Kirk addressed his staff in the briefing room.
"So, we are out in the middle of nowhere for now with a possible contact with new civilizations. You all have worked to get some answers. Before I submit a report to Starfleet I need your inputs."
Spock was first.
"According to data banks provided by Talo the use of FTL several species developed FTL travel not too different from our warp drive however the difference is while we generate a warp field around our ships to travel faster than light these Citadel race's FTL works by exposing a mineral known as Element Zero to electric currents creating what they call a Mass Effect Field. It reduces the mass of an object - such as a starship - to a point where accelerations faster than the speed of light are possible. With a mass effect drive, roughly a dozen light-years can be traversed in the course of a day's cruise.
Element zero FTL drives accumulate a static electrical charge when a vessel has been in FTL flight for some time. This charge steadily increases with the amount of time a vessel spends in FTL.
However their main method of travel is through what they call Mass Relays. Based on the information provided I believe these Mass Relays are transwarp conduits as they are able to transport starships instantaneously to another relay within the network, allowing journeys that would take years or even decades with only FTL drives. The history banks point out that these relays were created by a race identified as the Protheans. The Asari were the first race to discover these relays and discovered a massive space station known as the Citadel.
It is unknown of what happened to the Protheans as they had simply disappeared without a trace. After the Asari discovered the Citadel they were shortly joined by the Salarians and soon after that a race called the Volus. As other races were contacted by the Asari and discovered the station on their own they gained embassies on the Citadel and came under the jurisdiction of the Citadel Council an executive committee which was comprised of Asari, Salarians, and later the Turians. They have no official power over the independent governments though their decisions still carry great weight.
No council race is strong to defy the other and all have a vested interest in compromise and cooperation similar to the Federation." said Spock.
"A dozen species forming a government similar to the Federation and spread faster than us." said Kirk.
"Not really, Captain. The Citadel races do not explore space the way we do. They once did that by reactivating dormant Mass Relays but came upon a hostile race that almost destroyed them. Since then it has been forbidden to reactivate any Mass Relays that are dormant. And while they are faster the Citadel Races have missed out on contacting multiple civilizations in relying solely on the Mass Relays and according to the galaxy maps only one percent of known space has been explored. There are only eight races that are affiliated with the Citadel." said Spock.
"Very well. Tactical?" asked Kirk looking Sulu.
"Their main weapons are called Mass Accelerators. A mass accelerator propels a solid metal slug using precisely-controlled electromagnetic attraction and repulsion. The slug is designed to squash or shatter on impact, increasing the energy it transfers to the target. If this were not the case, it would simply punch a hole right through, doing minimal damage.
Their shields, colloquially called "kinetic barriers", provide protection against most mass accelerator weapons. They would have no defense against our phasers or disruptors. Their weapons systems are composed of anti ship missiles and lasers turrets on the exterior hull. Their hull is composed of ablative armor to scatter any directed energy weapon but boil away when hit by the energy weapons.
Our phasers would have no trouble dealing with that." said Sulu.
"Thank you, Mr. Sulu. Engineering."
This was Scotty's department.
"Their primary engine is a 'fusion torch' which vents the plasma of the ship's power plant. They inject anti-protons into the reaction chamber filled with hydrogen providing motive power. The drawback is the fuel production and because it is measured in millions of degrees Celsius any vessel caught behind them will melt like wax on a blowtorch.
Kirk nodded. "Anything else to note?"
Dr. McCoy pitched in.
"I've run a medical scan on Quarian physiology. They have an exo-skeleton, teeth, two eyes with eyelids and tear ducts. They are also a dextro-protein species of reverse chirality from humans. The food of levo-protein races like us would be at best poisonous to the Quarians or triggering a dangerous allergic reaction."
Spock turned to Kirk.
"The last detail I have is about the Citadel races and the reasons for the Quarians living among a fleet of refuge ships. The governing body is an executive committee composed of one member from the Asari Republic, the Salarian Union, and the Turian Hierarchy. These three species are the strongest of the Citadel races and have general characteristics associated with various aspects governing their space. The Asari act as diplomats and mediators, the Salarians gather intelligence and information, and the Turians provide the bulk of the military and peace keeping force.
Their fleet is mixed with the Council races however unlike Starfleet which calls on the resources of all member worlds the Citadel fleet is only combined with ships from the Council races. However the fleet itself is large enough to patrol every mass relay. The Quarians once had an embassy in the Citadel but they were stripped of it when the Quarians after the Quarians had created a species of rudimentary AIs known as the Geth." said Spock.
"I saw an AI on Talo's ship when we were upgrading it but he called it a VI." Said Scotty.
"According to Talo these VI despite appearing to be intelligent they are not self aware. When they created the Geth they were meant to be a cheap labor force while limiting their intelligence, keeping it low as a VI. The Geths' intelligence was kept as minimal as possible and was only upgraded when the Geth were needed to work more effectively during more difficult tasks. The more Geth were built the smarter they became.
