30 Worlds: Royal Megaforce, Episode FINAL:
"Masters of the Ultimate Power"
BOOK ONE
Based on the video game Mass Effect: Andromeda
Published by Electronic Arts, Inc.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story ignores the events of the Mass Effect: Andromeda tie-in novel Mass Effect: Andromeda: "Annihiliation," but does use the character names established in that story due to considerations of ease of use and recognition by Mass Effect players and readers.
CHAPTER ONE
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise SAV-1701-A
King William and Queen Sofia's Guest Quarters
Ship's Status: Tactical Alert
Sofia looked up at William. "William, as soon as Doc McStuffins gives the all-clear, we'll begin trying to have a baby," she said. "Sofia, we cannot just try," William said. "We must have a baby if the multi-verse is to survive what is to come."
A chime sounded on the communications system. "Bridge to King William. We've arrived in the Unaligned World of Mass Effect. However, we're picking up an all-frequencies distress call from a ship attached to the Andromeda Initiative," Mal said. "On our way, Mal," William said.
William and Sofia broke their embrace, stood, straightened their clothes, then left their quarters.
Aboard Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise SAV-1701-A
Main Bridge
William and Sofia exited the turbolift onto the Bridge. Mal moved over to the first officer's chair, while Sofia sat in the medical observer's chair. As William crossed to the command chair, he looked at the viewscreen.
On it was the alien vista of the Heleus Cluster, the area of the Andromeda Galaxy chosen by the planners of the Andromeda Initiative as their colonial space. "Mr. Duncan, put the Initiative vessel's distress call on audio," William said as he sat down in the command chair.
"Aye, sir," Charlotte "Charlie" Duncan said from her Communications console before setting to work. "...repeating, this is the Andromeda Initiative vessel Keelah Si'yah, Captain Qetsi'Olam vas Keelah Si'yah commanding. We are under attack from a vessel of unknown design. We have over 20,000 colonists aboard! Please help us!" the vessel's commander said. "Get me Captain Pike on the USS Enterprise," William said. "Yes, sir," Charlie said.
The image of Captain Christopher Pike of the USS Enterprise replaced the Heleus Cluster starscape on the viewscreen. "Yes, Your Majesty?" Pike said.
"Captain Pike, I am taking the Enterprise-A to the source of that all-frequencies distress call you may have heard," William said. "I want you and the rest of the armada to remain at these coordinates until we are finished investigating or if we call for assistance."
"Understood," Pike said. "Be safe, William." "You too, Chris," William said. "Enterprise-A, out." The viewscreen switched back to the sight of the Enterprise and the rest of the Scarlett Armada angling away as the Enterprise-A leaped into hyper-light drive.
Approaching the Coordinates of the Keelah Si'yah's Distress Call
Fifteen Minutes Later
"We are approaching the coordinates of the Keelah Si'yah's distress call," the officer at the helm console said. "Slow to sub-light," William said. "On screen." On the viewscreen, the rainbow lines of a ship in hyper-light reverted to normal stars.
Among those stars, a gigantic ship with Andromeda Initiative markings and the name Keelah Si'yah on its hull was being attacked by several smaller ships. "Sergeant Calhoun, target each attacking ship you see with a phaser pulse at ¼ power. Just enough to scare them off," William ordered.
"Aye, sir," Sergeant Tamora Calhoun said before making the appropriate adjustments. "Energy adjustments complete," she reported. "Fire," William said. The Enterprise let out a series of phaser pulses, precisely targeted at each vessel. The vessels turned and ran into hyper-light drive.
A beeping emanated from Sito's console. "The Keelah Si'yah is hailing us," she said. "On screen," William commanded. The exterior view of the Keelah Si'yah switched to the environment suit-clad visage of the ship's commander.
"I am Qetsi'Olam vas Keelah Si'yah, commanding officer of the Andromeda Initiative transport Keelah Si'yah," the being said. William realized that Qetsi'Olam vas Keelah Si'yah was a Quarian, an alien who needed to wear an environmental suit at all times to maintain a sterile environment in order to conserve the meager resources of the Migrant Fleet all Quarians lived on at the time of the Initiative's departure from the Milky Way Galaxy.
