This is an Alternate Universe story with OC's and OOC's something's will remain the same from canon for both star trek and mass effect well others will change some drastically. So understand that myself and Reven207 have taken liberties as the author's.
All dates are from memory alpha and Wikipedia. I am not using the alternate time line created by Nero, Vulcan still exists. In this universe Warp is faster then travel through the relays since you don't have to hit the relays you need to get to where it is you are going (fastest distance from A to B is a straight line).
This story is co-written with Reven207 and we both hope you enjoy it. Sorry it took a while but with out further adieu Reven207 and myself give you the rewrite of chapter 1.
Update 01/31/16
Reven207 and myself kicked around a few ideas for renaming the ship class since what I originally used was already taken in canon (I Personally don't like them but to each their own). We decided on Naming the Class after James T. Kirk so the Kirk class is born. Credit goes to Reven207 for the naming of the ship class. We have also updated and changed a few things since the rewrite was posted. We do hope that you enjoy the chapter and look forward to you continuing to read this fanfic.
2053- World War III ends. Earth is left devastated from nuclear war.
April 5th 2063- Dr. Zefram Cochrane pilots the phoenix to warp one this attracts the attention of a passing Vulcan ship the T'Plana-Hath. Peaceful first contact in made.
2065- SS Valiant is launched.
2067- Friendship 1 is launched.
2069- The colony ship SS Conestoga is launched. Communication with SS Valiant ceases.
2079- Earth begins recovering from its nuclear war.
2103- Earth colonizes Mars.
2142- Warp 2 barrier is broken.
2145- Warp 3 barrier is broken.
2148- Prothean Ruins discovered on Mars. Warp technology is deemed faster than mass effect technology. Researching mass effect tech is a non-priority but still continues. The humans and their Vulcan allies push the Gateway out of the sol system.
2150- Keel laid for the Enterprise (NX-01).
2151- Earths first warp 5 capable ship is launched (Enterprise). First contact with the Klingon Empire takes place.
2156-2160- Earth, Romulan war is fought between United Earth and its allies, and the Romulan Star Empire. The war ends in a stalemate though the Romulans are defeated in the battle of Cheron. The Romulan neutral zone is established.
2160-2190- The Daedalus class starship is active.
2161- The United Federation of Planets is founded by Earth, Tellar, Andoria, and Vulcan. Enterprise (NX-01) is decommissioned.
2162- The Federation adopts the stance of moving all relays out of Federation systems.
2188- The first Constitution class starship is launched.
2245- The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) is launched.
2285- The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) is destroyed to prevent its falling into Klingon hands.
2286- The newly refitted USS Yorktown (NCC-1704) is renamed Enterprise (NCC-1701-A) and relaunched.
2293- The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-A) is decommissioned.
2293- NCC-1701-B is launched.
2329- NCC-1701-B is decommissioned.
2332- NCC-1701-C is launched.
2344- NCC-1701-C is destroyed defending a Klingon settlement on Narendra III from a Romulan attack. This becomes a catalyst for the alliance between the Federation and the Klingon Empire.
2357- USS Galaxy (NX70637) the prototype Galaxy Class is launched.
2363- USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) is launched captained by Jean-Luc Picard. The Enterprise becomes the new flag ship for the Federation.
2367- Captain Jean-Luc Picard is assimilated by the Borg, the massacre of Wolf359 occurs, 39 Federations starships are destroyed and 11,000 officers are either killed or assimilated. Captain Picard is rescued and the Borg Cube is destroyed in orbit of Earth. Gowron succeed's K'mpec as High Chancellor of the Klingon Empire, the Klingon Civil War occurs forces loyal to Gowron are victorious over the House of Duras.
2369- Commander Benjamin Sisko is appointed as commander of the abandoned Cardassian space station renamed Deep Space Nine, the Bajoran wormhole is discovered.
2370- First contact with the Dominion.
2371- NCC-1701-D is destroyed by a warp core breach; the saucer section containing the crew makes a forced landing on Veridian III. The ship is subsequently declared a total loss. USS Voyager (NCC-74656) is hurled to the delta quadrant. Desiree Shepard graduates from Starfleet Academy.
2372- NCC-1701-E is launched, Klingon invasion of the Cardassian Empire occurs, the Klingon Empire withdraws from the Khitomer accord peace between the Federation and the Empire ends, after rescuing the Cardassian civilian government with the Defiant Captain Benjamin Sisko defends Deep Space Nine against a Klingon attack, negotiations between the Federation and the Klingon's break down and war breaks out.
2373- Dominion forces enter the Alpha Quadrant and the Cardassian Union announces that they have joined the Dominion. Klingon forces are forced out of Cardassian territory. Gowron's fleet arrives at Deep Space Nine for repairs and resign's the Khitomer accords, General Martok, Dr. Bashir, and Garek are rescued from a Dominion prison camp in the Gamma Quadrant. The second Borg invasion of the Federation occurs, another Borg Cube is destroyed above Earth. Captain Benjamin Sisko lays a minefield at the entrance of the wormhole to prevent further Dominion ships from entering the Alpha Quadrant, The Dominion War begins. Deep Space Nine is captured by the Dominion.
