Liara stumbled backwards, as if about to fall over, only tripping over, and subsequently landing in the chair she was sitting in moments ago. "I don't… who… what… reclaimer…" She continued almost incoherent ramblings for several minutes.
Sheppard looked over at the super soldier, "What the hell did you just do?"
"I don't know sir, whatever just happened was not my intention," Jerome replied, his eyes not leaving the asari. Her rantings started to trail off and she looked more and more in control of herself. "Whatever it was, she seems to be coming around sir,"
Liara finally seemed to come around, as if waking up from a dream, "There were two minds… one was distant, and machine like in nature, I could barely touch it. The other…" She shuddered. "It was human I suppose, but the memories…" She shook her head. "Hundreds of worlds burning, or being consumed."
"Hundreds? We only lost about a dozen in the war, what are you talking about?" Jerome looked at the asari.
"Two minds? A split personality?" Sheppard looked at the Spartan.
"Actually she was probably talking about me," a new female voice chimed in over the helmet speakers. "We've met before commander; I'm Serina, Spirit of Fire's AI. I have been keeping my presence a secret, but I feel now would be a good a time as any."
"How the hell are you in his suit, an AI should be just data files without its quantum computing box." Sheppard demanded, obviously a little annoyed at being kept out of the loop.
"UNSC AI are made from flash cloned brains of humans, so in an emergency we can use the spare parts of another human's brain and nervous system for spare processing power, the Mjolner suit makes it possible for the direct interface." The Ai continued, "Which is probably the cause of the shock she got when she tried whatever she just did."
"No, no, my shock was what was contained in his genetic memory," Liara shook her head. "It is very different than yours Sheppard, and yet very similar." She paused for a moment as if considering her words. "The other mind was unexpected, but distant. It is not what caused me such confusion though." She tried to stand up, but quickly sank back down in the chair, obviously exhausted. "Your group of humans were left behind in your universe intentionally." She looked at the Spartan as she said this.
"Left behind? But we evolved on Earth." The Spartan shook his head. "That's impossible."
"Not at all," Liara continued. "You apparently were left with a very specific genetic memory, as if someone wanted you to remember very specifically. You are apparently the reclaimers, inheritors of all your predecessors left behind. Your race was originally very advanced nearly three million years ago; they held the entire galaxy under their rule, happily coexisting with other less advanced species when the flood came. That's where the memory gets darker, more sinister. The flood were a parasite, that took the bodies of sentient beings as thralls or food, maybe both, and led by something called a grave mind, they fought against the forerunners pushing them back until only their last defenses on Earth remained."
"Parasite? That sounds uncomfortably familiar," Jerome said.
"Please continue," Sheppard was extremely interested in the story; apparently these humans had ancestors that fought something worse than the reapers.
"They removed all remaining sentient species they could find to a place they called the ark, and then fired something they called the array, and wiped out all sentient life in the galaxy." She turned to the commander.
"How?" The commander was leaning against a wall now trying to make sense of it all. "All this doesn't really seem possible."
"It makes sense though," Serina's voice cut in again. "Reports from marine units said that ancient alien technology we found seemed to activate almost when they looked at it. Professor Anders was able to activate a teleporter in the dyson sphere just by speaking to it, in English even. She also reported that the covenant required her to activate a hidden fleet of dreadnaughts in the same location." If the assembled people could have seen her, she would have looked thoughtful. "Besides that, there was a parasite that matches your description infesting the dyson sphere; they never displayed much intelligence beyond that of a smart animal though."
"From what I learned from your brain Jerome, they seemed to get smarter the more they consumed, absorbing the knowledge of those they consumed. The forerunners hoped to starve them when they activated the array." She looked back to the commander, "Then they left behind some of their number in a de-evolved state, for whatever reason, and they left."
"Then why didn't you find any of this in my mind?" The commander asked suspiciously.
"I couldn't see it before, but where there is this genetic memory in him," She gestured to Jerome, "There are empty gaps in your genetic memory." She shook her head, "His story is true though, they don't know how they got here. If I had to guess, humanity in this universe is either completely alternate, or somehow descended from the forerunners who left their home behind."
"That sounds a little farfetched," The commander said.
