Epilogue: Things to Come
June 5th 12:30, Citadel, Council Private Chambers:
Today the Galaxy can breathe easily. Today we can now confirm the rumors that have been circulating for weeks. More then, two weeks ago, a fleet comprised of ships from all races of the Galaxy launched a daring assault on the home system of the Dragon Orphans. Code name Dragon's Keep. The battle lasted for several hours and cost thousands of ships.
However, in the end, the Allied forces prevailed. All Dragon Ships were destroyed, and allied forces proceeded to assault the homeworld of the Dragon Orphans. We at Galactic News Network are pleased to announce that the assault was a resounding success.
All Dragon Orphan forces were wiped out. Including the so-called Dragon King. The mastermind of the Galaxy's invasion and the Dragon Orphans' supposed leader. We can already confirm that without this entity, the remaining Dragon Orphans across the galaxy can no longer act as a singular force. They have since then broken off into smaller smarms under the guidance of the remaining Dragon General. They seem to remain paralyzed in their systems.
Military officials assure us that the Dragon Orphans will not be able to launch any form of a coordinated assault on the galaxy and that the remaining swarms will be hunted down and eliminated.
While officials do urge caution. By all intents and purposes, the Alliance between the Citadel and the Terran Federation has prevailed over the Dragon Orphans. The war will soon end.
More on this later today when the Citadel Council and the Terran President make a statement later today.
Tevos turned off the viewer. She let out a breath she had not known she was holding. It was finally over. The war that started almost a decade ago was finally ending. And just as she hoped, the light of civilization had prevailed over the darkness.
She already knew about the outcome of the Battle of Dragon's Keep and knew that the war was won. But to her, it was nice to hear it said aloud for the whole galaxy to hear.
She turned to face the other Councilors. "So, there we have it. This long bloody war has finally ended." She said.
"Not quite, Tevos." Filtius said. "We still have the remaining Dragon Orphans to contend with."
Hutow snorted. "I would hardly call that a great undertaking. The remaining Dragon Swarms will be swept aside. This war will end, and the Citadel will be victorious."
"You mean the Alliance will be victorious?" The Turian Councilor corrected. "Even then, we should remain vigilant. The Terran's history with the Dragon Orphans has shown time and again that just when you think they're gone for good, they return stronger than ever. Their ability for survival is their greatest strength."
Tevos nodded, agreeing with the man. Now was not the time to relax. "I agree with Filtius. We should remain alert for any future threat from the Dragon Orphans."
Hutow took a sip from her tea. "I'm not saying we should turn a blind eye to the Dragon Orphans. The war is ending, and with it, we should focus on more pressing concerns."
Tevos could almost see Filtius's eyes narrowing. "Pray do tell." He began slowly. "What concerns are you talking about?"
"Why the Terran Federation, of course." The Salarian Councilor answered.
"Again, you mean the Systems Federation." Filtius corrected.
The Salarain councilor nodded. "Yes." She then huffed. "All non-sense granting non-Terrans citizenship in their Federation. It's a recipe for disaster. Either they become bogged down trying to cater to the different populations in their space, or the non-Terrans they so graciously granted citizenship to will become marginalized. It will not last. Soon enough, they'll return to being a Terran Federation."
Tevos held back the urge to shift uncomfortably. The announcement that the Federation would be granting citizenship to non-terrans had come as a shock to the galaxy and sparked a lot of controversies. One side, many applauded the Federation for its idealism and felt that it was the first step toward a more united and stronger galaxy. Others felt like the Salarain Councilor did, and that matter would not last long.
Tevos knew that only time would tell. "Regardless, I'm sure that the Terran's openness to other races is not the concern you had." Tevos said, wanting to move things along.
The Salarian Councilor nodded. "Indeed," She said. "I'm worried about how much power these Terrans have gained since their introduction to the galactic scene. I fear our ally may soon become our rival."
Filtius looked like he had been slapped. "What? Do you think they'll try to take over the galaxy? After they saved the Galaxy."
"The Krogan tried it." Hutow pointed out.
"And my people defeated them." Filtius answered back. "And last I checked, we haven't tried taking over the galaxy."
Tevos interjected before the Salarain councilor could respond. "While I agree with you, Filtius. We of the Council should not be so quick to judge the Terrans. We have known them for less than a decade. Hardly enough time to make concrete judgments about them. Now that the war is ending, perhaps we should take a closer look at them."
