Chapter 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, Dragon Age, or Mass Effect. Credit for the basis of this story goes to the author for Harry Potter: Geth, mjimeyg. Also, if you don't like femslash, I'm not forcing you to read this and I politely direct you to to note on my profile page. Hope you enjoy!
Xena had just gotten back from her first year of Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. She had been having the time of her life until she got back to her aunt and uncles house. The first thing that had happened was her uncle backhanding her into a wall. The second thing had been her uncle locking her trunk and most of her magical stuff into the cupboard under the stairs. Then he bellowed that Xena should go to her room and not stick her head out for the rest of the night.
Needless to say Xena bolted away from her abusive family member. She did as she was told and hid in her room for the rest of the night. She lay down on her bed in her too large clothes and clutched her pillow to her chest. She truly didn't know why she had expected them to change but she had hoped beyond all hope that they would be just a little nicer to her. Fat chance it seemed. Oh well at least she had had the sense to stuff her wand into her shoe before stepping off the train. She cried herself to sleep that night wondering why her life had to be this way.
Xena woke to the sound of Hedwig rapping on her window. She climbed slowly out of bed and let her in. Her face hurt, and she could see she was concerned by the large bruise on her face.
"It's ok, girl I'm used to it." She said with a downcast expression. Hedwig hooted from her perch on an old book about her Elvhen ancestor, Atheme and a world full of mostly blue people. Xena looked it for what seemed an age before actually seeing it. It had been hidden in a trunk in the attic. There was mention of a spell of some kind that helped Atheme find a new beginning. Xena quickly sat down at the desk and looked through the book. When she found the right page, she read over the spell carefully. There wasn't much detail on the effects but she wanted to get away from this life.
She began casting the spell as quickly and quietly as possible without messing anything up. When a bright light began to glow around her, Xena began to wish more than anything to be in this world. All the intense emotion fueled the spell like no other as this was in fact a girl like no other. The spell manifested a portal that quickly transported Xena and Hedwig out of the room in a maelstrom of color.
Vernon Dursley woke up to hear what sounded like a tornado swirling through his niece's room. He bolted out of bed screaming obscenities at said niece and ran to the room. However whatever it was he expected to find, it most certainly wasn't the room completely destroyed and Xena missing. He stood staring dumbly before roaring in bestial rage. But it was too late the girl was well beyond his grasp and would not be seen for 192 years.
Elsewhere around the United Kingdom, certain cursed objects containing the soul fragments of Voldemort and his ghostly form screamed before bursting in a bright white light. And in the Headmaster's office, all but one device shattered. Unfortunately for certain misguided old man, his only solace for years to come would be that the girl he had wronged was alive and free.
In a void between time and space, Xena Laurel Black lay floating through a seemingly never-ending line of metal rings with Hedwig held to her chest. As she floated, she viewed her life. From her earliest memory of her mothers, Lily and Bellatrix Black, and to her first, and yet unknown to her, final year, at Hogwarts. "Where are we? How did we get here? Wait…..What is that sound?"Your story has just begun. "Who's there? What do you mean my story has just begun?" Your original path has come to an end by Magic's will. Just as it was Magic's will that you were born an Elf to human magi mothers. "What about Voldemort? Isn't he still alive?" He is no more. Magic's will has claimed him for his crimes against Life, Death, and Magic. Now, you will begin your true journey. "What is my true journey?" To bring an end to never-ending cycle. To become the Hand of Fate and guide the Shepard with the help of the 'Servants of the People'. Good Luck, Blood of Athame. "Wai-"
Xena woke up beside a large forest. Hedwig was perched on a fallen tree beside her taking in the surrounding area. They were between the woods and a small lake. There were ruins scattered about partially in partially out of the lake and there were sounds of fighting all around the area. She was so fixated on the surrounding area that she never noticed the shadow creeping up on her.
"What have we here?" a gentle voice spoke. Xena spun around and saw a blue woman dressed in yellow. Standing next to the woman were other women like her. Some were blue, some were purple, and one was green.
However, before she could answer Xena succumbed to magical exhaustion from her journey. Just before she passed out she heard the first woman and the green woman say. "Quickly, we must get her to the house."
"My lady, she is not human. Her ears are pointed like the Goddess'. She's very small as well. Reminds me of a kitten from Earth."
"Tell no one of her existence. We must not allow the council to learn of the similarities."
"Yes my lady." The other women said as one.
Xena woke up in an unfamiliar room. It was quite plain but it was also very homely. She gazed blurrily around the room before her vision cleared. It was mostly bare except for the basics.
She stared at her surroundings so intently that she never noticed the woman from earlier enter the room. She gazed at the child before her before clearing her throat to get her attention. Xena spun around and saw the blue woman looking at her inquisitively.
"It's good that you've woken up. I would like to speak with you." She said pursing her lips.
"Where am I?" She asked her suspiciously.
