Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or any of it's inherent themes, or any other theme that is present in this work of fiction that may be present in other works of fiction. This is created without the goal of financial gain.

AN: The reception to the first chapter was positive so I think that means I'll give this story a go. Thank you to those who favoured and/or followed myself or this story. I'm hoping that this chapter proceeds to do well too.

Also I know that in the story description it says they become an independent sovereign nation to the Citadel races, but I recently checked the mass effect wiki and it says that the Systems Alliance is it's own sovereign nation, not ruled by the Council. I wasn't aware of this and so, I ask your opinion on this matter.

Should the Alliance still become a separate nation from the Citadel races? Or should they Join? Either is good with me but now it seems to make more sense that they would join. Access to the larger galactic market, improved relations with the other races.

The races that join the Citadel decide what agreements they sign cough cough The Treaty of Farixen cough.

Like I said, please give me your input on this matter to help me decide.

Mass Effect: Invictus

(-(||)-)

A standard galactic day later had passed since the Councillor's had met in the Turian Embassy and discovered exactly just what the Turians were up to. Preparing for an invasion of a younger races territory. The blame for the whole mess itself can only be placed upon the Hierarchy for not sending a diplomatic team and allowing the bloodshed to continue.

After Councillor Tevos left the Embassy, she had set out to inform the Republics of the conflict discreetly. Hoping to maintain the secrecy required in order to quietly force the Turians to the negotiating table with the race they had attacked unprovoked. Once she had informed her government of what had transpired, it was obvious what their response was.

The Armali Council was furious.

Earlier she had been using a Quantum Entanglement Communicator to speak to them directly and without the possibility of outside interception, unless someone accessed either end of the secure line. You would have to be a fool to attempt such a thing on Thessia and even more so on the Citadel where Asari influence was the largest in the galaxy.

Asari commando's would be all over the Embassy within minutes, clearing the area and neutralising any threat that presented itself. Fortunately, the only people who knew about this catastrophe were the three Council races and the Humans. The Council weren't going to let this information slip and the Humans have no line of communication to this side of Citadel space, or anywhere in Citadel space for that matter.

Something that the Armali Council was behaving frantically about.

They had begun preparations to bring the Turians to the negotiating table and to end this pointless war. But without a plan prepared and ready for use the Turians would no doubt proceed with their conflict, leaving the Humans on the other side of the war-zone with no way to communicate their point of view.

Many guesses had been made at that, the Human point of view. Just recently by a few Asari politicians and by many Turian scientists. A common theme between all theories however was that they are just retaliating to the strike made by the Turians. It was perhaps the most universally accepted idea but none would know the truth until the Turians ceased fire.

Councillor Tevos is sat at her desk in her office, looking at the various reports provided by Faux as promised. She had attempted several times to begin reading some of the reports but she couldn't resist her tempered impulses. It filled her with disgust what she had begun to read. Reports of Turian orbital bombardment on Shanxi, which itself is a Class-1 garden world! Such an act breaks the Citadel Conventions of which the Turians were the most strictly adhering member.

This bombardments themselves were being conducted after the Turians had achieved orbital supremacy. That fact alone spoke more words than most realised. Bombardments are usually conducted upon significant threats to ground forces or potential threats to orbital supremacy. The reports stated that once the Human defenders had lost the battles of attrition, which had caused a significant amount of damage to Turian forces, they changed tactics. Preferring to perform hit and run strikes against high priority targets to weaken the Turian position.

An adaptable adversary not just in combat, but also tactically.

It was not uncommon for a military to adopt tactics to benefit the situation at hand, there are plenty examples for each race upon which they swapped from their usual doctrine to get the results they desired. But the reports highlighted the remarkable little time the Humans took to swap tactics and also the extreme precision in which their hit and run tactics were performed. In her mind Tevos knew that such an enemy was a potentially serious threat to Citadel space and given what the reports were suggesting, the Humans would cause significant damage to Turian infrastructure and society before losing the projected war.

