Review and Stuff:
Important Note (1): I was going to start this chapter with Tela Vasir investigating Intai'sei but it would have been the same as before with the Alliance Investigating so I decided against it.
Important Note (2): Just a heads up I will be doing a time skip fairly soon, it may even be next chapter.
Important Note (3): I am not very good with AI Scenes so later in the chapter when Aurora does some stuff, there is some background stuff that happens that I don't write.
Important Note (4): Not sure about the end of the chapter, it is just where my brain went.
Azai Jin (Codex Review): Your welcome mate. The main thing with the Codex is to give you the reader a better understanding of certain elements and their definitely will be more. I thought about putting in a section for AMBER Team (Thinking back I should have) but I didn't have any major on-screen elements with them so I decided not to, they will definitely be in next Codex Intermission. Daisy-023 is a member of AMBER Team yes, she is the only one with MJOLNIR Armor as the other three are SPARTAN Washouts but they have heavily modified ODST Armor. I have yet to watch Halo Legends but I really like her story with finding her clone and threating to kill that one guy in Halo: Silent Storm.
Azai Jin (Article of Formation Review): I don't want to say to much in regards with Sara Ryder as that is explored in this chapter or next (most likely this one), and I have some ideas for Fetor. A little backstory, he has had a very bad Pilgrimage but that is about to change. The Council has gotten wind about UNSC-XCOM with the firefight in the Wards and we get some Spectre action this chapter.
Knighthunter911700: Even minor actions can have major consequences. So, with regards to the 2 NOVA Bombs and by extension AMBER Team, I straight up took what was left in the Wolf Packs Inventory from my Halo Mythic game with my mates and put it in the story, that is why they have those two things. During a Raid on a Major Covenant Supply Hub, the Wolf Pack got word that Reach was under attack so they made best possible speed for Reach to help with the defense of Reach with their remaining NOVA Bombs (They started with five) or get revenge for Reach with the NOVA Bombs, what they weren't expecting was to find Reach uncolonized and now they are stuck with 2 NOVA Bombs. They were always on the Shooting Star which is why that corvette stayed in the Epsilon Eridani System. All good mate. If you have any more questions let me know. Honestly making the Council more intelligent then the games is not that hard, there some of the most powerful people in the galaxy they should be intelligent. They are feeling threatened and a little angry, they just aren't showing it. All sides screwed up with the Reaper attack on the Citadel. Scenario 1: Shepard is right and the Reapers are coming, better build up our fleets to prepare for the Reapers. Scenario 2: Shepard is right but the Council discredits the Reaper threat, Shepard then explains that a "Geth Dreadnought" just annihilated the Citadel Defense Fleet and they may have more, better build up our fleets to prepare for more Geth Attacks. Scenario 3: The games, which I love to death but the Council is just plain dumb, they didn't know if the "Geth" only had 1. You're welcome mate.
Crazzytony: Cheers mate. Yeah she is, she just doesn't know where the blood is to spill. I saw in another Fanfic (not sure which one) that Hackett was married to Mamashep and the father of Shepard, but in this one Hackett is not the father of either Jane or John, their father was killed on Mindoir in front of Jane, which is where she gets you hatred for the Batarians. General's is super fun, though I haven't played it in a long ass time. Cheers mate.
MarauderPrime12: Cheers mate.
edboy4926: Cheers mate.
Location: Marano System – Chasca
Date: August 18th, 2180
Time: 0940hrs Local Time
Two Slipspace Portals open as the UNSC-XCOM Operations Fleet enters the Marano System. The reason they are in the system is to recruit Staff Lieutenant Sara Ryder of the Systems Alliance. From the Holo-Room Commanding Officer of Special Deployments Field Commander Theodore Harrison hears the small Command Crew of the UNSC Little Rascal going through the standard protocol after exiting Slipspace.
On the Holo-Table an image of the five planet and two asteroid system is shown, the location of the Little Rascal and the occasional ping revealing UNSC Tourist as they drift closer to the target world of Chasca. Although passive sensors is not revealing any other ships in system Captain Marshall doesn't want to risk revealing to corvettes to any other lurkers, however unlikely that is.
Several hours later they begin a slow burn to slow down and come to a stop in geo-sync orbit over Chasca.
Although it is not a combat mission Warlock wants the entirety of NOBLE Team to deploy, keeping AMBER Team in the Cryo Pods.
As the ONI Pelican makes it way to the surface the Little Rascal's Dumb AI Prime sends an encoded burst transmission to NOBLE Team.
Secure Transmission Received
From: UNSC Little Rascal Dumb AI Prime
To: NOBLE TEAM
Asari Vaeeno-Class Light Cruiser detected on system, on approach to Chasca. ETA one hour.
End Transmission.
"What are the chances that their here for the Rings?" Zofia asks, her almost three-meter tall MEC Armor, taking up the entire rear area of the Troop Compartment.
"The Codex states that the Asari are interested in artifacts from long dead civilizations, but mainly of the Protheans. We should remain alert." Six states over Squad Comms.
"Six is right, these Rings have been here since before they claimed the Citadel, if they wanted to study them they would have. We assume they are here to hinder our operation but hope that they don't know we are here." Theodore replies getting a barely noticeable nod from Six. "Gunny tell the fleet to remain hidden and go to Comms Blackout and engage only if necessary, at Captain Marshall's assessment."
