The Quarian Migrant Fleet
February 7th, 2966
"What's going on?" Rael asked as he watched several UN carriers and their escorts broke off from the UNAF 10th fleet.
"I have no idea? Are the Batarians launching another attack?" Krois asked as well.
The bridge of the Rayya was buzzing with movement, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Rael, Koris, have any of you been watching the news from the Citadel?" Admiral Xen said she walked into the Rayya's bridge.
"Why?"
Xen hands Rael a datapad and his eyes widened when he scanned its contents.
New Species accuse Council of supporting genocide. Deploys Humanitarian mission to Tuchanka.
On February 7th (or whatever the Citadel Standard equivalent is), 2173 CE, the first contact meeting between the Citadel Council and the Galactic Commonwealth of Nations went sour with the revelation of the Krogan Genophage. Already somewhat alienated by the treatment of the Quarians, Envoys Cera and Udina publicly denounced the Council as "willing to commit genocide on two different species". The meeting ended when Envoy Cera publicly ordered Commonwealth military forces to Tuchanka for a Humanitarian mission and announced that the Quarian migrant Fleet was under their protection. This statement has rattled Citadel space, which has not helped with the fact that these newcomers have teleportation and immediately left the Council chambers.
This may have exacerbated the situation between the Commonwealth and the Council when it was revealed that Turian ships opened fire on ships from the United Nations Solar Alliance while defending the Quarian fleet. With this new development, the Turian Hierarchy has ordered all military forces to high alert. Whether this will deter the Commonwealth and the fleet heading to Tuchanka has yet to be seen.
"The Solarians shouted at the Council? And Accused them of genocide?" Rael said in shock.
"They did what!?" Admiral Raan said as she entered the bridge.
"Look at this." Rael hands off the datapad, who read the news report in shock.
"Keelah. I knew that these Humans hated genocide….but to denounce the Council like this? That just seems extreme."
"What made them hate genocide this much?" Koris asked.
"Look into the history of the United Nations Solar Alliance, I was doing some reading myself. It turns out the UNSA traces it's heritage to an international organization trying to maintain peace on the Human homeworld after several million people were murdered by a dictator. Later, the Humans were victim to one off their own planets being cracked in half." Xen explained.
"A planet being WHAT"!" Rael looked at Xen in shock, who simply hands him another datapad with more information.
"It's true! The Humans lost an entire planet, cracked into millions of pieces and they simply fought on against a greater threat. Billions died and yet they are still here. Then they not only proceeded to rebuild and reform themselves into a new nation, they ended up taking care of 7 more species! That war, the Unification War, made Human detest genocide so much that they will resort to military actions to stop it!" Xen explained.
"What do the Humans consider genocide?" Koris asked.
Raan spoke up. "According to Admiral Limburn, the United Nations has two primary types of genocide: racial genocide and cultural genocide. The first is straightforward, the physical destruction of a race or ethnicity. The latter is more complicated. Cultural genocide is the destruction of a species or group's culture, so items like religion, nationality, ideals, and more."
"And that means….." Koris trialed off.
"The Humans of this Commonwealth considers both us and the Krogan under threat of genocide. Suddenly it makes more sense why they were eager to help us." Raan said.
At that moment on one of the Rayya's view screen, the UNSV Wasp and 4 more Assault carrier strike groups broke off from the tenth fleet, along with a single battleship group, the 4th Aggressive Recon Task Force, and several ships from the Humanitarian corps. Dozens of ships, many bigger than dreadnaughts, began to power up their jump drives, a white glow emitting around them.
"Still, such a marvellous group. Finding an alternative to Eezo-based FTL. I wonder if we can gain access to such technology." Zen muttered.
"We could retake Rannoch, perhaps even destroy the Geth once and for all." Gerrel suggested, before realizing an issue. "Wait."
The four other admirals looked at Gerrel. "You do realize the Humans both consider AIs as citizens and hate genocide do you?" Koris replied. "We may have to rethink our stance on the Geth. Perhaps…."
"You're not thinking of making peace with the Geth are you?!" Gerrel's eyes widened. "But-"
"Remember what the Humans said? Every conflict has two sides. Us and the Geth. Three if we count the Citadel. All of our knowledge and hatred of the Geth comes down from our ancestors, which were directly influenced by the actions of both the Geth and the Council.
That was when a bright white light popped into the bridge and Admiral Limburn materialized. "Sorry I am late. I had to give operational command to the Field Marshal for-"
"This expedition to Tuchanka?" Xen finished, with the fleet admiral looking surprised.
