Well, this is the first official chapter of the story. I apologize immediately for those who were put off by the long Timeline. I was simply trying to establish the current universe up until the point of contact and I believed that some background information should be posted. I didn't like the thought of just "plopping" another universe inside Mass Effect. That would be too easy. Instead, I needed to craft a universe that encompassed all the crossovers into one galaxy. I plan on doing a "Codex" to go into details of the different factions and technologies. Like in Mass Effect, they help understand the story, but are not necessary. I don't plan to force anyone to read all of my ramblings.
The Critical One As I said before, I was simply trying to formulate a background for all races. I apologize. Again, it was me just rambling my thoughts.
drich147 In the canon universe of Halo, the Precursors were an all powerful race and pretty much almost invincible. Here, I changed the timeline so that instead of just being an empire that expanded to another galaxy, they were refugees that left their own galaxy due to civil war and famine. they do not have the necessary people to formulate a fully integrated empire, so they used machines to spread their influence. When the reapers attacked in the billions, the Precursors had lost most of their military technology back in their own galaxy. Besides, in this universe, the Reapers lost billions and ended up with only a few thousand before retreating. I also wanted to give a purpose to the Forerunners, so being the legacy of the Precursors was just one of my random thoughts. The Precursors in this universe already knew they were a dying race. And I didn't feel comfortable just sidelining the Reapers. I could have easily gone with the OP Precursors/Forerunners, but give the Reapers some credit. They were harvesting races for almost a billion years and integrated numerous civilizations into their synthesis. Ultimately, they didn't win over the Precursors, but they were the reason for their eventual collapse as a species in the Milky Way.
With an m16 Since I made it to where the Reapers lack sufficient amount of numbers to steamroll the galaxy, I hope to make them into a far darker faction, especially in the underbelly of society. The Reapers will use new tactics to make up for lost numbers in their wars with the Precursors/Forerunners. The Citadel, will be behind on technology at first, but some interesting developments have yet to be revealed.
StarCraft is awesome Since I needed the Reapers to have some significance, I decided that after Human-Forerunner War, the Forerunners would demilitarize, thus creating a vulnerable society. Normally, the Forerunners would have beaten the Reapers easily. However, no military means no defense and the Forerunners were assaulted on every world. I decided to make the Keyship a new design just for the war with the Reapers, as it looks different from the other Forerunner dreadnoughts. Again, the Reapers were beaten back, but the Forerunners also took losses as well.
mr I hate znt nobles kill em Maybe, but don't count on it. I am already trying to juggle around all these universes. Plus, each universe I add should have some significance to the story. If an element I have written turns out to have little to no significance to the rest of the Mass Effect universe, then I will rewrite the story and change the factions present. Your idea of the interactions with the interaction between Batarian culture and the Tau-IOM are interesting, but I need a twist to get them to interact. I have seen numerous crossovers where the opposing force dislikes the Batarians use of culture as a means to protect slavery. I don't want to repeat that sub plot, but rest assured, the Batarians will make transgressions on the UOA. I will keep your idea in mind for a later plot
the black sun 21 please read my response to drich147. I know that some people will get angry at interpretations, but what can you do? I need to give the Mass Effect universe some significance, otherwise, I need to move this from Halo-Mass Effect crossovers to a new section.
Shanxi System
September 29, 2700 C.E.
UNSC Cruiser New Horizon
Commanding Officer - Admiral Steven Hackett
In a time before space, humanity used to look across the sea and wonder what mysteries and dangers were on the other side. Many theorized that treasures and other relics were there for the taking. Others pointed to barbaric tribes or cannibals. It was only after years of exploration that the unknown became the known. Man stopped fearing the sea. Man expanded and conquered the mysteries of the frontier. Yet now, man still has fears of the unknown, as ships make their way across the vast sea of space, the new frontier. Men would like to say they have no fear, but for anyone to travel blindly into the unknown and say such a thing was either crazy, brave or extremely stupid.
Most likely the latter, thought Hackett.
Admiral Hackett was a wizened veteran of the TEC. When the Trade Order had come under attack from the Vasari and Advent, his family had been one of the first to enlist in the TEC. Generations of his family had known only war. He had risen through the ranks due to his charismatic stand-fast tactics and had even participated in the defense of the TEC capital, Apollo, from an Advent incursion. When the TEC civil war occurred, he remained loyal despite half his fleet falling to the rebel's propaganda. When the war was over, Hackett had been a veteran of over 106 years of service, 52 of those as an admiral. While he was glad the war was over, he felt no love toward the Vasari and Advent. He was disappointed when reparations for the war were not as high as the TEC calculated.
