On board the Council exploration vessel Seloria

"Damn!" Tali exclaimed, once again upset with her inability to interact with the crystal cubes or the data pad interfaces. It had been a full day since Alenna's expedition team returned from the space elevator, during which the researchers spent frivolous hours attempting to decipher the alien tech.

"Are you sure those are even what you think they are?" A Salarian researcher asked Tali.

Tali gave him a look that shut him up instantly. Yes, she knew these crystal cubes were data storages of some kind. Although they appeared to be completely clear, upon examination on a microscopic level revealed billions - perhaps trillions - of complex circuitry lines and micro transistor. In reality, it didn't much differ from standard galactic storage chips, with the obvious difference that it was incomprehensively small.

But it wasn't until they 'inserted' the data cubes into the slots of the salvaged alien computers that they started making real headway. Early on it was evident that there was no way of lifting the data off the cubes with their own computers. There was simply nowhere to connect the circuitry and no way of knowing how. This was not an unexpected occurrence. It was the same problem the galaxy faced with Prothean tech and data storage discs. Even after thousands of years of study, the citadel races still knew very little about how to extricate the data without permanently damaging it. It wasn't so much as the Prothean computer tech being more advanced - but instead simply being so alien in design and method. Fortunately, whereas the existence of working Prothean computer tech was extremely rare - and with what did exist having 50,000 years of damage and decay - they had a treasure trove of working, undamaged computer systems to decipher.

One very startling fact that emerged from these crystals was that the micro-circuitry wasn't static, but instead reacted to outside stimuli, morphing into different outlines. That was certainly interesting, and completely unexpected. Every time Tali or the other tech specialist attempted to interact with the cubes using the salvaged alien data pads - as their own computers were simply incompatible - the cubes micro-circuitry altered its formation and created wildly different, and constantly shifting, circuit patterns. While the other researchers found this interesting, but nothing to get over-excited about (especially with the prospect of non-mass effect FTL and gravity, for which she could hardly blame them), Tali found this incredibly fascinating - and very unsettling. The idea of alternating storage capacitors that could shift and adapt to new data was not unknown to her - and certainly not unknown to the Quarian people. During the golden age of Quarian society, their top scientists were in fact developing and experimenting with computer systems with a similar function - with the intent of upgrading the Geth VI software to make the system more adaptable. The idea was that if Geth programs could adapt and react to different situations outside of their pre-scripted written protocols, then they could perform a wider function of uses.

And it worked. It worked beyond what the Quarian people could have imagined. That Keelah accursed upgrade is widely considered to be the precursor of the Geth revolts; the upgrade that allowed the Geth to improve their own programming without organics - the upgrade that prevented the Geth from being shut down or hacked for more than a few seconds - the upgrade that changed the Geth software from a virtual intelligence into an artificial intelligence.

That is why these data crystals became the focal point of Tali's attention. This…this could really help her people against the Geth. The crystals before her seemed even more advanced than the entangled web of the Geth network. Even the Geth processes near impossibly fast cyber defenses weren't this reactive. If you were good enough - or maybe just lucky - you could hack a platform for a while before the Geth's reactive systems could adapt to the foreign virus and over-write it. But the reactive nature of these crystals made the Geth network seem tame in comparison. Tali had utilized every bit of her technological skills and computer knowledge to extricate the data from the cubes - writing some of the most malicious, intrusive programs she could muster. And it all ended with the same result: Failure.

No matter how hard she tried, no matter how many cleverly written algorithms and backdoor-entry attempts, the crystal cubes would simply react faster. Not only that, but the more she tried, the quicker she was shutout. The data crystal's programming was learning and adapting to her hacking attempts, in a way that not even the Geth could do. The implication of such computer technology was not lost to her.

If her people could reverse-engineer the matrixes of these data crystals, if they could create programs that could hack into Geth software - and maintain control by adapting to the Geth's own cyber-defenses…

Keelah, this could be the key to taking back our homeworld. It could allow us to control the Geth.