2374- The Alliance recaptures Deep Space Nine the aliens that call the wormhole home, the Prophets, prevent 3000 Dominion reinforcements from entering the Alpha Quadrant. The war enters its darkest hour, Dominion ships catch the Federation 10th fleet out of position and launch a full scale invasion of Betazed the out of date and understaffed planetary defenses are overwhelmed, Betazed falls in 10 hours. Lwaxana and Deanna Troi lead the Betazoid resistance against the Dominion occupation, the Enterprise-E leads a Federation attack squadron and liberate Betazed. After leaving a conference with Dominion representatives Romulan Senator Vreenak's shuttle is destroyed, the Tal Shiar lays the blame at the feet of the Dominion. The Romulan Star Empire enters the war.
2375- The Breen Confederacy joins the Dominion. After launching swift attacks along the Alliance front lines, the Breen launch a surprise attack against Earth only a handful of Breen ships escape, but the damage is done. Under mounting losses Cardassian forces begin rebelling against the Dominion. Chancellor Gowron is killed in combat with Commander Worf as the victor Worf proclaims General Martok the new High Chancellor. Financial and civil rights reform sweep through the Ferengi Alliance as women begin receiving financial rights. The Federation Alliance begins a final offensive against the Dominion, the Cardassian fleet turns against the Dominion and assists the Alliance against the Dominion lines, the Dominion fleet falls back to Cardassia Prime, under orders from the Founder the Jem'Hadar begins committing genocide on the Cardassian population, Odo convinces the Founder to surrender. After two years of devastating losses on both sides, The Dominion surrenders to the Federation Alliance. With the Klingon military in ruins, and the Cardassian Union shattered, The Federation and Romulan Empire emerge from the conflict as the only major powers with the influence to affect Alpha Quadrant politics.
2376- The Romulan forces withdraw back to Imperial space, leaving the Klingon Empire and the Federation in charge of occupying Cardassian territory, final casualty counts puts Cardassian losses both military and civilian at over one billion. In the immediate aftermath of the war the Federation Council makes two monumental decisions, the first decision is to make an offer to the Klingon Empire to transform the Khitomer Accords into a mutual defense pact. Second is to offer temporary membership to the Cardassian Union, under these circumstances the Cardassian Union would maintain a certain level of autonomy within their own borders, but Starfleet and the IKS would patrol the borders of Cardassian space, all of the Union ministries would fall under the supervision of the corresponding Federation departments and federation overseer would be posted to all government, scientific, and military facilities and in exchange the Federation would provide its resources to rebuilding the shattered Cardassian infrastructure and training new engineers and scientists, this agreement is until such a time as the Cardassian Union is officially back on its feet, but with the option to formally join the Federation if they wish to. Both the Klingon's and the Cardassian's agree to the respected proposals. By years end Chancellor Martok and interim Legate Garek sign the new treaties on Bajor.
2377- The Bajor Accords are formally adopted by the Federation, the Klingon Empire, and the Cardassian Union and the rebuilding of Cardassian worlds begins. Commander Shepard is awarded the Starfleet Medal of Honor for her gallant actions in the Battle of Earth becoming one of the youngest recipients of this award. A reform movement begins across Federation space demanding a reinvestment in the defense and infrastructure of the Federation.
2378- USS Voyager (NCC-74656) returns to the Alpha quadrant. With memories of the occupation still fresh and a belief that peace with the Dominion might not last long, the citizens of Betazed request permission of the Federation council to establish a standing army to defend the planet, this request is denied, the planet Betazed soon becomes a hotbed of the reform movement.
2379- The entire Romulan Senate is murdered by Reman rebel Shinzon, with backing from the Romulan military Shinzon becomes Praetor of the Romulan Empire, after a failed attempt to capture Captain Picard; the Enterprise and two Romulan Warships engage Shinzon's battleship, Commander Data is lost in action destroying Shinzon's super weapon, Commander Data is posthumously awarded the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor and promoted to the rank of Captain. The early design Soong android designated B4 is taken to the Daystrom Research Institute, seeing such an early design android institute scientists and engineers are hopeful that they will finally be able to continue Dr. Soong's work. Captain William Riker formally takes command of the Titan, the vessels first assignment is to transport Ambassador Spock and diplomatic staff to Romulus to establish the first permanent Federation Embassy on Romulus, the Titan becomes the first Starfleet vessel to be granted diplomatic status within Romulan space, although the two sides are still a long way towards full peaceful relations this is seen as an optimistic first step. Following the Shinzon incident the Reform movement gains more support within the Federation's core worlds.
2380- The Breen reemerge from hiding. A surprise attack is launched by Breen Privateers against the Bajoran sector. 110 Breen ships capture key points in Bajoran space including Deep Space Nine, distress signals are sent to the Klingon and Federation ships patrolling Cardassian space, the closest ships to Bajor and the first to arrive were the IKS Rotarran under the command of Captain Ch'Targh and the IKS Ya'Vang under the command of Captain Alexander son of Worf, the Ya'Vang and the Rotarran assist the USS Defiant in rescuing the beleaguered Bajoran Militia defending Bajor.
Despite being boarded Deep Space Nine is able to hold off several attack waves of Breen ships and as Federation, Klingon, and Cardassian reinforcements began entering the Bajoran system the surviving Breen ships flee. Similar Breen attacks occur in the weeks following the attack on Bajor, the Breen Confederacy denies responsibility for the attacks claiming pirates carried out the attacks. The reform movement begins to solidify into a reform party, the Federation begins to see planet representatives adopting reform points of view and more politicians begin expressing a desire to see infrastructure reform.