The Salarian Councilor smiled, thinking she had won. "That was all I was trying to say." She explained. "Examine the Federation and its people more closely. Determine if they really are the allies, we hope they are, and find out their plans for the galaxy."
"And what if we find something you don't like?" The Turian councilor asked. "We betray them? Go to war against them?"
"And that is why the Hierarchy needs the other Council races." Hutow said. "You always think every problem can be solved by sending a fleet or two after it. When more delicate solutions would be more effective and get better results. I might have alluded to the Terrans being like the Krogan. But the reality is they are far more cunning and patient than the Krogan. To deal with any potential Terran threat, different methods will be required."
The Turian Councilor looked like he was about to argue more on the subject. But decided to hold his tongue. "This a subject for another time." He said. "The Galaxy has achieved a significant victory, and I do not wish to spoil it." He moved closer to the Salarian Councilor. "But I will tell you this, Councilor Hutow. The Hierarchy plans to pursue closer relations with the Federation. We will not betray our allies."
Before anyone could respond, he turned around and left the chamber. "We will have to do something about that. When the time comes to move on the Terrans."
Tevos frowned. "If we have to move against the Terrans." She said. "While I share your concern for the growing Terran dominance. I do not think they are as big of a threat as you do. With careful planning, in three or four centuries, they'll be productive members of the Galactic community. And a worthy addition to the Council." She turned to face the Salarian Councilor. "The Republics also plan to pursue closer relations with the Federation. Perhaps not as close as the Hierarchy plans to have. But close nonetheless."
Hutow smiled up at her. "You two do what you think is best. But the Union will be taking a more cautious approach to the Federation. We plan to watch them very closely." She places her cup on the table, half-empty. "If we find anything, you will be the first to know."
Tevos sighed. Sometimes she wondered if it was best that the Asari took their place as the dominant race.
Unknown
The Intelligence had watched the war with great interest. So, had the vanguard.
Nazara was about to send the signal that would start the Harvest. For a nano-second, it was tempted to delay the Harvest. The Terrans were proving to be an interesting species. It had concluded would grow to become this cycle's dominant race if given the time. It was very tempted to give them that time, to see what they would grow into.
It decided against that decision. While it regretted not being able to see what the Terrans would grow to be, it knew now was the best time to strike. The races of this cycle were wary from the war with the Dragon Orphans, and their fleets spread thin. Attacking now would be the most logical.
Nazara sent the signal. Seconds passed. Nazara sent the second again. Then a third and fourth, and fifth time.
If the Intelligence were human, it would be raising an eyebrow right now. It checks over its data to confirm if the signal has been received. In the span of one second, it checked and rechecked that data a thousand times.
The signal had been received. The Keepers simply did not respond to it. If it had eyes, they would be narrowed right now. The Protheans. That was the only answer. They had done something to prevent the Keepers from carrying out their program. Delaying the Harvest.
The Intelligence detected a transmission between Nazara and Harbinger, which lasted less than three seconds.
"Master," The Intelligence received the expected transmission. "The problem has occurred."
"I am aware." Looked like the Harvest would be delayed. If only for a short time. "Tell Nazara to prepare his agents."
August 24th, 2495, 08:00, Orbit Over New Rannoch:
"Secure all stations." Han'Gerrel said, walking around the command center of his old ship. The Neema.
"Yes, sir." One of his people said.
Gerrel nodded. Then he walked around to the command chair. His chair. Sitting down, he suddenly felt the weight of everything he had done and everything he would do. It only seemed like yesterday that he had been charged with the defense of the last remanent of his people. His personal command was an old, outdated warship, once the pride of the Quarian Navy.
Now everything was different. His ship had been repaired and outfitted with new technology, making it on par with modern warships. It was still outdated by any standard but could put up a better fight. While still few in number, his people now had a place to call home. A place where they could have a future.
It was everything he had dreamed of as a child. Almost everything. "Have the others reported?" He asked, settling into his seat.
"Getting the reports now, Admiral." A follower said. "Most of our people report successful takeovers. However, a few are reporting that they are having trouble taking their ships." Then the man paused. "Admiral, one group reports that the crew managed to get a signal out."
Gerrel closed his eyes and took a breath. There was no more time to waste. His people might have grown soft, but he knew they would not take kindly to what he was about to do. "Order all ships to move out now." He said.
There was a brief pause after Han'Gerrel issued his order. For a second, he thought he would have to repeat himself. "Yes, Admiral."