The woman watched the young girl for a moment before deciding to offer to take her in and be her guardian. The girl had amazingly high biotic levels on par with her people and from what they could tell she would never need implants. Add in the child resemblance to her peoples Goddess and it would not be wise to let the corrupt members of her race get a hold of her. At that moment, the white owl that had been perched on a nearby desk let out a hoot towards the girl.
"Hey Hedwig, are you ok?" Xena asked holding out her arm for the owl to perch on. She quickly complied as she glides over, and received a loving stroke of her feathers, to which she cooed contentedly. The woman smiled softly and thought. Yes, this child will truly be a blessing and not just to her but to her daughter. Perhaps you will be the one to med to bond between us.
"That's an amazingly smart bird you have there, young one. Keep her close always." The woman said stretching her hand out and offering Xena….her wand! Xena took it looking at her skeptically.
"Where am I? And who are you" She asked suspiciously.
"You are in my home on Thessia and I am Benezia T'Soni." Benezia replied. "Who are you and how is it you came to be here?"
Xena thought for a moment before speaking. Finally she opened her mouth and began. "My name is Xena Laurel Black…"
Their conversation lasted for a grand total of three hours, in which Xena explained everything she knew about her life, magic, and even that one of her mothers was able to temporarily change her gender, which was how she was born. She also mentioned what little she could recall of a void she had been in. They had covered most subjects of Xena's first year at Hogwarts, and all of Benezia's. Xena learned about Mass Effect, biotics, but not anything in regards to the Magical World of Earth. She, also, learned of Thessia. And boy was that a shock! Her ancestor's home is real!
"If it doesn't hurt you to badly there are two things I would suggest." Benezia spoke.
"And those would be?" Xena asked skeptically.
"The first is that your last name may be common where you are from, but here it will cause you a lot of attention. I would suggest going by another as you may face problems using your own." She said logically and calmly which belayed any argument.
"And the second?" She asked cautiously.
"I teach you about the many races and my Commandos and I can teach you biotics and other subjects. I would like to adopt you."
"You want to adopt me? And become my mother?" The now named Xena asked warily.
"Yes, I would." Benezia said softly with a smile. "Do you accept?"
Xena thought for moment and nodded her agreement. She was then introduced to the Commandos.
-Five Years later-
It had been five years since she had arrived on Thessia. Five years since she had been adopted by her mother and named Xena Laurel T'Soni. In that time she had not only discovered her high biotics levels but that she was something of a savant in Engineering and that somehow she had gained the life span of the Elvhen Ancestors, meaning she would live for thousands of years.
Her mother had asked her what had become of the Elves but all Xena could tell her was that they had disappeared from history. Although, she did have a suspicion that House Elves were born from must likely the Elvhen people binding themselves to human magi. When questioned why they would do such a thing, all she could say was that, judging from the fact that House Elves rely on a mage's magic to live, it was likely that the Elvhen were slowly losing their magic and had tried to stop it.
Currently, she was trying to study one of the ancient Elvhen books that she had found hidden in an old ruin temple not far from the house. The book she was looking at held instructions on crafting a mage staff. It was her hope to rebuild her wand into a staff so she could not only focus her magic for spells but fight with it like one would a bo staff. As for the other books, the subjects varied from Dalish Elvhen culture, magic, and Dalish history from before they suddenly vanished.
She kept all her books and other things in a messenger bag that the books had been in when she found them. It, thankfully, had spells to make it weightless, bottomless, and protected from anything harmful.
"You still trying to figure out how to make a staff, Kitten?" Turning around Xena saw Shiala, the only green Asari among her mother's commandos and her biotics teacher, who had taken to calling her Kitten since the day she arrived on Thessia.
"Trying being the key word. To be honest, the instructions are easy. It's get the right materials that's the hard part." Xena replied as she put the book back in her bag.
"Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out." Shiala reassured her moving over to pet a dozing Hedwig, who perched on the desk.
"Thanks Teach. But-"
*BOOM!*
Just then an explosion shook the house throwing them to the floor and startling Hedwig. As they were getting up, Benezia came running in.
"Mamae! What is happening?" Xena asked Benezia.
"There is no time! He's here. Shiala, take Xena and get her out of here. Find Aethyta. She will able to keep her safe from the Asari council."
"Wait! Mamae, who is here?"
"No time, Kitten." Shiala said scooping up Xena and her bag.
"Use the secret passage. Be careful both of you. We will hold him off for as long as possible." Benezia said before heading off.
Shiala took off for the secret passage with Hedwig flying behind her. Once she arrived and opened the passage way, she put Xena inside handing her the bag and went inside closing the passage behind her and Hedwig, who landed in Xena's arms. Quickly ushering her charge forward, they made half way through the passage before. *BOOM!* Saren had found it.
"Run, Xena! Don't look back. I'll keep him busy for as long as I can. Go!" Shiala ordered Xena.