The Vasari and the Advent… They never saw their cities burn, their children slaughtered, and their planets occupied. They were always on the offensive, pushing us to the brink of extinction. Perhaps in time, we can all hold hands and sing, but for now, we will never forget the sins of our past. Never…
Hackett was interrupted out of his thoughts when the captain hailed him over hologram. The blue model stood at attention.
"Sir?" questioned the young man. Hackett sighed before answering.
"Yes, what is it, Captain Dres?" Heinrich Dres was human who hailed from the Imperium side of space. He looked professional in his UNSC uniform, but slung over his shoulder was a primitive gas mask. It was this artifact that reminded everyone that he was soldier from the Death Korp of Krieg Imperial Guard regiment. The UNSC liked to hire outside help so as to create better cohesion in tactics, especially in the different human factions.
"I thought that you would like to know that the scientists are in place and ready to activate the artifact." The artifact in question looked to be a two prong fork. Add to that it was powered by an unknown element. It was considered to be a curiosity by the scientific community. Only a month earlier did the scientists discover that it was part of galactic wide network of travel. The expedition was planned just a week earlier. Perhaps this artifact leads to the more than just more colonization. Maybe even a new intelligent race. This was accepted by many, but feared by some.
While appearing calm, the apprehension was clear on Dres's face as beads of sweat were visible even on the hologram. Being from the Imperium did that to you. The Imperium had been assaulted numerous times by the unknown, including Orks and Tyranids. The last thing the UOA needed was another hostile species on their doorstep.
"Thank you, captain. I'll send word to the frigates"
"As you wish, sir." The hologram disappeared, only to be replaced by another. This time it was a figure of a very young woman. She was dressed in what seemed to be old Greek robes. However, on her head was a helmet with the picture of a crescent moon etched in.
"Athena?" Athena was the central AI on the New Horizon. AIs were central to the management of ships and fleets in the UOA. Hackett was wary of them at first, but after seeing how useful they were, he accepted them without question. Now if only something could be done about their attitudes…
The hologram smirked at him. "Having trouble again, admiral?" Well, at least someone's in a good mood.
"I need you to inform the Garagin and the Liberator that the relay is about to be opened. I want those ships close in case something goes wrong." While Hackett had to make a few gambits in the TEC military, he had no excuse not to use all available resources while a part of the UOA.
"It's already been done. Expecting trouble from the scientists, or maybe bureaucrats?" Hackett gave her a serious look.
"It's not what's on our side that concerns me. It's what's on the other. Dres is from the Imperium and by the looks of it, he knows the dangers of facing the unknown. He has the right to be cautious."
"But discovery and courage are necessary to carve out an empire. Besides, if we are attacked, we can always fight back." Athena then made a point by creating a digital spear and getting into a defensive stance. For an imitation, she has certainly adopted Athena's stance on problems.
"That may be necessary, but I would prefer peaceful contact with any species. The last thing I want to do is get involved in another war. It will just get more people killed and create more grieving families." Hackett knew this from experience. His uncle had been a captain of a Kol-class Battleship in the TEC. But always, he would make time to visit the family every time he got shore leave. Years before Hackett joined the military, word was sent that the TEC fleet was ambushed by an Advent Unity fleet outside of the system border. No survivors were recovered. The feeling of sorrow was felt across those associated with his uncle. Brushing those thoughts aside, Hackett continued with his over view.
"The frigates will stay close to the research vessels while the New Horizon will bring up the rear. If anything hostile comes through, we'll be able to provide artillery support with the MAC gun." Athena simply nodded as she disappeared to relay the orders.
Hackett turned his attention to the window of the bridge, to look out upon the small fleet. Even though the UNSC was activating an ancient artifact, all they could spare was one Halcyon III-class cruiser and two Paris IV-class frigates. Inadequate given the find, but most fleets had been recalled for retrofit. Also, the UOA was about to reveal their largest dreadnoughts to date, the Guardian-class. Entire fleets had been recalled for guard duty, as no one wanted to see these ships get hijacked. The thought of even one of those 50 Kilometer behemoths getting stolen made Hackett frown. But he needed to concentrate on the now, as the first research ship activated the relay. The two rings inside the "eye" of the artifact started spinning as a single probe was shot off at incredible speeds toward the other side.
