V: Ultimatum (outline only)

by RedCenturionG

The galaxy has entered a dark new era. The destruction of the Reapers should have dawned in a new era of galactic peace, but instead, it is threatening to tear it apart. Shepard's legacy is being used to destroy the very foundations of galactic society, one block at a time. And if it continues down this path, the logic of the Reapers will be their last living testament. OUTLINE.

2. Act 2 - Alliances, Pt1

V: ULTIMATUM - ACT II: ALLIANCES, PART 1:

The following chapter outline details the first twelve chapters of ACT II: ALLIANCES. As the act title suggests, it would have covered the political scheming between governments following the establishment of the New Council and return to the "status quo".

Chapter 13: Aftermath:

Section 1:

A brief summary is placed at the start of the story: The year is now 2191. It has been five years since the Reaper War ended (and subsequently four years since the events of Chapter 12). In 2187, the New Council was formed on the remains of the old, dawning a new era of galactic government that involves every species instead of just a select four deemed important enough; every species now has a say in the formation of galactic policy and the organization of government. Due to strenuous lack of resources available to devote to such a task, it was decided the Citadel would remain in orbit over Earth until a means was devised to move it to its original resting place, making Earth effectively the capital of the New Council. All power has been restored to the Citadel, and half its original population has returned. Repairs to the Council Chambers were conducted and completed, with the room now sharing space with a statue of Marcus Shepard; a monument to the galaxy's hero. The war memorial on Earth stands as a frozen testament to the sacrifice faced during that war, and the adversity that pulled them through it. Large portions of London are now livable again, and water once again flows through the Thames; most of London has been repaired or is in the process of being repaired, as are cities all over the world; Earth is slowly recovering. Most of the former nations have been permanently reshaped and splintered: the Russian Federation has fragmented into two nations (Western Russian States (WRS) and the People's Republic of Free Siberia (PRFS)), the United Republics of Asian Nations has collapsed (Japan has become independent once more as the Republic of Japan, with the Korean peninsula under their control, China and India have merged into one nation known as the Indo-Chinese Empire, Taiwan has become independent and is known as the Second Republic of China), the Middle Eastern Confederacy has been reformed and renamed the United Israeli Republic, the Oceanic Empire has collapsed (Australia has become split, with Queensland becoming an independent country known as the Northern Australian Alliance and the rest of the states and New Zealand uniting to become the Greater Australian Federation, and Indonesia becoming territories of the Indo-Chinese Empire), the European Union has returned to its former national boundaries with the English Republic, Austro-German Commonwealth, the Seventh French Republic, Eastern European Union and the New European Union), the UNAS has been split between six states (Californian Alliance of Secessionist States along the western coast of the former US, the New Confederate States of America to the south of the former US, the Second United States to the east and north of the former US, the Canadian League in former Canada, the Northern Mexican Republic to the north of central America and the Central American States to the south of central America), the South American Union has remained the same, but renamed the Brazilian Union of Socialist Confederations, and the entire African continent has united into one nation known as the Great African Superstate. Most, if not all, Reaper corpses have been recovered from the surface and orbit and secretly sent to research facilities on Neptune, Titan, Luna, Mars and Earth. London has been cleared of husks, and all of their bodies burnt, as is the case globally. Hackett remains in sole command of the entire Systems Alliance military, and has slowly been beginning the construction of new warships to replace the ones they lost. A new type of dreadnought, the Arbiter-Class dreadnought, was recently designed by the Systems Alliance, and would use the now mainstream technology known as the thanix. The first ship of its line, the SSV Arbiter, has already begun construction over Io. In early 2189, the majority of the Victory Fleet returned home. Wrex and Grunt, along with all the other krogan, returned to Tuchanka, where in 2190, the Krogan Military Confederacy was officially drafted and recognized as a sovereign state by the New Council, with Wrex as Overlord; he had relinquished his position as krogan councilor to Nakmor Farsh beforehand, and Grunt was promoted to Battlelord. In 2188, the Conclave convened and officially drafted the Quarian People's Republic of Rannoch, an idea suggested by Tali'Shepard. Again, the New Council recognized this sovereign entity, leading to the official dissolution of the Migrant Fleet, and the reorganization of the Conclave into the Republican Senate, and the Admiralty Board into the admiralty of the Republican Navy of Rannoch. Tali refused to be placed as the first Prime Candidate (a quarian president), and it was eventually Han'Gerrel was raised to the position; Shala'Raan became the first High Mistress of the Senate, and Caesar the High Master of the Senate; Tali retained her position as admiral, but was promoted to Ancestor's Hand (a quarian version of the Fleet Admiral of the Navy and General of the Army put together), making her official commander of the Armed Forces of Rannoch: during this time, Tali gives birth to her second child, a girl, and names her Ashley. Garrus returned with the turians to Palaven, where he remained as ArchGeneral of the turian military, with Corinthus as secretary of defense, and Victus as Primarch. Kasumi followed Garrus to Palaven, where she continues to live with him now. Aria T'Loak returned to Omega in 2189 with her daughter and all her forces, where she continued the reconstruction process on Omega. Kaidan and Rahna got married. Recap complete.

Section 2:

Section is from Uranya Bag'dorr's POV. Somewhere in space, a batarian vessel named the BRS Sanctification, under the command of an unnamed batarian, approaches a large, incomplete and unidentified space station. One of the navigators, when asking their commander what she wants to do, reveals the commander's name to be Captain Uranya Bag'dorr. Uranya orders the ship brought into dock with the station, and for a message to sent on repeat every 30 seconds until somebody responds. By the time the Sanctification has docked with the unidentified station, there still hasn't been a response. Uranya orders a boarding party deployed, lead by herself. Once onboard, they move around the non-functional space station, noting that lack of gravity, life support and evidence of battle. Uranya concludes the station was never touched by the war, although it definitely wasn't of Reaper design. Eventually, they find the floating bodies of numerous scientists (all of them frozen due to the vacuum), and finally find a Cerberus insignia on the wall; Uranya growls, angered at the confirmation of the station's origin. Finally, they find a sign that says "Welcome to Titan", giving themselves a name for the construct. Moving further inside, they find nothing but dead bodies, most of them now of Cerberus soldiers who would have been killed when the Crucible fired. She has one of her engineers bring the station back online, as well as check for survivors. The engineer discovers that life support, gravity and all other major systems were offline for four years, and that the bodies didn't decompose due to the lack of oxygen. Deducing that no life has existed on the station for years and that it has likely been abandoned due to Cerberus being defunct, Uranya orders everyone back to the ship to report the find to the batarian councilor, Ocrolya Khabcass, as well as the batarian regent, Eghanis Bor'segar. One of the crew asks why the rest of the New Council would not be informed, and Uranya merely shrugs, saying "finder's keepers."

