We Have Survived As We Had For All Our Lives

by Midweekcomic13

The Galaxy is a cruel place where luck plays more than fate. A species that has survived till they achieve interstellar flight is a lucky one, spared from the harsh reality. But Humanity isn't one of those species, as a young race that barely just started their space age, the Galaxy plays a cruel luck upon mankind. Humanity, now forced to leave Earth, must face their Galaxy.

2. Chapter 2: The End Of An Age

Path That Will Lead To Our Salvation

Chapter 2: Knowledge Is Power But Silence Is Golden

Hi! And welcome back to my second chapter of this story. But before that I will like to give my thanks to my fellow reader for their helpful review, I will take their advice into consideration. So if anyone wants to Beta my stories, just PM me and well start discussing from there. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy. :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Mass Effect!, so don't sue me please.

PS: Again I'm sorry if there is any grammar error, until I can get a Beta, I will try my best to make this chapter as clean as possible.

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The Year 2016, 8 days after Zero Hour

Time Left: 74 Years, 11 Months and 23 Days

# On an undisclosed location in a top-secret building #

"-nd destruction can be seen almost everywhere in many major cities around the world. Washington DC, Paris, Sydney, London, Moscow and others are almost completely leveled. Some coastal cities are wiped out because of a large tsunami in parts of South America and Africa. Millions of lives are lost and the death count are still rising as rescue workers desperately tries to find any survivors that are still traps in many of the fallen buildings, but what they find are mostly the dead. It has already been 8 days since the disaster struck and officials from around the world has still yet to shed some light on the current situation but some are speculating it might be space debris or rouge aster-"

That was all the news reporter could say before the TV screen turn off.

"God dammit, this is turning into a more complicated mater." Said E whose eyes are tired from the constant report of infrastructure damage, economics loss and the death count of his citizen.

"I agree…." R decided to say. "With the media trying to pry answers from us, the economy in a brink of collapse, and the impending doom that threatens our very existence. I can say that we have our hands in the shits"

R wasn't looking better than E, his homeland has been hit harder than any other countries. Since his country is bigger in mass, he has more problems than he can handle with.

Professor Q decided to say "As R has put it lightly; the aftermath of this event has also severely crippled several of the world industries putting another obstacle in our upcoming plans to avoid the impending doom."

"Speaking of impending doom what plans are you suggesting that we go with professor?" A says the first time since the meeting started.

Q clears her throat and says "Well with the short amount of time and loss of several important members of my team, not much gentlemen. My team and I will need more time to gather our options and replace our members whose are unfortunate enough to be killed in the disaster. If not, our progress will be slow."

"We will try to assign some of the best people from around the world to your team professor, but it will take time as people outside will get suspicious if some of the great minds just disappear. Is there anything else that might help your team professor" E Says

"Now that you mention it, my team and I will need more funds for the project as I feel that new technology will need to be researched and manufactured by engineer for whatever future plans we might have. Also I will need these two people here *she hands E a piece of paper containing two names* to be here since I will be staying here a while" Said Q

"We will try to get your funding professor, but with the economy in the brink of collapse. I don't think you will be getting big funds anytime soon. It will also be difficult to transfer funds without being suspicious either. But I can at least get you the two person you requester in under 2 days" Replied E.

"Thank you E"

Then R ask, "Speaking of suspicious, how are we going to tell the media about our current situation?, should we tell them the truth or make a cover story."

"We can't tell the public the truth or more chaos will ensure and given our situation, we can't afford people panicking running around the streets shouting 'The end is near!'." G replied hastily.

"I agree.." Q said, "We can't let the public know or civil order will collapse and put another big obstacle to our future plans. We need the people to calm down and say that the worse has ended." Continues Q

"It's settled then, all in this room will not reveal our current situation to the public in hopes that civil order will maintained." G Told them and all in the room say in unison "Agreed!".

"What about the smaller nations?" A ask, "What about them?" R says to A.

A answered R question by saying "Well, as far as I know, we are the only people to know about the impending doom, shouldn't we be telling other world leaders about the situation. Maybe we can even get their help, no matter how small."