Secure Transmission Sent
From: NOBLE Four
To: UNSC Little Rascal Dumb AI Prime
Maintain Stealth and go Comm Blackout, engage if necessary at Captain Marshall's assessment.
End Transmission.
No Transmission is received if they acknowledge following the Comms Blackout order.
Rapidly descending to the Tidally-Locked planet, they use the Rings to give themselves the extra bit stealth, unfortunately they are unable to engage the show as the Troop Compartment has no windows. As they reach the surface the land in a portion of the world that connects the light and dark sides, the nearby research "colony" ten kilometers away.
Being on the dark side they are met with negative ten Celsius temperatures, since they are close to the light side they don't have to deal with the negative eighty temperatures.
"Six, Two scout ahead, five-hundred-meter vanguard. The rest of you with me." One orders as they start their advance to the settlement.
The SPARTAN and Spec Ops Elite run ahead and meld into the night, the only way Warlock can see them is with his HUD. It doesn't take long for NOBLE Team to approach the small five building settlement, it is situated on the boarder of the light and dark sides, putting three buildings in the light and two in the dark.
On Warlock's HUD a small message appears from Six, not wanting to risk detection Theodore has ordered all non-emergency communications be in text form.
Ten Humans in Settlement, Target on Light Side.
Using the scope of his BR55 Battle Rifle Warlock scans the settlement and notices five people, two walking into a building in the Dark Side and three in the Light Side talking, one of them being Sara Ryder.
"Seven, join Six and Two. Three, Four, Five with me." Theodore orders.
"What's the plan sir?" Zofia NOBLE Four asks.
"Walk up and have a chat." Theodore replies as he starts walking.
Location: Marano System – Chasca
Date: August 18th, 2180
Time: 1000hrs Local Time
About four days after the Raid on Intai'sei Sara was promoted to Staff Lieutenant and she thought for a second that her father's research into AIs wouldn't stop her career, that thought went away when she was next told she was being transferred to Chasca. At first she didn't even know what or where Chasca was and when she learned it is a struggling colony of one-fifty people her heart sank. It has been a little over a month since she was transferred here and although the people here are hardy, determined, and independent people even they know they need help from the Alliance to survive on this barely habitable world. So, they go to the only Alliance Military Officer on the planet, which makers her almost impossible job of studying the Rings to a staggering halt.
She has been listening to the latest demands of the 'colony mayor' about needing more food and water until the crops can start producing when she notices four lights turn on in the Dark Side of the planet one hundred meters away.
"Get inside." Sara orders.
"What?" The mayor asks confused but his forced into Research Building by Sara.
Rushing over to her weapons locker she places her M-3 Predator on her thigh holster and shoulders her M-8 Avenger.
"What's going on?" The mayor demands.
"Shut it." Sara replies as the four figures continue to approach.
"I am may…" He is interrupted.
"You're not a real mayor, and technically I am in charge. So, shut up."
The four figures enter the light and as they do so their torches turn off and Sara immediately recognizes the ODST Armor and the near three-meter tall XCOM MEC. Lower her rifle slightly she moves out of the building and towards them, making saw to keep her rifle ready.
"Staff Lieutenant Ryder, we haven't officially met yet. I'm Warlock." Theodore says.
"You're the one that was unconscious during the Intai'sei Raid." Sara more states then asks having relived that event every night when she goes to sleep.
"Can we talk? Without weapons." Theodore asks.
"Even out here we get Citadel News, the Unknown Faction that engaged and wounded an Alliance N7, that ship belonged to you." Sara replies. "What would we have to talk about?"
Warlock looks up at the Rings. "They are beautiful aren't they?"
"They are." Sara replies still looking at Warlock.
Looking back at Sara he asks. "Is this what you wanted to do with your life?"
"It doesn't matter what I wanted to do; I am an Alliance Officer it is my duty to follow orders." Sara replies not really believing herself.
"You're a hero Staff Lieutenant, yes they promoted you but here you are on a planet that is barely habitable, studying Rings that have been here since before the Asari found the Citadel. The people that assigned you here, have already forgotten you exist. That is no way to treat a hero." Warlock states.
"It doesn't matt…" Sara is interrupted.
"How's your mother?" Warlock asks.
"What?" Sara asks slightly shocked. "What does my mother have to do with this?"
"Let's talk." Warlock says.
"Inside, only you." Sara replies. "And no weapons."
Zofia puts out her MEC Arm and piles his UNSC Arsenal in her palm as he ordered all XCOM Equipment, minus Zofia's MEC, to be left on Reach for study. Turning he walks into Sara's Research Building and takes of his ODST/HVY Helmet as he does so.
"Beat it." Warlock tells the two colonists.
"How…"
"Go." Warlock orders intently.
The two colonists leave not wanting to pick a fight with the strange soldier.
"You better start talking, what does my mother have to do with this." Sara demands holding her Avenger tightly.
Theodore takes several deep breaths and makes sure he isn't transmitting over the radio and hesitates to talk.
"Before the invasion, I had a family." Notices in change of posture and tone Sara lets some of her frustration go as she listens, unknown to both of them a cloaked NOBLE Six is at the rear entrance of the building to cover Warlock.