Section 3:

Section is from Tali's POV. On Rannoch, Tali observes the "Progenitor" Memorial in the quarian capital of El'Tivv, which started out as the central colony before being officially titled the capital on October 13, 2188. The Progenitor Memorial, a statue of Legion, was later built in November of the same year, and was completed in late December. Tali recaps how El'Tivv has gone from a few prefabs to establishing proper buildings, but notes that it will be at least a decade before El'Tivv becomes even a minor city. Still, trade has already begun with New Council worlds, allowing them to aid in the reconstruction effort that is still occurring four years after the conclusion of the war. Tali has sufficiently recovered from Marcus' death, and has remained as Ancestor's Hand. She no longer needs to wear a helmet as she has adapted well enough to the environment, and predicts she will be free of her suit within another two years. She notes that the geth were quick to build her house for her, and within a year it was complete. Looking down from the memorial, she comments that Moses could at least talk with the other geth, revealing that Moses was standing right behind her. Moses simply comments that he has devoted his life to protecting her, and he intends on keeping to his oath. Tali acknowledges this and begins walking off down the street, an idea in her head; she has been contemplating it for a while, but only now does it seem to be a good idea. She asks Moses what it thinks of building her own geth unit and naming it Legion in honor of her friend. Moses replies that it would be a good idea, and the geth fully endorse it. With that said, Tali decides she will return home and begin planning, as she is in urgent need of something to do. With her mission in mind, she sets off for her nearby skycar. - Meru invites both Shala and Gerrel to have dinner in her home to celebrate the second election on Rannoch, as well as Gerrel's second term as Prime Candidate. While eating together, they discuss the recent expansion of El'Tivv, and the proposed establishment of a proper hospital. Gerrel has made it clear that as prime candidate, he will ensure that the hospital is well funded, but that the quarian economy is still trying to get on its feet, and that he doesn't want to strain the system. He also replies that the batarians have already begun to sink back into their old tradition of slaving and pirate attacks, and that batarian military activity has become increasingly hostile, implying that the batarians may become isolationist again. He states that the quarian military must remain vigilant, and that the batarians must never get a jump on them. He states that the recolonization of Haestrom has gone well, and that the asari in general are being particularly gracious. He reveals that Veetor'Nara was eventually replaced by Jammu'Vomm pav Rannoch, but that Veetor remained on as the quarian ambassador for the quarian embassy. Shala proposes a change in topic to Tali, who has radically changed from what she used to be. Meru is hesitant at the topic, but keeps silent. Gerrel replies that she is doing a fine job as Ancestor's Hand, and that the Rannochian Colonial Defense Initiative (RCDI) was largely her idea. He explains that without RCDI, most of the outer colonies would be entirely vulnerable to batarian pirates, but that with this new initiative, thanix cannons deployed on the surface are able to accurately shoot down pirate ships with lethal efficiency and without draining their resources. Shala agrees with this, but acknowledges that Tali was once an engineer, not a military commander. Gerrel replies that things change, and notes the presence of geth walking side by side with quarians with no problem; the quarian race is in a greater position than its ever been; a world with resources left untapped for centuries, and the geth to help them. Shala sarcastically mentions that Xen likes that concept a little too much, but Gerrel states that Xen has changed. Shala disagrees, stating that Xen has become far too complacent with the geth to have friendly intentions; she's planning something else. She then changes the topic again, asking if Meru has talked with Tali. Meru replies that the last time they talked was three years ago, and only because they had to (she explains that as the director of the PR department of the quarian government, she had to talk with Tali to help acculumate the distribution of resources between the civilian and military sectors). Shala states that Tali needs her mother, but Meru pessimistically states that she is the last person Tali wants to see, ending the conversation awkwardly.

Section 4:

Section is from Kaidan's POV. Kaidan, finally on shore leave after returning from the frontier on some routine patrol, he heads back to his apartment on the Citadel. Rahna, now one of the teachers in the rebooted Ascension Program (moved to the Citadel after the destruction of Grissom Academy), gets off work early and the two of them celebrate their wedding anniversary at a fancy restuarant on the Presidium. The two of them talk about the current status of the galaxy, as well as Kaidan mentioning his sadness at not getting into contact with any of the Normandy crew for two years.

Chapter 14: Worst Nightmare:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Liara's POV. In her temporary office on the Citadel (as she is having a new base built on Therum), Liara continues writing her book with Javik. The prothean finishes talking about the Battle of the Carian Mining Belt during the Prothean War with the Reapers, a battle that concluded with the fall of Carian II, which is now known as Feros. Liara asks him about his ship and crew, who Javik had mentioned before. The prothean says that the ship he commanded was a heavy cruiser named the PISV Exuberant, and that his crew was steadfast and well-trained. Javik commanded the warship for thirty years in where he fought during multiple engagements, including the Carian Mining Belt. He witnessed the fall of Nexi Hallah (modern-day Therum) and engaged the Reapers at the Siege of Paravarvar XV. Liara asks if his crew went with him into stasis on Eden Prime, but Javik replies that they died shortly before the Fall of Olos Trak. Liara asks what happened to them, but Javik insists that he does not wish to talk about it. Liara's curiosity gets the better of her, and she asks why he did it. Javik snaps that he was the one to kill them, before storming out. Liara curses her own stupidity, sighing in the new silence present in her room.