E sighs and says "We don't know if the other nation's leader will even help us at all A. Given the level of destruction I think most of them will try to save themselves and get whatever resource so they can rebuild."

"But how would you know that every single one of them will be like 'every man for themselves' E?!" A countered. It wasn't known to many people, but A and E has a sort of rivalry where they would argue every time they discuss matters no matter how small.

"I don't know A!, but we also don't know if some of them even want to help us. We can't risk telling to other leader's information about our current situation and risk a leak in this secret. It's tough, but we need the population of the world to be calm so we can carry out the future plans without trouble!." E sharply replied.

"That's enough you two!, we have enough trouble now so quite the fuck down. A, I'm sorry but E is right, we just can't risk information leaking out to the public. If it does, we might have ended humanity because of that." G says trying to get control of the two.

"But!..." A tries to say but cut off by R "Enough A, we have other matters to discuss now, please."

A reluctantly comply but his face shows that he wasn't about to drop the subject easily.

Q looks at her watch and says "Well, time is at the essence, I will need to be with my team to supervise the planning. If you will excuse me." "Of course Professor, we thank you for your time. We will be seeing you later on the next meeting to discuss on the option you compiled." E said while smiling to her.

With that Q went out of the room to meet her team.

"Now" G says, "What's next on the list of discussion concerning the world?"

"Well, we have the matter on several member like F, C, J, AU, AR and others that was killed in the disaster or gone missing. How are we supposed to replace them? This organization is top-secret and only very high official knows this organization even exists. Not even The United Nation Knows we exist. We can't just let newly appointed leader to join this organization. It was clear that in the new organization system that the next country leader to join us must have the previous leader approval." Said R while reading a report from a paper.

E sighs at the loss of many members of the organizations as most of them had been his friend; there were many of them from the major countries before the disaster happened.

Now there is only 4 of them currently in the building, some others that did survive the disaster can't join because their country needs them or gone missing, their fate still unknown. E hope that his best friend H was alright as H was among the missing member.

"This is troublesome, with no way for us to get access to AR rich oil supply, C abundance of construction workers and J advance technology without suspicion and high cost. Our progress on the future plans might be slowed down because of this." A finally decided to say after he lost the previous argument.

"Yes…. this will be a set back to our future plans. But I think the solution is that we should get a close political friend of AR, C and J, if they have any, and get them to be leaders of their respective country. It will take a while but the payoff will hopefully be great." E suggests.

"While I think your solution is great E, we have to remember that not all politicians would want to lead their country. It would be a great burden to suddenly force unto them. We might have to convince them first without stating our true intention on why we need them to lead their country." R said

"That is true, how are we going to solve that problem…..wait…that will work" G thought to himself.

"I think I know how we are going to solve that problem. How about we fabricate a fake will of each previous leader that say along the lines of 'I want my political friend to take my place and lead my country to prosperity '. With that we may be able to get those we wanted to lead their country with the illusion that they are honouring their deceased friend." Said G,

It's a great plan in G opinion but the thought of using dead people to solve their problems make him feel a bit sick. 'It's a small sacrifice, for the better of humanity' G say to himself to reassure him that what he's going to do is doing is right.

"I agree with you G, while I think it's wrong to use dead people for our own purpose. I am capable of seeing the necessary sacrifice needed for the future plans to work. I agree with his plan." Said A supporting G plan.

"I also agree" R said to them.

"I disagree!" shouted E angrily as the thought of using some of his dead friend for their own gain sickens him. "How can you guys so easily agree to G plan?, doesn't it disturb you to use your decease friend for your own use. R, how can you agree so easily, some of them is even your close friend?!." E continues to say his disagreement.

With that question asked by E, R grimly replied "I'm sorry E, but as a leader of my country, I have to put my feeling aside for the greater good of my people….". E was shocked by R statement, he turns to A and Q and says desperately "Guys.., you can't be serious about this plan do you…do…you?".