"You may not believe me commander, but genetic memories of a species never lie. Though normally they are just simple instincts and normal evolutionary information, I've never heard of one so vivid, or that could be put into words." The asari continued. "Any other Asari would believe me immediately if they were to meld with him, or any other human from this other universe.
"This parasite, it didn't follow you here did it?" Sheppard asked the Spartan.
"No, it was most likely destroyed along with the shield world when we detonated the star inside it.
"The council is just going to love this. They don't really believe me about the reapers, I doubt they would believe me about this." Sheppard shook his head.
Joker's voice cut in over the intercom, "Sir, admiral Hackett for you, he says he wants to talk to you and the Spartan you have with you."
"I'll be in the com room shortly. Come on, you too Liara." Sheppard walked out of the med bay, the other two close behind him.
Admiral Hackett's holographic image flickered briefly as they entered, "Hello commander, Spartan. Arcturus recently came under attack by a large Geth fleet. Don't worry; they were repulsed with moderate losses." His voice seemed to catch on something as he said that. "If it wasn't for the Spirit of Fire I would probably be dead, their main gun completely destroyed two Geth dreadnaughts in just as many shots. Needless to say, the Salarians were quick to pick up on this. The citadel has learned of our guests and are demanding that we 'allow' them to send a diplomatic team to greet the newcomers."
"That could be disastrous," Jerome replied. "There are plenty of marines aboard the Spirit who have lost loved ones; they would probably just shoot any aliens aboard despite any orders to the contrary."
"Those were Captain Cutter's words exactly. He suggested an alternate proposal. He wants to send a group to the citadel instead." Hackett continued. "I know your mission takes priority, but you've had the most experience with these people. I'd like you to escort their diplomatic mission to the citadel for us."
"But sir, stopping Saren must take priority, and I still have Noveria to investigate." Sheppard seemed about to refuse.
"I realize that commander, but I can't think of anyone better suited to getting the council to listen than one of their own Specters." Hackett replied, his voice as even as ever. "Besides I know the Normandy will be needing more supplies soon, you couldn't have picked up any at Feros, or Therum."
"Sir, there are many other colonies along the way we could procure supplies from." Sheppard felt he was fighting a losing argument. "I suppose it can wait sir, from what I've learned Saren will need another intact beacon in order to find the conduit."
"I'm glad you can help commander, their diplomatic party will be waiting when you arrive, Hackett out." With that, the connection closed.
"Joker, head to Arcturus station." Sheppard sighed, "Politics get on my nerves, let's get this over with as soon as possible."
"Aye Aye sir," came the reply.
***
Anders sat waiting in the hangar bay, sitting on top of a suitcase that was actually packed full of computers and other equipment, with only a few changes of clothes thrown in as an afterthought. She had been woken up as they were just being towed off by the systems alliance, and while she had access to all of Serina's files regarding the slipspace tear, as she called it, she knew next to nothing about the alliance. Other than what they had told Serina and the captain about their supposed history.
She sighed and looked at her escort. A small fire team of ODSTs, probably the last thing she would need if she was supposed to be the diplomat to a bunch of friendly aliens. Each one was equipped with captured covenant Plasma rifles; the Spirit had a couple hundred aboard. The ODSTs didn't have shields like anyone they would encounter, but they could hit back despite the lack by using the covenant weapons. She looked back at the hangar elevator as it lowered a pelican, her ride.
The back hatch of the pelican lowered towards the collected group and Sheppard stepped down to the decking, followed by Jerome. Douglas was in the cockpit flying the bird. No one else had come because Sheppard had decided to make a quick pickup then to head directly to the citadel.
"I trust that's everything?" Sheppard tried to pick up the suitcase for Anders.
"I can carry it myself thank you." Anders said coolly.
"You didn't tell me she was the feminist type." Sheppard turned to Cutter and Hackett, who were there to see them off. The comment got a few laughs from the ODSTs assembled in the hangar bay.
"Yes, she isn't exactly the most military minded person in my crew, but her insight has been invaluable over the past month." Cutter smiled a bit at old memories.
"I'm also a scientist, not a diplomat. I'm not really cut out for mingling with crowds, more for studying artifacts." Anders replied, some trace of an old argument in her words.