Section 2:

Section is from Hackett's POV. From an observation window on the SSV McKinley, Hackett watches the construction of Epitaph Station over Elysium; Epitaph Station, first laid down one and a half years ago, was labelled as the official replacement for Arcturus Station, serving as, once finished, the new capital of the Systems Alliance, and the new home for Alliance Parliament. Given the importance of Elysium to the Alliance, it seemed fitting the new capital station be built there, and the name "Epitaph" serves as a memorial to the Reaper War. While observing, he is joined by Prime Minister Kestrel, who had recently finished a meeting with the Fleet Admiral, and was about to return to the Citadel, where Parliament is currently held. Kestrel states that the official election is coming in the next few weeks, and this time he can't use the excuse he had last time. He tells Hackett that the Voice of Shepard is once again strong in the votes, with both the Liberal and Labor parties having barely any seats. Hackett grumbles, remembering to Kestrel's four year term as PM. Suffice to say, he was not a popular man; his attitude towards Earth was particulary poor, as he had focused more on rebuilding the Alliance military than helping the reconstruction on Earth. The Alliance military had gone from the nine percent they had just after the war and up to seventy-eight percent of what they used to have before the destruction of Sovereign. The new dreadnoughts, the Arbiter-class, had been provided an insane amount of funding, and even members of the brass were objecting to the sudden attention the armed forces was getting and their expedient spending of post-war resources. Epitaph Station was another case of reckless spending, with many of the materials having been deliberately redistributed from Earth to the station's construction. Hackett himself is not a fan of Kestrel, but had not made that obvious to the PM. Back to reality, Kestrel tries to persuade Hackett that a Terez administration would be bad for not just the human race, but also the entire galaxy. Kestrel states that if the Voice of Shepard seems close to winning, he is going to declare martial law and have Terez and his party taken into custody, and that he needs Hackett on his side to make that happen. Hackett is horrified by his suggestion, and when Kestrel asks if he'll help him, Hackett says he won't. Kestrel tries to bribe him with money, but Hackett repeats that he is not a sell out and leaves, telling Kestrel that he has "long overstayed his welcome on my ship" and to "get the fuck out."

Section 3:

Section is from Shepard's POV. Still in his coma, Shepard dreams that he is on Eden Prime, sitting on the edge of a cliff and looking over the landscape, watching the grass flow in the breeze. He is joined by Jenkins, who Shepard sarcastically remarks "took his time getting here." Jenkins states that he has been there longer than the rest of them, and he'll come when he likes. Shepard asks if this is what death feels like, and Jenkins replies that he can't really explain that to someone who is alive. Shepard frowns, stating that making jokes like that aren't funny, and he knows for sure that he is dead. Jenkins laughs, remarking "I know what dead feels like. Hell, I'm bloody dead, sir. I know what dead looks like. Trust me, you're not dead. You're just...sleeping for awhile." Shepard asks how that is possible, as the Intelligence said the Crucible would kill him, and Jenkins just shrugs, saying "There's a great many things the Intelligence said were true but didn't come to pass." Shepard sighs, throwing a rock. He asks that if he's alive, then why hasn't he woken up yet. Jenkins says he can't answer that either. Shepard laughs, remarking that as a morale spirit, Jenkin sucks at it. Jenkins replies that he is no such thing, and he's only here because Shepard's subconscious summoned him. Jenkins then leaves, and Shepard contemplates the silence of the planet by himself.

Section 4:

Section is from Terez's POV. Terez, minding his own business, sits down to enjoy his dinner at Apollo's Cafe on the Presidium. Before he can dig into his meal, he is suddenly joined by Faringar, causing Terez to sigh. Terez insists that he has done everything Faringar wanted and more, and that his party is winning. Faringar states that he is not here for that, and that Kestrel has recently become more of a threat than initially precedented. It has come to his attention that Kestrel plans to initiate martial law, as well as arrest Terez and his party members, if the Voice of Shepard wins the election. Terez is shocked by this, and asks what the hell they'll do. Faringar snorts, replying that Kestrel is a fool, and that the situation will handle itself. He replies that Kestrel already tried to bribe Hackett and it failed, meaning that Kestrel's next move will be to have Hackett killed and replaced. Faringar states, after ordering some food of his own, that Kestrel has already a mistake and just doesn't know it yet.

Chapter 15: You Win or You Die:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from James' POV. James exercises in the fitness area on the battleship SSV Stockholm. Despite Roma Vinh's best attempts, James eventually became an N7 a year ago, passing his final exam and test with flying colors. Working as a lone wolf assault specialist, he was stationed onboard the battleship Stockholm as part of Battlegroup Midway of Seventh Fleet. James is visited by Kestrel, who requested to specifically talk with James, given how much he knows Hackett. After a grandiose speech about protecting the Alliance, he enlists James' help in finding and killing Admiral Hackett, as the man has become a traitor to the Alliance. He lies that Hackett plans on declaring martial law to remove the government from power, and that he must be stopped. James agrees to help, stating that Hackett is clearly a threat to galactic security and must be stopped. Kestrel thanks him for his help, and promises him a promotion once he has defeated the Voice of Shepard. He then leaves, glad over his victory, while James returns to training.

Section 2:

Section is from Garrus' POV. Garrus asks Kasumi what the nature of their relationship is and what future it has, and she replies that she doesn't know, and that she needs time to herself to figure it out.

Section 3:

Section is from Tali's POV. Construction of Tali's incarnation of NeoLegion is completed, complete with sentience. NeoLegion asks to serve Tali as her butler, and while she initially refuses, NeoLegion insists, stating that the geth owe her a debt of gratitude. Tali finally accepts, and NeoLegion becomes her new butler.

Section 4:

Section is from Wrex's POV. Urdnot Wrex has a meeting with the other krogan chiefs, and they discuss the future of the new Tuchankan Confederacy. He makes it clear that any thoughts of imperialism will not be tolerated, and that the days of the Krogan Empire are long gone; first of all, the chiefs agree that recolonizing their home cluster should be their first priority, and Wrex agrees.