"My mother had Huntington's Disease, it's a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. She died a month before the First War, five months later our understanding of genetics shot forward by lightyears and a care was derived. I was in nearing forty myself and during a UFO Raid I saw the first signs of it on myself. I've seen the damage a slow and painful death has on a family, finding a cure for AEND isn't contingent on you signing on but it will rush research and possibly save your mother's life." Theodore explains, thinking back to his mother which he hasn't done for over fifty years.
"They don't know how long she has left; will a cure be ready in time?" Sara asks having fully lowered her Avenger Rifle.
"I don't know." Theodore replies honestly. "If it comes done to it we can put your mother in a Cryo-Pod until the research is complete."
They are silent for about a minute as Sara considers her options and Theodore tries to resuppress his memories.
"Why me?" Sara asks. "I mean, out of all the Alliance Officers, why me?"
"We soldiers have a duty, to protect Humanity. The Alliance is a bunch of political fuck heads, that are more concerned about their own careers then they are humanity, we need people like you so we can do that duty. So, we can protect Humanity. You proved on Intai'sei that you are able and willing, also we can give you better assignments then studying old art." Warlock explains.
"Ok, I'm in, but you will do everything you can to save my mother." Sara declares as JD enters the building.
"Sir, we got two Asari Dropships in bound, the Cruiser has taken up Geo-sync orbit." NOBLE Five explains quietly.
"We need to move." Warlock states.
"The Asari are allies." Sara replies slightly confused.
"The Alliance's allies, not ours." Warlock says as he puts on his helmet and rushes outside to get his weapons.
As NOBLE Team runs through the Dark Side of the planet towards their evac, one of the dropships changes course for them.
"This is NOBLE One, breaking Radio Silence, we got possible hostile air on a direct course and need a pickup." He says into his radio and gets a confirmation in return. "Defense, do not fire unless fired upon." He orders as the Asari Dropship lands in front of them.
Ten Asari in Commando Armor and one in purple and white armor leading them disembark, NOBLE's position lit up with lights however NOBLEs Two, Six and Seven are not with them, the Asari Commandos are pointing their weapons at them and several have Biotics Primed and ready to fight. As the Asari are seen, Terminator Holo-Targets each one, their exposed skin of the Asari appearing on each of NOBLE Team's HUD, marking best places to shoot incase a firefight breaks out.
The lead Asari looks over NOBLE but focus mainly on Terminator and then on Sara still in her Alliance Uniform her only protection being her Biotic Barrier.
"I am Tela Vasir of the Spectres, for your actions on the Citadel you are under arrest." NOBLE Teams translator software interprets as a quiet engine sound gets louder.
"We can't do that, we have places to be, things to see." NOBLE One replies as he starts to slowly unleash a Psi Panic.
Several of the Asari Commandos start to falter in their stance and Tela closes her eyes for a second before he unleashes a major Psi Panic, several of the Asari Commandos collapse clutching their heads and screaming as others freeze, Tela tries to focus on NOBLE Team but a SPARTAN in Black Armor appears behind her and knocks her out.
The Pelican lands with the rear hatch lowered and they board, several seconds later the Psi Panic is out of range and the Asari are left confused. When they return to the Little Rascal they spend several hours drifting out of the system before starting their twelve-day journey to the Citadel.
Location: Marano System – Chasca – ARV Cybaen
Date: August 19th, 2180
Time: 1000hrs Local Time
For the five time since she has woken up Tela watches the footage of her encounter with the UNSC, and for the fifth time cursing them. It is strange watching as your own unconscious body is carried with Biotics to Drop Shuttle.
"What happened?" Sub Commander T'gomi the leader of the Asari Commandos asks, still horrified at what happen.
"It's like they made us all panic, bring our fears to the surface and assault us with them." Centurion Heris, another Commando comments.
"How?" Captain Dira the ship's CO asks.
"We don't know it was them." Tela says. "But in all my years, I have never seen anything like it before. We must proceed with extreme caution when we deal with them in the future."
"Do we know what they wanted with the Alliance Officer?" Aieena Dira asks.
"Spectre Vasir, the Council is ready." A voice says over the Intercom.
"Put them through." Tela replies.
In front of the recording of the events that transpired the day before the three arguably most powerful people in the galaxy appear in hologram form as the Quantum Entanglement Communications is established.
"Spectre Vasir, report." Spartacus demands, sounding both relieved and annoyed, the former she can't guess what for.
"Councilors, yesterday we made our approach to the Alliance Colony of Chasca with the intention of questioning Alliance Officer Staff Lieutenant Sara Ryder about th events that transpired during the Raid of Intai'sei. There we encountered the UNSC." Tela replies.
"You're report about your investigation on Intai'sei states that Staff Lieutenant Ryder was in charge when the UNSC appeared, several witnesses also claim that she interacted with them the most." Valern says making sure everyone is on the same page.
"Yes Councilor." Tela confirms. "After her father's discharge and outcast due to researching AIs she was transferred here at a dead-end outpost."
"Do we know what they wanted with the her?" Valern asks.
"No Councilor." Tela replies and hesitates. "I personally encountered them with the support of ten Asari Commandos."
