Standard Disclaimer: I own no franchise that is mentioned in this work. Mass Effect belongs to Bioware along with any other material or references that occur in this work of fiction.

Authors Note: In the words of the Infamous Big Boss: "Kept you waiting huh?"

Yeah, that's correct. I really did keep all of you waiting. The Delay has been long and the time it took to finish this has been rough. Constant burnouts, writer's block, and the priorities of being a college student can really take a toll one's psyche. Nevertheless, I can't really promise all of you that updates will be every week, but what I can promise is an update every now and then. Which means every couple of months, not every two years. I also want to apologize for upsetting anyone with that "False update" I did a while back. It wasn't appropriate and it will never happen again.

That's all I have to say right now. I hope the newest rendition of "An Infinite Chance" suits your liking. If not...well I don't know what else I can do for you.

See you all in the next update!

Your Pal,

~OperatorMazzi

Prologue

Since the dawn of Mankind, Earth has given us the tools we needed to survive. The bountiful amounts of resources at hand were enough for Humanity to evolve in every way, shape or form. As time had passed and Humanity grew, Earth had begun to show the signs of hardship and instability. Humanity had realized that our needs from Earth were greater than she could supply. So, in due time, Humanity had set off beyond the reaches of their home and into the cold expanse of space.

The concept of a New Frontier offered the promise of a new beginning. But the distance gave way to a cycle of strife that Mankind had thought it left behind.

Unbeknownst to the those who resided on the Homeworld, the seeds of lies and manipulation were implanted into those who volunteered to support the continuation of the Human race. The lies of evil had severed their allegiance to the place they once called home. That severed connection was the spark that had once again sent Humanity near the brink of collapse.

The Solar War was a conflict Humanity will never forget.

Within the next decade, the Earth-based United Earth Colonial Federation and the Mars Based Settlement Defense Front, a secessionist faction that broke away from the Earth with blood and violence went to war with each other. Within the next decade, the Solar system was thrown into a new age of warfare.

The End result, the Colonial Federation had claimed a pyrrhic victory over Sol.

A victory that claimed over 10 million lives.

A broken Homeworld

And a shattered dream.

After the subsequent execution of the primary SetDef Leadership and the forced exile of what remained of their forces, the Colonial Federation did what it could to rebuild the place they called home.

By the Year of 2161, Humanity had brought back the concepts of peace into their lives. The Journey was long and brutal. But in the end, the shattered dream was beginning to peace itself back together.

What a false hope that was.

Act 0

February 15, 2165

Star System Designated KHJ-234

Colonial Navy Exploratory Vessel Ganymede

"Is this what STRATCOM wanted us to investigate?" Captain Davenport asked, making his way towards the ship's holo-table.

"Scans match the files we received prior to fast travel. Dark Energy. Highly concentrated. Its Radius is no more than three kilometers…it's an anomaly so to speak." The Sensors Officer explained.

"That's something we can agree on. The concept of Dark Energy has been theorized for centuries. Even Earthbound hasn't even cracked the case on it."

"Well, I guess they'll have plenty to sift through once we sent our report back to STRATCOM. Jacob, file up a report and send to Admiral Jeffords."

"Right away" The AI attached to the Ganymede responded.

"Navigation maintain a course towards the anomaly. Keep a leveled distance of 7 kilometers, we don't know what this thing has up its sleeve."

"Aye, sir!" The Nav officer responded.

XXXXX

Colonial Navy Exploratory Vessel Ganymede

Captains Quarters

"This is an outstanding find Captain. To think an anomaly as this existed. The International Science Foundation will surely a make field day with this find." Fleet Admiral Jeffords declared. "We'll send a Battle Groups to your position in a few days. Maintain your position and send in further information that falls under Priority Alpha."

"Ay,e sir. We'll keep you updated."

"Understood, Jeffords out."

After the line was cut, Captain Davenport look over the updated reports that were being sent in by the ship's sensor arrays. Things from Dark Energy readings to structural composition and to mass. Nothing was new in terms of discovery. He then changed his attention from the anomaly to the other celestial bodies that inhabited KHJ-234. Containing a single star, not unlike Sol, there were five planets. Most where barren balls of rock and or Gas Giants, but one was placed in the Goldilocks zone of the star. The atmospherical composition shows that the planet would be a suitable candidate for colonization. Hopefully, the wise men in the Federal Government will use this as an opportunity to open up another frontier for the unfortunate that still inhabit the Home System.

"An Initiative for a better dream. Better than the one that almost destroyed Sol."

February 17, 2165

Colonial Navy Military Vessel Valiant

Battlegroup Nevada

"Comms, give me an update." Captain Riley Sampson ordered.

