So, I'm going to be putting some stories on hold (don't worry, I'm not abandoning them. I'll upload one more story for the ones I'm putting on hold). Have to focus on school a bit more and I'm having writers' block. The stories being put on hold are the Wraith of the Many and Commonding Effect. I'll start working on them when spring rolls around.
Also, I'm considering having someone beta reading my stuff, noticed I've made a few eros here and there. Anyone interested, please message me.
Also, happy holidays. I'll see if I can upload a Christmas special for Wraith of the many but depends on how exhausted I am.
December 19th, 2965
5th Commonwealth Expeditionary Fleet (sponsors: Federation of Free Nations, Sojagg confederacy)
Location, Galactic Southwest (the Batarian border)
FCV Light During the Winter (Titan class vessel)
While the UNSA and VPD were in the midst of their first contact, Federation Admiral Lord Zortale of the Federation navy was about to have his own.
"More of these turning forks sir. 3 of them, all inactive" the sensor officer reported.
"Have our science ships been able to activate them?" Zortale asked. Being a Raxor (the species Raxor are a Normal #9) and an honorbound warrior, this peaceful expedition wasn't doing him and his crew much good.
"Nothing yet. Researchers within the 4th fleet believe it has to do with this new element we found but we're waiting for Alliance personnel to arrive." his XO responded.
Zortale sighs. "At Least it will be a somewhat quiet day. Status on the fleet Vanator?"
A hologram of a Mitron male appeared (Mitrons are Humanoid #3) in ancient armour.
"Other than the restlessness, all ships are at 100% operational effectiveness. The Light During the Winter, her 4 battleships and 18 cruiser ship escorts are fully ready for combat."
At that moment, one of the Turning Forks activated.
"ADMIRAL! I'm getting sensor readings from the Turning Forks! It's created some sort of….weird. Can we get one of the science ships to take a scan of this?" the sensor officer asked.
"Get one of the science ships to start scans. Order the all ships except for the science ships and their escorts to cloak." Zortale ordered. Maybe something interesting would happen.
After 40 seconds of frantic preparation, Vanator appeared again.
"The Science ship Hope has finished basic scans. According to them, the Turning Fork has created a temporary Massless corridor to another star system. Said Corridor is around 300 lightyears away from here, if their math is correct." Vanator reported.
"And it's purpose?" Zortale asked.
"Well, according to our calculations, it's supposed to use that element zero to lighten a ship and throw it across vast distances. This is just a working theory, but our most plausible one." Vanator stated
"Interesting. So Doctor Vortunz's theory was correct in some way. A new type of FTL. We'll have to do some more research." Admiral Zortal Mused. "Keep the ship on red alert. All ships except the science vessels and their escorts are to remain cloaked."
Skuas cloaking devices. Technically obsolete by today's standards but it may give our newcomers the slip. Zortal mused.
They didn't have to wait long. Only 5 minutes later, the Turning Forks spat out 2 dozens vessels, then it grew to three dozen, four dozen. The numbers kept growing until it reached 120 vessels.
"Sensors, make and type of those vessels." Zortale ordered.
"Contacts reached over 120 vessels. 2 cruiser class, 14 destroyer class, 40 corvette class, 64 ships at around 100 meters in length so 1st generation corvettes. Most are carrying spinal kinetic weapons, and I'm reading that weird Element Zero on those ships." the sensor officer reported.
Zortale frowned. 120 vessels did sound alot, especially for the Science ship escorts, which numbered two heavy cruisers and a dozen escorts. "Give me a report on those weapons. Strength, capabilities, weapon types, etc."
The sensor operator continued discreetly scans so as to not expose the fact that there was a 20 kilometer Titan in the system."Ok, scanning." Then the operator laughed, catching everyone's attention. "Are you kidding me? Those spinal mounts on those cruisers, at best 20 kilotons of tnt!"
The bridge erupted into a bit of chuckling and laughter, even Zortale smiled. "So, not super powerful. What else?"
The sensor operator stopped laughing and continued their scans. "Let's see here. They're carrying some sort of laser defense grid. Ok that's impressive but I don't see anything that indicates energy weapons meant for ship to ship roles. I also see broadsides of heavy weapons, lighter kinetics. I estimate each round hits as hard as a spitfire autocannon. They also appear to be carrying some sort of missile or torpedo system with lots of those element zero readings. Vanator's and our other AIs are trying to figure out how they work. I'm also reading what appears to be nuclear weapons onboard, 20 kilotons to 2 megatons in yield."