"So, they are detained?" Tevos asks knowing the capability of the commandos.
"No, we were overcome with fear and panic." Tela replies shamefully, many of the commandos around her twitching.
"I don't understand." Tevos replies confused.
"For some unknown reason, we were overcome with a serious case of fear and panic, we started when we encountered them and stopped for the others when they left." Tela reports.
"But not you?" Tevos asks.
"No, I was knocked out by a, I would say heavy mech but compared to the size of the other one it was a light mech. We would consider it a heavy mech." Tela replies rubbing her neck where she got hit.
"This is disconcerting." Valern replies and gets nods of agreement from Tevos and Spartacus. "Do you know where they went?"
"No Councilor, the ship that retrieved them was a complete match to the one on the Citadel that engaged the Alliance N7 team but we quickly lost them, they seem to have advanced stealth systems."
"The father and mother, Alec and Ellen Ryder are here on the Citadel. We have been keeping them under surveillance, return immediately." Tevos orders.
"She also has a brother, but he is stationed at an Alliance Outpost near Arcturus Station, we will contact the Alliance to keep an eye on him as well." Valern says.
"Yes Councilors." Tela replies and the connection ends.
Location: Maroon Sea Cluster – ARV Cybaen
Date: August 19th, 2180
Time: 1100hrs Local Time
As the ARV Cybaen approaches the Relay for this cluster Tela sends a message to her 'trusted' informant the Shadow Broker.
Secure Transmission Sent.
From: TV
To: SB
I need any information no matter how insignificant on the UNSC and if any exist on abilities to cause widespread panic on hardened combat units. What is the price?
End Transmission.
Location: Widow System – Citadel
Date: August 19th, 2180
Time: 1400hrs Local Time
After the disheartening conversion with Spectre Vasir is finished Councilor Spartacus sends to messages.
Secure Transmission Sent.
From: Councilor Spartacus
To: Matriarch Lidanya – FW: Citadel Council
Add additional patrols around the Citadel, in search for stealth vessels. This is your priority; the Relay is secondary.
Councilor Valern are you able to provide STG Ships to assist the Matriarch?
End Transmission.
Location: Widow System – Citadel
Date: August 19th, 2180
Time: 1401hrs Local Time
Secure Transmission Received.
From: Councilor Valern
To: Matriarch Lidanya – FW: Citadel Council
Yes. They will arrive within the week.
End Transmission.
Location: Widow System – Citadel
Date: August 19th, 2180
Time: 1402hrs Local Time
Secure Transmission Received.
From: Matriarch Lidanya
To: Councilor Spartacus – FW: Citadel Council
With the increased patrols from the Infiltration Incident, assigning additional ships will leave the Relay exposed however I will follow the Council's orders as always. The additional ships from the STG will help.
End Transmission.
Location: Widow System – Citadel
Date: August 19th, 2180
Time: 1403hrs Local Time
Secure Transmission Sent.
From: Councilor Spartacus
To: Spectre Nihlus Kryik – FW: Citadel Council
Spectre Kryik your self-assigned assignment is being rescinded.
You are to remain on the Citadel and watch Alec and Ellen Ryder, if their daughter Sara Ryder or any other out of place individuals are spotted you are to alert C-Sec Special Response, any other Spectre on the Citadel, and the Council. Observe them as assets are moved into position, then move in and detain them.
End Transmission.
Spectre Kryik sends an acknowledgment message.
Location: Widow System – Citadel
Date: August 19th, 2180
Time: 1500hrs Local Time
In the Citadel Councilor's Private Chambers where unknown to the public most of the galactic decisions are made, the three Councilors one by one enter. Tevos as always is first and the most composed, Valern beats Spartacus this time and he is reading of his Omni-Tool going over what is going to be discussed one last time and Spartacus enters shortly after Valern being delayed because he was giving the Turian Primarch a report on the UNSC.
As they take their seats at the small table Tevos begins.
"We have assembled today to discuss whether or not the Alliance should be privy to the Ryder Situation and if they should be involved in the possible attempt to capture Sara Ryder or the UNSC forces if they attempt to make contact with Alec and Ellen Ryder." She explains as their Haptic Interfaces activate showing the three Ryders.
"The Alliance kept what happened during the Raid of Intai'sei a secret, they could have prevented the Infiltration of the Citadel." Spartacus replies.
"Unlikely." Valern states. "UNSC Forces used during the Raid of Intai'sei are military based; marines, shock troopers, wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles and aircraft. Nothing to subject infiltration and stealth capacity. UNSC used shock and awe against Batarians." Valern replies in the typical fast speech of Salarians.
"I agree, there was no indication of stealth-based units within the UNSC during the raid, the ships to carry that amount of soldiers and heavy-duty vehicles would have to be Cruisers and above or dedicated transport ships. Neither outside of the STG Stealth Cruisers and it is even questionable for them to be able to infiltrate the Citadel." Tevos explains as she brings up the flight path of the UNSC Heavy Dropship.
It starts at the edge of the Zakera Ward Warehouse District and flies away from the Citadel in the complete opposite direction of the Mass Relay and flies into deep space not to be seen again as its stealth systems evade detection.