Perhaps she was being a bit optimistic. It had only been a mere day of research after all. And what little data that could be ascertained from the crystals only created more questions than answers. But Tali was no amateur. She could see the potential of programs and software that could be created by using the shifting micro-circuitry. This kind of technology had created the Geth - and that was an extremely rudimentary version of what she was studying now. These data crystals were more advanced in every way. The sheer complexity - but also the simplicity - was more advanced than anything she had ever seen. Yes, without a doubt, these beings had a firmer grasp on computer tech than the rest of the galaxy. That was something Tali came to understand very quickly. If she was right about the alien tech being as reactive and responsive as she believed, and if the amount of data capacity that the tech team estimated was accurate (an ability to hold over a billion terabytes of data), then what she was holding in the palm of her hand potentially had the processing power of some of the galaxy's most advanced super-computers.

And this is just one technological leap that could be made from these ruins. Without a doubt, if these beings really couldtravel without the mass effect, then that would change the galaxy beyond comprehension.

"You've been busy I see." Tali turned to the familiar voice of the Asari Liara T'Soni, the one person she could come to call a friend outside the Flotilla.

"Oh, hey Liara, how are you?"

"I'm doing great. We're already making progress on the basic anatomy of the species that once occupied this planet. It's just basic things through indirect evidence, mostly from the space elevator and photo screen we've recovered, but it's more than I thought we'd make in such a short time" she said with barely hidden excitement.

"Like what basic stuff?" Although Tali's interests lie more in the technology than in the species themselves, she was still very curious.

"Well we knew that they breathed a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere like most species based on the planet. However as the planet was not their homeworld we also knew it was not specifically suited for their biology. But with the atmosphere in the station activated, it appears that their exact preferred content ratio is 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. This would explain why the ruined city is located in one of the lowest depressions of the planet, as its low altitude would provide more oxygen for a planet with far less than what is comfortable for them. The exact nitrogen-oxygen content ratio is very interesting."

"Why?" Tali asked, not really sure why the species' preferred atmospheric condition should be so interesting.

Liara didn't miss a beat before answering. "Because, there is only one other planet in the galaxy that has that exact same atmospheric content ratio…Thessia."

"Really? Wow, that is interesting. It seems you have more in common with this species than just appearances."

"That's something I'm not sure I find exciting or unsettling. The bone structure of this species - at least of what we can see in the photo - is astonishingly similar to that of an Asari. From the symmetry of the skull and body shape, to the body size and composition. They even have five digit hands like us - in the exact shape and structure as ours. Even the Batarian's five digit hands have different bone structure and movements. The comparison between this species and us in aesthetic appearances is freakishly close."

Tali chuckled. "So, are you Asari absolutely sure you don't have inter-galactic space cous…

Liara sighed. "Yes, for the hundredth time, we do not have 'intergalactic space cousin's we never told you about'" she said with mock annoyance.

"I'm sorry Liara" Tali said with a grin, "but paint these people blue and give 'em scalp crests and you got yourself an Asari."

Liara laughed. "Maybe you're right. But in my opinion it's just an extreme case of biology developing in similar patterns. It's not an accident that most space faring species walk on two legs and have opposable thumbs. Those two qualities not only give a species an advantage in survival, but also in tool making - which leads to intelligence."

Tali crossed her arms in indifference. "I still say inter-galactic space cousins."

Liara rolled her eyes, although clearly more amused than annoyed. She decided now was a good time to change the subject. "You've been cooped up in this lab since we got back. You should get some rest. When's the last time you slept?"

"I'm fine Liara. Really. These data crystal…"

"Will be here after you've taken a break" she finished. "We'll be heading out to the Leviathan ship in 6 hours. You don't want to explore the largest ship in history half-asleep do you?"

Tali sighed. Liara was right. Working herself to death wasn't going to help the mission. She needed a clear mind to perform her tasks. "I suppose you're right. I can get a few hours of slee…"

The intercom of the Seloria suddenly blared life, startling both Tali and Liara into a jump. A Salarian spoke over the comms.

"Alert! An unknown ship has entered the system. All crew report to your prospective stations. Captain Alenna, you are needed in the CIC!"

Both Liara and Tali locked eyes in a confused and startled look, and then dashed towards the CIC in a sprint.

Onboard the Turian dreadnaught Majestic Spirits

"What do you mean it just disappeared?" the General asked, rather annoyed.

"Our sensors aren't picking up anything. No visuals either" a sensor operator reported.