"You'll do fine," Cutter turned to the ODSTs. "I know you are used to killing aliens, marines, so what I'm asking might seem like a bit much. I want you to be the professor's escort on this mission, under no circumstances are you to attack any aliens you encounter unless you are fired upon first, is that understood?"
"Sir, yes sir!" came the chorus of replies from the assembled marines.
"Good," he turned back to Anders. "Good luck professor, I hope you won't need it." He and the admiral stood and watched as the pelican rose up from the bay and travelled to an unpressurized launch bay elsewhere in the ship. He sighed and turned back to the work of installing alliance technology to his aging colony ship.
***
Professor Anders was pressed up against the windows of the Normandy trying to get a glimpse of every ship that passed by. She was muttering under her breath, comparing architecture of the ships to the citadel, forerunner technology, and every other ship that passed by. "Nothing here looks like forerunner technology, not even in the slightest. Of course with only two worlds to look at I'm not quite the expert."
"Ma'am, if you don't mind, I'm trying to fly the ship." Joker seemed greatly annoyed when the professor leaned in front of his console to get a better view of the outside of the ship. To his greater annoyance she didn't even seem to notice his protests. He sighed, "Damn scientists."
The Normandy cruised slowly into dock. When the members of the crew exited along the retractable docking tube, they found ambassador Udina waiting for them. "Still causing trouble I see commander. Finding what appears to be a group of humans, separated from us since before humanity had even landed on the moon, and then not telling the council about this first contact situation. They nearly had my head for this."
"It's good to know the politicians are as thick headed as ever here too." Anders remarked dryly. The ODSTs and Spartans all stood at attention behind Anders and the commander, any thoughts on the matter hidden by their featureless helmets.
"It was on request of Captain Cutter, their leader. He was lost with what is essentially a fleet tender in completely uncharted space, having apparently been fighting against genocidal aliens for the past five years. Can you blame him for not wanting to negotiate with more aliens rather than with other humans?" Sheppard looked at Udina; Anders could see that their working relationship was frosty at best.
"Surely you don't believe that nonsense, how have we never heard of them, how come we have never run into this genocidal race." Udina practically spat out.
"I've rendered that information classified, council eyes only, sir." Sheppard nodded at the ambassador. He hoped the ambassador wouldn't see through his bluff. He had prepared a report to the council, but he didn't really want to tell the ambassador the farfetched story. He would already have a hard enough time explaining his story to the council, even with Liara's help. He would try though.
"We've wasted enough time, the council is waiting. Apparently that weapon of yours has them in quite the uproar; they want to meet your delegation immediately. If you will follow me." Udina turned and headed to the elevator.
As they got off the elevator, one of the marines whistled and said, "Damn, there are a lot of aliens here. None of 'em are shootin at us neither."
A turian looked up irritably at the humans and shook his head, getting back to work.
"If there is no more business to take care of, the council will be waiting," Udina said, barely suppressed frustration in his voice.
Udina, Sheppard, Anders, Liara and Jerome started walking along the Presidium to what looked like a tower along the wall stretching up into the artificial sky overhead. "Amazing," Anders breathed. "It's not nearly as advanced as the shield world we were on, but still simply amazing."
"Damn newcomers, always gawking," A human muttered.
"This is weird, I mean really weird, aliens and humans working together. I don't think it gets weirder than this." One of the ODSTs said to the other.
"Hey man, it beats the hell out of them shooting us." The other ODST replied.
"True that, man, true that." The ODST warily looked at the turian as they passed him on their way to the elevator. "At least they aren't as ugly as the squid faces."
They spent the elevator ride, and the rest of the trip to the citadel tower mostly in silence. It was only punctuated by Anders asking the ambassador questions about the technology of the citadel. Which he replied to in such a manner to show that his patience was running thin.
After some time they arrived at the citadel chambers, Anders and Udina walked up to the stand while the rest stayed behind at attention and waited.
"This is an unprecedented situation we find ourselves in. Contact with a group of humans who have apparently been a space faring race longer than the others have even had air travel," Began the Asari councilor after introductions were made.
"That's if you believe their story, it sounds completely made up, a portal into another dimension," The turian councilor shook his head, "That's impossible."