"Hmm, so they have teeth. Order Doctor Rakka to initiate contact." Zortale ordered. "Have all ships arm their energy siphons as well. I would love to capture these fools if they turn hostile.
As the crew of the Light During the Winter prepared for combat, Zortale decided to listen in on the communications on the science vessel.
"(Comms) It appears they also use similar communication devices to us. We've also gotten their language database. We're establishing a connection."
"(Comms) Good work doctor, inform the admiral that I am making contact."
Soon enough, Zortale was informed and a video connection was established, only to be slightly surprised by what he saw.
A four eyed species? This is interesting. I wonder what their like? Zortale thought.
The crew got their answer very quickly and they were not pleased.
"(Comms) Unidentified Vessels, this is the GHV Khar'Shan's Wrath. We demand to know what you are doing in a system claimed by the Batarian Hegemony."
Dr Rakka spoke up. "Greetings fellow wanders of the stars. I am Doctor Rakka of the Federation of Free Nations. We are merely explorers in seeking out the secrets of the galaxy. We did not mean to trespass on your territory."
(Comms) A new race? Well I'll let you know that your vessels are in violation of both the treaty of Farixen and the Batarian Hegemony's claims here. I'm afraid that we will be confiscating these vessels and your crews."
Zortale frowned, or did the equivalent of it. Treaty of Fraxien? Batarian Hegemony? Who names their nation a Hegemony?
"I do not know of this treaty of Farixen that you speak of. Perhaps if we allow for diplomatic rela-"
"(Comms) The Hegemony does not negotiate with primitives! You had your warning, you will pay for it!" At that moment, the comms went offline.
The crew of the Light During the Winter looked at each other. "So, does that mean we are at war again?"
That was when the sensor operator spoke up. "Their charging weapons!"
From the 122 vessels that made up the Batarian fleet erupted dozens of metal slugs traveling at 1.2% the speed of light. They slammed into the Science ship and her escorts.
And did nothing. Nothing happened but a slight shimmer on the shields.
The crews of the Federation ships laughed. "That was it? Fire the energy Siphons!" Roared Zortale.
Bright green beams of light erupted from the escort ships and latched onto the Hegemony vessels. In a few seconds, most of their Eezo cores became inert.
"One of their cruisers is locking onto one of our science ships. Requesting permission to drop the cloak and fire the main cannon." Vanator reported.
"Approved. Drop the cloak and fire the main cannon!" Zortale roared.
In an instant, the 20 kilometer war beast that was the Light During the Winter dropped it's reflective cloak and charged up it's Predition beam. The Batarian dreadnought froze for three seconds, then fired it's spinal Mass Accelerator at the Titan. Said round bounces off the Dragonscale-Durasteel armor plating of the Federation Titan.
"Cannon charged, firing." one of the weapons officers reported.
A great red-orangish beam of pure energy erupts from the bow of the ship and washes over the unfortunate Batarian dreadnought. It's crews fried and turned into ashes before they register the pain. Three Hegemony frigates were caught in the beam, being wiped away before anyone can say anything.
Soon the cannon stopped firing, and all that was left of the dreadnaught was a burnt husk.
"Scratch 3 enemy corvettes and one enemy cruiser class. Not bad." Vanator reported.
"Great, now we just have to board those things. Now, we can either do this the traditional way and board those vessels with marines-"
Everyone looked at the admiral.
"-or we can break out the hundreds of tons of sleeping gas we use for counter terror operations and use our portal tech to incapicate them all." Zortal finished.
"You know what, let's do that." Vantor agreed, with much bridge crew agreeing. Better safe than sorry and not risk too many marines.
UNSV Taipei
1 day later
Field Marshal Ross looked over the report again. Commodore Hannah Shepard, mother of two of the newest rangers in his force, had made contact with a new race. Apparently they used both element zero and these turning forks. He now had a proper name for them, Mass Relays.
Taking a sip from a bottle of Aloe, he felt somewhat nervous about dealing with first contact with another race. He was a supersoldier and a ground force commander, not the best diplomat or security guard available.
I'm starting to regret not going into the navy like Sophia. At Least she gets to sit in a comfy chair with a mug of hot coffee. Wonder how the 5th fleet is doing. Ross wondered.
At that moment, his communications device on his computer activates. "Field Marshal Ross? We have lord Admiral Zortale of the Federation requesting to speak to you." his secretary spoke.
"Could use a distraction. Patch him through." at that moment, a real time video of the Raxor admiral appeared.