In a matter of minutes. Well, before anyone fully understood what was happening, most of what remained of the Quarian heavy fleet and a portion of the New Republic Defense Group flew out of their docks. Then they jumped into FTL. The second Quarian Exodus had begun.
Han'Gerrel felt like he had just gone through a door and locked it behind him. He and his loyalist had just committed one of the greatest crimes a Quarian could commit. All in the name of a noble cause.
"Report!" He ordered.
"All ships report a successful transition into FTL. A few other ships managed to join us." The young man said. "However, a few of our people were still in dock when we made our jump."
"I see." Gerrel said. He knew some sacrifices had to be made. But it still hit hard for him. "They knew the risks when we started this." And they'll know what to do now that they'll be caught. "Continue with our present course." He pulled out a data slate. "And send a signal to the contact on this data slate." He said, handing it over to an officer. "Tell them I have accepted their offer and that I look forward to working with them in the future."
"Sir, we're getting a signal from New Rannoch. It's coming from the office of the Prime Minister."
"Put it on."
08:35, New Rannoch, Office o the Prime Minister:
Rael'Zorah had a hard time believing what was going on. He had just been informed that hundreds of ships from the remains of the Heavy fleet and the Defense force had been stolen.
From the few reports that had made it to his desk, the perpetrators had been Quarian. His people. Few crimes were hated and looked down upon by the Quarian people more than the theft of a ship. And hundreds had just been taken from their berths in orbit on New Rannoch.
But the most unbelievable part was who led them. "Gerrel, what in the name of the ancestors have you done? What were you thinking?"
He would be getting that answer soon enough. The image of Han'Gerrel appeared on his terminal. "Han'Gerrel," Rael began. "Why have you taken so many ships from us. What possessed you to commit the single greatest crime in the history of our people?"
"I have committed no crime Rael'Zorah." The man said. "What I have done is for the betterment of the Quarian people. You and the rest of our people have forgotten our true goal. You have forgotten Rannoch."
That accession stung more than Rael would have liked. "We haven't forgotten our home, Gerrel. But right now, we need this world. We need to grow and thrive before we can think about retaking Rannoch."
"And in the meantime, our enemy grows stronger by the day." Han'Gerrel rebuked. "It has been over three centuries since we left the Perseus Veil. Imagine how much stronger the Geth have become in that time. How much stronger will they be by the time our people even begins to consider retaking the homeworld. If it ever comes." The former Admiral scoffed. "No, I will not sit idly by while our future slips through our grasp. One way or another, Rannoch will be ours again. I don't care if I must do it alone."
"Han'Gerrel," Rael pleaded with his old friend." We're still friends. I can help you. Just turn your ships around, and we can talk about this."
Gerrel remained silent for a long time. For a moment, Rael thought he might have gotten through to the man. "I'm afraid that the time for talk has long since passed." He said, killing any hope that Rael had. "But if you truly are a friend as you say. You'll still help me."
"What do you mean?" Rael asked. Even though he had a suspicion of what the man meant.
"You're the leader of the new Quarian Republic, and the Terrans listen to you. You can get us resources and people. You can rally support behind our cause." Han'Gerrel said. "Think about it we are in a prime position to retake Rannoch from the Geth. We no longer have to worry about the lives of our civilian population now that they have a world to live on, and the Terrans will protect them. We still have one of the largest fleets in the galaxy, and for the first time in three hundred years, it's being refitted with the newest technologies. By the ancestors Rael, we have an industrial base now. A real industrial base that isn't dictated to maintaining a decaying fleet. But one that can produce new ships, new arms, and technologies. We can beat the Geth. Just give us a few years to prepare, and Rannoch will be ours again."
"I-I ca…" Rael was torn. On one side, he wanted to ensure the safety of his people. On the other Gerrel's offer was very tempting. "I can't just…."
"Think about your daughter." Han'Gerrel said. "On her birth, you promised that you would build a house for her. On Rannoch. Join me, and you can do that."
Rael thought about his daughter. How much he loved her. How she was one of the most important things in his life. He remembers the first time he held his little girl in his arms and the overwhelming joy he felt seeing her peaceful face. That day he made a promise to her.
That promise meant more to him than anything. An image flashed into his mind. Laughter in the air, a smile he would always protect. But there was one thing more important than that.
"Gerrel." Rael said, coming to a decision.
The man's eyes narrowed from behind his mask. "I see you're still undecided." He said. "Fine, I'll let you think it over. Once you've had the time to think about it, you'll realize that what I'm doing is right. You'll help me as all the Quarian people will."
