A/N Alright hello, this is an au version of Mass effect. I plan to try and keep it in line with the story while also keeping some of these ideas in the story. I would like to say that I got some of these ideas (namely the one for other galactic governments other than the Council) from Fullparagon's Meek story. Also this is my first attempt at a fan fiction type story so I hope people like it.

Also, Mass Effect belongs to Bioware, so while I might have fun toying with their world, I do not actually own any of it, other than perhaps characters that I make up out of thin air.

After some reviews expressing displeasure at this Chapter, I have felt the need to revise it slightly though I may have made it worse, I think it reads better this way and makes a bit more sense.


In the year 2118, a prospecting team discovered a subterranean alien ruin on mars. Within the ruins the team found stockpiles of weapons, ships, and unknown minerals. Within two years, human scientists had combed through the ruins to discover the purpose of the facility, as well as the name of the species that it had belonged to, the Protheans. As human understanding of the facility grew, they began to learn how to use and build the armaments that were found. Particle guns that could tear through armor shielding in seconds, advanced stealth units that could make a person completely disappear from all modern sensors, enormous starships, and the mineral called Element Zero which showed potential in unlocking previously unused portions of the human brain.

The news of this discovery sparked a war back on earth between the great superpowers of the age. For ten years the war raged until at its apex, explosions of light erupted across each of the great nations. Leaders who were thought to have escaped the destruction soon fell silent. In the absence of their governments, various groups attempted to take over in each of their own nations. These civil wars served to only weaken these devastated nations further.

While these larger nations were crippled and distracted, the empire was on its way to formation. Within ten years a new group brought together the smaller nations that had survived the great war and managed to avoid the destruction. This group began to bring the remnants of the great superpowers under their flag, showcasing a rudimentary mastery of the weapons cache on Mars. In another decade this group would become the Arcturus Empire, centered within Arcturus Station.

However, halfway through the Empire's formation a large transport of element zero, meant to be utilized for the foundation of the first Human engineered fleet, was destroyed within the atmosphere of Earth. The element zero spread across the Earth, causing severe health problems in nearly everyone unlucky enough to be exposed. Within a few months four billion humans had died of the cancer that the element zero caused, severely damaging the remaining human population of seven billion. But, the children of those who survived would continue on, with many exhibiting signs of special abilities.

These children would one day lead us to glory and salvation.

-A lecture on Imperial History


Relay 314

-2157

Aboard the Turian dreadnaught Kepral.

CaptainVictus looked upon the deck of his latest command. Two days ago he had been given command of the Kepral and ordered to investigate some odd readings surrounding relay 314. Victus couldn't help but admire the sheer seize of the Mass Relays as the passed by it on their way to relay 314. As they exited FTL speed Victus noticed one of his XO, Caerun Sidonis approach him.

"Sir" The Caerun saluted Victus before continuing, "We have picked up some unknown ships surrounding the relay."

Victus arched a brow plate at the XO, "Unknown?" he questioned, "What are these ships doing around the relay?"

A turian at of the ships monitoring stations responded, "They appear to be activating the relay, sir."

Victus could hear Caerun growl, "That is a blatant offense to Citadel law, we must take action sir."

Victus slumped back in his chair, "My first command and I get to begin conflict with a new enemy." he said before motioning towards his communications officer, "Contact the Hierarchy and inform them that we are about to enter combat with an unknown enemy." he ordered.

"Everyone else, to your stations and prepare for combat."