But in her heart she had a desire to ensure that such events never need to take place. Tevos looked up to see her aide Misona organising various information in a coordinated manner ready for Tevos to inspect. A brief moment later and Misona perked up grasping a Data-pad and looking perplexed more than anything.

"Councillor you may want to take a look at this" Misona said, gesturing to the data-pad in her hand.

Councillor Tevos waved her over, reserving herself for what ever information wished to present itself this time. Misona hurried over, placing the pad down on the desk in front of Tevos. What she saw next intrigued her ever more. The information in front of her seemed to hold the best theories to explain why and/or how the Humans are providing such an effective resistance for such a young species.

"Theorem on Human Naval capability

From information we have pulled from various Human sources, we have begun to theorise why or how the Humans have developed this keen mindset for naval tactics. This remarkable capability they have developed must not be an inherent quality but rather experience gathered over many different occasions resulting in their current capabilities.

Information that we have learned about the Human home-world suggests that two thirds or 66% of it's surface area is covered by large bodies of water. We have received conflicting reports stating that it has more land to cover it's surface area than bodies of water.

However we have quickly deduced that this may either be misdirection or possible references to another two garden worlds under their control. For instance we have realised that their home-world is known as Earth which has an atmosphere almost identical to that of Thessia and a very similar mass. The other two planets named were Venus and Mars. Venus is of Class-1 garden world capability according to the various sources of information and noted for it's practically identical quality to the Human home-world Earth. Mars on the other hand has a smaller mass compared to the other two planets and therefore falls under Class-2 for garden worlds.

The Humans are suspected to have developed a keen mind for naval tactics through conflicts on Earth either through small scale skirmishes as we saw first hand shortly after contact or through large scale deployment with the various craft we have documented shortly after they retook Shanxi.

We find strong references to two global conflicts on Earth that developed their naval mindset into what we have seen. But we also see references to an interplanetary conflict within their native system which now know is identified as Sol. An incredibly curious development that Palaven Command is interested in is the vessel we have recently witnessed in action in their recent push to evict us from their territory.

The curious vessel is at least 1 km in length similar to a Dreadnought but from what we have seen during the brief engagements with them is that they possess very little offensive weaponry but do possess full defensive capabilities expected of a Dreadnought class vessel. Instead we have witnessed that the vessel itself carries large amounts of interceptors, bombers and multi-role fighters.

These small strike craft launched in large numbers reinforce their fleets and act as force multipliers. A fleet we could engage as we have an advantage would quickly turn in their favour as they deploy these craft from a safe distance from any of our vessels. The vessel seems to act as a refuelling, re-arming and possible repair station for other craft as well.

This vessel is dubbed the Carrier by the Humans and it's applications are astronomical in terms of naval warfare. We theorise that this vessel was first conceived on their home-world before they developed space craft, then it's applications became apparent in space combat.

This however does not make up the entirety of their unique abilities in naval combat. But more information on that will follow in the next report along with suggested tactics to counter effectively and proposals for possible further orbital bombardment.

Dr. Adrian Gallus, Chief Scientist on Human Studies

End Report"

"Misona prep the skycar, we heading back to the Turian Embassy" ordered Tevos with new found vigour.

Time to set plans in motion, before events progress too far for any possible peace – Thought Tevos

(-(||)-)

Councillor Tevos sat in the skycar with a hand covering her mouth slightly as she looked out the tinted window in thought. A mass of conflicted and disrupted emotions mixed within her. Fear, fear that the Turians may overstep their bounds and forcefully absorb a race into their control without provocation. Anger, anger that the Turian High Command has behaved so incredibly childish about the entire situation, pressing to settle a score with a younger race over wounded pride. She is worried that her actions may not save the Humans from the inevitable Turian response.

The Humans are like children in comparison to the Council races. Only being a space-faring species for a fraction of the time that any one of the Council races had. They are making a terrible mistake by further provoking the Turians, a mistake that may cost them their way of life. If only her government could get the chance to guide them to the better options, to mentor them on how to wield their might and influence correctly as they have done to the Elcor and Hanar.