"Before you ask, your envoys and their outburst is already galactic news. As it turns out, someone yelling at the Council is bound to make headlines." Real finished.
"…it's been twenty minutes." Limburn muttered.
Krogan DMZ, the exact same time.
THS Spirit of Digeris
Thirty minutes ago, General Victus, overall commander of forces in the Krogan DMZ, would have been bored with his assignment. Despite his impressive track record in terms of combat missions, several high ranking protested his 'unorthodox' tactics in dealing with both a Salarian spy ring and Turian separatists (I know that technically Victus and his achievements didn't happen until 2185 CE but I'm pushing it up).
It was supposed to be a simple assignment. The Spirit of Digeris and her battle group of 60 pocket dreadnaughts, cruisers, and frigates making sure no one was going to smuggle in weapons or illegal contraband.
But now it was going to be the new boiling point between newfound tensions between the Council and Commonwealth.
"What do you mean the Commonwealth is sending a fleet here?" Victus looked at the holograms of the Citadel Council.
"Negotiations with the Commonwealth have sour. Apparently they did not take the genophage kindly." Tevos replied.
"Spirits. How big of a force are we talking about?" Victus asked.
"Somewhere between the size of half of your fleet and double. We have no idea on how big they are planning. It was just that we never expected them to make such a big deal out of it. We're scrambling reinforcements but be ready to pull back from the Krogan DMZ. I will not sacrifice Turian lives to protect that radioactive rock." Spartacus said.
"Very well. I will report back in an hour." Please don't be another Krogan rebellion. The general begged the spirits as the call with the Councilors ended.
It was at that moment that the task force Victor took with him jumped into the system. '
"Contacts!" a sensor operater called out. "Detecting over one hundred vessels! 100 frigates to cruiser class, 26 dreadnaughts sized vessels, and 6 5-kilometers vessels!"
"Spirits" Victus muttered. All of a sudden, any chance of Turian victory slipped away.
"We're receiving a transmission from one of the ships!" a communications officer reported.
A man in armor with a blue helmet appeared on screen. "I am Field Marshal Victor Ross of the United Nations Solar Alliance and the Galactic Commonwealth of Nations. I have been charged by my government to provide Tuchanka with Humanitarian aid and relief. To the Council ships in orbit, leave now if you value your lives. Or don't leave and become target practice for our guns."
The transmission ends and the Turian crew looks at General Victus. "Orders sir?"
On one hand, Victus could try and hold the DMZ, Turian pride and all. If the Krogan gets loss again, it could spell disaster for the galaxy. Well, most of it.
On the other hand, 6 what were essentially mega-dreadnaughts and dozens of regular dreadnaughts made a convincing argument against it all. That and it was the Krogan they were talking about. Was it really worth it?
And due to the lack of information on these newcomers, he couldn't plan an effective defense against them. For all Victus knew, they could have star-killing weapons on board.
Luckily General Victus was given a break. "New orders from the Council. We're pulling out."
Victus eternally sighed. At Least the Council wasn't stupid enough to order the death of dozens of ships. "Get us the STG teams on Tuchanka."
A Salarian Male appeared on the screen. "General Victus, the Council ordered a pull back."
"Unfortunately, yes. We're outnumbered and we are still unsure of their technologies. Are you sure you can remain undetected."
The Salarian snorted. "If the STG can't, no one can. We have enough provisions for several weeks. If you can get stealth ships into the system. We'll be fine."
"Then may the spirits keep you safe. General Victus out." The screen blinked out. "Helmsmen, get us to the Mass Relay. All ships are to follow."
Meanwhile on the UNSV Wasp, Aragon Class Assault Carrier.
"Thanks for telling us your plan, military encryption my ass." Victor snorted. One benefit of embracing their Synthetic brothers was that Synths were aces in bypassing electronic defenses. Well most kinds
"Sir, the Turian fleet is pulling back. Looks like the Council is unwilling to hold this system." a sensor operater reported.
"Good. Get us everything you have on this star system. Pull from the Citadel Codex as well. The Council probably doesn't have the spine to launch a major offensive to dislodge as from here but better safe than sorry." Victor ordered. He watched as the crew members of the Wasp went to work, continuing their duties or conducting the scans he wanted.
"Field Marshal?" A Valligar crew member spoke to him after a few minutes. "We have the scans of the planet completed."
"Alright, give me the short version." Sydney asked.
"Environmentally, it's a combination of a Tomb world and a Desert World. There isn't much in terms of wildlife and there are massive pockets of radiation everywhere. It's a miracle that the Krogans can still live on it." the Valligar reported.