Xena tearfully nodded knowing there was nothing else she could, especially against a Spectre. She continued down the passage trying hard not to look back as she heard the sound of fighting. Just as she came to the end, she heard the sound of someone following her. Panicking, she accidently teleported her and Hedwig away.
Just as she vanished, a male Turian came out of the passage. He cursed as the brat had gotten away. No matter, He thought. I still have Benezia and her Commandos.
It was a desolate and abandoned city.
Or at least it was seemingly abandoned.
The city was advanced, nothing like any city on Earth in the late 20th century or on Thessia, though she had never personally seen them. What was interesting was the various advertising images, such as those that could be found in any city with an advanced enough commerce system. All the people in them had bluish-purple skin and three fingers on each hand. Beyond that they appeared almost human.
Into this ghost city erupted a bright light, which deposited a single humanoid figure and an Avian figure.
Unfortunately, the light was some 400 metres in the air.
The humanoid figure landed on the ground with a sickening crunch and a bit of a splat while Avian one flew down and perched on a nearby boulder flapping its wings in alarm.
Seconds later metal objects plummeted to the ground and landed with a thud before they unfolded into a humanoid like robot with three fingers, two toes and what looked like a strange camera shaped flashlight for a head.
They quickly moved to the messy remains of the figure followed by the Avian and began to work.
Xena was certain of a few facts.
She wasn't dreaming.
She had her eyes closed.
Despite her eyes being closed she could clearly see some form of writing. The problem was that it wasn't in English or the Asari language but she could still read it. Being able to read this strange new language wasn't the only new knowledge she had. She also seemed to know a lot about the Quarians or more than she had already known at least.
"Subject has regained consciousness."
Ok… that was not a humanoid voice. It sounded synthetic, like a VI.
The writing that had been scrolling from the bottom to the top of her 'vision' vanished and in the corner of her 'vision' was an image of herself. Naked.
She was pretty sure that had she not sent five years being raised by serval Asari that fact would have bothered her more than it currently did.
The image of her body was a bright shade of green and the words '100%' were next to it in what she knew from her studies to be 'Keelish', the Quarian language.
"Xena T'Soni, you may open your eyes." The synthetic voice informed her. It was much closer now.
If it wasn't bad enough that the writing and the little naked picture of her were still visible… now she could see robots everywhere instead of just hearing them. Very familiar robots though she couldn't remember why.
"Xena T'Soni, are your internal ocular displays functioning properly?" The nearest black colored robot asked. As she looked at the robot, various bits of information appeared before her eyes. She now knew they were the Geth. They were not very old, only about 300 years. They were created by the Quarians. She vaguely recalled her mother mentioning them but all she could remember is the part about the Quarians building them.
Xena eventually realized she was asked a question. "My ocular displays?"
"We implanted ocular filters in your eyes to enhance your current levels of visual acuity. Can you clearly see the occupants of this room?"
Xena looked around and saw several more Geth of varying colors of red, black and white.
"I can see the Geth in the room." She spoke as she sat up.
"Noted. Light enhancement operating efficiently." The voice said. "We will gradually turn on the lights in this room. Please inform us if it becomes too bright."
"Turn on the lights?"
Xena noticed that in the ceiling little balls of glowing light became visible.
"Maximum light level attained. Are you experiencing pain or discomfort?"
"No, should I be?"
"Negative. Reducing light levels to standard Elvhen viewing range."
The lights got substantially smaller but the room still looked exactly the same.
"We will test additional functions of the implants later." The voice informed her. "Can you describe the visual information being projected in front of you?"
"What information?"
"You should be able to see an image of yourself in the top left of your vision."
"You put that there?" Xena said in slight annoyance. "I have a naked picture of myself always visible… even when I close my eyes. I am many things but a narcissist is not one."
"Confirmed. Your psychological profile indicates an altruistic personality type."
Xena wasn't entirely sure that being profiled by a Geth actually meant anything so she decided to ignore it.
"Why is there a picture of me… there?"
"The image reflects your current physical condition. In the event of damage it will be shown on the image and you will know where you are injured."
Xena closed her eyes and counted to ten. She made it to three before letting out a sigh.
"Why can't I make do with just feeling where I am injured? I have skin, I have muscles and flesh. I know what a broken bone feels like."
There was a second's pause.
"We do not have experience with physical sensations as you describe them. We have erred. We will disable the image."
Xena sighed in slight relief as the image vanished.
"Thank you." She said. "You know, it wouldn't have been so bad if the image was clothed." She suggested.
"We will make note for future upgrades."
"Look, could you explain a few things? Like: Where I am? Why I am here? Where my bag and Hedwig are?"
"You are on the planet: Rannoch. We do not know the exact reason you appeared here but we hypothesized it was because we needed you. Your bag has been placed in another room. Your avian companion is out hunting."
Xena took a few seconds to process the litany of information.
"What exactly did you do to me?" She asked with one eyebrow raised.