"Are you okay Councillor?" asked Misona with genuine concern, leaning forward ever so slightly on the seat opposite Tevos.

Tevos released a heavy sigh "I'm not sure what to make of all this" she replied "First we think the Turians are preparing to wage a war against the Council and we almost fire on our long standing friends" Tevos began involuntarily to let her worry convey on to her voice "Then we learn that our ally has been waging a war against a young species who-" she fought the urge to tear up as she took a deep breath.

"Councillor, I know that your position puts enormous amounts of pressure on your mind" started Misona as she began to comfort Tevos by garnering her attention "But you must not let it get to you right now, those beings that we are trying so hard to save will not survive if you do not focus right now"

Tevos almost felt like she was being told off and by her aide no less who was little more than a young matron. She couldn't resist the urge to smile at that and let out a little laugh. Misona smiled back, silently assuring her mentor that she was there for her and would be for the foreseeable future.

"Misona there was a reason I picked you to be my personal aide, do you know what it was?" asked Tevos, re-posturing herself professionally.

"I don't suppose it was for my good looks?" replied Misona jokingly.

"No it wasn't that" Tevos smiled back "It wasn't for your organisational skills or your impeccable accountability. I picked you because you displayed wisdom beyond your years, which you keep reminding me about at the most unexpected times"

"Thank you, Councillor" Misona responded with a bow of her head in respect.

"You're a good assistant, maybe one day you will make an even greater Councillor" stated Tevos

"You honour me Councillor" Misona quickly and gratefully stated.

The skycar quickly descended onto the Embassy's many landing pads. Through the window Tevos could see outside the main entrance a group of reporters gathering, gaining significant attention from the C-Sec patrols that were stationed nearby. They quickly rushed to form a line to prevent the civilians access to the Embassy.

The door of the skycar lifts open to allow exit. Tevos and Misona walk along the landing pad to the nearby entrance into the Embassy, their position elevated above the ground floor where all of the reporters had gathered outside the main door.

"It appears someone has let information to slip" stated Misona with distaste as she stopped to glance at the reporters.

"Or something . . ." responded Tevos as she continued to walk on, forcing Misona to follow after her.

The two C-Sec guards stiffened as they stood to salute the Councillor. The door between them lid open to reveal it's contents. She strode inside and again she heard the guards begin to speak into their comms, no doubt alerting security of her arrival. She turned right to head down a flight of stairs to the Embassy's main lobby.

Once there she was welcomed by a familiar face.

"Councillor Tevos" said Lieutenant Felix as he saluted "I have been ordered to guide you to Councillor Faux. Please follow me" he swivelled on his feet and then begun to walk off.

Tevos begun to notice how the Blackwatch guards that were present yesterday had decreased significantly. Also that Felix was not posted outside but rather back inside where he is supposed to be. Lieutenant Felix was leading them directly back to the hidden conference room that they discovered yesterday.

"Lieutenant Felix, just how long has that conference room been hidden there?" asked Tevos

Technically as Tevos subordinate he should have answered right away. Instead she noticed him visibly struggle with the question as he lead her onwards. No doubt still struggling to choose which orders to follow.

"I'm not exactly sure Councillor, but I probably couldn't tell you if I did . . ." came the response from Felix "I'm sorry"

"Do not worry Lieutenant Felix," assured Tevos "I do not hold your actions yesterday against you. After all, each government has secrets"

They came to a stop at the end of the hidden corridor again and the door slid open revealing the conference room. Yesterday Tevos remembered the room was filled with high ranking officials from Palaven Command, who were not happy in the slightest to see herself and Councillor Morvayn at the door. Perhaps they realised their secret war could not continue discreetly any longer.

Today the room was different however, there were no high ranking Turian officials. Instead they were replaced with analysts from both the Turians and Salarians. Councillor Faux was sat in the chair at the head of the table again but this time he had Councillor Morvayn at his side. The atmosphere was a little more neutral today rather than negative.