Eventually however a Geth questioned its masters on whether or not it was alive which alarmed the Quarians. The Geth had somehow evolved beyond their limited programming and achieved sentience. The Quarian government sent out the order to shut down the Geth but the Geth struck and resulted in a war which ended when the Quarians were driven from their planet. After that the Geth isolated themselves beyond a nebula known as the Perseus Veil and have remained there for the last three hundred years.
The Quarians requested aid from the Citadel but the Council refused and stripped them of their embassy. In their view the Quarians broke their laws concerning the band on researching artificial intelligence." said Spock.
"This may lead to some doubts about first contact. They turned their backs on a race and allowed them to wander space without regards to their survival." said Kirk.
"There are also some concerns about how the Citadel council interacts with other races. One race called the Krogan. The Citadel were in a war with a insect race called the Racchni and they were in danger of losing so the Salarians culturally uplifted the Krogan from the harsh environments of their home planet and within two generations the Krogan were large enough in numbers that they were to turn the tide of the war. However because of this their population swelled into unprecedented numbers which caused them to spread and forcefully claim other worlds under Citadel control. In defeating one enemy the Council created another one.
It was only though the use of a bio weapon called genophage that caused near totally infant mortality with one birth success out one thousand. Because of this bio weapon the Krogan now face extinction. They are a scattered and dying people." said Spock.
"So they interfered with the cultural development of one species to turn them into their own weapons and then reduced their numbers drastically enough that they are now an endangered species." said Kirk.
"As a result of this the Krogan see no point for their survival and only trust themselves." said Spock.
"I see your point in this Mr. Spock. The Council's methods are warrant to be wary of them. However the Federation will not intervene in this Krogan matter unless they come for help. It might cause them more damage.
Lifting the genophage would cause them to go out of control again but at the same time there is possibility they will become extinct. A delicate situation isn't it?" asked Kirk.
"Indeed. What kept the Krogan's numbers in check was their home planet's environment. When the Salarians interfered it drastically changed them and because of that the Council faced a war that lasted for three centuries. It was because of situations like this that the Prime Directive was created when the Federation was formed." said Spock.
"And it was also formed so we can solve these situations should they arise." Kirk said. "I think I can see the Federation granting asylum to the Quarian Fleet, maybe even giving them a seat in the Federation. 50 000 ships of various designs, at least several hundred being military vessels, could interest a few member species."
"And it might take years, decades even, but we could help the Quarians restore their immune system." McCoy said. "They sound like a win-win situation, but then again I only heard about them two hours ago."
"We should be cautious before we try opening up any diplomatic agreements with the Council, Migrant Fleet, or Krogans." Spock said. "And I have looked up more information Mr Serath released to us. It regards a region of space identified as the 'Terminus Systems', it appears that it is a hive for slavers, pirates, privateers, and many other crimes. It is made up of minor species, most a race called the Batarians, which was stripped of their embassy like the Quarians, but they had been banished for the endorsement of slavery by their government. I would not recommend any travel or contact with that sector, at all.
There is also a mysterious rumor concerning a race that has been labelled as the Collectors that live beyond a Mass Relay designated Omega 4. They are rumoured to be highly advanced and have made odd trade request in exchange for new technologies." Said Spock.
"What kind of requests?" asked Kirk.
"In the data file Mr Serath gave us it states that the Collectors have requested sentient beings with specific genetic traits. One example would be that on one occasion they asked for a dozen left handed Salarians, or 'pure' Quarians, meaning Quarians that have never left the Migrant Fleet." Said Spock.
"Any speculation why they make these requests?" asked Kirk.
"None, but the rumors concerning what happens to these individuals believe are concerning." Said Spock.
"I find it hard to believe anyone would hand over living beings even if the offered technology is valuable." Said Bones.
"Has anyone ever gone through Omega 4 relay?" asked Kirk.
"Yes, but any expedition to investigate the Collecters was never seen again. There are rumours that believe that a black hole is at the relay's counterpart, another rumour states that no one wants to leave because it is a paradise. The most logical reason is most likely that the Collectors detain or destroy anyone that enters their space." Said Spock.
"Thank you for the information Mr Spock." Kirk said. "Make sure we have all the information gathered and sent to Starfleet. We'll just finish our business with Mr Serath and then head out before we attract more attention."
--
"I thank you for the tour Captain." Talo said. "As soon as the nebula clears away from the relay, I will show you to the Citadel. It will still take a while to reach it even at the speeds we go, but it will be far faster than your FTL engines."
"We're going to hold off on that contact plan." Kirk said. "We sent a message back to the Federation, it should be there in about two hours now, after that we'll just have to wait for a response and orders. We included your request for an object to use for your pilgrimage in exchange for your information regarding the region."