"According to Spectre Vasir the UNSC posses some ability to cause mass panic in their enemy, but they didn't use it at the Citadel. It may be because they didn't have time to set the device up, but that is only speculation, for all we know Chasca was a test run. The SSV Rome is finishing their Intelligence Review for one their resent operations, all I know is it had to do with the Batarians that raided Intai'sei. They are unusually tight lipped about it, whatever they found has them scared." Valern explains. "Perhaps letting them in on this operation will give us access to what they found."
"The humans don't scare easily, especially from the Batarians." Spartacus comments in an unusual display of admiration. "Has the STG found anything about this group of Batarians?"
"No, the STG knew of their existence but couldn't locate their base of operations, we suspect on the border of the Terminus Systems, and after Torfan they are the first group to raid an Alliance Colony." Valern replies.
"How did the Alliance find their base?" Tevos asks curious.
"Unknown, they have not said. The SSV Rome is under lockdown, no one expect for authorized Alliance Personal can board or disembark, their resupply is being handled by N7s that have been regulated to bus drivers and the Rome's Communications Suite is locked down." Valern explains, also unknowingly explaining one of the causes of Matriarch Lidanya's growing headache since the UNSC Infiltration.
"Will they let us in on what is happening if we allow them in the operation and capture a or more UNSC personal." Spartacus asks.
"Likely." Valern replies. "Also, likely they demand they be handed over to Alliance as they are human and not involve us."
"It would cause a diplomatic incident but with how they are handling the situation so far, they might just do that." Tevos comments.
"What other ships did they send to the Slave Base, perhaps one of those is not so heavily locked down?" Spartacus asks and gets a nod of agreement from Tevos.
"None." Valern replies.
"The Alliance sent one ship to the border of the Terminus Systems to take on a Slave Base, even if it is a Pocket Dreadnought that is insane even for the Humans." Spartacus replies amazed more than shocked.
"Yes." Valern replies.
"We can use the fact that they want a Council Seat to get them to give us the information." Tevos suggests.
"You want to give them a Council Seat?" Spartacus replies shocked missing the meaning between the words of her statement.
"The Council Members must trust each other after all." Valern replies with a coy smile not missing the meaning between the words of her statement.
"Right." Spartacus replies after catching on.
"So, we let the Alliance in on the operation and convince them to release the information about the Batarian Slavers. All in agreement." Tevos says.
"Yes" The other two Councilors reply.
Location: Arcturus Stream – Arcturus Station
Date: August 20th, 2180
Time: 0800hrs Local Time
When Admiral Steven Hackett activates his Haptic Interface he immediately sees he has a message from Staff Lieutenant Sara Ryder.
From: Staff Lieutenant Sara Ryder
To: Admiral Steven Hackett
Admiral Hackett I hereby tend my formal resignation from the Systems Alliance Navy, I am no longer at Chasca so don't send anyone to look for me. We will course paths in the future, most likely not as allies given Their current reputation with the Citadel. I make this decision so I can continue my fight for humanity, I still do and will always serve humanity even if I don't serve the Alliance.
End Message.
Steven reads the message several times, having been opposed to the Internal Memos that lead to the effective end of Sara's and Scott's career especially after Intai'sei he can't help but feel like he should have done more, but he knows his job is a mix of doing what he can for humanity and doing what he has to, to keep the politicians satisfied so he doesn't suffer the same fate and leave no one fighting for humanity.
He starts typing on his Haptic Interface.
Secure Transmission Sent.
From: Admiral Steven Hackett
To: First Lieutenant Scott Ryder
I regret to inform you that your sister has tended her resignation and is no longer an officer in the Systems Alliance Navy. We have lost a good officer today and a hero, I am sorry for what you both had to endure due to your father's actions and I hope that your mother gets the care she needs.
End Transmission.
The next ten days are spent preparing on the Citadel for Sara Ryder's arrival, some doubting if she even will but those doubts are for not as she is spotted existing a civilian transport.
Location: Widow Station – Citadel
Date: August 30th, 2180
Time: 1400hrs Local Time
With a duffle bag over her shoulder Sara walks off the civilian transport ship, UNSC-XCOM got her and several other operatives on, onto the Citadel for the first time since she left to join the Alliance Navy. The plan is simple, go to Huerta Memorial Hospital in the Presidium and get her mother and father to the extraction point.
Although Sara was keep in her Quarters or the Mess Room of the UNSC Little Rascal due to matters of security she was informed that they are making a pit stop in the Epsilon Eridani System to retrieve a special package. When Sara asks about the lack of Relay travel they are using they don't answer and she learns that the special package is a full-blown Artificial Intelligence named Aurora. That same AI is now fifteen meters behind her with someone called Petty Officer First Class Kirk-018, she asked about the number and didn't get a proper answer, which is starting to annoy her but Field Commander Theodore Harrison her new commanding officer assures her that she and her family will get a full explanation on very thing when they return to Reach.
Walking up to the Customs Station she is scanned for any dangerous goods.
"Name and reason for coming to the Citadel?" The human C-Sec officer asks, Sara very conscious of the large number of C-Sec Officers around.
"Amanda Fox, I'm here to see family." Sara replies lying, hopefully she is convincing and the AI does it's job otherwise this is going to be a very short mission.
The C-Sec Officer's Haptic Interface flashes green.
"enjoy your stay on the Citadel Miss Fox." He says.