Now we wait for an answer…
Turian Relay Patrol Fleet
Commanding Officer- Commander Aktriv
September 29, 2700 C.E.
Turian Dreadnought Under Fire
Outside of relay 314
To say that the commander was bored was an understatement. The Turian military, the most powerful fleet in Citadel space, wasn't cleaning up messes brought about by rouge military parties. It wasn't going after pirates or even the damn Batarian's slaving rings. No, instead of fighting slavers and rogues, the Turian military was put on patrol duty, watching for an enemy that would never come, and generally just sitting in space while the bureaucrats drained revenue on feel-good projects. From what the Citadel News told him, today was a Hanar celebration for the "glory of the Enkindlers." While most species had at least acknowledged the Protheans as an advanced civilization, the Hanar took it to an extreme level of worship.
To think that an entire species worships a dead civilization. There's a reason they're dead now, yet these Hanar continue to look upon them like gods. If they want to worship something grand, all they have to do is look upon a Turian battle fleet. Then they can start groveling.
Lothmik Aktriv was the current commander of Patrol Fleet Delta. He was an average Turian with a silver exoskeleton and featuring two lines of orange tattoos from his face to the back of his head. In charge of patrolling the relays of this side of Citadel space, he had already grown bored with his command and sent numerous requests to transfer closer to the Terminus systems. All of these requests, from his perspective, were ignored.
Shaking his head, Aktriv looks out from his position at this patrol fleet. It was a standard patrol fleet that was equipped to handle any situation. It included eight frigates, three cruisers and one dreadnought. The Under Fire was one of the updated dreadnoughts, as in had been fitted with the newest disruptor torpedoes and mass accelerator cannons. At one kilometer long, the dreadnought was an awe-inspiring sight. As General Arterius had said before, "Once the enemy sees the destructive firepower of the Turian fleet, they have already lost."
Seeing as how there was no activity in this relay, he may as well call the fleet to inspect the next relay.
"Aktriv to fleet, this relay is, once again, declared dead. Let's move onto the ne…" He was immediately interrupted when the one of the officers on the bridge shouted, "Sir, a surge of energy is coming from the relay!"
Aktriv couldn't believe it. There was no possible way. This relay had been dead for centuries.
"Impossible! Check the scanners again!" Aktriv would not let incompetence betray his rank. The thought of a first contact scenario buzzed in his head. The communications officer spoke up this time.
"Sir, I have confirmation from all ships that they are reading the same surge in eezo coming from the relay."
All Turians in the fleet waited with anticipation as the relay charged up and spit out its contents for all to see. Anticipation turned to confusion, as they say a small capsule emerge from the blue glow. This was not what Aktriv expected from a first contact. Again, the communications officer spoke up again this time with worry.
"Sir, the object is signaling out a beacon to pinpoint a location." Gulping, the Turian continued, "What if it's the start of an invasion?"
Fear and silence overtook the command room as Aktriv debated this. The Rachni Wars were the reason relays were to never be opened without approval. If another Rachni Wars happened…
With new determination, Aktriv turned to face the communications console for his fleet. Broadcasting to all ships, he declared, "We will not have another Rachni War! If the enemy is planning to invade, we will strike first and decimate the enemy. They broke Citadel law and will answer for their crimes. All ships, into the relay!"
Cheers could be heard all across the Under Fire. Soon, the blue hue of the mass relay engulfed all twelve ships, which then shot off in the direction of the offenders.
Shanxi System
September 29, 2700 C.E.
UNSC Cruiser New Horizon
It had been more than an hour before the probe had arrived on the other side and started broadcasting its position. The scientists were shocked that the signal was being broadcast from almost the complete opposite of the Orion arm.
"Unbelievable, this form of FTL is able to cross mass distances, but it took longer to get there than by slipspace. Whoever these aliens were, they sure were wasteful." Immediately after the location of the probe was determined, Athena started an analysis of the FTL method. While it was a reliable form of FTL, it was judged by the AI as primitive to slipspace, hyperspace, and webway travel. Hackett was still looking out as the research ships started to turn back home. Their only mission was to send the probe and determine the nature of the relay. However, after only a few moments after both craft had turned around, the relay started to glow bright again. Hackett's eyes widened.