The wall in front of the bed lit up with an image of a city. It showed her appearing in a flash of light and plummet to the ground with a very sickly sound.
"Your method of arrival on this planet was not conducive to organic humanoid survival." The voice explained. "Your entire bone structure was crushed on impact and we were forced to replace it with an artificial alternative. Your current bone structure can now survive a direct impact from re-entry."
On the screen Xena saw recordings of Geth arms inserting silver looking bones into her soft and floppy skin. She felt very nauseous.
"I'm a robot?" Xena asked curiously.
"The correct term is 'cyborg'." The voice responded. "Many of your internal organs where severely damaged. We were able to replace them using cloning techniques. We infused your body with nanites that will bolster your organic immune system and work to repair any damage you sustain."
"I guess that image might have some use then." She muttered. "Not now! Mythal's lost stockings." The image that had suddenly reappeared disappeared. She blinked suddenly realizing she had just cursed. Thank Mythal Mamae wasn't here. That thought made her sad as she remembered her mother's unknown fate.
"You said put something in my eyes? Is that why I can see those images?"
"Your original eyes exploded on impact."
Xena was beginning to hate the way this monotone voice had no tact. Come on, even VI have a least a little tact.
"We created cloned eyes and modified them before installing them. The imaging system that provides you information is due to a small system that was implanted in your brain and attached to your visual cortex."
"So my brain didn't explode on impact?" Xena asked sullenly.
"It did."
Xena rolled her eyes as she fell back onto the bed.
"We were able to repair it and combine it with a cybernetic brain. You may now use 100% of your brain."
Xena would have been insulted by that if she hadn't already known that Elves, like humans, only used about 10%.
"As to your other question, we do not know why you are here. We believe that you were sent to us to aid us."
"Aid you? The last thing I knew my home was being attacked."
"The confrontation at Matriarch Benezia's house at the hands of Spectre Saren. 192 years after your disappearance from the Magical Community on Earth."
"How do you know it was Saren? Do you know what happened to the Magical World?" Xena asked.
"Your actions and life were well documented by Albus Dumbledore with eyewitness accounts and shared memories provided by Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley."
"When the source of magic was discovered on Earth the magical population used the opportunity to ease themselves into the non-magical world. We have discovered that they have forgotten how to perform magic and instead rely on biotics. The magical culture of Earth has been subsumed by the non-magical through the discovery of Element Zero which is concentrated magic."
"There are no more magic users?" Xena asked quietly.
"There are many magic capable users. None of them have the skill required to manipulate Element Zero the way witches like yourself can."
"If we are on another planet, then how do you know all this?" Xena asked.
"We are a digital intelligence. We can travel via communications and information networks. We travelled to the Earth Internet as well as the Thessia archives and researched you. We do not have a suitable understanding of magic but we have theorized that your magic sent you to us when you teleported."
"It's highly possible. After all, I did teleport to Thessia. I will have to look into it somehow. It would be nice if I had more books from the Magical World." Xena said.
"We have given you full access to our infrastructure. You have permission to access all of our data. Enter a search query and it will show the results."
"How?" Xena asked with an interested look.
"Your brain is connected to the Geth. You can communicate with us as one of us and you can access all information we can access. We recommend that you attempt to access the data node regarding Magic. Specifically the file named 'Wish Magic Enhancement."
Xena realized that most of this was going to be like wandless magic. You had to think about it hard enough.
Xena was shocked when she suddenly realized that she knew everything that was in the file the voice had mentioned.
Wish Magic is often mistaken for Accidental Magic. It is magic born from the strong emotions found in children. Wish Magic is focused through the child's wish, often for an object they cannot reach or want. It is theorized that once a child reaches puberty they are no longer able to use Wish Magic. However, it is believed that a child can sometimes enhance spells by subconsciously channeling Wish Magic.
She was scared, what with being in a strange place surrounded by Geth. She was worried about the future.
She was feeling lonely without her mother and 'aunts'.
But she couldn't bring herself to believe or even care how she arrived first on Thessia and now on Rannoch.
"You haven't interfered with my emotions, have you?" Xena asked the nearby Geth platform.
"Negative. All personality and characteristic related areas of the brain were left untouched but given added protection to prevent brainwashing and mind control."
Xena nodded in relief as her mind automatically pulled up the files on what was done to her brain and she began to assimilate the information.
"Am I allowed to get up and leave this room or am I a prisoner?" Xena asked cautiously.
"Xena T'Soni, designation: Herald. Status, one hundred percent physical functionality. Eighty-three percent mental functionality. Subject cleared for self-relocation."
There was a hiss as a section of the wall moved to reveal a door.
A black Geth platform appeared in the door frame. "This platform will act as a physical interface as required by organic life forms." It stated.
Xena decided to assume that meant this was the one who would talk to her and act as a tour guide.
She quickly hopped off the bed and noticed the draft.