"Actually, it is merely improbable," The salarian councilor stated. "There have long been theories among my people's greatest scientists that when a hypothetical wormhole is exposed to great enough energy it allows travel not just through space and time, but through multiple dimensions of time." He turned to the human woman, "judging by the reports it would seem their ship exited through such an anomaly. How they got there is uncertain."
"If you had asked, I could tell you," Anders said irritably. "Our FTL drive opened the portal, or to be more accurate, our FTL drive overloading in the middle of an artificial star opened the portal." She smirked at the confused aliens, "Before you ask, no our FTL is nothing like yours. We open holes into slipspace and travel in that alternate dimension to where we are going. We don't break the light barrier, we go around it."
"Artificial star? Were you in a Prothean relic? We haven't encountered anything such as that." The Salarian councilor was looking more and more interested, while the Asari seemed content to wait, and the turian looked impatient.
"Assuming their story is accurate, and not just a trick to conceal the human development of a super weapon," The turian councilor seemed completely unconvinced.
"Superweapon?" Anders seemed puzzled. "If the Spirit's magnetic accelerator cannon is considered a super weapon, well you would be in for a surprise if the covenant ever made it here. Their shields could take three or four shots from a destroyer sized weapon like the one on the Spirit."
"It may not be a super weapon where you come from professor, but here such a weapon could turn the tide of any war, it should not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. Which is why we would like to assign a specter to guard the weapon's design from falling into the wrong hands, of course your government is not part of the citadel, and while you are apparently allies with your fellow humans, we would like to be assured of your intentions." The asari councilor said.
"You mean you don't want to see us use our guns against your own fleets. I understand perfectly." Anders smiled as she said this. "Of course I would rather not upset the only 'friendly' aliens we've seen so far. I see no problems in you posting a specter on the UNSC Spirit of Fire, or once the captain's request goes through, the SSV Spirit of Fire."
Surprise registered on each of the three councilor's faces. Their operatives had not told them the other humans would attempt to join the systems alliance. If they had joined the systems alliance, the councilors wouldn't have even needed to call this meeting, they could have just posted a specter aboard the systems alliance vessel whenever they wanted. To an outsider however the meeting would be seen as more examples of how the humans were gaining favor with the council. In turn, this would draw many of the lesser citadel races, especially those without an embassy on the presidium, to the human cause, strengthening their position.
"I see," the asari councilor continued after her surprise wore off. "Well then, since you are no longer part of a foreign nation, you will of course abide by citadel law."
"Barring any breaks in said law before contact?" Anders asked cautiously.
"Of course, as long as you do not continue such illegal activities," The salarian councilor sounded civil, but all knew it was a warning for them to cease and desist any illegal activities.
"Then this meeting is adjourned," the asari councilor stated as the assembled delegation left.
Udina walked up to Anders. "Well, that went better than expected."
"Did I miss something?" Sheppard asked the ambassador.
Anders turned and replied before Udina could speak. "Yes, you might not be used to politics, but a special emergency meeting of the council in person is a big deal on the citadel apparently."
Udina smiled, "Yes, the fact that humanity can repeatedly call the undivided attention of the council will be seen as proof of our rising prominence on the citadel. The smaller embassies on the citadel will see us as a power player who are more capable of getting their needs seen by the council. If we have the support of the other races who aren't as powerful politically as us, then we can make a strong push towards gaining a council seat."
"So, this whole meeting was a political power play?" Sheppard said to the ambassador.
"Precisely commander," Udina answered, "Now if you will excuse me, I need to get back to the embassy, there is a lot of work I need to do."
The ambassador walked away, Sheppard turned to Anders. "So, what now?"
"I was planning on hitting the local bar, and I'm sure the ODSTs will appreciate a bit of leave after these past few weeks." Anders replied, "As far as what you are going to do, I have no idea."
"A drink sounds good to me professor." Sheppard said with a slight smile.
Anders laughed a little, "Fine, but you are buying, we didn't get much money from the embassy for personal use."
***
"Four ODSTs and a couple Spartans walk into a bar," The ODST lieutenant, Jack Demetrio, said to no one in particular. By popular demand of his troopers they had gone into Chora's den, a gentleman's club in a section of the huge space station called the wards.