"Thank you officer." Sara replies and continues on.
Over the course of ten minutes the same things happens for NOBLEs One, Three and Five and AMBER Two, Three and Four, the rest of the Teams onboard the UNSC Little Rascal as she and her partner the UNSC Tourist make their way into the system under stealth. The operatives of the Team and Sara are in civilian clothes with duffle bags that are filled with random civilian things as they didn't want to risk a visual search revealing weapons, which is lucky as Ela is pulled aside for random searching, which takes longer than usual as she is mute.
Unknown to Sara as she lingers Gift Store waiting for the rest of her team to pass through customs she is being watched by C-Sec, however only she is being watched as C-Sec doesn't know what anyone from the UNSC looks like so the others are ignored as random civilians in the gift shop.
"Are you looking for anything specific?" A young Asari asks as Sara starts looking at models.
"My sister likes the look of Asari Ships; I was thinking of getting her a model of the Destiny Ascension." Sara lies.
"An excellent choice, miss?" She asks.
"Amanda Fox, but you can call me Mandy." 'Mandy' replies.
"Well, it is a pleasure to met you Mandy, I am Alunya." She replies.
"It has been a while since I have been on the Citadel, I was expecting to see more ships at the Relay." Sara comments as Alunya removes a model of the Destiny Ascension from the protective casing.
"I have heard a lot of people talking about that, I don't know why but the Citadel Defense Fleet has moved ships away from the Relay to patrol the rest of the system. There was news about a firefight with the Alliance and an Unknown Faction but I don't think there related." Alunya replies as they move over to the counter and Sara purchases the model.
Looking back at customs she sees that Ela is finished with the random inspection.
The two women exchange goodbyes as Sara walks over to the Rapid Transit terminal and gets in an Aircar with Rene-081.
As the Aircar takes of and starts flying the Haptic Interface glitches and the Hologram of Aurora appears.
"I have control of all four Aircars being used by NOBLE and AMBER." She reports. "Travel time is one hour if we don't want to arouse any more suspicion."
"Anymore?" Rene asks slightly annoyed that the operation has already hit a snag.
"The Alliance, C-Sec and the Council Spectres were all waiting for Ryder to arrive on the Citadel. They were right in thinking that she would go to her mother and father."
"Damn it." Rene replies really annoyed. "What's the play?"
"NOBLE One is giving that option to Ryder." Aurora replies and looks at her. "Be warned if we continue people may die." She warns.
After thinking for about a minute Sara replies. "The deal was to save my mother, even if I have to go in alone I am going."
"Understood relaying now." Aurora replies calmly.
While they travel to the Presidium Aurora notes that C-Sec tried to bring the Aircar down remotely, Aurora uses her vastly superior processing capability to make it seem that the override command was never sent. The order was sent by the C-Sec Officer but it looked like it was transmitted, an added bonus for UNSC-XCOM is that Aurora uses the signal C-Sec sent to infiltrate their closed off systems.
While the aircars fly in the heavily congested traffic Aurora is given permission to poke around and see what C-Sec has in store for them.
Starting with the both the least threat, yet very numerous is C-Sec, the three divisions of C-Sec being used in this operation is Enforcement, Network and Special Response. They plan to surround two aircars when they land, they having identified Stash from a classified Alliance Vid of the Raid of Intai'sei, Enforcement is regulated to crowd control and keeping the civilians out of harms way. Network isn't doing a very good job currently as one of their mediates is to deal with AIs and they don't even know they have one roaming their systems and Special Response will be used in conjunction with the Alliance and Spectres to make the arrest, they are also the only ones with snipers.
The Alliance has been regulated to only uses the special forces of the SSV Rome, so N7 Omega Squad, a detachment of the 1st Marine Raider Regiment, 4th Marine Force Recon, DEVGRU Detachment and Delta Force Detachment, the 5th Marine Combat Intelligence Detachment being used by C-Sec Network Division.
Then there are the Spectres, leading the operation is Nihlus Kryik, being supported by Tela Vasir and her Commandos, Saren Arterius and finally Jondum Bau who is also assisting C-Sec Network Division.
Relaying this information as fast as she can to the Teams she begins to work on springing the Citadel's trap on someone else, starting with initiating a quick diagnostic on the C-Sec Tracking System used to keep track of all aircars, at the same time changing the position of the four aircars with random aircars and when the diagnostic finishes Aurora tricks the system into thinking that their aircars are the random aircars she used for the swap, overriding their destination programming to land where the Citadel has prepared their trap, those poor bastards.
As they make their way to the Presidium, Aurora starts to guide the aircars to a complete out of the way Transit Terminal so the Citadel forces can't get an organized response if they are detected.
It takes another ten minutes to land due to the traffic, giving them five minutes before the decoy aircars land and it takes five minutes to get to the Huerta Memorial Hospital.
As the Teams regroup, the three operatives of AMBER Team present spread out among the sides and the back flank as the three operatives of NOBLE Team are with Ryder, moving with purpose to the hospital. When they notice five Humans moving with purpose everyone actively moves out of the way, Aurora making sure the C-Sec doesn't get the few calls of overzealous citizens, at the same time she loops the security cameras.