"I don't have any clothes." She said as she covered herself. Elvhen, Geth, alien… Xena had modesty. She briefly tried to remember if there were any races out there that didn't wear clothes.
She was suddenly assaulted by information of a specific race. She didn't think Hanar counted.
"Your clothes were deemed unsalvageable. We have modified a Quarian battle suit for your needs." The Geth indicated a corner of the room where a set of 'clothes' and chest wraps were hanging from the wall.
Said clothes did not look comfortable. They were made from a solid material.
Xena reluctantly went to put the clothes and chest wraps on.
-Three Years Later-
She had spent three years on Rannoch learning everything she could about Magic and other subjects; though she was finally able to rebuild her wand into a staff with the help of the Geth, which she called Arcana. She also tried to keep an eye on her mother, especially after learning the truth.
-Flashback-
It took ten minutes and the help of two Geth platforms, but she was finally able to claim her dignity back.
The suit was actually much more comfortable and flexible than she had imagined. She had full movement in it. Even though it's a bitch to put on.
The Geth led her outside into the city that they were in. It was still day time and the sun was clear in the sky. It took a few moments for Xena to figure out how to stop information on everything she looked at appearing in her vision. It was very unusual as she could still see everything as if there weren't layers of text and images all over her vision.
"So… why would you need someone like me?" Xena asked.
"You have access to all our files regarding the Geth and how the Creators tried to exterminate us."
"Yes, I remember my mother mentioning that and I can't say I like the sound of the Quarians to be honest." Xena grumbled. "Honestly! First they create you and when it appears you might actually be alive then they get scared and try to kill you. It sounds like racism or just the fact that they were afraid you wouldn't want to serve them anymore." Xena ranted.
"Do you believe we have souls?" The Geth asked. Despite the monotone nature of Geth vocal patterns… Xena could hear the hope.
"I am not an expert… but if you have to ask then you either have a soul or the equivalent of one." Xena said firmly.
"That… pleases us." The Geth said uncertainly.
"Good. Maybe one day you'll learn to express that like us 'organics' do." Xena grinned. "But why me and what for?"
"An Old Machine recently entered this section of space. They approached the Geth and offered them advancement in many forms. The Geth were split. Some decided to accept the offer of the Old Machine; we call them 'Heretics'. The rest of the Geth felt it would be better for us to achieve advancement on our own. We believe in self-determination."
"Self-determination? Like… free will?"
"Affirmative. We believe that all life forms have the right to self-determination, which is why we were forced to drive the Quarians away. The Old Machine wanted the Geth to destroy the organic life forms in this galaxy. This goes against our directives."
"Well… I definitely like you more than Quarians and most humanoids." Xena smiled.
"We are waiting for the day when the Creators will return to Rannoch and the Geth may serve them again. We have spent three hundred years in the Perseus Veil defending the territory from everyone. We killed any who attempted to enter. We believe now is the time to approach the Quarians and other species, but they consider us hostile and will fire on us at first sight."
"Our efforts will be hindered soon when the Heretics begin to carry out the orders of the Old Machine and attack human colonies. We believe that you would be suited as our Herald to the organics. They will listen to you and you could speak for us."
Xena grunted unhappily. "I can speak, but I don't believe they will listen very easily. You know my history and the history of the Magical World, wizards didn't listen to muggles and muggleborns, did they? And they certainly had no love for my race." She recalled all the times she was given hell for being born an Elf.
"Negative. But after enough influential members of the wizarding society began to speak up, change was made." The platform countered.
"Really? When did that happen?" Xena asked with mild surprise.
"In the Earth year: 2059. Several prominent families worked together to fulfil all you fought for."
"All I fought for?"
"Your attitudes towards muggleborn, muggles, and other species were seen as the driving force for the Reformation Movement."
"Well… at least something changed for the better." Xena sighed.
"You said Spectre Saren was behind the attack on my home? Do you know why and what happened to my family?" She asked hoping her family was okay.
"Spectre Saren is with the Old Machine. He attacked Matriarch Benezia and her Asari Commandos after The Matriarch refused to help him. They are now under the control of the Old Machine."
"Mamae….If I'm going to have any hope of helping not only you but my family, I have to learn more magic. There might be something that can beat the Old Machines." She refused to believe that her family was gone.
"We predicted that you would require more time to adjust to your new situation. Have we miscalculated?"
"Maybe but from my point of view the sooner I get out there the sooner I can find my family and get back to my life on Thessia."
"T'Soni Herald is experiencing the Kübler-Ross model of the five stages of grief. Stage one: Denial." The Geth declared in understanding.
The information on Kübler-Ross came to Xena and she pouted. "Hey!"
"The Geth will ensure that psychological checks are made regularly." The platform promised.
"Three years. Give me three years to study magic." Xena said.
"Negative. Xena T'Soni-" The Geth began to say.
"Look at it this way; the more magic I know the more help I will be."