G decided to answer E question, "Sorry E, we are serious. As they say, 'desperate times call for desperate measure'. I'm really am sorry E, but with humanity existence being threatens, we need to do everything we can in our power to avoid so. Even if it does sickens us…".

A also decided to say "If it was in any other circumstances E I would agree with you, I really would for once, but as G said we have no choice if we want to save humanity from certain destruction. Sacrifice has to be made."

E was silent and stayed that way for a while, in that silent moment E thought to himself, "I am sorry my friends, I hope it could have been different. H if you are alive or not…..forgive me…".

With a deep sigh, E looks at A, G, R and said "Very well, I will go through this plan. But that doesn't mean I will like it, let's get this worked out perfectly and flawlessly without trouble. Now, how are we going to do this?, I don't think I can do-…."

With that G interrupted E and said "Don't worry E , I know a man who is right for the job so leave the work to me."

E let out a relieved breath, clearly showing how he hates following the plan. Let alone doing it himself.

"Thank you G" Thank E

G just nodded.

The room was silent for a moment before R decided to continue the meeting, "Well, with that settle, we can get on to other matters-." But before he could say anything further, E said "Wait… before we continue how about we take a fifteen minute break?"

"Ok then, this meeting will take a fifteen minute break. As you all know, protocol dictates that all you see or hear in this room must stay classified." "Even Q?" "Even Q, don't tell her about the plan to replace the leaders of other country that has lost or missing their current leader. The fewer the people know the better." R says to remind his fellow leaders the level of classification that is about the information on the disaster.

With that, the four people in the room slowly make their way out to enjoy the short break. But not for E, E quickly made his way to the toilet. When inside he then start to wash his face by using the sink as his stress level is reaching its maximum capacity.

E sighs at the current turn of events and starts to think back what transpire at the meeting, "I still can't believe that we are really going through the plan, hmmm…. at least…at least I don't have to do any work for that to succeed. But still…." E thought and the rest he was thinking was forgotten when he notice that his short break is about to end.

E quickly made his way back to the meeting room, but as he was walking there he stumbled upon Professor Q who is carrying some important looking files.

"Ahhh Edward, I hope that the meeting is going smoothly?" Asked Q who now uses their real name as they are not in the meeting room

"Umm yes Quincy Quinn…. you could say that… and please, call me Ethan" replied the now named Ethan Edward "Call me Quinn and is there anything wrong? You look very tired there Ethan." Quinn says with a worried tone.

"Nah nope, I'm fine. It's just the stress of running the country with all the things going on at the same time, and now the impending doom that threatens our very existence really did put a toll on me" Ethan Edward answered her with a small smile. "But don't worry, I'm fine really"

"Are you sure Ethan, you look so tired. I don't recommend you work too much, you need some rest too. You're only human." Said Quinn

"Again I'm fine Quinn, don't worry, I know how to take care of myself." Ethan assures her with a smile, "Umm…I thought you're supposed to be supervising you team Quinn?" Ethan then asks when he remembered that Quinn was supposed to be with her team. "Ahh, I was just getting some file that concerns .what for my team."

"Is that right… oh crap! I forgot that the meeting would be starting soon. I'll see you later Professor" Said Ethan now remembering that he is needed in the meeting room.

"Oh ok, don't let me stop you" Quinn says with a smile on her face.

With that said, Ethan hastily went back into the meeting room. When he enters the room, A says with a smirk on his face "E, how nice for you to join us. What? Can't remember that we only had fifteen minute break that you suggested?, I thought that you would be the first back in the meeting room since you wanted one."

"Shut up A, I'm not in the mood for your shit." Ethan replied angrily to A while sitting down on his chair. "For your information, I got caught up talking to Professor Q and simply forgotten the time."

"For a gentleman you sure are rude to forget about your own work E" A said to himself and Ethan almost didn't catch what he said. "What did you say A!?" Ethan shouted.

"I said-" A tried to say before he was interrupted by R hitting his fist on the table and saying "Enough!" Both A and Ethan was startled by R angry voice as it conflict the usually quiet and calm personality of R.