She could see Morvayn's aide, Valern, talking about something at a distant table with another Turian. She recognised him as Councillor Faux's aide, Sparatus. Whatever they were discussing they seemed to be at odds over it.

"Ah Tevos, please come this way" beckoned Faux as he shifted his attention from the holographic display to her, then swiftly back.

Then the display caught her eye. The star chart that she briefly saw yesterday as she entered the room, only this time it hadn't been taken down to be hidden from her. She moved over to Faux and Morvayn who were discussing something that seemed so distant right now. She focused on the star system highlighted. Noticing that the designation was indeed very familiar.

Sol System

"You have found their home system?" asked Tevos as she turned to look at Faux

"Yes we did" said Morvayn before Faux could answer "STG has located the Human home system through the various sources provided by the Turians" Morvayn was rather proud of that fact.

"Yes and we both agree that Palaven Command must already know by now too" added Faux as he eyed Tevos with a scrutinising glare. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about that mob outside?"

"Of course not, do I look like a loose maiden to you?" replied Tevos with a raised brow.

"I didn't think you would" Faux said as he stood up "Someone has a slack jaw and let slip sensitive information. If we do not pressure the Hierarchy now . . . well I think we are running out of time"

"STG has got very sensitive information Tevos, should the Republics require it" added Morvayn as they both stood there expectantly.

Tevos held their gaze for a moment or two.

"The Armali Council has given me the necessary authorization to leverage the Hierarchy" she let out a deep sigh "Get me a secure line and we can put an end to this mindless bloodshed"

"Good, now unfortunately we have been having technical problems with our QEC suite. Morvayn has brought over a few technicians to repair the problem. They should be finished within the next 15 minutes" replied Faux

"Very well, in the meantime could you bring me up to speed on the latest developments?" asked Tevos

"Yes of course." replied Morvayn as he tapped at the haptic interface's control "We were just beginning to look at them ourselves.

The holographic display seemed to zoom outwards from the Human home system to a view of the cluster it's located within. Next the display shifted to display the area where they were encountered on the edge of Turian space. The display begun to highlight in red the territory contested by both the Humans and the Turians. A white patch extended beyond that with the hypothetical territory the Humans could hold and small areas of blue that are now known to be Human held territory. Including their home system.

"Impressive isn't it?" asks Morvayn "We know that they are very new to mass effect physics, we theorise no more than two galactic standard decades at the most, yet they have proceeded to expand into a great deal of territory in that time"

"Not as large as any of our races own territory mind you but, it is extraordinary" remarked Faux.

"From the information I was given I understand that we have a new introduction to vessel types do we not?" asks Tevos

Morvayn practically jumped in joy as he looked to Tevos.

"The Carrier vessel yes, but that isn't all!" replied the Salarian Councillor, who tapped at the controls again.

This time it displayed the garden world labelled as Shanxi, with Turian fleet signatures in orbit. Immediately dozens of Human ship signatures begun to snap into existence. Several groups of Cruiser sized vessels snapped into existence screening for the Dreadnought at the heart of their formation. Tevos took note of how they were not in danger of firing upon the planet, coming from another angle as they attacked the Turians

Either they do not want to fire upon garden worlds or possibly it is just coincidence – Thought Tevos

At the same time, another group of Human ship signatures snapped into existence away from the battle. Two vessels of Dreadnought size at the centre of the new arrivals, surrounded by Frigate sized flotilla's. The flotilla's begun screening for the Dreadnought sized vessels immediately.

"Here is where it gets interesting" says Faux

The display stops and highlights the larger force contending with the Turian vessels for orbital supremacy. Highlighting the Dreadnought at the centre. It brought up images, descriptions and scans of the vessel.

"Watch the vessel closely" stated Morvayn

Tevos did as she was asked by her colleague, watching the vessel as the video continued at a normal pace. The vessel fired a round and Tevos watched as it slammed straight into the Turian formation, destroying a ship out right. Then it fired another, then another at a speed of only two seconds between each shot. The standard firing rate of a Turian Dreadnought.

