Alternate Universe short story in which the Protheans won a Phyrric victory over the Reapers, destroying both their Empire and nearly destroying the Mass Relay system. Mass Effect Universe with no Reapers, no Citadel, and no Citadel Council or Citadel alliance. Many thanks to PMC65 for letting me use the Asari culture and characters from her stories. Inspired Forging an Empire.

This story directly continues the unfinished series "To Survive", by Calinstel, with his consent. John Shepard continues to prepare for the coming Reaper threat. Without Council support, Shepard and Tali attempt to bring peace to the Terminus Systems. If you haven't read "To Survive", I encourage you to do so.