General Fealix was not someone who liked being kept in the dark. Unfortunately, with the way the current situation has been developing he might as well have been blindfolded. It was just under a minute ago that an unknown ship had mysteriously appeared on the ships sensors 4,000 kilometers away from the planet. There was no warning. No FTL signature. It just…appeared out of the emptiness of space. Immediately the Majestic Spirit and a half dozen other research vessels that picked up the same thing transmitted standard IFF transmissions - without success. And then as quickly as it seemed to pop into existence, it vanished - without a trace. It didn't leave the system via FTL. It just vanished. Majestic Spirit's considerable sensor's picked up nothing. Not even a visual. Whoever was on that mysterious ship either didn't understand the transmissions or choose not to respond. Given the situation at hand, and just by the look of that ship, Fealix knew that it was the former. In all his years of service he had pretty much seen it all. From protecting border colonies from Terminus raids to hunting down slavers and pirates, he had encountered just about every ship the galaxy had to offer. The ship that the Majestic Spirit's sensors were able to get a brief glimpse of didn't remotely resemble any known ship design. Not the smooth, almost artistic look of the Asari. Not the nimble, fast-striking ships of the Salarians. Not the powerful juggernauts of the Hierarchy.

Not the flat, utilitarian design of Volus merchant ships. Not the aquatic looking Hanar ships. Not the spacious ships of the Elcor. Not the myriad, jury-rigged ships of the Quarian Flotilla. Not Batarian. Not Terminus.

The mysterious ship that was displayed on the CIC main screen was a frigate sized vessel, measuring at 162 meters in length. It was completely black, and very much resembled a large, swooping preditorial bird - with curved, wing-like extensions sweeping downwards. It had no noticeable cannon of any sort, although he doubted that meant it was unarmed. This thing was designed for combat. That much was obvious. General Fealix had always had a gift for ascertaining the strengths and weaknesses of a ship, or 'reading its spirit' as he called it. More often than not his instincts proved correct. And what his instincts were telling him was that this ship was dangerous. The image of a predator silently stalking through the night, ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey kept creeping into his mind. The ship held the same demeanor as the ruined field of debris. Imposing. Impenetrable. Unyielding. Deadly. Something you wouldn't want to upset.

From the moment the ship appeared in the system, he knew it was from the same species that once inhabited this planet. What his sensor analyst said next all but confirmed it.

"Sir, one of the research vessels got a visual of the ship's left hull side before it disappeared." He brought the image up on the main screen. Clearly visible was the strange alien writing that adorned most of the ruined ships.

UNSC HADES GATE

He knew that contact with this species was inevitable the moment he was informed of his new task. The council and top politicians had tried to convince him that it was likely these beings must have destroyed themselves - that they probably went extinct like the Protheans or Rachni. At first Fealix found this amusing, but came to only view them as incompetent, if not desperate. He wondered how an intelligent person could delude themselves enough to accept insane conclusions with little or no evidence. There was absolutely no reason to believe these beings no longer lived. But these foolish politicians would refuse to accept obvious truths if it in anyway didn't fit into the perfect little universe they created for themselves - mainly, a universe where they were at the top and nothing threatened their power. But if these beings did still exist - and Fealix knew they did - then that threatened them, because it would mean they may no longer be the kings of the galaxy; that perhaps they were no longer the most advanced or most powerful. So they did what any self-serving politician did - they denied the issue instead of facing it.

Well, almost all did. Just before Fealix was about to depart the council chambers, the Asari representative - Councilor Tevos - asked him to join her in her office privately. He remembered that conversation clearly.

"General Fealix, thank you for meeting with me. What I'm about to discuss with you is important." She gestured to a guest chair. "Please, take a seat."

Fealix did as he was asked, nodding his head in respect, as was typical with Asari culture. "Of course Councilor. Though if I may ask, what could be so important that you wish to speak with me privately?"

"General, you have expressed great skepticism that we are dealing with an extinct race, is that correct?" She asked in her serenely calm voice. The councilor's demeanor was not one of accusation or judgment, but of understanding. He felt he could be completely honest with her without worry of backlash or having his concerns immediately shut down. Weather that was because he felt she was the one sensible person on the council or if he was being fooled by her impressive diplomatic skills, he didn't know - or care. He was tired of being told to 'keep his views to himself' by politicians who refused to listen to reason.