"We got two C-Sec Officers inside the hospital, a Detective Vakarian and Officer Harkin. They have orders to watch the targets." Aurora explains.
"Understood, handle them." Theodore replies. "Ryder get you parents, Ela, JD stay with her, AMBER Team keep you eyes open for any Citadel Forces." He orders as they enter the hospital.
Walking in there is only a handful of people inside, a young look Asari in a hospital coat walks over.
"Greetings and welcome to Huerta Memorial Hospital who may I help you?"
As she talks Theodore notices that Officer Vakarian has spotted them and activates his Omni-Tool but he doesn't realize he is talking with Aurora.
"Hello, I am hear to see my mother, Ellen Ryder." Sara replies.
"Of course, I will have to ask that your companions remain in the lobby."
"That won't be happening, we have orders to remain with Miss Ryder." Theodore counters.
"By whom?"
"Classified. Are you going to deny this lady to see her dying mother?" Theodore asks.
"Uh.. uh, of course not, please follow me." She replies and takes them into the patient ward of the hospital.
"Aurora, any word from the fleet?" Theodore asks as they pass two empty rooms.
"Negative sir, would you like me to infiltrate the Citadel Fleet?" Aurora asks eager.
"Observe only, look only for the fleet." Theodore orders.
"Mr. and Mrs. Ryder, Sara is here to see you." The Asari says as she enters the room alone.
"Sara?" Alec replies confused.
"If you need anything I will be outside." She says and walks out giving a nod to Sara.
Sara enters the room first followed only by Theodore as Ela and JD stand at the door to make sure nobody enters. Immediately Sara runs over and gives her mother a hug.
"Sara, it is so good to see you." Ellen says as she shakenly hugs her daughter.
While this happens Alec takes stock of Theodore who is standing at Parade Rest.
"What are you doing here? Alec said you resigned from the Alliance." Ellen asks.
"I'm here to help you get better." Sara replies with a smile.
"Oh, Sara. AEND doesn't have a cure you know that, lets enjoy the time we have left." Ellen replies having come to terms with her condition years ago.
Sara looks over to Theodore, not having been told how her mother was going to get better.
"Aurora, we secure?" He asks.
"Yes sir." Aurora replies in his earpiece.
"Who are you?" Alec asks stepping up to him.
"Field Commander Theodore Harrison, Commanding Officer of UNSC-XCOM Special Deployment and team leader of Special Deployment Team NOBLE. Scan me." Theodore orders him.
"What?" Alec asks confused.
Theodore simply waits and Sara looks on with interest. As Alec scans him gets the surprise of his life.
"The faint electromagnetic signature you are getting from my skin is from my Bioelectric Skin mod, it allows me to detect people in a radius of thirty meters, even throw walls. No doubt you have detected my two hearts, as well as an unknown substance in my arms and legs, it makes me faster, stronger and I can jump really high. I could go on, but there is no point, simply put I am a one-hundred-forty-year-old human super soldier. I was born with a genetic disease called Huntington's Disease; I should have been dead one-hundred years ago. We can also help you in your AI Research." Theodore explains.
"How?" Alec asks still looking over the varies modifications to Theodore.
He pulls out his earpiece and hands it over to Alec, he looks at it confused and Theodore gives him a nod.
Putting it in his ear he hears a female voice. "Good afternoon Alec Ryder, I am UNSC Smart AI AOA 0435-4, but you can call me Aurora."
"Hello." Alec says very intrigued. "How did the UNSC develop AI without the Council getting involved?"
"We that is rather simple, we didn't know the Council or any Mass Effect Civilization existed until a little over one month ago. We are rather new here."
"And you can help Ellen?" Alec asks looking at his wife who has a simmer of hope in her eyes.
"Yes, we may be knew in the realm of Mass Effect, but with the help of XCOM who are genetic masters we should be able to help Ellen, and if the research takes to long we can put her in Cryostasis to prolong her life." Aurora explains.
Looking back at Theodore he asks. "What do you need?"
"Right now, a yes or no, because Aurora's distraction as no doubt run its course." Theodore replies.
"Yes, anything to save Ellen." Alec replies instantly.
"Very well, it's time to leave." Theodore says and Alec gives back the earpiece. "Aurora, news on the fleet."
"Negative, the Pelican should have made contact before we reached the Presidium and the Citadel Fleet hasn't noticed anything." Aurora replies.
"Problem?" Alec asks.
"Our ride isn't here yet." Theodore replies.
"NOBLE One, AMBER One, Citadel forces moving on the hospital." Ralph says over the radio.
"Copy go dark, we'll contact you." Theodore orders, both man knowing the go dark order will leave them on the Citadel, AMBER's advantage being they have Aurora's AI Chip.
"Things are interesting outside." JD comments enters the room forcing the Asari in with him.
Alec moves to the Haptic Interface next to the door he activates a command that seals the door and the windows shift to private mode, not allowing anyone to see inside the room.
"What now?" Alec asks concerned. "If Ellen gets…"
"She won't, if all else fails we spend a couple days in the Catacombs of the Citadel." Theodore replies.
"Catacombs?" Sara asks confused.
"The tunnels no one goes into for some reason, we call them Catacombs." Theodore replies.
"Since when?" Aurora asks.
"Since now."
"Citadel Spectres, open up!" A male voice demands as he bangs on the door.