"What was that sir?" Jerome asked.
"Nothing Spartan, just a joke, now let's see what kind of alien drinks they have here." The ODSTs had removed their helmets and sat down at the bar stools, two of them were staring up at the dancing girls up above them. The other two were looking over a pair of menus in English. The three Spartans were just standing behind them.
"So, what exactly is good here?" The lieutenant asked.
"You're the guys from that long lost colony aren't you?" The bartender asked the ODST.
"Yeah, I suppose you could say Harvest is long lost couldn't you? We're from the other human delegation yes." The lieutenant looked at the bartender, another human.
"I'll tell you what, you guys can have a round of Nova ale on me." He walked over to the tap and started pouring seven glasses.
"Nova ale?" the ODST looked questioningly at the mug in front of him.
"From Terra nova, one of our colonies; it's pretty good." He picked up a mug from another section of the counter and started cleaning it.
The other three ODSTs downed their drinks quickly, without taking their eyes of the stages all around them. Jack just picked up his mug and sipped it, finding a strong bitter ale in his mug. "That is pretty good."
"Yeah, it's been a real hit with the turians I get in here too; it actually passes through their systems just fine, unlike most things." The bartender smiled a bit.
"Yeah, I guess the life of an alien must suck if they can't eat some good food ever." Demetrio laughed a bit and the bartender joined in.
As the ODSTs were enjoying themselves a group of about five turians walked in and headed straight to where the humans were sitting. "You humans are in our seats," The first one said, their apparent leader.
In response all four ODSTs swiveled in their chairs so they were facing the turians. "Oh yeah, I don't see you name on them split cheeks." One of the marines taunted.
Behind the lieutenant the bartender whispered in his ear, "Easy now, these guys are part of a local gang, they are probably armed."
"You damn humans think you're so tough, think you own the place, how would you feel with a bullet in your gut, huh?" The turian drew his pistol to emphasize the threat.
This was precisely the wrong move to make. Jerome immediately saw the threat, and removed it, by grabbing the turian's forearm and breaking it in half causing the pistol to aim at the floor. The first turian screamed in pain. As the other four were reaching for their guns, having been obviously surprised at the Spartan's attack, the four ODSTs drew their plasma rifles and held them pointed at the turians. The other Spartans had likewise drawn their alliance issue assault rifles.
"I suggest you boys lay down on the ground with your hands behind your head, otherwise I might have to scratch my itchy trigger finger." Jack told them.
By now the rest of the patrons had abruptly scattered at the sight of brandished guns. One of the turians though seemed to want to make an issue out of it. "Or what? You'll shoot us? We have shields, you don't" He laughed and began drawing his pistol. Four shots from the plasma weapons rang out and the four turians dropped to the ground screaming as the plasma burned through their bodies, until they fell silent.
Several C-sec officers ran onto the scene, three humans, two turians and a salarian. "What the hell happened here?" the salarian demanded.
The bartender got up from behind the bar where he had been cowering. "Those turians, they came in trying to pick a fight, one of them pulled a gun on these people here, and they shot them with, those guns…"
"What do you mean those guns?" the salarian demanded.
"I can answer that, these are covenant plasma rifles," Demetrio said as he hefted the weapon. "My men and I were here on leave when these punks came in here and started trying to pick a fight with us, they picked a fight with the wrong guys."
The salarian sighed, "You are those new humans who just arrived, right?"
"Yeah that's us," The lieutenant replied.
"Damn, more paperwork." He shook his head. I'm going to need you to follow me to C-sec headquarters so we can report this to your ambassador.
***
After nearly a week of constant labor, involving the entire crew of the Arcturus shipyards, the Spirit of Fire was ready. The herculean effort was expensive, but deemed necessary for the war effort against the Geth. Intelligence had them massing for another assault against a human colony. Every ship would be needed for the fight.
The Spirit's modifications were not too extensive, as the engineers were limited to adding on new systems rather than replacing them. She was equipped with several small element zero cores taken from damaged frigates and cruisers, along with those from ships farthest away from being completed in the shipyards. The net result after all the cores had been installed was overkill, though the engineers installing them hadn't known it at the time, as they were working off unfamiliar systems and materials. It was nearly as fast a ship now as a heavy cruiser, despite the sheer difference in size, with the Spirit of fire being nearly two kilometers long, bigger than most dreadnaughts, almost as big as sovereign, Saren's flagship.