Chapter 16: Let's Write The Books:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Aria's POV. Aria oversees the reconstruction effort of Omega, finding that it is going well. Most evidence of Cerberus' presence on the station is now long gone, and Aria's program to civilize the station is going to plan, with the Talons keeping their promise and acting as a peacekeeping and police force. She is approached by Bray, who tells her that some resistance to her plan has come up, with numerous shoot outs occurring between Talon forces and the local population. Aria tells him to fix the issue, but he replies that its not that simple, and proposes a more subtle touch. Aria demands to know what he's suggesting, and he states she should let her daughter, Sata, visit the areas and talk to them, with Sata being the more diplomatic side of Aria. She agrees, although she expresses contempt towards Sata's behaviour. She thanks Bray, stating he has been her most loyal lieutenant since Anto's death. She promotes him to commander of the Talons, as she doesn't trust Pike, and tells him to escort Sata to the area as he proposes and fix the problem however he can. He thanks her, before leaving to do as she ordered. Aria muses that she will rule Omega again, no matter the cost.

Section 2:

Section is from Miranda's POV. Miranda, in her office on the Citadel, is visited by one of the project personnel responsible for the reconstruction effort on the space station. She expresses disbelief at the Voice of Shepard, but realizes that if they win, galactic instability could return, especially in the short term. After getting an update from the project employee, she dismisses him and thinks over an idea. She realizes that a proper security force will be needed to fill the void left by the exhausted galactic militaries, and that only three organizations currently exist capable of filling that gap. She approaches Zaeed in his new headquarters, knowing full well of his command of the Blue Suns, Eclipse and Blood Pack. She proposes merging all three groups into one, creating a PMC capable of broad outreach and military protection where the main militaries cannot. Zaeed eventually agrees to the validity of the idea, and they begin to plan. During the planning, Miranda suggests the name Red Sky. Zaeed likes it, and agrees to it.

Section 3:

Section is from James' POV. James approaches Admiral Hackett in his office on Earth. He informs Hackett of Kestrel's visit, and how he was told to kill Hackett for apparent treasons committed, telling him of the accusations. Hackett refutes them, to which James announces he believes him, thinking that Kestrel wants Hackett out of the equation. Hackett agrees, saying Kestrel attempted to have him call for martial law and imprison the Voice of Shepard and, when he refused Kestrel, he likely ordered James to have him eliminated. James asks what they should do, and produces a recording on his omni-tool of the entire conversation. Hackett tells him to gather a group of marines and to arrest the entire Kestrel government for treason.

Chapter 17: Point Taken:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Xen's POV. Daro'Xen is present at the inauguration ceremony for Han'Gerrel, who has won yet another election as Prime Candidate. She looks at all the geth in discontent, regarding them with disgust and malice. Afterwards, she returns to her personal lab and wonders over the geth, entertaining thoughts of reenslavement, believing them a threat to all quarian society. With a solemn oath to herself to ensure the geth return to quarian control, she contacts six of her most loyal scientists. Once in her lab, she proposes her idea of capturing a geth platform for study. They all agree with her decision, and want to help. She suggests capturing a geth trooper for starters, smiling as she puts forward her plan, believing firmly she was doing the right thing.

Section 2:

Section is from Samantha's POV. Back on Earth in Siberia, Samantha and Ann continue their classified work on the Reaper technology given to them. While Samantha begins to question the ethics of what they're doing, Ann holds no such qualms, believing firmly that what they were doing was for the betterment of the galaxy. Samantha counters that Cerberus said the same thing. Ann is angered by the comparison, asking if Samantha really wants to be there. She admits that patriotism comes with a cost, including disgarding personal opinion for the greater good. Their argument continues for quite sometime before they're interrupted by Locke, who apparently overheard their conversation. Locke asks Samantha if she understands just what lengths humanity had to stoop to evolve. Locke concludes that evolution is a non-stop journey and that, no matter how unethical or immoral, progress must continue. Locke leaves, and Ann asks if Samantha is still onboard. Samantha eventually nods in acknowledgement, and Ann returns to business mode, providing her Ann's view on indoctrination, hoping to begin with dissecting and combating the effects.

Section 3:

Section is from Ocrolya Khabcass' POV. Ocrolya Khabcass, the new batarian supreme commander and current batarian councilor, takes a fleet to Despoina, sent by the Regent with the hope of using the Leviathans to wage war on the Alliance and get revenge for Bahak. Ocrolya descends to the surface alone, where he speaks to Bellerophon. He is, through the effects of indoctrination, converted to the Leviathan cause, who wish to rise back to prominence and dominate the galaxy as the Apex race once more, Ocrolya acting as their Prophet. As such, Khabcass becomes the first believer in Apexism, taking one of the orbs on the surface and taking it back to his fleet, where he converts the rest of his force to Apexism through indoctrination as well. He orders the fleet to head for the newly claimed Titan, where he hopes to indoctrinate them to his cause as well, and then Khar'Shan and the batarian people themselves.

Section 4:

Section is from Sata's POV. On Omega, Sata, escorted by Bray and a platoon of Talon bodyguards, visits the Zeta district as per asked and talks with the people. She learns of their predicament, and asks Bray to wait outside, believing them no threat. She speaks with one of them privately, asking them to say their true opinion. They express hatred for Aria, who they see as a self-centered dictator who never cared for them, and that they miss Nyreen Kandros, believing Bray, the new Talon commander, far too loyal to Aria. Afterwards, while returning to Afterlife, Sata remembers the words Nyreen spoke to her before dying. She misses her father, wishing they were here, not Aria. She comes to the conclusion that Aria is an incompetent ruler and could never be democratic, despite whatever attempts she might make. Nyreen's words, "carry the legacy", suddenly dawned on her: Nyreen wanted Sata to rule Omega, not Aria. At this point, a human approaches Sata, wishing to help her, stating he has been watching her with some interest while standing in the shadows.

Chapter 18: A Golden Age:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Sata's POV. Sata demands the human to stand into the light, and he does so. He reveals himself to be Walter Pike, stating that he promised her father that he would put Sata in control of Omega, and proceeds to pledge his loyalty to her, as well as that of the Talons. Sata asks how the Talons could be loyal to Aria if Bray is in command, and Pike simply states that they will follow Bray on the outside, but on the inside, they await Pike's command. Sata states they cannot attack yet, as Aria's forces have grown too strong, and that they must wait for the right moment to strike. Pike is impressed, stating "I see now why your father had such faith in you." He agrees to mentor Sata, as he promised Nyreen.