2381- The Reform Party finally finds its spokesperson. After seeing Starfleet and the Federation return to diplomacy and exploration as if the Dominion War never happened and the increased threat of the Breen, Admiral William Ross resigns from Starfleet and begins to speak out against current Federation policy. Members of the reform movement hold a convention on Mars to make nominations for upcoming Council elections former Admiral Ross is nominated for the presidency under the Reform Party ticket. The Daystrom Institute announces their success in replicating a fully functioning Soong android to the Federation press her name is Edith. Election Day in the Federation, the Reform Party wins the Presidency and a majority on the Federation Council. Edith follows in Data's footsteps and enrolls in Starfleet academy.
2382- William Ross is formally sworn in as President of the United Federation of Planets. Reforms sweep through the Federation as the priorities of the Federation change, science, diplomacy, and exploration will always be important to the Federation the reinvestment in the defense of Federation territory shall commence. Starfleet is reformed into the Armed Forces of the Federation, this new organization encompasses Starfleet and the newly created Federation Starfighter Corps and the Federation Marine Corps. Newer starship designs go into production at shipyards across the Federation, older vessels return to spacedocks for refit and upgrades among these are the formidable Galaxy class Battleships. Six months into the fleet upgrades a decision is made that the Miranda class Destroyers have reached the limits of their structural and technological upgrades, by the end of 2382 after 112 years in service to the Federation the last Miranda is retired from active service.
Construction of new defensive grids and orbital defenses begin across Federation space, the goal of the new defense grids is to give each planet in the Federation the ability defend themselves against the Borg. The Betazed request to form a standing army for self-defense is approved by the new Federation Council. Recruitment begins across the planet, other planets soon begin petitioning to form standing armies.
Dr. Conrad Verner publishes his dissertation on dark energy, at the urging of other Starfleet scientists a reevaluation of Mass Effect technology begins.
After much debate the decision is made to reassign the registry number of the now retired USS Farragut to the first ship of a new class of vessels. USS Normandy (NCC-1702-A) keel is laid.
2383- Bajor formally joins the Federation, the Bajorian militia is absorbed into the armed forces. Colonel Kira Nerys remains the commanding officer of Deep Space Nine after being promoted to the rank of Captain in Starfleet, at the request of Bajor the Defiant, the Rotarran, and the Ya'Vang will remain on permanent deployment in the Barjoran sector. Production on the Normandy is delayed to accommodate the Mass Effect Project. Defense grid upgrades of Earth and the other Federation core planets have been completed and the first wave of new Starfleet ships leave the shipyards staffed by one of the largest graduating classes in the history of the academy. Late in the year Breen privateers catch the Federation colony world, Vega in the middle of defense upgrades and launches a full scale attack on the planet. Commander Shepard, who was in the middle of shore leave on Vega when the attack occurred rallies the Marines against the Breen and defends the capitol until reinforcements arrive.
2384- Klingon intelligence agents posing as mercenaries manage to track the Breen pirates back to their base located at the sight of the battle of Chin'toka. General Zaeed of the IKS is put in command of a mixed Klingon/Starfleet attack force against the pirate base.
Wanting to get even with the Breen, Commander Shepard requests to join the assault and the General approves. In one of the most brutal battles since the Dominion War the joint attack force descends on the base. While the fleets engage in orbit Klingon soldiers and Federation Marines are transported to the surface and begin to the assault on the main base. The battle lasts for six hours and is very costly to the task force, but in the end the pirate base and pirate fleet are completely destroyed.
The Commander is at the center of the victory on the surface, killing several pirates in hand to hand combat and liberating several prisoners being held inside the base. Within the Federation Shepard becomes known as the Hero of Vega. The Klingons call her the Butcher of Chin'toka.
The full fleet refit has been completed including the upgrades to the Galaxies (the addition of a third nacelle and a phase cannon mounted to the saucer section). Edith excels in the academy, but many are surprised when an apparent relationship between Cadet Edith and Cadet Jeffery Moreau begins. While relationships are not discouraged at the academy it is not something instructors anticipated, the rest of the academy class takes bets on how long the relationship will last. In recognition for her distinguished service Commander Desiree Shepard is awarded Starfleets highest honor, the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor and receives a promotion to Captain.
2385- The Klingon Empire has fully recovered to prewar levels. Construction of the USS Normandy is completed.
USS Normandy NCC-1702-A (Kirk class battleship)
Size
Length 1370 meters
Beam 449 meters
Height 176 meters
Length of saucer 701 meters
Nacelle span 426 meters
Length of Nacelles 643 meters
Armament
32 phaser arrays
2 forward quantum torpedo launchers
6 forward photon torpedo launchers
12 aft photon torpedo launchers
(Each torpedo launcher could fire transhphasic torpedoes)
Defenses
Ablative generator armor
Deflector shield
Propulsion
Impulse engines
RCS (Reaction control system) Thrusters
Quantum slipstream drive
Warp core (Warp 9.5)
Experimental Mass Effect core
Earth Station McKinley
USS Normandy (NCC-1702-A)
Captain Desiree Shepard sat on in her ready room onboard the Normandy reviewing the crew manifest and the Starship specs. All of the advanced technologies that Voyager had learned from their voyage through the delta quadrant had been incorporated in to the design of the ship. She was still getting used to everything from the ablative generator armor and the quantum slipstream drive to the transphasic torpedoes. Desiree looked back down at the data pad in her hand to look over the specifications of her ship and couldn't help but smile at what she saw.