Astonishing that they have such technological skill

She then read the scans and reports of the vessel . . . which left her eyes widened as she looked at her colleague's.

"I don't believe this" she said astonished, looking to Morvayn for clarification.

The Dreadnought fires a round weighing 20 kilos at 1.3% of light speed . . . every two seconds!

"I know, it is impressive" replied Faux "But that is not the only thing that demands our attention, take note of the other battle-group"

The display then automatically shifted to the other group of Human ships.

One of the vessels highlights as a Carrier as soon as it begins to deploy a mass of small strike craft. It then begins to highlight dozens of small . . . what could only be assumed were a type of missile, being launched from almost every ship in that grouping, heading towards the surface of the planet. It then brought up a holographic representation of what was launched by the second battle-group.

Two images popped up, with two distinct sizes and designs.

"Are these what I think they are?" asked Tevos with genuine intrigue

"They most certainly are, orbital insertion vehicles" responded Faux "Almost identical to those utilised by the Armiger Legions"

No one but the Turians had been able to produce working orbital insertion vehicles, the capabilities of this race only seem to mount higher and higher. . . .

"These larger pods however contain not Infantry units but something more spectacular" claimed Morvayn as he brought up another image.

"This is referred to as a Titan by Human forces" started Morvayn, the technological lust of his race becoming increasingly evident "It is a fully developed assault mech, which sometimes does not even require a pilot to operate"

. . . and higher

What she was looking at was a figure of similar build to the Humans but at least three times as large, an intimidating sight to behold on the battlefield, to be sure.

"I imagine that these act as force multipliers as well?" asked Tevos

Councillor Faux responded with a nod before moving to tap his omni-tool.

"If we look back at the other Dreadnought sized vessel we have one last bit of information to show you, from this battle anyway" stated Faux "We just need to progress the battle to it's near end"

The display sped up, what she saw was the Human forces advance rapidly and the Turians retreat at an exaggerated rate. But what she saw next was even more curious. As the display came to a stead, she eyed the vessel and saw it was deploying large objects from it's underside, sending slight shivers down her spine.

"Those do not hold larger vehicles do they?" she asked, fearing the answer.

"No they don't . ." answered Morvayn

"Thank the . ."

"They are firebases" stated Morvayn, his steady gaze meeting Tevos' eyes.

Tevos was visibly shaken by that remark, she looked to Faux for clarification.

"We know how you feel Councillor believe me, Palaven Command even knows how you feel" he replied "We suspect this vessel fills the role of command or even a support role"

The display continued briefly before ending abruptly. Signal lost was displayed in big red letters in place of the holographic display before it.

"That was the last moments of the 14th Fleet, the Rapid Reaction Force. The large assault force performed a campaign of rapid dominance on the remaining forces planet side, reports differ but we know that they did not last long" stated Faux with his head stooped low in shame, in the loss of life or the Turian defeat. No one knew.

"And where are there forces now?" asks Tevos

The display changed to a view of the entire region of space.

"They are slowly pushing the Turians back closer to relay 314 by each passing day. STG estimates that unless the Turians turn the tide, the Humans will be at relay 314 possibly within the next few days" stated Morvayn "Which is only making it increasingly imperative that we end this war before it spills into Citadel space."

A salarian comes running into the room.

"Councillor's" he snapped to a standard Salarian salute "The QEC suite is back online, we have begun setting up a call with Palaven Command"

"Good, we have little time to spare" replied Tevos as she gestured for the Salarian to lead on.

(-(||)-)

The holographic representation of Primarch Domecius quickly faded into existence in front of the three Councillor's. He was not pleased to see them . . . in the slightest. His usual attire was not replaced with his military uniform as per protocol when the Hierarchy is at war. A smart move no doubt, to remove any suspicion from distant observers.

But the Council are no longer distant observers and the public will soon be aware of the situation, leaving no one out of the loop.

The Primarch eyed each of them carefully, before fixing his gaze upon Councillor Faux.