Section 2:

Section is from James' POV. Kestrel and his government hold a meeting to discuss recent losses when James storms in with a squad of marines, pushing aside a fellow Alliance marine while waving his omni-tool in the air. The marines loyal to him surround the government, with James announcing that they are all under arrest for conspiracy to commit treason, before signalling his marines to arrest them, including Kestrel. The prime minister demands James stand down, but he refuses, stating snarkily that Hackett "wishes he could be here, but is currently in the process of informing the public of your corruption and downfall." Kestrel is taken away fuming, swearing to ruin James' life, to which the marine ignores. Later, Hackett summons James, promoting him to First Lieutenant for his actions and dedication to duty.

Section 3:

Section is from Hackett's POV. Days later, Hackett watches as the vote is read out. Moments later, it is announced, to one's (sarcastic) surprise, that the Voice of Shepard has won the election. Terez goes on to announce in his victory speech that his first action as Prime Minister will be to sign an executive order to dissolve the Systems Alliance and bring about the birth of the Systems Coalition. Thousands scream in celebration, to which Hackett turns off the vidscreen, looking with some sadness at his Alliance insignia. He muses that his time as an Alliance admiral will soon be over, and seconds later, summarily rips the logo off and throws it away in anger.

Section 4:

Section is from Raan's POV. Shala'Raan, now Mistress of the High Senate, present with the recently elected Prime Candidate Han'Gerrel, meets with the rest of the quarian government to discuss current affairs within the Quarian Republic. In the end, it is decided that with the recent Alliance election, the end to militarize and invest in one's own interests must take precedence. With that, the Senate votes to begin militarization, and all are in agreement, including a reluctant Raan.

Chapter 19: A Life Forgotten:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Terez's POV. New Years has passed at the year is 2192. Terez, just a day before, successfully dissolved the Systems Alliance and reformed it into the Systems Coalition. He discusses his recent success with Connor Faringar, who is proud of their accomplishment. He tells Terez that the quarian republic has taken notice of the change in political environment and have begun to militarize, something the Coalition must now capitalize on. Terez agrees and arranges a meeting with the quarian councilor.

Section 2:

Section is from Kasumi's POV. Kasumi sits alone on Earth in her new apartment back in Japan. Garrus recently announced that he has to return to Palaven to commit to his new job as ArchGeneral, as asked by Victus and Corinthus. An argument ensues, which Kasumi laments upon, leading to Garrus storming out and leaving her alone. Garrus can't stay, but Kasumi does not wish to leave her homeland again. She visits the graves of her parents and realizes that she cannot live without Garrus, and that she must pursue her dreams instead of being anchored by parents who are not alive to tell her otherwise. She kisses their gravestones before leaving for their apartment, ready to inform Garrus she is coming with him.

Section 3:

Section is from Khabcass' POV. A full week after the "Day of Conversion", as dubbed by Khabcass, Ocrolya has returned to Khar'Shan with his fleet. He reminisences on his triumph at Titan, successfully converting them to his cause. He left the orb behind as directed by the Leviathans, who ordered him to return to Khar'Shan and convince them through word of mouth to convert to Apexism and serve the Leviathans, calling it a "pilgrimage." Khabcass speaks with the Supreme Regent, Eghanis Bor'segar, but finds himself unable to convince Bor'segar, who believes Khabcass to be committing blasphemy with his lies and falsehoods. Khabcass finds himself unable to convince the rest, leaving. Outside, he decrees them all to be sinners and orders his second-in-command, former Captain Uranya Bag'dorr turned Admiral, to make best speed for Titan. The admiral asks what Khabcass will do, to which Ocrolya replies he will "continue their holy work." Once the admiral has left, Khabcass swears to make Khar'Shan submit.

Section 4:

Section is from Veetor's POV. Veetor and Elan settle down to a new life on Haestrom, entering their new home with glee. They muse on all the things they wish to do, with Elan hoping to open up a hospital while Veetor continues his ambassadorial duties. Elan is initially hesitant about Veetor accepting such a job, as it would mean long trips away from home, but Veetor states he will make as much time for her as possible, as he would never want to neglect his wife. Happy with that answer, Elan tells him to help her continue unpacking and he does so, grinning happily to himself, glad that he had grown so much from being an agoraphobic awkward man to the person he was now.

Chapter 20: Tokens of Gratitude:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Madi's POV. Madi picks up her daughter from school on Rannoch. While she is waiting, she muses on the events that led up to her being there. It turned out, before she gave birth, that Reby would be born without a heart: a rare genetic malfunction that only occurred in quarians. A medical treatment was made available by turian doctors, but it had the unintentional side effect of increasing her lifespan, meaning she could live four times as long as any normal quarian, while maintaining her youth. Reby was now five years old by normal aging, but had the body and mind of a two year old: due to the increased lifespan, it also slows it down significantly, meaning she will only be five when the rest of her friends are 10-14. Reby finishes school, waking up her mother, who had fallen asleep. Madi laughs it off and the two head to her skycar, where they drive back home, Reby sharing stories with her about her day at school.

Section 2:

