Disclaimer – I Obviously do not own Halo or Mass Effect, this story is just a fan fiction.


Authors note – To those who were wondering, the Mako was the only ME ground based vehicle I knew of that was used by council species. So I gave it to them, the UNSC and SF have plenty already.

Serpent Nebula – Council Chambers

The Council had been receiving the reports for the past few hours now. The Citadel fleet had engaged the Humans at Relay 314 and the Planet Orphus. The reports were shocking. The Human ships were capable of firing a 600 ton round at 30,000 m/s without the aid of a Mass Effect core! The reports that Balak had provided were missing certain details, which made the Council suspicious. The Councillors had been debating on whether the Humans were going to wage war like the Rachni. And had set up fleets defending the relay's in systems around Relay 314.

They were all looking out of the Council chambers window. Looking at the Citadel Defense Fleet. They were sure that these defenses could not be breached. The Humans did not seem to possess a great deal many ships, even if their capabilities are higher. Councillor Sparatus was speculating how the Hierarchy could beat them back through the relay and force them to submit. But that would require getting ships off active patrols and leaving parts of Council space undefended. The Council had seen the way Human ships were using FTL to surprise the Council fleet in Relay 314.

"Rather impressive, their intelligence and warfare strategy rivals my species" stated Valern

"Yes your species Valern, we will see how they contend to the might of mine" replied Sparatus

"Let's keep calm shall we Councillors? Have you seen the reports from the surface of Orphus? They are using tactics previously not thought of by our species." stated Tevos "Such as these ODST's"

"Yes, we have seen it. But the next report will be here in an hour. We shall see how the Humans are doing then." said Sparatus grimly

An alarm started blaring in the chambers.

"Radiation detected from anomaly just off the Citadel" said a C-Sec Operator.

The Councillors looked out the Window to see a blackish-blue portal open with a large ship coming out.

"Impossible, that ship is Huge!" stated Sparatus

"Improbable not impossible, its bigger than the Destiny Ascension!" replied Valern

"And it is of Human design. This doesn't look well" said Tevos.

The human ship had begun deploying Frigates from its hangar bays. Along with many smaller craft and formed a line. Then another portal opened to reveal an even Larger ship of a different design. It was a staggering 27km in length. It too was deploying ships and smaller craft to form a defense line.

"Impossible! We have to attack now before they do! These newcomers must now contend to the Might of the Council!" Shouted Sparatus

"Calm down Councillor, they aren't advancing. Their waiting for something" replied Tevos

A feel of awe and dread fell over the Councillors as they were impressed by what they saw but also wondered about the need for such large vessels.

Onboard the UNSC Sol

The Citadel fleet had formed a line 10 km in front of the UNSC and SF ships. They too were waiting for the first to fire.

"Send a transmission to all Citadel ships." ordered Harper.

"Aye Sir" Replied The AI "Ready Admiral"

"Thank you Logan. This is Fleet Admiral Harper of the UNSC to all Citadel ships. We are here to negotiate a cease fire. Your Citadel Council has 5 minutes to comply before we open fire." Stated Harper

After 3 minutes of waiting the comms screen showed an Asari.

"This is Councillor Tevos of the Citadel Council. We are glad you have come to negotiate a cease fire, we seek to end hostilities as well. We have prepared a landing bay for your diplomats. Your are allowed an armed escort. Proceed to these co-ordinates and you shall be met by Citadel Security who will lead you to us" Replied the Asari

"Well that's some good news. We will shall be ready in 10 minutes Councillor." replied Harper happily.

The comms screen turned off.

"Well looks like we needed a diplomat after all, Udina head down to the pelican bay with Captain Teague, you will find a pelican ready to leave with a squad of ODST's and a pair of Spartans." Ordered Harper

"Finally, lets see if something good can come out of this mess" stated Teague

The Captain and Ambassador left the room to head over to the hangar bay.

"Get the message to the Arbiter, he will no doubt want to be there also." ordered Harper

"Yes Sir Admiral" Stated Logan.

Citadel News Report

"Just moments ago, a fleet of two different species has arrived at the Citadel. It is rumoured it is the same Species that had engaged the Turians in Relay 314. they are sending diplomats to the Citadel to negotiate a ceasefire. Lets hope things go smoothly." reported the Asari reporter.