"Captain, we are being hailed by the starship Enterprise".
Looking up from the data pad Shepard couldn't suppress the grin that appeared on her face. "Route the signal to my ready room".
"Captain Shepard" Captain Picard's voice could be heard moments later.
"Captain Picard a pleasure as always" Shepard replied.
"Likewise, I must say that getting command of your own starship suits you. Still settling in are we?" Picard asked.
"Yes, we're still taking in some of our inventory and Starfleet command informed me about some crew transfers that will be arriving this afternoon". Captain Shepard responded leaning back in her chair.
"Good, good, your mother sends her regards and says sorry she couldn't come see you off" Said Picard.
"It's okay I talked to her earlier she's busy negotiating with the Ferengi". Shepard replied with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"Well Captain as I'm sure you've guessed I didn't just call to see how you were settling in. Are you familiar with the Shanxi colony?" Picard asked.
"Shanxi? That's the planet founded by Chinese colonists in 2357 right?" Shepard responded.
"Correct, it's taken several years for the colony to really establish itself, but a few days ago a more detailed survey was conducted of the system revealed something. One of the planets in the system isn't a planet" said Captain Picard.
"It's a gateway" finished Shepard.
"Correct, sensor scans caused some sort of activation sequence and the heavy ice shell surrounding the gateway broke apart, according to our scientists on the scene the gateway is in a semi active state. However standard procedure still applies we will tractor it out of the system to remove any potential threat to the colony" stated Captain Picard.
"And I take it that the Normandy will take part in the removal?" Captain Shepard asked.
"Correct, two starships and a bird of prey are already on station you will proceed to Shanxi as soon as you finish taking on personal, I will join you with the Enterprise, the Akira, and the Constantinople just as soon as we finish offloading the new orbital defenses at Vulcan. Now that you have been briefed on just how dangerous these things are, they require absolute care when removing. The slightest miscalculation could result in an explosion that could destroy the entire system" said Picard.
"Understood Captain we will remain on standby until you arrive, we'll be underway in three more hours" Shepard replied.
"Excellent, now there is one other thing captain, you're mother asked me to relay this information to you personally. You are being assigned a new first officer, the decisions already been made" stated Captain Picard.
"What? Why? Pressly and I have been going over this ship for months. We know the ship inside and out and can predict each other's intentions. I'm afraid I don't understand Picard. Replied a very confused Shepard.
"Commander Pressly is to be given his own command. Your new first officer has extensively studied both the Terran Gateway and this element zero. It was decided to have an expert onboard incase this Gateway is somehow different from the one in the Terran system" Captain Picard retorted.
"Well then who is it?"
Shepard emerged from her ready room looking shaken. "Where is Lieutenant Commander Williams?"
"I believe she is overseeing the cargo transfer".
"Thank you".
Normandy lower decks
"Careful with that, do you want to crack the casing on that torpedo?" Yelled a young female Lieutenant Commander.
"Sorry ma'am".
"Let's keep it moving people we have a schedule to keep. I expect the rest of this cargo brought onboard, sorted, and stored in the next three hours. And if you all want to keep your jobs you won't disappoint me". The angry young woman shouted.
"Such a slave driver. She must get that from her Klingon half." Came a voice from the other end of the cargo bay.
"Who said that" Screamed the Lieutenant, spinning around she met the eyes of her commanding officer.
"Hey Ash" Shepard greeted with a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Shit Captain, my apologies I was merely trying to…" Said Williams before Shepard interrupted her laughing.
"It's quite alright, walk with me please LT" Shepard replied.
The two young women proceeded out of the cargo bay and into the corridor.
"How's your mother LT?"
"She's good, I don't know how she handles three half human daughters with an absent par'Mach'kai, but she manages it". Ashley said looking at Desiree.
"Ash I know you and your father have issues, but he is a good man" said Shepard.
"Yeah sure, running off to battle whenever the Empire gets into a war my dad is a fine Klingon. But he's a lousy father and husband. Look Skipper your my friend and my sister, a member of our house, but one of these days you're just going to have to understand that you and the General have a different relationship then I do" Ashley responded.
"I know that, I just keep hoping that you two will sort things out" Shepard shot back.
"I haven't even seen him since I graduated from the academy and as I recall that last conversation ended with a broken nose and a broken arm" Ashley replied.
"Yeah, but he gave you just as good you did him" Shepard chuckled.
"Heh, I guess so" said Ashley.
"Join me for a bite in my cabin?" Desiree asked.
"Why not, I've been shouting orders for the last 3 hours I could go for some food".
The two women then made their way to a turbo lift.
"Computer deck 8" ordered Shepard. The lift taking them to their destination.
"Everything seems to be in order so far the new engineers will be arriving a little late. We should be ready to depart once they're aboard, assuming that Starfleet gives us an assignment soon". An annoyed Ashley said.