Section is from Liara's POV. Liara continues writing her book, asking more about Javik's history, namely closer to his birth. He replies that he was born on Malantor, the prothean homeworld, while it was under siege by the Reapers. He explains that his mother and father gave birth to him in a ditch surrounded by a squad of prothean soldiers. He states that his birth was deemed an absolute necessity, and when asked by Liara why this is, he explains that certain protheans are deemed to be born with a singular purpose: he was an Avatar, to which he explained he was the Avatar and embodiment of vengeance. Born in a ditch, he was taken by the commander of the prothean unit, who was an Archknight. Liara is intrigued by this, and Javik sighs, explaining that the closest equivalent in the current galaxy was a Spectre: when the Great Crusade ended and the Prothean Empire was divided into regions, the Archknight Order was founded and given "galactic precincts" within each region to act as a law enforcement agency and Imperial special operations unit. Archknights also had permanent military ranks that allowed them to engage in military operations when and where applicable, and also retrieve children found to be Avatars so that they can be raised to embrace their future. Javik was taken by the Archknight Commander, whose name was Jeen Yvad, who extracted Javik from the battlefield. He was raised by Jeen Yvad and, once of age, began to train as a soldier for the Empire. Yvad was an Avatar himself, specifically Avatar of Eradication, his purpose being devoted to the complete destruction of the Empire's enemies, namely the separatists and the Reapers. Liara asks who the separatists were. Javik elaborates that the separatists, known fully as the "Avatars of Chaos" to the imperialists, and known to themselves as "New Malantor," were a faction of anti-imperialists who started a civil war with the Empire following the Metacon Wars to reform the Empire into a democratic republic, with power shared with the machines: these machines, namely, were the Reapers. By this point, the Metacon Wars were still fresh on prothean minds, as were their bitterness towards machines, leading to the Empire to declare war on New Malantor: unknowingly, New Malantor were not referring to the Zha'til, but the Reapers. Liara realizes the separatists must have been the prothean cycle's indoctrinated faction, much like Cerberus in their cycle. Javik agreed, and stated that the separatists continued the civil war even in the midst of the Reaper invasion, and that both wars continued in conjunction with each other until the end. Returning to his story, he explains that Yvad became his mentor, cementing Javik's current mindset as a soldier and skeptic. They fought in numerous battles together, doing so until Yvad's death in the Battle of Aethos Proxus Reos. At the end, Liara asks about Javik's crew again, and the prothean, far more willing this time, explains what happened: his crew were on the ground helping an evacuation of Logon Pa X during the Battle of Logon Pa X. By this time, Javik had become an Archknight Commander himself, a fully evolved Avatar of Vengeance. They were trapped in a bunker and unable to escape, surrounded by Reaper forces. As days passed by, his crew became more and more panicked and insubordinate. By the time they finally escaped to his ship, the PISV Exuberant, but by that point his crew were gone. They finally attempted to kill him on the bridge, and he realized too late they were indoctrinated. Armed only with a knife, he kills his crew by slitting their throats, crashing his ship onto Olos Trak and joining prothean forces making a last stand there, where he becomes part of the Empire's Rebirth Directive. Liara asks if Javik wishes to die, surprising herself but ever curious. Javik says he has considered joining his crew in death many times since finally destroying the Reapers, but that he doesn't "know anymore."

Section 3:

Section is from Terez's POV. Terez arrives on the Citadel, escorted by a trio of Coalition marines, and heads for the office of the quarian councilor, Alia'Treel. Terez, during their conversation, makes a note to mention that despite their best attempts, the quarians haven't been able to hide their sudden jump in military expansion from the Coalition. Alia tries to play hard to get, but when Terez pops that bubble, it becomes clear he doesn't believe her. He ends with telling her that he has no problem with it, and that he believes the Coalition and the Quarian Republic could prosper together. Alia asks what he is suggesting, and Terez promotes the idea of political and military alliance between the Republic and Coalition, so that relations between the two races can be solidified. Alia agrees, promising to pass the idea onto her government: the two shake hands and Terez leaves, silently musing that Cerberus' influence is slowly starting to grow again, without the galaxy even knowing it.

Chapter 21: Revengeance:

Section 1:

Chapter is from Sata's POV. On Omega, Pike takes Sata out into the crowded Gozu District as part of his first lesson. He shows her the people's life style: their poverty, their depression, their social discontent. Moving on to the Kima District, he shows her the Talons who, ever since Bray took power, have been ordered to be far more brutal with the populace, without Nyreen to stop them. Just as Sata begins to ask why he is showing her all this, he moves onto Afterlife, pointing at it. When she asks what he's getting at, he states that while Omega is in poverty and suffering at the hands of her new police force, Aria is lounging away in Afterlife reliving the glory of a passed history. He elaborates that while Aria's intentions are good, she herself is not, and she is incapable of pulling them off: her personality and bloated ego won't allow her to change. However, he believes Sata to be the person to bring about that change. He asks her what's learnt, and she says she has learnt that while you can choose to bring forth good ideas and moral concepts and mean well, you have to be prepared to go the extra step further: you must be committed and you must never go back on a promise: that's what separates leaders like Aria from truly inspirational ones. Pike nods, saying that despite Aria's muscle, Sata is the real brains around Omega. He takes her home, where Sata reminicences on her lessons.

Section 2:

Section is from Ken's POV. Gabby and Ken are arguing (as per usual) over how to best maintain the drive core of a freighter that recently docked, the MSV Glenferrie, which has been suffering issues with its drive core since leaving from Illium. Their argument ultimately bears no fruit and they are left wondering what they were arguing about to begin with. They sit down and sigh, holding hands as they wander where their future will go without the Normandy to keep them together. They are later approached by Rear Admiral Del Toro (the captain of the SSV Marathon) who offers them both a post on one of his ships, the CSV Triumphant. They accepted, realizing they really have nowhere else to go.

Section 3:

Section is from Tali's POV. A few weeks later, Tali, with NeoLegion and Moses at her side, rides in a skycar for the recently established Transgalactic Conglomerate shipbuilding yards, where she has been invited by Prime Candidate Gerrel to oversee the construction of a new form of ship. Arriving, Gerrel shows her to the ship. The ship is the first of three named the Revengeance-class stealth cruiser, which is being built in conjunction with the Coalition funded shipbuilding company Jafer-Nocsky Shipbuilders due to the recent partnership between the Coalition and Republic. The first ship of the class, the RNS Revengeance, would be the successor to the Normandy SR-2. He ends the tour by declaring that Tali will be made commander of the vessel upon its commissioning to use as her flagship if she pleases. Taken aback by the offer, Tali initially rejects the proposal, but is convinced to accept. She looks over the ship, lamenting that no matter how advanced, the ship would never come close to replacing the Normandy. Decided, she tells Gerrel that she wants to pick the crew, and asks if they must all be quarian/geth. Gerrel replies no, knowing full well what she intends.

Section 4:

Section is from Xen's POV. Elsewhere on Rannoch, Daro'Xen, thanks to one of her loyal scientists, manages to capture an intact geth trooper. Xen is excited by the possibilities of such a find and activates the geth, reciting to it how she plans to kill it and use it to enslave its entire race. She tells it that the quarians and geth can never work peacefully together before killing it with a powerful virus, wiping its entire memory core and effectively killing the geth. As she begins to dissect it though, the geth sent out a distress signal via the consensus, reaching the attention of Moses, who decides to investigate the loss of contact.