"Bloody miracle alright. Surprised they didn't run out of oxygen." Victor noted, as he turned to a command table with a hologram of the planet.
"We also have reports of some sort of atmospheric exchanger/dispersal called the Shroud. It was originally built for climate control but we're getting weird signals from it." The Valligar continued.
"Anything else?" Victor asked.
"We have the location for some cultural meeting place the Krogan do clan meetings. And it appears that we have intercepted communications about a Krogan named Urdnot Wrex trying to unify their people." the Valligar continued.
"Alright then. Get a Mistaya ready. Get me the fireteam that came with me to the Quarian liveship to join me as well." Victor ordered, standing up.
"(Comms) Wait, you're going down there yourself?" Admiral Mikhailovich asked in disbelief.
"Of course. I'm a Crusader and lived a long life. I know how to do a first contact with a species." Victor said, walking into an elevator to one of the ship's armouries.
"(Comms) All of those were spacefaring! Most didn't nuke themselves to the ground." the admiral protested.
"Look, would you rather you sent someone that was squishy and mortal or someone who can take a hit." Victor retorted. Admiral Mikhailovich fell silent.
"Rear Admiral, I understand that you worry but I need someone to make sure the Council doesn't try anything stupid. They are probably making plans to find a way to reinforce their STG teams on the planet." The Field Marshal said as the elevator reached one of the floors with an armoury.
"(Comms) Sir, are you sure that you can get the Krogan to talk to us?"
"Have some faith. We've gotten lucky so far." Victor entered the armoury. "I need a MAAWs, an M6 Slicer, and an M-3 Predator," Victor said to the armory officer.
The officer nods and pulls out three cases. Victor opens the first and reveals an Mk 18 Multi Anti Armour/Air Weapons System High Velocity Recoilless Rifle. The mainstay of the United Nations Allied Force's light anti-armour force. Similar to the Carl Gustov of old. Old but Reliable.
The next case held an M6 Slicer Battlerifle. A bullpup design firing 9.5 mm rounds. Good for shredding through shields and most forms of body armor.
The last one was the M-3 Predator Plasma Pistol. A departure from the UNSA's preference for kinetics, it was a dedicated plasma weapon first and foremost. It had some durability issues but it was good at chewing through unshielded targets.
Victor holsters all his weapons before walking over to an ammo station and gathering a ton of ammunition before exiting the armoury. Then he made a quick stop to grab his crystalline short sword.
"(Comms) Still, it would make us comfortable if we sent down a marine company."
"1) if you send a full company of jarheads, we are bound to start a war. 2) If we sent a full company, they may see us as weak and needing numbers. 3) I'm a Crusader. That being said, I'm authorizing the deployment of drones as airborne support. You may also deploy SOBTs as backup." Victor said, stepping back into the elevator and it descended towards the hangar.
The hangar itself was busy. Deck staff and work droids were hastily running around, with several automated cargo transports driving around preparing several flights for ground strikes or anti-ship warfare.
Seeing a Mistaya and the fireteam that followed him to the Rayya stood the four marines and rangers. "Shepards, William, Vega, good to see you again."
The four grunts stand up and salute. "Good to see you so soon sir!" Ashley snapped to attention.
"Good to see you too. I assume you know our mission?" all of them nod. "Good, let's go."
"(Comms) Stinger 3-2 to Comanche 1-1, we are beginning take-off procedures." a female pilot of the Mistaya reported as the 5 got into the transport.
"Good copy Stinger 3-2." Victor reported. The Mistaya began taxiing to one dropship launch tube. Victor began to think of how to approach first contact.
Honestly, either this is going to be one of the best times of this century or one of the worst. He thought.
Tuchanka, the Hollows (or somewhere near it)
Urdnot Wrex of Clan Urdnot was having a rather bloodless day. You see, several years ago, he decided to try and make the effort to unify his people into something better. The worlds of a certain Asari mercenary helped. The old Krogan had to deal with a lot of things, from certain angry Salarian Spectres to idiotic traditionalist Krogan clans. So there tended to be a lot of shooting, headbutting, and dying. That was pretty common.
So for there to be a day of relative peace was surprising, but a welcome sight. And then he learned that the Quarians made first contact with another species.
Wrex initially ignored mostly because he took one look at them and figured they were a new space faring species that could hold little to no power.
Or at least that's what he thought until he heard from a smuggler that was in orbit.
"So you're telling me that the entire Turian fleet is leaving?" Wrex asked as he was walking around some ruins.
"Well, you haven't heard the news haven't you? As it turned out there are more than one species than the Humans and they raised a huge stink about the genophage." the Batarian smuggler said.