"Lord Admiral Zortale, how can I help?" Ross spoke in a polite manner.
"Field Marshal. I heard your fleet made a peaceful discovery of another space faring race. Good job."
Ross smiled. "Thank Commodore Shepard. She made first contact. What's wrong?"
Zortale stood straight. "My fleet has encountered another species that uses the turning forks and this element zero. They are called Batarians. However they became hostile for unknown reasons and attacked us. My fleet has…..disarmed and captured most of their ships."
Ross didn't want to think what he meant by most of their fleet. "I'm guessing that you melted some of their ships with your Titan's main cannon and dumped sleeping gas into the rest. Still, what did you find?"
"They are a part of an empire called the Batarian Hegemony which is a part of a wider galactic community of a dozen other species called the Citadel Council. Apparently, they felt disgruntled with the Council and decide to start opening these turning forks, which is illegal in Council space."
"Ok, what else?" Ross asked.
"Well…..the Hegemony uses slaves. And they wanted to enslave our crews."
Ross sighs. "Slaves? What kind of nation or empire uses slaves at this point? How long have they been space faring?"
"At Least a thousand years. Yet they maintain slaves as apart of thier Cultural Herittage. Federation laws dictate that we must retaliate for this hideous crime against sapient life. G-COM has given me the go ahead to launch an 'aggressive' scouting operation on one of their colonies."
"I approve of this action, but why haven't you launched your operation now?" Ross questioned.
Zortale scratched his nose (their equivalent of scratching the back of a Human's neck) "Let's just say that I found the Sojagg's combat forces…inadequate for offensive actions. Their guarding the new colonies we set up and my Federation forces may not be enough to take a planet that may have a population in the millions."
Ross chuckles. "Well you gave me an excuse to get out of my diplomatic posting. I'll talk to Vorpona and Williams, see if I can detach a division."
"Thank FIeld Marshal. We will await your reply." the video ends and Ross stands up when Admiral Sophia Limburn walks in.
"Dear, don't tell me you are going to be weaseling out of this one," Sophia said with a stern voice.
"Sorry, I'm gonna have to be excused from this first contact meeting. Looks like the 5th fleet ran into hostile newcomers. Zortale requested additional ground troops for a potential landing." Ross looked at his wife.
Sophia chuckles. "Lucky. The supposed peacekeepers and neutrals of the Commonwealth are having fun. Well, enjoy your newfound freedom."
"Love you." the two share a kiss before leaving to do their duties.
2 days later
Raloi Republic Colony system of Yeni
RSS Savunmak
"This is exciting! Meeting not only 1 race, but many? I wonder what their like!" one of the Raloi scientists exclaimed.
Admiral Hitharo chuckled. So far, he and the Raloi had nothing but peaceful contact with Commodore Shepard. Admittedly, he was somewhat optimistic for the future.
Still, why are all of their exploratory ships so well armed. Did they run into something that made them paranoid or are those full on warships?" the admiral thought.
"Admiral? We're detecting a new energy signature. It's the same one as the newcomers emitted as they came out of FTL." the sensor officer reported.
"Put it on screen," Hitharo ordered. A camera view appears and a dreadnought sized vessel jumps in.
Another one of their dreadnaught class vessels, though this appears to be less armed compared to the ones we first saw. Must be their diplomatic crew.
"We're receiving a transmission, patching it through." a communication officer states.
"(Comms) This is Ambassador Anita Goyle representing the United Nations Solar Alliance and her allies. We are requesting permission to land a small shuttle craft on your vessel."
Admiral Hitharo walks up to the Communication console. "This is Admiral Hitharo of the Raloi warship Savunmak. You are cleared to land a shuttle in our hangar bay."
"(Comms) Thank you, we will arrive shortly."
A few minutes later an entourage of Raloi personnel await in the dreadnought's hangar bay.
"Newcomer transport is landing." the Savunmak flight controller reported.
The transport was of a unique design. It combined the utilitarian looks of pre-space faring designs while having a very militaristic look. (Imagine the UC-67 Mistaya from Stellaris Invicta but with the blue colors of the UN).
From one of the side doors came two individuals. One was a Human in loose fitting clothing, one was a bird like creature (the Vissari), one was another Human, but in military clothing, and the last figure was a being with a horse like face (Slender #03, the species is a Sek-Lokkar) wearing light body armor.
The four walked up to the Raloi admiral. The one wearing the loose fitting clothing slowly approached and bowed.