"I am King William of Cinnabar, commander of the Scarlett Army Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise," William said. "We picked up your distress call, Commander." "We of the Quarian people know of you and your struggle against the Army of Inter-Universal Chaos, King William," Commander vas Keelah Si'yah said. "It is similar to the struggle we faced against the Geth back in the Milky Way."
"Commander, as you undoubtedly know, at least 700 years have passed since your departure from the Milky Way Galaxy," William said. "I invite you and your first officer to come aboard to discuss our situation and what transpired in the Milky Way following your initial departure." "I thank you for the invitation, Your Majesty," Commander vas Keelah Si'yah said. "A shuttle will be launched in fifteen standard minutes which will take me and my second to the Enterprise."
"We will transmit the necessary coordinates for our central landing bay," William said. "I am looking forward to meeting you. Enterprise, out."
Aboard Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise SAV-1701-A
Main Shuttlebay
Twenty Minutes Later
A UT-47 Kodiak drop shuttle from the Keelah Si'yah passed through the atmospheric force field which separated the Enterprise and open space. As the shuttle from the Keelah Si'yah came to a stop in the center of the bay, a pair of Scarlett Army officers brought a step-stool up to the shuttle's embarkation hatch.
The hatch hissed open, revealing Commander vas Keelah Si'yah and her second-in-command. A Scarlett Army honor guard saluted and a bosun blew a whistle as Commander vas Keelah Si'yah stepped onto the deck of the Enterprise.
"In the name of the Scarlett Army, I welcome you to the Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise, Commander vas Keelah Si'yah. I am King William, and these are two of my friends, colleagues...and family," William said.
William gestured for Sofia and Mal to stand next to him. "On my left is my wife, Queen Sofia," William said, gesturing to Sofia. "Commander, it is a pleasure to welcome you aboard," Sofia said, extending her hand.
"Thank you for your greeting, Queen Sofia," Commander vas Keelah Si'yah said before shaking Sofia's hand. William then gestured to Mal. "On my right is Princess Consort Mal of Auradon," William said. "Under normal operational conditions, she is in command of the ship."
"However, the Enterprise is under full-time battle conditions at this moment, so King William is in command, as is his privilege," Mal said before curtseying to Commander vas Keelah Si'yah. "Welcome aboard, all the same."
"Thank you," Commander vas Keelah Si'yah said. "I believe, however, that you and those on this vessel have earned the honor of being allowed to call me by my given name." "Thank you, Qetsi," William said.
Qetsi nodded, then gestured to the Quarian standing next to her. "This is my second-in-command, Senna'Nir vas Keelah Si'yah," Qetsi said.
"And please, call me by my given name as well," Senna said. "You really saved all of us." "Thank you, Senna," William said. "Let us give you a tour of the ship before we have our discussion." William gestured for Qetsi and Senna to follow him, Sofia and Mal out into the corridor.
The doors opened, allowing William, Sofia and Mal to escort Qetsi and Senna onto the Bridge. "Welcome to our primary command center, the Main Bridge," William said. "From here, we monitor the ship's systems and control all operations."
Before any more words could be said, a beeping sounded. "William, I've got an incoming Initiative vessel," Lieutenant Sito Jaxa said. "Ident codes identify it as the Tempest, a mission scout ship attached to the human Pathfinder."
"Alec Ryder's ship?" Qetsi said. William shook his head. "Not anymore," William said sadly. "What do you mean?" Senna said. Before William could answer, Charlie added, "We're now getting a hailing request from the Tempest."
"On screen," William said. The Bridge of the Tempest appeared on the Enterprise viewscreen. "Commander vas Keelah Si'yah, are you all right?" the ship's commander said. "I'm well," Qetsi said. "And you are..."
The commander of the Tempest smiled. "I am William Scott Ryder, human Pathfinder of the Andromeda Initiative," the man said. "What happened to Alec Ryder?" Qetsi asked. Ryder bowed his head. "Dad was killed on Habitat 7 just after we arrived," he said.