"A stink?" Wrex snorted. "Let me guess, they whined to the Asar about how unethical it is and then gave up?"
The Batarian chuckled. "No, get this. They denounced the Council as genocide-loving idiots and then publicly ordered a fleet to Tuchanka for a Humanitarian mission. That's the bad part. There are over a hundred ships in orbit, including a few dozen dreadnaughts and 6 super dreadnaughts. That's what's gotten the Turian scared."
Wrex stopped walking. "A fleet in orbit?"
"Yeah but aside from scaring the Turians off, they aren't doing much- Wait. Wrex, one of the super dreadnaughts, just launched three spacecraft. Two are what appears to be fighter craft and another is a troopship. They're heading to the surface."
"Hmmph, really? Guess it's time we meet these newcomers. Who knows, maybe they may actually turn out better than the Salarians. Tell me if these newcomers do anything stupid." Wrex snorted.
"Got it Wrex." the comm link ended and Wrex looked up. "Perhaps there's hope for us."
He did not have to wait long as a thunderous boom was heard overhead and three aircraft roared overhead. 2 of them looked stealthy, something maybe the Salarians would build. The one at the head of the formation was massive though. It was a shuttle alright, but significantly bigger than that used by other species.
Said aircraft began slowing down before hovering over a clearing near Wrex's position before some ropes were dropped from the rear of the craft. And then several figures jumped from the rear of the craft onto said ropes before sliding down and onto the radioactive lands that was Tuchanka.
Wrex observed these figures. Above average in size. Taller than the average Asari and certainly packing a bit more muscle. Their armour also resembled Asari, though had a more utilitarian touch to it. Honestly looked better than those skinsuits that some Asari commandos worse.
That was when he began hearing voices. "LZ clear!"
"Good. Stinger 3-2, we are on the ground. Enter orbit over our location, maintain altitude at 1500 meters."
Some weird chatter was heard, Wrex assumed it was some sort of acknowledgement. What was interesting was that they were speaking Kehlish. Odd, though they did run into the Quarians first so that may have been something.
Wrex then looked at the figure in the center of the group. Similarly dressed to the rest of the force but seemed to stand out. They were taller and more muscular than the rest of the group. The armour looked a bit aged, a number of scratches on the helmet. A blue helmet as well, symbolism perhaps? There also seemed to be a number of flags painted on the shoulder pads.
And the weapons were interesting. Chemical propelled based weapons, though chambered in a large calibre if the magazine size were to go by. An outdated weapon for a species willing to stick it up to the Council.
That was when Wrex noticed the very tall one waving to him. Waving to a Krogan. The they will headbutt you into the next universe Krogan.
This gets Wrex's attention and decides to approach the newcomers, drawing his shotgun. The four smaller figures tensed up but the one in the center just looked with curiosity.
Wrex walks up to the big one, who approaches him. Soon, they were only a few meters apart from each other.
"So you're the pyjacks who decided to piss off the council?" Wrex asked.
"One of many species. I'm guessing you're Urdnot Wrex?" the figure asked. This took Wrex by surprise. How did he know?
Wrex must have shown it on his face because the figure answered. "Because hacking into STG comms and the Extranet showed someone trying to unify the Krogan clans and several assassination attempts. I'm impressed, not many people stay sane after so many attempts on their lives."
"Hmmph, what's your name welp?" Wrex growled.
The figure takes off his helmet, and shocks Wrex on how similar the face was to an Asari or even a Quarian before their exile. "I am Victor Ross of the Solarian people and United Nations Solar Alliance. One of our allies learned of your mistreatment so they sent me to see if I can help you guys recover."
"How do I know you won't just put on a show and then leave us to die like the Asari?"
Victor Ross paused and then did the unthinkable: walked up the Wrex, reared his head back, and then headbutted in right in the face. Wrex staggered and stumbled backwards, unprepared for this strike. Most species didn't understand this part of
Wrex quickly shook himself out, then headbutted Victor. The Field Marshal did not budge.
"Is this supposed to be Krogan diplomacy?" Victor smiled. "This sounds much funnier than what was planned with the Citadel Council."
"I like you…Solarian? That's your name?" Wrex asked.
"Well my species name is Human but we typically refer to all species living under the UNSA as Solarian so the two are interchangeable. Now, where are your leaders? I'm here to help make this world great again." Victor said. "And I'll gladly headbutt or punch anyone in my way to do so as well."
Wrex laughed, this Human was great company.
It was at that moment that several dozen Krogan appeared from the ruins with shotguns and hammers. "Urdnot Wreav wants to see you whelps."