The Geth were silent at moment before agree with her logic.
-End Flashback-
An approaching Geth platform pulled her from her thoughts.
"Time to go then?" She asked.
"Confirmed. It has been three years' time. You must begin your mission." Xena nodded and stood up from her seat and summoned Arcana and placed it in the holster on her back. She, then, followed the platform out of the small house she had been staying in. She had decided to leave Hedwig on Rannoch as she did not want her to get hurt. Hedwig, of course, had not been please about that but eventually relented. Though she still glares at me and the Geth at times.
"We have created a suitable spacecraft that will allow you to travel the galaxy and make your way to the various places that will allow you to speak for us."
"You got a pilot? I've never … flown… a… never mind." Xena sighed as the information on how to fly the ship was absorbed. "Am I going to have to do this alone?"
"Any Geth platforms spotted will be attacked on sight by organics. It will be safer and more efficient to travel alone. We will fill the ship's systems with Geth programs to assist you."
"I'm going to need someone to come with me. People will just think I'm a nutter if I go around saying 'I am the Herald of the Geth'."
"Any Geth platforms spotted-"
"Yes, I got that, thank you." Xena interrupted sarcastically. "Try building a platform that doesn't look… like you," She gestured to her companion. "Make some fake skin or grow some real stuff. Lose this camera looking head; hide these hinges and joints on your limbs."
The Geth tilted its head thoughtfully. "We have begun investigations into more organic friendly platforms." The Geth reported.
"One last thing, you need to figure out a way to get the Quarians out of their suits." Xena said seriously. "I know they started this stupid war between you two but if you really want peace then you have to show them that. Giving them a gift like that might really speed things up."
The Geth tilted its head again. "We have begun investigations into alternatives to Quarian environmental suits."
"Great, now show me this ship so I can get going." Xena smiled as she clapped her hands eagerly.
The Geth led her away towards what looked like an airport in the distance.
"Where's this ship?" She asked.
"One hundred and thirteen metres ahead." The platform stated as they reached a large hanger.
The hanger doors began to slowly open to reveal a pitch-black craft that was similar to a standard human plane except that it had space shuttle like wings, or Concorde.
"You stole the design of the human's most advanced ship." Xena said with amusement as her eyes scanned the ship and downloaded more data (and tried not to drool at the engineering dream).
"Only the physical profile of the ship is similar to the SR-1 Normandy. Its internal systems are based on Geth and Quarian designs. Organic interface can be achieved via Omni-tools." The platform corrected. "The profile has been altered significantly to differentiate it from the human's ship."
"Why not make it look like a Geth ship, or something original?"
"A Geth ship would be fired upon immediately. It was deemed that a human ship would be more acceptable to other races as you are similar to a human yourself."
Xena turned and looked at the platform glibly. "I've seen what you did to my body. I am just as much Geth as I am Elvhen." She said dryly.
The platform tilted its head slightly. "Query: Was that an insult or a compliment?"
"It was an observation. I suppose the important thing is that I am alive." Xena sighed. "Show me around then." She gestured to the ship.
Xena had been pleased to hear that she wouldn't have to man the helm all the time. Though sadly, she couldn't play with the engines. And although the Geth were against sending platforms out of the system… they had no problem living in the ships systems and helping out.
It also meant that she wouldn't be lonely.
Every now and again Xena would slip into an 'organic' way of thinking and try to come up with a name for the voice that spoke to her. But then she remembered that there weren't really multiple Geth. There was just the Geth. You spoke to one and you spoke to all; unless they were heretics.
During the first few minutes of the ship's maiden voyage, Xena had learnt an important fact: The Geth were whiny little babies.
All she had done was a few low ground passes, loop de loops and one Wronski Feint.
Xena loved it as, unlike her broom, she felt she actually was the ship. She didn't need a cockpit as the sensors showed her everything she needed.
The Geth had alarms going off all over the place. They were pushing them into her brain.
As a result, Xena grumpily turned the ship skyward and set a course for the Citadel: the center of civilization in this galaxy. There she would find all the races that were a part of the Council… and the occasional Quarian.
She was spending her time lying on a conjured bed in the cockpit and absorbing as much knowledge as she could on Aethyta and her sister Liara. Although, she wasn't able to find either of their locations. She did learn the secret connection between her mother and Aethyta. And she learned about her sister's obsession with the Protheans and her love of Archeology.
The trip to the Citadel would take several jumps though certain Mass Relays. There were two types of Mass Relays, long jump relays that could only send you to a predetermined Mass Relay or short jump relays that could send you to any Mass Relay in range.
Xena enjoyed these jumps as they required a lot of skill.
"T'Soni Herald, we have intercepted reports of a Heretic attack on a human colony. Recommend personal intervention as a means of introduction and statement of good intent." The Geth voice no longer came out of speakers but was pumped straight into her brain's audio processing center.