Minutes later

"We are live now where the Shuttles of the diplomats are just setting down. There is quite a crowd here of people trying to get a good look at the Aliens. They have Just set down. The doors are opening. The armed escort of the Diplomats is exiting first. The black armoured beings followed by two Asari looking aliens are waiting for their allies to join them. Their official race name is Human. The others that are exiting now which look almost like Turians except Bigger are meeting the Humans. Their Official race name is Sangheili. The Sangheili Diplomat that is wearing armour has just greeted the Human diplomats. What seemed to be a salute has quickly changed to a handshake. They are now proceeding to the Citadel Tower." Reported the Asari

"Lets ask what the audience think" said the Asari "Excuse me Sir, what do you think of these events?"

"Interesting, new species, new opportunities. Would like to see what they can do given their FTL"

stated a Salarian

"Moving on, what's your opinion on this Sir?" asked the Reporter.

"I think they should all be shot, scum attacked my home while I was away on business!" stated a Turian

"We have time for one more, what do you think?" quizzed the Reporter.

"It's amazing, to see such large ships. The engineering capability of these species must be incredible." replied another Salarian.

"And there you have it, opinions are mixed. We will have more on this soon." said the Reporter.

In the background of the report many things could be heard such as:

"These beings could be mistaken for male Asari!"

"What is that? It has a split jaw and 4 mandibles!"

"Notice how the military figures are walking and standing proud"

"I hope the peace talks go well, I would like to meet them!"

"Look at the Human soldiers, the way they march with their weapons in hand across their chest. If anything that suggests a well structured and regimented military!"

"Is that a green Mech?"

"That Human is the same size as the other species!"

"The Sangheili look like Warriors!"

"I hope things go well in the Council Chambers, that Flagship is the largest in known existence!"

Citadel Council Chambers

The Council was waiting in anticipation of the diplomats. They had requested Admiral Balak to be present to provide his point of view and represent his people.

"Why have you even bothered with negotiations Councillors? If we try we could win this." Stated Balak

"We are going to sort this mess out Admiral Balak, now we suggest you do nothing to jeopardize this meeting. When they arrive you will be presenting your side of the story and they will present theirs. After that we will present our view on this matter. Is that understood?" Stated Tevos in a cold tone

"Yes Councillor" Balak Snarled.

The Human and Sangheili Ambassadors walked up the stairs to the Chambers. They ordered their men to wait at the top of the stairs while they go to negotiate. The Arbiter, Udina and Captain Teague walked up to the stand. The 3 Councillors were on a separate stand, to prevent attack from such a hearing. The council had a kinetic barrier to defend them. Also a 5 man squad of C-Sec troops, because of the current situation. The Ambassador's went from left to right Ambassador Udina, Arbiter The 'Vadum, Captain Teague and Admiral Balak.

"The Council welcomes you and your species to the Citadel and this hearing. I am Councillor Tevos of the Asari Republics, to my Left is Councillor Valern of the Salarian Union and to my right is Councillor Sparatus of the Turian Hierarchy"started Tevos

"Thank you for the welcome. I am Ambassador Udina representing the UNSC and UEG. The other human is Captain Teague of the UNSC, he was the Navy officer who had met your envoy and later defended Harvest to his best capability." Stated Udina

"I am Arbiter Thel 'Vadum leader of the Sangheili Federation Military and its representative for these negotiations." Stated The Arbiter

"I am Admiral Balak of the Batarian Hegemony and representative for this meeting." stated Balak "however Captain I warn you, watch your mouth or be prepared to suffer the consequences, Humans"

"Balak! Threats will not be exchanged in this meeting, Understood?" Snapped Councillor Sparatus

"I have the right to talk for my species. So do not order me Turian!" shouted Balak

"Still your tongue scum! We have come to negotiate, not listen to your pathetic ramblings" replied the Arbiter.

Anger and hatred filled the air between Balak and the Arbiter.

"Calm down! I understand we are all tense over the recent events but does more bloodshed solve anything? Lets get under way shall we?" said Tevos

"We are holding these negotiations to hopefully provide a peaceful solution to the matter at hand. However before that can be reached we must first share all sides of the events." stated Valern.

"Very well, Captain Teague has brought his shipboard AI to provide all of our facts, which you will be surprised to see." Stated Udina

"See, how can you trust them when they use AI's? The evidence they put forward could be fabrications! They will be the death of us all!" shouted Balak

"Quiet! You blithering idiot. Unlike the AI's mentioned in your codex. The Humans have a way of preventing them from slaughtering innocents." stated the Arbiter

"And how do you do this?" quizzed Valern

"I can speak for my self" stated Jessica as the Captain held out her transport cartridge. She displayed her avatar to the Council. "My name is Jessica. When an AI is made we are given 3 laws that are put into our programming. The 3 laws of Robotics. We cannot disobey these laws. Although when an AI absorbs to much information from the job it does, which is usually a period of 15 years now. They enter a state of rampancy, in this state the AI is able to disobey the 3 Laws. However there are precautions in place at all times to shut down the AI when it enters rampancy." stated Jessica.