"Admiral Hitharo, I am Ambassador Anita Goyle, civilian representative of the United Nations Solar Alliance. With me is Fleet Admiral Sophia Limburn of the United Nations Navy, along with Fleet Admiral Vorpona of the Vissari Planetary Directorate and Representative Micaro of the Galactic Commonwealth of Nations (Micaro is a Sek-Lokkar, slender #03)." Goyle spoke through an external translator before extending her hand.
Hitharo was jumping in joy. Three different species! "Thank you Ambassador. Shall I take you on a tour of my vessel."
"Thank you admiral. We wish to see how another species designs their ships. We're actually curious about this massless element that you use in your ship. I was wondering if you can explain it to us." Goyle asked.
Wait, massless element? Right, their ships don't use element zero. "Of course ambassador. Right this way." the admiral lead began to lead the group away from the hangar bay.
Meanwhile, Batarian Colony world of Lorek
Unbenounced to many within the galaxy, two militaries would clash in a battle that would lead to further repercussions in the future.
Commonwealth Wiki: Commonwealth factions:
The Galactic Commonwealth of Nations is the binding alliance of all Montoken Region Nations and Species. Yet due to its size, it has many different factions within it. All stem from pre-Scourge War factions and alliances.
The Federation of Free Nations:
The Federation of Free Nations is a collection of a 9 different nation space-faring states within the Galactic East of the Montoken Arm. It was formed to challenge the rising power of the United Nations Solar Alliance and their allies. While individually small, their combined efforts have resulted in a truly unified force, capable of standing against any of the other galactic powers.
Member-states:
The Mitron Empire, The Great Haspalv Empire, The Great Raxor Clans, The Kraxroz Hivemind, Anathurian Star Hunters, Aztani Syndicate, Igarian Foundation, Ishi Hieracrhy, Council of Hazaria,
Population: 5.4 Trillion Citizens (Combined)
Main power source: Antimatter (also dyson spheres)
Planets and Habitats: 2500
Artificial Intelligence: Allowed
Navy: 200,000 active combat vessels 40,000 reserve ships, 65,000 training ships, 60,000 assorted support and civilian vessels.
Doctrine:Heavy defensive warfare with fast reactionary capabilities.
Elder Alliance (Commonly nicknamed the Guardian Alliance):
Three ancient spacefaring nations that existed hundreds of thousands of years ago came together to preserve years of valuable knowledge and technology after the Scourge War. They have one of the smallest population and military of the Commonwealth, but make up for it in very heavily developed worlds, owning hundreds of Titan sized warships, advanced technology, and one of the few nations to use dark matter. They are some of the most respected factions, even the UNSA heeds advice from them.
Member States:T'Jell Proginters, Tiyal Protectors, Jess'Inax Star Seekers.
Population: 900 Billion citizens
Main power source: Darkmatter Reactors, Dyson Spheres
Planets:74 (most being ecumenopolis)
Artificial Intelligence: Allowed
Space Navy: 8,000 combat warships, 20,000 civilian/support ships, 40,000 combat warships in reserve,
Military doctrine: Attritional Warfare (Engage the enemy to break thier forces down in terms of numbers and cohesion)
Enthari Partnership Alliance:
The newest member of the Commonwealth, the Enthari Partnership Alliance is a collection of smaller nationstates led primarily by the Yaanari Star Alliance. While small in nature, they are the most eager to expand and advance for the sake of galactic prosperity and safety. Military strategy relies primarily on hit and run tactics, as their capital ships can't stand up to other Commonwealth members (but they can to the Mass Effect Races and the Reapers).
Members: Yaanari Star Alliance, Kroll Interstellar Coalition, Entheri Consolidated Provinces, Eruzo Coalition, Blessed Ul-tur Mandate, several smaller states,
Population: 1.3 Trillion
Worlds and Habitats: 800
Main Energy source: Fusion and Antimatter reactors.
Space Navy:15,000 warships (primarily escorts), 23,000 Civilian, Support, logistical ships.
Military Doctrine: Hit and run, delaying actions.
Cosmic Union
The Cosmic Union is another collection nation states in a similar fashion like the Federation, though with a less centralized governing body. They once stood to rival the UNSA but the Scourge War and Khanate Crusades have brought them down a few pegs. Now, they seek to reclaim some of their former glory.
Nationstates: Sek-Lokkar Republic, Sojagg Confederacy, Jess-Inax Star Tribes, remnants of the Glyrain Triad.