"I am so sorry," Qetsi said. "Alec was an amazing man." "He sure was," Ryder said. " "On behalf of myself, my crew and the people of the Scarlett Army, I would like to offer condolences as well," William said, bowing to Ryder.
"Thank you..." Ryder said, not knowing who he was addressing. "Oh. I am King William of Cinnabar, and I am currently in command of the Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise," William said. "We responded to the Keelah Si'yah's distress call. We would also be honored to help the Tempest escort the Keelah Si'yah to your command facility...I believe it is called 'The Nexus'...and ensure the ship, its crew and passengers disembark safely."
"I'll have to get in touch with Director Tann and explain the situation. I will contact you with his decision," Ryder said. "I understand," William said. "However, as ranking Initiative official present, I humbly ask you for two favors: your permission for us to continue to assist the Keelah Si'yah's currently-awake crew in repairing the damage she suffered during the attack; and that we be permitted to link our ship's computer to yours in order to contribute any information you might want to share with your superiors."
"I don't see why not," Ryder said. "I'll have my ship's engineer and science officer get in touch with yours." "Then have them ask for Ensign Zenon Kar and Fix-It Felix, Jr. They're my science officer and chief engineer, respectively," William said. "Also, if you need assistance with setting up the conferences, you can speak to Lieutenant Sito Jaxa, my chief of operations. She'll assist you from there." William put a hand on Sito's shoulder so that Ryder could see who he was talking about.
"I'll have Dr. Anwar and Gil talk to your people to arrange an exchange of equipment, personnel and information," Ryder said. "Tempest, out." The image of Ryder and the Bridge of the Tempest switched back to the exterior image of the Keelah Si'yah and the Tempest.
Aboard Andromeda Initiative Scout Ship Tempest
Bridge
After closing the channel with the Enterprise, Ryder turned to his science officer, Dr. Suvi Anwar. "Suvi, has the data link with the Enterprise been established yet?" Ryder asked. "Just now, Ryder," Anwar said.
"Then, open a channel to the Nexus and route it to the holo-projector in my cabin," Ryder said before turning and leaving the Bridge.
Pathfinder Ryder's Cabin
As Ryder walked into his cabin, he heard Anwar's voice. "Pathfinder, I have the communications channel with Director Tann," she said. "Put it through down here," Ryder said. The holographic projector activated, revealing the visage of Andromeda Initiative Director Jarun Tann. Tann's Salarian face carried a hint of worry.
"Pathfinder Ryder, is the Keelah Si'yah all right?" Tann asked. "Yes, Director," Ryder said. The look on Tann's face softened. "That is a gigantic relief," he said. "When we picked up the Keelah Si'yah's distress call, everyone here got what you humans would call the... 'heebie-jeebies,' I presume the term is." "Exactly, Director," Ryder said.
"Please explain in as much detail as possible what you found," Tann said. "After Governor Dunn informed Miss Harper and myself of the location of the distress call's origin, the Tempest headed there at our fastest speed," Ryder said. "By the time we arrived, however, we found that the vessels that were attacking the Keelah Si'yah had either been destroyed or forced to retreat."
"Destroyed? Forced to retreat? Which is it? And by whom?" Tann asked as something on a nearby display caught Ryder's eye. "Observe for yourself," Ryder said. "The Keelah Si'yah has transmitted to me a visual record of the attack from their perspective." Ryder tapped a few controls.
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Andromeda Initiative Space Station Designated "The Nexus"
Director Jarun Tann's Office
In his office on the Nexus, Tann watched on a monitor as the images unfurled: how the attacking ships were driven off by the Enterprise. After the transmission ended, Tann rewound the image to just before the Enterprise appeared and the attacking ships were clearly visible.
"We were able to determine through metallurgical analysis of debris blasted off one of the vessels and comparison of their designs that the ships that attacked the Keelah Si'yah were not of Kett origin or from the Andromeda Galaxy, for that matter," Ryder said.