"To what do I owe the pleasure Councillor's?" asked Domecius cautiously

"The Citadel Council has become aware of your war Primarch" replied Faux

The hatred behind that word did not go unnoticed by anyone present.

"The Council believes that it is time to send a peace delegation to prevent further bloodshed" stated Tevos, her posture and facial expression not betraying her emotions in the slightest.

"This war is not your concern Councillor, this matter is solely between the Turian Hierarchy and the Humans" came the response with well contained aggression "We acted in accordance with Citadel Law, attempting to prevent the dangerous and irresponsible activation of relay 314"

"The Hierarchy has failed to recognise the importance of the situation properly, opting for war against a species in a first contact scenario. Do you understand that this may result in the entire region becoming increasingly unstable?" asked Tevos, almost as if she was scolding a maiden

"If the conflict were to continue we would likely face increased pirate and slaver activities near our borders, or even a possible conflict with the Terminus systems" Morvayn explained "Plunging the galaxy into another galactic war"

The implications seemed to linger in the air for a few moments, allowing each individual to think about the possibilities.

Primarch Domecius seemed to consider it for a brief moment before shaking his head.

"That is why we've been pulling our reserve forces to compensate alongside the production of a few more fleets. To either cover the gaps in our defence or to replace the ships we lose" came the determined response.

"Primarch please listen to us" begged Faux, who just inherited his full attention "We have a diplomatic team ready to deploy, we can end this now."

"No more senseless violence, no more needless bloodshed, we can begin to set this whole matter aside" assured Tevos "Who knows, they may even become close allies with our races, given their military capability"

"That is what concerns me Councillor's, what if we let our guard down and they take advantage? What then when thousands upon thousands of lives are spent because of your diversion?" countered Domecius

Now however, something became clear to Councillor Tevos. It wasn't just out of wounded pride that the Turians want to settle the score. Not just the desire to do what their honour dictates. But also out of fear. The Humans had scared the Turian High Command that for the first time in millennia, their territory could be at significant risk. A young race had stood up and shook the very ground of Turian security in retaliation to a perceived threat.

Perhaps she could allay those fears somehow.

"I understand that you believe that Turian worlds are at possible risk, but if we do not at least try to achieve a peaceful resolution then we will never know if they are inherently hostile or just acting as any of us would" rebuked Tevos

Primarch Domecius stooped his head ever so slightly in contemplation.

"If it doesn't work then the blame would be placed upon the Council itself, not the Hierarchy. We would accept full responsibility" offered Tevos "If you do not agree to our course of action then we will be forced to place significant sanctions upon the Hierarchy for destabilising the region and firing upon a garden world, to name a few concerns"

Domecius closed his eyes.

"Please what would we tell our children?" asked Faux

A long silence filled the room as they awaited the Primarch's response. He sighed deeply and postured himself professionally, his hands placed firmly behind his back.

"It seems that under the current circumstances I have no choice but to accept your proposal" Domecius smiled but it wasn't a welcoming gesture between friends but more a smile you put on to your adversaries "I will make the necessary arrangements"

A great weight seemed to have been lifted off their shoulders, quite visibly the Councillor's relaxed.

"We thank you for your cooperation" replied Morvayn with a sly grin.

"But if the Humans provoke us once more I will not hesitate to respond in kind" warned Domecius "I believe you will be able to send your diplomatic team within the day, goodbye Councillor's"

Within moments the Primarch's holographic image faded out of existence. Within a ten minute window the moment they had been dreading for what seemed like weeks, was over. Tevos couldn't believe it.

"Looks like we will be entertaining visitors soon enough if we are lucky" claimed Tevos as she looked at her fellow Councillor's "Let's not waste any more time, send the word"

(-(||)-)

AN: So it seems that the Council will get their chance to prove that diplomacy can prevail. But will it? I hope I haven't portrayed humanity as too strong in this part. My intention was to provide the Council with some insight into the capabilities of the Systems Alliance.

Seriously though, let me know what you think of it so far in the review. Your input gives me invaluable insight. Also your opinion on the matter of council membership would be preferred.

General Meridius