"Aurora?" Theodore asks slightly concerned.
"Nothing yet." Aurora replies calmly. "The good news is AMBER is in the clear."
"Good for them." Theodore retorts annoyed at the Citadel Fleet. "Pest Cleanse, we got chemicals in use that can't go to the rest of the hospital." He shouts back.
"Open this door!" The Spectre orders.
"Their here, sending coordinates now." Aurora announces.
"Everyone get around the bed." Theodore orders.
"The Asari?" JD asks as Ela is holding her head and neck just waiting for permission.
"Bring her." He orders.
"Wait! Wait!" She screams as she is moved next to the bed.
Looking down at Ellen he says. "This is gonna hurt."
As Theodore unleashes the full power of his Psionic Power looking at the Data-pad with what he is hoping that it is the exact coordinates. A wave of purple energy washes over everyone as the door explodes, everyone around the bed are hit with an intense feeling of hot and cold as they disappear in a flash of purple, several seconds of nothingness passes before they all reappear in a small metal bay, Ellen who reappears in mid air falls to the deck and Theodore collapses with pure exhaustion.
"Holy Shit!" One of the ODST/Mechanics of the UNSC Little Rascal jumps in shock shoulder in her M7S SMG. Lowering her SMG, she shouts into the cockpit. "Their here."
"Rascal One, this is Aurora every sensor in the Citadel and their Fleet has been alert to your location, and C-Sec is locking down their systems, if I want to remain undetected I can't help you, good luck."
"Copy Aurora, we'll see you when we see you." The female pilot replies. "Buckle up, it's gonna get bumpy."
Like everyone else that serves onboard a Gladius-Class Heavy Corvette Lieutenant Madison Brown has multiple roles onboard the UNSC Little Rascal, she is one of the now Office of Intelligence Officers responsible for the use and successful operation of the Corvette's Stealth Systems, she also serves as the pilot of the OI Pelican onboard the UNSC Little Rascal, her current Copilot being SPARTAN-B312.
While everyone that isn't XCOM contemplates what just happened they strap themselves into the seats in the smaller then usual troop compartment as the Pelican starts pulling High-G maneuvers, the unconscious NOBLE One being strapped into his own seat.
"Shit, enemy air inbound, SPARTAN take helm I got weapons." Madison orders knowing from experience that she can't outclass a SPARTAN, especially a SPARTAN Pilot.
As four C-Sec aircars move to investigate the anomaly that set every sensor on the fritz, Six drops the Pelican so they are flying about five meters above the surface of the Shalta Ward, causing the civilians on the ground to run scared as the four aircars fly in behind her.
"They're faster than us." Six states with annoyance.
"I noticed that too." Madison replies and turns to shout into the troop compartment. "Can we stealth!?"
"Negative, NOBLE One is still emitting high levels of Psionics." JD Shouts back, straining his voice as he does.
"Shit!" Madison curses.
"Standby to engage, disable vehicles only." Six orders.
"Copy, standing by." Madison replies.
The Pelican snaps up sharply, bypassing the Citadel's seven-meter O2 level and flips forward to face the C-Sec aircars that are caught by surprise by the maneuver and fly under the Pelican. In the troop compartment Ellen cries out in pain. The twin-linked nose-mounted M370 Autocannon fires four quick bursts of seventy-millimeter uranium depleted slugs into the back of each aircar sending them crushing into he ground five-meters below them. The pilots of Rascal One don't see if the C-Sec Officers get out or not as they are already flying towards three edge of the Citadel.
"RADAR has two large contacts on approach form the edge of the Citadel." Madison reports.
"I see them." Six replies.
Using her advanced SPARTAN sight Six is able to see the outline of one Turian Frigate and a Salarian Frigate, no doubt STG, flying into the arms of the Citadel.
"This is a problem." Six comments. "I'm breaking radio silence with the fleet."
"Copy." Madison replies bring the Communications System online, immediately dozens of hails hit the Pelican ordering it to land safely.
"UNSC Little Rascal, this is Rascal One requesting pickup." Six says over the radio.
"Rascal One, this is Little Rascal copy, inbound now." Lieutenant Fox replies over the radio.
As the Turian Frigate advances to ship on the Pelican to fire on it two holes in space open as Slipspace Ruptures from and two by Citadel Standards Frigates fly out.
"Rascal One, Hanger is open make it quick." Lieutenant Fox orders.
"Copy." Six replies.
As the two Citadel Frigates turn about to target the unknown frigates Six overloads the engines, way past the critical line causing he Pelican to shoot forward. As the Citadel Frigates open fire with their secondary weapons the UNSC-XCOM Frigates return the favor as the arms of the Citadel begin to close. While the Citadel Frigates don't have to content with Kinetic Barriers the UNSC-XCOM one do, the Pelican shoots past the Citadel Frigates while firing form all six ANVIL-II Air-to-Surface Missile Pods at the Citadel Frigates to distract any point defense while works as the forty-eight low wield missiles are destroyed by the combined point defense of both Frigates. The Pelican not having enough time to slow down slams into the back bulkhead of the Little Rascal's Hanger Bay as they finish their turn to come about and start flying away from the Citadel and then opening two Slipspace Ruptures as the ships leave.