"I received a communication for Captain Picard an hour ago, we have our marching orders. A science team at the Shanxi colony found another gateway. We'll be taking part in its removal and studying it further. Top brass wants to see if it's the same design as the Terran one" Shepard replied
"Shouldn't be a problem, the ship is operating at peak efficiency right now. Should Pressly and I work on a plan of action should it become unstable?" Ashley asked.
"Pressly will be remaining at Spacedock, we've been assigned a new first officer. Picard assured me that Pressly will be getting his own command out of this transfer". Shepard replied with a hint of sadness.
"Isn't it a little last minute to spring a change like that on us? I mean I'm glad they finally gave Pressly his own command. Kahless knows the old space dog has earned it. But why give us a new first officer right when we're about to leave Spacedock?" Ashley asked.
"Since we're investigating a new one of these gateways the Federation Council wanted both an experienced officer and someone who has studied the gateways, so here we are". Shepard told her.
"Who is it?" Ash asked.
"Mera" replied Shepard, not able to look her best friend in the eye.
"Computer halt! Mera? As in the cold hearted ice princess?" Ash shouted.
"Ash don't call her that" Said Shepard.
"Ghuy'cha, You're still in love with her aren't you?" Demanded Ashley.
Shepard didn't respond to her sisters demand.
"I can't believe this. How can you still be in love with that Orion bitch? You offered that woman your heart, and she threw it into waste disposal" Ashley yelled.
"It was years ago Ash, I'm over it. She studied the Terran gateway for 2 years after she graduated the academy. She was serving as XO on the Rutledge, which is going on a 3 month patrol on the Cardassian border. She is not vital for the mission therefore she has been reassigned to us. And as a member of this crew you will show her respect. I know you hate her for what happened but I expect you to remain professional because there is nothing either of us can do to change this. Do I make myself clear?" Shepard responded.
"Crystal Skipper" Ashley replied dejectedly.
"Computer resume turbolift" ordered the Captain.
"I understand we're taking on another engineer". Ashley said breaking the award silence.
"Yes, her name is Naughtlin Jaco and she should be boarding in 2 more hours" Shepard responded
"Jaco, that's a Bajoran name right?" Ashley asked.
"Yes it is".
"Hmm".
"What" Asked Shepard.
"You think Klingon women are opinionated…" Ashley started.
"True" Shepard interrupted.
"Bajoran women are worse" Ashley finished.
"Not possible" Shepard scoffed.
"Have you ever met a Bajoran woman?" Ashley asked.
"Yes I've known a few" Shepard responded.
"Oh really, do tell?" Ashley playfully asked.
"Yes and they were very considerate and courteous" Shepard replied.
"Ahh I see. And after how many drinks did their courteousness come flying off their bodies?" Ashley asked in a not so innocent tone.
"COMPUTER HOLODECK. You picked the wrong day to screw with me Williams" Shepard yelled.
USS Normandy
Two hours later
In the passage ways of the Normandy, the ships two newest arrivals held each other.
"Can you believe it Edi? Our first deployment and it's on a Kirk Class Battleship. I can not wait to get behind the helm of this baby and best of all we get to share the con. Best day since graduating from the Academy, oh and since meeting you of course" Jeff said just barely recovering.
"Nice save Jeffery" replied Edi.
"Oh come on Edi you know my mouth is quicker than my brain can handle I didn't mean to…"Jeff said before being interrupted by Edith.
"That was a joke."
"Crap why did I have to introduce you to humor?" Jeff deadpanned.
"You introduced me to love as well Jeffery". Edith said embracing him in a hug.
"I do love you Edi. I can be emotional enough for both of us" replied Jeff returning the hug.
The two tightened their embrace and kissed each other while waiting for the turbolift. The turbolift opened to reveal Captain Shepard and Lieutenant Commander Williams.
Williams then cleared her throat and shouted "Captain on deck"
Edith and Jeff snapped to attention.
"Captain!" shouted both ensigns trying and failing to hide their blushes.
"Names now" Shepard demanded.
"Ensign Edith reporting for duty ma'am" responded Edith.
"Ensign Jeff Moreau reporting for duty ma'am" Jeff replied moments later.
"Well ensigns I expect you two to remain professional while on duty. Understood?" Shepard told the two of them.
"Understood ma'am" both the ensigns replied.
"Very well" Shepard responded, before moving down the corridor.
"Captain you seem to be limping, do you require medical assistance?" Edi asked.
"I'm fine ensign" Shepard replied.
"That was a little harsh" Williams said once out of ear shot.
"I can't have my officers making out like horny teenagers in the passage ways" Shepard responded.
"Bridge to Captain Shepard".
"This is Shepard go ahead".
"Commander Mera is about to transport aboard".
"Understood" Shepard said exhaling and leaning on the bulk head.
"Ashley, could you do me a favor and umm, greet Mera in the transporter room for me please?" asked Desiree.
"Will do Des" Ashley said reverting to Shepard's childhood nickname to comfort her friend.
"Right, well I'll be on the bridge" Shepard replied and headed back to the turbolift.
Ashley continued on to the transporter room to welcome Mera aboard. Truth be told it stirred strong emotions in her when she learned that Meira would be taking over as the first officer. Mera was one of the top students at the academy, she had always resented her Orion attitude and how easily all the subjects came to her. Then she broke Shepard's heart, it took every fiber of her human half to keep her Klingon half from marching to Mera's dormitory and killing her right then and there.