"What the hell is going on!?" Athena could offer no explanation. Both research ships had started to travel away at a much greater speed, in case the artifact exploded. The small rings spun faster as twelve blue points of light appeared out of the darkness. After getting into proximity of the relay, those same blue arrows slowed down. Hackett could finally get a visual. It appeared to be a fleet of twelve starships. Each of the starships had an angular design, yet seemed robust unlike the Forerunners. Eight of the twelve were no bigger than the research vessels. The four larger vessels looked to large destroyers from the UNSC ship manual. However, all twelve vessels were giving off the same mysterious reading as the artifact.
"Athena, what am I looking at here?" Hackett was not prepared for a first contact scenario. The TEC's first contact scenario with the Vasari ended up in war. He secretly hoped this was some experimental fleet of the Chiss or another UOA faction. Athena's answer crushed his hopes.
"None of these ships are broadcasting the correct identification codes, nor do these ship designs match any in the known UOA directory. I'm sorry, Admiral, but this is first contact." Hackett grimaced. Trying to put aside his personal thoughts, he went with protocol and started initiating first contact orders.
"I want the frigates to start escorting the civilians to their hanger bays. The New Horizon will send the first contact package. Athena, I want you to start hacking their systems for information. If we need to go to war with these aliens, I want all the information I can get."
"It shouldn't be a problem." Just before Athena started to disappear, another thought appeared to Hackett.
"One more thing before you go." Athena listened intently. "If you find anything of strategic value, I want it sent immediately to UOA HighCom. If the negotiations go bad, I want them to know about it immediately." Athena nodded before disappearing. The frigates had already started to move toward the relay to pick up the civilians. Hackett looked at the opposing fleet.
Perhaps mankind's destiny is in the fires of war. I can only wish I am wrong.
Shanxi System
September 29, 2700 C.E.
Turian dreadnought Under Fire
When the fleet had come out at the other side, the Turians were shocked at the sight. Around the mass relay was a small fleet of ships of unknown design. They looked utilitarian in design and their gray hulls made them look similar to boxes. One of the ships was a shocking 1.5 kilometers long, almost a half a kilometer larger than any dreadnought in the Turian fleet. The other two were in similar design and seemed to be almost 900 meters in length, almost as large as the dreadnoughts of the Turians. Printed on all the hulls of the ships was a terrestrial planet with an avian creature on top. The letters "UNSC" dotted all three vessels. Aktriv looked out in awe of the alien vessels. This was a new race. They were even space faring. He knew that in the event of first contact, the Council was to be alerted to start diplomatic relations. However, before he could start ordering the procedures for the first contact package, the two smaller ships started to move toward the relay. Realization hit Aktriv. They're going to go through the relay. Citadel law comes first!
"All ships, this species has presented itself as breaking the laws of the Citadel. We are to deter them with force to show the true might of the Turian military. All ships, target the two vessels heading toward the relay. Once we have pacified their cruisers, we can worry about their dreadnought." A surprise came from one of the technicians.
"Sir, our scanners do not detect any element zero from any of the frigates, they don't have any kinetic barriers. There is a large amount of energy coming from all ships, but we assume that's the engines." Aktriv smiled. This would be like a walk in the park. Without kinetic barriers, the Turians would have the advantage. They were obviously a primitive race. He may even get a promotion if he makes this species a client race of the Turian Hierarchy. He prepares to launch his attack.
"All ships, prepare to fire on my mark. Fire!"
All mass accelerator cannons roared with a thunderous blast. Following them was the light blue trails of the disruptor torpedoes. All weapons were fired straight at the two cruisers. After a moment of silence, the projectiles made impact.
Citadel space
September 29, 2700 C.E.
Asari Research Vessel Blazing Trail
The galaxy offered numerous mysteries, especially those that studied the races that came before. Liara T'Soni was no exception. The young Asari was always interested in the past, much to the distaste of her forward-thinking mother. Liara made it her life's passion to study the ancient relics left behind by the Protheans, an ancient species that once held the entire galaxy together in one great empire. Their mysterious disappearance only deepened Liara's interest, as they had created so many great artifacts, such as the mass relays and the Citadel. It was hard to believe that a species that great simply disappears from the galaxy without so much as a record of war or strife. Liara was determined to not only find out the cause of their extinction, but unlock the secrets behind their technology for the betterment of the galaxy. That is when she was recruited for this mission.