Chapter 22: Offset Prejudice:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Linron's POV. Dalatrass Linron, recently "retired" from the salarian government, takes a stroll along the streets of Talat as she silenty fumes at her dismissal. The Union government, as they described, dismissed Linron due to her actions in the Reaper War, deeming her actions "out of place" and having led to the large split between government and military. Her actions, whilst seen as looking out for the interests of the salarian people, were deemed inappropriate for the time and she was dismissed after "years of service". The action came as a shock, given how much political clout and wealth the Linron bloodline had accumulated over the centuries: she was the first Linron politician to be dismissed. Walking out into the woods, she continues to fume at her misfortune when she hears the snapping of leaves nearby. Frowning, she continues, only to hear it again. She quickly realizes she's being stalked, but before she can call for help, a group of three, masked humans grab her and pull her into the bushes. Pinning her against a tree, one of them produces a knife and slits her throat, leaving her body lying against the tree while they watch. One human produces an omni-tool, stating that the target has been eliminated, and that Linron will no longer be a threat. They then leave, leaving Linron's corpse lying against the tree.

Section 2:

Section is from Kasumi's POV. On Palaven, Kasumi is getting used to life on an alien world. Forced to wear more protection to Palaven's harsh climate and atmosphere, the thief generally finds it "too intimidating" for her tastes, especially given turians and their dislike of her profession. She manages to find a job in scavenging tech for the turian government, allowing her to help the military whilst also keeping her skills sharp. After returning home from work, she finds Garrus oddly silent and pondering. She asks what is wrong, to which he dodges the question, asking how her day was. She remains adamant, asking him relentlessly. Eventually, he blurts out the question of whether or not she wants to marry him. Kasumi is flabbergasted, but after exchanging the benefits, she agrees, the two of them rejoicing the decision.

Section 3:

Section is from Terez's POV. Terez and Faringar meet on Epitaph Station to discuss the new political arena. The Coalition is now allies with the Quarian Republic, allowing significant cooperation between their militaries. Faringar whispers to Terez that Linron has been taken out of the picture permanently, to Terez's discontent, who believes that killing their allies isn't the answer. Faringar asks if he believes in the human dream, to which Terez is adamant: in response, Faringar tells him that political rivals like Linron deserved to die for their actions in the war, and that she was merely the first of many who would need to be shoved aside for the new era to take place. Terez ultimately agrees, but wonders at what cost they must access to achieve galactic stability. Faringar simply muses that "Cerberus is the cost."

Section 4:

Section is from Khabcass' POV. Khabcass organizes a meeting with several batarian political officials on Khar'Shan to try and convert them to Apexism. They refuse to meet with him, so he takes it to the public, where it is largely accepted, most of the people agreeing with his views. On his way home however, seven batarian soldiers of the Feksogar (batarian secret police) surround him (three behind, four in front), blocking all exits. Khabcass asks them if the Regent sent them to silence him, to which they call him a heretic and traitor. They all raise their weapons, only for the three behind him to shoot two of the front batarians, killing them. The fourth batarian grabs his knife and stabs the third in the throat, leaving him to fall to the ground. The four surviving batarians bow before Khabcass, acknowledging that they used the Regent's orders as a way to find him and pledge allegiance to him. Khabcass accepts them as his disciples, and states that the Regent must die, but that they are in no position to kill him or battle his army: they must wait until outstanding factors do that for them. Until then, they must convert the batarian people to their cause. Agreeing, they escort him through the street and out of the area.

Chapter 23: Galactic Actors:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Kaidan's POV. Kaidan watches ANN (now SNN: Systems News Network) and the reports on Linron's death, before switching off the screen. He is currently sitting in his new apartment with Rahna, which turns out to be Shepard/Anderson's apartment from the Citadel DLC: it initally passed down to Tali, but the quarian had left for Rannoch, Garrus for Palaven, Wrex for Tuchanka and Liara was helping with reconstruction, so therefore it passed down to Kaidan, who lived there with his new wife, Rahna, for quite a few years now. Turning back he continues cooking, eventually finishing up and bringing the new found meal to a table with Rahna, but also James, who has stopped by for a visit. As they eat, they joke about the old days, only for the topic to guide to their current predicament. James asks if Kaidan plans to retire anytime soon, to which the sentinel replies he won't be, and that his allegiance will be to Earth's government, no matter what name it carries. James remarks that the Coalition isn't all that different from the Alliance, just with different colours. Kaidan agrees, and the three eat in silence.

Section 2:

Section is from Tali's POV. At her house on Rannoch, Tali is looking through her datapad on potential candidates for her new crew, hoping to recruit some of her former comrades. Looking around the room, she smiles at the group photos lining the wall before knocks are heard on the door. Approaching, she opens it to find her son, Thane (she had finally found a name other than Junior for him) and her daughter Ashley, both of them rushing into the house, Ashley hugging Tali's leg before following her brother. Much like Reby, they were both born with genetic defects that made them have increased lifespans, but slower aging. They talk about their day with Tali, with Thane stating that he wants to join the military one day. Tali quietly mumbles that his father would be proud, before being left alone to herself to mope.

Section 3:

Section is from Khabcass' POV. Khabcass approaches the Supreme Regent and asks for forgiveness, stating that he has seen the error of his ways and wishes to atone. The Regent directs Khabcass to the nearest Holy Pillar, the batarian version of a Church, where he can ask for forgiveness from the priest there. Khabcass goes, with his followers, and takes over the Pillar, holding the priest at gunpoint. He rants that the old ways are over and the Leviathans, the true masters of the galaxy, are returning. They will take their rightful place in the galaxy, and the batarian people will be their disciples and their loyal servants. He offers them a place in this holy army, to which many peasants stand and pledge allegiance to Khabcass. The priest curses Khabcass, causing him to kill the priest and those who do not convert. He stresses the importance of staying silent about their faith until they have the numbers to stage a coup. He then leaves, smiling.