"Wreav, tell that idiots he can get off my throne." Wrex growled. Wreav had been extremely resistant to the changing tides."
"The warlord sends his regards." A battlemaster rumbled, his biotics flaring to life shrouding him in a blue halo. Wrex sighed. Wreav was trying something again.
That was when Wrex felt someone tapping on his shoulder. It was Victor. "Who are these newcomers?"
"They work for my brother, Urdnot Wreav. He's always shouting about how strong he is and wants us to reclaim our former glory and wage war on the Citadel Council." Wrex sighed.
"Interesting." The band of Krogan trying to intimidate the Field Marshal, who remained unfazed. "Want me to handle it? I could use a workout."
"Just don't kill em, they're my warriors even though they don't know it yet." Wrex rumbled. Victor nods and holsters his rifle on his back.
Just when the battlemaster was about to unleash his fury on the Field Marshal, Victor suddenly appeared right in front of him, picked the Krogan up by the sides and then hucked him into the rest of the Krogan bands. A few go down.
"I'm about to teach you all a lesson why you don't fuck with a Crusader!" Victor roared as he cracked his knuckles. Someone in the band whimpered.
"Get him!" someone yelled, and Victor smiled.
2 minutes later
Wrex just looked at the mess as Victor stood over a mountain of grumbling and groaning krogan. The steps on which the fight took place had several new scars.
"Are all you Humans like this?" Wrex asked one of Humans that came with the Field Marshal, Jane was her name?
"No, he's a Gen 1 Crusader, considered one of the most dangerous and effective soldiers in the UNAF. This is merely a warmup for him." Jane replied, videoing as Victor finished up a straggler.
"What's his job or role? He special forces or something like the Huntress of the Asari?" Wrex questioned.
"He was. But now, he's the commander of the 1st Terran Army group. A Frontline General." Jane shrugged.
That was when Victor begins walking back towards the group. "Right, let's go find this Wreav and beat his ass."
Commonwealth Wiki:...1st Generation Crusaders…Victor Ross
Victor Ross is considered the father of the modern United Nations Allied Force and helped to build up the Mutual Assistance Pact after the Human-Anthurian War. He is one of the few 1st Generation Crusaders and is recognized as the deadliest warrior in Solarian space. He also has the highest kill count, receiving the title Hyper-lethal at a kill count of several tens of millions of armed combatants. This does not include kills done by indirect orders, such as nuclear strikes or orbital bombardment.
Born of May 23rd, 2005 somewhere in Canada, he was kidnapped by the RDA in 2023 and forced into the Crusader program. He would later escape alongside the surviving augmented with help from NATO special forces. Later all remaining 1st Gen Crusaders join NATO's side during the Third World War. After the war and prior to the development in of FTL, they help in the development in Fusion technology before temporarily retiring alongside all 1st Gens. After the Mauritanian Act of 2188, he and Sophia Limburn reenlist in the United Nations Armed Forces (the predecessor to the United Nations Allied Forces). During this time, he remained a General of the United Nations Army until the Human Unification wars, where he was promoted to Field Marshal after the successful invasion of Anthuria. He also helped out with the UNSA's entry into the
During the Scourge War, Victor Ross was put in command of the joint forces to counter the scourge and later commanded all Pact ground forces during the Khanate Wars. He's combat doctrine varies from battle to battle but typically follows a combined arms assault spearheaded by armour and air cover. He also has a tendency to put his life on the line (justified as he is a Gen 1 Crusader and is invulnerable to almost all forms of weaponry). As such, he is commonly seen leading from the front on a tank or with a rifle in his hands. His aggressive and quick pace of waging war combined with Fleet Admiral Sophia Limburn's methodical and ruthless usage of her fleet means that most foes that face the pair are usually screwed. Despite their high kill counts, the two are shockingly polite in public and sometimes act like children. The pair is also known to be doting parents and extremely friendly to children.
Victor Ross is considered the de-facto commander of the United Nations Planetary Force. However, after the Khanate Wars, most responsibilities have fallen to other members of the United Nations High Command. Similar to how Sophia Limburn was the Admiral of the United Nations Space Navy but has given up most of her responsibilities. Victor Ross is now the commander of the 1st Terran Army Group, the first in the UNAF's history. He also has limited command over UNSF assets, but only when Admiral Limburn is unavailable and someone needs help cutting through red tape.
Soldier, father, killer, warrior, leader, fighter, many words can be used to define Victor Ross. But in all his service to the UNSA and the Solarian people, Victor is both defiant in standing against impossible odds and a defender of the Solarian people, ideals, and cultures