Forward, This Takes place in the Mass Effect universe. Roughly in the middle of Mass Effect 2 when Shepard is a few hours before getting the message to go to Horizon. Having gathered Jack, Garrus, Grunt, Mordin, Zaeed, as well as Katsumi. Shepard is Male,Colonist, War Hero, Paragon/Renegade 75%/25% respectively. Class Vangard. Shepard has smoothed things over with the Council, and has Spectre status restored.

Mass causes Effects.

Chapter 1

Meeting new faces.

By. R. Reichelderfer

"No response to our hails sir, and no sign of the Ning'tao or the Ar'kif Warbird's wreckage." Lorix said as the Admiral pinched the bridge between his eyes. The Caitian Admiral closed his eyes and thought as he listened to Rear Admiral Tuvok. Explained the possibilities.

"Logic would that they did not pass through the anomaly with us," The Felinoid Admiral listened as he thought and said aloud.

"Or they are out there cloaked and simply deciding not to respond to our attempts to communicate." the Admiral said as the dark bridge suddenly lit up as one of the Comm channels said,

"Main power restored." His chief engineering officer said over the channel, Commander N'Doran a female Klingon.

"Thank you Engineering," Looking to the chief of Operations Commander Plaa as he turned around and said.

The grizzled Klingon warrior said, "ETA to full systems repair one hour twenty minutes. Shields and Engines should be operation in twenty two minutes. Weapons should be coming on line, in ten minutes Sir."

"Thank you commander." The Feline Admiral leaned back as he thought. Hitting the side of his chair he said, "Bridge to Astrometrics. Any clue as to where we are yet?"

Eight responded on the comm system. "I believe we are in the Milkyway Galaxy, in the Beta Quadrant. However...Only 75% of the area match up to star charts. within twelve light years." That made the more or less the entire bridge crew pause a moment as technicians looked at the Admiral.

"I'll be right down... Lorix..." The admiral was interrupted by The Reman as he spoke up.

"Admiral Sensors indicate unidentified vessel approaching our position. Minimal energy readings. I almost did not see it, I was monitoring a gravimeter distortion, when I turned active sensors to it and detected human life signs along with unknown lifesigns. The vessel is approaching from Port bow, two thousand meters and closing. Dorsal Port bow."

Hitting the comm, "Be down later Commander. Lorix put it on screen." Despite having so many commanders on his ship Ealkai Sig'ra had them all straight in his head. Everyone knew who was above them and below them. On the Dragonfire with a Crew of twenty-five hundred, it became a necessity. As the ship came on screen he looked it over. It was of an unknown design for sure. The vessel was about the size of a light cruiser as his Tactical officer began to rattle off details.

"Length 216 meters, Beam 100 meters, Height 65 meters. I am not detecting any sort of warp drive. Antiproton thrusters, it looks like kinetic based weaponry. And a primary power plant with an energy signature I can not Identify. It appears to be producing the gravimetric distortions. Thirty five life signs, most of them. Human."

Lorix Spoke up as he said, "It is not generating the same energy signatures as a Romulan singularity core. I am not sure how they are generating it sir." Stroking the fur on his chin, the Admiral narrowed his eyes as he looked the ship over. He noticed the two fins on the front. the front of the ship moving back to the wings which spread out. On the ships side had seen the word Normandy, and SR2. Finally as he relaxed he said. "This is one time I would really wish I was in a Caitain Carrier. Bridge to engineering. Priority one, get our shields and engines operational asap. I don't care what you have to rip apart for parts needed. You have ten minutes. Bridge out." Turning to look to Plaa, "Are transporters still operational?" Getting a nod from the commander he looked over to his chief of security. Commander Akenda Warring.

"Commander, Get a security force together, just in case diplomacy is not their strong suit." The young man nodded as he said,

"Standing by in Cargobays three and four ready for transport in five minutes."

"I have a feeling it would be a lot easier to begin first contact when you are not flying an unknown ship that has words in the same language as your ship."

The Breen lifted his head up in a nod of understanding. Finally after a few moments, "Admiral, Vessel is at 1500 meters."

Finally The Admiral stood up and said, "Mr. Tuvok, Isolate our computers, I don't want them attempting to access our database. Use only non Terran based symbols and language and encryption. Open Hailing channels. General broadcast."

-

"Unknown Shepard." EDI said. "The Vessel appears to be stationary, Power levels are fluctuating and well below what would be expected of a vessel of this size It is possible they are having problems with their mass effect core. There is no recorded data in my data banks concerning any vessel of this design used by any Earth allied groups." The entire command staff of the Normandy was assembled into the CIC.

