at how fantastic and breathtaking it appeared at the height of its glory.

Making even Olympus seem primitive in comparison.

Endless streams of skycars and ships crossed the complete structure. Vast gardens hung beneath crystal domes. Towering districts stretched toward the artificial sky. Everywhere Harrison looked, there were signs of a civilization that had once ruled the stars.

Before long, they arrived at the top of the Tower.

Where, to Harrison's curiosity, he observed a group of Protheans wearing armor evidently superior to that of the soldiers he had been following.

They were protecting both an elderly Prothean and a younger one clad in armor scarred by countless battles.

“You have your orders, Javik. Go there and exterminate the damned vermin. The Empire shall ensure you are given all the time you require. We will end the Reapers once and for all” said the elder.

The young Prothean nodded solemnly before running from the chamber.

Harrison watched as the commander arrived and knelt before the Emperor.

At the same time beginning to deliver his report.

“The beacons have been prepared, Emperor. The seeds have been launched. We have given every advantage and every aid possible to the inhabitants of this system. If we fail...we shall ensure the Reapers do not rise again” he said solemnly.

The old Emperor nodded softly.

Though tired, he remained calm.

Immovable.

Strong.

Something Harrison could respect.

“Excellent. The fleets have begun arriving. The Crucible is on its way and represents our final hope of ending this war” said the old ruler.

Harrison raised his gaze, observing in wonder how tens of thousands of Prothean ships had taken defensive positions around the station.

This Citadel...

As he now knew it was called.

And below...

A familiar planet.

One that could only be Mars.

But...

Quite different.

There was life.

There were oceans.

And there were cities.

To the disbelief of the young Lion.

“This planet, this system, is all we have left, our final bastion. The Reapers will attack with all their strength, they can sense that something is wrong, we...”

The words of the Prothean Emperor were silenced when holographic screens began activating, showing how thousands of ships shaped like...

Squids...

Began entering the system through something called a Mass Relay, located at the edge of the Solar System.

And the number did not seem to decrease, much to Harrison's concern.

The Prothean Emperor sighed heavily and stood up, looking at the screens with determination.

“To all ships of the glorious Prothean Fleet, the enemy stands at our doorstep, our end is here, let us take these vermin with us! And may the fires of eternal glory always stand by your side, Open Fire!” roared the Emperor, as the entire Prothean fleet engaged these Reapers.

Truly terrifying ships, in Harrison's opinion.

Immediately afterward, the Emperor grabbed a rifle and began issuing orders.

“I will not die like a damned cowardly animal, those fuckers want the Citadel? Let them come for it, it has been an honor serving alongside you, brothers and sisters” said the old man, at the exact moment the vision came to an end.

And Harrison returned in a single instant to reality.

To the same room.

Abandoned and sterile.

His team was completely unconscious.

All of them writhed in their dreams, filling him with concern.

And as if this entire damned situation could not possibly become worse, an unknown voice spoke, directly from the doorway.

Feminine...

And familiar.

“Well, you have arrived, we may begin”

Harrison turned rapidly, his magic and powers at the tips of his fingers, finding himself face to face with...

His mother?

Or at least, something using the appearance of Lily Evans.

The scale was perfect.

But her body...was digital.

Made of solid light...as though such a thing were possible.

What the hell was happening here?, wondered the Black Lion.

“I am the Catalyst, and we have a long conversation ahead of us” said the mysterious A.I.

Harrison had the feeling that this damned place was going to give him far more problems than he had imagined.

He was not mistaken.