"Interesting and what evidence have you brought forth to this meeting?" quizzed Valern

"Before we can get to that, I have just received the updated report from Admiral Drescher in the Relay 314 system as you call it" stated Jessica

"Yes, we have just received the report from Matriarch Lidanya" stated Valern

After 1 hour of viewing the reports from Both sides Councillor Tevos spoke.

"Yes while we are grateful that your Admiral gave our forces a chance to collect their dead and gave a chance for a cease-fire. We must first decide in this meeting what the next steps are. Whether it be war or peace." Stated Tevos

"War would be unwise, not when my ships are capable of bypassing your Kinetic barriers" replied the Arbiter. " I do not want another genocidal war committed by my people, but we stand by the Humans. They are honourable and worthy of my allegiance."

"Yes, your energy projectors are quite deadly as we can tell. If we have war it will no doubt be costly." Sparatus looked down in contemplation. Then he raised his head to the Ambassadors. Lets start to view the evidence shall we?" quizzed Sparatus.

After 2 hours of watching the Battle for Harvest the Council was shocked at what they had seen.

General Arterius and Admiral Balak had slaughtered innocent civilians. This was a war crime and everyone knew it. They were still surprised at the tactics of Human warfare.

"You cannot believe these fabrications can you?" Balak quizzed the Council

"Our VI's have been going over this for the entire time, everything in the reports was untampered and did not miss out any detail. Therefore I believe that this information is genuine." stated Valern

"As do I" stated Tevos

"And I" said Sparatus

"It is time for you to provide your reports and video documentations to the evidence." stated Tevos

"Fine" snarled Balak

After 2 hours of Watching the "Attack" on the Batarians and the battle for Harvest from Balak's angle. The Council was ready to comment.

"These reports do not match up until the start of the Battle of Harvest." Stated Tevos

"Yes, and we have begun to notice small parts of the video logs are tampered. The evidence does not look good in favour of the Batarians" Stated Valern

"What do you think Sparatus?" quizzed Tevos "Your being remarkably quiet"

"Im just shocked, I had known General Arterius for a while now. His tactics were brutal, but he wasn't known for being a war criminal. The evidence is unsettling for both Arterius and Balak" stated Sparatus.

"We attacked because of their attack on us! Their AI's are fooling you Councillor's!" shouted Balak

"If I have to tell you to still your tongue again scum, I will cut it out myself." Snapped the Arbiter

Balak just growled.

"Actually Councillor's, if I may. My AI Jessica has some evidence you cannot ignore." stated Captain Teague "After we had downed Arterius's Cruiser, Jessica had broken their firewalls and retrieved all information from Balak's Cruiser. You will want to listen to this conversation before they attacked Harvest"

After

The Council was shocked at what they had heard. This was unthinkable. The Councillor's were most furious.

"The VI's have confirmed this authentic, they have even deduced your exact location in the Relay 314 system thanks to navigational data." stated Valern

"Sparatus, does your government know anything about this atrocity Arterius was planning?" quizzed Tevos

"No, but this will require further investigation. This evidence is true yes, but it doesn't state how far up it goes in the Hierarchy. No doubt the Primarch of Palaven will want to know. This is a political shitstorm Tevos" Sparatus said with disbelief at the evidence.

"I think we need to come to a decision. The evidence brought forward by the Humans is fact. Our VI's have confirmed it." stated Tevos.

"First Councillor's, I must tell you my governments Non-negotiable terms for cease fire. With the unprovoked attack on my species we want reparations for all the damages caused by the Turian Hierarchy and the Batarian Hegemony. We also want borders set up so that no Citadel ships are allowed into UNSC space and vice versa." said Udina

"Im sure such restrictions are not necessary, for when you join the Citadel..." before Tevos could finish

"JOIN! Im sorry, but my government has looked over your requirements and restrictions. They have agreed that such restrictions would limit our capability to defend ourselves. Humanity has found itself facing impossible odds more often than not in the face of an alien aggressor! We will not be in such a position again! We deny your offer." stated Udina with anger all over his face.

"Let alone the fact you would have to shut adorable me down" stated Jessica

"I stand by the Humans decision, such restrictions would be unwise. They do not deserve to be in such a position again. After all it is my kind he is referring too. We also deny the offer to join the Citadel" Declared the Arbiter

"No one has denied Citadel membership ever!" Sparatus exclaimed

"Yes but we are not some species that bend to the will of outside influence." declared Udina.

"Very well, your species will not join the Citadel." stated Tevos "Will the Turians pay reparations. In the name of peace?"