"I've had enough of you two both bitchin about small things, you are leaders of your country for heaven sake. Try to act as one! rather than a spoilt 6 year old child that didn't get what he wanted. We are professional and try to remember that the purpose of this meeting is to make sure that humanity does not go extinct because of a Neutron Star!. Now it seems that I would also have to stop two fully grown men arguing with each other long enough to save humanity." R took a deep breath before continuing.

"Look….., I know we all are stressed out with all that is happening and getting a little moody. I know, my country got hit harder than you two combined so don't give me 'my country got hit hard' shit. If it helps, try to remember that the hardship we will go through now will ensure the survival of our species. Think of the next generation to come that will to remember our hard work. Think of your future children lives."

R sighs and says "I also know that we will not live to see the fruits of our labor, but our next successor might and continue were we have starting from this very room. So please, let's CALM THE FUCK DOWN AND GET BACK TO WORK!." R lets out a breath and took a deep breath from his long speech.

Silence dominate in the meeting room as they were still shock at R outburst, who knew the calm and quite person can get this angry.

Minutes passed without a single word being said and the noise that can be heard is outside of the meeting room as workers hastily doing their job.

It took a while but G finally manage to find his voice and says "Well, now that we manage to 'calm' down, let's get back to our discussion shall we?."

"Alright, let us then. Let's see what's next on the discussion shall we…" R said while looking through different files. "How about we discuss… the construction of a Research and Manufactory Facility so that our scientist and engineer can work without being disturbed"

"Alright, let's get on with it, so we can get some rest for the first time in days. Any problem with the construction plan?" A says to them.

"Well the problem is that most of the recommended sites are now destroyed by the asteroids and it will take time to make those sites buildable. It could takes years that we can't afford to lose. Also, there is the issue of resources and workers that is needed for the construction." R decided to answer A question.

"Hmm…., I think we should discuss about the location for the construction first." G says to them.

"Whatever, R what location site that is available now that isn't affected by the asteroids?" A said lazily.

"Well.." R started to say, "We have Alaska, Greenland….what's left of it, New Zealand lush countryside, South Australia near the Emu Junction Airport, The Sahara Desert, China mountain range and the Antarctica."

"…..that isn't a lot to choose from." Ethan stated. "It's the best we have now, don't start complaining. Now, let's choose a suitable location." Says R.

"Hmm I admit that I'm not good at choosing location so I recommend that we ask Professor Q advice in this matter?" G suggested to his colleague. "Why can't we decide for ourselves G? I mean it's not exactly rocket science." A asked to G.

G crossed his hand and replied, "We are politicians A, not a geologist. We can't treat choosing the construction site that lightly, we need to think the cost and upkeep before and after building the facility. We simply can't waste what's left of our resources than needed."

"Wait, Q is a geologist? I thought she was just our residence umm..what you called them. 'Space scientist'?" A ask lamely.

"An Astronomer A, and yes she is one. But she also has a PhD in geology, biology and physics. She is also a cosmologists, astrophysicists, astrobiologists, physicist and apparently psychiatry." Says R trying to help A in his confusion while reading through Quinn files and amazed by how much knowledge this women have at such a fairly young age of 34.

"Wow!, she must be like a super scientist then huh?. She's not bad-looking too." A said with sarcasm and with a smile on his face.

R chuckled a bit and said, "In a way yes, Professor Q is one the best mind in our time and she contributed a lot in our recent space program. This is why she is one of few who knew of this organization existence. Also, she's a mother of two A."

"Oh, didn't know that. Wait, don't tell me that the two people she requested are her children?." A ask in curiosity. "Yes" Ethan then decided to answer his question "Their twins, a boy and a girl, about three years of age. They are being taken care of the local babysitter when Q out at work."

"Ok, we are getting of topic here. Now, should we ask the Professor Q for advice or not?" G said, trying to get his colleague attention back to work.

"I say yes."

"Me too."

"I agree."

With that G stated, "Ok now that we all agreed, we will postpone this discussion till the next meeting with Professor Q." "Now what's next?..." R says while looking at the different file on his desk.