Recently, Citadel forces stumbled upon an unknown artifact in a system far from the local mass relay. Many thought that it was Prothean in origin. The Citadel Council gathered a team of scientists to inspect the artifact. Due to her research, Liara happily accepted when the Asari Councilor Tevos approached her with the offer. Now she would get the chance to inspect not only a Prothean artifact, but one that was intact.
She looked over at the rest of the team that was gathered to inspect the artifact. Many of them included Salarian scientists, but their were also some Asari and Volus scientists scattered throughout the room. The Turians provided the security team to guard the scientists during their excavation. However, one Hanar was also present. When the Council had revealed the existence of the artifact to the officials of the independent governments, the Hanar requested one representative to safeguard any finds during the search in honor of the Enkindlers. The Hanar thought of the Protheans as gods, so they would be very protective of Prothean artifacts. Liara hoped that there would be little interference, but based on prior experiences, she was prepared to weather the storm of comments from the Hanar.
The team had decided to meet in the conference to decide how to search the relic. Liara, being an expert on Prothean ruins, was the first to speak.
"So, do any of you know what this artifact is?" Many of the scientists gathered had blank expressions. Most had received very little information, as most was restricted to the top of STG. However, one Salarian, who looked like one of his horns had been cut off and had several scars on his face, answered.
"From my contacts, it appears the artifact is a ring of unknown origin. Could possible be connected to extinction of the Protheans. Fascinating if there are any structures on the artifact." Liara was surprised at the answer. Since most information was classified, he must have some powerful connections.
"Thank you, Doctor..." She didn't know the Salarian's name and hoped he would introduce himself.
"Mordin Solus, T'Soni." Ah, that explained it. She read in his dossier that Mordin was once part of the STG. He really did have powerful connections.
"Thank you, Mordin. Now, how should we proceed? If this ring is as large as a planet, how would we search it? We only have a team of twenty scientists and maybe thirty guards." It would take forever to search the whole ring together, yet lower numbers meant danger to all teams. One of the scientists, an Asari, raises her hand.
"Perhaps we should scan the artifact for important structures. If more than one exists, then we split up into appropriate numbers." This was argued from another point of view by a Salarian.
"And what happens if the entire artifact is littered with buildings and structures? If that is the case, we can't search all of them." It was at this time the Hanar spoke up.
"This one is concerned of your haste to disturb the relics of the Enkindlers. This one requests that all relics be brought to this one for inspection." The elicited a groan from all of the scientists. A Salarian voiced his opinion.
"Please tell me that we are not bringing him with us?" The Hanar was quick with its reply.
"This one is only concerned that you would destroy the relics of the Enkindlers, and create a disturbance." Liara was also tired of the Hanar's "concerns," but tried to get back on task.
"Alright, we will draw up our plan once we arrive at the artifact. We will try to respect any finds on the artifact, but I make no promises. Our purpose is to reveal information, so some disturbances will be required." Before she could continue, the captain of the vessel spoke up over the comm system.
"Science team, I would like to inform you that we are approaching the artifact in less then a minute." The comm sounded off and many of the members in the room started walk toward the window of the conference room. As the ship decelerated out of FTL, the window image faded from the blue stream of FTL to the dark void of realspace, only broken by the small pinpoints of light. The captain then returned on the comm.
"Goddess, how is it possible?" Liara was interested. Activating her omni-tool to interface with the captain, she wanted to know what was out there.
"Captain, please show us." As an answer, the ship started to turn so that the window of the conference room faced their destination. All scientists gasped in amazement. The Hanar floated in silence. The artifact was a giant ring, orbiting a large gas giant. While the outside of the ring was covered in metal superstructure, the inside featured a terrestrial surface, filled with bodies of land and water. To construct such a ring would be a huge undertaking. It looked even bigger than the Citadel. Liara only had one response to this gigantic artifact.
"Goddess..."
Well, that's the first official chapter. Please note: I am not an author, so if I make grammatical errors or mistakes, or don't explain a certain aspect enough, I will be sure to correct it or put it in the next codex entry. Thank you.