Authors notes

It has now been 22 months since this story first emerged here on and time has taken its toll on someone of the earlier chapters. Chapters 1 to 35 are to be in the first group to get an update. These re-edited chapters provide greater story depth, provide some extra answers, fix some minor spelling oddities and should polish the grammar a little. I am not intending this to be the final edit made to all these chapters but this is more a thank you to everyone who has read, favourited and reviewed the story over the last 18 months.

I hope that you enjoy the improved journey through the story. Please do review or PM me to say why it does not if you feel dissatisfied.

unrealuniverse


Description.

This is a story of unexpected first contact and the ramifications of what such contact may be for Asari culture and the wider galactic community. The story will attempt to highlight new areas that are not shown in the Mass Effect games and try to provide a broader depth to the Mass Effect universe.

This is a fanfic set 166 years before the events of ME1 and so the vast majority of characters from the games are not alive at this time. Most of the characters are original although there will be one or two who make an appearance from Mass Effect. The story changes the timeline before the games but should not impact the story delivered in the games and can henceforth be considered as an alternative timeline story.


Disclaimer.

Mass Effect characters, species, locations and the universal setting are owned by Bioware and not myself. Any other brand names mentioned are property of their respective owners. This work is and always will be free for anyone to read.


Rating. M (Adult)

The majority of the story is very tame as far as adult fiction goes, however the story has elements that class it as such. Annoyingly this is the reason that it has an M rating as I am just too honest to rate it any other way.


Chapter 1 - Arranging Departure


7th January 2012

It was coming to the end of a reasonably sunny, but cool day on Thessia as Matriarch Benezia was just finishing sorting through some important documentation at her desk. The green tinge of the sunset that was beginning to form, cast its shadow into the room from the large window to her right. Benezia's mind began to drift, thinking about the upcoming meetings which were to happen on the Citadel in a few days time. She sighs as she relaxes back into her chair to watch the sky out of the window go from green, to a golden yellow. A knock at the door makes her jump a little. Quickly, she ensures any sensitive information is removed from the desk into drawers. "Come in." Shiala, one of Benezia's newest acolytes walks into the room to stand just a couple of paces in from the doorway.

"The Councillor would like to talk to you Matriarch." Benezia didn't expect a call from the Asari councillor today and so, wondered what this was about. Shiala, after a few seconds, got a nod of approval and walks to the open door. She gestured the councillor, who had waited patiently outside, to walk in.

"Councillor, I had not expected you here today. What brings you here?"

"I am here about the mission to map the space between the Citadel and the Exodus Cluster." The look on Benezia's face turned to one of slight annoyance. "I realise that you disliked this decision when it was made sixty three years ago, however the exploration will help us to build a better picture of the galaxy and give us more information. This should eventually allow us all to make better decisions for everyone in the galactic community. This was the reason why I, along with the Salarian Councillor at the time, agreed to this mission." Benezia just sighed with resignation that this was going ahead whether she agreed with it or not.

"So if the mission is going ahead then why, may I ask, are you here this evening?" A little annoyance bubbled over into her voice.

"Your friend Kriana is leading the mission and currently has a crew of twenty eight under her. The problem however is that all of these individuals are information and scientific specialists. Kriana would ideally like some security aboard just in case and Adastra is to be the pilot of the ship."

"Could you not get another pilot?" Benezia knowing Adastra's background.

"Unfortunately she is one of the best given she is qualified to pilot class nine ships. We need that skill in a pilot when there is no one around to help you." Benezia nodded in agreement given they would be days from help if anything did happen. "Given those two points, Kriana suggested you may be willing to let one of your commando trained acolytes join the mission." The councillor knew that she was treading on egg shells here given Benezia's past vocality against the mission.

"Why are the republics not providing security?"

"None of the crew can be republic personnel Benezia otherwise this is not a civilian mission for the benefit of all species. You should know that the Citadel Council only have direct interaction with the Spectres and everything else must go through individual species' governments or be a privately run venture with our blessing."

"I do understand that Councillor but why are you asking me in particular?"

"You know Kriana and have the kind of individuals that would be ideal for such a mission. Loyalty and working well together are rather vital skills given it is a five year mission." Benezia thought this idea over while looking out of the window at the descending darkness that was creeping over the landscape. It would certainly help keep to the peace between her and a couple of other Matriarchs and it sounded like it would be a highly beneficial mission for all species. All of her acolytes would go on the mission if she asked, but most had family or did not have commando training, which would rule them out as ideal candidates. Looking over to Shiala who was standing beside the door she found the appropriate candidate.

"Shiala, would you be willing to go on this mission for five years to protect my friend Kriana and her crew."

"I would be honoured Matriarch." Her voice travelled across the room with an accompanying bow of her head.

"Thank you for your understanding and co-operation Benezia. The mission is due to begin in about two months once the ship is finally complete. I hope this is adequate enough time for Shiala to prepare." The councillor then turned towards Shiala before taking a couple of steps forward. "The ship that you are to be on currently has no name, given it is still incomplete in a space dock on Illium. Kriana was unwilling to name the ship and deferred it to the individual Benezia chose to offer. Do you have any suggestions on a suitable name Shiala?" Shiala was taken a little off guard but Benezia jumped in which gave her time to think.

"How did she know I would agree to providing security?" Her voice sounded more curious than annoyed which the Councillor seemed pleased about.

"She did not know." The councillor replied turning her head to face Benezia. "It would have been down to me to name the ship if you had not agreed." With that both the councillor and Benezia turned to look to Shiala for an answer.

"The Enlighten. I think would be a most appropriate name given the objective of the mission." The councillor turned back to look at Benezia who nodded with a slight smile, evidently approving of the chosen name.

"I agree entirely Shiala, Enlighten it is. I appreciate your time Benezia and you agreeing to be a part of the mission Shiala." Shiala bowed her head with a smile. "I hope you both have a pleasant evening and I will be in contact shortly." With a small nod from Benezia and a small bow from Shiala she left the room.


1st March 2012

The councillor looked at her inbox to find a message from Sentix Spaceworks.

Project 51382 (Enlighten).

Completion date is expected to be the tenth of March. We apologise for the slight slip of the date from the first, however we needed to check our high standards have been upheld in every possible way. We look forward to hearing plans for the ships maiden voyage.

Sentix Spaceworks.

A smile grew on the Councillor's face as it was good news after a rough couple of days. It was also a chance to show the galactic community that the Asari can indeed build decent ships, as people had preferred Turian vessels for a number of years. She quickly began to create a new message to everyone involved on the mission.

To: - all on the Enlighten mission.

The completion date for the ship is to be the tenth. I therefore propose all of you to go to Sentix Spaceworks on the eleventh to pick up the ship and bring it to the Nos Astra Space Port. The announcement of the mission will happen at one pm local time. I hope to see you all there.

Asari Councillor.

She sent the message and then began organising the event that was to happen on Nos Astra.


Notes.

A short chapter to help start the story.

Any feedback would be most welcomed.

13/10/2013 - Updated with a re-edited version.