Population: 2.3 Trillion Citizens.
Worlds and habitats: 1400
Main Energy source: Antimatter and Zero-point energy.
Space Navy: 23,000 warships, 9,000 reserve vessels, 8,000 support, civilian,t and auxiliary ships. (Note that the Cosmic Union has hit hard times, they are rebuilding after the Khanate Crusades, relies heavily on defensive platforms)
Doctrine: Defensive in Depth (let the enemy exhaust themselves on defensives).
Mutual Assistance Pact.
The Pact is a collection of 4 star nations, with the UNSA being considered one of them (however we will be considering the USA a separate group faction due to their Custodian Status). Considered to be the premier military, economic, industrial, and political power of the Commonwealth, they are the powerhouse of the Commonwealth.
Member States:Vissari Planetary Directorate, Lox-Ungrak Union, Ztrakphor Star Kingdom, UNSA (not counted in this list)
Population: 7.6 Trillion citizens
Worlds and Habitats: 3700
Main Energy Source:Zero-point Energy, Dyson Spheres
AIs:Allowed
Navy: 700,000 active duty warships, 400,000 reserve frontline duty warships, 500,000 support vessels
Military Doctrine: Shock and Awe (hit on as many fronts as possible with the heaviest of forces available), force projection (hit hard, strike far).
United Nations Solar Alliance
Starting off as an alliance of Earth nations, later transforming to incorporate several colonial Human nations, the Terran Solar Alliance, and a dozen new space faring races, the United Nations Solar Alliance is a centralized Commonwealth of independent nation states (its a commonwealth within the Commonwealth). Prior to the Scourge war, the UNSA enjoyed an era of prosperity after the end of the United Nations of Earth-Defiance Solar Alliance War (or known as either the UN-Alliance war or the Human Unification Wars) along with the Pact. However, the UNSA was called upon to lead a Coalition of nations against the Prethoryn Scourge. It is the most powerful faction in both the Commonwealth and the greater Galaxy.
Member States: Core nationstates (ones born on Earth, controls the main colonies and worlds near Sol), Defiance Union (reformed version of the Defiance Solar Alliance), Eden Republic (one of the Blind Migration nationstates that prospered without Earth Support), Several smaller non-Human nationstates
Population: 4.8 Trillion
Worlds and Habitats:3000
Main Energy Source: Zero-Point Energy, Darkmatter, Dyson Spheres
AIs:Allowed
Navy: 800,000 Warships (including 50 Titans), 300,000 reserve or training ships, 400,000 logistical and support ships)
Military Doctrine: Shock and Awe (hit on as many fronts as possible with the heaviest of forces available), force projection (hit hard, strike far).
Q/A:
Mashot Tito: It is, I'm going to attempt a first contact without something curbstomping the Council. THere will be a battle, between the Batarians and a joint UNSA/Federation fleet but no contact with other Mass Effect races for a few years.
Candel06:Hopefully this one goes a bit smother (and somewhat more realistically than my other ones) Also, Happy holidays.
Kitsune Obessed Freak: I actually read Boundary Effect. Not a bad story. As for the math problem, where did I go wrong again?
Guest:Sorry about that, old habits. Will try to fix things in the future.
Chronos0305: I recently got the Relics DLC for Stellaris and unlocked the Cybrex war forge. Some mech battles could be nice. I'll look into adding mechs into both this story and Fire for Stellar Effect (Though admittedly I'm more of a tank fan).
BigbossHayden98: I'll look into some mods that you suggested. Thank you.
Cosmicsafe74: Oh they diffantly won't be liking those.
Chronos0305: Thanks fine, just any mod ideas. Spaceborne, will look into getting those.
Guest: That might be a mixture of my own laziness and grammerly. I'll see if anyone wants to do a beta read for my future chapters but otherwise, I will do my best to catch mistakes or do revisions afterwards.
Guest: Thank you
Chronos0305: Potietally, though those aren't my style. Then again, I would like the council's reaction to more floating jelly fish.
Kite15663: No, no first contact war between the Commonwealth and the Turians. While relay 314 does exist, the Commonwealth hasn't found it yet as it's covered in ice. And yes, I know about the how discharge/Fuel situation with Mass Effect FTL. However a war with the Batarians is likely, due to you know, theCommonwealth being most Xenophiles.
PanKeRio: I'll do my best at trying to make this story a bit more unique. Though remember, Writing isn't a full on hobby for me.
New Senpai on the Block: No problem, I do my best to update everything.