Shepard's mother and her's had been friends for a long time so they had always planned on their children growing up together, but that situation changed in 2351 when Mr. Shepard died in the Cardassian border war. Following her husband's death Hannah Shepard asked her old friend if she could take care of her little girl whenever her assignments were too dangerous and from that day forth Ashley and Desiree spent much of their childhood together.
The hiss of the transporter room door snapped Ashley out of her reverie. She entered the room just as the light of the transport snapped on and in an instant Mera was standing on the transporter pad. She hated her, but even Ashley had to admit that she was a gorgeous woman.
"Welcome aboard commander".
"Lieutenant commander Williams, it has been a long time. Where is the captain?" asked Mera.
"On the bridge, she's overseeing the final transfers. We're ready to clear dry dock, if you would follow me please". Ashley replied before turning and leaving the transporter room.
"Very well, lead the way Lt. commander" Mera responded.
"The crew has already been briefed on the mission" Ashley told Mera as they made their way towards the bridge.
"Good, will this crew be able to handle the mission?" Mera inquired.
"Moving a gateway is dangerous, but there is a procedure in place for a reason. It might be our first mission with a young crew, but we won't be doing this on our own" Ashley responded.
"True, computer deck one" Mera ordered.
As the turbolift began it's ascent to the bridge all that could be heard in the compartment was the hum of the turbolift. Interestedly enough it was Mera who broke the silence first.
"And how is the Captain?" Mera asked apprehensively.
"She's fine" responded Ashley with a slight edge in her voice.
"Good, no psychological damage from the Chin'toka mission?" asked Mera.
"She's fine" repeated Williams.
"I see is she still infatuated with me?" Mera asked somewhat hopeful.
"Computer halt" Ashley ordered. "How dare you, did you request this? You could've gotten assigned to any other ship in this task force. Did you come here just to torment her again?" Said Ashley enraged by the Orions boldness.
"Still protective of her I see, and those emotions are still very close to the surface. Starfleet assigned me to the Normandy because of my study in Dark Matter and of the Terran Gateway. I can assure you that while I still have emotional feelings towards the Captain I will not let them interfere with the mission". Mera said staring back at Ashley. "But given her past infatuation with me it was only reasonable to inquire as to whether or not the commander felt the same way she did in the academy, as it could have an effect on our cohesion". The Orion scientist stated before looking forward.
"She feels nothing for you". Ashley replied coolly before ordering the turbolift to resume.
USS Normandy
Bridge
Ashley and Mera exited the turbolift onto the bridge of the Normandy. The layout was not much different from the setup of the other Sovereigns in the fleet, but it was a few meters larger than average to accommodate an additional monitoring station for the ships mass effect core.
The bridge was a buzz with activity preparing for their departure from spacedock. The crew stood at attention as the new CO and XO entered the bridge, at the same time Captain Shepard exited her ready room.
"Captain Shepard, Commander Mera reporting for duty" Mera said.
"Welcome aboard Commander, you're command codes have been entered into the ships computer. Assume your station". Shepard ordered before moving to the Captain's chair.
"Understood Captain".
Captain Shepard sat in the Captain's chair and began reviewing all the available Gateway information on her Pad.
Mera took her seat to the Captain's right.
Ashley walked over to the Engineering station and began going over some minor details of the mission plan. As the ships XO she wanted to make sure everything went according to plan and had the engineers go over the plan for the Gateway one last time. If any calculations were off it could end with them setting off the device. To maximize safety when towing one of these devices at least six starships were required to transport gateway's out of solar systems.
One hundred years ago a gateway had been found in an uninhabited system that the Federation had been considering colonizing the two starships which had been dispatched to survey the system attempted to remove the device themselves. The resulting explosion was visible from Qo'nos.
After she finished at the engineering terminal Ashley took her seat at Shepard's left.
"Captain we have clearance from dock control, we are clear to move out". The comm officer said.
"Acknowledged, helm engage RCS thrusters and impulse engines. Ease us out of the docks, Comm send a subspace transmission to the Pagh". Shepard ordered before sitting in the ever coveted Captains chair.
The Normandy slowly started to move out and away from the dock with the grace befitting a queen moving to a distance of about 800 meters away from the docks.
"Engineering engage element zero core" ordered Shepard
"Element zero core online, energy readings stable, starship mass is dropping, we are cleared to engage warp drive" Mera stated looking up from a data pad.
"Helm Warp 8, engage" Shepard ordered.
"Warp 8 aye Captain" Ensign Moreau repeated before acting on the order.
"Captain receiving a subspace message, it's from the Enterprise. It simply says good luck". The Comm officer called out.
"Thank you, send Captain Picard my compliments" Captain Shepard replied.
"ETA to the Shanxi system is 8 hours" Edi informed Shepard from the helm.
"Excellent, I'll be in my quarters. Inform me just before we enter the system. Commander you have the bridge". With the orders issued Desiree made her way to her quarters.
"Understood Captain" T'Mira responded before taking the Captain's chair.
Shanxi System
8 hours later
"Captain we'll be exiting warp in a few moments" the helmsmen reported. A few moments later the Normandy dropped out of warp near Shanxi.