The Talk of it being earth allied came as a surprise to Shepard and Joker. Miranda Lawson looked at EDI, "EDI Are you sure?"

"The Ship's Name and apparent registry is on the saucer section of the vessel in English. Observe." And at that point a Computer screen came up showing the data as Edi recited. "U.S.S. Constellation, NCC-1017. There is records of an Alliance troop transport, SSV Constellation." Shepard stroked the stubble on his chin and looked over to Miranda.

The Black haired woman said, "If it's a Cerberus Ship, The Illusive Man never told me about it."

At that point EDI spoke up sharply, "Shepard, The Vessel's power levels have stabilized and increased to levels beyond known scales."

The Salarian paced back and forth, "Energy readings beyond what a normal Eezo Core can produce, Energy signature... One conclusion Shepard. Matter anti Matter reaction Core. Not Element Zero."

"Anti Matter?" Garrus said, "What kind of fire power are we talking about?"

"Particle energy shields, Directed energy weapons. Matter anti matter Warheads on Torpedoes. Fascinating Salarian Government attempted to Harness matter Antimatter as power supply, reaction too high, too powerful. No way to harness the energy efficiently before it dissipated."

At that point the Jeff "Joker" Monroe "Glad the Stealth systems are engaged, But Commander, if that ship has energy weapons They could cut this Normandy apart like butter."

"Imagine it, Imagine the ship just cutting her way through anything that stood in her way. Could be worth taking Shepard." Jack said. "We could rule the stars." The only thing that came through her head was the level of destruction that ship could cause to anyone, especially Cerberus.

Shepard looked around as he said, "First I want answers. EDI can you access their data base Covertly? Let's see who we are dealing with."

"Yes Shepard." EDI said as suddenly she replied. "I am unable to access their database passively Shepard. The Technology on board the ship has been locked out to external access. I would have to begin actively Hacking them. Shepard we are being scanned."

"Scanned?" that surprised him, "How is that possible The stealth systems are engaged?"

"Collectors detected the previous Normandy. Problematic, recommend avoiding confrontation. Suggest Diplomacy. Odds of survival, not in our favor."

"We are at fifteen hundred meters Shepard, They are hailing us, broadcasting on multiple channels."

EDI put the message on the speakers as they heard the voice. It wasn't human but they were speaking English. They noticed a series of rolling R's with a purr to them. The S's were also a bit drawn out similar to a hiss or so. "This is Captain Ealkai Sig'ra of the United Federation of Planets, Starfleet Vessel USS Constellation. To the unidentified craft at fifteen hundred meters off our Dorsal Port Bow. Please Respond."

There was a slight pause as the name of the ship was spoken. Once more the this time with softer voice, more gentle. Something, about it touched Shepard as if it was a plea. "This is Captain Ealkai Sig'ra of the United Federation of Planets, Starfleet Vessel USS Constellation. To the unidentified craft at fifteen hundred meters off our Dorsal Port Bow. Please Respond. We mean you and your ship no harm." Finally Shepard reached to hit the Comm system.

And in a commanding voice "Joker drop the stealth system." And after opening the channel, and with an air of command he said. "The Is Commander Shepard of the SSV Normandy SR2, Earth Alliance Military responding to the U.S.S. Constellation. You'll need to pardon us, but there is no match to your ship's configuration in our database. And we have no records of any group called United Federation of Planets, listed as a governmental body or private enterprise. Can you please tell us where your ship was constructed?"

Shepard didn't like communicating by ship to ship or without seeing the other person. As he could hear some hesitation to the other beings voice and a sigh. "Utopia Planitia Shipyards, System Sol, Planet Mars."

"You're lying, There is no ship yard there!" The truth is there was a ship yard near Mars but Shepard wasn't about to admit possible data. He held his teeth as he listened to a reply that surprised him.

"Somehow that does not surprise me. There is a ship yard there in our Quantum Reality." It made Shepard, "Commander we were in an area that developed a Gravitational anomaly. Generating a Wormhole like structure, and when we passed through ended up here."

"Parallel Universe, gap in the fabric of space time. Must have passed through into our reality, would explain, but power requirements astronomical to cause breech." Mordin said as.

"You really expect me to believe you are from another universe?" Shepard asked, he wasn't going to discount the possibility.

"Not without proof Commander." And just as Commander Shepard was about to speak the captain Spoke. "Commander Shepard. I am more than willing to attempt tot prove to you that we are not from this reality, and to do so, I am willing to come aboard the Normandy. Have you ever heard of Caitains, Commander Shepard?"