"Councilor, with respect, it is foolish to think that these beings are extinct. There is no reason to make us incline to believe so. All we have is one devastated planet and a destroyed ship yard. How many planets did the Rachni render uninhabitable during their invasions? How many planets did the Krogan bombard during the Rebellions? Yet we are here are we not? If the CEC conclusion that there may have been two different species at war is correct, then doesn't that mean that at least one is still around? Even if the victorious species hunted the other to extinction, why would both suddenly disappear? We don't know anything about these beings except that at some point roughly 70 years ago they fought in a battle. It could have been a war. It could have been a skirmish. It could be anything! Jumping to conclusions like this is not only naive, but in my opinion completely idiotic!" He blurted out, raising his voice beyond normal conversational tone. It was then that he realized what a fool he must have looked like, losing his temper in the presence of the highest representative of a species. To her credit Tevos didn't seem upset by his outburst, but still held onto that same cool serenity that came with hundreds of years of diplomatic negotiations. Fealix quickly regained his composure. "I apologize for my outburst Councilor, but I feel that we are jumping into this situation blindly. I don't want to have another Rachni war on our hands."

Tevos waited patiently for General Fealix to finish, before finally speaking. "I understand General, and I completely agree with you."

Fealix's mandibles twitched in surprise. "You what?"

"Unlike my fellow councilors, I do not believe that these beings no longer exist. Councilor Milos has convinced himself that there are no potential threats beyond Relay 314. Salarians have always operated on the idea that any conflict should be won before it begins. They use their superior intelligence services to strike down threats before they can arise. But if these beings have developed completely different tech not based on element zero, then they would have no way of knowing how to counter it. And that, General, scares them."

That wasn't what Fealix expected to hear. "But councilor, Milos is one of the best of his species. It's why he was selected to be representative of his race. Would the Councilor really delude himself like that? Out of fear no less?"

"General" Tevos answered, "If there is one thing I have learned through all my years of diplomacy, it's that no matter how much power one attains, they are still flawed organics. Even the Councilors. Even me."

Fealix was starting to develop a new found respect for councilor Tevos. It was no wonder she was the chosen representative of her people. Most politicians couldn't recognize their flaws if their lives depended on it.

Councilor Tevos continued. "As for Councilor Valern, he will always be a soldier in spirit. He doesn't much care if they're still around or not. He just wants to ensure that if they are, then the Hierarchy has an undisputed edge. Unfortunately, he seems to be willing to do anything to gain that edge, even if it means conflict with these beings."

"Councilor, if I can speak plainly, I do not believe inserting a dreadnaught into the system is wise. It would make far more sense to station my patrol outside of Relay 314. In doing so we could prevent any pirates, mercenaries, or just any curios ship from entering the Relay. That way, if these beings do show up, they won't feel provoked by finding warships in their system. And if they do start firing without provocation, then my patrol fleet is literally seconds away from passing through the relay to provide cover-fire so the research vessels can escape. In my opinion it's the best way to prevent conflict."

Councilor Tevos smiled. "You possess the wisdom of an Asari Matriarch General Fealix. I argued the same point. But in the end, Relay 314 is on the outer edge of Turian space, and the Hierachy holds the decisions of their military. Not I."

At this point Fealix had to ask. "Councilor, what's your position?"

"I do not want conflict with these beings General, especially if it could be avoided so easily. But I also cannot allow ground breaking technology to just sit at our door steps undisturbed."

Fealix got the distinct impression that he was about to find out why was here. "Councilor, not to sound rude, but why did you summon me here?"

"Because my influence has reached its limits. If left up to Valern he would have half the Hierarchy's military stationed in the Tyrogg system. And Milos is willing to go along with him so long as the Salarians can reap the benefits of the technology. I've convinced Valern to insert just a token security force instead, which given his stubbornness was actually quite an accomplishment." She tapped a few commands on her omni-tool. "With the current situation as it is, my people felt it necessary to prepare for eventual contact."

Fealix's own omni-tool chimed, indicating he received a message. He opened it up to find a large file entitled Tyrogg Contact Scenario. "Councilor, what is this?"

"It's a contact message. Mostly images of the various species of the galaxy living in harmony. It's designed to be as non-threatening as possible. Basically, it's a way to say we have peaceful intentions. General, if you do come into contact with these beings, I want you to transmit this message."