"Well, we do have the resource crisis. I think that should be cleared up next." Ethan suggested.

"Yes….that is important." R clears his throat and said with pure seriousness, "With many of the world natural and artificial resources being destroyed by the asteroids, the power balance and political power of some country have become destabilize. Mainly, it's the country that relies on imported resources and goods to meet their country demands."

"It has also caused several European countries from mid-north west to start small skirmish on the other European nations in the eastern side of Europe for the resource reserves as they are desperate enough to take whatever resources they can to keep them from collapsing." R continues while getting a file that has a big red 'TOP SECRET' on it. "There is also report from my intelligence agency saying that in the light of this new threat to the attacked nations. Many of them are making a sizeable alliance to combining their military power, resources and economies to not only counter the aggressive nations, but also to survive from the disaster."

"Through this event, the number of attacks from the aggressive nations should be getting smaller, if their rational enough, as they have no near enough military power to go against the new alliance. While this would be good news, I'm afraid sadly that this won't last long as it would no doubt force the aggressive nations to make an alliance of their own and a war between these two new alliances would break out and it will be devastating to our rapidly diminishing resources." R says with a grim look on his face.

"What countries are in the alliance?" Ethan asked.

"Well it is mostly the North Eastern part of the European countries that is making the alliance and its growing outwards to the South West as more European nations are joining the alliance." R answered.

"This is worrying" G started, "If this keeps up, the European nations will be split into three factions and the two factions will no doubt be asking for help to the western European nations like my country. Even your country will be involved E."

"Dammit, the world situation is worsening by the day, with war going to break out in the future. I don't know how it's going to get worse." A stated while holding his head in frustration.

"It's about to get worse A." R said while looking at his phone, "Look at the screen" he then turns on the projector to see a news reporter saying something important.

"-just in, war broke out between South Korea and North Korea. There was an explosion on the border wall that has sparked a small skirmish between the two nation border guards and turn into a full-blown war. As we can see now *the camera pans into a convoy of South Korea military transport heading toward the border line* there has been a massive military deployment to the border of North and South Korea. No one knows who fired first and both nations are blaming each other, but one thing is certain, it is going to be a long and gruesome war."

"I take it back…." A said, "This can get worse…"

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*#Humanity Book Of History, Volume 13#*

Chapter 113, the Order, Peace and Prosperity Organization (O.P.P.O)

Not much of the organization is known as the only source of information was provided by 'The Great Four'. Even then, the information they given to us is the very basic of how the organization run.

The organization was secretly made on October 13 2014 B.D.E when all the major nations of the world manage to achieve a fragile but relatively stable peace and needed a more suitable organization for their needs as the United Nation was not suitable for them.

The organization main purposed was to maintain peace between members of the organization, but it also serve as a way to improve their country in economy, social, military and space program which is recently added when getting equipment and astronauts to space was cheaper. This is due to the fact that a new revolutionary design was made. (More information in the Chapter 120, 2015 B.D.E Revolutionary Space Program)

The first members of the organization have also made a new system on replacing their future retiring members. (More information on Chapter 114, The O.P.P.O system)

The number of members in the organization was many before the event that changed humanity, but after the asteroids disaster event that is now commonly known as 'It Began' had almost wiped all members of the organization. There were only four known surviving members at the time, this four would be later in history being known as 'The Great Four'. (More information in the Chapter 200, The Great Four)

That is all that is known to the Order, Peace and Prosperity Organization (O.P.P.O). The rest of it was lost in time and in the knowledge of 'The Great Four' when they passed away.

*#-CHAPTER FINISH-#*

Author notes: Well I hope you people enjoyed it, sorry if there are any grammar mistakes in there. For those people that doesn't like me naming people by letter, don't worry, their name will be revealed soon in the later chapter so I am sorry if there is any confusion. Also thank you for the helpful reviews and I hope you will continue to do so. Also, I will be planning a rewrite on chapter 1 and 2 if I feel like it needed so. Anyway, thank you again for reading my story and I will see you on the next chapter.