"Han'Gerrel, please." Rael pleaded.
"Goodbye, old friend. Keelah Se'lai." Then the link was terminated.
Rael sat back in his chair, feeling like a weight had been dropped on his shoulders. But at the same time, one had been lifted. "Keelah Se'lai."
September 12th, 2499, 19:47, Mindoir
Mindoir was burning. The smell of death filtered through the air like a nauseating cloud. Many lives had been lost due to a sudden and horrific attack.
"And many more sent to a fate worse than death." Anderson thought bitterly.
He felt a hand placed on his shoulder. "You all, right?" Anderson looked over to see that Nihlus was giving him a concerned look.
Anderson shook off his thoughts and answered the Turian's question. "Not really." He said. He looked out the transport's window. They were far from the main settlements, but the destruction was evident even from here. "Why would anyone do this?" He asked. "The people of Mindoir were innocent. They did nothing wrong, and yet." He gestured out to the destruction.
Four days ago, the colony of Mindoir had been attacked by a large fleet of pirates. Federation intelligence knew a raid was coming, but no one knew when and where. Not until it was too late. Mindoir was a minor colony in the Federation and far from anything of significance. How could they expect an attack to come here?
"I don't know, David." Nihlus said. Even though the man tried to hide it Anderson could hear the anger in his voice. "But one thing I am certain of is that we'll make them pay."
David smiled for the first time since coming here. He was glad that Nihlus was here. He didn't know precisely why he was in Federation space; some kind of SPECTER business, but he was glad, nonetheless. Nihlus was right once they cleaned out the last of the holds and had time to mourn. Vengeance would come.
A soft jolt was felt as the transport landed. The doors opened as Anderson, Nihlus and a few others stepped out. They had landed near what looked like a small farm. "Alright, let's move in. But be careful. The enemy might have laid out some traps. And check your there might be some survivors."
"Yes, sir"
The group rapidly approaches the main building of the farm, careful not to trigger any traps. The front door of the house had been busted down. A sign that this farm had not been spared from the attack.
Checking the area, the group of five saw the perimeter was clear. "Nihlus, I want you to take Coulson and Marcus. Check the house. I'll take Daniels and check out the farmhouse."
Nihlus nodded. "Understood."
"Keep an open comm link." Anderson ordered and moved on to the farmhouse.
Just as they approached the farmhouse, Nihlus made a report. "Things don't look good." Anderson would have snorted if he weren't so repulsed by the whole situation. "The house has been ransacked, and we've found a body."
"So have we." Anderson said, looking at the dead body near the farmhouse's entrance. A Batarian body. "It's Batarian. Looks like someone here managed to put up a fight."
"The body we found is Terran," Nihlus said. "Male, I would say around his later thirties to early forties. Several accelerator rounds to the chest." There was a moment of silence. "Coulson just reported another body by the stairs. Another of the pirates. He's turian."
Anderson heard the shame in the man's voice. "You can't hold yourself responsible for his actions." He said, getting up and looking around the area.
"I know." Nihlus said. "I just found a picture of the man and what appears to be a family. A wife and two kids."
Anderson could feel his stomach dropping into the core of the planet. "Then we'll know what to look for." He said. He looked over at the Marine with him. "Daniels, did you get that?"
"A wife and two kids." Daniels said. "Got it. I hope we find them. Especially the kids, sir."
Anderson nod. "I hope so too, son." He said. He prayed he and his people wouldn't find three more dead bodies. Or perhaps worse, no bodies at all. "Daniels looks around the perimeter. I'll have a look inside the farmhouse. Inform me if you find anything."
"Yes, sir."
Anderson walked into that farmhouse. It looked like a typical farmhouse that he could find on any Federation world. Stalls for animals lined both sides of that large building. He didn't like that he couldn't see or hear any occupants.
"We found another body." Nihlus said. "It's the woman from the picture. No sign of the kids."
So that only left the children. Anderson couldn't imagine how scared they must be right now. If they were even alive. "Keep searching." Anderson orders. He looks around the seemingly empty building. Careful to keep his finger by the trigger, there was no telling if one of the attackers were still around.
That was when he heard. It was low and quiet. So much so that he might have missed it. He couldn't make out what it was, but it almost sounded like crying.
Both hope and despair filled the man as he tried to follow the sound to its source. "Hello!" He said. "Is anyone there?" The crying abruptly stopped.
"Anderson?" Nihlus asked.
"I might be on to something." Anderson said quietly. "I'll keep you informed."