Fealix was skimming through the images of the message. They were basic diagrams of different species, along with special greetings and images of different races working together. He nodded his head towards Tevos. "I will Councilor."

"There is one more thing. I have discussed this with Captain Alenna T'Velos"

"The head of the research team?" Fealix asked.

"Yes" Tevos answered. "As you know, we Asari have the unique ability to combine our consciousness with other species. In this way we can learn the language of other race's very quickly through mind melding. If you make successful contact, Alenna will be prepared to join consciousness with a member of their species so we can learn their language."

Fealix nodded in understanding. Asari mind-melding was how the races of the galaxy were able to communicate quickly upon first contact. What would have taken months - years - of language barriers to chop through only took days when the council met new civilizations. "I will do all that you ask Councilor."

Fealix sighed. Well, he would transmit the contact message to that ship if he knew where in spirit's name it was.

"General, orders?" his XO asked.

"Recall all of the research vessels into defensive positions. And send the frigates Invictus Pride and Carnixious to look for that ship. It's obvious these aliens have stealth technology of some kind. Perhaps if we get close enough we can pick up their signature again. But remind them that they are still under standing orders not to fire unless fired upon. I don't care if that ship re-appears a few thousand feet from their stern. And send an FTL transmission to the Citadel. But make sure I am explicitly asking that they not send any additional forces through the relay. I don't want this to escalate into something bad because of misunderstanding."

"Yes General" his XO replied.

"General, I have Alenna on the line" his comms officer informed him

"Put her through."

On board the Council exploration vessel Seloria

Liara and Tali arrived in the CIC along with Mordin and a half dozen other personnel. The room was in a fury of action - more along the lines of controlled chaos. Rumors were plentiful and many were both excited and nervous at the prospect of what was occurring.

"Are you certain this isn't just some idiot Eclipse or merchant ship?" Alenna asked Lenora, the ship's sensor operator.

"Without a doubt. The ship is very similar to the design of many of these ruins. Also, it didn't use the Relay to get here, the only access point from our part of the galaxy. And there's this." She brought up an image of the ship's hull side, revealing the same type of alien writing the marked the ruined ships.

Tali had to admit, it was a beautiful ship. Beautiful, yet still oddly intimidating.

Alenna began her usual pacing when she was analyzing a situation. "And you're saying it vanished? Did it leave the system via FTL?"

"No, it just disappeared. And not just from our sensors, but from visual detection as well."

Disappeared? Tali thought. Do they have capable stealth technology? How do you make a ship invisible to both heat emissions and visual detection?

As Alenna continued to take in every ounce of data she could, Tali spoke to Liara aside. "So, what do you think?"

Liara thought back to that salvaged photoscreen they had picked up on the space elevator, to that young child who appeared so happy and at peace. A smile crossed her face. "Well, it appears this species didn't go extinct. That is good to here."

"Yes. Yes. Good to hear. Suspected as much." Mordin said.

"Mordin, you believed they weren't extinct?" Tali asked.

"Of course. Naive to think otherwise. Delusional even. Glad to confirm this species lives on." He took in a deep breath. "Ship of contact troubling."

"What do you mean?" Liara asked.

The Salarian answered in his impossibly fast speech. "The ship has stealth technology. Stealth suggests espionage. Espionage suggests war and conflict. War ship only logical conclusion."

Liara frowned at that. She was so excited upon learning that this species still lived a few minutes ago. She felt like she was living through history - which all things considered, she was. After all her years of studying dead civilizations, it would be refreshing to be able to actually talk to these people; to not have to speculate about their culture through indirect evidence - to simply be able to ask - and receive answers from the source itself. What she would have done to get the chance to speak to a Prothean - or the extinct Inusannon, Arthenn, or Thoi'han. But what if they are like the Rachni or Krogan? Liara decided to stay positive.

"Just because it's a war ship doesn't mean it's hostile. It could simply be a routine patrol ship that got spooked when it entered the system and found us here. We are in their territory after all. With our own war ships I might add."

"Yes. Deeming them hostile just as naive as declaring them extinct. Didn't mean to insinuate otherwise. Only that the possibility exists. Hope for peace. Be prepared for war" Mordin said, repeating the ancient Salarian saying.