"All ships are reporting in. They're showing green in all systems."

"Good. What about the anomaly?"

"Exploratory Vessels are calling showing green system-wide. They're ready."

Riley Sampson simply nodded. It had been two days since the discovery of the anomaly. When word had gotten back to STRATCOM, they decided it would be best to close off the system from civilian traffic until the primary function of the anomaly could be determined. Luckily that question when the flotilla that was assigned to the exploratory vessels had sent in a probe that was created a chain reaction that had sent the probe into an uncharted star system that they had lost contact with shortly after.

"Comms, send a broadcast to all ships in the vicinity. Tell everyone that the operation is a go"

"Aye, Captain. Sending broadcast."

Captain Riley laid back in his chair, looking towards the observation window, eyeing the anomaly.

"Battlegroup Nevada is awaiting orders, sir."

And with a deep breath, Riley gave the order to go. Simultaneously, the ships of Battlegroup Nevada approached the anomaly, maintaining a cautious but steady course. The tension on the air was thick as the crew of the Vaillant had their fingers crossed.

And then It happened. Contact with the anomaly occurred with the ships of Battlegroup Nevada.

"Multiple dark energy reading across the board captain!"

"The Sphere within anomaly is expanding!"

"Everyone remain calm!" Riley ordered. "Lieutenant! Get me-" The Captain of the Vaillant didn't get to finish his sentence as the Valiant was propelled forward at unrealistic speeds. Within seconds, the Ships of Battlegroup Nevada shot across the darkness of space. Seconds later, Battlegroup Nevada had arrived in an uncharted star system.

"Navigation, give me an update! Comms, give me headcount in the Battlegroup!"

"All ships are accounted for. All systems green across all boards."

"Sensor scans show us over 600 light years from our original position."

Riley felt his jaw drop when he heard what the Navigation officer said. "Captain I think it's best for us to retrieve the missing probe and report to STRATCOM immediately."

After retrieving the missing probe, Battlegroup Nevada went back through the now dubbed gateway and back to friendly territory.

Once this new discovery reached the ears of the STRATCOM, the engines of the next planetary rush began to spark.

Again. What a false hope that was.

Codex Information: Humanity

Topic: United Earth Colonial Federation

Founded to meet the needs of the systematic and planetary colonization of the Solar System, the former Allied Nations of Earth reformed itself into The United Earth Colonial Federation. While being a Supranational Government that oversaw the regulations of Earth and its colonies, the member nations of the Colonial federation retained their individual sovereignty back on Earth.

The Population of consists of over 12+ billion Humans that are based within Sol and several Extra-solar Colonies. The number of planets colonized by the Colonial Federation reaches a total of twenty, along with orbital stations and mining colonies.

The Military Arm of the Colonial Federation is referred to the Colonial Defense Force. The CDF Is the primary congregation of armed forces consisted of various Earth-based countries as well as several off-world colonies within and beyond Sol. The CDF Military specializes in both Offensive and Defensive warfare. Army Units of the CDF are mostly deployed for planetary invasions and peacekeeping roles within occupied territory. CDF Marines are known for their specialization In Quick Reactionary Efforts, Vessel boarding and ground deployments. The CDF Coast Guard specializes in maintaining security within Colonial Territory. Outposts such as the Lunar Gateway and Federation Black sites are prime examples of where the Coast Guard is stationed.

All within the Colonial Defense Force are required to undergo gene therapy to provide improved strength and stamina due to the various and unpredictable conditions that are present in the wild reaches of space.

The Navy is tasked with maintaining orbital security within Sol and her colonies. Supported by Orbital Defense Platforms, most Naval Defense Fleets are labeled impenetrable by Federal Standards. Expeditionary Fleets stand to own their as most are outfitted with top of the line Federation Technology.

The Colonial Federation's Allied Intelligence dubbed the Central Bureau of Allied Intelligence; colloquially known as "The Bureau" is the de facto Intelligence Agency of the Colonial Federation. Created sometime after the end of the War for Sol, The CBAI was tasked in the apprehension of several war criminals of the now-defunct Settlement Defense Front. Then after, the CBAI was expanded to meet the needs of a full operational Intelligence Agency. Specialized in various forms of Advanced Warfare, Fleet observation and analysis, Propaganda, Espionage, Clandestine reconnaissance, and Advanced research, the CBAI's reputation has varied over the years it's been in service due to certain events that have been blacked out by Higher officials. Although it is clear that the CBAI falls under the Naval jurisdiction, the CBAI has always reported to the leaders of the Strategic Allied Command, also known as STRATCOM.