"I am a very patient person Captain, and even then I enjoy going where I will in the universe, it will make no difference if I do not get anything out of this." Talo said as he nodded to the captain from the entry hatch of his ship.
"I appreciate your attitude towards this." Kirk said.
"We have learned not to let our emotions get the best of us like children Captain, the universe is a deadly place, especially for my race." Talo said. "I will take a quick run and examine the systems of the ship to see if she is back into full working condition."
"We'll be ready if anything happens." Kirk said before the Quarian ducked into the ship and shut the hatch. Kirk and the deck crew stepped back as the runabout sized ship began to take off. After a few moments it roared out of the hangar.
--
"System's check." Talo said.
"Engines are running at full efficiency, scanner efficiency has increase 47 percent." His VI said. "The Kinetic barriers are working at full power. GUARDIAN turret is at full power. Professional opinion: Ship is working at full capacity."
"Alright, just a quick pass and then we're done." Talo said as he manoeuvred the ship into a smooth turn.
"Warning, detecting FTL signature originating from Dalon Relay." The VI said.
"What? Who would come all the way out to this empty system? There's no life sustaining planets, no gas giants, and hardly any ore to refine from the debris." Talo said.
"Bringing up visual scan." The VI said before his screen showed him what had come out of the relay.
His eyes widened.
It was a large cruiser, armed to the teeth. He couldn't see any military markings, so that meant one thing, mercenaries, pirates, or slavers. The relay leads to over seven systems in the Terminus Systems, it was bound to happen, but usually this system would be empty.
It was a Batarian design, about 13 years old.
He cursed. "Oh just my luck."
Before he could turn, he saw several fighters launch from the cruiser as it sped up. Obviously they thought he'd be an easy catch.
"Captain, do you see this?" Talo asked.
"We see them." Kirk said. "What are they?"
"Batarians most likely, and most likely their slavers or pirates." Talo said. "This relay can lead to seven different systems within the Terminus Systems; it's most likely where they came from."
"Fall back to the Enterprise, we'll take them." Kirk said.
Talo quick pulled a turn and sped back towards the cruiser.
-
"Sir, the Batarian vessel is hailing us." Uhura said.
"Accept the transmission." Kirk said. "Shields up, weapons charged."
The face of a Batarian in pitch black armor appeared on the screen. The background of the command deck was visible, so another Batarian or two could be seen, along with what the data Talo showed them as a Krogan, and then a Salarian.
"This is Captain James Kirk of the Federation Vessel Enterprise; we are on a mission of exploration and wish to arrange a meeting with any local species or governments." There was silence.
"Surrender your vessel and prepare to be boarded, I am confiscating this vessel."
"We will not surrender our vessel, please do not initiate violent actions against us or we will respond in kind." Kirk replied.
"I have never been defeated in battle." The Batarian said. "Not by Turian captains, Asari commandos, Salarian STGs, or even Krogans, I do not expect some ugly looking alien and his toy ship will defeat me."
"Our scans have shown that while your ship is in larger, it is second hand in terms of weaponry and shielding, and does not possess any plausible threat to us, it has only turned you into a bigger target." Kirk said. "Stand down or we will open fire."
"Is that so? Very well then, terminate transmission."
"Captain, Talo is on board and the enemy ship is firing one shot from their Mass Accelerator." Spock said.
The ship shook as the shot struck its shields, making them flash momentarily.
"We warned them. Lock phasers on weapon emitters and take out the shields." said Kirk.
A lance of red energy shot from the ship and struck the cruiser in its flank, blowing a hole clean through it. The cruiser was knocked off its axis and staggered from the hit.
"Weapon emitters destroyed. Captain, sensors show a hull breach on the ship." Said Spock.
"Transporter room, lock on to them." Said Kirk.
Crew members in pressure suits were sucked out through the gaps as the cruiser began to tilt. As the cruiser began to flee, there were small, barely visible flashes of light in the area it had just left.
Captain, they are retreating." Spock said. "Shall we pursue?"
"Negative, hold position, they won't try a stunt like that again." Kirk said. "Inform Mr Talo he may resume his course for the relay."
"He has already launched captain." Spock said.
"Thanks for the assistance Captain." Talo said over the communications link.
-
On the scout ship, Talo's VI said. "Talo, the energy that the Enterprise used to produce that energy beam was beyond any energy reading I have ever seen. It is equivalent of about an entire dreadnaught's energy core put into one blast."
"A good thing they are on our side then." Talo said as he watched the cruiser enter the relay and vanish, leaving behind several pieces of debris. "Those Batarians are not going to be happy."
"Plotting a course for the planet the Federation officer gave us." Tali said. "I took the liberty of sending the coordinates to Captain Kirk."
"Good." Talo said. "We'll lay low in the Utopia System for a while."
--
"Set course for Federation space. There's not need to attract any more attention than we have already." Said Kirk.
"Course plotted." Saud Sulu.
The Enterprise turned around and vanished in a flash of light as she went to warp.