Cracking her neck Shepard gave the order for the Normandy to head towards the relay and for the engineers to make sure they had the power to move it. She then sent a message to the colony and the Klingon bird of prey Pagh to let them know that the Normandy was in the system.
The Pagh acknowledged the Normandy's transmission and sent the Con a set of coordinates for the Normandy to assume.
While the Normandy was moving into position a spike of energy was detected from the gateway.
Turian Patrol Flotilla
PFS Cabal
Colonel Hertis Narrinus was to put it mildly bored. Patrolling inactive relays and enforcing the council's laws banning the activation of dormant relays. Nothing ever happened on these patrols though they occasionally ran in to pirates or the suit rats. The latter were easier to chase off with threats to their precious live ships. He chuckled when he thought of what the Turian Councilor said about the Council secretly passing a mandate to let the Quarians go extinct.
"Serves them right. Spirits damned suit rats" Hertis said out loud.
He was brought out of his mussing's when the pilot informed him that they would be entering the system that relay 314 rested in.
"Good then let us begin watching the relay" Narrinus stated before leaning on the railing of his raised platform.
"Colonel, relay 314 is active, though currently it is in startup mode". The navigator said from his station.
"Someone has activated a relay without council permission? Send our codes to the relay and activate it, we will go through the relay and punish these lawbreakers". The Colonel ordered before contacting Palavin.
The patrol sent command codes to the relay and jump started a full activation process.
Once the flotilla dropped out of FTL the Turians reformed into a wedge formation with their dreadnought in the rear. After the flotilla was reformed Narrinus gave the order to make way to relay 314. In a flash of light the Council patrol disappeared into the next system.
"Sir I'm tracking four unidentified vessels by the relay. They don't match anything in our data bases and scans are showing that only one ship uses Mass Effect technology. It looks like they are activating the relay".
"Is this species stupid or something? Charge weapons, we will punish these barbarians and claim them for the Hierarchy" Narrinus ordered.
USS Normandy
"Captain the gateway is now at full power" Jeff called out from the helm.
"Captain Shepard long range scans have picked up multiple contacts 10 minutes out and headed our way. Reading twentyfive ships they do not match any known ship designs in the Federation and appear to be powered by mass effect technology" Mera informed Shepard.
"Yellow alert, standby weapons and shields, notify the Pagh we're about to have first contact" Desiree ordered. She then turned to a betazoid who was not only the ships councilor but a language specialist. "Can you tell me anything?"
Tose Zunen looked at her Captain before responding "I cannot understand the incoming species language, but I sense a great deal of hostility directed from them".
Desiree sent a hail to the Pagh and told them what the betazoid had said. She smiled when the Klingon ship offered to activate their cloak and get behind the contacts. She declined the offer stating that that would cause them problems. "Hail the unknowns make sure to use the universal translator. Now let's introduce ourselves".
"Hailing on all known frequencies ma'am" the chief of security answered.
"This is the USS Normandy of the Federation of planets. To whom am I addressing and where do you come from?" Desiree sighed before sitting down, "Now we wait."
"Captain I don't think we're getting through to them, either the mass effect fields are interfering with our transmissions or their communication systems are completely different from ours". The Comm officer said with worry evident in there voice.
"Keep trying, we must establish contact".
PFS Cabal
"Sir the unknowns, I think they're hailing, but our systems are having trouble with their signal it. It could also be some form of probe, scan, or they use a completely different form of communication". The navigator said looking up from there console.
"What happened to our contact package? Didn't you transmit it?" demanded Narrinus.
"We did, but I think they may be having the same issue" came the response from comm.
"Or they're deliberately ignoring it. Scan the ships, what are their offensive capabilities?" growled the Turian Colonel.
"Only one ship has any Ezzo, we can't tell what's powering the other three ships, there appear to be torpedo tubes but no discernible cannons or point defense weaponry. I can't even detect a mass effect barrier" Said the weapons officer.
"We are still trying to decipher their signal sir. Should we send another contact package?"
Narrinus glared at the turian for asking such a stupid question. "Yes I want you to send another contact package". He took a breath to calm himself. "This is the PFS Cabal of the Turian hierarchy. You are in violation of Citadel law power down your vessels and surrender them to us or be destroyed". Narrinus then switched to fleet comms "attention all ships target their dreadnought standby to fire".
USS Normandy
"Captain I think they have been transmitting the whole time, but the system they are using is hard for ours to understand. We are now running it through the universal translator". The comm officer relayed to Shepard.
Finally they had a signal and the universal translator was able to translate what the Turians were saying, but Shepard did not like the way this situation was unfolding.
"Captain I recommend raising shields" Ashley said getting a nod from Mera.
"This is Captain Desiree Shepard of the Federation starship Normandy to who am I speaking to?" asked Shepard.
"This is Colonel Hertis Narrinus of the Turian Hierarchy and in command of this flotilla".
"Colonel, why are you demanding the surrender of my allies and my ship? We've never heard of any Citadel law so how did we know we were in violation of it?" Desiree asked.
"That doesn't matter you will surrender your ships and crew to us. You have one minute to cooperate before you are fired upon".
"Well Colonel that's going to be a problem. The Federation does not negotiate with terrorist demands and the Klingons you just threatened even less so". Desiree cut the channel and started yelling out orders. "Red alert, arm all phasers and torpedo tubes".