Shepard listened to it and he realized what Captain Sig'ra was suggesting. "No I haven't."

"Have you heard of Orion's or Klingons?" When Shepard told him no, he continued. "I am offering to come aboard with my Chief of operations, and my Chief Medical Officer."

"No one else Captain?" Shepard asked.

"Well apart from my shuttle pilot who won't be leaving the shuttle. Considering I am willing to come aboard unarmed. And I have a feeling you would be more comfortable with us coming over there than you coming over here with no weapons. One moment stand by." And at that point Shepard could have sworn he heard someone in the background and a few moments later the Captain came back as he said. "Commander Shepard. I can imagine how this is for you."

Crossing his arms Shepard said, "Oh you can can you?"

"Yes. You come across a strange ship that has it's name in your language. Well one of them I would assume. And nothing in your data base is a match for it's design. So my thoughts would be some unknown power is attempting some form of duplicity. Then they give you the name of your solar system, a nonexistent ship yard, and a planet from your solar system. Then claims to be from an alternate universe."

"Alright I have to admit those thoughts have crossed my mind." Shepard said.

"Add into the fact that said alien ship is producing far more power than my ship is and most likely has technology I have never seen. My ship and crew are effectively lost Commander, We have a much better chance of getting home with assistance, than on our own."

Shepard gave some thought to it as he closed his eyes and thought. "Agreed. Alright Captain I am willing to let you come aboard. But I want to make this clear. No trouble and no weapons."

"Agreed, We will need at least twenty minutes before our shuttle can depart, Commander Shepard."

"Understood Shepard out." As the communication came down Shepard exhaled as Kelly Chambers said.

"Commander The Illusive man wants to speak with you and Miranda."

Closing his eyes Shepard said, "Right on time too."

-

Shepard stormed into the communications Miranda was close behind him. She had seen commander Shepard angry but this was something else. She could see the blue glow of a Biotic Aura forming around him. As the pair stepped into the communication area as the table lowered and then they began to be scanned. As the Illusive Man came up and appeared he took a long draw on his cigarette.

"Shepard EDI has informed me..." And at that point Shepard cut him off.

"NO! The Answer is NO!" The Anger and outrage Shepard projected was evident.

Taken back by Shepard's outburst. "Shepard, If you..."

"I said No. I am not going to try and capture them or steal their technology." Shepard said adamantly. Staring down the Illusive Man as only Shepard could. The Two would never see eye to eye. "I will do everything I can to convince them of the Reaper Threat we face. I will try to convince them to share their technology with the Council and the Alliance. But not you, NOT CERBERUS! That is Final. And if I catch ANYONE breaking that order, I'll hand them over to them with out questioned if they ask. Now do I make my self clear? For once you are gonna do as You are told and stay out of this." Shepard said with absolute fury in his voice.

Tapping off his cigarette The Illusive man was about to say something when Shepard again Interrupted. "Don't give any bull shit on you building ships to combat the Reapers. You may have the funds to spare to Rebuild me, and the Normandy. You are still just one man, running a small slice of a number of corporations. The Council can build those ships faster, and more effectively than you ever could. Any technology you get a hold of you would use it to bring misery to anyone you encounter. This Conversation is over! EDI Cut communications."

EDI cut the transmission as Shepard directed. Leaving the Illusive Man hanging on an empty line. Shepard had spoken to him in a way he had not appreciated. "Well Mr. Leng. It seems Shepard has become a mind reader."

"Can I please finally kill him?" Mr Leng asked knowing full well what the answer was. "People like Shepard are weak. They will make humanity weak, working with aliens. The very thought turns my stomach." He said.

"Shepard Still has his uses." The Illusive man said looking the design and build of the Constellation over. Three hundred ten meters long, A beam of one hundred forty-five meters, and a height of seventy-five meters. "When his uses run out, then we will see. Now what about you my dear. What secrets are you hiding from me. Matter anti matter power source. You'll fly circles around anything the Council races have. But how to get my hands on you?"

"Do you want me to lead a strike team to seize the vessel?" Kai Leng asked.

"No not until I know more about the vessel. I don't want to risk loosing it to the crew self destructing it once they realize they have lost the ship. Or the group being caught off guard by unexpected technology. They saw through the Normandy's Stealth system. For now let's let Shepard handle this, let's let him play nice, earn their trust. Convince them of the Reaper threat. Then when they start sharing their technology..."

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