Tann resumed the playback until the Enterprise appeared but before she began to fire on the unknown ships. "But what is this ship that helped the Keelah Si'yah?" Tann asked.
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Andromeda Initiative Scout Ship Tempest
Pathfinder Ryder's Quarters
Ryder smiled. "Her designation is the Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise, a member of the space fleet of an organization known as the Scarlett Army," he said. "Did you say the Scarlett Army?!" Tann asked. "Yes, I did," Ryder said. "Her crew is currently assisting the already-awake members of the Keelah Si'yah in repairing the damage that the unknown ships caused with their attack. King William has requested permission to help the Tempest escort the Keelah Si'yah back to the Nexus in order to bring its colonists out of cryo and begin intake for colony assignment."
"By all means," Tann said. "Just tell King William that I would like to meet him in person when the Enterprise, the Tempest and the Keelah Si'yah arrive at the Nexus," Tann said. "See you then. Tann, out." The holographic projector deactivated as Tann closed the channel from the Nexus.
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise SAV-1701-A
Main Bridge
A beeping sounded from the Communications console. "William, Pathfinder Ryder is hailing us," Charlie said. "On screen," William said. Pathfinder Ryder appeared on the Enterprise's viewscreen. "King William, Director Tann says you can join us in escorting the Keelah Si'yah to the Nexus," Ryder said. "In fact, he would like to meet you in person when you arrive."
"Acknowledged," William said. "We'll depart as soon as we can proceed safely. Let me ask Felix and the Keelah Si'yah's engineer. Enterprise, out."
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Andromeda Initiative Colony Ark Keelah Si'Yah
Quarian Cryo-Storage Bay
Qetsi, Senna, Zenon Kar and Fix-It Felix, Jr. were just finishing up the final systems checks on the Quarian cryopods. Suddenly, Zenon heard her communicator go off. "Kar here. Go ahead," Zenon said. "Zenon, this is King William. What's the word from the Keelah Si'yah?" William asked over Zenon's communicator.
Zenon held her communicator so that Qetsi could speak into it. "This is Qetsi, King William. Fortunately, systems are operational to the point that we can safely travel to the Nexus. We can always continue repairs en route," she said. "Good," William said. "Director Tann has granted permission for the Enterprise to join the Tempest in escorting the Keelah Si'yah to the Nexus. All the same, I'm going to call in the Armada."
"Sounds fine to me, William," Qetsi said. "We will need all the protection we can get in case our attackers or their friends come back." "Stand by, then," William said. "Enterprise, out."
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise SAV-1701-A
Main Bridge
"Charlie, send the Armada the signal," William said. "Will do," Charlie said before returning to her controls.
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard United Star Ship Enterprise NCC-1701
Main Bridge
The officer at Communications reported, "Incoming all-call from the DDV Enterprise, Captain." "What does the message say, Lieutenant?" Pike said. "'All Armada ships, rendezvous at the coordinates of the Keelah Si'yah's original distress call. Will explain further once you arrive,'" the communications officer said.
Pike turned to his first officer, Lieutenant Commander Una—or "Number One," as he preferred to call her. "Number One, prepare to set off for the Keelah Si'yah as soon as all ships report ready," Pike ordered. "Aye, sir," Una said. "Course computed and standing by," the helmsman said.
Once the communications officer reported that all ships were ready, Pike said two simple words to his helmsman: "Punch it."
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise SAV-1701-A
Main Bridge
Thirty Minutes Later
On the Bridge viewscreen, William watched as the ships of the Armada came out of hyper-light drive. "Intracraft," William said to Charlie. "Channel open," Charlie said. "Attention, all ships. This is King William," William said. "We will protect the Keelah Si'yah as she travels to the Andromeda Initiative's central command station, code named 'The Nexus.' Our engineering and science away teams will continue repairs to the Keelah Si'yah en route. If you have any questions, please speak up now."
