Chapter 1: Awakening in the Stars
Earth, 2023 – Los Angeles Apartment Complex
Finally!
After months of grinding, I've officially completed every challenge, DLC, and achievement in Mass Effect Legendary Edition! A full 100% completion. My PS5 trophy archive now has every possible achievement for the game.
…I have no life.
Sighing, I pull out my phone and start scrolling through my emails, hoping for news on upcoming releases. After a couple of minutes, I notice an email with a subject line that simply reads:
"Special Survey Invitation"
"Great, probably spam." I tap the delete button.
Nothing happens.
I frown and try again, but the email won't go to the trash or the spam folder.
"Weird… Fine, I'll just open it."
The email contains a short survey. The questions seem simple enough.
Question One: If you could reincarnate in any universe, what universe would you choose?
"Oh, that's easy—the Mass Effect universe. I always felt the series could have ended better, and Shepard could use some help."
Question Two: You can have one power from a different universe. What would you choose?
"Hmm… The MCU super soldier serum? No, that would be too strong. I want some level of challenge. Got it—I want all the enhancements of a Spartan-II from Halo."
Question Three: You can have one ability from the chosen universe. What would it be?
"Simple—a biotic who can use all biotic abilities, create my own, and not need any implants to sustain them."
I scroll down, expecting the send button, but there's one final question.
Question Four: What would your background be?
I smirk. "I want to be… humanity's first Biotic Spartan and married to Jane Shepard before Mass Effect 1 starts."
Satisfied, I hit send.
As I glance at the clock, I realize it's late. Work comes early, so I slide into bed and close my eyes.
I don't know it yet, but when I wake up, my life will never be the same.
Unknown Space
"Bradley and Shepard?" Udina asks, arms crossed as he paces the room.
"They grew up in the colonies. They know how tough life can be out there," Anderson replies. "Both of their families were killed when slavers attacked Mindoir."
"But why bring up both?" Udina questions. "You know only one can be chosen."
"Nihlus is retiring, which opens up another spot," Udina muses. "Besides, you can't get one without the other. They're a package deal."
"They proved themselves during the Blitz," Hackett interjects. "Held the line against enemy forces until reinforcements arrived. That was the day they became legends—humanity's Master Chief and Commander Shepard."
"They're the reason Elysium is still standing, why humanity's reputation has skyrocketed among the other races," Anderson recalls.
"No one can question their courage, nor their strength," Udina concedes. "The Plenary Guardian project created humanity's first Biotic Spartans, and they were the only ones to survive the program before it was shut down."
"Humanity needs heroes," Anderson says firmly. "Icons to inspire hope. And they are the best we've got."
Udina sighs. "Are you sure they can handle this? The weight of expectation will be immense."
"I have no doubt," Anderson replies. "I was at their wedding a few years ago. It was a small, private affair, but you should've seen their faces—completely confident in each other, ready to take on anything the galaxy throws at them."
"It didn't hurt that humanity's top two super soldiers made quite the pair," Hackett adds with a smirk. "6'0" and 5'11"—together, they looked unstoppable."
Udina shakes his head and relents. "Fine. I'll make the call."
As he leaves, Hackett chuckles. "First Human Spectres—Ryan Bradley and Jane Shepard-Bradley. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"
Milky Way Galaxy – Near a Mass Relay
Aboard the SSV Normandy
A tall, armored figure leans against the hallway wall, helmet in hand. His MJOLNIR Mark I armor is painted in N7 colors, the signature red stripe running down the shoulder plates. As he removes his helmet and clips it onto his magnetic holster, his short fade haircut and five o'clock shadow come into view. His dark brown eyes scan the corridor before he exhales slowly.
Damn… it was real.
Memories flood his mind—two lives blending into one. The years of hardship, training, and battle. The pain and losses.
And yet, parts of his old life still linger, like a dream just out of reach. The plot of Mass Effect is hazy—he remembers key moments but not enough to rely on.
Well… first things first: better not let Jenkins die.
Before he can think further, a warm presence appears behind him, accompanied by a familiar scent. A soft but firm hand touches his back.
Turning, he finds himself face-to-face with his wife, Jane Shepard—Commander Shepard.
Holy shit… my wife is gorgeous.
Even after becoming a Spartan, she has only grown stronger, more radiant. She looks nearly identical to Natasha Romanoff from the MCU—except taller, slightly more muscular, and infinitely more dangerous.
Her MJOLNIR Mark I armor mirrors his in N7 colors, form-fitting yet built for war. Her light green eyes study him with a hint of concern.
Without thinking, he pulls her close and kisses her deeply.
She stiffens for a moment before melting into it, arms wrapping around his neck. After a long, heated minute, they break apart.
"You look more beautiful every day, Jane," Ryan murmurs.
She smirks, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, I know. And you're lucky enough to have locked this down before anyone else got the chance."
Ryan sighs dramatically. "There was a time when you'd blush and get all shy whenever I kissed you in public. Your face would turn red like a tomato."
Jane snorts. "That was before the hot sex and all the badass things we do now. Besides, this isn't one of those old anime vids you keep making me watch."
Chuckling, she playfully bumps her armored shoulder against his. "Come on, let's head to the cockpit. This ship is incredible. You can't even hear the engines running—Turians and Cath really outdid themselves."
Ryan smirks as he follows his wife through the corridors of the Normandy, ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
This is my life now.
And he wouldn't have it any other way.