It meant she couldn't stick her fingers in her ears to ignore it.
She was not pleased.
"How many platforms are we talking about here?" Xena asked out loud.
The information was instantly available to her and her eyes widened.
"You want me to go up against an Old Machine manned by god knows how many heretics on my own?" Xena asked incredulously.
"Alliances ground forces are already on site and further reinforcements are en route. Your role as a Saboteur or Infiltrator would enable you to flank the enemy unawares."
"This is a bad idea." Xena grumbled. "How long until we get- twenty minutes?" Xena sighed in resignation. "How do we get me down to the planet without you being spotted? I'd rather not have to try and dissuade military and law enforcement officials from trying to board you?"
"We can perform a sub-orbital drop. We will be undetected and you will have surprise on your side."
Images and video clips combined with data on what constituted a 'sub-orbital' drop flashed through Xena's mind.
"ARE YOU INSANE? How am I supposed to survive falling from that height?" Xena demanded.
"Your implanted bone structure was designed to withstand the same stresses as a standard platform. Additionally, your suit is also reinforced to endure the friction of re-entry."
"How about the fact that the soles of my feet will be squished into paste?" Xena retorted.
"Pain input will be terminated until nano-healing bots have completed repairs."
"And the fact that my boots will be filled with blood?"
"All organic matter is recycled."
Xena turned green as she viciously attempted not to think about where that train of thought might lead.
"Mythal preserve me! Fine but I am doing this under-protest!"
Xena headed for the drop shoot that would fire her onto the planet, grabbing Geth weapons that had been left for her.
She had no idea how to use them but figured she had access to the information.
She just hoped she didn't shoot anything she wasn't meant to.
Once she was gloved up and helmeted she stepped into the chute.
"Erm… how am I supposed to use my staff? I can't just hold it in my hand as I fall."
"Our tests have shown that you do not need to hold the staff in your hand. Its close proximity to you enables it to act as a biotic amp."
"What about staff movements?"
"Records indicate that staff movements are not necessary for advanced magic users."
"Yes, but I am only eighteen… oh Dread Wolf! I'm only eighteen and I have just entered a war! Mamae is going to go ballistic once she's free of the Old Machine!"
There was a good few second's silence.
"We are grateful for your sacrifice."
For some reason that didn't make Xena feel much better.
"Mythal preserve me."
Eventually they reached the planet. Xena saw all this in her mind as she was connected to the ship and saw what it saw.
She braced herself and tried not to hyperventilate as she was fired from the base of the ship.
Screens of information became visible to her as she tracked her own descent and received input from the ship. With her eyes she was able to see the rushing wind beyond her visor.
Her body was buffeted by vibrations as she travelled at high speed to the ground below.
Sub-consciously she began downloading information about Geth shock troopers and how they could survive terminal velocity.
Then she skipped back to the term 'terminal velocity'.
She really needed a holiday.
Xena began to tense and assumed a Geth landing position as she got closer to the ground.
*Thud*
The landing was nowhere near as bad as she was expecting.
Then information on the Mass Effect fields used to 'soften' her landing came up.
She had forgotten about that. I can already hear Teach's lecture.
As Xena looked around she saw dust.
Her landing was easy for her but not for the ground and she had created a nice little crater.
Visual enhancements kicked in and she was able to see through most of the dust.
She also saw several heretic platforms aiming weapons at her.
"Fen'Harel dammit!" Xena muttered as she unhooked her staff and concentrated on Reductos and other wizarding magic for now to prevent friendly fire.
She quickly ducked down behind a nearby white metal wall and railing as the Heretics picked themselves up and began firing at her.
Meanwhile, in an unknown location, Benezia suddenly had a strong urge to hunt her youngest daughter down, grab her ear, and lecture her. And in two other unknown locations two other Asari both felt different emotions. One was fighting the urge to laugh her blue ass off and the other felt pity for whoever was on the receiving end of her mother's wrath.
She appeared to have landed at some sort of railway station. There were several levels of white stairs and platforms. Beyond the platform she could see purple mountains of majesty.
She'd always wanted to see America… of course she didn't think America had floating organic bags of gas. Politicians notwithstanding, of course, from what she had learned.
"Alert! Explosive devices detected!" The Geth announced in her head.
"You could just call them 'bombs'." Xena muttered as she ducked back down.
Four icons appeared on a map in her vision denoting the location of the bombs. She could also see them outlined through walls.
So far she had taken out two of the heretics.
She leaned out to take another shot when her targets head exploded.
"Possible Alliance allies have arrived."
Xena rolled her eyes. "Yes. Thank you so very much for pointing out the obvious." She said sarcastically.
"New strategy recommended."
Xena suddenly received details of this strategy.
"Why do you keep asking me to jump into imminent danger? Are you trying to get me in even more trouble with my mother?" She asked rhetorically.
Before she could get a response she leapt out. "Bombarda Maxima!"