"Captain I'm sensing increased hostility from the Turians" Zunen worriedly told Shepard.
"Captain I'm reading an energy spike I think they're preparing to fire" Jeff yelled out.
"SHIELDS"
Several shots impacted the hull of the Normandy before the shields could be fully activated. Chaos erupted on the bridge as the comms console exploded frying the Normandy's comm specialist instantly, as well as resulting in an explosion near counselor Zunen.
"Shields now active".
"Get reports from all sections" ordered Shepard.
"Casualty reports coming in, unidentified weapons are now being deflected off of our shields. They appear to be some form of high powered rail cannons, confirmed solid shot weapons, no indication of directed energy weapons" reported Edi.
"Prepare to target the nearest ship with our phasers, contact the Pagh tell them to cloak and move behind their lines, all other ships form up with us" Shepard ordered.
PFS Cabal
"Target the other ships and disable them. If anything we can subjugate this species". Narrnius was glad that he had the weapons officer warm up the mass accelerators in case they needed it. He felt the familiar vibration of the deck as the main cannon fired and smiled. "Primitives" he scoffed.
"SIR ONE OF THE SHIPS DISAPPEARED. IT'S NOT SHOWING UP ON SCANS."
Narrinus mandibles snapped against his jaw in irritation. "Impossible all ships fire".
USS Normandy
"In coming enemy fire, the Pagh has cloaked and is moving to take out a few of the frigate size ships".
As soon as the tactical officer said that the hostile rounds impacted the shields. The whole ship shook but no rounds hit the hull.
"Target the nearest hostile ships weapons and engines only". Shepard ordered the weapons officer.
"Understood firing".
Twin orange beams of energy shot out from the Normandy's phaser banks directed at the closet vessel to them. The phasers passed through the ships barriers like they weren't even there impacting on the engine section of the ship and the main cannon. The phasers proceeded to punch straight through the hull. The ship exploded in a brilliant orange blast.
"Phaser crews I ordered engines and weapons only no hull shots, what happened?" The captain demanded.
"I don't understand what happened captain. We targeted their main weapon and engines that shouldn't have happened" responded one of the phaser crews over the comm.
"Captain I believe I can explain, their ships weapons and defenses appear to be based on projectile weaponry and not directed energy weapons. When we fired our phasers it burned straight through the ship" reported Edi.
"Captain the Pagh, the Saratoga, and the Pollux have all opened fire, five more unidentified ships have gone down, the others are attempting to withdraw". Ashley said with both happiness for the unknowns falling back and sadness at the unintentional loss of life.
"I want one of those ships disabled, torpedoes only. Reset the photons for low yield detention. Have them detonate prematurely hopefully that should be enough to destroy the engines without destroying the rest of the ship. Ordered Desiree before sighing at the loss of life.
"Tactical confirms torpedoes reset" said Mera.
"Fire".
"Torpedoes away ma'am".
Shepard watched the view screen as the torpedoes sped towards two of the unidentified ships. Both torpedoes detonating close to two separate ships engines crippling them.
"Captain, the Pollux is moving to intercept the larger vessel. My tactical scans indicate that the Pollux has reset their torpedoes towards a high yield setting" Edi said with concern.
"They're going in for the kill shot" said an astonished Ashley.
"Hail the Pollux tell them to…"
"To late captain they've already fired".
PFS Cabal
Narrinus stood at his raised command platform speechless having just watched six of his patrol go down to the powerful beams of this new race. Two more of his ships had been crippled by the strange torpedoes the ships fired. He ordered the helmsmen to move the Cabal and the remaining ships back to the relay to regroup on the other side and contact the Hierarchy.
All ships acknowledged the order and began to withdraw.
Much to his surprise one of the unidentified saucer ships began advancing towards his position and fired five glowing orange torpedoes the Colonel ordered the helmsman to move the ship out of the way of the torpedoes. But to no avail.
The bridge lit up with an eery orange glow. Drawing the attention of everyone on the bridge and what they saw horrified them. Five torpedoes were headed towards the ship. Before anyone could react they slammed into the Cabal exploding and causing a breach in the eezo core causing it to explode as well.
The rest of the Captains in the flotilla were shocked. Then all hell broke loose when four more ships exploded in the middle of the flotilla's formation. Four ships managed to escape back to Turian controlled space in the resulting chaos.
Normandy
"That's two ships disabled and eleven destroyed". Captain Shepard said, before continuing. "Contact Starfleet Command and notify them of a hostile new race and request reinforcements I have a feeling those four that escaped will be back with a lot more ships then what's here".
"Our weapons were devastating to those ships. Their shields have no effect whatsoever. The Pagh reports that their disrupters were equally destructive to these ships" said Ashley.
Shepard let out a sigh before ordering that the crews were to be transported to cargo bays one through eight. She then had engineering raise a forcefield around those cargo bays to prevent any of their guests from escaping. "Williams head down to ensure our new guests are comfortable. I'll be in my ready room awaiting orders from star fleet".
"Yes ma'am" replied Williams. She then got on the turbo lift and headed towards the cargo bays.
Chapter Two is in the process of being rewritten for those that have been following this story. And the eezo cores uses will be explained in further chapters I ask that you be patient and let the story develop.