The channel was empty. "All right. Assume phalanx formation around the Keelah Si'yah and prepare tractor beams. Target the specified coordinates as I am transmitting them to you all now," William said. Using the displays built into the arms of the command chair, William sent each ship a precise set of coordinates for each ship to target their tractor beams in order to transport the Keelah Si'yah to the Nexus without causing more damage to the Keelah Si'yah's hull.
On the viewscreen, the tractor beams seemed to encase the Keelah Si'yah in a gigantic blue cocoon of energy. "Tractor beams ready, sir," Sito said. "Very well," William said. "All ships, proceed to the Nexus in 5...4...3...2...1...Engage."As one, the Scarlett Armada, the Keelah Si'yah and the Tempest leaped into hyper-light drive.
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Andromeda Initiative Space Station Designated "The Nexus"
Operations Command Center
Four Hours Later
"They should be approaching any moment now," an officer said from his display. Around him, Director Tann, Director of Colonial Affairs Foster Addison, Station Superintendent Nakmor Kesh and Director of Station Security Tiran Kandros watched as the giant construction formed by the Scarlett Armada, the Keelah Si'yah and the Tempest came out of hyper-light drive.
A beeping caught another officer's attention. "Incoming from the Keelah Si'yah," she said. "Put it through," Director Tann said. "Nexus Docking Control, this is the Andromeda Initiative colony ark Keelah Si'yah, Captain Qetsi'Olam vas Keelah Si'yah, commanding. We request permission to dock with the Nexus," Qetsi said.
"This is the Nexus, Captain vas Keelah Si'yah," Tann said. "On behalf of us all, let me say: Welcome to your new home." "Thank you, Nexus Control," Qetsi said. "Keelah Si'yah out." The ships of the Scarlett Army shut down their tractor beams, allowing the Keelah Si'yah to activate its own engines and begin docking with the Nexus.
"Incoming message, Director Tann," the communications officer said. "It's from a DDV Enterprise. They are requesting permission to dock." "Have exterior cameras show me the Enterprise," Tann said. A holographic display formed over the viewports. On it was a zoomed-in image of the Enterprise. "Permission granted at Docking Bay 3," Tann said.
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise SAV-1701-A
Main Bridge
"Nexus Docking Control to Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise. You are cleared to dock. Please transfer control of your vessel to Central Docking Computer on my mark," the docking controller said. "Mark."
Sito tapped a few keys on her panel. The red Tactical Alert lights turned blue as the Nexus' computer took control. "Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise to Nexus Docking. You have control," William said. "Affirmative, Enterprise. Enjoy the ride, and welcome to the Nexus," the Nexus docking controller said. "Enterprise confirms," William said.
William watched as the viewscreen showed Enterprise's berth fast approaching. "Automatic mooring systems activated," Sito said. "All primary systems at 50% power consumption." "Good," William said. "Secure from battle conditions, all ships. Sito, Mal, with me. We have a Director to meet. Ferb, you have the conn."
Sofia and Mal followed William off the Bridge as Ferb Fletcher sat down in the command chair.
Unaligned World of Mass Effect
Aboard Andromeda Initiative Space Station Designated "The Nexus"
Docking Bay 2 Reception Room
William, Sofia and Mal stepped through the Enterprise's airlock and onto the Nexus. An alien the likes of which they had never seen before approached them. "King William, I presume," the alien said. "Yes, and you are..." William said.
"I am Tiren Kandros, Commander of Nexus Security," the alien said. "I have been asked to escort you to the Command Center." "May we ask why?" Mal said. "Pathfinder Ryder said something about your Director Tann wanting to meet me as soon as we docked?" William said. "Exactly," Kandros said. "Follow me, please."
William smiled. "Lead the way," he said. As Kandros led William, Sofia and Mal to a nearby tram terminal, William gestured to Sofia and Mal. "Accompanying me are my wife, Queen Sofia of Cinnabar, and Princess Consort Mal of Auradon, commander of the Scarlett Army's space defense forces," William said.
"Welcome to you all," Kandros said. As he, William, Sofia and Mal stepped onto the tram car, Kandros gestured for William, Sofia and Mal to have a seat on the passenger benches.
::TBC::