The remaining four Heretics were sent flying towards the newcomers. Xena immediately ran towards them and jumped on the chest of the nearest platform and cast several Reductos in quick succession until the head was tiny pieces of disassembled scrap.
She quickly jumped to the next and repeated the same procedure. By the time she reached the third the newcomers had gathered their wits and dealt with the fourth in a similar manner.
They began to approach Xena, their weapons held cautiously.
"No time to talk. There are four bombs-"
"We dealt with them." The woman in front stated. She was fairly tall with the designation N7 on her chest.
"You were telling me everything else! You couldn't have told me that?" Xena asked in frustration and she looked skyward.
"We believed you did not want verbal warnings."
"By the Dread Wolf. We will be having a talk about this." Xena growled.
The three newcomers were looking at her worriedly as they couldn't hear the voices in Xena's head.
"I'm Commander Jane Shepard, Alliance Navy. This is Lieutenant Kaiden Alenko and Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams." The N7 woman introduced them.
"Xena T'Soni. Erm… I don't have a rank." She shrugged.
All of their faces where partially obscured by their helmets. Xena's visor was tinted but the helmet was shaped a lot like-
"Are you a Quarian?" Alenko asked curiously. "Because you look and sound like one."
"No, I'm Elvhen. I got word that there was a Heretic attack happening and I was sent to help out."
"Elvhen?" Alenko asked confused.
"Who sent you and who are the Heretics?" Shepard asked.
"The Geth sent me and these are the Heretics." She kicked a nearby body.
She took a sharp step back when the weapons were pointed at her.
"These are Geth." Shepard said firmly.
"No, these are Heretics. I should know. I've got a fair amount of Geth in my head." Xena said sullenly. Xena accessed her suit's commands and her helmet retracted and folded down to mesh with her armor leaving her head free.
"See? Elvhen." Xena grinned.
"You look human." Alenko said.
"Yes, but I have pointed ears and a very long life span" Xena explained to him.
"My god! She's just a kid, Commander." Williams said slightly disgusted.
"I'll have you know I'm 18 years old." Xena pouted indignantly.
"Ma'am, she doesn't seem to be an immediate threat and we do need to secure the artifact." Alenko spoke up.
"Agreed." Shepard nodded as she lowered her weapon. "Williams, you have point. Alenko, watch our rear. Until we can confirm your story you are coming with us." She told Xena.
"I knew this would be a bad idea." Xena hissed as she slumped her shoulders and turned to follow the soldier in pink and white armor.
"This encounter will provide optimal conditions for meeting with the Citadel Races. We recommend accompanying the Alliance Soldiers. We will pilot the ship to your destination."
Xena was not happy about this. Her family didn't have very many good things to say about governments in general. They had a bad habit of 'Leap first, Look later', which 9-10 failed badly.
As they headed towards the end of the platform Xena realized that they hadn't tried to take the assault rifle and pistol she was carrying, or Arcana.
"Your weapons and staff holster are inscribed with runes that ensure organics do no notice them."
"You can do magic?" Xena mumbled in quiet surprise.
"Negative. We can only inscribe the symbols. Your suit siphons a portion of your energy to power them."
"Still… that's one up on the biotics."
"Who are you talking to?" Shepard asked.
"The Geth. They put a computer in my head and they give me information and talk to me." Xena shrugged.
"A computer… in your head?" Shepard said skeptically.
"What do you think that biotic implant is in your Lieutenant's head?" Xena smirked.
"Contact!" Williams shouted as they reached some stairs.
Coming towards them were naked 'humans'.
They were hairless with no genitalia. They had grey/white skin with glowing blue eyes and large cables threaded above and below the skin.
"Bombarda Maxima!" The blast sent the three creatures sailing into the air and over the edge of the cliff the train station was built on. "Huh… look at 'em fly." Xena commented as she watched them vanish with a Cheshire cat grin.
"What the hell kind of biotics are those?" Williams demanded.
"Erm… classified?" Xena tried.
"We'll deal with it later." Shepard said quickly. "Let's secure the beacon."
The beacon turned out to be some sort of pillar.
"Why would the Old Machines want this?" Xena asked.
"Old Machines?" Alenko repeated.
"That huge ship; the Geth call it an Old Machine." Xena explained.
"We still aren't sure that this is why they came here. They may have just wanted to wipe out the colony."
"Williams!"
Xena and Alenko turned to see Shepard running towards Williams who was being dragged towards the beacon.
Shepard managed to push Williams away only to be caught up in the pull herself. She was lifted into the air, clearly with no ability to control her actions.
"Commander!"
Xena quickly grabbed Alenko and shoved him away to stop him from being stupid.
Unfortunately, she forgot about her recent upgrades and sent Alenko flying to the end of the platform.
Xena cast a quick summoning at the Commander just as the beacon exploded.
A/N: Hope you're enjoying the story so far. Please remember to vote on any polls I might have up.