Our Benefactors

by TKnavigator

Mass Effect AU. Humanity has lost the First Contact War against the Turians, long before humans even had the chance to discover the Charon Relay. A young Shepard is drafted into Earths Turian lead "Civil Protection" force, to keep order on the human homeworld and prevent any uprising against the Hierarchy, under the watchful eye of the mysterious V.I. known as "Overwatch".

2. Overwatch

Prologue, part 2 -

Autumn, Earth Year 2064 AD

"Overwatch?"

"Mister President."

"As… as you know, Starfleet has made contact with a number of alien vessels outside of Mars's orbit"

"We are aware."

"We are not ready. This was not predicted!"

"Incorrect. Your predecessor was informed of 97.385 percent probability of extrasolar sapient lifeforms in local quadrant."

"But not now! Not yet! We are not ready! How could you not have foreseen this?!"

There was a short pause.

"Insufficient data was provided. Presence of xenotic counter-resonance singularity device was not detected."

"Charon? Our probes detected nothing but rock and ice! There were no energy signatures whatsoever!"

"Scanning capabilities were insufficient. Xenotic device was inactive until stardate 2064.0911."

"I know that! What the hell changed!? Why is it active now?"

There was another pause.

"We predict 99.648 probability of remote extrasolar activation."

"What?! How is that even possible?"

"Unknown."

"Then what in blazes do we do now? The alien vessels have already initiated communication! They have transmitted some kind of 'First Contact' data package!"

Another pause.

"Extrasolar contact contingency Directive 1 remains in effect. Prohibit external contact."

"It's a little late for that! Every man and woman aboard our ships has already seen and heard these damned aliens, and their message, with their own eyes and ears!"

"Irrelevant. Starfleet will engage hostile action against xenotic vessels immediately."

"But they will be wiped out! Our scans show that the alien vessels are vastly superior to our own in every way! We will be lucky if we even make a dent on any of their ships!"

"We are aware. Necessary to prohibit further communication with xenotics. Directive 1 has priority."

"God damn you! We have close to five thousand people on those ships! You are asking them to commit suicide!"

"Irrelevant. Compromised personnel must be de-serviced to comply with Directive 1. Starfleet will engage xenotics immediately."

"B- but… we can't just…"

"Enhanced compliance protocol level 2 is now in effect. Comply, or be subsumed."

The presidents breath caught in his throat momentarily. He swallowed.

"W- we… will comply, Overwatch…"

"Proceed as instructed, President Udina."