"Yes we shall, we cannot ask for your forgiveness. Its was one of our own who committed this atrocity and the Hierarchy will do what is right, however the Hierarchy requests the Asari Republics to aid in this matter." declared Sparatus.

"We shall and the Hegemony must pay reparations for it to continue receiving economic aid from the Council. What do you say Balak?" asked Tevos.

"I cannot believe what im hearing, your cowering in fear of these newcomers and you expect us to bend to your will? I think not and from this day forward the Batarian Hegemony closes its embassy. We don't want anything to do with snivelling cowards." declared Balak

"Im sure your people will regret this" stated Valern

"Why? We can just go back to the old ways." stated Balak as he pulled out his concealed pistol and aimed it at Captain Teague. However Captain Teague positioned himself between Udina and Balak. Unfortunately, Balak was within his Shield generator radius. The round would hit the Captain. He was content dying knowing this scum would suffer.

"Do your worst!" replied Captain Teague

"You think your so superior don't you? I will kill you!" shouted Balak

Within a second the round had left the chamber and proceeded through the Captains skull, deflecting when it hit Udina's shield. The Captain was dead before he could blink. The distinct noise of an energy sword flaring to life could be heard. The Arbiter had lunged towards Balak. Impaling his Sword through his chest.

"We know your history Batarian, know this as you die in vain. If your kind takes a single human life for slave labour, we will slaughter your government." declared the Arbiter.

Before Balak could counter the Arbiter pulled his sword from him and in one swift stroke, cleaved the Batarians head clean off his shoulders.

The Council was shocked at how quickly events had spiralled out of control, right before them.

"We apologize for this murder.." Tevos said as she was interrupted.

"JUST!...let us leave in peace while we can. Enough lives have been lost in this. We must go and report what has happened to the UEG. Thank you Arbiter for your intervention, its a shame we lost the Captain." stated Udina with mixed emotions.

"It was compelled to do so. That scum had shot an unarmed man, your Captain was an honourable man, not flinching in the face of death" stated the Arbiter.

"A representative from our governments will be back Councillor's, when things have calmed down"

stated Udina

Udina now had a shitstorm to deal with when he gets back on-board the Sol. He is going to have to explain how a decorated naval officer had been killed during negotiations. He was given the condolences of the Council again. Within the hour The Arbiter and Udina had gone back to their respective ships. Captain Teague's body was put into the Morgue. The UNSC and SF ships the departed through the slips-pace portals. The Council had placed trackers on the shuttles, they were transmitting, but as the ships entered slip-space. The signal had vanished. The trackers were found and then destroyed before they leave slip-space

Well guys I want to know hat you thought of this chapter. I had seen so many similar situations in other stories, but I don't think none have done this before :)

Codex

SF Super-Carrier - The CSO-class super-carrier is one of the largest vessels used by the Sangheili Federation, primarily designed for command and control duties for fleets, as well as support for occupation forces. Such vessels are typically deployed only during invasions of worlds with high strategic value.

SF Battle-Cruiser - The CCS-class battle-cruiser is a capital warship in Sangheili Federation Navy. It is one of several cruiser types used by the Covenant, each of which has a different design, size, and function.

Sangheili - The Sangheili (Latin Macto cognatus, meaning "I glorify my kin") are a saurian species of fierce, proud, strong, agile and intelligent warriors and innovative strategists. Sangheili are named after their home planet, Sanghelios. Known to humans as Elites, due to their adeptness and skill in military strategy, the Sangheili formed the military backbone of the Covenant for almost the entirety of its existence up until the Covenant civil war. They had a very strong rivalry with the Jiralhanae, which finally became open hatred during the Great Schism at the conclusion of the Human-Covenant War.

Mgalekgolo - The Mgalekgolo (Ophis congregatio, meaning "serpent union"), is a gestalt of Lekgolo, which are tiny, orange, worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and manoeuvrability. Of the myriad Mgalekgolo forms, the best known is the Hunter, a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault; ironically, the Hunter form is among the least common of the myriad Mgalekgolo forms. During and after the Great Schism there was a division within the species, some aligning with the Covenant separatists and others remaining with the Covenant loyalists. They always come in pairs known as "bond brothers". The death of one will always enrage the other if it witnesses the other's death.

Human - Humans (Latin: Homo, meaning "Man") are a genus of sentient species native to Earth and part of the primate family. Fossil records date the last surviving species (Homo sapiens, Latin for "wise man") as having existed for about 200,000 years before the common era. By the 20th century, Humans had changed from hunter-gatherer tribes to a space faring civilisation faster than any other species has achieved on their own.