He walked over to where he had originally heard the noise. He walked past some farming vehicles towards the back of the building. That was when he saw two more bodies. None of them, to his relief, were terran. He walked over to inspect the bodies, seeing that both were Batarian. He knelt down.
Three loud cracks sounded in the air as two impacts were felt on his barriers. The third he saw whizzed past his head as it skimmed past his barriers. He turned around to face his attacker and almost pulled the trigger on his rifle.
He has never been more thankful for almost in his life than right now. His finger stopped just short of pulling the trigger when his mind registered who his attacker was.
A girl maybe around sixteen. Long dark red hair matted to her dark skin. Eyes the color of tree leaves stared back at him in fear, with more than a bit of hate mixed in. She was holding out a pistol, a pistol that Anderson might add had been freshly fired.
Time seemed to freeze all around the man as he tried to think of what to do. It was only when the voice of Nihlus came ringing into his ear that he was spurred into action. He dropped his weapon and held his hands up.
"It's alright." He said. 'I'm here to hurt you." He noticed she was holding something else. A small bundled. Blood soaked and unmoving. Anderson's stomach churned.
He slowly moved his hands to the sides of his head. Careful to make sure all his movements were insight of the girl. Confusion and suspicion filled the child's eyes.
"Not a child." Anderson corrected himself as he removed his helmet. Not after everything she's seen. He placed his helmet on the ground and allowed the young woman to get a good look at his face. "See, I'm a terran, just like you."
The girl looked at him for several seconds, confused by what she saw. Then finally, relief flooded into her clouded eyes. She dropped the weapon and clutched unto the small bundle in her arm.
That was when Anderson heard Nihlus's frantic voice. "David, are you still there? Respond!"
At the same time, Daniels busted into the building. "Sir, are you alright?"
Anderson let out a breath. "Stand down, soldier." He orders, standing up, and activates his commlink. "This is Anderson here. I'm just fine." He keeps one eye on the girl. She was looking between the two men, confused and scared.
"Thank the spirits." Nihlus's relieved voice came over the comm. "When I heard the weapon's fire, and you didn't respond, I feared the worse. What happened?"
Anderson remained silent for a moment. He looked over at the girl, still holding onto the bloody bundle like it was the most precious thing in the world. "I found a survivor."
And so, the story ends, for now. This as has been quit the journey I started this story in 2019 and now over three years later its finally finish. I'll admit this story turned out a bit differently than I originally intended. I originally started it out with the typical Turians seeing a new species opening a dormient Relay. You can imagine the horror show they must have endured on Shanxi ;). Or even throwing the Batarians into Kagune meat-grinder.
But instead, the thought of having the Terrans pulling the Citadel out of the fire, and I ran with it. Not to mention the Dragon Orphans would have not appeared in this story. Though to be clear the Dragon Orphans would have still had a role to play in the over story of this series. They would have just appeared much later. Likely around my take on the Mass Effect 2. Overall, I am satisfied with this story and how it played out. Though there are somethings I wish I could have done better with and some stuff I wanted to do but never got to. But I supposed that comes with making any story.
Now with that said, I do have some bad news. If any of you were hoping for a sequel to this story. You're going to have to wait for a while. Now before any of you click and unfollow my stories, please read what I have to say. For a good while now I've been feeling more than a burnt out on this story, and more than once I had force myself to write this story. I imagine that had some effect on my writing. I was afraid that if I did stop at some point, I would never be able to finish this story. I know what's like to get into a good story and find out it will never be finished; I didn't want that. So, I did what I could to finish this story.
Don't get me wrong I do want to write more stories in this world, I went to portray Commander Shepard's fight against the Reapers, and how it has been affected by it being set in the same world as Tokyo Ghoul. I have a lot of ideas, events I want play out, and more than a few changes in the story that I think would be interesting. But as it is if I continue to write under this burn out either the series will not turn out the way I want it to or I'll just quite all together, and I don't think anyone wants that. So, for now I'm taking a break from this series and try to focus on other stuff. I got my Naruto story work on, and I have more than a few ideas on other stories that I'm thinking about. I won't be making any promises on that one as I don't want to have to many stories to manage.
I'm thinking it might be about year before you hear anything from this series again. Not worry I won't be completely idle on this series, as I may try to work on some details on and off, just no focused effort. I hope everyone understands, and that all of you continue to enjoy my stories.
Until than I wish all of you good health and hope the Mass Effect 4 won't be a disaster like Andromeda was.