Its kinetic barriers were only as strong as a more conventional dreadnaught's however. This was an unfortunate design flaw in the multiple mass effect generator design. Only a few could be used to generate shields for the ship. However it was extremely capable at FTL flight, able to stay at FTL speed for nearly as long as the SSV Normandy. Its main gun was left mostly untouched as it was powerful enough already, though another spinal gun was added along the top of the vessel, along with several smaller flank guns and a guardian laser system. The original archer missiles were replaced with disruptor torpedoes. A last ditch close range weapon, but one that would easily destroy any wolf pack frigates that tried to close with the Spirit.
Even without its MAC cannon, the Spirit was more than a match for any other known dreadnaught, even the destiny ascension. What was once a hastily retrofitted colony ship, turned into a fleet repair ship, was now the most powerful and versatile ship in the alliance fleet. The marines aboard had received a similar upgrade. Two alliance training camps, and a weapons depot were stripped of weapons and armor for the battle hardened marines aboard the Spirit. They now wore body hugging alliance armor under their standard issue ballistic armor. They were also equipped with standard alliance armaments. Unfortunately most of their vehicle complement remained the same; there just weren't enough alliance vehicles around to add to the ship's arsenal.
The Spirit was now the most powerful and versatile ship in the alliance fleet. It could outfight or outrun any opposing dreadnaught, it could deploy an army to the surface of a besieged world far faster than any alliance ship could, and it could refit and repair several frigates and cruisers at the same time, the frigates could even dock inside the huge ship.
Of course Captain Cutter knew his refitted ship would probably get a workout sooner than he would like. The week of downtime had been good for the marines; despite the occasional scuffle with the shipyard's nonhuman workers it had been mostly peaceful, despite the war. No new Geth attacks were reported, which was good news to the captain.
What he didn't like was the council specter they had sent as essentially a political watchdog for him and the alliance as a whole. Luckily he had been told by Hackett, that while the specters were outside the law, they couldn't commandeer alliance vessels whenever they felt like it. That was why he was waiting in his hangar bay. For the council agent to arrive.
He looked up as a strange shuttle floated down into his hangar. That was the word to describe it. It was much less ungainly than his own pelicans; possessing a grace that had him envious of the technology these races used in their everyday lives.
The shuttle touched down and after a few minutes of it powering down, a single asari stepped out. The blue skinned alien walked over to the old captain. The captain was caught off guard by her appearance, she looked almost human.
"Where you expecting someone else captain?" The asari smiled as she approached.
Cutter smiled and reminded himself that this was still an alien. "No, just someone a bit uglier. Most aliens I've seen are uglier than sin." He was still smiling to show he was joking. "Of course they were always going on about how our destruction was the will of the gods. Kind of skews your perception I suppose."
"I'm sure," The asari was a little taken aback at the captain's straightforward manner. She was unused to people being so, honest around specters, normally she had to force information out of people. "My name is Nidara; I am the specter the council sent to keep an eye on things."
"Captain Cutter, of the Spirit of Fire," He reached out and shook Nidara's hand.
The specter could tell the captain was a somewhat typical military man; he would appreciate bluntness if nothing else. "Look, I know you don't want me here, hovering about second guessing your decisions."
"That's an understatement if I ever heard one." Cutter remarked dryly.
Nidara smiled, despite the man's bluntness she was starting to like the old captain, honesty was a refreshing change from her normal interactions. "Yes, but I'm allowed to interpret my orders very liberally, so I think it would probably be best if I stayed off to the side in an advisory role, correct?"
Cutter looked thoughtful for a minute; apparently this alien was open to creating a tolerable working relationship. "We'll see, but in the meantime, welcome aboard the Spirit of Fire.
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Author's note: to AbyssalDaemon I never stated ranges in the space battle, I remember reading what you said in the codex as I was typing that up. Even at 60,000 km range it would take the Spirit of Fire's gun only ten seconds to hit a target, far too short of time for a dreadnaught to dodge if it didn't expect such a shot to come at it.