"Captain! I've got something here. You're not going to believe this" Korven, the ship's signal operator nearly shouted.

"Korven?"

"One of the research vessels stationed near the shattered ship designated U-14 happened to be looking at the right place at the right time. They've got a visual recording of that ship entering the system." The whole CIC quieted. "I'm bringing it up on screen now."

The main screen at first appeared to show nothing but the void of space, with millions of stars shinning in the background and a few visible rubble from the destroyed ships. And then suddenly, on the top right corner of the screen - a large, circular rupture seemed to appear out of nowhere. It looked like a large, flat disc - bluish black in color. It was as if someone punched a hole through the very fabric of space itself.

"What in the Goddess name is that?" It reminded Alenna of a black hole - with the obvious exception of color.

"Keep watching" Korven said. They did, and what they saw next stunned them.

The mysterious ship exited out of the bizarre, flat rupture. From the angle of the recording, they were at roughly 80 degrees from the direction the ship came through, meaning they could clearly see that this ship did indeed originate from that blue disk. It was the most bizarre thing ever. The ship just came out of nowhere - as if from another dimension.

"Keelah. That's incredible!"

"Hmm, obvious FTL transit system" Mordin thought out loud. "Not mass effect related. Wormhole of some kind? Space time-fold perhaps? Possibilities intriguing."

"Korven" Aleena said. "Get me in contact with General Fealix."

General Fealix had just finished watching the recording Alenna had forwarded to him; his mind analyzing what all of this meant. So, it was all but confirmed that these beings could travel without the mass effect. The ramifications of that one little fact alone was so profound that he doubted he could ever contemplate the impact it would have on the rest of the galaxy. But he would try nonetheless.

If he looked at it from a military perspective, which given his occupation was his first line of thought, then this could be very bad for the Citadel Council if there was ever conflict. The entire galaxy's defenses depended on safeguarding the mass relay 'chokepoints'. There were two types of relays; Primary Relays and Secondary Relays. The 'Prime Relays' linked across vast distances of the galaxy, but were only connected to one other relay. Secondary relays can link to any relay over shorter distance. So, in essence, the only way to get into Turian, Asari, or Salarian space was to pass through one of the Primary Relays leading into their territory. This made territorial defense surprisingly simple. The Prime Relays were heavily guarded by massive fleets to prevent invasion, while the Secondary Relays had token forces to protect against lesser threats, such as pirates and slavers. But if this species didn't need to use them… it would mean, potentially, that they were not bound by the mass relay network, and therefore could strike anywhere without warning. Such an impossibly distinct advantage seemed overwhelming.

"General" Alenna said, still in contact with the Majestic Spirit. "It seems that Councilor Tevos was correct in her summations." She seemed a bit over-joyous, not at all concerned with any negative consequence that might arise.

"Indeed she was" Fealix responded. "Although I'd bet even she would be surprised at how quickly we would make contact."

"I trust that you've sent the message?"

"I would, if I knew where to send it. With that ship going invisible, I have no way of tight beaming the message to them. I could broadcast it through traditional radio signals. But it would just get jumbled with all of the other signals that have been broadcasted throughout the expedition."

"That's unfortunate" Alenna said simply.

"Yes, it seems that we'll just have to wait for them to reveal themselves again. In the meantime I have recalled my two frigates back from searching and ordered all ships to cease research and rally behind my position. Alenna, I want your ship to dock with mine. If we do make successful contact we're going to need you to meld with one of them and learn their language."

"I understand General. I'm heading to your ship now. Let me know if…"

"General!" one of his officers shouted, interrupting both Alenna and Fealix. "That ship has reappeared 500 kilometers from our position!"

The image of the ship was brought up on the main CIC screen. It was facing directly towards his ship, drifting a mere dozen meters next to some large rubble. Smart, he thought. If we were to engage, that ship could quickly take refuge behind the debris.

"General, we're receiving a message from the ship. You're going to want to see this."

AN: I know that it was revealed in ME3 that Councilor Valern was actually the Salarian Councilor. (Which means pretty much every fanfic got it wrong. lol) But I'm not going to change. In this fic Valern is the Turian councilor.

Also, another cliffhanger? Why?

Because I like seeing you guys squirm ;)