Chapter 24: The Dead Forgive:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Liara's POV. Samara is touring the Palace of Thessia and watching over the reconstruction efforts as a form of security when she comes across Liara, who has recently visited the asari senate with some proposals on how to run the reconstruction effort. After talking about her ideas, Liara brings up Javik, telling her what the prothean did. She asks Samara what she should do, and Samara states that if Javik wishes to die, he must be allowed to: despite Liara's objections, Samara explains that Javik is the last of his race, and with no females around, he would not be able to save his species: until the day he dies, he is just a living testament to an extinct species. Liara nods, and the two watch the sunset, although Liara is still unsure about Javik.

Section 2:

Section is from Gerrel's POV. Han'Gerrel arranges another meeting with the Senate, with Councilor Alia'Treel participating via vidscreen. They discuss the finalization of the Terra-Rannochian Pact, wondering whether or not to inform the rest of the New Council. Han'Gerrel decides to do so, believing that further secrets could only hurt the fragile peace. The rest of the Senate is in agreement, as is Councilor Treel.

Section 3:

Section is from Shepard's POV. Still in his coma, Shepard dreams he is on Virmire, standing on a beach with the water flowing past his shins. He is visited by Ashley, who casually salutes him as she walks up to him with her arms crossed. Shepard continues to question whether he is really dead or not, to which Ashley replies he isn't, but will be if he doesn't get his shit together. Shepard wonders what he could have done differently to get a better outcome, to which Ashley replies this was the good outcome. Shepard states that he has missed her spirit, to which she laughs, saying she was never missing. They chat back and forth before Ashley leaves, giving him the parting reminder that he still has one final mission. Shepard is left frowning alone on the beach, wondering what she means.

Section 4:

Section is from Tali's POV. Tali, as part of a promise she made, takes Thane on a tour of the half-constructed Revengeance while she continues picking her crew. In the end, she decides upon Kaidan as her security officer and commander of the ground team, Gabby and Ken as her engineers, with Adams in command, Chakwas as the medical officer and Gardner as the ship's cook, along with several others at varying stations. Satisfied with her decision, she sends off the crew order to Naval Command for approval, and she turns her attention to her son, who she shows the armoury: Thane's favourite place. She laughs, finding him all too similar to his late father. Her smile drops however, once reminded of her husband's passing. It begins to sink in that she may never recover from his death.

Chapter 25: Leap of Technology:

Section 1:

Chapter opens from Samantha's POV. Ann and Samantha continue their work at the classified research facility, this time rummaging through pieces of Reaper technology salvaged from the interior of Harbinger, who's corpse is present at the facility. A containment field has been created around the Reaper technology to shield them from indoctrination, insuring they will not be harmed. Samantha finds something interesting during their search, and shows Ann the device: they both realize they've found the secret to blocking indoctrination. With this break through, they also find a way to replicate Reaper technology using similar resources. The two wonder whether to pass their findings onto Locke, and ultimately decide to do so, astounded by their own discovery.

Section 2:

Section is from Tali's POV. Meru, after several years of a disintegrating relationship between mother and daughter, finally visits Tali at her house, hoping to make amends once and for all. Tali lets her in, and while their conversation is awkward at first, they manage to get on friendly terms. Eventually, Meru asks if Tali is okay, to which her daughter finally breaks down and begins to cry, admitting she is far from fine. Meru hugs her, and the two talk about Tali's loss, Meru insisting that Tali move on so the wounds are healed, as it is what Shepard would want. Tali agrees with Meru, wondering how best to do this. Meru suggests dating, to which Tali angrily dismisses the idea. Meru objects and says Tali can't remain lonely forever, and that she will need to find a companion soon.

Section 3:

Section is from Khabcass' POV. Uranya Bag'dorr returns to Khar'Shan with the orb of Leviathan, stating to Khabcass that he was beckoned to Despoina to retrieve more, and that one has been left on Titan. Khabcass takes the orb to his followers, allowing the Leviathans, specifically Bellerophon, to speak to them, cementing their beliefs. Khabcass asks if the people have had enough of Hegemony rule, and they all cheer him. Khabcass declares that the Hegemony must fall and be replaced by a state ruled by the Apex race themselves: the first of many. They all cheer him on, and later, Khabcass orders Uranya to bring the "light of the Leviathans" to Camala. Bag'dorr accepts his mission as Khabcass ponders the future of the batarian race.

Section 4:

Section is from Wrex's POV. Wrex finishes overseeing construction of the "City of the Ancients" within the Hagalok City Ruins (which have largely been demolished) with Bakara, who has to stay behind to speak with the clan leaders aiding with the effort. On his way back to Urdnot Keep, he is surrounded and ambushed by a squad of Cerberus assassins dressed in a uniform with no affiliation. With enough weapons to kill Wrex, they seem able to succeed, only for Grunt to appear behind them, chuckling. Wrex takes on the four behind him as Grunt uses his warhammer to slam the five infront of Wrex into a wall, crushing them before pummelling them to death with his hammer. Wrex is slightly wounded in the battle, as is Grunt, but the two kill the assassins, leaving Grunt to wonder why they wanted Wrex dead. Wrex shrugs it off as the last remaining Traditionalists trying to have him assassinated, before thanking Grunt and leaving. Grunt follows him, filling his duty as chieftain's adjutant.

Section 5:

Section is from Carter Dielheart's POV. Now six years old, Carter Dielheart has been adopted by Josephine Dielheart, his grandparent, after the death of his father, Geoff Dielheart, during the Reaper War. He attends his first day at school on Epitaph Station, where he meets and befriends Jaris Paltarons, both having had fathers who were affiliated in someway with Cerberus.

A/N:

This is basically where the building blocks for the rest of Ultimatum begin to form. Tali getting her own command and recovering from Shepard's death, Liara writing her book with Javik, the crew moving on with their careers whilst trying to hold the galaxy together, governments scheming and Cerberus festering in the shadows. This is also the beginning of Sata's arc, which I mentioned had its roots in the final stages of Holocaust's Omega arc. Consider her the Omega arc for Ultimatum.

Next part of Act II - Alliances is next week. If anyone's even reading this, let me know what you think so far.

Keelah Re'lai, troopers!